Alyssa Lillegard Photography

Blog: Moving

2010-01-28T12:43:00.000-08:00

Hello Readers, Clients, and New Visitors!

I have officially changed blogs, so pop on over to the new blog HERE. There will be a link on the NEW BLOG for the old blog (did you get all that?) so you can catch up on what's been going on with Alyssa Lillegard Photography. So add the new blog to your faves!

Have a wonderful rest of the week!

Alyssa

Trial Blog

2010-01-21T15:06:00.001-08:00

If you are visiting this blog, please click on the link and check out the new blog. I'm doing a 14 day trial run on it and want your opinion on it! Vote on it, and leave a comment if you want to leave an opinion! I would love to hear your thoughts. Blogger is all funky with my colors, and I've already noticed the difference! So hop on over and help me out! Have a great day!

Alyssa

NEW BLOG

My Heart

2010-01-20T17:38:00.000-08:00

Kisses

2010-01-19T10:23:00.000-08:00

Last week, while I was searching for inspiration, I was inspired by all the photos that captured love so perfectly. So in honor of the New Year, and some great news that we got about Josh, I decided to try something new this year, a little project to capture some love in my photos.

So because I LOVE, love, I love couples, and I want to push myself and do some new things this year, I’m giving you an opportunity you shouldn’t pass up. It’s a way for me to photograph more couples in love, and a way for you not only to get some great photos out of the deal, but a chance to get some free stuff as well!

The Contest: 2010 The Year of Kisses

Kisses are one of the biggest expressions of affection. We kiss as a greeting, to show respect, we kiss for good luck, and we kiss to show love! So why not show and capture that love?

So here’s the deal: If you book a session for 2010 (and you are a couple) you are eligible. This includes weddings, and engagements, and couples session. You don’t have to be engaged, or getting married to be eligible for this year’s contest. Say you’re married, and have been thinking about getting some updated photos of you and your husband (like I need to do), then take advantage, and book a session!

Dates: January 20, 2010 – December 31, 2010

What You Are Voting On: Favorite Kiss Of 2010

How It Works: Because everyone will be voting on their Favorite Kiss, and if you want to enter to win the super awesome prize at the end, you’ll need to kiss the one you love, and I’ll capture it. That shouldn’t be too hard, right? But if you don’t feel comfortable enough showing me your lip lock, we have some other options too! Get creative (but stay appropriate please), a kiss on the cheek, neck or forehead can be just as wonderful! Have some ideas on a cool place to have your session? Perfect, I’ve been wanting to shoot in some new places! Want to hang upside down and kiss your girl like spider-man? We’ll make it work! The idea is to have fun with the one you love, so you have beautiful photos to look at forever. Love is the most beautiful thing in the world, and it is meant to be captured!

After your session I will pick the photo I think is best, and enter it into the contest. In January of next year, I will post all of the “Kiss” photos on my blog to be voted on as the Favorite Kiss of 2010.

The Prize: The Winner gets a free session, and a free mounted 11x14 print of your Kiss!

So like I said, if you’ve been wanting to have some special photos of you and the one you love, make 2010 the year you allow me the honor of capturing your love, and join in the fun of 2010 The Year Of Kisses Contest.

*The free session includes: Boudoir, Engagements, and Family Sessions (up to 5 people), and Newborns.

* Prints and other products are not included.

And the 2009 Winner Is!

2010-01-14T12:44:00.000-08:00

...Photo #13! Beka was kind enough to spend the day being my model back in the spring. I don't get to photograph many adults, so I was in need of a willing model. Beka was perfect. I loved this shot in camera, and is even better finished. It helps that Beka is absolutely beautiful Congratulations, Beka! Your print will be coming to you soon!

Exciting new things will be posted soon! Have a wonderful Thursday!

Alyssa

2009 Favorite

2010-01-12T16:09:00.000-08:00

The poll for the 2009 favorite photo closes at noon tomorrow. I will announce the winner tomorrow too. For those of you who have voted, thank you. Have a great day!

In The Works

2010-01-08T12:51:00.000-08:00

I've got something new in the works for 2010. And I'm so excited:) When I'm finished working on it, it will be posted here! I'll leave you with this image from The Prince wedding last winter. I came across this image again and I like it more now then when I took it. Photos have a way of touching your heart in different ways at different times. Have a wonderful weekend full of kisses!

Breathtaking...

2010-01-07T16:20:00.000-08:00

There are photos and photographers that you come across in life (and in business) that stop you in your tracks, and amaze you. I was wandering about this morning, looking for some wedding inspiration for a couple of weddings I have coming up soon. My cousin is getting married in two weeks, and I have another wedding in February that I'm also so excited for.:) I came across Elizabeth Messina while looking on a blog that I frequent Apartment #34. The wedding she posted had a photo of some fabulous shoes, so I looked for more. I was floored. The photos are so fresh, so romantic, and unbelievably inspiring. Love is captured perfectly in her photos. Photos make you feel something, and these photos are no different. My heart hurts, I love these photos so much.

These photos were taken by Elizabeth Messina for Kirstie Kel ly Couture a designer that does wedding dresses among other things. You might know her from the Disney Wedding Collection (you might not). The dresses are stunning, the model is stunning, and the photos make the collection of photos just magical. Like I said, these photos make my heart hurt, I love them so much.

To view more of Elizabeth's work, and Kirstie Kelly's Dresses click on the names!

To see more from this shoot go here

I hope you are inspired by these as much as I am.

2009 A Year In Review

2010-01-07T10:25:00.000-08:00

Here are some of my favorites from 2009. Vote for your favorite and the winner gets a free 8x10 of their image! Vote here, and vote on my fan pages on Facebook!

1. Pigtails 2. Album 3. Bride 4. Shades 5. Lean 6. MAC 7.Kait 8. Grin 9. Engaged! 10. Ky
11.Brothers 12.The Red Chair 13. Beautiful 14.Laugh 15.Love 16.Miss M
17.Memories 18.SR. 19.Boudoir 20. Kiss The Groom

Poll is to the left in the sidebar! Vote away!

Weddings

2009-12-28T18:31:00.000-08:00

In light of the New Year I am officially adding Weddings to my photography business. I've thought long and hard about this over the last year, and have made a goal for a number of weddings to book for 2010. Go check out the Wedding Investment under the Pricing section on my website if you or someone you know is having a wedding. I would love to capture your special day. Have a wonderful week!

