A November outdoor portrait session.

Weather for outdoor portrait sessions is never a given here in New England, especially in the late fall . . . we all well know that one day can be a sunny 60 degrees and the next a full-on snowstorm! That makes it pretty tricky for us to plan outdoor portraits. We're always crossing our fingers hoping for clear skies and calm breezes.

You can imagine how nervous we were when our outdoor session with the Reynolds family approached in mid-November, especially this fall in particular. We'd already had some pretty unusual conditions and we weren't sure what to expect.

But oh, we were over the moon when the weather cooperated and Jeff was able to capture Gail and her family on the most gorgeous of days. We're sure you'll agree!

Jeff loves creating outdoor portraits all year long and after seeing these lovely results, never again will we doubt scheduling a session outside after October!

Coming soon to the studio . . .

Can you believe it? It's almost time for Holiday Portraits! Carolle is hard at work creating our 2011 holiday scene . . . perfect for photographing families, children, babies and even your furry family members.

Some of our favorite ways to use holiday imagery are, of course, as holiday cards and gifts to grandparents, godparents, aunts and uncles, friends and loved-ones who are far away. We even advocate creating a special present for yourself as an end-of-the-year treat.

(After all, who did all the work to get everyone to our studio??? Definitely worth a reward, in our book.)

We hope we see you here this holiday season!

Don't forget!

Beach Portrait Day coming up on September 17th! We still have a few afternoon slots available . . . one of them could be yours!

Feel free to call us with any questions you may have about the day . . . we can be reached at (603) 626.7300. We're excited to see you there!

Cross-country portrait sessions? You bet!

Do your out-of-town family and friends covet your portraiture? We often hear a version of this from our clients: "My sister loves my pictures but she and her husband live in Chicago." Something like that.

Well, there is a chance they can catch Jeff during one of his trips this year! Jeff will be making stops in a few cities across the country over the next few months . . . this could be a lucky break for your family or friends who want lovely images of themselves too!

Minneapolis

Sacramento

San Diego

Washington, D.C.

Phoenix

Houston

Dallas

If your loved ones are in any of these cities and want to schedule a session, call us to discuss coordinating schedules and reserving a time . . . we hope we can help you out!

(603) 626.7300

The portraits featured are all sessions on-location, outside of NH . . . pretty neat, huh?

You've been asking about Beach Portrait Day . . . here it is!

Join us on September 17th for our annual Beach Portrait Day!

Session fees are only $100 (from $195) and appointments are already going fast, so call us at 603.626.7300 to reserve your time. This is an ideal opportunity to be photographed with your children, siblings, your sweetheart and even your pets!

We can't wait to see you there!

(Session fees must be paid at the time of scheduling. A minimum purchase of $300 per session is required.)

Shedding camera shyness: A guest post by Garrie Madison Stoutimore

Dachowski Photography is pleased to introduce you to two guest bloggers while we're away on vacation . . . enjoy and we'll be back in the studio on July 5th!

. . .

I don’t usually categorize myself as an old dog, but I’m thinking it’s time to learn a new trick.

I’m one of those people who hates to be photographed. In snapshots, I always seem to be caught at the exact moment I look my worst. When I look at them later, I always cringe. I focus on the bags under my eyes, or the way my chin looks like it has doubled, or how much heavier I seem than when I last looked in the mirror. Consequently, at family outings I am the person who is nowhere to be found when the cameras come out. I was okay with this until last winter when my mother died.

After the funeral I sifted through piles of photographs- black and whites from the fifties, colored ones that had yellowed with age, even faded Polaroids from the seventies.

Images of my mother smiled back at me from all stages of her life- Mom swollen with pregnancy. Mom dressed in a black lace party dress and red lipstick. Mom disguised as Elvis for Halloween. Mom digging in her garden.

Some of the pictures are flattering. Some are not. In most of them, she is surrounded by her family. There she is with Dad. Here is one with my siblings. And in this one she is with all of her grandchildren. However, there were no images of my mother and me together. There are no reminders of how close we were, of how we laughed together, and worked together, and loved each other.

I realize that this is because I avoided having my picture taken, and now it is too late. I wonder if I will remember, and if my children will remember. And I wonder how their children will know.

When I look at photographs of my mother, I don’t see the lines on her face or that her chin had doubled. I see the love in her eyes, and the laughter in her heart. For me, looking at her images is comforting, and uplifting, and precious. Her images warm me and make me smile.

They remind me of how capable she was, and how she enveloped me in her long arms and how she was strong and gentle at the same time. I look at the gray eyes in her photographs- eyes that were stern when I was disrespectful, and steady when I was afraid, and soft when I was sad. I have the same gray eyes. Someday, my children will need to look at my picture and remember my eyes. But just as I cheated myself out of photographs with my mother, I have cheated my children out of the same thing.

So I’m rethinking this camera shy thing I’ve had going on. Maybe I’ll consider sitting in front of a camera- especially if the photographer can disguise my double chin and baggy eyes. After all, even Momma G can learn a new trick or two.

. . .

