Casting Call {child photographer | Conroe, TX}

Do you have a child from ages 7 to 13?  Does he or she play an instrument, have an interesting hobby, or enjoy a sport?  Carty Photography is looking for six models for an upcoming promo.  Sessions will be approximately 15-20 minutes per model and take place on a Sunday afternoon in January.  If you are interested send an email to carty.photography@yahoo.com.  Each model will receive a complimentary 8x10 for their services.

Website Maintenance

If you've visited our website today you might notice that it has been replaced with a big white page of emptiness.  We are in the process of changing our website over to a new host.  Once its completely moved over and totally revamped you'll be able to access us again.  In the future you can look forward to a site suited for your mobile phone, online galleries without accessing Zenfolio, as well as mini-sites for your special events.  I look forward to all the new things 2011 brings to Carty Photography.

Now Booking January {child photographer | Conroe, TX}

Exciting things are coming to Carty Photography in 2011.  Limited Edition Sessions are coming and we've now started booking for January.  First up are our Camo Cuties and Valentine Angel sessions.  Sessions are only $45.  We also have special packages to fit every budget.  Choose your favorite images to create custom Valentine Cards for your little one. 

Cyber Monday Sale {family photographer | Conroe, TX}

Not sure what to get the person who has everything?  Get them a gift card to Carty Photography, the gift that truly keeps on giving.  Today only, you can purchase $50 cards for only $40 and our $100 card for only $75.  That's saving more cash for your holiday stash. 

The Family Stone {family photographer | Conroe, TX}

Meet the Stone family.  They are return clients.  The last session we had was for Princess J's birthday this summer.  She didn't want her photo taken, but Mr. B did.  This time it was reversed.  Mr. B just was not happy with the plans for the day.  He presented us with a challenge but overall I think we took care of it.  I always love family sessions.

Limited Edition Sessions New for 2011! {child photographer | Conroe, TX}

New for 2011 are Carty Photography's Limited Edition Sessions.  These are 30 minute sessions of your child(ren) in a predetermined theme.  Sessions are $45 are designed for one person.  Packages start at $89 or you may order your prints a la carte via your personal online gallery.

The following sessions are available-  Dates and Times are to be determined.  Please send an email for the sessions you are interested in.  Booking will begin January 1st, 2011.  There will only be one day for each session so be sure to get your name on the list!

January

• Valentine Angels: Halos, harps, wings and hearts
•  Camo Cuties: Your favorite camo gear, boots, and trees

February

• Pirates: Eye patches, earrings, and treasure galore
• Pixies: Tutus, glitter, wands, and wings

March

• Grease Monkeys: Old car, mechanic shirts, red rags and greasy faces

April

• Monkeys on the Bed: Outdoor session with bed, white linens, and lots of fun!

June

• Little Heros: Sessions devoted to your child's favorite hero.  Child can dress up like a firefighter, doctor, soldier, the sky is the limit!

Casting Call {child photographer | Conroe, TX}

Do you have an adorable model-in-the-making?  We are looking for fresh faces age two through 12.  Join us on Saturday afternoon, November 20th for a 15 minute test session.  Call for more information and to schedule your quick session today.

Cutest Kid Contest Winner {child photographer | Conroe, TX}

If you remember Carty Photography held its very own Cutest Kid Contest at the end of September.  By receiving the most votes, Daniel became our 2010 Cutest Kid Contest winner.  We had his session earlier this week.  This kid is going places.  His imagination is HUGE and is going to take him to the moon.  At least if you ask Daniel that's what he would say.  He is in love with space and even wants to visit some day.  Though he's only three (he believes he is 5), he has BIG personality.  It was so fun working with this adorable little boy.

Holiday Sessions, Limited Availability {family photographer | Conroe, TX}

The holiday season is fast approaching and you don't want to be left out in the cold when it comes to your Christmas cards.  Book one of our convenient holiday sessions and receive the prints you want to keep and the cards you want to give.  Availability is limited so book your session today via the BOOK MY SESSION link at the top right.  I have a few slots open on Nov. 20th, 24th, and 27th.

Clark Family {family photographer | Conroe, TX}

I know I say it all the time, but I'll say it again.  I have the best clients.  Return clients are my favorite.  It allows me to watch their family grow and see the change not only in them, but myself as a photographer as well.  This family reminds me of mine and that could be why I find myself emotional when editing them.  Mom and Dad are high school sweethearts and they share their love for three beautiful blue-eyed cuties.  Can't you just see the love?

