Inky-Dinky-Do Blog

The Hunt is ON!

OK if you are new to the annual hunt then just follow along.  It is easy and most of all FUN!  The quality of the photos is not as important as you might think.  The point is to have fun, be creative and show me what you can come up with.  In the case of a tie breaker we have been known to be pushed over the edge by the most creative use of our logo etc. 

Who can play- Everyone- that we aren't related to and are not professional photographers!  Teenagers, Moms, Grandma's, make it an office or class  challenge!

Keep in mind these don't have to be AMAZING photographically.  The point is to have fun and be a little creative.  Camera phone, iphone, real camera photos- all will be fine.

How to submit- you can drop a CD, you can link to an online gallery, or you can email your entry.  *Make sure we know which images is for which number on the list.

The Deadline...Dec 31st at midnight- winners announced on New Years Day by midnight!

The Twist...
Twist #1- Stephanie has to do the Scavenger Hunt as well.
Twist #2- You can come up with 10 additional suggestions for Stephanie to have to do too!  Yes, first come first serve.  No one person can post more than 2 to keep it fair.  Think before you post and make it count! All 10 have to be posted with in 1 week.
Twist #3- IF Stephanie doesn't complete the Hunt and you do- you will receive a free session & wall portrait!  I know what you are thinking, but you can't sabotoge her!  Face it, it is the busiest time of year so really with family coming on top of it do you really think she can get this done?  We don't.  :)

Watch the blog each week for special bonus opportunities!  Oh yes, we have some fun planned if nothing else than for our entertainment!

The Hunt List...

1) Something snappy
2) Something Moolicious
3) Fluff
4) 5 Golden Rings
5) inky-dinky-do + You = ?
6) have Mercy...
7) Zoom zoom
8) team work
9) a tower
10) show me a mascot- bonus if you are with them - triple bonus if you incorporate our logo!
11) feathers, fur or fins?
12) you with someone in uniform- and oh yeah you need to make them smile & thumbs up!
13) something Lush
14) a favorite holiday treat
15) come on Mama show me Drama
16) a test
17) spell something out- your can't use actual letters or fonts.
18) tacky, tacky, tacky...
19) Symbol everyone knows
20) you must be on or at the Edge


The Prizes...
• 5 hours of private photographic teaching by Stephanie herself complete with lunch!  Yep, you can learn how to use those buttons on the camera!  This is the most requested thing at the studio and usually is reserved for Stephanie working with professionals at a couple grand a day- so enjoy!
• Complimentary Portrait Session
• some  more cool stuff to be announced as we go!

It is time again.... The Annual Scavenger Hunt!!!

You spoke- we listened!  I know we have a lot of teachers that play and complained about the timing so this year no excuses!  Not to mention lots of crazy fun!  Watch the blog this week for rules, the items and a fun little twist because we can!

The holiday rush!

I love my clients and the crazy schedules we all keep!  For everyone that has noticed that Thanksgiving is next week, it is too late to book your sessions!  I know, it snuck up this year when nobody was looking.  My magic wand can make people look fabulous, but the ability to turn back time seems to be an update I might need to upload to it. 

Possible solutions-
•If you have done a session this year and want to use an image from that session for the card- drop us an email by Saturday 5pm and we can get something to the lab for you.

•You could book a session for early Dec. (yes, that means call now for booking that session!)  and send out New Year's cards.  No you wont mail them out the day after Thanksgiving, but it wont look like you forget people!

•I know you are thinking I have a picture of my one child but what about the other three, I can't possibly send out a card featuring just one child.  This is true unless it happens to be a birth announcement from the family at holiday time!  Or, if you want to just admit that is your favorite and next year if the kids are really good they might make it on the card... Ok, maybe that isn't the best idea- but the birth announcement idea is good!

HOURS FOR THANKSGIVING.....

Friday the 21st 9:00-11:00 Open pick up.

Monday the 23rd  10:00-12:00 Open pick up

The 24th & 25th- Tiffany will be scheduling a few appointments Please call to schedule 661-588-1984.

Closed the 26th- Dec 1.  Come on it is a holiday involving food- you know we are going to celebrating!

Some of our great little trick or treaters at inky-dinky-do!

