Dominique

This little beauty stole my heart long ago. I can not believe how grown up she looks in these. BEAUTIFUL

Senior: Hailey

What beautiful high school senior! Hailey is just an amazing person to be around. I so enjoyed spending time with her and her family. Thanks again for choosing me...

'14 O'Connell Family

I know I've said this before, but I really do adore this little family. M and J have the most well behaved children. I love working with them. We met last week at the first location we did pictures at 2.5 years ago. The kids have grown up so much. Thank you again for allowing me to capture your beautiful family.

Host a Portrait Party!

We've all been invited, hosted and probably attended parties such as Thirty-One, Scentsy, Tupperware and so on. Why not throw a Portrait Party! You could enjoy a free session for yourself.

Here's the deal:
Just like any other party you would host, you invite friends and family. I'll come set up and do a small presentation. Nothing elaborate and I am not trying to sale more than the $65 package. We may play a game or two, but it will be nothing but fun!

For a limited time the Host not only gets a free session, but also will receive a free 20x24 of your choice from your session. Also for every $20 spent on prints, you will receive $5 towards your own print order.


Once everyone has had a chance to meet me, see the products we offer and so on we'll set up dates and times for their sessions and be on our way!

To book your party call (980)223-8130 or you can call/text (704)500-5388 or email:
bobbijanellphotography@gmail.com

Joyfully,
Bobbi Janell

Beautiful Country Bride!

Nearly five years ago, I met a girl! Actually I interviewed her for an assistant position at the After School program I was running. Little did I know then that God would bless my life with a new best friend, but more than that we've became sisters not only in Christ but also in life. Rarely do we go more than a day or two without talking!

A year and a half ago James asked Amanda to his bride,   I was honored when they asked me to  engagement pictures: This image was taken nearly a year ago, before I changed my name from A Joyful Hand Photography to Bobbi Janell Photography. And before I finally figured out my editing style! A lot has changed in a year :)

Anyway, James and Amanda are now married and I can share her beautiful Bridals with you! I cannot wait to share their wedding as well! Let me just say we had a blast during her bridals. We spent the whole day driving around and doing pictures, but we started out getting her make-up just right and of course her hair! Sadly I didn't capture that, but I did on her wedding day! Ok, enjoy!

Our first location was a random barn near the Bride-to-be's home! Bless her mama for getting us permission to use it :) 

This was on the side of I-77 Northbound

Most of the remaining images were taken at Allison Woods! (My favorite place on earth)

Courageous!

Courageous is defined as possessing or characterized by courage, being brave! Truthfully there are so many courageous people out there, but none are as courageous as those who face cancer or terminal illnesses or the loss of a child. 

Those of you who know myself and my husband know that we work with youth at our church. One of our youth's brother, Landon was diagnosed with  Leukemia. This hit all of us like a ton of bricks. I have never seen anyone as brave, courageous, and so full of life, never giving up! Sadly Leukemia took Landon's life. Landon was only 12!

At one of the benefits for Landon, I was introduced to Heather and Bryson, from Bryson's Fuel! Please click the link and visit their website and see what wonderful things they are doing to help families who suffer from childhood cancer. AMAZING!!!!

Now I know I need to stop rambling and explain what exactly the COURAGEOUS program is. I've always felt so blessed with this gift called Photography, that I know only God could have given me the ability to do. With that being said, I want to pay it forward, give back, so my love and support through my business. Having cancer, or other illnesses is costly and often the family cannot afford to have family portraits! We want every family to have memories that will last a life time. 

Bobbi Janell Photography is launching COURAGEOUS 04/05/14

COURAGEOUS be accepting 2 families per month with in the Charlotte area (Charlotte, Statesville, Mooresville, Hickory, Huntersville, Cornelius, and so on), who are being affected by cancer, autism, down's syndrom, and so on. 

Each family accepted into the COURAGEOUS program will receive a free photo-session with BJP. The session will include a 1 hour session at location of their choice (we can do it in their home, at the hospital, we can do it as a memorial (releasing balloons, planting flowers, and so on), 15 digital files of their choice, secure online gallery, and 1-8x10 of their choice. 

To nominate a family, please fill out this form! 

Why is custom photography so expensive?

Why is custom photography an investment?

 That's actually a loaded question with many parts to it. First you should also be asking, why do photographers charge $24 for an 8x10, when clearly the local drug store sells them for $3.99? And why do photographers want $350 for a disc with images?

When you go to a small business photographer you are paying for their time, expertise, experience, education, equipment and yes, you are purchasing his/her artwork. 

Here is what is involved in one of our 2-hour Family Session:

-Initial contact (whether email or phone) usually 10-15 minutes if on phone.

-Preparation of contract (minimum of 10 minutes), then mailing or emailing contract to client(s). 

-3-5 days before session client will receive a survey and questionaire to help photographer know what to expect and what the expectations of the client is. 

-Day before session, photographer will contact client to confirm everything is still a go! 