Deal Me In {family photographer | Conroe, TX}

I just received an order of these that I had made for me personally.  I am amazed at the quality of these cards!  I love them so much that I've decided to add them to our line of products at Carty Photography.  Cards can be personalized with name and year. The deck includes 52 playing cards and 2 Joker cards printed on Pearl paper. Rounded die-cutting, clear gloss coating, and a protective display box are included at no extra charge. These will make excellent stocking stuffers this holiday season.  Contact us for more information.

Hook 'Em Horns! {infant photographer | Conroe, TX}

I love shopping for new and unique studio props.  I try to find things that are rare, hard to find, or that I haven't seen used before.  I am super excited about the newest addition to Carty Photography, a UT Longhorns beanie.  It's like Christmas when a new prop is ordered online and I have to wait for the UPS or Fed-Ex guy to deliver.  My patience usually gets the better of me.  Needless to say, I just had to share this with you.  Be the first to have your babies portraits done in it by clicking the BOOK MY SESSION link at the top right of the blog!

 

Custom Name Composites {infant photographer | Conroe, TX}

I have enjoyed this last week designing several requested Custom Name Composites for some special kiddos.  They were added to our product line at the beginning of the year however, we've not had the opportunity to do them yet. 

Upon booking your session you may request a custom composite.  They are available mounted on foam board for $150 and come in your choice of designer frames with the clear glass.  These are sure to be a treasure for years to come.  Custom Name Composites are perfect gifts for the High School Senior who has everything, a new baby, family images, or first birthdays.

Holiday Jewelry Line {Family Photographer | Conroe, TX}

Make the holidays special for her with the newest pieces added to our jewelry line.  With so many options its hard not to get them all!  Stunning sterling silver jewelry can be worn on its own or add charms to an existing piece of jewelry.

  

Princess E turns ONE! {infant photographer | Conroe, TX}

Hear Ye, Hear Ye.  Her Royal Highness has officially turned one today.  She has graced the Larson Kingdom effortlessly bringing joy and love to all those who know her.  It's hard to believe her big moment is here.  Seems like just yesterday her mama told me she was expecting.  Waiting patiently (yeah right, who are we kidding, lol) we eventually heard the news it was a girl.  It's been pretty pink ever since.  I've had the true privilege of photographing Princess E since she was six weeks old.  I feel my eyes tear up with each session as I have watched her parents hurt and suffer to get her here and now she brings tears of joy with each and every smile.  Happy Birthday Princess E!



Fall Family Sessions and Press Printed Cards

Fall is right around the corner and already getting calls for family portraits. This year I will be offering press printed cards. These are not your typical “photo” cards…they are actual cards! The lab I use provides the best short run press printed gretting cards in the photographic and printing industry.

Press printed cards are available in 4x5.5, 5x5, 5x7 sizes, both flat and folded styles. Non-traditional sizes and styles, include a 5x7 wide format, 5x5 Trifold, and a 4x5.5 Accordian are also available. They are affordably priced with quantities as low as 25 and include envelopes.

The most popular uses for press printed cards include baby announcements, high school senior graduation announcements, wedding invitations, thank you cards, stationary and of course holiday greeting cards. If you are interested in booking a family session or know someone that is please contact me online or call 832-515-7698. Please hurry because Fall appointments are booking quickly!

September Studio News { Family Photographer | Conroe, TX }

Carty Photography has some exciting new sessions coming up very soon.  Whatever your portrait needs may be we've got you covered.


Referral Program
Good news travels fast! At Carty Photography, we are honored to have your business and we aim to exceed your expectations every time you choose us.  Now, when you refer a friend you can receive a complimentary 8x10 or smaller portrait.  The sky is the limit -every friend who books a session will bring you another complimentary print.  Good for one 8x10 or smaller print, NO cash value. For new sessions only.  Expires December 31, 2010.


Monkeys Jumping on the Bed!
Do your little monkeys LOVE jumping on the bed?  Join us for our adorable but limited session.  Bring your little monkeys in their fall dresses and slacks, or their favorite pajamas!  This session is best for ages 3-10, and is by appointment only.  Date, time, and location to be announced.


Ahoy There Matey!
Travel to a land unknown and watch your little pirate discover new territories while searching for buried treasure.  This session will be loved by almost any boy or girl.  Come dressed to the tee, parrot and eye patch optional.  This session will be hosted in Surfside, TX.  Date & Time to be announced.


Home for the Holidays
There's no place like home for your Holiday family portrait.  You pick the setting, you set the tone-- casual to formal-- we'll come to your home!  November 1st to December 12th, Carty Photography will be offering in-home family portrait sessions for the holidays.  Availability is limited, so call and reserve your session today.


Get out your calendar and call to reserve your sessions today-- spaces are limited during the holiday season!  832-515-7698 or carty.photography@yahoo.com.

