Happy New Year!

Hope your 2011 is absolutely fantastic!  We are looking forward to what this year may bring ...

Good-Bye Kodachrome

Good-bye Kodachrome ... hard to believe this is the last week we'll ever be able to have it processed. 

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you all a very merry and blessed Christmas!!

Vacation!

Yeah!! Vacation!!  This is our last work day for photos & design ... we'll see you all in the new year!!

Portraits - Last Call for 2010

Last day for portraiture for 2010 will be December 10th ... please give us a call or send us an email if you would like to get on our schedule before then.  We'll resume sittings in January.  Thanks!!

Holiday Cards - Last Call for 2010

Last call for holiday cards ... we'll be accepting projects just through Friday, December 3rd.  Please be sure to give us a call or send us an email this week if you're be wanting custom cards to send this year.  They will be ready about a week before Christmas.

Artist Portfolio Work - Last Call for 2010

Just an FYI ... next week will be the last until the new year we will be doing Artist Portfolio work.  If you have pieces going out over the holidays that you need photographed, please be sure to give us a call or email us, so we can get you scheduled.  We'll resume our normal schedule in January.  Thanks!!

Snowy Day at the Pond

Snowy Day at the Pond
Originally uploaded by 12amblue

This piece always makes me think about the holidays ... it is one I have never printed (yet).

Moriah

One of the things we like to do is partner with other photographers.  It's fun and you often get even better results (when you have synergy).  We have been doing this for awhile ... offering tech support at the shoot (lighting, metering, props, posing, etc) and/or doing the post-processing and proofing-prep.  Moriah's senior photos is just one of these projects ... the person behind the camera was Steve Dougan, of Dougan Photography.  We offered studio tech support and post-processing.

Moriah is a senior this year and so much fun (and definitely beautiful)!  She is a natural in front of the camera, she could easily model if she so chooses.  She was game to try most any of the crazy poses we came up with for her, which made it fun, but also then an individual experience.

So, anyway, the three of us had great synergy ... here are some of the highlights from the final 26 images in her collection.  We, of course, have some traditional senior shots, but also some that are a little different (which is the objective for us).

PS - the last one is not Photoshop, that is all studio lighting ...

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing you a very happy Thanksgiving!  We hope your holiday is a wonderful celebration with family and friends.  We are reminded how very grateful we are this time of year for you, our friends and clients ... thank you!!!

Holiday Cards

We are offering a great custom holiday card package!  50 5x5 cards with envelopes designed just for you for $65.  There are lots of other sizes and shapes to choose from, too ... contact us for a quote.

March of Dimes Signature Chef Auction

Are you going to be at the March of Dimes Signature Chef Auction on Wednesday?  If so, you'll have the chance to bid on a Midnight Blue fine art photograph ... hope to see you there!

Charcoal Drawings

I have had the pleasure (and a bit of frustration with glass ;0) ) of photographing a small set of charcoal drawings these past couple days for a new client.  Beautiful drawings of the nude figure, they take me right back to art school.  I have not had a chance to really play with charcoal in awhile.  I have had brief encounters with it when teaching kid's art classes, but they don't seem to really get into it at that age, they like working with color better.  There is really nothing like charcoal ... I am one of those people that love it, I come away covered with smudges and dust from moving it across the paper, the amounts ebbing and flowing in an effort to recreate the image at hand.  I like the lightness of it, I like how it feels on the paper.  It is kind of akin to photography and light, but with more direct, detailed control.  I am thinking I need to take advantage of one of the open studios being offered around here and go draw, just for me!

I usually share the images of my clients to help promote their work and these are lovely.  While I find nudes artistic and expressive of the beauty of being human, I know that is not everyone's sensibilities or perhaps they are just not appropriate for their situation at this time.  Anyway, if you would like to see his work, let me know ... I'll post them to Flickr and provide limited access.  He is going to put together a website, so I will let you know when that is up and running, too.

Upcoming Workshops

We just submitted our list of possible workshops to the Arts Barn for the spring and summer.  We think we came up with some fun ideas ... some photography, some kid's art, some jewelry.  If there is a particular workshop you would like to see us offer, its never too late!  Please be sure to contact us with your idea and we'll try to put something together.

