Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Storyboard

Just wanted to share a storyboard of Mr. Benjamin....


Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Brown Eyed Beauties

Aren't these two sisters gorgeous? Look at those big brown eyes.... absolutely stunning. We took these pictures at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens.


New Myspace Page

JLS Photography is now on myspace! I figured this is a great way to network, as well as meet some people to be my senior reps. So far I have met lots of people interested in a photo session.

My myspace page is www.myspace.com/jlsphotographystudio. You have to request me as a friend before you will be able to see it (safety reasons here!) but I would love to have you check it out and leave me a comment.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Dylan Turns One!

Here is Mr. Dylan who has just turned one! Isn't he a doll? I think the ladies, including Madalyn, will be fighting over him quite soon! I actually went to college with his Dad, so it was really fun to meet him for his photo session.








Saturday, August 23, 2008

Lollipop, Lollipop

Here is Madalyn, 16 months old.






Friday, August 15, 2008

Gift Certificates

Christmas is coming..... and a great gift to give to friends and family is a gift certificate for a photo session or a photo package. Baby showers, engagements presents, family and friends birthdays.... what is more special than a photo session as a gift? I am offering gift certificates for sale! And as a purchaser of a gift certficate you are credited with a $15 print credit for your referral.

Gift certificates are available for sessions, print packages, and individual products. Gallery wraps make excellent gifts!

Contact me for more information. jlsphotographystudio@gmail.com.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Another Beautiful Mommy

This beautiful Mommy is expecting baby number 2 in just a few weeks. We took these pictures at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens. Her darling daughter was an absolute natural in front of the camera... I can definitely see a modeling career in her future!








Friday, August 8, 2008

3 Little Monkeys

Isnt this family absolutely gorgeous? Imagine how much energy it must take to have 3 extremely active boys? They were so incredibly well behaved... and we had a great time. These photos were all taken on UF campus at the Baughman center. They boys even got to see a gator, which I think was the highlight of the day for them !







Thursday, August 7, 2008

Frequently Asked Questions

Thank you as always for your interest in JLS Photography! I am going to take this opportunity to address some of the more frequently asked questions, so that you can be prepared for your portrait session. I am also easily reached for additional questions at any time.

What is the difference between JLS Photography and a mall- type studio setup?
I specialize in on location, natural light photography, which allows for you and you family to interact with each other without "posing." We can take pictures in the comfort of your own home, your backyard, or other locations of your choosing. I am always open to your suggestions, and I can even recommend a few places based on experiences I have had there.
During your photo session I encourage you to interact with your children as you normally would. The most important thing to me is that everyone has fun, thus making the entire portrait session that much more enjoyable for all involved.
Lifestyle photography is just that- capturing your everyday life. While I do have a portable studio setup if you choose, it is the everyday lifestyle pictures that make me different from a "studio photographer."
If you fear that you do not have adequate natural light in your home for a portrait session, I can offer several alternative location suggestions that would still allow for an inside session.

What time of day would you recommend scheduling a session?
Sessions can occur any time, but the best times for natural light are early morning and late afternoon/early evening. It is best to avoid midday due to the sun being directly overhead at this time, which can cause a lot of shadows in your pictures. I do, however, have openings during the midday, and these sometimes work best if you wish to have your session inside your home.

What in the world should we wear?
This is most likely the most frequently asked question! Of greatest importance is that whatever you wear or dress your child in is something that is comfortable and allows you to move freely. Portrait sessions allow time for outfit changes, however please have these outfits laid out ahead of time.

Newborns- newborns look the best when photographed naturally, or with a diaper. Diaper covers have become very popular and look great in photos. Hats, especially knit hats, look beautiful on babies and there are several websites that offer homemade ones at very reasonable prices. Another fun prop for babies is engagement and wedding bands placed on their feet. For parents involved in the newborn session, it is recommended to wear a solid white or black (preferably long sleeved) shirt to provide for a backdrop for closeups of the baby.

Babies and Children- Fun, comfortable clothes are the best for photographs of babies and young children. Bright colors and patterns look great. Nothing too dressy at all for these types of sessions as the goal here is for the kids to be able to play and have fun. There is time for several changes of clothes to get multiple looks. Fun props are always welcome. Tutus, petticoats, galoshes, fairy wings, hats and scarves are just some ideas for props that can be involved in the sessions. Bubbles are another fun thing to involve.

Adults- Comfortable, relaxed looking clothing is best because we are going to be taking "lifestyle" pictures. Solid colors look the best, especially when combined with your children's patterned clothes. It is nice to try to coordinate without looking too overly matched.

What should I expect from a session?
After you book a session, I will contact you to confirm the details. If there is ever a need to reschedule please contact me as soon as possible as I have most likely arranged for childcare during your session.

Prior to my arrival, I ask that if your photos are to be taken in your home that you prepare for photographs to be taken by picking up any clutter that you would not want to be seen in photographs. For newborns some of my favorite spots are the nursery and the parent's beds, if the lighting works well in this place. Please be prepared for me to possibly have to move some furniture in order for me to best take advantage of the natural light in your home. If you have favorite places in your home that you would like for me to use, please let me know. I like to take the inside photos first during a session, then move outside. Please have all outfits and props laid out prior to my arrival so that we can best maximize our time.

At the conclusion of your session payment for the session fee only will be due. I will also have you sign a waiver stating that you understand that all pictures captured are the property of JLS Photography and that I retain the right to use them in future advertising and in my portfolio. This is fairly standard among photographers. All images from your session are copyrighted and cannot be replicated without purchasing the rights to the image.

In the days following you session I will most likely post a "sneak peek" of yoru session on my blog. I will send you an email at that time to let you know they are up. Please allow 2 - 3 weeks after the session for your images to be edited and posted in your online gallery. After they are all edited and uploaded, I will contact you with a link to the gallery and a password. You may share this with whomever you wish.


