Is the stress of the holiday season starting to close in on you?

Why can’t there be a simple way for busy parents to give loving and meaningful gifts?

How many times have you planned to do everything just right for the holidays, and then ended up taking shortcuts to fit it all in? Perhaps you feel that family is all we can really count on, and the Holiday season is the time to show your love, affection, and appreciation. But how can you do that if you have a “to-do” list longer than Rapunzel’s hair? Things are already piling up, and it’s not even Thanksgiving yet!

Imagine if a few clicks of your mouse could make a box full of thoughtful gifts and holiday cards show up on your doorstep.

I’ve struggled with buying gifts every year since I can remember. Countless times, I’ve ventured off to the mall with the intent to complete all of my gift shopping that day. Inevitably I leave empty-handed, unable to find suitable gifts. Either I’m shopping for the person who has everything, or the things I find just aren’t very meaningful. It’s frustrating and time-consuming.

That’s why I’ve put together my 2011 Holiday Gift Store.

This fall, you can purchase personalized gifts and cards for the holidays using pictures that you’ve already had taken in 2011! Not only do you get to capitalize on work you’ve already done (no need to set up a fall portrait session), but you also get a serious print discount, and access to special gift items that aren’t normally offered. You will get:

· An online gallery of your 2011 portraits
· Discounted pricing of up to 40% off
· A rare opportunity to purchase several gift items
· Easy and safe shopping from your computer
· Meaningful gifts for your loved ones in time for your celebration
· Items delivered to your doorstep – or even right to the gift recipient’s home!

As a special bonus, if you purchase gifts from my store before December 1, 2011, you will receive a free DVD slideshow from your session!

Don’t want any photo gifts?

Of course, you don’t have to buy anything at all. You’re welcome to just log in and view your photos online again because you want to. Pictures are for looking at, after all!

A word about re-prints

The 2011 Holiday Gift Store will be your only opportunity to purchase prints from your 2011 session without a re-print fee. So if you’ve been wishing you had gotten one more 5×7 for your desk at work, or an extra 8×10 for Aunt Bessie, now is a great time to do it!

Get out from under the pressure

There’s no need for your “to-do” list to get out of control. You can get fun and thoughtful gifts without a single trip to the mall. Get your shopping done easily and early. Here’s what you need to do:

· Go to www.laragrauer.com
· Click on “access your gallery”
· Choose your gallery and start shopping!

This offer is only available for a limited time

The 2011 Holiday Gift Store will expire at midnight on December 7, 2011. Wouldn’t it be great to avoid the feeling of overwhelm, and have so much of your Christmas shopping done with weeks to spare? Head over to your gallery now and start shopping.

Remember: if you make a purchase before December 1, 2011, you’ll receive a free DVD slideshow from your session!

Tame Your *&%#in’ Camera Returns!

I’m running another pilot workshop to show you how to use your camera. Sign up and learn some photography basics so your camera can get out of the way and you can get great shots. Learn more here.

Father’s Day is On Its Way

So I know it’s only April, and it seems really early to think about Father’s Day. Okay, so you still have time. I admit it. But…

What better idea could there be than to Celebrate Life with unique custom portraits of your child for Dad’s big day? Not only will you make him happy, but you’ll have a beautiful memory for the whole family to play with for years to come! How cool!

Hop on over to my Father’s Day page, and register for the event. You’ll get first picks on your favorite appointment time, and save $10 if you register by May 9th!

Rainy Day Blues

It has been raining. And raining. And raining. And still raining around here. It just won’t let up. I know what you’re thinking – it’s Seattle; get used to it. But in my experience (only 3 and a half years, but enough to feel somewhat at home), rain in Seattle tends to be light and misty. Sure, it might rain all day long, but you typically don’t need an umbrella. As long as you dress in layers, it’s really no big thing.

This week, it’s been like a good old-fashioned rainy day in the midwest. Big, fat raindrops. Thick and heavy clouds. Puddles everywhere. Mud. Worms on the sidewalks. Eeew…

No, I didn't photograph this image. It's from the cover of McCall Magazine back in 1943! The maker's name is Nickolas Muray - he died in 1965.

