The Lucky Duck Studio

Just wanted to share the slideshow of his session. I really love this song and how wonderful they go together!

Earlier in the month, photographer Jeanine Thurston shared a beautiful letter that she received from a client on her doorstep. She stated,

“This letter wasn’t mailed – it was at my doorstep when I got home a couple months ago. I read it, I cried, and read it again – probably a hundred times by now. It wasn’t easy to read – and honestly, as much as it validates what I do for a living – I wasn’t sure I was going to share it either.”

I have wonderful clients, and I appreciate every single one of you. Sometimes we [as photographers] come by a handful of potential clients who want pictures of their family but don’t think they look their best. Or perhaps little Johnny is missing his front teeth and want to wait until they come back.  But let me tell you… You are not too fat, you don’t need the make-up, you don’t need to find the perfect outfits… you just need to take the time and get IN the pictures with your family. In 20 years your children won’t look at the pictures and talk about how you could have been skinnier, how your hairstyle was crazy… they will be smiling and so thankful that they have a portrait of you with them. So whether you decide to get professional portraits done or simply candid photos you take on your own… GET IN THOSE PICTURES!

July 2nd, 2011

Jeanine - 

Today I am writing for a couple of reasons.  I have some quiet time at the moment and need to get a couple of things off my mind.  I will leave this for my husband to deliver to you when he is ready.

You photographed my wedding, you photographed my first pregnancy and my first baby.  I contacted you awhile back to photograph my 2nd child and family.  After getting prices and realizing I would want all of the pictures as we love your work – I decided against spending $500+ – which is what I normally spend for portraits and prints with you..  Please know it is not because I don’t value your amazing eye, or how much we love the experience.

That week that I decided to NOT do a session with you, this is how I spent some money.

On Sunday I called and cancelled our session.  Monday I went out and got my hair cut ($39+tip), and colored ($65), Thursday I had my nails done ($24), my family went out to dinner at a somewhat expensive restaurant for no particular reason costing us $79 + tip.  This was just 4 days since canceling our session, already totaling over $200 for un necessary things.  My nails only lasted about 2 weeks, my hair is gone, and seven weeks passed when I got the phone call from our doctor.  It was not something I expected and the cancer has spread very quickly.  I will be leaving my husband, my 6 year old girl and my now 2 year old – not by choice.  It is very hard for me to talk about it which is why I need to write you.

I watch your Facebook page and your posts about the value of a photo and if I could give back all of those things that I purchased this few weeks after I cancelled my session with you, knowing what I know now, and have that session, well… I would do it in a heartbeat. 

Now my time is done and there are no more chances for me.  The next time someone cancels a session – my wish is that you forward this letter to them.  Time is fragile, it is gone before you know you had it.  If you charged $200 for one print it wouldn’t be enough for what it is actually worth.  I cringe to think that my priorities were a manicure over a memory to pass onto my babies and husband.

My love and thanks for what you have given us from past photos.  I am so sorry that I did not see it as more than paper until now.

Karen L

OpLove on MSN

Check out the video featuring OpLove photographers that made the news!

I was contacted a couple of weeks ago by Brittney who was interested in doing an OpLove session for her husband who is currently deployed overseas. She was absolutely a doll to work with and had the most gorgeous smile ever! We were blessed with some great weather from the “cold front” that came through. We really could not have asked for a better day. Who doesn’t love playing with balloons and fabulous outfits? I really think her hubby will love these portraits and definitely get a much needed moral booster- What do you y’all think?

The photos and other content of this publication do not imply any endorsement or recommendation by the Department of Defense.

Oh how I love my iPhone… but I love photos just as much. My poor phone has been living in a decent case for a while, but it was one of those “need a case real quick” kind that I got from Target. I love target, don’t get me wrong; but I also love being able to show off portraits. Since I don’t have a studio where I can show off all of my beautiful clients (I bring products to sessions), I wanted a way to personalize my phone. I’ve been loving the custom iPhone cases I’ve been seeing around on the net and finally took the plunge! I just ordered my own personal one today and when it comes in, will likely create one for my iPod. Check out the current designs I’m offering for your iPhone or iPod touch. These designs are good for both the 4G and 3GS. I’ll be working on iPad cases soon too. Please be sure to contact me if you’re interested in purchasing one for you or a family member. These can be made with your previous session images or a future session!