{update}

Happy Friday! I had a super Friday with editing and deliveries! I am going to try to get everybody's session (except from this weekend) edited and ready to mail/deliver by Monday! Let me know if you need cards. The orchard sessions come with 25 free custom cards. Otherwise, they are $1.5o each. Thank you all for your love and patience during this busy time! I am so blessed to have the best customers in the whole world!!!

This little sweetheart didn't like getting her picture taken last year. Can you imagine that? Now she poses and smiles before I even tell her what to do! *love it!*

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{Now Scheduling! - ORCHARD SESSIONS!}

Because of limited availability, sessions will be scheduled on a first come, first serve basis. These sessions will book up very quickly...if you are considering a mini session for 2009, please book now to avoid disappointment.

*Expect 2 weeks to receive your cd and cards.
**OCTOBER to DECEMBER - ALL REGULAR SESSIONS WILL BE $200.

DON'T FORGET...

SEDONA IN THE FALL FAMILY SESSIONS ~ OCTOBER 10-11
Call to reserve your time!

HALLOWEEN PORTRAIT PARTIES! ~ OCTOBER 24 & 31
Schedule your party today!


NEW FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

*Portrait Parties Available*
*pick a date
*pick a location
*3 or more families
*30 minutes/family
*$25 off the regular $150 per family!

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{2009 Christmas Card Selection}

So excited for this season to start. Things are all coming together.

I can make custom cards for anyone, even if I don't take your photos.

Details:

$1.75/card

5x7 custom photo postcard with envelope

Here is a quote I just got on facebook from a customer :

"Looking forward to our Christmas session ... the back to school shots are great. I hear my friend Sheila called you too ... Your work certainly speaks for itself ... can't wait to see the templates this year ... I am still getting compliments from last year ..."

flowerflakes
cozy1

cozy2

houndstooth
holly

patches

pieces1

shabby1

postcard

pieces2

stripes2

stripes1

shabby2

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{bloom}

I love the phrase BLOOM WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED since blooming involves growing, being nurtured, and sharing with others. I am a huge goal-maker and list-follower. Today is my birthday. I love birthdays and take it like a checkpoint and new beginning. I was excited to find a link to a neat concept called Create Your Best Life. I started this morning and am excited about the next three months!

Here is a great checklist I stole and revised from Julie Valentine, the creator of Create Your Best Life. I added spending daily time with God in prayer and the Bible. When things seem to get bad, that's when I realize that I am not doing the most important thing. Funny how that happens...

Thank you all for being a part of my life. I am blessed in so many, many ways! This is a good birthday!

- - - - - - - - MONTHLY LIFE BALANCE CHECKLIST - - - - - - - -

Am I Nurturing My Relationships?

[_] Am I spending daily time in prayer and reading God's word?
[_] Is there anyone that I owe a phone call, letter, email, etc. who I need to be in communication with?
[_]Do I have any broken promises I need to apologize for or complete?
[_] Have I gossiped about anyone?
[_] Is there anyone I need to acknowledge or thank?
[_] Am I nurturing or creating romantic relationships?
[_] Am I nurturing family relationships?
[_] Am I supporting the endeavors of others? attending receptions, graduation, openings?
[_] Am I remembering life events by sending cards or calling for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays?

Am I Expressing My Creativity and Sense of Play?
[_] Have I scheduled a vacation?
[_] Have I created something original from my heart?
[_] Have I scheduled a local adventure to discover a new place, restaurant, museum, etc.
[_] Have I set aside time to dream and vision my future? (Keep a journal, etc.)
[_] Have I spent time in silence?

Am I Honoring My Body?
[_] Have I scheduled a physical with a doctor and/or OBGYN?
[_] Have I moved my body through physical activity?
[_] Do I have sufficient health insurance?
[_] Are my hair and nails in good condition?
[_] Am I getting sufficient sleep?
[_] Are there any differences in the look and texture of my body that I need to deal with?
[_] Have I scheduled an appointment at the dentist office?
[_] Am I drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day and completing my meals by 7pm?

[_] Have I scheduled an appointment with an eye doctor?
[_] Am I putting an effort into my appearance?

