Mini-Sessions - A Tea Party on the Studio Lawn - ONLY $35

Victorian Tea Party Mini Portrait Sessions

August 9th and 10th join us for a Victorian Tea Party Portrait Session on the front lawn of our beautiful century-home studio!

We will have a child sized "tea party" ready for your little one to say "One lump or two?" while we snap a few priceless moments.

ONLY $35 !! *

The session cost is $35 and includes session fee and two-5x7 prints from one image. Images will be put online 48 hours later and you (and family and friends) can choose whatever prints you wish, with no minimums or extra administrative fees. If you just want the 2-5x7's included in this special session pricing... that's fine too! No pressure to buy any extra prints.

Sessions are by appointment, with a 10 minute time slot booked every 15 minutes. This promotion runs Saturday August 9th from 1pm to 7pm and Sunday August 10th from 1pm to 6pm. Spaces are already booking up fast so call or email now to book your $35 mini-session! Some walk-in spots may be available, so stop by or call last minute if you would like to see if we can squeeze you in.

We recommend wearing sundresses or other dress clothes (for boys, for example). We have some props and costume accessories (i.e. hats, and gloves), but children should arrive in their "Sunday Best". We will have some teddy bears and dolls participating in the tea party, but of course there is always room for your child's special stuffed friend.

No extra fee for multiple children in the same session. To do each child individually would incur extra fees, please inquire. Three children maximum per session.

Be sure to tell your friends and family so they can take advantage of this great opportunity to see the Dream Catcher difference for only $35!

See you there!

The Dream Catcher Team

www.dreamcatcherlondon.com
smile@dreamcatcherlondon.com
1656 Hyde Park Rd. (Just North of Gainsbrough Rd.), London
519.488.5201

Introducing..... Sarah West, Portrait Artist

Sarah West is passionate about little grins and round bellies! Her true love when it comes to photography are families which makes Dream Catcher Photo the perfect place for her! Sarah started with Dream Catcher some years ago as a co-op student while she was completing her Photography Diploma at Fanshawe College. We loved her so much that we couldn't let her go and now that we have the studio, we are very lucky to have Sarah here as our very own Portrait Artist. You will find Sarah at the studio on Saturday's.

Victorian Tea Party

On August 9 and 10, 2008 our century old studio will come to life as the location of our first ever Victorian Tea Party Mini-Portrait sessions! For only $35, clients receive a mini-session including 2-5x7 prints! More info will be posted here in the coming weeks... check back soon or sign up for our newsletter and receive the juicy details right in your inbox! So, join us for the cutest little pretend tea party ever where your child can ask... "One lump or two?"

Work at home (WAHM) business for sale!

NOTE: THIS BUSINESS IS NOW SOLD!! CONGRATS TO THE LUCKY NEW OWNER!

Calling all Moms! A perfect work-out-of-the-home opportunity has fallen into your lap!

There is a site that I have told many of you about in the past that I love called PinkPowerSuit.com A friend of mine, Natasha, is the brilliant owner and she is selling this exceptional business. Very reasonable price too. Please take a look and pass along to any friends or family you may have that might be interested.This is the ebay listing...http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320256732582

Julie

Professional Photographers of Canada Convention

Wow... what a great week. I've just completed a whirl wind week at the National Convention of the Professional Photographer's of Canada.

There was a terrific trade show where I found some great suppliers. One product I'm sure my clients will love is a piece of crystal that has the photo embedded in it. It's gorgeous and I think I can bring it to you at a reasonable price too. I'll follow up on that.

I also had the absolute pleasure of seeing so many wonderful speakers. Just a few include...

