Andrea Hautala Photography Blog

We Have Moved! | Olympia Tacoma Children's Photographer

2008-10-18T23:16:00.000-07:00

Not the studio, just our blog. After three years of blog posts on blogger, its time our blog found a new and better home. Please change your bookmarks to our new blog:

ANDREA HAUTALA PHOTOGRAPHY BLOG

Just one for Now - Children's Photography, Olympia

2008-10-09T12:02:00.000-07:00

This has to be one of my favorites from this beautiful child's portrait session. She had the most gorgeous black boots--I totally fell in love with them!

At the Capitol, Children's Portrait Photography in Olympia, Washington

2008-10-07T14:44:00.001-07:00

I got the chance a few weeks ago to take my nieces and nephew to the Capitol building for a few shots. Aren't they the sweetest kids you ever did see?!?!

Little Ones... Children's Photography in Olympia, WA

2008-10-06T14:38:00.000-07:00

What happens when you have one busy busy toddler and one sleepy baby? Well, its not portraits together. We tried, but they were just not "having it." I was thrilled though with the ones we got of them individually and with their mom and grandmother. Aren't they precious little ones?

The New Blue... Studio Portrait Photography in Olympia, WA

2008-10-06T14:33:00.000-07:00

Gotta love a paint! It can transform a plain boring wall into something spectacular in just a little bit of time. My daughter helped me paint the other half of my last white wall this weekend and these quick snapshots were the results. Its going to look great for senior portraits.....and....and...and....

Interviewed for Article in the Olympian

2008-10-06T12:41:00.000-07:00

I completely forgot about this. I was recently interviewed by Linda Tarr of The Olympian for an article on outdoor senior photography.

Here's the link to the article: "Outdoors is way to go for School Photos"

High School Senior Portraits in Olympia, WA...with my new wall backdrop

2008-10-02T14:15:00.000-07:00

This senior came in for some quick headshots for his yearbook, and so I got to use my new painted wall. LOVE how it looks with his eyes and shirt.

We painted a new Wall in the Studio!

2008-10-01T12:56:00.001-07:00

My daughter and I whipped out the paints this week and painted half my long white wall in the studio. Aside from being fun to experiment with several shades of paint, I think it looks gorgeous. I took a quick snapshot of it with Miss J. posing of course, but have since already done two sessions using it. I'm sure we'll get lots of use out of this wall. Next up.....shades of blue on the other half of the wall.

HOLIDAY CARD MINI SESSIONS-November 10

2008-10-01T12:47:00.001-07:00

On November 10th (a school holiday for most), we are holding our Holiday Card Mini Sessions! This is a great way to get the holiday cards you want without having to do a full session.

The session includes a half hour studio time, 50 (yes 50!!) press-printed flat postcard style 5x7 holiday cards (front and back) and a $100 print credit to use however you like at the discounted collection pricing (that we usually reserve for our bigger collections)--all for $200.

We have a ton of new card designs to choose from. Here are just a few:

There are still spots available, but they are going fast. So call today to reserve your session!

Three Generations - Family Photography in Olympia

2008-10-01T12:31:00.000-07:00

My favorite from a three generation session...

And we involved the chickens! Rocky cooperated beautifully. :-)

And of course we did some of just Delaney...

Back to School Celebration Session Special

2008-09-17T16:10:00.000-07:00

What? The kids have gone back to school and Andrea Hautala Photography is celebrating? Yes, that's right...we're holding a Back to School Celebration Special next week.

When you book a weekday studio session Monday, September 22 through Tuesday, September 30, your session fee will be waived. That means you'll save $100!!

Limited number of sessions available so call today to book your session before they're all gone.

Kristina - a Capitol HS Senior

2008-09-16T14:00:00.000-07:00

We had a blast....Kristina was such a willing and easy senior to photograph and was up for everything I suggested. Here are a few of her favorites from her session.

The Johnson Girls - Children's Photography in Olympia

2008-09-12T10:30:00.000-07:00

Another summer session at my outdoor studio that I haven't had a chance to post. The girls were absolute angels to photograph.

Little Liam's Newborn Photography Session

2008-09-11T14:12:00.001-07:00

Little Liam had such a rocky start arriving 7 weeks early, but praise God he is a healthy happy newborn! He was 3 weeks old when I had the privilege of photographing him and his family. Isn't he just the sweetest little baby?!?

First Day of School

2008-09-08T10:58:00.001-07:00

I've been trying hard to blog a bit more on the personal side of life along with the business so that you can get to know me a little better. Hence a first day of school post. :-)

How excited our daughter was to hit the books again (really!) and get back to a daily routine of school. A new teacher, new students, old friends, and a whole lot of learning. And while I enjoyed the long lazy days of summer, I'm excited to get back to the daily routine of business (and catching up on all the stuff I let slide over summer).