PS - Did you know that we offer private lessons, too?  They are fun and we'll work very specifically on the skills you want and need.

Happy Halloween!

Wishing you a happy, safe and fun Halloween!
 (Take photos, we want to see!! :0) )

A walk through the woods ...

The Autumn Trail
Originally uploaded by 12amblue

Been playing with photos from my iPhone ...

iPhone Experimentation Continues

It was much easier to pull out my phone while walking Trace rather than carry my camera!  A few more fall photos ... we love our autumn strolls (I do want to take my camera out, though).

 

An iPhone Experiment

I did a little experiment yesterday while I was out teaching ... I did not bring my camera with me, just my iPhone.  I took two images on our walk back to the Arts Barn and these are what I came up with.

They did take a little bit of work in Photoshop, because I could not adjust any settings during capture, but that little gadget does not do too bad in a pinch.  These were taken late afternoon, so the light was getting low and pretty contrasty, especially shooting out of the shadows.  I cropped to square, sharpened them to compensate for hand holding the camera, I adjusted the levels just slightly, I toned down the highlights using a graduated neutral density filter and added the frame. 

I may try going back out with my regular camera and tripod and reshooting this afternoon, just to compare.  Anyway, fun experiment!

Photo Workshop - October 23rd

Next Saturday (10/23), we will be teaching a beginning composition class for digital photography.  It will be starting at 1:30 pm at the Arts Barn and last for about 3 hours. 

The first 45 minutes, we'll be talking about composition and sharing photos.  We'll then pack up our photo gear and head out into the neighborhood to take some autumn photos.  The leaves are changing in earnest now and if the sun is out, we should get some great photos.  Last check of registration, there were a couple of slots left ... come join us! 

There is camaraderie, just getting out with other photographers.  It's the photographer's version of Plein Air!! :0)

Bring on the Color!!

We have been loving the Indian Summer days, but it's time for a little cold snap so those leaves start turning in earnest!! :0)

Thank YOU!

We wanted to say thank you to everyone who came by to see us at the Kentlands Mansion.  It was a gorgeous weekend and we loved meeting and talking with you all.

And we especially wanted to say a very special thank you to those who chose our artwork to take home with you for your own ... we are so excited to share it with you and hope you love it.  We are pleased to count you all as friends.

Happy Autumn!!  Happy October!!

Cone Flower

This is an image I took in my butterfly garden a few years ago. I just loved how there was so much detail and yet it is peaceful. Those macro lenses are fun!

This is in a framed edition at the art show with us and also on Etsy.



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Photo Workshops

Getting excited about the photo workshop on the 23rd at the Arts Barn and the photo excursion on the 30th at the Lake. The leaves are starting to change!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Its American Craft Week!

Artist Portfolio Work

One of the things that we specialize in is photographing artwork for artists for their portfolios.  Kind of unusual niche, but always interesting.  We get to see some fabulous work and tackle some interesting challenges.  Jaree just finished photographing some paintings for some long time clients ...

Dale Eno Shore

Lynne Oakes - The Joy of Art Studio

We also have done work for some amazing other artists ...

Kay Stratman - Tie Tracks 

Tony Glander - Fitzpatrick Glass Studios

Lauren Kingsland - Custom Quilt Studio

Perry Kapsch

Linda Thompson - Watercolors

Howard Cohen - Oil Painting

Yetta  McConnell - Touch of Heaven Jewelry

One of the reasons that artists like working with us is because we are artists, too ... we know how to properly handle their pieces and carefully review every digital image against the original to ensure the details and color have been captured accurately.  We supply the images on CD in multiple formats and can also provide prints, slides and cards.

If you are interested in having your artwork photographed, we'd love to work with you ... contact us for the details.

PS - and please check out the artists we work with ... they are all professional, working artists and we know they would love to talk with you about their work, too.

New Blog - Arts Entwine

Have you been over to see our new blog focused on our jewelry yet?  We are blogging at "Arts Entwine".

Pure (Ver II)

Pure (Ver II)
Originally uploaded by 12amblue
This piece speaks of promise to me. I took it of a rose in our backyard (before the demise of the rose bushes by my favorite gardening bully) ... what is it about roses that just exude beauty? I have the piece in several different versions, I always find a new way of working with the image, it is just lovely to spend time with.

