New Website!!

My new website is up!! Check it out - same address (www.kristajefferson.com) but with a new look! Would love to hear what you think!

Albums

All of our new wedding packages come with a custom designed coffee table book. They are gorgeous! Yesterday I received an order for a client - they had ordered a few for themselves and family so I thought I'd snap a picture so you could see what they look like! They had both the leather cover and slipcover options. These are STUNNING!!















And here is a peek at the inside.... LINK

Can't wait to see more of these beauties!!

Technical Difficulties

Let me start by saying HAPPY NEW YEAR!! I am so excited about a New Year and anxious to get out there and get snapping!! It was great taking December off and re-connecting with friends and family. I hope you all had a great holiday season also.

Today I just found out that my contact page on my website is not working. yikes! If you have sent an e-mail via the website and wondered why I'm ignoring you - I'm not! I did not know about this error until just now and apologize! If you are wanting to contact us please do so through our e-mail at info@kristajefferson.com or by phone 905.923.7623 until we get the contact page fixed.

In other news... my new website is almost ready to launch. Stay tuned...

Workshop?

So, I have been hearing from lots of excited friends that they got given some pretty snazzy gifts for Christmas - specifically digital SLR cameras! I've also been hearing how scared people are of these dSLRs and wanting to learn how to use them. If you are interested in a workshop on how to use these beauties - pop me a line. I'll mull over the idea...

...happily ever after

Tonight we held our marriage seminar with Leanne Friesen as our speaker. Leanne's talk was called "Love & Marriage According to Grey's Anatomy". We had 5 couples there - two newlywed couples and three engaged couples (and then Mark & myself and Leanne & her hubby!). If you don't know what I am referring to... let me rewind. I am a strong believer in
marriage for life - and not just a marriage that is stale - but one that is fulfilling and happy.
Since I am involved in so many people's lives at the beginning of their marriage journey, I wanted to offer something to them. We get training for every other area of our life - but not the one that is suppose to last "forever". I asked Leanne if she would do a talk - offering tips and suggestions on marriage. Well she did a GREAT job! We've been married 11 years and Mark and I both found it completely helpful and relevant.

If you couldn't make it tonight and want some of the resources (great for couples at any stage) check out:

www.theducklows.ca and under "Tools" click on "Couples Took Box" on the bottom left side. Here you can find (FREE) downloadable discussion sheets that you can use together as a couple or with a marriage mentor (i.e. a couple who has been married longer that you respect)

It was a great afternoon and I know Mark and I benefited from it. Thank you Leanne!!

Comments I received from those in attendance were:

"It is nice to take time out of the 'rush' of life to focus on the important things."

"It was a great opportunity to meet other couples and hear from someone who values marriage and recognizes the importance of being prepared to enter it"

"Brought us back to thinking about us as a couple during our busy lives"

"Very insightful in a relaxed atmosphere"

"Fun topics, made us think about things we might not have normally"

Welcome Beth!!

I am thrilled to announce the newest addition to our team: Beth Smith!

I'm so excited! Beth is an amazing photographer and has now come on board as a second photographer. Beth has a strong fashion style to her photos and brings lots of artistic ideas to the team! Beth has assisted Krista throughout this last wedding season, and has been running a busy photography business of her own. (too busy!! - which is why we're joining forces!)

At this time, Beth will be photographing for people who specifically request her (she's got a big fan base!). Beth will also be leading another team of talented photographers who are also available for wedding photography. I can not keep up with the demand for weddings! (as a side note I am nearly booked for 2007 so if you are interested please inquire soon!) This new team of Beth & her assistant is an alternative option we are thrilled to provide for when I am already booked. I have specifically chosen both Beth & our assistant photographers because they share a similar style and quality of work. Ask for more information if I was booked for your wedding date for next year! A portfolio of some of Beth's work can be seen below - watch for much more to come!

Beth is a welcome addition to our staff of Mark, Carolynn and myself. She feels like part of the KJP family already! I know she feels like part of my personal family - we all love this gal - and you will too!!

News & Happenings!

