Wednesday, December 22, 2010

CLOSED

We will be closing the studio starting December 22. We will return to the studio February 1, 2011. The time off won't all be spent having fun. We're sketching new ideas for sets, and scouting new locations.

If you need to get a hold of us, send us an email, finephotos@studio1004.net
Or you can call the studio and leave a voice mail. I Can't promise that we'll get to you right way...but we will periodically check emails and voice mails.

I want to take this opportunity to also say THANK YOU to our loyal clients! This year has been amazing and I've been able to add some amazing work to our print competition folder.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Sophia B. | babysteps™

Sophia was bright-eyed and bushy-tailed for the first hour of her session...which is not what we wanted. So, we waited and waited and waited for nearly two hours for her to finally fall asleep.

I'm excited to see her grow this first year. She's doing our babysteps™ program.
Formerly known as the “Watch-Me-Grow” program, the babysteps™ package is designed to capture your baby’s first year of life. Four separate photo sessions are held at 2 weeks, 4 months, 8 months and one year.





Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Ruben B. | Milan Senior 2011

Okay ladies...try to keep your blood pressure down. Ruben is as polite, charming, and witty as he is good looking. And you better believe it...his skin is like butter!

Here are some of my favs from his senior session.



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Brett W. | KHS Senior 2011

Our buddy Brett is laid back and easygoing. His facial bone structure is simply bananas! Amazing jawline and nose.
Here are some of my favorites from his senior session.



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Kayelene | KHS Senior 2011

Kayelene is oh so sweet and bubbly! And the camera totally loves her! She was a little shy at first and before we got started she warned me she was not a fan of having her picture take. I said, "Don't you worry your precious little head honey, by the time I'm done you're going to want to come back for more! Then I showed her a few of the shots on the camera display. She swung her hand up to her mouth and gasped! "OMG...I can't believe that's me! I love it!"

Here are some of my favorites from her senior session.



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Levi G. | Unionville Senior 2011

Levi, his father, and his younger brother all play the drums. It's a big part of his life and someday his future.

Here are some of my favorite shots from his senior session.



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Friday, December 3, 2010

Festival of Trees

The Kirksville Art Center has partnered with 1000 Hills Morning Rotary Holiday Tour of Homes to bring you the Festival of Trees!

Dec 5-12 trees decorated by local business will be on display at the Kirksville Art Center. We've titled ours "Picture Perfect" and we've got over 3 dozen miniature picture frames with portraits from some of our clients all over the tree!

Gallery Hours: Mon-Wed. 5-7p, Thurs-Sat: 1-7p, Sun: 1-5p.




Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Lock the Door

So I was trying to relax and release all the tension from a busy day at the studio but I forgot to lock the front door. This video clip captured what happened next. It is not right...but it sho-be-funny!



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Holiday Love™ Special

Starting December 2-4 we are offering our Holiday Love™ Special. We're willing to work after 5pm to squeeze you in...but in order to get your cards in on time...we have to shoot no later than the 4th.
The special includes:
• One 8x10
• Eight wallets
• 25 Christmas Cards
• One outfit, one studio set
• Regularly $395...NOW $155
Times are limited. Call 660.665.2363 to reserve your session.



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Andres & Birttany M.

They were beyond charming, polite, and adorable! Andres and Brittany reminded me of how my mother used to dress me and my sister for church. We had to look impeccable!



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Holiday Love™ Special

Starting December 2-4 we are offering our Holiday Love™ Special. We're willing to work after 5pm to squeeze you in...but in order to get your cards in on time...we have to shoot no later than the 4th.
The special includes:
• One 8x10
• Eight wallets
• 25 Christmas Cards
• One outfit, one studio set
• Regularly $395...NOW $155
Times are limited. Call 660.665.2363 to reserve your session.



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Kimberly F. | Milan Senior 2011

Kimberly has big dreams of becoming a forensic scientist and her heart is just a big and sweet.

Here are some of my favs from her session.



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Friday, November 19, 2010

Holiday Love™ Special

Okay...so I'm running about a week behind...but we can still get it done. Here's the deal, starting December 2-4 we are offering our Holiday Love™ Special. We're willing to work after 5pm to squeeze you in...but in order to get your cards in on time...we have to shoot no later than the 4th.
The special includes:
• One 8x10
• Eight wallets
• 25 Christmas Cards
• One outfit, one studio set
• Regularly $395...NOW $155
Times are limited. Call 660.665.2363 to reserve your session.



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Westmoreland Family

We met the Westmoreland Family a little over a year ago...but for some reason it feels like we have been friends since childhood. We can literally spend hours exchanging stories and it feels like only minutes have passed. Love, love, love, them all!

Here are some of my favorite shots.



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Baby Art Calendars For Sale

In celebration of children all across the Heartland, we're offering Baby Art Calendars to help you be more organized next year. They also make great Christmas gifts!

The calendars are $13. All proceeds from the calendars will go to Victim Support Services. VSS Inc. is a non-profit organization serving all victims of violent crime, including domestic and sexual abuse, since 1988. All services are provided at no cost to victims in Adair, Knox, Macon, Putnam, Schuyler, Scotland and Sullivan Counties in Missouri.

