Dolce Studio

::New::

2009-09-11T18:47:00.001-07:00

new website. new blog. dont forget to book mark it.
http://www.dolcestudio.com/blog/

::fall::

2009-08-26T15:38:00.000-07:00

...looking forward to fall... and all that comes with it... apple dumplings, trips up north to the cabin, jeans and cashmere, holidays...birthdays & anniversaries... and... family portrait month (woohoo!! look out october)

::presence::

2009-08-25T18:20:00.001-07:00

...i love visiting ohio...my dad's family hails from this fine area of the county and unfortunately i have not gotten a chance to go back for almost 4 years now... there are a great many memories of holidays and summers spent with my grandparents and cousins (there are 23 of us!!)... my grandpa was rarely ever seen without his camera capturing his surroundings, whether it be a flower that intrigued him or the sight of his grandkids playing at the park... i would like to credit him with my interest in photography... i love how he was so at peace with his canon hanging around his neck as if he were a part of nature... i thought to myself: what would be a great way to spend your life...doing what you love, what gives you peace, what brings you happiness... he made such in impact in my life that my two cameras are respectively named after him: Henry & Butch.... my grandfather passed away in 1992... writing that out brings both sadness and joy to my heart, sadness, because i can’t believe that he has been gone for so long, but joy to know that i will one day again see his face and we can spend eternity together taking photographs.... he was such a strong presence in our family, he was our pillar from which we drew our love and faith from.... i recently ran across some photos that i had taken the last time i was in ohio, visiting family, these were taken out at my grandpa's house...where my grandma continues to live... i love this series of photos, as i feel his presence in them, as if he is still on his property watching lovingly over his wife... there is just something special about being able to experience the emotions of someone you love so deeply in a photograph without actually see a "picture of the person"...

::new::

2009-08-24T21:22:00.000-07:00

...we are so happy to roll out our new DOLCE website, we are reworking our branding and studio image...check it, yo!

http://www.dolcestudio.com/

::Portraits In The Pines::

2009-08-22T12:03:00.000-07:00

Dolce Studio Photography & Design is so excited to be offering this limited time engagement. Join us up in the cool mountain air amongst the pines for your beautiful family portraits. It is the perfect time to update those family photos. This special is open to everyone: high school seniors, families & engagement sessions...come one come all!

When: Saturday, September 19th
Saturday, October 3rd
Where: Tonto Creek, Just outside Payson
What: Portraits In The Pines
$95 Includes:
A mini session
25 Free Custom Christmas Cards
1- 8x10
Discounted 'A La Carte' Reprints
Over $60 in Savings!

See you in the Pines!! Space is limited so save your spot today!!

RSVP by August 29th
602.903.3547
contact@dolcestudio.com

• www.dolcestudio.com •

::2years::

2009-08-16T19:05:00.000-07:00

...my daughter turned two at the beginning of the month... here are her "2 year" photos...we took them at one of our favorite places to hang out, its a small area about 20 miles outside payson...it was beautiful...so is my baby girl!

::Parker::

2009-07-23T10:24:00.000-07:00

...i met kevin and meagan over a year ago...they are such sweet people...i did their family photos last july and meagan joked with me that i would be doing her baby's photo when it came time...well fast forward a year... their beautiful boy was born june 12th...i was able to capture him in first week of life and then a few weeks later when he was a month old...i will forever be amazed at how quickly little one's change, right before our eyes,... little parker was so alert and happy... i cant wait to see how much he has changed again in sept!...

::HAPPYhappy::

2009-07-15T11:24:00.001-07:00

...so today is Dolce Studio's Anniversary!!... very exciting stuff...

i never thought that i would be able to have what it takes to not only step outside of my comfort zone and start my own business, but that fact that it is even still going strong... (even in todays economy!!).... that is just awesome! i would love to just say thank you to all my clients who have supported me this year as i took a leap of faith and pursued my dream... Thank you for trusting me to capture your lifes sweetest moments! you guys rock my world!!

