Thompson's Photography

The Wedding of Mike and Sheila...

2010-09-17T21:17:00.001-04:00

Today was the wedding of Mike and Sheila. I was honored to be one of the two people besides the bride and groom to take part in their special day! At the elegant Trinkle Mansion in Wytheville, VA, they said their vows in an intimate ceremony. Congratulations, Mike and Sheila, on beginning your new life together!

The Wedding of Teresa and Johnny...

2010-09-05T21:54:00.000-04:00

What could be more fun, than cowboys and cowgirls, horses and great food? Combine that with the wedding of Teresa and Johnny! First off, I was thrilled to death that I was told specifically to wear jeans (I was so happy, I giggled the whole way home)! Then when we arrived at the location to see horse trailers and hay bails, well this girl was in seventh heaven! And the kids were just too darn cute! The bride and groom wanted a day where all their friends and family could relax and truly enjoy themselves, and boy did everyone! Johnny and Teresa, we hope you enjoy this preview, I know we had one of the best times at your wedding, and I hope you guys enjoy your honeymoon!

Seniors: You have a choice!

2010-06-30T00:10:00.000-04:00

Okay, so let's get to the point! The school is going to tell you that you HAVE to have your senior portraits done through their contracted photographer. Wanna know why? Cause they get a cut! Now, your tux and drape shot, yeah, you will probably have to have that taken with them, but the rest? NO YOU DON'T!!! Have fun and go to one of the photographers here in town who will let you be yourself! Not only will you get to have fun with one of us and get the images you want, but you will be supporting local businesses, not a corporation who will give a 3% cut of the same cookie cutter images everyone else will have! Call today to make your appointment with Thompson's and get 16 free wallets with your session! 276-233-4797

The Wedding of Ashley and Nathaniel...

2010-06-16T22:58:00.000-04:00

Saturday was Nathaniel and Ashley's wedding. Although it rained like crazy, it didn't dampen anyone's spirits! And like I told Ashley, rain on your wedding day is good luck! Mother Nature was gracious enough to hold off the rain for the ceremony and most of the reception and the bride and groom made a quick getaway when it started to rain again. Hope you enjoy this preview, and you two have a wonderful time on your honeymoon!

Ashley's Bridal Session...

2010-06-12T23:29:00.003-04:00

Today, I had the pleasure of photographing the wedding of Nathaniel and Ashley. Each time I get to shoot a bridal session, I can't wait till the wedding just so I can show people how lucky I am to see these beautiful women in their gowns before most anyone else does! Ashley's bridal session was at the Mansion at Ft Chiswell, where they held their wedding reception. I hope you enjoy this preview of her portraits and check back tomorrow for some of their wedding images!

The Wedding of Brandon and Brandy...

2010-05-30T21:22:00.001-04:00

Yesterday was the wedding of Brandon and Brandy. At Midway Baptist Church, in a ceremony that brought tears to many an eye, the two became one. Then we were off to Blue Ridge Country Club for a great time at the reception and some great shots on the green! Uncle Brandon was the hero when he shared his mother/son dance with his niece! Congratulations to both of you, and may you have a long and happy life together!

Brandy's bridal session...

2010-05-29T23:35:00.000-04:00

This afternoon, Brandon and Brandy tied the knot! I had such a great time with them today and now that it's come to a close, I get to show you some of my favorite shots from Brandy's bridal session at Mabry Mill on the Blue Ridge Parkway!

Brookelynn's Senior Session...

2010-05-25T22:10:00.004-04:00

I had such a great time with Brooke today! I've known her for years and watched her grow from and adorable little girl to a beautiful young lady! And as my Senior Rep for Galax High School, she was my first shoot of the season! And we even got to trash a prom dress! Check these out!

Can't tell if it's a joke or not...

2010-05-16T16:23:00.001-04:00

So a friend of mine posted this link to a craigslist ad on facebook. I just can't tell if this person is serious or not but I had a good laugh and wanted to pass it along!

Hi !! My name is (name withheld for this person's protection) and I've just got a brand new camera for my birthday but haven't even taken it out of the box. I really want to get into the wedding photography business because I see so many people in the Montgomery area are getting married and it looks like easy money. I can't guarantee that even one photo will turn out looking good but I sure will try. Some pictures will be used for my portfolio and my future website. I start booking appointments this week! I am now booking for Spring and Summer of 2010.

I specialize in all types of Lifestyle photography including:

Weddings – You'll have to pay $15 for gas money outside of Montgomery.
Bridals
Engagements
Families
Children
Portraiture
Fashion

My style is classy, elegant and artistic. I would be honored to be part of your special occasion or photography needs considering I have no professional experience. I would love to capture those beautiful moments for you and your family.

I have so much passion for being a pro wedding photographer! All my friends and family tell me I take great pictures at all our outings and picnics. I'm putting together a web site of all the flower pictures and sunsets I've taken so you can see how good I am. I even have a few pics of my pet dog which turned out really great!

But I don't have a business license, liability insurance, flashes, extra batteries, or even more than a kit lens that came in the box. If something goes wrong, you're out of luck. To keep things cheap for you, I won't even back up any of your images. Less cost for me means less cost for you. Just passing the savings on. I expect to be paid in cash or personal check because I don't plan on claiming this income on my taxes.

I know many fun and beautiful locations. I really care about making brides look beautiful! I add glow and selective color to all of my images, giving them the best look possible. No need to hassle with expensive computer programs.

Bridals and Engagements are only $100. Please trust me to do your wedding. I'll do it cheap just to build up my portfolio. I will only charge you $250 for your entire wedding day but you have to pay it upfront. This is a deal. I'll be long gone by the time you print your images. All sessions include a Hi Resolution CD with FULL copy right release included, which means you get to print your pictures at Wal-Mart or on your cheap inkjet printer - Won't they look great!!

I own a camera therefore I can take photos like the pros, who charge a lot more. Most brides in Montgomery spend $2,500 on professional wedding photography. Since I have no experience I'll only be charging $250 (90% off real professional wedding photography prices) to shoot full day wedding coverage.

Think about it: Pros charge a lot of money because they have a lot of expenses that I don't.

Pros have:
-a business license
- multiple cameras for backups
-thousands of dollars in lenses and flashes
-hard drives to back up the images
-insurance
-experience
-people skills
-color calibrated monitors
-professional print labs
-professional albums

I have none of this stuff so we'll keep it cheap, just for you!

E-mail me if you want to set an appointment or if you have any questions, I will gladly respond.

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T18:40:00.000-04:00

Here are some great quotes for the mommies in our lives!

A suburban mother's role is to deliver children obstetrically once, and by car forever after. ~Peter De Vries

The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new. ~Rajneesh

Sweater, n.: garment worn by child when its mother is feeling chilly. ~Ambrose Bierce

Grown don't mean nothing to a mother. A child is a child. They get bigger, older, but grown? What's that suppose to mean? In my heart it don't mean a thing. ~Toni Morrison, Beloved, 1987

A little girl, asked where her home was, replied, "where mother is." ~Keith L. Brooks

Women who miscalculate are called mothers. ~Abigail Van Buren

Because I feel that in the heavens above
The angels, whispering one to another,
Can find among their burning tears of love,
None so devotional as that of "Mother,"
Therefore, by that dear name I have long called you,
You who are more than mother unto me.
~Edgar Allan Poe

And the one I think is most fitting:
Biology is the least of what makes someone a mother. ~Oprah Winfrey

Brandon and Brandy's E session part 2

2010-05-05T21:11:00.001-04:00

Nathaniel and Ashley's E session...

