Mother's Day Contest!!!

Mother's Day is THIS SUNDAY! OMG where has the time gone!  What did you get your Mom? If you haven't got anything yet, you can always give her a card with a promise of a 3 generation photo session.  ALL May long a full studio portrait session with MOM and children is only a $75 session fee! This comes with proofs! Offer only good until 5/31/15

OK enough on that right now, I know why you are here......Contest details for my Mother's Day Basket!

Basket has: three photograph frames, a 30 minute photo session with me with three portraits with rights to print (to fill the frames), a black mug, half of a sheet of Jamberry nails, and a few other little things.

To enter I would like you to ask your child(ren) 4 of these questions and video their answers (if your child isn't old enough to answer these questions just send a video of you and your baby so everyone can vote)

1. What makes Mommy happy?
2. What makes Mommy sad?
3. What does Mommy do that makes you laugh?
4. What is Mommy really good at?
5. How are you and Mom the Same?
6. How are you and Mom Different?
7. What is something Mommy always says to you?
8. What do you LOVE about Mommy?

Post the video on instagram with the hastag #oliviajeanwilliams
or on Twitter with @OJWStudios with the post
or directly onto my faceboopage (facebook.com/OJWSTUDIOS)

You have until 11:30pm on Thursday (May 7th) to submit your video
Voting will take place Friday and Saturday (May 9th until 10pm).
Winner will be announced  EARLY Sunday Morning!

Do you have a little girl that is dreaming of being a princess?

I have the perfect mini portrait session for those little girls near the Sturbridge area who dream the big dream of being a princess! Ella Minis! If you watched the wonderful new Disney movie Cinderella, you would have noticed that her real name wasn't Cinderella. It was Ella and her step-sisters called her Dirty-Ella, Cinder-Ella when they saw her one morning after she had fallen asleep near the ash from the fire.

I created a wonderful dress to adjust to fit children ages 2-10.

First my daughter modeled it for me (she is 9)

 

 

 

Then I had a wonderful little 4 year old princess come over a few days ago. She loved the dress so much she wanted to take it home with her.

 

 

 

 

Sign up for my Ella Mini Portrait Session on my facebook page. If you don't have a facebook page send me an email.



 

Mother's Day is getting closer....

Do you know what Mom would LOVE this Mother's Day? Portraits of her children. Yes that means YOU!

I love getting calls and emails from people in their 20's setting up a fast session with their siblings for their Mother's Day Gift to Mom! How awesome would that be for your Mom? Think about it, when was the last time all of her children had a professional portrait taken for her?

I have had 3 families set up this type of session, all said it was a gift for their Mom for Mother's Day. One of them said their last portrait was 10 years ago! I have a feeling that the Mom from that family will cry when she opens her framed portrait of her children! I know I would!

On the end side....Do you have little ones? I have Mommy & Me Mini Sessions set up! Grandma would love that as a Mother's Day gift as well. You could bring her to my studio in Sturbridge for a Mommy & Me Session and make it a 3 generation portrait. I know that would be priceless for her!

To sign up for Mommy & Me Sessions visit my events page on facebook. If you don't have facebook just take a look there and email me what date and time you would like.

 

 

Thank you for reading my blog! Visit my website at ojwstudio.com. You can also follow me on twitter and instagram (the links are on my website). Know someone who would be interested in a session? Send them my way. I reward those who send clients to me, each reward is different. Always awesome and FREE.

 

 

 

Olivia Jean Williams

oliviajeanwilliams@gmail.com
ojwstudio.com

Happy Easter Everyone!

 

This year I didn't give much of an advance notice for my Easter Minis. That was because "I was hunting for rabbits". (said in an Elmer Fudd voice)

The bunny I used the last few years is getting older and I couldn't handle the thought of giving the bunny a heart attack. So lucky for us there is a lady near by who shows rabbits and breads them! She has two little children herself so these bunnies are very very kid friendly! Plus, they have great names! The one in the above portrait is Bolt. The one in the portrait below is Olaf!

I hope next year to have a better turn out to these great family keepsake sessions! It is fun for the children and the adults. Remember I also take a few pictures without the bunny for Spring!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Easter this weekend! 




