Jodi Hattery Photography
July 1st-15th
July 1st-15th
June 15th +
June 1st - 15th
May 15 +
May 1st -15
April 16th +
April 1st - 15th
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by Jodi Hattery
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Bad Jodi, Bad! August 2nd, 2009
I've been a very bad blogger this week, I know. It was a VBS thing. It lead to a severe case of insanity... I mean, exhaustion ;) and crankiness. :) But its over now, and I'm back to life and having a lovely Sunday with my family.
Today I took the kids on a walk to the studio, and Nataley road her bike. I have a session in the morning - my first football player, awwwww - and wanted to get all the batteries charged up. Something about momma's studio - it's an absolute blast to the kids. From hide and go seek to football (no, it's not really that big. they're just very creative) they find the place so entertaining and I find myself giggling, or pulling my hair out, depending on what I am attempting to accomplish at the time.
On the way home we made sure to walk by Mr Gamble's home. I was so proud of the dahlia's I've grown myself this year... and then I see his. Sheesh, mine as so pathetic compared to his glorious flowers adorning nearly every square foot of his yard. I find one bloom in particular to be quite intruiging - and it's probably a weed of some sort, but I thought it looked fabulous.
Isn't that cool?
Here's a few pics of the kiddos since I've deprived you all so long of the blog and my kids ;)
Costume Auctions Ending On Ebay!!! July 28th, 2009
I've got a bunch of costumes I made this spring for some photo sessions that are still in beautiful shape and have lots of life left! Great to make a little girl very, very happy! They are all ending today around 4ish EST. I posted just a few here. Visit ebay for the rest.
Quote and Schedule July 27th, 2009
Schedule is filling up thanks to the senior class of 2010 (so excited, LOVE seniors!) so I wanted to post what I have left for August if you're wanting to get in before school starts. I now just have Thursday, August 6th, Thursday August 13th, and... oh that's it.
So at VBS this week the kids collect gold coins and then spend them on different activities. I'm not sure who's idea this was, but I can just hear kids going home, exhausted, and whining to their folks that they had to pay for their snack, to do a craft, etc.
Overheard as the 2nd graders go to craft was my 7 year old Chris, who said something to the effect of, ''Man, a craft is SUCH a waste of money!''
He's not really the most artsy, crafty kind of kid. And that's fine, I'm not complaining. I just didn't know crafts were that horrible!
VBS Week July 26th 2009
Some dread it, some love it, and some are exhausted before it even begins... But no matter what category I fit (and I think a bit of all three) it's here - VBS Week at TFC.
It's my third year as the 'official photographer' of vbs and will again be making the slideshow for the kids and parents. I'm also thinking this year of doing a slideshow every night after VBS to show for the kids when they arrive the next day. It's always kind of nutty when kids are arriving and hard to keep them still. Not like this will keep them still, but I've found a little narcissism goes a long way!
So I narrowed down tonight's photos for the slideshow to 60, but there is one that stands apart. It's one of those that make momma's hearts melt, and daddy's proud. This was taken while I was getting my camera out before the kids arrived, and the vbs workers gathered to pray nearby. Isn't my little guy the sweetest?
VOTE FOR ME!!!! PLLLEEEAAASSSEEE!!! July 24th 2009
My book is in a competition with 2200 other books and YOU can vote for the people's choice award. I would be honored to get your votes for this! You do have to register in order to vote as they only allow one vote per person. I know it's a pain, but I would be grateful.
Go To http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/756671 for book info and TO VOTE!!!
Also, this is the page you can go to to order more books. Its not yet on Amazon.com and I'll get you that link as soon as I have it. It may be cheaper on Amazon.com. I don't know yet. Personally, if you don't 'need' the book in the next couple weeks, I'd wait to see how much less it will be on Amazon.
Last night was a shoot with my camera club around town. I'm inspired by people more then buildings and landscapes, but I have also been very intruiged by the people who do alphabet photography and have desired to have my own alphabet. This drinking fountain I thought made a lovely lower case r. So now that's one letter down, 25 to go.
Vacation Day 5 July 23st 2009
I gave myself a week off after finishing the studio and having the party. It's been filled with lots of fun, and today of course was no exception. Right now I'm writing from Mc Donald's, where they are celebrating the 30th birthday of the happy meal with $1.99 meals all day long. I'm a little disturbed for a toddler with a helmet on. Seriously, unless a medical conditon really exists, kids can survive childhood without every single safety device people big business can come up with.
Still, I'm itching to get back to work and am ready to get the seniors in. I took a bunch of pics of the studio and will be putting them on facebook. Here's a couple for you to enjoy though...
View walking in...
One of the walls of the dressing room...
It looks deceptively tiny here, thanks to the massive size of the room, but this, my pride and joy, is my monster reflector and halo. :)
Just a reminder - all the costumes from spring are now currently being auctioned off on ebay. For those who just wanted to buy, I'm afraid its too late. Locals certainly are welcome to pick up to save shipping costs. So click here to visit the costume auctions on ebay
Summer Fun July 22nd 2009
Yesterday we enjoyed a day almost entirely made up of cloudy skies showering us with the glistening drops of rain - it was fabulous. I've always said I enjoy rain, but even more so when we're desperate for it - both the farmers and those of us just despising the brown grass.
All my flowers were so happy for the drenching. Sure I've been watering them daily - sometimes twice daily, but there's nothing like some 'real' rain to make them a bit more cheerful.
So naturally it was a perfect time for all the neighborhood kids to come over to our house to play with the hose.
Nataley tends to keep to herself and scrub rocks these days. Some of her other favorite activities this summer include doing dishes and dusting. Who am I to stand in the way of her greatest happinesses?
One of the youngest kids in the neighborhood. He's so darn cute!
