Where have you been?????

So that's the big question! Where have you been? The blog has been dead! We are in the process of two huge projects: (1) We are in the process of redesigning the entire website. It is a huge undertaking and takes tons of time. New blog and website are coming soon and will include portrait and photo bootcamp links! (2) We are also in the process of opening a portrait gallery separate from the wedding gallery we have in our home. It is so close to being ready!

Once these two things are ready to go, we will be back in business on the blog! Thanks for your patience!

The word is out! Banks Photography is shooting seniors!

Yep that's right! Banks Photography is now shooting seniors. We are going back to my roots in photography. My first 3 years in photography were spent shooting with an amazing portrait photographer from Michigan, Kevin Harrington. We have had so many requests in the past couple of years that we have now created some amazing packages and chosen some sweet locations for our shoots. Our packages first offer two types of sessions:

1. Private individual sessions

or just like our family portrait days

2. Senior portrait days - on these days, sessions are free!! That's right, free! Schedule your session soon because sessions are limited. During these sessions we will take you to 4 super cool sites with a handful of other local seniors. Email us for more details: bankspix@yahoo.com

We are also currently looking for seniors to help spread the word about our new line of senior photography. If you or someone you know might be interested, let us know!

It's a batman fiesta - Isaac turned 5 on the 5th!

I can't believe it, my baby is five! This year he decided he wanted a batman party and since his birthday is on Cinco de Mayo we always have to make it a fiesta! Isaac invited all his little friends and we had a great time. We had a batman pinata, batman in training obstacle course, played steal the bat and then had awesome batman cake. Here are some pictures from the event!

Easter candids

What an amazing but crazy day! Easter Sunday involved getting up at 5:30am, starting lunch at 6:30am, getting kids ready for church by 7:30, arriving at church for choir and worship band by 8am, singing at church from 9-12:30pm, finishing cooking lunch by 1pm, eating and socializing until 7pm! Whew! What a day! Here are some candids from Sunday.

Blue skies smilin' at me!

One of my favorite things to shoot of all times is blue skies. Then add in 4 super cute kids and I have the makings for some super blue, super fun photos. Actually blue skies has become one of my signature looks! And since this spring has been so rainy, I couldn't resist shooting on such an awesome day. Thanks Scott kids for making it such a fun shoot!

And for all of you who took photo bootcamp, this is an example of great blue skies photos!

Fun in the OC!

Just got back from a super fun vacation to Newport Beach, CA with the family. We stayed right on the beach with Dave's Aunt Fran and Uncle Jack in their beach home. Gotta love getting up in the morning with a view of the beach and the ocean. Brooklyn and Isaac just couldn't get enough! This trip was purely for fun, no work! I was loving the no work part. Here are some of the super fun things we did! 1. Aquarium of the Pacific - Long Beach, CA 2. Discovery Cube 3. Shopped at Fashion Island 4. Pictures on the beach (kids only!) 5. Golfed 6. Disneyland (couldn't miss this one!) 7. Fun Zone (kids did the super trampoline and ferris wheel) 8. Wonderful steak dinner 9. OC for Japan benefit (saw Aubrey from Danity Kane) 10. Just had fun with Aunt Fran and Uncle Jack 11. Drove the Hummer (Dave enjoyed that part) Enjoy some pictures!

Photography bootcamp - Sign up now!

I am just finishing up my first photography bootcamp. Because it was so successful and because I already have a waiting list, we are rolling right into a second round of bootcamp! Woohoo! If you are interested or have a friend or family member interested, please have them email me as soon as possible. Class spaces are limited! Here are the details:

When:

Thursday mornings 9:30-11:00am (starting February 17th and running for 4 weeks)

or

Saturday mornings 9:30-11am (starting February 19th and running for 4 weeks)

Where: Dublin or Powell area

What do I need: You need to have a digital SLR camera (I call it a big girl camera!)

What will we talk about: This class will cover setting the function keys on the camera, getting great exposures (shutter and aperture), and composing great shots! We will have a live shot and hands on practice.

Cost: $175

Here is some client feedback from the first bootcamp!

I loved the photo bootcamp class! Karla taught me things about my camera that I didn't know I didn't know! No more AUTO mode for me. My pictures are getting better and better. Thanks so much!

Molly Sperling

This class was awesome!! I am surprised at all of the functions that my camera had that I did not even know existed. I am definitely using my camera to its fullest potential now!”

Cammie Onesto

I walked into the class with no real understanding of how to use my camera, and relied exclusively on the auto mode. Karla quickly and easily explained how to work and use the camera, but did so in a way that was entertaining too. Photography is now fun, and I look forward to capturing that perfect picture now. This a perfect class for anyone.

Brendan Clarke

Photo bootcamp was just what I needed to get over the fear of purchasing my first SLR camera. I am a complete novice and have learned so much from Karla in just 4 classes. I would highly recommend this course for anyone who isn't using the manual mode on their camera... it isn't as frightening as you might think!

Stacy Bender

After purchasing our first digital SLR this Christmas we realized that I needed a lot of help in learning how to use the camera outside of the auto mode. Your class has a warm, friendly, and encouraging atmosphere. You are very clear and to the point. I think you give great examples and explain things in ways that I can understand. I especially like that you ask to make sure we do understand what you are explaining before moving onto the next concept. You have been very patient with me and all of the questions that I have asked and emailed over the past few weeks. I greatly enjoyed your photography class - THANK YOU!

Kate Ralston

Got questions? Please email me at bankspix@yahoo.com or call 614.214.2359

Here are some of my images from the first bootcamp live shoot!