...to my exisiting clients:: now through the end of the July, i would love to give you a gift of a free 8x10 from any of your previous sessions...

...to all my new clients:: we here at Dolce Studio would love the opportunity to earn your business...if you book your session by the end of July (and remember you can book it for a few months out, when it starts to cool down!)... we would like to give you half priced session fee... thats $75 off!! ....

...hope you are enjoying your summer! keep cool...

::Out Of Office::

2009-06-06T06:13:00.000-07:00

hi guys! just want to let you know that DOLCE will be out of office until June 16th.
if you have any questions regarding scheduling/orders etc. please contact us at 602.903.3547

::Mr&Mrs::

2009-05-31T11:32:00.001-07:00

...Greg and Becky tied the knot yesterday at Sedona Golf Resort... it was supposed to be high 90's with a chance of showers... so yea it RAINED! it even hailed for sometime... but that did not damper this couples amazing spirits... we just waited out the rain on the patio took as many pictures as we could and as soon as the storm broke...we had ourselves a beautiful wedding! here are just a few of pictures of the day... more to come in the following week!

::real quick::

2009-05-31T09:28:00.000-07:00

just wanted to make sure you all are aware that DOLCE Studio is on Twitter & Facebook... Check us out!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dolce-Studio-Photography-Design/26094205457

http://twitter.com/dolcestudio

::Miss Murray::

2009-05-07T11:13:00.000-07:00

..had the opportunity to shoot Miss Murray's Communion photos... what a sweet little lady!

::Becky/Greg::

2009-05-07T11:06:00.000-07:00

...every so often you meet up with some clients and you just 'click'...meet Becky & Greg...they are such cool people!! they have such an energy about them that keeps you smiling and laughing... here are some pictures from their engagement shoot on Sat... be on the look out for their wedding photos at the end of the month...

::my apologies::

2009-05-03T07:50:00.000-07:00

...as beforementioned in a couple of blogs ago, Dolce was going to be hosting our second annual portraits in the park... but our month of May has already filled up... WOW!!! i am so grateful that we have so many new clients coming in!! I was really looking forward to shooting in THE PARK... I think June may be a bit too warm... I am sorry that it has been put on hold, maybe we will shoot for October (family portrait month, no seriously, it is!)... hang with us, we will be getting back soon...have a ton of stuff to edit before we leave for CA on Sat...

::MINIvaca::part 2

2009-04-24T13:12:00.000-07:00

...on our way home from CA last weekend, we made a small side trip to Joshua Tree National Park...Gotta' make use of our national park pass, right?! my husband is not a big of fan of these trees, but by the time we finished driving through the park, he got 'used' to them....they no longer bother him like they did! (strange.ness!) most of the park looked like it came straight from a Dr Suess book... very cool, i would love to come back and shoot when i have more time to stop and smell the rose, and maybe even do one of the many hiking trails...next time!

::MINIvaca::part 1

2009-04-24T11:57:00.000-07:00

...it had been in the works since the end of january... my husband 'stumbled' upon some clues at the end of feb, but it was still an amazing weekend...a long time ago (BC:before child) we would just get up and go somewhere for a weekend, just the two of us, doing everything from scuba diving to sitting on the beach and flying kites... we had not done anything like this since our baby was born (almost 2 yrs ago) so i had planned a weekend away in Santa Clarita, CA right next to Six Flags Magic Mountian, it was awesome! just the two of us, just like old times....we spent all day fri/sat at the park ... sat evening drove down to Santa Monica Pier...it was beautiful... here are some pictures of our time at the beach....