I'll have this framed piece with me at the show this weekend ... or you may find it on Etsy.

Water Drop I Ver. II

Water Drop I Ver. II
Originally uploaded by 12amblue

This is another of the framed pieces that we will have with us next weekend. It is actually a macro photo of a water drop, reflecting the outdoors and is a favorite image of mine. It may also be found at Etsy.

Shooting Star

This is a photograph I took, actually almost a decade ago now, of one of the stars on the side of the Gaithersburg Arts Barn.  These were used in old buildings to help keep the sides from bowing out and toppling.  I loved how the mortar had splashed to make it look like it was shooting ...

As a Kentlander/Lakelander that loves it here, this represents our neighborhood and what is great about it to me as a leading neo-traditional/new urbanist community.

I'll have a framed copy of this with me at the show next weekend ... it is also up on Etsy.

A few blogs we are following ...

We have found a few blogs that we are following ...

• Bailiwick Studio
• Bloom
• The White Bench
• kind over matter

 We like what they are doing ... :0)

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

We'll Be at the Fall Fine Arts & Crafts Show ...

The Kentlands Mansion
Fall Fine Arts & Crafts Show

Saturday, October 9, 2010
11a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sunday, October 10, 2010*
Noon – 4 p.m.

·       Paintings and Photographs
·       Pottery and Mosaics
·       Hand-Crafted Jewelry and Knits

Free Admission

*No on-site parking on Sunday, October 10 due to the Oktoberfest Celebration.  Shuttles will run throughout the event from satellite parking near Main St. & Rt. 28.  Parking is also available in the Kentlands Business District.

Kentlands Mansion
320 Kent Square Road
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
301-258-6425

Love and Compassion

Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive. - Dalai Lama

Making Jewelry

We are making jewelry today for the autumn and holiday season ... any special requests?  We have lots of pearls in house, so we are playing with some new combinations.  We also got a bunch of blanks in for hand-stamping :0). 

And we ordered the CUTEST new display stands ... can't wait to show them off at the next show.

To Do

I made a "to do" list yesterday, just to try to keep track of all of the projects and tasks I have ... it filled an entire page and I was not even done yet.  Is that crazy?  Do other people have lists like this?  Granted, some items were just a matter of a phone call, but still .... good grief.  I know some of the build up is because I have been dragging and not able to accomplish what I think I should, but that sure seems like a lot.

Crossed off two things yesterday ... going to try to keep the momentum!

itsfiftyfifty: Design It Just the Way I Want, Please

itsfiftyfifty: Design It Just the Way I Want, Please: "The urge for originality and customization seems to be as inherent in people as is the conflicting urge to follow a crowd. And yet, this d..."

Autumn Photo Workshops

We wanted to share with you two photo workshops that we will be leading this autumn ...

The first will be at the Kentlands in Gaithersburg, Maryland ... on Saturday, October 23rd at 1 pm, we will be talking about composition and then heading out into the neighborhood to put our skills into practice.  If the weather cooperates with us, it should be a really gorgeous time of year to be out around the lakes.  We'll show you how to get off of "auto" or "program" and use some of those other settings on your camera, too.  And there is the opportunity to share your photos via email after the session for some constructive feedback of the images you capture that day.  It's always fun and a great excuse to get outside and take some photos just for you!

The second workshop will be in Osage Beach, Missouri on Saturday, October 30th.  We will leading the way onto some amazing  private property that has yet to be developed ... we'll encounter lakes, waterfalls, bluffs, and we suspect the trees will be glorious, if Mother Nature cooperates this year.  While there is no formal instruction planned, it will be a great opportunity to be out with other photographers and swap notes, ideas, techniques, etc.  We'll be helping however you need us.  Again, there will be the option to upload and share your photos after the session.  Are you wanting to take pictures off the beaten paths at the Lake and have a day of camaraderie?  This is your chance!

What will you need?  Bring  your camera equipment, including a tripod or monopod.  You may want a backpack, comfortable bag or a photo vest to carry things along with you.  Be sure to wear sturdy shoes for hiking off path and comfortable clothes for being outdoors.  And you might want to bring something to drink along, as well.

