Holiday Deadline

Just a quick reminder that ALL prints MUST be ordered by next Thursday, December 13 in order to make Christmas.

If you want to order Canvases or Albums, that deadline was yesterday.

Decemeber Specials

Chrismoose Card

I received this in email last night and couldn't stop laughing and had to share this with all of you.

This picture is from fellow photographer , and friend, Brian Woolum from Dayton, OH. Amanda and I meet Brian at Imaging USA in San Antonio, TX and got to hang out with him for a good week. In fact, by the end of the trip, it seemed odd NOT to have Brian with us.

Thanks for sharing Brian !

Happy Thanksgiving

In celebration of Thanksgiving, we will be CLOSED on Thursday, but open from 10AM - 6 PM on Friday.

If you need a last minute Senior Session or if you are a bride wanting to come in and see our packages, please call ahead for Friday as we only have 3 opening left right now.

Take Care, God Bless

- D3

Novemeber is CANVAS MONTH

Let's all have a great holiday season this year!
Special #1 Receive 10% off one print, 15% off two prints and 20% off three or more prints. Use discount code HS123 Special #2 Large portraits - purchase any 24x30 galley wrapped print or larger, get a skinny (5x30) or 11x14 gallery wrap for free! Use discount code FREE1114HOL. Special #3 Buy one square print, get a second square print 50% off. Use discount code SDHOL50.	Special #4 Any multi-image or designed canvas is 15% off. Use discount code MIHOL15. Special #5 Buy one image, get the second, third and fourth of the same image 50% off. Use discount code BOGO50HOL.

REMINDER : Family Portrait Day NEXT Friday & Saturday

Just a final reminder that next Friday & Saturday is our last Family Shoot Session of the year. We still have some afternoon spot available on Sat. and a couple Friday afternoon slots as well.

Sign up earlier to guarantee your spot.

Here's the Deal :

15 Minute Session
11x14 Artistic Print
35 Christmas Cards (more can be ordered if needed)

ONLY $99 bucks.

Newspaper Ad

With the holiday season rapidly approaching, we have a few newspaper ads coming up.

Here is the first which will debut in the River Falls Journal next Thursday.

NEW STUDIO HOURS

With a new studio comes new hours :

Mon Closed
Tue 10AM - 6PM
Wed 10AM - 6PM
Thu 12PM - 8 PM (to better accomodate people after working hours)
Fri 10AM - 6PM
Sat By Appointment Only
Sun Closed

WE ARE OPEN !!

That's right, we just finished our first full week at the new River Falls Studio.

It's been great meeting all of you who have come in to say hello, booked a session and those of you who have already had your sessions in the studio.

If you haven't sen it yet, stop by and ask for a tour.

See you soon !!

ATTENTION HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS - $500 in FREE PRINTS

That's right. You heard me. $500 in FREE PRINTS. HOW ??? Read on...

As we have been listening to the new clients coming in and thinking about ways to spend our marketing dollars, Amanda and I thought, "Why not spend our marketing budget with our existing customers, rather than throw money away at things like newspaper ads, radio ads, Internet marketing?" Although each of those are good, we want to open the new studio with a BANG !!!!

Then we came up with the "Show and Tell" Promotion.

HERE ARE THE DETAILS :

1. Come in and purchase ANY size package.

2. We will produce 20 business card wallets for you to hand out to all of your friends.

** Each business card will entitle your friends a 50% off any session PLUS with each one redeemed, YOU get a $25 credit to be used towards prints, canvases, wallets, any thing (even future sessions). You can spend it as it comes in or wait for all of them to get redeemed and get a big free order all at once.

With the 20 cards we give out, you could get up to $500 in FREE stuff just for helping us spread the word out.

IN FACT, if you have SOOOOOO many friends that you need MORE than the initial 20 cards, we'll get you more so you could get $1000 or MORE in FREE products.

It's simple, Show your AWESOME pictures to your friends and TELL them to come and get theirs.


We are running this promotion for only 2 months, Oct. and Nov. So to get the full benefit, his friends would need to schedule here in the next few weeks.

If you have any questions, please call the studio at 715-425-9899 locally or toll free at 877-274-8343.

Ribbon Cutting

On Friday, right before our Grand Opening Party, we hosted the River Falls Chamber Of Commerce Ambassadors for our office "Ribbon Cutting"

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep

It is with great pleasure and excitement that Amanda & I announce today we have joined the wonderful network of "Now I lay Me Down to Sleep."

