December SALE!

Guys. Christmas is my stinking favorite.

As a child, I LIVED for Christmas morning. As a momma? I LIVE for Christmas morning. Well, really. I live for December. It kicks off with my husband’s birthday and everything between then (Dec. 1 and New Years) is absolute magic.

And so what does that mean?

A sale, of course!

In January, I start the enormous adventure of nursing school. But more than that, I begin the journey back to me - reclaiming my joy in children, families, simple moments. With this ridiculously large task ahead of me, I am limiting the number of sessions available at this rate, so don’t hesitate to jump on it!

The details : Buy 1 Get 1 Free!

Book any half day session, get a mini session free! ($150.value)
This includes :
1 4 hour family documentary photo session
20 hand edited digital files with full printing rights
1 8x8 heirloom quality album
1 30 minute family mini session with 8 hand edited digital files
*** additional files available for purchase ***
Total Investment $400 (with bonus $150 mini session - FREE!)
*100 non-refundable retainer fe

Book any full day session, get a full one hour portrait session free ($300 value!)
This includes:
1 family documentary session (up to 8 hours)
50 hand edited digital files with full printing rights
1 12x12 heirloom quality album
1 60 minute family portrait session
*** additional files available for purchase) ***
Total Investment : $900 (with bonus $300 session - FREE!)
$200 non-refundable retainer fee

****** Upgrade to a family film for any session for an additional $200 ******

The fine print :
Packages purchased will expire on Dec 31, 2020. Session dates are available on a first come, first serve basis. Retainer fees are nonrefundable. All sessions must take place within 25 miles of zip code 80917, or additional travel fees may apply.

2020 holds AMAZING possibilities! I can’t wait to capture your family in photographs and film in the coming year!

A Winter Wonderland in the Garden

The T family. If you were to ever meet them, your life will undoubtedly be blessed. Their stay here in Colorado was but for a moment, and in that, many lives were touched. Before they headed back to their homeland of Tennessee, we meandered over to the Garden of the Gods for a brisk but beautiful session. Spend but a minute with their session and you will feel all the things … they love each other BIG and have a joy that permeates everything around them !

A is for Apple, B is for New Beginnings

30 years ago, I sat in my bedroom. My baby dolls were lined up, paper and pencils in front of them. I loved school so stinking much… I would come home and teach my baby dolls the days’ lesson. From my early days, I dreamed of being a teacher and of course, that is what I became! In 2005 I graduated with my teaching degree and set forth to change the world!

And then an even large dream came to fruition when I held my baby girl in my arms for the first time and knew I had a much bigger calling. Tiny fingers and toes became my world, and for 9 wonderful years I stayed home and much to my surprise, I homeschooled. Last July, I closed this beautiful chapter and returned to the classroom. The intensity of teaching full time and being mom just completely took over and ate up any creative thinking and spare time I had in me. Thus, 3 Arrows went on full hiatus, complete silent mode and in retrospect, I think it was a much needed break.

Buuuuuttttt ….. I’m back and ready to roll! My hands have ached to hold my camera and to hear the click of the shutter capturing these priceless memories for you, and for me. For a limited time, I will be offering discounted prices as I dip my feet back in!

Heritage Collection : Perfect to update your annual family photos or a quick trip to the ice cream shop! Up to one hour, includes 10 digital files with additional files available for purchase. Minimal lifestyle posing if desired.
Original Price: $150 / $50 retainer fee
Sale price : $75 / $25 retainer fee

Heirloom Collection : The perfect option for a family gathering, a trip to the zoo or decorating gingerbread houses! This session is completely documentary, unposed and subject to “bloopers”! 2 - 10 hours per session, 10 digital files / hour included with the option to purchase additional images.
Original Price: $150 per hour / $50 per hour retainer fee
Sale price : $75 per hour/ $25 per hour retainer fee

These discounts do not include the heirloom gift included with normal pricing and are subject to contract policies noted in the agreement. A limited number of sessions will be offered at this price, once they have been booked, normal pricing will resume.