Am I Managing My Home?
[_] Is my check book balanced?
[_] Is my house clear of clutter?
[_] Which areas need attention?
[_] Are my taxes paid?
[_] Are my bills paid or scheduled to be paid?
[_] Do I have a long term financial plan in motion ?
[_] Do I have a sufficient savings and a savings plan?
[_] Do I tithe and donate to charity?
[_] Do I have sufficient home insurance?
[_] Are my home appliances in working order?
[_] Are my plants watered?

How's Work? Am I Sharing My Gifts and Talents with the World?
[_] Is my work place clean?
[_] Are there any communications I need to make with my contractors, vendors, customers?
[_] Am I showing up for work on time?
[_] Is my performance at work up to par?
[_] Am I holding people to account for our agreements?
[_] Are my bills and/or business expenses paid?
[_] Are my business taxes complete?
[_] Are my business license current and complete?
[_] Are my business systems helping me progress with efficiency?
[_] Are sales meeting or exceeding targets?
[_] Is my business supporting me and enhancing my life?
[_] Am I happy with my salary?
[_] Do I have gathered an extraordinary team of employees or contractors to assist in production?
[_] Have I created a marketing strategy to keep my products alive in my customers minds?

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{the countdown}

Yes! Did you see it? Let the countdown begin! 113 days until Christmas! I am working on getting my Fall and Christmas Schedule done today. I am a little nervous and excited all at the same time! Stay tuned. I hope to get it all figured out by the end of the week!

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{the booger editor}

I called one of my customers the other night right before I was getting ready to go to their house. The conversation went something like this.

Me: "Hey B, I'm just getting ready to leave my house and will be there soon."

B: "Oh Paula! I'm so glad you called. Literally 5 minutes ago my son fell. He is fine but now there is a big scratch across his forehead."

Me: "I am sure it will be fine."

B: "Are you sure? It is really big!"

I get this conversation so often. I love to tell customers that I am the best booger editor in Arizona! Don't laugh....it happens!

I won't show a booger edit but here is a nice scratch. Here is a before/after from one of my recent sessions. This little guy is one of the sweetest and most photogenic in Arizona, if I may so say myself!

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{miss makeover}

Recently, I had the pleasure of being involved with a Maricopa transformation. I can't say I did a lot of work and give most the credit to this model herself. Although there were some other Maricopa businesses involved including the fabulous Studio Charme (hair and makeup), Desert Wellness Center (medically supervised diet), Poco Loco (clothes), Yolatega (personal fitness), and many more that I'm sure I don't even know about. Thank you all for letting me be a part. To the model herself - so nice to spend some time with you! You are beautiful on the inside and the outside!

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~Back to School!~

Correction: This will be available for the week of August 10-15. If you would like to host a party, please choose a day and I will reserve it for your party. We will then choose a place that you would like to meet and make arrangements accordingly. Thanks so much! ~Paula

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~meet my new friend~

I announced the new logo today! (as seen above!) I need to thank Lee Ann Coady Design and Grace Ramon. They both worked really hard to get me to this point. I am excited for what my business has in store over the next 6 months. I love my customers and think they are the best! THANK YOU ALL!

I'm looking forward to another busy weekend of taking pictures. I will be taking a little 'break' for a couple weeks from June 18th-July 5. I will be scheduling into mid-July so let me know if you need anything before then.

Here's a picture from last month. This is my brother-in-law and my new sister-in-law at their wedding in Sedona! It was so gorgeous! Congrats you two! We need to get together more often!

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~expecting~

Time flies! This beautiful couple is due any day now! I thought I better blog their maternity pics before I meet the little guy! I love first time parents! There was an excitement that could be felt as we walked around the house taking pictures. I am so happy for them and can't wait to meet Little B! :)

Based on a survey I sent out to my customers a while back, I am making some changes to my business...don't worry prices aren't changing! It is mostly branding and marketing and website stuff. I have been working with an expert team of designers (and some good friends) to bring you the new look to my business. I love customer input and I try to keep things fresh and new. Let me know if you have any suggestions.

Here's a little teaser of the new logo!!!

One question I would like to ask for now is if you like the big pictures or little pictures on my blog. I kinda like the simplicity of the smaller pictures but what do you think?

