Proud To Introduce Photography

new blog

2007-07-17T11:48:00.000-05:00

Due to some problems with uploading and publishing my posts through this blog site, I have transferred a blog over to my own website. Please visit the page at www.proudtointroduce.com/blog and continue enjoying updates and sneak peeks!

Check the new blog to see more peeks from this *amazing* maternity session...

not exactly a sneak peek BUT

2007-07-12T21:58:00.000-05:00

I couldn't not post this. I don't think I ever did for some reason, and an image this fabulous mustn't be neglected on the blog. :)

sneak peek for L & B

2007-07-12T15:12:00.001-05:00

Between little sweet B (who reminded me SO much of my own little one) and sassy independent L, this session gave me a workout! A fun one, nonetheless, and some beautiful images as a result.

Look forward to showing you all of them M & T!

article

2007-07-10T07:56:00.000-05:00

If you're online browsing for a moment, stop and check out an article: http://wauwatosanow.com/ and http://www.brookfieldnow.com/
Front page, center column- first article under "your place your stories."

I really am excited and thrilled to have this improved way of showing you your images. It just doesn't do some images justice to see them in 5x7 prints when making your selections. So far, it has been a tremendous success... the viewing and ordering sessions that have utilized this have appreciated being able to see all of the detail in each of their images... it's wonderful.

I have to run out for a session but will be in later to post some sneak peeks!

winners of sessions!

2007-07-09T15:07:00.001-05:00

Thank you all for the interest on the mini sessions! Three 1 hour mini sessions as detailed in the post below have been awarded to: Jodi D of Waukesha, Melissa P of Bay View and Ami Y of Tosa! It was a pleasure chatting with each of you about this. This is a very busy time of the year for portraits, especially early morning and late afternoon/evening when it's not SO hot!

And with that, here is one BEAUTIFUL image... ?! This was a maternity session (noticable in this image probably only if you really know what you're looking for- GORGEOUS mother...)

Maternity sessions are so interesting. They take on such different dynamics from each other all of the time. Some are very focused on the bond and relationship with their baby, some on an older child's relationship with the baby in the belly, some on the mother with the soon to be big-brother, big-sister before the attention shifts a little, some on the outer beauty of their pregnant body, I love it all.

I can hardly stand it.

2007-07-05T14:01:00.001-05:00

Again, I am physically unable to limit my sneak peeks to 2-3 images. What is the world coming to?! Well, considering the (ahem) number of proofs this family will see, so many sneak peeks should be all right. :)

I can't even begin to comment on every image and why I adore it as much as I do- there's not enough time! But all of these... and so many more- are just perfect. Check out this fabulous sun flare!!

All perfect and classic and unique in their own ways....

And sweet.

And very real.

And beautiful...

But then, how could they not be, with such a beautiful family?

((images removed))

Have a wonderful day. :)

two monkeys

2007-06-30T18:26:00.001-05:00

It's been a while since I've posted the craziest monkeys of all.

Here they are, complete in their over-tired, saturday-afternoon-past-naptime-and-strung-out-from-playing-in- the-pool-glory. Sometimes snapshots are just as special. Even I realize this. :) There's nothing quite like the casual, beautiful, silliness of everyday fun. It's a HUGE part of motherhood, and we all love that...

I am SO decisive with most images. I either prefer them in color or I prefer them in black and white. Sometimes, I just don't know. I've been like that more than usual, lately.

And here is the littlest monkey. Yes, he really is this cute.
Actually, he really is this cute when I tell him: "lean on your brother and pretend you like him for a second."

If you would like a one-hour summer session on-location in the Milwaukee area at a reduced rate of $125, for your maternity session or for your child between 6 months and 5 years old, and you would like for it to take place before 8/1/07, email me with your answers to these 3 questions:

1. Are the above monkeys cuter in black and white or color?
2. Do you like the blog better on this white background or did you like the brown better?
3. Are you loving the idea of a viewing gallery where you can see your images and select them at actual print size?

Email to: allie@proudtointroduce.com
I'll reward THREE people with a reduced rate hour-long session!

Happy 4th of July!
allie

3 kiddos

2007-06-29T13:28:00.001-05:00

I love to capture some monkeying around on the bed... these three were EASY to get giggles out of, and surely, it had nothing to do with their mom doing a jig behind me!

And the sweetest, easiest boy to photograph, EVER.... :)

I can't wait to show this wonderful mother the rest of her images! These are just a few of my favorites...

Viewing Gallery in the works!

2007-06-26T10:49:00.000-05:00

Here is the big news...
I am currently working on the finishing touches for a client viewing gallery. A comfortable, convenient gallery where you will now be able to come to view your images via projection!

I will have several portraits on display- canvases, various images printed (big!) in color, black and white, on gallery wraps, mounted canvas, metallic portraits, textured classic portraits- everything! Also on display will be examples of custom designed coffee table books, leather hand bound albums, mini brag books, storyboards, framing, etc. That's right- framing, too!

The viewing gallery is located in Wauwatosa, less than one mile north of the Mayfair mall. I will be conducting pre-session consultations here, as well as viewing and ordering sessions. You will be able to see your images large, to view all of the fabulous detail, and you will see how a particular size will actually look on your wall. Quite often, clients have a notion that a... 16x20 for example, is a large portrait. When they get the image on their wall at home, they find that they wish they'd gone a size or three larger! To alleviate this, you will now be able to view the actual size of your finished image before finalizing your order.

You may notice a couple of "gaps" where I still need a few more large portraits, but it's coming together. If we've had a session together, you know that artificial light (lamps) do not photograph well at all- I am not claiming that these are great photographs, but here are a few snapshots of the space, a work in progress:

Click to enlarge, note the projected image, what a nice way to see all of the detail in your images!

As if this is not enough excitement, I am so happy to add framing to the available products and services!! I hear too often about people not making the time to get their portraits framed for weeks or months... and I have long wanted to be able to have a feeling of true completion, and leave clients with the finished, framed portrait, ready to hang.