2010-04-30T23:26:00.001-04:00

Brandy and Ashley's bridal sessions...

2010-04-24T22:59:00.000-04:00

So today I had two great bridal sessions! First was Brandy, who chose Mabry Mill on the Blue Ridge Parkway for the location of her session. This place holds a special place in my heart since this is where Brandon and I got married. Brandy looked beautiful in her gown and everyone at the Mill stopped and wished her well. We were even lucky to have a photographer from Richmond Times take pictures of us taking pictures! How cool is that?!

Next it was off to Ft. Chiswell for Ashley's bridal session. She chose the Mansion at Ft Chiswell where her wedding reception will be located. This place is amazing, and the new owners have down a spectacular job in renovating it! I can't wait to see what they do for the reception! And Ashley look stunning in her gown and the combination of her and the mansion was perfect!

So, check back in about another month for glimpse at Brandy's session and a couple more for Ashley's! I wish you can see them now, but hey, you can't see them before the grooms do!

Bark in the Park redux...

2010-04-19T20:20:00.001-04:00

Bark in the Park...

2010-04-18T12:38:00.000-04:00

We had a wonderful time yesterday at the first Bark in the Park at Felt's Park in Galax. This was the first event for the 2010 Relay for Life for our area. All profits from our pet photography at Bark in the Park goes to benefit Relay for Life. It opened with a lap for those people and owners who have survived cancer. There were also demonstrations for training, health care, and Galax and Sparta Police Departments and Sheriff Departments were on hand to demonstrate the K-9 units. The dogs were amazing! Check back later tonight for some images from our tent!

Galax Gymnastics Center!!!

2010-04-15T22:42:00.001-04:00

For the second year, we had the honor of getting to shoot these amazing little girls! Nearly 80 girls in 4 hours and all of them cute as buttons! We had such a good time and you should have seen the preschoolers! They were just so adorable!

High school juniors needed!!!

2010-04-05T18:15:00.000-04:00

I'm looking for some juniors to be reps for Thompson's Photography. I still need one for Carroll County and one for Galax so if you know an outgoing high school junior that would be perfect, send me an email at angie@thompsonsportraitphotography.com or call me at 233-4797!

Senior reps receive a free session at the beginning of May and will get cards to give out to all their friends. Those referrals will earn them free stuff! So pass along the info to someone you think would be perfect!

Emma & Josh's Easter Session...

2010-04-04T21:29:00.001-04:00

For the second year, I had the opportunity to shoot the Easter session for Emma and Josh. These are two adorable children who are so easy to work with! We had a fun time just messing around and the kids did such a great job! Enjoy the preview!

Chase's Baseball shoot...

2010-03-20T20:33:00.005-04:00

2010-02-04T17:57:00.005-05:00

So my littlest baby, Stephanie, turns 6 tomorrow! Where did time go? After school today, she got to dress up and have fun! It's so much easier when you just let them do what they want, and I love what I got!

Happy Birthday, Little One!

Brandon & Brandy's E Session

2010-01-30T11:48:00.003-05:00

I had the cutest couple over at my house on Thursday for their engagement session! Meet Brandy and Brandon! They are getting married in May, and were just so easy going and fun to work with! This is the first of two E sessions we are doing for them and I can't wait for the next one! Hope you guys had as good a time as I did! Enjoy your preview!

Choosing a wedding photographer...

2010-01-27T18:24:00.002-05:00

We all understand that making the decisions regarding your wedding is difficult enough. But making the final decision on those crucial details that are going to affect this one time only day is so much harder when you have so many different options to choose from. A couple of us photographers here in town noticed that within the span of a little over a year, the number of wedding photographers here in our little mountain community has jumped significantly. The problem with this, is you are going to get what you pay for.

Keep in mind that the person you hire will be able to give you a references from brides and grooms that they have worked with. When asking to see work, ask to see all of it, not just their best shots. Don't be afraid to ask to see and entire wedding from start to finish and ask questions about those pictures. For instance, I'm not going to have 100% perfect shots all the time like we would all like to believe happens to us. But I want you to see these as well as the ones that you notice on our website. We shouldn't be opposed to this.

Also, if you are going to trust Uncle Harry or Cousin Carla just because they have a great camera, unless they have experience, you may be trusting those important memories to the wrong person. And the $250 photographer? Red eye looks great for Halloween, not in your wedding images.

I don't care if you choose someone else, I just want you to choose the right one. Pay a little extra and go for the person who knows what they are doing. Best wishes on your upcoming wedding to all the brides who read this!

Happy New Year!!!

2010-01-01T13:24:00.003-05:00

I can't believe it's 2010! What happened to the first decade of the new millennium? 2009 was filled with it's ups and downs, but hopefully things will turn around in our little town and our country. My wish for 2010 is for everyone reading my blog to have a happy and prosperous new year!

Merry Christmas!!!

2009-12-25T17:24:00.001-05:00

From all of us at Thompson's Photography, here's wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a happy and safe New Year!

An apology and a thank you...

2009-12-10T15:31:00.002-05:00

First off, I would just like to say thank you to everyone for your support of Thompson's Photography over the last few years. You all have made my life more special by including me in all of your important moments. That is why I also have to apologize. Starting immediately, I will no longer be offering sports photography. This is due to the fact that I refuse to raise my prices to suit the recreation departments demands for kickbacks. My final decision was made today upon receiving a letter from the remaining county recreation department that I was still doing photography for. Because my bid was not in suit with their demands for kickbacks, I did not get the bid for the next two years. I love doing sports along with weddings and portraits. But I don't think that it is fair to raise my prices when parents are already paying more than enough to see their children play the sports they love. That is why I kept my prices low. To help the parents, not the county. I hope that those of you who have used me in the past understand this. And keep in mind that if you want me to do your teams pictures, I can still do them, but I won't be offering to do them on a regular basis.

We're on Facebook!!!

2009-11-24T15:35:00.003-05:00

Become a fan of Thompson's Photography on Facebook! We would love to have you as a friend there, so you can keep up to date on us both here and on Facebook!

Venue to remember: Plantation at Sunnybrook

2009-10-26T22:51:00.004-04:00

Like I said in my previous post, this is definitely an amazing place. The history alone makes the Plantation at Sunnybrook worth visiting, but do check their food as well. I can tell you from experience, scrumptious! They offer everything the discerning bride could want for her wedding, from stunning ceremony locations to the cake! Oh, the cake! Mouth watering and so beautiful! And the crew at the Plantation is so nice and gracious! Some of the most hospitable I've ever had the true honor of meeting. Next time you are in Roanoke, stop by. Follow this link to the Plantation!

The Wedding of Kylie and Richard...

2009-10-18T23:07:00.006-04:00

Yesterday, I got to shoot Kylie and Richard's wedding. While I wasn't officially on the clock for this one, as this was a family wedding, I had an amazing time with two amazing people at an amazing place! The wedding and reception took place at the Plantation at Sunnybrook, a truly stunning location. The ceremony was an intimate affair with the closest of family and friends in attendance. Kylie's aunt Michele was the officiant and provided a beautiful and spiritual ceremony. Here are some of my favorite images from their wedding (I'm always shocked sometimes at the acrobatic positions some grooms will get into to avoid cake in the face). And please check out the Plantation's website, I'll post more on them tomorrow!

Josh's 1st Birthday shoot...

