Hillier Studio's Blog

Worth the Wait

2012-01-19T14:22:00.004-05:00

Every week we are blessed to get to photograph the miracle of a newborn baby, or the precious smile of a toddler, or even the wonderous belly of an expecting mother. And every time brings joy to our hearts and a smile to our face...and admittedly we feel excitement for the day that someday we will be capturing the memories of our journey to parenthood. Well that day is here for Rob and I and we are sooooooo excited!! Stef now has a unique addition to her portfolio...an 'excited to adopt' session!! And we have added a fun new portrait to the cover of our adoption profile book! Pretty soon we will have a new addition to the studio...a tiny brand new precious baby (and plenty of portraits that we will share with all of you!)

Class of 2013 Model Search

2012-01-03T09:58:00.002-05:00

We're accepting applications through January 23 for 2013 senior models!

Are you interested in awesome senior portraits, discounts, prizes and roller skates? If so this is for YOU!

Click here to get the scoop and fill out the app!

http://www.hillierstudio.com/alphapsihillier.php

All About Smiles =)

2011-12-30T11:46:00.003-05:00

Smiling is something that is near and dear to our hearts!
Operation Smile is an organization that supports awareness and surgeries for people with cleft palate, cleft lip and other congenital facial deformities.

We believe, at Hillier Studio that EVERY person should have the opportunity to SMILE! While we enjoy the smiles that are produced for a portrait, we equally enjoy the smiles that are produced from looking at a portrait!

A smile can change a day, turn the table, and even save a life!
If you are interested in making a donation to Operation Smile, now is a great time as they are matching donations dollar for dollar! If you are not in the situation to donate, please at least spread awareness for these children and their families!
Check it out! http://www.operationsmile.org/

Just sayin...Pixie Stix

2011-12-28T17:59:00.000-05:00

I mean, who doesn't LOVE pixie stix, right!?!

Won't you please BE MY VALENTINE?

2011-12-28T17:37:00.004-05:00

Didn't get Christmas cards out this year? How about Valentine cards of your little sweetheart!?!

This session is so super cute and will melt the hearts of whoever you share the portraits with!

Follow this link to book online! http://hillierstudio.bookmonline.com/schedules/Valentine2012

CHRISTMAS 2011

2011-12-20T15:23:00.000-05:00

To see more of these precious santa babies and their families, check out our facebook gallery!!

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.304389926260312.76065.100000679225915&type=1

You Better Watch Out, You Better Not Cry...

2011-12-08T15:15:00.000-05:00

,...you better not pout I'm telling you why....SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN!!!! That's right, he will be at theBridgeportFire Dept tomorrow (December 9th) from 6pm to 8pm for the Pioneer Christmas Celebration in the Historical Village on Dixie Hwy! Bring an unwrapped toy valued at $10 or a $10 cash donation for Toys For Tots and we will gift you a free 5x7 photo with Santa! See you there!

Small Business Saturday

2011-11-26T15:14:00.000-05:00

Halloween 2011 Pictures

2011-11-05T15:09:00.002-04:00

We saw Dora, Thomas The Train, Fairies, Monsters, Super Heroes, Princesses, Butterflies, Cowgirls, Buzz Light Years, Monkies, Bears, Dogs and even Peacocks. But No Justin Biebers??? Really??

To check out the pics, head to our facebook gallery =)

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.279648108734494.72267.100000679225915&type=1

YIPES, STRIPES, FRUIT STRIPED GUM

2011-10-31T15:06:00.001-04:00

Does anybody else remember those commercials with the multi-colored zebra!? Please say yes.

Anywho...

Halloween Pictures tonight from 5pm to 7pm!! FREE mini session and discounted order pricing!! HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

We're FAMOUS!

2011-10-26T17:02:00.000-04:00

Well actually this kitchen is about to become famous, but it is thanks to Stef for her amazing photojournalistic artwork on these catalog portraits for Capital Granite!

Capital Granite by the way....has AMAZING products, and their staff is absolutely wonderful! Be sure to check them out for any home remodeling projects!

Who has Baby Fever?

2011-10-12T15:01:00.001-04:00

WE DO!!!

Just some of our favorite little squishy sessions from recently....love, love, love!!!

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=270203023012336&set=vb.100000679225915&type=2&theater

SPOOKtacular BOOtique Sale...mooohahahaha

2011-10-06T14:57:00.000-04:00

Don't miss the SPOOKtacular BOOtique sale today and tomorrow! Some freaky savings here people! (Plus preview our new 'mud pie' line and Christmas items)!!
http://www.hillierstudio.com/BootiqueSale.php

Sidewalk For Sale!

2011-09-09T14:56:00.000-04:00

We decided to sell the sidewalk again today...but what you're really going to be interested in is our $15 outfits that are ON the sidewalk! Super cute stuff, super great prices! And tomorrow, come check out our booth of handmade tutus and headpieces at the craft show at Burt Watson in Freeland! Ladies...it is shopping season! Stock up for school, dance, Christmas, birthday or just because you're the coolest Aunt or Grandma or Mom EVER!

Play Ball!

2011-07-13T14:33:00.005-04:00

Had so much fun photographing these little ones at Bridgeport's own Great Lakes

Bay Miracle League Baseball diamond!

For more photos, please visit our facebook gallery!

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.231410503558255.62075.100000679225915&type=1

A wedding...at a CASTLE!? Yes Please!

2011-07-02T14:07:00.002-04:00

What happens when you have a beautiful bride (stunning, actually), a handsome groom, and a castle? Answer: We'll let the portraits do the talking =)

Hillier Studio II Sprouted Wheels!!!

2011-06-22T14:43:00.004-04:00

Well Blog Friends, FB Friends, Twitter Friends, Myspace...does that still exist?...well in case it does Myspace Friends,

We have some very exciting news!

After a long decision-making process that required pens, paper, pointless drawing with the pens and paper, and lots of sugared items from Buttercrust Bakery we have come up with a solution as to how to better serve our clients from all over the state; and how to spice things up for our close-by clients. A.........................ROAD TRIIIIIIIP!!!!

That's right, we are taking a giant road trip alllll over the place as Hillier Studio II (soon to be formally our Shields studio) goes mobile!

We will not be 'closing' Hillier Studio II, it will just no longer have a permanent home in Shields. It will be everywhere you wanna be! We can and will still be a big part of the Shields area as we spread our wings this summer and fly into Bay City, Midland, Freeland, Petosky, Cheyboygan, Ludington, Caseville, Traverse City, Clio, Motrose, Reese, Frankenmuth, Birch Run, Grand Blanc, Grand Rapids, Holly, Orion and Beijing. Yes Beijing. Someday.

Our first trip to Caseville that YOU can be part of is in July (2nd trip scheduled for August) and you can reserve your place by checking out our online schedule. http://hillierstudio.bookmonline.com/schedules/sunset

Up next...a super fun, super exciting, action-packed WEEKEND Fall Family Portrait Trip to Traverse City! We already have people on the wait-list to hear about this one, so be sure to send us a contact form that indicates in the comments section you want to be the first to know! http://www.hillierstudio.com/contactus.php

And of course our beautiful new Studio in Bridgeport is going to stick around Bridgeport, where the business has been since 1976, for MANY for years to come so you can visit us ANY time in Bridgeport (unless of course we are on the road). Office hours will remain the same in Bridgeport (Tues-Fri noon to 6pm)!