::Tea Time::

2009-04-24T11:15:00.000-07:00

...yes, i know it has been about a week since the "Tax Day" Tea Parties sprung up all across the nation on the 15th...(i have had no time to edit any personal stuff as of late)... now let it be stated, i am not one to discuss my political stance on a 'business' blog, but i can not help myself from attending gatherings of masses proclaiming their beliefs, whether it be "no more taxes" or "no oil for blood" (yes, i have attended a few anti-war rallies in San Francisco) For me, its not a political thing, its a people thing.... I just love to see the emotions on people's faces, their passion on display, its so beautiful to see free speech in action!! this was a rather mild gathering, but i had a great time shooting!! i also shot w/ my old 35mm pentax, positive film, gotta get it down to the lab...

::Biting the Bulllet::

2009-04-23T10:59:00.000-07:00

...i did it! i upgraded my camera equipment....not that my D300 is outdated by any means or that its not doing what i need, its just that we actually needed a second camera... (when did that happen?!) ....i have really been back and forth about such a big purchase (this new camera requires all new lenses!!)...agh!!... but it needed to happen, we are getting too busy for just one camera to do all the work (i mean what if my D300, heaven forbid, stopped working in the middle of a wedding ceremony?!) we need a back up... and since we will have two cameras now, we can successfully have a second shooter for weddings... so i would like to introduce to you all... the newest member of the DOLCE family: The Nikon D3, full frame slice of heaven!!

::Chase::

2009-04-01T11:38:00.000-07:00

... i cant help but think about when i gradutated highschool... ugh!! could it really have been nine years ago?!.. it honestly feels like i just walked down that big aisle to get my dipolma... it makes me feel really old to know that i have been out of HS that long... i bring this up because i got to hang out with Chase and his family to shoot his senior portraits... this is most laid back kid i think i have ever met!!.. his beautiful girlfriend and sister where also on location for the shoot so i just shot 'em all.... what a great way to spend an afternoon!!

::UPCOMING::

2009-03-20T21:36:00.000-07:00

...the weather is PERFECT right now!!... i love getting the chance to get out and shoot... especially today, it was gorgeous with the overcast...mmm...really perfect!!...that being said...here are things to look forward to in the next couple of months here at Dolce....

APRIL 12th: Easter
Book Your Session By March 31st and get 25 Free Photo Cards (only a few spots left!)

MAY: 2nd Annual Portraits In The Park
Locations to include: Gilbert, Estrella Mountain Ranch, Verrado, and Maricopa...More Details Coming Soon

MAY 10th: Mother's Appreciation Day
Special Package: Call for more information 602.903.3547
GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE

JULY: Dolce's Anniversary
BIG SAVINGS IN JULY... 1/2 Off Basic Session

....as mentioned before, this is the perfect time to get outside and update those family portraits...
give us a call today and set up your Session before it gets tooo warm out there :)

::Spring::

2009-03-10T09:30:00.000-07:00

...Just wanted to give you all a heads up that DOLCE is gearing up for its Second Annual Portraits in the Park.... We are doing FOUR locations this year... We do know for a fact that it will be held in MAY...but we are unsure about which weekends as we are trying to plan around some upcoming weddings...so that being said, keep MAY in mind for family portraits and tell all your friends!! we will be getting emails out with all the details as they are put into place!

::little lady::

2009-02-16T17:17:00.000-08:00

here are some photos of my little lady...she turned 18 months on the 9th... she is growing so fast!!

::2.4.6.8:: who do we appreciate

2009-02-13T12:57:00.000-08:00

...i just got from spending seven days in las vegas shooting the JAMZ National Cheerleading Event at The Orleans, i am working in partnership with a production company: RT Productions ... now this is my fifth year to be doing this, but i have not worked it for the past three... let me tell you.. i am worn out!! i had forgotten how different it is than shooting in my studio or on location...i am in charge of a group of two others, who with their help we line-up, pose, shoot the girls and get them on their way all in about a span of 2-3 min... (we are really good at what we do!!) some of the teams include up to 37 girls with 8 coaches... so yea, it had been a fun week! i am enjoying my quiet time for the remainder of the week as i am gearing up to go back in less than a week....

