Baby Nate’s Newborn Portraits – 5 Days Old
Baby Nate came to see us at 5 days old. Since the newborn portrait is one of the most important photographs in your life, Nate’s mom chose Shana Woods here at Ivey Photography as her newborn portrait artist. See, Nate’s mom could have done the job herself, since SHE is also a professional baby portrait photographer. She owns a studio in Denton, and has YEARS of experience photographing newborn babies. But, she knows that Nate is more likely to have a better session if someone else does it and she isn’t in the room. See, babies can smell their mommies and it makes them restless and not sleep as soundly during the session. We work in the style of photography that keeps the baby asleep so we can manipulate for the perfect pose and style. We were honored to have Nate in our studio, and having his mommy select us, out of ALL of the photographers she knows, was a great honor. We hope we did her proud. Here are some of the images.
Nate's Buddy the Sock Monkey
He even smiled....
Cute little feet.
He did this on his own . . . NOT!
S W E E T Little Face
Yummy little expression
Ya gotta love this
Vintage tones
Love the wrinkles
Just plain adorable
Join Us at the Dallas Arboretum March 31-April 1
What’s the Deal?
-30 minutes of photography for groups up to 5
-In studio ordering and viewing session
-2 Complimentary Facebook images
-20% off for orders over $500
-Session Fee $50
Bring the little ones, bring the family, or come as a couple. Dallas Blooms is one of the most spectacular flower displays in the world. We suggest you bring a picnic basket and enjoy the park after your session. If you haven’t been, you owe it to yourself to see the park. If you go every year, put your camera in the bag and let us do the work this year. We have 8 appointments available for the day, starting at 9am. Parking and fees to enter the park are not included.
There is a $250 order deposit required to book your session.
Tutus and Ties Mini Sessions Feb 5
Our Vintage Valentine’s Day Event, Tutus and Ties, is almost sold out! We have 2 spaces left for kids ages 0-12. Collections start at $99, and the session is free. Here are a couple of sample images from our preview shoot.
Call the studio at 972-723-2464 to reserve one of the last two booking times.
Vintage Valentine’s Day Mini Sessions Feb 5
We are proud to announce our first mini-session event at our new location. The event is a themed “Vintage Valentine’s Day”. Bring little girls dressed in simple, classic tops and pair with one of our tutus. Bring little boys in khaki or tweed pants or a blazer , and complete the look with a men’s fadora. The products will be exclusive to the event, and all at discounted prices. We will feature one of our Limited Edition storyboards, a themed album, and custom framing styled to the images. Mark your calendar and call us to book your free 20 minute session. We are limited to 15 sessions for this event. This limited edition event has an opening package of $99.
We will post sample images after the weekend so you can get a feel for the style.
Pumpkin Patch Mini Sessions – Earth Tones Greenery, Midlothian
Earth Tones Greenery hosted our Annual Pumpkin Patch Mini Sessions this year. They provided the most amazing set we’ve ever had. If you missed out, we’re considering having a second day of shooting in a couple of weeks. Email us or call if you are interested and we may repeat the sessions. If you need any incentive, the sessions were free, the packages started at just $49, and the pictures were GREAT ! Here are a few of them.
Lela: 3 Months Old – Baby Portrait, Watch Me Grow
Lela joined our Watch Me Grow program recently, and her first session was a blast. We can’t wait to have her back for her next session. Shana made these images, and we are very proud of them.
Karalynn Turns One – Happy Birthday Portraits
Happy first birthday to Karalynn. To celebrate her big day, her mom brought her to the studio for cake. Before she made a mess with her cake, Shana photographed her in our outdoor studio. Then she came in for the big celebration. Just look how happy she is to get her hands on the icing. If you like these, you should see the 15 others that go with them! HILARIOUS !
Karalynn is now our latest member of the Watch Me Grow Annual Plan. She’ll get discounts on her sessions, special pricing, and free prints at all of our seasonal mini-sessions. If you have a child between the ages of zero and ten, come in and let us tell you about our Watch Me Grow Program. Its a great way to save money on our portraits, and get the same high quality products you deserve.
Policy Changes, Pricing, Minimum Orders: Effective 2012
Effective May 1st, we will have some changes to our pricing policies. Until then, our $25 reservation fee and minimum order policies are in effect. On January 15, our pricing structure will change.
Pricing
For our standard family, children’s, maternity and engagement sessions, we no longer have “packages”. We experimented with packages, or Collections for about a year, and decided that we are not a “package” studio. We create custom products for your home. Sometimes you can call it a “package”, but most of the time, its just what you want. We do offer bonus incentives and discounts for larger orders, but you can expect custom creations and products designed for YOU, not Packages designed to sell you “stuff you don’t need”. We’ve also lowered some prices on Wall Portraits and Custom Albums. As always, print prices start at about $50.