UPDATE!  Pick up times this week- Wed 5-7pm/ Thursday 2:00-3:30pm / Friday 12:00-1:00pm  and 5-6:00 pm.  (updated 11-9-09)

We are so happy we had so many generous families donating to the MS society this year.  We are posting some mini low res versions below of the files that are being printed for the families and the hi-res versions will be emailed to you shortly.  Prints will be available next week.  I'll keep times posted on the blog & facebook. :)

I'll add to them after Thursday.  But here are some of our donating families from Wednesday. 

You are able to download the images to share via your websites, facebook etc. As usual we only ask you leave the logo on. :)  The hi-res version that is coming in your email will be better for printing, but kind of big for sharing on the computer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
If you were part of the Free Open House your low res file will be sent Friday.  All of our donating families can expect their files by Friday and prints next week.
 

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

It's Back! Halloween at inky-dinky-do!

inky-dinky-do is doing the Witch's Studio again!  This year we will be benefiting the MS Society!  You guys asked for reserved times (I know crazy and packed when we do open house style!) so we listened and I think we have come up with a great option.  For a little donation to a great charity you can snag your own time and even have our great lab print up a little picture package for you!  Not to mention you still get the image file to print as you wish!  Just when you thought it couldn't get any better!  You can call or email to reserve your spot! 

October 28th & 29th   (Wed./Thurs.)

Option A - $30 donation to MS society
•Reserved 15 minute block of time
• Bring a friend if you wish!  (up to 4 in the image)
•1 pose printed as 1-5x7 & 2- 4x5’s
•the digital file emailed to you for printing
* want each child individually?  then book a spot for
each-it cost less than pizza night & the $$ goes to charity!

Option B - $20 donation to MS society
•Reserved 15 minute block of time (up to 2 kids in the image)
•the digital file emailed to you for printing

Option C - Free 
•stop by between 2:00 & 3:30pm the 28th only
•a low res mini file for web only emailed to you
•limited to current clients only about 3 minutes of photo time 

Check the reservation schedule-
what is your appoinment time and what is still avaialable
**this will be updated daily- keep in mind as people book spots it might become full before you see it on the schedule. 

So what is MS anyway? 


Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, unpredictable disease of the central nervous system (the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord). It is thought to be an autoimmune disorder. This means the immune system incorrectly attacks the person's healthy tissue.  MS can cause blurred vision, loss of balance, poor coordination, slurred speech, tremors, numbness, extreme fatigue, problems with memory and concentration, paralysis, and blindness and more. These problems may be permanent or may come and go.

Approximately 400,000 Americans have MS, and every week about 200 people are diagnosed. World-wide, MS affects about 2.5 million people. Because the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not require U.S. physicians to report new cases, and because symptoms can be completely invisible, the numbers can only be estimated.

Can MS be cured?

Not yet. There are now FDA-approved medications that have been shown to "modify" or slow down the underlying course of MS. In addition, many therapeutic and technological advances are helping people manage symptoms. Advances in treating and understanding MS are made every year, and progress in research to find a cure is very encouraging.

Got a jump rope?

OK we couldn't help but share this!  To think that we just were content to skip with  a rope.  These girls are amazing!
I love the reaction as it goes on of the crowd too.  Even those army guys know this is amazing!

These are he Kings FireCrackers and are junior high school girls!

Have fun & save $$

We couldn't resist the chance to help out the Titans and our clients!  Win Win!  We know our clients love to save money and are always looking for ways to have some family friendly fun- so here you go!

New Website Launching Tuesday & Holiday Specials!

We were hoping the website would be active today... but alas it isn't live yet so we are releasing the specials here first!  Watch for the new website and check out the cool holiday specials.

October 13th- wear you best denim and join us for some fun!  October 13th only a $50 session fee.

We will only have 20 spots available.  Please call the studio to book.  $100 session fee includes cute custom costumes, a fairyland set and loads of fun!

Prayer Time!  I haven't done this is years and I love it!  PJ's, Jammies, gowns- wear whatever is your favorite or use one of the studio outfits for this one.  Praying, napping, hugging their favorite bear, reading a book or even reading with Mom & Dad at bedtime.  Want it to have that holiday feel?  Wear red jammies and we bring your Christmas stocking!  There are lots of ways to make this one special.  $100 session fee.  20 spots avaialable.