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~who is paula stiller photography?~

I've been working the business really hard since Christmas and I just keep thinking, "This is going to slow down, this is going to slow down." I guess this is the new reality and guess what?...I don't mind it! I am always thankful to my customers and friends for keeping me busy. :) Every once in a while it is good to take a breath and regroup. So...this week I didn't schedule any sessions and am catching up with everything. If you would like a session I am now scheduling into June. :) I have even had 2 customers schedule Christmas sessions - YOU GUYS ROCK! - You know how it was last year - CRAZY!

We are under "re-construction" so things might seem a little jumbled for a little bit. I have a hard time sticking to one theme but after a couple years into the business, I feel I am developing my own brand and becoming comfortable in who I am as a photographer. That probably doesn't make since unless you are a photographer but hang in there with me. ;)

If you are new to my blog/business, I want to introduce myself.

I am Paula Stiller. I was born in Montana (I know random, right?) I am married to my wonderful husband and celebrated 7 years on January 1. I have 3 kids (6,4, and 2) who were all born on the 28th - of different months. We homeschool. We try to keep things simple, although that's a daily struggle being a wife, mom, teacher, photographer, etc. I love being around people in a one on one atmosphere. I like to get to know the real you and capture that on camera.

I do maternity, newborn, children, seniors, family, couples, parties, and small weddings. I like to keep my days interesting and I love a new challenge. I like to find new places to take my customers for sessions. I probably have an idea or two if you just ask.

Here are some pictures from a session a couple weeks ago. This is Miss Z. She is super energetic senior 2009 and was a blast to work with. We happened to schedule her session on the day of a huge windstorm. We made it work and had fun with it. Good luck in your future! I have a feeling you are going to be great in whatever you do!

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~sedona weekend~

I just spent an excellent weekend in Sedona. We went up for my brother-in-law's wedding Saturday (which I will show pictures soon) but also went camping, hiking, and played in the creek on Sunday. It was a perfect break to refresh and refocus. This week I have decided to NOT view any other people's blogs and take that time to blog. I also have a couple projects that need to get done and I want to start working on a new UPDATED website!

My view from the creek in Sedona!

We kept hearing the song "Mighty to Save" on the radio and made that our theme song for the weekend. The lyrics say, "Jesus, He can move the mountains, our God is mighty to save, He is mighty to save!"

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~senior crunch time~

I've been helping out the 2009 Seniors with their invitations. This young man's mom and I worked together to design this announcement! Even the senior approved!



(For safety's sake, I changed his name and high school.)

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~Open House Invite~

Customers and friends - Check your inbox for an invite and if you don't get one, you are still invited, just end me your email and I'll get you one. Please let me know if you are coming so I can plan accordingly! I hope to get a large turn-out.

(click to look at larger)

Thanks Leeann, for designing this for me!

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~BIG NEWS!~

Introducing my new product line through

HERITAGE MAKERS!

(click to go to my new website!)

I am exciting to announce that I am now a Personal Publishing Consultant!

New products now available include:

Digital Scrapbooking, Storybooks, Cards, Canvases, Calendars, Scanning Services, etc.!

I will be hosting an OPEN HOUSE at my home to introduce these products on

April 18, 2009 ~ 6PM - 8 PM
and
April 21, 2009 ~ 10AM - noon

PLEASE COME HANG OUT, HAVE SOME MUNCHIES, AND GET EDUCATED ON THE SIMPLE WAY YOU CAN CELEBRATE YOUR FAMILY!

and because I don't like to leave without a picture...

We spent a great weekend camping out in San Diego but I'll have to blog about that later!

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~almost forgot~

I am extending the deadline for the PS Baby 2009 Contest until this Friday night. I have gotten a lot of votes from all over the United States. It's so fun!!! Keep them coming!

http://paulastillerphotography.blogspot.com/2009/03/ps-baby-2008-contest.html

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~why, oh why?~

...don't I blog more? I love to blog and share pictures with my customers. I have to say that it does take a lot of time but the main reason it takes so much time is that my computer is SLLLLLLOOOWWW but that is soon to change. Thanks to my amazing customers who are spreading the word about my business and Uncle Sam a new laptop is coming very soon! Hopefully, I will be able to blog more and get things done a lot more quickly around here.

That is a good thing since I have been having some great sessions lately and want to share them with the world!!! I also have transformed some of the textures that I had into Photoshop texture overlays, which has been taking up a lot of my time. I love them and they make my editing job a lot easier (especially when it comes to the seniors).