2009-10-13T15:44:00.002-04:00

It's amazing to see kids grow before your eyes, and it's even harder to see them go from being held as a newborn, to walking in no time! I got to shoot Josh last week for his birthday and this little guy is so quick! I mean, you could have him sitting then he is chasing the cat in the blink of an eye! But what a doll and those eyes are just too beautiful!

Chris & Jennifer's engagement session...

2009-10-07T23:21:00.004-04:00

I'm a few days late getting Chris and Jennifer's engagement session posted, so please forgive me. Between work, editing, and a sick family, life doesn't always go according to plan. But the plan for Chris and Jennifer is a wedding on 10-10-10! I had fun with these two last Tuesday at Dannely Park. And poor Chris, I know guys hate having pictures taken, and he was such a trooper! He even climbed up the kiddy play equipment repeatedly so I could get just the right shot! I hope you enjoy this preview...

Brittani's Senior Session...

2009-10-02T21:05:00.003-04:00

This week I've been busy! Tuesday was an engagement shoot (I'll post those tomorrow) and today was Brittani's senior session. Racing against the sun, we got in some great shots before it got too late! And Brittani, a senior at Carroll County, was such fun, even after I had her wading into the New River with me! She is such an amazing young woman and I hope she had as fun a time as I did! Here's a preview of her session...

Nikki's senior session...

2009-09-14T18:55:00.009-04:00

Yesterday was a very busy day! Early in the morning, I headed out with Nikki for her senior shoot. It was such a beautiful day and although the sun was blazing overhead, we got some great images! We are so proud of Nikki. Life doesn't always go exactly as planned and Nikki became a mom early in life. But she is finishing school and we couldn't be prouder of her for it! Here is a little preview of the shots we got. Check back tomorrow for a wedding preview.

Save big on your 2009 wedding!!!

2009-09-07T18:57:00.001-04:00

To help me finish out the rest of the year, I'm cutting the cost of my basic package! Schedule your Saturday wedding through the end of 2009, and you'll get 6 hours of wedding day coverage, 200 4x6 images and copyrights to all your images for only $500! Hurry and book now!

Email me at angie@thompsonsportraitphotography.com or call me at 233-4797

Brandon's Senior Session...

2009-09-02T19:04:00.002-04:00

A couple weekends ago, I had the opportunity to shoot Brandon's senior session. Let me tell you, seeing this young man looking down at me as we joked, really makes me feel my age. I've know him and his family for years and a couple years ago, I got to shoot his older brother David's senior session. We had a great time and I think I got some fun pics of him.

Save big on your 2009 wedding!!!

2009-09-01T23:29:00.003-04:00

Meet Savannah, Maddie, and Natalie!!!

2009-08-09T22:12:00.003-04:00

I got to have these 3 adorable little girls over at my home yesterday for a quickie session. I can tell you, there is no more innocent love than a child's and these three were just full of it! Savannah is the image of the older sister. She knew just how to hold Baby Natalie and how to keep her from fussing. Maddie, well, you can see by the image just below, is Miss Thang! And of course, the new baby Natalie was just so darn sweet, it made my body go into baby withdrawls! So, I hope you enjoy this preview of their session!

It's a boy for Corey!!!

2009-08-08T12:59:00.001-04:00

Yay! My friend Corey over at Winterberry Gallery, is having a baby boy! She is due in December, so send out lot's of love to her for a happy, healthy baby boy! Congrats Corey!

The Wedding of Jessica and Chuck

2009-08-04T09:27:00.005-04:00

What started out as a rainy week, ended on Saturday with beautiful day, as Jessica and Chuck said I do. After fighting the weather and an uncooperative reception tent, the wedding day went off without a hitch, that is until the ceremony was over (hehe). I love the favors that the bride's best friend painted! They were river rocks with the bride and groom's name on them! Aren't they just too cute! So, here are a few of my favorite shots! Hope you enjoy!

Jessica's Bridal session redux!!!

2009-08-01T15:26:00.002-04:00

A couple weeks ago, I told you about getting to shoot a bridal session for Jessica at Grassy Creek Cabooses. Well, she got married to her Prince Charming today, Chuck. So now I get to show you some of my favorite images from her session.

The Wedding of Bessie and Allen!!!

2009-07-20T20:37:00.002-04:00

On July 11th, at Wytheville Baptist Church, Bessie and Allen tied the knot! It was a hot day outside, but inside everything was perfect! Then after wards, it was off to the reception at the Wytheville Meeting Center for a reception to remember! What started out as a couple's first dance to Kenny Chesney, went wild when the bride and groom broke out into the chicken dance followed by every popular dance from the twist to Thriller! We had such a wonderful time getting to shoot their wedding! Hope you all enjoy some of our favorite images!

Dance lessons at the Moving Arts Center

2009-07-19T21:26:00.002-04:00

The fall lesson schedule has been posted by Samra (Iara Kendrick). If you're looking for something new and exciting, give this a try. My daughter and I take belly dancing from Samra and it's fantastic! It's fun and much easier than you would think!

FALL DANCE SCHEDULE AT MOVING ARTS CENTER

99 Coulson Church Rd, Woodlawn, Va (behind Heritage Shop) www.movingartscenter.weebly.com

Mondays: Zumba 6:00pm
Belly Dance for ages 55 and over 7:00pm
Private Lessons by appointment 8:00pm
Wednesdays : Kids and Grown-ups creative movement 4:00pm
Zumba: 5:00pm
Belly Dance Intermediate: 6:00pm
Private Lesson by appointment 7:00pm
Thrusdays: Belly Dance Children 5:00pm
Belly Dance Beginners 6:00pm
Belly Dance Advanced 7:00pm

COST: $30 PER MONTH; (4 consecutive classes)

$25 for over 55 class and children

Kids and Grown-up class $40 for both

PRIVATE LESSON start at $25 per hr.

GREAT DISCOUNTS FOR GROUPS, SEASONAL PURCHASE AND IF REGISTERED BY JULY 28. REGISTRATION IN PERSON ON MONDAY, JULY 27 or by appointment or on first class. Drop in:$10 per class. On line, get form from www.SamrasExpressions.com or request one via email. Paypal accepted to samra40@netzero.net (5% must be added)

Call 276-236-4533 for more information or to book class or performance. CLASSES BEGIN ON SEPTEMBER 8

Melissa's Maternity Session...

2009-07-15T14:46:00.003-04:00

This is Melissa! And meet her baby bump, Morgan Grace! This morning we shot her maternity session and we had a ball! Melissa is working on finishing her RN and is now expecting little Morgan in about 4 more months. Thank you so much for working with me! You were such a trooper and you were game for anything! Hope you enjoy this little preview.

The Wedding of Jessica and Kyle!!!

2009-07-14T00:59:00.005-04:00

A couple weeks ago, we had the pleasure of getting to photograph the wedding of Jessica and Kyle! We started out the day at the salon, worrying about how the weather was going to hold out. Then it was off to Wytheville Church of Christ to get married and then to the Wytheville Meeting Center at WCC for the reception. Everyone always said that Jessica has Kyle in the palm of her hand, and by the look on his face as I'm going through all these images, they are all correct in that assumption! Here are a few of my favorite shots from their wedding day.

What does your wedding photographer wear?

2009-07-08T23:32:00.004-04:00

So I notice some of the people who look at my blog are other photographers who are trying to find out what they should wear to a wedding they are shooting. But I also thought that this is an important thing for anyone who is hiring a photographer to know.

Here is what we normally wear at a wedding...