How do I order packages and prints?

Once you have viewed your images online, they are available for ordering immediately. I offer several affordable print packages, as well as a la carte photographs. If you are interested in a print package, a storyboard, custom announcements or cards, photo books, or a gallery wrap please contact me to proceed with your order. If you wish to order prints individually you may do so through me, or you may order directly through your online gallery.

At this time I can accept cash, personal check, or paypal. My online gallery can be used for credit card purchases. All payment is due at the time of ordering and your order will not be processed until payment is received. Please be aware that 6% sales tax and $5.95 shipping will be added to your order.

Please allow for 2 to 3 weeks for your order to be processed and shipped. In most cases it is much faster than this. Rush delivery is also available at an additional charge.

I hope this answers any additional questions that you may have, and always I am available via telephone and email.

I look forward to working with you!

Jaime Swanson

Welcome!

Welcome to JLS Photography. I am a lifestyle photographer in Gainesville Florida who specializes in capturing those special moments that define who we really are. I like to create a comfortable setting in which to allow you and your loved ones to interact with each other in a relaxed, natural way. Each photography session allows time for some natural poses, as well as candid moments. I offer a variety of different session and portrait packages to allow for something to fit everyone's needs at afforable pricing. Please check them out on my website.

For each one hour session, I am proud to offer you 20 - 30 portrait quality images that will be available for viewing in your password protected online gallery. Please allow 2 - 3 weeks for processing of your photos. Rush availability is available at a 48 hour turn around time at an additional charge.

Photos make wonderful gifts and because of this I offer a variety of photo books, announcements, custom designed cards and storyboards, all at afforable prices.

I also offer referral credits. For each person that you refer to me who books a session, you will receive $15 in print credits! It is my thank you for your help with my growing business.

I love to be able to view my "clients" as friends, and I hope to establish a long lasting relationship with you and your family. There is something special about being able to have a maternity session with a client, then be invited back for newborn photos once their bundle of joy has arrived! I love to keep in contact with those who I have had sessions with, to see what life brings their way. I also love when clients add links to my blog, and I love to be able to read your blogs to see how your families are growing.

Thank you for allowing me into your lives and to capture your most intimate moments. I look forward to meeting you and your family, and hope that if you have any quesions along the way you will not hesitate to ask!

-Jaime Swanson

Senior Reps Wanted~

I would like to branch into the realm of senior portraits. I remember when I was a high school senior how fun it was to have your senior portrait taken and to have the wallets to share with friends. (I certainly wont date myself here by saying how long ago this was!)

I am looking for a few senior reps in the Gainesville area that would like to have their portrait taken FOR FREE! I will also include 24 wallets sized pictures as my thank you to them, and an 8 x 10 for the parents! (This alone is a $75 value!) I am also offering 25% off all pictures ordered from their gallery. In return, I will ask them to hand out business cards in their area high schools to hopefully recruit some business for me.

Ideally I would like to have one senior rep from each high school, but right now I will extend the offer to the first five senior who book a session. Each session can consist of several outfit changes and we can pick a location that really exemplifies their personality.

If you know anyone who would possibly be interested in this offer, please pass it along and have them or their parents contact me at jlsphotographystudio@gmail.com.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

Maybe its the Fall-like weather (not really!) that we are having while on vacation here in North Carolina, or the fact that Christmas is much closer than it seems.... but I have decided that its time to decide on Christmas-time card specials.

Please remember: All Christmas orders must be placed before November 25th to ensure delivery in time for Christmas. Rush delivery will be available at an additional charge until December 1st. All sessions must be completed prior to November 10th.

Christmas Cards:
Standard Christmas cards will be available (4 x 8 size) at $1.50 each (1- 25 cards.)
Orders over 25 cards are $1.25 each.
Orders over 50 cards are $1.00 each.

All listed prices include custom designs as well as professional printing. Standard portrait session fees still apply. ($50 for 1 hour on location session, $100 for large families or multiple location sessions.)

5 x 7 Christmas greeting cards are also available, contact me for pricing.

Here are some samples of some templates. I didnt personally design these, but I want to be able to share some examples of custom designed Christmas cards.



Friday, August 1, 2008

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens

If there ever was a location that was a photographer's dream, it is this place. It has so much to offer for only $6 per person (children under 6 are free!) It has a lot of different backdrops and scenery, is quiet and has a covered porch in case of rain! What more can a photographer ask for? Here are some pictures that I have taken at this location... just as an example of how beautiful this place really is!





August Sessions- Schedule now!

I am posting a link for August sessions so that you can see and pick a day that works for you and your family. I expect the weekend slots to go quickly, and all openings are available on a first come, first serve basis. I will update this list as sessions get booked. Please keep in mind I am also scheduling into the Fall if there isnt something here that suits your family's needs.

Monday 8/10-
10 Am
1 PM
4 PM
6:30 PM

Tuesday 8/11-
9 AM
11:30 PM
3 PM
5:30 PM

Thursday 8/14-
11 AM
6:30 PM

Friday 8/15-
9:30- TP in Hawthorne
12 PM-
6:30 PM

Monday 8/18-
9 AM
11:30PM
2:30 PM
5 PM

Wednesday 8/20
9 AM
11:30 PM
2:30 PM
5 PM

Thursday 8/21
9 AM
11:30 PM
2:00 PM
5:30 PM

Saturday 8/23
8:30 AM
11 AM
1:30 PM
4 PM

Sunday 8/24
8:30 AM
11 AM
1:30 PM
4 PM

Tuesday 8/26
10 AM
12:30 PM
3 PM
5:30 PM

Thursday 8/28
10 AM
1:30 PM
3 PM
5:30 PM