2010 Cutie Contest ( Expires June 30th)

Wow does the time fly, and it is that time again. Our 2010 Little Cutie contest will run through the end of June (30th).




The way it works is real simple. We photograph your most excellent child (6 months to 6yrs) and then the images are given to 6 (six ) out of state Grandmothers. Each lady is asked to select 5 (five) images that are their favorites, and rate them from #1 (like the most ) through #5 (love it too but not as much as #1). When this is all done (about 4 weeks) we receive the images back, add up to totals and announce the 4 (four ) winners. Yes we are going back to the grandmothers for the judging. We opened this to the public last year and we were asked by the mom's not to do that again. Sometimes change is not so good-sorry.

1st place receives a $200.00 savings bond (in the child's name) and a portrait of the family (20x24-signature finish)
2nd place receives a $100.00 savings bond (in the child's name) and a portrait of the family (16x20-signature finish)
3rd place receives a $75.00 savings bond (in the child's name) and a portrait of the family (11x14-signature finish)
4th place receives a $50.00 savings bond (in the child's name) and a portrait of the family (8x10-signature finish).

We can do the photography in our studio, tons of different backgrounds and props, or you can choose to do the images outdoors. There are several parks in our lovely town and a few special places we keep a secret till the last minute.

So what to wear, well that is totally up to you, we do however make the following suggestions. Bare feet are always a great hit, children love it and the innocence is just what we are trying to express. I know everyone loves color color and more color and that is OK (well sort of) but if you really want to see your most excellent child then we suggest solids that compliment the skin and hair colors. Jeans and khakis are always a good selection and shorts or long pants work equally as well.


This is also good for boys and girls. Mom's the dresses are totally up to you ~ totally. I have better sense than to go there. We have simple as well as formal and a lot of moms are doing the tutus and Margaret and I both think they are just wonderful, I still suggest bare feet even with the formal dresses. We suggest you bring jewelry so you little lady can play dress up and hats are always a big hit for the middle age groups. Some keep them on some do not and we suggest you choose a battle that you can win.

Hair cuts should be a week out from your session date and only the slightest makeup for the little ladies to give them a look of health. If the thought of makeup on your little one is more than you can handle then we suggest you go with your feelings-we are fine either way. Most important for the lasting effect of the portrait is not to try a new hair style as that is something that we can not change and you will be looking at this for a very  long time.

The entry fee for the contest is $30.00 and that includes the 5x7 print for entry into the contest. This 5x7 portrait  is yours to keep and will be returned to you at the end of the contest judging.

Props are up to you and in some cases we have pets come along. Puppies and kittens are always welcome.

Once we are finished with your child's session we will present the images with our digital previewing system, all selections are made in the studio. We can show them at the time of the session ( if you are planning on selecting at the time of your child's session then it would be best to take them home to a sitter or bring one with you as we do not have a baby sitter on staff) or schedule a date  for you to come back and make your selection. We do not make paper proofs and we do not post your poses on line. We feel showing by projecting is the best way for you to see all the possibilities that are available from your portrait session.

We  carry a nice selection of ready made frames and have over 100 different moldings and matting combinations you can select from if you are looking for something truly unique.

I have found over time that it is best if we can meet for a few minutes prior to your session so your child has a chance to become acquainted with us and you can have all your last minute questions answered, we suggest this about a week before the session appointment.  At this time we ask that you pay a $75 retainer to hold you session time (usually $150 but is half for the cutie contest). Full credit for this amount is applied to your order or the difference is refunded.

We would love to schedule a planning session for you so please give Margaret a call (803) 469-2440 and she will be happy to help.

Studio hours are 9am ~ 5pm Monday through Friday and we do have some weekend (Saturday) appointments available. We do not work on Sunday, our Lord rested on that day and I think he was trying to tell us something.

I hear the surf-take a moment and go back to the blog post about out beach portraits. Regular session fee of $200 is now $120 but only for a limited time.

 I will post a few more images to this and I will be posting to this blog with more frequency. We have lots of new ideas and timed price specials to help with this economic down turn

BTW when we do the session - well sometimes we will try real
hard to encourage mom or dad to get into the image with your most excellent child. So don't be shocked if I ask. Now don't let that keep you away, you don't have to get in the image-just wanted to let you know we might ask.

Thank you and we look forward to working with you and your most Excellent Child.

Wilber and Margaret