Every Little Thing You Do, I Do Adore ~ Teen Behind the Scenes

Today's my one-year anniversary of Suzi Worley Photography!  As luck would have it, we just wrapped up my Behind the Scenes video this morning!  I thought I would share it with you all here as well, as it includes quite a few of my images from the session.
I created this as a tool for my teens and graduates sessions, but since it shows the make-up and hair portion it also applies to the make-over sessions I do as well.  Plus most of my sessions end up being like this... we walk around a lot, change locations and outfits, have unexpected surprises (in this case a horse volunteered for a few shots),  and we have tons of fun in the process.

Behind the Scenes with Suzi Worley from Susan Worley on Vimeo.

I am so happy that I made it through my first year!  It has been great fun and such a learning experience on so many levels.  I have enjoyed making new friends, and can't wait to see what year two has in store.  Thanks to all of you who have helped make my dream become a reality!

XO XO

~ Suzi

Happy Birthday to SWP!!!

A year ago on August 25th I officially launched my photography business.

I can't believe how much has changed since then.

I've met some wonderful people, and have enjoyed watching the families grow in this year alone.
So starting  today through Tuesday, September 3 you can enter to win one of two grand prize Gift Vouchers valued at $350*.
(Which covers not only your session fee but includes a $100 credit that can be used towards your print purchase.)
Each winner will also receive the slimline tote bag shown above.
The 13" x 5" x 13" Chocolate Tote is perfect for carrying your images, a mini market run, or a picnic with a French baguette and bottle of wine.
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*For clients that have just had a session, and would rather win a prize, they may substitute the Gift Voucher for a 12" x 18" wrapped canvas print using one of their session images!
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Five runner's up will receive one of the tote bags with a little something special inside.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Thanks to all of my clients that have helped make the year an amazing one, and I'm looking forward to seeing what next year has in store.

I look forward to working with you soon.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Covergirl

 Entering this for the Chic Critique Magazine cover contest.
Custom gown, professional make-up, and gorgeous student. We had an amazing day! Stay tuned for the rest of the session...
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Gown by: Carol Grimmer Make-up by: Moderne Beauty Photography by: Me

Leaving Your Mark

When I was little one of my favorite things to do with my Grandmother was to explore the finds in her attic. 

I always felt like a modern day archaeologist, as there was always something amazing to discover.

She had the neatest things, from old lunch tins to pretty sewing thimbles, to letters tied with strings. 

When I encountered these handcrafted Heirloom Boxes I knew I had to add them to my product offerings if only to honor my Grandmother!

I know she would be so thrilled to discover this in her attic.  (And really, who wouldn't?)

This box is gorgeous, and the attention to detail is amazingly exquisite.

From the dovetail corners to the oil rubbed finish, and the logo etched into the smooth planed wood just begs to be touched. 

(The rest of the finishes are stained and sealed and are equally stunning from Black Northern Ash to Traditional Cherry.)

I altered my logo just a tad so it showed well on the box, it looks so much more amazing in person! 

I have an option for families to have their name engraved on the box if they wish.

Perhaps their married name and wedding date? Or baby's name and birthdate?

The beauty doesn't stop on the outside, for when you open it you notice treasures just begging to be discovered!

Including five little glass vials, perfect for a lock of hair, a bit of sand, dried flowers, or even some of your favorite perfume.
(This one has lavender in it, and smells so sweet.)

 Nestled on the bottom of the box is a leather satchel full of images, a peacock feather from my wedding bouquet, a secret skeleton key, and what's in the corner?

 A collection of letters on handcrafted paper, wrapped in a lovely little piece of lace.

This lace happens to be from my wedding gown! :-)

The skeleton key says Memory, and reminds me of the ones we used at my grandmother's house.  

(I know she'd approve!)

As you open the leather satchel you realize that they contain pretty little cloth packages.

(They remind me of the remnants we kept for quilt squares...)

As you unwrap these remnants, your eyes are suddenly drawn to the images.

These are of my other grandmother, the one that I never got to meet.

They are the only things I have of her, and are truly precious beyond words.

Although this box starts with two cloth pieces, it can hold oh so much more!
I have found some amazing fine-art printers that will print your photos on cloth rag just like the artists did years ago.  The paper is thick and substantial, and looks so amazing as photographs, they are the perfect complement to this heirloom box.

(Of course I was too excited to wait for it to arrive, so instead you're seeing images of my past instead.)

I have to admit, I enjoyed selecting the treasures for this box as much as I loved unwrapping it, and I look forward to helping my clients select their special images to include in their very own nostalgia box! I love the thought that a little something I helped create will be stored in such a lovely container for future generations to discover and enjoy. It makes the archeologist deep within me happy at the thought, and I know my Grandmother would be proud that I'm passing along such a wonderful tradition to the next generation.

An Adoption Story

One of the most rewarding things about my photography business, is helping others, and sometimes this help comes in ways I never imagined.

When I was contacted by a lovely couple to help take images for their birthmother letter I was over-the-moon thrilled to be a part of such an amazing journey.

I know of so many wonderful families that are currently going through the adoption process, and it's definitely not as easy as one might think!
Located in San Jose, they have the cutest dogs that love to go on walks either in their neighborhood or in one of the gorgeous parks that California has to offer.
(The pups love to play and can hardly contain themselves at the thought of a new family member to join in on the fun!)

Some of the best placements are those that are referred through networking. So this post not only shows some of the images I took during their session, but it is also a request for you to keep this lovely couple in mind if you come across someone who's pregnant and thinking about adoption.   So please share their story with you friends and family, and the next time you're at your doctor share their story with your OB/GYN, or family practitioner, as you never know who they might know, and it could be just the conversation that helps create a family!  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ If you want to read more about this wonderful couple, or wish to share their story, their "Dear Birthmother" letter can be found below.

Hopefully someday soon I'll be sharing their new baby photos with you!