OH and I am getting a Cinderella Dress for some Cinderella Minis!!!! Who would be interested? Please let me know in the comments section.

Welcome March!

I am so excited March is here! That means Spring is on the way! Just the last few warm days has brought me so much joy!

Everyone who has been following my journey the last few years, knows my goal of being a full time photographer. Right now, I still work part time. Which takes time away from editing and return calls/emails.  It also limits the days and times I can have sessions.

At the start of every new year I sit down to figure out how I can reach full time and leave my part time job. I try not to change too much at once. I felt that a nice slow pace for the changes was a good idea, until I realized it will be another five years before I am at where I needed to be. So, I decided this past new years eve that I was going to just jump right in. Now with three kids of my own I can't just quit my part time job until I have a steady amount of sessions each month. To achieve my goal I needed to make a few changes. Here they are.......



After April 2nd I will have three types of sessions.

1. Regular; perfect for larger family sessions, newborns, maternity, and any session where you would like to make more than two outfit change. Can be at my studio or at a local location. Session comes with between 75-100 printed proofs.
2. Small; perfect for small family portraits, birthday sessions, senior portraits, and any session where you would like two or less outfit changes. Can be at my studio or at a local location. Session comes with between 30-70 printed proofs.
3. Mini; fast sessions with no outfit changes on select dates and times only. Comes with 8-12 images on CD with rights to print.

Prices will vary depending on:

• day: Monday - Friday OR Saturday and Sunday
• time: Sessions 3pm and later will have a different price as well as weekends.
• proof sizes. You will have options to upgrade your proofs from the 3 1/2 x 5 prints to 5x7 or 8x10!

I decided to go with the printed proof options so you can see what your portraits will look like as a prints. Plus it makes it so you can give them as gifts or keep and use them in a scrap book for yourself! All proofs will have a small logo on them on the bottom right of your portrait.


A Regular session will start at $350 for Monday-Friday before 3pm. Small Sessions start at $200 Monday-Friday before 3pm. Weekday Studio Mini Sessions will be $80 and Weekend Studio Mini Session will be $125.

If you think of it this way a Weekday Regular session will be about $3.50 per printed 3 1/2 x 5 proof! What a deal!

Please take a moment and leave me some feedback on my blog. Tell me what you think of printed proofs, is it easier for you to pick your session needs knowing the information above (regular, small, and mini). Thank you so much for your input!



Prices subject to change without notice.

February Update!

Wow! Seems like February flew by way too fast! With every weekend came a huge snow storm! Trying to keep up with just a shovel for my pathway wasn't working. So we now have a snow thrower! If you haven't been to my studio before you need to know a little something about the driveway down to the studio. It is a long, curved, steep driveway. We had a plow come once and he broke part of his truck trying to back out of the driveway. So since then he hasn't plowed past a certain point in our driveway. I don't blame him, when there is snow there ends up being no spot to turn around at the bottom like there is the rest of the year. 

It took a week but I now see some dark pavement on the path and I am ready for sessions again! My first session since all the snow storms turned out great! I was so excited to get back in the studio! Can't wait for more!

I had so much fun that the next day I just wanted to work some more, SO I brought my Dogs and their Pups into the studio for some fun!

Oh and a little heads up, I will be donating my time at Petco again on May 16th for Pet Cancer Awareness Month. So Save the Date and have your pets photographed by me and help out a good cause!

Happy New Year!!!!

I hope everyone has had a wonderful start of 2015! Things here have been busy. I have been planing out my entire year of mini sessions and a few other behind the scenes photography stuff that has to be done before I start in all the photography fun for the year!

If you haven't heard I now have a rewards club. The cards have arrived, I will be mailing out the cards and letters to the families that have already signed up. If you would like to know more about it click here.

First Mini Sessions scheduled are the Valentine Mini Sessions! Click on the "Specials" link above or click here to see the dates and times.

Other upcoming events to look for on my facebook page.

Christmas Minis and Portraits with Santa!

Well we made it to that time of year! Christmas!

