Happy Holidays!

I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year! Thank you for making 2007 an awesome year! Looking forward to seeing you in '08!

Stayed tuned for our January Sale...

until next time!

Last minute Seniors

Ahhh, the senior season hasn't ended just quite yet. We have had a few late comers, hey we'll take 'em! I love photographing seniors!! Here is a sneak preview for A! I went down and took some pictures of her and her horse too...which was waay fun!

Just a reminder of our Open House on Nov 24 from 10am - 5p.m. Hope to see you all there!

Enjoy...until next time!!

Christmas is coming!!

Yes it's that time of year again! Where we are all running around crazy looking for that special gift that your little one just has to have! Yes I have been there...shopping on Christmas Eve because someone wanted a doll house that was nowhere to be found! (Yes she did receive it!LOL)

Anyway, I thought this would be a perfect time to show off some of our new friends as well as a couple of new card templates we have! They range from retro to fancy schmancy; whatever your taste may be. Book now for your Christmas session, they are going fast! Deadline for ordering is December 15, there will be a rush fee after that.

In other news, we have moved our Open House to November 22. So if you're out shopping and need a break from the crowd, head on down to our studio and check us out! If you schedule a session that day you will receive a free session, plus an 8x10 print! PLUS...we are having a drawing for 25% off our custom made purses, which is an awesome new product line we are carrying! Hope to see you there!!

B & C Preview

These girls were an absolute delight to work with! Oh to be young and energetic again! LOL (but only if I could know what I know now!;)- Anyway, we had such an awesome time!

The 4th one down, couldn't resist not putting that "poopy" face picture up here! Yes she actually stuck her hand in poop! ROFLOL It was gross but soo funny!!

You were a good sport, B!!

Until next time!

New Studio!!

Ok ok, I apologize for not having anything recent...I've been very busy! So here's to you Toni (and anyone else interested)...a new post!

Awesome exciting news for our studio, as well as our clients! We are building a new studio!! It will still be located at my house, just bigger! Here it is in the making. We still have a lot to do, but hopefully everything will be done by Nov...just in time for the holidays!!

We will be having an open house, date is not set yet, but keep your eyes open...we'll let ya know about it!!

2007 Flood

Here are some more pictures of the flooding. The first 3 are all downtown, which was not even accessible Thurs morning.



Here is our cemetary, it was higher on Weds, you could barely see the tips of the tombstones.
THe courthouse and Municipal building were all under water.
And no, people still have not learned not to drive through it!! The white car is a Jeep Cherokee and barely made it thru! People do not use their heads when it comes to an emergency. Downtown there were so many vehicles that got stuck, b/c they thought that they could make it, but they didn't. Therefore, the emergency people had to waste time getting them out, instead of helping people that were still stuck in their homes.

Friday, most of the water is gone and clean up begins. It really doesn't hit you until you drive through the neighborhoods and see people throwing their belongings on the side of the road. Downtown businesses are just a disaster. Our city employees are going to be picking up their damaged items. But just to see it puts a lump in your throat. Couches, tables, mattresses, dressers, pool tables, kids' toys , carpeting, drywall... On the cars that people left, you can see the water was up to their mirrors ( on trucks) Just total devastation. Most people lost everything. My SIL lost all her furniture and had to rip out all of her flooring in the entire downstairs.

If you had insurance, sure hope you had a good coverage. Most people that got flooded didn't have insurance (they weren't in flood zones). The newspaper tells you to go down the Rec center and apply for assistance. Well here's the catch, you are only allowed to make $3000 or less a month for a 4 people household. Some of the people that do have insurance are only covered for $1500...that's not even enough to pay for carpet!!

My thoughts and prayers go out the all the victims...We will survive!!

Got Water??

We sure do! City of Findlay is under a state of emergency. We had a level 3 out...which around here, means grab your camera and jump in the car!!

The first picture was taken while rescuing my father-in-law, who decided that his mini van would make it thru. Pssst-notice the truck pushing it with his bumper? Needless to say that my FIL did make it but stalled his van. Lesson learned...don't drive thru high water!!



This picture is of a neighborhood just a block away from me. Notice the boat on the right? Well he thought it would be a good idea to get it out and help people get to their houses. Seems like a good idea, but after starting it up and hearing the prop hit the pavement, I'm sure he thought "Why did I do that?" To the marina he'll be going for a new prop.
This is the main street bridge. Bumper to bumper traffic, people having nowhere to go. By Tues night they shut it down. This morning you can't even see the bridge. On the corner of Lincoln and Main, the water was so high, it broke that church's windows and flooding their basement. Dave's shop is 7 FOOT under water. His job today is evacuating people out of their homes and taking them to shelters.
This one is right on the corner of my road. You can see the tracks from there but they are there, under water. JUst crazy! We were worried that it was going to hit our house, but thankfully it didn't.
Here's Lincoln St. The school is to the right, which I believe is to be fine. Not sure about the houses tho. Look closely, you can see that SUV that is under water up to it's bumper.


It is just so unbelievable! This is something that you would only see on t.v. I know that their is a lot of flooding going on in the West and Hurricane Dean, my hearts go out to all them people! But its hard when it really hits your own home! We haven't seen a flood like this since 1913!

We pulled my Sister-in-law and 4 babies out of her house with a row boat! Her house had 12 inches of water inside. She is just devistated! We're helping her out as much as we can. We spent Tues afternoon, rescuing people in her neighborhood with their rowboat.

I-75 was closed, which backed up SR 12, Main St, and my road. We had people from all over, trying to get to Columbus, Dayton, where have you. We just simply said, find a hotel and stay the night. There really was no way out headed south.

My heart goes out to all these people. And hopefully with those with no flood insurance will seek government help!

Until next time...

Beau-ti-ful Girl!!

