Another Year Over

My year began with a beautiful new addition to our family. It's amazing how you feel so complete with the onset of parenthood, even though you've only just met this little baby. I often tell clients that I never knew I was a mother without a child until I had Maya and was so amazed at how fulfilled I felt when she arrived. I couldn't imagine life without her. A few years later and I feel the same about Noah. Anyone who knows me, knows that my family (dog and husband included) are my world, my inspiration and my absolute substance. To say I love them does not begin to explain how I feel about them. 

I am very lucky to have a business that is truly about w hat I love what I do. I can't imagine how or why you would do it otherwise. I am also very lucky to watch families interact and express their love and devotion to each other. Very few jobs want you to capture the raw, overwhelming emotion a mother has when her baby smiles for the first time, or takes her first steps. I make it a priority to provide a comfortable atmosphere with clients so that guards are down and the emotion comes through. I am able to get the smiles, snuggles, cuddles, hugs and kisses that I know everyone gives their kids, dogs and spouse. 

This really has been an amazing year. Thank you everyone who has made this year so memorable to me. I look forward to capturing your moments again. Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season. 

Sweet 16

So now for something a little different for the holidays. I had the pleasure of hosting a sweet sixteenth birthday party at the studio. Picture five beautiful ladies ready to take the stage. These ladies are certainly going to be breaking hearts. Here is a sneak peak at the birthday girl. Isn't she gorgeous!

Did you know that in the U

S, graduates do not routinely give out their cap and gown graduation picture. Instead, they have a Seniors Photo Session - a personal photography session, which usually takes place in a couple of locations with a few clothing changes. It is starting to catch on up here. I can see  why would you want to remember your high school years like this.

Highlights

The last few weeks have been crazy and that is an understatement. I have been a bad blogger so thought I would make up for it by posting a link to some images from the mini-sessions. These are not all of the families as some are camera shy, but here are some highlights. 

Thanks to all of the families who came out for this years session. 

Here are images from a couple of regular newborn sessions. I had the pleasure of working with both of these families for baby #1 and now baby #2.  These little ones were pushing ten days. 

It's such a short window of opportunity to get the newborn images. I am often called while the wife is in the hospital so that the parents can bring in the baby as soon as possible and we can get those images that are not really possible after a couple of weeks. I have been known to work my magic but these cute, squishy ones are really unique to the newborns.

Now I have to get back to more holiday orders!

Holiday Deadline

Just a big reminder that the deadline for guaranteed Holiday Delivery is MONDAY!. I will be around Monday if you need help in your final selections you need to get the wish list into me so I can get you your orders!

Another shopping extravaganza weekend - I will be at the Distillery District for the Children's Trunk Show. If you have never attended this, you need to come and check out the amazing products and services available. There are so many hidden gems, you don't want to miss this. I will be unavailable until Monday so please leave me a message or email and I will return your calls. Next week is the mini sessions too so just a reminder for those coming to check your email for the directions and info packet. Look for a sneak peak of the highlights here....

And just one from today. So glad the weather held out for us. We had an in-studio session and then decided to go to a local forested area for  a few more. I should title this the urban outdoor session.

2007 Card Collection

I have just finalized the 2007 Card Collection. If you have booked a mini-session, these are the sample styles. Previous customers may also order cards. These photcards are $75/25, measure 5x7 and include an area for you to customize your greeting/message. Envelopes are included. If you would like to order a set of cards, please contact me.

Mom2Mom

Next week is November and there is so much going on. As many of you know, I will be at the Mom2Mom show at the CNIB  next weekend. I will have a booth displaying work and samples and will be onsite doing photos for the event. These will not be your typical Santa portraits and will be done in my own interpretive, creative style. Images will be available online the following week for you to order in time for the holidays. The prices will be exclusive event packages and I will be donating a portion of each sale to Jesse's Foundation. Please come out and support this the great shopping event which is "Toronto's first ethical and ecologically responsible, holiday tradeshow for moms, by moms".

I know how crazy the next eight weeks are going to be (Mom2Mom, Trunk Show, Mini's and we are working on another surprise) so I thought I had better get my family into the studio to take some long overdo family shots.

Kids being Kids

It's hard to believe that these images were taken just a  couple of weeks ago. Sometimes the best images I get are when we let the kids run and play and just let them be themselves. I am very fortunate to have  a studio very close to the lake and forest areas so if Mother Nature doesn't co-operate, we can make a quick return to the studio (which has plenty of space to run and play).