Why wait in a long line for Santa Portraits. Visit Santa and Me for a scheduled 25 minutes with Santa! Your children can talk to Santa and relax a bit while we take pictures. If your child doesn't like Santa, that is fine! I will have Santa leave the studio for a bit take a few alone without Santa then use a little Santa Magic to get a Santa picture later! No one will ever know! ;) A $35 nonrefundable deposit must be paid at least one week before the mini session date to hold your spot. If you need to cancel or change the time of your mini session, please call/text/email me, this way your deposit will transfer to that date and time. $20 of the deposit DOES NOT go towards prints, so only $15 of the deposit will go towards your package choice, the other pays for Santa and extras. You can send your $35 deposit by paypal to ojw79@yahoo.com or call/text/email me if you would like to make another arrangements.  Package choices are at the bottom of this post.


 

 

 

Portraits with Santa:

Saturday, November 29

10:30am - 4:00pm

https://www.facebook.com/events/405684496242233/?ref=5

 

 

Saturday, December 13

10:00am - 4:00pm

https://www.facebook.com/events/459363424164093/?ref=5

 

 

 

 

Christmas Mini Sessions are on select dates only. You can have up to 3 children per session. NO outfit changes and only use of two setup.

During your session I will take between 15-30 portraits and you will get to see them the same day.

A $25 nonrefundable session fee must be paid at least one week before the mini session date to hold your spot. If you need to cancel or change the time of your mini session, please call/text/email me, this way your deposit will transfer to that date and time. Your deposit will go towards your prints. You can send deposit by paypal to ojw79@yahoo.com or mail it to me.

 

 

Christmas Mini Sessions

 

Saturday, December 6

10:00am - 4:00pm

 

https://www.facebook.com/events/412402102230556/?ref=5

 

another date will be posted as soon as this one is almost full!

 

 

 

Package options:

NEW $35 digital package (2) images sent to your email with rights to print up to 8x12 in size!...

$50 minis package ONE: (1) 8x10 (3) 5x7 and (16) wallets

$50 minis package TWO: (5) 5x7 (24) wallets

$100 package ONE: (3) 8x10 (5) 5x7 and (32) Wallets

ADD $20 to your print package if you would like the picture(s) you picked for 8x10 and 5x7 to be put on CD with rights to print OR ADD $10 more if you would like them emailed to you with rights to print more.

Add cards to any session for an extra $35 per box of 25 cards! This is an add on only, not a package by itself.


You will be able to see your pictures and pick them out the same day. It takes 3-5 business days for prints to be ready for pickup. If you wish to have them mailed to you add $5.

2015 Rewards Club!

I love seeing my clients families grow. Some of you I have been photographing for almost 5 years now! I feel like I have known those families forever. Plus so many of you like my work so much you send me your friends and families for photo sessions and I want to thank all of you! 

So as a Thank You to my loyal clients and soon to be loyal clients, I have created a Rewards Club. To keep track of rewards I am asking you to sign up by email : oliviajeanwilliams@gmail.com

In the subject please say you would like to be part of my Rewards Club!
Put your mailing address & phone number in the email, I promise not to share your information with anyone.
I will send you the reward card by snail mail.

What rewards do you get with the Rewards Club?

• Coupons in your snail mailbox for deals only Club members will get.

• A Rewards Card. Every time you have a session I will mark your card. Mini sessions will have one point, full sessions two points. After every 5 points you will earn your choice of either a  mini sessions with four pictures from the session sent to your email with rights to print OR your next full session fee waved. The Free sessions do not count towards your next reward. All Rewards must be used before 12/20/15

• A set of referral cards. After your first session of the new year I will print out referral cards for you. Make sure you have your friends and family bring in the referral card at their session so you can get rewarded. Rewards only count for new referrals. Every referral you bring to me will earn you a free 8x10 print. I will send you an email after every session that shows me your card. In that email I will let you know where you are at in my referral program. You can save up your referral prints and upgrade your reward to a larger print, I will go more into that once you have earned enough rewards to upgrade. You must use your referral prints by 12/20/15.

So sign up today so you can start your rewards early! Card is effective starting October 25th!

