You have reached The Blog. I am glad you're here. Grab a cup of coffee, browse around, leave me a comment. Hopefully you'll find lots of cool stuff to think about and even better stuff to look at.
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The fire is going. The INCREDIBLE Maggie Smith is singing. I am surrounded by my dearest friends, we are sharing the art we've created over these last two days. There is so much talent in this room, you can hear it in the words being spoken and sung, you can feel it in the air, smell it even. It is a sweet aroma.
My sweet friends, you bless me. I grow from your investment in me every day. I am better because of you.
This is my work from these last few days. I have tons more, tons. But this is a start. I will share more tomorrow after my long journey home.
We shot these images at the Davis Plantation in Cartersville. It was beautiful, I mean beautiful. The light, the decor, the color. Then there was Melody, the model. Oh my. Beautiful. On day 2 we shot Elijah at an abandoned warehouse, which came with a visit from the cops. That was fun!
Two days to go to!! I am super psyched to be meeting up with my Fellow Pixel Chicks. You may ask what a Pixel Chick is. No, it is not a weird child's electronic toy thingy. A Pixel Chick is a super talented woman photog who might be from here in the US or the UK. There are exactly ten Pixel Chicks in this world from places like CA, MI, NJ, MA, AL, GA, TN, IL, and across the pond in the UK, and I am one of them! (Can you believe that? Whoa!) You can see the Pixel Chicks blog here. It's a little bit pitiful, we admit it. We aren't so great at keeping up with it. Someday though, someday!
So we are meeting at Cindy Harter's home in Atlanta to talk and do photography for three glorious days and nights. We have met up now in New York, Chicago, and Alabama for workshops from other photographers, but this time we are doing our own workshop! At some point in our dreamy lives we hope to offer workshops to other photographers, so this will be a brain storming/ gleaning/ figuring stuff out sort of weekend. We are going to be shooting models, maternity, boudoir, newborns, babies and whoever else shows up. We are going to be talking Lightroom, Photoshop, OCF, Lighting, Business and oh yeah, we are going to be eating too. I think Candy said she was making lasagna. Go Candy.
So with that, I thought I would leave you with a few shots from our trip to NY last fall. I had never even edited these until today. Sorry Chicks. I just let time slip away. And know that we will be missing you Chicks from MI, NJ, and the UK this trip!
Laura Stetser, CA
Candy Avera, AL and Megan Peck, MA
Julie Monacella, IL
Candy
Megan
If you would like to see the shot that Laura got here, click here. It is freakin awesome!
Denise Snyder, NJ
Not pictured: Cindy Harter, GA Ali Greenwood, UK Hayley Hamlin, MI Sherry Boles, TN All of these uber talented women have blogs and you can find their links at the bottom of this page. Check em out!
I am so excited to announce Cool Stuff #2 for 2009!! I will be participating in the National Charity Model Search to select “America’s Cutest Kid” and to raise funds for charity.
We’re looking for cute children ages 18 months to 14 years old to model for a portrait to be entered into the contest.
Models Search Special: $100 entrance fee, which includes a 60 minute model session and one image submitted to the national gallery, plus 15% off large wall portraits, 10% off gallery mounts and wraps, and 5 digital images suitable for printing up to 5x7 (a $250 value).
Finalists will be determined by online votes. Anyone may vote. Each vote is $1, and all proceeds from votes benefit the non-profit Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep, an organization which I am proudly a member of. To learn more about NILMDTS you can find their website at www.NILMDTS.org.
Grand prize national winner will be determined from the 50 city finalists. Winners selected by photography and modeling industry experts.
If your child is selected the national winner, you’ll receive many prizes, including a $5,000 US Savings Bond and a Canon PowerShot G10 digital camera. How cool is that? And boy, do I know some cute kids who could seriously be America’s Cutest, from right here in New Hampshire! Super cool prizes here!
If you’re interested in entering your child(ren), please call the studio at 603-991-8282. For more information about the contest, go online to www.sandypucmodels.com.
Now no worries, I know that you might be concerned that my Ella is THE cutest kid in America, and you have NO chance of winning against her, but I don't think she qualifies. So don't be afraid to enter. Really. And yes, I am one of THOSE Moms that thinks her children are the MOST beautiful. (Te he-he-he.)
I Love 2009. So far I mean. You know it's only been five days, but what a five days it's been!! Five days down, 359 to go. Good greif I wonder what the last 5 days of 2009 will look like, with all this going on in the first five.
Okay so what's this all about you ask? Well, I have two rumors to start. Yup, you can trace it back to here. You have my permission to gossip to everyone you know about these two things. (But only these two things. Generally, gossip is bad bad bad, but you know that.)