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK TO SEE WHERE WE LAND NEXT!!!!

Summer Time, Summer Time, Sum Sum Summer Time...

2011-05-05T19:16:00.004-04:00

Ahhhhhhhh...do you feel that?! That's the feeling of breeze from open windows, sun-kissed cheeks and bare toes! And the smells...oh the smells of food on the grill, flower buds popping out and fresh...just FRESH!! It is SPRING in MICHIGAN! And what comes after spring is even better....SUMMMMMEEERRRRRR!!!

Summer holds some of our favorite things...beach portrait trips, sidewalk sales, bbqs, lemonade...sounds like it's time for a PARTY!

Party time it is...we are celebrating all things summer with our Summer Open House June 28th! Mark it on the calendar because we do parties right! Sales, prizes, food...oh yes it will be great!

Polish your toes and get ready!

2011-04-20T18:08:00.002-04:00

We were out of the studio most of the day today...

molding young minds at the Carrollton Career Fair with visions of sugarplums and photography careers! We explained the ins, the outs and the great rewards of being part of such epic events in peoples' lives (like weddings, graduations, births, birthdays, family gatherings, milestone years)....ahhhhhh <3

And then we topped the day off with a Bubbles and Babies Session when we returned....soooooo cute!

Lovely day!

epic things are happening around here...epic things.

2011-04-19T17:29:00.003-04:00

Beuhler? Beuhler? Beuhler?.......................................

Is anyone out there?

What has happened to our blog?

It has been neglected.

We are sorry.

Sessions first.

Phone Calls second.

Emails second and a half.

Editing second and three quarters.

Blog third.

Well the time has come to move blogging to second and (whatever is between second and three quarters and third). Take out the trash is now third. Eek.

Anyway - be expecting great things on here once again...updates, pictures and yes even midnight rhymes. We have named our blog 'Sexy'. Why you ask? So we can bring her back. We're bring Sexy (the blog) back.

We're Having A Party!

2010-06-25T10:43:00.002-04:00

It’s been in the works for a while now so most of you already know that we are MOVING OUR BRIDGEPORT LOCATION!! We have been building walls, sanding, painting, flooring and cielinging (yeah…it’s a word, Google it!)!! Now we’re to the stages of moving furniture in, finishing backgrounds, and decorating! We are soooo excited for our GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION!! We have lots of fun planned…contests, prizes, entertainment, sales/specials, food…it’s gonna be like a giant block party on Dixie Hwy and you do NOT want to be the only one to miss it!

Let The Good News Roll!

2010-06-24T12:58:00.003-04:00

We have so much exciting news that we've been holding in for a while, and we are going to BURST at the seams if we don't start sharing some of it RIGHT NOW!! =)

Today’s announcement needs to begin with a HUGE THANK YOU…to all of you who voted for The Saginaw News’ Best of the Best Award! We consider it both and honor and a privilege to say that we are this year’s #1 BEST OF THE BEST!! We not only attribute your votes to this success, but also your continued support as clients and family members of our studio!! We cannot thank you all enough for everything you have done to help support our dream of providing amazing memories in the form of portraits to last a lifetime!

Thanks again, and stayed tuned for more excitement headed your way soon!

Hardhats are NOT an accessory, thank you

2010-05-23T22:44:00.004-04:00

No hardhats to be found in our closets...though they would have come in handy today! We are making GREAT progress at the new Bridgeport location!! ("we" meaning the boys mostly lol). The walls are up, the drywall is being hung and the color pallet is picked!! We are ecstatic about the final design and layout!! Our camera room...oh our camera room ladies and gentlemen is going to be.....drumroll please...approx. 720 square feet. That's a good size addition to what we currently have in Bridgeport AND we even have adjacent space that we will be able to move our lighting into to utilize photographically as well! Of course we made time to take some snapshots of the work in progress...enjoy =)

Karri and Justin

2010-05-23T22:28:00.004-04:00

May is such a beautiful month in Michigan...and sometimes Mother Nature likes to be unpredictable this time of year, so we crossed our fingers for Karri and Justin's big day and it must have worked! There were a few tiny raindrops just before the ceremony and then it cleared up just in time for the festivities and ended up being a perfect day in May for a perfect couple so in love!! The ceremony was at the beautiful chapel at Apple Mountain in Freeland. Karri looked stunning and had us all with watery eyed!! Justin was a handsome groom and kept us all laughing and made sure everyone was enjoying the day... especially his bride. The two have one of those obvious loves for each other...the kind that you just want to put in a bottle and show the world....so cute! Here are a few portraits of their big day of "I do's". Congratulations and many happy years to the adorable couple!

(pardon the order of the images, for some reason the blog has a mind of its own this evening...so we shall start with a couple fun post-ceremony ones and work our way backwards) =)

A Celebration of Moms...

2010-05-10T09:02:00.000-04:00

Hope everyone had an amazing mother's day! Moms are so many things in life...they are heroes, role models, cooks, cleaners, friends, shoulder-to-cry-ons, band-aid masters, magic-makers, dream believers, secret keepers...the list goes on! Thanks to all of the moms who make the world go round! This of course goes also for Step-moms, Mother-in-laws and Grandmothers...and never forget Aunts, God-mothers, Step-mothers and all unofficial but deserving Moms!! We love to celebrate Moms and here are just a few of the portrait sessions that made us happy to capture a moment between mother and child! (There is another round of sessions, and many more portraits to come...keep an eye out!)

Salon Invasion 2010

2010-04-25T21:29:00.003-04:00

We had an AMAZING time at Salon D with our Alpha Psi Hillier Girls (Class of 2011 seniors). The ladies got their hair and make-up done and then we did a mini-indoor photoshoot (and of course there was food)...SO MUCH FUN we can't even stand it!! Thank you so much to Sarah, Scotty and Joanna at Salon D!! The ladies of Alpha Psi Hillier now have official bio profiles...check em out! http://www.hillierstudio.com/alphapsihillier.php

2010-04-20T19:04:00.002-04:00

Yes it is true…our Bridgeport studio is moving down the road!!! We are excited for the move for so many reasons, all which will be beneficial to our business, our community, and most importantly to YOU our clients!!

Where: We will be moving just a few blocks West down Dixie Hwy, into the Historic Downtown District of Bridgeport. For those of you familiar with the area, we will be in between Buttercrust Bakery and Bearcat Cutz; across from Hungry Howies. (If you know us, you know we are very excited about the food selection surrounding our new digs!)

When: We have the Grand Opening celebration slated for July 17^th, 2010. In the meantime, our current location in Bridgeport will be fully operable through July 2^nd. (Our Shields location will not be affected by the move and will accept appointments throughout the transition.)