Me - I normally wear black. A long or short sleeved black dress shirt and solid black or pinstriped slacks. If it's a formal affair, I would wear a black dress. Flat, comfortable shoes are a must, however, I usually kick mine off during the ceremony, this allows me to get around faster and quietly. Now, I have on occasion worn a lighter colored blouse for an outdoor wedding if it was going to be hot. Black just won't do in 90 degree weather when the humidity is up!

Brandon - My husband normally wears a dark dress shirt and tie and either black or khaki slacks. Of course for a formal affair, he also has a dress jacket and tuxedo attire as well. Comfortable black shoes is a must for guys as well.

Now, I have actually attended weddings wear the photographer was wearing jeans. Your photographer should blend in or be dressed slightly better than your guests. So, if you are having a wedding in which there is a dress code, make sure you inform us about it as well.

Jessica Y's Bridal Session...

2009-07-04T00:03:00.005-04:00

I had a great time this evening at Grassy Creek Caboose's this evening shooting a bridal session for Jessica. If you've never seen them, you'll have to check it out! Jessica's family own's Grassy Creek Cabooses, and they are just so neat! Great for a weekend getaway and just off the Parkway. Well, Jessica's wedding isn't until August 1st. So, you'll just have to wait a few more weeks. But in the mean time, check out their website! http://www.grassycreekcabooses.com/

Thompson-Harris Family session...

2009-07-01T22:41:00.003-04:00

As all photographers know, Mother Nature isn't our best friend. Today was no exception. We fought pouring rain, and direct sunlight with no clouds in sight today while I shot my kids summer portraits. Not so thrilled with how few turned out, but hey, I can redo them any time. This isn't always the case. So, keep in mind that when you schedule your portraits, Keep the weather in mind.

Jessica's Bridal Session Redux...

2009-06-21T22:22:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was such a blast! Jessie and Kyle got married and we had such a good time! Now... I finally get to show you those bridal portraits from the Trinkle Mansion in Wytheville. I loved how they turned out. The mansion has such an antebellum feel to it and she just looked like she belonged there!

My new website is up!!!

2009-06-21T00:34:00.002-04:00

Yay! After many long months, I did it! I got my website up! So check us out!

http://www.thompsonsportraitphotography.com/

But... if you do send us an email, do me a favor and send it to firey_cowgirl@yahoo.com for the time being. Still working out the bugs on the email thing! Also let me know what you think!

Angie

Exciting news coming!

2009-06-17T21:11:00.001-04:00

Yay! I'm so excited! Within the next few days, I'll be back with a big announcement! Check back so find out what is up!

Boyer Family Reunion...

2009-06-14T21:45:00.002-04:00

Last weekend, we had the honor of getting to photograph the 2009 Boyer Family Reunion! With 6 generations in attendance, and lot's of yummy food, there was alot of love going around. A new baby was introduced, an engagement was celebrated as was a birthday. And loved ones were remembered. Thank you all so much for including us in such an important event! Here are a few of our favorite images...

Crazy days!!!

2009-06-07T21:28:00.002-04:00

Well, Thursday I had Jessica's bridal session at Trinkle Mansion in Wytheville. Let me tell you, that place is stunning! I can't wait to show you them, but you'll have to wait a few more weeks! Well, I woke up Wednesday with strep, and went to work. Oh, happy day! By Friday, I couldn't talk! Nothing was coming out of my mouth! Boy, can I tell you I had some happy children! So I went to urgent care Friday evening after dropping off Jessica's bridal portraits and the doc, sweet lady that she was, kept saying, "Oh honey, that sounds like it hurts" every time I broke into a coughing fit. Ya think?

Well, doc says it was laryngitis and bronchitis. Again, oh happy day! So, I got my voice back today, much to the dismay of my children. So I have alot of editing to finish on an engagment shoot and on a family reunion. I'll be posting them over the next few days, so stay tuned!

Bessie & Allen's Engagement Session...

2009-05-27T09:23:00.004-04:00

Yesterday, we took a trip over to Independence to shoot the engagement session of Bessie and Allen at Peach Bottom falls. When we didn't think things were going to work out to well after seeing how much water was flowing at the falls, but I think everything turned out great! Hint - don't hike in flip flops!

Jessie and Kyle's Engagement Session

2009-05-17T19:02:00.002-04:00

Today, I had the pleasure of shooting the engagement session of Jessie and Kyle. We had such a good time at Elizabeth Brown Memorial Park in Wytheville, and Mother Nature was kind enough to hold off the rain, if not the wind! Sorry for freezing your toes guys! But you were just so cooperative! I can't wait for Jessie's bridal session!

The Wedding of Alex and Lynn!!!

2009-05-05T00:20:00.004-04:00

It was my good fortune (thank you again, Corey) to get to photograph the wedding of Alex and Lynn on Saturday! This fantastic couple were wed in a private ceremony at the Methodist church in Independence. After wards, everyone went to the Davis Bourne Inn for a lovely reception where even the children had a ball! I have to say, those folks at the Inn sure know how to host a party! And the food and cake were phenomenal! Congrats, Lynn and Alex!

Galax Gymnastics Center portraits!!!

2009-04-24T23:37:00.006-04:00

I had the privilege today of shooting the portraits for Galax Gymnastics Center! These little girls are absolutely amazing! And they have the most fantastic coach in Miss Babsi! Thank you all so much for allowing me to come and take their pictures! I had so much fun! And Corey... girl, you rock so much for referring me! I can't thank you enough!

Remembering...

2009-04-14T08:19:00.002-04:00

I can't believe it's been two years. Those of us around VA Tech will be dealing with the tragedy today through news and internet. Those at the college will undoubtedly be dealing with it much differently. As will the people still grieving for lost loved ones. Please take a moment today to pray, light a candle, or whatever your faith allows, and remember those who lost their lives and are still grieving. (image compliments of Wikipedia)

Emma and Joshua, 2009!!!

2009-04-11T17:56:00.003-04:00

Wow! Look at the changes in these two in the last year! Just one year ago, I shot Joshua being held in his mommy and sister's arms when he was only a week old! Now he and Emma are both celebrating birthdays! Here are my favorite shots from their Easter session, hope you like them as much as I did! Man, I love my Canon!

Jennifer & Chris's Engagement Party...

2009-04-02T18:29:00.004-04:00

We recently had the pleasure of shooting the engagement party of Jennifer and Chris. At the Hardware Company, in Hillsville, the couple mingled with friends and family while enjoying the restaurant's fabulous food! Here are a few of our favorite shots! I love this one of Jennifer's sister reaching for Dad's wallet!

My Mimi and her Man!!!

2009-03-28T22:01:00.004-04:00

I'm so happy for one of my best friends, Melinda! Many of you know her from the weddings she shoots with me or from our time at the big W! But what many of you don't know is she had to kiss a few frogs before she found her Prince. Meet Jay, the man who has made her the happiest woman I know! I was lucky enough to be the first to shoot them together and I just love what we got! I love you both and thank you so much Jay for coming into our Mimi's life and making her eyes shine again!

Easter Portraits Redux!!!

2009-03-22T20:29:00.003-04:00

So I had a busy day today! I had a wedding to upload, engagement party to finish editing and a few Easter sessions to shoot! Here is my baby girl Steph in one of my favorite shots from her session and my neighbor's baby in our favorite from his! Oh yeah, notice something in the portraits? That's right, we have baby chicks! Want your Easter portraits with the baby chicks? Gotta do them this week before they get out of that really cute furry stage!

Easter Portraits!!!