I had my Beach Photo FUNdraiser this weekend. I got lucky on Saturday, and was able to shoot during the few hours the rain subsided, but there was no chance on Sunday. It was just way too gross. The whole thing got me thinking about my philosophy: Capture life as it really is. Accept what you see and make a memory out of it. Why did I decide enough was enough?

I think the rain is fun and exciting. Shooting in the rain is a challenge worth facing – and it helps to create some of the most unique images out there. I would be thrilled to have a photo session with my family in the rain!

But it’s not about me. It’s about you. I can truthfully tell you that photos in the rain – with the jackets, umbrellas, and all of that – are so fun! But I can also come to grips with the fact that some people don’t want to be pelted in the face with cold rain and wind after they’ve anticipated their photo session for so long. There’s Seattle mist; and there’s steady, fat, and oppressive RAIN. Your pictures will be around for quite a while. It’s important to be sensible and set yourself up to enjoy the experience of making a memory.

I canceled photos on Sunday because it was the best way to make our time together FUN. That’s what this FUNdraiser is all about: Kids having FUN at school, and you having FUN with your family. This kind of rain is just not fun.

If you want to find some beauty in the rain, check this out. These photographers know about rainy day beauty. You could see it too. You just have to be open to it.

I can’t believe it’s booked!

I just want to send a heart-felt thank you to everyone for all of your interest in this year’s FUNdraiser. I am blown away. I was hoping to fill up 9 slots for this, and instead I’ve filled a whopping eighteen and I have an overflow list in case someone needs to cancel! It’s overwhelming to me, and I’m so grateful to have such a wonderful response. Not only am I excited to work with everyone, but I am also thrilled to be supporting the Room Nine Community School PIE/PTSA.

This event means a lot to me. Thank you for helping to make it a success.

Lara

Last Chance for Photo FUNdraiser

I have one spot left for the FUNdraiser. One. I extended the event once again, allowing just 3 more families an opportunity to participate, and I have one spot left. I will not be extending it again, so make sure you get in touch as soon as you can if you’d like to participate. Details can be found on my events page, if you’re interested. Thank you to everyone for making this a success!

Pictures for Ballard MOPS Moms

This morning I had the privilege of photographing the awesome moms of the Ballard MOPS group during their annual Spa Day. They spent the morning getting pampered and dolled up with various local vendors – hair stylists, makeup artists, and much more. Then when they felt beautiful enough, they came to my “studio” to get pictures taken. It was a fun morning! I’m so glad I had the chance to work with this group of strong and passionate young moms. They inspire me to be a better mother myself.

The FUNdraiser is Extended!

36 hours after announcing the 2011 Beach Photo FUNdraiser, it was booked. Wow! Since there is still interest, I have opened more time slots on Sunday, March 13th from 4:00-6:00. Let me know if you want to participate, and I’ll reserve a time for you.

Thank you all for supporting a great cause! I’m really looking forward to a fun weekend.

Love and Hugs,
Lara

FUNdraiser 2011

On Saturday, March 12th from 3:00-6:00 pm, come on out to Shoreline for some awesome kids’ portraits and a FUN time! I’ll be doing short sessions and offering a variety of portrait packages in exchange for a donation to Room Nine Community School. If you’re interested in purchasing prints in addition to your FUNdraiser package, you may do so. 10% of your purchase will benefit RNCS. Location details will be given to those who reserve a time. Don’t miss your chance to get some great photos and support a great cause! You can find more details on my events page.

More Workshops on the Calendar

I will be offering workshops for “regular people” throughout the year. The first few are scheduled, so mark your calendar. Stay tuned for the finer details. This year is going to be a blast!

Upcoming Workshops From Lara Grauer

January 22 29, 2011: How to Compose & Crop Your Photos

March 7, 2011: Vacation Photos

April 30, 2011: Shooting Indoors

June 13, 2011: Taking Photos at the Beach