Happy Groundhog's Day!

2.2.10

I love it! I flat out love Groundhog's Day. I have never been to Punxatawney, PA but mark my words, one of these years I will be there. I think it dates back to the movie Groundhog's Day with Bill Murray. There is something about his sarcastic humor that intrigues me. Not only that, but I used to watch that movie every night when I went to bed for almost a year straight. I could recite the entire movie and all of the songs verbatim--that's how much I love that movie.

So even though good ol' Phil, the Seer of Seers, Prognosticator of all Prognosticators, did see his shadow and we do have to face six more weeks of winter, I will sit a daydream what it would be like being front row at Gobbler's Knob with my camera seeing Phil with my own eyes. One of these years....

Happy Groundhog's Day everyone! Enjoy!

~Leilani

Makeover Escape

Yes! It's finally here....THE MAKEOVER ESCAPE! Check out the video to hear all about the amazing details.

This is such an exciting event I'm so proud to be a part of. Thank you Lisa Case for contacting me and I can't wait to see the final outcome. Believe me, it's going to be an incredible experience. Book your appointment today!

989.831.5668
119 N. Camburn Street
Stanton, MI 48888

Girls Night In

1.31.10

It was one of those evenings when we had nothing to do. I mean nothing! It was such a nice change. Haylie and I were sitting around and decided to have an official “Girls Night In.” Incase you are unaware of Girls Night In protocol, it consists of several things: smearing your face with minty cold green glop while trying not to smile or your face will crack and cutting cucumbers for so-called beauty reasons that end up going to Dozer as a treat. The only things we were missing were a bottle of sparkling grape juice and our foot spa (next time).

Obviously when I busted out the camera…trying to not smile is close to impossible. I initially had no intentions of posting these to the blog but seems how I use this blog as a tool to remember phases in my life…I though what the heck! This post is a reminder that it’s okay to take a break from the norm, get a little personal, and have clean pores at the same time.

Have a great Sunday!

~Leilani

This pictures is Haylie Pre-Alien.................................................................................................This is Haylie in her Alien state

Nathaniel's Senior Session {Studio}

1.29.10

It was a Thursday evening when Nathaniel's studio session was scheduled. But it was not your ordinary session--Nathaniel brought an entourage to the studio! Okay, okay, I may be over exaggerating a bit, but still there was quite a crew.

The nice thing about today's technologically advanced society is the ability to store pictures in little hand-held devices such as iPods. So basically I got to see little Nathaniel's timeline from when he was a baby until now! Many people would be embarrassed about their mom showcasing them when they were babies....but not Nathaniel.

He was such a cute baby then....take a look at him now!

Is it fair that a couple can be this beautiful together??

Time for the gun show!

Thank you guys so much for coming into the studio. I had such a wonderful time! Hope to have the crowd at the studio in the future!

~Leilani

Colton's Portrait Session

1.28.10

Kids are so much fun! Colton was the neatest little client I have had so far. I guess why I think he rocks so much is because of his stories about his pets. I can honestly sit here and tell you almost all the names of his pets and even a cute story about them. It's no secret that I am a pet lover and when someone else has that same love for pets, even though he is almost 6, I'm all ears.

Colton, thanks for coming into the studio. I really did have so much fun! I'll be seeing you soon...real soon.

Have a great Thursday!

~Leilani

I'm on Facebook!!

1.27.10

I'll admit that it took me forever. I never thought I would ever have an account or even know what a "wall" was or even "tagging" but I guess I should never say never. I have had a Facebook fan page since November and I things are chugging along smoothly. It is a great way to connect with my clients and future clients. If you are one Facebook, check out the page and become a fan! You can go directly to the page by clicking the image below, clicking here, or on the toolbar near the top of the blog.

If you do become a fan...drop me a line sometime :)

~Leilani

Typical Work Night

1.26.10

Yes...I love my job. My evening job that is. If I don't have a photo session scheduled, I often find myself after dinner sitting at the computer doing some editing, checking my email, and tending to other little odds and ends.

Now what some of you may not now is how difficult it is to work at home. I have two very important pets in my life that get fed up and need my attention. They always have this sense about them to let me know when it is time for a break. If I'm really busy and can't take the time...then they know what they have to do to spend time with me.

Take a look at my working conditions:

I know what Dozer is thinking..."If you can't beat 'em....join 'em."

I honestly believe this is Moxie's first time on the blog. Isn't she just precious?

Look at this face. You see how hard it is to work in these conditions!! My heart just melts when he looks at me this way.

Have a great Tuesday!!

~Leilani

Hair + Make-up Artist: {Misti}

1.22.10

I was looking for a hair and makeup artist to help with my boudoir sessions and when I contacted Misti…I knew we would make a great team! We really hit it off and were very excited to work together. I thought it would be best if we could put a face to the name who does such beautiful work with my boudoir clients.

