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Saturday, February 6, 2010

Drawing Winner Announced

A BIG thank you to all who put there name in for our "Beautiful Cause" drawing!
I decided to do the drawing of the name the old fashion way and had my oldest (pictured below) pull out a name from a bowl. And the name he drew was....
...Lauren Miller!
Thanks again to those who participated. I'm touched by the people that wanted to support this family in their adoption fund.

Friday, January 29, 2010

For a Beautiful Cause!

Remember this beautiful family?
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Early last year they adopted a brother and sister from Ethiopia. The kids just happened to be almost exactly the same ages as my oldest two; and since then, we've done play dates and become good friends. Watching this couple up-close, I cannot tell you what a fabulous job they are doing as parents!

Well, the reason for this post is that they are adopting from Ethiopia again! They are looking to adopt a 5 year old boy and a baby, and I'm SO excited for them!! But as anyone knows, adoption is not cheap; and right now they are in the process of the trying to raise the money.

So, here's the plan- I am doing a drawing for one photo shoot AND the cd of the processed pictures for just $300. A sitting fee is usually anywhere from $75-$175 and a cd costs $400. So it's like getting your session for free and a $100 discount off of your cd!
The best part is that EVERY PENNY will go toward the adoption fund for this family.

Okay, now the details and rules. Please read them carefully before submitting your name:
*If you are interested and want your name put in drawing, email me at: alyssa@alyssaannephotography.com
*All names must be entered by midnight on Friday, February 5th.
*The winner will be randomly chosen and announced on Saturday, February 6th.
*By entering your name in the drawing, you are agreeing to pay if you are chosen.
*The $300 is due within two weeks of announcement of the winner. If winner does not pay in this period of time, a second name will be drawn; and the first will no longer be eligible.
*After you have paid, you will be mailed a gift certificate for a session and cd for you to use at your convenience. There is no expiration date.
*Clients whose appointments are already scheduled are not eligible.
*New and returning clients alike are both welcome to submit their names.

So start submitting those names, and let a friend know about it, too. It's all for a great family and beautiful cause!
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Thursday, January 21, 2010

Matt & Christy- Engagement

Every couple has something that brought them together: college, a blind date, a mutual friend. Well how about dancing; can you really get more romantic than being brought together by dancing? That's exactly what did it for Matt and Christy. They both separately discovered a love for dancing two years ago; and there, on a Spanish dance floor, they met one another. Excuse me for a moment while I let out a deep romantic sigh...
So we revisited the gorgeous park/community center where they first met and later became engaged. Matt had lots of tricks up his sleeve getting private access to different fun spots. Here's just a small sampling of the photos.
If there are 25 comments on this post within a week, Matt and Christy will receive a free 5x7 of their choice. So show them some love!

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Let me tell you, these two can do some seriously good dancing!
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Kids on a carousel :o)
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And finally, this is the bridge where Christy promised to be Matt's bride:
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Friday, January 15, 2010

And the Winner Is...

The winner of the "2009 Favorite Photo Contest" is...
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Congrats, Nicolette and Paul!

Monday, January 11, 2010

Nate & Michelle Wedding

Just the second day into this new year, I had the privilege of photographing the wedding of Nate and Michelle. This adorable couple loved to laugh and were so full of joy over the idea of marriage. Nate and Michelle began their relationship years ago and at first it seemed to go nowhere. They broke up and Michelle moved to India...yes, India. All definitely seemed to be over. A few years later when she was back on a summer break, she and Nate hung out together with friends; and Nate was officially re-smitten. After Michelle got back to India, he faxed her a handwritten note telling her how he felt and asking her to consider moving back home to give him a second chance. So a second chance he got which was obviously quite fruitful! So congratulations, Nate and Michelle; thank you for allowing me to document your wonderful day (even if it was freezing :o)!

As usual, if there are 25 or more comments on this blog post within a week, Nate and Michelle will get a free 5x7 of their choice.

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We had to get creative indoors since the wind outside was so bitter!
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Sunday, January 3, 2010

2009 Favorite Photo Contest!!

Who's ready for a photo contest? Woo-hoo!

I have chosen 12 of my favorite photos from last year; and you, my dear reader, get to be the final judge. Merely cast your vote at the bottom of this post. The prize for the winner is a 16x20 mounted printed (usually sold for $65) of the winning photo or any other photo from that session.

YOU ARE ONLY ALLOWED ONE VOTE PER PERSON. PHOTOS THAT RECEIVE MULTIPLE VOTES FROM A SINGLE PERSON WILL BE DISQUALIFIED.

The contest will run for 10 days closing at midnight on January 14th.

So here, in no particular order, are this year's nominations:

#1
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#2
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#3
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#4
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#5
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#6
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#7
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#11
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#12
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Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Christmas Time Is Here

I'm closing down shop for a couple of weeks to enjoy celebrating the Christmas season with my family. But I'll be back to posting in January with a New Year's wedding and our second annual "Favorite Photos of the Year" contest with a great prize in store! I've decided to whittle it down to 12 photos for this year's contest, and I'll be notifying you by email if one of the photos from your 2009 session is nominated.
I'll leave you with our family Christmas cards with the main design props going to the fabulous Nichole Van. Have a wonderful holiday season!!