I am SO EXCITED to be back and cannot WAIT to capture memories with your families in the coming years!

Road Trip!

Mother's Day. Some years a pedicure and brunch sounds amazing... but some years? I just want to get away ... with my kids. And make those memories. They always say kids spell love T-I-M-E ... this was the perfect day. We're not in a place to go on lavish vacations right now ... and that's ok! For now we make do with what we can and this year it was a day trip to the Sand Dunes! I regrettably have not taken my kids to my beloved beaches yet - no sand in their toes or the smell of salty ocean air ... key word : Yet. For now ... this'll have to do! The smiles, joy, laughter and memories were endless on this perfect little day ... a rare gift amongst the craziness that is our life! 

Three Generations

One of the many reasons I LOVE my job is because I primarily get to work with families and children. They are my passion! As a military child, my family was my everything ... my parents and siblings were my only constant. Though we've grown up and apart, my parents have always instilled the importance and value of family, regardless of the quirks and chaos that comes along with it. 

I loved that I got to spend an hour with this family ... three generations that are able to come together only a few times a year due to the distance between them. What I love most about this session is that these are the memories these little ones will treasure forever. This is a moment where grandparents get to witness their amazing grown children who have evolved into magnificent parents - a proud moment, I'm sure! At the same time ... the children get to watch their parents be the incredible grandparents they are... such a beautiful treat. 

Take a peek at these little moments that add up to beautiful memories that will last forever ... 

 

Ice cream and ducks and bowling, oh my!

One of the many reasons I adore working with photographers, and mommy photographers specifically, is because more often than not they are either too busy loving on their family, or behind the camera to get in the picture. While we may very well believe that these photos are for US ... to remember the tiny details and hold onto those little moments that go by too fast ... the reality is, when our children n are grown .... they NEED these photos. These are for them. They need to see mommy loving on them. They need to see HER part of the action and how deeply she cared for her family ... because one day, sadly for all of us ... pictures are all our family will have left. 

This amazing family of 6 spent their day loving on each other. While it seems they packed in a LOT, and they did! (I was so tired, haha) it was quite obvious that this was their norm. Church followed by bowling ... quiet/down time, and then a walk around their lake. After dinner they enjoyed a delicious Sunday treat! Check it out ... 

A Fall Day with the M Family

Just about any photographer's eyes will light up when another photographer invites them to capture their family in photographs. Such an honor! This beautiful family belongs to the most amazing birth photographer in Colorado Springs! I am so proud to know her, she welcomed me to Colorado Springs with open arms and shared her family with me for the day! 

Together this family enjoyed quiet time at home, a stroll on the path in nothing less than a fairy dress <3, a trip to Manitou Springs and of course, decorating the Christmas tree! Take a look at a few highlights from their day... 

Onward, Soldier ... Hello, 2017!

"And suddenly you just know it's time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings." 

While 2016 was amazing, it had it's fair share of bumps along the way. There was a point where I was ready to put my camera down and let go of all the things I worked so hard for. And that is when we discovered Colorado Springs was going to be our new home. It was time to start over in so many ways. 

The move was one of the best things to happen to our family, and to me. As I woke up on Thursday to photograph my last event for the year, a beautiful wedding, I have simply decided there is no room for mediocrity and have chosen to pursue excellence in every area of life! As I rebuild my business in my new city, there is so much room to chase after enormous dreams and open the doors that have been waiting. 

Sounds cheesy, right? Maybe so. But I'm so ready. So, so ready. And I hope you'll join me for the ride, as crazy as it may be! I have set goals for the coming year and if you have any referrals to help me reach that goal, please know how deeply I appreciate it! Are you ready? Here we go: 

Personal Goals/Promises for my 3 Arrows:  
1) Project 365: A daily photo of my kids/life just as it is. A daily 1 second video clip, as well. 
2) Project 12: A monthly day in the life session of my family incorporating video + still photos
3) PRINT my images in a meaningful way. 
4) Learning when to put the camera down and enjoy being present in the moment. 
5) Setting aside weekend time to spend as a family - a minimum of one weekend day per month. 
6) Set business hours and stick to them! 

