PIN IT TO WIN IT (Free Photo Session)

Are you addicted to Pinterest like I am?

Let’s have some Pinning fun – I want to see your best session ideas and what you love from me & give something back to our community, so join me in a Pinterest contest to win a completely free session from me!

I want to be inspired by your Pinterest board and see your dream session! Go all out, be creative, think outside the box, show me a board that will create a session unique to YOU or YOUR family!

How It Works:

1. Create a Pinterest Board for this contest. You can title it whatever you want, but keep in mind creativity throughout all of this counts! You MUST PIN this image/post first to qualify.  This MUST be your first pin to your board!

2. Pin your favorite images from my website: http://anitaallenphotography.com  and my blog: http://aallenphotography.blogspot.com  It can be any type, not just the type of session you’d like to have. The more the better! Be sure to enter what you love about the image in the description AS WELL AS #anitaallenphotography. Please do not pin any other professional images from wedding or portrait photographers.

3. In addition to images from my website and blog, pin images of things that inspire you for the session you’d like to have with me. The type of location, clothes, prop ideas, hairstyles, colors, textures – whatever you would hope to incorporate in your session with me. Dream big and let your imagination go crazy.  Seriously, I want you to shoot for the stars here!  BE CREATIVE!

4. If you win, I am happy to help create, style, plan, and set-up your session.  If I already have the items you’ve pinned, we can totally use them; however, you are ultimately responsible for your own props.

5. To qualify to win you MUST “Like” my Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/anitaallenphotography

6. For extra points, click “Share” on the Pin It To Win It post on my Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/anitaallenphotography  Come back to my blog and comment that you shared the link on your Facebook wall.

6. Leave a comment here on my blog with a link to your Pinboard when you start it.  (Don’t wait until you’re finished!)

7. Contest ends August 15, 2012 and the winner will be chosen and announced by August 20, 2012.

8. Contest will be judged on creativity and style. I will choose the Pinboard I would most like to shoot (so be creative, pin lots of things, from my website, my blog and your favorite ideas!) and you will receive a completely FREE session with me!  Session may be: engagement/couple, styled wedding (ie: day after type), trash the dress, maternity, newborn, baby, children, family, or senior. Anyone may enter, but session must take place in the Pace/ Pensacola area, unless a travel fee is paid

.

9. Session must take place before November 15, 2012.

10. HAVE FUN! I cannot wait to see what you come up with!

11. Many will enter, one will win.  :-)

  If you need an invite to Pinterest, email me at anitaallenphotos@gmail.com To snag a Pin It button for your bookmarks bar go here: http://pinterest.com/about/goodies/

Kayla and Brian are married (Anita Allen Photography)

 

Kayla was a beautiful bride. She was a joy to work with.  She and Brian were up for anything.

Kayla and Brian make such a sweet couple and they enjoy having a good time.  A great time was had by all.

I wish you both the best in your marriage and may you have many, many happy years together.

Anita Allen Photography
850-377-4410

http://www.anitaallenphotography.com/
http://www.aallenphotography.blogspot.com/
anitaallenphotos@gmail.com

2013 Senior Rep Program

Want to get your senior photo session for free?

Want to get free prints, photo books, gallery wraps etc?

My Senior Rep Program may be for you.

Senior Reps

I’m looking for fun and outgoing ways to market and gain new clients so this year I am introducing the 2013 Anita Allen Photography Senior Rep Program. Don’t hesitate to apply today to be a Senior Rep!  And tell your friends to join in on the fun, too!

What is a senior rep?

I want YOU to be a senior rep for me.  Anita Allen Photography is searching for 2013 Senior Reps. Senior Reps are exclusive spokesmodels/representatives for Anita Allen Photography.  Senior Reps are local high school students who are in the graduating class of 2013.  Reps can be from any high school in Pace, Milton, Jay, Pensacola, Gulf Breeze, FL, etc. area. Did I overlook your school?  If you are within 40 miles of Pace, FL, your school qualifies.  Just let me know you are interested.  I will be choosing two students (Male or female) from each local high school.  Senior Reps will be responsible for marketing to their friends, family or acquaintances through the use of social media (facebook and twitter) and Rep cards. The objective is to refer as many people as possible to earn some awesome goodies in return. You could possibly get all of your portraits FREE!  It just depends on how many referrals you are able to refer.  Referrals can be anything from a newborn session, family session, senior session, etc…

What you get:

1. A complimentary 1-2 hour natural light, on location Senior Portrait Session, which includes up to 3 outfit changes- Appointment Required.

