Category Archives: Engagement

Gavin + Jana – {Hannibal, MO Engagement Photographer}

So, wasn’t it like LAST YEAR that I was publishing Jana’s senior portrait session? And now, I’m publishing her engagement session. Pretty crazy how quickly things have changed for her. Spent many months…even years…praying for this little sister of mine. My heart longed for her to come to know the Lord, but for the longest time, she just wasn’t ready. But during the spring of her senior year, God gripped her heart and she surrendered her life to the Lord. It was quite an exciting day in church when I got to announce to my Sunday morning LIFE Group that my sister, the one we’d been praying for, prayed to receive Christ.:)

 

During this time, she became involved in a local youth group at Calvary Baptist Church in Hannibal. It was through this church and youth group that she stumbled across a boy that would sweep her off her feet and only 8 months later, ask her to be his wife. Eight months after the engagement, they will exchange vows in front of all their friends and family. It’s going to be a hot one in July, but it’ll be my pleasure to photograph their wedding…while serving as the maid of honor!;)

 

 

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Then vs. Now

Over the past couple of days, I’ve noticed several photographers posting ‘Then vs. Now’ or ‘Let’s See How Far We’ve Come’ pictures. I thought this was a neat idea…until I stumbled across some pretty hideous portraits from when I first picked up a camera and set out to be a professional. WHOA. Could I have been anymore ’tilty tilty’? I was starting to get dizzy looking through the photos because the only bit of creativity I had was tilting the camera to the right…and theeeen to the left.

The posing, the angles, the lighting…it’s all bad. I remember thinking…KNOWING…at the time that hey, I wasn’t too bad. I’d only picked up a camera a few times and I was already producing images I was proud of. Thank goodness we learn and we grow and we GET BETTER!

I’m sure you’re all thinking I’m talking nonsense – it can’t be that bad, right? Well, I guess you can decide for yourself. I’ve pulled out a series a photos to show you where I was THEN in comparison to where I am NOW. Don’t be too harsh…

 

One of my very first engagement sessions next to one of my most recent!

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And a series of progression through four senior session photos:

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Edited to add a children’s portrait comparison. Believe it or not, I actually have a few photos from the June 2009 session that I still ADORE! This one below is a GREAT shot of the boy, but its out of focus and the spotted sunlight is just all over the place!

 

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Emily’s Tidbits – Mounted Prints

Well, I’m a little apprehensive about publishing today’s blog post. It has taken me over an hour to produce what you are about to see, but it is also a year in the making – sort of. I feel a little silly talking to myself and even more silly hearing how awesome I sound on camera…how I seem so ‘polished.’ Maybe I’m totally NOT polished and now that I say that you’re going to think, “Uh, yeah. Anything BUT polished there Em.” But hey, its time to take a risk. Here’s to trying new things!

 

I think I stumbled a couple of times…and I thought I made this an HD video – even though it doesn’t look like it. Will work on these things for next time!

 

And please, if you actually watch…let me know. Leave a comment. Offer some suggestions. Do you like the music? Is the video too cheesy? Should I never do it again? Do I need to lay off the polished-ness? (Yes I just made the word up.) Seriously…I’d rather not continue making a fool of myself if everyone hates it!;)

 

And why on earth did the clip stop with THIS FACE?!?!?!

 

And the winner is….

Thank you to everyone who entered the Organic Bloom contest over the weekend through my business Facebook page! These frames are currently one of my favorite products offered on the market, and something I’m thrilled to have available to my clients! So, once again, I counted the number of entries this morning and asked my handy dandy selection committee (aka Wade) to pick a number between 1 & 31. And the winner is…

 

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#16  -Celeste Vernado

 

Congratulations, Celeste! You may select any size (8×10 or smaller), any shape, and any color (more shapes and colors available than the picture above shows).

 

Email me (info @ emilydobson . com) to claim your frame!

 

Changes in 2012

2012 is bringing a lot of new and exciting changes to Emily Dobson Photography! I have new goals and new plans to reach those goals. I’m currently working my tail off to try and get everything ready before February hits…and I know it will hit all too soon. So, in regards to portrait sessions, there are three major changes taking place in 2012.

 

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First and foremost, NEW SESSION FEES!

My 2012 portrait session fee is $75. This includes Children, Family, Newborn, Engagements, and Bridal. Each session includes approximately 1-1.5 hours of shooting (with the exception of newborns, which takes much longer), enhancements and retouching on 25-35 portraits.

Then, I have two options for my 2012 seniors! 

1) Deluxe – includes professional hair and makeup application! 2-2.5 hours, on-location session, 4-5 outfits, and 35-45 portraits. $150

2) Basic – includes 1-1.5 hours, on-location session, 2-3 outfits, and 25-35 portraits. $75

As always, the session retainer and a signed portrait agreement form are required to reserved your session. With every session, I have a $150 minimum purchase requirement.

 

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Secondly, CUSTOM PLANNING and ORDERING SESSIONS and GREAT TURNAROUND times for each and every portrait client!

All of my sessions are conducted on-location and by appointment only. I don’t work in a studio where clients come in back-to-back posing in front of the same backdrop all day long. I want each session to be unique and truly a representation of my clients. ENTER: Custom Planning Session! By conducting a planning session prior to your portrait session, I can find out exactly what YOU want and the vision you have for your portraits. We’ll discuss everything from what to wear and what props to incorporate to the color of your walls and what size portraits will will best compliment your wall space. I can come to your home for this planning session or we can chat via Skype! (I love technology.)

Following your session, you will come to my house for a private viewing and ordering appointment. Usually questions arise during the ordering process. I’ve found that it is best for everyone involved to hold this appointment so I can guide you through the ordering process and answer any questions you may have. After your ordering session, an online gallery will be published for friends and family upon request.

ENTER: New Turnaround Time! One of my business goals for 2012 is to improve the turnaround time of client orders. With the help of each client, I plan to guarantee a 14-day turnaround. After each session, I cull the images and select the best of the best to enhance and retouch. I will have my enhancements and touch-ups complete, and your ordering session scheduled within 7 days of your portrait session. As long as your order is placed during the viewing and ordering session, I will have them ready for pick-up 7 days from the appointment (14 from your actual session date).

 

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Finally, NEW PRODUCT PRICES!

Whether you’ve done business with me in the past, previously inquired or you’re just now hearing about Emily Dobson Photography, I encourage you to fill out the contact form and request full pricing. My new 2012 prices are extremely competitive in the professional photography industry with a starting price of only $28 for a mounted gift print. Mounted wall portraits (such as an 11×14) start at $65. Plus, I offer collections, which creates incredible value for your investment. You don’t want to miss out!

Without further adieu…

BOOKING for 2012 is now OPEN.
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**Prices are subject change at any time without notice.

 

 

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