Cutest Kid Contest Begins

Photos are now posted for our Cutest Kid Contest and ready for voting.  Invite all your family and friends!  Remember, family and friends must LIKE the Carty Photography page before they can LIKE your child's photo.  You may vote for more than one child but you can only vote once per child.  Comments are welcomed but will NOT count as a vote, only the number of LIKES counts.  The parent of the child with the most votes will be the winner.  I can tell you, it's going to be close, they're all adorable.

Cutest Kid Contest

1. Submit one recent photograph of your child (age 0-13) to carty.photography@yahoo.com and include their name and age. Subject line: Cutest Kid Contest. Also please include your name, relationship to child, and contact information in case you win. You will receive a confirmation email letting you know your picture was received. Only 1 entry per household. Respect Copyrights: NO PROFESSIONAL PORTRAITS.


2. Submissions must be received by midnight, Friday, September 10, 2010.

3. The following areas are eligible: Conroe, Willis, Montgomery, New Caney, Huntsville, Cleveland, and Kingwood, TX. If you have any questions about location please feel free to ask me.


Voting will begin on Tuesday, September 14, 2010 and end Friday, September 24th, 2010 at Midnight.

• To vote for a photo you must LIKE Carty Photography Facebook Fan Page. Make sure you get all of your friends and family to become fans so your child gets the most votes!

• To cast your vote you will LIKE the photo of the child you are voting for.  You may vote for more than one child, but can only LIKE each child once.

 Carty Photography will verify that all votes are from fans. Non fans votes will not be counted.



**Grand Prize Winner – The parent or legal guardian of the child with the most votes will receive a free photo session.  Must be used before December 1, 2010. 

**2nd Place Winner – 50% off a regular photo session.  Must be used by December 1, 2010.

**Everyone Wins - $20 off a regular photo session.  Must be used by December 1, 2010.

Traditionally Traditional Family Traditions

Gone are the long hot days of summer fun in the middle of August.  School is back in session.  Team players are returning to the fields under Friday night lights. School buses scatter the small town with awaiting children on every corner.  With the welcomed return of fall also returns many family traditions.  They start in October with moms whipping out the warm colors of gold, red, orange, and yellow.  The sweet smell of pumpkin and cinnamon fill the air in almost every home.  Soon after Thanksgiving the Christmas decor makes it into homes everywhere. The warm pumpkin and cinnamon is replaced by an alluring mint and pine.  Shades of green and red deck every wall.  The last three months of the year, in my opinion, are the best part every year.

I don't take change well, never have.  I am what I call "traditionally tranditional". I love the holidays and all that it brings.  I especially love Christmas tranditions.  A few of the Christmas traditions our family has are:

• Everyone opens up two gifts on Christmas Eve.  They are ALWAYS new pajamas and slippers.  This is so mom always has great morning pictures.  We've done it since our first daughter was born over nine years ago.
• We always have our letters to Santa written by December 15th.  We then seal them and put them in a decorated Christmas mailbox that's located by the tree.  One of Santa's elves swing by and pick it up to ensure timely delivery.
• Although my family would like it if holiday music and movies didn't show up till December 1st or later, I am slightly unhinged and start making them watch it with me usually in the beginning of November. I firmly feel there are too many holiday films and just not enough time to watch it before Christmas gets here.
• Our Girl Scout troop participates in the Operation Christmas Child each year.  Our girls put a box together to donate toward this cause.
• Holiday Baking.  Need I say more?  Always a mom and daughter activity.  The girls love to help package it up for our close friends.
• Grandparents will be ginea pigs for our newest holiday trandition.  We'll save that post for another day.  Wouldn't want to spoil the surprise before it gets here.

With all that being shared and said, I encourage you to find new traditions for you and your family to follow.  You never know which ones your children will pass down to their children.  Holiday portraits are great first start.  Be sure to check out our current specials on Holiday Sessions.

We are currently looking for Senior Reps for Carty Photography

What's a Senior Rep you ask?  They are Seniors (or incoming Seniors) in high school that are highly involved in their school and other extra-curricular activities (ex. 4H, football, cheerleading, band, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, theater, track, etc.).  They are social, fun, involved in their community, and most likely to be voted "best all around".  We can only choose a limited number of reps per school per year for these great offers, as they include some awesome perks.  If you want to be considered for 2012 get your apps in NOW!  You portrait session will be discounted and you'll get an incredible session showing off your style.  You'll receive 50 free Rep Cards with your top images to hand out to friends.  For every friend who books and completes their session, you'll receive print credits to use toward prints, canvases, albums, and other fun stuff!  We also be offering prizes to our top 2 referring Senior Reps.  Interested?  Simply drop us an email requesting our Senior Rep Application, fill it out and return it to be considered.