From their Website :

regnancy and birth are miraculous journeys. This amazing time of life is full of mystery, anticipation, joy, hope, and wonder. Feeling the powerful energy of birth and new life, watching as a new family is born unto each other. These things humble and amaze. These are the things that we celebrate when a baby is born.

But there is another aspect of pregnancy and birth. There is an unexpected place in this journey where some families may find themselves. When a baby dies, a world is turned upside down. There is confusion, sadness, fear, and uncertainty that cannot be explained. There is sorrow where there should have been joy. During this time, it might be impossible for families to know what they might need in order to heal in the future.

This is the place where the Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Foundation gently provides a helping hand and a healing heart. For families overcome by grief and pain, the idea of photographing their baby may not immediately occur to them. Offering gentle and beautiful photography services in a compassionate and sensitive manner is the heart of this organization. The soft, gentle heirloom photographs of these beautiful babies are an important part of the healing process. They allow families to honor and cherish their babies, and share the spirits of their lives.

The Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Foundation (NILMDTS) administers a network of nearly 3,000 volunteer professional photographers in the United States and eight International countries. At a family's request, a NILMDTS Affiliated Photographer will come to your hospital or hospice location and conduct a sensitive and private portrait session. The portraits are then professionally retouched and presented to the families on an archival DVD or CD that can be used to print portraits of their cherished baby.


Our entire network of affiliated professional photographers graciously donate their time and talents to our families and we are proud to be able to offer our services at no cost.

"I Love it when a Plan comes Together" - Hannibal

It's almost time for the Grand Opening. We are only a day away and still a number of things need to get finished. On the flip side, we have completed a lot o things this week and everyhting is coming together as planned.

I'll post some more pictures later.

Now... Back to installing the ceiling.

Bye !

3rd - The Ugly

Here are some shots I did earlier today of the new studio.

The front Sitting Area
Fromt Desk area - still under HEAVY construction


Sales Area


Dressing Room


Enterance to Shooting area

2nd - The Bad

Today we found out that afriend has passed on the the Good Lord. Mark Anderson, owner of Anderson Plant Farms in the town of Martell, died at 11:45 a.m., Friday, 12 days after he suffered a severe head injury in a fall at the family's home.

Here is a recap from the River Falls Journal Newspaper :
=============================================


Mark Anderson, owner of Anderson Plant Farms in the town of Martell, died at 11:45 a.m., Friday, 12 days after he suffered a severe head injury in a fall at the family's home.

Anderson, 49, had been in a medically-induced coma at Regions Hospital in St. Paul since he fell down some basement stairs late Sunday evening, Sept. 16th.

He suffered traumatic brain injury and a fractured skull, his eldest daughter, Danielle Erickson, said earlier this week. It was ultimately breathing difficulties that claimed his life, according to a statement posted by the family today on the Caring Bridge Web site.

According to the Web site, his funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 3, at St. Mary's Parish (Big River Church) in River Falls with a 9:45 a.m. Rosary. A luncheon will follow the service in the Parish Hall.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 2, with 7:30 p.m. prayer service at O'Connell Funeral Home in Baldwin.

This spring the Andersons, who have 10 children, celebrated 25 years in the nursery business. A few years ago they added retail sales, making Anderson Plant Farms a popular stop for local gardeners.

Since the accident, family members made the decision not to try and operate the business next year because Mark Anderson was the main operator of the family-run greenhouse operation.

Meanwhile, the family stated that a plant sale was held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 29. All remaining nursery stock will be on sale at 25 to 50 percent off.

Inventory includes perennials, shrubs, evergreens, shade, ornamental and fruit trees.

Horticulture staff will be present to share plant knowledge and design ideas. Directions

A benefit is also being organized to assist the family. Mike and Kristi O'Malley of Kilkarney Golf Course and Sittin' Valley Tree Farm will host a golf outing and auction on Sunday, Oct. 14.

The O'Malleys are looking for sponsors for the golf event and for items to auction or raffle. For information about that, call 426-5363.

1st - The Good

Since we have made all of you wait until today, here it is.

We would like to welcome, Ashley to our Staff (Cheers and Laughter sounds her greeting)

Ashley will be managing our front desk for us while we are shooting. If you are in the neighborhood, please stop in and say hello.

Welcome to the Family Ashley..... You have no idea what you are getting yourself into :)

The Good... The Bad... The Ugly

Ironman - Mastalir completes third major triathlon

Last Fall we had the privilege of meeting Mark and had a really cool session with him and his bike. Here is a recent article about his latest triathlon.

Way to go mark !