First, I am renting a studio. Yup. It's going to be white with natural light, and it's going to ROCK. It will be in the Tannery Marketplace and I should be announcing an official open house date for around the 1st of March soon. Did I say it's going to ROCK? Because it is. No more having to shoot in 30 degree weather, and no more worries about the rain in the summer. And I can still shoot with natural light which is my thing, you know. Now, I am a little nervous about this, it is a big step for me and my business. So the cool thing is, I will be celebrating this new venture by offering some super cool new packages and discounts- get em here while they last, cuz they won't- in honor of the new place. And because I will be itching to shoot every day three times a day in this glorious new space. And I have a new camera that I had to put my firstborn up as collateral for. It needs to get used. A Lot.
Okay, now for Rumor #2. I'll get right to it. I am going into the wedding biz. Yes, I know I said I never would. Ever. But then this guy asked me to be his partner, and I knew I could not refuse. I mean, this is a fine art portrait artist who wants ME to partner with him on weddings. How could I say no? And THEN, when I started thinking about all this, I started stalking the blogs of Jasmine Star and Jesh DeRox and David Jay (And don't even call me if you don't like David Jay, because if I were a boy I would want to BE David Jay, true story.) and I got inspired. Like, totally on fire inspired to do weddings. I never thought it would happen, but well, it did. So, I will have big announcements as soon as we iron out a few details and make a solid plan. It will be a glorious partnership of tradition and grace meets ultra creative modern hip. (Can you guess which I am?) Please exploit this rumor and let any bride you know in on this bit of gossip. You will look good, I promise, because you will know something your friends don't know. Oh, and we will travel. ANYWHERE. We especially like Hawaii, the Caribbean, and Australia. Special discount for anyone who books a wedding in those three places. ;)
This is John and Jess. Isn't she beautiful? Ahhh...dreamy.
I've seen this a few times in different e-mails, but a friend of mine shared this one recently. This Lady has it going on! I laughed so hard when I first saw her do this I nearly wet my pants. Oh sorry, was that TMI?
It is just about time to say goodbye to good ole 2008. And with that is the hello to 09, clean slates, new goals, fresh starts, and hope for a bright future. I am setting new goals, thinking about opening up a studio, changing things up in my business a bit, and commiting myself to a daily renewing of my mind. (More on this later.) Anyway, this will be my first New Year post to announce the first new thing I am going to be offering my clients this year. With a new year comes cool new stuff, so keep watching! Here's cool new stuff #1:
New Mini Digi- Collection, $375
This includes a 20 minute session for up to two people only, one location within 10 minutes of Littleton. 8-10 digital images sized for printing up to 5x7. A 15% discount off wall portraits (prints only) A 10% discount off gallery mounts and canvas wraps Available weekday mornings only (Except Tuesday)
A favorite storyboard of mine from 08- isn't he full of the greatest expressions?
I want to thank you all for taking the time to nominate families for my Giveaway. It was humbling to read your stories, and a blessing to know of people who give and struggle and persevere. Times are tough, life is a challenge, and there are days and times when I really have that feeling of, "This is not my home, I am an alien here." As God told us so long ago, we were meant for heavenly places. This is a fallen world, a temporary abode, and it is sometimes tough to be in it. But we have a hope and a future, and on this Christmas Eve I so truly hope you know WHO that hope is, and that He loves with all His being. I hope you know that our suffering is temporary, and I hope that He uses me to make someone's suffering a little less this season, even if it's just a little bit less.
So without further adieu I am so pleased and happy to announce that the winner of the Giving is Awesome contest is Deb Ramirez! Deb was nominated by Gail Clark who said this of her, "She has the most positive attitude of anyone I know and if you didn't know she was sick, you never would." Deb is a single Mom of two children. I for one, can not imagine going through cancer treatments while being a single Mom of two. Wow! That is really a challenge! But to go through all that with a positive attitude, to endure with a smile, that is really something big. Deb, I would guess that you are an amazing blessing to your children, a blessing of the example of what it means to persevere, to forge ahead, to press on.
I humbly hope that I can capture some of that in your session, to capture YOU with your children, just being the strong family you are. I hope when you look at the images we will create that you see your own strength, the admiration your children must have for you, and the power of the love you share. I can not wait to meet you.
Just as a reminder, it is a totally free $700 package. You can book any time. Just call me when you are ready. And Gail, don't forget you get the FREE session and a $100 print credit for nominating Deb. THANK YOU, Gail, for taking the time.
Now I couldn't leave you without a few pictures! This is our Christmas Card- Merry Christmas to all of you who regularly read my blog! And the last two are of my youngest who was trying to impress Santa today and gave me a few smiles.
Before I go- if you want to read something really powerful that will REALLY put you in the Christmas Spirit-Click Here. I doubt you will be sorry you did!!
Merry Christmas to you all. I hope it is full of love and warmth and a joy so great you bust at the seams.
*Sigh* I adore this bag, it makes me sad to sell it but it has to go. My Monster Dell computer doesn't fit in it. My Dell is enormous, not your average 17 inch computer. It will fit normal 17 inch laptops, I had a 17 inch Toshiba Satellite and it was fine.