Sister and Brothers - Olympia Family Photography

2008-08-28T19:10:00.001-07:00

Another session at my studio outdoors. Loved this family....you could just tell how close knit they were together, and getting them all in the hammock was a blast!

Love this Age! - Olympia Baby Photography

2008-08-28T19:06:00.000-07:00

This sweetheart gave me so many wonderful expressions. I could have photographed her all day long. I swear I photograph the most beautiful babies!!

Blue Eyed Beauty - Baby Photography in Olympia

2008-08-28T19:02:00.000-07:00

Her eyes completely captivated me.

What a Little Doll! - Olympia Children's Photography

2008-08-28T18:58:00.000-07:00

I absolutely adored this darling. Isn't that outfit just the cutest?

Newborn Portraits with Family - Studio Photography

2008-08-28T18:54:00.000-07:00

Whew! Can you believe we completed this whirlwind session in just 30 minutes? I can't either. LOL! He was so good for me!

What We've Been Up to This Summer...

2008-08-27T08:09:00.000-07:00

This was the first summer in years that I gave my family more of my time than I did to my business. Still busy as ever with sessions of all sorts, I seem to have found more of a balance (it helped that I changed business hours officially) to accommodate my family better.

Anyway, one of the undertakings we did as a family this summer was to start raising chickens. There is nothing as tasty as a fresh egg newly laid. And while we just got our first egg (after a month of waiting), we've had so much fun with our hens. They have such distinct personalities (we have 4 different breeds). Our Buff Opingtons are friendly and almost pet-like, along with one of the Plymouth Barred Rocks. The others are more skiddish, and our Aracaunas (they lay blue/green tinged eggs) are downright flighty and want nothing to do with us. Its been a joy to include a flock of hens in our daily lives.

And while I've always had a small garden (pic of this year's tiny garden), this is the year we finally put into place a massive plan to expand our garden to take up a large portion of our back yard (I'm hoping to incorporate it into portraits with antiques and garden art). We'll be putting in 12 4x8 raised beds along with composters (gotta do something with all that chicken pooh!), raspberries and blueberries for next year. I attached a pic of the lumber for our future garden.

So that's our plan for Labor Day Weekend--assembling raised bed, after raised bed. And filling them with garden soil (all 12 yards of it!!!!!).

School starts on Sepetember 3rd, and I'll finally be able to devote myself back to business.

But I have to say....its been a wonderful summer!

Yep.....Out of the Studio Again

2008-08-11T11:40:00.000-07:00

Sorry, but its that time of year.....a time for some chillin' and relaxing with family. We'll be out of the studio from August 11 through the 19th. I'll try to return phone calls and emails when I have a chance, but definitely not doing any sessions during this time off.

I promise to return with more images of recent sessions that I haven't had a chance to post this month.

3 Months... - Baby Photography in Olympia

2008-08-05T14:57:00.001-07:00

I have always thought that the age 3 months is the hardest to photograph because babies this age aren't little like a newborn any longer but are not yet able to sit up, or often even hold up their heads yet, when on their bellies. But this little guy proved me wrong. He was so easy going and fun to photograph....I should have known. He was just like his older brother who I photographed last year as a 3 month old (last photo).

At Tumwater Falls Park

2008-08-04T15:41:00.000-07:00

I think this is one of the prettiest parks in the Olympia/Tumwater area, and I love taking families down to the big rocks for a portrait session. Here's what we got this hot, bright sunny summer evening.

And then we hopped in the car and headed down to Tumwater Historical Park right down the road and patiently waited our turn for this pretty spot.

Family of Four on the water

2008-08-04T15:35:00.000-07:00

It's always been my approach that families are best photographed in their homes, or on their own property, or a beautiful location, other than in the studio. So when I got the phone call to photograph this beautiful family, I jumped at the chance to photograph them at their house. Isn't their view just lovely?

Upcoming Out of Office Post

2008-08-04T15:33:00.000-07:00

I'll be out of the office August 9 through August 19th and the studio will be closed.

Newborn Photography in Olympia... in a Bread Bowl

2008-08-04T15:27:00.001-07:00

Well actually its a antique dough bowl, and I've been searching high and low for about a year to find one just to put a baby in it. Eureka! I scored a few weeks ago at an antique store, and then this weekend I found an even bigger one (the perfect one I've been looking for) with handles. I can't wait to use it too.

Whew! It's been a while...

2008-08-04T15:17:00.000-07:00

It's been quite busy around here, with vacation and lots of babies to photograph, etc. etc. Here's a newborn session that I loved! (Well I love them all, but this little guy was so awake and so sweet...) Its often a challenge to get great eye contact from newborns since they can't focus their eyes at this point, but this newborn had it all figured out.