::Bebe Z::

2009-02-12T14:18:00.000-08:00

...i got to meet M's little one last week...baby "Z"...oh.my.goodness. what a sweet little baby!! here are just a few from our shoot...

::Starstruck::

2009-02-03T09:28:00.000-08:00

about a month ago i spent four days at IMAGING USA...its a convention for professional photographers... i knew that i would be in 'class' most of the time... and while i did walk away with some great business ideas and tips to make Dolce grow this next year.... the highlight of my time there was not only getting to hear the famed Harry Benson speak, but to also meet him...and get a hug!! i had studied this amazing man in college and to actually get to meet him was unreal! he is so genuine and real... he showed pictures that he had taken over his 50 year career in photojournalism and told the stories behind them... he was there with Martin Luther King Jr on the Civil Rights Marches, he was within inches of Bobby Kennedy when he was assisnated (he bent down to change his roll of film and when he stood back up, five others around him had been shot...) ...and of course he photographed the Beatles...which is probably what he is most famous for! so...yea i am rambling like a star crazed fan... it was an unforgettable moment in my life... here is a picture of us...yes, i told you i was starstuck..

"no paparazzi, no paparazzi " -Harry Benson

Tammy + Jason = Love!

2009-01-21T13:06:00.001-08:00

i got the awesome chance to photograph my cousin Tammy and her husband Jason. Jason is a marine and is headed back over the pond for another tour of duty in March. I wanted give her something to 'hold on' to while is he gone. they are seriously such a great couple! they braved the sub zero weather in order to get these done!

Imaging USA

2009-01-09T05:56:00.000-08:00

This weekend I will be super busy! I am headed off Imaging USA . It is going to be 3 days packed full of intense photography education and trends. I am really looking forward to hanging with other professional photographers who are dealing with some of the same issues as I am . Even more so I am super excited to see what the new trends are in newborn/maternity photography... I love being able to offer my clients "whats hot" right now in the preservation and sharing of their precious memories. There are going to hundreds of differents vendors there, including my favorite album company.

In addition to all this, I will be receiving my "formal" training for the non-profit photography group i am a part of. I am thrilled to meet the other amazing photographers in the area that have a heart to do this kind of sensitive work.

I am also really pumped about meeting Sandy Puc'...she is an amazing woman, she a mom, a photographer, she serves on the board at PPA, started NILMDTS and is considered a master what she does... I aspire to be like her. She is a fan of Canon, but I wont hold that against her :)

very last minute!!

2008-12-22T07:15:00.000-08:00

after a few inquries... yes, Dolce Studio does offer gift cards! so if you need some last minute Christmas gifts/ideas, dont hesitiate to call!! you can get your gift card by Christmas!

602.903.3547

..."gonna pop"....

2008-12-21T16:02:00.000-08:00

....i had the extreme pleasure of meeting parents to be M & A on saturday... they are expecting their little girl on jan 8th... M is one of those women who wear pregnancy very well!!...she was stunning! she photographed beautifully!!... here are just a few of my favorite from this weekends shoot...

lazy sunday afternoon

2008-12-14T11:58:00.000-08:00

...the past couple of weekends i (along with my traveling team) have been shooting cheerleading events in california....we got home this morning at 3am...boy are we tired!!... the gig invloves different cheerleading events and shooting their team while they are performing. the parents and athletes can then view and purchase the photos almost immediately after they are taken... on an average day we have about 70 teams come through with a 2-3 min routine, and i take about 60-80 photos of each team...so thats about 5600 photos in span of just 6hours or so...its a rush to capture those "money shots"!

i am pleased that i am actually home today with my little family, i have missed spending my weekends with my little girl... i am also pleased that next weekend i have just one shoot! i cant wait to meet M on sat, she is going to be a new momma and i get to shoot her beautiful bellly!!

i am also glad that this week is going to be slow around dolce, i have a ton of "office" stuff to catch up: new business cards, mailing orders out, photos edited, some album work...the list is long... dolce is also working on a whole new look for the beginning of the new year... new website, new pricing and new products! so stay tuned!!

well, i am going to go enjoy the rest of my lazy sunday afternoon...i hope you all have a relaxing weekend....