Why: There are many reasons that factored into this decision, but it ultimately comes down to being able to provide our clients with the best experience possible with a new ‘boutique’-style studio. When we use the word boutique, we mean it in the sense there are many elements to the new studio that will provide you with a more personalized, unique and pampering experience!

If you have a few minutes, feel free to take a journey through the design of our new studio…….

Reception area: A welcoming desk area will be located just inside the door to ensure immediate personal attention. We will do all of our editing from this area, so unless we are photographing or assisting with an order this is where you will find our smiling faces!!

Two Dressing Rooms: We like the idea of each client having a space to call their own during their experience at the studio. There are two spaces designed with specific amenities in mind. The high school senior dressing room will have lots of hooks for lots of outfits =). It will also have a place to do make-up and hair touch-ups. This room will be fun, comfortable and functional…even photographical in some cases!! The family dressing room will have a changing table, children’s toys, and a sofa where the family can rest comfortably and where Mom can feed baby if necessary. This room will be cozy, realistic, functional…and still cute of course!

Family viewing area: A comfortable and cozy space will double as a lounge and a family viewing gallery. The whole family should be able to gather to view their portrait options on a large wall-mounted flat panel. The coffee will be on, and we’ll invite you to sit back, relax and enjoy the show!

Private viewing room: Smaller groups, one-on-one viewing appointments, and sales will take place in an office-type setting where you will be up close and personal with your images on a computer screen. We will be able to compare images side-by-side, zoom in on facial expressions and manipulate images. Aaaaaand… if you wanna send hubby out to the lounge to enjoy some coffee, he won’t be able to hear when you add on some boutique frames and extra goodies (they just don’t understand sometimes) ;).

The Camera Room: This is the place where your session will take place and where custom artwork will be created!!! From a technical standpoint, starting with a blank pallet will allow us to arrange our lighting in a more efficient and mobile manner. Design-wise, the open space means a lot of room to create new backgrounds! We have a very boutique style in mind for both our high key and low key ends which will consist of hardwood floors, chair rail moldings and nicely finished walls. We will also be rebuilding a slightly varied version of our barn wood scene. There will of course be many other canvas, muslin and paper backgrounds hung throughout; and our ginormous white vinyl will be coming with us so we can still accommodate large families and sports groups indoors!!

The design of the studio was created by Divine ReDeZine, and the logistics and the final move will be possible thanks to lots of help from our families!

APRIL FOOLS

2010-04-01T18:02:00.001-04:00

To all of you who wanted pictures with worms, we are so sorry to have had to break the news that that promotion was an April Fool's Joke! We must be a bit too good at marketing (pat, pat on our own backs LOL). Apparently a few people thought it would be appealing to take portraits with worms. Well, um if you'd like to we can make arrangements for that but we'd recommend maybe a puppy or kitty if you're interested in living things in your pictures...and there is always next year's bunny portraits around Easter time!! =) Happy April Fool's Day!

2010-03-16T19:10:00.006-04:00

Appreciation is such a great feeling, and it is in the air!!

We love what we do and have fun every day...for others to appreciate our work and much as we appreciate them for allowing us to create it is simply amazing to us!!

We often thank our family, friends, clients and higher power for everything we are able to do and for the creativity and artistic views we get to express! But sometimes we don't thank you all enough, so we would like to extend a huge appreciation back to you for all of the support!!

We are so honored to have been awarded "Business of the Year" by the Bridgeport Chamber of Commerce, and given a special tribute from the State of Michigan and our State Senator, Roger Kahn! We look forward to many more great years!!

(Pic of the team with Senator Roger Kahn at the awards banquet)

2010 Bunny Portraits

2010-03-15T21:08:00.000-04:00

We are so excited that Bunny Portraits went so well!! The kids were great and the bunnies only got lifted by their ears a couple of times! =) The bunnies are back in thier Alpha Psi Hillier Classic Pink Bunny Caddy on I-75 headed to the West Coast where they'll spend Easter at a spa getting paraffin ear treatments and eating tofu! Thanks to everyone for celebrating the season with all of us!

Bunny portraits

2010-03-09T11:03:00.000-05:00

LOOK OUT!! The bunnies are on their way...they're rolling in their '57 Alpha Psi Hillier Classic Pink Bunny Caddy and they'll be here soon!! They still have a few sessions open tomorrow, so book now! (Disclaimer:The bunnies may look slightly different after their makeovers this afternoon!...oh yeah and this photo is compliments of Google Images) http://hillierstudio.bookmonline.com/schedules/Easter2010

2010-03-08T17:07:00.000-05:00

Here comes Stefanie Cottontail

Hoppin' down Hillier Studio's Sidewalk,
Hippity hoppity, she is on her waaaaay (to work)

Bringin' her big ol camera bag
with a smile upon her face
She can't wait to get to work

She works with the coolest person

That person's name is Christina (her fans call her Chris)

and Stefanie is lucky to get to work with her....

Written by Chris

To the tune of Peter Cottontail with some slight aversions.

2010-03-01T16:25:00.002-05:00

New Sisters!

2010-02-18T15:24:00.003-05:00

We are so excited to have some new sisters in Alpha Psi Hillier!! Our Rush Parties were awesome! We got to meet some new faces, and see some old friends. There were pink cupcakes, pink cookies, different pink cookies, pink lemonade, and chips (not pink). We have expanded our family by 7 sisters, and we are so excited to start this year's festivities!! Our new sisters are: Allie, Ashley, Ashley (that's not a typo...there are 2 Ahleys), Chelsea, Kelsey, Jazmine and Stephanie. If you want to join, we are accepting open applications until March 31st...email to get the scoop!! =)

Alpha Psi Hillier and Operation Smile

2010-02-02T18:31:00.004-05:00

Yay!! Another step in the process of Alpha Psi Hillier has been completed! We finished decorating the front room in the Bridgeport Studio (which is the official sorority house)!! It looks great!! I bet you want pictures.....well....this time we're gonna make you stop by and see it!! =) We want to see you, so it's our way of subtle bribery. =)

Speaking of more steps in the sorority process being complete....here's one we're VERY proud of: We have chosen a charity to benefit from sorority support and we have officially partnered with Operation Smile!! For every new sorority member, we will donate $25 to Operation Smile! Besides raising funds for the charity, another of our goals is to spread awareness of this GREAT organization....check it out! http://www.operationsmile.org/about_us/who-we-are/index.html

XOXO, Crystal

2010-01-25T21:02:00.003-05:00

What a fun session today!! Crystal rocked some super fun, super girlie, super cute outfits!! We were inspired by her (and by some recent sale table finds) to try some new ideas for her portraits! She brought the sequins and the mic stand... and we pulled out the gems, pearls, and funky chairs! We moved the production into the dressing room where she brought even more inspiration with her lipstick...she left an impression on us and a diva stamp on the mirror!! Thanks Crystal!

Alpha Psi Hillier

2010-01-22T11:12:00.004-05:00

Many of you have inquired (or have been silently inquisitive) about Alpha Psi Hillier....