Just a reminder that I will be at the MOM2MOM show on November 3, displaying work, and taking your not traditional Santa photos. A portion of the proceeds of the images will go to  Jesse's Foundation which provides music therapy to critically ill children and their siblings.

The following week, I will be at the Distillery District for the  Children's Trunk Show. Then, I will be getting ready for my second year at hosting mini-sessions. There are still limited spaces remaining so if you want portraits before the end of the year, this is a great option. I am just about at my max and will then be putting people on a wait list for next available appointments.  I know last year, my wait list was more than a page long and many people did miss out on portraits so I have extended the times and dates for the mini sessions to hopefully accommodate more people. 

Grand Opening

Thank you to everyone who passed by the grand opening. I got a chance to catch up with clients, family and friends and show off the new space. We had a blast and look forward to more fun events in the new space. 

Just a reminder that I will be at the Mommies Lounge on Tuesday (at the Tosca Banquet Hall, Whitby). It will be a fun girls night out filled with shopping and sampling. If you want a complimentary ticket, please email me before noon tomorrow and I can send you one.

Readers Choice Award

Just wanted to take a minute to THANK EVERYONE who voted for the Durham Readers Choice. We were given a Silver award for Portrait Studio. It means so much to us to be recognized by our community and clients for our work.  

Mini Sessions - The Details

Are you looking for unique and memorable gifts to give out this holiday season? Or, do you just need to update the outdated pictures of you have? Did you miss out on booking a portrait session for this year? Then this is for you:

From Thursday, November 15 - Sunday, November 18 we will be holding this years Winter Wishes Mini Session at the Studio. With 2007 regular weekend sessions now being completely booked, the mini-sessions spots are limited and expected to sell out quickly. (Few regular weekday dates are still available and are booking for November/December)

Each session will consist of a 20-25-minute mini session with proofs being available online for selecting. Decide whether you want a family or individual session as there may only time to do one. As these are not regular sessions, it is not recommended that you place many small children in the picture at once, as results may be mixed. Some clients opt to book two sessions back to back to allow for more time like a regular session. If you choose this option, part of the package can be used as a photo credit towards your prints.

There are five collections to choose from, each one has no sitting fee and is reduced from the regular a la carte pricing.

#1 - 24 Photocards | 1 8x10 | 2 5x7 | 16 wallets ($218.75: savings of 10%)

#2 - 1 11x14 | 2 8x10 | 2 5x7 | 16 wallets ($256.50: savings of 10%)

#3 - 50 Photocards | 1 11x14 | 2 8x10 | 2 5x7 | 16 wallets ($380.38: savings of 15%) 

#4 - 75 Photocards | 2 11x14 | 4 8x10 | 4 5x7 | 24 wallets ($635: savings of 20%)

#5 - 100 Photocards | 4 11x14 | 6 8x10 | 6 5x7 | 32 wallets ($903.75: savings of 25%)

To book your session, please give the studio a call at 905-999-4278. Full payment for the minimum package is due when booking your spot.

Mini Sessions - Sign Up opens on Monday

Well I am very glad that I decided to hold the mini sessions on several dates b.c the amount of spots booked within minutes of the email being sent out overwhelmed me. If there was only one date, there would be no more spots remaining! Just another reason to add your name to the newsletter list or subscribe to the blog. That is how you are the first to preview specials and events, like the mini-session and grand opening.

On Monday, I will post the details for the mini-sessions here. Please call me (and you will need your credit card number to reserve your spot) to sign up. This year will be the first in the new studio but will have a few new options and looks. The holiday cards will not be made available until October and will be available either through the mini-sessions or past clients wishing to purchase with images from a previously held session.

Here's a picture from last week. Two weeks and still so snuggly. We exhausted her but it was worth it. Welcome to the world sweet pea.

End of Summer: Fall Begins

Well it is official; summer break is over. The children have started the new year of classes and with it comes all of the fun and excitement of gearing up for the holidays.

This week I will be sending out a fall newsletter announcing my fall lineup of shows, specials, deadlines, GRAND OPENING details and other exciting news. This newsletter is only sent to those on my listing of names so if you would like to be included, please subscribe to the blog or email me and ask to be included on the newsletter mailout.

I will be posting key details on the blog next week, but only after I have sent out my newsletter and given those clients a chance to take part in the specials/promotions. Here's to a happy fall.

Having a Baby?