...with every Christmas card I write...

2008-12-04T08:12:00.000-08:00

...Dolce is back from holiday.... my little family of three drove across the country to IN to spend a week with our extended families, it was wonderful!!.... my daughter loved cold weather, although she did pick up a cold while she was there....

here are a few of my favorite pics of my AG...

Oh Baby!

2008-11-17T19:03:00.000-08:00

.....things have been busy around here at dolce. i am trying to get some works of art up as i have free time.... here are a few of my favorites from a recent newborn session with a very handsome little man...

.::Its The Holiday Season::.

2008-11-10T13:25:00.000-08:00

***Announcement***

Dolce Studio Photography & Design will be on holiday Nov 21-Dec 1.... Please keep this in mind when ordering photographs and Christmas Cards... Business will resume as usual Dec. 2nd....

...Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving...

ducks and photographs

2008-11-08T20:19:00.000-08:00

..did some last minute holiday photos for some friends tonight...their daughter was so adorable...she was so excited to see all the ducks at the lake...i just loved watching her face light up, i could see her working things out in her mind.."hmmm, how do i get to those ducks?"... they took so many great photos, it was hard to narrow down a few of my favorites...so here is a bunch of my favorites...

dolce update

2008-11-03T11:10:00.000-08:00

...let me start out by saying how amazing these last couple of months have been...i have been able to meet with some pretty amazing people and caputure thier 'life moments'...it has been wonderful!! there have been some new things happening here at dolce studio....first of all Dolce Studio Photography And Design is now a part of the Professional Photographers of America (PPA)
....in addition to that i am studying to become a Certified Professional Photographer...let it be known that this is not for the faint of heart!... it will be a year long process ending with a pretty intense test! yikes!! but i am really feeling that this is a huge step i need to make myself stand out from the rest...side note: only 3% of professional photographers are certified...i plan to be amongst them!

Also in looking for a way for Dolce Studio to give back to the community, we have partnered up with Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep. The Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Foundation (NILMDTS) administers to a network of volunteer professional photographers. At a family's request, a NILMDTS photographer will provide complimentary bereavement services.

...you can learn more about NILMDTS by going here

....i strongly believe in what this does for a family, and i'm honored to be apart of it....

...Hot Mommas...

2008-10-27T15:19:00.000-07:00

...Saturday I had two maternity shoot scheduled...
... A & J...i cant even begin to tell you how much i love these people!! ...never is there a time when we get together and we dont share belly laughs... they came to dolce on saturday morning, went to hospital sunday night and are having their baby today!!! A was positively glowing during her shoot! so beautiful!! looking forward to meeting little baby boy!

...i also had the extreme pleasure of meeting a new couple M & J ... M & J were such a fantastic couple...so cute! they are expecting their little lady in about 3 weeks!!

...Man & Wife....

2008-10-21T20:09:00.001-07:00

i had the pleasure of capturing R & L's wedding on Friday. i have shot many weddings that have been on the large side, this is my first wedding to shoot that took place in the couples living room...it was very warm and cozy! i love being a part of such an intimate affair. i was honored they asked me to be a part of their big day! they held their reception that this great restaurant called Va Bene...what a fantastic atmosphere! here are a few of my favorites, in no particular order!

sweet baby

2008-10-09T15:31:00.000-07:00

....its true....i love shooting babies.... especially when they are so new to the world!! as we all know, babies change soooo fast! i look at my own little lady and i can not believe that she already 14 months.... one of the main reasons i love photographing babies is knowing that next time i see him/her the baby will have changed, i love being able to capture the emotions that come along with a newborn...

i had the opportunity to photograph little A.R.P.....such a sweet little angel he was.... here a just a few of my favorites from the shoot....enjoy!