To register for the Kentlands session, please visit the City of Gaithersburg's website.  Click on the link for Fall Classes.

To register for the Osage Beach session, please contact us directly for now ... we'll have rest of the details up shortly.

Looking forward to spending time with you!!

Unexpected

This has been a summer of the unexpected.  We have had some lessons in adapting to unanticipated change, going with the flow and not planning too far ahead, asking for understanding and sometimes help, and just plain having to say, "I'm sorry, I want to, but I just can't right now".  It is kind of a weird way to be operating ... not our usual "modus operandi" at all.  While we are all about new ideas and challenges, the rest comes a harder, especially not planning ahead very far and having to say "no".  It feels a little flaky, which is not so good.  We don't ever like or want to leave our clients and partners without a plan, date, help, etc.  Yuck!

We write this because we wanted to say a HUGE "thank you" to the clients and partners that have hung in there with us through this craziness ... with understanding, patience, and friendship.  You know who you are and you are awesome!

We are working now each day as much as we can.  Some days are busy and full, and others, as frustrating as it is, by midday, we have to call it quits for the day.  As a result, for now, we are continuing to keep our workload light and putting deadlines pretty far out there ... so we humbly ask for continued understanding.  It won't be forever this way ... things are getting better and we look forward to each day bringing more balance.

Please do contact us about projects ... if we can, we will ... if we can't, we may have some great alternatives to share with you.

Peace, joy and love! -J

Beyond Camp

One of the things we enjoy about summer is it is time to teach art camp for us. It is really fun and rewarding, even with the hours of prep and well, to put it delicately, not exorbitant compensation. We love having the opportunity to provide a fun environment in which to explore art. While other instructors may approach it differently, we figure its summer, not school-time, so we don't want to focus on skill-building ... this should be an opportunity just to try something different. Maybe its something outside the school curriculum ... maybe its something too messy to do at home ... maybe they are just new to being a young artist.   Whatever the reason ... we just want to encourage the kids to try it ... they don't have to be experts at the end, they don't even have to produce something refrigerator-worthy. It's time to play and to try and that is what we support and encourage. We so love the faces on the last day, as they show all their projects to their parents at the art show and explaining what they did ... there you see the joy ... and that is the reward.

Alas ... we are sorry to see this year's camp time has come to an end ... but its time to start dreaming about next year's adventures.  And that it always is ...

Happy Independence Day!!

What's Playing?

What am I listening to in the studio, while I am working at the computer? My current favorite is: Mary Chapin Carpenter's The Age of Miracles. She has always been one of my favorites and I was really happy to see the new release. It's wonderful new work ... another classic.

About: The Age of Miracles is the 3rd Zoe/Rounder release from world renowned singer-songwriter Mary Chapin Carpenter. The Age of Miracles has been a work in progress since 2007. The album is a personal exploration of regret and resilience but also a larger, more universal expression of wonder at the times we are living in. Carpenter is backed by an incredible band that includes Matt Rollings (piano, B-3 organ), Russ Kunkel (drums), Duke Levine (electric and acoustic guitar), Glenn Worf (bass), Dan Dugmore (steel and 12 string guitar) and Eric Darken (percussion). It also features guest vocals by Vince Gill and Alison Krauss.

Quote ...

Best wide-angle lens? Two steps backward. Look for the 'ah-ha'. - Ernst Haas

Viva La Difference!

I just want to give a shout-out to those of us that think its not only okay to be different and unique, but celebrate it!

I have learned, especially with photography, that we can all look at the same thing and see it differently. I may stand right next to another photographer and record the same scene, but the resulting image will not be the same. The angle, the settings I choose, how I post-process, how I print will all put my unique spin on it. That is way cool! That is what makes photography art.

I get asked a lot about my technique for a particular image and I am happy to share. Imitation is certainly a form of flattery. But I am much more excited about seeing someone doing unique work, reflective of their own vision. I would rather look through their portfolio, talk to them about their work, explore why they have done what they have done and how it fits with their story and perhaps offer suggestions for techniques/skills that help them achieve their goals.

