Bill's Blog

When old-timers [like me] talk about managing chaos, we’ll talk about “herding cats” or “herding snakes” or “herding ducks.”

Imagine the serenity of a dozen baby ducks, a few hundred kids, an indoor pond, a guy with a camera and a shoe balanced on his head, all within five days. Doesn’t it sound like huge fun?!

It sounds like Easter Quick Pics at Beyond Photography.

Just last night I began the construction of our Easter scene. Santa’s workshop wall and window are gone [he shouldn’t have left them at my studio]. By the end of today, we’ll have the dock built, stones laid, and the pond in place. Soon thereafter, Sheree will work her magic. She’ll select the best botanical beautification [plants], and arrange the scene. [It sure is nice being married to an Interior Decorator.] Then I’ll fill the pond, drop some water heaters, and get ready for our guests. Most exciting to my kids, though:

THE DUCKS ARRIVE WITHIN 31 HOURS!!

It’s 7:12 a.m., Thursday, February 21st, and the countdown to the ducks has begun. My new children, an entire dozen, will arrive only 1 day old! What an adventure!!!!

If I’ve never enjoyed the chance to meet you or your kids, Quick Pic week is the ideal time.

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Finding a photographer for your children is similar to finding your hairstylist. Obviously, the stylist you choose will be technically capable, and know how to create what you want. There is no shortage of stylists–all cut hair, all set perms, all create highlights [or hide roots, but we won’t mention names]. You’ve seen a WIDE variety of skill-levels, and you know the people who can deliver what you want. So how do you finally decide on the person who does your hair?

If you’re a man (pardon the slight exaggeration here), you shop for the optimal location, the cut most cost-effective versus time expended, you take careful note of the proper Board Certification letters (framed in plain view), and interview the stylist to assess his/her strengths as displayed in his/her performance at Cosmetology or Barber School. While in the chair, you sit quietly while the stylist works–you dare not create a distraction.

If you’re a lady, or not Type A personality man, you find someone capable, and then you choose them . . . just because you like them. What matters with your stylist also matters with your photographer–it’s about the relationship. If you’ve established a great relationship with a stylist, or a photographer, then stay there! You’ve found what you want, someone you trust, and someone you like.

At Beyond Photography, we’ve always viewed our relationships through a long-term lens. We’re blessed that most of our appointments are people we’ve already photographed. Offhand, I can think of at least six great benefits to a long-term relationship with one photographer, rather than visiting multiple studios [but that’s another blog for another day].If you and your kids don’t have a regular relationship with a Photographer, Quick Pic events are the perfect time for us to meet. Let me explain the process of Quick Pics, and why it’s a great introduction.

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Call or email the studio to schedule your appointment. We’ll probably ask you, but be sure to mention if you’ve never been to see us. We’ll be sure to spend a little more time learning what you want, and who you’re bringing to see us. We’ll ask you to leave a deposit of at least $55 [cash, check, card # via phone, or through the Paypal button under the "Promotions" tab on the site]. This deposit is not a session fee! Your $55 deposit actually applies to your purchase.

This year, we’re shooting Easter portraits in 3 great locations! March 4-8 we’ll be in studio [in Bryant, just off the Interstate]. March 14&15 we’ll see you at Lads & Ladybugs Children’s Boutique [in North Little Rock, at the top of JFK]. We’ll then drive to beautiful Hot Springs: We’ll meet you on March 21&22, at Jack-N-Jill Children’s Shop. Each location will feature an elegant garden scene. The ducks will arrive at each locale, happy to pose for photos and sign autographs. The pond will only be available at the studio. The scene will look fantastic with formal Easter clothes, or with a casual outdoor look [think denim, overalls, etc.].

If your kids are wearing anything remotely formal, I’d encourage you to arrive early and dress them on location, thereby minimizing spill/spit-up/stain opportunities. As you would rightly infer from the name, Quick Pics are quick. We schedule appointments every 20 minutes, which gives me ample time to chat, visit with your kids, and shoot. I’m happy to shoot images of kids together, individually, close-ups, full-body shots, etc. It’s very common to shoot images of the entire family. Immediately after shooting, we’ll show you what we captured–approximately 20 images. You’ll select your package(s) (each package, except one, is one pose), and pay for them that day. Package prices start at $55–and you’ve already paid that! Often we’ll see people buy different packages of different poses, or add ala-carte portraits of different poses. Learn more about the packages on the main page or the “promotions” page of the site. Three weeks later, we’ll contact you to pick up your portraits [two weeks at Christmas].

Due to the volume of work (typically around 100 appointments for studio week), our packages are drastically discounted, and we absorb the sales tax (another 9%). I’m using the same equipment I always use, so the quality is equal to the large wall portraits in our studio.

Why is this the ideal time for us to meet? At Quick Pics, your time and financial commitments are minimal. Even still, you’ll see the quality of work we produce, and see how your kids and I interact. I live with 3 great kids, ages 6, 4, and 2 [and their awesome Momma]. Thanks to them, I’ve discovered that I love photographing children! Come see us during Easter Quick Pics and you’ll see one of the only men in Arkansas who will actually have a great time with excitable kids, water, and yellow baby ducks.

If you haven’t already, sign up for our email newsletter. I’ll send photos as soon as the ducks arrive. It’s gonna be crazier than herding cats–won’t it be fun?