Arthur Rainville, the chair of the Portrait Department at the New England School of Photography in Boston, taught a wonderful seminar that had me in tears at the end with a focus on the “art” and emotion of portraits but also on the technical aspects of producing a great image.
John Woodward… a preeminent photographer, having photographed the Pope, several presidents and prime ministers, and worked for clients such as Viacom, the New York Yankees, all major TV networks, Paramount, Hyatt and more… taught a fact filled course on mastering lighting and analyzing faces so they put their best look forward.
Hanson Fong.. one of the premier wedding (and portrait) photographers in the US… taught a jam packed course that covered several topics but focused on mastering posing techniques.
I also learned some great digital print enhancement techniques from David Cuerdon, one of the world’s first, and highly respected, digital fashion photographers. His clients have included Playboy, Glamour Magazine and Neiman Marcus. This poor man was stuck at customs all night right before his bright and early 6 a.m. seminar… and he still managed to teach SOOO much!
I also had the immense pleasure of listening to a wonderful wedding and portrait photographer from Toronto, Storey Wilkins. Storey also had me in tears as she imparted her feelings on the value and importance of the portraits that we produce for our clients. A truly inspirational person.

So, I'm back and ready to use all this information to ensure my clients ( the most wonderful clients in the world!) continue to get quality portraits of their babies and children at real people prices. I am so honoured to be able to have such a fantastic job.

In addition to the official events, there was also much merry making and I met so many wonderful people. Some new friendships were formed... and old ones renewed. It's an amazing profession that we are so supportive of each other.

Thanks to all the speakers and organizers. I look forward to seeing you all again in Regina at next year's convention!

Julie

Mother's Day is coming up fast!

Just a reminder that Mother's Day is May 11. Portraits make the perfect gift for Mom and Grandma. If you would like prints ready in time for Mother's Day gift giving... the deadline to have the photos taken is April 23. Remember... with no sitting fee and mix and match print options, you don't need to wait for a once a year holiday portrait... Mother's Day is the perfect excuse to stop in at the studio!

Spring Portraits!

At the risk of jinxing this warm-ish weather we are having... it's time to THINK SPRING!

Our Enchanted Forest set is perfect for Spring/Easter Portraits or choose our classic and contemporary portraiture.

Happy almost Spring!

My Grandad: Beloved Man Wm. Henry (Harry) Myers 1918-2008

William Henry (Harry) Myers. Eldest son of Madge (nee Glover) and Wm. Frederick Myers. Born September 20, 1918 in Hindley, Lancashire, England. Passed away on the 1st of March, 2008 in Oshawa, Ontario from an injury suffered in an accident on the 29th of February, 2008.

Joined the Royal Canadian Navy as a boy seaman in March 1936 and retired in March 1966 as Lieut. Commander with 6 years in rank. Pursued a successful career in Social Services for the Ontario Government until his retirement in 1981. A proud member of the Masonic Lodge since 1945; an active member of the Shriners; and, a member in good standing with the Canadian Legion.

Married Eileen Mary Sinnott in 1942 and from that lifelong union he has left the legacy of 4 children (Harry, John, Janet and Stephen), 13 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren (noted below with their respective families).

D.R. Harry Myers and his children Jason Barron and Chantal. John F. Myers (and wife Maureen) and their children Adam (and wife Gosia), Michael (and wife Gabby; and children Zoë, Lucas, and Noah), Paul, Rozlyn, Luke (and fiancée Katie), and Mark (and fiancée Erin). Janet E. M. Myers-Malloy (and husband Larry); and her children, Julie Duggan (and husband Daniel; and children Liam, Cade, and Quinn), and Heather. Stephen D. Myers and his children Alexander, Harrison and Sabrina. He is predeceased by his siblings John F., Charles E., Ruth Alyse, and Lillian Elsie. Special thanks to Father Lincoln Mckoen.

Harry was an honourable man, loving husband, gentle father, and a youthful grandfather and great grandfather; and, all those who had the honour of knowing him are better for it. He is missed immensely.

Dreamscape Portraits Are Here!

Our Enchanted Forest for our Dreamscape Portraits is ready for little princes and princesses!

I have wanted to do this for years but of course couldn't when all my work was done on location. Now, with the new studio space, I have dedicated one room to being our Dreamscape Portraits set. This set will rotate every once in a while... so if you want a specific set, please be sure to get on it quick! The current set, Enchanted Forest, will make a regular return though because it will certainly be VERY popular. We have literally dozens of costumes (for boys and girls)... so come and have some fun!