First Comes Love....

2008-09-22T07:50:00.000-07:00

Then Comes Marriage....

I am shooting this awesome couples wedding in just a few short weeks. We all beared the 100+ degree weather yesterday afternoon...(how many more until it starts to cool down?!)

Anyway R & L were such great people to work with, such naturals in front of the camera...a photog's dream! Looking forward to the wedding!

We Are Family

2008-09-19T15:15:00.000-07:00

... in between the mad rush of photos i have been taking for family, couples and newborns, i got the pleasure of shooting my family...

my little sister, (okay so she not so little anymore) recently got engaged, i did her engagement photos and her "save the date" announcements...

my parents also celebrated their 30th wedding annivesary in August, so i did a small shoot for them as well...

its was fun, and i even got paid for my work...even better :)

FREE FREE FREE

2008-09-09T08:07:00.000-07:00

...for a limited time Dolce Studio is offering free mini baby bump/newborn sessions...

we got some new equipment and we want to 'break it in'. that means some huge savings for you!! your free mini session will include:

60-90 minute photo session
1- 8x10
private online viewing gallery

602-903-3547

Christmas Cards Are On Sale!

2008-09-07T15:37:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to let my amazing clients know that Christmas cards are on sale from now until October 31st. There are a couple of new things with our Christmas cards this year. We have packaged our cards in sets of 25. We also have moved away from the small 4x6 photo cards and moved up to the bigger and much better 5x7 photo card. Our cards usually run $48.50/per set of 25...but if you order by October 31st you will get cards for just $37/per set of 25. Also if you are still in need of your family pictures done for Christmas Cards, just give us a call and we will get you booked! We are also doing 25 free cards w/ each family sitting booked before Sept 15th.

hottest day of the year

2008-08-25T13:28:00.000-07:00

august 23rd was to be the hottest day of the year. had i known this i probably would not have scheduled two photo shoots right in a row...whew! it wore me out! but man oh man did i have a great time shooting...i always feel so energized when i am out shooting and meeting new people and families. its so much fun to be able to hang out and talk to the families. the first family i shot had four adorable kids! seriously, they were sooo cute! coming from a family of six myself, it was amusing to watch each kids personality shine through...i could see a little of myself in each of them. with so many different personalities, it was quite the challenge to get all four kids in the same photo....i do love a challenge!

Christmas Is Right Around The Corner!

2008-08-05T09:53:00.000-07:00

hey there everyone...just wanted to let you know that i am taking appointments for "Christmas Photos"....the holidays are less than five months away!! its never to early to start planning for those Christmas Cards...Contact me to schedule your appointment!!

Addyson in Wonderland

2008-08-05T09:05:00.001-07:00

I got the chance to photograph little Addyson....what a cutie!! she is coming up onto her first birthday in a couple of weeks and her mom wanted to capture her little one 'on the go'... a friend make Addy princess tutu...seriously adorable! i had so much fun capturing her personality.
she was all smiles, despite the heat and humidity that plagued our early morning shoot. such a good sport!
happy birthday Addyson!!

Calling All Brides

2008-05-28T17:19:00.000-07:00

Are you recently engaged? Or know someone who is? We are going to be hosting a booth at the upcoming Bridal Fashion Debut on Sunday June 8th. We have some free tickets to the event and would love treat you and a friend to the show! Tickets are limited, so contact us soon at contact@dolcestudio.com
Be sure to stop by our booth....we are giving away some fantastic prizes!

Portraits In The Park

2008-05-18T14:55:00.000-07:00

Yesterday afternoon was spent at Freestone Park shooting family portraits. It was a fantastic day to be out shooting. The Cathey family came out and shared that it was their 16th wedding anniversary and they had been together for 21 years! that is amazing! they looked so much in love so many years later. I was touched that I had to opportunity to capture the sweetness of their family.