Anyone you know having a baby?

We have a very special offer for new mothers. Click on the link and give us a call. We offer only a few openings in our schedule per month so make sure you call now.  http://issuu.com/cherylkaiser/docs/kaiser_fine_photography_new_baby_gift_certificate?viewMode=magazine&mode=embed

It's Senior Portrait time again!

Yup - it's that time of year. I'm way behind and only getting my catalog to the printer as I type this but I've attached a link for you to browse. If you are the class of 2012 or know someone who is, please share this with them!  click on the link and it will open the 2012 catalog!

http://issuu.com/CherylKaiser/docs/senior_caty_2012?mode=embed&layout=http%3A%2F%2Fskin.issuu.com%2Fv%2Flight%2Flayout.xml&showFlipBtn=true

New ...just in!

I am very excited. As part of all the new products and backgrounds we've added just in the first 3 1/2 months of 2011, we just got in a new line of frames. These whimsical frames are just plain fun. Like all our frame mouldings, we can show you samples and how they will look with your portrait art and if necessary, you can borrow them overnight to make sure they will look good in the room where the portraits will hang. There are so many combinations. You may select just the wide moulding itself or accent your favorite color moulding with an accent wavy or round inner moulding. What possibilities! as always, we are there to help you make your decisions because we want you to be completely happy with your investment. And if traditional or contemporary mouldings are more your style, we have plenty to select from too. These new whimsical mouldings will be a level E upgrade to your wall portrait purchase.  Check them out!

Ladies' Night at the Country Club

Last night was the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce's Ladies' night at the Country Club at the Glen Oak Country Club. I have been involved with it for several years now as a vendor. Last night I had a display table and covered the event too. My new part timer, Kim, talked to clients while I worked. The event was great and I just love networking, sometimes I feel like an ambassador to Carbondale!

Here is my display table. It was a bit small but you work with what you have.

Here Kim (right) talks to some of the women about Kaiser Fine Photography's services. She even had a wallet of her daughter's mother's day portrrait in her pocket to show off what we did for her!

Here are the two bottles of wine from the wine pull that I bought as part of this fundraiser.

Kim is very dramatic when it comes to the passion she has for my work. She does a great job talking to people and really enjoyed herself too!

Is it Spring yet?

Everyone I talk to is so tired of all this snow and cold weather. I'm wondering if it is ever going to become warm. So anyway, watch your mailbox, I just uploaded to my printer the new newsletter. The layout is changed a little bit and I went with a "less is more" kind of look. There are some cool things coming up. If you aren't on our Facebook Page, check out the link to the right and "like" the page. This way any new events and news will keep you up to date.

So I've had alot of "retail therapy" lately. Every couple years I need to invest in some new things. Props, backgrounds,etc. As well as clean out the prop closet to see what I have that I forgot about. Doing all this rejuvenates my creativity. I hate ruts. I realized after Christmas that I had gotten into a rut. So we have a ton of new things. We have even updated all our software and camera equipment again. With all this we have expanded the style of photography too. Now we can give you a looser, more unscripted look as well as our signature work. So lots of exciting things going on and always adding more. Here are some photos of what is new.

Scranton Women's Network

Wednesday was the February meeting for the Chamber's Women's Network. I've attended for several years now. I try to go every month since it's a great way to see people and network. So after the January meeting was over I mentioned that if they were interested I would be happy to do a presenation to the ladies at one of the luncheons. Mari was thrilled as were a couple of the committee members who happened to be in earshot. So they added me to the calender for the fall. Then a few days later, Mari calls to inform me that I've been bumped to April! Whew! that soon huh? Anyway, I'm thrilled and excited. I'm going to discuss how each person can look great in their own photographs - inlcuding what to wear and the importance of a professional portrait as well as how to pose and be ready when the office or family snapshooter comes around! I did this for a community group a couple years ago and it was very well received so I'm excited to present another version to the business community.

We hosted the Greater Carbondale Chamber of Commerce Mixer

Last evening we held the Greater Carbondale Chamber of Commerce's February mixer. It was alot of fun and we had a great turnout. As I made my way around the different rooms I chatted with people and it seemed like there were alot of good conversations going on. The turnout was about 40 people. There were alot of new faces from all over the area as well as many of the regular attendees. We played a little game and everyone had to write down what Valentine message they would NOT want on their heart candy. From those we drew for our door prizes. It was great fun and there were some really great messages. The event was 5:00-7:00 but there were people still in conversation at 8:00! It was alot of fun and I look foward to the other events going on this year.

Next up is on March 5th I will be displaying at the KidDilly Expo at the Ice Box in Scranton. Then on April 6th I will have a table again at the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce's Ladies Night, then later that month I speak at their Women's Network luncheon and on April 28th I will be displaying at the Geneva School's Taste of the Valley. Whew! Now that I look at it that's quite a schedule. But no rest for the weary, planning for these types of events so I have the right products for the audience is an important task. I better get things done!