2009-03-19T23:54:00.003-04:00

Okay all! I know, I know! I didn't post like I said I would! But just wait! Instead of setting packages for your Easter Portraits... I'm going to let you make your own! Yes! NO SET PACKAGES!

You make your own package for just $6 per sheet for 8x10, 2 5x7, 4 3x5 or 4x5, or 8 wallets! Want an 11x14? $10!

So, here's the catch! The only times I have available are after 5:30 in the evenings! As most of my lovely picture people know, I started a J O B recently to help get my hubby ready to go back to school, he stuck with me through my dream, now I'm getting him through his! So my hours are now 8am till about 5pm.

Easter Portraits

2009-03-04T15:27:00.002-05:00

We will be having an Easter Special this year, however due to my absolutely INSANE schedule, I will have limited time to do these! So check back tomorrow to see when I will be available for portraits and what the packages will be!

Happy Valentines Day!!!

2009-02-14T11:23:00.003-05:00

All of us at Thompson's Photography wish you a very Happy Valentine's Day! Here are a few Valentine's quotes to share with your sweetheart!

When love is not madness, it is not love. ~Pedro Calderon de la Barca

Many are the starrs I see, but in my eye no starr like thee. ~English saying used on poesy rings

Love is a symbol of eternity. It wipes out all sense of time, destroying all memory of a beginning and all fear of an end. ~Author Unknown

Love is a smoke made with the fume of sighs. ~William Shakespeare

At the touch of love, everyone becomes a poet. ~Plato

How did it happen that their lips came together? How does it happen that birds sing, that snow melts, that the rose unfolds, that the dawn whitens behind the stark shapes of trees on the quivering summit of the hill? A kiss, and all was said. ~Victor Hugo

For twas not into my ear you whispered
But into my heart
Twas not my lips you kissed
But my soul
~Judy Garland

Happy 13th Birthday, Bubba!

My family!!!

2009-02-03T21:52:00.003-05:00

I'm finally getting a chance to post the portraits that I took of my family! I can't believe Tyler is going to be 16 (ahhh!) this year and the Stephanie is going to be 5 on the 5th! Where did the time go?

Barack H Obama, the 44th President of the United States

2009-01-20T11:54:00.004-05:00

As so many Americans did, I watched the inauguration of President Obama a few moments ago (even though he did foobar it, hehe). This is a moment of deep reflection for not only our country, but the entire world. As our country has changed since the inauguration of the first president, so have the times. We now welcome the first african-American president, a feet which has been tried and failed before. But has now come to fruition in President Obama. This isn't the person I had originally wanted as president, my vote changed 3 times during the race. But as the president, the position alone demands our respect and our loyalty. And he will have mine. He is a good person and I believe he will do a good job if we have faith. We are in desperate need of the changes he promises. But as Americans, we also have the right to inflict change. Take it into your own hands to change not only your life, but the lives of those around you. And hopefully if enough of us do this, we can change the world.

Congratulations Mr. President!

Mapping out your timeline for wedding photography...

2009-01-19T20:30:00.003-05:00

Greetings to all my lovely blog readers! As some of you know, occasionally I will post little tips regarding weddings. Here is a time line that will help you know what you should expect regarding your wedding photos.

As soon as you've set a date:
*Decide on the style of photography you would like for your wedding, whether it be traditional, formal, photojournalistic, etc.
*Start checking into finding wedding photographers for your date. I can't tell you how many weddings I turned down for last summer because I had the dates booked early on and a few too many brides waited till the last minute! Don't do this!
*Meet with the photographers to go over information, pricing, styles, what is included in your wedding package, contracts, any important information. Your photographer should know what to do!
*Decide and book your photographer!

As soon as you've booked your photographer:
*Discuss a time line for your portrait sessions.
*Schedule your engagement session. That way you can get your announcement in the paper!
*Discuss pertinent information with your photographer as soon as you know it. Also, information regarding the ceremony, candle light, outdoor sunset, outdoor full sun, all this is very important to the photographer.

2-4 months prior to your wedding:
*This is the time to nail down any detail regarding attendants, family, location, what the schedule looks like, etc, for your wedding. Knowing how many attendants, family and such you will want photographed, will help the photographer come up with a realistic idea of how long your portraits are going to take the day of the wedding. Also, telling the photographer about any personal family issues, like divorce, might help. It makes it hard when a divorced couple refuses to cooperate for portraits, especially if the photographer didn't know about it! (*Personally, I like to schedule as many of the formals before the wedding as possible! This takes so much time off the amount of portraits taken between the ceremony and the reception!) Be realistic when discussing a time line. You don't really want to schedule too little time for portraits, only to be disappointed that you didn't get a picture with Great Grandma!
*Schedule your bridal session as soon as you have your gown! Don't wait till 2 weeks before your wedding to do this!

1 months prior to your wedding:
*Go over all the details again with your photographer.

1 week prior to your wedding:
*Go over all the details again with your photographer. I can not express this enough! Careful planning makes everything go so much smoother! Confirm all the information regarding the wedding day: location of hair salon or where you are getting ready if your photographer covers this, location and directions of wedding site and reception site.
*Get and give photographer emergency numbers. I tell my brides to never hesitate to call me any time day or night. I have gotten a call at 2am before from a bride who couldn't remember if she told me where the salon was (4 times in fact). But it's okay, we are here to make your day smoother!

During the week prior to your wedding:
*Get plenty of sleep!
*Hydrate!
*Relax!

Day before your wedding:
*Call your photographer to see if they have any questions. Hey we may be as concerned about you and just haven't had a chance to call you yet!

Hope this helps a little with your wedding planning!

Angie

Referral bonus!!!

2009-01-16T10:11:00.002-05:00

Attention everyone! We are offering all of our customers a wonderful chance to get free stuff!

Brides - To all of my current and former brides, if you refer a new bride and she contracts her wedding with us, we will give you your choice of free gift from your wedding portraits! Former brides have received mouse pads, tote bags, portrait sheets, enlargements, even extra pages in their wedding album! So send your girlfriends our way!

Portrait customers - Send us your friends for portrait sessions and if they say you referred them, you can get mouse pads, tote bags, portrait sheets, enlargements, or even a free all day session!

So send all your friends and family our way! Believe me, you won't regret it!

The lovely Miss Gabby!!!

2009-01-12T21:34:00.002-05:00

I recently had Miss Gabby over for portraits. She was such a sweetheart to work with and was so polite! Here are a couple of my favorite images from her session!

We are on MySpace!!!

2009-01-11T00:24:00.001-05:00

To all my friends and loyal blog readers, we are on MySpace! I would love for you to check out my profile and add me as your friend!

www.myspace.com/thompsonsphoto

Ashley's Senior Session!!!

2009-01-09T23:05:00.001-05:00

I was fortunate that while Ashley was here visiting from Oklahoma, we had time to shoot her senior portraits. This fun girl was ready to roll in the leaves if it got a good shot! Thanks Ashley, for trusting me to take your portraits!

The Wedding of Juliana and Shane!!!

2008-12-24T21:36:00.004-05:00

I've been very neglectful of my blog lately. You know, life happens between plans. So after several weeks, I'm finally getting a few of Juliana and Shane's wedding pictures up! They had such a beautiful wedding and so many of their friends and family showed up to share the day!

Becky's Girls Night Out Party!!!