Are you having a baby? If so, please pre-book your appointment. Whether it be for a maternity session or a newborn session, please call the studio a couple of months in advance to co-ordinate your appointment. As I head into Fall and the holiday season, sessions fill very quickly. As of today, fall weekend sessions are sold out! The next available regiular weekend date is February 2008. The mini-session dates will be announced the first week of September so if you are hoping for a weekend spot, call early to avoid dissapointment. Your name can always be added to the waiting list for cancellation notification.

I am often asked when is the best time to schedule a maternity session? Ideally between 34-36 weeks. If this is your first baby, aim for week 36 and 34 for your second or third or... you get the idea. The exception is for multiple babies. You may be able to have your pictures taken around week 32-34 depending on your progress. The beauty of pre-booking your session is the flexibiilty we have to move dates around as needed.

Same is true for newborns. While we can not always predict the date, if you have prebooked a session, then you are guaranteed a session date and I will move my schedule around to find a suitable time. If you have not prebooked a session and call, you may not be accommodated. Last year was a very busy fall and holiday season and while I tried to accommodate everyone, it was not always possible. By the first week in September, MOST days were filled as families began thinking about holiday gift giving ideas. There is still time in the fall to have beautiful outdoor photos taken and the studio is conveniently located near the beach or forest (which also creates a stunning backdrop for matenity and newborn pictures).

Summer Loving

We faced some strange looks and glances as passerby's watched us drag a couch down a hill to the beach. But it was completely worth it. I love little missy m. She's sassy and sweet and absolutely stunning. Sometimes I just need to be completely artistic and go with a vision and I love it when my clients trust me enough to bring it to fruition. It may seem a little surreal at first, but it really is the true artist in me giving you fine art for your home.

The tale of Two Cousins

These are two cousins who love being with eachother. Such fun. Look for a display of their images at the Boutique this fall and a sneak peak at another session next month.

Previews Part I

I thought July might allow me some down time but boy was I wrong. In addition to my regular bookings, I had quite a few newborns make their debut. I'm still proofing a few (well quite a few more than a few) sessions but wanted to give some sneak peaks for those anxiously awaiting. More to follow.

Happenings and Upcoming...

The lazy days of summer are almost gone. Just to give an update:

August:
- The studio will be closed from August 23-September 2. All phone and email inquires will be answered upon my return. (If you have prebooked a newborn appointment, please call me as soon as possible so that we can schedule your date and time. Only those who prebooked will be contacted during this time).
- Very few appointments remain in August and September is booking quickly

Details regarding fall bookings (including mini-sessions), holiday ordering deadlines and upcoming shows will be available soon. Few weekend dates remain for September and October and November weekends are fully booked.

Family - The Chapter of Life

One of the nicest things about what I do is who I work with. I love that I get to work closely with a family; to see their interactions, inside jokes and unique details of their life. I love that I get to see babies grow from tiny peanuts all scrunched and snuggly, to busy babies ready to take on the world. {I also love walking into homes to see them adorned with my work. Such a flattering and humbling experience.} I love that families include me in so many private moments, inviting me into their home and their world without hesitation.

I am often asked why I don't have a testimonial page on my Web site with the letters and notes client send me. Well, my belief is that anyone with a business can create testimonials and the consumer really has no way of knowing if they are true or not. Quite simply my testimonials are illustrated by my repeat clients. Their words and letters are beautiful and quite personal to me so I choose to keep them just between us!

These picture are from a family I worked with when there were only three of them. A couple of years later there are four. We recreated an art panel for the newest member (you can see her sisters under my custom image section of the web site) and created a few new pieces of the family now.

Choices Part 1

Let's face it - sometimes you don't know where to begin when selecting your images. Canvas, prints, albums, coffee table books, etc.... I think the most common question I get from clients after they receive their prints is "How do I choose"?

I created the following as an example of a wall collection using a photo ledge (available at many retailers or you can build it yourself). Wall ledges are a great way to start a display a collection of images from one session or from several over time. The ledges allow you to quickly and easily change your images because they are placed on the ledge, no nail holes in the walls. These ledges contain regular frame sizes so there is no need for custom framing (just ensure you are purchasing archival quality frames, matts, glass and backing). With many open concept homes right now, wall space may be minimal so the ledges allow you to showcase more than just one image.



If you need help deciding and want to see a wall collection (ledge or wall), just measure your wall spaces and I will come up with the rest.