The inaugural Ford Ironman competition was held in Louisville, Ky., on Aug. 26, with a local triathlete at the starting line. Mark Mastalir, of Menomonie, entered the race with hopes to snag his third finisher medal, having done two Ironman triathlons previously in Madison.

“I felt it was a reasonable goal, based on my previous triathlon experiences, and the weather predictions were in the high 70s to 80s,” said Mastalir.

The weather changed and delivered 90 degrees, with a fair amount of humidity. The water temperature was 86 degrees, which was too warm to swim in wetsuits.

Mastalir said, “I went into the event with a first-timer attitude, because of the new terrain and high temps. I’ve learned each race delivers a new challenge. Experience helps, but you have to listen to your body and adapt. We actually got lucky; the previous days were in the higher 90s, with heat factors at 105.”

Year-�round training paid off, as Mastalir completed the race in 14 hours, seven minutes, placing 1,063rd out of 2,100 competitiors.


*

“Just finishing is great for me, and the placing I got was a nice surprise,” said Mastalir, “I thought I was falling behind in the heat, and it was discouraging, as I watched some athletes quit or get pulled from the race because of medical problems.”

The Ironman Triathlon is considered one of the world’s most challenging endurance races. Athetes start with a 2.4-mile swim in the Ohio River, followed by a 112-mile bike course in the hilly Kentucky horse country, and then a 26.2-mile (marathon) run through the historic district of Louisville, and ended in downtown center, known as Fourth Street Live. All events are completed in succession with a start time of 7 a.m., The finish closes at midnight.

Mastalir uses a variety of sources for his training, including pools at Menomonie High School, UW-Stout, The University of MinnesotaS and Bodyworks Athletic Club. He is also a member of the newly-formed Overdrive Cycling Club.

** Article is copied from Dunn County News

COMING MONDAY

We have an exciting announcement coming Monday about the Studio.

Can't wait to tell you.

2006 Tour De France

As many of you know, I'm an avid biker and Tour De France Lover. Amidst all of the legal actions over the past few months surrounding Floyd Landis, this picture sums it up.




Picture credit to Patrick O'Grady

Why do we blog ?

I just wanted to take a second and remind people why this blog is here. While I do use it as a marketing tool for our photography business, and I do my best to try to inspire and educate others, this blog is first and foremost about me, my family and our life, and the experiences we share.

It's like a journal that I just happen to make public for anyone and everyone to see. I love that I can go back and see a detailed recap my life, the places I've been, the images I've taken, the good times with friends and family

Thanks stopping by!

GRAND OPENING : Wedding Style

Here is a copy of the Poster we will be placing around River Falls and UW-RF Campus as well for our upcoming Grand Opening.

GRAND OPENING : Kid's Style

Here is a copy of the poster you will see around River Falls and Spring Valley for our new Studio Opening.

The New Awning

Here is a rendering of the new awning. It will be installed just in time for our Oct 5 Grand Opening.

Hiring Support Staff with GREAT Personality

Hiring Personality- Family Owned Children/Family Portrait Studio.

Seriously- personality means more to us than any experience you may already have. We are looking for two outstanding, outgoing individuals that will make our clients feel at home with their kind manner and infectious smile. Someone that truly loves children and infants is an absolute must. If you don’t like babies, please do not apply.

We are expanding our residential studio to a newly expanded retail space in the historic, downtown area of River Falls, WI. A person that will treat our clients as if they were dear friends and not merely as "clients" is a must. It' a great working environment, lots of energy and you get to learn all sorts of cool things.

This position is great for anyone looking to work a less then 40 hours a week... mostly mornings and early afternoons. Now, because we are working with a lot of children photography and High Sochool Seniors, we NEED outgoing, friendly personalities, shy folks should not consider this. I need someone who is reliable and can be at the studio when we need them.

Your duties will involve answering phone, taking orders, scheduling appointments, portrait preparation and packaging, and assisting in the camera room helping to make our clients happy and delighted, and light computer work. Don't worry, we'll train you every step along the way. Eventually, you'll learn many other processes including some photo editing. The studio hours are regular business hours Mon-Fri. We work no evenings or weekends as weekends are dedicated to our wedding clients. Your work hours would be Tuesday thru Friday, generally from 10:00 am till about 4:00 pm.

Interested? Here's what to do: Respond to this ad by writing me at DBoyce@BriteIdeaPhotography.com with a few paragraphs on why you'd be my perfect choice for this position. One line responses and emails with simply a resume attached will be unread and deleted. I truly want to know about YOU- not the various other jobs you've held. That doesn't matter to me. I hire personality and then train the task. Tasks can be taught, and learned- personality cannot. Tell me about you."