11 Days Left

2009-11-12T14:06:00.000-08:00

Bigby Family

2009-10-20T15:39:00.001-07:00

The Bigby family Christmas Session was my favorite session to date. Rachel and Adam are two of the funniest people I know, and make an amazing couple. They recently celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary! Anyway, like I said, this family session was my favorite to date. The boys were awesome, and so easy to direct, and handsome! My mom came along to help me out with the session. She made sure I didn't fall into the water! There was alot of laughing, and alot of, "Riley, if you fall in that water..." Our time together turned into a three hour session. It was wonderful! Bigby family, thank you so much for spending the day with me, you guys rocked your session! Enjoy your sneak peek!

Alyssa

Why I Love My Job

2009-10-15T14:46:00.000-07:00

On those days (which seem like so many) when business is slow for me and I wonder why I decided to follow my heart instead of my head into a journey of creativity and art, I look at the photos, and the stories I've told over the past couple years. I'm reminded how blessed I am to spend my days meeting families, children, and couples, and capturing their sweet memories so they can treasure them for a lifetime. I'm blessed to have a husband who believes in me more than I do myself, and by working hard he has given me the gift of following my passion. And that truly is a gift, especially in a time of such trial for so many people. So when I am unsure, and I need a reminder of why I have chosen this unpredictable business, and life, I look at the sweet faces of innocent children, and the faces of a couple in love, so ready to start their new journey in love, and in life. And I'm comforted... I'm comforted in the realization, that I have helped tell a story, their story. And they are helping me create mine...

One of my favorite images from Saturday's engagement session.

Rob and Erica are Engaged!

2009-10-11T18:46:00.000-07:00

Erica and Rob braved the cold with me Saturday morning for their engagement session. We met at Tumwater Falls early in the morning. And started our journey. I've said it before, but I love my job, and anyone that knows me knows that I LOVE to talk. I talk way too much, and usually about the most random things. Rob informed me, while we were walking to the next location, (and shivering I might add) that I am way too cheery in the mornings. People told me this all the time when I was in high school and PE was our first class at 8:20. It takes me a little bit to get up, but once I am, I'm up and ready to go! Erica and Rob are such a great couple, and I am so excited to shoot their wedding in February. Erica and Rob, thank you so much for meeting me so early in the morning! I hope you like your sneak peek!

Above: My favorite from the session

Alyssa

Miss Boudoir!

2009-10-05T13:44:00.000-07:00

Miss Boudoir finally has a face,I'm sure you've seen her on my site and blog before! I was so excited when Ashley agreed to let me post some of the photos from her session to share her experience with other women. This was my very first Boudoir session, and I was nervous, but so excited to get in there to see if it was something I liked. I've been anxiously waiting for Ashley's fiancee's birthday to arrive. It's today, so Happy Birthday, Nick! Ashley got ahold of me as soon as he opened his gift, and I started working away on getting them ready for the blog. Thank you so much Ashley for asking me to take these photos. I'm so glad Nick enjoyed his gift! I'm always a little bummed by the colors online, as they don't POP like they do in photoshop! Enjoy anyway:)

The image above is my VERY favorite from the session:)

Today...

2009-10-01T20:42:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post from this afternoon. I took this photo to match this this little guy's brother's photo. Does that make sense? Anyway, here it is! Isn't this guy handsome? He was all over the place too! I've stopped by his house a few times with Josh, and every time he talks to me a little more. :) Ty and his little brother are the sweetest boys.

Paris

2009-09-29T11:27:00.003-07:00

I finally got around to editing some photos of Paris when we visited in 2007. Here is one of my faves!

Just A Reminder...

2009-09-19T09:37:00.000-07:00

Booking now until November 23rd
Winter Wonderland Collection Starts at $220

All Collections Include Cards!

email me: alyssalillegard@hotmail.com to book a session!

Alyssa

Miss Boudoir

2009-09-14T16:39:00.000-07:00

Last week I had a boudoir session, and because we are keeping it under wraps, I won't be posting any other images besides this one, until Miss Boudoir's man receives his gift. I just loved this one so much, I thought I would share. It helps that you can only see part of her face, so she won't be revealed. This was my first boudoir session, and I hope I get the chance to do more! Here's a little sneak peek of her session. If you recognize Miss Boudoir, shhhh... Please keep her secret.

Something A Little More Personal

2009-09-14T10:05:00.001-07:00

I rarely post anything personal on this blog. Most of our personal stuff, is posted on my other blog A Beautiful Life which hasn't been too personal lately being as there is nothing super interesting going on in our lives. We bought a house, so we are spending the weekends when we are at home "kind of" doing things around the house. Yesterday I touched up the paint on the molding in the bathroom. Anyway, last Friday when we were on our drive home for the three day weekend, I was mentioning how long it had been since we had seen Josh's best man, Lopez. In the army no one has a first name. While I know Lopez' first name, there are a bunch of them that I just know by last name. Most of these guys don't even know each other's first names, so why would I? We hadn't seen "Lo-Lo" since January 2008, when he stayed with us. Arriving at 12 am. and leaving at 6 a.m. that morning. Needless to say there wasn't alot of chit chat that morning. I don't even think he let me cook him breakfast.

So when we were on our way home (back to Kelso) Monday afternoon, we got ten minutes away, and were told to "come back, Lopez is here!" He drove down from Ft. Lewis. Did he call? No. So he was really lucky we weren't home already. It was so nice to meet his family, and catch up with Lopez. We laughed over wedding photos, Josh and Lo-Lo shared a drink and we ate pizza. The perfect way to spend Labor Day.

I rarely take my camera out for family events, but I just happened to have my camera in the car. Last weekend was awful for weather so my engagement session is being rescheduled for the second time.

Lopez "proposing" to Josh's cousin, Kyle.

Photo By: Tasha Owen

Josh and Lo-Lo having a moment in the photo booth.

Photo By: Tasha Owen

I have a Boudoir Session to post, but can't post until after the gift receiver receives his gift! Have a wonderful week!