What is a photograph?

Hello everyone! First, I would like to thank you for visiting my site. It means so much to me that you stopped by! Second, I have a few questions I would like you to think about.  Feel free to leave a comment on my blog on your thoughts as well.



What is a photograph? What is it worth? Why is it important to be in them yourself? Now if you can please take a moment and think about what your answers would be then go on below.





 






What is a photograph? To me, a photograph is a moment frozen in time. Just looking at it can take me back. Like when I look at this picture here 

I can remember how the sand felt between my toes, the smell of salt water in the air, the sounds of the waves, the people we met (even in this picture with only the ocean), and the fun times we had. A memory can only go so far, with a photograph it is enhanced times ten. Details forgotten come back to me in an instant! It is amazing!

What is it (a photograph) worth? The value varies due to the subject in the photograph. Somethings you just can't put a value on. Like photographs of my children, my family, special events in my life, and my loved ones that are no longer with us. Those mean more to me than say a photo of a park in the fall. Now there is still value in that fall scene, it will still bring back memories of everything I did that day while I was at the park, however it just doesn't have the sentimental value. Example here

This is a photo of my oldest son with MY Dad. I had no clue when I took this photo Christmas morning how much it would be worth to me now.  I can look at this picture and remember all the fun times he had with his Grandson, it does make me wish he was still with us but the memories this one photo holds is priceless!



Why is it important to be in them yourself? For me, the reason is all for my future grandchildren. I know I wont live forever, however my portraits will go on. My Great Grandchildren will see photographs of me with their Grandmother or Grandfather. It is a legacy that I can leave behind. Remember, the photo isn't about you, I ask you to please remember that the next time you book a photo session. it doesn't matter if you have a bad hair day, if you didn't lose those few extra pounds yet, or think your smile isn't bright enough. You still should be in the pictures. Don't put it off until tomorrow. Remember tomorrow is never a guaranteed.

So when is the perfect time for family portraits? During your favorite season of the year. So if you like summer, we can go to a beach, I have no problem driving* out to a beach for family portraits. Winter, I know a few great parks that would look stunning when there is fresh snow. I am sure you get the idea here. So don't wait too long for your family portrait. Make sure you get in there with the family for one or two picture, plus drag your other half in there for some too. I promise it wont hurt.

Remember starting January 1, 2015 my new prices will be in effect. The $50 session fee will be only for Studio portraits**.





*There is a travel fee, fee is based on distance from my studio. If you get someone to sign up the same day you will earn extra prints plus the travel fee will be split. Ask me more about that when booking your session.

**See my website for my new session prices and fees. If you have any questions please email me at oliviajeanwilliams@gmail.com

Fall Location Mini Sessions....

 

Location Minis:
Where: Westville Damn, Sturbridge
When: Saturday, September 27th
Time: 10am-1pm
Book your spot here https://www.facebook.com/events/1489835971271129/?ref=22

or email me at oliviajeanwilliams@gmail.com

 

 

Hope to see you soon!

Portraits of your furry kids.....

I will be donating my talents at Petco in Auburn on Saturday September 13th and Sunday September 14th from 1-3!   With an $8.95 donation you can help local animal shelters and take home a professional photo of your furry child!

 

No need to sign up, just come visit! 

You still have time for Senior Portraits.....

If you haven't booked a session yet for your Senior Portrait, now is the time!  I still have weekend openings!

Senior Portraits are painless, I promise!  I also promise to have you looking your best in every portrait!

So send me a message today....

Get a friend to have a Senior Portrait with me and you will get TWO 8x10 portraits for free, Mom and Dad will love that!

Senior Portrait Session Fee is only $50! We will start off in my studio for about 20 minutes then head out around Sturbridge for some location portraits!



Session fee doesn't come with prints, it does include your picture for the yearbook, and basic photo retouching.

Halloween Mini Sessions Saturday and Sunday October 25th and 26th!!! Sign up today!