-travel to and from each session (in my situation usually a minimum of 20 minutes each way)

-meet and greet with Client(s)

-2 hour session (not including any set up time or change of clothing)

-Uploading of the session to computer and back-up drive (30-45 minutes)

-Culling of images (30 minutes)

-Editing of images (3-6 hours, depending on the type of session, if wedding it can take up to 30 hours of edit time)

-An additional 2-3 hours of communication on images, edits, and ordering

and so much more goes into just one session! 

Yes! Anyone can purchase a Digital Camera. However even a lower end professional camera and excellent glass (lens) is going to cost even at start up a minimum of $2,000. There is also education. While yes, you can learn to take images by practicing and reading, you also need to attend classes. I take 3-4 workshops each year which typically cost a minimum of $500 each. 

Now to answer why we charge so much for prints/digital files

Prints: 

Well first off I am not purchasing the print you buy from me, from Wal-Mart or CVS! I am purchasing them from a print studio that is of top quality. The labs I use are professional, they've been in business for years and they provide quality products. I pay more, so that my customers get the products they deserve. 

And finally why do you charge so much for a disc?
Honestly, the images I take of your family is art. You are paying for an disc of art, precious moments and memories that will last a life time. While I have seen several photographers that charge $350 for a disc with 20-25 images, here is how it works at Bobbi Janell Photography;

Each session comes with a certain number of digital files, for example:  

Our Family Ties Collection: $125
includes 60 minutes of shoot time, up to 50 miles of travel (there after it is $0.35 per mile), 1 location of your choice, 1 outfit change, preview disc (includes low-res color edits with watermark. this disc is for previewing purposes only) and 5 digital files of your choice (typically from about 30-50 images per gallery/session, unless it is a mini session and then there are usually about between 15-20 images to choose from and the disc is also discounted)!

Here is the deal with our Digital Files, & Print Release:
We do offer a minimum # of digital files via digital download per each session. You get to choose your favorite files from your online preview/ordering gallery. We also offer professional printing with a $150 print minimum. While our full disc does cost $250 we will discount it $3 per images that has been purchased in a print. So if you order 10 poses you will save $30 off your disc. 

Last but not least I get asked all the time why I do not give out copyright releases?
It is true, I do not give out a copyright release. To do so I would be giving up my right to my work. However I do give each client a limited personal print release. A print release allows you to print the images for personal use, whether it is as a gift or for your home. 

I hope that you found this information helpful. 

~BJ

Senior: Andrew

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I love Senior Photography.

Andrew is graduating this January. We had such a nice and relaxed lifestyle session just before Christmas.

Christmas '13: O'Connell's

I just have to say, this family is amazing. They're beautiful inside and out. Just from the little time that I get to spend with them each session, I can tell you that Michelle (mom) is amazing, she has a big heart and loves her children more than anything. John (dad) is a devoted father who adores his wife and children. Elizabeth absolutely adores her parents, almost as much as she adores her younger siblings. Peter is sweet as can be and has the best personality I've ever seen in a 6 year old. Little Sarah is their miracle. She is the light of any room and just plan adorable. Their family is so strong and devoted to one another, its just beautiful. They are truly a blessing to me.  Enjoy their preview!

P.s. While we did have some very serious images, we also managed some playful ones :) (my favs)!!

Emily

In June of '13, my mom tripped and broke her toe. For most people that's not such a big deal other than it hurts.
However my mom is a diabetic. So everything is a big deal. Anyway in October we found out that mom's toe, more specifically the bone in her big toe was infected. She needed to have surgery and then six weeks of daily infusions. The surgery went well, they only had to remove a portion of the bone in her toe. Then on November 1, 2013 we started infusion care in our town. We were both dreading it more than anything, (1) because we would have to sit for three hours straight and (2) it meant sitting in a hospital type facility. Who wants to do that?

Anyway before I continue to ramble for hours...we met some of the most amazing women. All of the nurses were just fabulous. We built friendships that will last a life time. Emily is one of my moms nurses. She and I connected and have became friends. I am so grateful for Emily and the other nurses. Emily is a such a joyful lady and she was definitely called to be a nurse. I enjoyed meeting her boys and her fiance'. Enjoy their preview

 

December {Newsletter}

Remember you can sign-up to receive our newsletter in your email by clicking here

Photography 101 Workshop

I must say I am so excited. Bobbi Janell Photography will be offering workshops in 2014.

Our workshops will be geared towards Moms and Dads who want to learn more about their camera and taking better pictures of their children.  We will also be doing another Shutter Kidz Summer Camp Program. Each participant is required to have digital SLR camera. My recommendation as far as an DSLR is one of the following:

Canon EOS T3 $350-$400 (on amazon), I also would recommend that you have a 50 mm lens, but do not require it. You do not need to buy a new camera for this work shop as long as you have a digital SLR camera. There are a lot of really inexpensive dslr's that are wonderful. My recommendation is that you get at least an 12 mega pixel camera. 