Peace On Earth, or at least our house July 21st 2009
Life is beautiful. After Chris returned from his war games and my big weekend was over, I had a very long to-do list that included lots of laundry, grocery shopping, cleaning house, and on and on...
But with hubby off work he twisted my arm (oh so hard) and convinced me at about 11am to blow it off and lets have fun instead. Within the hour we were on our way to Cedar Point with the kids. It was so fun, exhausting, and yes, I've gotten old. I've discovered how fabulous a bench in the shade is while the kids ride the same couple rides in view over and over again.
Chris was tall enough to do all but a couple rides now, and got to do his first adult roller coaster. He was so scared he was nearly bawling saying, ''TOO FAST! TOO FAST! TOO FAST!'' as we went down the first hill. Then there was a giggle as he began to scream more, ''TOO FUN! TOO FUN! TOO FUN!'' I had so much fun experiencing things through my kids for the first time.
We thought 4 hours would be more then enough time, and we'd be heading home at a decent time. Ha ha ha... the kids were running around the park past close, and would have been just fine a few more hours of rides and playing.
I don't think we could have picked a better time. Lines were near non existant, and the high was mid 70s. The kids were well behaved and no one got lost, wandered off, broke down, etc. The only near catastrophic event was of my own making - loosing my cell phone. Miraculously I retraced my steps from the last time I had used the phone, and found it just minutes later thanks to a kind soul who turned it in right where I went to look - the lady at the start of the Disaster Transport ride. It was such a lovely reunion, me and my phone. Plus oh so helpful since hubby and I never set up a meeting spot. Just figured we'd chat on the phone, ya know? Seriously, how did couples with kids go seperate ways and ever find themselves again without cell phones?
After not nearly anythign close to a good nights sleep (after arriving home at 1:30am) I woke up way too early this morning, but to such a beautiful sound. Peace. My boys bypassed our room to go spend the morning in Nataley's bed, and I awoke to them giggling and talking about their favorite rides and all the fun they had.
And today has been rather peaceful. Naps, relaxing, laundry (blech) and beautiful flowers blooming.
Though I've put msyelf on a self imposed 'vacation' this week (not that Ill be ignoring photo orders or won't book ya!) I did managed to list the remainder of my fairy costumes on ebay. I need to move these. They were all put up at $9.99, though granted I'd like to see them go much higher, lol. So if you are in need of any dress up clothes for your little gal, or new props for your studio, nows your chance!!!
Visit the ebay auctions here
The Big Day.... much later... July 18th 2009
Today I decided I would be calm, cool and collected. I budgeted time well, and when Dad needed some trays I had at the office at the house, I knew I could make a quick five minute stop to the studio to pick them up. And while I'm at it, I'd load the elevator up with a table, some drinks, platters, etc. Lots of heavy stuff that had to go up.
Wouldn't you know it, the elevator got stuck.
Mom was with me (hence the cell phone pic). She's very claustrophobic. It's a very small elevator. I called the sitter first thinking she could look up the # to the lady with an elevator key, thinking it might just be something that needs switched to fix things and get us out. However there were something in the vacinity of a dozen names in the book, and none in her name. So 911 it was, and after explaining my emergency we waited for the police to arrive.
And then after the police, the fire dept.
We were the only ones in the building, and normally when I'm the only one there, my first step inside is to turn around and lock the front door again. Thank goodness I didn't. I don't know how long it would have been to track down someone with a key, or a locksmith.
As it was it seemed like 90 minutes stuck inside. I know it was much less, but it felt like forever. Once the four guys were out in the hall working on getting us out it felt much better. It was a good stress reliever in a way, as I got to thinking that hey, it didn't matter anymore what kind of food or drinks we had for the party, just so long as I make it to my own party! Granted, the studio was locked up stairs, so it would have been pretty lame for an open house to be in the hall.
But we made it out, and the kind firemen helped us carry all the stuff upstairs :)
Of all the days to get stuck in an elevator... 1 hour before my party?!?! lol If nothing else, it's a memory!
As soon as I caught my breath, the party began and the place was nearly instantly packed. The boas were a hit (I sort of figured they would be) and loved seeing little gals dressed up. Not so much for the boys, but lets face it, they don't care as much about dress up.
I felt so fortunate to see so many friends and customers (who often end up becoming friends) and was surprised by a lot of people who showed up who I really didn't expect. That was fun :) It was all a lot of fun (well, except the stuck in elevator thing)
All in all I have two regrets - more books ready for the party, and the poor people walking up all those flights of stairs - ugh. But overall, I think people enjoyed themselves (especially the homemade meatballs) and I think the kids will think of my studio as a fun place to go to and want to come back to visit me (well, the parents too, but if the kids are having fun, chances are parents will be less stressed too)
Nataley and I made one last trip back to the studio (and up all those stairs again... my legs are so sore!) and I let her pick my door prize winners while we were there.
And the winners are....
Jennifer S. - Free Session
Terri B. - Free 16x20
Laura E. - Free 11x14
Beth H. - Free Brag Book
Karen B. - 48 Free Wallets
Amy A. - $50 Gift Certificate
Michelle H. - $25 Gift Certificate
If you won something I'll be contacting you shortly with details. :)
The Big Day July 18th 2009
Today's the big day! My studio's grand opening open house, and book launch party. It's from 1-3pm at 120 W Main St. in Van Wert, so make sure to stop by and say hi!!! :)
I'm so excited. I had to pick something up today at the studio and when I gave a glance over everything I got a bit teary eyed. It's been a long time coming. There was plenty of stress and work, and years of learning before that. And its here. It's a bit scary, but thrilling. I'm so happy.
Here's some pics of what the office looked like before I got the place. Now when you come today you'll see how much its changed!