For those of you who read our blog, you are privy to the "inside scoop"...here it is:

WHAT: Alpha Psi Hillier is a local sorority that we have founded this year and will be officially active beginning February 1st!!

WHO: There will be 2 chapters of the sorority. The Senior Chapter is for high school juniors who are preparing for senior portraits. The Women's Chapter will be for women 18 and older.

WHY: There were many factors that played into the decision to form a sorority..all equally important. In random order, here are some of the 'whys':

- To step our senior portrait modeling program up a level in order to provide our seniors with more of an 'experience'.

- To provide a program that boosts self-esteem in girls, teens and women of all ages through portrait modeling, sisterly bonds and community and charitable events.

- To open the opportunity for all high school girls to have amazing senior portraits by a professional studio. Senior portraits have evolved and thus the investment has as well. This program provides ways for seniors to earn significant discounts on their portraits.

- To enhance cross-community sisterly and mentor bonds between girls, teens and women.

- To support a charity that reaches people on a broad spectrum...from local international. We have chosen "Operation Smile" as our charity and will donate $25 per new member to the organization, which provides funds for surgeries to children with clef pallet, clef lip and other facial deformities.

- To provide a means for high school juniors/seniors, collage-bound students, and active community members to participate in community service. We will hold several events that will raise awareness and support for Operation Smile and other community and charitable foundations.

WHEN: Once the sorority becomes officailly active on Febraury 1st we will start a Class of 2011 Rush (or recruitment period) that will go through February 28th. Rush will be closed after that for high school seniors until the following year for the class of 2012. Rush for 'big sisters' and women over 18 for the Women's Chapter of the sorority will begin in March.

HOW: If you are interested in being a part of either chapter, please fill out the following form: http://hillierstudio.com/alphapsiform.html

Va Va Valentease

2010-01-21T12:17:00.004-05:00

It's hard to believe that Valentine's Day is almost here! WOW!

To most people, Valentine's Day is an annual challenge of what to get your significant other. To all of YOU it can be an opportunity to remind your Valentine why they are so lucky to have you.....here's how AND why:

(Info below compliments of Dr. Shristina)

LADIES: As a woman, you have the ability to make your man do things like hold your pink purse while you rummage through sale racks at your favorite clothing store...as he misses the first half of the big game. (It is amazing we have that ability isn't it!?!) One...you need to remind him how much you appreciate that! Two...He does that because he is so gaga over you, he will do almost anything...so you need to occasionally remind him how HOT you still are! For those 2 reasons alone you should definitely consider stepping up the bar and booking your appointment for this promotion: http://www.hillierstudio.com/valentease.html

GUYS: Your woman does a lot for you! There is never a moment that she is not multi-tasking and putting her needs and wants aside for YOU!! She deserves to be pampered, and she deserves to know how much she is appreciated AND how much she still 'gets to you'...A gift certificate for this promotion will definitely tell her how much you appreciate the things she does and remind her how STEAMY you think she is!! Check it out: http://www.hillierstudio.com/valentease.html

2010-01-20T11:29:00.003-05:00

We are baaaaaaaaaack!! Well we never actually went anywhere lol, but we have been neglecting to keep you all posted on our blog. But we are not going to let that happen again!!

Where do we begin?! Oh my!!

We have sooo many exciting things in the works!

One of the most exciting things in the que is Alpha Psi Hillier...you guessed it...it's a sorority! Why? How? For who? Oh those questions will soon be answered...soon but not today!!

Something else that is almost finalized are our children's events! We have a few new ones this year that are going to be "limited Edition" that are not going to be on the schedule, so you will have to watch the blog closely for when and what those will be!!

We currently have some fun things going on for Valentine's Day...check the website for specials (ladies - there is one especially for you). We will blog a little bit more about that in the next couple days, but if you have questions you know you can always ask!!

Outside of promotions and specials we are working diligently on redecorating our Bridgeport Studio's lobby in preparation for 2011 Seniors, and looking for new props and backgrounds (that's a never ending always fun task!)

So to sum it up, over the next few days we will be knee deep in hot pink and black paint while we finalize plans for the sorority, work with a charity, structure our promotions calendar, and do what we do best...photograph!! (and what we also do best is make friends and socialize with our clients....can't wait to see you all!!)

Christmas Cheer!

2009-12-16T17:17:00.009-05:00

We are in full Christmas spirit here at the studios!!

We have started the 12 Days of Christmas, and if you haven't been logging on daily to check out the gifts up for grabs you are missing out!!!!!! Every day is a new surprise, a new location and a new gift/gifts/prizes/giveaways! Check out www.hillierstudio.com for all the fun details!

One of our favorite things to see is cards in the mail from our clients....and the best part is they are usually cards we made!!! LOL...love it! Today, we were excited to see Tori and her sister smiling brightly on the card that ehy picked up about a week ago!! =)

We have seen so many beautiful smiling faces lately that we can't even keep up!!! We want to share them all with you, but right now it would be next to impossible (once we get everything back for Christmas we can take a little more time to blog)! So in the Christmas spirit, here are some holiday portraits of just a few of our favorite smiling faces!!

Hillier Studio's 12 Days of Christmas

2009-12-09T23:27:00.003-05:00

It has been a couple weeks Blog World...oh my!!! The holidays have us spinning and running in circles, and very little time for blogging!! One of these days we are going to post a massive blog of pictures that we've taken over the past couple of weeks, so be prepared Blog World...be prepared!

Sooooooooo....we are about to launch an amazing promotion thanks to the genius behind DeHaven Productions...Jeff DeHaven himself! "Hillier Studio's 12 Days of Christmas" begins this Saturday and is going to be a sneaky and fun scavenger hunt style promotion!! We are very aware that the economy has changed and that this holiday season may be a bit tough.......that is why we have pulled together to help out!!! We live in an amazing community Mid-Michigan, and this promotion proves it...TWELVE area business have come together to give back to the community that stand behind them, to give away 12 DAYS OF GIFTS, PRIZES AND GOODIES!! Every day you can enter to win the GRAND PRIZE $500 PORTRAIT PACKAGE FROM HILLIER STUDIO! Be on the lookout for maps, clues and all the details you will need to participate in the fun. It all starts THIS SATURDAY at www.hillierstudio.com!! See you there!

A time to be thankful...

2009-11-19T16:06:00.003-05:00

With Thanksgiving on the horizon, we want to take the time to reflect on all the things we are thankful for. First and foremost in all situations is our three 'f's'...our faith, our family and our friends! Without them we would not be where or who we are today! And to all of our clients...you are included in our list of friends and family!!

Our studio has recently been recognized in a couple different instances, and we are so thankful to be loved! What we are even more appreciative of is the support from each and every client - past, present and future.

With community support, we were named the 'Applaud Program' recipient for the month of November by The Bridgeport Area Chamber of Commerce. Also through support and love from our clients we were sent a really sweet letter from BHS student, Chrystal Segura-Perez on behalf of the school's DECA Club in recognition of our business during Global Entrepreneurship week.

Achieving accomplishments like these doesn't just give us a good pat on the back, it reminds us of how fortunate we are to be part of such a supportive network of amazing people!