I have a few sessions that I need to post here to update as well; don't we all need a few more hours in the day? In the meantime, please check back for information on how we will be celebrating the addition of the Proud To Introduce viewing gallery... I want to give you something to celebrate as well!

incredible beauty: 3 years old

2007-06-14T20:30:00.000-05:00

When I photographed little E last year at this time for her 2 year old portraits, I didn't think there was a 2 year old more well behaved and easier to photograph than her.
Now, a year later- I feel that same way. For being three, she was just incredible. Not to mention beautiful. Gorgeous, beautiful, cute, super cooperative... the list goes on.

And yes, she has a momma whose style I absolutely love!

And the last one, irresistible in color:

lately

2007-06-12T13:17:00.000-05:00

Fathers day has a way of sneaking up on me. One day it's "Yes, that would be a great father's day gift and yes, I can get it to you by then..." and the next day, it is the week before Father's day and I'm all over the place trying to get everyone their surprise gifts in time! Anyway, here are some recent images of some of the most sweet, well-behaved kids.

I will have a pretty exciting announcement in the coming week or so too! Thanks for stopping by!

warm weather...

2007-06-03T00:05:00.001-05:00

Warm weather means longer days, longer nights processing, and busy times! I apologize for not getting as many sneak peeks up lately- here is one cutie, one of the EASIEST toddler boys in history. He was easy peasy a year ago, he was easy peasy just recently- such a pleasure!

10 month old girlie girl

2007-05-27T08:51:00.001-05:00

She is the cutest thing... her little earrings and bit smile and hair just growing over her ears- precious...

I hope you are all enjoying the holiday weekend!

my favorite name

2007-05-25T21:17:00.000-05:00

I have three favorite girl names. Sweet little Lucy has one of them! Baby Lucy was the sweetest thing... she was just precious... so cute how she let us move her around while she slept.

Lucy's mom won a session and some goodies at a silent auction to benefit the Adoption Resources of Wisconsin.

I'm sure glad that she won. Lucy was a joy to photograph. :)

just one.

2007-05-24T20:05:00.000-05:00

... but it's a gorgeous "just one" to share tonight.

Thanks for stopping by!

more of those adorable boys

2007-05-23T11:55:00.000-05:00

Just a quick post of a few more of my favorites of the three little boys (and their wonderful mother) session...

adorable little boys...

2007-05-21T20:38:00.001-05:00

Are always fun!

They're sweet...

And always get silly, eventually!!

More to come. :)

not just a puppy session

2007-05-19T21:09:00.001-05:00

The GREATEST puppy session! The one and only puppy session I have done, and it was wonderful. Do you suppose this lab puppy is adored and spoiled at all...?

I love these first three... talk about schmoopy sweet! (Those that have had a session with me know that that's a common word in my vocabulary!!)

A couple of playful peeks here:

And the winner is...

Love the sunset light. Gorgeous light, gorgeous family, wonderful session.

delafield gallery night

2007-05-19T14:54:00.001-05:00

Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Thanks to everyone who stopped by last night at the Delafield gallery night. I had SO much fun chatting with so many friends and clients, new and old!

Talking about everything from my artwork, to children, to pregnancy, photography, working on-location with natural light, the fabulous new frames that I'm lucky enough to offer... everything. I am so thrilled to have had such a great night. Thank you all for making it wonderful!

Hope to chat with many of you again soon!
allie

website problems!

2007-05-16T13:40:00.001-05:00

I am experiencing some technical difficulties today, perhaps last night as well. If you can not access the www.proudtointroduce.com website, please try back tomorrow or the next day. This problem should be remedied soon!

If you are trying to send an email, I am probably not getting it. I have not received any since last night. I apologize for this- please resend it tomorrow, and if you do not hear back from me promptly, then you can assume I did not receive it. Today or any time, feel free to call: 414.861.5531.

I'm looking forward to a day of mini sessions on Sunday, can't wait to meet some new people, photograph new faces, and see some clients that I know and love.

And... I do have a quick sneak peek from a recent GORGEOUS little girl........

Have a wonderful day!

every once in a while...

2007-05-14T16:32:00.000-05:00

I simply can not limit sneak peeks to 2-3 images! I don't want to spoil the surprise that will come at the viewing/ordering session but my goodness, these are FANTASTIC captures of this very sweet girl and her parents. :) It's such a joy to be around wonderful, loving parents.

Anyway, seriously, I could go on and on with images. Perhaps another day a few weeks from now, I will post dozens of images of them. So many fantastic ones. So many that capture her ambitious attitude and her personality and her parents fun and tenderness with her.

And three adorable mommy & baby ones that I couldn't resist posting (making this officially TOO MANY sneak peeks!!)

Enjoy your trip, K & J. I can't wait until you see them all in print!

Thank you for letting me capture these moments. I *love* my job.

6 adorable months

2007-05-11T22:41:00.000-05:00

Take a look at these BEAUTIFUL eyes!!! They're so expressive... He was so happy. :)

Here's a big smile, full of personality and giggles.

There's something to be said for that 6-8 month range, it is so fun with emerging personalities, learning mobility... love it.

first communion

2007-05-08T14:59:00.000-05:00

This very sweet girl looked so beautiful... and she knew it! What an exciting time in her life.

reminder

2007-05-07T11:05:00.000-05:00

Just a quick reminder that images that are posted here, as well as on the main Proud To Introduce website are copyright protected by law and may not be printed, downloaded for personal use or electronically saved without authorization.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

sweet little J...

2007-05-06T17:00:00.000-05:00

I had the pleasure of meeting little J on Sunday...

fabulous little girl

2007-04-30T22:17:00.000-05:00

Here are some images from a recent session... beautiful baby girl. A little bit of sass, a little bit of teething, a whole lot of cute.

beautiful baby

2007-04-25T08:06:00.000-05:00

This little baby was utter perfection...

And this is one of my new absolute favorite newborn images. Love the feel of it:

babies, babies, babies!

2007-04-22T23:10:00.000-05:00

Besides all of the babies that you see here in this post and the past page or two- I have a few more newborn sessions to proof! Lots and lots of babes being born right now. I hope you all enjoyed this amazing weekend, it was so beautiful, it's about time. Here are a few tiny scrunchy little ones. More coming soon. We did update images and gallery categories on the website, check it out! :) www.proudtointroduce.com

And this one- I had to show it in black and white, it's just scrumptious!!

recently...

2007-04-17T00:33:00.000-05:00

The temperatures are looking up and people are thinking about outdoor sessions! I do have some availability for weekday sessions in May, call or email for availability.

