Diane Schuller, Your All Occasion Custom Photographer

If you’re new to visiting my photo journal or website, welcome! If you are not familiar with custom on-location photography, I welcome you to click on the “Client Info” tab above to learn more. One of the other bonuses with a custom photographer is the level of quality of your finished boutique products. I’m including the condensed version below of what you can expect from me when you order beautiful boutique products from your custom photo session.

All prints, portraits, canvas gallery wraps, and custom albums are colour corrected, appropriately edited, and are then finished at a Professional lab specifically for professional photographers. All wall portraits are mounted on 2 mm styrene, as they should be, to protect your valuable portrait from creases, folds, or damage and is also intended for long life. I will not compromise quality for a cheaper and inferior final product. My Portrait Collections (in 2010) start from $300, Weddings from $1600 (with a mini-option for small weddings at $500), and an average Portrait Session investment is usually $550 (2010 pricing). Please visit my website for more information on the creative sessions.

{Caveat Emptor: Beware of amateurs masquerading as professional photographers — frequently found advertising on Kijiji or Craigslist.}

“Photographs never forget!”

I had the pleasure of being invited to the T family home to take photographs of their first born. She’s a cute-as-a-button little girl and boy-oh-boy does she have proud parents! While I was in their home, I also got to meet baby Adrian’s proud grand parents visiting from ‘down East’. You should see her nursery! Beautifully painted and decorated to the nines with so many incredibly special touches, all done by her grandparents.

Did I mention how happy the parents are?

In fact, thanks to a conversation I had with them, I am bringing back the 8×10 special (see the end of this post for details) plus I’m kicking it up a notch! Thanks K. Oh and it’s not hard to see what a heartwarming look of pride the new dad is wearing these days.

And here is one more sneak peek; this one of Mom and babe.

BONUS: As I mentioned, I am bringing back the following special plus I’m kicking it up a notch. If this post receives 15 comments from friends and family, this family will receive a complimentary 8×10 of their choice because of your support! The added bonus is for anyone who lives within a 150 km radius of Grande Prairie: After leaving your comment if you contact me and book a session with me (to be scheduled prior to Sept 2010), you too will receive a complimentary 8×10 print from your photo session. To make it easy, use the [email a friend] link to share this post with friends or family.

Get a free custom photography session! Yes, the entire $125 session fee is complimentary for this special. You definitely wouldn’t save $125 if you were buying a $300 gas (bbq) grill or a $300 outdoor wicker chair for the patio. The local plumber or yard clean up crew certainly aren’t going to take $125 off their bill, so check this one out.

Instead, pay only for your prints and other photographic products by purchasing a $300 print credit. After your complimentary session, pick your choice of images for any prints or products using your $300 credit. The possibilities are practically endless. You could end up selecting a variety of quality professional prints, add a brag book or two, and something big for your walls! Order whatever your heart desires.

This is a limited offer and based on a first-come, first-served basis to the first three (3) people to book (payment is required to hold your booking). Ideal for individuals, couples, teens, or small families (maximum of 4). So if you live within a 150 km radius of Grande Prairie, Alberta, get in touch and let’s do a fully customized photo session so you can update those outdated photos currently on your walls!

The only fine print: cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion and session must be completed prior to September 2010.

“The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor.” ~ Vince Lombardi

If you’ve just browsed your way here for the first time and would like to know more, please look around here at my photo journal and definitely visit my website to learn more about my custom photography and to view my portfolio & products. Don’t forget, there are only three spots open for this exceptional sale!

Need a meaningful Mother’s Day Gift idea? Give the gift of memories by giving a gift certificate for a personal photo session with you and mom! Or ask about gift certificates for mini-sessions (with a mini price tag!) Leave me a note or use the contact form at my website. Everyone will be jealous that you gave the best gift!

Gift certificates come in pretty gift wrapping. It’s all done, just add your card.

“Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I hope someday you’ll join us, and the world will live as one.” ~ John Lennon

I’ve spent the better part of the day working on a custom flush mount album. I’m still learning how to be proficient at creating these gorgeous products so it takes me a lot longer than it takes others. I’m also so darn fussy about the details that I tend to “measure twice; cut once” over and over again. I’ve made some of these in the past but, because I don’t make them frequently, I am rusty each time I begin again. The end result is always so beautiful but boy-oh-boy it takes me a very long time to create them. So here is a preview of the one I created today. It’s a gift for my husband.

Unfortunately to put together my mosaic of each spread, I was not able to get them all in order no matter how much I fiddled with my software. So here is a peek at what the full page spreads basically will look like. I did not include the cover but when the album arrives, I’ll take photos of it for you. I added a light black stroke around each spread so you could see what the 2-pages look like opened up. (I also see from my preview here on the web that they look over-sharpened — the album itself definitely is not over-sharpened but it’s late and I wanted to post this sample for you.

Here is a separate sample of the first 2-page spread so you can see it a bit closer.

So what is a flush mount album anyway? Press Printed Albums are flush mount albums with thick lay-flat pages and no middle gutter.

Unique to Press Printed Albums, the inside pages are printed on either Art Watercolor, Art Linen, Art Recycled, or Pearl press paper and adhered to heavy black cardstock. The ones I’ve ordered so far are all on the gorgeous Pearl finish. This allows each spread to lay flat with a thick and rigid look and feel. Pages are printed as full spreads and not cut so imagery and design elements are not lost in the center of the book! Press Printed Albums are available in fixed lengths of 20, 40, or 60 sides (10, 20 or 30 spreads) and are available in 6×6, 6×12, 8×8, 10×10, 12×6 and 12×12 sizes.

All Press Printed Albums are available in a full line of cover materials including floral, mineral, suede and book fabrics, as well as many leather options including vintage, alligator and standard bonded leathers, and as a premium genuine black leather. The very popular custom photo covers are also available with Lustre or Metallic photographic paper, and Fine Art Canvas or Metallic Canvas. All cover materials can be padded as an option. All covers are wrapped around masonite providing a heavier, more substantial album. Photo custom covers are made with a photographic or canvas print that is laminated and adhered to the masonite cover.

I have shown photos before of the press printed books & albums. I’ll be sure to take photos of this one when it arrives. See what a beautiful keepsake you can have from your photo session when you hire a custom photographer? Although the press printed albums are most popular for weddings, newborns, and graduation, ANY occasion or any time is ideal for such a quality keepsake. These are quality heirlooms you’ll be proud to display and pass on to family. {Don’t forget Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are coming up very soon.}

I am looking for an Arabian horse model for a casual outdoor photo shoot to expand my portfolio. This casting call is for a purebred Arabian horse in healthy condition. The photo shoot will be done in the privacy and comfort of your residence (or boarding stable).

I will require a signed model release from anyone who takes part to allow me to use the images for my portfolio.

There will be no cost for the session and owners of models will be compensated with a gift of approximately six to ten digital images (a total value of $625). If you or anyone you know is interested, please email me at photos @ dianeschuller . com (remove spaces). I will be selecting one model for certain, but would consider a second. To be considered for this opportunity, please contact me right away to discuss the details. If you know of someone with a purebred Arabian, please send them here! This is a limited time offer (offer expires April 15, 2010 but photo shoot will occur later in spring, likely May or June).

Eligible locations: Grande Prairie, Alberta and surrounding communities; also in the Dawson Creek, BC & surrounding areas. Special consideration will be given to communities in the Grande Prairie – Hythe corridor (Beaverlodge, Wembley, etc.).

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Diane is an on-location Custom Photographer. She takes great pleasure in photographing people, places, pets, and hobbies too!

Diane’s website || Diane’s photography page at Facebook

Yes, that’s right. Effective January 1, 2010 all clients receive one half off the regular price of my Digital Packages. Now that spring is upon us and some of you are coming back to enquire about another session, I thought it was an ideal time to remind everyone about the changes that came about on January 1st.