In case you haven't yet subscribed for our monthly e-mail (see the right sidebar to sign up) - here is an update of some new things happening here at Krista Jefferson Photography!

A new announcement for 2008 weddings!

I truly believe in giving back - we are so blessed. I met this week with a couple who are getting married next year and in our conversation learned the bride has MS and is the MS ambassador for her area. It got me thinking and what I am now pleased to be offering is a portion of all sales from the purchase of your wedding photos by friends and family will go to the charity of your choice. If you do not have a favourite charity, I will make a donation to one of my favourite charities - The Salvation Army-on your behalf.
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An invitation to newly married or engaged couples!

I believe strongly in marriage for life, and I know that with the stress of life, kids, finances and more... too often "happily ever after" comes too quickly to an end. I do not want to see this happen for any of you! (or me!) I've been married for almost 11 years now, and I know that marriage is one of the biggest sources of joy - but that it comes with a lot of work and hard times as well. I have been looking for something to offer to help people start their married lives off on the right foot. I'm happy to announce in November, we will be hosting an event for the first time with Leanne Friesen who is a phenomenal speaker, and who offers premarital counseling. She is a young married woman herself - and is an absolute riot! This will be a fun evening of tips and suggestions to move past the picture perfect wedding to a marriage that lasts. And we'll have some fun along the way! It also will be fun to interact with other couples in the same stage of life as yourself. Because I believe so strongly in this - I am offering this free of charge to anyone who is engaged, or newly wed - if you are a client of mine or not.

I know one more evening out probably seems un-thinkable when you're busy planning your wedding or up to your neck with the demands of life. But, I know for myself - I spent many, many hours planning my wedding that lasts one day. How much time do I spend planning my marriage that lasts a lifetime? This event will likely be just a couple hours with a time to hang out afterwards.

And for all of you married for a few years (or more than a few years!) - I am looking at hosting another event for you!

At this time I'm asking you to drop me a line if you are interested in an event like this (for both the newlywed or not-so-newlywed) and we will keep you informed as to location and times.

Welcome Amanda!

I'm excited to have a Sheridan College photography student coming to do a work week with me this coming week! Amanda - can't wait to meet you!!

Smiling Eyes

Awhile ago I made a new friend - Christine from Click Photography. She and I started e-mailing and had so much in common. When we finally met for a playdate at the beach it was eery how much alike we were - each of us with our two daughters, both of us wearing the same shorts, carrying the same beach bag, and on and on it went. It has been a lot of fun to develop this friendship.

Well, one thing Christine should be so proud of is something she has developed called "Smiling Eyes" - and I am so thrilled to announce my involvement! Smiling Eyes is a collection of photographers, who are volunteering their time to help people dealing with cancer. Photographers donate a free photo shoot and a CD of all the images from the shoot (all complimentary with no strings attached!) to families going through the battle of cancer. This is a way to help people make the journey with cancer a little less difficult.

I'm so excited to be a part of this now!

Read more here!

Exciting News

Friday night I was thrilled to get two very exciting e-mails!

First, I heard from the Hamilton Spectator that I received the platinum award for Best Photographer, Best Photography Studio, and Best New Artist and the diamond award for Best New Business. WOW!!! This doesn't go into the Spec until Oct. 25 but they tell the winners early. I am s pumped! Thank YOU all SO much for your votes, support and encouragement!

Secondly, I got an e-mail saying that the photos I did of Pernell awhile back for his "Top 35 Christian Leaders under 35" was used for the magazine's cover! I must throw an extra comment in here saying how super proud of Pernell I am! He is one of our dearest friends and it is exciting to see him being recognized for his amazing leadership, vision and passion. Here's a sneak peek at that as well!

Team KJP!

I should take a minute to introduce my team...

My hubby Mark has been a support since day#1. He has encouraged me in my dream and allowed me the room to grow - he's amazing! I'm thrilled he's come on board at KJP (Krista Jefferson Photography). He is assisting at weddings now, as well as helping with some of the behind the scenes duties of the business.

