I just dropped off nearly 75 pre school pictures!  It was a lot of work, and even packaging took quite awhile.  But it really was fun to spend time with all those crazy kiddos.

Unfortunately, while packaging the prints last night, I found that nearly a whole class had some damage to the corners of the larger prints.  If you are one of those parents, I thank you so much for your understanding and patience.  This is just one of those things that can’t be helped, but can be fixed! I’ve already ordered the replacement prints, and given the holiday this week, expect to have them to you by the end of next week.  This is still in plenty of time for Christmas presents!  In the meantime, many of you will find that once you frame the print, that bent corner won’t even show.  At any rate, replacements are on the way!

I’ve also offered a gift certificate to all of you for a winter in-home session.  I love going into client’s homes, and spending some time with them in their own environment.  I offer about an hour, and we can divide that up any way you like.  I always suggest putting everyone in PJs, and climbing into mom and dad’s bed for some story time, (which nearly always leads to tickle time ), and then with the holidays here, we can also spend some time decorating your tree, or mantle, or any simple fun thing for the kids to do.  You can also prep some bake time, and have the kids help stir in the final ingredients, or pat down the rice crispy treats.  Picture sticky fingers, and floured noses here, lots of fun and giggles.  My goal is always to capture moments and emotions, so that years from now when you look back at these photos, you actually feel what you felt then.  You look at that little one who one day won’t be so little, and you remember exactly how they laughed when you tickled them.  Don’t let these every day moments pass you by!

Packages begin at $175, and include your choice of 24 images on disc, as well as a matching album.  Any questions, or to schedule an appointment, please email me at:

sumhopkins@netscape.net

I’m so very happy to announce that Summer Dawn Photography could have as many as three images in the upcoming issue of Seattle Bride Magazine!!  The issue won’t be out until January, and I’m asked to be tight-lipped about which images might be included.  I would, however, like to share my ad that will appear for the first time.  My rockin’ designer at Doodle do (www.wedoodledo.com) who also does all of my album designs, did a great job with the ad.  I love how simple, yet elegant it is.  And she chose a beautiful shot of Erin and Andrew to represent my work.  Thank you Robin for yet another hit!

I just wanted to share an idea with you.  Inspired by a friend who asked for donations on facebook to St. Judes instead of birthday presents, and given the opportunity thanks to an email, I’ve got a great way for you to make a difference in the lives of disaster victims, and give someone special a great Christmas present!  The red cross has gifts beginning at $18.00, that you can give in someone’s name.  They will either send an e-card, or mail you a card with a picture of the gift you have purchased that you can then send to the recipient.  $18.00 buys three blankets, or $20.00 gets a phone card for a service-person.  $100 bucks buys a month’s emergency supplies for a family.  $25 gives 25 children vaccinations!!! 

Now, I admit, not the most glittery, fun present to open.  And the kids, well, they still need actual, fun presents.  But the adults in our lives, they probably don’t need another pair of gloves, or slippers, or raspberry scented lotion.  This also makes for a very green option, as all transactions can be made on-line, and if you use the e-card option, no fossil fules are burned getting your gift where it needs to be!

Please visit http://american.redcross.org/site/PageServer?pagename=gen_store_main for more info.  And I’d love to hear from those of you who try it out!  Happy Holidays!!!

Erin and Andrew’s wedding was so fun to shoot!  Not only have they become friends, but with Erin’s amazing artistic talent, and their combined sense of fashion, this was a wedding like no other!  I can’t believe I’ve taken this long to show you some of my favorites.  These are just a FEW of the portraits from the day.  Later, I’ll share with you some shots of her details…

Meet the lovely and talented ladies of I Love Blush www.iloveblush.com

Owners Karen and Shannon have begun their blossoming business called

                                                                    I Love Blush. 

Calling all BRIDES!  This wonderful team is able to fulfill your EVERY beauty need.  And, they’ll come to you!  Lash extensions?  Got em.  Makeup lessons?  Got em.  Up-dos?  Yup.  They even offer classes for you and your bridesmaids.  Or, just let them do their magical make-up thing and get you all ready for your big day.  These girls are filling up dates for 2010 already, so don’t wait too long to get them on your wedding team.

I’ve put together some pictures of Courtney and Eric’s ceremony held in Virginia last month.  It was a wonderful trip for Cameron and I.  We even had an entire day to sight see, and went to a few of the major DC sites.  Courtney, Eric and the entire family were incredibly warm, friendly, and so genrous! Thank you for including us in so many activities.  We had a blast!!!!

To view the entire slidshow:   http://www.pictage.com/photographers/slideshows/viewslideshow?autoplay=1&slideshowid=3817&slideshowkey=cfgwpvltjcfbkaat

Many of you will be bundling up the little ones and heading out to a pumpkin patch in the coming weeks.  This is a great opportunity to get in some family portraits too.  I could meet you at the patch, and capture every fun exciting moment for you and the little ones.  Standard portrait package prices apply: $175-$375.00, and travel outside of the Eastside runs $25-$35.00.  This could be the funnest shoot for your family yet!

Contact me at sumhopkins@netscape.net or 425.281.1438 for more info!

When you find someone who does great work, you gotta share the news!  Meet Tanya, florist extraordinaire, owner of Elements in Bloom www.elementsinbloom.com .  I met her as she put the finishing touches on Kathleen and Jim’s wedding at the Salish Lodge this summer.  She was prompt, very friendly, and I think you’ll agree, very talented.  She has a great website, check it out if you have a minute!

Adorable.  Simply adorable.   Check out these sisters.  They had me giggling and smiling the entire shoot.  SO CUTE!!!  And clearly they had a good time at their portrait session.  I had a wonderul time sharing my lake with this family.  We got some great shots, and the rest will be up on Pictage by Wednesday.  Thank you Aaron and Jason, for sharing your little hams with me

I for one, love the fall.  I love the crisp air, I love the smell of the first fires being lit, I enjoy warm beverages under blankets, I enjoy fall photography.  The warm colors of the leaves, little ones in sweaters, and rosy cheeks… all so fun to capture.  There are quite a few sunny days left, and now is the best time to capture some family portraits before winter sets in.  Consider a pumpkin carving shoot: Do a mini session at a park, and then spend another thirty minutes or so carving pumpkins with your kids.  Two birds with one stone: beautiful works of art, suitable for framing, and really fun action shots of one of your children’s oh so important memories. 

I’ve got slots open on both Saturday, October 10, and Saturday, October 17th (weather pending).  Send me an e-mail if you are interested: sumhopkins@netscape.net