Newborn Photographer, Oswego Illinois

Christmas Break

I took Christmas break off to spend some time with my family but how long can a photographer lay down her camera? Our house backs up to 80 some acres and today my daughter called me to the window to look at the winter wonderland. It must have been speaking to her too because it only took a small amount of arm twisting and a promise of hot cocoa to get her to don the winter garb and head outside.

Tomorrow, just for the day, I'm back to work for a special sweet 16 session. After all, how long can a photographer lay down her camera?

Twin session +1

Happy Birthday today to these 12 year old twins. They came by with their little sister for a christmas card shoot and we had a little fun with these after the outdoor pictures.

Do you have a child with a winter birthday? Give us a call, our studio is nice and warm. Starting in January you can enter your child in our Cutest Kids contest for a chance to win a $2,500savings bond and more. The contest benefits Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep.

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Merry Christmas

Certified Professional Photographer, The Celebration

Please click on this to view it larger.

A Little Christmas Blessing

I have been neglecting my blog for sure and promise to post a few favorites from the Christmas season but I had to share this little Christmas present with you. He means more than you could know and has the best parents.

Blessings,

J.

Busted!

So Busted! I'm swamped with Christmas card orders which is great but I still have one regular session I've got to finish proofing. I get a call from Mom today and I'm quick with the apology when she stops me to say, "I was on your website today." I know where this is going. I'm busted.

Sometimes when I take my first peek at what I've captured from a session an image jumps out at me and I can't help putting it up somewhere before I post the proofs. It's a bad, bad thing! I'm so impatient, I just want to shout it from the rooftops, "Look at this cute little baby!" That's what happened. Mom found me out and called to say, "I have to have that shot!" The cat's out of the bag so I might as well share it with you. See why I couldn't help myself?

Look at this sweet potato. Couldn't you just eat her up! Somebody get me a spoon.

Certified Professional Photographer, CPP, Oswego, IL

Did you feel the wind the other day. It was me breathing a gigantic sigh of relief. Three years ago when I went back to school to study photography I knew I would not be satisfied until I passed the certification exam put out by the Professional Photographic Certification Commission. In May of this year I declared my candidacy and began to prepare for the rigorous two part exam. The written exam measures technical knowledge while the image submission evaluates artistic skill and execution. I joined a study group and found that many photographers who have been in business for years do not pass the first time around. On Oct. 3rd I took the written exam and on Oct. 22nd I turned in my 20 images for the second part. On Friday I received my letter from Dr. Glenn M. Cope, Cr. Photog., CPP, API, the chairman of the Certification Commission, congratulating me on becoming a Certified Professional Photographer. I am one of less than 70 in the state of Illinois.

All of the images submitted must be client images so I want to thank all of you because without you, I literally would not be certified. Please check the blog later this month or look for my newsletter because in honor of you I am planning a certification celebration!

My deepest gratitude,

Julie

Many Thanks

I am overwhelmed by your generosity. We just wrapped up our second annual Halloween Bash for the Kendall County Food Pantry. This is one of my favorite events of the year. If you couldn't make it for your free picture this year don't worry next year will be bigger and better!

I wanted to take a moment to be sure and thank everyone who made it today and the wonderful people at the Oswego Home Depot who for the second year in a row have helped me put this on. What a great company.

Thanks also go out to my Jr. High team. They do all the leg work so I can concentrate on smiles.

Most importantly I want to acknowledge my family. We are very much a family run business here. While I do all of the photography they are involved in so much. Love and gratitude to Ken for studio building and set construction and Austin and Marnie for helping out whenever I need it. I am fortunate to have lots of space for my studio in our home. When we first moved to Oswego seven years ago we chose this house because my husband would be able to work from home. I can't imaging wanting a studio anywhere else.

Thank you all.

Blessings,

Julie

Oswego children's photographer

One of my favorite families :)

Free Halloween Picture, Oswego Photographer

Mark your calendar. Our annual Halloween bash is October 23rd from 10 AM to 3 PM. Just like last year you can bring your little one in their Halloween costume with a donation to the food pantry and we'll give you a 4x6 for free! There are only 4 slots left so be sure to get your time slot for your picture.

Check the blog next week for a list of the food pantry's most needed items but don't wait until then to get your time slot. Go to mettlerportraits.com and click on the "For Appointments" button. There is no charge for this but if you would like to make a $5 donation instead of bringing a canned good all proceeds go to the Kendall County Food Pantry.

Birthday Bash in Oswego on July 18TH

Come help us celebrate 2 years in business. This year we will be at Imagine on Main in downtown Oswego. 56 Main Street from 9:30 A.M.-1:30 P.M. Drop by Imagine anytime from now until the 18TH and enter the raffle. Be sure to leave your email so we can notify our winners. There will be many portrait prizes.

framing samples on the way

It's been a long time coming but I will finally have a large selection of framing sample to display in the studio. I have wanted to offer this for a long time so you can imagine how excited I am to get them on display. Speaking of imagine, don't miss this years opening that will take place at Imagine on Main in downtown Oswego. It's July 18. That's a Sunday so go walk around the farmers market and then stop by to see what's on display. I will be raffling of prizes too!