Belly Casting Special Offer

The wonderful doulas of MamaAssist have graciously offered my Belly Goddess Portrait clients $5 off a belly casting session. And... they'll even come to the Dream Catcher Studio and do it right after your portrait session! Convenient... easy... and fun too. And, yes... you will find somewhere to put it!

I am so happy I had one done for my last pregnancy. Now when I look at it, I can't believe that was really how BIG I was! So, pregnant mamas... come to Dream Catcher Photo for your pregnancy photos and then get casting done so you can truly preserve this special time. Thanks Tiffany and Rachel from MamaAssist! http://www.mamaassist.com/

Looking for your cool junk

Thinking of doing some cleaning up around your house to start off the New Year right? Well...

WE'RE LOOKING FOR: Neat and unusual items and furniture for use as props.

Do you have a collection of hats that is collecting dust? Maybe an old Victorian-ish armchair that is sitting in a corner of your basement? A funky rug or stool that you have NO idea what to do with? A classic baby toy? Do you have an item that you now look at and think... WHAT was I thinking?!? Dream Catcher Photo is on the lookout for interesting and unique props and maybe our next favourite thing is something from YOUR attic or basement!

Submit a pic and/or description to us and, if we can use it at the studio we’ll give you a coupon for a free 8x10 to be used the next time you come in for a session with Dream Catcher Photo. (A note though... we have to actually WANT your item to get the photo and coupon... it might be cool... but we might not need it.)

In addition to pretty much anything but the kitchen sink (or maybe we could find a use for that too.... hmmm...) please keep in mind that we are currently working on developing sets. Some sets may include forest themes, beach themes, princess/fairy/knights, seasonal themes, etc.).

Come on… it’s a new year and time to clean out all the stuff you don’t use or need… recycle and let it take on a new life!

THANKS and Happy 2008!

Julie

Happy 2008!

Happy New Year!

It is going to be a fabulous 2008! Our new studio is now operational and we are just putting on the finishing touches.

The GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION is set for Fri Jan 25 and Sat Jan 26, noon to 6 each day. There are lots of great door prizes, free coupons for 8x10 prints, and even a draw for FREE SESSIONS. We’re also giving away, to the first 250 children each day, FREE child ID kits complete with fingerprinting and photo ID. Dream Catcher Photo is grateful to be a part of the London community and we don’t just want to capture your children’s portrait memories, we want to help keep London kids safe too. Keep an eye on our website (and on this blog too) for more details about the great prizes and sponsoring businesses.

Dream Catcher Photography wishes you a wonderful 2008. May all your hopes and dreams come true (and we can’t wait to photograph those hopes and dreams for you!).

We're blogging! Wow, this is so new for me. I'm only just new to reading blogs let alone writing them. But, here goes...

OK... first, you'll have to forgive my complete lack of knowledge of blogger language. I type words... not codes. I don't know what a DH is and I've just found out what "fisking" is. It's a whole new world that I promise to try and learn bit by bit. Many thanks in advance for your patience as this old dog stumbles through the ropes of this new trick.

Next... let me tell you who I am. My name is Julie Duggan and I own Dream Catcher Photography in London Ontario. I have been at this for many years now while raising my children and I am now, finally, in a position to move my business from a home based one to a brick and mortar commercial property. Yippeeee!!!

After a long time of looking... I have found the perfect place. It's an old Victorian home that has been converted into a commercial property in the Hyde Park are (right on Hyde Park, just north of Gainsborough Rd.) The house was built around 1890 and is over 1800 sq. ft. It is a dream come true to be able to offer my clients so much more than I ever could before.

There are lots of plans for the place. Please stay tuned and I'll reveal them on this blog and my main site at www.dreamcatcherlondon.com I'll also keep you informed as new staff is hired and we grow... thanks to all our wonderful clients who allow me (and my future staff) to capture all your dreams come true on film. It's an honour I don't ever take for granted.

Although we have begun to operate out of the studio already... the finishing touches are being put on and we are in the middle of planning our HUGE Grand Opening Celebration. More details about that in a future blog entry. Look for entries from the dream catcher photo team in the future too. This is no longer just a one (wo)man band!

OK... that's it for my first ever blog post. How did I do? *grin*