We hope you all take time out of your busy schedules to reflect upon your blessings, as you will find the thought of thanks to bring many smiles to your face.....and you all know how much we love smiles! =)

CHRISTMAS 2009

2009-11-11T21:02:00.004-05:00

Can't wait to start Christmas portraits this year!!! You may or may not have visited our website for a preview of our new boutique backgrounds...either way, we just love our little model and thought we'd share this fun video with you all!!!!!

2009-11-11T19:09:00.002-05:00

Playing a little 'blog catch up'!! Here are some more fabulous faces and adorable personalities that we have been blessed to photograph recently! LOVE all the tiny faces and big smiles that have been in our studio lately...sweet, sweet kiddos...so much fun!

LOVE...

2009-11-09T16:21:00.004-05:00

We have not forgotten about you Blog World!! We know it's been a while and we apologize for our negligence to you! It's all worth the wait though, because we have A LOT to share! Where do we EVEN begin??!??! How about with a blog full of love - engagement, marriage, and anniversaries!!!

Starting with the sacrament of marriage...Kristie and Denny...better known as the 'McWuerfels'! You can sometimes just tell when two people are truly in love, and these two definitely are! Their ceremony was just as wonderful as the couple themselves, and the reception was a blast! The pictures in between were a ton of fun - as you can see from Denny's ol 'TP stuck in the pants' picture, both the bride and groom have great senses of humor and are just wonderful people to be around!

We have had the pleasure of meeting another couple who is just at the preliminary stages of planning their big day! Liz and Pat are recently engaged, and will be married in July of next year! Their engagement session was awesome - can't wait for the wedding!

We were also fortunate enough to capture three great couples on the opposite end of the Wedded Bliss Spectrum...The Morgans, the Bremers, and the Scotts have all recently celebrated one of the most incredible milestones in life and love...their 50th Wedding Anniversaries! Congratulations to all of these couples, and many years of love and happiness to all!

2009-11-02T16:08:00.003-05:00

What a Spooktacular Halloween at the studios!! We had a ton of fun taking pictures and passing out candy during the Merchants Trick or Treating on Halloween night!!! We had to get in the spirit of the holiday of course, so costumes were a must!!
(and yes our photoshop skills are much better than what is demonstrated in this picture...so no worries.) =)

Also....we have a grand prize winner of the SPOOKTACULAR GIVEAWAY!!! Congratulations to Jenny Tapia!! She has won some treats from Connie's Cakes of Midland, some goodies from Karen's Hallmark, and a $50 gift certificate to Hillier Studio! Thanks to all who participated!

We're now gearing up for Christmas...we're almost all decorated and our backgrounds are ready to go!! Book your appointment today for our new Boutique-style backgrounds in November! http://hillierstudio.bookmonline.com/schedules/NovHoliday

We found Tony! ; )

2009-10-26T21:08:00.003-04:00

So we finally found Tony today! With many reminders & threatening phone calls (ok mabye not the threatening phone calls) Tony finally made it to his appointment, yea!!! What a fun 4 hours we had, yes that's right, 4 hours. Ok so we did more talking & eating then photographing, but we had a blast! Tony is probably the funniest high school senior we have ever met!!! So we started off photographing Tony with his car parked in some random person's front yard under one of the only trees left with pretty leaves, then we ventured off to a secret location for some totally under control (not reckless at all) burnout photos & ended our road trip on a dirt road with a cool old bridge. We are pretty sure there were trolls & stuff living under the bridge! We are pretty sure we saw one riding off into the sunset on a unicorn but we were busy trying to save Tony from being hit by his own car, which was amazingly driving itself off the cliff. Good thing Tony has a Black Belt & whipped out some ninja type skills & did some amazing flips right over that car, it was AMAZING! So amazing that we shared a pizza dinner with him to hear all about his life story & struggles & how he changes his hair with every season.... Anywho, I hope you enjoyed reading about our adventure & find the following photos to be nothing less than spectacular!!!

2009-10-25T00:54:00.002-04:00

It's been a while since we wrote a song, and we're feeling lyrically talented right now. (Plus we have this fun pic we need to post)... so here goes:

It's late, it's late!
We haven't photographed a Nate.
We think the name Nate is great
So if that's your name call before it's too late
oh wait...
it's already late.

Which is why we're writing this song
so...sing along!!

Here we go
when we say 'hey'
you say 'ho'
hey
(um.....hello??? anyone out there?)
moving on...

Denny and Kristie's wedding was a blast
It was nice to see some faces from the past.
Hope Travis is doing well with his cast
Wow - I can really type fast. (sorta)

Thanks to Adam for helping us out
Sad we didn't get to see you guys out and about
Saw the Mobile Boogie and thought it was you
But I guess it was a different crew.

Stef's husband is asleep on the couch
she made him spit his gum outta his mouth
he was at the other wedding havin too much fun
screw this rain...where is the sun!?

I think we might have gone crazy
maybe that 's why we're amazy-n
that's right, we make up words
cause we're two cool birds.
Not cool cats...we're too cool for that.

Our blog rocks
We don't wear socks
Feet are getting cold
This song's gettin old.

PEACE!

2009-10-21T20:52:00.003-04:00

Most of the time when we imagine a nice portrait we see a smiling face, but sometimes the most beautiful portraits are a naturally contemplative expression. Of course we love to see our clients laughing and smiling, but it is also good when we capture the elements of a person when they are simply content. Baby Brynn is a great example of this! She had the cutest little outfits and the most innocently natural expressions today! Of course we captured the smiles as well...so we thought we'd share a little bit of both. We just love her and her mommy (and Aunt Denise too!)

One of our Senior Models came in today with his Mini-me! Jakob and his little brother Isaiah are too cute for words in these portraits that capture an adorable brotherhood. They may sneer at them now, but we are certain a few years down the road they will cherish the captured memory of their childhood!

2009-10-16T20:08:00.007-04:00

Every day seems to bring another fun story or two (or three or ten) into our lives!

We started today off with a super nice surprise from one of our recent 2010 Seniors!! Jaimie brought us little goody bags and personalized cards thanking us for her session, and wishing us a happy Boss's Day and an early happy Halloween! HOW SWEET!!! Under the pic of our goodies are some modeling portraits we took of Jaimie for an upcoming ad. THANKS Jaimie!! =) And to all the bosses out there: Happy Bosses Day to you!!

The first session of today was an amaaaaaaazing twin baby session! These little ones have been through quite a bit in the first three months. They are more precious than words can explain, and we were so blessed to have had the opportunity to take their very first professional portraits! We could have taken pictures of them all day (but they had to get to the doctor, and cousin Jenny probably needed a break)!!

Out to Shields we went after that for another awesome session with one of our faaaaaaaaaaaavorite babies...Miss Maggie Mae (as Chris calls her)!! She was adorable as always, and she has definitely found her little legs to be helpful in her running endeavors...lol (...and her outfit was super cute by the way)!! Maggie is preparing for a baby brother to be born in just a few weeks!! Her mommy and daddy are excited, and captured the beauty of the late stages of pregnancy with maternity portraits! Mom is looking stunning!! (Dad too of course). And we can't wait to take the baby's newborn portraits!

