Bluehat Studios Photography

Product Photography - 1st grader style!

2010-05-22T19:33:00.002-04:00

This is Sara's new jewelry line of "objects found in nature" jewelry. We had fun making her first product shots during a recent

family session. (Yes...we take requests) It is always fun to see Dads wearing their daughter's artwork.

Good luck with your entrepreneurial endeavor Sara!

Oh, did I mention she is in first grade. I guess I should say good luck with your new jewelry store instead!

Guest in the Outdoor Studio

2010-05-14T13:55:00.003-04:00

I had a tiny guest that visited the Bluehat's outdoor studio yesterday. A little furrier than some of the children's portraiture I do - but cute none-the-less! Special thanks to clients Justin and Annie on the advice to help the little guy get home!

Engaging Spring!

2010-05-07T09:44:00.003-04:00

Bluehat Studios Photography just had the pleasure of shooting this newly engaged couple in our outdoor studio. It is our pleasure to see a couple interact and have fun during their engagement shoot. With a proposal on Diamond Head and Walt's return from service in Iraq what's not to smile about?

Congratulations Walt and Barb!

All my best,

Leslie

Hello Maryland!

2010-05-04T06:27:00.006-04:00

Hello Maryland! We are excited about our new photography studio in Manchester, MD. The portrait studio is well equipped with studio lights and natural lighting options and the grounds are gorgeous and well into spring green!

We are finally putting the blog back in action.

We look forward to sharing images and stories about our new clients here, as well as doing the High School Senior treasure hunt. Look for more details in the coming weeks.

For our North Carolina clients & friends we can still be found at the same e-mail & website but we do have a new studio phone number (443-291-6047) if you need to call us.

Holiday Cards

2008-07-31T17:41:00.002-04:00

Can you believe it? I booked three Christmas appointments this week.
Make sure to schedule early if you need a Saturday.
In the meanwhile, enjoy what is left of summer!

Meg's first post...and Congrats Devon!

2008-05-23T17:32:00.008-04:00

This is Meg's first post...I am here watching a really fun proof session. What a fun family - we took formal family pictures, but left plenty of time to cut up afterwards. Their son has just graduated from college! This great-big-grad on his teeny-tiny-trike, simply hilarious. Visions of my own graduation... at a very distant time though! This picture couldn't be any cuter. Whether you're a high school graduate or a college, the pictures taken here are to die for! Hopefully I'll be lucky enough to get my picture taken here when I graduate! -Meg
(p.s. from Leslie...of course Meg!)

Dancing into the light!

2008-05-15T16:21:00.009-04:00

Hello!

Ever since I was a little kid, I've always been in love with dancing. In particular I've always been captivated by ballet- I admire the way the dancers can position themselves so that they look like they're floating. Even throughout my years as a figure skater I could never make my feet obey my body the way ballet dancers do!

We took some photos of dancers from Cary Ballet the other day and they turned out beautiful!

-Kira

A picture is worth how much?

2008-05-14T11:25:00.004-04:00

We had a couple of adorable girls here this morning.....ages 4 & 7. They took some great pictures and had a lot of fun-- rose petals, horse shots, etc. While my kids aren't even close to "leaving the nest", it did surprise me to realize my girls were these same ages.......5 years ago! Close friends, relatives, and strangers have always told me to treasure the moments while they're little "because it goes by so fast"... (I really didn't believe them a few years ago....some days seemed eternal).....but I'm beginning to realize the pictures taken of them years ago and today will be my most treasured material possessions in years to come.

Don't let this year go by without some great pictures of the kids!

--Eleanor

Eleanor's First Post

2008-05-12T09:57:00.005-04:00

I'm enjoying my memories of Mother's Day....the kids all made something special for me, my husband cooked a special dinner, and I just enjoyed a day of rest and relaxation. One of my favorite gifts was a flower pot that my son made at preschool with a laminated picture of himself on the side. Since my thumb isn't exactly "green", I'll enjoy this gift long after the flowers fade....his smiling face will always make me smile.

Smile like your picture's being taken!