This tiny, sweet, perfect little 6 day old was just... well, perfect.

And a few others to share!

1 perfect year old

2007-04-13T22:43:00.000-05:00

This image speaks volumes to me as a mother and as a photographer. I just love it. Everything about it.

So many utterly amazing images from this session, and wouldn't you know it- most of the best ones happened in the last 20 minutes or so!
I have known this sweet little boy since he was just a newborn. So many of my once newborns turning one right around now, it makes me miss the baby days in my own children that much more.

2.5 weeks

2007-04-10T13:44:00.000-05:00

I'm just beginning to look at these images and they are such a joy!!!

I don't think that ANYONE could possibly look at this sweet little guy and not smile. :)

a few more...

2007-04-04T11:23:00.000-05:00

I just love these expressions...

sweetness

2007-04-04T10:09:00.000-05:00

Sweet tiny perfect 9 day old baby O. What a joy this family was...

breathtaking...

2007-04-02T13:58:00.000-05:00

...the title says it all.

it's been a while

2007-04-02T08:22:00.000-05:00

Okay, I get a little behind here and forget what I have posted and what I have not. We're all settled into the new place- back to work as usual now. The month of March was a light one as far as sessions go. Just a few over the month that simply could not wait (newborns and maternity and a family visiting the area) but with moving and all that goes with that, we needed some family time and getting settled time- we are enjoying Tosa so much and are happy to be here and now get back to "normal." Or close enough to normal! Here are a few recent captures.

A few things...

- I have a few openings left for the Arrival's mini sessions. Contact me if you're interested in one: allie@proudtointroduce.com or 414.861.5531.

- More peeks of the newborn baby above within a few days!

- Will have some peeks of a recent modeling session in a day or two also... some amazing stuff to share with that!

Last but not least, I have a new assistant. And actually, my assistant has an assistant! This decision was quite a leap, I know. But well worth it. I am getting away with M&M's for payment and benefits are pretty affordable... but his enthusiasm and LOVE for the art of photography can't be topped. Here he is:

:) Have a wonderful Monday!

sweet family capture...

2007-03-25T22:46:00.000-05:00

Is she not the sweetest thing?!

Tot Trends Weekly

2007-03-19T08:52:00.000-05:00

You may remember this image from a blog post or from my website, may of you commented on the great capture of the gorgeous little boy with the lollipop! This image was chosen for the cover of Tot Trends Weekly e-zine, check them out and enjoy!

Special offer announced today!

2007-03-09T21:38:00.000-06:00

Proud To Introduce has moved to Wauwatosa!
To celebrate, anyone scheduling and conducting their full session before May 1 will receive a limited edition portrait tile. A gorgeous way to have show off your favorite portrait from your session as a necklace pendant!

This special offer is available to returning clients and new clients. It applies to full sessions only (not mini sessions) and is your gift with any paid session fee for any type of session- whether a single session, a maternity/newborn session or a first year plan. The pendant may take 4-6 weeks to arrive after you select the image for it.
(And yes, if you have already scheduled and reserved your session and are wondering- if you already have a session scheduled before May 1, you will also receive this gift!) It would just be bad karma to not do that. :)

Call or email to schedule!
414.861.5531 or allie@proudtointroduce.com

The move to Tosa should be a seamless one. Since all sessions are on-location for now, it doesn't change things much, it's just a nice central location for good things to come...

Enjoy the beautiful weather this weekend!

some cute kids!

2007-03-07T10:53:00.000-06:00

Look at these eyes. And these CHEEKS!! She is the cutest little thing...

And these little monkeys... are in for a crazy few weeks. But they don't know it, they couldn't be happier. :) Gotta love kids for that.

Father's Day Mini Sessions

2007-03-05T13:26:00.000-06:00

Father's Day mini sessions at Arrival's are in the works. I am taking appointments at half hour marks between 10 and 3. You may have received a mailer on this event... It is scheduled for May 20th, and you'll have your portraits back in time for Father's Day. The first one was by invite only, this one is open to anyone! Tell your friends, schedule your mini session and a friend's back to back- whatever you'd like!

Call or email for more information! allie@proudtointroduce.com or 414.861.5531.

fun, new stuff...

2007-02-26T10:54:00.000-06:00

I wanted to share some exciting news- Proud To Introduce has a new website. It offers larger gallery images and more information in the text areas. Check it out and let me know what you think!
www.proudtointroduce.com

Also, a baby plan is available. The "first year plan" has information under investments on the website- I have had many inquiries about this type of coverage, am happy to offer this.

Enjoy this cold snowy weather!

some recent cuties

2007-02-21T12:56:00.000-06:00

I've gotten a little bit behind. Here is a mixed sneak peek post for a couple of different families... Enjoy!

How cute are all these tiny little boys & girls?
I adore my job. Have I mentioned that lately?!

sweet little boy

2007-02-20T14:25:00.000-06:00

You may recognize this "baby" boy. Not quite a baby any more...

I have some "real" sneak peeks coming from a couple of sessions over the next few days. :)

more teaparty!

2007-02-17T21:17:00.000-06:00

greeting cards at Arrival's

2007-02-09T09:43:00.000-06:00

I am pleased to announce that Arrivals Maternity Boutique is carrying my first edition of published greeting cards! Thank you to my wonderful clients who made this possible and to Stacey, the owner of Arrivals.

For more information on the Proud To Introduce greeting cards, click here.
View hours and location of Arrivals Maternity Boutique at their website: www.arrivalsmaternity.com

what little girls do....

2007-02-09T08:51:00.000-06:00

They have tea parties on mommy & daddy's bed. These are my 18 month old girlies...

5 days old

2007-02-06T16:01:00.000-06:00

This precious, precious, sweet baby was barely 6 pounds when I met her, at 5 days old. What a perfect baby girl.

the pressure!

2007-01-29T13:03:00.000-06:00

Oh the pressure of this quick turnaround time!! Here are a few more sneak peeks, and I must continue to proof! :) What a fun experience this mini session has been!
I will say that the whole 4-10 proofs guarantee........ well, let's just say that it's more like 8-12ish for most! That's a good thing.

In random order, no commentary. I have too much to say about each one!!