Here are some images from the mixer last night.

Vintage images

I had so much fun today.Ava has always been a great subject to photograph and we have alot of fun.Well, she was in last week for her 5 year portraits and I had an idea in mind and her mom agreed to bring her back to Carbondale to the studio for some images. Basically I got to play. I was looking for a vintage look and while they are looking a little different on the blog screen than in my photoshop screen, I think they look cool - what do you think?

You have been working hard building your career - how do you stand apart from the competition?

Your visual impact needs to be strong if you are going to stand out among the competition. Increase your visibility and look great in your business cards, networking sites, brochures and newsletters with a professional executive portrait. We understand your busy lifestyle, call today to ask about our January special and early morning appointments. Kaiser fine Photography will create your images for instant review and selection and have you out the door in under 30 minutes.

Does your entire staff need a portrait? Ask about our location services.

570-282-4090

Happy New Year!

Happy 2011! I logged on to make this post and I swear I've posted since September. Holy cow, well, maybe not. Let me fill you in. 2010 was a fantastic year. Things were rolling along at a normal pace until maybe June. in June the class of 2011 started coming for senior portraits. With myself and my part timer, Stephanie, we were able to take care of everyone in a timely manner. As the summer progressed, it got crazier and  more of a challenge to keep up. Since I do all the artwork on every image, I broke my cardinal rule of not bringing work home. I did. That however proved to not be beneficial since I still had to open all the images on the studio computer for color correcting. So I would just work late...alot.

So I take off the week after Labor Day. A much needed time since our vacation this summer consisted of college tours and a fleeting 3 day trip to Ocean City, MD. Wow, it seems like so long ago - I almost forgot about it. So anyway, I got alot accomplished during my retreat and have promised myself to do that again at least once a year for a full week. Yea, we'll see how that works out for me. So anyway, we had appointments right up until 2 days before Christmas because our labs had no holiday deadlines. Ok, sorry I'm rambling. Anyway, I came to realize that I've been moving at lighting speed, especially since September, and my brain is just propelling my body foward to all the places that my calender tells it to propel me. I think I just missed Christmas altogether because it is January 2nd and that means that Christmas was last week. Hello? Lights are on but no one is home!

From here - we have 2011 ahead. I've spent considerable time in the last few weeks planning for new year. All I can say is WOW! I have found that I am planning in ways I've never planned and you will benefit alot!  So what am I planning??? Here is a sneak peek:

1. A customer loyalty card program that will benefit my long time as well as new clients.
2. More collages and wall portrait options
3. Really cool new products that I will unveil when I get the samples in
4. Over the top customer service - again - the details will be unveiled.
5. I've ordered way cool baby and kid props, backgrounds and other goodies.
6. REGULAR BLOG POSTS! I like blogging even more than I like posting on Facebook. I will be running some contests too - so again, stay tuned.
6. Lots of things internally that will make my life, and studio workflow much more organized including looking for some help.

So stay tuned. It's gonna be a fantastic 2011! Make sure you check back or better yet, follow us and you will be up to date on everything.

My hubby, Bill and I at the Pioneer Ball in December.

Tip: Family fall portraits - clothing should coordinate not just with each other but nature's palette too.

Retreat update

Ok, so I didn't log in each day. As the days past one blended in to the others and it was the complete week that gave me a bigger picture. So now armed with new ideas and goals I will be implementing some things immediately and others as time goes on. Most will be transparent to clients. Anyway, for one we will be adjusting our hours of operation a little bit to better reflect when we actually need to be available for our clients and when we need to do internal work. Over time we will be expanding our coffee and treat station and have more goodies for clients. We will also be implementing customer home delivery in the future. Those are just a couple of the things that I worked feverishly on. It was a great week and I look foward to new directions that will be coming so stay tuned.

New Plans, New Directions

For a long time I've been collecting information, magazines and books that inspire me. I study with other successful photographers from around the globe and participate in sevearl on-line communities. After years of this my head is left spinning with ideas. Many have become part of Kaiser Fine Photography while others await implementation or various steps to become a reality. For a long time I've drempt of having a long period of time to sit, reflect on where the business is, where it is going and which of these ideas I can get implemented without worrying about the day to day running of the business. This week is that week. I'm so excited. While if the weather is nice I may go to various spots to just be alone and think, I may end up just staying at home too, who knows where the wind will carry me. My main goal though is to come out of the week with new goals, products, a clear vision and a revitalized drive. Then again I always give myself too much to accomplish but it will be a seriously good start. I will sign in each day and keep you posted on my accomplishment.

