Unrelated image, but what’s a post without a photo?  I haven’t taken the time lately to do much personal or nature photography, but I got this one after a rainy day last week and couldn’t resist putting it up.

Otherwise,  I have just a few news items for today!  First off-  I hate to even say this one. I don’t like overanticipating holidays any more than you do. That being said, if you’ve been considering a portrait session for Christmas, now is the time to book it. More like… yesterday.  My schedule is already pretty packed until December, but it’s not too late.  If you want Christmas portraits, I’d like to make sure there’s time to fit them in! Please contact me ASAP if that’s something you’re interested in.

Secondly-  it’s now a little bit easier to comment on my blog!  Now there’s no need to log in to anything or fill in a name/email-  there is now an option to leave a comment through your facebook profile. Feel free to try it out!

I’m offering a great new product and wanted to share images with you! They’re called layflat books. They are printed on normal paper (well, shiny archival paper, but not as thick as album pages) and are bound in such a way that when opened, these books lay flat. There is no gutter between the pages, so you can print an image spread across two pages without any important details getting caught in the middle.

4x6 Layflat with Custom Cover

I have to be honest- these are not a replacement for albums.  Flushmount albums are handcrafted and durable, meant to provide a lifetime of memories, so that you can show the album to your grandkids on your fiftieth wedding anniversary. These books are a little more everyday, and that’s what I like about them; they’re the kind that you can leave on the coffee table, that you can slip into a pocket or a purse to take with you to show off. They’re durable enough to stand up to everyday wear and tear and beautiful enough for gifts.

I have two books pictured here: a 4×6 and an 8×10. Oplove clients receive one of the 4×6 albums free, to be shipped oversees as a keepsake.

8x10 and 4x6 Layflat

While the 4×6 has no gutter and the images are printed perfectly between pages, I have to be honest- it will not lay open without someone holding it; it’s just too small. The larger sizes, however, can be left open beautifully without any pressure.

4x6 Layflat open

I love the larger sizes as well.  The details are richer on the larger images. Also, these are perfect to use as a engagement book or guestbook- the layout would feature lots of large images with wide white spaces around them for the guests to sign. It’s a great way for guests get to see your engagement photos and makes for a lovely keepsake.

8x10 open

The book featured here is one of the samples that I keep with me for meetings and consultations. So if you’d like to see one in person, just ask! If you think it’s pretty here, it’s even more impressive in person.

I know things have been quiet here lately, but this is just a quick note to let you know that I am out of the office at this time.  I will be returning to the office on Monday, August 16th.  I will be without internet or cell phone coverage during this time, so chances are you won’t be able to reach me. Please leave a message either via email or voicemail and I will get back to you as soon as I’m able. Thanks!

             It is one of those baffling things in life to be surrounded by beauty,  or swallowed in the everyday, and realise what absolute devastation people are facing even as we speak.   Over the next several weeks, there will be an outpouring of photographs and footage as the true depth of loss becomes clear to us, even so far away.   But looking, I realise that I am blessed and humbled to be part of the community that I am. There are so many, not just posting about the need for support, but donating in whatever little way they can, gathering others to do the same, and building an amazing support network.

Please, if you haven’t yet, take a minute to hold the people of Haiti in your thoughts and prayers.  As far away as we are, it can be hard to realise the immediacy of the situation. It’s easy to look away from the television and multitask to forgetfulness. But do not forget the people who have a very long path ahead of them, who have little hope for the next chapter in their lives, even as it comes to finding the daily necessities or getting in touch with loved ones.

Ways you can help:

Pray.  Light a candle. Send hope.

By all means, pass on contribution & volunteering efforts. Please though, before you retweet, or forward emails, or repost, take thirty seconds to check you information & the charities.  Rumors and misinformation can spread faster than news. Good intentions are helpful, but if they’re based off of incorrect information, can lead to wasting the invaluable time and efforts of people who are actually in the position to help.

A few benefits and organizations that I can wholeheartedly recommend:

If you’re in Pittsburgh, Breathe Yoga Studio is donating the proceeds from their yogarhythmics class, tomorrow (Friday) night.  (they’re a great studio. I’ll be out of town, but seriously, check it out.)

Similarly, the Shadow Lounge is hosting a benefit concert on January 21st.

Text “HAITI” to 90999 to donate $10 through the Red Cross (it’s billed through your phone service, no credit cards necessary.) See here.

Text “YELE” to 501501 to donate $5 to Yele Haiti. See Yele.

Or, you could donate to:

Doctors Without Borders is already in place in Haiti- in fact, a good portion of their own staff is missing- and they will be receiving new specialists over the next several days to treat as much as they can.

Charity:Water has recently been developing projects to bring more clean drinking water to Haiti and is raising the urgency in light of the disaster.

UNICEF specifically works with children in need and has so far released 3.4 million for emergency funding.

Heifer International works to provide livestock and resources to families in need of sustenance and livelihoods. They are commited not just to emergency relief but long-term community building.

Not everyone can afford to give and that’s fine. Please, though, consider passing these along, and pray for those in need.

I know, I know. No one likes going into retail stores around Halloween to find the Christmas carols already playing, and I don’t like it any more than you do.   Still, it needs said- we are rapidly running out of time to book portrait sessions for November-December. 

November is always my busiest month, and there are a lot of personal commitments this year- workshops to go to, babies being born, novels to write, weddings, Thanksgiving… All that to say that my schedule will be a little less flexible than it usually is, and most people are just starting to think about their Christmas cards! If Christmas portraits are something that you have been considering,  please, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me as soon as possible. You want to leave time for the Christmas cards to be printed, and there is a limited amount of portrait sessions left available in November. Please get in touch with me soon if you’d like to reserve one of those for your family.  :)

The old photo sets are still there- you can get to them by clicking on the the Galleries link, or hover over it to select the set you want. Also new in the links above are Rates and FAQ (still growing, so please be patient!) Anyhow, if you used to follow the old wordpress.com blog, please update your RSS feed or become a fan on Facebook so that you can keep up! And you certainly want to- there are a lot of fantastic photos coming soon.

In the meantime, please contact me if there are any questions you might have or if there’s anything I can help you with.

ETA: Everything should be up and running now! Appearances will change a bit over the next day or two but all links are now good. :)

Now offering a limited time Senior Portrait Photography special! There are no boring, staged studio shots here. Each photoshoot is done at a location of your choice and focuses on your personality & style. It’s about having fun and looking good while you’re doing it. Bring your car. Bring your pet. Wear your prom dress or tux. Wear your chucks. Bring your favorite music. We’ll have a good time.

Limited-time prices:

basic $75
-up to one hour shooting
-online gallery for ordering
-digital yearbook photo

premium $125
-up to two hours shooting
-multiple locations and outfits available (one for you, one for your parents!)
-online gallery for ordering
-digital yearbook photo
-CD of web-sized images (great for facebook, myspace, etc)
-8×10 of your choice

Email sbaileyphotography@gmail.com to schedule your appointment today, while prices last! Friends sessions are available!

Just thought that I would share this quick shot from our stop at the Aquarium. My husband & I are actually on vacation, visiting family & friends in VA and NC for the rest of this week. I’ll be back in the office on 8/3 to answer any emails, but I just thought I would share this little glimpse of our time off so far… Keep watching for more updates, and I’ll catch up with the more serious things when I return. :)

More here.