Goals/Promises for my 3 Arrows Business: 
1) Shooting a minimum of 25 families through documentary photography
2) Shooting 4 family sessions focusing solely on videography
3) Shooting 4 weddings as a primary shooter and/or videography
4) Blogging weekly
5) Participating in a minimum of 3 classes to further my education and skill
6) Expand my social networking skills beyond Facebook ... I need to hop on the Instagram/Snap Chat train! 
7) Continue to build and solidify my brand
8) Be willing to take risks, step outside of my comfort zone with confidence! 
9) Try my hand at creating brand films for other businesses
10) Give event photography a fair shot. 
11) Give back to others! 

I've always been quite a sap when it is time to say goodbye, even to something as intangible as a "year".  I'm learning, however, to say goodbye with a tearful smile and welcome new beginnings with open arms. As 2017 holds "BRAVE" as my word for the year, I am ready and I hope you join me for the adventure!!!!

 

A Bittersweet Goodbye

2016 was a huge year of growth for me and I will forever be grateful for it's ups and downs. What a roller coaster! It is said that only 10% of small business owners will continue beyond the 3 year mark. In September of 2016, I hit that milestone and have been determined to continue on despite the bumps and bruises along the way. I'm so grateful for all of you that have stuck with me since the beginning, your loyalty means so much! What once started out as a passionate hobby has become a ridiculously awesome little business ... a way to support my family, pursue my passions and do something for myself aside from my primary love of being a homeschooling mommy.

In 2016, I photographed 2 weddings, which I never thought I would *ever* do but I loved each one so very much. I photographed over 25 families for documentary sessions and even had the great honor of photographing a birth for the last time (my heart). I *even* fulfilled one of my bucket list items several times over as I had the privilege of photographing multiple military homecomings. My greatest success this year has come in the form of video ... a goal I set out for myself in January of 2016 and in November *finally* began pursuing, resisting the urge to let go of that dream. I have begun my journey into videography with fusion films for families and weddings and am loving every minute! 

At every session I aim to be better than I was before. This year has been a year of growth and has solidified my commitment to the future of my business! 

Your Everyday Brave

Sorry, friends who cringe over grammar!  That wasn't a typo, though. Nope, I know all of us are brave in our own way, in our own time. This is a bit different. 

You see, last year I had the great privilege of photographing a family that had a little one with a slew of medical problems, including the need for a feeding tube and in-home nurse. I spent a day with them and saw "their brave", their everyday brave. 

 "Everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always." is a quote that has always stuck with me. As a stranger passes you on the street and smiles, there may just be a hidden sadness behind that grin. The mom with a temper tantruming 3 year old in Target? That might be a small battle, comparatively. The list is endless. 

In 2017, I want to give those battles a voice, thus I am starting the "Everyday Brave" project. In 2017, I would love to donate sessions to families that are facing giant battles. Cancer in their family, a veteran facing PTSD, putting a face to post partum depression or infertility. These barely touch the surface of the possibilities, as a battle can mean something completely different to two members of the same family, even a husband and wife. 

If you know of someone that might be interested in a documentary session (up to 6 hours), or you are that person, I'd like to invite you to complete a form and nominate them for a session! All nominations will be taken into consideration and hopefully I will be able to accommodate them all! 

Everyday Beautiful

2016 has been amazing. Amazing, I tell you.I have been so honored to visit your homes and spend hours with your families! I love the changing over of the new year, so, so much. It's so bittersweet as I begin working on my family yearbook, thinking about the amazing moments and maybe some not so amazing ones, as well.

All of it ... beautiful. You see, 18 months ago I heard the term "your everyday is beautiful" from a photographer whom I absolutely adore for so many reasons, that being one of them. And it's so true. While in the thick of it, I know it doesn't always feel that way, but I tell you what. Your everyday is beautiful. It is. 

A few years ago, I read Ann Voskamp's "One Thousand Gifts"  ... such a powerful gift that book was and still is. She uses the term "the ugly beautiful". Because often times, that's exactly what it is. Except we don't *always* see the beautiful part of it... but it's so there.

As I visit home after home, weekend after weekend, month after month, I've come to realize a few things. First: just about every child under the age of 10 picks their nose (and their adults do, as well! I've seen you! haha!) Second: no family is exempt from sibling squabbling. Third: every family has a pile of laundry somewhere, waiting to be done. It might even be in the washer for the 2nd day! And last: your families are amazing. Amazing. Every single one of you. The detail you put into building your home and family (note: I didn't say house, I said home) is so beautiful. The safety and love your child feels enough to be comfortable enough throwing their temper tantrums on a daily (hourly? 3 year olds?) basis. Beautiful.  Just one small example.

After every session, I am so inspired. As a mom of 3, I leave every house encouraged to be a better mom to my own children, a better wife to my husband. Let me very honest here ... my family is so freaking far from perfect. We have so many daily struggles. But in that, there is so much beauty. I know that when I visit your families, it's just a tiny, minute snippet of your life together and I don't always get to see the "real" you ... most often the kids (and parents) are on their best behavior, unless I'm there long enough and the curtain falls. Regardless of what I do or don't see, the truth remains what I document for you is still just a tiny fraction of your every day. And I love so much that you treasure your photos. So much! 

But I also want to challenge you to document this for yourself. I'm beginning a 365/Family Photojournalism group on Facebook. Yes, another group. But I invite you to come play! Your point and shoot camera, iPhone, or dslr are all welcome! Because I am desperately passionate about documenting life as it happens ... these moments that you simply can't ever get back. They deserve to have a  place in your family yearbook, because your everyday truly is beautiful! 

Here's the scoop: 

Join the Facebook group "Everyday Beautiful" 

You do not have to take share a photo every day! Often times you will find *me* sharing my 7 photos from the week all at once, simply because of life. 

This group is for everyone ... fancy camera or iPhone (which are pretty fancy these days) are all welcome. However, for safety of our kiddos, I will be sending a questionairre and ask that all members know SOMEONE else in the group that can vouch for them being a real, safe person. 

I will also be using this as a group for my photography clients/potential clients to share special offers from 3 Arrows Photography + Films! So even if you choose to not to share photos, I encourage you to join in the fun to have first dibs at special offers, freebies, etc! 

Please email info@3arrowsphotography.com with any questions! 

Black Friday Sale!

I'm fairly certain that November 1st was just yesterday, but here we are at Thanksgiving week ... it's finally time to slow down and enjoy time with family before the craziness of what we call December begins! 

As we approach the new year, I reflect back on the last 11 months and am astounded by how much I have grown as an artist. I set a goal in January to learn how to create films infusing video clips and still images and though it was an enormous feat, I have begun that journey! I would love to invite you into just a few minutes of a very special day with the H family! 

I am so excited to offer Stories in Motion as an option for every Day in the Life session, whether it be three hours or twelve! To hear your child's laughter, or their sweet voice mumble "I love you, mommy" ... it is simply irreplaceable. 

Let's get to the point, right?! Beginning in January 2017, my pricing structure will change significantly! Because I strongly value printed images, 3 Arrows Photography will now be offering printed images (prints, canvases, albums, etc) for sessions, in addition to digital images. To kick the year off, I would love to offer a special deal for Black Friday, valid  November 21, 2016 through December 1, 2016.

All gift certificates ($600 all inclusive, Day in the Life, or One Hour Sessions) must be purchased in full by December 1, and are valid through December 15, 2017. A contract must be signed to validate your gift certificate. Gift Certificates are available for purchase as gifts and are nonrefundable, no cash value.  Minimum print order required. 

To take advantage of these offers, please email Info@3arrowsphotography.com! 

Holiday Mini Sessions!

Can you smell them yet? Christmas cookies baking, frosting adorning your child's nose and tiny fingers covered in sprinkles? 

I'm not quite sure how it's already November, but the holidays are on the way! What better way to remember the sweetness of your little ones during this magical time of year than a mini story telling session! 

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Who: You! Your family, immediate or extended, or those you choose to call family

When: November and December, limited spots available

What: 2 hour in home, or on location story telling session with photography and video
(ideas: gingerbread houses, Christmas tree decorating, 
Christmas cookie baking, santa train, picking out a
Christmas tree, the possibities are endless!) 

Cost: $200 session fee includes 10 digital images
$50 print credit (with minimum purchase) 
Option to purchase additional digital images or video

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Gift Certificates are available ... what a wonderful gift idea for a grandparent, friend or family member! 

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Email info@3arrowsphotography.com for additional information or to book your session! 

Moving Forward!

"Sometimes our lives have to be completely shaken up, changed, and rearranged, to relocated us to the place we're meant to be." 

I have shared about a recent move to Colorado Springs ... previously, I lived in Broomfield for over 8 years and thought I had found "my place". When I found out we were moving to Colorado Springs, I drug my feet all the way there, like a 2 year old tantruming in Target. Now that I am here, it is by far one of the best life decisions my husband and I have made and we are so incredibly happy. THIS is my place. 

I have realized that in order to grow, change is necessary and that applies to nearly everything in life. Including business! In the coming year I will be making some pretty drastic positive changes to 3 Arrows Photography and I am so excited about it! Change is scary, but definitely needed to move forward. 

Before I begin to change my pricing structure, I am offering an extremely limited number of "gift cards" for my current pricing. These gift certificates are offered for $500 and include up to 10 hours for a Day in the Life session, and include a minimum of 100 images, and a 2-4 minute video fusion of video + still photos. These gift certificates may be used anytime within 1 year of purchase, but please know my schedule does fill up pretty far in advance between these full day sessions and my family activities. 

This is a last chance offer to receive a Day in the Life at this price point. I would love to spend the day with your family and capture these moments for you forever! 

To essentials: 
* A Limited number of $500 gift certificates are available
* One they are gone, they are gone, and the new pricing structure will begin. 
* Payment must be made in full. A $25 travel fee will apply beyond 25 miles of 80917.
* Gift Certificates must be used within one year of purchase date. 
* Includes up to 10 hours of photography time, a minimum of 100 images, and a 2-4 minute video compilation of video + still images. 

Please email info@3arrowsphotography.com to purchase your gift certificate! 

Stories in Motion

My daughter amazes me. I know every single parent says that, but really ... she never ceases to amaze me with her determination. When she was five, our neighbor girls a few years older were reading aloud and she decided to learn how to also. And so she did. With very little help from me, she worked quietly to master her stumbling blocks. In July, she decided that she finally wanted to ride her bike without training wheels. And so she did. In our backyard, without any help from mom or dad, she worked quietly ... falling time after time, but not giving up. Until one day she called me out to the backyard to watch her! Not that we didn't WANT to help her ... this is her learning style - she needs to make her own mistakes and learn from them. "Help" often times gets in her way, which apparently she doesn't have time for! 

I've come to realize that she just might have inherited this determination from ... me.

It is said that a video is the closest thing to a memory. Remember those old VHS tapes your mom proudly recorded of you dancing in your undies as a child? I do. In fact, my favorite ones are from our annual family reunion. I can smell the woods of North Carolina, I can hear the feet tapping and the banjos twanging as my family square-danced in an old red barn. I can feel the jar of fireflies in my hands that I loved to collect as a young girl.

In January, I made it a personal goal to learn how to put stories into motion. Quite a few of my own stumbling blocks stood in my way - my commitment to homeschooling, a move over 100+ miles away, and honestly, the enormous task of mastering new software (I'm rather technologically challenged). But I did it. I made myself do it, just like my girl. After making several mistakes on personal home videos, I challenged myself to add it into a Day in the Life session of a fellow photographer. Moms are rarely in the picture, even less if you're the photographer! It was so fun to create this story for her, an amazing mom of 4 young girls! i invite you to visit her family with her story in motion! 

