A Slice of Life Photography

Special Delivery!

noreply@blogger.com (A Slice of Life Photography) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:14:00 +0000

I am so excited to offer a new and exciting birth announcement design that has that "shabby chic" feel to it. When I saw the simple vintage postcard look to this design, I knew I had to have it. These birth announcements are press printed, double-sided and can be printed on bamboo card stock for a richer feel. Prices for birth announcements can be viewed from my website under the RATES tab, and by clicking on custom cards and announcements.

Photo Purse Charm!

noreply@blogger.com (A Slice of Life Photography) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 22:57:00 +0000

I found a new item to offer my clients...a custom photo purse charm. I will be making these myself so I'm still waiting for all the pieces to come in but I thought I would give everyone a sneak peek. I will be selling these for $35 and you can use any photograph taken by me and it will be set inside a 1x1" charm using archive resin.

There's another company offering this very thing for $38, but they charge another $9.95 for shipping. So I wanted to be able to offer my clientele a similar product at a better price. Let me know what you think!

Save Your Money on Frames!

noreply@blogger.com (A Slice of Life Photography) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 20:55:00 +0000

Anyone who knows me, knows that I love all things different. When metal prints first came on the scene, I was overjoyed. Then there were the really neat die cut cards...wow!! Now two of my favorite new items have come together to make an exceptional way to present your treasured images...designer metal prints! Here's a quick sample:

They can either be hung with a beehive hanger and bumpers, or hung with a metal stand out mount, or my favorite way with an easel back. The color on these is just amazing! And you can order them either with some great design graphics like you see above, or just as is. You choose!

How much are these works of art, you ask? Here's a quick run down on my pricing:

Fiji or Milan 8x8.......$ 65
Sydney 8x10.............$ 65
Benelux 8x11............$ 65
Fiji or Milan 12x12...$ 85
Sydney 11x14...........$125
Benelux 11x15.........$125
Benelux 15x21.........$200

So how can you not afford to get this great way to showcase your family? Your friends & family will go nuts on how amazingly cool these metal prints are. I know I did.

Lenticular Photographs Are Here!

noreply@blogger.com (A Slice of Life Photography) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 04:26:00 +0000

What the heck is a lenticular photograph, you ask! It's one of those cool prints that change when you move them back and forth. Check out my sample on the right to get an idea. You've seen them before, but never knew that you could have one made with images from you or your family. Well, now you can!

Why order a lenticular print? There are many ways these prints can be used. You can choose two or three different shots and have one cool image to share with friends & family showcasing them all. Or maybe you would like to have several photographs of your child from when they were a baby, to being a toddler, to being a child. See them grow up all over again with the waive of your print!

I'm looking at offering these prints at a great introductory price of $25 for a 3.5x5 inch print. Let me know what you think of this new product with a comment below. You know that I'm always on the look out for new and exciting products but your feedback is essential. And hey, if you see something out there that you think is pretty cool and I should offer, just send me a line!

Vintage Portrait Special a Success!

noreply@blogger.com (A Slice of Life Photography) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 16:34:00 +0000

Thanks to all those who participated in my Vintage Special on Saturday. I got a lot of cute shots with some of my vintage props, and although is was a little chilly, I think everyone had a good time. I wanted to share one of my favorite images with you. This is Lindsay and Scott with their daughter Madilyn. Aren't they a cute family!

Die Cut Boutique Cards Are Finally Here!

noreply@blogger.com (A Slice of Life Photography) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 02:31:00 +0000

Anyone who knows me knows how much I love collecting gorgeous design templates for making unique and impressive cards. Not to disappoint this Holiday Season, I spent most of today naming, resizing and uploading my latest holiday card designs. So if you have a few minutes and are curious to see what all the fuss is about, check my new designs out at www.bluemelon.com/sliceoflife.

Just to give you a sneak peak, here are a couple of the designs. My boutique cards are printed on both sides, come in an array of different papers (my favorite is the pearl finish...it has an irridescent quality to it!), and include envelopes. So let me know what you think, and hey, if you already did your holiday card thing this year, just keep me in mind for next year. I always run specials every October 1st thru November 15th and I think next year's special will include a session and 25 boutique cards.