Eleanor

Mother's Day

2008-05-08T16:49:00.003-04:00

Sunday is Mother's Day!

When I was little I would always give my mom a handwritten note with a picture and some coupons for making dinner for the two of us. Since I've grown older and my budget has expanded, I've been able to give her nicer things. Even though she loved all of my gifts, I started to realize that the things she loved the most were the handwritten notes and the pictures of us together- because those really came from my heart.

My mom especially loved the pictures of me and my brother together (bonus points if we were hugging)! *hint to dad's: sibling pictures are always a winner.

Luckily for this mother's day I have the perfect picture. Tann took our picture in December, and I'm sure that she'd love to hang a picture of the whole family over her desk.

-Kira

Graduation 2008!

2008-05-05T16:16:00.004-04:00

Congratulations to the Class of 2008!!

U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch once said "There is a good reason they call these ceremonies 'commencement exercises.' Graduation is not the end, it's the beginning."

Along with the month of May comes the beginning of many Graduations! Whether it's for a college graduate ready to take on the world, a high school senior who's ready to transition into the world, or even an 8th grader ready for high school, Bluehat Studios wishes you the best of luck!

Before your child (or you) makes that walk across the big stage, let us preserve the moment!

Whether it's a formal picture with the cap and gown, or a special moment with Mom and Dad we'd love to take your picture.

Keep checking back because we will soon be offering package deals for graduates of all ages!

Mother's Day Minis

2008-04-27T21:07:00.002-04:00

Portraits make a great gift for Mom or Grandma!
We are offering no session fee mini-sessions by appointment only.
Limited availability.
Sessions are 10 minutes.
Kids only. Backdrop is photographer's choice.
Please order your portraits by May 6th to have them in time for Mother's Day.
Please call with questions or to book!

Check out this baby!!

2008-03-05T17:20:00.004-05:00

For anyone who saw us get the Harley through the front door...we had a fun and challenging weekend! Thanks to all the clients and friends that helped make it happen! Big thanks to Jeff and Valerie Scott for the use of your motorcycle for our model client...and this model client too.

Easter Minis

2008-02-27T15:37:00.004-05:00

Everyone is asking about Easter Mini Sessions...

With Easter being so early this year, I don't have a weekend I can dedicate to mini sessions. So... If you saw this here or if you are on our e-mail list, let us know if you would like a mini-session and we will try to fit you in before Easter.

Our mini-sessions are quick - 10 minutes

no session fees for mini-sessions

value package available - $39.95 for 8x10, 3 5x7s and 9 wallets (same pose)

on-line ordering

Appointments are necessary for this one...

Mentally Hilarious

2008-02-20T11:35:00.003-05:00

Okay - perhaps that is not the most appropriate name, but it describes where (and who) we are... We have been shocked by the news of a dear friend with breast cancer. We decided we are not going to take it standing still. Leslie, Lisa, Barbi, Christine, Carrie, Amy, and Lillian will be doing the Komen 3-day walk in Washington DC in October in honor of Raquel. (and Elaine and Junie) We have a big fundraising and training goal ahead. Please root for "Team Mentally Hilarious" & look for more updates here on Raquel's progress and her team!

Happy Valentine's Day

2008-02-06T12:23:00.000-05:00

What a cute little Valentine!
Thank you to all of our customers new and old that came in for the valentine mini-sessions. We had fun getting to see everyone!

Valentine Portraits

2008-01-15T20:45:00.000-05:00

We have had several requests for a longer session Valentine appoinment to create a special portrait for your special someone. We will be offering a special package for 30 minutes in-studio, your choice of lighting and background, a digital image and an 8x10 for $99.95. (single subject, single pose) This special is good until February 15, 2008. Please call to schedule, appointment times are limited. 363-3411

Stylist On Site

2008-01-15T20:36:00.000-05:00

We will have a guest stylist available the week of January 21st. Schedule a Contemporary, Classic or Premium session between January 21 and January 28th and receive a wardrobe and make up consultation with your session.

