(okay first things first, C. = stunning, and this is in response to the many emails I’ve had about purchasing gift cards.)

Gift cards will be available for purchase until Friday, December 18th 2009 @ 5:00 p.m. – and are available in any denomination.

Gift cards can be applied to session fee’s or print products.

Give the gift of portraiture this Holiday season to someone you care about; the gift of custom imagery is precious.

Please email dani@danielleluc.com for assistance.

What’s your story?

Tell it with portraits.

Now through November 1^st, 2009

Take 50% off mounted 10×20 Curves-N-Corners Storyboard with purchases of $150-$249

Reg. $75   SALE:  $37.50

Enjoy a FREE mounted 10×20 Curves-N-Corners Storyboard with purchases

of $250+

Reg. $75 SALE: FREE

All prints are 2mm styrene (plastic) mounted and can be hung as is with a hanger or 3M Velcro removable strips.  ¾ inch Stand-out mounting available for an additional $30.  Standouts arrive ready to hang.

Pricing is for regular portrait clients.  Cannot be combined with any other offer.  Wedding clients: this offer is useable only for the free mounted print with the purchase of any Digital File package.

(yes, I realize this is insane, but why not have a little fun? everyone needs a little something to make their shopping experience exciting, and everyone loves a promo code!)

Custom Story Board’s can be used with any session – mini or regular, as long as the minimum purchase for each discount is met.

Holiday discounted product gift package to come as well.  Package will include a plethora of wallet books, 5×5 mini albums, and a few other goodies with a bundled discount to help you nail down that special gift for the holidays

This actual storyboard is arriving today fresh from WHCC – and I can’t wait to get my hands on it!  Mommy to A (who gave me permission to share this composite with her name on it) will be moving in to her new house this weekend and will have a ton of pretties to fill it with!

Photo’s of it later? Maybe so. (see above, obviously I’ve updated!)

K. is at her second day of kindergarten and is hopefully really enjoying her day.  Before she started school, we went for a trim. Got a little more than we’d originally planned (like, HALF of her length!) but holy moses, we love it. She’s looking more and more grown up each day.  And to be honest, dealing with half the hair in the morning has been a blessing for us BOTH.  She turned 6 last saturday and for her special day, she got to have a friend over (since she’d already had her party).  Friend M. from the past two years of pre-school came to play for 7  hours of fun.  Details on that mudbath coming soon…:)

Lot’s of sneak peeks to come!

Stay tuned.

Hi everyone! It’s me, writing from the point of insanity that is my life at the current moment

This past weekend we celebrated little man’s 2nd birthday (8/15) and had a party for BOTH darlings on sunday (8/16).  K.’s bday is the 29th, so one party it is.  It was HOT out and we ended up indoors a lot, but what a time!  Thanks to all of my AWESOME family who were able to come and enjoy the fun.  K & E are so blessed to have you all.

Kindergarten starts in Sept and I am a nervous wreck over that. Please, KG, be kind to my shy little piece of work because she is really fun, but has a super sensitive heart.  On the flipside, 6.5 hours of WORK TIME, STRAIGHT is sounding pretty luscious at this point (on the days my DH is off duty, anyway).   I suppose every mom goes through this anxiousness… her preschool teacher is a local LEDGEND so entrusting her to someone new is really, really challenging.

I’ve got the elmers glue and the crayons (I know, it said 16 count but the 24 count were priced at 30 cents compared to 1.50 for the 16 count. They can remove the other 8 if they want, I’m not paying more for less!) and the other stuff. Now I just need to get into a school routine again with both kids. Eek!

If anyone has any school advice or comments on it, please share. I know I’m not the only anxious mom who stops by the blog. I’d really appreciate it!

A few more sneak peeks of Senior A. and little neighbor A. – just gorgeous, agreed?!

I purchased (in conjuction with another awesome photog) some new templates today and HOLY ROCK AWESOME, youre going to love them.  Along with the buy 1 get 1 half off sale on the books this summer, I believe something fun should be done to celebrate these new layouts for the books and 3×3 accordion wallet books!  Awesome storyboard temps too – cannot wait to share!  So much to update on, so little time.  But all the new goodies are coming in just in time for awesome holiday gifts… yippie!

ALSO – in honor of Alexa, Christi, and all of the countless others who are suffering, have suffered, or will suffer from childhood cancer, I will be donating $5 of every order to the Brown Family’s fund for Childhood Cancer Charities.  You need not contribute more, it’s simply coming out of proceedes.  You will receive a gold ribbon to commemorate that SEPTEMBER is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in your box with your order.  Dear Alexa’s family is graciously splitting the raised funds amongst a few groups who directly benefit the research and support/care of the kids and their families.   Alexa is now pain free and flying, but her momentum carries on through those of us who push it!

Anyway, I’m slammed.   Back to work.