Client News

I have a few big news items.

First of all our favorite Oswego dancer has won another Miss Photogenic with her Mettler Portrait. Congratulation to Alexis Canon. See the April 26Th post for her picture.

We are also excited to announce that another client recently traveled to Wisconsin for a photo shoot for Kohl's. So while you're looking through your sales flier, see if you can find Abby. That's her above. You can't miss her sweet smile and beautiful curly hair. We can't wait to see our tiny model.

The last bit of news is about my book. Nursery Rhymes Revisited is currently on display at imagine on Main in Downtown Oswego. Imagine features an eclectic mix of unique personal decor items by Artisans specializing in jewelry, glass, pottery, wood, photography, and more. The book will be on display until Sunday July 18. On that day only I will have many other works on display including the first book, When the Root Children Wake Up. Stop in to take a look and say hi to Amy the owner.

56 Main Street Oswego, Illinois 60543

Oliver Twist

We found this little waif wandering alone in the park and scooped him up before he fell in with some bad characters. After a detailed search of the local watering holes we dropped him off at the Fox Valley Wildlife Center. We were told that after all the wind we've had there were a number of other drop offs so birds of a feather will... :)

BTW, the labradoodles wanted to keep him.

The Beautiful Alexis

This weekend I received the sweetest email from Alexis' Mom. I'd like to share it with you.

"Thanks once again for your beautiful photo of my daughter! She competed at Starpower dance competition this weekend at the Paramount in Aurora and won 1st place for photogenic !!!!!!

So far she has won every competition that we have competed at this year!!!!!

Thank you!!!!

Rose"

The last one was last week but this time I got the picture loaded for you all to see why I'm not surprised. She's a beauty!

J.

Winners

The winners of the Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Charity Model Search were announced on Saturday. And the winner is... first place The Singleton Family - Portland 2nd The Bernhardt Family - Boise 3rd The Jones Family - Dallas Congratulations to them and thanks to everyone who helped make this a success.

We are just days away from Sandy Puc's upcoming seminar. Sam is one of the founders of Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep. I'm so excited that The Dreyer Family, one of my clients, will be modeling there.

The weather has been beautiful here lately and I've had the chance to get out with my daughter and some of her friends. I hope you are enjoying some nice weather as well.

The voting is over. Chicago's Cutest Family is....

I am so excited to announce that "Chicago's Cutest Family" goes to Mettler Portraits. Congratulations to the Dreyer family for moving into the final round. The Grand Prize winner will be announced on April 24th. Best of luck!!! Thank you to all those who helped raise money for Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep.

I am once again raising money for Now I lay me down to sleep. This charity gives to families who must endure the unimaginable loss of a newborn. If you feel you would like to help please do so by voting for one of our Mettler Portait families by going to

sandypucmodels.com

The tour city is chicago and the photographer is Mettler

Thank you

Prize details

Here are the prize details for the International Charity Model search. It's almost time to start voting. Check back later in the week for details.

Family Prizes The Grand Prize winning family takes home a new car! NOTE: All taxes, licensing, and fees must be paid by the winner. First Place: A 2010 Hyundai Accent (metallic silver), 4 door sedan, automatic transmission, with air conditioning ($15,460.00 value). A Canon Powershot A495 camera, $50 gift certificate to J Crew, and a limited edition numbered and signed photo art print from a renowned photographer. Second Place: A Canon point and shoot camera, and a limited edition numbered and signed photo art print from a renowned photographer. Third Place: A Canon point and shoot camera, and a limited edition numbered and signed photo art print from a renowned photographer. City finalists: All finalists will receive a photo art print by a renowned photographer. Tour Cities: The leading family in each city (4 days prior to each tour stop) will be offered the chance to participate in the 2010 Family Tour as onstage models. If the first place family is unavailable, then we will call the next family in line until we find a family that is available to participate. Each family that participates in a tour will receive a CD of their family images (8-10 pictures with artwork). Good Luck to All Participating Families!

Most Photogenic

We are so excited to share a story of one of our beautiful and talented clients. Alexis Canon dances for Nouveau Dance Company in Plainfield, IL. She attended the Bravo dance competition this past weekend in Crystal Lake, Il and won "Most Photogenic" (We're not surprised just look at her!) with her Mettler Portait. Thanks for letting us share your spotlight Alexis!!! Congratulations!

OHS Seniors

We are now booking senior sessions for indoor and out. Become a fan on facebook and check out our newest" what to wear" guides for ideas.

Win a new car

McDonald Auto Group has partnered with us to provide the Grand Prize, a new 2010 Hyundai Accent, 4 door sedan, automatic transmission with Air conditioning. JCrew - $50 gift card for the winning family Canon - Powershot for the winning family NILMDTS - 2 Canon Point and Shoot cameras for the 2nd and 3rd place families.

Don't forget to book your family sitting for a chance to win a new car.

Little Firemen and the princess garden

We have two special events coming up in February. These are for a limited time so book your appointment now. Check the website for more details. www.mettlerportraits.com

Special events

Bring your little Angel for our Valentine special. Jan. 18-30. Availability is limited so book your appointment soon at mettlerportraits.com.

Happy New Year!!

Julie