Nathan Senior Rep 2010

2009-08-27T14:01:00.000-07:00

I have known Nathan FOREVER, or at least it seems like it. It seems like every weekend when Josh and I head home, Nathan and his twin brother Matthew are hanging out with my brother. I had the pleasure of photographing Nathan yesterday as my guy Senior Rep for 2010. We headed out to the golf course for a little mini session, that turned into an hour... Or so... I am so excited for his full session in the spring. We have some great stuff in the works!

Nathan and family, thank you so much for meeting up with me yesterday. I had so much fun. Nathan did a wonderful job! Thanks for letting me get "just a couple more" more than once. I hope you enjoy your preview!

Holiday Mini Session Special!!

2009-08-24T13:25:00.000-07:00

If you are planning on having photos done in time for the holiday season to be used as gifts for loved ones, or as Holiday cards, the time is now to book your session! Session booking starts now, August 24, 2009. Take advantage of being outside in the beautiful fall colors before the gray and dreary settles in for the rest of the year.

Due to the fact that the Holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year, November 23rd will be the last day for Holiday Mini Sessions.

Regular sessions can be booked for after this date, but will not be ready in time for the holiday. So take advantage of the Holiday Mini Session Special and book your session today!

Holiday Mini Session Special
Starting at $220 with option to upgrade

Winter Wonderland Collection
$220 (Over $70 in savings)

30 minute session
Location of your choice
(3) 8x10
(6) 5x7
(1) Set of 25 cards with envelopes

Under the Mistletoe Collection
$350 ($114 in savings)

30 minute session
Location of your choice
(3) 8x10
(8) 5x7
(1) 11x14 mounted
(2) Sets of 25 cards with envelopes

Silver Bells Collection
$480 ($160 in savings)

30 minute session
Location of your choice
(4) 8x10
(10) 5x7
(1) 16x20 mounted
(3) Sets of 25 cards with envelopes

Card samples coming soon!

'Tis The Season!

2009-08-18T12:02:00.000-07:00

I'm getting everything ready for Holiday Mini Sesssions. Start thinking about your getting your photos taken for Christmas cards. This week is crazy for me. We are packing up my brother, and moving him over to WSU. Holiday Specials will be coming next week, so please bear with me! Check back on Monday the 24th for more information:)

To book a session please email me at: alyssalillegard@hotmail.com or call 360.353.3277

Alyssa

Ashley, Nick and Bentley

2009-08-16T18:37:00.000-07:00

I've photographed this little one three time now! I couldn't believe how much Bentley had grown. It's hard to see how fast little ones grow when you're around them on a daily basis. I photographed her a year ago in October, and haven't seen her since! We spent some time yesterday at Friends Landing in Montesano, playing on the slide and the swings. Then we got a chance to take some photos of Ashley and Nick for their engagement photos.

Congratulations Nick and Ashley! I hope you enjoy your preview.

Alyssa

Just Another Photo

2009-08-12T15:06:00.000-07:00

From Monday's Session:) Something a little different.

Kaitlyn Senior Rep 2010

2009-08-10T17:53:00.000-07:00

Kaityln was chosen as my 2010 Girl Senior Rep for 2010 at Montesano High School. Kaitlyn and I met up this morning, along with Kaitlyn's sister Amy, and wandered about downtown Oly to see what we could find. This was supposed to be a Mini Session, but it turned into almost two hours of photos. Walking everywhere takes a long time. I got so many great shots today! This girl is so beautiful, and a dream to work with. I'm already excited about our full session in April, and I'm already dreaming up stuff I want to do!

Thank you so much Kaityln, and Amy for meeting with me today. I had so much fun!

A little bit vintage:)

Alyssa

Creative Portrait Packages!

2009-06-24T15:34:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone, I didn't realize that the Creative Portrait Package pricing wasn't on my website, so I just updated that. You can take a look at print prices and packaging in the Boutique area of my site! Thank you!

I'm loving this picture of Elijah and his dad! I want this one in my house:)

Alyssa

It's Been So Long!

2009-06-15T09:04:00.000-07:00

It's been a month already since my last post. I have to get better at posting more often!

Yesterday Josh and I made a trip up to Olympia to take photos of this little guy and his family. Mama (Nicole) and I went to school together. We reconnected by myspace last summer, sending emails back and forth, and planning a get together so we could take some photos. We just now got to meet up and do a little photo session swap! Nicole and Daniel were wonderful, so relaxed and so much fun to talk to. It's nice to see a friend after such a long time. Elijah, their little one was an absolute dream to photograph. I mean seriously, this boy didn't cry once. And when it was time for mom and dad to have their photos taken, he slept in the stroller, and just as we were finishing up his eyes popped open and he just hung out like such a trooper.

Nicole is starting up her own photography business too, so it's old hat for Elijah to have a camera in his face. He was the easiest child I have ever had the privilege to shoot!

And then it was our turn to get our picture taken. Josh and I have a hard time being serious in front of the camera, so I hope we weren't too difficult for Nicole! Here are the very first edits I've done this morning. I don't look at the photos until the next day, so I didn't sleep last night! I got up at 6 o' clock with Josh and when he was out the door at 6:30, I started uploading right away!

Nicole, and Daniel: Your family is so beautiful. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to capture your memories. There will be some photos of Daniel up soon! Thank you so much again!

This photo was Nicole's idea, and I love how it turned out!

Black and white conversion on my flickr account

Have a wonderful Monday!

Alyssa

Beka

2009-05-16T16:20:00.000-07:00

This morning my friend Beka and I went on a photo adventure. I've been wanting to photograph Beka for awhile, and when she came down to stay with me a couple weekends ago it decided to rain in Kelso/Longview that Saturday. So, we scheduled some time this morning and we wandered around, listened to some inspiring music on my ipod dock, and had a wonderful time. Afterward we had lunch at El Rancho.

We took our time today, and the session ended up being almost 3 hours, but it was worth it. I got a chance to really take my time, talk, and laugh! Beka is obviously beautiful. I'm surrounded by so many beautiful people.

Beka, I hope you enjoy the sneak peek of your photos! Thank you so much for spending the morning with me. I love you!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone! Enjoy the sun!

Alyssa

New Pricing

2009-04-30T13:41:00.000-07:00

Due to the state of the economy I'm lowering my session fee prices. You can view the new session fees on my website.