Carolynn has been such an amazing friend - she is so excited for KJP, that she has been volunteering her time to help me out for the last year. She has now come on in a more formal role and does my scheduling and a lot of my communication as I wasn't able to keep up with it anymore. She helps with bookkeeping and just about every other possible function of the business. She assisted me at my first KJP wedding and has been assisting ever since. She has developed a great style and we work very well together.

Beth is the newest addition. She is an absolute sweetheart! We met through a mutual friend and hit it off immediately. Beth has so much talent - and I'm loving seeing her grow in her skills. She has been assisting at weddings also, and has just started recently helping me with editing photos (so I can get them to you quicker!). She is so full of enthusiasm and life - a wonderful friend to have around!

The best part of the team for me - if that we're all excited! We love to dream and celebrate the journey of KJP together. It is so good for me to have friends that celebrate each mini-success alongside me, and offer support and encouragement when I'm feeling burnt out. THANK YOU!

Last night the four of went to a conference in Toronto - this was our first time all hanging out together and it was fun.

I am excited t have these three in my life and look forward to working out our roles as we try to make things run smooth and efficient for you!

Last Day to Vote!

Please take a minute to vote for us in the Hamilton Spectator's Reader's Choice Awards - today is the last day to vote! We are up for 4 awards - wow! Thank you all so much for your support!!

LINK to vote

Vote Please!

One of my personal goals was to eventually get nominated for a Readers Choice Award in the Hamilton Spectator. Thanks to you – I am pleased to announce Krista Jefferson Photography was nominated in 4 Categories for "Best New Business", "Best Local Artist", "Best Photographer" and "Best Photography Studio". Today the voting starts – please take a moment and vote (and you can always ask your friends to vote as well! The more the merrier!):

Best New Business LINK

Best Photographer and Best Local Artist (scroll to the bottom of the page) LINK

Best Photography Studio LINK

I can not thank you enough for the nominations - I am thrilled (shocked is more accurate actually).

Thank You!

I'm thrilled to announce that Krista Jefferson Photography was nominated for Best New Business in the Hamilton Spectator's Reader's Choice Awards! Thank you for nominating me!!

The Hamilton Spectator has over 340,000 weekly readers, reaching approximately 2/3 of adults in the Hamilton area.

The voting starts September 6 - I will remind you then to vote and to ask others to as well!

Thank you all who took the time to nominate Krista Jefferson Photography!!

News & Musings

If you haven't seen or heard - I offer GraphiStudio digital albums - they are GORGEOUS! When I went to WPPI in Vegas I scoured the vendors and decided on this company for their exceptional products and service. Not sure what the heck I'm talking about? Digital albums are basically a bound coffee table book with your images. These are now included in my wedding packages and are offered in my baby packages - using images from maternity through the baby's first year. They also make great Christmas gifts filled with family images.

All this to say I just heard that the cut off date is October 1st for Christmas! If you are a recent client and are wanting a digital album - let me know soon so I can begin the design process for you and get you your books by Christmas. I got my Sears Wish Book today so Christmas is just around the corner!!
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Speaking of Christmas - I am now booking into October. If you are wanting Christmas cards or gifts - book your sitting now to avoid disappointment!

Likewise 2008 is quickly filling up for weddings - so if you are considering our services, please check if the date is still available! We are beginning to book for 2009 also.

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I read in the CAA Magazine I got today about "babymoons". Basically a "last hurrah" honeymoon of sorts for parents-to-be. Doesn't that sound great? Supposedly hotels and resorts now offer babymoon packages. Where was this idea 5 years ago when I had my first?

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I'm looking forward to Wednesday night's party - just a casual get together - chance to meet new faces (I only know by e-mail!) and get reacquainted with old friends. Hope to see some of you there!


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Today when it feels like Fall here - gets me in the mood for September. I am looking forward to routine but so sad to have Madi back in school again. I love having her home. She is starting french immersion this year in SK (or "French Emergency" as she likes to say) and I'm beginning to worry about that too. Mothers are blessed with guilt and worry. Speaking of worry... did I mention Mark picked up his motorcycle tonight? Eeeks!


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I send e-mail updates out about once every month or two - if you are not on the list but want to be.. pop an e-mail to: info@kristajefferson.com with the subject line "Sign Me Up!"