Garrie Madison Stoutimore is the author of the blog, A Cup of Tea with Momma G and a mother to three grown children.

(All mother and daughter images provided by Dachowski Photography.)

A fresh family portrait session.

We thought you'd love a glimpse of our latest extended family session . . . we're delighted with how well these portraits came out for the Bouchard family. So cheerful! Extended family sessions hold a special place in our hearts- it's not often whole families gather for portraits and helping our clients create those memories is a job we take very seriously.

(And if you think it's tough to get a group of little ones to pose together for a portrait, think again- it can be done!)

Thanks to the entire family for paying us a visit the other day- Jeff had a terrific time creating your portraits!

Wildflowers inspiration

Carolle recently discovered a beautiful wildflower field in Manchester just begging for a sweet portrait session. We're itching to set up shop to create some summery images like these from sessions back. We keep thinking of words like "frolicking" and "twirling" . . . okay, maybe not, but you get the idea!

If you're catching the vision with us, call the studio (603.626.7300) to set up a time to be photographed . . . it won't be long be before (gasp) we've got snow again!

What To Wear: Coastal Edition!

It's amazing to me that beach portrait season is here! Can you believe it? We've already been out to the coast for one family session and are really excited about all that is in store for this summer.

One of the most frequent questions I address regarding beach portraits is, "What do we wear?" Coordinating a portrait wardrobe for several people (all with varying opinions as to what looks good) can be more challenging that getting a ten month old and a puppy to pose together during a hurricane for a great image. But fear not!

Our goal is to make it easy for you to know what looks good, what is weather appropriate and what will make you and you and your loved-ones happy. Here are a couple tips and inspiration boards of beautiful things that are tickling our fancies as we enter beach portrait season.

1. Keep it natural.

Stay within a color palette that reflects the coastal scenery. Doing so will help you achieve the tranquil, classic New England seaside atmosphere so often desired from beach portraits. Think variations of cream, turquoise or heather grey and even explore more tropical tones. Whichever you choose, focus on a unified palette for the whole family.

2. Coordinate; don't match.

When I was fifteen, there was no way I would smile for a camera wearing the same white polo as my twelve year old brother . . . in front of a camera . . . in public.

I often suggest to clients to pick one color for the entire family, but vary the shades and textures that people wear. No one has to match exactly. For instance, if white is the main chosen color, mix in a few ivory, light taupe and vanilla tones. Avoid using dark colors amongst a majority of light, or light in a dark majority.

Layering pieces (cardigans, vests, shawls, hats, etc.) is also a great way avoid a 'uniform' without disrupting the group's cohesion.

3. Dress for the weather.

At Dachowski Photography, we prefer to photograph beach portraits in the early hours of the morning whenever possible. Why? The light is best. The sand is clean and clear of crowds. That said, morning temperatures in late July are very different from early October! Sundresses are beautiful and very appropriate for summer months, but Irish sweaters and hats are better bets once the air cools in fall. Keep this in mind when preparing for sessions, giving special consideration to little ones!

4. You might get wet!

Be prepared to roll up pant legs and dip those toes into the salty water . . . some of our favorite beach portraits are of families strolling hand-in-hand down the shore or sitting together on rocks. Beach sessions are interactive and a little messy at times, so come with extra sets of socks, shoes and maybe a small towel to brush off with after all is said and done.

5. Outside the box suggestions:

Everyone wears wellies! It's a fun New England look and will keep you dry.

Or try out formal wear. Think you missed out because your wedding wasn't on a sandy beach? Think again- families in formal wear is a unique and incredibly classy way to make a big statement.

Still stumped? Spark your imaginations with these inspiration boards that we think are oh-so-beach-lovely.

And as always, feel free to call us at the studio to ask questions (603.626.7300). We love to help!

(Inspiration boards via Creature Comforts)

Our People's Choice Winners!

We're thrilled to finally share the images of our People's Choice winners receiving their prizes . . . it just so happens that each recipient represents a different aspect of the studio's portraiture. How awesome is that?

First prize went to Shannon, a senior photographed last season. The Olsen family won second with their image of their two children from their 2010 family session and Melissa and her husband claimed third (Jeff and Carolle photographed their wedding just last summer!). Congrats, everyone!

Learn more about our gift sponsors:

Not So Plain Jane's

Twins Smoke Shop & 7.20.4 Cigars

Cotton Restaurant

The Palace Theatre

Alapage

LaBelle Winery

Pochito's

Thanks again to everyone who participated in the People's Choice and congrats to our winners . . . we had a great time reading all of the comments and watching you campaign for your favorites. Remember to vote next year for 2011!

Behind the scenes: Coastal portrait day.

For those of you reading our blog from NH, you know all too well that we've been debating building an ark . . . so much rain!

As luck had it, the skies cleared just in time last Friday for a day of shooting in Portsmouth for a young client's up-and-coming Bat Mitzvah. We were so happy to spend the morning creating portraits with Noa, her sister and parents at their temple and around town. What a gorgeous day!

Here are some images that Noa's mom took to illustrate our day . . . you can see Noa posing like a pro and her sister, Zoe, getting in on the action. She held that panel like she had been working with us for years!