Happy shopping and a warm & memorable holiday season to you & yours!

New Designs for Holiday Cards - Like 'em, Love 'em or Not Your Style?

noreply@blogger.com (A Slice of Life Photography) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 19:03:00 +0000

Every year I try to find some amazing new designs for holiday cards that will make your friends & family green with envy. For those of you who have been following me, you know that my Luxe Cards are the new toast of the town and something you won't find at your nearest Costco or Wal-Mart store.

So the big question is, do you love 'em, like 'em, or just plain don't think they're your style? Would you rather stick with flat cards or maybe try something different altogether?

Leave your comments below and let me know, did I hit the mark with this year's new designs?

Pumpkin Palooza is Here - October 19th!

noreply@blogger.com (A Slice of Life Photography) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:41:00 +0000

Fall is here and all things pumpkin are to be found everywhere around you. But what better place than Bates Nut Farm? I am planning my annual "Pumpkin Portrait Palooza" on Wednesday, October 19th.

Why a Wednesday and not the weekend? Because thousands flock to Bates Nut Farm every year and I would rather pick a day that is not as busy. Trust me, I went on a weekend last year and there were about 500 cars in the parking lot and traffic was backed up horribly.

So what's my special all about, you ask. I am offering a 40 minute session to be used with family, children, your dog (in costume if you like!), however you want to use your 40 minutes. You receive all files including photographer's top three pick retouched for a price of $199. What an incredible deal! Hey, you would be paying $100 for the session alone.

Since there is limited availability that day, call right now to reserve your spot. There are only 5 spots open at 2:30, 3:15, 4:00, 4:45 and 5:30 pm. Once they're gone, they're gone!

And if you're wondering whose cute dog that is disguised as a pumpkin, it's my dog Willy! Like I said, this can be a family affair. And while you're out there, you can pick out your holiday pumpkins and shop inside their quaint store. So much to do besides having your portrait taken!

Any questions, call Heidi at 760.739.9580. We look forward to hearing from you.

Vintage Portrait Special! One Day Only!

noreply@blogger.com (A Slice of Life Photography) — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 19:46:00 +0000

With vintage being the new "in" thing, I knew that my photography had to follow. I'm always trying to find new ideas for my portraiture so that my client's photographs don't look like what I did the last time around. So I decided to go vintage!

I purchased a cute turquoise beach cruiser bike with a basket in the front, a vintage suitcase that I will be decorating with travel stickers, and some old cameras. I'm sure I have a great picnic basket around here somewhere too! I thought all these items would be great props to use for my vintage session special, and if you have any great ideas, please post them as a comment and I will see about buying more props.

Okay, so now that I've announced WHAT I'm going to do, how about how much and when? I will be offering a 50 minute session and one vintage finished 10x13 for an incredible price of $89! Sessions will be held on Saturday, December 3rd, so there will be time to order additional prints in time for the holidays. But, and this is a BIG but, I will only be booking 6 sessions that day. So if you are looking to get in on this special, call right now!

In case you don't have my number handy, it's 760.739.9580. This special is good for either a family, couple or children session. And hey, don't forget to bring your dog if you like. They're a member of your family too!

(special thanks to fellow photographers images)

Holiday Special Unveiled!!

noreply@blogger.com (A Slice of Life Photography) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 18:38:00 +0000

I know that a lot of you have been waiting to hear what this year's special will be...drumroll please! After careful consideration and talking with some of my customers, I am offering a 30 minute local session and one custom designed holiday card jpeg file for a low price of $89. You can then have your card printed wherever you choose! Would rather have me print your cards? No problem! I've discounted my holiday card prices for those clients who take advantage of my special.

For a surcharge, you can also have me design double sided cards, folded cards, and more. I've uploaded a sample from one of my past designs to show you a 5x5 trifold card. There are so many possibilities out there that I don't like lumping everyone into a "one size fits all" special. So if you are interested, call to set up your session as soon as possible. There are limited sessions available and they must be paid upon booking. The special lasts from October 1st through November 17th.