So where did I come feom and where am I now?
I've operated Kaiser Fine Photography since February of 1990. Photography has been my passion and hobby since age 11 and I received a Bachelor of Fine Art in Photography. We moved to Scranton in 1989 and I worked at various businesses over a period of time after moving here. But I wanted to start doing photography again shortly after coming here. It was in February that a graphic artist that I worked with designed a business card for me and Kaiser Fine Photography was born.

I networked and started doing PR photography, something I've done since age 14. I enjoy meeting people and this grew the business. By 1997 I had a studio in my home and was laid off by my employer at the time. It was time for me to be full time anyway, it was just scarey to make the move myself, so it was made for me.

The business steadily grew and I've moved locations several times. I currently occupy a 142 year old house in Carbondale that my husband and I purchased in 2007. It was my dream to own my own building and have my own property for portraits. I actually found an old list of written goals that I carried in an old organizer. Of the 6 goals listed I had accomplished 5 of them and retracted from 1 for now (a level of staffing).

KFP has grown and I'm thrilled. Not without family sacrifice though but that is something I think all mothers deal with in some form. The business has had it's financial ups and downs but I've come through each stronger and savvier for the experience. Now it's reached a stage in the business life of "early maturity". It is time to revisit where the business is, the state of the industry and realign the vision a little and get excited again about what I'm doing. I cherish what I do and seeing the babies and children and families grow up over the years has been something I enjoy very much. Every one gets personal attention and I love the excitement of a session. New ideas inject new exitement not just for me but for you the client too. So let's see where we can take this! For today, I'm lounging around and relaxing until we go to a friend's house for a Labor Day party. Tomorrow I send Taylor off to school and start on my new venture!

Where did it go?

Ok, I'm guilty. The summer has flown by and here we are looking at Labor Day and my last post was June?? Impossible. Although I spend more time on Facebook and posting images on there. I hope you will go to the group and join. And tell your friends too.

But as I reflect back on the summer, it did go by fast. I took two partial weeks for college tours and a short vaca. We toured some Boston colleges and then went to Ocean City, MD for a couple days to just lounge on the beach. The rest of the time we've been slammed at the studio. Stephanie works part time assembling your orders and handling the phone and clients stopping in when I am not available. I take care of the photography (of course) and the sales and the retouching. Not to mention the other things that go into running a business. I'm certainly not whining! I'm loving every minute of it. This has been one of the best summers ever.

So what next? Well I have some things up my sleeve. But to start with I am taking some personal time next week. It is going to be a week of reflecting and planning. By the end of the week I will have a game plan in place for new ways to spoil you - my client. If you have any ideas that you would like to share or things you'd like to see, by all means let me know!

What an absolutely glorious day! This afternoon we have our first college tour. Kind of a practice run for Taylor to see what the college tours are about. I can't believe she's a senior now!

Seniors Seniors Seniors

It's that time of year that the new senior class starts to think about their portraits. It's kind of a scarey time for me though as my daughter is now one of those. She's been a great help to me this year by making sure I change some of the things I offer and some of the style of photographer I do gets updated. So now I wait for the booklet to be in the mail and actually am biting my nails -the first special deadline is Friday and that's not alot of time. But I'm sure it will work out. There are other levels of specials also for later dates. So off we go. Even before this mailing is out I have several seniors booked already. What's left for me now is to get the camera room organized with the senior props and backgrounds and finish printing up all the other things that support the summer. I am also working diligently in the back yard to create some new vignette areas for portraits. It's fun creating new things and areas.

Oooo, keeping up with technology can be challenging but fun!

Ok, so this is a photo-free post. I just had to say. I'm excited to be part of the Greater Carbondale Chamber of Commerce's Art Walk on May 28th. I don' t know who our featured artist will be but hope you will stop by that evening and see. We also will be displaying, for the evening, the work of Stephanie Maxwell and her hand crafted wire trees and pendants, and Taylor Kaiser's artwork, as well as my own landscapes and fine art work. Hope to see you!

And, watch your mailbox for our newsletter. Probably next week - our spring - summer issue will hit your mailbox. We have a new look and it's more magazine style and easier to read and to keep on your coffee table for reference. I'd love your feedback when you get it.

Things have morphed againg into our "May" season. that is when the daytimes slow down a little bit (but actually, not so this year) and the evenings and weekends get frantic with award dinners, donor dinners and commencements for the colleges I do work for. The B'nai B'rith dinner last night (the Americanism Award) was my 18th!!! I can't believe it. I did the first one in 1992. That just amazes me. It's an honor actually. Next we look foward to various events for the Jewish community center, again that I've been covering since 1992&3. I reflect over the years as to where I started and where I am now and how the goals I had written down over the years have come true...but that's a marketing, goal setting lesson for another day.