Order Deposit
For MOST of our sessions, we require an order deposit at the time of your session. This means you will pay money to be used during your ordering session. We look at this like a “security deposit” from you. We are happy to photograph just about any time, anywhere, but we can’t afford for clients to take advantage of our time and not place an appropriate order with us for their portraits. Of course, if you don’t like your portraits, or are not happy with our service for any reason, your deposit and session fee are refundable. The order deposit varies from $150-$500, and generally sets an expectation for you on what to anticipate starting your order with. We will never tell you how much to spend, but we do want you to be aware of what is possible, and the order deposit will at least get you started.
Session Fees
Family, Engagement, or Maternity Photography: Our new Session Fee is $75 for weekday appointments and $125 for weekend appointments. There is no minimum order and we’ll work with you to design products that are best for your home. Print prices begin at around $50, with sizes available up to 70×100 inches.
Children and Baby Photography: Our Session Fee is $75 on the weekdays and $125 on the weekends. There are no minimum orders, so buy what you like. We do have minimum order requirements for our seasonal and discount programs. Please ask for details on those special sessions.
Senior Photography: Effective for the Class of 2012 Sessions, we will offer three session types. The Mini, The Half, and The Full Session. Our mini sessions require an $195 minimum order. Our Half Session requires a $300 minimum order, and our Full Sessions require a $500 minimum order. What you ultimately spend depends on the length of your session, the number of outfits, and the products you choose. Call us for a complete consultation and we can give you a complete price guide. The minimum orders for Seniors are not designed to tell you how much to spend, rather to direct you into a session that is appropriate for you and your budget. You can spend ANY amount, no matter the length of the session, but you must spend more for the longer, more elaborate sessions.
Consultation
For each session, we will now ask that you give us a few minutes of your time PRIOR to the session so that we may consult with you in detail about your session, the products you may want, and the spaces we may fill with your images. We can conduct the consultation in your home, here in the studio, or by phone. It just takes a minute of your time, but goes a LONG way toward helping us deliver our very best work to you.
We never enjoy discussing business on our site, but we feel it is important to announce these changes. Our new pricing structure allows us to be more of a custom art studio, rather than a “package” studio. We design custom products for your home using priceless images we create. Sometimes that costs a little, other times that costs more. Our minimum order policy was hampering us and causing confusion for some clients. With every rule, there is the exception. Our Senior Sessions, Watch Me Grow Sessions, and Seasonal Mini Sessions will still carry appropriate minimum order requirements.
We appreciate all of the business and look forward to capturing memories for you very soon.
Thanks
Ivey Photography
Celebrate Spring – Spoiled Rotten Boutique Portraits
This past weekend, Nicole Blackmon at Spoiled Rotten Children’s Boutique hosted our Annual Celebrate Spring Portrait Event. We featured our Enchanted garden set, complete with fresh flowers and live Chicks and Ducks. The kids had a blast, which is more than I can say for the chicks and ducks. I’m sure they were ready to go back to Midlothian Feed (thanks to them for loaning us the animals). Here are a few images from our event. Our next mini-session event is March 27th, here at our studio. It will be a more contemporary set, with lots of colors and fresh flowers. We will have the animals as an option for those portraits, as well. We still have appointments open, but they are filling fast. Call us at 972-723-2464 to book a session.
Celebrate Spring Mini-Sessions March 6th and 27th
March 6th Enchanted Garden Sessions
Our March 6th Enchanted Garden Sessions will be held at Spoiled Rotten Children’s Boutique in Midlothian. We will have our “garden set” at Spoiled Rotten, complete with live bunnies, ducks and chicks for the kids. This is our more traditional look, and the kids absolutely love it. We have a stone wall, a set of stumps for the boys, and the animals are fun for everyone.
About the Photography
Our Seasonal sets are designed specifically for children. The Enchanted Garden set has a depth and richness intended to imitate a spring day at the park. The live ducklings, chicks and rabbits will bring a smile to everyone’s face. Best for ages 3 months to ten years.
March 27th Spring Colors Sessions
Our March 27th Spring Colors Sessions will be held here at the Ivey Studio in Downtown Midlothian. This set will be filled with TONS and TONS of Bright Spring colors and a giant display of flowers, courtesy of Ruibal’s Nursery. The preview photo is without the flowers, but we wanted to show the great colored backdrop we’ve constructed. Bring the kids in white, or any other color. The panels are green, blue, orange, yellow, pink and purple. We can switch them around for girls and boys, where appropriate.
About the Photography
Our Spring Colors set is a new creation that will be filled with bright pastel colors and live/fresh cut flowers. Perfect to show off your Easter dress or a new spring outfit. Best for children of walking age and older.