Outside of Card

Inside of Card

Girls Rock!

noreply@blogger.com (A Slice of Life Photography) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 17:31:00 +0000

I think I have the most fun shopping for baby girl props and coming up with backgrounds to show off their girly side. Believe it or not, my two favorite places to shop for big props is Ross and Marshalls. Of course etsy.com is great for hats and booties too. I had several newborn sessions this past month and am eager to share my latest two with you...

Can It Get Any Cuter?

noreply@blogger.com (A Slice of Life Photography) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 23:45:00 +0000

Just when I think that I've got it covered on cute props for baby photography, here comes a new trend. Oh my gosh, darling little fascinator hats that are just so adorable on little girls! I decided to make my own so I've ordered a couple of mini pillbox hats and once they are in, I'll decorate them with bows, netting and feathers. So, what do you think? Cute? Or am I just too crazy for props?

Photography copyright Krista Campbell Photography

My Newest Props for Babies!

noreply@blogger.com (A Slice of Life Photography) — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 21:51:00 +0000

So if you've been following my blog for the last year, you know how much I love keeping up with what's new for newborn and baby photography. I finally got my new baby bed in, as well as cute "owl" and "monkey" hat & bootie sets. Also, I purchased some neat textured little blankies that are great for a myriad of tasks. So here are some sample photos of my newest props...hope you like them as much as I do!

A Benefit for Buster...A Great Deal for You!

noreply@blogger.com (A Slice of Life Photography) — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 23:34:00 +0000

By now, I think everyone knows what a Groupon is. Well, I've decided to run my own version of this and I call it a Houpon -- "Heidi Coupon". For those of you who didn't see it on my Facebook page, my cat Buster went into the Urgent Care Vet Hospital this weekend due to an obstructed bladder. Poor thing, he was only hours away from his heart giving out! I am so thankful to the staff at Urgent Care for taking such good care of him. He's home now, feeling much better and seems to be back to his old self. But unfortunately for me, I'm left with $1500 worth of vet bills.

So what does one do when they are faced with a debt they didn't plan on? Get creative!! I am doing a special for the next 10 days and it's pretty great. Don't need it yourself? No problem, tell a friend! Anyone can purchase this certificate and it's good until 12/31/11. What is it, you ask?

Receive a local half hour family, pet or child portrait session and $200 worth of print credit for only $125! That's 55% off my usual fee. You must purchase this certificate between now and August 5th, it can be used for yourself or anyone you want to give it to, and it does expire December 31, 2011. Pretty neat, huh?

If you are interested, just call me or email me by August 5th and I will send you an invoice for the $125. Once paid, I will send you a certificate for the session and print credit. And remember, all proceeds go to Buster's Benefit. So thanks for your help and Buster thanks you too!

It's Official! I'm Bonkers Over Baby Props!

noreply@blogger.com (A Slice of Life Photography) — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 04:12:00 +0000

What is it about little babies? Is it the way they smell, the cute little faces they make when they're sleeping, or just because they're so teeny tiny? Whatever the reason, I just can't have enough of little babies. Luckily, I've been hit with a number of my brides from the past couple of years coming in to do their pregnancy photographs so I'll be doing a string of newborn photos with them soon. That got me thinking...what new thing can I offer them?

So I've been taking seminars on baby photography to see what's new and exciting, and I fell in love with the baby beds. I've borrowed some images from other great photographers to show you what I mean. Isn't it just too cute? Itty bitty, teeny tiny beds that little babies can fit on. So I finally ordered one the other day and it should arrive by next week. But could I stop there? Of course not! I decided to order some nifty vinyl backdrops that look like wood flooring, wallpaper and the such. They come in 5'x7' sheets and can be rolled up and stored out of sight. How convenient! With that, I need to make a trip to Home Depot or Lowe's to get some really tall baseboards to stain and paint to match the flooring. Yeah, another good reason to shop at the Depot! Seriously, I love shopping there because you can craft some cool props with stuff there. If you look at these images, the top two have cool floors with baseboards and the middle one has a wallpaper look. This is what I'm going for.

So, let me know what you think. Is this a good thing for newborn photography? Would you want an image like this hanging in your home? What would you do differently? And the really important question is, am I really bonkers over baby props?

