Must read: gift ideas for the last minute shopper!

Are you at a loss for what to give family or friends for the holidays?
Whether you're a dad who can't seem to figure out what your wife wants this year or a grandmother searching for just the right thing, you can stop your search.
RIGHT. NOW.



A gift certificate to Dachowski Photography is exactly the gift to put a smile on the faces of your loved ones this year . . . maybe even a tear or two (not to mention the wrapping requirement for a gift certificate is minimal- even better!). Once the receiver has the certificate in hand, he/she can call us at any time to schedule a time to visit the studio for a session, whether it's just after New Year's or this spring or summer!



Just call the studio and ask to speak to someone about purchasing a gift certificate; we can help walk you through the purchasing process.
It's an easy, fast and truly meaningful gift sure to please anyone this holiday season . . . call (603) 626.7300.

There is always time.

We're now into the second week in December and I'm sure there are many of you who are doing exactly what I am . . .

running around like a crazy person.

Holiday potlucks, family parties, shopping, baking, church get-togethers, Christmas concerts, wrapping plus all of the other things (like work, laundry, paying bills, etc.) that don't go away just because the busiest holiday season of the year happens to be upon us . . . this doesn't really seem like the time of year to be fitting in one more thing, right?

My memory is often brought back to this time a couple of years back. My brother and sister were in town on college break and we came up with the great idea of surprising Mom with a sibling portrait for Christmas. I'll be honest- coordinating a secret portrait session between three young adults with limited and demanding schedules was a bit of a nightmare. I recall saying aloud, "what were we thinking?!"

But Jeff made it work.

I'll never forget the tears that streamed down my mother's face when she tore away the wrapping to reveal a portrait of her three children that Christmas morning. Suddenly all the blood, sweat and running around like crazy people was totally and completely worth each and every second.



This portrait is now a treasured piece of family history. Things have changed over the years and even though we still gather for the holidays, I know we never will again live under the same roof. It's a sad but necessary part of growing as a family. Now our portrait is not just a treasured memory of years past; it's also a reminder that there really is time for just one more thing.

((We still have time to squeeze you in before the holidays . . . call Abby at 603.626.7300 to schedule your portrait session.))

Don't worry- there's still time!

Happy Monday, all- it's Abby here!

If you're anything like me, you may be realizing that fall has come and gone in the blink of an eye (especially this week; is anyone else out there amazed that it's already time for Thanksgiving?!).

During the last few days, I've received a number of calls from concerned clients, "Oh my gosh, I forgot to call and make an appointment for fall portraits!"

Rest assured- you're not too late . . . yet.

Jeff still has a couple "secret spots" where he can create lovely fall portraits for you . . .





we don't have much time, so call us while you can!

603.626.7300

Guess what!

Abby here!
The Holiday Set is up and running at Dachowski Photography . . .
this year, we went with simple, neutral cream tones and a pretty window scene
(let me tell you, it was fun cutting out those snowflakes!).

We're really pleased with the results; last week was our first full week with the set,
and the results are just adorable . . .







We can create portraits for gifts and holiday cards through the beginning of December; so if you're thinking about it, give us a ring . . . as you can see, the results are timeless!

(603) 626.7300
www.dachowskiphotography.com

Simple things that make our day.

Back in May, Jeff and his family went out to Mt. Vernon, New York and photographed the Gellis family. Stuart Gellis is a colleague with a wealth of experience in the industry. With so many connections in the photography world, we were truly touched when Stuart asked Jeff to capture his family this spring.

Fast forward to just a short while ago, we were moved when we read this lovely letter (hand-written, no less):

"Dear Jeff,

We finally were able to hang 9 pictures from our Sunday morning with you, Carolle and the girls. They are such a beautiful addition to our home. The family is still talking about your wonderful family and what a pleasant experience it was that beautiful day."



"However, Lauren and Mayan presented us with our newest granddaughter, Skylar Jayde on August 23rd and it looks like you’re going to have to come back for an encore performance. The family portrait has a face to put with the missing tummy of Lauren and the update needs an addition.

I’ve been very fortunate to know many, many photographers in my career and I am so lucky to have had the “First Family of New Hampshire’s Elite Photographers” photograph my brood. Bonnie and I thank you so very much for your warmth, generosity and talent in making all of us look like royalty.



Many thanks and best regards,
Stuart and Bonnie"

Thanks, Stuart- such a wonderful letter that brightened our day!

Peer evaluations!

Jeff has been busy the last few days . . . in addition to learning he was awarded the honor of Affiliate Juror for PPA, he is serving on a photographic certification committee for Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)- he has hard at work evaluating candidates for CPP designations.

Jeff is one of four jurors reviewing submissions from photographers across the country who wish to be considered for their CPP designations (indications their work and skills have reached a specific level of professionalism).

