Bailey Hettinger Malen

Our crazy friend Rachel came to visit her family from Springfield and she brought her little bundle of joy to see us!

Rachel literally had the back of her mother's SUV full of clothes for Bailey! We laughed and talked until we went hoarse. And we got some pretty cool shots of Bailey.

Here are some of my favorites and the link to her slideshow.

Leap of Faith

Friday was my last day on the job at ATSU. Taking a leap of faith is never easy. I’ve spent countless nights tossing and turning wondering if leaving a secure job to pursue my passion of photography was the right thing to do. I spent countless moments throughout the past year talking with God about this leap of faith. And throughout the year, God has been sending me little messages to validate my decision and encourage the leap.

One November day, Sheila Swafford, our pastor at Faith United Methodist Church, called me to set up a time to proof and order her images. I told her that the images were online and she could do that from the comfort of her home computer. But she wanted to proof and purchase in person. “I don’t have time to do this,” I thought to myself. I checked my calendar and told her I was booked all week except for Wednesday. “Great. I’ll see you on Wednesday,” she said.

Wednesday rolled around and my boss unexpectedly invited me and John to lunch. She wanted to discuss my departure date, but John and I hadn’t decided on a timeline yet. During this lunch meeting, negotiations to keep me on staff failed, and I was forced to make a decision I wasn’t ready to make. “So when’s your last day,” she said. My heart started racing. My palms became sweaty. “The end of January,” I blurted out. The words just came out of my mouth without even thinking. John looked over at me like I was crazy. “Oh God, oh God, oh God, what did I say?” I silently wondered. There was nothing I could do to take those words back now.

Later that evening, Pastor Sheila showed up at our house to proof her family session. After we picked her favorites and placed her order, I casually told her about the decision I had made. She looked at me square in the eyes and said, “You are going to be just fine.” Instantly the hairs on the back of my neck stood up, chills ran down my spine, and my eyes filled with tears. “He sent you here to tell me that,” I said. God knew I would need this validation today, and that’s why you had to proof in person. And that’s why Wednesday was open in my calendar! Right then and there I knew for sure my decision to be a professional photographer was blessed by the grace of God.

Once I believed the message heart and soul, nothing could change my mind. So, I began to share the good news with certain friends and family. Some of them would ask: “Are you sure? It’s a tough economy? What are you going to do about health insurance? What if your clients don’t have money to spend on portraits? Do you have a studio yet?” Well, all of those questions, rational and reasonable to ask, often brought doubt in my mind because those questions were rooted in fear. Fear of failing. Fear of the unknown. But, I was not going to live my life in fear, and I certainly wasn’t willing to play the “what if” game. Nevertheless, those fear-based questions brought little negative thoughts into my head and sometimes made me question my talent and my decision. But the doubt only lasted a few moments. Somehow, God had another little message that brought me back to the positive aspects of being a photographer, either through a positive email from a client or a heartfelt message on our answering machine.

I share this story to be an inspiration to all of those who are facing a tough decision. If you take the leap, God will hold your hand. I am a walking, talking testament that if you get rid of the negative thoughts in your head, you will hear and see God’s message for your life.

Thanks again to all our clients who have so graciously allowed me to be a part of their family. And thank you God for using little stones to get my attention instead of having me hit a brick wall.

Hector Contreras
www.studio1004.net

Braleigh | Session #2

Braleigh is one of our watch-me-grow program clients. It's hard to believe how much she's grown since we first saw her in November.

Aunt Hailey Newman came along to her second session and so did Braleigh's dad Brad. She didn't have any accidents this time! I'm sure Heather really appreciated that! During our first session little Braleigh had a little accident on moms shirt!

Here are some of my favorite shots and the link to her slideshow!

Sing Along!

Okay...so I was watching American Idol tonight...and they showed a clip of Kelly Clarkson's new video "My life would suck without you." And I watch the whole video at att.net. I absolutely love, love, love this song! And I love that she's from good o'l Texas...just like me!

At any rate, I decided I would sing along (lip sync) with her for your entertainment.

So, ladies and gentlemen...yours truly....

New Photo Locations

In anticipation of a busy spring, summer and fall, John and I are using this winter to find some cool new locations for our 2009 senior sessions. I like areas that are grungy and have an urban feel. But there are so many "wide open spaces" rural shots that beg to be taken.

It's amazing what your eyes see when you drive different roads as opposed to the ones you normally take.

John stood in as my model. He is always cold. So, I had to be on my game and get the shots as quickly as possible. "It's cold out here," he would gently say when I took too long. Thanks for being a good sport and for forsaking your Sunday nap to help me.

Here are some of my favorite shots.

Teresa's Bridal Boutique

Wow! What an amazing transformation. The former Kum & Go on Baltimore Street in Kirksville is now a stop and shop! Our friend Teresa Mills and her family have transformed the longtime convenience store into an warm, cozy, and elegant bridal boutique.

