Erika Mounts Photography

Hello from Port Orchard, Washington

It's been what?  2 weeks?  Insanely busy here.  The family and I got to Washington on June 3.  Our household items were delivered a few days later.  Met up for a fellow photographer so after 9 years of marriage, my  husband and I could actually have some photos of JUST THE TWO OF US!!

We hired Colorado photographer, Donna Martinez for our special session.  I knew she would be able to get exactly what I had in  mind.  Thank you Donna for such a fun session and wonderful images we will treasure forever!

I had my first Washington session this past Saturday.  Unlike today, the weather was very overcast and rainy.  Thank goodness for the home studio, otherwise the session would have had to be cancelled.  Here are just a few that we were able to capture that day.

(click on thumbnails to view larger)

Another blessing with living in Washington, my sister is near by!!!  She is also due anyday now.  I feel very lucky I am able to be here for such a special time in her life.  Even luckier that I was able to photograph her and capture this beautiful moment.

The day before I left Hawaii, I had another maternity client.  Ms. "S" really knew how to work the camera.  Beautiful mommy-to-be.

One more image for a client whose session I will finish proofing by the end of the week.  I promise!

I am getting back into the swing of things.  We're still getting settled so if I don't get back to you right away, please know that I haven't forgotten about anyone.  I've made my todo list and am crossing things off one by one.  Thank you for your patience.

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Today's Gone Green link: http://www.vashonorganics.com/

EMP Gone Green Contest

EMP is going green!

With our new location, new studio and all around fresh and new look, EMP will also be going Green in its practices.

Some of the things erika mounts photography will be doing to help contribute to a cleaner environment are:

• All things digital.  Digital proofing, receiving information, such as policies and pricing, through email or online.
• Recyclable paper whenever possible.
• minimum trash/paper waste
• recycle maternial such as paper tubes, cardboard and paper backdrops.
• minimum printing to curb the use of disposing of ink cartridges.
• among many other ways to Go Green.

With each post from here on in, EMP will share a link with how YOU can Go Green and happenings around the world to promote the cause.

Now a test, to see if anyone is really reading our blog...

Anytime a link is NOT given, anyone who emails me that day at mounts622@hotmail.com will receive a complimentary photo session.  Session must take place within 30 days of emailing me and occur on a weekday of your choice.  Value of your winning opportunity: $75!!!!

Today's link: http://liveearth.msn.com/?wa=wsignin1.0

I love music, so for me, this is a perfect way to combine two things that I love!

Good luck!!!!

Countdown to Bremerton, Washington

Today is my birthday.  The big 3 - 0! I'm not singing from the roof tops my any means, as I'm not sure I accomplished all I wanted to in my 20's, but I am very excited about what the future has in store for me.

Just 5 years ago, I would never have imagine my life to be what it is today.  I would never have imagined my husband's career would have us living in Hawaii.  I would have never imagined I would be moving to Washington, where we will be owning our first home...yay!!  I also would have never imagined I would be getting paid to do what I do.  I honestly I thought it was a man's profession.  Thank goodness for online forums.  This is where I found out women, just like me, were professional photographers, having a successful businesses.  I am one very lucky person to have what I have and able to do something that I love that helps support my family.  Yes!  One lucky person in deed!

Okay...that was me being all philosophical for a moment.  Now back to business.

For all you moms out there, currently breastfeeding or did in the past or plan to in the future, I found an incredible little shop that sells the cutest items ever! MilkMommy.com  Definetly check it out if you get a chance.

Now that May is here, this means two things.

• One, my time in Hawaii is quickly coming to an end.  I am no longer accepting sessions for the remainder of my time here.
• Two, I will be in Washington in one month.

My family and I arrive early June.  I will start accepting sessions now, so if you know you want a session sometime this summer or early fall, right now is the time to contact me.

Sessions will be offered starting in July.  I currently have a few on the books, but I still have plenty of openings if you are interested.

Start thinking about what you would like to do for holiday portraits because before you know it, the holildays will be right up on our tail!

Erika Mounts Photography will also be launching a new website early July.  Along with the launch, I will be revealing my freshened up logo, new colors and a new look on the blog.  All these things I am really excited about and I hope you are too!

For now, I'll leave you with a few images.  Enjoy!

