Archive for February, 2012

Another Beautiful Tuesday | St. Peters Photographer

February 28th, 2012

Tuesday has certainly turned into one of my favorite days of the week.   Wondering  why?

Tuesday is the day I’ve set aside to tell you about the different opportunities that have come my way the week before, or things I’m just plain excited about.    Every once and a while, it feels good to slow down, clear my busy mind and take a moment to reflect  and be thankful for everything that makes up the job I love.  Tuesday is becoming that opportunity for reflection for sure.

This past week led me to a familiar photography session that I’m always grateful to donate my time for.  Every year in February and March, several photographers come together to photograph for a very special organization, The Missouri Adoption Heart Gallery.  Wednesday, I spent some quality time with one of these amazing kids and today I had a session with another sweet boy.  These kiddos look so forward to the photography sessions and the individual one on one attention that goes along with it.  I value the time spent with them as well and it makes my heart happy to see them smile.   The longer I shoot for the Missouri Adoption Heart Gallery; the more I come to the realization that I cannot adopt each child I photograph.  Well, I’m almost coming to that realization anyway.  Take a moment to view the photographs of these beautiful children in need of forever families/homes @ moheartgallery.org/adoption.

Aside from my shoots with Missouri Heart Adoption Gallery and a few appointments here and there, I designated a great deal of my time last week to some much needed catch up work on the computer.  Wedding album designs, editing and business planning were a must for the agenda.  However, the weekend brought around plans for some casual down time with friends, but an unexpected surprise phone call made for a quick change in plans and a very eventful weekend.

On Saturday morning, I received a call from an eager bride planning a very quick wedding and in desperate need of photography.  The wedding was taking place Sunday (as in the next day) in Hermann.  So, Sunday afternoon I packed up and headed to Hermann to photograph an impromptu, private wedding.   The bride and groom purchased their marriage license on Friday, booked Hermann Hill Chapel, purchased a wedding dress, dresses for their girls and ordered tuxes for the guys on Saturday and had the most precious wedding ceremony on Sunday.  No guests, just this new family of 5 consisting of a bride, groom and their 3 children.  It was one of the sweetest weddings I’ve ever been blessed to shoot.  Their 12 year old daughter even gave a beautiful speech when they cut their cake, which I caught on video.  I was thrilled to have met this family – It was a happy day!

This week, I am looking forward to shooting Breakdown STL, a high energy multimedia presentation with a purpose.  BreakDown STL empowers teens to make positive choices regarding: sex, relationships, drugs, alcohol, self-harm, bullying, and suicide by providing preventative health education.  This is a must see event.  For more information on this free presentation at the Edward Jones Theatre on March 1st visit  www.breakdownstl.org.

Reminder:  The deadline for becoming a part of my new Senior ROLE MODEL program March 1st!   Check out the link on my website and Facebook pages and fill out an application if you are interested.

Tip for Tuesday:  Great informational tidbit on How to pay for college? The link provided offers great tips for high school students, parents and college students.

http://www.studentbank.com/featured/101-ways-to-pay-for-college/

Until Next Tuesday!

~Cathy
 

Tuesday has certainly turned into one of my favorite days of the week.   Wondering  why?

Tuesday is the day I’ve set aside to tell you about the different opportunities that have come my way the week before, or things I’m just plain excited about.    Every once and a while, it feels good to slow down, clear my busy mind and take a moment to reflect  and be thankful for everything that makes up the job I love.  Tuesday is becoming that opportunity for reflection for sure.

This past week led me to a familiar photography session that I’m always grateful to donate my time for.  Every year in February and March, several photographers come together to photograph for a very special organization, The Missouri Adoption Heart Gallery.  Wednesday, I spent some quality time with one of these amazing kids and today I had a session with another sweet boy.  These kiddos look so forward to the photography sessions and the individual one on one attention that goes along with it.  I value the time spent with them as well and it makes my heart happy to see them smile.   The longer I shoot for the Missouri Adoption Heart Gallery; the more I come to the realization that I cannot adopt each child I photograph.  Well, I’m almost coming to that realization anyway.  Take a moment to view the photographs of these beautiful children in need of forever families/homes @ moheartgallery.org/adoption.

