Flixels: Gimmick or Great?

So anyone that knows me, knows that I love watching America's Next Top Model.  I adore Tyra Banks and how much she enjoys learning new things and staying on top of what's new and exciting in the fashion world.  So this season, they are including Flixels as part of their model shoots.  I know that Tyra has invested in this company, so I can see why it is a smart move for her to highlight the product in her series.  But the question is, is this a gimmick or the new wave of the future?

So let me know what you think about the "living photograph" and what impact it will have in the photography world.  Should I offer this service in my high school senior sessions?  Would you want to buy any of these gif images?  Obviously, they only work on computers, so is there a market for this?

And thank you Tyra for giving me inspiration in my work!

NEWEST ITEM!! 4x8 Accordion Albums

You spoke, I listened!!  I keep hearing from my high school seniors and their parents how much they love so many of the images I take, but they really don't need that many portrait prints to frame so what to do?  Of course for those who are in love with at least 18 images or more, I recommend my custom designed albums in sizes ranging from 6x6 to 12x12 (square) or 6x8 to 9x12 (rectangular).  And they typically range in price from $350 to $500 depending on how many images you choose.

So what happens when you have less than 10 images you want in an album?  Fear no more!  We have a great alternate that is large enough to enjoy looking at the photographs but easier on the pocketbook...our 4x8 Accordion Album!  They look great, have a hidden magnetic closure, and typically hold about 8 images.  So how much, you ask?  We will custom design one of these cuties for you at a price of $200, and if you place at least a $300 print order with us, the price goes down to $150.  Need a copy for grandma?  We offer a 35% discount on all duplicates.

We have many different designs and colors so there is something for everyone.  And what a great gift for your high school senior!  It's compact enough to sneak into your purse or backpack, and probably one of the coolest things your friends & family will ever see from senior portrait photography.  Here's a sample layout:

Have You Sent Out Your Graduation Announcements?

Boy, things sure have changed since the days when I went to high school.  Wait, do I sound like my parent right now?  Well, I actually think things have changed for the better!

One of my favorite things that have changed it how amazingly cool graduation announcements have become.  I have a huge assortment of designs which can be accessed at http://www.bluemelon.com/sliceoflife.  But here's my latest addition to these great cards and postcards...

The design is called "Ripped."  If you click on the image, you can see it larger.  Pretty cool, huh?  It can be used as either a double sided flat card or there is a folded card design too.  There are days that I just love my job, and today is one of those days!

How Cool Is This?

I'm always on the look for new things I can offer my senior clientele that are really cool.  Looks like I found one!  These raindrops on glass are amazingly realistic, wouldn't you say?  I'll be offering this service as one of my "H Series" designer options.  (click on photo to see it larger)

Valley Center "Gurls" - They're Unforgettable!

They say that when God closes a door, he opens a window.  Nothing could be more true this year for me with my high school senior business.  Escondido Charter High School accidentally gave out the wrong website address for my company (again!) so I lost a lot of business from that.  But I was happily added to the recommendation list at Valley Center High School!  And wow, that school really rocks!

I am also fond of VCHS because my Junior and Senior years in high school, I lived in VC with my best friend's family on Lilac Road right by Lilac Oaks Campground.  Summers were so much fun out there because we had a huge property and a 3 wheeler.  (This was before they outlawed them because they're kinda dangerous...and trust me they are!  My friend, Tracy, flipped over the handlebars on it one day.)

I did notice one thing about all the gals at VCHS -- they're gorgeous!!  So I just had to put together a compilation video of some of my favorite shots and set it to music.  Hope you enjoy it as much as I did taking all these amazing photographs!

Seriously?!?

As I sit at my desk today, I'm feeling rather generous.  Hmmm...who could benefit most from my heartfelt urge to do something nice?  Well then, I think I know just what might fit that bill!

Refer a high school senior to me that books their appointment in the month of September, and receive a $25 gift card to any of dozens of great stores and places.  Yup, you got that right...a whole $25 for just telling someone that A Slice of Life Photography is the best place in North San Diego County for creative and fun senior portraits.  Pretty easy, huh?

Of course there are a couple of little rules.  First, they must put your name in the "referred by" section of the appointment application.  And they must have their session during the month of September.  Last of all, they must order at least $150 in reprints, but hey, who's kidding who?  The photos are so fabulous that it should be no problem hitting that mark!

Okay, get to it.  Text, Facebook, Twitter, email or just plain old call your friends.  Send them to www.asliceoflifeseniors.com and wait for those $25 gift cards to start coming in.  You can mix & match your dollar amounts and you can find a list of cards available on my website under "the 411" section at "earn free stuff."

Peace out!

Congratulations to Class of 2012!!

Today is graduation day around Escondido and San Diego's North County.  I want to wish all those seniors graduating an amazing graduation day, a memorable Grad Nite, and the greatest success in all of your future dreams and ambitions.

Looking back, I realize that it was after graduating from high school the first time I had to choose which path I wanted to take in creating my future.  Every decision I made brought me to this point in my life, some good, some bad, but all extremely important.  Making sure you have a proper education is the most important first step.  So go boldly out into this world Class of 2012, and make us proud.  Remember, you will be the future for all of us in the next 10-20 years because you'll be running the world!