Laughter comes to KFP

I'm excited to have my long time friend Jeannine Luby move her office to our studio. There has been an extra room standing empty (well, except for all the cardboard that takes up space awaiting recycling) and Jeannine can use the space for her business "Laugh to Live". Here is an article that Jeannine wrote for my newsletter...

Smile and Say Chee ‘hee hee hee’ se!
Laugh to Live! Comes to Kaiser Fine Photography

Everyone wants to wear their best smile in a picture. Some days it can be tougher than others to find that smile…but it’s there. Stress reveals itself through a barking dog that needs to be let out, burnt toast, spilled coffee caused by a pothole in the road, a late arrival to an important meeting, an unkind or negative word said to someone because of your bad morning. We all experience stressors like this that take their toll on us and make us not feel like smiling. But the smile is inside waiting to be let out! And the smile is just the doorway to something even more important… laughter.

My name is Jeannine M. Luby, certified laughter leader and owner of Laugh to Live! I’m proud and pleased to announce that I’ve just opened a new office on the second floor of my good friend (and fabulous photographer) Cheryl’s Carbondale Studio. I welcome you to stop by the North Church Street location to introduce yourself. I would love to share some information about how wonderful laughter and humor are. I am dedicated to integrating more laughter and humor into people’s daily lives through Laugh to Live’s services that include: motivational presentations, laughter yoga sessions, comedy improvisation & stand-up performances and humor writing, for corporate, group and private audiences.

Every man, woman and child (and yes, even dog) can benefit from laughter. Ever since Norman Cousins made the medical community take notice of the wonders that laughter did for his body* after he watched Marx Brothers’ comedies, research has continued to reveal the benefits of laughter … and it gets more and more encouraging every day.

Laughter can help reduce stress, improve heart health, lift our mood, burn calories and help us think more clearly and creatively … just to name a few of the many valuable and positive effects it brings about.

I look forward to meeting you and sharing a laugh or two … for the health of it.

Visit www.laughtolive.net to learn more about what Laugh to Live can do for you, employees at your office, caregivers, teachers, students and everyone in our community! Or feel free to call 650-7518 to ask about how Laugh to Live! can help you find your smile.

*Cousins, who had a life-threatening disease, found that after 15 minutes of hearty laughter he was able to get two hours of pain-free sleep without drugs.

A busy community

I always post portraits and things like that but realized I rarely post what else is going on out there that we are involved with.

Well, on March 19-20 I hosted live bunny portraits. The session fees were donated back to the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter where I foster the bunny from. This year was ver exciting because I donated $315! It was wonderful and they were very happy. Next year I may extend the special a little bit and ask for 2 bunnies. It is alot of handling for one bunny and I feel bad sometimes that the bunny has just had enough handling. Here is the press release photo that was sent out to the area newspapers.

Then there is the Carbondale Area YMCA. The Y has been undergoing a $9 million transormation over the last several years. I've been fortunate to be part of this campaign by supporting their photographic needs including the progress of the construction on a regular basis. Well this past Sunday, March 28th they had their "soft" grand opening. Introducing teh public to the new facility. It is unbelievable. The pool is beautiful and includes a waterslide, there is a Spin Room with several rows of spin cycles, and the Cardio room includes the usual treadmills and olypticals but also virtual skateboard machines and other really cool things for working out and fun and there is a free weight area too. The room is huge and there is the addition of a nurse on duty and the trainers, all right there.

Sunday's activities included a drawing for the first sliders down the slide (see photo) and the last person out of the old pool. It was exciting to be part of history.

First row: Halley Schwartz, Julian Turonis, Thomas Uzialko ( first to go down the slide ). Second row: Beth Wiggins ( Aquatic Director ) Mia Karev, Jeremie Bucklaw, Gwen Delfino, Mike Delfino, John Calabro, and Susan Mancuso ( Capital Campaign Chair ). Third row: Dr. Joseph Calabro ( Board of Trustees ), and Steve Durkin ( Executive Director )

In the meantime, at the other end of the valley in Scranton, the B'nai B'rith is preparing for the annual Americanism Award dinner held in May. I stopped in for two photographs that evening. First is the dinner committee and the second was a check presentation to the JCC youth from the B'nai B'rith lodge.

And all over the country people are launching campaigns for various seats in government. Here John Moran, a cformer Mayor of the city of Carbondale is preparing for his campaign for State Representative. I wish luck to all those running for office. They have the community's best interest at heart and I believe any of them can and will make a difference.

The past weeks have also been very busy inside the studio as we saw a record number of moms and families for Mother's Day portraits as well as a host of new babies for our Baby Plans. Those postings will be for another day as there are so many to post to Facebook that it will be quite a project to catch up. One that I hope to finish in the next week since so many moms and dads are anxious to see their images on line!