V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N

2008-07-11T19:07:00.001-07:00

We'll be out of the studio from July 12 through the 20th. I'll be periodically checking my email and will try to reply to emails as I'm able. See you when we return!

Tiny and Sweet... Newborn Portraits, Olympia, Washington

2008-07-08T11:58:00.000-07:00

This precious newborn girl weighed a little over 6 lbs. when she came in for her session. Isn't she darling? I think she stuck her tongue at a me in half the shots! LOL! And I finally got to use the new "cocoon" I knitted for newborn sessions. It worked perfectly to keep her cozy and warm. I've since finished two more and can't wait to use them too!

Jules and Emmett...13 months old

2008-07-07T16:08:00.000-07:00

I've had the pleasure of photographing these twin boys since they were 4 months old. They recently came in for their "1 year" portraits and I can't believe how fast the time as flown. From the first session it was easy to see their distinctly different personalities. I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed these little guys this past year!

More Sleepiness

2008-07-07T15:51:00.000-07:00

Another little one that loved his sleep. He was a dream to photograph!

Meet Rowan

2008-07-06T12:56:00.000-07:00

Oh how I love when these little guys sleep the whole time. And this little one was so sweet, I could have just pinched his little cheeks a million times. :-) There were so many great ones to show that I'm posting a bunch instead of just a few.

Trying to catch up on posting. Summer has been absolutely craziness (and how is that different from any other time? LOL!) I hope everyone enjoyed their July 4th weekend. I know we did--at least the actual holiday. The rest of the weekend, we've been installing electric fencing around the perimeter of our huge yard. Did I mention how *not fun* that is to do?) But at least my dogs won't be able to greet clients any more after we get it in and get them trained. I'm sure clients will appreciate that!

Working Blog again, with Pics

2008-07-01T08:30:00.001-07:00

Yeah! I don't know what the issue was yesterday, but today my blog is working again and I can post images.

You might remember this fine young man from my website gallery--here he is about 3 years ago and then from last week -- he's now six! Only one for now, I'm still post-processing these.

EEEEK!

2008-06-30T17:36:00.000-07:00

Technical difficulties with my blog....it won't let me post any images....not good for a photography blog that is all about the images, eh? Looks like I will be moving sooner than I thought to my new blog (which I haven't found the time to work on perfecting it the way I want it to be)....

Anyway, stay tuned. I have lots of images I am dying to share, just not a way to get them up here. I'll try again to post some images, but its not looking good for this old blog.

SUMMERTIME!

2008-06-18T08:46:00.000-07:00

Yeah! It's here, its finally here. The kids are out of school, lots of fun stuff going on! In fact we just got back from our first trip to Wild Waves in Tacoma on Monday--the weather was just perfection. But what would a blog post be without some portraits. The flowers are all blooming around the studio so we took full advantage!

Tim Russert

2008-06-13T18:33:00.000-07:00

Anyone else feeling devastated by the sudden passing of Tim Russert tonight? May he rest in peace.

"Days of Old" Session

2008-06-06T09:39:00.000-07:00

Loved the outfit this little guy wore for his 2 year session, and the new little toy prop I picked up last week ended up being absolutely a perfect fit. We had a blast!

Kaylee...Almost 7.

2008-06-05T12:28:00.000-07:00

I met Kaylee two years ago when we signed up our daughter for Tae Kwon Do at World Martial Arts over here on the west side. I don't think I have ever met such a sweet spirited young girl with as much energy as Kaylee has. She always makes me smile and I hope that I was able to capture her spirit with these images.

And I can't not post a plug for Kaylee's family Do Jang. If you are interested in martial arts, we highly recommend Gregg and Michelle Loney's World Martial Arts. They are starting a six week defensive tactics course designed exclusively for men and women over 30 in July. How cool is that?!

Annette's Testimonial

2008-06-05T12:23:00.000-07:00

Annette B. wrote this beautiful testimonial for my website about her photography experience with me:

Absolutely Amazing! I found Andrea Hautala through the internet. I wanted to have pictures taken of my newborn granddaughter and her family that we could treasure forever. I couldn't have been more satisfied. Andrea captured all the emotion and wonderment of the moment. When we went to view the pictures for the first time she had put them onto a DVD slide show with music. Not only does she take the most Amazing and Beautiful pictures but she chose the most beautiful perfect song to go with them. Hearing the song Sweet Sweet Baby playing and seeing my Son and Daughter-in-law holding beautiful Aliyah was so emotional. Tears immediately started rolling down my cheeks and to this day I still get emotional when I see it. All the pictures were more than I ever could have imagined. I have never had such a wonderful experience or been more satisfied with a photographer. Everyone that has seen the pictures have commented on how absolutely amazing the images are. Thank you So Much Andrea for this wonderful experience and photographs that will be treasured Forever... Annette B.