Enjoy the peek and be on the lookout in your inbox for the full gallery link! You know- by 10 am tomorrow but perhaps.... sooner.

how can she stand it?

2007-01-29T00:04:00.000-06:00

How can she stand it?
Having boys this cute, I mean?
The first set of sneak peeks from the crazy, busy & fun mini session day...

First, the little one:

Then the bigger one, who holds the spot for "absolute most cooperative" and EASY to photograph toddler EVER, in my book.

Funny guy...
And back to very serious.

Super CUTE... my goodness.

And you can't beat this. Had it been a full session, we could have worked with it a little, gotten the little one in with them, etc. But my goodness. For 20 minutes, you can NOT beat this. So much for 4-10 images. I can barely keep my favorites to 4-10 images!

More mini session peeks to come! Soon! :)

juliet update

2007-01-26T14:43:00.000-06:00

You may know my sweet Juliet... Well, she's not really mine, but I can still say that!
Anyway, you may "know" her because she has her own gallery on my website... She is unbelievably just a few days shy of being FOUR MONTHS OLD now. Is that insane?!

Here she is.

Almost 4 months. Here are some previous images of her...

7 days12 days

21 days

10 weeks

and finally, more of the almost-4-months:

For more Juliet, feel free to browse the website. Click on galleries and then "watching juliet."

This weekend I look forward to my first day of mini-sessions with Arrivals Maternity Boutique. Which means that YOU can look forward to a few new postings here! :)

Enjoy the weekend!

little valentines

2007-01-22T12:53:00.000-06:00

I'm excited to offer some sweet little valentines personalized with two pictures of your sweetie... a specialty item available to Proud To Introduce clients. The outside has a very little picture on it about 1 inch tall and says "be mine." As usual, you may click on the images for a larger view.

They measure 2 x7 when opened (below) and the inside reads "happy valentine's day." The inside picture is 1.5 by 1.5.

They are on the gorgeous linen cardstock that many of you are familiar with, and the pictures are on photo paper adhered to the card. They come ready to share (folded with pictures adhered), envelopes not included. $20 per 10 valentines, $35 for 20 or 30 for $50. They will be mailed to you; shipping is $3 flat.

You may select from any archived images to be used on your valentines. Any order for these will need to be finalized by Saturday, 1/27 at 5 pm and you will receive them by Saturday, 2/10.

two more time slots

2007-01-19T08:37:00.000-06:00

Mini session spaces filled so quickly (the early 9 am hour was not much of a hit, imagine that...) so we have extended the time of the mini session day to go until 3:00, meaning that there are two more spaces available!
Call arrivals to reserve your time... 262.646.3170.
Looking forward to it!

Have a great weekend,
allie

answering some common mini session questions

2007-01-17T14:14:00.000-06:00

I've had a few clients who are asking the same questions, and while I of course reply to them, I wanted to post them here in case others are wondering as well.

Q: If I want the mini session to focus on me, can I bring my kids?
A: OF COURSE!
I may or may not photograph them if they are with you- it's up to you, but you are not limited in how we use that 20-30 minutes.

Q: Can I schedule 2 of the mini sessions back to back?
A: No. With only 11 spaces to fill, this is a special offer available to 11 different people. (Yes, I know I have been saying 10, but it's 11. 9-2, every half hour on the half hour... Math was never my strong point...)

Q: Wish I could but the date doesn't work out for me.
A: There WILL be at least one more opportunity for a mini session before the fall!

*****

Also, thank you to SO many of you for the great feedback. It's wonderful to know that this is reaching people and fulfilling a need for some of you!

*****

AVAILABILITY
Not quite 24 hours after the invitations were sent, and there are there are currently four spaces left. Call Arrivals to set up your session: 262.646.3170
Email me if you have any questions, etc.
Have a great day in this freezing cold 16 degree weather!

Finally! Valentines Day Mini Sessions!

2007-01-16T13:56:00.000-06:00

I'm so excited to announce Proud To Introduce's first day of mini sessions... two Sundays from now. 5 hours. 10 mini sessions. At Delafield's new Maternity Boutique.
This is a GREAT opportunity to get portraits for a reduced session fee that even includes a desktop portrait...

Click on invitation below for larger view:

This date is reserved for those that received an email invitation. If you did not receive one and would like to next time, please email me and let me know. If you did receive an invite and this time/date does not work for you but you are interested, let me or Stacey know!

Appointments required: Phone Stacey at Arrivals at 262.646.3170

The fine print:
Sessions will be conducted each half hour on Sunday 1/28 from 9-2. They may be taken outdoors or inside at Arrivals.
Each session will begin at the scheduled time and end when scheduled to end. Please arrive 10 minutes early to fill out paperwork; beginning late will result in fewer images.
Upon arrival at the boutique, each client will be given a form including rates and timelines, as well as the website address where their proofs will be located. A signed release will be required in order to utilize online proofing.
Proofs will be ready for viewing in your predetermined online gallery by 10 am on Tuesday 1/30. All mini sessions will select images for purchase through online galleries.
Orders will be due by Wednesday 1/31 by noon. Orders not received by noon on 1/31 will forfeit the included 5x7.
Orders are to be placed with Proud To Introduce, preferably via email (allie@proudtointroduce.com) Portrait rates are Proud To Introduce's normal rates. Payment with credit card is preferred. Checks will be accepted, but due to the mail time with a tight timeline, Valentines Day pick up will not be guaranteed when checks are mailed.
Orders placed by noon on 1/31 will be guaranteed to be available for pick up at Arrivals on Saturday, 2/10, in time for framing for Valentine's Day!

*****************************************************

I look very forward to a day of seeing many familiar faces and meeting many new ones! Please email me with questions specific to the mini-sessions, and call Stacey to reserve your time. These images of Stacey were created in Arrivals.

Her boutique has beautiful light... (not to mention beautiful subject.)

Look forward to seeing you!

portraits sent

2007-01-12T14:05:00.000-06:00

Portraits were mailed out the day before yesterday. If you are expecting your 8x10 or 5x7's and do not receive them in tomorrow's mail, please let me know.
Have a great weekend!

MORE maternity!