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Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Nicolette & Paul Engagement

Don't be fooled by the fact that any winter postcards of D.C. show snow-covered national landmarks. As a former Michigander, I can honestly tell you that we don't get much snow around here. So I was giddy-excited when Nicolette and Paul agreed to change their photo session so that we could shoot in falling snow.
To add to my weather excitement, I was thrilled to show up to the location and find such a beautiful couple as my photo subjects! Nicolette and Paul met in California and later even discovered that they had been born in the same hospital. They reconnected and became engaged while living in Virginia which is why they told me that Virginia truly is for lovers. :o)

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Isn't she gorgeous!!
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We lasted about 30 minutes in the cold, wet snow. I called it a day when my finger was too frozen and stiff to press the shutter button. So we met again the next day to finish the session and were blessed with some gorgeous sun!

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As usual, if there are 25 different comments on this post within a week, the happy couple will receive a free 5x7 of their choice. So give them some love!

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Nicolette & Paul Preview

More from this wonderfully snowy engagement shoot in a couple days...
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Monday, November 23, 2009

Kelsey- Senior Portraits

Kelsey is an artist, avid reader, and self proclaimed tomboy. I don't how it happens, but I seriously get the best clients. Kelsey and her mom were easy-going and SO MUCH fun to work with. We ended up getting carried away and going way over our schedule session time; and I was loving every second of it.

As an added bonus, if there are 25 comments on this post from 25 different people within a week, then they get a free 5x7!
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My favorite part of the session was incorporating Kelsey's artwork.
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Serious about books...
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Kelsey wanted to incorporate her favorite coffee shop into the shoot. Now this a girl I can hang with!
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Sunday, November 22, 2009

Kelsey Preview

More to come in a couple days from this wonderful session!
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Tuesday, November 17, 2009

H Family

Get a load of this AH-DOR-ABLE family!
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Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Sophia at 6 months

I'm thrilled to be documenting the first year of this little cutie's life. She was so good natured with an overload of cute looks and serious stares, and I had an absolute blast capturing it with the camera.

So help Sophia parents get a free 5x7 by leaving a comment; because if they get 25 different comments on this post within a week, that's exactly what they'll receive.

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Sunday, November 1, 2009

Sophia 6 months- Preview

More to come from this adorable session in a couple days!
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Sunday, October 25, 2009

George & Tara Wedding

An avid soccer player, Tara had two tickets to the D.C. United soccer game; but she also had an injured right leg and no one to drive her. A friend of hers said that he knew of a guy who would enjoy the game and be willing to drive. It was George who pulled into her driveway; and the rest, as they say, is history.
George and Tara said their vows at the 326 year old Blandfield Plantation on a beautiful October afternoon, and I was privileged to capture the moment.
Congratulations, George and Tara; may your future hold many beautiful moments and much love.

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FAQ

What is your photography style?
If you a want a cookie-cutter pose photo, I'm not the photographer for you. I like natural poses and having a bit of fun with my photographs. I think that the deep stare of a child or the enthusiastic jump a teen gives a much better window into their personality than a toothy smile against a fake background. I love to find neat locations for my photo shoot and prefer natural light if possible. I'd rather laugh with my clients than to have them sit still and say, "cheese".
What kind of photography do you do?
I do portrait photography for any age. This includes high school seniors, newborns, children, engaged couples, maternity, and families. In 2009, I also began doing weddings! I also offer a portrait package to help you capture the precious first year of your baby's life.
Do you work well with kids?
Considering the fact that I was the oldest of seven, coached gymnastics for six years, and have three kids of my own, I'd hope the answer is a definite "yes!" I like to try to get the kids or babies relaxed in non-pressure situation.
Can you get my child to smile?
That's one of the funny things about this job. I can guarantee you quality photos, but I just can't guarantee how the kids will respond to the camera. Kids are so unpredictable, but isn't that one of the things we love about them?! I do my best to have them relaxed and hopefully smiling or laughing.
Why are your prices higher than the chain store photography studio?
Chain store studios get you in an out as fast as possible using the same backgrounds and poses as every other customer. Normally you are seeing your photos straight out of the camera within about 15 minutes. I drive to the location we choose and take my time trying to capture the personality of the subject and create works of art. Afterwards, I spend hours processing and retouching your photos. And you get what you pay for; I can confidently tell you the overall quality of the final product is far better than any chain studio can provide.
What should I wear to my photo shoot?
Bright colors always look beautiful in photos. For group shots the colors should obviously not clash though not necessarily be the same or super matchy-matchy. Bold patterns can be distracting; so be careful with any pattern. Hats and accessories always add a touch of fun!
What should I expect from my photo shoot?
The session prices on my website give you an idea of what amount of time to expect to spend with me though there is no running timer on the session. You will see me clicking my shutter button over and over, but don't expect to see 100 photos. For the average shoot, I will pick about 20 of the best photos and process them to show you. Then we will set up an appointment for you to view the proofs and make your order.
What should I bring to my photo shoot?
For any photo shoot but especially for senior shoots, props add personality to the pictures. Always feel free to bring an instrument, special chair, or something that is dear to you.
Also, if I'm photographing your child, bring along their favorite toy or comfort object and a snack as well.
Can I choose the location of my photo shoot?
Absolutely! I always love trying out a new place whether it be an urban or nature setting. There is a traveling fee (starting at $25) for any locations outside of Fairfax or Prince William County.
When is my payment due?
Half of your sitting fee is required as a non-refundable holding fee within a week of booking the session. The other half is required at the beginning of the photo shoot. When ordering prints, at least half of your payment is required when the order is placed; and the other half must be paid upon print delivery.
Where are you located?
I am located in Fairfax County.

About Me

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Alyssa
I'm a mom of three and a photographer on the side...
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