How about this humidity? ACK!

xo

dani

 The mini-sessions for 2009 are now CLOSED. If you are interested in booking a regular session, feel free to get at me:)  THANKS EVERYONE! Can’t wait!

(First things first, the winner of the photobox is the comment from “ALI”!  Congratulations, Ali!  I will be in touch re: your freebie!  Second, it was terrible for me to know that so many people would be let down if K. didn’t pick their comment number… sooo… second number K. picked was from “Jackie” Congratulations, JACKIE! You win a free framed 8×10 in a lovely white Malden frame!  Everyone else that entered will receive their choice of a $50 coupon toward the purchase of a photobox OR $10 off the purchase of a set of wallet books.  If you are interested in claiming your $50 or $10 coupon, please email me for the code or for details!)

It’s that time! Fall mini session scheduling has arrived. These are the perfect quickie session to get a few snapshots in and an updated family photo for the holiday card season.  This years mini sessions will consist of a choice at two locations: a more fun and poppy urban feel using downtown locations and a softer more natural feel consisting of a more toned down location here in Fremont. I have one in mind, but cannot totally confirm until I see if there is super duper fall beauty or not! 

*All 5:30 sessions are downtown (unless you request otherwise)

*All 6:00 or 6:30 sessions are at another location (unless both reservers on a 6:00/6:30 date choose to switch to a downtown session)

This year’s mini sessions are $40 (*regular sessions are $150 with a $75 print credit) and include the following:

- ONE 20 minute session

-  1 5×7 and 8 wallets (same image)

AND

- choice of either ONE 4×6 sized digital file for holiday card use (additional files can be purchased for $25 each) OR a customized boutique holiday card purchased through me – with $5 off your card order.

Holiday Boutique cards are double sided and sized 4×5.5 or 5×7 and printed on pearl press stock paper.  Choose 1-2 images for the front (depending on your chosen template), and add a mod collage of your images from your mini on the back… or, if you’ve had a session with DLP this past year and would like to include some of those images from that session, we can mix those in the collage, too! 

Here’s a sneak peek at this year’s theme cards – merry and BRIGHT!

Space is limited as I am only doing a few of these.  You may purchase your spot today by clicking below on the appropriate date.   I will try to come back and remove the buttons of the full dates, however once they are sold, they cannot be purchased a second time.

PLEASE SELECT THE “BUY NOW” BUTTONT BELOW THE DATE YOU WISH TO PURCHASE YOUR MINI SESSION FOR!  If you do not have paypal, you can still pay with paypal. Just follow the instructions.

Sept 26 at 6pm

Sept 26 at 630pm

TAKEN

Sept 27 @ 530pm

 TAKEN

Oct 3 @ 600pm

Oct3 @ 630pm

TAKEN

Oct 18 @ 530

Oct 20 @ 530pm

TAKEN 

Oct 24 @ 6pm

TAKEN

Oct 26 @ 530pm

Meet T., R., and A.  While we went downtown-ing for the bright’n poppy stuff, I got to scope further into a new location I’ve discovered and after seeing these, I’m convinced that I love it even more than I did when I first walked back there at my last engagement session.  Aren’t they lovely?!

And a few of just miss T. – who obviously is about as adorable as they come   It’s really hard to choose what to share sometimes – let me tell you!

Thanks guys for the fun time!

So here’s how this lab thing works -  I print through a company called WHCC for my print products, but keep my press products through MillersLab.   Those of you who have ever purchased digital files from me know of Mpix – a division of millerslab based for consumers to order nicer prints/products.  NOW MillersLab has introduced another division, MpixPro.  When I looked through the catalog I noticed they are offering these photoboxes and thought I would register for an account at MpixPro and check it out.  Via customer service, it’s sounding like they might be pretty much the same thing – however, they offer a 4×6 size, too!  So, here’s the deal:

I’ve already got my sample photobox from TDAC and I do not need another – so to try out MpixPro’s, I’m going to do a giveaway!  This way, I get to scope out the product without having two samples, and some lucky client gets a freebie.

The winner will receive a custom photobox and 5 free 4×6 prints.  The box will not include any mounted photos, but you can fill it with whatever you want – a ton of 4×6 prints (it can hold up to 50 unmounted prints), jewelry, or whatever knick-knacks you choose.

You will receive a code to enter at checkout to redeem your box.

Stipulations:

You must be a  May 2009 client – on or have a session booked for the remainder of 2009.  Yes, if you are booked right now but have not had your session, you can still enter!  You can have your family members/friends enter as well and they will refer your name to me and you will receive the code.

If you have not yet booked but are thinking about it – after your entry, please contact me immediately to book!

You can enter by leaving a comment below this post answering this question”

“What is it about DLP and/or the DLP Blog that you love the most?”