Fall Family & Kids Promtions

Fall Senior Promotions

The BABY BEE CLUB

COMING SOON.....

It's official now. We have a new studio being setup in River Falls with a gallery, family Viewing Area, and a much larger shooting area.

We'll begin to take appointments in the new studio in the later part of Sept. with our Grand Opening Celebration happening on Friday, Oct 5.

More details and pictures to come later.

Jayden learning Frisbee Golf

Dad ? How do you get this to go sooooo far. Practice......

Marcus @ 5 in Ottumwa, IA

Marcus Turns 5

This week, we had the pleasure of watch our little "Bugaboo" grow up and turn 5. Here is a quick snapshot from his party last night.

Thank the Lord I'm okay

This is BREAKING NEWS.....

Minneapolis bridge collapses during rush hour

NBC: All city’s ambulances called in; at least 1 reportedly dies

MINNEAPOLIS - A busy highway bridge that spans the Mississippi River just northeast of Minneapolis collapsed during rush hour Wednesday, sending a school bus, other vehicles and tons of concrete crashing into the water.

The entire span of the Interstate 35W bridge collapsed about 6:05 p.m. A tractor-trailer caught fire, and flame and black smoke billowed into the sky.

Local media reported 20 to 30 injuries and one death. NBC News reported that every Minneapolis ambulance had been requested to the scene.

St. Croix County Fair

Thanks to everyone who made the 2007 St. Croix County Fair an absolute blast !!

We saw a lot of familiar faces and many new ones.

I'll be posting some images from the fair later on.

Elmwood's 2007 UFO Days Schedule

Elmwood UFO Days

July 27-28-29, 2007

FRIDAY

9am-4pm

Community Thrift Sales 639-2234

6pm	Food & Beer Tents Open

6:30pm

Elmwood Rod & Gun Softball Tournament 665-2220

7pm	UFO Medallion Hunt - $100.00 Reward, clues posted @ souvenir stand

7:30pm

Miss Elmwood Queen Coronation

9pm-1am

Street Dance "H30"

SATURDAY
8am-noon	4th Annual Car & Truck Show 639-6242
8am	Art & Craft Sale by Thompson's Auto Care 639-2057
8am	Elmwood Rod & Gun Softball Tournament 665-2220
8am	Pancake Breakfast @ food tent by Elmwood Knights of Columbus
8:30am	Bake Sale by Sacred Heart Catholic Church by food stand
8:30am	Fun Run 639-2705
9am-4pm	Community Thrift Sales 639-2234
9am	"Over the Bank" 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament, behind school 772-3217
9:30am	Kids Games
10am	Horseshoe Tournament @ Elmwood Rod & Gun Club 639-4402
10am	Bike Race 639-2235
10am	Bowling Championship @ Elmwood Auditorium
10am	25 mile Tractorcade 778-5931 or 505-4100
11am	Kids Water Fights by the Firehall
11am	Cooking Contest @ food tent 772-4523
11am	Pony Pull behind Cenex 639-2206 or 639-3206
1pm	Girls Alumni Softball Game 639-2235

5pm	Garden Tractor Pull 772-3319
9pm-1am	Street Dance "D-Boys"
SUNDAY
8am	Pancake Breakfast @ food tent by Elmwood Knights of Columbus
9am	Elmwood Rod & Gun Softball Tournament 665-2220
10am	Ecumenical Worship @ Butternut Park, bring your own lawn chair
1:30pm	Kiddie Parade 639-2300
2pm	UFO GRANDE PARADE
after parade	Punt, Pass & Kick
after parade	Remote Control Battery Operated Races, 3 classes, cash prizes 639-2092

Thanks First Baptist !

I saw this earlier today and had to share.

Coach Brad is the BEST !!!

Over the past soccer season, we had Coach Brad instructing the team. As a past college soccer player, he really knows his stuff and has a passion for teaching the kids.

Here is our tribute to him tonight.

2006 Red Cedar Soccer Tournament

Here are a few shots from the Red Cedar Soccer Tournament (U8 Group) we were at last week. For the full slideshow, go to our website under "SPORTS".

The slide is the one we made for the parents and so it's a "little" long, I think about 12 minutes so be warned.









Here are a few shots from the Red Cedar Soccer Tournament we were at last week. For the full slideshow, go to our website under "SPORTS".

The slide is the one we made for the parents and so it's a "little" long, I think about 12 minutes so be warned.