Cute and Happy Damask Custom Cards!

noreply@blogger.com (A Slice of Life Photography) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 18:16:00 +0000

There are just days when the simplest little thing makes you smile. I think these card designs are one of them. I just fell in love with the simplicity of them, they look like hand crafted cards yet much nicer. I've been offering the Luxe Cards for a few months now. Some of you may ask, "what is a Luxe Card?" They are two sided cards that are cut out with scallop or other designs to make them unique. I have some great designs for high school seniors and you can see those on my senior site and blog. But these I thought would be amazing for birth announcements, children's party announcements, etc.

So the next time you want to send out a holiday or other special occasion card, and you're looking for something amazing, I offer these cards for $100 for the first 25 and $65 for each additional set of 25. They come with envelopes also.

Butterflies and Bellies

noreply@blogger.com (A Slice of Life Photography) — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 19:17:00 +0000

I have been wanting to do a fantasy style pregnancy session for a while now. Luckily, I had a wonderful client who was totally into the idea and I came up with this image.

There are a few tweaks I would like to do next time. Maybe have the toe peek out, have the client looking off to her right, etc. But overall, I was pretty happy for my first attempt. Now it's time to start thinking of some other great fantasy portraits.

Are you insane for props??

noreply@blogger.com (A Slice of Life Photography) — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 15:07:00 +0000

Oh my gosh, where do I start? One of my favorite websites, Prop Insanity, is looking for a new writer to test out props and what else, write about them! Many of you don't realize this, but in junior high and high school I was on the school newspaper. I was determined to be a writer as my career choice but as many things in life, things didn't turn out as expected. Don't get me wrong...I LOVE being a photographer and wouldn't change that for anything. But somewhere deep down I always felt like my inner child was telling me that I gave up on dream that was so important to me.

So here I am today, excited and giggly like a 15 year old, hoping that the staff at Prop Insanity like me. Well not just like me, but really really like me! I'm hoping that I get selected as one of their writers and that I can have fun with my photography while using new props and then write all about it. How cool would that be? It's like having your cake and eating it too! And to top it off with a cherry, I would be giving away free sessions to my clients when I use any of the new props that I will be writing about. So wish me luck and I'll let you know what happens.

Back to Basics Session & Files Now Offered!

noreply@blogger.com (A Slice of Life Photography) — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 16:35:00 +0000

I've had so many requests over the last couple of years for doing a session and giving the files, so I've come up with a "Back to Basics" program that includes a session with unretouched files to print up to an 8x12" print. The prices are listed on my website by visiting my RATES link. I'm offering this program for maternity, newborn, children and family sessions. There are certain restrictions on days & times for this option, but it's a great way to go if you are looking for files without spending a fortune. Let me know what you think!

June Special - Accordian Albums, Any Size 3 for $120!

noreply@blogger.com (A Slice of Life Photography) — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 17:28:00 +0000

Yup, you heard it right! I am running a special on accordian albums with photo covers for only $120 for three duplicate albums. They come in sizes 2x3, 3x3, 4x4 and 4x5. They feature a full color front and back cover printed with a soft pearl touch finish for a fingerprint resistant surface. And the cover uses two strong hidden magnets to keep the album closed when not in use. You can also order a matching tin for only $20 each.

What a great gift for Father's Day, Graduation, Birthday, or Just Because! Use photos from any of our recent sessions or book a new session with me today. What a great way to take and enjoy your photographs with you every day. Share photographs with co-workers, friends, and even people in line at the grocery store. Heck, I've used them show off photographs to people sitting next to me at the nail salon while I'm getting a pedicure!

But don't wait too long. This special ends June 27th!

"Couch In A Field" Sessions A Success!!

noreply@blogger.com (A Slice of Life Photography) — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 20:06:00 +0000

I had so much fun at my outdoor couch session this past April 10th. I had eight people sign up for my special which made it so worth while to drag a heavy couch into this field and then take it back home later. Oh, and my dog Willy really missed having "his couch" for that day. I was lucky enough to have my first set of clients and my last set of clients offer to help me with putting the couch into my truck bed and moving it. A special thanks to them!