Simply say “hi” or comment on the lovely sneak peek and answer this question in the comment section.  Contest is open until  SATURDAY at 11:59 pm – any comments timestamped after that will be ineligeable.

I’m going to let my girl K. pick a random number between 1-the comment total.  That winner gets the box!

You may enter more than once

GOOD LUCK!

xo

d

Good Monday to you!

I will be out of the office for a week – if you email me, please do not expect a personal response until the weekend or monday.  You will recieve an autoresponse full of what will be hopefully helpful info, however. The next few days will be spent Celebrating my birthday and our wedding anniversary, with many fun things planned with and without our lovely kiddos.

Here is my favorite photo from our wedding – actually taken by a paramedic friend of ours!  It was taken just after we exited the church, on the back of FFD’s 1928 antique fire engine.  Just thought I would share for fun

Meanwhile, you may email me as usual if you would like to be updated on some big time changes here at DLP!  A few things that have changed include the flat rate session fee – there is now ONE session fee for any type of session with me.  The fee covers my time and talent, and also includes a print credit to be used at the time of your order.  Those of you already on my books who have already signed a contract are NOT subject to these changes, only new bookings.  Prints will also be coming from a new colorlab and are now at new set prices as well.  I believe in offering the highest quality possible for your artwork and appreciate your continued patronage and support! 

The press products keep rolling in and contine to stun me with awesomeness.  As noted above when you enter the blog, there are two Press Printed specials going on right now!  I promise you will love them!

You may, at any time (includcing while I am out of the office), email me at dani@danielleluc.com  (or use the blog contact form) and request the NEW .pdf Danielle Luc Photography Investment, Session, & Product Catalog – which consists of a link to a quick downloadable PDF file that will load on your PC.  Here you will find all of the new pricing and session details, and also images of all of the new press products.  Per your request for this while I am unavilable, it will still be automaticly sent to you.

I am currently accepting very few remaining in August and am booking into September.  I have had a few requests for Fall Mini-Sessions, but will be re-arranging that a little this year to make it a little more relaxed and private – as it was not a favorite for many of the kids last year!  If you are interested, please let me know.  Info for the Fall Mini’s will be going out more than likely in August.  This season has been very busy so far and I’m enjoying seeing all of the kids and families returning from last year, and meeting all of the lovely new people I’ve been so lucky to come into contact with.

Weddings are booking up for 2010 already – so if you are interested, the time to contact me and book your date is NOW.  Currently booked and unavailable wedding weekends in ‘10 are July 31 and October 2.

And to leave you with a little something to refresh your summer-on-the-brain-ness….

…a little of my two – E. loving the water and K. on her new (beach cruiser!) bike.  Her knees were hitting the handlebars of her old one and it was time for the training wheels to GO.  She’s a champ.

I’m biased, but I love those two images

Hope you do, too.

Enjoy your week, talk to you all soon!

xo

d

(little Alexa and her family need all you’ve got in your heart right now.  Stop and leave a message for them if you can)

Yesterday my long awaited Dream Box from The Dream Album Co. arrived! It was well worth the 15 day wait and I am BLOWN AWAY at the quality, its as sturdy as a brick house with a wood veneer feel to it almost, and the box part (in white) appears to even be canvas covered – its just lovely.  It has a fabulous, strong magnetic closure and is beyond elegant. I’m in love!  The photos from this non-product photographer do not do it justice.

Enlcosed within the Dream Box are 18 mounted prints for keepsake, that can be traded out on display.  I was lucky enough to have such a beautiful wedding to photograph to use as my sample. MA & Chris, you’ve got to head over and see it in person!   The box also holds one CD of images when it is purchased with a digital file package.  I’m so excited to share this with you all!

And one more little sneak (and the last!) peek of little C. for mom, dad, and family.  He’s just so darling!  I’d love to keep sharing, but then there won’t be anything for your gallery when it is live, sorry

I am out of the office all week next week, but continue to filter through orders. I had three (my poor fedex man) big boxes today and I am hopefully expecting one tomorow, if not, monday morning and I’ll be mailing out any distant orders with monday’s mail – just to keep you all updated.

Have a great weekend, I’m doing a huge grocery shopping adventure tonight (my favorite – NOT)… hope I don’t go crazy in the process. Yikes.

xo

dani

Visit “products” and view the Dream Box (Box and Mats).

I will be ordering mine more than likely TOMOROW because I can barely stand the beauty and must have one for myself and for sample.

These will be available a la carte and as a Digital Purchase bundle.

I believe I am drooling.  This could be approaching the ultimate in luxurious things of photography. Holy Smokes.

If you love it, you can drool here too.  Email for pricing

Iguess I’ve been away for a little while! A lot’s been happening – 1. nasty cold between my husband and I and partially the kids for the last week that has been a wipeout doozy for sure. 2. prepping for my bustout into wedding photography this weekend, YAY! 3. school! lots of kindergarten stuff going on and a huge Zoo trip today. 4. two galleries went up today and another will be soon. 5. my great grandma (my kids great GREAT!) turned 93 and we partied on sunday, as we should have!  What it must be like to have seen the things shes seen come about and change in almost a century here on earth.

