This is by far my favorite client story because it's so fun and wild and makes me smile every time I read it and imagine her so frustrated she locks the boys out of the house until she can cool off.  It's from way back in 2007 but I love reading it. 
Hope you will get a laugh out of this too!

"I wanted to share my experience with Jenni at Blissful Images.  Over 8 years ago, I swore off pictures of my three boys.  Every year from the time they were born, I had professional pictures of them.  It was always a hassle and I always had to settle for the best of the worst picture.  The last time I had pictures taken, I left the studio so mad at my boys for not cooperating that I locked them out of the house and said "Never again".  
 I never had the family portrait and always wanted one so I decided after an 8 year absence it was time.  I called Jenni and she assured me things would go well.  She came to our house and proceeded to take the most beautiful pictures even including our dog who I thought would never sit still.  She took family shots, shots of the boys and individual shots of each of my guys.  I was shocked at how at ease she had all of us and was truly amazed at how she handled each of my boys.  They are not fond of pictures but the experience was so great we had Jenni back in the fall for more shots.  It was the first time I actually had to pick from beautiful proofs instead of the best of the worst."
Sincerely, Jan Howland

The type of session I am shooting determines what I will bring. My most popular sessions are for families so I will give you an idea. 
I bring some portable chairs and stools for posing. If it's indoors I bring backgrounds and professional lighting too. If there are small children I like to bring some things to engage them like feathers for tickling. They seem to love that! I make sure to have reviewed your 'Portrait Session Booking Form' so I know names and good info about all of you. I like to be as prepared as possible for your session!
I occasionally bring candy and/or treats to a session for the little ones because a little bribery can win a LOT of smiles!
For a child session I will bring more chairs and props and for newborns I bring all types of baskets and things to put them in as well as hats, diaper covers, ect. I love to work with my clients for a custom look. If dad is a painter, perhaps we will have a newborn session with paint cans and brushes. 
The more original and creative my families are with ideas the better their session will be. Session planning with your photographer makes it so much more fun!

A year or so ago I was posting client images online for them to pick and order. I had several clients tell me they wanted to have my advice and help when ordering their images so I began doing in person order appointments. It has been SO fun! I show a slideshow set to music with all images and then we go through all the original 5x7 prints. Most people sort them into a 'yes' 'no' and 'maybe' pile. From there we decide on wall art images and sizing and then gift portraits for friends and family.
My clients have really been happy to have me there to share input on favorite images and what sizes are the best fit for their space. It's so much easier when I can show you what a 20x24 looks like on your wall than trying to imagine it. Also, it's hard to know everything I can offer you without getting together to talk. One family really wanted some greenery filled in to hide an object in the background and I was able to give them some ideas of what I could do.
This approach has made it so much easier for my clients to pick what they want and get their order exactly what they imagined. I love to help with every step of the process and it's what makes Blissful Images different from other photographers. We love to offer the full service experience!
Once we have the order I can come back with frames to pick the perfect one for your decor and then I take your print to the framer and deliver it back to you ready to hang!

I have tried a blog many times and never kept up so this time I am committing to doing 1 new post every week. This will be a blend of business and personal and I hope you enjoy it!

We have been spending a lot of time in Iowa recently as my Grandpa Denton started hospice on June 20th. My Grandpa is an amazing man. He has always made sure I knew I was loved and made me feel special (because I am is what he told me when I was talking to him recently)
My grandparents attended all my band and choir concerts and were always there for me with notes of encouragement. My grandma passed away 4 years ago at the age of 86. Grandpa is now 86 and his goal was to be the same age as grandma when he passes away. I know he has missed her so badly and although I am going to miss him so much I am glad he will no longer be in pain and will be with grandma again.
Here is the picture I took of them for their 60th anniversary. My grandpa has this portrait next to his bed right now and I have a beautiful 16x20 canvas hanging in my home.