Thank you Annette!

4 POUNDS of JOY!

2008-06-05T12:17:00.000-07:00

Isn't she tiny?!? At two weeks old, her little doll dress that her parents brought fit just perfect. I don't normally photograph newborns with alot of clothes on but this dress was just too cute. She was a perfect angel and slept for me the entire time.

And Baby makes 5.

2008-06-05T12:03:00.000-07:00

I photographed the youngest sister as a newborn a few years ago, and now I had the privilege of also photographing their new brother. At 2 months old, I was amazed that he slept for me!

And one with their Nanny...

More of Lindsey...3 years old

2008-06-05T11:58:00.000-07:00

Finally getting a chance to catch up on some delinquent blogging from recent sessions. Here's some more of Lindsey's 3 year session.

Fruits of my Labor...

2008-05-28T14:36:00.000-07:00

Well, not the babies! Actually I'm referring to the hats I've been knitting. After a few sizing trials, I think I finally got it down and have been diligently knitting with my 7 year old in the evenings, making these gorgeous hats for newborn sessions.

My sister-in-law made me this delicate pink one:

Don't mind the baby doll. I didn't have a readily available live baby at hand and was dying to show off this green varigated hat I made. The wrap is for newborn sessions too, but these won't actually be photographed together with the green hat with a live baby.

I think this ruffled hat just might be my favorite so far. Love the color!

Looking forward to Summer!

2008-05-23T14:50:00.000-07:00

Its almost here! We've bought a new pool and my daughter is bursting with excitement to put it up and go swimming. We have a trip or two planned and a visit with family in August. We're excited to try out a new summer day camp too! I've got the calendar mapped out and thought I'd share the openings I do have available in case you are thinking about a session....

Openings after June 13th:

June 20

June 24 and 25

June 30-July 2

July 7-11

July 21 & 23

July 28

July 29 (afternoon)

July 30

July 21 (afternoon)

August 1 & 4

August 20-22

August 27-29

Another "Expecting" Favorite

2008-05-23T14:41:00.001-07:00

I just love the warm tones here and the feeling this image invokes.

Just one for now for Shelley

2008-05-21T14:54:00.000-07:00

Because I know she can't wait another minute to come and see them all. :-)

6 weeks old

2008-05-21T12:44:00.000-07:00

This little guy was W I D E - A W A K E for the entire session, and I don't think he was really interested in letting me take his "pictures". And while we didn't get any of those sweet newborn sleeping shots, I'm thrilled with the awake ones that we got.

Little "A"

2008-05-21T12:26:00.000-07:00

Look at all that hair! Isn't she just the sweetest? I just loved every one of these images, especially the one of her and her older brother.

MSN Mail Users....Please read

2008-05-19T09:40:00.000-07:00

For some reason, MSN has decided to block my ip address from sending mail to all MSN Windows Live Hotmail accounts. I'm working hard trying to rectify the problem (which is hard to do since I've been unable to find a single phone number to call and speak to a live person), but what this means in the mean time is that I cannot send emails to my clients that have MSN email addresses. Please bear with me while I muddle through! Thanks!!

Just one...

2008-05-16T09:42:00.000-07:00

This is a beautiful little girl I photographed recently who was recently adopted from Ethopia. She has the most gorgeous brown eyes I've ever seen!

More of these Guys

2008-05-15T14:07:00.001-07:00

How's that for a Title Post? :-) Seriously though, its been absolutely crazy around here, trying to keep up, and now with sessions on the books every single day, its definitely a challenge to keep my blog updated.

Last weekend, I dropped my most precious prime portrait lens on the floor of my studio and heard the most horrible sound of parts moving around inside when I picked it up and checked the glass. Luckily, the glass in intact, but the shutter is in pieces. I could just cry! Sending it back to Nikon for service--hoping its fixable. And alas, my beloved commercial steamer (that I use on all my muslin backdrops and maternity wraps bit the dust last week too, spewing a half gallon of water all over my laminate flooring right before a session. It's not been my week for studio equipment.

Anyway, this wouldn't be a blog post without some serious cuties to share. These are few more from a recent session that I've been meaning to post.

Delaney....18 months

2008-05-10T08:20:00.000-07:00

It was a pleasure to have Delaney back in for her 18 month session. Remember her as a newborn?

And then around 9 months....

And of course these are from her latest session. Look at those gorgeous blue eyes and that curly blonde hair! She's a beauty, isn't she?
We dodged rain drops and stormy clouds and dashed outside to get a few shots before the weather decided not to cooperate.

