Happy 2012 (:  I know I’m a little late to the game on that one, but better late than never, right?  This year has already gotten off to a cray-zay start (the good kind), and I’m just now starting to feel like I’ve arrived in 2012.  So, here’s a little rundown of news and updates and other random stuff, just to get this little blog going again:

1.  I’M HAVING A BABY.  That’s right. Might as well just get it out there.  And can I just say that being pregnant is super fun (now that I’m past the first trimester zombie stage, that is).  So, coming in August – lots of newborn photography (:

2.  As a result of #1, I will only be taking on a limited number of photography sessions this spring and early summer.  If you’ve ever had a session with me, you know I like to climb on things, lay on the ground, and rearrange furniture (or whatever else happens to be in my way). As we get into June, July, and August, I don’t think I’ll be able to do these things quite so easily and I don’t want to not be able to give my clients my absolute best.  So, if you want a spring or summer session, please let me know asap by clicking HERE.

4.  I’m definitely still taking on graphic design projects, so keep ‘em coming!  Business cards, logos, brochures, wedding invites, save-the-dates, baby announcements, or anything else graphic design related.  I’m working on a new site for my graphic design portfolio, so be on the look out for that soon.

5.  I’ve started writing for Constant Chatter. A fun site with lots of great content and a group of fabulous writers. Check it out sometime!  I’m really enjoying getting back into writing (most of you probably didn’t know I was a newspaper reporter and photographer back in the day).

6.  Even before finding out about our little doodlebug, one of my goals for 2012 was to do more photography just for the fun of it, outside of portrait sessions or client projects.  I’m going to stick with that goal, and hopefully be posting more of those images here – something I usually shy away from, so be kind!!  Thus begins Photo Walk Wednesday, wherein I’ll post photos from a walk I’ve been on during the previous week.  This particular one is from a hike to Baskins Creek that J and I did over the weekend.  I love the Smoky Mountains.  Even this time of year, when everything is so gray and empty.  The evergreens and moss provided beautiful color amidst the gray and rain.  And I have to say, hiking in the rain is pretty invigorating, but it makes it hard to take a lot of photos.  Hopefully this week’s walk will be more fruitful (:

~A

On Saturday, November 5th, I will be having a day of mini sessions in Columbia, S.C. If you’re in that area, it will be a great opportunity to get portraits done for holiday cards and holiday gifts!  The details are below, so read up and then sign up (:  There are a limited number of these sessions available, and they will be booked on a first-come-first-serve basis.

THE DETAILS:

2011 Holiday Mini Sessions :: Columbia, South Carolina

Cost :: $325

Includes ::

• 45 minute custom photography session
• Presentation of images in an online gallery for viewing and sharing with friends and family
• CD of all images from your gallery in both high resolution (for printing) and low resolution (for emailing and sharing online)

I have decided to offer the CD of images this year to give you the opportunity to order holiday cards and/or gifts at a more economical price.  I will be happy to recommend online printers for traditional prints, holiday cards, large format prints, wrapped canvases, etc…  {If you prefer prints from the pro lab that I use, you will be able to place an order through your online gallery.}

TO SIGN UP, just click here!

P.S.  If you don’t live in Columbia, and would like me to offer a day of mini sessions in your area, then let me know!  You could get a free session (:

~ Anna

Yes, I’m still here (:  Just swinging by to let you know that, and to share one of the many graphic design projects I’ve been working on over the last few weeks.  This one is for CU Studio Share, a fabulous new space in Champaign, IL, that will be available to artists of all kinds.  We don’t always need a studio space, but when we do it’s really nice to have a good one available to rent.  Allyson and Holly are both photographers, so they understand what it’s all about and I’m pretty certain they will do it up right (:

In other news, October is apparently coming early this year (as in this weekend!!). Don’t say I didn’t warn you.  That means that it is REALLY time to start thinking about those holiday pictures. I know I’m already feeling behind getting the word out.  So, if you need family photos for holiday gifts or cards, let me know – like, right now – by clicking here.  In early November, I’ll be having a day of mini sessions in Columbia, S.C. so if you’re in that area, keep an eye out for details here and on my Facebook page.  It will be a great way to get those holiday pictures at special pricing!!