Meet my new friend! Isn't she gorgeous?! We had a lot of fun during her session! With all the guys that I have been photographing, I almost forgot how much accessories a girl needs!! I had so much fun just watching her "primp"! I can't wait til my own daughter gets into fashion!!

Anyway, thank you for a wonderful session, I hope you enjoy your preview! Best of luck in the future!!

Until next time...

Play Time!!

I have been photographing these girls for 2 years now and I must admit, they wear me out just watching them!!!;) These girls are pumped full of energy and LOVE to play!!! (Then again, what kid doesn't!?!!) This session was a little more nerve wracking then the others, trying to make sure they didn't fall in the water! Lisa, you definitely have your hands full! Thanks for an exciting morning!! Hope you enjoy them!

Until next time...

Party Like a Rock Star!

This is the song that comes to mind when I see the last pic!! LOL Here is just a preview of his session, we had a lot of fun! Good luck to you Z!!!

In other news, our studio will be closed from Aug 3 - Aug 11th! Yep vacation time once again! WOOOHOOO 2 vacations in 1 summer, how did I get so lucky! Anyway, hope you enjoy your preview and have a great week!!

Until next time...

Still Around!

Well we got back from vacation about a week ago, and now I'm playing catchup!! If you're waiting to see your proofs it won't be long!! I should have a shipment in today and have another at the lab! I'll contact you as soon as they get in! Thank you for being patient!

Just to give everyone a heads up, August is booking fast!!! The first week, 5th-10th we will be closed. We are heading down to Myrtle beach for our anniversary, and right when I get back on the 12th I have a shoot that morning! There are still a couple dates left in August, but if you are thinking about booking, better do it now!!

Until next time!
Andrea

Vacation!

Wooohooo!!! Finally some vacation time! Bring on the sun, the sand, the boat, and probably a lot of bruises from tubing!!

We are leaving today and won't be back until July 8. Orders will not be going out until the 9th. I have 2 orders going out at that time, so if have an order you can either email me or just wait until the 9th.

I hope you all have a great week and a Happy 4th!!

Until next time,

Andrea

Lots of Energy w/ a little attitude!

Here is a recent session! Here is Dylan, fullfledged attitude and chocked full of energy! Every session with him is so active, I'm surprised we got such good shots! He so did not want his pictures taken, but I think he did a great job! Take a look at the last picture, bribary always works!!! Hope you got your game you wanted!

Let me know what you think mom!

New Senior Package

As you may or may not know, all of our senior packages include on location. Any park, pond, field, or tracks of your choice is available. You tell me where to go and I will follow. Now I would like to introduce to you a new package...The Senior Road Trip! Findlay and surrounding Hancock County has some beautiful places, some are even alongside the road! Travel with me and we will check out all these fun places! Such places include, but not limited to, Donnell, Litzenburg, Riverside and Riverbend Parks; Downtown Findlay (or your home town); train tracks; and more. We might even just be driving by an old looking barn and jump out for a couple shots. Heck, if you live out in the country and have a nice pond or landscaping we'll stop by there too!

I'm going to offer you even more...first one to call and book your session, mention this blog post, I'll take you out to lunch to your favorite restaurant!! PLUS...you will get 24 free wallets of your favorite pose!! How's that for treating you like royalty??!!! So come on, be creative, be stylish...most of all be You-nique!!

Until next time...

News and Information

First, I would like to say that anyone can now post comments if you wish to! You can even stay anonymous if you'd like.

Second, I would like to cover copyright rules and regulations. Not everybody knows and understands them. I don't think I could sum it up any better than this. The moment a photographer clicks the shuter, they own the copyright on that image. We sell these prints to you, our customers, but that does not give you ownership of the image itself. You have purchased the print, not the copyright. It is illegal to scan, copy, reprint, and digitally enhance any image in any form or for any purpose with our written consent. So please do not do so!!

If you want a websized version of any image you have ordered, please email me. You may also purchase an authorized letter of release allowing you to print your own portraits, call or email me if your interested in a release.

Thanks everyone!

More Senior Favs

While sitting here waiting on the results to American Idol, (who will it be??... my money's on Jordin, altho I do like Blake!) I thought that I would post some recent favs!

Even tho it was very hot that day, I think we got some great shots!

Good luck to you in the future and everything you do!

Until next time!...

Exciting new things...

are going on here! First off, we finally have a website!! www.reflectionsbyandrea.com I still have some kinks to work out, but for the most part it's done!! Second, be on the lookout on the blog for specials, which we will post from time to time. And last, we are revamping our studio! Most of you know that I run my studio out of my garage, and I am finally kicking my car out of it's home. Some fresh paint and some decorating should make you all feel more comfortable, and me a little more professional. LOL I would like to thank all of my past (and future) clients for making this happen. A dream that I have had for a very long time now!

If you are looking to get your portraits done, don't hesitate, time slots are filling fast! May was completely booked and June is almost there. Even if you are scheduling your senior session for the fall, or next year's wedding, make sure you at least get your name (and date) in the book.


Until next time...

Senior Time!

Well it's that time of year again...senior time! Seniors are so much fun to photograph, you get all sorts of personalities!

Here is a sneak peak of a recent senior, he graduates this year. We got his formals portraits in just in time for the deadline! This poor guy had to reschedule his session 3 times b/c of rain and that nice ole "spring weather." We ended up getting them done in 2 sessions, but we did it and they came out great!! I think he had an experience he won't forget. We were walking the tracks to only hear a train coming! He starts laughing and of course my girly side rang out with a scream! We trucked even faster to a field up ahead to get out of the way...false alarm, must have been the other tracks! PHEEWWW! All in all, we had a great (couple of) days!

Good luck to you in the future, V!

I'm searching for '08 Senior models, if you're interested, give me a holla!

Until next time...