I also had in mine: 2 bodies, the 24-70L with hood, the 85, the 50, the 15mm fisheye, a 580 flash, a video camera, transmitters, and lots of cards, batteries, and other miscellaneous stuff.
It was used once. I felt so special on that trip, wheeling my fancy bag throught the airport. *Sigh* I am asking $240 shipped.
And I am also selling my 40D. I have had it for a year, it has been a fantastic camera, but I just upgraded so I just don't need this one sitting around. It is in excellent condition, so signs of wear. Comes in the original box, with all the original paperwork, software and manuals. $675 shippped.
Anyone want to treat yourself to a last minute Christmas gift?
I think that all the publicity write-ups and the radio stations have said that the nominess for the Giving is Awesome Giveaway must live in Littleton. Please feel free to nominate someone who lives in surrounding communities like Landaff, Fanconia, Lisbon, Bethlehem, and Sugar Hill as well as Littleton.
Please take the time out of your busy holiday season to consider who might be blessed by this and send in a story. I know you know someone- I can think of lots of people in my own world!
And I just have to leave you a picture. This is the front section of my Christmas card this year. Hope all of you northern NH'ers are enjoying this winter wonderland!!
Do you know someone experiencing a tragedy — someone struggling with an illness, raising kids while holding down several jobs, or volunteering selflessly to benefit others? Do you know someone who cannot afford custom photography, but longs for their family moments to be preserved through the skilled eyes of a professional photographer?
You know someone. I know you do.
That’s why I’m playing Santa this holiday season. I’m giving you the chance to nominate someone who you believe deserves my $700 custom photography package — on the house! Whether it's beautiful art for the walls of your home, albums, prints for the grandparents, or a slideshow to watch again and again, you have the power to give them the most personalized package of custom artwork they deserve. But the giving doesn’t stop there — nominate the winner and you’ll receive a FREE session fee ($100 value) and $100 towards the print of your choice!
Join me in finding the true meaning of the holiday spirit this season. Open your heart to someone who needs the encouragement to continue believing in kindness. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to open mine.
There. Now I feel more like Santa.
Much love, Alli
I have never met a person whose greatest need was anything other than real, unconditional love. You can find it in a simple act of kindness toward someone who needs help. It is the common fiber of life, the flame that heals our soul, energizes our spirit and supplies passion to our lives. It is our connection to God and to each other. — Elizabeth Kubler-Ross
GIVEAWAY RULES: • Nominators may not nominate themselves; nominees must be deemed by Alli Gaulin to be financially incapable of purchasing said services. • Nominees must be residents of Littleton, NH or a surrounding community. • Stories must be e-mailed to alligaulin@live.com by midnight, December 23, 2008. • Winner will be announced December 24 at 9pm here on my blog.
And I just coudn't leave you without a picture of happy smiling, holiday faces. This was take 1 of our Christmas Card sessions and didn't make the cut.
Freshly fallen snow and the energy and personality of the Divine Miss "M" just shouted "FRESH" to me. Thank you for being such a great sport, M, it was a cold wet day and you braved it well! And in the end, the snow made for a perfect backdrop!
You probably didn't even notice I was gone, but I was, for 8 glorious days to (somewhat) sunny Florida and the magic of Disney. *Sigh* It is so hard to come back to reality. I miss being called Princess, and I miss eating out at places like the new T-Rex (kinda like the RainForest Cafe' but with dinosaurs) every night, and I miss swimming in our own little pool in our backyard, and I miss the big glass wall in the living room of the house we rented that opened up to the screened in pool, and boats and roller coasters and light parades and fireworks, and oh all of it!
I took pver 600 pictures, got rid of about 400 and then I forced myself to choose just a "few" for the blog. It was so hard to pick because every image has a memory attached to it, a fun little moment in time that gives me a giggle or a sigh. So, there's lots, too many probably for the blog, but I know you are going to want to see them Mom, and it will be too long before I have the time to do a slideshow. So, enjoy, or just close it out b/c you are sick of Gaulin Disney for heaven's sake.
Ella danced absolutely everywhere she went, it was super cute and cracked us up to the point of tears at times. Crowds and dancing like a free-spirit butterfly princess do not go well together, either, so it was also tiring. See? She needs to learn to pace herself!
Fireworks at Magic Kingdom- they are so cool- and Tinker Bell comes out of the top of the Castle and slides down a huge long zipline right over our heads! WOW. There is some serious creativity, imagination and genius displayed at this place!
Waiting for our $90 lunch in Italy. Craziness.
Look at those smiles!
More dancing.
See what I mean? How tired would you have to be to fall asleep on Dad's shoulders?
John is making fun of Ella's constant dancing here. He is NOt as cute as her.
Not sure why, but Blogger is making some of these look a little funky. Hhhhmmm....