So after looking at all my beautiful images, I have picked my favorite image as the "Lazy Sunday Morning" concept by the Copeland Family. They all wore pj bottoms, t-shirts, slippers and brought along a coffee mug, newspaper, and even bagels!! I'm sure you'll enjoy this image as much as I have.

If you missed out on my special, keep an eye out to see what else I will come up with in July or August. It won't be the same thing but who knows, maybe even a more clever session?

Fusion Photography Has Made It's Way To The Kids!

noreply@blogger.com (A Slice of Life Photography) — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 05:24:00 +0000

I've been trying to figure out how to put together a cute little fusion video of toddlers, no big hype, just showing the child for who he or she is. Kids grow so fast and time slips by, so it's really nice to have some memories of them during different stages of their life. Here is a fusion video of Wyatt James, at ten and half months of age. Mommy couldn't believe that he just isn't a baby anymore. Where does time go?

Comparing Photography To Getting Your Hair Done

noreply@blogger.com (A Slice of Life Photography) — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 19:47:00 +0000

It seems every day there is another new "photographer" hocking their services in the San Diego area. It seems that with our scary economy, everyone is looking for a "deal" and they figure that a photographer is a photographer is a photographer. I came across this posting by Claire Elyse and just loved it. I just had to include it in my blog!

If I were you..

I promise I’m not trying to be smart… I mean it literally. If I were you, the client, well a potential client actually, here’s what might be on my mind.

“I want professional photos of my family, but my brother’s friend’s cousin’s daughter’s babysitter just got a really nice camera and she’ll take photos of us and give me a disk of all the images for only $90. She has a website, so she is legit.”

Here is an analogy for you:

I have bad hair. It’s too thick, it’s sorta curly, sorta wavy, frizzy and a bad ashy brown color. My brother’s friend’s cousin’s daughter’s babysitter Jackie will cut, weave and blow dry my hair for $90. My other option is going to Jeff the hair stylist at the salon across the street. He charges me $250 for a cut, weave and blow dry. I decide to try both.

I’m sitting in Jackie’s laundry room waiting for her to gather her things when I realize she’s going to wash my hair in the utility sink. Leaning over the sink kneeling on a folding chair proves a little difficult, she gets shampoo in my eye and water drips down my neck into my shirt. We go in the house and she sits me down in her dining room, her husband is sitting on the couch watching Nascar and drinking a 40. He leans forward to grab a bag of chips and I notice his butt-crack. I remind myself that Jackie only charges $90, she probably can’t afford to rent a station in a salon, so I divert my eyes and forgive her. She begins to cut my hair. It seems to be taking quite awhile. She looks a little nervous. I remember that she’s still fairly new to cutting hair. I rationalize that she’s still better than I’d be at it, after all. Plus, she has like 500 fans on her Facebook page, and that has to mean something, right? Jackie disappears to mix my color. She’s gone for a long time. I get nervous that she doesn’t know what she’s doing. What if she screws it up and my hair falls out? I start to wonder… maybe there is a REASON why she only charges $90. Is that the only way she can get clients? Then Jackie weaves a beautiful blond into my hair. I try to forget about my nerves and begin to get excited. A cut and color for only 90 bucks, I can’t wait to show everyone my hair! She finishes up the blow dry and I turn to the mirror to discover its really yellow and brassy. The cut is a uneven and boxy. I take a deep breath and calm myself down. Well, it looks better than it did before, I guess, and I only paid $90. The next day I meet up with some girlfriends for drinks. No one says anything about my hair, and I’m afraid to ask what they think because I know it just looks average, or maybe even bad. I feel disappointed. $90 seemed like such a great deal.

I suppose it’s only a deal if the value is greater than $90.