I’ll start with the cute stuff, I suppose!  Meet A. and T. – two total future heartthrobs and little brothers of a friend (and little T. a former skate student of mine!).  This session was a surprise (hope I dont ruin that here) for their dad in June, and they said they really didnt “need” any individuals – but I did two anyway because I’m a little compulsive. Glad I did Hello, babyfaces and sparkling eyes.  Currently, their sister Jess is looking at this with googlyness as they are her most favorite people on earth, I believe.

Onto New stuff – My second order of the new albums came today!  I could kick myself in the you know what for muffing the photos of the one I delivered the other day.  This one is a softcover 5×5 that was spunky and poppy to match little miss’s outfits.  It rocks and I cant wait to deliver them (there are two!)  with her prints tomorow to a very excited mom!  These are on special buy one get one half off until the end of summer!

These are my new reminder cards (!) that I just adore.  They were printed on Pearl Press paper and are shimmery sweet (and a pain to photograph due to its reflective qualities).

Mom and Dad of little A.M. were super excited and allowed me to use A.M.’s photo for my cards – I spilled her name and age on the side (you can kind of see the text by her little ear, but the photo is a little out of focus at the top DOF wise) for a little giddy claim right for her proud mommy and daddy.

This press paper is also available to you for your custom needs for Press products, just to let you know!

Anyway, this is my hurrah more than likely until after Saturday. I ask that you please eep me and my nerves in your thoughts as I jump out to capture some awesome and amazing wedding photos for Chris and Mary Anne this weekend! I’m feeling good about it and super confident and totally looking forward to this new experience. 

Adios, Amigos!  Enjoy the images, I’m looking forward to doing a LOT more of these albums! What fun!

dani

I thought I would finally take the time to play a bit with my new templates, being that it’s what cool over-tired-but-wired mom’s do at 2:30 in the morning.  I adjusted the color on some just for kicks and I’m loving the customization available – these are going to make stunning albums/books.  And what do you know, two more of little miss A.M. to sneak in!

Coming soon is a huge spring and summer special on albums/books – I know you must be looking forward to it! =)

Onto other ramblings.

Tonight I thought it’d be nice to break up K.’s spring break a bit and do a mommy and daughter movie night. Monsters Vs. Aliens fancied her, so why not?  Dinner at Bob Evans and off to Paramount.

Ahhh… the theatre.  Bombarded with close to twenty which I am going to guess were 12-13 year olds who were loud, obnoxious, and creating that ever-present annoying texting cellphone glow.  As they continued to fly in and out of the theatre, I finally pleaded for them to be quiet, and they obliged.

Not five minutes later they were carrying on again so I politely got up, walked over, and sternly (yet still politely) asked them to hush it.  This kept going on and I wasnt going to go get the workers (who randomly never came in, but I’m certain if I’d have propped my feet on the chair in front of me,  they would have been in there) and make K. miss her movie.  So finally, I became that lady in the theatre who yells.  A gentle sigh of relief and a clap came over the rest of the crowd.  When the movie was over, a few of them said loudly, “yay, now we can talk!” – super sarcasticly.

And I turned to them and said, “yes, you are right. I am wrong. I paid 12 bones to come to this theatre and listen you babble the whole night.  I was wrong for asking you to be quiet, and it was crazy of me to even think I would ask of such. I am so sorry”.

I can’t stand it.  I sure hope I never find out my kids were being disruptive and rude in public without me around…!  I just wanted to have a nice night out with my girl.

So, between the door opening and closing fifteen times, the squeels, stomps, text-a-thon glowing and bad language… we got through the movie.  Kind of an odd movie, however.

Back to the grindstone tomorow. I’ve spent hours proofing the last two days.  And yet here I sit. 

A post I read on a forum today gave the reality of photography and pricing.  People gasp and blow smoke when they read that someone charges what they do for a session or for an event/wedding… I charge 35-70 dollars an hour depending on the job – and some feel that’s outrageous (I haven’t had that happen to me yet, I am just saying in general).  This post compared that when someone spends such on photography, the images are there forever.  When someone spends 60/hour for a massage, its over after the hour.  30/haircut, and you have to re-do it in a month.  45/pedicure – and your nails grow and have to be re-done.

60/hour.

100/forever.

hmmm… something to think about?

We are more inclined to spend money on something that is short term than something we are going to keep for always.  Not just a custom photography based argument about why pricing is such (or how you are paying for the artwork and artists image, not just the print/paper  itself) – but a touch into the way we spend in general. The way we delegate – on the whim and in the moment, we humans are =)

Well…good night morning.

dani