Aside from my shoots with Missouri Heart Adoption Gallery and a few appointments here and there, I designated a great deal of my time last week to some much needed catch up work on the computer.  Wedding album designs, editing and business planning were a must for the agenda.  However, the weekend brought around plans for some casual down time with friends, but an unexpected surprise phone call made for a quick change in plans and a very eventful weekend.

On Saturday morning, I received a call from an eager bride planning a very quick wedding and in desperate need of photography.  The wedding was taking place Sunday (as in the next day) in Hermann.  So, Sunday afternoon I packed up and headed to Hermann to photograph an impromptu, private wedding.   The bride and groom purchased their marriage license on Friday, booked Hermann Hill Chapel, purchased a wedding dress, dresses for their girls and ordered tuxes for the guys on Saturday and had the most precious wedding ceremony on Sunday.  No guests, just this new family of 5 consisting of a bride, groom and their 3 children.  It was one of the sweetest weddings I’ve ever been blessed to shoot.  Their 12 year old daughter even gave a beautiful speech when they cut their cake, which I caught on video.  I was thrilled to have met this family – It was a happy day!

This week, I am looking forward to shooting Breakdown STL, a high energy multimedia presentation with a purpose.  BreakDown STL empowers teens to make positive choices regarding: sex, relationships, drugs, alcohol, self-harm, bullying, and suicide by providing preventative health education.  This is a must see event.  For more information on this free presentation at the Edward Jones Theatre on March 1st visit  www.breakdownstl.org.

Reminder:  The deadline for becoming a part of my new Senior ROLE MODEL program March 1st!   Check out the link on my website and Facebook pages and fill out an application if you are interested.

Tip for Tuesday:  Great informational tidbit on How to pay for college? The link provided offers great tips for high school students, parents and college students.

http://www.studentbank.com/featured/101-ways-to-pay-for-college/

Until Next Tuesday!

~Cathy

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Macie | St. Peters Baby Photographer

February 25th, 2012

It was so much fun to meet Macie – I just want to squeeze those cute chubby cheeks! She was such a sweetheart through all of her clothing changes, although by the last outfit she was a little worn out.

 

 
 

It was so much fun to meet Macie – I just want to squeeze those cute chubby cheeks! She was such a sweetheart through all of her clothing changes, although by the last outfit she was a little worn out.

 

 

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Tuesday Tips & Updates

February 21st, 2012

 

I guess time does fly when you are having fun!

Last Tuesday has come and gone already?  If I didn’t have a calendar telling me so, I wouldn’t believe it.  Since my last update, I must confess…it’s not been all fun and smiles.  A few days found me a bit under the weather with a head cold, but the weekend sunshine and fun shoots on my agenda had me feeling rejuvenated and back to business as usual.

Friday, I had the honor of photographing the graduation ceremony for Anthem College.  I loved the energy coming from the graduate’s sense of accomplishment as I photographed the ceremony and individual still shots of the grads.

Congratulations on your achievement Anthem College graduates and best of luck in your future endeavors!   Watch for my post of photos from this event later this week.

Saturday’s sunshine took me to Old Towne St. Charles for an engagement session.  Sarah and Nick came along with their two pups and a little colder air than we anticipated.   Despite the chill, the sunshine offered a beautiful day for this sweet couple.  I am really excited about some of the shots I captured with this family (furry kids included) in the making.  I am looking forward to shooting Nick and Sarah’s big event at Herman Hill in late September.

Sunday took me back to my first love, DANCE!  What fun I had capturing my granddaughter’s in action at Dance Connection Performing Arts Center’s annual  Competition Team Extravaganza held at Francis Howell Central High School.  It is certainly a joy to still have a personal connection with dance through my granddaughters and the studio.  Check out my Facebook page for more pictures of Madeline and Olivia’s dance Extravaganza.