Holiday Hours & Happy Thanksgiving

2007-11-20T16:17:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving!
We will have very limited hours Thanksgiving week due to eating pumpkin pie with family, an on-location shoot and family portrait sessions over the weekend. If you need something urgently please call on the cell (919) 943-5713. We will be back to normal business hours on Monday 11/26.

Happy Birthday!

2007-11-20T16:14:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday to Tann!!!

Beautiful Holiday Cards

2007-11-07T13:20:00.000-05:00

A few of our favorite things ...
We have some very special custom linen greeting cards this year. These can be customized with your portrait and the text of your choice. These are very elegant, and each one is truly unique. Our other favorite is the metallic finish on the traditional photo card. This looks terrifc with shiny dresses and black and white images. Of course, we have many designs, from contemporary to traditional, of photo cards as well.

Thank you Click or Treaters!

2007-11-06T10:46:00.000-05:00

We had a blast taking pictures of the cute, funny, scary, elegant and fuzzy group that came through here last week! We hope everyone had as much fun as we did. It was nice figure out who our disguised customers were and meet some new ones.

Comments from a High School Senior Session

2007-10-10T07:57:00.000-04:00

Tann and Leslie,
I had a great time at the studio. I can't tell you how fun it was for Justine and me to dance around and just be ourselves. I was so honored by how much time and effort you all put into my senior pictures. I'm so excited to see them. I have so many great shots it is going to be a hard decision. I also can't wait to brag about you all to my friends. I had such a fun time and can't wait to work with you on ordering my pictures. Thanks again for everything!
-M

Click or Treat is almost here!!

2007-10-09T20:16:00.000-04:00

Our Halloween mini-sessions are just around the corner!

We will be hosting "no appointment necessary" mini-sessions on the following dates:

Thursday October 25 from 10 am to 4 pm
Saturday October 27 from 10 am to 1 pm
Wednesday October 31 from 10 am to 4 pm

These will be short sessions - just a quick "click or treat" and some Halloween fun.
All ordering for these sessions will be through our on-line order system.
No session fees - just choose the images and items you like from your on-line gallery.
Novelty items available (mugs, key chains, mousepads etc.)

A limited amount of scheduled mini-sessions (with no session fee) are available Halloween week. Please call if you would like to schedule a specific time. 363-3411

High School Senior Portraits

2007-08-24T17:27:00.000-04:00

Senior portrait sessions have changed greatly since I was a high school senior. Way back when, we didn't go to a photo studio for a senior session; we had our picture taken in the high school gymnasium.

We put on our leisure suit, tied our foot-wide tie, polished our platform shoes and combed our wing backs until they were perfectly feathered. We sat stiffly in front of a sky blue background while the photographer twisted and contorted our appendages into an awkward pose. Twelve shutter clicks later we were set free.

What seemed like months later, we carefully studied the twelve paper proofs to select our favorite pose. We ordered one 8x10 for our home, two 5x7s for the Grandparents and some wallets for someones refrigerator.

Today, senior photo sessions are much different. They are fun, entertaining and as unique as the Seniors themselves. We really enjoy meeting and working with the students. It's great fun creating the images they hold in their imaginations. For many, it is a chance to convey their identity, talents, dreams and passions.

We encourage the seniors to bring several changes of clothes, their favorite music and a friend or two. Frivolity and silliness are not tolerated...they are expected! Creating great images should be fun. The session usually takes two to three hours. We shoot outdoors and in the studio. Throughout the session, we preview the images on our studio monitors. This helps us make sure we create "the look".

There are a lot of great photographic products to choose from now. Aside from the traditional photo album, there are press printed books, coffee table books, library bound books and spiral bound books. Their favorite photos can be printed on statuettes, posters, t-shirts, puzzles, mouse pads, coasters, key chains, luggage tags, purses, tote bags, jewelry, post cards, trading cards and more.

Here is a sample of some recent sessions.

With all Senior sessions booked before the end of September, we will include an 11x14 print and a set of 18 wallet size photos.

If you need any additional information or would like to make an appointment, please call us at 919-363-3411.