2. 25 Custom designed Senior Rep cards to share with your friends, family, etc.

3. Facebook Images- 5 images from your proofing gallery, watermarked.

4.  Large discounts on all products (prints, photo books, etc.)

Additional Incentives 

1. $20 print credit for each referred photo session

2. Refer 5 people and receive your choice of a 16x20 wall print or 11x14 gallery wrap.

3. Refer 10 people and receive a disk of all images from your gallery with print rights.

Complimentary sessions and goodies are free of charge

Referral sessions must be completed and paid in full before credits and rewards are honored.

I referred someone, what do they get?

If your referral completes a photo session with Anita Allen Photography they will receive a 10% discount on their session and a complimentary 8×10 print upon presenting your Senior Rep Card or by liking Anita Allen Photography on facebook and leaving a comment on my wall letting me know who referred them (tell them to use the {@} to tag you).  Please note that your referral will be required to complete a model release.

So, what are you looking for in a Senior Rep?

1. Have an outgoing personality

2. Positive Attitude

3. Have a flair for fashion and pride yourself on your sense of personal style.

4. LOVE having your picture taken

5. You MUST have your parent/guardian’s permission. 

6.  Must be willing to sign an exclusive agreement to have your senior photos taken only by Anita Allen Photography (except for yearbook requirements from respective schools).

7.  Have an active Facebook account and agree to use one of your senior photos as your profile image until graduation.

 8..You must be a current fan (“LIKE”) of the Anita Allen Photography Facebook page (www.facebook.com/anitaallenphotography).  HINT:  You and your parents could use Facebook as a promoting tool.

9. You and your parents must be willing to promote Anita Allen Photography by sharing your photos, spreading the word, refer your friends, family and acquaintances by handing out referral cards.

Email a recent photo of yourself, along with your submission to anitaallenphotos@gmail.com answering the following:

Name:

Phone Number:

High School:

Graduation Year:

Home/Cell Number:
Parent/Guardian Name and Occupation:
Parent/Guardian Email:

High School and community activities:

If you could offer one piece of advice to upcoming Seniors, what would it be:

Why you want to be a Senior Rep and what makes you awesome!

ACT FAST! Not everyone who responds will be accepted so don’t wait! If you have any questions, feel free to call me at 850-377-4410 or email me at anitaallenphotos@gmail.com

Terms and conditions: Senior Representatives agree to have a photo session with Anita Allen Photography no later than August 30, 2012.  You also agree to become a fan/follower on facebook and share photos, news or various updates with your friends. Referred sessions must be scheduled by November 16, 2012 for class of 2013. Parents or legal guardians must sign a model release allowing me to use your images for advertising purposes. A valid Senior Rep Referral Card or facebook mention/comment must be presented by a referred student in order to receive any credits toward prints. Credits will only be issued when a referred senior’s session is complete and all fees are paid in a timely manner by the referred senior. Senior Reps are also “exclusive” to Anita Allen Photography and agree to not have additional portraits taken, promote or post images from another photographer until after you graduate and your rep year has ended.

Interested students should submit all information by Sunday, July 15, 2012 to be considered. Reps will be chosen by Friday, July 20th . Chosen reps will be contacted via email and will be announced on my Blog and Facebook page.

"K" and "B", such adorable siblings!

I am so glad I finally had the opportunity to take pictures of these two kiddo's. Since I first met them I have thought I would love to have that chance.  What a time we had.  One thing I know now that I did not know before is they have a lot more energy than I do.  I definitely got my exercise.  We also chose the hottest day of spring.  But overall things turned out good. 

Thank you for allowing me to capture pictures of your beautiful children.  Let's plan on doing it again :-)

If you or someone you know would like to schedule a session with Anita Allen Photography please give me a call or email me.  I would love to work with you.  Call me at 850-377-4410 or email me at anitaallenphotos@gmail.com

Little Miss "C" is 6 months old (member of our "Watch Me Grow" program} Anita Allen Photography Pace, Florida

I had best time with Little "C".  She was in such a happy mood for her 6 month session, making my job pretty easy.  I love sessions like this one, so fun.  I was able to capture some adorable images that mom and dad will treasure for a very long time. 

 I am very honored that this family drives 2 hours for their sessions. I always look forward to seeing  how much this sweet little one has changed between each one.  "C" is a member of our "Watch Me Grow" plan.
Thank you, mom and dad, for giving me the honor of being your photographer.