2007-01-09T15:42:00.000-06:00

More beautiful maternity! With all of this maternity, and all of these fabulous couples- you're sure to see some BEAUTIFUL babies in the coming months!! This baby will be no exception- your maternity session was so much fun, E & T! Can't wait until the next time I see you...

more maternity

2007-01-05T21:24:00.000-06:00

We all know that I adore "empty space" in some (if not several) images from each session. And I adore perfect, cute round bellies. So these images are a match made in heaven.

So cute. I can not WAIT to photograph this baby!!

This is what it's all about. Waiting for baby. Anticipating baby. Loving baby.

Hope everyone's 2007 is off to a wonderful start. Have a great weekend!

winners!!

2007-01-03T14:05:00.000-06:00

Congratulations to Kelly M of Muskego! She is the winner, as drawn by an un-biased, very cute kid this afternoon right after lunch. :) Kelly had a session fairly recently, so with this, valid through 9/1/07, it works perfectly!

I had the aforementioned cute kid draw three runners up as well!!
The following three people will receive a gift certificate for $100:
Connie D. in Mukwonago
Danni H. in Tosa
and Nicole W.

I will be in touch with each of you, and again, congratulations!!

Best wishes in 2007 to all of you wonderful people. I have the best clients ever. I appreciate your support and the opportunity to join you in life for the brief period of photographing your children and families.

get those entries in!

2007-01-02T13:55:00.000-06:00

One more day! Get your entries in by tomorrow at noon for the chance to win an entirely waived weekday OR weekend session and 50% off of a session album or proof collection!! The winner will be drawn tomorrow afternoon!

... And I'm told that no post is complete without an image. Apparently no one likes to check in here and only find "business stuff" without any heart-melting images... So here is one!

And here is one of my 5 million snapshots taken over the past week- one of my boys. :)

thank you...

2006-12-29T00:22:00.001-06:00

Thank you to many of you for your entries in the third and greatest special offer! Keep the entries coming- it's so sweet to read about your favorite places to go with your kids, and I love to read how you describe your children and what your favorite indulgences are. Preference is of course given to people who describe their favorite indulgence as portraits. . . . Ha! I'm kidding, you know that photographing your kids is MY indulgence, KM! Here is one shot of a sleepy newborn. More to proof and some announcements to design for this baby, just taking a little blog break. Hope you are all enjoying this in-between-holiday week!

Merry Christmas!

2006-12-24T14:25:00.000-06:00

It's Christmas Eve!
I hope you are all enjoying this time with your families!
For my third and final holiday special offer, I am asking three more questions and it will be a random drawing held on Wed., Jan. 3. That gives everyone time to check in here and get me their entry.

The big prize is this: a completely waived session fee and 50% off of a session album or proof collection, whichever you prefer! That is actually what clients receive after 4 referrals, but this may be won by anyone. New client, repeat client- anyone.

Simply email me between now and Jan. 3rd and on the third, I will put all the names into a bucket and use the very high-tech system of having my three-year old draw a name. The winner will be contacted privately asap and posted here as well.

The gift certiciate for the waived session fee may be used on a weekday OR weekend (!!) and must be used by September 1, 2007. There is no obligation to purchase anything, but the session album or proof collection is quite a steal offered at 50% off.

So email me with "contest" in the subject line and you are entered.

Please answer these three questions:
1. Your favorite indulgence (it can be anything!)
2. Using three adjectives, describe each of your children
3. Favorite place to go with your children

Most of all, Merry Christmas to all of you.
allie

a maternity delight

2006-12-21T15:01:00.000-06:00

It is not uncommon for maternity sessions to opt out of website posting. There are usually some personal images and I very much understand!

This gorgeous momma didn't mind a few images being posted though, and I can not believe how *perfect* her basketball belly was. I see a lot of bellies. Especially lately. This one takes the cake. She was a delight to photograph because she was open to letting me be creative and have fun!

One of her precious and truly... very sweet... soon-to-be big brother:

congratulations to winner #2!

2006-12-21T14:54:00.000-06:00

Congratulations to Jessi G. of Menomonee Falls for winning the $100 gift certificate. It will be put to very good use I know. Her sweet baby has been in the Watch Me Grow! program and is hands down beyond adorable!

It was so fun to read about what you love about the experience with Proud To Introduce, and also interesting to read about where you love to shop! I got a few answers before Jessi's that were too vague, and several correct ones after hers. The correct answer was BABIES- very young, under 2 weeks old! The winning answer went beyond just saying newborns under 2 weeks though; Jessi actually wrote:

Allie’s favorite age to photograph are newborn babies- the ones just born with the wrinkles and the pink skin and peaceful womb-like sleep.

special offer #2

2006-12-19T11:13:00.000-06:00

Christmas is less than one week away!

The first person to email me answering these questions, getting #3 correct will receive a $100 gift certificate towards your next session, valid through September 1, 2007. Almost one year!
You may spend it however you'd like- towards a weekday or weekend session fee, portraits, anything!

The questions you must answer in your email:
1. What is your favorite thing about portraits made by Proud To Introduce?
2. What are your three favorite milwaukee area stores/boutiques?
3. What is my favorite age to photograph? Be specific...

The first email I receive with number three correct will win!

winner!

2006-12-15T13:00:00.000-06:00

Congratulations to Brandon B. in Delafield, for winning this contest!
The correct answer was 98, and Brandon guessed 98, believe it or not. :)
Some of the entries were hilareous, all for different reasons. It was fun to receive them- thank you all for participating!

Here is one image from our winner's last session, not too long ago...

Thank you everyone else for your guesses, special offer #2 will be posted soon!

contest #1

2006-12-13T13:40:00.000-06:00

I have gotten a few entries for the January 15th $50 session, some of the guesses are making me laugh in relief that I was not AS busy as some people are guessing!

Feel free to have husbands enter a guess as well.

I'll post on Friday noon and inform the winner.

SPECIAL OFFER #1

2006-12-11T09:24:00.000-06:00

Happy Monday Morning! (Can I still call 10 am morning?)

Here we go- Special offer #1 of 3....

I still have one session available the week of Jan. 15. I'd like to offer this full session for $50 (!!!) to the person who comes closest to answering one question.
In true price is right style, the winner will be the person who comes closest without going over. :)

Ready for the question?

How many people did I photograph during this year's holiday season? Photographing for the holidays in my book really started in September, so try to guess how many people were photographed between September 1 and now. We're guessing people- babies, kids, adults- not number of sessions.

