Giving is Awesome - Winners!

First off, thank you so much for all of your entries! I have read all of the stories sent to me over and over, and cried over them. It was very hard to
choose just one - So I have chosen a Grand Prize Winner, and 2 runner ups.

Our Grand Prize winner is Keeley and she was nominated by Kelly L. Keely wins a
Free session in 2009, and all digital images on CD with printing rights, along with some special "surprise" goodies from me.Since Kelly nominated her, she gets a free session in 2009 and a $200 print credit!

Two more stories touched my heart, both sent in by Teresa H. Both Angela T. and Katy K. have won a free session in 2008 with a 11x14 portrait, and special "surprise"
goodies from me. Teresa, you will get a free session in 2009 and $100 print credit!

I will be contacting the winning parties via phone/email shortly - Congrats!

Also, stay tuned for my Best of 2008 contest AND a New Valentine's Day Special!

Holiday Aftermath

I still haven't recovered! :-) Twila the kitten of course totally made out like a bandit - Santa spoiled her!


moar funny pictures

My cousins Luke and Daniel were totally spoiled by Santa too!!!



and they got sleds from Aunt Maggie - but we had no where to sled...so I built a very puny tiny sleddig hill - as seen in video.

Giving Is Awesome! - Deadline Extended to 12/31!

You know someone. You know someone who's experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, or is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances. You know someone who can't afford custom photography, but who would cherish it this holiday season. You know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family's spirit, love, and beauty.

You know someone. I guarantee it.

I want to know who they are, and I want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography -- $1000 worth, to be exact - A Custom session, digital images and prints to treasure forever - it's in your power to give them the artwork they deserve this holiday season.

Oh, and the best part? The person who nominates the winner receives a Custom Session and $200 credit to use in 2009. What better reason to show some love could there possibly be, people?

The rules:

* You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services. (Being unable to make mortgage payments for a two-million-dollar-vacation-home in Sun Valley does not qualify as sincere financial need.)

* The nominee must reside in The Boise Area (Boise,Meridian,Nampa,Caldwell,Kuna,Mtn Home etc) and must be able to travel to Boise (We can work something out if needed). Tell me who you know, what they're experiencing, and why they deserve my artwork. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself as well.

* You must e-mail me the full story : oohlalaphoto@gmail.com

The winner will be announced on New Years Day! -- get nominating! I can't wait to read all of your entries!

Open your heart to someone this holiday season -- and thanks for giving me the opportunity to open mine.

With love,
Lauren

Visit the Giving Is Awesome website!

Sneak Peek - Boise Birthday Portraits

My little "Abba-Zabba" is now one! I've photographed her several times this year - These are her First Birthday photos!












From the last year:
1 Day old, at the Hospital



1 Week old





2 Weeks old



3 Months Old




6 Months old




10 Months old





I *might* have one more before Christmas, stay tuned!

Rat Vs Kitten - Part One

I am am SO enjoying my "break"! - I do have a session today, my friends little one just turned 1 so we're going to play in the studio, but for now, here's a video of my new kitten and my rat, Tilly. Please excuse my messy kitchen, it's all my hubby's fault! hahah!

New Addition to the Family! - Boise Pet Photographer

I've been wanting a kitty for so long - (no really, my cat is 17 years old and lives with my parents!) - and today I got one!

Introducing Twilight Rosalie Cullen (aka Twila Rose - that's what we'll be calling her)

Yes, she's named for the books - I love them so I thought it was fitting!

Some photos from today (and I have to say, she did amazingly well for a tiny kitten that has only known me for 3 hours!)







I thought this one was funny, little vampire cat!



Many thanks to Colleen to giving her to me, and to Betsy for bringing her all the way from Garden Vallery for me! You've totally make my Christmas!

Sneak Peek - Boise Baby Photographer

Such a cutie-patootie!





We had fun with Mommy's hat!





I am now technically on "break" from sessions for now - I have a few more but I'm not accepting any new sessions (unless you have a newborn!) until January 2nd - unless you want to book with Holiday Rates - please email me if you have any questions!

Sneak Peek - Boise, Idaho Newborn Photographer

This appointment has been on the calendar for what felt like FOREVER in photographer time, I've been waiting for this little one to arrive!We took some maternity photos in August - that's how long I've been waiting!!

It's an Idaho thing, I heart the baby John Deere stuff.



Such a proud big sister!



I made him wear a crazy hat - it's an obsession



Gorgeous family!



and of course, Big sister being a goof while Baby was getting a snack.



I've got my hands full here working on the oodles of photos from today - but I have some cool stuff to post about later!

Sneak Peek - Boise, Idaho Christmas Portraits

This little miss was an absolute joy! She's my friend now :-) and she let me dress her up, which I like alot.



I love my new pink santa hat!





and of course, Crazy striped hat and stockings - couldn't resist..



Thanks so much for bring her in - she's the cutest!

Also, stay tuned tomorrow everyone - A newborn I've been waiting for will be here! and I cannot wait!

Sneak Peek - Christmas Photography in Boise

Here's another sweetie that I also took newborn photos of, she's so adorable! She was all smiles when she came into the studio, but once we got her set up, I got this look! hahaha!



She did smile though, I love her little grins, and those eyelashes!








Thanks so much you guys for bringing her in again!

Today also was the first day of my Gifts Unexpected - KM picked up her order and was surprised by getting to open a photo bag! It was great fun watching her open it!

Gifts Unexpected

Until December 24, Random Clients of mine are going to be picked for a SURPRISE Christmas Gift from me.

You may get a gift while picking up your photos - and you wanna bet I'm going to take a photo of you opening it!

You may receive your gift via email or snail mail.

This will be completely random, and winners picked by this groovy little program.

Why am I doing this? Well, I do love Christmas, but sometimes it's hard for me to remember "It's better to give than receive" - so I decided to spread a little bit of joy where I can.

Also, if you are not a client, but want to be - comment and you'll be entered into a drawing for a free session!

Sneak Peek - Baby Christmas Portraits in Boise

I took this little missies newborn portraits (and she is now on some of my newborn marketing materials too!) - I was excited to see her for her First Christmas!

She really liked eating these bows...



Santa Baby!





Yes, I made her wear my crazy striped hat.(and I had to throw in a vintage one too)



She was so much fun!

Where are you, Lala?

I'm still here, trying to catch up on galleries and endless orders! I took some time off for Thanksgiving and to spend time with family - it was great!

Here are some photos from a recent session, of my best friend and her family - they are getting married in February, and I can't wait!



She will be wearing this hood/cape with her wedding dress - I am so jazzed about that!



and one of Big Sis - she was my flowergirl in my wedding.



I think I was in a vintage mood the day I processed their images! lol

I am still running the Christmas Special - Book by Dec 5th and Receive 15 additional 5x7's of one pose! What a steal!

Waiting for Twilight

er..uh Midnight. 12:01 to be exact - you see, I'm going to be braving the hoards of screaming teenage girls to go see Twilight tonight! I am such a nerd, I am so excited that I woke up like at 5am today (you'd think it was Christmas!) and now am going to have to take a nap later if I want to be awake for the whole movie! lol

Update: We went to the movie and it was mobbed! It was awesome though, I loved it!

Here's a small part of the line we were in:



I love my hubby more than Edward!

Sneak Peek - Newborn Portraits in Boise

This little guy was so cute - he makes the funniest faces! He wasn't too into sleeping but he still did a great job!



This was how he wanted to sleep - lol







Thanks for letting me photograph him!