OK, how about a little edgy, casual, cool fun!  This set will be all of those things.  Think leather, think brick, think NY loft! Great for dark tones, jeans, creams- just about anything but plaid!  Do the whole family or just the kids.  Why not let them jump on the sofa- I mean come on let loose and have some fun! $100 Session Fee.  20 spots available.

Don't worry we will have some special holiday card savings ready soon too and delivery in time to mail out after Thanksgiving! 

Spring into Summer Savings!

After enjoying hibernating for the winter we thought we would break out some fun sessions for the Spring & Summer.  We will have a couple featured sets that will be up during the days listed at a reduced session fee!  We can do these sessions at another time at our normal fee, but hey why not take advantage and have some fun!

Session Fees are only $50.  Super cool little twist... The Word of Mom.  We have really enjoyed our clients and who better to share their friends, than the clients we are enjoying!   Check this out!   Fill out the Word of Mom form and email it or drop it off to us and get 1/2 off your session fee! Yep that makes your session only $25.  Now if we book one of your friends that is new to inky-dinky-do for a session too- we will credit your $25 to your order and your session is free.  So, let's recap- 1/2 of the session for sharing friends -FREE session if one of them books as well!  Hmmm maybe this should be the Circle of Friends! 

Call the studio 661-588-1984 to schedule your session early!

April  3rd-6th
Little Mr. Fix It
A fun session for boys or girls.  Best for kids over 1 year.  They can play with our trike or bring their own special bike.  Overalls, jeans, t-shirts- keep it casual and basic for this one!

 

April 17 & 18th
Teddy Bear Wash
Who doesn't love washing a bear?  Great for girls or boys 18 months +.  Keep the clothes simple and the focus on the kids.  Bring a couple of their favorite stuffed animals so they can look back and show their kids the perfect teddy bear!  Be sure to bring a change of clothes because I'm sure we will all end up wet!

April 24th and 25th
Tea Time
Come sit and have a spot of tea with me!  Girls in pretty little dresses and tea- what could be more divine!  You are welcome to use one of the many studio dresses as well for this one!  If they have a very special stuffed friend they would like to have tea with have them bring them along as well.  Babies 6mo-1 year can enjoy tea on the wicker bench, while our older tea goers can sit at the wrought iron table for their tea.

 

 

May 15th & 16th
Mudpies!
Yes, that all time favorite is back!  Perfect for boys or girls over 8 months.  Casual clothes that can get dirty are best for this one!  T-shirts, overalls, simple and solid colors- you know what kids live in!  This isn't your prissy kind of session so move over princess!

 

June 12th
Lemonade Stand
When life gives you lemons... throw them at your photographer!  Well at least some kids do- but even better lets make lemonade.  An old favorite for those lazy days of summer.  So break out your favorite whites and lets get crazy.  Studio dresses in white available as well.

Monday is the last day for the Easter Bunny Days!

OK a few of our kids from this weekend.  Don't forget we opened up Monday so we have a couple spots left.  Feel free to call or email to get an appointment.  661-588-1984.
 

Monday is the last day for the Easter Bunny Days!

OK a few of our kids from this weekend.  Don't forget we opened up Monday so we have a couple spots left.  Feel free to call or email to get an appointment.  661-588-1984.
 

Monday is the last day for the Easter Bunny Days!

OK a few of our kids from this weekend.  Don't forget we opened up Monday so we have a couple spots left.  Feel free to call or email to get an appointment.  661-588-1984.
 

Easter is Coming!

It is that time again.... bunnies, eggs and kids all dressed up!  We a re doing the annual easter photos with our favorite studio bunny Blizzard!  Sessions will only take 15 minutes and we have some great little packages and some extra add ons this time!  We've been listening and yes, you can get a little CD of those images this time with your package! 

Check it all out and give the studio a call to book 661-588-1984. 

Friday March 20th & Saturday March 21st.

 click to see the packages larger!

Today was Powder Puff Day!

I know some of you wanted to see some pictures from today's Powder Puff Game.  Thought I would share a little video.  THe Thunderwoods lost today to the Nowottenators.  This keeps the winning streak for Mrs. O's & Mrs. N's class.  All the students had a great time watching and while those girls were fierce the real entertainment was watching the kids and those boys as mascots!

