Studio Life @ Johnston Photography

Winter Wonderland

Our WInter Wonderland is quickly approaching. The Sleigh is at the studio and ready to go. The updated year is ready for the lamp post. This is shaping up to be the best set yet! Saturday is almost full but there are still a few spots for Friday. When those fill we will look at opening up Thursday and maybe a few on Sunday. Yes, I said it, Sunday. They will be very limited though, as I will not have Carols help on Sunday.

Remember there is NO SESSION FEE for this. Just bring in $30. worth of new, unwrapped toys. They will be donated to The Salvation Army, for distribution around the area, to help less fortunate children have a Merry Christmas. Special Packages and Holiday cards will be available at your view and order following your session. Appointments are required for this special, so call right away to schedule your time!

Can't make the special but still want to have portraits for the holidays? The time is now to book those appointments. Remember, proofs take a week and finals 3 weeks, plus in there you will need time to make your selections. So, although it is the first week in November, time is limited! View and order appointments are available and will save you time in the process.

Give the studio a call today to schedule your appointment. 815-459-1481

Trick or Treat Fundraiser

Yesterday we held out first annual Trick or Treat for the Troops Open House. My very talented husband Dave created a wonderful haunted set. Although we were not as busy through out the day as we had hoped for we managed to collect quite a bit of stuff to send over seas to our fighting military. I am going to contact Warriors Watch to obtain names and addresses of other soldiers since I really don't want to send all of it to my son and his unit. Spread the wealth!

We have one more fundraiser this year. It is our WInter Wonderland. It will be on Dec 4th and 5th. The 5th is almost full and the 4th is going fast. If both days fill up we will add another day. Perhaps a few appointments on Sunday the 6th. We would love to have a spot for everyone, but you all know how that goes. So call today before all the best times are filled.

For a preview of the set go to Johnston Photography on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Crystal-Lake-IL/Johnston-Photography/110074921425?ref=ts

Next week please join us in Huntley, IL. at Dietric Park for DOGTOBER! A fun fest geared towards the "other" member of the family! Lots of vendors and things to see and do. We will have a booth to photograph your pet and special packaging available. So please come on by from 1-4 Sunday Oct. 4th. Should be lots of fun!!

Only 2 more week until our Fall Harvest Food Drive Fundraiser. No session fee just $30. worth or items to donate to the local food pantry. You will receive a free 4x5 print and special packages are available. Please call the studio to set up your appointment time. There are still a few spots left.

Also we are planning a Trick or Treat for the Troops Party on Halloween from 10am-2pm. I will post a list of items the soldiers need/ want soon. Food prizes and 2 special sets. 1 for us to do the photography and 1 for you to bring your own camera and snap a few of your children in their costumes. I know, what am I thinking?  This is really not about business, it is for the guys and gals in costume everyday, for us! So please stop in, bring stuff and tell your friends! It should be a great day!!

Grace born 9/21/09

Today I had the extreme pleasure to photograph Miss Grace. She arrive into the world on Monday 9/21. She and her parents are doing very well. Mom had just been in the studio last week for her maternity portraits. Timing is everything!!! I was able to take her the preview book from those when I showed up to create these images plus (of course) way too many others. Personally I am thinking the pink one might make a wonderful birth announcement! But that isn't my call. Please, leave a comment. Let me know what you think!

It goes by so fast

Wow I can not believe that it is mid-September already! School has been back in session for a few weeks already, the leaves are changing color and the nights are wonderfully cool for a perfect nights sleep. Best part of this for me though, is that my son Mike will be leaving Afghanistan in less than 3 weeks to come home on his 2 week break. Although his time home is already getting busy with all of the things he wants to do while home and I know it will go by all to fast, I can't wait to just see him, hug him, and know that for this short time he is safe. Well safer anyway. I would like to thank everyone for their generosity too. The number of people that have either sent packages or dropped items at the studio for me to send to Mike and his unit has been amazing. They are so grateful that people "back home" care. It helps them feel like what they are doing matters and people really do think about them.

Thanks All! May you have a great weekend. Hug those that you love just a little bit tighter!

Sarah

Babies at home continued

Alright! I have a couple more takers for the Newborns at Home. I am really thinking that this is the BEST way for all. Moms don't have to stress about weather or anything involved with going out. We do it all available light and use little bits around their home. Babies born in the winter months will now be able to have their first photo session in the comfort of their own home regardless of the weather. This will make the ideal shower gift!!

So keep this in mind and let your family and friends know - At Home Newborn Portraits from Johnston Photography are now available.

Sessions include a set of custom birth announcements too!

Back to School Time!

It has been a great summer here at the studio. We have stayed pretty busy. Funny how we get a rush 3 weeks before school starts. LOL  Today was the first day for our elementary district and the high school went back on Monday. I know some of you are saddened to see your children heading back to school, some for the very first time. Others, I know are glad to get back to scheduled lifestyle. I think that is the one I relate to best. Either way, it is a sign of how fast time goes by. As a friendly reminder, I would like to mention that Sept. is family portrait time at the studio. As a past client you receive a discounted session fee for the month. This year we have added several NEW styles of custom holiday cards, all of which are discounted 'til the end of Oct.

We have several new props and backgrounds for this fall. Also my husband is very busy restoring an old horse drawn sleigh. This is going to be a part of our Winter Wonderland set this year. Last year we had such a great set we did not think we were going to be able to top it, but I think we have! We are looking for a possible Santa Clause also. If you happen to know a good candidate please let me know or have them contact me. Our thinking is to have Santa either hiding around the corner or standing by the sleigh. I know from experience that kids do not always want to sit on Santas lap, so we are not going to push it! Kinda makes my job easier too. Crying kids don't always make the best subject!!

Anyway, Just thought I would catch up here a bit. I will post some of the more recent favorite image soon. So please check back.

Thanks!!

Funny Faces

This is one of our favorite Funny Faces that come into the studio. He did a wonderful job for the special. We made this 10x30 with 12 of his moms favorite images. He ended up being very expressive!

Danielle & Paolo

On July 11th I had the honor of photographing the wedding of Danielle Kuczera and Paolo Cairoli. What a wonderful day!. I met Danielle when I photographed her for her graduation photos a few years ago. Her now husband Paolo is originally from Italy. Together they are make such a cute couple. The wedding and reception were here in Crystal Lake. With family coming from all over the world it was a day filled with love and laughter. Congrats you two. May you have a lifetime of happiness!! Here is a preview of the images from your special day.

Welcome to the World Chyler

Mike and Heather Schuster added to their family last week. Chyler (kyler) is the fourth child, third son for them. I had the privilege today to go to their home and photograph him as a part of our new Newborn services. If you or someone you know is expecting it would make a great gift. To have us come to their home for those all important brand new baby photos. Heather is selecting images to use for her birth announcements from this session. Here are just a couple of the images we created for her today.

What a wonderful family. Thanks Heather and Mike for allowing me into your home to preserve these memories for you!!