I know times are tough for everyone, me included. Capturing memories of your children is still important, so if you can save a little here and there for a session! It will be worth it, I promise!

I hope everyone is doing well, and if you have sunshine I hope you are out enjoying it!

God Bless,

Alyssa

Kyle's Senior Photos

2009-04-18T23:09:00.000-07:00

Today my brother, mom, and I trekked around Longview to take the second half of Kyle's Senior Photos. I think everyone can agree that taking photos of your own family is the hardest because they never take it seriously. Kyle is such an awesome person to hang out with, there is never a dull moment when we are together. Here are some of the nice photos that I found in amongst the crazy ones!

Hope you have a great day!

Alyssa

Chelsea (Sr. Photos)

2009-04-05T13:02:00.000-07:00

These photos of Chelsea are from September. I know, I'm awful right? When I got home from Boise I took my laptop into Best Buy to be fixed, and of course it took weeks to come back. In the meantime, I had to put photoshop on Josh's computer, but I couldn't get on the internet being that we didn't have internet at my grandma's where we were staying. To make a long story short, these photos of Chelsea stayed on Josh's computer until last week when I decided to re- edit them. They look even better now then when I gave them to Chelsea. I can't believe how much more I know about photoshop. I'm learning all the time. So here are a few photos of Chelsea from her headshot session back in September. :)

I hope you have a wonderful day in the sun!

Alyssa

A Little Behind.

2009-04-04T08:38:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted the new prices on my website yet, but I will get it up this weekend. I'm running a little bit behind this week, and this sun is calling me to spend the day outside! I have so much stuff I have to do, but its so beautiful today. So, I will have a few more pictures added to the site, and a couple more changes as well as new Senior Price Packages up by Monday!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Alyssa

New Logo Fonts?

2009-03-29T21:33:00.000-07:00

So, at the suggestion of someone who knows her stuff, I have been looking into changing the fonts for my logos. I want something that feels more like me, the look, and the work that I want to put out! I'm really excited about this one, and think that this combination might be it. Let me know what you think in the poll to your right under my picture! The blog header will be changing soon!

News!

2009-03-27T14:22:00.000-07:00

Special packages for Senior photos will be posted on the website at the beginning of next week! So if you are looking to have Senior photos done, print pricing will be different than regular A La Carte pricing!

Check the website next week for the new information!

Alyssa

Website is Live

2009-03-26T13:26:00.001-07:00

If you haven't checked out my website go on over!

alyssalillegard.com

I'm so excited!!!!

Alyssa

Another Peek

2009-03-15T17:59:00.000-07:00

Every once in awhile a picture comes along that touches your heart. While it may not be the best photo you've ever taken something about it speaks to you and you just have to show it. This is a picture from Chad and LeeAnn's wedding. Out of the entire set of reception photos, this is my favorite. I cried through the entire Father-Daughter dance... It was a beautiful moment to witness and capture. It seems so peaceful. I thought I would share a little snippet of the night, and some evidence that I have been working away diligently on these photos! :) I hope you enjoy!

Have a wonderful Sunday

Alyssa

Why Hire A Pro?

2009-03-10T13:36:00.000-07:00

A photographer friend of mine, Shauna Maness, posted this on one of her blogs last spring, and it really hit home for me. If you are a photographer take a look. Also take a look if you are a client, it might shed some light onto why you should hire someone who is a pro in the business of photography to take on the task of capturing your family's memories. This is wonderful information that has helped me tremendously. I took Shauna's CRASHintotheBIZ class last summer and came away inspired by her words. I hope you enjoy this!:)

In Shauna's words,

"I can honestly say that I have never had to answer this question in person - no one has ever asked me to defend my prices, but I know lots of people who have been asked to. That isn't to say people haven't wondered what "else" they "get" with their session fee, but who wouldn't want to make sure they weren't missing out on something they paid good money for?

EVERY single CRASHintotheBIZ I teach, the first issue right out of the box is pricing- most photographers don't realize what they will need to survive, likewise, most clients have no idea what kind of investment photographers make, or the difference between their cousin with a "fancy" camera, and a photographer with a "fancy" camera... So I thought I would shed a little light on the subject!

When you hire a professional photographer you receive a HUGE return on your investment- a LIFETIME of treasures... Photography, that if you have done your homework, and really found a photographer whose style suits you, will capture your family perfectly.

What professionals bring to the table... This is what comes into play when pricing a session.

Vision: Each photographer has his or her own style, based on personal preference and creative expression- this is why it is important to make sure that the photographer you hire shoots in a style that you like. You won't get Olan Mills if you come to me... So make sure you "know what you are getting." Alot of stress will be saved by a little research.

Time: When you purchase a session (mine start at $300 for 1-2 hours of shooting) you are not paying your photographer for that hour alone. Wouldn't it be nice to make that much an hour? Check out the time that goes into your session alone (remember how many of these are done).

Scheduling your session, deciding what to wear (2 0r 3 emails or phone calls) 30 min.
Prep time for your session, gathering gear 15 min.
Driving to the location (round trip, local session) 45 min. ($15 gas)
Your session, not including driving time 1-2 hours
Uploading your images 30 min.
Proofing (getting rid of what I wouldn't hang on my walls) 1 hour
Picking top ten, editing them and posting them on my blog for you to see. 45min-1 hour.
Setting up your gallery and backing up your images 30 min
Answering ordering questions (via email or phone... Where to hang what, what you need printed etc.) 45 min.
Processing order (order review and file retrieval) 30 min
Editing each image of your order (depending on order size) 30 min - 1hour
Double checking and sending your order, 30 min
Receiving, checking, packaging, mailing off your order 30 min
9 hours MINIMUM of work go into your session

Gear: Tools of this trade are costly, I have over $30,000 invested in my gear. I have the best software, the best camera(s), lenses, memory cards, flashes, reflectors, crazy gadgets, bags, tripods and other stuff that would just bore you. It is up to me to make sure my gear is in pristine condition and that I have backups when (heaven forbid) something happens. When you hire a pro you are sharing this investment - not many people, even your cousin with a "fancy" camera) are going to have the kind of gear professionals use... We use the best to give you the best. I factor in a "gear replacement charge" to every session, so that I can continue to give my clients the best.