A Client Testimonial

2008-05-02T13:24:00.001-07:00

I have so many wonderful clients who come back time and again to have their children's lives documented by me. I have had the privilege to work with the Ingram family for the last two years and have watched their children grow and grow. I recently had the chance to photograph them again in the studio last month. Cheryl sent me a testimonial for my website that about made me cry so I have to share it here too:

Andrea Hautala is amazing! Although I had used some other photographers in the past, my infant and toddler children have now been photographed by Andrea on several occasions. After each photo session I have waited with much anticipation to return and view the images. Every time I have been amazed at what she has captured. My breath has at times been taken away and tears brought to my eyes at the sight of a particular image of my child. I have then stolen a glance at my husband and realized that the photo affected him in the same way. Andrea has also demonstrated incredible patience with my children. My toddler son is overflowing with energy and Andrea rolls with the flow of my children in a way that makes me feel comfortable and relaxed. I know that I am incapable of adequately describing the qualities of her photography with words, but Andrea consistently captures images in a very special way like no other portrait photographs that I have ever seen. -- Cheryl I.

Stunning Maternity Portraiture

2008-05-01T14:38:00.001-07:00

Isn't she stunning? I see a beautiful mom to be just glowing with the anticipation of holding her new baby in her arms in just a few short weeks. I can't wait to meet baby Rowan! © Andrea Hautala Photography - Olympia Maternity Photographer

Children's Photography Downtown Olympia

2008-04-28T09:51:00.001-07:00

I absolutely love going to Olympia's Capitol building for a photo session, especially on a quiet Saturday afternoon when you can actually find a parking spot and there are not zillions of people milling about. This particular Saturday was gorgeous weather and we found lots of fun spots sprinkled throughout downtown Oly for photo opportunities. Here are just a few: I wish everyone would let me take them downtown for a session! :-) © Andrea Hautala Photography - Olympia Children's Photographer

Snips and Snails...

2008-04-25T13:56:00.000-07:00

and puppy dog tails, that's what little boys are made of. Isn't that how the nursery rhyme goes? This little guy was all boy, eager to ride his tricycle and play play play. Isn't that what being a boy is all about? :-)

A Family Addiction - Knitting!

2008-04-21T15:26:00.000-07:00

It all started with a little "knit your own mouse kit" that I bought for my 7 year old for Christmas. Her Aunt helped her get started and then I got the bug and watched a youtube instructional video and away I went knitting newborn wraps.

We bought the nifty knitter and my daughter taught her Dad how to use it and away he went. So far, we've started several projects...My husband made the green hat out of Army survival cording (a bit difficult to knit with and tough as nails) and I made the pink hat (originally meant for a newborn but I'm still learning gauges and I'll get the next one right) and Jeanette is making herself a "skirt" and a scarf, and has made several fingerless gloves.

In the evenings you can find all three of us side by side sitting on the couch knitting together. LOL!

Two of my new fave places to scour are Fun Junk, a unique little store on the west side that has a store full of vintage knitting needles in all sizes (and everything else you can imagine), and Canvas Works, Olympia's largest yarn store downtown. Walking into that place is just like heaven! All those textures and colors--I could just go wild thinking up different projects to knit. But for now I'll stick to perfecting my newborn & baby hats and newborn wraps. Let me know if you would like me to photograph YOUR newborn in a certain color or texture wrap. :-)© Andrea Hautala Photography - Olympia Newborn Photographer

Another Mommy & Me Session Post

2008-04-21T13:31:00.000-07:00

Slowly editing through all those Mommy & Me portrait sessions from a few weeks ago. Aren't they cute together?!? © Andrea Hautala Photography - Olympia Children's Photographer

Twins Girls - 3 Years Old

2008-04-20T14:31:00.001-07:00

Identical twins - I couldn't tell them apart and kept calling them by the other's name. Silly me, no wonder they didn't acknowledge me...I couldn't even get their names right! LOL!

We had great fun for this fast paced Mommy & Me portrait session. The girls were quick quick quick as lightening! © Andrea Hautala Photography - Olympia Children's Photographer

Going with the Flow

2008-04-19T09:24:00.001-07:00

First, I have to marvel at our freakish weather we are having. I'm looking out the window and it is snowing on this Saturday morning in mid-April in Olympia. Wow! Yesterday I was doing a session with an 18 month old and it poured, and hailed, and then the sun came out so we ran outside got some shots and as soon as we finished it started raining again. Craziness! But thankfully the day I did this session it was nice outside, because the 3 year old wanted nothing to do with my studio and sometimes its just easier to change tactics and go with the flow, so we went outdoors instead, and he was happy as gravy. © Andrea Hautala Photography - Children Photographer

Baby Portraits of a 6 month old

2008-04-18T09:16:00.000-07:00

Isn't she precious!?!? Her mom was a master knitter and had all these super cool things that she made for her to wear. I'm so inspired! The closeup of her in the hat was both our favorites. © Andrea Hautala Photography - Olympia Baby Photographer

1 Month Old Anna

2008-04-16T18:26:00.001-07:00

Can't resist posting a few more of little Anna. She was quite awake for most of the session as most babies are at this age, but we managed to get a few of her sleeping at the end. I think we wore her out. :-)

Our Boo's New Do

2008-04-16T18:03:00.000-07:00

Finally! We got our 9 month old Goldendoodle's hair cut. I can live without the poodle hairdo and next grooming we'll be doing it differently for sure, but I sure am glad to have all that hair gone. Loving his velvety (sans every last twig and pinecone) coat. Here's some before and after shots of our SammyBoo.