Be inspired by others, but don't copy their work ... you have your own story to tell, your own life to live, your own art to create. And try not to criticize others because they are different ... ask questions, try to learn ... you may be amazed.

Switch Back

We are back in Missouri and it is beautiful spring!!

Jewelry Switch

We switched out some jewelry from the Arts Barn and Etsy ... we will be posting the jewelry that has returned to the studio to Etsy this week. If there are pieces you saw at Etsy that are now missing, let me know ... they may be at the Arts Barn and I can put you in touch with them.

Arts Barn

I just wanted to give a shout out for the Gaithersburg Art Barn and most especially the staff there. Okay, yes, I am biased ... but they are a fabulous bunch. I am reminded each time I come back to Maryland how much I have missed being there with them. It's delightful to find a group of people that care so much about the arts and sharing it.

For kids and adults, there is always something going on ... classes, performances, exhibits ... if you are going to be about the Kentlands area, its worth a swing by. And hey, tell them Jaree sent you ... ;0)

Switching Studios

Jaree is switching studios for a bit ... it is off to Maryland this weekend for an extended stay. You can still always reach us by phone or email wherever we may roam ...

Thank You to Vintage Scraps!

A big thank you to Vintage Scraps for including our photo, Water Drop I, in their Etsy Treasury. We are honored! Vintage lovers, check them out! Very cool stuff ...

Thank You to Rose Red Brooklyn at Etsy!

We want to say thank you and give a big shout out for our new friend at Etsy ...

Rose Red Brooklyn ... Summer has really, really cute clothes and they are custom-tailored from sustainable, organic, and vintage materials. She featured our Field of Daffodils print on her Friday Favorite Things blog. Awesome!! Thank you!!

Why Natural Light

We prefer to photograph in natural light. There is a cleanness, a softness, a balance to it. Not that we are against studio lighting ... it most definitely has its place. When we need really tight lighting control, we go to the strobes or constant lighting. When we are on location with super little light, the same, we may have to reach for the artificial light sources to add that boost. But when there are choices on where, when, how ... natural light is just so much more pleasing to our eye.

We have all seen those awful shots, with a couple lit up by a strobe, ruining the mood and flattening the image. They look like deer in headlights ... augh!! And with today's digital camera technology, its just not necessary. The sensors on our cameras are getting more sensitive with every evolution.

The fun thing for us photo nerds, with the better digital and lighting technology, we are even starting to evolve away from our strobes back in favor of constant light sources in the studio and boosts on location. We don't have to bake our subjects under the super hot incandescent lighting anymore, we are using daylight-balanced florescent and longing for LEDs. And that is awesome, like with natural light, what you see is what you get. And you don't have to worry about the blinks and scaring the "heebie-jeebies" out of your subjects.

Will we still opt for Au Natural when we can? ... you betcha. It's nice to have options, but God does it best ... and it's the quality of light we always prefer.

Busy, Busy!

It's been a fun month so far ... lots of creative time (but never enough!), trying some new jewelry techniques, and gearing up for the arts festival season. But, wow, does time fly! Can't believe its almost March.

For our Maryland friends and fans, Jaree will be heading your way in just a few short of weeks. She'll be teaching Artful Tots at the Gaithersburg Arts Barn on Thursdays from March 18th through April 8th. Its a class for preschoolers and their parent/guardian - always tons of fun. She'll also be bringing some of the new jewelry back to be able to see in person. And we'll be catching up on projects just in general.

Hope your winter has been excellent - come on spring!!

THANK YOU!

Thank you so much to everyone who has worked with us so far in 2010! We are very grateful to have you as our clients and friends. Due to your patronage, we will be able to donate $30 from Midnight Blue to the Red Cross. And we are personally going to put in another $20. We hope lots of other small business will consider doing the same ... a little from everyone can make a huge difference! Thank you again ...

Got Valentine?

We can help ... we've got artwork, jewelry and original cards! And we are extending our deadline for local delivery at the Lake until Saturday. Today is the last day for priority mail, though, so we can be try to get it to you in time ...

Etsy

There is more jewelry going up on Etsy!

This is a sterling silver wish or prayer box. Perfect as a gift.

We could imagine it for a bride to wear on her wedding day and continue to add to it as the years go by.