Technical Expertise: I have studied many long hours to get here. There are so many aspects of photography that require a life-long pursuit to perfect. And that is what I am doing. As a professional, I take alot of the guessing out-I have shot in almost every setting and I know how to make the light do what I want it to do. I have been influenced by so many incredible photographers and continue to study their innovation, and better myself. Here is a secret- it isn't all about the fancy gear (I started with a Canon AE-1 and a Hasselblad both fully manual, no bells or whistles cameras) you HAVE to know the technical... Without it you can have all the fancy cameras you want and still cant create great photos.

Location, LOCATION, Location!: I can only think of a few sessions I have actually done where the client actually had a location in mind. For the most part, people want me to come up with a place. So I ask some questions about their style, and I go out exploring! In every town that I shoot I have some favorite spots, but every single time I am in my car I am ALWAYS looking for new places. My clients usually pull up and say, "How in the world did you find this place?"That is part of hiring a professional... We are always looking out for our clients. And every once in awhile those places get scoped out by other photographers (or people who we have shared our secrets with) and in an effort to keep it creative we find NEW places! So you and your friend won't have the same look in your portraits. I promise I won't settle for what the next guy will deliver. No photographer should.

Model Direction: Here is the deal, not everyone is Heidi Klum or Tyra Banks- You can watch Next Top Model for five minutes and see that even the beautiful have not so beautiful moments. All in all it is up to the photographer to direct you in a way that captures your most beautiful features. (After all, you aren't being paid millions to show up). So over the years I have come up with some tried and true techniques that I use as I shoot. So short, tall, round or rail thin, awkward or confident... I can direct you in a way that will fully capture all the beauty within. I am always blown away when people see their final images... Most people are surprised by the beauty they see. Not many people have ONE picture of themselves they love. It is my mission to change that!

Printing: TOP OF THE LINE... printing. In this day and age where you can get a 4x6 print for .11 cents at Walmart- people want to know why in the world photographers charge so much for sometihng that costs so little... Let me say this- First, when you order prints from me (or any other pro) YOU GET THE HIGHEST QUALITY there is, and it isn't "cheap." Photographers have special relationships with their printers. By printer, I mean printing COMPANY. There are all kinds of things that go into your print. Color collarboration is a great example of one of the things people forget about (and another investment photographers make) we make sure that your "print" is the best it can be by synching our computers with our printer and double checking the color balance of each print- When you hold these prints in your hands you see the value without question. You can't get that quality without a professional.

Customer Service: It is the job of a professional to serve you. the local drug store isn't going to make sur ethat you are completely happy with your order, and if you aren't- they sure aren't going to make it right! You get personal service from a pro- each images is cared for individually and your hapiness is always the goal!

Innovative, Heirloom quality, Keepsakes: It is my job to stay on top of cutting edge movements and trends in the field... Not yours! Professionals make available to you the finest quality products on the market. I am always looking for new products that my clients will enjoy- I invest in the samples... and sometimes send these products as thank you's and gifts- This is a luxury in itself... It is like having a personal shopper- I get to know you, go through my favorites and decide which you will enjoy the most- and then make them available to you.

Relationships that can last a lifetime: 7 out of 10 of my clients are repeat clients. I have documented from engagement to wedding, the birth of a child, another child... More family portraits and am still going! When you hire a photographer you are beginning a relationship (if you have a good fit) I can't tell you how I look forward to following the lives of my clients. How newat for them to have a lifetime captured by the same person- by the third session, it is old hat- and we skip formalities (by this time I have normall seen their house) and we just talk about what prints need to go where! When I being a relationship with a client, they become part of my family. Professional photographers are going to invest in you, because they want you to com back, they want to watch your family grow!

That was a moutfull! I am sure there are other things that I will add later- I just wanted you (the photographer & Client) to see the big picture. There is so much more than the hour we show up that goes into each session. Remember that as you are shooting, or hiring a photographer. The value of your work and the photography that you receive will increase beyond what it has always been when you take into account all that is invested.

By Shauna Maness

shaunamaness.com

the original post is here http://shaunamaness.squarespace.com/expresscreativity/2008/5/14/why-hire-a-pro.html

And definitely go take a look at Shauna's beautiful, beautiful work! Have a great day everyone!

Alyssa

Prince Wedding Sneak Peek

2009-03-01T21:45:00.001-08:00

Here is a photo of LeeAnn from yesterday. Isn't she a beautiful bride?

More coming soon:)

Alyssa

SUPER EXCITED: COMING SOON!

2009-02-26T11:18:00.000-08:00

So I finally took the plunge and bought a website last night. I've been wanting to forever, but never found one that I really felt I wanted, but I think I found the one. So, MANY changes are coming to Alyssa Lillegard Photography and I am so excited. Not only is there a website coming, but prints, and new products. Once I get into the swing of prints I will be introducing things like art canvases of your photos (which are yummy) proof prints, coffee table books, press printed products, and more. I cannot even begin to tell you how excited I am. It's about time these things happened. I can't wait to give you all the best of the best. :) So that is what is going on here.

Like I said yesterday, I have a wedding this weekend that I am so excited for. I'm so glad that it is almost the weekend. About time. I hope you are all having good week!

God Bless,

Alyssa

Found This!

2009-02-24T13:26:00.000-08:00

Before every session I listen to some relaxing music while I drive to the session location, its a little ritual of mine to help me get in the creative mode. I also say a little prayer before I get out of the car that God guides me and helps me make art out of the client's life. Today I found this Photographer's prayer while perusing blogs.

Oh God, as I bring my subject into focus and prepare to make each portrait, never let me forget that I'm creating treasures for some family, a keepsake for loved ones. Make me sensitive to the qualities and virtues of others, that I may draw out into the light the beautiful radiant belongings of their hearts.

Help me to be an artist, collecting the beauty of every soul, the glow of youth, the gentleness, the laughter or tears of each life that is precious in Thy sight. Deeper than a means of livelihood, give me the perspective to see my photographer's art as a service to others, making life richer and more memorable.

And, dear Lord, between the lights and shadows, the ups and downs and the rolling years, keep me from getting out of focus or off center, so that my life and work may be framed with dignity and colored with contentment ...

AMEN

Author Unkown

I think I might just start doing this prayer. It seems perfect!