Leslie and Tann

Click or Treat! mini-sessions October 25th, 27th, 31st.

2007-08-22T11:15:00.000-04:00

Have you ever known a child who doesn't like to put on a costume? It doesn't seem to matter what time of year it is.

Our four year old daughter loves to play dress up anytime. Much of it seems to be practice for Halloween night.

Every week she announces that THIS is the costume she is wearing for trick or treat. Some of her creations are quite clever and cute. Others are .... a reminder that she just turned four :)

Regardless, she always grins ear to ear when she is dressed up. What child doesn't? Some of our favorite photos are children dressed up as their favorite character (gallery link).

On October 25th, 27th and 31st we will be hosting our first CLICK OR TREAT mini-sessions. Our studio will be dedicated to capturing great images of your children in their favorite costume.

No appointment needed
No session fee
As many images as we can capture in a fifteen minute session
On-line proof gallery and ordering
Specially priced print packages and photo novelties (mugs, statuettes, etc.)

Please mark your calenders and plan to join us for a day of fun. Pass the word to your friends and family too.

TTFN

Leslie and Tann

Customer Comments

2007-08-08T17:28:00.000-04:00

Leslie and Tann,
We were so excited to open your email to see our proofs. WOW - we love every single one. It is going to be very difficult to chose our favorites.
As a mother of three boys (11,9, and 6) getting "formal portraits" has never been easy. Especially when we decided to throw in two cousins and grandparents!
This was the best experience we've had in 11 years!
My 11 year old even said what a cool "warehouse" you had. Everything from your flexibility with our last minute scheduling to the way you handled a variety of ages (4 through 11) all in one sitting to the creative poses and photographic effects.
You are running a class act. I will definitely spread the word in our neighborhood and throughout the community.
Kudos to you!!
(JM)

THANKS JM! T&L

Customer Comments

2007-08-07T15:51:00.000-04:00

Leslie and Tann,
Thank you so much for the wonderful pictures. (name omitted) and I had such a great time and the pictures are beautiful. I will be back to see you in November after the marathon! Thanks again. (C.A.)

It is HOT! We have a cool deal for you.

2007-08-06T17:43:00.000-04:00

Did we mention that our studio is air conditioned? Take a break from the heat. Schedule an in-studio family portrait session during the remainder of August or the month of September and we will rebate the session fee of our Contemporary Portrait or Premium Portrait Services.

Our Contemporary portrait session fee is regularly $29. Place a $29 (or greater) print order and we will waive the session fee.

Our Premium portrait session fee is regularly $79. Place a $49 (or greater) print order and we will waive the session fee.

Mention that you saw this offer in our blog and we will throw in a 5x7 print at no additional cost to you.

Call 919-363-3411 to beat the heat with this cool offer.

Customer Comments

2007-08-02T15:05:00.000-04:00

Leslie and Tann,
I was just looking at my pictures Leslie gave me today and they look great!!!
Thank you so much for being so accommodating to get what I wanted at times that worked for me. I also really appreciate the added bonuses and the girls love having their own wallets.
You are doing a great job and I promise to pass along your information! I am looking forward to showing everyone the pictures at dance next year!!! What fun!!!
I will see you soon.
Thanks again. (KK)

Celebrate your birthday at Bluehat Studios

2007-08-01T12:22:00.001-04:00

Some friends approached us about hosting a birthday party in our studio. We liked the idea and decided to give it a whirl. After hosting two parties, we are happy to say that they have been a great success.

Prior to the party we created a custom invitation using a photo we took of the birthday honoree. The theme of the invitation matched the party's theme. The example shown featured a "Party like a Star" theme. There were bright lights, the latest fashions, their favorite pop music and the PAPARAZZI!

On the day of the event the host greeted the party guests and invited them into the studio to create a custom photo frame. A supply of frames, beads, jewels, feathers and glue were set out on work tables in the studio.

While the guests were creating their masterpieces, we invited each guest to step over to the photography backdrop so we could take three or four photos of each person. After completing the individual photos we asked all the guests to pose for a group photo.