Bring your child in their Halloween Costume for some spooky fun! This mini session has no age restrictions. To keep the sessions running smooth please have your child in their costume before your session time. Also to keep us on time no more than 3 children per session. I will take between 15-30 portraits of your child, you can look at the back of my camera to narrow them down if time allows. I will post them on facebook within 24-48 hours. If you are getting the email digital package you will have your order within 24 hours from selecting your portraits. Prints can take 3-7 business days and CD can take up to 48 hours.

 

 

Two dates:

Saturday October 25th

11:00 am
11:30 am
12:00 pm
12:30 pm
1:00 pm Krystal
1:30 pm
2:00 pm
2:30 pm
3:00 pm
3:30 pm
4:00 pm

Sunday October 26th

11:30 am Angela                
12:00 pm
12:30 pm
1:00 pm
1:30 pm
2:00 pm
2:30 pm
3:00 pm
3:30pm
4:00 pm Lauren

  A $25 nonrefundable deposit must be paid by October 23rd. If you need to cancel or change the time of your mini session, please call/text/email me, this way your deposit will transfer to that date and time. Your deposit will go towards prints. You can send deposit by paypal to ojw79@yahoo.com or mail it to me.



Package options:

NEW $35 digital package (2) images sent to your email with rights to print up to 8x12 in size!

$50 minis package ONE: (1) 8x10 (3) 5x7 and (16) wallets

$50 minis package TWO: (5) 5x7 (24) wallets

$100 package TWO: (3) 8x10 (5) 5x7 and (32) Wallets

$100 CD Package: 5 pictures on CD with rights to print.

ADD $20 to your print package if you would like the picture(s) you picked for 8x10 and 5x7 to be put on CD with rights to print OR ADD $10 more if you would like them emailed to you with rights to print more.

Add cards to any session for an extra $35 per box of 25 cards! This is an add on only, not a package by itself.

Sign up now for a Fall Mini Session on Saturday October 4th!!

Everyone loves getting pictures taken of their children, why not sign up for a fast and affordable mini session!

 

 

Only three spots left for Saturday October 4th:
9:00 am
10:00 am
11:00 am Nicole 
12:00 pm
1:00 pm Krystal
3:00 pm Lauren
4:00 pm Linnea(PD)

 

Mini Sessions are on select dates only. You can have up to 3 children per session. NO outfit changes please!

  During your session I will take between 15-30 portraits and you will get to see them the same day.
A $25 nonrefundable deposit must be paid at least one week before the mini session date t...o hold your spot. If you need to cancel or change the time of your mini session, please call/text/email me, this way your deposit will transfer to that date and time. Your deposit will be deducted from your Mini SESSION package. You can send deposit by paypal to ojw79@yahoo.com or mail it to me.



Package Price.
Package options:

NEW $35 digital package (2) images sent to your email with rights to print up to 8x12 in size!

$50 minis package ONE: (1) 8x10 (2) 5x7 and (16) wallets

$50 minis package TWO: (4) 5x7 (24) wallets

$100 package ONE: 5 pictures on CD with rights to print up to 15" on the long side

$100 package TWO: (3) 8x10 (5) 5x7 and (32) Wallets

ADD $20 to your print package if you would like the picture(s) you picked for 8x10 and 5x7 to be put on CD with rights to print OR ADD $10 more if you would like them emailed to you with rights to print more.

Add cards to any session for an extra $35 per box of 25 cards! This is an add on only, not a package by itself.

  You will be able to see your pictures and pick them out the same day. It takes 3-5 business days for prints to be ready for pickup. If you wish to have them mailed to you add $5.
(Pd = paid deposit)

Season is changing!

This time of year is my favorite.  When all the leaves change color and the air is crisp and cool,  it's just wonderful!   Now is the perfect time to book a fall portrait session with me. 

Here are some great openings for Fall location portrait sessions.

October 11th-14th 5pm
October 16th and 17th 5pm
October 19th 9am 3pm and 5pm
October 20th-21st 5pm

More times are available however the best light is 3pm and later during October.

I hope to see you soon!


Olivia

Fall Mini Sessions are BACK!!!!!

Fall Mini Sessions are back!  Saturday October 6th.  Spots are very limited this year (only 3 left) 9am, 10am and 12pm!