It's a busy week for me. I'm photographing Chad and LeeAnn's wedding on Saturday, so I should have a few pictures up at the beginning of next week. I'm also getting my donation stuff ready for auction, and getting ready to finally put up my website. Busy, busy, busy! Have a wonderful week!

Alyssa

Finally a Session!

2009-02-04T19:19:00.000-08:00

This is Reliance. Cool name huh? Her parents and I ventured down to Lake Sacajewea today for a little session and some fun on the playground. Well, Reliance wasn't a big fan of having her picture taken, but the photos that we got are great! Thank you so much Cassie and Geof for letting me take pictures of your beautiful family!

Isn't she beautiful! Have a great day!

Alyssa

First Session of the New Year

2009-01-08T12:12:00.000-08:00

So like always, I am truly terrible at blogging on here, and even on my personal blog as of late. But I did want to put up a few photos of my first session of the New Year. This couple I love, and I have the privilege of photographing their wedding next month. I can't believe it is already next month. I lie awake at night thinking of specific photos I want to take, things I need to purchase before their big day, how to find one of my friends to help me out by carrying around my stuff, and all the other things I need to do before the big day!

#1 on my list? Mail their engagement photos to them... Which is proving to be a harder task than I had previously thought. The weather that we have experienced over the last month or so has been CRAZY to say the least. The last batch of photos I had for my clients never got to them due to the snow! They were Christmas presents for family members... Talk about a bummer Christmas with no photos to give, so on the 23rd Josh and I braved the icy roads, as did my wonderful clients, and we met halfway. Christmas was saved, I was relieved and my clients were happy.

Today, I'm sitting here with Chad and LeeAnn's photos sitting next to me, ready to mail, but I can't leave our apartment complex due to the massive flooding. I will have to wait till tomorrow until the water goes down... Hopefully... It's started raining again, so hopefully I can get out to the post office, and hopefully my lovely husband can make it home to me at the end of the day!

So here are a few photos of the lovely Chad and LeeAnn!

This one makes me so excited for the wedding. I want blow this up and

put it on my wall. I knew I would love this when I took it! It's so fun!

And there you have it! The lovely Chad and LeeAnn!

Hopefully it won't be such a long time before I blog again. Have a wonderful rest of the week!

God Bless,

Alyssa

Mason and Baylee

2008-12-08T19:28:00.000-08:00

This past weekend I had the privilege of taking pictures of Mason and Baylee! We had a little trouble shooting inside. No one wanted their picture taken, but as soon as we got outside not only were they much more happy, but they actually liked the camera! They were not pleased when we had to go inside for a few more pictures. It was so much fun to watch them run and play! Sonya, thank you so much for letting me take pictures of your family!

I love the little crumbs on his face. He was having a snack before we went outside!

Trying to touch the camera!

Love his cowboy hat!

That's all for today! Have a wonderful Christmas Season!

Alyssa

Just a quick update!

2008-12-02T20:46:00.001-08:00

Here are a fcouple pictures from the session I did on Thanksgiving! Aren't they all so cute? I'm working away on this session to have it done before Christmas, and I have another session on Friday, and then another mini session on the thirteenth! Things are starting to pick up. All of these sessions are back home. What's with that? As soon as I leave I'm getting sessions! I love it, though! It's the beautiful Christmas season, and I am so thankful to be able to do something I am so passionate about! Have a wonderful Holiday season!!!

Isn't he gorgeous?

The whole gang!

Have a wonderful day!

Alyssa

New Template

2008-11-10T09:57:00.001-08:00

Hey Everyone,

I've decided to try out a new blog template. I was tired of having my photos cut off when they were a little bigger than normal. Nothing is worse than seeing part of a photo. This template allows me to stretch the page. Your thoughts would be so much help and much appreciated! I hope you are having a great start to the week!

Alyssa

Decades!

2008-11-09T17:35:00.001-08:00

It seems like it's been decades since I last posted, and I'm feeling really terrible. Things have been absolutely nuts around here, but finally, I think we are in one place for awhile and Josh and I can start putting down roots. After almost a year of marriage (Nov. 24) we will finally be able to say that we have a permanent address and that yes, we will be able to find our way out of the never ending mound of boxes and start living our lives.

With all the craziness I haven't been able to really take any new photos. I've been packing and unpacking and then I left my camera at my mother's house while we were living in a hotel. There was no way I was leaving my camera gear in a hotel. What if someone broke in and stole it. Where would I be then? So, needless to say, I don't really have any new photos, other than from a few sessions I have done, and a wonderful visit from our friend Danae and her daughter (our niece) Abbeigh. If you've already looked at my Flickr, these will be old news, so bare with me.

So, the new adventure for us, besides getting settled, paying rent in this apartment, and trying to survive, is me finding a job. Not cool. Not that I don't like to work, I do, I just want to be at home around the same time as Josh. We're newly married, and I know I can't be picky,but I'm pretty picky about everything. I hate to admit it, but I think I'm spoiled. I had the same job for almost 5 years, which I loved, but I didn't ever have to venture out and find something new. When I'm not more in control, I get nervous... I love being my own boss, but I don't know anyone down here, so I need to figure out how to meet people and get this photography business off the ground. FINALLY, I can say that, "Yes, I will be here in a couple months if you want to schedule a session." Not, "Oh, well I dont know where I will be next week for sure." Those kind of words are not really good for business. So, if you are reading this, and you are in the Kelso, Longview Washington area. Contact me on here or my email. I would love to get together and do a session.

Alright, enough with the shameless self promotion, I will get to a couple of pictures!

This is from our visit with Danae and Abbeigh.

Josh just loved Abbeigh so much!

Josh took this while I was holding Abbeigh. She looks a little worried here.

My favorite photo from the day.

Getting held by so many people, and being so cute is really hard work.

This was right before Danae, her mom and Abbeigh left.

My new favorite from Megan and Scott's session. This couple is seriously beautiful.

I love baby shoes! I love baby everything really.

Cute right?

And that is what I have been up to! I hope you have a great week this week!