Click here to see a largerQuicktime version on our site

Out of the office-phone lines and Angela out this week...

Sorry to fall off the radar guys.  During our move we ran int oa couple snags- transferring phone lines and what not.  If you haven't been able to reach us via phone- fear not- email is getting answered- phones are getting sorted out.  We had a great idea to transfer the phone to Angela's cell Friday night- only we didn't anticipate Angela's son ending up in the hospital!  Yes, just what every Mom with a child in the trauma unit needs- a ringing phone.  Since we couldn't un-transfer the phone at that point we had to let them roll.  Now that Max is back home and phone line should be taken care of we will be returning whatever calls weren't lost in translation so to speak!  Again email is a great way to reach me during the move.  The studio is closed until next week and with Angela being out for obvious reasons we are running just a touch behind in getting the studio move settled. 

We do want to thank The Center for Neuro Skills in Bakersfield for being so helpful to us this last week.  They were wonderful at explaining things to Angela's family and giving recommendations.  We are happy to report that Max is home from the hospital and doing much better.  A very big thank you to our clients for understanding and allowing Angela to step back as needed.  Now we all agree that it will be great to have her back soon since I don't even know how to access voice mail!  :)  Yes, it is a good thing that I use the camera and not the phones!

2009 Changes

(new posts will appear below this one so scroll down if this is old news to you!)

2009 is all about simplicity- for us & for our clients.  The kind of simplicity that brings peace, simple joys and sense of family.

I know we have been pretty quiet lately on the blog.  We have been pondering what changes we wanted to make for the new year.  It was worth the wait because we have some serious changes coming your way! 

I have so loved watching all our inky-dinky-do kids grow up and document their lives.  We also have become part of the Bakersfield community since moving here and we aren't too proud to acknowledge that economic times have impacted our area and many of our clients.  So many of you have become like a big extended family for us and of course would love to still see the kids grow and share in the little joys that happen.  So we have reached a decision.  We are opting to close our boutique on Calloway Drive and focus soly on the studio and creating the best value for our clients.  Sure the boutique was nice, but at the end of the day staying affordable to our clients during a tough time is more important.  Angela will still be scheduling and thanks to modern technology she can do that virtually anywhere.  Previews will happen at the studio instead of the boutique.  So the only difference is you get to come back to the studio and visit me twice!  I'll make sure that candy bowl is refilled!   The studio will be as it has always been by appointment so that we may give you our full attention. 

Because we are moving stuff around (you notice there is no photo of boxes piled high!) we are essentially closed until the 9th of Feb.  Now don't panic, orders moved over and we will be checking them in next week, appointments will be scheduled, we are just buried in boxes.  My office is looking suspiciously organized thanks to Kim today!  The studio is getting a face lift and we are getting excited about the new set up.  Sometime, I'll have to tell you all about my trip to IKEA... never been in one and they sent me alone... you can only imagine! 

So in review.... the boutique location is closing and  we are revamping things at the studio to give our clients the best possible value and keep inky-dinky-do portraits an affordable luxury.  Prints are at the studio and scheduling will continue with a slight break for remodeling.  Watch for updates and new stuff to come! 

The path to the studio door.  Ok- when it isn't winter!  The roses should be great this spring!

Wedding's Weddings Weddings

I'm happy to say I'm back from Florida where I had a great time speaking at the SYNC conference.  I hope I was able to inspire some fabulous photographers!

We know the wedding show is this weekend.  With all the travel we decided not to do the show this year, we are however releasing the 2009 pricing guide for our brides.  We decided to keep it simple and make sure it is an affordable luxury for our brides.  You make up your own collection with only what you want.  We know that now more than ever brides love having those negs so we have gone to a system that allows for time+negs.  Have a peek and Angela or Kim will be happy to answer any questions!

** Since a couple people have asked- the pricing does include Stephanie, a second trained photographer and assistant and all the finished images on a DVD.  The same quality you have grown accustomed to don't worry guys!  You can print large prints not just small email ones.  **

Ohh a sale... I can't help but share

We all know I like a good bargain!  Thought I'd share a little flyer that was in my mailbox today... hope Denise doesn't mind... but then why would she!  There was a super cool mirror there that I liked and a table... might have to make a shopping trip- wanna come!  :)

These 8th graders don't just go home and ride bikes anymore...