GOOD LUCK!

Email your answer to allie@proudtointroduce.com
A $50 session.... quite a steal!
I'll leave this contest open all week and contact the winner by Friday at noon. I will post the answer to the question and the winner here on Friday as well.

Look forward to hearing your guesses!! Good luck!

((Details: this session will utilize online proofing for their viewing and ordering and portrait prices will be based on current '07 pricing, please see main website to view starting portrait prices on '07 rates. If the winner happens to be a client who has had a session within the 4 months prior, they will also receive 10% off of a-la carte classic portrait rates, falling under the Watch Me Grow! plan. The winner will receive an info pack with all prices, etc., and it will be treated just like any normal session.))

SPECIAL OFFERS and availability

2006-12-08T07:58:00.000-06:00

In the spirit of holiday giving.... I'm going to have a few giveaways in the coming weeks. Check back frequently, most of them will be on a first come first win basis. :) There may be a little contest in there, too.
I'll be giving away your choice of goodies... best of all- one session!

Check back often.

Availability- One session has become available the week of January 15th. Email me: allie@proudtointroduce.com asap if you'd like that session. Would be a great time for an indoor individual child session. Baby or toddler.
Aside from that, earliest availability is the week of Feb. 5.
I look forward to hearing from you! Here's one more 10 week old baby Juliet...

more juliet

2006-12-07T15:25:00.000-06:00

I admit it. I'm addicted to her. To all babies!
More Juliet. If you don't know who she is or why she's special (as if all babies aren't) check here. It is such an honor to know baby Juliet and her family and to get to photograph her so frequently. She's 10 weeks now, believe it or not.

I love her "watching juliet" gallery because it truly illustrates how quickly our tiny babies grow and change. You think it's okay to put that newborn session off for a month or two. It's not.

Of course, every stage is special and surely worth capturing, but those true newborn moments are so so fleeting. Something you can barely remember, it's such a fuzzy time of sleep deprivation and demand fulfillment. Capture them early. Get the genuine newborn neck wrinkles, their legs that curl under their bodies, their ability to sleep anywhere through any thing. At 10 weeks baby Juliet was not having me photograph her asleep. Was she tired? Definitely. Was she having it? Nope. We were so thankful that we DID capture those special brand new newborn moments very early in her precious life.

And aside from all this, Juliet is beyond beautiful and one of the sweetest, most precious baby girls ever.

slow blog times

2006-12-05T19:49:00.000-06:00

I am exhausted. A photographer's busy season is coming to a close- and not a minute too soon! Deliveries all this week, a few newborns here and there and finally some down time to be with my own family!

Many of you know that I have quite a "project" going on. The blog has been and may be a little slow over the coming month or two as I will be focusing much time and attention on that project, coordinating what is going where, and sending YOU what you need, too. I look forward to hearing from many of you, one way or another, over the coming month.

This was one of the last mini (impromptu) sessions I had... a little different than my norm.

I wish you all a wonderful holiday season! Enjoy the snow with your little ones- it never ceases to amaze and entertain them, does it?

happy thanksgiving!

2006-11-21T21:04:00.000-06:00

Wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend. Take some time to snuggle with your babies, play with your kids- enjoy your time. So much to be thankful for.

lollipop boy

2006-11-17T19:38:00.001-06:00

What else can I say?! He's gorgeous........

Baby Sister:

And the family.... what fun people to photograph. :)

6 weeks perfect

2006-11-13T08:43:00.000-06:00

This sweet little girl and her mother... 6 weeks perfect is all I have to say!

prepping an order

2006-11-10T21:09:00.001-06:00

As I sit here dilligently prepping an order, I just figured I'd share one of my favorites that I am working on. These eyes. They just let you see right inside her sweet little soul, don't they?

day before his birthday

2006-11-10T14:45:00.000-06:00

Happy birthday a little late, baby V! What an adorable, sweet little boy...

sweetness

2006-11-07T20:52:00.001-06:00

Look at these little eyes. This little chin. This little mouth. Adorable.

butterfly baby

2006-11-02T23:31:00.000-06:00

... You know who I'm talking about!
If I had to tell you what image gets the most comments... The most "ooh's" and "wow's" after new clients receive my info pack, this is it. This image is in my info pack, and I tell you- people love it. :) It's easy to see why... gorgeous perfect little baby, beautiful bed, gorgeous wall art, she is just the sweetest little thing.

And now. Could she possibly be ANY cuter?

sweet boys

2006-11-01T00:05:00.000-06:00

I have lots of boys to post! First, sweet little J, who I had the honor of meeting his first week home, from another country:

What an absolute joy. And his mother. I could spend an afternoon just chatting with her. Loved this family so much. Absolutly incredible people, all the way.

Now, this adorable little boy. Willing as ever to give me "the look." Love it.

Another sweet little guy. A similar smug little look. The bulk of this session was for his sister, but he allowed me just a couple of very rewarding seconds with him.

And last but not least. For "concerned parties," this little man FINALLY did get his first haircut. And yes, he really is now recognized as a boy!! :) HA! See before and after...!! I'm sure his mommy's a little sad, but they do grow up, don't they?

gorgeous family of six

2006-10-31T23:52:00.000-06:00

The title says it all. Beautiful famiy, beautiful images. An absolute pleasure.

No halloween images to share today, but I hope you all had a wonderful halloween with your little ones.

yummy tot trends cover

2006-10-30T06:44:00.000-06:00

I have many new images to share, I'll try to find some time to resize and post here this week. In the meantime, I wanted to share another Tot Trends Weekly cover with one of THE easiest little 2 year olds I've ever photographed!

it's so worth it.

2006-10-27T15:18:00.000-05:00

We're all so busy, especially as moms. Busy keeping it all together, keeping everyone going...
It's hard to find/make the time for a portrait session. To schedule it, get it on the calendar. Commit to it. Plan on it. Get there on time. Then relax and enjoy it. Images like these make it worth it.

With over double my normal number of sessions per week, it's hard to find the time to post images here as well, but I must, when I come across some as sweet as these.