And a recent of Zachary, who is almost 3 months old!

Hello from maternity leave!!!

Hello everyone.  It has been forever since I posted here.  With the holiday season as busy as it was and then starting maternity leave and my little guy making his appearance early, things have been chaotic to say the least!

First off, I would like to introduce our 'little dude,' Zachary Owen Mounts.

 

Zachary was welcomed by his 2 big brothers and sister who all absolutely adore him, especially Alex.  Alex loves to give him a ton of kisses!!!

We are all enjoying are new edition.  This is our last, so I'm cherishing every single moment of it.

Now back to business...

I will be returning from maternity leave, available for sessions, starting the last Saturday of March, the 31st.  I will only be available on weekends only, one session per day.  All sessions booked will be on a first come, first serve basis.  A deposit is required upfront to reserve your date.

There currently is a wait list, but please feel free to inquire about a session. As of today, February 23, no sessions have been scheduled.  I will be going down the wait list today, giving those who first contacted me a chance to schedule their session.  As dates become unavailable, the following two calendars will be updated.

Please note that there will be no refunds on deposits, unless weather is an issue and session cannot be rescheduled.

For current pricing, please check out the website, http://www.erikamounts.com.  All pricing is available under "Pricing."

If you have any questions or would like to schedule your session, please contact Erika Mounts Photography ASAP to ensure you get your desired date.  After May, Erika Mounts Photography will be closing its door to all Hawaii sessions.  We are relocating to the Bremerton/Silverdale, Washington area in June/July.

Very Important Announcement!!

Lots of changes happening with Erika Mounts Photography!

As of November 9, 2006, I am booked until the end of the year and will not be accepting any sessions.

Also, starting January 1, 2007, I will begin maternity leave.  No sessions will be scheduled or accepted until mid-March and those sessions will be for April and May only.

Come June 2007, Erika Mounts Photography will be closing its doors in Oahu, Hawaii and will be relocating to Bremerton, Washington, serving all of Kitsap county and surrounding areas.

So if you or anyone you know is in the area and is need of a portrait photographer, please pass my name along!

I've had a WONDERFUL run here on Oahu and am so grateful for all of the clients that have given me the opportunity to photograph their families.  I've met many clients from all over the US, Canada and Asia that if not living here, I might not have otherwise met.

I will miss being on the island, but am really looking forward to our move back to the east coast, closer to friends and family!

If you are still in search for a photographer, you can contact Joanne at Island Style Images or Lisa at Windward Skies.  Both of them are well qualified and I highly recommend both.  Tell them Erika sent you!

And as always, images from a recent session.  A mommy and me session!  I'm jealous as I would love to have images like this of my children and me.  One of these days I'll need to teach my husband the art of photography!

Mahalo,

erika mounts

October Filled and print info

The holiday season is in full gear and if you haven't booked your EMP portrait session yet, it may be too late.  October is completely booked.  A wait list is compiled if you would like to have you name added to that.  If a cancellation or reschedule occurs, the next person on the list will be called with that available appointment.

For the month of November, there are 5 sessions available still.  Some of these dates are AFTER the holiday deadline of November 8.  If you would like your portraits back in time for the holidays, they will be subject to rush fees.  By paying the rush fee, you are guaranteed to have your prints by December 20.  If you are out-of-state, 2nd day Express by the USPS is used to mail all shipments.

No December sessions are available for holiday portraits.  Sorry for the inconvenience.

A lot of times in a client's gallery, I will show odd size crops.  What I mean by odd size, I'm talking about squares or panaromic shots.  These are not on the full price list and at times, will have to be custom framed.  Some shots scream for this type of crop though which is why it is shown.  Though it is not traditional and may require an extra step on your part, don't shy away from them.  For example, the below image is a 10x20 crop.  It would do okay with a 'standard' crop, but there would be dead space, leaving less of an impact.  With a crop like this, the viewer is able to concentrate on these beautiful faces...since that's the main reason for the portrait anyway.

Next, often times I get asked about selective coloring.  While this is something I do not specialize in or do very often, like cropping, there are at times images that it will work well with, so I'll try it.  Selective coloring does NOT work on all images.  It is very commonly seen and asked for, but keep in mind, our purpose of the portrait is to keep the focus on the subject(s).  Selective coloring done randomly can take away from this focus, leaving the viewing only looking at the colored area.