Sign up before they are gone!

You can have up to 3 children per session. NO outfit changes please.

During your session I will take between 15-30 portraits and you will get to see them the same day.

A $25 nonrefundable deposit must be paid at least one week before the mini session date to hold your spot. If you need to cancel or change the time of your mini session, please call/text/email me, this way your deposit will transfer to that date and time. Your deposit will be deducted from your Mini SESSION package. You can send deposit by paypal to ojw79@yahoo.com or mail it to me.



Package Price.
Package options:

NEW $35 digital package (2) images sent to your email with rights to print up to 8x12 in size!

$50 minis package ONE: (1) 8x10 (2) 5x7 and (16) wallets

$50 minis package TWO: (4) 5x7 (24) wallets

$100 package ONE: 5 pictures on CD with rights to print up to 15" on the long side

$100 package TWO: (3) 8x10 (5) 5x7 and (32) Wallets

ADD $20 to your print package if you would like the picture(s) you picked for 8x10 and 5x7 to be put on CD with rights to print OR ADD $10 more if you would like them emailed to you with rights to print more.

Add cards to any session for an extra $35 per box of 25 cards! This is an add on only, not a package by itself.


You will be able to see your pictures and pick them out the same day. It takes 3-5 business days for prints to be ready for pickup. If you wish to have them mailed to you add $5.
 

Only three spots left for this date:
9:00 am
10:00 am
11:00 am Nicole
12:00 pm
1:00 pm Krystal
3:00 pm Lauren
4:00 pm Linnea (PD)

(PD = paid deposit)

 

Winner for my birthday contest!

My birthday contest prize was a mini Christmas Session.  So I had to post a few Christmas Portraits on this post.

 

 

Winner......



Congrats Genevieve Foresteire!  You won one FREE 15-25 minute Christmas Mini Session that comes with a CD of 3 portraits with rights to print up to 11x14!
 

You can use your Christmas Mini Session in October or November.

OK next contest for a chance to win another FREE 15-25 minute Christmas Mini Session will be in a few weeks.  So keep your eyes on my blog here and my facebook page!

Hey, It's My Birthday!!!!!

I must say, getting older isn't always fun, until your 10 year old asks you if you are turning 25 today.  He is now my favorite child for the day.  My other two had to correct him.  My oldest asked him "how can she be 25? I am 16!"  He looked puzzled for a moment until my daughter started yelling my real age to him.  Fun start of my day!

 

So to celebrate my day I wanted to have a contest!

 

 

 

Contest time!!!!!

 

There will be one winner and the winner will get a FREE Christmas Mini Session with me!**

 

Here is how to enter:

 

Share my facebook page: facebook.com/OJWSTUDIOS

 

Make sure you tell them it is my birthday and all I want is more likes on my facebook page and birthday wishes on the post about this contest.

 

Like the photo on my facebook page that looks just like this one.

 

Then say Happy Birthday on it! ;)

 

You have until 5pm on Monday July 23rd to enter.

 

I will pick the winner sometime between 6pm and 8pm with help from my daughter.  We will put names in a hat and she will draw the winner, a video of this will be posted.

 

You can gift your win to a friend if you don't live in or near Sturbridge MA.

 

Good Luck!

 

 

** FREE Christmas Mini Session is a 15-25 minute session that comes with a CD of 3 portraits with rights to print up to 11x14

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am so thankful!

I want to thank everyone for all the sessions I have had since I changed the way I do my prices.  Remember this low session fee of $50* is only good until December 30, 2014.  So book your session now!  My weekend spots are filling up fast.  *newborn and 1st birthday sessions are not included in the $50 session fee special.  Session fee doesn't included prints, just a proofbook.

Studio session fees for children ages 4 months and up after  December 30, 2014 will be:

$50 session fee for single child portrait
$75 session fee for two - four children


Parents are always welcome in a few pictures at no extra cost



Do you want to make this into a location session instead?
 

• add an extra $15 for a session at Westville Dam
• add an extra $25 for a session at Moore State Park

 

Contact me for prices for other locations or for 1st birthday, newborn sessions and for larger group sessions.