From earrings, to shoes, to cocktail dresses, and of course one-of-a-kind couture gowns, she's got you covered. Honestly, any woman will feel like a princess in Teresa's boutique.

She had her grand opening Friday night, and John and I were some of her special guests. Here is a glimpse at what you will see inside.

Resignation from ATSU

I am happy to announce my resignation from ATSU effective January 30. For the past year, I've been juggling my photography business while managing projects for ATSU's communication and marketing department.

In January of 08, I told my boss it would take a couple of years to make a name for myself and to get my business off the ground. But we have the best clients around and their word of mouth marketing has helped tremendously! Just ten months after debuting our business website, our portrait session days were full. And get this...we are already getting phone calls and emails to set up session for the spring and summer.

John and I are truly blessed to have the support and encouragement from Kirksville and the surrounding communities. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to make a living doing what I love. Thank you, thank you, thank you, to all our past and future clients who have made this possible. I promise to continue losing sleeping thinking of new and creative ways to capture your precious moments.

Yours truly,
Hector Contreras

Saint Louis

So, we headed out to STL (Saint Louis) this weekend to celebrate our friend Tyler's birthday...but I also took the time to take some new shots of our friend Dustin.

As we were leaving the Renaissance Hotel...I spotted this classic Rolls Royce and thought it would make a great shot! I liked the shot in color...but then I tweaked it in black and white and fell in love! What a sweet ride. I'm sure that car would make an amazing backdrop for a bride and groom. I hope someday I get that chance.

The next shot was the main entrance to a bar next to a the King and I Thai Restaurant were we had lunch. There were so many cool places. The alley was actually more like a walkway between two buildings. The way the sunlight hits the background and bounces in makes me all warm and tingly inside!

Swafford Family

Back in October we had the pleasure of photographing the Swafford Family. Sheila Swafford is our pastor at Faith United Methodist Church.

In the craziness that was October, I forgot to click the publish button on this blog entry.

At any rate, here are some of my favorite shots and the link to their slideshow.

Gratitude Shout-out

So, I stopped by to see my friend Peggy at Sun Brite Laundry & Linen Services and she told me how much she enjoys reading our blog...so I promised I would give her a little shout-out. Thanks for all the word of mouth marketing you do for us! We are so grateful!

Here it is! Enjoy! By the way, this is how I get some of my clients to laugh during their session. I call it clowning around.

KTVO Commercial

So, I have wrapped up production of our commercial set to air on KTVO during the month of January! I thought I was going to go blind editing it.

The opportunity to advertise on TV came out of no where! John called me and said one of his sales associates had a new business special for us and he thought we should go for it!

"Yea that would be great if we had a commercial already produced but we don't," I said. "We'll get to it," he barked.

From concept, to script, to production, and post production, we got it done. I recruited my co-worker and friend Lee Cashatt to stand in as my model and John videotaped our session.

Here are a couple of shots from that session. Thanks again Lee! And thanks again Johnny G!

Watch for us soon on KTVO! And I'm working on getting the spot on cable too! Oh Lordy, I'm so nervous!

Bodouir Session for "Love Day"

I don't have a section on my website about Boudoir Sessions, but it's definitely something we love to do!

The Boudoir Sessions are sexy, sensual, and seductive photo shoots in which you can wear lingerie or your man's favorite jersey. This Valentine's Day...make him desire you all over again!

Here are some of the frequently asked questions about our Boudoir Session:

Q: What if I'm not a model with a perfect body?
A: Not a problem! I can find poses to accent your assets and hide your imperfections.

Q: Where will we shoot?
A: We can shoot at my studio or home or your home or wherever you want. Some clients rent a room at a nice hotel, and we can shoot there.

Q: What should I wear?
A: It's best to bring a wide variety of different outfits and photos of poses you've seen in magazines that you like so we have something to start with. As the shoot progresses, you will feel more comfortable and able to try different things on your own, but it helps if you have something to look at to begin.

Q: Do you shoot nudes?
A: If that's what you want...yes. But I believe sexy is leaving something to the imagination. There are certain poses we can create to give the illusion that you may or may not be naked.

Q: Will you post my photos on your website?
A: Only if you give me permission. I would never violate your trust and jeopardize my reputation.

Sessions are $200 and albums start at $400, so if you are interested send an e-mail to finephotos@studio1004.net to schedule your appointment right away!

Fraser Boys

Charming, dashing, and adorable! The Fraser boys warmed up to us quickly. It was cold and windy so we started the session in our studio then headed outside for a few quick shots. Thankfully their mom dressed them in layers so the cold wind didn't cut right through them.

Here are some of my favorite shots and the link to their slideshow.