As soon as the photos were snapped and the picture frames were finished, the guests moved into the gallery for cake, ice cream and refreshments.

While the guests were eating and opening presents we quickly processed the images. Each guest was given a 4x6 photo of themselves for their new picture frame. We also included a wallet size photo of the group photo for each guest.

After the party, we created custom thank you cards for the birthday honoree. The cover of the thank you card featured a photo of the host holding a poster size photo of the group photo.

The party host suggested that we post the photos in our online ordering gallery. Several guests ordered additional prints of their children. Everyone seemed to have a great time. We did too.

Based on the positive feedback we received, we decided that hosting birthday parties for the seven to ten year old set will be a service offered by Bluehat Studios.

We are happy to tailor each party to fit your individual need. There are several choices nearby for food and beverages or you can provide your own refreshments.

Our studio is conveniently located adjacent to The Loop Pizza and Grill and Dunkin Donuts / Baskin Robbins. The Loop has great pizza and food. The restaurant was recently voted Cary's Most Kid Friendly and can easily accommodate large parties of children. Dunkin Donuts / Baskin Robbins features yummy ice cream and creates great ice cream cakes. They can decorate it especially for you. We can assist with ordering and pick up for you. If you need a custom made cake to match your party theme, our good friend Beth Hollis creates beautiful cakes. Her ability to create a cake for almost any theme is amazing.

For additional information, please call us at 919-363-3411 or email us at portraits@bluehatstudios.com.

On-line Order Center

2007-07-06T23:37:00.000-04:00

The Bluehat Studios On-line Order Center is here!

Now you can view your proofs, order your prints and then have them shipped directly to your home using our On-line Order Center.

You can order much more than prints. You can also order many great photo novelty products including coffee mugs, mouse pads, jigsaw puzzles, playing cards, trading cards, key chains, luggage tags, buttons, statuettes, t-shirts, greeting cards, business cards, calendars and more.

We would like you to try the On-line Order Center so watch your email next week for a special incentive.

Have a great weekend!

"Send us your caption for this photo" promotion

2007-07-05T12:35:00.000-04:00

Hi Everyone,

Did we mention that we love our job? We do. It is hard to describe how much fun we have creating images for our clients.

During some sessions we take hundreds of shots to capture two dozen images with those special, un-posed, natural expressions. While culling the shots for the proof gallery, we inevitably burst into laughter over some of the hilarious out-takes.

We find that the clients like them too. Many order a proof book to display them on the coffee table. A client suggested that we add captions to some of out-takes and post them on the website.

We liked the idea too and decided to have some fun with it. Without further adieu...

the Send Us Your Caption promo!

We encourage all readers to submit a caption for this photo. Simply post your caption using the COMMENTS link at the end of this article. Have some fun! All submitters will receive a free 8x10 with their next portrait session!

This photo was posted with the clients permission.

Look for next months photo and special offer.

TTFN
Warmest Regards,
L&T

Congratulations to Triathletes Matthias and Martin!

2007-06-29T10:55:00.000-04:00

(photos by ASI Photo www.asiphoto.com)
(logo by www.ironman.ch)

What is an Ironman? An Ironman is a Triathlete who swims 3.8km (2.2miles), pedals 180km (112 miles)and runs 42.2km (26.2 miles) consecutively!

Two weeks ago we had the privilege of taking team photos for Ironman Triathletes Matthias Koch, Martin Dvorak and their coach Tim Brookie.

We are pleased to announce that Mattias and Martin both completed the Ironman Switzerland on June 24th.

Martin's times were Swim 1:09:51 Bike 6:52:52 Run 4:36:54 Total 12:49:44

Matthia's times were Swim 1:32:05 Bike 6:54:07 Run 4:29:47 Total 13:05:12

Congratulations on achieving the rank of IRONMAN!

Welcome to The Bluehat Blog!

2007-06-26T21:07:00.000-04:00

We are excited about our new blog as a venue for sharing quick quips about the day's sessions and some of our favorite images. This week we look forward to taking several family portraits, creating a virtual tour of a business jet and working on some interesting projects with our clients.