Gozzi / Aviles Wedding *Sneak Peek* {Wedding Photography}

Last weekend I had the honor pf photographing my very first professional wedding.   I have photographed weddings before, but they were always for family.  The lovely bride, who took a chance on me, has become a dear friend and I am so grateful for the opportunity.  Chris and Elisa (and Company)...from the bottom of my heart, I wish you a life full of love and happiness and blessings.  Here is a little sneak peek to hold you over until the rest are edited!!!  

{Recovery Day}

I have been ordered (by my sweet hubby) to have a recovery day after a crazy busy weekend in sunny south Florida.  I wanted to share a little tid-bit from the wedding on Sunday.  Now, I processed this a little more than usual, just for fun, and because the bride said I could do whatever I wanted.  I love having creative freedom!!!  Have a wonderful Tuesday...more to come later in the week from the wedding, as well as a maternity shoot I also did this weekend.

PROJECT 52 - Week #2 {Boys Will Be Boys}

{New Custom Product Alert}

This is a 3 in x 3 in Mini Accordion Album, and I love it! I am using this particular one for marketing, but they can easily be customized using the photos from your session. They are $40.00 and come in sets of 3...1 for you and 2 to share! They are called "Brag Books" because they are easily stashed in your purse and contain *20* images. It's like an album in the palm of your hand. They make great gifts for the grandparents (wink, wink)! Let me know if you're interested!

Baby C - 15 Days New {Newborn Photography}

I had the pleasure of photographing this precious little one last week.  He was 15 days old, which by photography standards, is a few days older than they should be for their shoot.  Totally, my fault!  I was sick and could not seem to shake it for nearly 3 weeks, which meant I could not be around a newborn.  Even though we were a little late with his photo shoot...this little guys was such a trooper and slept pretty much the whole time.  He was fantastic and I am so honored to have been chosen as his first photographer.

This was also the perfect opportunity to introduce a new product that I will be including with ALL of my sessions (at least for the next 6 months).  This is my first memory video.  I hope you enjoy!



To Baby's C's Mommy and Daddy...THANK YOU!  I really enjoyed spending time with your sweet little family and hope that you love your photos!!!

PROJECT 52 - Week #1 {Boys Will Be Boys}

Introducing AK Wedding Photography {Business}

I went into business thinking I wanted only to shoot portraits. But, as friends and family started getting engaged and married, I began to shoot more and more engagement sessions and weddings. I kind of started to get the itch! There is something so magical about getting to be apart of such a special occasion, and such a huge responsibility to be the photographer. I was recently able to be a second shooter at a wedding with a college friend and I was hooked! I have been engulfed all things wedding photography ever since, and am so excited to be able to put my knowledge to the test at my first professional wedding on January 22.

This is something I would genuinely love to do. So, I decided to put together several wedding packages to get started.

Bella Vita Wedding Package...$2,500
Engagement Session

6 Hours of Wedding Coverage

Online Proofing Gallery or 8.5x11 Spiral Proof Book

Image CD w/ Printing and Display Release

11x14 Fine Art Canvas

Custom Designed 12x12 Leather-Bound Flush Mount Wedding Album

2 10x10 Parent Albums

AK Signature Wedding Package...$1,750
Engagement Session
5 Hours of Wedding Coverage
Online Proofing Gallery or 8.5x11 Spiral Proof Book
Image CD w/ Printing and Display Release
11x14 Fine Art Canvas
Custom Designed 10x10 Leather-Bound Flush Mount Wedding Album
Cherub Wedding Package...$1,250
Engagement Session
4 Hours of Wedding Coverage
Online Proofing Gallery or 8.5x11 Spiral Proof Book
Image CD w/ Printing and Display Release
11x14 Fine Art Canvas
Package Additions
Bridal Session...$100
Trash-The-Dress Session...$100
2nd Photographer...$200
Additional Wedding Day Coverage...$75/Hour
Custom Designed 12x12 Leather-Bound Flush Mount Wedding Album...$650
10x10 Leather-Bound Parent Album...$400

***BONUS***
If you book by April 1st, I will include custom Save The Date Cards and a $200 Print Credit


If you have any questions or if you would like to discuss booking your wedding, please contact Brittany Burtch at (678) 593-5997 or bburtch@angelkissesphotography.com

Valentine's Day Freebie {Specials}

2012 Referral Program {Special Offers}

I REALLY want to give you guys...my lovely clients...an incentive to keep returning to Angel Kisses Photography for your portraits. I would like to continue my very successful referral program from 2011. This program is available to anyone who has had a paid session with me. Here are the details:

*Once you have completed your sessions with Angel Kisses Photography, I will provide you with several of my business cards. On the back of the business card is a place to write your name, as well as the name of your referral.