2011 Highschool Graduates, We Want to Collaborate with You for a Special Project

Midnight Blue, in partnership with Dougan Photography, are looking for two high-school Juniors that will be graduating in 2011 to help us out with a special project in the next couple months. In exchange for collaborating with us, we will provide you with an entire Senior portrait package, free of charge. We promise it will be incredibly fun and you will have unique photographs that totally reflect you. Contact us for more info ...

FYI: Deadlines for Valentines

Whoa ... time is slipping away fast. Just wanted to share with you a few deadlines if you are considering collaborating with us in time for Valentines ...

• The last day for portrait session appointments for Valentines will be Saturday, February 6th.
• The last day for Live the Glamorous Life session appointments for Valentines will be Friday, February 5th.
• The last day for consultations for custom design projects (cards, jewelry, etc) for Valentines will be Monday, February 1st.
• The last deliveries (photos, jewelry, paper arts, and gift certificates) for Valentines will be made by noon on Thursday, February 11th.

If you don't need your items by Valentine's, no worries! We're here to help ... drop us a line.

A Few Ideas Regarding Valentines

Okay, guys ... we know you probably think Valentine's Day is kind of hokey. And giving your sweetie a card, red roses and/or chocolates can feel boring and overdone. Now don't get me wrong, ANY romantic expressions of true love are always appreciated by us, ladies. We are not going to turn our noses up at the traditional February 14th gifts. But there is great potential to "WOW" that beautiful woman that makes you smile and warms your heart just with her presence. I've got a few ideas to share ...

Flowers ... love them! But, instead of that bouquet of reds, you may want to do a little pre-holiday espionage and find out her favorites, if you don't know already. One of the best Valentine's gifts I ever got and still remember was a little basket of daisies left on my doorstep from a secret admirer. I don't know to this day, who left it, but the memory has stuck with me. Personalizing the gift of flowers to reflect her taste says a lot more about how you care and pay attention. Take a few minutes to pop in or call your neighborhood florist to work on the personal touch ... they are going to be able to help you put something fabulous together and will deliver it, too!

Yummy goodies ... yep, most people like chocolate. I like it, but don't crave it, don't have to have it ... chocolates are not the best gift option for me. But a nice bottle of wine, artisan cheese and bread ... now you've got my attention. Again ... just a little pre-holiday espionage, and you are likely to come up with some ideas to replace that heart-shaped red box. And I'll share just a few referrals to some goodies websites to help you put something great together. At Lake of the Ozarks, check out A Brown Bag Gourmet. Ashley is both a talented caterer and creates gift baskets. And for a different kind of sweet, see Kathy at The Sugar Loft ... great cake truffles and cupcakes, they don't last the day in our house. In Delaware, Ohio ... contact Stanya at Simple Indulgences ... she is the "Connoisseur of Yumminess".

Some "Her" Time. With life going at 100 miles an hour, I can't think of any lady that would not appreciate a little "Me" time. A trip to the salon for hair and/or nails, a massage at the spa, a private meditation or yoga session with her favorite instructor, catered afternoon tea for her and her girlfriends to relax and catch-up, an art or cooking class, a sunset cruise, a local getaway weekend, a set of coupons that give her time off from the usual chores just for the asking ... these are just a few ideas, there are so many! You love her, you know what she would most like to do given a little downtime. Make it happen.

Written sentiments. Yes, Hallmark and American Greetings make very nice cards. But you can do better. You can make her a card ... I know you can do it, you did it in grade school, right? Or Midnight Blue can help make a one-of-a-kind for you, with pop-ups, original artwork, you name it. You can write her a poem or a song. You can buy a gorgeous journal and start it out for her with some of your favorite stories of time together, maybe even adding to it each Valentines. The written work is very powerful ... be her Shakespeare.

Images. You know all those photos laying around in drawers and shoeboxes or stuck in your computer? What an incredible source for creating something special. They can be the start of an album, a scrapbook, or even a cool, hardcover book (we can help with photo books, too.) Or put together a slideshow on the computer, add your favorite song, and you've got something hip and unique. And speaking of unique, just a reminder about our "Live the Glamorous Life" offering ... she'll feel gorgeous and pampered.