And my personal favorite from this session:

rainy day at the park

2006-10-24T23:56:00.000-05:00

This is THE most go-with-it family ever. You can't really tell how much it was raining. Trust me... it was really raining. Due to the family dog's vacations schedule, we HAD to get in some degree of a session on this crazy day though. No dog in this shot, but it's just one of my favorite captures.

my beautiful friend's belly

2006-10-23T21:09:00.001-05:00

... who came all the way from Colorado to see me.

this about sums it up

2006-10-23T20:56:00.000-05:00

I mentioned recently that I had an out of state photographer friend come to stay with me for four days? Here's one says-it-all capture that really.... says it all. Four days, folks. Four days. Four glorious days of my son NOT sharing a single thing that we own. Ah, naptimes were good. It was a wonderful time.

watching juliet grow

2006-10-21T00:52:00.000-05:00

I have a new little "model." I posted some of the first images I captured of her a few posts back here. The plan is to photograph her several times over the course of a year, in order to truly show through images how fast, how much, and how dramatically these little ones do change. Look at her gallery at proudtointroduce.com > galleries > watching juliet.

That gallery will be updated at least quarterly, maybe closer to every month or two. It will be updated frequently with recent images of Juliet. Some from each session... after a year has gone by, there will only one from each session.

I can see changes in her in the past month. Amazing ones actually. She gets cuter and cuter, and grows, yet the days that pass us are past us... and yet all we have to remember how tiny she really was- are photographs. Juliet's mother and I were chatting about how those early days are just a fog. You forget what it was like, you can't even picture your now 4 year old as a newborn. It's a strange phenomenon, one that makes me feel thankful for my gift of photography with my own children, and thankful to share that gift with others. Check out Juliet's gallery. It really is amazing.

a REAL melter

2006-10-13T15:05:00.001-05:00

I can not say enough about this image. As a mother of two boys myself, it stirs me to see that sweetness, that closeness, and the protectiveness and adoration between these brothers. As a photographer, it stops my heart and puts a lump in my throat because it is simply perfect to me. It captures what I strive to capture every working day of my life, in a way that I can't even put into words. Despite these boys not being my own children, I would love to have a 20x24 canvas print of this art on my wall to just look at and love every day. Anything smaller than 20x24 would be an injustice. It's just childhood. At it's sweetest. In the most absolutely perfect way.

..................................................................................................................................

I will not have limited access to email from this afternoon through Tuesday. A good friend and colleague is coming for a visit from Colorado this evening. I am very much looking forward to this little mini-vacation at home! If you do not receive a reply to an email, rest assured, I will be in touch Wednesday or Thursday of next week.

Enjoy the weekend!
... and if you need a little helping of lovey-ness, feel free to browse and admire the post above, and the recent posts below. :)

mommy & me

2006-10-12T20:39:00.000-05:00

I recently had a fabulous session with a woman who has seen me at my absolute worst...

I'm embarased to say that she has seen my most whiny, vulnerable, scared and sweating, trembling self. Yes, she is my dentist!! I couldn't ask for a better dentist though, and I couldn't hope for a more fun session, either. Her practice is Shoemaker & Gilson, in Waukesha. They're fabulous. If you're on the market for a new dentist, give them a call. (262) 542-0431.

She and her little girl were such a pleasure to photograph. These interactions are so sweet... just love them. It's sized down from an 11x14 design. Aren't they adorable?!

gush.

2006-10-11T16:09:00.001-05:00

I try to not be TOO gushy or overly emotional or excitable. I am a professional, right? Well, there are times that it is simply quite impossible to limit a post/preview to 3 images from a session. To not gush too much about how *CUTE* a newborn baby is. How FUN a session was. How much I just LOVE what I do. Capturing things like a teeny little new baby stretch? Look at these wrinkles!!

And the blissful baby, asleep in a basket. Just perfection.

Belly buttons, cord stumps, baby ears, baby "fur," and the loose skin wrinkles. Just a few of my favorite things.

Another bit of artzy fartzy. Still. Undeniably gorgeous.

I can't quite say what it is about this one that draws me in so much. It's darker. A little moodey. VERY unposed. Very "real" feeling to me. It's one of my favorites from the session.

And yes, sometimes I gush, because I just can't not.
I could photograph newborn babies all day long, every single day.

these eyes

2006-10-10T12:12:00.000-05:00

Is it just me or is there something amazing about these eyes?

Yeah... that's what I thought. They're amazing.

getting a little behind here...

2006-10-09T20:00:00.000-05:00

In case you hadn't noticed... I'm getting a little behind on posting on the blog. I had a handful of sessions I have been meaning to post a few images from, and just don't find the time to do it. Then their ordering session is upon us and there's no longer a need for posting sneak peeks! For obvious reasons, October and November are an established photographer's busiest months of the year. I did update my website a few weeks ago with some fresh images. I don't expect to be able to update there again for many months, so enjoy the tidbits here!
Anyways, here are a few sneak peeks for one client in particular that has been patiently waiting. It really does seem as though all of my clients are beautiful people...

pumpkin patch?

2006-10-07T21:04:00.000-05:00

Need pants for your little one to wear to the pumpkin patch? How adorable are these?! My gosh are they CUTE!

These little girly girl 15 month old twins couldn't have been any cuter (even with those pants!) on our visit to the pumpkin patch last weekend...

Ah, twins. Love them.

welcome, baby

2006-10-07T16:42:00.000-05:00

It was such an honor and a joy to photograph sweet baby T on her very first "real" day back home. She's so teeny, so perfect, and I just adored holding and photographer her.

And how can I resist posting this brand new newborn SMILE?! Ah, I'm going to love photographing her...

More squishy scrunchy tiny baby images to come. This little sweetie is going to be in the spotlight quite a bit on the Proud To Introduce website and marketing materials. :) How can she not be? You'll see... details soon.

referral promotion

2006-10-03T21:45:00.000-05:00

For anyone sitting on a referral credit good towards a previous or future session, I have an announcement for you!

Referral credits may be used towards holiday cards!
Each person you refer earns you a complimentary 5x7 from your choice of a previous session or you may hold onto it and use it for a future session.
Instead of that 5x7, you may instead use this credit towards cards!

Just let me know, and you can get 20 holiday cards with that credit- No design fee, no additional order necessary, just an extra thank you for your referrals! I want you to share your images with friends and family during the holidays. Even if your images are from a few months ago, you know your friends and family will love to get a custom made card with those images.