Here are the dates:

Adults:
Photography 101 Part 1: Registration starts November 1, 2013
Here we will explore exposure, composition, posing and general information about your camera.
March 29th-30th: Location Alison Woods, Statesville NC. Sat 9:00 am to 4:00 pm and Sunday 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The cost is $125 and will include lunch, drinks and snacks plus your materials and an actual  photo shoot on Sunday. The non-refundable retainer ($50) is due at time of sign-up and the balance is due March 26th

Photography 101 Part 2: Registration starts May 1, 2013
Here we will explore 'M' or manual mode. Many people fear and dread the 'M' but if you learn from the beginning or at least soon after getting your camera you will be fine. Remember its harder to break old habits than it is to learn the right way first. We will hold our workshop on July 19th-20th, in Statesville, NC. The cost is $125 and will include lunch, drinks and snacks plus your materials and an actual  photo shoot on Sunday. The non-refundable retainer ($50) is due at time of sign-up and the balance is due June 27th



Kids:
We will hold two, 1 week long sessions. Each day will begin at 7:30 a.m. and end at 5:30 p.m. Fro ages 13-16
                       Dates: Session 1 June 16th-20th and Session 2 July 14th-18th
Week 1 we will explore our cameras, learn to handle and store them properly. We will also learn about focus, exposure and composition. The cost is $125 per child. The cost includes 2-snacks per day, drinks and materials. Registration is due no later than May 1st, a deposit of $25. The remaining balance is due on June 1st.

Week 2 we will continue to learn about exposure, composition and posing. The children will participate in an actual photo shoot. The cost is $125 per child. The cost includes 2-snacks per day, drinks and materials. Registration is due no later than June 19th a deposit of $25. The remaining balance is due on July 8th.

For more information on any of these workshops, please email me at bobbijanellphotography@gmail.com or call 704-495-9343 

All images below were taken at our last Shutter Kidz Camp. The kids were ages 8-12

Be a Senior Rep and earn FREE STUFF

 Whether you're a College Senior or a High School Senior Bobbi Janell Photography has something for all your needs

Left Image: was taken while working under the name A Joyful Hand Photography









Bobbi Janell Photography is looking for a few Senior Representatives. We only pick about 10 each year. We are looking for highly motivated, outgoing and energetic High School Juniors to have their Senior Portraits taken Spring 2014.

What is a Senior Representative?

A SR is typically (not always, we've been known to accept a few Seniors) a Junior in one of the local High Schools, who wants to Represent us All it requires is a little of your time, you using a few of our images (of you) as your profile image on your social media whether it be Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or Instagram. Pass out a few wallet sized cards with your image and our information. You never need to know pricing or information about our Senior Collections. We'll do the hard stuff 

What do I get out of being a Senior Rep?

You'll get a FREE session at the location of your choice. We encourage you to bring props (guitar, sports related, skate board and so on)

 1 location of your choice

 1 change of clothing

 10 Digital files of your choice (you'll get to choose them from a secure online gallery)

 Secure online gallery to share with your friends and family

 3-5 Watermark images to share on your social media

 Personal Print Release

 2-5x7's & 8 wallets

 24 Rep Cards

What is required of you?
A Signed Release form (if under 18, your parents must sign and attend your session)

Use any pictures from your Facebook, Google+ Galleries (I can give you files for Twitter and Instagram, we ask that you tag us in those)! Our Twitter name is bjphotographyNC and our Instagram is bobbijanellphotography. We ask that you 'like' our facebook page and google+, follow us on twitter and instagram. We also ask that you pass out the wallets with our information to your friends. Finally we ask that you do not promote any other photographer or photography studio from the time of your session until you graduate. 

BONUS!!!! YES THERE ARE BONUSES FOR BEING A SENIOR REPRESENTATIVE FOR BJP!!!

1-3 Successful Referrals: $25 gift card of your choice to Old Navy, Game Stop, Academy Sports, Star Bucks, Target, Itunes or Gas Station of your choice. Or you can choose a $25 credit towards prints

4-7 Successful Referrals: $50 gift card of your choice of the above list or print credit

8-12 Successful Referrals: $75 gift card of your choice of the above list or print credit

Any SR who give us 13 or more Successful Referrals will receive a Kindle Fire HD and Full Disk of their Session

Not only can you receive bonuses but your friends can too!!
Each friend you send to BJP will get a 10% discount and a bonus set of wallets. All they need to do is say you sent them. 

Do I qualify?

Yes, if you are a Junior in one of the following schools and will graduate in 2015

West Iredell High School

South Iredell High School

Statesville High School

North Iredell High School

Mooresville High School

Lake Norman High School 

How do I apply?

Fill out the application no later than January 1, 2014

Now what?
We will pick our 10 senior reps not later than January 10, 2014. You will be notified by email no later than January 15, 2014. 

Thank you for your interest in Bobbi Janell Photography