2008-12-07T13:27:00.004-05:00

Recently, my friend Becky hosted a Girls Night Out party with our studio. We had a wonderful time with lot's of laughs! Here are a couple of portraits of the beautiful ladies attending the party!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

2008-11-27T13:38:00.004-05:00

As most of you who read my blog and know me personally, we had our Thanksgiving last Saturday. The day we celebrate doesn't matter so much to us as being with our friends and family does. We do this so that the kids dad, who has a ton of family to visit on Thanksgiving, isn't trying to shove it all in a few hours. Being able to compromise is important to us also, especially since we need to share the kids.

Anyways, some things I'm thankful for this year:
*4 happy, healthy children
*1 happy, healthy marriage
*lots of happy, healthy family
*lots of happy, healthy friends
*a good relationship with my ex and his wonderful wife
*having a career that allows me to spend time with my family
*also having a career that allows me to make others happy by capturing those memories that are so important to them
*having a roof over our heads
*food in our bellies
*a job that allows us to have these things
*a good, spiritual foundation that allows me to be confident in myself
*love

My fondest wish is that you who read my blog are surrounded by these things as well. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Breakfast at Bogey's

2008-11-26T14:11:00.003-05:00

Saturday was the Galax Conservatory of Dance and Theatre's breakfast benefitting the Conservatory's production of The Nutcracker! In attendance was Santa, the Sugar Plum Fairy, Clara and her Prince, and many more characters from this amazing ballet! We encourage you to come and see the production! For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Conservatory's website or call 276-236-2105.

Galax High School Auditorium:

Saturday, December 6 at 6pm

Sunday, December 7 at 3pm

Ashe County Civic Center

Saturday, December 13 at 2 and 6pm

2009 Wedding Giveaway!!!

2008-11-17T13:50:00.002-05:00

Do you know someone who is getting married, but can't afford to have those precious memories captured? Maybe they have been hit by a layoff and are having to scrape their wedding together. There are a hundred reasons we don't always get the wedding of our dreams, but we settle for the I do's that we can manage.

We are giving away 1 Basic Wedding Coverage Package (up to 5 hours of wedding day coverage and images on CD) to a person who otherwise would not be able to afford to have their wedding memories safely captured. Interested? All you have to do is send me an email telling me who you are nominating and why (thompsons_photography@yahoo.com). Include your name and phone number in your email as well as the person you are nominating.

The last day for entries is December 20, 2008. This will give us time to decide on our winner and let them know for a fantastic Christmas gift! So hurry, get your nomination in today!

Juliana's Bridal Session - Redux!!!

2008-11-15T16:44:00.003-05:00

Today was Juliana's wedding! So... here are some of our favorites from her bridal session at Cumberland Knob on the Blue Ridge Parkway! She is such a stunning woman and was such an easy person to work with! She wasn't afraid to do anything!

No Spots... not today

2008-11-12T12:00:00.003-05:00

I was cleaning my cameras today and when I went to load them back up, my kitten, Spots, had decided she didn't want to give up her spot!

New president aside...

2008-11-09T14:19:00.003-05:00

This is normally not the forum I would use to talk about this, but I feel I have to. I spent much time before the election doing research all the cadidates, and on that, based my decision on who was getting my vote. Well, the man I chose didn't get elected. Shoot, he didn't even get second place. Anyways, I voted Independent, well Constitution actually.

Anyways, after President-elect Obama appointed his new Chief of Staff, Rahm Emanuel, I did more research and found something VERY disturbing! His Plan.

Emanuel's plan is about "asking" our children to be part of a national service, by spending 3 months of basic training in civil defense and community service. While this may be wonderful if he was actually asking our children to do this, he isn't. It will be mandatory for those between the ages of 18-25. Emmanuel calls for “a real Patriot Act that brings out the patriot in all of us by establishing, for the first time, an ethic of universal citizen service. All young Americans should be asked to serve their country by going through three months of basic civil defense training and community service… Universal citizen service will bring Americans of every background together to make America safer and more united in common purpose.”

Personally, this sounds like socialism rather than democracy. How can it be asking if it is mandatory? And what happens to those who don't do what they are asked? Will they be charged with a crime? Can anyone say draft?

What was our new president thinking?

The website is down...

2008-11-04T15:39:00.000-05:00

Well, the old website is officially down! Check back for updates on everything!

Juliana's Bridal Session!!!

2008-11-03T12:51:00.003-05:00

Wow! I was so worried that since we were doing them on location that they wouldn't turn out very well. The weather was beautiful, the sky was blue, and Juliana was stunning! Of course the wedding isn't for 2 more weeks. Sooo... you'll have to wait a couple weeks to see them. And I can't wait to show you!

Congrats GC Blue!!!

2008-11-02T16:26:00.003-05:00

I just wanted to congratulate my son's football team, the Grayson County Blue, on a fantastic 2008 football season! Chase is number 54, can't miss him there in the middle! I would also like to congratulate all the rest of the recreation department teams from Fries, Galax, and Carroll County who all played fair games and displayed good sportsmanship throughout this season! All of you played some awesome games and all of us are very proud of you!

Happy Halloween!!!

2008-10-31T21:07:00.002-04:00

Here's hoping everyone has a safe and Happy Halloween!

Wedding Pricing effective November 1, 2008

2008-10-27T13:36:00.012-04:00

The following is our new wedding pricing which will begin effective November 1, 2008 unless you are previously under contract. All contracts currently out and not returned with a postmark of October 31, will be subject to the new pricing.

Basic Coverage... $600

1 photographer

up to 5 hours of wedding day coverage

200 4x6 prints in a proof album or CD of images

Package A... $1000

Engagement or Bridal session on location with folio

1 16x20 wall portrait

1 photographerup to 5 hours of wedding day coverage

1 10 page leather album or 1 20 page coffee table book

CD of images

Package B... $1500

Engagement session with folio

Bridal session with folio

2 16x20 wall portraits

2 photographers

unlimited wedding day coverage

1 10 page leather album or 1 20 page coffee table book

CD of images

Package C... $2000

Engagement session with folio

Bridal session with folio

2 16x20 wall portraits

1 16x20 signature board

2 photographers

unlimited wedding day coverage

1 15 page leather album or 1 30 page coffee table book

2 5x5 parent albums

3 DVD slideshows

CD of images

Package D... $2750

Engagement session with folio

Bridal session with folio

2 16x20 wall portraits, 1 20x24 wall portrait

1 16x20 signature board

wedding rehearsal and dinner coverage

2-3 photographers

unlimited wedding day coverage

1 20 page leather album or 1 40 page coffee table book

photo tote bag

2 5x5 parent albums

6 DVD slideshows

CD of images and copyright release

Absolute Package... $6000

Engagement session with hardcover coffee table book and folio

Bridal session with hardcover coffee table book and folio

Choice of "For Your Eyes Only" or "Trash the Dress" session with hardcovercoffee table book or 5x5 leather album

2 16x20 wall portraits, 1 20x24 wall portrait

hardcover guest book featuring engagement portraits

1 16x20 signature board

*complete wedding weekend coverage for your wedding anywhere in the continental US, Mexico, or the Caribbean

1 30 page leather album or 60 page coffee table book

2 15 page 8x10 leather parent albums or 2 30 page coffee table books

10 DVD slideshows

CD of all images taken

video mp3 player with wedding images and music

*travel expenses are included in package, however hotel stay is provided by bride and

groom. Additional locations (Europe, etc) are available, but additional travel expenses will be required dependent on current airfare rates

To book your wedding or to request a sample DVD of our work, call 276-233-4797 or email me at angie@thompsonsportraitphotography.com

Conservatory of Dance & Theatre...