About the Pricing and Packages
Our Mini-Sessions are a perfect way to introduce your self to our studio. If you’ve never been in, we invite you to join us for the first time. If you are a regular, we look forward to seeing you again. Either way, the packages and prints are affordable for any budget. As always, our Watch Me Grow Members receive a free 8×10 print with their purchase.
Individual prints start at just $15.
Discounted packages start at $49. Our opening package includes an 8×10, 2 5x7s and 8 Wallets of your favorite pose.
We ask for a $40 minimum purchase. $50 for groups of 3 or more please.
Contact us by phone to book a session at 972-723-2464
Valentine’s Day Mini-Session Event
We had a great time today at our Valentine’s Day mini-sessions. Here are a couple of our favorite photos. Ms Chloe and Ms Allie were rock stars ! We will have the sets open all week, and we’ve decided to extend the special offers through Wednesday of this week. If you still need a great gift, give us a call.
Happy First Birthday to Tatum!
Since purchasing the studio in January of last year, Tatum is my first baby that I have had the privelage of following from before she was born to her first birthday. I photographed mom and dad when Tatum was just a belly bump. And now look at her! Growing like a weed and as cute as can be. Tatum’s mom and dad took advantage of our Annual Baby Plan Collection and brought her in for her 5th session this year. She powered through a cake and her images are at the top of my list so far this year! Happy Birthday Tatum Blaine!
WOW – Winter Wonderland
We had a great time at Nicole Blackmon’s Spoiled Rotten Children’s Boutique on Saturday. We converted her home into a Winter Wonderland and took lots of great photos of the kids. If you didn’t make it this year, be sure to get on our mailing list so we can notify you of these great discount events. They are perfect for kids updates and holiday gifts. We never advise letting one of these replace a regular session with us, but they are fun and we love doing them. Here are a few of our favorites from the 15-minute sessions.
Pretty in Pink – Camryn 9 months
With all the rain we’ve had, my outdoor photo sessions have been limited. I took the slow time to photograph my daughter, Camryn. She just turned 9 months old. She loves her pink tutu, and put on her best smile for Daddy to photograph her. Enjoy.
Little Ava and the Watermelon
Ava turned two recently and her mom and dad brought her out for some new photos. We met on Turtle Creek in Dallas and got a bunch of really cute images. Ava started out in her pink zebra stripes, but then changed into her watermelon outfit. Mom even brought real watermelons to make it all authentic. Here are a few of mom’s favorites, some funnier than others 
.
Ivey Photography - Dallas Family and Children's Photographer - Taking a path, together.
Ivey Photography - Dallas Family and Children's Photographer - Sometimes, you just have to dance.
Ivey Photography - Dallas Family and Children's Photographer - Ava found something that no one else was looking for.
Ivey Photography - Dallas Family and Children's Photographer - Ava LOVES Watermelon, obviously!
Ivey Photography - Dallas Family and Children's Photographer - Ava thought the statues at the park should talk to her.
Pumpkin Patch Photos 2009
After a rainy Friday night, the weather turned out very “Fall Like” for our 2009 Pumpkin Patch photos. This year we moved away from the studio and were hosted by Nicole Blackmon of Spoiled Rotten Boutique, at her beautiful home in Midlothian. If you didn’t make it, we missed you, and you missed a great set and lots of fun. We are considering another setup on Saturday morning, October 31. If we hear from enough people that would like us to set up and offer the specials again, we’ll host here at our studio. Please email us if you didn’t make it, or would like to come with your kids dressed in their costumes. Here are a few photos from Saturday.
Ivey Photography 2009 Pumpkin Patch Photos - My little Camryn showed off in our Pumpkin Cart.
Ivey Photography 2009 Pumpkin Patch Photos - Some came dressed in ties and dresses
Ivey Photography 2009 Pumpkin Patch Photos - Some came dressed in great outfits by Spoiled Rotten Boutique
Ivey Photography 2009 Pumpkin Patch Photos - There were even some big kids
Ivey Photography 2009 Pumpkin Patch Photos - Some kids came dressed in great Halloween costumes
Ivey Photography 2009 Pumpkin Patch Photos - Thanks to Ruibals Nursery in Dallas for the great set.
Thanks to those who purchased photos and brought their families out for the fun. We will email everyone with a link to the photos so you can purchase photos and share with friends.