*For each referral who completes a sessions and shows a business card with your name on the back, you get a $50 print credit. **Disclaimer** This is a print credit only. It does not reduce the price of a future session, but it does allow you to get a lot more for your money! The more referrals you send, the more credit you receive. This is especially helpful if you want to purchase multiple canvases for a wall display in your home, or a keepsake album with photos from your sessions, or some other custom specialty item.

*I am working to build my wedding portfolio in 2012. So if you refer a friend who books a wedding, you will receive a $100 print credit!!!

*In addition, your referral will receive a FREE 11x14 print of their favorite image from their session.

I appreciate all of the referrals sent my way in 2011. Please continue to share Angel Kisses Photography with your friends!!!

2012 Portrait Pricing Guidelines {Business}

This is the not-so-fun part of owning your own business. It's really tricky deciding the value of your own time and product and comparing it to what you think people are willing to actually pay for your time and product. I can only hope to get it just right. Here is a little bit about where I come from and where I am hoping to go in the next year to provide you with the best possible experience and photography.

In September, I left a successful career in Insurance to become a stay-at-home mom. I have always been an incredibly driven individual and valued my position in Corporate America. However, after having my children, I realized how much I was depending on others to raise them. That is simply not what I wanted...for them or myself. Ultimately, I resigned from my position, my husband sold his Insurance agency, we put our house on the market and moved to GA. It might not make sense to most people, but this was the best way to make our *new* dreams come true. The last 4 months of 2011 were spent getting our feet on the ground and preparing to run.

I value my time as a mother and wife. This is my primary duty, and one I am so excited to be able to handle full time. In order for me to be a photographer professionally, I must decide what my time away from family is worth. At the end of the day, I decided to adjust my prices, which has been a daunting task. I know that not all of my current clients will be pleased, but I must value my own work in order for others to see the value in it as well. I would like to give you a breakdown of the time involved with each session, so that you can see what goes on behind the scenes at AKP:

*1-2 hours of pre-planning with the client, cleaning and preparing props, brainstorming ideas and posing for the shoot
*1-2 hours of travel to and from a session
*1-2 hours of shooting (more like 3-4 hours for newborn shoots)
*30 minutes downloading and backing up all images
*30-45 minutes reviewing and narrowing down the images that will be edited from the shoot
*2-4 hours editing each and every image so that the quality is what's expect from a professional photographer
*30 minutes loading the images in the online gallery and sending out notification emails
*45 minutes loading the images onto Facebook and the AKP blog so that the client may share them with friends and family
*30 minutes to create an Image CD
*30 minutes to upload images and place orders with my professional printer
*30 minutes to prepare the client's package for shipping or pick-up
*30 minutes in travel time to and from the post office for shipping

I will easily spend 12-14 hours on each and every shoot. I do so gladly, because I feel that's what you deserve as my client. Am I perfect...no...but I try to be the best photographer and business person possible. And that takes a lot of time!

This takes us to my plans for the new year. I am fortunate enough to get to learn from some of the country's elite photographers this year through mentoring programs. I currently have 2 home studies in business and editing sitting on my desk. I am constantly reading and learning about innovative editing and shooting techniques. I take this job very seriously and that means continuing to educate myself and bettering my craft.

I work hard to ensure that your money is not wasted. I enjoy working with my clients on styling photo shoots and giving you something outside of the box. I LOVE creating custom products, like albums and cards and storyboards, that you will not find in a chain studio. The difference you will find with Angel Kisses Photography is a completely unique experience. I want you to enjoy our time together and look forward to your next session. I hope that you see the value in hiring a custom photographer, like myself.