A Few more of Mason's Newborn Portraits

2008-04-14T14:23:00.000-07:00

Since my blog is going crazy with hits since I last posted, I thought I'd share a few more from Mason's session. Waaaaaay behind on editing all my other sessions and will hopefully catch up this week. Enjoy! © Andrea Hautala Photography - Newborn Photographer

Mason's Newborn Portraits - 9 Days Old

2008-04-11T16:26:00.000-07:00

Another beautiful newborn session with three beautiful people. Here's Mr. Mason at 9 days old. © Andrea Hautala Photography - Newborn Photography

Dante's One Year Portraits

2008-04-09T09:26:00.000-07:00

I love when clients that come in as newborn portraits and return later in the year so I get to watch them grow! This is Dante who just turned one year old. His family is moving away so I won't get to see him again :-( © Andrea Hautala Photography

First as a newborn....

And these of course are his one year portraits...

Baby Che

2008-04-07T18:08:00.000-07:00

...with his grandmother at 3 months old. He was a little unsure of my studio lights. ;-) © Andrea Hautala Photography

Expecting or have a new baby? Check out this Special!

2008-04-07T08:38:00.000-07:00

The first three people to call me and book either the Belly & Bebe Session OR Baby's First Year Plan will receive a 9-page Wallet book from session of their choice (wallet book valued at $200). Everyone absolutely RAVES about these wallet books because they are so easy to carry around in your purse and show off your beautiful child.

Belly & Bebe Session $550

Includes both maternity session in third trimester, newborn session (first 10 days), maternity spiralbound session book, 25 birth announcements and lower collection pricing.

Baby's First Year Plan $600

Three sessions, a 5x7 portrait from each session and 25 birthday announcements and lower collection pricing.

And because I'm feeling generous, the first three people to call me and book a newborn session will receive a gift certificate for a free session when baby is 6-7 months old. Don't worry if you haven't had your baby yet - that's actually the best time to call and secure your newborn session.

Just mention this special when you call -- but act fast, these will go quick! 360-867-9824

Birds and Mice Oh My!

2008-04-06T14:57:00.000-07:00

Distractions from work....

Earlier in the week, I got in my little over a year old SUV and turned on the heater to the overwhelming smell of dog food. A little confused as to why my heater smelled like puppy breath I was to find out the next morning when driving my daughter to school....She shreiks from the back seat "THERE'S A MOUSE ON THE FLOOR!"

Apparently the little critters decided to take up residence in my heater and found a ziplock baggie of puppy food that I left in the glovebox to keep them fed. After opening my eyes and looking around, I discovered that there were mouse droppings everywhere! How does one miss something as disgusting as that? Ugh! I was able to get the car in right away to the dealership, who removed a mouse nest from the heater ducts and hopefully got rid of the mouse! In the meantime I have little traps set up all over the floorboards, and saying a prayer that the rodents are gone for good.

Now that I got that taken care of, a crazy little kamikaze bird outside my office window is out to get me. I'm not sure what is so appealing about my window but he's been non-stop dive bombing it for the last two days. I moved the bird feeder in hopes that he'd go away (I usually love watching the birds outside my window when I'm working on the computer), but to no avail. Any suggestions, aside of shooting the darn thing? I don't want to hurt it....I just want it to stop trying to break down my window (as scenes from the 1963 Alfred Hitchcock movie, "The Birds" come to mind).

Doesn't he just look like he's out to get me? Or am I just being paranoid? ;-)

Upcoming Deadline on Double Dollar Gift Certificates

2008-04-06T12:40:00.000-07:00

Don't forget that the "double dollar" part of your Double Dollar Gift Certificates expire on June 1.

To take advantage of the Double Dollar Gift Certificates, please keep in mind that sessions need to be COMPLETED and orders placed by June 1 to qualify for the double amount. That means you should complete your session no later than the beginning of May to be safe that you'll be able to get back in to order before the deadline.

I know life gets super busy for all of us and its easy to forget about making an appointment. But don't fear, as the gift certificates are good at face value forever and can be used at any time, so if you are a procrastinator and miss the (solidly firm) expiration date or just plain have forgotten to take advantage of your gift certificate, you can still use the gift certificate (it just won't be doubled past June 1).