Two months pass and I find myself sitting at Jeff’s station in the salon across the street. The receptionist offers me a cold drink and the most recent issue of People magazine. Jeff comes over introduces himself and asks me what I’d like to accomplish today. We talk for a few minutes about the specific color of blond I’m looking for. He asks me questions about how I style my hair, what I like, what I don’t like, and tells me a little about whats in style right now. Jeff seems as excited as I am for my new look. I look around to see all the latest flat irons, blow dryers, collections of brushes and combs. Jeff rattles off instructions to his assistant while examining my hair and she’s back in a jiffy with 4 bowls of color. As Jeff begins to weave in and out of my hair with light blond and medium honey and chestnut brown I close my eyes and listen to the calming music on the satellite radio. I feel relaxed and confident. I trust him. I sit with my hair under the dryer and once again I’m offered a cold drink and a magazine. Jeff comes over to inspect the progression of the color. He exclaims how perfect it looks and brings me to the shampoo station. There is a big cushy leather recliner. I put my head back and he begins to wash. The shampoo smells like mint and lavender and he spends an extra few minutes on a mini scalp massage. Jeff dries and styles my hair with ease. When he’s finished he spins my chair around and I hardly recognize myself in the mirror. I look like I belong in a fashion magazine. The cut frames my face perfectly. It’s sassy with a hint of modern, just the right amount to suit my style. The color shimmers as I turn my head. It seems almost as if there are thousands of shades of blond intertwined throughout the locks of hair. It reminds me of what my hair looked like when I was little, after spending all summer in the sun. I feel proud. I meet up with some friends for lunch the next day. They must have commented on my hair 10 times. One of them demanded Jeff’s phone number and asked me how much he charged. “$250″, I told her. She replied, “Well it looks a-MAZE-ing, what a great deal.”

The $90 Jackie charged me wasn’t a great deal. The $250 Jeff charged me was. How is that possible? They both gave me a cut, weave and blow dry.

The difference was the experience and the quality. The $250 that Jeff charged me included a cold diet coke, and comfy chair, state of the art equipment and supplies, experience, knowledge, and a quality product. It included a feeling of pride and excitement that lasted until it was time to return for more. The $90 Jackie charged me included cheap dye, dull scissors, a wet shirt and a butt-crack.

When I thought about it later, I thought, well wouldn’t it be great to find someone who was somewhere in between, you know, someone who is amazing and cheap? But the problem is there is no such thing as in between. When someone offers quality, they have to charge for it, they have to cover the cost of running the business, continuing education, supplies, marketing, and they have to cut themselves a paycheck. Otherwise they are not running a business, they are the proud President of a Non-Profit Organization.

So if you find yourself presented with what seems like a “great deal” for your family photos, ask yourself if the $90 is worth an experience with Jackie. Personally, as a client, I’d rather pay $250 for an experience that feels priceless, than waste $90 on something sub par. Value is a magical thing.

Awesome New Presets for Retouching Your Images!

noreply@blogger.com (A Slice of Life Photography) — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 22:33:00 +0000

The past few months I have been spending my time learning new ways to retouch images and give them a contemporary look. Not that I would do this to every image, per say, but sometimes having some funky color or high contrast can really make an image pop. You'll be seeing a little more of this in my work from now on, so don't be surprised if you look at one of your future photographs and say, "hey, how did she do that?"

I am showing a sample of a Before and After from one of my more colorful backgrounds. Not all my work will be this radical, but I thought you might get a kick out of seeing something more artistic. Let me know in the future if you want more contemporary finishes on your images. This can be done while we are color correcting and we can always have the original image on hand in case you don't like it. Click on the image below to see it larger for more detail.

Okay, now it's your turn. Let me know what you think. That is what they make comments boxes for...yeah!

Outdoor Mini Couch Session - Sunday, April 10th!

noreply@blogger.com (A Slice of Life Photography) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 22:33:00 +0000

I've always wanted to do a contemporary session for families, such as the interesting images I take for high school seniors. One of the new trends out there is taking a piece of furniture and sticking it in the middle of nowhere. And since Spring is the best time for beautiful family portraits, I decided to offer a limited amount of Mini Couch Sessions next month. You will receive a 20 minute session, website to view images, your choice of favorite image to be retouched and printed as 1-8x10 and 2-5x7's, plus the low res file to use for your mobile devices and social networking sites. All of this for $99 plus tax!

But don't delay in signing up. I will only take a limited number of sessions and once they are full, that's it. Sessions must be prepaid and are non-refundable. Why wait until Fall when all the trees are losing their leaves and the grass is dead before planning your next holiday portrait? Call now at 760.739.9580 and reserve your space!