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As always - go out and celebrate life & love!

Fall Workshops Announced!

After much demand... the Fall workshops are now announced. Sign up today! So excited about these - they should be a lot of fun!

Workshop Update

At the request of so many people who really wanted to attend our workshops but are on vacation - we have postponed them until the Fall. If you are interested - drop us a line at workshops@kristajefferson.com.

I'm interested to know if you wold prefer a 4 week series instead of a one time workshop. Moving to 4 weeks would give us time to connect more and to have time to bring photos in to be critiqued and shared (a great learning experience).

I'm always open to ideas - the crazier the better! Let me know your thoughts!

Workshops!

I am excited to be offering my first two workshops - and have had a great response so far! The workshops are fast approaching. If you are planning on coming, please do the following:

1) Send an e-mail to: workshops@kristajefferson.com and let us know which workshop you plan to attend

2) If you are coming to the kids workshop - please let me know if you are bringing kids, and if so the ages of the children attending

3) We will send you a bill (payable by e-mail) for 50% of the workshop fee to secure your spot.

4) Come out and have fun!!

Drop me a line with any questions. If you're asking "Workshops?? What workshops?" read below...


The first two workshops are:

1) Kids - August 1, 10am - 11:45am
This will be a workshop for anyone wanting to take better photographs of their munchkins (or other people's kids). Bring your kids along and there will be child care provided for the first hour, and the second half we will snap photos of your kids! Point and shoot camera or SLRs are welcome.

We will cover:
-tips on making better photographs
-how to capture your monkey's photo! (kids are so quick)
-what makes a good kids photo
-other fun tips and tricks!

Option: Mmmmmm... food. Interested in staying longer and enjoying lunch together? Add $10 to join us for a pizza lunch - more time to gab and snap!
Cost $50 + $5per child for child care

2) Better Pictures - August 8, 7-9pm

You have a camera but your photos just aren't what you hoped they would be. This is a workshop on how to take your photos up a notch!

We will cover:
-composition
-lighting
-tips and ideas to try!

As always - bring your camera along!

Cost: $50

(Locations to be determined)

Father's Day Winner

Congratulations to Andrea on winning the Father's Day contest! Here is a portion of her moving story of her dad...

22years ago, we were the only family who's parents were splitting up. For two kids that is pretty tramaic. AT the time, most people figured that we would live with our mom. Kids, to most people, would naturally go with their mom. IT didn't happen in our house. I remember the day clearly, my father standing on the stoop watching my mom remove her final things from the home to leave…..I remember her turning around, with such anger to tell him that she was still going to take "us kids"…and I remember my dad calmly telling her "you can take any material thing you want, but you will NEVER get our children. They belong here in their HOME."

That day, he became my hero.

...The day I told him I was going to be a mom myself, he smiled, with tears, and told me the same day he had been diagnosed with a disease that would eventually take all of his sight. The day my son was born, the only words my dad uttered upon arrival to see his first grandchild was "Andrea, I can see him…..I can still see enough to see him…"

Andrea - you have a special bond with your Father and I look forward to photographing you with him this Fall! Thank you to all who entered!

Learning Together

One thing I love to do is share what I have learned and to teach. I still have heaps to learn - but I am eager to share what I do know so we can all grow together!

I have been playing with the idea of offering some workshops at different levels - for the beginner who doesn't know how to work a digital camera, and then one for parents who want to take better photos of their kids, and also one for people in general who love photography and want to improve.

I'm thinking of a hands-on format - I'll share a bit, and we'll learn some tips, tricks & techniques and then we'll go and actually take photos together using what we have just learned.

Just trying to get a feel for if people are interested in something like this. If you would be interested - please leave a comment here or pop me an e-mail! Or if you have another idea you'd like me to explore - please share it with me! Thanks!

New Website Up & Running!

The moment has finally come - my new website is up and running! If you haven't done so already - please check out: www.kristajefferson.com. There are lots of new photos added, so grab a cup of coffee and sit back and flip through the galleries. I'd love to hear what you think - please leave a comment and let me know!