2008-10-24T19:54:00.002-04:00

Last Saturday, I had the opportunity to shoot the class portraits for the Conservatory's Mommy and Me class and the Creative Movement classes. These little girls were soooo precious! I love the twins that are in my daughter Stephanie's class! You just want to grab their cheeks and squeeze! And Miss Katie's daughter Gracie is such a doll! I had such a fun time!

Bill & Maggie Anderson!!!

2008-10-18T18:54:00.002-04:00

I had the good fortune to shoot another CD cover for local bluegrass duet, Bill and Maggie Anderson. I got to shoot the cover for their last CD, Going Home To The Fold, and let me tell you, they are wonderful! Bill and Maggie create custom guitars, resonator guitars, and straps, as well as teaching lessons and workshops! Thank you both so much for trusting me with something so important to you!

Colors, colors, colors!!!

2008-10-13T13:37:00.005-04:00

Hey all! Wow, look outside at those colors! Now is the perfect time to schedule your fall portrait session! I'm free this week, except for the first part of Saturday, for outdoor portraits! Call me at 276-233-4797 to schedule yours now!

Oh, if you have sent me an email in the last 2 weeks and didn't get a reply, post a comment on here and shoot me another email, firey_cowgirl@yahoo.com, as some emails have been going to my bulk!

Angie

Portraits at Steiff on the Mountain!!!

2008-10-10T23:28:00.003-04:00

We are very fortunate to be offering portraits at Steiff on the Mountain Teddy Bear Festival at the Galax Recreation Center this weekend! With an amazing background provided Bearly a Memory, these will be keepsakes your family will love!

Also, see the 2008 Steiff Product Line, Meet Claire Steiff Meisel, granddaughter of Richard Steiff. Antique & Vintage Steiff dealers from around the globe. Teddy Bear & Animal Artists. John Lamb-Teddy bear Mystery writer with his new book. Good Bears of the World-Auction & Steiff Charity Raffle. Display of Rare & Unique Vintage Steiff items from private collectors, Steiff Videos, Gifts & door prizes, Steiff 125 Karat Bear, SPECIAL EVENT BEARS AVAILABLE. Friday night reception & Saturday night dinner with live music by No Speed Limit. (Reservations required for both evenings)

Portrait Packages:

A $20 - 2 5x7's, 8 wallets

B $40 - 1 8x10, 2 5x7, 16 wallets

C $75 - 2 8x10, 2 5x7, 4 3x5, 24 wallets

D $100 - 1 11x14, 2 8x10, 4 5x7, 4 3x5, 24 wallets

Hours for Steiff on the Mountain:
Saturday, October 11, 2008 (9:00 AM-4:00 PM)
Sunday, October 12, 2008 (11:00 PM-3:00 PM)

Admission Fee: $3.00

Fun wedding reception games...

2008-10-08T11:34:00.002-04:00

Since I'm not doing much this time of year, I thought I would do some research into something not many people think about... games for your wedding reception. I found some cute ideas to involve the bride and groom or your guests.

The Anniversary Dance - Well, not really a game, this is a neat little dance that the DJ announces before hand. All married couples come onto the dance floor for a slow dance. The DJ starts of by asking anyone married less than 24 hours, please leave the floor. Well who gets to leave first? You guessed it, the bride and groom. Then a few months, then a year, then a few year, then a decade, then 15 years, and so on till the last remaining couple is on the dance floor, usually the great grandparents of the bride or groom. And their names are announced, congratulating them on a long marriage and a well wish to the bride and groom for a marriage as happy as these two.

When is Your Birthday? - Don't know what to do with those centerpieces you paid a fortune for? Have your DJ announce the person with the birthday closest to the bride or groom's birthday at each table gets to take it home!

Bride or Groom? - This game is played by the wedding party, with the women forming one team and the men forming another. Each receives two signs, one with "BRIDE" and one with "GROOM" written on them. Ensure the signs are large enough for your guests to see clearly.
Have a list of "who" questions such as, "Who do you think will snore the loudest?" or "Who is he neatest?" or "Who will hog the bed?" The entire wedding party raises the applicable sign in answer to the question. Imagine the varying answers you may get! Choose modest questions that will not embarrass the newly married couple too much in front of close family, co-workers, and young children (especially if they are relatively private people). You know them best!

Can't Touch This - Inspired by the classic children's game of musical chairs, this wedding game requires guests with quick hands and a rhythm for juggling! You will need to create small bags of candy using cellophane and ribbon (or any other trinket) and an energetic song to mimic the up-tempo pace of this game (our title may give hints to a possible song choice).
Have all the participating guests stand in a circle. The objective: at the sound of the music, guests will have to quickly pass the candy around the circle. When the music stops, everyone stops moving. The person with the candy is eliminated and returns to their seat. Let him/her keep the candy as a sweet token for playing the game. This continues and the last person left receives a prize!

Marriage Advice 101 - This is a great game to play at a small wedding reception with close friends and family. Raise the laughometer with this simple yet fun game of "Marriage Advice 101". Provide guests at each reception table with index cards and pens. Their task: to come up with the best marriage advice they can give for the newlyweds. Read out some of the highlights during the night. Award gifts for "The funniest advice given", "The best advice given", and any other category you can think of.

The Guessing Game - This game is fun for the guests as they get insight into how the bride and groom think of each other. The bride and groom sit back to back with one of each others shoes. The DJ or friend of the family asks a question, like "Who does the housework" or "Who wears the pants in the household" and the bride and groom raise the shoe of the person they think does this.

Temporary email...

2008-10-06T11:10:00.001-04:00

Due to the cancellation of our current website, my studio email is down temporarily. If you need to contact me, please feel free to use my personal email, firey_cowgirl@yahoo.com.

The Wedding of Eric & Karen!!!

2008-10-05T13:09:00.004-04:00

Saturday, we had the pleasure of shooting the wedding of Eric and Karen. This down to earth couple had a simple, yet elegant ceremony in Independence, attended by friends and family. After finishing the wedding party's formals, we went to the reception and did all the important stuff, then I ran off with the bride and groom to get some more formals of just the two of them. I love the ceremony shot with the groomsman having the lapse in protocol (I had to laugh at him)!

A tip for brides...

2008-10-05T12:22:00.002-04:00

It's kind of become a little thing for me to occasionally post tips that I think are helpful. I found out one at Karen and Eric's wedding yesterday.

*Let the person who is making your cake know, see, or have your cake topper. That way there isn't a problem with it when they put it on the cake before your wedding.

There was a little glitch yesterday when the cake topper, a beautiful glass heart etched with the bride and groom's names, just would not sit up straight! It kept wanting to fall over. Well, the problem was remedied, but... to avoid this, make sure the person who makes your cake knows what kind of topper it is.

Problem solved!

Website closing and change in wedding prices...