A little Bling. The economy is still bad and we're all cutting back on the luxuries, but you don't have to give diamonds to be her best friend. Jewelry is always an appropriate gift and comes in many forms. The simplest could be a "wish necklace" ... its created using a meaningful charm that is placed on a thin, silk cord. As the wearer ties it on, they make their wish and when the cord wears through, legend has it that the wish will come true. And speaking of charms, you might want to consider starting a charm bracelet for her ... adding to it each year as your life unfolds together. And again, Midnight Blue can help in this area. We make custom jewelry ... we'll put together her favorite metals and stones to create something that uniquely reflects her ... and earrings start at just $12, so it doesn't have to cost a fortune.

I think we've gone on long enough ... there are so many ways to say "I Love You". We'd love to hear some of yours.

And ladies, what do you do for your fella for Valentines?

Do You Photograph Weddings?

We get asked this pretty often. No, sorry ... we don't offer event, sports, or news photography services. It's just not our gift ... it takes someone with a quick, documentary eye to record these moments instantly as they happen. Our gift is the art of the image ... we paint with light. Our studio is focused primarily on portraiture, fine art, and commercial work - projects with which we can take time to get to know our clients and help create the perfect image.

We do offer engagement and bridal portraiture, though. And also really fun, post-event "Trash the Dress/Rock the Frock" sessions.

If you are looking for a photographer for your big day, we do have a few suggestions ... feel free to contact us.

Brides To Be - Check Us Out!

Are you getting married? Midnight Blue would love to help with your wedding! We design and produce gorgeous, unique invitations and wedding stationary, create custom bridal and bridal party jewelry, and/or can provide engagement and bridal portraiture.

We also have amazing contacts for Lake of the Ozarks that we are happy to share with you for salon treatments, catering, cakes, and event photography.

We are as excited about your special day as you are ... contact us for more information.

Creating!

Jaree came out of the studio last night all smiles, she actually got to spend some time creating jewelry. She has made about a dozen new pieces for Valentines. They will get posted up to Etsy this week, so stay tuned ...

It will hopefully be more time in the studio this week as she wants to also get some photos, cards, artwork and a few fiber pieces ready, as well.

(The piece shown has been donated to Hearts for Haiti ... please look for it there (here is the direct link), as well as other great handmades from Etsy members.)

Photos from the Mountains

When we travel between studios by car, we have a beautiful drive through the mountains of Maryland and West Virginia. I always swear I am going to stop and take photos along the way, but it never seems to happen. I guess just too focused about getting from point A to B.

This time I could not resist, even if it was with my iPhone camera ... it was incredibly beautiful. The recent snowfall had left the trees completely covered with snow, it was just like a fairyland. And as the sun came out, it just added to the beauty. While not the best quality photos, hope you still enjoy these little picture postcard images of winter glory ...

Press Release - "A Glamorous Life 2010"

Here is the press release for "A Glamorous Life 2010" ...

Sharing is Caring

We've been so touched and concerned over what has happened in Haiti and would like to help ... from now through Valentine's Day, we will be donating a portion of our proceeds on all projects and products to the Red Cross to help with relief efforts.

We hope you'll consider giving, too ...

Come See Us!

Just wanted to let you all know that Jaree will be at Country Crossroads (Hwys 54 & KK in the Palisades Village Shopping Center in Osage Beach) on January 23rd from 11 am to 2 pm. She will have a few pieces of photography with her, handmade jewelry for Valentines, and she will be talking about and taking appointments for "Live the Glamorous Life 2010", a fabulous new offering! Come on out to see us!

Cold Toes, Warm Heart

With the new year just arrived, it is hard to think about the next holiday, but Valentine's Day will be here before you know it. If you are struggling for some unique ideas, we are here to help.

We are offering "A Glamorous Life" portrait package (see below for details), it's an amazing gift for someone you love.

We are also taking commissions for custom jewelry. Don't just buy something off the shelf, we will make for you a perfect, unique piece for that special someone. Prices start at $12 for a simple pair of earrings.

Just like your love, either will be something to treasure for a lifetime.

Email or call us for details.

Happy 2010!!

Wishing you all a very happy, peaceful and prosperous 2010!!