Jeff earned his CPP designation in 2005 and is one of only eighteen CPPs in New Hampshire!

(I know, it's awful how much we brag about Jeff and Carolle, huh?)

This post is intended to embarrass Jeff.

("A Night to Remember" by Jeff Dachowski)

Jeff usually likes to keep things quiet. Luckily, I (Abby) write the blog and can spill the beans every now and then.

Jeff received news last week that he has been selected to be a PPA (Professional Photographers of America) Affiliate Juror (it can take photographers years to earn this honor . . . Jeff took just 6 months!). As there are only about 100 jurors in the world qualified to earn this honor, it is a huge honor for Jeff to earn it so quickly. We're so proud!


("I Smell Bacon" by Jeff Dachowski)

To earn this honor, Jeff took a week-long course in Nashville and achieved his Masters degree from PPA (which he earned in 2009). Jeff had to earn additional merits in print competitions and undergo reviews from affiliate jurors . . . plus an final approval from PPA (whew!).

Jeff enjoys judging print competitions because it exposes him to great work by other artists. He says this helps him hone his craft and create better work for his clients. Print competition judging takes Jeff all over the country.


(Here is Jeff in action teaching an outdoor lighting class a few months back in Bloomington, Illinois . . . photograph courtesy of John Metcalf.)

If you really want to make Jeff blush, be sure to call the studio (603.626.7300) to tell him congrats!

Flattery

There isn't too much that is more flattering than colleagues complimenting the work we do here at Dachowski Photography.

So, when three fellow photographers from out of state wanted us to photograph them, we were completely little over the moon. What a compliment!

The first session was for Poppy Clark and her family during our Portraits in the Park Day this last weekend. Poppy runs a studio out of Auburn, ME and Jeff had a blast making portraits of the crew. Nothing beats doing a job you love AND talking shop with the subjects!



And today we had a terrific visit with Will and Lucia, friends and photographers from Portland!



We think they look fabulous, don't you? Jeff and Carolle had a wonderful time working with them down here in Manchester and consider it such a privilege to create for other photographers.

Thanks, Poppy, Will and Lucia!

A staff portrait session . . .

We at Dachowski Photography like to indulge in a little fantastic portraiture for ourselves from time to time.

Jeff has photographed my family numerous times . . . my sister's Senior Portraits, headshots for my brother, a cute and girly formal wear session when I was just out of college . . . not to mention a fabulous sibling portrait that brought my mother to tears one Christmas morning.

Imagine my delight when Jeff suggested we try for some portraits as a "welcome back" to the studio . . . as you can probably guessed, I'm thrilled with the results!



Feel free to take a look at more portraits here.

Attention Seniors: you're not too late . . . yet!

We can hardly believe it's the last week of September. Where on Earth did the time go?



For those of you who are in the Class of 2011 or parents of Seniors, don't hit the panic button if you've suddenly realized that the entire summer and first month of school has gone by without an appointment for Senior portraits! We've still got a few slots left and are happy photograph you in time to make your yearbook deadlines (after all, no one likes their name banished in the "Not Pictured" section!).








Check out more of our Senior Portraits and call the studio to schedule a time to visit our studio!

Quite debonair . . .

We couldn't wait to share with you this striking portrait from a recent Bebe session at our studio.



What a distinguished pose! This little man reminded us of something captured out of classic films like Casablanca or Roman Holiday. He definitely charmed us all!


Take a peek at more portraits from our Bebe Collection here.

Autumn has arrived!

Happy First Day of Fall!

Come celebrate the falling leaves and crisp, cool air at Stark Park in Manchester, NH on October 17th. We've got just a few sessions left!

Starring the Class of 2011!

We've had a blast photographing seniors from all over the state of New Hampshire this summer. In fact, we're still squeezing in sessions before yearbook deadlines (yes, we are procrastination-friendly).



We offer DVD presentations of the portraits created during sessions. DVDs are an easy, fun (and convenient) way to share the finished product of your Senior portraits. Check out the final cuts of some DVDs we made from recent sessions!










We always come away from our Senior Portrait sessions energized and delighted to create images that capture the final year of high school for our students. We think you can tell from the portraits that everyone has a blast!

Go here to see more Senior Portraits!

We're so excited . . .

Okay, we promise, no breaking into verses from The Pointer Sisters.

But we do want to tell you all about our Beach Day, scheduled for next Saturday!




The forecast is promising (70 degrees and sunny with no chance of precipitation . . . could we ask for any better?) and we still have a few slots available. We would love to fit you in . . . we hope you join us!

Abby's first week

Please allow us to introduce you to Abby, our newest employee at Dachowski Photography.

We may have to discuss wardrobe choices with her, as we feel Lady Gaga-esc ensembles may not be well suited for assisting Jeff during portraits sessions.




None the less, it's been a great first week with her at the studio.