Come Celebrate With Us!

You'd better not pout, you better not cry, you better not fight, I'm telling you why....Carty Photography's holiday specials are coming to town!  The holidays will soon be here, and we've got some fantastic events, specials, and exclusive sessions in store for you!

Our CYBER MONDAY sale is Monday, November 29th!  Purchase $100 gift certificates for only $75 each!  Order by phone at 832-515-7698 or email at carty.photography@yahoo.com any time Monday, November 29th.  There are no limits per person, so stock up and get ready to check those names off your shopping list!

This year, holiday cards don't need to be on your naughty list! Our Holiday Card special is a great way to avoid the stress of the holiday season, and save some money for an extra gift or two!  Book your Full Holiday Session before December 1st and receive 10% off your holiday card order.  With a variety of designs to choose from, this is going to be one nice item to check off you holiday to do list.

Attention High School Juniors! Now is the time to get a head start on your Senior portraits! Schedule a portrait session within the month of November and receive 16 wallet sized prints FREE! The sooner you get the perfect Senior portrait, the sooner you can kick back and enjoy your SENIOR YEAR!

Moms, save the planning for the party.  With our new Club Celebrate, all children receive a complimentary session for their birthday.  Enrollment is required and session must be taken during the child's birthday month.  Limited sessions are available each month so be sure to sign your little ones up soon.

Back to School

Make back to school, back to cool with custom portraits for your kids!  Show off their favorite outfits, smarts and smiles this back to school season.  Our scheduled session dates are August 27th-29th.  We have limited availability so reserve your session online.  School Portrait Packages start as low as $16.  Optional add-on items are available as well to please your kiddo or to order as gifts. 

Want to be organized this back to school season?  Enjoy a FREEBIE from Carty Photography!

Then and Now

The road a parent takes to become a parent is long and windy road. Some of them go smoothly and others have rocks, dips, and bumps along the way.  I walked into this set of parents lives a few years ago, which happened to be the middle of their journey to conceive their second child.  It was not easy and full of tears and losses but they were soon blessed with one of the most precious little girls I have ever seen.  I have been privileged enough to be there from the beginning.  I am looking forward to her first birthday session which will be here before we all know....or desire it to be.  You're growing beautifully Princess Emery.

Then- Princess Emery 5 weeks

Now- Princess Emery 9 months

Custom Wallet Tins

This month's product spotlight is on our custom wallet tins.  The perfect containers to hold photographic wallets, accordion wallets with metal covers or square minis; these new tins make the package complete!

It's here....

We are proud to offer our new line of personalized jewelry.  Our jewelry selections are available in striking sterling silver and antique silver-plated pewter that will beautifully showcase your images!

We have purposely selected this jewelry line to combine pieces that offer affordable casual elegance plus the quality of image you have to come to expect from Carty Photography.  The pieces will be treasured by you and your family for years to come.  Each piece is handcrafted...look for the signature "made with love" heart attached to every item.  Download our digital catalog here!

A Special Visit

Not many know this, but my senior year of high school, I lived with my best friend.  Her family took me in and treated me as their own child.  Although I have plenty of siblings, a little sister was something I didn't have.  Mari filled that position perfectly!  We had it all....we were BFF's and we got to live together.  We loved telling people the story just to see their reaction to our situation, my situation.  I must admit, it was pretty cool. 

Time has passed though and we're both married with children, and moved up and gone our own ways.  This last week she came home to visit family and friends.  With limited time in her schedule we decided to spend ours with a quick mini-shoot.  I think it was emotional for me since I hadn't seen her in awhile, it was the first time I ever got to meet her baby, and her husband was in uniform during this session.  I have such respect for any branch of the military for the things they do and the things they represent.  Overall, I think we were able to catch some great images their family will treasure for a long time.

Thank you Mari and Raul for the priviledge of being able to take your portraits.  I love that little American girl of yours!

What's Going On Here?

As a parent you find yourself getting attached to items that were once special to your child.  At the request of my youngest child I photographed some of her favorite toys. She doesn't play with them as often as she used to. They have taken up residence in the back of her closet and have been replaced by more "big girl" toys. I am sad to see these little guys be put away forever. In effort to keep them from moving to the attic or to someone else's home, I've given them a job.  Once a week I will photograph a scene of these little folks and post it to my Carty Photography Facebook Fan Page and let the fans post what they think is going on in each scene.  Have a look at this week's image.  Please feel free to comment your interpretation.