~Anna

What an August I have had. Oh, my goodness. We have packed, driven, visited friends, visited family, driven some more…and now we are all moved in to our new home and happy as clams to be living in Georgia! Well, maybe not all moved in, but we’re getting there.  Now that my office is workable and the Internet is back in my life, I wanted to come dust off the blog and give you all some updates:

First, I wrote a guest blog post for Success for Solopreneurs on headshots, why they are important, and what you need to know if you are in the market for some new ones (you know you are!).  Feel free to head on over there and read it.

Also, custom photography sessions are currently being scheduled in Georgia, South Carolina, and really anywhere in driving distance (:  If you want to schedule a session for your family, engagement, high school senior, headshots, etc…, just fill out this form and we’ll get started.  It’s hard to think about it in August when it’s {so, so} hot, but it really is time to start thinking about those holiday pictures for your cards and gifts.

Happy weekend!

~A

The winner of the free custom portrait session is…. commenter number 3, Dorina!! Congratulations, Dorina (:

Thank you to all who entered!  If you’d like to schedule a Summer Sale session, there are still about three sessions available – just click here to get started.

Coming up on the blog – portraits of my niece, my latest logo design (beer, yum), and some complete randomness.  Oh, and this week I’ll be hitting up Fulton Market, the 63rd Street Beach House, Roscoe Village, and the lakefront for photo sessions. Next week will this place will be all about sneak peeks (:

~Anna

Happy Wednesday, everyone!

It’s officially summer, and in less than six weeks we will be all packed up and headed to Georgia. I’ve been thinking about all of the sessions I’ve had here and all of the beautiful locations my clients have introduced me to – nooks and crannies around the city that I probably never would have seen otherwise.  And then I started thinking there are probably a million more places like that around the city that I haven’t seen {yet}.

So for my final Chicago session give-a-way, I want to hear about your favorite place in the city and where your dream session would take place!  Check out the details below, and then leave a comment on this post to enter. Easy peasy, right?!  The winner will be selected randomly on Monday, June 27th, and announced here.  And please feel free to forward this post to friends and family members who may want to enter (:

{THE DETAILS}

• The winner receives one custom portrait session and a $100 print credit!
• The winning session must take place in July 2011
• Session must be in the Chicagoland area

{TO ENTER}

To enter, simply leave a comment on this blog post, and then click here and let me know what amazing location you would choose for your session!  To officially be entered, you must leave a comment and fill out the form at the link.

I can’t wait to read about all your dream sessions (:

~Anna

If you’re signed up to receive my {very sporadic} newsletter, then you already know about the Summer Sale I’m offering. If not, sign up!  And read on…

I am so excited about all of the changes happening at my little business. One of the biggest is that Jeremy and I will be packing up and moving to Georgia this summer so he can begin his PhD program in the fall. To say {a huge} ‘thank you’ to everyone for helping me make this business a success in Chicago, I am offering special pricing for all remaining Chicagoland photography sessions in 2011. The session fee is $85, and includes a $100 print credit (a savings of $200).

{ Click here for all the details. }

Please note that due to the move, I will only be scheduling sessions through July 15, 2011, in the Chicago area.  That means that there are a limited number of sessions available, and that your session must take place on or before July 15th.

Thank you, again, for so many amazing years in Chicago. We are going to miss it here so much, but are looking forward to this new adventure.  In the meantime, if you have any questions, or to schedule your session, click here.

I’m looking forward to photographing you!

~Anna

Isn’t that an old proverb?  If not, it should be.

As I’ve been hinting for several weeks now, there are a lot (a LOT) of changes happening here! The most obvious being the new identity for my freelance photography business.  The old city|view photography is no more!  Consider yourself officially welcomed to my new blog.  Much prettier, don’t you think? (Thanks to the amazingly talented, and patient, Andy O’Keefe!)

My new website and blog are being redesigned to reflect my clear, simple style and encompass both my photography and graphic design work. In addition to sharing my latest client projects and photo sessions here, I’ll also be posting about my life, travels, and anything else that interests me (and hopefully you).

The new website, found at www.ai-creative.com, will be ready very soon, and I am so excited.  Make sure you stay tuned to this blog, though – there are more announcements coming, and to kick off the new site I’ll be giving away a free portrait session through a blog contest.

So, welcome! Sit back, enjoy, and leave a comment if you like.

~ Anna