Alyssa

Megan and Scott

2008-09-29T14:09:00.000-07:00

Things have been a little slow for me since Josh and I got home, and I've been dying to get out and do a session. This nice spurt of weather that we are having has inspired me so much, and I had no sessions scheduled to use all my ideas on! I asked mine and Josh's friend Megan if she would like to come out and model for me with her boyfriend Scott, and she jumped at the chance. I'm so glad she agreed to do the session. I was as excited as she was for the session. Scott wasn't too impressed, but he was definitely a trooper and I think made it through the session alright. I tried something different this session since I was just out to practice and learn a few more things! (Yes the photos are supposed to be sunny and such. =)Megan and Scott are such a beautiful couple there isn't a bad picture in the bunch. Thank you so much Megan and Scott for taking the time to come out and shoot with me. You are both wonderful. I hope you enjoy a sneak peek at the pictures.

Thank you so much again, Megan and Scott!

Have a wonderful day!

Alyssa

Seniors, Seniors, Seniors!

2008-09-15T20:20:00.000-07:00

If you are in the Grays Harbor Area, especially in Montesano contact me about Senior photos! Come have fun at your session and we will capture the real you! Send me an email at: alyssalillegard@hotmail.com to get more information. I'm looking for sessions to do! I want to take advantage of this nice weather, and you should to!

Have a Blessed day!

Biz Cards

2008-09-02T19:26:00.000-07:00

o, I've always been one of those people that is pretty easily excited and pretty easily pleased. Gift giving for me should be easy. I get excited about the packaging and boxes that my presents come in, so imagine the unbridled excitement when I finished the design for my new business cards. I had to text my sister-in-law in Idaho just so she could see it. I've looked at the photo that will grace the back of my cards so many times I can't even begin to count. I won't have them for a couple weeks, but I am giddy with excitement. Here is a photo of the back of my card if you want to take a peek!

Rachelle

2008-08-15T13:12:00.000-07:00

Hey All!

So it's been awhile again since the last time I posted on here. It's been craziness for me and Josh for the last few weeks. It is crazy even being home, but I got to take some time out of the craziness to photograph an awesome girl that graduates this coming year with my brother. I feel so old! Rachelle is so awesome. We had so much fun! We laid in the grass (I ended up getting a rash! I always do) and it was blazing and muggy. After our session we ran in to the coffee shop to get some delicious drinks! They totally hit the spot! Thank you Rachelle for being so open to all the things I wanted to try and thanks for all your ideas! I hope you like these! If you want to see them bigger go to my flickr account, I don't know why I cant get the horizontal ones large!

God Bless!

Alyssa

In The World Of Alyssa Lillegard Photography

2008-07-27T20:50:00.000-07:00

So, as you can see I've changed my header again, and this time I like it, but I need to add a few more pictures to the end to make it bigger. Thanks to Elizabeth who told me how to do it! It took me awhile to get it how I like it, but I think its nice. Lots of things are going on right now! I'm trying to get a few sessions set while Josh and I are home for a bit. So, if you are interested then take advantage ASAP! Prices and products will be changing after I leave. There will be an official post of what else is going on (session price change and such). Send me an Email if you are interested in Sr. Photos, Family sessions etc. at alyssalillegard@hotmail.com I would love to set up a session with you!

God Bless!

Alyssa

Remembering

2008-07-24T12:07:00.000-07:00

So, I've been thinking alot about Europe lately, and how I can't believe that it's been over a year since I left. I talk about Europe alot, not only because I love it, but because it was a time of such self discovery. I talked to a very nice lady on my plane ride from Portland to Boise last weekend, the last leg of my trip home. I had mentioned something about Europe, and we got to talking about different places in Europe. I don't meet very many people who have been to Europe, so it was nice to hear someone elses take on their adventures there. I don't have much to blog about today, so I thought I would share one of my most favorite pictures from the whole trip. This picture was taken in Rome at one of the museums along the way to the Sistine Chapel. There are so many museums that by the time we got to the Sistine Chapel we were too tired to stay any more than a few minutes. When I miss Europe, I look at this picture and it reminds me of our time in not only Rome but Paris as well.

Packaging!

2008-07-23T14:32:00.001-07:00

So, I'm a huge fan of everything paper, and I'm pretty sure I have said that before. I love stationary, cards, wallpaper (it has to be cool) wrapping paper. I have to have it all. So, when I send someone photos I head out to find something cool to wrap it up in. I'm really liking this one, but I don't know about all that pink. I'm not really huge on pink and I'm thinking I might go a little more gender neutral. Although, I have been more in the pink mode lately. Probably because it's summer! I love looking for paper, so I'm on the hunt for other stuff too! Let me know what you think about this one...

Let me know what you think!!

God Bless!

Alyssa

Check It Out!

2008-07-23T09:23:00.000-07:00

The first of new blogs for my sad little photography blog here. Not much to say today. I've got stuff to do today. Need to start getting things organized here to start packin' up! I have to mail some photos, so I will take a picture of the pretty paper I picked out for this packaging. I'm in the process of choosing things for my business. Anyway, that's boring stuff for you! Here is the same picture that you saw yesterday, and a new one to keep you coming back to the photography blog... Not just our personal blog. Here we go!

Finished ahead of schedule!

2008-03-24T21:48:00.000-07:00

And that doesn't happen often. I usually just make it by seconds. I finished editing Miss Bentley's photos two days before I said I would have them done. I delivered them, by hand, might I add, a whole day before I had planned. Ashley, if you read this, I'm sorry. I've always worked better under pressure. I need that adrenaline rush, and that terror of not getting done when I say I'm going to. Anyway, here is the finished product, all wrapped up in a box with a pretty little tag on it. I love boxes and everything paper, so I wanted something cute. I hope you like it:

I took this as we were running out the door at 6:05 in the morning. Terrible lighting, sorry. I felt so accomplished that day. Hope you all have a wonderful day!

Alyssa

Hopefully, Coming Soon

2008-03-11T12:28:00.000-07:00

There is so much I want to be doing, but without my laptop it's a little hard to do! My laptop is being looked at, so I haven't been able to post a few photos that will be available for fine art prints, and I'm waiting around to edit the rest of the photos from the photoshoot a couple weeks ago. I might just have to load them onto my mom's computer. Anyway, for the very few who read this, I'm trying!:)

Thanks!