Thank you for visiting my blog.  If you would like more information on Anita Allen Photography, do not hesitate to let me know.

http://www.anitaallenphotography.com/
http://www.aallenphotography.blogspot.com/ 
anitaallenphotos@gmail.com
850-377-441

Family Photo Session (Anita Allen Photography - Pace FL)

As a photographer I know how important it is to keep up to date pictures of your loved ones.  My Dad is now 84 years old and his health is not good.  My family and I decided it was time to have some recent pictures made of our family.  We have not have family portraits made in about 35 years. Here is a few of the ones captured during the session:  

This is what happens when a photographer tries to photograph her family (parents and siblings). Just had to post these and there are many more just like that. It was a fun day but I could not get them to behave.  It took several tries but I was finally able to capture this one and I think it's a keeper:

What to Wear to Your Photo Session?

Here are some of my recommendations, but please feel free to contact me with any ideas, suggestions or questions. It’s always great to come up with new concepts!

For maternity and newborn bring both solid white and solid black clothing. A men’s white dress shirt, a belly band that can act as a tube top and jeans all work well. A beautiful piece of fabric or blanket can also be used. Your favorite maternity top or dress is also a great to start the maternity session and get you comfortable in front of the camera, while giving you images you feel comfortable sending to your family! There is never any pressure to show more skin than you feel comfortable though if you are, please wear socks and undergarments with loose elastics that won’t leave marks on the skin when removed.

Babies in a plain white cloth diaper cover (which I can supply) or a white onesie can look especially adorable. A favorite outfit or meaningful gift such as a blanket knitted by a loved one will make the final image that much more special.

Toddlers and kids should be allowed to let their personalities shine. You can either keep the outfit simple, such as jean or khaki overalls for boys and solid colors for little girls. But if your little princess wants to wear a petticoat with rubber boots and sunglasses, why not? Bright, colorful and even patterned clothing can look great for some children’s portraits so by all means, bring several. If your child has an adorable hat, shoes or other accessory/favorite toy, we can have a lot of fun with those. I also have hats, headbands and props for us to choose from.

For family portraits, a neutral theme helps focus the eye on the important part – your faces – and to ensure a timeless look to the images. Ex.: jeans or khaki pants with either a white or black shirt. This is great if you want a more traditional approach. If you are looking for a more modern look or have a room in your home where you would like to hang the resulting portraits, it is best to find outfits that are well coordinated with one another and your home’s color palette.

For headshots and high school senior portraits, have a few clothing options available if you wish to have a bit of variety from formal to casual.

For the engagement session, be true to your own personal style whether you like dressing up or being more casual. Do try to avoid busy patterns and logos and try to coordinate with your fiancé. If an article of clothing or object has any special significance and you want to incorporate it in the session, please bring it along!

I hope this will help you as you are getting ready for you photo session with Anita Allen Photography.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

TIPS FOR YOUR PHOTO SESSION

Capturing the essence of your child is not always easy. However, Anita Allen Photography offers these tips for getting portraits that capture your child's personality...

Tip #1: Parents, come dressed to take a couple shots with your little ones. Sometimes, we need mom and dad to coax them into the "FUN".

Newborns Pictures
We suggest getting portraits done within the first 2 weeks. Photographing a newborn before 2 weeks is ideal because they are sleepier and more limber to pose. There is no going back to those first few days with a brand new, sleeping baby. You have years of ambitious children with eyes open and excitement streaming from head to toe, but the moments to capture the beauty of a newborn are very short-lived and priceless. From 2-5 weeks old, they are more alert and try to resist our poses. They try to lift their heads but most babies are just not strong enough to hold up their heads for a long enough time to capture them. Most babies start cluster feedings, getting acne and dry skin appears; this is why we recommend early or later appointments, but all kids are different. Whenever you decide to take your newborn's pictures, we will work as hard as we can to capture their beauty.

Please bring extra bottles and diapers.
Don’t forget to bring special blankets, hats and toys for their portraits. We also have props that we will be happy to use. 

