Front and Center

The Black Lab, front and center.  Eiden Photography's "most often viewed" and "most commented on" photograph, according to site stats.  It's one of our personal favorite photographs, too.  And Paulie, the black lab in the photograph,  has been the most challenging client, to date.  I recently saw through a friend's Facebook post that Paulie passed away this week.  I immediately thought of this image, taken last fall, and wanted to post a tribute to him.

Every time someone sees the photograph of Paulie, they immediately ask, "HOW did you get that dog to do that?"  Well, it wasn't easy.  Let's just say, we learned a little something about the personality of Paulie that day.  Paulie does and Paulie chooses.  Usually, with pet portraits, it's easy to get the shot early in the session.  The dog is curious about who you are, what you're doing, what all the equipment is, and they just naturally look when you say "ball".  And if "ball" doesn't work, "treat" always does.  Not with Paulie.  We knew going into the session that getting a portrait of Paulie was very important to the clients.  He was getting older, and the family wanted to capture their time with their sweet four-legged friend.  Paulie could care less.  He was all over that park, all over the shots, and doing anything but looking at the camera.  The session was wrapping up, and Mike was a nervous wreck.  He knew he had still not gotten "the" shot that the clients had really wanted.  As a last ditch effort, we said we'd give it one more chance.  Lucky for us, Paulie was finally tired from all that running around he had been doing, and just sat down.  Finally, after 45 minutes or so, he just plopped down.  So, we instructed the family to sit down, quick!  Sit!  Stay!  At that point, we were giving commands to anybody that would listen, the dog, the kids, family, everybody....just freeze, puh-lease!

And we crossed our fingers.

We didn't try to pose them or set the scene.  There was no time for camera, setting and/or lighting adjustments.  We just wanted them somewhere in the shot.  Then, with a slow and steady,"wait....wait...wait" a treat was placed right on top of the camera lens.  Paulie couldn't take his eyes off of it.  Haha, we had him! Wait, click....wait, Paulie, click, click.  And Mike yelled, "Got it"!  Good boy Paulie, Good boy!  Rest in peace, sweet Paulie.

In honor of Paulie, we're going to run a photo contest.  If you've followed the blog, or are a fan of Eiden Photography on Facebook, you already know that this is something we do from time to time.  If you're not a fan, head on over and "like" us on Facebook.  Or, check out our website, and follow the facebook link there.

Watch for contest details to be announced later today!

-Mike & Leah

Sign Up Now Closed!

Sign Ups for the Spring Session Promotion are now closed.  If you already signed up for this one, you will be contacted today to discuss your session (if you haven't been contacted already).

If you missed this one, watch for another promotion to run in the fall! 

SIGN UP!

"Sunset Special" Spring Promotion Begins Now!

Details:
Session Fee of $75 (retail value $200)
-20 minute session
-Limited to 1 location
-Limited to 5 people in one session

-Print Package INCLUDED!
-One 8x10 and two 5x7's, your choice of color or black & white (retail value $65)

A Print File CD of the session will be available for additional purchase at a discounted price of $125 and will be limited to no more than 20 images. (retail value of the CD $250)

That's approximately $300-400 dollars saved during this promotional event!

The Fine Print:
-Location to be determined by Eiden Photography and announced next week.
-Sessions will be available for viewing one week post shoot and all decisions on print package images and CD orders must be made by June 30.  After that date, the discounted rates expire.
-If you wish to include your pet in your session, you will need to sign up for two session time slots, and pay an additional fee of $25.
-If you wish to have more than 5 people in your session, you will need to sign up for two session time slots and pay an additional fee of $25.
-Pay by cash or check on the day of the shoot, or pre-pay by credit card at www.eidenphotography.com
-Limited to 12 total sessions, maximum of 4 available per day.

Time Slots Available:

Friday, June 10
5:30 - 6pm
6pm -6:30
6:30- 7pm
7pm -7:30

Saturday, June 11
5:30 - 6pm
6pm - 6:30
6:30 - 7pm
7pm - 7:30

Sunday, June 12
5:30-6pm
6pm-6:30
6:30-7pm
7pm- 7:30

Email mike@eidenphotography.com for your choice time slot .  If more than one client requests the same time slot, first come/first serve will apply. Please list a 1st and 2nd choice time slot.

SPRING PROMO!

Dates have been determined for another session promotion.  This will be similar to the mini-session promo we ran in the fall.  Specifics are still being worked out, but mark your calendars for June 10,11, and 12th...a Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  

There will be only 4 slots available per day and special promotion rates will be limited to the first 12 clients to respond!

Specific details regarding this promotion, as well as the official sign-up times, will be outlined on the blog tomorrow.  But I can give you some teasers...

1.  It's one heck of a deal.  

2.  I think sunsets are beautiful this time of year.

AND.....

3.  Random drawing - prize winner!

Email for early interest inquiries!

Prime Time

The big reveal week is here!  Cherry Blossoms reach their peak in downtown DC this week in all the areas surrounding the tidal basin.  If you're unfamiliar with this big event, here's a little background information for you.

In 1912, 3,000 cherry trees were given to the city of Washington DC from the city of Tokyo as a token of friendship between the US and Japan.  The first two were planted by First Lady Helen Herron Taft and Viscountess Chinda, wife of the Japanese ambassador in a simple ceremony in March of that year.  The National Cherry Blossom Festival is now held in downtown DC each year to commemorate the event.  Millions flock to see the blooms each year from all over the world.

If you're thinking about going to the festival, check out the many events going on this year.  There will be a family day, sushi tasting, photo safaris, moonlight cruises, bonsai demonstrations, and the annual parade.  You can view the calendar and make your plans here.

Given the recent heartbreaking events in Japan, this year is a particularly touching year to participant in the festival.  The National Cherry Blossom Festival has partnered with the American Red Cross to aid in Japan relief efforts.  The Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami funds have been established, and portions of  certain festival events have been designated aid in relief.  To find out more information, or learn about ways to donate, visit this website.

If you missed this particular portrait opportunity, stay tuned as I include other personal favorite downtown sites for photo sessions.  And be sure to become a fan of  Eiden Photography on Facebook in order to be in the know regarding details for this years spring promotion event!

Cherry Blossom Season 2011

It's that time of  year again, when the cherry blossoms start to bloom in downtown DC.  Peak blossoms have been predicted to show this year between March 29-April 3.  This short blooming season limits availability for sessions, so email me today for information.  Only two sessions are currently still available.  Session fees and email information can all be found through the website.

Here are some great images I was able to capture at sunset, right before a session, last year. 

Clare + Joe

I recently had the opportunity to photograph a beautiful engagement session for this lovely couple on Daniel Island near Charleston, SC.  They are so in love and it shows in every image.  All of the props are their personal property, used all the time.  How romantic is that!?  I am absolutely giddy about being there in July to celebrate their special day.  Congratulations, Clare & Joe!
-Mike