Calendars can be purchased at these fine Kirksville retailers: Hy-Vee(at Customer Service counter), Hastings(at the checkout), The Green Door, Hidden Treasures, Sweet Espressions Coffee House, Reflections 2000(see Charlene), Kirksville Area Chamber of Commerce, Studio 1004, and Northeast Regional Medical Center(See Laura Gruber).



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Friday, November 12, 2010

Proofs & Negatives

If you or someone you know had portraits taken at Noel’s Studio between 1984 and 2009 and would like to purchase your files...give me call! 660.665.2363

The proofs and negatives are being sold for $125 for the first session. Additional sessions are $75 each.
All proofs and negatives left with us after December will be destroyed.



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Kelsey H. | Monroe City Senior 2011

Some girls just have it...and Kelsey is one of them! Despite getting some bad news earlier in the week, Kelsey was a little bummed out...but put on her sunny glasses and gave me her all.

Dear Kelsey: I know the pain you felt in the pit of your stomach feels like it will never go away...but I can promise you that it does and life gets better and you will laugh and find joy again in the smallest, silliest things. I think you are an amazing young woman destined for greatness. Don't let anyone steal your sunshine!




Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Anne T. | Green City Senior 2011

Anne is not only unbelievably courageous and beautiful but she's as polite as the day is long!
Here are some of my favorite shots.



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Kristie P. | Scotland Co. Senior 2011

Kristie is like the girl next door that you can't help but love! Polite, soft-spoken, yet confident...the camera just loves her!

Here are some of my favs.



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Payton & Jersey H.

Our lovable, hug-able, and oh so beautiful buddy, Jersey, recently turned the big 5! She and her sis, Payton, had a good time laughing and dancing at our studio.

Here are some of my favorites.



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Brett H. | Newborn

Born to Tim and Kelly Herbst, Brett came into the world October 19, weighing in a 7 lbs 13 oz. His sisters, Payton and Jersey can't get enough...but who can blame them...he's so lovable!



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Briggs Family

Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! How can they NOT melt your heart!
I've had the good fortune and blessing to know the Briggs family for the past year. And yes, they are as beautiful on the inside as they are one the outside!



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Danielle P. | Schuyler Co Senior 2011

She loves her guns as much as she loves her new baby girl!
Here are some of my favorite shots from Danielle's senior session.



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Megan R. | South Shelby Senior 2011

WOW! Talk about feeling and knowing herself and the camera! Megan is a strong and independent woman...and makes no apologies for it! Love her!

Here are some of my favorites from her senior session!

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

By Popular Demand

Because we ran out of senior appointments in October, we're going to extend our 50% OFF Sale through December!

Just remember, we'll be out of the studio the week of Thanksgiving, and we'll shut down for the year December 23rd.

Call to book your senior session today! 660.665.2363



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Autumn Special

Now through November 31st, we're offering 50% OFF our children and family sessions!
Call NOW to reserve your session! 660.665.2363



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Babysteps™

Formerly known as the “Watch-Me-Grow” program, the Babysteps™ package is designed to capture your baby’s first precious year. Four separate photo sessions are held at 2 weeks, 4 months, 8 months and one year.

Call or log on to book your baby’s first session with us today!

Investment: $350
Call STUDIO | 1004 at 660.665.2363 for more details.



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Tim S. | Knox Co. Senior 2011

I thought our new friend Tim was never going to crack a smile...but then I told him there was a girl walking down the alley and she wanted his phone number! That got him grinning from ear to ear!

Here are some of my faves!



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Jessie H. | KHS Senior 2011

She's a sassy and spicy as salsa! Jessie likes to keep things simple and easy.
Here are some of my favorite shots from her senior session, with her brother Josh, and her parents, Tom and Connie!



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Carter S. | 8 months

Carter is in his third session of our Baby Steps™ program. Our Baby Steps™ program captures your baby as a newborn, 4 months, 8 months, and 1 year.
The session is $350 for the year.



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Dorrell Boys

Each of one the Dorrell boys has such an unique personality and all three are full of intrigue and wonder.

I knew getting a shot of all three of them together would take a miracle...so instead, I just let each one do his thing while I ran, rolled, and crawled to get a shot. After their session, I had to lie on the couch for at least 10 minutes to catch my breath.

Cheryl, you deserve the biggest gold metal for making parenting look so effortless! Thanks for helping me wrangle them up!



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Bailey J. | KHS Senior 2011

Bailey=sunshine! Yep...she's a ray of sunshine that got brighter and brighter the more we hung out. Bailey, you are going to be an amazing actor one day! I can feel it in my bones!

Here are some of my favs.



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Phillips Family

Cousin Andy and Christa brought a squeaky rubber chicken to the set to make the kids smile and it worked like a charm!

Here are some of my faves.



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Dalton K. | KHS Senior 2011

Dalton: laid-back and easy-going as any given Sunday. His mom tried to have him gel his hair...but then he decided his hair was too long to spike. So, he just washed out the gel and ran his fingers through it. "I'm ready," he said.