People often ask us if we have children...our answer: We have a LOT of children. We see them every few months...we play with them a bit, get caught up on their lives, take their portraits, and then they go home at the end of their session. Sounds funny-might have even made you laugh-but it's true! Each and every child that we photograph, we do so as if they were our own and therefore we take temporary ownership of them while they are here...so yeah...we have lots of children!! Here are a couple more we have recently loved every minute of photographing (Baby Georgia and Baby Andre)!

We are truly fortunate to do what we do! We cherish every session, every client, and every day!

Fun Day!

2009-10-15T22:59:00.003-04:00

Today was a fun day of editing, retouching, ordering, marketing, creative thinking...yup...there was lots of commotion in the production room today from Ketchup and Mustard (aka Stef and Chris)!

In the late afternoon we took a break from all of that to meet with some of our awesome clients!!

First, we learned about some REALLY interesting ways to capture your families heritage, and some creative things to do with old family pictures (how fun)!!!!

After that, Lindsey and Caleb came in for some fun portraits...they are the all-American adorable cheerleader/football player couple!! They are so super cute! (go ahead and saw awwwwwwwwww at the pic below!!)

It's raining cats and dogs!!!!

2009-10-12T22:18:00.004-04:00

It actually IS...at the "Raining Cats and Dogs" store in Frankenmuth! Twice a year we visit our furry friends (and our human ones too) at the fun and pet-friendly boutique-style shop in the heart of the little Bavarian town, to take their portraits! Here are a few from our last visit...so much fun as always!!

2009-10-11T12:50:00.004-04:00

A great way to enjoy a great fall day! Beautiful families, lovely couples, adorable doggies, precious babies...and the feeling and color of a fall day in MI! We got to enjoy all of that while photographing old friends, and new ones alike!! There are so many wonderful things we could say about our sessions yesterday...but this time we are going to just let the portraits do the talking!!

A great way to enjoy a great fall day! Beautiful families, lovely couples, adorable doggies, precious babies...and the feeling and color of fall...what a life!!

2009-10-08T19:53:00.003-04:00

Had a ton of fun with Chrystal and Jaimie yesterday!!

We started the day off by sorting through what we're pretty sure was Jaimie's ENTIRE closet...lol. Once we figured out what 'fits' they were gonna rock, we assisted with some hair styling and makeup application...and then we were ready for the sessions to begin!

We had a lot to fit into a little time so we might have ran a pink light on accident, went a few mph's over the suggested speed, borrowed a parking lot to avoid a light, and forgot to use that blinky light to switch lanes, but we landed where we needed to be and got the girls to the bus for their volleyball game RIGHT on time...no lives were jeopardized of course.

We still have a few shots to finish up (these girls have crazy schedules between school, work, and volleyball), but here are a couple of our favs so far...

Jesika and Brandon

2009-10-08T17:35:00.003-04:00

A beautiful day, a stunning bride, a handsome groom, and an amazing celebration!

Jesika and Brandon tied the knot, and we were lucky to have celebrated the day with them!

The ceremony took place at Bethlehem Lutheran, with a fun-filled celebration to follow at The Temple.

Here are just a couple of the many shots from the day...

2009-10-06T10:11:00.003-04:00

What a DOLL! This little girl is one of the most photogenic 4 year olds we have ever worked with! We're pretty sure she's secretly a model for Gap Children's clothing, but she's just not the type to brag. She and her beautiful family did a fabulous job posing pretty for Fall Family Portraits! It ended up being a perfect day to find colorful leaves, throw them in the air, and smile pretty for the camera among the beauty Mother Nature provides in this wonderful season known as fall!

Falling Into Hillier Studio

2009-10-05T14:25:00.003-04:00

This is such a fun time of year...colorful leaves, pumpkins, cornstalks, wheat fields...and the perfect weather for Fall Family Portraits! We officially kicked off the promotion Sunday evening ...and what an adorably perfect family to start things off!!! We went on an adventure through the waterfall to the 'castle', and then down to the river to chase the ducks! The three little ones were all super photogenic, and a charm to work with (so were their mommy and daddy)! Here are just a few of the memories we captured from thier experience!

Ties and Tutus Tuesdays...NOW thru November!

2009-09-23T21:01:00.005-04:00

One of our most adorable promotional debuts...TIES AND TUTUS!

You saw our little model 'Evy' in her tutu a couple weeks ago, and yesterday was the first official day of the promotion!

Normandy (6 months, tutu) and Warren (14 months, tie) are both such precious little babies! This is an absolute fun way to accentuate the innocence and adorable features of babies of all ages! We LOVE this promotion, and we hope you do too...see you next Tuesday!

hmmmmmmmmmm....???

2009-09-23T17:43:00.003-04:00

We photograph to capture memories.
We photograph to create memories.
We photograph to document events.
We photograph to create art.
We photograph for entertainment.
And sometimes, in the middle of it all...we photograph so we can ask you all "what in the world is this?'

ANY IDEAS!?!?

It was at the train yard in Saginaw, and we thought it was a banana tree...rationality kicked in though and we remembered that we do not live in a warm enough climate for "wild banana trees"
So....WHAT IS IT!!?

2009-09-22T21:30:00.004-04:00

OMG!!

Let us share the story of Mathew's Train Yard Senior Portraits...

We went 'exploring' to some new territory and what an exploration it was! First of all...HOW COOL was the train station!?! It was WAAAY COOL! We could totally imagine it in its Hay Day, adorned with people dressed in fancy hats with white gloves, and ties with top hats...a simpler and more exquisite time in history!

It was far from that today! We enjoyed it for completely different reasons. We appreciated the edginess and rough appearance that told the story of the life the train station has seen over a century...the transition from a booming economic time to a deficit far from the imagination of the travelers in the 1800's. It was cool, sad, and scary all at the same time...if our mothers new we were down there we would be in trouble (hopefully this is one blog they don't read)!! =)

There were bums, banana trees, and a fierce dog that charged at us unexpectedly as we admired the architecture of the building a little too closely. Back to the banana tree...so that's not was it was, but that's what it looked like. We will be posting that pic in search of the answer, but first here are a few of Mathew's Senior Portraits from the train station...

Cameron, the Camera Man

2009-09-21T21:24:00.003-04:00

Meet Cameron, our new Camera Man (hahahahah...Cameron...CAMERA man...get it!?!? lol)

He is...well was... our new intern. He started today at about 1:59pm and threw his back out at about 2:01pm. Not quite sure what the problem was (something about the equipment size in ratio to his size). Anyway...it was fun while it lasted.

Currently looking for a new intern (endurance test will be required). =)

2009-09-19T13:18:00.005-04:00

Now is the PERFECT time to refresh the decor in your home with some new framed portraits or art! Why is it the PERFECT time you ask? Because we are having a FALL FRAME SALE! Our frames are already close to wholesale pricing, and we have decided to put them on sale even more. We are celebrating two big things 1. FALL and 2. The DEBUT of DIVINE REDZINE!