Pictures of Toddler
Photographing toddlers is a delicate process but with a couple tricks, you can have a successful photo shoot. A well-rested, healthy & fed child is on the right track to happiness; also the right time of day does wonders. We suggest that the first sitting of the day or after an afternoon nap. Child Psychology comes in very handy when dealing with 18 month -3 year old children... Try to get your toddler in the mood to photograph by saying how fun it is. Please do not pressure them to perform a certain way… when kids feel they have the freedom to do something that is their idea, they attack it with full enthusiasm; pressure makes them shut down in the studio setting. Never suggest that it is scary or stressful and give yourself plenty of time to arrive to the photo shoot on time. We like to ease a toddler into the mood by giving them some face time with the photographer. Please do not set the toddler on the stage without easing them up there while holding them. We make slow transitions with your child in order for them to feel comfortable enough to separate from the parent, forcing the child is counter-productive to our process and may force the child to shut down completely. Mom or Dad, come dressed to take pictures, in case your little one wants to start with you in the first few pictures. A sense of security is the bottom line with these little ones.

Check Out The Backgrounds
Coordinate outfits with backgrounds you like. We have a wide selection to choose from. It's important to take your child's complexion, outfit colors & backgrounds into consideration when deciding. Some of our backgrounds are on our website, many others are not. If you get stuck, bring in a couple outfits and we will help. We love to give advice.

Keep Outfits Simple
It's very common to struggle with this one... Wear clothes that you feel comfortable in.
RULE OF THUMB: If you like yourself or child in a certain color or outfit, you will love the picture.

If the outfit is both bright with busy patterns, it can detract from the most important parts of the portrait -- your child's face and expression. To ensure your child is more prominent than the clothes, try outfits with solid colors or simple patterns.  Combinations of patterns can be fun too... like checkers, polka dots and stripes in complimentary colors. Layering clothing for boys is really stylish and adorable, add a hat to spice it up. Overalls with no shirt is still a favorite with most parents. Little girls look adorable with headbands and tutu's.  Sandals, shoes, boots or barefoot? Think of the entire look that you are going for. Play around and have fun; maybe let your child pick one outfit (shows their personality) and you get to pick the other.

Family outfits can be casual, vibrant or mismatched. Most people think you need some brilliant themed outfits in order for the shot to work. We disagree.
Some Family Picture Outfit Ideas:
*Let everyone pick their favorite t-shirt and jeans and go barefoot.
*Little kids get a sweater that has a variety of colors and the adults can pull solid colors from the sweater.
*You could do polka dots on one, strips on another, checkers on the 3rd, maybe solids on one or two people.
*Everyone has a different primary or pastel color on.
*Do it up formal style: Black, white or Brown with silver, cream and gold accents look great together.

You get dressed; we'll get the smile.
 

Bring A Favorite Toy, Snack & Drink
Taking pictures is a lot of work and sometimes a short break is needed to refresh your little model.  Not only during the sitting, but afterwards.  Kids are in heaven after they work really hard modeling to have a yummy reward waiting for them.
 

Take Your Child's Schedule Into Consideration
As a parent you know when your child is at his or her best. Children's portrait sessions should be scheduled for a time of day when they are well-rested and alert. If the timing doesn't work, don't be afraid to reschedule, we want to capture the best pictures possible and sometimes a reschedule is necessary. As parents, we know that our plan is not really the plan.
 

Postpone The Haircut
Plan haircuts one to two weeks prior to your child's portrait session. The day of the session is not the best time to experiment with a new hairstyle or hairstylist.

Stay Calm
Children can tell when adults are anxious and nervous. Make sure to be calm and relaxed about the photo session, the children will feel the same. No expectations usually result in a great experience.

Let us do the work
Sit back and enjoy watching your child giggle and smile. And if they don't giggle and smile, enjoy watching your child respond; sometimes the best pictures are the ones that show your child's expressions and personality coming out. These are often the most cherished because they reflect your child.

We are not promised tomorrow!!!

As I look back on my childhood I have come to realize that family pictures were not a big deal to my parents. The one family portrait we had made I was around 12 years old. We did not have family pictures made again until this past Thanksgiving. I packed up all of the equipment needed for a photo session and I traveled home for the holiday. We actually had our second family portrait made, 35 years later. My dad is now 84 years old and his health is not good. We are never promised to have our loved one here even tomorrow and how important would that picture be after our loved one is gone. I would say, “very”. I don’t know how long my dad will continue to be with us but I do know I will treasure the pictures and the memories from that session.

No one is promised tomorrow. There is no certain age that says that our time is up. Only the Lord knows the time and date when we or our loved ones will leave this earth. But isn’t it important to have those special moments captured in an image so that the people we love can treasure it.

I want to share a picture from the family photo session. This is my Dad and I: