| McCoy Annual Family Portraits | Limited Edition Mini Sessions | Decatur IL |

I love meeting new clients, but there is something really special about repeat clients. Having the chance to watch families grow and change over the years is a pretty awesome part of this job and I’m excited to have worked with this adorable group for the last 4-5 years to create their annual family portraits.

It’s rare these days with our busy lives that I find families who do make the time to get in front of the camera EVERY year and I’m so glad these guys do. I’ve watch Cruz (the littlest) grow from a baby into a spunky toddler and energetic little boy. Chloe is growing into quite the young lady and is so helpful on session both with her brothers and even with my gear that she might just have to start tagging along with me on sessions for the extra hands. And Ryne (who never used to smile for the camera) is getting used to this whole photo thing every year and is now a pretty suave little man!

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For the first time this year we decided to do something a little Christmas themed for these guys as well as inlcuding in their pup since we hadn’t done that in a few years.

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The McCoy’s have a pretty good rhythm in place for updating their focal wall art pieces in the home. We have a designed a gallery wall for them with a large focal piece and a series of smaller images as well. Last year we updated their smaller pieces and this year (with the dog) it was time to update the large wall art (with the one below!).

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We still have one day of studio Limited Edition sessions available this year on Saturday 12/3 and sessions are only $45!

 

| BLACK FRIDAY SALE | TODAY ONLY |

sessionbogoToday is the day guys! It is the one and only day of the year where you can get unheard of savings on your 2017 sessions/images. And the best part is you can get this great savings with no lines, no pushing, no checkout counter… just you (in your pjs if you like) and your computer (or even your phone). It really doesn’t get much easier than that?

So what can you get? 

Well first off we have ANY 1 hour session (regularly $125) for only $40! While you’re welcome to stock up for yourself these are purchased again and again each year as the perfect personal (yet inexpensive) gift for friends, family, coworkers, bosses, assistants, neighbors, etc.

These sessions can be used for ANYTHING… seniors, engagements, newborns, children, families, pets, boudoir, you name it! And, let us know when you order if this is a gift and we’ll wrap it up special for you too.

AND…. how about GIFT CARDS!

That’s right, today only you can save big on your entire 2017 portrait order. Looking for the perfect statement piece in your entryway or above the mantle and have a custom-portrait in mind – CHECK. Have you seen our designer albums and know youre senior would love one of those to show off – CHECK. With our $100 and $500 gift cards on sale today you can save on literally ANY custom portrait design we’ll create for you in 2017.

 

Now… the ‘fine print’ is pretty simple: this sale is for NEW 2017 sessions and gift cards cannot be applied to any 2016 orders OR on weddings that are already under contract for 2017. But if your session isn’t on the books yet then dive in because this sale is for YOU!

Black Iron Coffee | Small Business Feature

If you know me you know I drink coffee like a Gilmore Girl so of course when any new coffee shop comes to the area it’s on my radar. This one popped up in a much needed location so now my (any many others) caffeine needs are met even when on the south side of town!

And their homemade baked goods are delicious enough to warrant a trip across town even when you don’t find yourself in the Mt. Zion area.

The Details: Jason Feller, Owner of Black Iron Coffee Co. | In Business: 1 year this January

Hours: M-F 6am-5pm, Saturday 6am-Noon (Closed Sunday)| Location: 121 and Lost Bridege Rd (Next to Ace Hardware)

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Tell us about your business… What do you do?

We offer the finest quality espresso based drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos, many different frap flavors, smoothies, fresh brewed coffees, baked from scratch in house b

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What makes your business unique/special? Our employees and our attention to detail.

What item/service on your menu or in your shop do you just LOVE and think everyone needs? Latte’s!

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In what way have you gone above/beyond in the past for a customer? We have donated many times to wonderful causes.

What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever had a client do for you? Bring the employee’s flowers and chocolates.

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What tool/equipment/or other vendor could you not imagine doing business without? Espresso machine. Because then we would not be able to make our wonderful drinks.

When did you know you wanted to go into this business? For many years now. It all starts with my love of coffee.

What other local business do you just LOVE? Why? The Blue Spoon. They have amazing food. I had breakfast there earlier this week and have to agree, we may have to get them in the lineup to feature soon! 

What are you passionate about outside of your business? My family.

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Describe your PERFECT day… Easy, spending time with family, doesn’t matter what we do.

Introduce us to your STAFF

Dani Feller- Owner, all around awesome boss, lover of all things Italian.

Amanda Roberts- Manager, baker extraordinaire, barista.

Emily Kunzeman- Product development, baker, barista.

Sarah Starshak- Marketing, social media management, graphic design, barista.

McKenzie Bartlett- Barista

Misty Grossman- Barista

Elayna Feller- Awesome daughter and cashier.

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See the latest news at:

https://www.facebook.com/blackironcoffeecompany/

See our other past small business features to connect with more businesses in our area:

See more on our Facebook Page and follow us on Twitter @sjanephotog, Instagram @sjanephotograhy, and Snapchat @sjanephotog.

| Tory | Senior Class of 2017 | Decatur IL |

Look who’s up on the blog today! Tory was so much fun to photograph. Not only did we create a few classic looks in the studio (even including her and my favorite color purple!) but we absolutely had to show off her soccer skills on the field and then my favorite part…. we headed out to a friend’s land which was unbelievably beautiful with tree line, field and even little lake!

We had a beautiful sunset which was perfect for images with her truck and she was even brave enough to hop in the water for a few.

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Don’t forget to hop over to our Facebook Page to show Tory some love with your likes, comments and shares!

| Samuel | 9 Months Old Fall Family Portraits |

Do you guys remember this adorable squishy little newborn Samuel? Well he’s definitely not so little anymore! I just had the chance to go home to Jefferson City to photograph his 9 month portraits and we let mommy and daddy join in too.

I cannot say how much I love being a part of this little guy’s first year and watching this family grow. So looking forward to his first birthday portraits which will be here before we know it!

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Another perk to having a session back home is I got to shoot at the Runge Nature Center which I haven’t photographed at for years but was a staple location of my younger days.

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Be sure to head over to our Facebook Page to give them some love with your comments, likes and shares!