So ladies, when you schedule your boudoir session, Misti will work wonders and together we will make you feel like the supermodel you truly are!

Studio Tour

1.25.10

On Saturday it was a busy day at the studio. I had a few customer pick ups and two photo shoots. In between shoots, I decided to have Todd come to the studio and help me with a flip video I have been planning. So imagine us outside in 30 degree weather talking, walking, and video taping while people were driving and walking by. I was a little embarrassed at first, but on the third take we got it!!

So here it is, the official video tour of the studio. I figured this would help any potential clients who would like to get a view of the studio seems how my hours are by appointment.

I realize that I may be a little long winded, but if I were to talk any faster...no one would be able to make sense of it. Just to give you a head's up...I've got a couple more videos in store. What did I tell you....I'm flippin' crazy!!

Thanks for watching.

~Leilani

Specialty Items: {Boudoir Book}

1.21.10

If you are thinking about booking a boudoir session and want something more than just prints, I highly suggest this beautiful hardcover 8 x 8 or 10 x 10 book. The quality is so incredible and what I love most is how the pages are hinged so they lay completely flat.

The great thing about thing about these hardback books are the covers are 100 percent customizable and the feeling when this book hits your hands is out of this world. I absolutely love, love, looovvve these books. I have sold several of these books for boudoir sessions, wedding albums, and as a high-end proof book for seniors.

If you would like more information, I am in the process of designing one for the studio with some of my fabulous clients gracing the pages of them. Feel free to come into the studio and take a peek.

~Leilani

Boudoir Session

1.20.10

I realize that it just turned 2010 but guess what next month is Ladies and Gentlemen??? That's right...Valentine's Day. A day of love, appreciation, and best of all chocolates!! mmmmmm....chocolates. So with the holiday soon approaching, if you are still thinking what to get your man, give him the gift that he will never expect! Okay, okay...it may not all be entirely all for him. Booking a boudoir shoot is so much fun and makes you feel like a supermodel. The experience itself is such a blast and the pictures or an album is the icing on the cake.

Here's a preview of a boudoir shoot I had at the old studio in Stanton. I contacted, Misti and she did such a fantastic job with hair & makeup! We enjoyed a little bubbly to get relaxed and the session was smooth sailing.

Her husband is a hunter so we started with a hunting theme. We then make our way to a wonderful bed & breakfast and finished up at the studio. If this is something you would be interested in doing, I'm giving a discount to anyone who books in January and February. Just mention this blog post and I'll take $25 off the sitting fee!

Call now to book your appointment! Believe me....you'll have the time of your life!

~Leilani

Meghan's Newborn Session

1.19.10

Newborns are so much fun to work with. It's always exciting because you never know what kind of mood the little one is going to be in. A crying baby, a sleepy baby, and smiley baby....it's always interesting because newborns aren't exactly the type of clients you can prep for a photo shoot.

Baby Meghan is cute as a button and loved to be held! I always love sleeping shots, but Meghan would only fall asleep if someone was holding her...and I mean she would fall asleep instantly. I did manage to sneak in a few shots of her sleeping in various items. I may not have a ton of experience with babies, but I do have a few tricks up my sleeve :)

Here are a few of my favorite shots from her session. Enjoy!

Please fortune...be right!

1.18.10

In all honesty.....I may be a little different. I'm the type of person who goes to the movie theatre alone. It's not that I like going alone, but it seems that my choice of movies does not appeal to my friends. While I am there, I order popcorn and Reese's pieces and throw them in my popcorn bucket so I can get both the salty & sweet goodness in one bite (yum)!

I am also the type of person that eats at restaurants alone and brainstorms. I was sitting at one of my favorite Chinese restaurants and I know this may sound familiar but I swear....things like this just don't happen. I mean really.....I am on the superstitious side, but this....well...it is meant to be. While sitting at my table, I had my trusty notepad and was jotting down some new ideas. I'm not going to go into full detail here...but trust me...they're good! So after a much overly stuffed meal, I of course had room for one more dessert and decided to eat my fortune cookie.



This was my message:

Now, I have had a couple people try to rain on my parade....but I'm not listening to them. I am all about the power of positive thinking and I'm going full steam ahead. Just to show you all what I mean....take a look at this old blog post from the days of Full Aperture. Check it out and you be the judge. Just so you know, that was when I was going through changing not only the name of my business but also moving my studio from Stanton to Edmore.

So.....if you happen to see me eating, writing notes, and possibly talking to myself...just smile and nod and know that I'll be blogging about it soon.



Have a great Monday! :)



~Leilani

Caissie’s Mini-Session

1.16.10

I had the honor of photographing Caissie for her senior session. She rocked it then and she rocked it even more today. Because these were mini-sessions and not your typical portrait sessions, I was after more of a model’s head shot look. I think based on the images below….I hit the bull’s-eye.

Caissie, you're such a beautiful person, both inside and out, and a blast to work with! Thanks again.

Enjoy!!