Conner had an interesting sport- Paint ball.  I was very happy to see he is a responsible guy, hey it might only be paint, but those suckers can hurt.  I had him level that gun towards me and tr usted he wouldn't paint me blue like a smurf.  Luckily he can be trusted, I walked away clean, but I have to admit it does look like fun!

How about those 8th graders...

Adam is the most dedicated Red Sox Fan I've ever met!

Then again Allison, who comes from a musical family,  taught me about Metro Station.  Aparently I've been living under a rock or something... it wasn't bad at all. 

Speaking of music.... Casey plays the violin.  So cool I got a mini concert at my own studio!

Wow where did the time go

This year, well last year has flown by!  So I'd better catch up a little! 
Why not share one of our favorite cards this year....

And the winner is.....

We have our Going for Bliss winner....

Congratulations.......

Hazel & Josh

The happy and oh so sweet couple are winning FREE yes FREE 5 hours of wedding coverage!  We were so impressed with both of you and how much our sweet groom wanted to give his bride the world.  We can't wait for the wedding!  We will talk to both of you soon so enjoy your Christmas and your new present from inkyd-inky-do!  Stay tuned for a litte more about the happy couple around New Years and the plans for their Feb wedding that will take place on their 5th anniversary!

Merry Christmas to you!

We hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas with family and friends.  We fell privileged to be able to share in so many wonderful families all year long.  Don't forget while the boutique is closed email is your best way to catch us.  Angela and I are both checking email as we  can over the holiday.  You can reach Angela via her name (yes Angela) @ inky-dinky-do.com.  info@inky-dinky-do.com  works to reach our general mailbox.  I received an email today from "us" of course it wasn't us - so we have had some email hi-jacked.  So if you get some odd email from our email address I assure you we aren't sending anything about swiss watches, weight loss or well increasing anything! 

Happy Holidays to All!

Super Special Secret 2 Hour Sale!

OK well maybe not THAT secret now!  Just to see who is checking the blog and maybe is a little behind on their holiday shopping... we are having a Special Sale!  So Friday the 19th (yep, tomorrow) Angela will have Gift Certificates on sale 1/2 off.  Yep, you can buy a $100 gift certificate and pay only $50!  Don't worry nobody will know!  Now that is a way to maximize your Christmas gift giving $$! 

All Gift Certificates are good for Sessions and orders placed in the new year.  Stephanie has no sessions left for 2008 other than our 1 day we will open for newborns born over the holiday.  Don't forget to email during the Christmas break since the boutique will be closed. 

So stop by the boutique 1430 Calloway behind PS Audio on your lunch break!  If you give Angela a call she can have your Gift Certificate ready to go!  661-588-1984.

Merry Christmas!

inky-dinky-do client discount!

So this summer I had Virgil Miller at Video Memories transfer all our old 8mm and VHS movies to DVD's!  I hadn't seen many of these since my parents tortured us as children forcing us to watch them every decade or so.  Well now that I'm "older" I can't believe how cool it is to see the backyard I grew up in covered in snow and plastic bags on my hands because I couldn't find my mittens.  Even funnier- my older brother riding a bike in deep snow.  My grandpa dressed as Santa and I can't believe it, but my Mom was hot!  Amazing when you look back not as a child but as an adult.  My parents had the only copies of so many of these memories and 1 fire and they would all be lost.  So Virgil's team made me a complete DVD set and one for my parents.  It is so nice having volumes of these now that I can watch and maybe embarass some family with.  (Yes, the film of my older brother and Ryan, David... all in dresses as little boys could be sold for profit these days I'm sure!)

So because I am so moved by this I talked to Virgil and he is such a cool guy that he has agreed to pass on an exclusive inky-dinky-do discount to our blog readers!  So if you have film that you want to be able watch again then you should check them out.  Here is the film page.  You can get details on how they do this.  Now even better.... my readers can get a duplicate copy for free!  So for Christmas you can make a copy for your family and keep one for yourself.  Now that is good.  :)  Thanks Virgil!  Keep in mind the deadline for Christmas delivery is Dec 15th so I would call him ASAP!  661-398-7075