Yesterday afforded me the opportunity to get out and LEARN!!  I promised myself early on that when I find myself blessed with moments of downtime, I would try my best to spend it learning from fellow photographers.  The Illinois Chapter of the Professional Photographers Association hosted a workshop yesterday and I spent my time in a senior portrait photography workshop with Teri Quance from Quance Design housed in Houston, Texas.   During the workshop, Teri really challenged us photographers to reflect on our vision, passion and what’s important to us in our personal business.  She was so inspirational!!  I can’t wait to implement some of her very cool ideas into my promotional products for senior business.

2013 Seniors

The deadline for becoming a part of my new Senior ROLE MODEL program is fast approaching!  Please check out the link on my website and Facebook pages and fill out an application if you are interested. Role Models chosen can look forward to “first class treatment” during our March group and individual photo session (hair and makeup provided), as well as other great opportunities.   We know you have a big story to tell Seniors!!  We are ready to capture the visual ROLE called YOU!

2012 seniors, graduation is approaching!   Now is the time to place orders for invitations, thank you cards, coffee table books, and DVD slideshows for your upcoming graduation parties.  If you haven’t had had your senior picture taken yet, it’s not too late!  Book your session now to get your images back in plenty of time for graduation!

Tip for Tuesday:  Seniors have you heard of Pinterest?  It’s a fun site for loads of great ideas.  Including, but not limited to… How to pair cute outfits!!  Check it out!!

Until Next Tuesday!

~Cathy
 

 

I guess time does fly when you are having fun!

Last Tuesday has come and gone already?  If I didn’t have a calendar telling me so, I wouldn’t believe it.  Since my last update, I must confess…it’s not been all fun and smiles.  A few days found me a bit under the weather with a head cold, but the weekend sunshine and fun shoots on my agenda had me feeling rejuvenated and back to business as usual.

Friday, I had the honor of photographing the graduation ceremony for Anthem College.  I loved the energy coming from the graduate’s sense of accomplishment as I photographed the ceremony and individual still shots of the grads.

Congratulations on your achievement Anthem College graduates and best of luck in your future endeavors!   Watch for my post of photos from this event later this week.

Saturday’s sunshine took me to Old Towne St. Charles for an engagement session.  Sarah and Nick came along with their two pups and a little colder air than we anticipated.   Despite the chill, the sunshine offered a beautiful day for this sweet couple.  I am really excited about some of the shots I captured with this family (furry kids included) in the making.  I am looking forward to shooting Nick and Sarah’s big event at Herman Hill in late September.

Sunday took me back to my first love, DANCE!  What fun I had capturing my granddaughter’s in action at Dance Connection Performing Arts Center’s annual  Competition Team Extravaganza held at Francis Howell Central High School.  It is certainly a joy to still have a personal connection with dance through my granddaughters and the studio.  Check out my Facebook page for more pictures of Madeline and Olivia’s dance Extravaganza.

Yesterday afforded me the opportunity to get out and LEARN!!  I promised myself early on that when I find myself blessed with moments of downtime, I would try my best to spend it learning from fellow photographers.  The Illinois Chapter of the Professional Photographers Association hosted a workshop yesterday and I spent my time in a senior portrait photography workshop with Teri Quance from Quance Design housed in Houston, Texas.   During the workshop, Teri really challenged us photographers to reflect on our vision, passion and what’s important to us in our personal business.  She was so inspirational!!  I can’t wait to implement some of her very cool ideas into my promotional products for senior business.

2013 Seniors

The deadline for becoming a part of my new Senior ROLE MODEL program is fast approaching!  Please check out the link on my website and Facebook pages and fill out an application if you are interested. Role Models chosen can look forward to “first class treatment” during our March group and individual photo session (hair and makeup provided), as well as other great opportunities.   We know you have a big story to tell Seniors!!  We are ready to capture the visual ROLE called YOU!

2012 seniors, graduation is approaching!   Now is the time to place orders for invitations, thank you cards, coffee table books, and DVD slideshows for your upcoming graduation parties.  If you haven’t had had your senior picture taken yet, it’s not too late!  Book your session now to get your images back in plenty of time for graduation!

Tip for Tuesday:  Seniors have you heard of Pinterest?  It’s a fun site for loads of great ideas.  Including, but not limited to… How to pair cute outfits!!  Check it out!!

Until Next Tuesday!