Nominated for Mompreneur of the Year Award

I'm very honoured and excited to be nominated for Savvy Mom's Mompreneur of the Year Award. This is a fabulous readers choice award that will give the top mompreneur an exciting array and cash and prizes to help the business. Voters also have a chance to win other prizes. Please check out the link below to vote for me and see all of the other wonderful Canadian women nominated. Happy Canada Day.
http://www.mompreneuraward.ca/MomBio.aspx?momID=227

**Computer Issues -- lost emails

Friday was not a good day and we had a major computer crash in the studio. My hard drive was backed up and no files or images were lost but I have lost some recent emails. If you are a new or inquiring client and have emailed me in the past few weeks, please email me again as your email was not backed up or added to my contacts. If you added your name to my wait list, please also email me again. I am hoping to have my system up and running shortly and then all preview galleries will be available.

tarahingco@artanddesign.ca

Busy Babies

Last week was a busy week (and these are just a small showcase of my sessions). It started off with double trouble in the studio with a set of twins. Seriously they were so much fun. I had met them originally on a commercial shoot I did when they were just a few weeks old. Time flies by so quickly and now they are celebrating being a year old. Here are my favourite images from the shoot.I also had the pleasure of working with little "E". I took her pictures when she was just under a year and now she is almost four and all grown up. The camera loves her. Baby L is celebrating his first year and it was his first time in front of the camera. These two really do have the most stunning blue eyes.

Subscribe: Do you know that you can subscribe to the blog? Many people check into my blog but not everyone knows there is a subscription feature (top right hand corner). When you sign up using your email, you will be instantly notified whenever I make a new post. It's a pretty neat feature that keeps you in the loop with all of the updates and studio news. Also if you want to be included in the studio newsletter, send me your email via tarahingco@artanddesign.ca so that I can add you. My newsletter readers are the first to find out about specials and contests.

A Family Affair

I am often asked if in addition to babies and bellies, do I take family photographs? Yes I do. I like to work with two styles of family studies. One is lighter, interactive and fun - what I consider contemporary lifestyle photographer. The other is dramatic character studies where I help pose and position my subjects to create stronger, focused images. Regardless of the style, my aim to capture the interactions, relationships and little details that make your family yours.

Here are a few recent images. The first is from a newborn session. The following images are of Noah and his family, whom I love working with. Sometimes you meet people and you instantly click. It helps of course that he has my favorite boys name. This session began as a beach session. By the end of our session we found a uniqe little wall just off the beach that provided perfect difused lighting. I love the soft colours and hard texture from the walls and concrete. This is now what I term my urban beach session. That is what I love about being outdoors. Sometimes you stumble across a gem of a location that just brings a completely different element to your pictures than you expected.

I'm in Heaven

Here are some takes of Baby "H", born just nine days ago. She was an absolute dream model to work with. Of course, her mommy and daddy proved to be great models too. Here are a couple sneak peaks using the new studio space. I am loving this new space.

Art & Design: The Studio

THE STUDIO

While on maternity leave I was able to review the business and have decided to make a few new and exciting changes. I have outgrown my current space and as of Monday, all studio sessions will be held at my new studio located centrally in the historic downtown area of Whitby, just steps from the 401. Of course, I will continue to offer on-location sessions as well but the studio really is such a rare gem.

I am so excited and inspired by my new space. The studio is located in a 19th century building, complete with brick walls, cathedral ceilings, flooding natural light and rustic hardwood floors. The new possibilites for shooting are endless and I will be offering a mixture of contemporary studio and natural styles to my clients. There is also a separate reception/waiting area where I will be holding all in-person consultation services. This space will eventually be a mixture of portraiture and fine art services, so clients will be able to see first hand some of the offerings from Art & Design Studio, a division of Tara Sinclair Hingco Art & Design. What is also amazing about this space, is that it is located on the main road, which also leads directly to the rocky beach shores of Lake Ontario, perfect for beach sessions. Conservation areas abound our area so ravine pictures are another offering steps from the studio.

The Studio will continue to be by appointment only. Please be sure to email me at tarahingco@artanddesign.ca if you want to be included on the guest list for the grand opening. There are lots of new things planned for The Studio with summer bookings going fast. If you want a summer session, be sure to call soon to guarantee your spot. Be sure to check into the blog from time to time to see a preview of upcoming sessions, limited edition session and general on-goings. How's that for a welcome back!