Enjoy!!

availability and reminder

2006-10-03T21:39:00.000-05:00

I've been getting these questions a lot this week.

To receive your order by 12/20, the following deadlines are in place:
** Portrait orders must be ordered and finalized (paid for) by 11/20.
** Canvases and pendants must be ordered and finalized by 11/10.
** Coffee table books must be finalized by 11/1.

****************
***Availability***
****************

There are two sessions left in early November that are available still within the timeframe for guaranteed delivery by 12/20.

October is 110% full. Call or email regarding a November session: allie@proudtointroduce.com or 414.861.5531

No weekend sessions are available in 2006. At least one weekend day every other week is reserved for rain dates, just in case. I always rearrange for rainy days.

Aside from the two sessions available in early November, it is still possible to schedule a session later in the month with a chance at getting Christmas delivery. I can't guarantee it, but it's certainly a possibility. Email if you'd like to chat or need more information.

******************
*** NEWBORNS ***
******************

I will almost always make room for a newborn. I of course appreciate planning ahead and being kept in the loop, but I know how it is. If you have a newborn, all of this "I'm booked solid stuff" doesn't necessarily apply to you. I adore newborns and although it may make for a crazy schedule, I really can't deny a baby under 10 days old. :) So call! Or tell that new mother that you know to call!

holiday card NEW options

2006-10-03T21:27:00.000-05:00

I received my first order for holiday cards today. They are GORGEOUS! Last year, most of my cards were printed on photographic paper. This year, we have many more options! Along with photo paper cards, I am able to offer PRESS PRINTED folded or postcard style cards for about the same price, as well as METALLIC paper.

The press printed cards are done on an art linen cardstock, it is absolutly gorgeous textured, heavy weight paper. I've got a few samples. Many of you will receive a "happy fall" card in your mailbox tomorrow... this is an example of the folded press printed card on art linen cardstock.
If you do not receive one and would like to see a sample of this paper, email me; I'll get one right out to you.

The metallic photo paper is amazing in an entirely different way. It is still photo paper but it is... imagine this... metallic. Everything has an AMAZING shine. Black and white's just have an incredible added contrast, color images on metallic paper are amazingly vivid and beautiful. Request a sample, see for yourself! :) Prices for metallic paper are the same as regular photo paper.

Today, I received 4 sets of 5x7 (not foled) cards as part of a client's order. On the front, there are 6 small-ish images and one large one. On the back, there is one more image and the Proud To Introduce logo. It's just gorgeous. I'm geared up for many more of these.

Pricing is on the information page of the main Proud To Introduce website here is a summary of your options:
4 x 5.5 folded card (that is the size of it folded, so it opens up to be 8x5.5), sold in sets of 23, art linen or sleek glossy cardstock.
5x7 postcard style card sold in sets of 23, art linen or sleek glossy cardstock.
Metallic or regular photo paper- 5x5 or 5x7, or 4x6.

Looking forward to designing your cards this year!

fall party time

2006-10-02T13:56:00.000-05:00

What could be cuter than a muffin tin with pumpkin paints in it and a little girl with red rubber boots standing next to the hay painting her pumpkin on it?!

Maybe her gorgeous finished product?

Or what about a scrumptious half-eaten apple and plastic cup of hot cider...?

All the paints tipped over and half empty and fabulously decorated pumpkins to show for it...
Not a typical post of portraits, but just as unique and story-telling, in my opinion. Happy Fall!!

sometimes he really does let me

2006-09-26T17:11:00.000-05:00

He's so gorgeous. But I'm biased I suppose.

My 3 year old... he isn't always awful and sad in front of the camera. :) I wanted to share some happy ones after that sad capture from being traumatically forced to model my scarf...

This little smirk... I see it about 1 million times per day...

Tonight, I had a viewing/ordering session with the sweetest client. Over time, I have learned and was again subject to it tonight... that many people are very balanced and symmetircal and "even" and fair sort of, when it comes to ordering and displaying their portraits. It's cute. I, on the other hand am not balanced or symmetrical like that at all. In my own house, I am sure I have uneven numbers of my children displayed on canvas, framed, wall mounted, on tabletops, etc. Uneven numbers of my husband and I WITH our children, etc. So-- In the spirit of balance and equality, here is just one of my other child, to even things out a bit. Taken months ago, because that's the last time he wasn't on the verge of crying or screaming from the sight of my camera.

Some festive pumpkin/fall shots coming soon! :)

4 days old and perfect

2006-09-25T11:28:00.000-05:00

The title says it all.

do I have to?

2006-09-22T20:30:00.000-05:00

Spoken like the son of a photographer:
"No!! My not want to wear scarf for pitchur! Nooooo!!!" Ah, the trauma...

Have a wonderful weekend.

Proud To Introduce Photography

new blog

not exactly a sneak peek BUT

more of that beautiful maternity 2 posts down

sneak peek for L & B

article

winners of sessions!

I can hardly stand it.

two monkeys

3 kiddos

Viewing Gallery in the works!

incredible beauty: 3 years old

lately

warm weather...

10 month old girlie girl

my favorite name

just one.

more of those adorable boys

adorable little boys...

not just a puppy session

delafield gallery night

website problems!

every once in a while...

6 adorable months

first communion

reminder

sweet little J...

fabulous little girl

beautiful baby

babies, babies, babies!

recently...

1 perfect year old

2.5 weeks

a few more...

sweetness

breathtaking...

it's been a while

sweet family capture...

Tot Trends Weekly

Special offer announced today!

some cute kids!

Father's Day Mini Sessions

fun, new stuff...

some recent cuties

sweet little boy

more teaparty!

greeting cards at Arrival's

what little girls do....

5 days old

the pressure!

how can she stand it?

juliet update

little valentines

two more time slots

answering some common mini session questions

Finally! Valentines Day Mini Sessions!

portraits sent

MORE maternity!

more maternity

winners!!

get those entries in!

thank you...

Merry Christmas!

a maternity delight

congratulations to winner #2!

special offer #2

winner!

contest #1

SPECIAL OFFER #1

SPECIAL OFFERS and availability

more juliet

slow blog times

happy thanksgiving!

lollipop boy

6 weeks perfect

prepping an order

day before his birthday

sweetness

butterfly baby

sweet boys