Below is an image where I thought I would try it and see how it looks.  It sort of reminds me of the perfume ad I once saw!

Last, just one from a recent session that I loved.  The blue water and her blue eyes...loved it!!

 

Monthly specials, Limited Edition sessions and much more...

This is a jammed packed post with so much to share with you all.

First, our greeting card gallery is being compiled as we speak.  We have over 50+ designs to choose from.  There is sure to be one that meets your needs.

Here's a sneak peek at a few of our exclusive EMP designs:

Another very important announcment: 

Our EMP Limited Edition Session!

*Limited Edition Session are ONLY available to residents of Oahu*

Each session will include:

• 30 minute session
• mini album featuring 8 of your favorite 5 x 7's
• two mini-collages (both of the same design, size 4 x 10)
• 24 of our limited edition 4-sided folded holiday cards

Retail value - $690

Limited Edition Session - $375

**space is limited.  Sessions ONLY available on October 7 and November 4.  Deposit of $175 due at the time of scheduling to reserve date & time.  The remaining balance is due at the time of your session.  No exceptions.  Schedule now as space will fill quickly.**

Next on the list, MONTHLY SPECIALS!

Each month, EMP announces monthly specials on the website erika mounts photography.  Specials can be found under Pricing > Specials.  They will also be announced on our blog periodically, so be sure to check here often!

Last and most important...

• With the holiday season here and sessions already being scheduled, please be aware our holiday deadline is November 8, 2006.  Any order placed & paid for AFTER November 8 cannot be guarenteed to be in by the holidays.
• Any order placed between November 9 - November 30 and wishing to be here in time for the season, a $45 rush fee will be added to your order.  Any order placed between December 1 - December 10, a $70 rush fee will be added to your order.

Please keep this in mind when scheduling your session.  For you, this means that latest a session can be scheduled to receive portraits in time is November 18.  No exceptions!!

Okay, that's it for now.  If you have any questions, comments or would like to schedule your session, please call (808) 393 - 6102 or email to info@erikamounts.com

Saturday's photo workshop

Today was the 2nd photography workshop I held.  Took advantage of the time and took some shots that were just for me.  This may be hard to believe, but that's a rarity!

Here are some flower images I took...

And one from a participants daughter...

September's availability

The holiday season is here!  This means if you are interested in having portraits done in time for the holidays, now is when you should schedule your session, even if it's for November.

September is currently booked up.  Due to other commitments, sessions are only available on Saturdays and Sundays.  My next available session is not until October 8.  EMP will be compiling a wait list for those who wish to get in sooner.  If a cancellation occurs, you will be called in the order you are placed on the wait list.

To schedule your appointment today, call (808) 393 - 6102 or email EMP at info@erikamounts.com.

Also, EMP will be introducing their holiday cards very soon.  Once all designs are completed and ready to be shown, you can catch a glimpse of them here.  We will also be introducing our new folded cards.  These are 4-sided cards, mostly in 5x7 size and come with envelopes.  Pricing for our folded cards is different than the greeting cards listed at erikamounts.com.  A box of 24 starts at $70.

Now to the better part of today's post...the pictures.  These are from a recent session I had.  The children were wonderful to work with.  I got to have a mini-session with an 8 year old model, which was a ton of fun.  I hope she had fun too!!

August is full!

After a lot of thought, I have decided to cut back my schedule a bit.  With my two oldest in school, potty-training my little one and being pregnant with baby #4, working 40+ hours a week is no longer desirable.

At this point, I am completely booked for the month of August and my next available opening starts the week of September 10.

With the holiday season at our heels, it is best to plan early!  If you are interested in an EMP session, reserve your spot at least 4-5 weeks in advance.  A deposit is required to reserve your date & time.

Okay...that was the important stuff, so lets talk fun stuff!

July was a wonderful month.  I had the opportunity to travel to the Big Island for assignments and met a wonderful family from Florida.

Here are a few favorites from their session so far:

 

I also had the pleasure of photographing this beautiful child again...one of my baby planners.  It's amazing how fast they grow. 

Isn't she darling?!!