Wow! What a night! Yesterday afternoon I headed north to the Hilton to help Sandy 'Sam' Puc and her team set up for the Bellies-n-Babies Seminar. It was a ton of work, and I have an all new appreciation for 'tour roadies'. Working with another photographer, the two of us registered over 450 photographers for the event! The most exciting part of the night was watching Sam work, and as I've mentioned before, Kavanaugh and I got the best seat in the house - on the stage as models! Unfortunately, I couldn't see the projected images as Sam was shooting them, but I know they are going to be awesome because everytime she snapped an image, the crowd let out a collective 'ahhhh'. With Sam's permission, when I receive the images, I'll post a few here.

The other great part of the evening was meeting up with other professional photographers. I got a chance to meet one of my heroes, Jason Domingues. His work is incredible! It inspires me, challenges me, and pushes me to get even better to provide my clients with the best!

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So, in addition to playing Tour Roadie for Sandy Puc, I've also been putting on my commercial photographer hat, with the help of my Dad. We went on-location, set up a full studio, complete with at least five strobe lights. Those of you who have worked with me know that I prefer to just use natural light, with my reflector, and occasionally throwing in a little flash - this was a lot of fun for me, but I don't think I'll be adding a gazillion lights to my studio anytime soon! Here are a few images I'll be submitting to the authors/editors:







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Last, but not least, I alluded to some changes here at J Conner Photography. Behind the scenes, changes are taking place. I'm excited to share them with you, and I will as soon as everything is in place. Be prepared for beautiful new products, outstanding new images, and the stars!

Hey, what do you know? A PHOTOGRAPH on a PHOTOGRAPHY blog... LOL! Here's my little guy!

I want to thank everyone for being so patient with me during the last half of the pregnancy - it certainly knocked me for a loop. I'm so relieved to be able to say that ALL PHOTO ORDERS are in the mail! If you do not receive your order by the end of the week, please give me a call or drop me an email (I have tracking numbers).

I'm taking a little bit more time to recover and enjoy my new bundle of joy. If you're interested in a session, please be aware that I'm booking into the last part of May.

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UPDATE

GREAT news! I just received an email that the Bellies & Babies Seminar with Sandy Puc' has reached the sold out level, BUT Sandy is securing larger accomodations. There are now 79 spots open. I don't think I need to tell you that if you are even entertaining the thought of attending - sign up NOW! Sandy is an amazing speaker. Not only will you learn her techniques, but you'll be inspired by this incredible woman. She is the most giving person I know. While other business owners are brainstorming ways to make money, Sandy spends her time brainstorming ways to give. Sign up at www.bellies-babies.com.

Thank you for all the well wishes! The newest member of the Conner clan joined us on Friday, weighing in at 9 lbs, 2 oz. I'm sure you understand that I haven't had time to pick up the camera because I've been busy holding and loving on the beautiful boy.

Stick a fork in me, I'm done! I'm beginning my official maternity leave since my youngest son told me that I look like an elephant. (Sorry, no pictures of the elephant!) All orders have been completed and I'm just waiting on them to be delivered from the lab. I'll be mailing orders via USPS with tracking info (recently learned my lesson on that one).

I know that a few of you are still browsing your galleries to submit your orders. I will process those orders and get them out to you as soon as possible. Please allow a bit extra time, especially if I'm in labor. :)

If you're wanting to schedule a session, the soonest available times I have are in June. (May seems to be the month for weddings this year!) Please, go ahead and contact me at jconner@jconnerphotography.com BEFORE March 1st and we'll get you on the schedule.

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Bellies & Babies Seminar with Sandy (Sam) Puc

This amazing seminar will be held on April 30 in Kansas City. If you have an interest in photographing maternity or children, this is for you! At last check, we were almost halfway sold out and we have not yet even started advertising in Kansas City. Please go to www.bellies-babies.com to learn more and register now! A special little guy will be making his debut and modeling for Sam. I'm not sure if I'm more excited about the seminar or having photos of my newest little guy by THE Sam Puc!

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One last announcement - I'm probably jumping the gun a bit, but I'm excited about the direction of J Conner Photography. My wonderful, extremely talented husband, Shan (whom many of you have met), will be taking a more active role in the business. He is ultra-organized (helping to keep my artsy, oh-look-there's-a-squirrel brain on track) and has a fantastic way of seeing shots. Most importantly, he has terrific ideas and knows how to implement them to bring you the best service and products. I know that custom portraiture is special and to be cherished. I want to make sure that your experience with us is special and that you feel cherished. I want you to have the BEST products from the BEST vendors and photographs from my BEST! I've already been able to unveil a few really special things, including a killer album, to a few clients. When I get back from maternity leave, you can bet I'm going to be showing off all the cool new stuff!

What a start to the New Year! I had such a blast photographing my latest senior! Meet Troy - he's headed off to college in Chicago and was up for an urban session to reflect his cool personality. We met up at Union Station and photographed all over the place! He was an awesome sport and up for anything - it made for such a fun session! Thanks Troy!









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Coming Up: More Celebrating Adoption photos and Sandy "Sam" Puc registration information!

I'm back!

I hope everyone had a blessed holiday season. I took a much-needed break after a VERY BUSY first-half December and it feels good to head into the New Year with a fresh mind and spirit. The break has re-charged me and I'm looking forward to the sessions that are already on the books!

A couple of things to note:

- Prices will be changing ever so slightly in July. Don't worry - they won't be huge jumps - just little adjustments due to lab costs.

- I will be taking my maternity leave during the end parts of February, all of March, and most of April.

- Photographers and those of you interested in Photography: I will be assisting the world-famous Sandy "Sam" Puc at her Kansas City "Babies n' Bellies" seminar on April 30th. This will be a can't-miss event! I'll be posting more information soon, but in the meantime, here's the seminar site: Bellies n' Babies We are expecting a sold-out crowd of 200, so start planning now on attending!

- Last, but not least, I want to thank every single one of my clients from 2007! I can't begin to express my gratitude to you. You've taught me so much over this first full year in business. I plan on providing you even more in 2008 - more creative and fun photography, more opportunities to take advantage of specials in the photography wold, and more moments to capture on film! THANK YOU!

Now, to begin 2008, I will tackle that long list of emails in my inbox. :) I look forward to hearing and seeing each of you, along with new faces, this year!

Ahhhh, it's so refreshing to photograph High School Seniors - they don't run from the camera. That's a big plus when it comes to photography... hehe!

Okay, I don't want to embarrass anyone, but this Senior is smart as a whip, talented, has a great sense of humor, and is cute, to boot! Thanks C. and Mom - we had a great time at your session! Enjoy your sneak peek, C! I'll be in touch by Saturday - it's taking me a little longer than usual to edit the images because there are so many fabulous ones!





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If you still need to order your Holiday cards, please contact me this week! Time is running out!