A Hint of things to come....

2008-04-04T09:51:00.000-07:00

Tweaking tweaking tweaking....

That's what I'm doing right now to finish off my new blog! Can't wait to introduce it in a few days. It'll be much "purtier" than this one and easier for me to manage. Up to my eyeballs in .css and codes and html.....not fun. LOL!

Remember this one?

2008-04-03T09:37:00.001-07:00

Remember her from two and a half years ago?

Well here's her new baby sister! Bet you'd never guess! They don't look anything alike do they? :-)

6 months and so sweet!

2008-03-28T15:22:00.000-07:00

Catching up from Babython!

2008-03-26T18:16:00.000-07:00

Just one for now...trying to catch up from the babython sessions going on this week and last © Andrea Hautala Photography

A few Spots Left for Mommy & Me LE

2008-03-20T10:57:00.001-07:00

There is one spot left if you want to get in on the Mommy & Me Limited Edition Session.

Saturday, April 12 at 12:30 pm

Session fee of $79 includes one signed Limited Edition 8x10 Portrait. See post further down for an example.

Coming soon--Daddy and Me Limited Edition for Father's Day, and Teddybears and Tutu's, both in May.

School's out on June 13 for us.
The studio will be closed the week of June 15, July 14 and August 7-24.
Summer sessions will be limited to Mondays, Tuesdays every other Wednesday and every other Friday.

Baby Garrett - 7 days old

2008-03-20T10:49:00.000-07:00

Go Cowboys! Dad was a big sports fan so we did a few with some of his special football keepsakes.

Sleepy

2008-03-11T11:35:00.000-07:00

That's the way I like 'em when they are this age--7 days. :-) Isn't he just the most perfect vision of perfection?

Full of Spunk!

2008-03-11T11:31:00.000-07:00

I have been photographing "A" for a few years now and every time I do I am just amazed at her spunky-full-of-life personality. She is a joy and I always enjoy having her in front of my camera. Thanks "H" for bringing her in again.

Let's Rock Out the Show!

2008-03-08T15:05:00.000-08:00

One Guitar. Check. One Hannah Montana wanna be. Check.

Mommy & Me Limited Edition Session

2008-03-07T09:32:00.000-08:00

Mother's Day is coming and its the perfect time to capture that bond between mother and child. April is your chance to do just that.

We have set aside April 2, 3, 4 and 12 for a Mommy and Me Limited Edition Session.

The cost is only $79 and that includes the session time and an 8x10 signed Limited Edition Print of you and your child/children!

Call now to book before we fill up as space is limited and when the spots are gone, they are gone.

Its DONE! My New Senior Website!

2008-02-28T13:15:00.000-08:00

Well a few minor tweakings left to do, but for the most part, I'm thrilled that its done. Seems like it took forever to finish! Check it out! www.ahpseniors.com While you are at it just go to my brand new splash page at www.andreahautala.com and navigate to the site from there! Can you tell I've been a busy girl.

BABYTHON SESSIONS in MARCH

2008-02-28T12:56:00.000-08:00

I love babies so much that for two weeks in March we'll be holding FREE, yes absolutely free studio baby sessions for your little ones, 1 month to 12 months of age. What's the catch? Well seriously, there's not one!

March 17 through 28th (weekdays only)
Completely free baby sessions (normally $100)
No minimum order required (normally $200)

WOW! Does it get any better than that?

So call fast, because availability is limited and first come first served. And be sure to mention this blog post offer or newsletter you received so you receive the free session.

Ok, there have been a few questions asked about these sessions that you should know. You can't apply the free session to a larger baby plan package or belly&baby plan. There's no rain checks for weeks or months later, and no, this isn't a free session for the family or all the kids together. That's why we call it babython....its just for the babes. :-)

When They Won't Fall Asleep...

2008-02-28T12:49:00.000-08:00

If all else fails, photograph them awake (or the moment they close their eyes for a brief second)!

9 Months....Another great Milestone!

2008-02-28T12:37:00.000-08:00

At 9 months, an important milestone includes standing up holding on to things, and I love being able to capture this milestone. Sometimes, (though its a rarity) I see little ones this age starting to walk.

6 Months....My favorite Age

2008-02-28T12:26:00.000-08:00

I think this is the best age to photograph babies. They are so happy and bubbly and sitting up, but not yet able to walk (ie, make quick exits when we want them to stay put).

Brothers....

2008-02-28T12:05:00.001-08:00

Catching up on a few session posts. I've gotten quite behind!

Sweet Baby Ashley

2008-02-28T11:49:00.000-08:00

Isn't she just darling? It was a rarity to have a newborn sleep through nearly the entire session, but I certainly took advantage of it and we got lots of wonderful priceless shots of this beauty. Her dad brought his spare flight helmet and we squeezed her in. Have I mentioned how much I LOVE when parents bring objects special to them to be photographed with their newborns?

