Deena Riley Photography :: The Blog » 2009 Holidays

Brooke :: Dallas Child Photographer

Deena — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 03:35:38 +0000

This shoot came up at the last minute, and I’m so glad it did! Brooke is such a cutie – sweet, talkative, and SO expressive! What fun it was to capture some of her sweet looks!

Thanks for such a fun session! Brooke, I know you’ll be on your best behavior because I hear that Elf on your Shelf reports to Santa nightly! Your full gallery will be ready soon!

Giving is Awesome

Deena — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 23:08:48 +0000

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You know someone. You know someone who’s experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, or is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances. You know someone who can’t afford custom photography, but who would cherish it this holiday season. You know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family’s spirit, love, and beauty.

You know someone. I guarantee it.

I want to know who they are, and I want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography — $1000 worth*, to be exact. It’s in your power to give them the artwork they deserve this holiday season.

Oh, and the best part? The person who nominates the winner receives a $250 print credit. What better reason to show some love could there possibly be, people?

The rules:

* You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services. (Being unable to make mortgage payments for a two-million-dollar-vacation-home in Paris does not qualify as sincere financial need.)

* The nominee must reside in Texas. Tell me who you know, what they’re experiencing, and why they deserve my artwork. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself as well.

* You must e-mail me the full story : deena@deenariley.com

The winner will be announced on Christmas Eve, but nominations are due by December 20 — get nominating! I can’t wait to read all of your entries!

Open your heart to someone this holiday season — and thanks for giving me the opportunity to open mine.

With love,

Deena

*Winner’s package includes session fee, one of our new spiffy session boxes with (30) 5×7 prints, and $125 in print credit!

Adorable! :: Dallas Baby Photographer

Deena — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:19:24 +0000

I was so excited when Molly e-mailed and wanted to add on a session to Nayan’s Baby’s First Year plan. They are such a cute family, and I always love photographing little ones! We were working towards Christmas card images and I think we got a bunch of keepers! I couldn’t believe how much bigger Nayan had gotten since August. Babies always stay at the age that I last photographed them in my mind – it always blows my mind to see them bigger and cuter (if that’s possible!)!

Mr. Nayan, being his adorable self:

Molly found an adorable hat on Etsy for Nayan:

Of course, we got some great images of the family together as well!

Thanks G Family for such a great session! I am so glad the weather held out for us! Your gallery will be ready soon!

Sweet Sisters :: Dallas Children’s Photographer

Deena — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:20:54 +0000

I got to spend some more time with Lanie and Katie yesterday – our time was cut short by a sprinkler attack a couple of weeks ago (ack!). They’re so sweet with each other!

I keep telling you – I’m Cute!

Guess Who I Saw This Weekend? :: Dallas Children Photographer

Deena — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 01:03:45 +0000

Why, hello Lanie!

Hello, Katie!

Kelsey & Kendall :: Plano Family Photographer

Deena — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:54:28 +0000

Finally… the holiday photos sneak peek I promised!

Miss Kendall got to jump in on the fun – she was looking beautiful and sweet as ever!

A solo shot of Miss Kelsey as well…

I had the girls do a serious shot… love it! They look gorgeous (don’t worry Mama, there are a bunch of happy, smile-y ones as well!)

Speaking of their pretty smiles…

I love how this family always coordinates what they’re wearing without being too matchy-matchy!

F Family, thanks for your patience with this second sneak peek! I’m getting to your gallery as quickly as I can. Also, Kelsey – I’m going right now to put your senior sneaks on Facebook for you to tag!

Important Dates for the Rest of 2009 / Beginning of 2010

Deena — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:37:26 +0000

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November 1, 2009 – Last day to schedule 2010 sessions with 2009 pricing (all shoots scheduled on or before this date will receive 2009 pricing on their session and products. After November 1, 2009, all new sessions will be charged 2010 pricing. 2010 Pricing now in effect for all newly booked shoots! Contact Deena for more details!

November 24-28, 2009 – Offices closed for Thanksgiving

December 1, 2009 – Holiday Order Deadline (including holiday cards!)

December 15, 2009 – Holiday Late Rush Order Deadline. All holiday orders received between December 2-15 will be charged an additional 50% rush premium on the entire order total. Holiday Cards are NOT guaranteed to be in before Christmas if you order after December 1!!!

December 20, 2009 – January 8, 2010 – Offices closed for the holidays. I will be available on a limited basis by e-mail. Phone calls will be returned when offices reopen.

January 9, 2010 – Back in business for the spring!

The 2009 Holiday Card Boutique is Live!

Deena — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 04:07:26 +0000

If you are interested in purchasing holiday cards this year, the design boutique is now live! (I feel so like Tom B from Dancing with the Stars when I say that…) DRP’s Holiday Photo Cards are very reasonably priced and a simple way to ‘wow’ friends and family this holiday season!

Click here to enter the 2009 Holiday Card Boutique!

A preview of what’s inside:

If none of these designs float your boat, custom design services are available for an additional charge.

Holiday E-mail Blast Coming!!!

Deena — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:15:51 +0000

Are you on the mailing list? If not, you may want to make sure you’re on it – and soon! I am preparing to send out the blast in the next day or two and it’s going to include my super-exciting Holiday Special (of which only 10 will be available!). The people on the e-mail list will get first shot at the special and the blog post will come out 24 hours later… so if it sells out with the newsletter folks, it’s gone!

Also… lots of extra fun for the upcoming holiday season including some tips and tricks from me!

Use the box below to sign up!

More blog fun coming soon! It is Wednesday after all…

Last Call :: 2009 Openings (and a sneaky peek!)

Deena — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 17:12:10 +0000

Howdy, Folks! This is Big… er… no. Sorry that slipped out, but I am stoked about the State Fair of Texas opening today! The only years I missed it were the years I was in college, living in St. Louis. Mikel and I are thinking about making a trip tomorrow morning before our senior shoot! So excited!

Now… down to bidz-ness… because it’s business time…

The following 3 dates are the ONLY dates left on the 2009 calendar. That’s it! (*one exception – pregnant mamas can schedule shoots in December for their newborns!)

Sunday, November 8 (afternoon)
Saturday, November 21 (morning OR afternoon)
Sunday, November 22 (afternoon)

Once those are gone, 2009 is booked (and I have a feeling they’ll be gone soon! I’ve been booking like CRAZY this week!). Please note that those dates do not necessarily guarantee photos in time for Christmas, but I will definitely do my best to get them to you in time!

I am officially opening up the 2010 calendar as of today. I’ll come back from my holiday hiatus on January 9th. January and February will be a great time for 2010 seniors to get in before the rush of the end of the year – having your portraits done will be one less thing to worry about!

And, because posts are more fun with something pretty to look at, a sneak preview of a 2009 holiday card design (more sneaky peeks coming soon!):