I can't leave without a picture. This is one of the sweet little twins that I got to meet a couple weeks ago. I think her mom and I could have talked and talked. She's one of those ladies that just gets what it is to be a good mom and friend. Thanks T! I'm so glad to finally meet you! :)

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~another cutiepie!~

Meet Mr. C! He was such a cuddlebug and so alert at 1 1/2 weeks! He loved my new cocoon that I got from etsy! I can't wait to get to the rest of these pics. I must work in order though. I have a dvd slideshow, some cowboys, and some 2 year old twins to work on first! Okay, I can't wait to work on all of these! Too much fun!



Thanks again, M, for a great session! I enjoyed our little chat and I'm glad you didn't have your baby on the way to the hospital ;) Oh no, we forgot to put Mr.C on the elk head! I hope R isn't too upset! ;)


***SENIORS 2009!***
I know this year is almost over but I am still scheduling Senior sessions! I have two this week! Call me so I can get you on the calendar and spread the word!

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~snow busy~

No, it didn't snow here in Phoenix. I took this on the way back from Colorado on Sunday in Flagstaff! I had a fantastic week visiting with family. I think Scott told me it was the best kind of vacation. We got to sleep in almost every day and just relax and do things at our own pace. Ahhh! I'm so thankful that we got to go.

Now that I am full back into the swing of things, I haven't had time to sit down and just think about what's next. I guess that's a good thing. Maybe I'll look at a calendar after Valentine's Day is over. ;)

I do want to thank the ladies and customers of Leidan Mitchell Salon & Spa for the incredible time I spent with them recently. This place recently opened on Queen Creek Road. It is gorgeous! Go check it out!

*If for some reason I have not responded to an e-mail or phone call, please please please do not take this personal and try me again. I am trying to get caught up. You all and three little munchkins are keeping me so busy! :) Not complaining though...SO THANKFUL!!!

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~housekeeping 2009~

*TAKING A BREAK

I feel like last year kind of threw up into this year and I haven't gotten a break. So, guess what I'm doing? I'm taking a break! Well, it's not really a break because I am going to be taking lots of pictures but I won't be around my computer so that is a break. I will be checking my e-mail periodically to keep in touch so don't hesitate to contact me via e-mail.

*PRICE CHANGE
I am increasing my prices this year for the first time. The new prices are on the website. If you have already booked a session for this year, you will be charged at 2008 rates. If you would like to book an appointment at 2008 rates, contact me before the end of February. These appointments can be booked up to June and include all types of sessions.

*TRAVEL FEE
I plan on doing a lot more traveling up into the city this year. To cover time and gas expenses, there will be a $25 traveling fee included on all sessions outside of Maricopa.

*NO MORE PICTAGE
For a number of reasons, I will no longer be using this service. Current events will expire on February 7th, although, you will still be able to order prints and canvases through me. I will get the new price sheet up when I get back. This will bring print prices down once again.

*NEW ONLINE GALLERIES
You will now be able to view and share your sessions with a password off my website! I tried it today and it looks so good! All ordering will come through me but it is still an option since you will still get the cd with all images included. The galleries will remain up for one month.

*INSIDE/OUT PACKAGE
The maternity/newborn session now has a name! This will continue to be $200 with cds from both sessions and a dvd slideshow.

*FIRST YEAR PACKAGE
I have been offering this for a while now but just now put it on the website. The cost is $250 and includes 4 mini-sessions (3mth, 6mth, 9mth, and 1 yr). You will then receive a dvd slideshow including pictures from each session. This is a great add-on to the Inside/Outside Package.

*BASIC PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
Many of you have asked me to do a workshop going over the basics of photography. If you are interested in a casual get-together, please e-mail me and I'll get you on my list.

*THANK YOU!!!
I don't think I can thank all my new and loyal customers enough for an excellent 2008! I am looking forward to 2009 being bigger and better! Believe me, there is much in the works! THANKS SO MUCH! *HUGS*

And one for the road...

This is the beautiful Miss A born several days after her parent's "inside" session (which rocked the world and I haven't blogged yet!) She was a dream to photograph as she slept the entire two hours! I left their house with so much love in me!

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