What is DIVINE REDEZINE some of you have asked...here's the scoop...

We have decided that working until 3am was not enough for us..we want MORE! So...yes we have started another amazing project! Our inner artists (pronounced with a French accent, of course) have once again brought excitement to our lives. In addition to photography being on the top of our list of passions in life is another artistic opportunity...interior design!!

Divine Redezine is an Interior Design Studio that specializes in 'redesign', and offers services ranging from 'redecorating' to 'business image consulting', 'home staging' and 'contract design work'! It is the latest and greatest division of Hillier Studio, and will be making it's full debut THIS month!

The marriage of the two companies will be divine, as Hillier Studio strives to not only make your portrait experience memorable but to also provide you with masterful pieces of art! We have all kinds of creative ideas on how and where to display your portraits, and what frames will suit your portrait AND your home. We are stoked that we will be able to offer 'decor consulting' so that your portrait style matches your home style...after all, don't you want your portraits to 'fit in' when you take them home!?!!

The anticipation of the debut is exciting to us, and we hope you'll find it just as awesome! Watch for more details regarding DIVINE REDEZINE coming soon!!

2009-09-18T00:07:00.005-04:00

Soooooo...Late Night Blog...you should all know what that means by now (insanity has set in)!

Well as always...got lots to do...got little time!

We did manage, however, to sneak in a stop to the Halloween store today to get our COSTUMES for Halloween Portrait Nights at the studios!! We've been wearing them for the past 4 or 5 hours...we just can't get enough...lol. We're red and yellow and are used a lot more in the summer than the winter - can you guess!!?!?!?!? (scroll down for a pic compliments of our office boy, Roberto...hehe) Thanks to Geofferey (Jeff) for helping us pick out our fab costumes! (P.S. Don't judge our desks...we're BUSY)!

Tomorrow is our BIG golf outing that we sponsor for GSAHA!!! We train all year for this...we have been especially focusing on our backstroke and execution so that the calibration of the sphere is calculated at the most apt speed for a successful HOLE-IN-ONE BABY!! OOOHHHHH YEAH! We're gonna dominate the course...so all you other teams...step aside!! (no LOL's here...we mean BIZ) =)

Back to work...no rest for Ketchup and Mustard this time of year! Peas Out (we say 'peas' instead of peace because they sit right next to us in the fridge).

2009-09-14T11:25:00.004-04:00

Last week was a whirlwind of fun! From weddings to babies, seniors and sports, it was a great week filled with smiling faces and captured memories! We spent a lot of time with Kelley and Justin during the week to celebrate their marriage! Their wedding ceremony took place on 09-09-09 at a beautiful wedding chapel in Waterford, and then they celebrated on Friday with a huge reception at Candlelite in Bridgeport. We were able to take portraits both days at multiple locations. They are such a cute couple; and their bridal party, and families are just as great! Here are a few moments from the festivities...

Fabulous Finds Fridays...

2009-09-08T11:20:00.003-04:00

Fabulous Finds Fridays...
That's the name we have given to our end-of-the-week extravaganzas!

To preface this story we should first tell you that we have actually themed all of our days, so that we have a specific focus for every morning of the week! You see-as you may or may not know, we hold studio/office hours noon to 6pm. That doesn't mean though that we get to sleep in until noon...nope...we meet every day at 9am to work on various things to better our business for a few hours before we open!

So ...
Mondays are 'Marketing Mondays'
Tuesdays are 'Try New Things Tuesdays'
Wednesdays are 'Wild Card Wednesdays'
Thursdays are 'Thinking Cap Thursdays'
And Fridays are 'Fabulous Finds Fridays'

The names are pretty self-explanatory...our favorite right now is Fab Finds Fridays because of all of the garage/yard sales! We go exploring for out-of-the-ordinary items to use in backgrounds and as props. Sometimes we run into other things along our journey that we find amusing. For example, this past Friday we found humor and entertainment in these cows that we literally RIGHT alongside the road (pic below). We could have reached out and touched them. Our better judgment kicked in however and we did not, but we did take a picture!!

Stay tuned for more stories from Stef and Chris's AM Adventures!

2009-09-03T19:26:00.002-04:00

We wrote a blog. It was a beautiful masterpiece. And then it timed out...and was gone forever...sad. We will be writing a new one soon...soon.

So in Love...

2009-08-28T00:09:00.003-04:00

It's so nice to see a couple so adorably in love! Sally and Rob have that 'thing' about them that just makes it apparent how much they care for each other! Here are just a few of their many cute, yet edgy and contemporary, portraits from their oldtown session! We <3 them! =)

2009-08-26T20:28:00.002-04:00

What a FUN day!

David, one of our seniors, invited us to his farm to photograph. It was one cool thing after another! There was a pond, and cool old trucks, and antique farm equipment, and HORSES (who we got to pet...I know, I know...we're jealous of ourselves too). David has four German Shepherds, but only one got to come out to play. Chloe was a great sport, and was a very photogenic subject in David's senior portraits! We were so grateful for the opportunity to photograph such a nice guy at such a beautiful location!

We also had tons of fun photographing Cheyenne at the Bridgeport Studio! She has beautiful blue eyes that match her wonderful personality! It was nice to see Cheyenne in 'street clothes'! We have been photographing her in every sports uniform that Carrollton High School has to offer! (Okay so maybe just cheerleading, softball, track and bowling...but that's a lot of sports for one girl!)

Can't wait to see what the sessions the rest of the week will bring our way! =)

Wanna hear a song? Here it goes.

2009-08-22T00:04:00.003-04:00

Our latest song.

We work day and night
but we are feeling alright
we're bout to hit the highway
headed to the north side...hey!
We're gonna tear up the lake
with our boat, making some wake
But first we gotta get work done
before we can go have our fun.
But we started writing a song
which makes us stay at work long....er
We hope ya'll enjoy the time
reading our midnight work rhyme!
What what!

Translation: We are taking a day off on Sunday to go up north, therefore we are working into the wee hours of the night to be sure we service our clients in a timely manner! Thanks for another great week...see you Monday!

JUNIOR PHOTOGRAPHER DAY CAMP!

2009-08-17T17:32:00.005-04:00

What a BLAST! The kids had tons of fun, and so did we!

The day started with some team building activities and some quick lessons in basic photography. We then took a field trip to the park, and took tons of nature pictures on the way. The kids found crickets, fireflies, spiders, and turkeys (which ran faster than we could snap)!

After lunch we made our nature pictures into coloring book pages. The kids colored them and once they were in their fancy frames, they were beautiful pieces of art. While the campers were working on those, we ironed some of their pictures onto canvas coolers and then they added puff paint to create a customized lunch bag!

The day continued with an indoor photo shoot, in which they were both the photographers and the stars! The next project was a fabric-coverd photo boards, and then CD case magnets.

A few more rounds of the Human Knot Game, Hide and Seek, Telephone, and the TP Game... and then it was time for their parents to pick them up. (Of course there was snack time, Q&A, and other basic photography lessions in between). It was an AWESOME day for the campers and for us! We already have plans for next year's camp...can't wait!