Creating fusion films has immediately become a new favorite of mine! I would love to tell your story through a combination of still photos and video. For a limited time I will be offering a special discount on your story in motion! While I am currently located in Colorado Springs I am happy to travel to your destination. Please use the contact me page to reserve your date and capture these fleeting moments forever! 

A Day with the H Family

A December weekend in Colorado ... you just never know what you're going to get? Balmy sunshine? 2 feet of snow? Who knows! Maybe both! (Seriously). While Christmas tree decorating (saving that for another blog!) and cookie baking were on the agenda, the fresh beginning of winter left a slight breeze, just warm enough to allow us outside for a bit, and just cool enough to whisk us back inside quickly! 

As you browse, I'm sure you you will agree the love, joy, humor and warmth in this family is absolutely tangible. This family is so incredibly special to me ... as Mom was one of my roommates my freshman year of college, and sweet little Miss C was one of the very first births I was so honored to photograph! Take a peek at the beautiful H Family in Commerce City, Colorado! 

A Day in the Life of ... Us.

"Mommy? Why do you take so many pictures of us?"

"I want to remember this." So simple, and yet - so much behind it. As I visit your homes, I can see the look in your eyes ... it's the same as mine. The yearning to immortalize some of these moments .... you know the ones I am talking about. The contagious laughter and gleaming smiles,  the hint of mischief in sparkly little eyes,  the tiny fingers reaching for yours, the just-woke-up sleepy voices. I want to remember this just as much as you do. 

This year, I decided to get personal. Usually I keep to myself and am happy doing so. But this year ... I want to join hands in motherhood and share those special moments with you that we all want to remember. In 2016 I committed myself to my own "Project 12" ... one or two days a month dedicated to documenting my family "as is"... including my cluttered, unorganized home and my less than perfect (but still pretty amazing!) children (and a stinky dog in there on occasion....) . 

I could ramble on... and on... and on .... but I'll spare ya, and invite you to take a glimpse into my humble little life in January 2016 (minus a naked potty training toddler ... pretty comical, but ... ya know)  ....

A Day in the Life of the F Family ... Las Vegas, Nevada

If you know me, I'm an ultra cautious person... always playing it safe, never getting TOO crazy! And I have a few healthy fears ... one of which is flying. Terrified, not scared. But... something about photography makes me brave. And that fear dissipates and molds into excitement. The F family brought me out to Las Vegas to document their family ... they have a few four legged friends, one of which is on a downhill slope from breed related illnesses. The end goal helped me to step on the airplane ... coloring books got me through ... and before I knew it, I was there, spending the weekend with this beautiful family. 

As you can imagine, over a weekend there were quite a few images in their story! Here are my top favorites as this family lived and played together, before I ventured home to the arms of my own little family !

A Day in the Life of the S Family ... Parker, Colorado

This beautiful, beautiful family. Years ago, Mom and I met in a photography class. Why is that important? Because if you're a mom ... a photographer mom ... you rarely get in front of the camera. Kids - they need pictures with Mom in them. They need those memories to look back on, and to show THEIR kids. They need them. And this wonderful momma knows it. 

Our day was filled with Christmas preparations galore, and simple time together as their older kids came and went as they were able. 4 kids. 1 dog. And 2 parents who adore the heck out of their babies, old and young. Take a look. 

A Day in the Life of the S Family, Castle Rock, Colorado

 Sometimes ... sometimes ... kids are shy. Sometimes. If they are, they tend to warm up within 30 minutes or so. But OFTEN times ... often times, they are eager to hear the camera snapping away, capturing their hilarious antics and unique personalities. A day with me around does not immediately require a crazy day filled with activity ... these little people are more than happy to share their quirks with me and fill my camera with beautiful one of a kind images. One of these little fellas was not feeling so great on our day together, thus we had a pretty mellow day, but one that was filled with family traditions and togetherness! Here are a few of my favorites from our day!