With that said, I have listed below my updated pricing for 2012. If you are an existing client, I sincerely hope you return. I want to encourage you to check out my referral program (if you have not already). I will add a post later in the week with all of the details. If you are thinking of hiring me for the first time...please do! You will not be just another client, and you will not regret it!

Thanks so much for hanging in there with me while I explained all of this business stuff. I appreciate you and cannot wait to see you all this new year!!!

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

{Session Pricing}
Lifestyle Portrait Session Fee: $50.00
*Fee includes the time and talent of the photographer, post production and editing, & online viewing gallery
*Family, Childhood, Maternity and Engagement Sessions
*Natural light session at the location of your choice
*1-2 hours of on-sight coverage and 30-35 edited images
*Includes up to 4 individuals. There is a $25 fee for each additional person or child.
*Session Fee is required at the time of booking, as a retainer, to reserve your session. Payment can be made with cash, personal check or credit/debit card (via PayPal). If you choose to pay via PayPal, a 3% processing fee will be added to your invoice.

In-Home Studio Session Fee: $100.00
*Fee includes the time and talent of the photographer, transportation, set up/break down and use of the photographers studio equipment (backdrops, lighting and props), post production and editing, & online viewing gallery
*Family, Childhood, Maternity, Newborn, and Engagement Sessions
*1-2 hours of on-sight coverage and 30-35 edited images (up to 4 hours allowed for newborn sessions)
*Includes up to 4 individuals. There is a $25 fee for each additional person or child.
*Session Fee is required at the time of booking, as a retainer, to reserve your session. Payment can be made with cash, personal check or credit/debit card (via PayPal). If you choose to pay via PayPal, a 3% processing fee will be added to your invoice

{Portrait Collections} If your Portrait Collection is ordered at the time of booking, you will receive a $25.00 discount on your total purchase.

Cherub Collection
6 Gift Prints - Choice of 8x10's, 5x7's and 4x6's
8 Wallets (same image)
Total Price: $125.00 ($175.00 value)
**Image CD can be added for an additional $200.00
**10% discount on additional print or specialty product purchases (Image CD not included)

Angel Collection
10 Gift Prints - Choice of 8x10's, 5x7's and 4x6's
8 Wallets (same image)
1 11x14 Print
Total Price: $200.00 ($315.00 value)
**Image CD can be added for an additional $150.00
**15% discount on additional print or specialty product purchases (Image CD not included)

Bella Vita Collection
12 Gift Prints - Choice of 8x10's, 5x7's and 4x6's
8 Wallets (same image)
2 11x14 Prints
1 16x20 Prints
Total Price: $275.00 ($460.00 value)
**Image CD can be added for an additional $100.00
**20% discount on additional print or specialty product purchases (Image CD not included)

Digital PackageHigh Resolution Image CD including all images displayed in your online gallery, with Printing and Display Rights, Plus a Custom Keepsake Case.
Total Price: $250.00
{Portrait Collection Add-On Options}
Prints
20x24.......... $80.00
16x20..........$55.00
11x14..........$40.00
8x10.......... $25.00
5x7..........$15.00
4x6..........$10.00
8 Wallets.........$25.00

Fine Art Canvases
20x24..........$200.00
16x20...........$175.00
11x14..........$125.00
8x10..........$75.00

Specialty Products
Albums, Birth Announcements, Holiday Cards, Photo Blankets, Phone Skins (Blackberry, iPhone, iPad), Story Boards, Puzzles, Calendars, etc.*These items are all custom products, so the price depends on the style you want and the number of images you want to use. Please inquire for pricing.

{A Look Back at 2011}

At the end of each year, since my business began, I like to take a little walk down memory lane. I do this for several reasons:

1) To reflect on the growth that has occurred throughout the year.
2) To evaluate what I need to work on in the upcoming year.
3) To remind myself just how blessed I am, and that this business and my wonderful clients can never be taken for granted.

I was lucky enough to do over 50 photo shoots in 2011. Many of my clients either had multiple sessions throughout the year or referred others to my business. I am so grateful!!! YOU are the foundation of this business, which is a dream come true for this girl.

Here's a look at some of my favorite shots from 2011. I hope you enjoy!

"Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?" Isaiah 43:19

I do! I just know 2012 will be great! I hope you all have a VERY blessed new year!