As some of you may know, prior to 2010 I was not offering images in digital form except for low resolution web-ready versions (to share on Facebook, emails, and other web purposes). Since I had serious enquiries about digital options, I listened to my clients requests so my 2010 investment brochure included two different digital packages. Full details are available when you book your session with me but here is what the two digital packages include:

The Prairie Digital

You can print as many copies of these digital files in whatever sizes you please – make lots of copies and give them as gifts! Includes

• Five (5) high resolution digital files with printing release

• 5×7 print for each of the 5 selected images (to demonstrate how they should reproduce)

• One 8×10 print from any of your images (does not have to be one of the 5).

The Blue Sky Digital

You can print as many copies of these digital files in whatever sizes you please – make lots of copies and give them as gifts!

• Eight (8) high resolution digital files with printing release

• 5×7 print for each of the 8 selected images (to demonstrate how they should reproduce)

• One 11×14 Wall Portrait from any of your images, mounted and ready to frame (does not have to be one of the 8).

The great thing, besides offering these two digital packages from now on, is that for the entire year in 2010 you get either of these digital packages at HALF PRICE! Can’t beat that for value. Yes, all year long at half price.

I continue to offer a complimentary web-ready, watermarked copy of every image ordered as a print so you may share it with friends and family either by email or on social networking sites.

NOTE, IF TRYING TO CONTACT ME: I will be in Edmonton from Friday through to Sunday night and will not have access to the Internet. See you on Monday!

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Diane is an on-location Custom Photographer. She takes great pleasure in photographing people, places, pets, and hobbies too!

Diane’s website ||  Diane’s Facebook photography page

For your viewing pleasure. Classic car with vintage texture. Photo from a previous photo shoot.

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Diane is an on-location Custom Photographer. She takes great pleasure in photographing people, places, pets, and hobbies such as classic cars!

Diane’s website ||  Diane’s Facebook photography page

Spring has sprung, the grass has riz, as the silly spring saying goes! To celebrate the arrival of this wonderful season, I’m springing a surprise one-week offer for everyone in my service area.

Take advantage of this limited time, half price offer. This is your chance to experience custom photography or to purchase a gift certificate and give a gift of custom photography. Whether you want unique photos of your child/children (all ages), your teenager/s, yourself, or you and your fiance/spouse, here’s the perfect opportunity! Contact me right away for details and to book your customized creative session. Spring has sprung! Spring onto this offer before the week is over!

Diane’s website ||  Diane’s Facebook photography page

Earlier this week I shared two tips for those are are planning a wedding but I posted them over at Facebook and forgot to share them here! So, for any of you who are planning a wedding or know someone who is planning a wedding in the near future, send them here for these great tips.

The first one I shared with S & T whose wedding I will be covering in July. I’m sure you’ve been to weddings where you can’t for the life of you find the wedding location or the reception location. Here is a great customized solution you can include with your wedding invitations:  Wedding map custom design by a very talented gal at Etsy is the solution to that problem. This is a great solution for those who are involved in planning other events or fund raisers as well. Check it out!

The next tip is a very useful yet brief article written by a wedding photographer — a pro. This is written specifically for the general public providing you with valuable information when selecting a wedding photographer. Read “Tips from a Wedding Photographer”. And one more written by an Edmonton wedding photographer on Choosing Your Wedding Photographer. It’s highly unlikely you’re going to find a quality photographer through Kijiji or Craigslist.

Providing tips to clients and the general public regarding photography or photo-related issues is going to be a regular feature here and in my monthly newsletter (sign up by clicking on the envelope icon at my website on the main page). Sign up so you don’t miss any future tips. I also have some tips in the archives (check the “Categories” tab above) under the heading “Photography TIPS”. Let your friends know about this as well by using the “email a friend” tab below and to the right.

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Photographs Never Forget!