The State Fair of Texas, Kids, and Cameras
Yesterday I spent the day with my family at the State Fair of Texas. Normally, I don’t post personal photos on the Ivey Blog, but in this case I was thinking of all of our clients, friends and readers when I looked through the photos. As I stood and watched my 3 year-old son ride one over-priced ride after the other, I heard others complain how “expensive” it can be to take your family to the fair. And yes, I felt the same, for about 15 seconds…Until that smile came around the corner on the first “Flying Tigers” airplane ride (8 coupons for those wondering). Where else can you buy a lifetime of memories, a genuine moment of happiness, and 335 great photo opportunities for about 200 bucks? Lots of places I’m sure, but I found mine at the State Fair. Sure I spent more than I wanted to. Sure, I ate more than I needed to. And sure, I took more pictures than you probably will. But I got my memories, spent the day with my family, and got these great photos. Take your kids to the fair. Take your CAMERA with you. Get close, and shoot away. PS The Corny Dog was extra good this year .
Connor on the "Flying Tigers" ride - He really thinks he's flying this!
Connor and Grammy on something that looked like it would make you dizzy.
I swear this is the EXACT motorcycle ride that's been at the fair since I rode it in 1979.
This smile made the whole day worth it.
When a large raptor swoops over you at 40mph, you should pay attention.
MMMMM.....Cotton Candy
Camryn didn't let the noises on the Midway keep her from napping.
The McFadden Family – Rough Creek Lodge, Cleburne
We recently took time to meet up with the McFadden Family down at the Rough Creek Lodge in Cleburne. If you’ve never been to Rough Creek, take time with your family and treat yourself to a fantastic getaway. Its about an hour from our studio in Midlothian and worth the drive from anywhere in Dallas. The McFaddens were staying at the Owner’s Retreat, as they were special guests of the owners of RC. We were thrilled with the location and even more thrilled with the photographs. Here are a few of our favorites. If you get a chance to go to Rough Creek, be sure to give us a call. We’re happy to meet you there for a family portrait in this great Central Texas setting.
Taylored for Photos
Meet the Taylor Family. Scott and Dee are custom furniture builders from Waxahachie. They own Taylored 4 Texas Custom Furniture. We photographed their vow renewal wedding this summer, and then they were back recently for a casual family session. Their daughter is the cutest thing ever, and we are VERY proud of the photos. We are so proud of the photo with Trin holding dad’s leg, that we are entering it the Texas Professional Photographer’s Association Annual Print Competition this month. We’re taking suggestions for a Title if any one has any catchy ideas. Here are a few of my favorites from the day with the Taylors. By the way, all of this went out in one of our beautiful new Canvas Clusters. When you’re in, be sure to ask us about them!
Abbate Trio
Sam, Caleb, and Noah were in this week for an updated family portrait. We got this great photo of big sis just outside the studio, and then worked hard to get all three of the kids in the same spot for 1/250th of a second. We got the shot and mom was very happy.
Fall is the season for family portraits. Our schedule is filling, so please get in early for the best times and best LIGHT!
Tatum 6 Months
Check out this little cutie under the blanket. Tatum is 6 months old and was in for her 3rd session as a part of her First Year Program.
Jillian & Audrey: Simply Adorable
Jillian and her big sister, Audrey, came into the studio last week for a session. They brought a great assortment of outfits and our plan was to capture them looking like perfect little ladies under the lights of the studio. Little did we know that they did not have the same plans. I had just moved in a new leather couch from my friends at The Leather Sofa Co. in Cedar Hill (thanks Mitch), and had it staged in the back studio before moving it into the Bridal Room. We have great window light in the back studio and all along I was thinking that Jillian and Audrey would look great in that light. After a little while of trying to get them in the “perfect photo”, we gave up and put them in their shorts and tank tops and tossed them into the window light on the new couch. The results were fantastic. They went home happy and the three gallery wrap canvases their mom ordered will be STUNNING in their home. Thanks Jennifer.
Ivey Photography | Children's Photographer, Midlothian Texas
Ivey Photography | Children's Photographer, Midlothian Texas
Ivey Photography | Children's Photographer, Midlothian Texas
Ivey Photography | Children's Photographer, Midlothian Texas
Jennifer and Adyson: Blue Jean Beauties
Jennifer came in with her daughter Adyson last week for a studio session. They went for a comfortable look with the classic white button-down and jeans. We used a great blue/black background and our 100-year old wood floors to make these great shots. Adyson was cute and both of their blue eyes just popped off of the screen on all of the shots. Here are a few favorites. Jennifer, feel free to download these for your personal web site or Facebook page.
We are booking fast for Spring. Please get in early to get your family photos updated. There is no time like now to invest in your memories.
Happy Valentine’s Day
It may be a few days early but I wanted to publish the Valentine’s Day card my wife and I will be mailing out to a few people. This is the first time I was able to get all three of my kids in one room, all smiling, all cooperating. Happy Valentine’s day to everyone from the Smiths and Ivey Photography. – Chris.
