BLOG – Page 33 – the latest in-studio & on-location MO, IL and beyond

March 6, 2018March 6, 2018

| Executive Portraits | Richland Career Week | Decatur IL |

In January I was invited to speak at the Richland Community College 8th grade career fair on the art panel along with my fellow creatives and entrepreneurs Kat Smalley (Thrive Entertainment Guide), radio personalities Toby Tucker and Tat Taylor, Kate Flemming (Millikin University) and performer Jerry Johnson. This was a blast and I was excited to see a number of these 8th graders have a great interest in not only photography but many areas of arts and entrepreneurship.

Through that event I connect with John Oliver with Richland’s Student services office and they invited me in as part of their career week to offer executive portraits for some of their staff and students. As college students, either entering their college careers or about to graduate and searching for their full time career, many of them are starting to adjust their online profiles to reflect a more professional appearance and/or creating new professional social profiles through sites like LinkedIn. Clearly, when you set up your LinkedIn profile it’s time to phase out that selfie on the beach for something a little more formal and professional. But what students often may not think about or know is that a professional executive portrait session can easily run you a couple hundred dollars investment and much more for a full executive branding package*.

So I was excited to partner with Richland to bring the students these portraits for use on their growing web resumes absolutely FREE to them! And a few of their staff and visiting personalities (like Tat and Nicole) jumped in at the opportunity as well. And I’m excited to be offering a similar opportunity to the professionals in Decatur this coming Tuesday, March 13th from 3:30-5:30. We’ve partnered now with Network Solutions Unlimited to offer a public Executive Portrait event to once again create professional headshot images for the professionals in our area 100% FREE.

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Our NSU event will be held at NSU (1234 N Water St, Decatur, IL 62521) on Tuesday, March 13 from 3:30 -5:30 and will include FREE quick 2-3 minute sessions (black background) with immediate viewing of your images to select your favorite. PLUS, we’ll provide a fully retouched web-size file for use online (printing rights are available for as little as $50). And while you wait, you’ll be able to network with other area professionals and enjoy a few light refreshments.

To help us prepare please RSVP here. Walk-ins are welcome but may incur longer wait times.

Can’t make it to the event Tuesday, but still need updated portraits for you and/or your staff? We offer in-studio individual executive portrait sessions for only $45 plus the ability to bring out studio to YOU for in-house portraits your staff can complete in just a few minutes. Bulk pricing is available for larger offices/schools/etc.

March 2, 2018March 1, 2018

| Sarah Jane Photography High School Senior Model Experience |

We work to give each and every one of our seniors the model treatment with their moment in the spotlight for our senior session but we have to admit our Senior Model experience takes it to the next level. Our class of 2019 senior model team was our largest yet and we’ve had such a good time over the past year photographing their senior sessions, BFF sessions, Pop up sessions at the fair, pool, in the snow, and for prom.

Plus, most recently we’re finishing up our concept sessions with the models who selected to do our concept session (what’s that?). Well… each year I try to push myself artistically to create something I’ve never done before. Last year we created parachute dresses (from real parachutes) and photographed out at the Decatur Airport and this year we worked with local tattoo artist Jesse Blunt and our beloved hair/makeup artist Katie at Mint Salon to create unique body art work to represent the elements.

We still have openings for interviews for the rest of this month for all area high schools (except MFHS). You can apply to have your chance at one of our last openings HERE.

March 1, 2018February 28, 2018

| Beauford | Decatur IL Pet Photographer | Basset Hound |

Hold on to your britches guys because today I have some major four legged cuteness on the blog for you today! I met Beauford and his momma for our fall Limited Edition session date this past fall and not only is he the sweetest pup but he brought his model A-game to the session.

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I love our Limited Edition session events for pet portraits since they are so quick and simple. I’ve never encountered a pet who was up for posing for an hour but a quick 15 minutes, no problem.