2008-09-29T08:51:00.003-04:00

Just a note to let everyone know our studio website will be closing. This will be in preparation for the launch of our new website in November. Also, our wedding packages will be changing at the launch of our new site. Anyone currently under contract or who signs a contract by the end of October will not be affected by this change. However, if you have not contracted, or you need to send me your contract, please do so. Your package and price will remain the same. Here is a list of our current wedding packages:

Basic Package... $500
*Wedding coverage begins 2 hours prior to ceremony, covering bridal preparations, ceremony, formals, and reception
*1 15 page 5x5 album holding 30 images or 100 4x6 images of your choice

Deluxe Package... $750
*Engagement or Bridal session is included, a tri-fold folio with 8 4x5 prints and a color or BW imagefor your newspaper announcement and 1 11x14 enlargement
*Complete wedding coverage beginning 3 hours prior
*1 10 page 8x10 album holding up to 50 images or 200 4x6 image of your choice

Premiere Package... $1200
*Engagement sitting in our studio is included, a tri-fold folio with 8 4x5 prints and a color or BW imagefor your announcement in the newspaper and 1 11x14 enlargement
*Bridal sitting in our studio or on location is included, a tri-fold folio with 8 4x5 prints and 1 11x14 enlargement
*Complete wedding coverage beginning when you do
*1 DVD slideshow of your wedding portraits playable on your computer and DVD player
*1 15 page digital montage wedding album in black or chocolate

Elite Package... $1750
*Engagement and Bridal sittings in studio or on location, tri-fold folio with 8 4x5's of both sittingsand your favorite image for your newspaper announcement
*1 16x20 signature board for reception
*2 11x14 enlargements*Complete wedding coverage beginning when you do
*1 15 page digital montage wedding album in black or chocolate
*2 5x5 10 page parent albums in black or chocolate
*3 DVD slideshows of your wedding day images playable on your computer and DVD player

Platinum Package... $2500
*Engagement and Bridal sittings in studio or on location, tri-fold folio with 8 4x5's of both sittings and your favorite image for your newspaper announcement
*1 16x20 signature board for reception
*2 11x14 enlargements, 1 20x24 wall portrait or 1 16x20 canvas portrait
*Wedding rehearsal and dinner coverage
*Complete wedding coverage beginning when you do
*1 20 page digital montage album with a tote bag for carrying
*2 5x5 15 page parent albums in black or chocolate
*6 DVD slideshows of wedding day images*Digital negatives and copyright release
*Picture MP3 with wedding images and music

I've been tagged!!!

2008-09-28T10:21:00.003-04:00

I've been tagged
Katy tagged me...

so these are the rules...
1. Post the rules on your blog (or email).
2. Write 6 random things about yourself.
3. Tag 6 people at the end of your post.
4. If you are tagged, just do it, and pass the tag along.

1. I am deathly afraid of spiders. No, it's really ridiculous! I've screamed so much because of those tiny little ones that you can barely see, that my 4 year old now does the same thing!

2. My goal for 10 years after high school was to be standing in the winner's circle at the Kentucky Derby with a horse I owned.

3. As much disarray as my house is in, I know where everything is and I'm still a perfectionist.

4. Not a day goes by when I don't research something about photography. I'm obsessed, what can I say!

5. I have a ton of workout videos and I hate every one and have only used them once each! Anyone want some?

6. I can't stand the term Yankee in reference to myself! I'm not a Yankee, I'm from the west coast! We are something completely different! GRRRR!

Now to tag 6 people:
Quinn Newton
Melinda
Kelly Hamm
Corey
Heather Pritchard
Misty
Anyone else who thinks it will be fun!

The Wedding of Diana and Michael!!!

2008-09-25T14:17:00.005-04:00

Last weekend was the wedding of Diana and Michael. Through mishaps with the wedding dress and a overly friendly lizard, and the wedding cake, these little trials didn't ruin the beautiful wedding of this wonderful young couple! We went to Cumberland Knob for the formals and back to the reception hall for a fun time! Congratulations Diana and Michael!

Update to Model Search...

2008-09-17T12:44:00.002-04:00

I'm also looking for families with expectant mothers and newborn babies to have casual portraits taken in their home!

Again:
*free session
*discounts on prints ordered
*free CD to share with family and friends!

Model Search!!!

2008-09-16T10:33:00.003-04:00

I am currently looking for:
*fun, funky couples willing to try something new and have fun
*former brides, preferably within the last 5 years, willing to trash their dress (are you serious? Oh yeah!)

I'm in the process of creating our new website and need some new portraits to showcase! I have some new work, but need some more! Here is what you get:
*complimentary portrait session
*discount on images purchased
*CD of images to show friends and family

If this sounds like something you would be interested in, email me at angie@thompsonsportraitphotography.com

Update on closing...

2008-09-15T18:07:00.003-04:00

Okay, so I announced our closing for the end of the year. Well, it hit us alot sooner than we had anticipated. We are officially without a studio.

BUT... I am working from home right now! So have no fear! I am still doing everything that needs to be done, only from home. I am still taking portrait sessions, but I'm only doing location shoots right now. I will be posting some of my work on these location shoots very soon! I've had a couple of shoots that I've done, but I'm waiting for my new website to be up and running before I go crazy showing everyone what I've been up to right now! So if you will all please bear with me... I really think you're going to love it!

Oh!!! One more thing. If you need to get ahold of me, my studio line will be out of order for a couple of weeks! Drop me an email at angie@thompsonsportraitphotography.com and I will get back to you!

My apologies...

2008-09-11T19:07:00.004-04:00

Of all the days to make this post, I feel I have to. I've apparently offended some former military with the portraits I took a few months ago of my daughter with the American Flag. To those who I have offended, I am very sorry. The photographer who made it clear to me that I used it as a cheap prop made me see the error of my ways. I will say to him and anyone else though, that it was never my intention to do this and I suggest to this person that while you made these comments to me, you need to go after every other person who has burned a flag, used one as a diaper (Larry Flynt), or so disrespected our flag! To other photographers thinking to use it as a prop, please do not. I know I'm sounding a bit petty, but this persons comments so enraged me, that it took me a half hour to type a reply to him. I come from a military family on both my mom and dad, as well as my biological father's, sides. I have had members in every branch of the military and I fully support our troups! While I completely despise our government for allowing this false war to continue after all these years, I do honor and care for our service men and women! Noone can say I don't. I will not take down the portraits of my daughter, not because of my political views, but because I love my daughter and she had such a good time taking these! And, as I told the photographer/combat vet, I don't make it a habit of using the flag this way. This was a sitting I've done once. And one I will never do again. So to all I have offended by my thoughtless and "self serving" actions, I am very sorry.

Announcing the closing of our studio...

2008-09-03T19:25:00.003-04:00

Due to the failing economy in our area, and the increase in competition, we have decided to close our studio on West Grayson in January of 2009. I know this is going to be a suprise to alot of my loyal customers.

However... due to the fact that most of our photography is engagement, bridal, and weddings, this is going to be our focus. Our decision was based on how much location time versus actual studio time. Hence our decision to close our studio.

To our dear brides, have no fear! We are still shooting engagement, bridal, and weddings! Our new changes are going to allow us to offer much more to our contemporary brides and grooms than before! And to our former brides, keep sending those referrals our way! For every person who signs with us that you referred, you are going to get a great gift!

To our loyal customers who have kept us going and been our backbone for so long, I haven't forgotten about you. I'm working on something that I think you will love! I'm going to continue to do portrait photography, but I'm going to change the focus into location photography! This is going to make your portraits more personal!

So everyone, check back towards the end of the year when we will be announcing all of the new changes we are making! I really think everyone is going to love what we are doing!

Groovin' on Grayson!!!

2008-08-31T15:44:00.003-04:00

Friday night was Groovin' on Grayson here in downtown Galax! If you haven't been to this fun event, it's a street party held the last Friday of the month on West Grayson St. With live music, great food, and lot's of entertainment, it's a fun and safe way to spend an evening with family and friends! Thompson's was lucky to be able to provide pictures for those wanting a small momento of the evening! And with the proceeds going to Groovin', we couldn't have had a better time! Here are some of the Groovin' volunteers! For more information on Groovin' on Grayson, check out the website here!