Sunday, August 19, 2012

2012 Cutest Kid Contest Results

There's a learning curve with everything, I've discovered. Halfway through this contest I realized I made a wee-bit of a mistake. In the rules, I allowed 2 entries per family. However, in my mind I just assumed the family with the most votes would win the first prize, and the family with the second most votes would win the second prize. That would make sense, right?

Halfway through the contest I started realizing I didn't say that in the rules. Nope. Didn't. Which *technically* meant the top two entires (even if from the same family) won both the first AND second prize. But then I felt like maybe I wasn't being fair. Are you still with me? I know...confusing. But hang in there. Here we go.

Here are the winners of the 2012 Cutest Kids Contest!!

1st Prize goes to 2-Year-Old Elijah!! Who finished with WELL over 600 votes!!

2nd Prize goes to his little brother, Lincoln! Who ALSO finished with WELL over 600 votes!!

But now you're upset if you're the FAMILY that came in second place, right? Trust me, I hear ya. Shame on me for making such a silly mistake. So I'm giving away another package just for you.

3rd Prize is going to Arianna!! We finished with almost 300 votes!!

Congratulations to all of our winners, and thank you all so much for participating. It was so wonderful to see all of those adorable faces, and to see your family and friends join together to vote for your beautiful kiddos.

Stephanie and Codi, I'll be contacting you soon to outline what you've won!

Thanks again, everyone! We've got the best clients around!!

Monday, August 6, 2012

Marcy's Head Shots

Marcy contacted us for some head shots for her new business, Magnolia Massage. I couldn't wait to get this lovely lady in front of my camera to have some fun. Not only is she gorgeous, but she also has great pricing on massages right here in Lompoc. Contact Marcy here to book yours today!

Thanks for trusting us with your photos Marcy. You rocked 'em :)






Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Folks Photography's Cutest Kid Contest 2012

Our First Annual Cutest Kid Contest has arrived! 






Here are the official rules:

To enter-

* One entry per child, no more than two entries per family
* You must be the parent or legal guardian of the child you enter into the contest
* Child must be 12 years old or younger on the date of entry
* You must have permission/rights to use the photo you enter
* Photo must have been taken in the last 6 months
* Photos will be accepted from August 1, 2012 until 11:59pm Friday August 17, 2012 (PST) via e-mail
* Only photos e-mailed to MelissaFolks@FolksPhoto.com with the subject line “Lompoc’s Cutest Kid Contest” during the previously mentioned time will be accepted
* Include your child's name and age in the e-mail (first name and age will be posted for viewing), as well as your name and contact information
* Tag yourself with your Lompoc’s Cutest Kid picture (found on Folks Photography’s Facebook page)
* Ask your friends and family to vote for your cute kid
* Winning photo(s) must have at least five "vote" comments by the close of the deadline to redeem prizes
* Contest open to everyone. However photo sessions only to occur in Lompoc, CA at a location chosen by Folks Photography.
• No professional (“staged” or “posed”) photos allowed. Must be a snapshot taken within the last 6 months. Snapshots can be taken with any type of camera.

How Photos Will Be Judged-
* All entries will be uploaded into an album by Folks Photography on my Facebook fan page
* Once your picture is uploaded in the album, you'll receive an email letting you know that your picture is ready for voting ("voting" in the photo's comments section by your friends and family)
* You must tag Folks Photography on your photo with the words, "Vote for {your child's name} to win a free photo shoot in the Lompoc’s Cutest Kid Contest sponsored by Folks Photography" (note: you must tag Folks Photography by using the @ symbol)
• The photo with the most “Vote” comments will officially win the contest
* Your friends and family members (and you!) MUST “Like” Folks Photography’s fan page before voting.
* Voting will close Friday August 17th, 2012 at 11:59pm
* Official winner will be notified and announced on our blog (FolksPhotography.blogspot.com) Sunday, August 19th 2012
• If there’s a tie in votes, we’ll present the photos to 3 unbiased judges for a final vote.

What You'll Win-
* Grand Prize: The parent or legal guardian of the child in the winning photo will receive a free 1-hour photo session with Folks Photography, as well as (4) 8x10, (2) 5x7's, and (3) 4x6s, and a high-resolution CD of all images with copyrights. In addition, we will take a professional photo of your child and display it on our website’s main page.
• Runner-Up: The parent or legal guardian of the child in the winning photo will receive a free 30-minute photo session with Folks Photography as well as a high-resolution CD of all images with copyrights
* Photo sessions to take place before January 1st, 2013. Contact Folks Photography for availability.
* First place prize retail value of $525 - cannot be altered or changed in any way, and not redeemable for cash
• Second place prize retail value of $350—cannot be altered or changed in any way, and not redeemable for cash
* Additional prints and digital prints will be available for purchase at retail prices
* No other promotions or discounts can be applied

*NOTE: this giveaway is in no way endorsed, sponsored, or associated with Facebook in any way. By entering you understand all information is being provided by Folks Photography, and not Facebook. Any negative or derogatory remarks towards other contestants will be removed from my page and may cause your entry to be removed.

Please email or post any questions you have, and I will be happy to answer them. Now lets see these cute kids!!!

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Codi and Ross

I showed up on location and instantly realized...this shoot might not happen. If you've ever lived on the Central Cali Coast, you'd understand how crazy the wind and fog can get. This particular evening was no exception. In fact, I may argue that it was one of the windiest days I've experienced since living in Lompoc.

Codi and Ross showed up shortly after I scoped out our windy (and chilly!!) beach location and just knew that they were going to hop right back in their car and get the heck out of there. However, since Ross was only home from his deployment for a very quick visit, we had to make this happen, and they both agreed to do the shoot with enthusiasm despite the weather.