We’ve already got dates set for our 2018 Limited Edition sessions and you can book online HERE or by calling/emailing us at 217.330.7012 or mail@sjanephotography.com.

February 27, 2018February 22, 2018

| Alex | Maroa-Forsyth High School Senior 2018 |

Check out Alex’s senior session(s)! I always love working to feature what my clients love and fitting their hobbies and collections into their session. Well when I mentioned making sure to bring a few pairs of shoes for the session both Alex and his momma laughed that finding a ‘few’ wouldn’t be a problem and they were definitely right so we worked in his 20+ pairs of shoes into his session. The hardest part was definitely picking which ones for him to wear with each outfit #somanychoices!

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And being multi-talented we found a way to feature his sports, academics and drum into the session even having a little fun with him drumming with water.

February 22, 2018February 21, 2018

| Dynagraphics INC | Wood Printing | Small Businesses Decatur IL |

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The Details: Scott Bowers, Vice President of Sales or Dynagraphics, INC / Wood Printing | In Business: Since 1980

Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00-5:00| Location: 3220 N Woodford St. Decatur IL | Phone: 876.9950 | Website: www.dynagraphics.com

Tell us about your business… What do you do?

In 1980, my parents, Richard “Barry” and Melanie Bowers, purchased Promo Graphics, a screen printing company that produced retail sign kits for 65 Eisner Foods (Jewel) stores. My brother David and I worked with our parents from the start. As teenagers, David operated screen printing and offset presses and I worked in the bindery department. In 1988 the company purchased state-of-the-art quick printing equipment that allowed faster turnaround and lower cost, and the Fast Impressions division was born. We’ve since added equipment for short-run full-color posters, displays, vehicle wraps, full-color signage, outdoor graphics, and a Zund G3 cutter for shape cutting everything from paper to aluminum. Then in recent years we acquired local printer, Wood Printing, expanding our print capability greatly and enabling us to provide all of your printing and graphics needs in one place.

What makes your business unique/special?

We’re known for doing work on a very short deadline. And, our customer service is second to none – when there’s a problem we do everything to make it right.

What item/service on your menu or in your shop do you just LOVE and think everyone needs?

I really like our architectural graphics and custom wallpaper.

I was lucky enough to be at Dynagraphics for their feature on a day they were printing Thrive Entertainment Guide. It was super cool to see how crazy fast this press runs (and fun to crank my shutter speed super high to try to catch a glimpse of what was nearly impossible to see with the naked eye). Plus, it just so happened to be the issue that had our full page senior ad on the back … there was a huge PILE of sjp seniors, pretty awesome to see in person!

In what way have you gone above/beyond in the past for a customer?

We did a job for Huston-Patterson, and in order to make a deadline we chartered a plane to Pennsylvania.

What is the coolest thing you’ve ever had a client do for you?

We’ve had many clients make introductions to friends and colleagues. When we remodeled we received flower arrangements. And we have so much support whenever we have an open house, such as Refreshment Services Pepsi providing a fountain.

What tool/equipment/or other vendor could you not imagine doing business without?

We love Midland Paper; their service is great.

What other local business do you just LOVE? Why?

Perry Products – their offering is quite unique. They do Perry suspenders; they’re inventors.

When did you know you wanted to go into this business?

I worked for my folks, I didn’t really have a choice (laughs). I’ve worked here all but four years.

What are you passionate about outside of your business?

My children, my relationship with God and my church family.

Describe your PERFECT day:

Nice weather, a Saturday to be able to sleep in. Maybe be able to do something outside, with the people I love close by.

Introduce us to your STAFF…

See the latest news at:

http://www.dynagraphics.com/

See our other past small business features to connect with more businesses in our area:

See more on our Facebook Page and follow us on Twitter @sjanephotog, Instagram @sjanephotograhy, and Snapchat @sjanephotog

If you’d like to have YOUR small business featured for FREE on the SJP blog (or know a small business we should feature) you can find details HERE! These features are 100% free and we’d love to feature you next.