~Cathy

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Happy Valentine’s Day

February 14th, 2012

Even though it is cold and grey outside, Valentine’s Day has me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside!!   Not only am I so grateful for the love of my family and dear friends, I can honestly say I LOVE what I do!  Creating masterpieces for the amazing people I get to work with just warms my heart over and over again. My clients often ask me, “What do you like to photograph most?”

My response, “Whatever I am photographing at the moment.”  I am inspired by Life and absolutely love any moment my clients feel worthy of capturing.  Let’s face it; I never get bored with all the variety Life has to offer.  So far this month, I’m having the time of my life shooting precious little ones.  The sweet, stillness of newborns and curious personalities of babies and toddlers are so fun to work with.  I just love the creative opportunities in these shoots.  I believe children in general offer such a joyful innocence to the lens.

Aside from my photo sessions, I’ve also spent time this month meeting with Brides as wedding season is just around the corner. I’m anxious to hear stories of  all the Valentine’s Day proposals and hoping for warmer weather for upcoming engagement sessions ~ although I was really wishing I had one scheduled yesterday in that beautiful snowfall!

The close of January brought a few new additions to Cathy Hartman photography.  I’ve brought in some “behind the scenes” part-time help in Amy Greco!  Amy is coming alongside to take care of some of the details that I don’t always have the time in my day to get to.   She is currently updating some of the wording on my website, packages, programs, etc. to offer a more “creative voice.”   If some of you were wondering if I’ve suddenly gained a new talent in my creative writing ability, well, that is probably Amy translating for me.  I welcome Amy and look forward to the support she will offer me in the upcoming months.

In addition, I’ve introduced a new SENIOR ROLE MODEL program that I am really excited about.  I am currently accepting applications for ROLE MODELS and will continue through March 1st.    Watch my blog in March as I unveil my ROLE MODELS for the 2012-2013 season.

Until next Tuesday,

~ Cathy
 

Even though it is cold and grey outside, Valentine’s Day has me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside!!   Not only am I so grateful for the love of my family and dear friends, I can honestly say I LOVE what I do!  Creating masterpieces for the amazing people I get to work with just warms my heart over and over again. My clients often ask me, “What do you like to photograph most?”

My response, “Whatever I am photographing at the moment.”  I am inspired by Life and absolutely love any moment my clients feel worthy of capturing.  Let’s face it; I never get bored with all the variety Life has to offer.  So far this month, I’m having the time of my life shooting precious little ones.  The sweet, stillness of newborns and curious personalities of babies and toddlers are so fun to work with.  I just love the creative opportunities in these shoots.  I believe children in general offer such a joyful innocence to the lens.

Aside from my photo sessions, I’ve also spent time this month meeting with Brides as wedding season is just around the corner. I’m anxious to hear stories of  all the Valentine’s Day proposals and hoping for warmer weather for upcoming engagement sessions ~ although I was really wishing I had one scheduled yesterday in that beautiful snowfall!

The close of January brought a few new additions to Cathy Hartman photography.  I’ve brought in some “behind the scenes” part-time help in Amy Greco!  Amy is coming alongside to take care of some of the details that I don’t always have the time in my day to get to.   She is currently updating some of the wording on my website, packages, programs, etc. to offer a more “creative voice.”   If some of you were wondering if I’ve suddenly gained a new talent in my creative writing ability, well, that is probably Amy translating for me.  I welcome Amy and look forward to the support she will offer me in the upcoming months.

In addition, I’ve introduced a new SENIOR ROLE MODEL program that I am really excited about.  I am currently accepting applications for ROLE MODELS and will continue through March 1st.    Watch my blog in March as I unveil my ROLE MODELS for the 2012-2013 season.

Until next Tuesday,

~ Cathy

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Sweet Baby Girl

February 8th, 2012

At only eight days old, Camryn was very calm and content for her photo session ~ at least as long as we kept her tummy full!

What a lucky girl to have big brother Scott!

Awe!
 

At only eight days old, Camryn was very calm and content for her photo session ~ at least as long as we kept her tummy full!

What a lucky girl to have big brother Scott!

Awe!

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