Summer Sessions

Summer Bookings
With the summer quickly approaching, I just wanted to remind everyone to book EARLY. Summer (and fall) sessions are filling up quickly. While I will make every attempt to squeeze you in, especially newborns, last minute calls may not be available. Even though I officially start back to work from my maternity leave in June, word has been spreading fast that I am accepting appointments. Thank you everyone. Be sure to send me an email or call me if you are planning on booking a session.

News - it is coming!

I promise. I am still ironing out a few final details before I reveal the news. All in good time. In the mean time, here are a couple of images - one of a familiar pre-schooler who allowed me a few brief moments. Sometimes, that's all you get as a parent and you have to take the picture very quickly. The other picture is reflective of a new passion I have been pursuing and coincides with Art & Design Studio. The Web site is still under construction but I am hoping to have it available soon. As working parents know, there just isn't enough time in the day to get everything done so some things have to wait.

Winners Announced - NEW News Coming Soon

Some Updates...

First I wanted to welcome baby Sierra. She is the newest addition of my extended family. Just a few days old and so precious.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by the booth at the Children's Trunk Show. It is always so nice to catch up with past clients and see how big the babies and children are getting. I also met up with several clients and momprenurals at A Family Affair. This was event was a huge success with over 350 families and $300,000 raised for Sick Kids. I was so happy to be asked to lead the Family Photo Booth and look forward to taking part in it next year.

The Winners... The winner of the in-studio session is Shannon. Congratulations Shannon. Additionally Tara and Michelle recieve a 5x7 print of their choice.

This month I have given out several referall credits. If you are a past client and refer a friend to Art & Design, you will receive a $25 referall credit as a thank you from us. This credit can be used towards any product or a future session.

Be sure to stop in by the blog for your chance to take part in more exciting draws and find out what's happening at the studio. BIG NEWS is coming soon. I am so excited but right now it's top secret. The announcement should be ready sometime this week so be sure to come back and read. Until then....

One-Day Only Trunk Show Special

Do you want a free session?
Then e-mail me at tarahingco@artanddesign.ca and let me know. On Saturday I will be making a draw for one in-studio session from all the entries received, plus a few other draws. The blog will be updated Monday with all of the winners and prizes. Be sure to let your friends know of the draw and make sure they include you as the referral so that you can get an additional entry.

Children's Trunk Show Specials: Friday ONLY
After a much anticipated delay here are the specials...

1. 10% off the Deluxe Session
AND
2. Complimentary Accordian Album ($495 value) featuring 12, 5x7 prints with any Package Session
(Includes Deluxe Session, Classic Session, Baby Steps Moments, Belly & Baby Moments, New Moments, and all A Day in the Life Packages)

These specials are only for Friday (no exceptions) so if you want in, e-mail me and I will follow up with you starting Monday.

Happy Shopping

*Just a note to everyone who booked this week - you will also receive the Accordian Album as a Welcome Back thank you!

I'm Back - Kind Of

Should All Good Things Come to an End ?

Let me start off by saying I am so overwhelmed by the response from those who wanted to be put on the wait list and am currently scheduling everyone for their sessions. I will be commencing sessions (in a limited amount) for the summer and fall and am taking regular bookings starting next week.Not too many spots remain for the summer. Thanks to all of my clients and admirers for their inquiries about the baby and well wishes for my return. I truly love doing this and wish there was more time in my schedule to accommodate everyone.

In honour of this Friday's bi-annual Children's Trunk Show I thought I would do something I've never done and offer an amazing draw and promotion to those at the Trunk Show AND those who check out my blog and e-mail me Friday. I assure you that if you want a session, you'll want to visit the blog to find out all of the details. If you refer a friend to the blog, make sure you let me know (they have to tell me it was you in their email) so that you get another chance at the draw

If you are looking for a great shopping experience come to the Children's Trunk Show at the Old Mill. It is an amazing show featuring an array of talented and creative women entrepreneurs.

Until Friday...

New Arrival

He's Here - Life is Good

As promised, here is our newest addition. Noah Joseph arrived a little unexpectedly on February 23 (three days ahead of his scheduled arrival). Of course, he is proving to be a great model.

I had forgotten how much I love the smell of baby, the sweet coes they make and the warmth they radiate as they snuggle into you. I am savouring every moment of this time in my life.

Thank you to everyone who has inquired about us. We are all doing fine. I still am not accepting clients and will update the Web site with my schedule once I know for certain.

Now, go hug your babies.