Here are some of my favs from his senior session.



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Lambert Girls

The Lambert girls are so full of love and joy! Getting them to smile was sooo easy! Here are some of my faves.



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Ty H. | La Plata Senior 2011

Ty challenged us to incorporate welding sparks into one of his shots. So, I sent John to buy some sparklers at the state line while Kate, our studio manager, and I tweaked the camera settings to pull off the shot.

Here's how we did it: Kate is running back and forth behind Ty while the sparklers burn. The camera shutter speed is so slow that it picks up the sparks but not Kate. Crazy right! And we're glad to say we didn't burn down our studio attempting the shot!

Here are some of my favorite shots.



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Dilyne C. | KHS Senior 2011

Dilyne is a little sweet and sassy! Although her family likes to tease her about being a little uncoordinated...she knocked all of her shots out of the park!

Here are some of my faves.



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Liz B. | Centerville IA, Senior 2011

Liz is the type of girl who has fun no matter how silly the idea! Yes, she's pushing a lawnmower while wearing heels and looking ever so fabulous!




Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Cody S. | Brashear HS Senior

There is no doubt Cody is going to be voted class clown! Funny, charming, and good looking. He's a triple threat. Watch out girls! LOL!

Here are some of my favorite shots.



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Candice + Jamie | e-session

Candice and Jamie are set to exchange vows in an outdoor ceremony this coming May. Although they both live in Chicago full-time, they come to Kirksville to see family and friends just about every other weekend.

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



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Williams Wedding

Kristen and Mark wanted a simple and small wedding with lots of love.

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



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Friday, October 15, 2010

Chelsea C. | KHS Senior 2011

Chelsea is such a warm and bubbly girl! How can you not love her! Oh and her eyelashes are a mile long! Unbelievable.
Here are some of my favorites.



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Cassie G. | Centertville IA, Senior 2011

WOW! Cassie G! The way you worked my camera really rocked my socks!
Here are some of my favorites.



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Baby Art Calendars For Sale

Buy your Baby Art Calendar today for only $13(no tax)! We've added more retailers for your convenience. All calendar proceeds benefit Victim Support Services!

You can find the calendars at: Hy-Vee(@ Customer Service counter), Hastings, The Green Door, Hidden Treasures, Sweet Espressions Coffee House, Reflections 2000, Kirksville Area Chamber of Commerce, Studio 1004, and the Northeast Regional Medical Center Gift Shop.



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Katie M. | Scotland Co. Senior 2011

When Katie walked into the studio to set up her session...the first thing I said to her was,"OMG your hair is beautiful! Can I touch it!" We laughed and totally became BFFs!

Here are some of my favorite shots from her session!



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Labor of Love | Baby Art Calendars

The Baby Art Calendar project is a collaboration between Studio 1004
Modern Photography and Northeast Regional Medical Center (NRMC). The calendar is a celebration of the hospital's newly renovated OB/Nursery Unit.

Studio 1004 and NRMC realize that not all children are blessed with a kind and nurturing environment. So Studio 1004 and NRMC decided to donate all the proceeds of the Baby Art Calendar to Victim Support Services (VSS).

"We want the the Baby Art Calendar to bring people joy, but we also want to raise awareness about the hidden crime of child abuse and neglect," said Hector Contreras, Studio 1004 owner and photographer.

VSS provides counseling and shelter for Northeast Missouri victims of violence and abuse, primarily women and children.

If you would like to help the cause, you can purchase a calendar at these fine Kirksville retailers: Hy-Vee(@Customer Service counter), Hastings, Sweet Espressions Coffee House, Kirksville Area Chamber of Commerce, The Green Door, Hidden Treasures, Reflections 2000, Studio 1004, and the Northeast Regional Medical Center Gift Shop.

We can also mail you a calendar. Just send your check for $13 made out to "VSS" to:
Studio 1004
P.O. Box 191
Kirksville, MO 63501
Please make checks payable to Victim Support Services.

PS: I want to take this opportunity to thank all the parents of our baby models for having the patience to work with my crazy schedule. This project would not have been possible without their appreciation and love for the art and the cause.

I also want to thank my right hand woman, Kate Elrod, for her dedication and organizational skills to get this project scheduled into my calendar. Kate, you are simply the best!

We have created a special website for this project...www.studio1004babyart.net for you to see.



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Kristie C. | KHS Senior 2011

Kristie is the kind of girl you can't help but love! She's strong, independent, and polite.

Here are some of my favorite shots!



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Shaniel S. | Centerville Senior 2011

Shaniel reminds me of apple pie! She's super sweet and warm. Her little brother Wyatt came along for her session and we put him to work cleaning off our dock!

Here are some of my favs.



Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

MOPPA Awards

The Professional Photographers Association of Missouri held its Fall Seminar in Osage Beach this weekend. I decided to enter my first print competition to get some feedback on a couple of my prints. And much to my surprise, I came back a winner!

Here are my two winning prints!





Hector Contreras,
Kirksville Photographer
studio1004.net