When we set up engagement sessions we make sure our couples know they can bring anything that more fully demonstrates their personality. Justin and Christine may win for “most unusual” items. Half way through the first set, Christine started pulling out finger puppets made from Alpaca fur. Like a mini clown car,they just kept coming out of her pocket. The collection started when Christine grabbed a few of the puppets for Justin during a work trip and has since turned into a menagerie. We stowed the animals during some blustry shots on the grounds of the museum, but, of course, got them out for a puppet show in the Nelson garage. This makes total sense in our world….

 Behind the camera: An elusive shot of me… not that Aaron was trying. I basically got in his way.

And then Aaron protects his pants by sitting on a soft box. Too bad he wasn’t carrying that overhead a few minutes later when a bird decided to poop down his face and camera flash while we were walking. True story.

Heather’s mom is notorious for telling on herself. If she does something silly or embarrassing history has proven she’ll tell at least one person. We know all moms aren’t as forthcoming, so in honor of Mother’s Day we want you to tattle on your mom.

Tell us the funniest, most embarrassing, or weirdest story about your mom and you could score an awesome Mother’s Day gift. We’ll give the winning entry a gift certificate for a family session and 20 x 30 canvas of mom’s choice. That’s like giving your mom $850 without even opening your wallet!

So open an email and tell us what’s up. Be sure to include your name and phone number so we can contact you if you win. Entries are due May 5^th. That night we’ll settle in with a glass of wine and maybe an abacus to tally the winner.

Plus (because everyone hates to be a loser) we’ll give you $100 off a family session just for entering.

Go… now… write!

Contest Rules

1. Submissions must be made by 7 p.m. May 5, 2010, and can be any length. Pictures are welcome, if you think it will help your case, but they’re not necessary.
2. The prize is a Family Session from Hawes Photography and one 20 x 30 canvas. The session must be scheduled by August 31, 2010.
3. Hawes Photography will decide the winner using a complex mathematical formula and the “who can yell the loudest” style of debate. Whatever we say is final.
4. We also reserve the right to change this contest without notice… just because.
5. We will notify the winner by Thursday, May 6 and arrange for delivery of a gift certificate he/she can present to his/her mom.
6. All entries that include a full sentence will qualify for $100 off a family session. Sessions must be scheduled by May 31, 2010.
7. Send entry emails to aaron@hawesphotography.com

Because inquiring minds like to know… we present some Family Session FAQs

Q: Which family members are usually included in a session?

A: You’ll want to bring along anyone you consider “immediate” family members. That generally includes your spouse and kids (and kid’s spouses and associated grand kids). It can also mean the family dog. If that group is larger than 10 people, contact us for special pricing.

Q: We want some pictures but we’re not sure where we would shoot. Can you help?

A: Absolutely! When you contact us to book your session we can start the process of deciding what and where to shoot. We’re a great resource for locations.

Q: We were thinking about dressing alike, maybe jeans and white shirts. Is that cool?

A: No. Have you ever left the house wearing the same clothes??? We’re not saying you shouldn’t have a cohesive look, but matchy-matchy is no allowed.

Q: How long will it take before we see the pictures?

A: We will schedule your session and viewing at the same time. Usually we can have you in within two weeks of the session.

Q: Do we have to have a viewing? Can you just put the images online?

A: The viewing isn’t mandatory, but it’s a great way to see the many, many options we have for printing and displaying your pictures. Plus we’re photographers, not salespeople, so there’s never pressure to purchase something you want. That being said, we’ll put your images online after the viewing so you can share them with family and friends.

Q: If my parents want pictures do I have to collect their order and money or can you just handle it?

A: We’d love to work with any family member so you don’t have to serve as a middle man. The online proofing has a shopping cart for web savy family members. And we’re happy to take phone or email orders as well.

Q: Can I purchase this session as a gift?

A: Of course! We’ll print a gift certificate for the family of your choice and give them 3 months to redeem it.

Q: While we’re on the subject of pictures, my high school senior needs some. Do you do those as well?

A: Yep! Just contact us for pricing and availability.

So if you’ve been following the blog lately you know that I’ve developed quite a love affair with Polaroids over the last year. It was only natural to start collecting them in the dozens. About the time I filled a closet I realized I was getting pretty good at restoring them too. So now I’ve started doing complete restorations and selling them to other addicts. Just thought I’d share a fun video of the last one I did. Enjoy.

Polaroid Model 3 Restoration from Aaron Hawes on Vimeo.

Last Friday Heather and I had a little playdate with some new photographer friends. We spent some time playing in the bottoms, where else?

We were reunited with Jason and Andrea at the beginning of March for a fabulous reception at the City Tavern. We expected a posh cocktail party type event. We got that plus an awesome dance floor that was packed as soon as it opened. Enjoy!

Behind the camera:  Aaron usually gets awesome images… it’s just that he looks really funny doing it sometimes.