We can't wait to show you the finished portraits from this session- so many beautiful images. In the meantime, we've got a post scheduled for next week that is sure to satisfy all of you beach lovers: What to Wear for Beach Portraits!

And the winner is . . .

Portrait #100- Shannon!

The portrait with the most votes of all of our People's Choice Nominees is Shannon, who had over 100 comments! Shannon came to the studio just last summer for her Senior Portraits . . . obviously you agree with us that her portraits are pretty fantastic. Great job, campaigning, Shannon!

Shannon will receive a fantastic gift from our studio, including some lovely treats compliments of some of our commercial clients (and a few other goodies):

A gift certificate to Dachowski Photography

A cookbook and gift certificate to Cotton

Four (4) tickets to a professional Palace Theater production

A Not So Plain Jane's service certificate

A gift card to Pochito's

An Alapage gift card

An iTunes gift card

And here are the 2nd and 3rd place winners!

(The gift from LaBelle Winery and a gift card to Dunkin Donuts will go to our 2nd place winner, #78 Lori and the Cigar Sampler from Twins Smoke Shop & a sweet gift from Lindt Chocolate go to our 3rd place winners, #68 Chuck and Melissa!)

Congrats, Shannon, Lori, Chuck and Melissa- and thanks to all of our amazing nominees who participated and campaigned hard! And who knows . . . visit us in 2011 and the next People's Choice may be you!

Here are our nominees!

Have you checked out the Dachowski Photography page yet?

If not, you need to head there ASAP! Open up the People's Choice Nominees album and cheer for your favorite portrait. We chosen portraits from our clients who visited in 2010 and we want you to pick your favorite!

Here are the steps:

1. LIKE the Dachowski Photography page.

2. Go to the People's Choice Nominees album.

3. LIKE your favorite portrait and leave a comment under it.

It's super simple and lots of fun . . . we can't wait to find out who you choose!

If you have questions about the 2010 People's Choice Nominees or would like to be included in the album, please call us at the studio for more information!

603.626.7300.

Be the People's Choice of 2010!!!

Oh boy, are we excited to give you the scoop on what we have planned for next week!

Dachowski Photography is launching our first Facebook People's Choice contest! We're posting the best of the best images of our clients who visited us during 2010 and inviting fans to vote for their favorites. The winner of the contest will receive

an amazing gift basket stuffed with products compliments of our many commercial vendors: Not So Plain Jane's, LaBelle Winery, The Palace Theatre, Cotton Restaurant, Twin Smoke Shop and more (plus something special from the studio) . . . doesn't that sound amazing???

The album will be open for voting between May 13th through May 23rd. If you haven't been contacted by us over phone or email and would like to be included in the contest (you must have come to us for a session during 2010), call us and we'll add you to the album!

If you want to vote:

1. Go onto Facebook and "like" the Dachowski Photography page.

2. Browse the contest album and "like" your favorite portrait.

3. Leave a comment on the image you "like." Your vote will not count without all three steps completed!

Don't forget, the contest starts May 13th . Good luck to all our contestants!

603.626.7300.

The best baby faux-hawk ever.

"Oh my goodness."

If you've ever hung out with Jeff or Carolle (or both!) during a baby portrait session (see more from our Bebe Collection), you've probably heard that phrase once or twice (maybe more?). I would venture to say it attempts to express a reaction to things beyond cute . . . and believe me; we get a lot of that here.

Take little Tyler for example- just look at this little guy.

Tyler, like Mason (read about little Mason in Wednesday's post), is also 4 months old and came in with his mom, Carly just a few days ago.

Tyler is the second child in the family to visit our studio for Bebe portraits. We love working with him and big brother Dylan every time they come in for portraits. "Too cute for words" pretty much sums this session up . . . don't you agree?

Wow- three posts in a week!

Happy 100th birthday, Aunt Rachel!

We LOVE this recent WMUR story of Jeff's great-aunt Rachel taking a spin at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway for her 100th birthday. Jeff and his family recently spent some time taking portraits of Rachel and her children to commemorate the occasion.

In honor of her 100th birthday, I thought we'd show you some of her portraits from a few weeks ago . . . we think they capture her cheerful disposition and love for life.

A few days after their session, Rachel's daughters stopped by the studio and I asked them to reveal her secret . . . they said simply, "a positive attitude and a healthy diet." Hmmm . . . sounds good to me!

Thanks for spending time with us, Rachel. Happy Birthday!

~Abby

Baby portraits with Mason, 4 months.

This week is dedicated to snuggly baby posts!

Today, we're featuring baby Mason and his mom and dad, Yvonne and Peter. We were just tickled by Mason's sweet demeanor (not a bit of fussing for his hour-portrait session, we kid you not!) and adorable little habits- check out the "I Love You" sign as he sucks on his fingers.

And if that doesn't do you in, his big brown eyes surely will win you over.

This was Mason's first visit to the Dachowski Photography studio for portraits, and as you can tell, he's already a pro!

Thanks, Yvonne, Peter and Mason for coming to visit us!

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