And boy, oh boy, I'm glad they did! I had a great time, and I think we got some great photographs!

A huge thanks to Codi and Ross for being so willing, and for looking amazing in front of the camera :) You two are adorable. I hope Ross gets to come home and stay home very soon, Codi!!! We're thinking of you and your family, and we're grateful for your hubby's service to our country!


Running as quickly as possible to the rocks for shelter. Although they look amazing running down the beach together too :)









 Aren't they so adorable together?!






Such a gorgeous couple. So in love. So perfect.


Welcoming Eleanor JoAnne

We wanted to publicly introduce you all to our sweet new Eleanor JoAnne. She's been in our family for a little over 2-months now and we couldn't be more pleased :)

For those of you interested, I'll entertain you with the birth story. For those not interested, please feel free to scroll down to the adorable photos of our beautiful daughter :)

Little Eleanor was due on May 10th, 2012 but was quite comfortable where she was. I photographed families almost right up to my due date, and stayed physically active during the entire pregnancy, so I fully expected her to come early, seeing that her brother came right on time on May 16th, 2 years ago. In my mind, I planned on laboring at home right up until it was time to deliver her, and then we would rush to the hospital just down the road. And if we didn't make it...we didn't make it. I wanted to avoid all of the hospital procedures, including those annoying needles and wires. I had my last OB appointment on May 14th, and he was not confident that she would be coming anytime soon. I was at 3cm and 90% effaced, but if you've had children before, you know that really doesn't mean much. He stripped my membranes and asked that we schedule a time for an induction.

NO.

I did NOT want an induction. This was the exact opposite of what I wanted to happen. Induction meant LOTS of intervention, wires, and meds. Blech. Not what I had planned in my head. So after the doctor's appointment, I did everything. I even went as far to contact my chiropractor for some pressure point magic. Nothin.

We celebrated our son's 2nd birthday on May 16th of that same week and I just kept thinking they were going to share a birthday. But that day, too, came and went without a single sign of her coming.

We entered the Lompoc hospital around 6:45AM on May 17th for the dreaded induction. I didn't get a minute of sleep the night before, knowing I was going to have our little one in the morning. Not only that, the uncertainty of the pitocin made me incredibly anxious (and not in a good way). The socially awkward nurse that was assigned to me was sweet enough, but didn't do much to calm my nerves either. Doctor Huss came in to check on me before the pitocin started and informed me that he'd be there as soon as his finished a c-section he was on his way to. I jokingly told him that I was going to have my baby by 10, but he laughed it off and sarcastically told them to crank my pitocin up full blast...he just knew how excited I was about it.

The pitocin kicked in quickly and my contractions came on strong and hard. My loving husband and amazing labor assistant, Amanda, calmly talked me through each painful contraction, reminding me to relax. My incredible mom was watching our little man during all of this (at home, we thought...later we learned they were in the waiting room). After only about an hour of very intense (and very quick) labor, we naturally delivered our new little girl into this world at 11:09AM. She was a beautiful 7lbs 12ounces and 20 inches long. And boy, oh boy, she came out crying. She cried for the first hour I knew her, and I thought this was a taste of what was to come. Especially since she didn't sleep AT ALL during the first night in the hospital...that's usually when they sleep the most! But after getting her home and getting to know her a little more, we realized she's so calm and precious. The most difficult thing about her so far is her sensitive tummy, but we're doing our best to help her with that.

Even though everything went smoothly and I'm so glad she's here, I pray I never have to be induced again. It just wasn't my cup of tea.

We love you very much little Ella Jo. You're growing so beautifully and we can't wait to spend forever with you.

Brand new Ella

Ella with Grandma

Ella with Daddy

Ella with her 'Manda

Our brand new family

Heading home!

Our beautiful Ella at 1-week-old

1-week-old

10-weeks-old

Loves her toes!!

As of week 9, she's rolling over. What a strong little one! :)

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Ponies, Parasols, and Softballs- The Jordahl Kids

The Jordahl's knew we photographed their friends at our favorite farm spot, and they also wanted that location. But this sweet family came prepared-- they brought carrots and celery for our pony pals! 

Not only did we have that adventure, but little Zachery just learned how to walk a couple months ago and he was ready to show me his skills. Sitting down was not an option for this little guy. Which worked out well, since I was ready to chase him down for a great photo!


Aren't these two adorable!?

 Little Sydney. She was sooooo cute. And so willing to give me great smiles.



Daddy let Zachery get up close with the horses. I LOVE the expression!

Little Sydney feeding the ponies. She was so nervous about them getting her, but eventually she was a feeding pro!

Zachery on the move! Still so adorable.



Exploring the new toys I brought them :)





Thursday, May 3, 2012

sweet wedding bliss

I can't believe I'm just now getting around to blogging this gorgeous wedding we photographed! We got to spend an entire day with Mandi and Chris, documenting one of the most important days of their lives, and enjoyed every second of it!

Not only was the bride gorgeous, but the men were looking sharp, the bridesmaids were beautiful, and the decor was perfect. All-in-all, an amazing wedding.


Our amazing bride, Mandi, was escorted to the ceremony by her dad on his engine red Cutlass. Talk about classy.




First kiss as husband and wife <3



How incredible is the detailing on this dress?








Love the serenity of the first dance together as husband and wife. What an unforgettable moment.

After all of the festivities, they drove off hand-in-hand in that gorgeous, red car! Congrats you two!!! Hope married life is treating you so well!

Catering Provided By: Pacific Coast Club
Flowers & Decor Provided By: Rebecca Arnold