Weekend Fun

This weekend was spent with my family.  No working was involved.  Or was it?  Okay, I admit, I always have my camera anytime there's family visiting us from out of town.  My husband's brother came in and graced us with their presence and boy did we have fun.  His wife has NEVER seen the ocean, so Saturday was a full beach day.  My two year old nephew loved planting his toes in the sand for the very first time.  I won't bore you with a family slide show (you knew there was going to be one didn't you?)  but I will share my absolute favorite pic from this weekend. Enjoy!

Father's Day Photo Contest!

Since most of you that read my blog are mommas, I thought it might be fun to do a little something fun for the daddies.  Here's a contest in honor Father's Day.

The Contest Starts RIGHT NOW....

Email a non-copyrighted photo of the important man in your life having fun with your kiddos....your husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, etc... and tell me why your guy is so special.

I will accept a limited number of entries starting now through June 1st. Pictures will be posted here on my blog and voted on publicly.  The dad with the most votes will receive a complimentary family session and photo package as my Father's Day gift!

Please be sure to include your full name and phone number in your email to carty.photography@yahoo.com.  I will confirm each entry as I receive them so if you don't get a response within 24 hours, please submit it again.  Reminder: so that everyone  is on the same playing field and to be careful not to break any copyright laws, professional images will not be considered.@yahoo.com

Curiouser and Curiouser

Today as I scrolled through my emails I came across my usual Disney Movie Fan email.  I'm always out looking for interesting props for my photography business so when I came across this, I just had to have it.  Still deciding on whether or not I want to spend that much on a new prop, but as unique as it is, it may be worth it.  We have several gardens locally making this the perfect addition to my prop collection.

More than a feeling...

I received my confirmation email this morning.  I have been approved!! I am now a participating photographer of the wonderful charity Operation: Love ReUnited.  WOW, do I feel great!  It feels so great to give back to the community, and who better to honor than the men and women of this great nation we live in?!  It's a wonderful feeling.  It's more than a feeling.  Much deeper than my words can say, I'm so greatful to the fine folks who give themselves selflessly. Stay tuned to see some patriotic works ahead.

This Memorial Day...

I have always been about giving back to the community.  I'm a Girl Scout, it's etched in my brain.  This year, I wanted to do something different, something unique that I've not done to honor the heroes who fight for my freedom as somewhat of a tribute to my military family and friends.  Because of them I am able to do what I enjoy and I want to share my joy, my appreciation with them for what they give selflessly.  I have submitted my application to be a participating photographer with Operation: Love ReUnited.  They are a wonderful organization that provide deployment images to soldiers and their families at no cost.  Once the soldier is able to release where they have been deployed to they receive a 4x6 album of all the deployment pictures at no cost.  Those are the requirements, I have chosen to go above this and also offer an additional 10% off any of there future print orders from their sessions, whether its the deployment, a while we wait session, or the return home.  They pay the ultimate sacrifice and this is a small way for me to show my appreciation.

Welcome Home

 I had the honor of photographing this darling little two month old.  She was quite the princess and remained fairly quite throughout the shoot dispite the constant moving.  This image was one of everyone's faves.  Laying in a suitcase at the front door of their home, it looked as though she was moving in.  Indeed, she was!

Facebook Contest

We have a contest going on now till Saturday, February 20th. Invite your friends to the Carty Photography Facebook Page and encourage them to become a fan. Have them post on our wall who referred them and you'll be in the running for a sweet prize. The winner with the most referrals wins 50% off their next session fee! The perfect prize for Spring Family Portraits or upcoming Bluebonnet Sessions. Start referring today!

Changes in 2010

I have only been in the photography business for a little over three months now. I can not believe or begin to tell you about all the things I've learned from business, lighting, posing and more! Now that I have a few clients under my belt I'm also learning a bit more about pricing and marketing. I just want to let you all know, you spoke, and I listened. I'll be making changes over the next month to packaging and pricing. Sign up for my newsletter and you can have all changes emailed directly to your inbox. I have gained a few new backgrounds this last month and I'll be adding new props soon. Thank you again to all the family and friends who have been supporting and giving me the encouragement to follow my passion.

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Jessica Class of '10

Last month, I was priveledge enough to be asked to take the Senior portraits of Jessica. She is the daughter of my cousin-in-law. I met her just before my wedding in 1998. At the time she was only 7. I've watched Jessica grow over the last ten years into a beautiful woman. She is celebrating alot in 2010. Not only her 18th birthday, but graduation as well. In October, she will also be marrying her high school sweetheart. Jessica has always been more of a neice to me. I have many fond memories with her. I look forward to working with Jessica again for her engagement photos as well as her wedding. We had great fun getting her senior portraits taken care of!