Technical Difficulties!

2008-02-26T15:33:00.000-08:00

Ugh! My website has gone missing! The senior site still works www.ahpseniors.com but my main site is gone. Bear with me as I try to figure out what happened and get it back.

THE BIGGEST Sale of the YEAR!

2008-01-17T12:26:00.000-08:00

50% off REPRINT SALE
January 21-25, 2008

We are cleaning house at the end of the month, and purging all old files from our computers to make more room. We've been lazy (ie, way too busy) to get rid of all the unordered images from the last year so we are offering you one last chance to grab them before they will be gone forever.

Gift Prints (sizes 11x14, 8x10, 5x7, 4x5, wallets) from last year's sessions can be purchased at 50% off current alacarte pricing.

How to Order: First, call us to see if we still have your session images on file.

We'll create a web gallery for you to preview them again for a one day period (web gallery fees and retrieval fees are all waived for the sale). Call us at 360-867-9824 or email us by 5 pm on the 25th to place your order. Simple as that!

The fine print:

*3 print OR $100 minimum purchase required
*You must have placed an initial order to qualify for the reprint sale
*Cannot be combined with any other special/promotion
*Not applicable to pending orders

Dramatic Maternity

2008-01-17T12:08:00.000-08:00

What a fun session we had! Sharing just one for now....

Waiting for Baby to Arrive

2008-01-17T12:05:00.000-08:00

A recent maternity session....the first portrait reminded me of Madonna and child. :-)

A Recent Sweet Newborn

2008-01-17T12:01:00.000-08:00

Have I mentioned how much I love newborns? Especially when they are just days old and all squishy and bendable (is that even a word?). This little one didn't disappoint us with her sleepiness and mom and dad were thrilled with the shots we got.

Finally, a Post from me!

2008-01-17T11:55:00.000-08:00

It's been way too long and people are asking me if I'm going to start posting again.....so I think I'll start the year out with one of my girl. Found a fun spot right on the west side of town when we were eating lunch out one day. And luckily I happened to have my camera with me so we braved the wind and freezing cold to get a few shots. I'd love to take a high school senior to this spot!!

Mr. September!

2007-12-07T10:59:00.000-08:00

One of my clients recently asked if I would send in an image that I took of her son for a contest (which by the way, I never mind doing) and the image won! She sent me a picture of what the final calendar looks like.

Meet Christian--Mr. September 2008 for the National Autism Association. Isn't he just the most gorgeous child?

Christmas Break

2007-12-03T21:05:00.000-08:00

The studio will be closed from December 12 through January 2nd.
Even photographers need a break for Christmas. :-)

I've forgotten about my blog!

2007-12-02T22:48:00.000-08:00

Yes, in the madness of the holiday rush I've severely neglected my blog. So many sessions to post, so little time!!! One more week and I'll be able to breathe a bit. But in the meantime, here's one of little "M".
On another note, come Thursday (if the cable company decides to show up for our scheduled installation appt. this time) we will finally have a separate telephone line dedicated to Andrea Hautala Photography. Since the old contact number is on every piece of marketing material I've ever printed etc., we will be keeping the old number for business and the second line will be our private personal line. For me this means a much needed separation between work and home life. So my game plan is going to be turning off my business phone ringer after 5 pm and on the weekends and returning calls during normal business hours. That's fair, don't you think? I feel less stressed already! :-)

SORRY! Contact Page on my Website

2007-11-15T20:11:00.001-08:00

It just came to my attention that all emails sent to me via the contact page on my website have not been coming through on my end. So if you emailed me through the website and I have not replied to you in the past (oh probably month) its because I never received the email!!!

I can only imagine how many people have emailed and wondered why I did not reply. So sorry!! Please try again, its working now. I promise, I will email you right back!

I Promise!

2007-11-01T07:25:00.000-07:00

More images soon. I've just been swamped with business, life, etc. and haven't had a chance to resize any and get them up on the blog.

ONE!!!

2007-11-01T07:13:00.001-07:00

That's how many session times I have available if you need to have your portrait order back in time to give out as gifts for the holidays. (Holiday Session Deadline is November 16).

Thursday, November 15th at 1:00 pm.

Otherwise, I have some time open the last week in November, but since that is past my deadline for the holiday rush, you wouldn't get your portraits back until January.

The only sessions I can squeeze into December are newborns (those that have already scheduled before their delivery date). I'll do my best to squeeze in any newborns that haven't scheduled ahead, but it really is best to call me ahead and book before baby is born.

Now January.....that's another story. There is much availability if you want to wait until after the mad rush of the holidays to schedule a session.