Alyssa

Introducing Miss Bentley

2008-03-04T09:53:00.000-08:00

This little one is such a beautiful little girl, so photogenic, but so difficult to take pictures of! Bentley so did not want me to take pictures of her. Her mom, just wanted some pretty shots of her little girl before she got any bigger. We got some shots, not as many as I would have liked, but when you photograph children, nothing is ever certain. It's an adventure with children, that much I know. Here are a few shots from the photo shoot.

Sleepy

Daddy and Bentley

She is one beautiful baby isn't she? Such a joy. Have a great Tuesday!

Alyssa

Fine Art Prints

2008-02-25T13:40:00.000-08:00

A few fine art print photos will be posted tonight! Check them out later!

Miss Bentley

2008-02-23T15:40:00.000-08:00

I had my photoshoot with the beautiful Miss Bentley and her parents today. What a treat. As most of us know either it's a good day to take a picture, or a bad one! Today Bentley was not having anything to do with the camera. While I got some shots I did like, I'm going back during the week to get the shots I went for! She is so beautiful, as are her parents! I will have a little sneak peek of Miss Bentley soon!

A New Photoshoot Soon!

2008-02-07T12:01:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted here in ages, anything of any quality anyway, but I am so excited to say that I have a newborn I will be photographing in two weeks. Hopefully, I will be able to post some new stuff soon! I am so excited. I love babies!

Hope to write soon!

Have a blessed day

Alyssa

A New Year

2007-12-27T10:18:00.000-08:00

As we near the start of a New Year I find myself stuck as to what to do with my life. I got married a month and 3 days ago, and now I'm stuck sitting around in the mornings before work in the afternoon. I've decided that it is time to get serious about my photography, something that I have been wanting to do, but haven't ever found the time to do what makes me happiest. There is always something else to do, and there always will be, but I guess I need to find the time to do what I really want to do, while not totally compromising my responsibilities. Does anyone know how I am supposed to do that?

I've had so much going on this year I don't even know where to begin. I think this may have been my busiest year in the twenty years I have been alive. An engagement in December last year kicked everything off, moving to Europe in March and returning 3 months later in June. Josh got home in June also, from Europe, where he was stationed in the Army. Wedding planning, wedding planning, and more wedding planning took up my time until the weekend of Thanksgiving when I got married, and Christmas and now New Years! I've never needed to take a break more in my life! So, I guess my New Year's Resolution is to at least start to figure out what I'm doing and where I'm going, and try to get there. So here's to the new year, new adventures, a new love for what I do, and a new life with my husband!

Baby Hailey

2007-10-18T10:46:00.000-07:00

'So baby Hailey is my first ever infant photo shoot and I had so much fun! Isn't it a little odd that we say "Baby" in front of the name when talking about babies. Maybe it's just me! I don't know.

I arrived at her grandma and grandpas house twenty minutes before I said I would, it was a busy day, and after work I just happened to be on time (early for that matter), so I decided I would start the shoot early. I was so excited to shoot infant photos, but really nervous at the same time. I met her mom and dad, and big brother Brayden, who really didn't like his photo taken, and I fell in love with them. By the time I left Brayden was calling me Aly, and he helped his grandpa walk me out to my car, and made sure I made it out of the driveway okay. I loved the photo shoot and can't wait to do it again.

Here are a few of my favorite photos from the night:

Introducing Alyssa Lillegard Photography

2007-10-11T10:34:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone, welcome to Alyssa Lillegard Photography. I'm so excited that I am finally starting up a little something to share my work with you. This is a next step for me, and I can't wait for this new adventure.

My Story:

I knew that I wanted to be an artist at a very early age. Singing, drawing, acting, and creating in general were always my specialties as a young child. I discovered right away that I was a child that preferred to stay inside and draw a new picture, or create a new project, rather than venture outside to ride my bike or climb trees. I had at one time attempted to climb a tree next to my house, but found out that the bark gave me a rash, and while I was capable of riding a scooter with some sort of agility, I didn’t learn to ride a bike without training wheels until I was eight (but this is all beside the point).

When I would tell my teachers at school what I wanted to be when I grew up, they would smile and say how nice it was that I wanted to be an artist. I don’t really think they thought back then that I was serious. I meant what I said when I was a child, even though I had absolutely no idea what kind of artist I wanted to be. I couldn’t be a dancer, I totally lacked skill, I found that out in tap dance class, and I couldn’t play an instrument for a living, I had quit piano, and refused to practice on my clarinet away from band class. So I was left to think about where my path would go.

I don’t remember the exact age I fell in love with photography, but I do remember I was Freshman in High school w hen I asked my mother for my first “real camera.” I had, had about half a dozen camera’s since then. The plastic one that didn’t take any pictures, a hot pink one that was totally a product of the 80’s and 90’s, and a small blue camera that still has it’s first roll of film in it. I have a hard time developing film that I have taken for myself. I remember the joy I felt when I got a camera, an even better one than I had asked for. My first real camera was a Nikon Film Camera that I had to wind up the finished film by hand. I loved it, and still do. I loved the way the camera felt in my hands, and I loved that just for a little while my camera was the only other “person” that knew what I was feeling at the time.

I felt the healing in my soul as I discovered something I loved, something that I found was my passion. Photography was something that I wanted to do for the rest of my life. But it wasn’t until I was a Junior in High school that I really decided I needed to become a photographer.

So here I am four years later, still learning (like I always will be), and still plunking away at what I love. I think I have my fiancée hooked on a camera, and I’ve almost convinced him to buy another camera! He decided he liked to take pictures while we were in Europe. I hope he enjoys it as much as I do, and this can be something that we do together.

Our Story:

Josh proposed last December when he was home on leave after he got back home from Iraq. He came up the escalator at the airport in his uniform, said hello to his family, and then proposed to me right there in front of everyone. Apparently half the town already knew I was getting engaged before I did.

His time home came and went quickly, and in January I decided it wasn’t enough for me to spend another six months apart, so I packed up my things, and in March I moved to Germany to live with him for two and a half months. Josh got out of the army in June, and we are getting married in November!

My Job:

It’s my job to communicate your story in my photography. I want to know all about what makes you who you are. A good photography can’t be taken without a story behind it. I want to find out who you are, what you love, so I can take pictures that illustrate your personality. I want to hear your story!

2007-09-28T13:33:00.000-07:00

2007-09-27T11:57:00.001-07:00