Baby Days!

2009-08-14T17:18:00.004-04:00

No portraits are more precious than those of babies...and we are so lucky to have had the opportunity to photograph so many lately!

Baby Georgia is sooooo sweet! She was quite content for most of the photo shoot...we think she just may be a natural at this picture-taking business! Her brother Wyatt is equally as adorable, and look at how much he loves his little sister!

Baby Aiden is going to be a lady-catcher with those innocent expressions, big blue eyes, and sweet charm! He also did an amazing job...being a baby model at the ripe age of 3 months is not always easy, but he made it seem like a breeze!

It's back to photographing senior sessions this evening; And this weekend brings us sports teams and families! Sunday we will also be preparing for Junior Photographer Day Camp on Monday!! More seniors next week, and even a photography seminar....so many exciting things happening!!

"Tutu Tuesdays"...premiering in September

2009-08-12T16:54:00.004-04:00

Mix Beautiful Baby Evelyn's gorgeous eyes and smile, with her fun and upbeat personality...then put her in a tutu and leggings and you have a masterpiece! Evy was our little model for 'Tutu Tuesdays'...our newest and possibly one of our most fun promotions premiering in September...stay tuned for details!

Ann goes to oldtown!

2009-08-10T19:51:00.003-04:00

Despite the 546 degree weather, Ann looks amazing as she rocks a new look in oldtown. This is the first time we've taken a chair out there...just to be different...and we are sooooo glad we did!! This is just one of many awesome portraits from her first session, and she still has indoor and another outdoor session to go!! Can't wait to see what other gorgeous portraits are in store for her!

The Loonies went to a Loons Game!

2009-08-10T13:28:00.005-04:00

We had lots of fun at the Loons game yesterday! We made a few stops along the way at garage sales looking for some very specific antiquey props (no luck, but that just means we get to go to more this week!)

We then made a detour into town to grab Coldstone! While waiting in line, we recived a text recommending the Mint Mint Chocolate Chocolate Chip...it was from Jeff...he was next door at Starbucks! (go figure) Not only did we get to visit with him for a few minutes, he also surprised us later by putting Hillier Studio's name up on the big screen!! We were screwing around with the camera....I mean...we were....intently watching the game...when all of a sudden there we were...for everyone to see!!

We decided to share a few pictures of our day with you all, but there are a couple things to consider before continuing to the pictures...
First and foremost: Laughing at us is allowed, as long as it is done behind our backs :)
Secondly: It is important to keep in mind that these are merely snapshots, not examples of our professional portrait work!!

Picture 1: Chris (age 13) and Stef (age 12) ...lol jk...take a picture with Lou E.!

Picture 2: Lou E Loon!!!

Picture 3: Stef and Joel enjoying the game!

Picture 4: Stef and Chris taking a self-portrait...cheesy as always!

Picture 5: Chris and Rob having fun...Chris keeping the bugs away with
her Praying Mantis sun glasses!

Picture 6: The four of us attempting to all get into a self-portrait!

2009-08-08T23:04:00.006-04:00

From beautiful babies, to fabulous families, and wonderful weddings...we've had an amazing week! We have decided....(hold your breathe).........to take..........(wait for it).........A DAY OFF! Well kinda...we are having a **staff outing** on Sunday to go support the local minor league baseball team - THE LOONS!! That's right - The Loonies are going to see Lou E Loon...lol. Oh, we're soooo funny at 12:00am!

Take a look at some of the lovely faces we got to see this week!

Miss Olivia is such a cutie...and a wonderful baby who is welcome here ANY time! Can't wait to see her again in in a few months!

The Martinez family is smokin' hot! We miss our Miss Eva from her high school career days with us, so it was great to see her and her family! Baby Dallas is all done with his first year panel now - they grow up too fast-so it was also great to have another opportunity to photograph him!

We had the pleasure of photographing a wedding today of a couple who is truely in love! Chuck and Theresa, along with thier Best Man and Maid of Honor, posed for this super cool picture with thier classic Nova! What a beautiful wedding!

Tune in next week for some more amazing faces, and entertaining blog updates! :)

Blog Disclaimer: We have worked about 876 hours this week and are blogging strictly on caffeinated energy, so we hope it all makes sense. :)

2009-08-05T14:39:00.004-04:00

Whew!! It has been a busy week!

The construction on our building in Bridgeport is going well...another week or two and we should be lookin brand new!!

We're getting super excited for Junior Photographer Day Camp! Don't forget to register! http://hillierstudio.com/daycampinfo.html

We have also been working hard on our Outdoor Portrait Park. Wait, what!? Did we just type that? It's supposed to be a secret...oops :) The big reveal will be spring/summer 2010! The anticipation is getting to us (as is the work!)

We have more beautiful faces and sweet personalities to add to our portfolio of art and friendships...
Jazmine just started her portrait experience with us and we're so glad she did! She is beautiful, and can pull off both smiley and serious looks...great model material!
Lindsey traveled with us to the beach, and is looking amazing as always! She is also another one that can rock different looks! YOU GO LADIES! :)

2009-07-31T11:45:00.004-04:00

Let's start this blog with...what an adorable family!!!

Jenny, Jerry, Nathan and Maddie traveled to the beach for some amazing portraits of their super cute family!

Nathan has become a little photogenic man! He was such a good sport for the entire shoot. Miss Maddie wasn't so sure about pictures at first, but after Chris found some chipmunk food (acrons), Maddie warmed up and started to find the experience fun! As the shoot went on, Chris piled sticks, duck feathers, and other beach paraphernalia on Stef's head to get Maddie and Nathan both to have even more fun. As you can see, Stef's revenge came at the end of the shoot when the kids gave Chris a taste of what it was like!

What a fun evening, and what a cute family with great portraits!

2009-07-30T00:14:00.003-04:00

This summer is going great! We actually moved bunk beds into the studio now, and we are working on getting a stove...lol! So maybe that's a bit dramatic, but we have actually been at the studio more than home so we have considered moving in! The thing is, we are not complaining at all because we have had so many great sessions that we LOVE being here! Here are some more examples of recent seniors!

Lindsay actually said that she was going to gift her purple shirt to Chris after her oldtown session...still waiting for that. And Caitlyn is going to send us some of her mom's beautiful homemade jewelry for Christmas, so we are really looking forward to the holidays. It is currently 12:30AM and I am blogging, so I might have made that up but it would be nice (hint, hint...lol). It was bittersweet to see NeYane in the studio as a senior...we are so used to seeing her in dance outfits once a year when she comes in with the local dance studio...this time she is all grown up *tear*. P.S. To book your dance studio's portraits, please contact us at 989.777.6831. Operators are standing by. =)

FROG ON A LOG BLOG

2009-07-28T15:54:00.001-04:00

There once was a frog
He was on a log
So we wrote a blog...here it is.

The photographer was Stef. The camera bag holder was Chris. The subject was Kelsey...well it was until...dun dun dun...the frog appeared. We were on the top of a cliff in a rain forest next to the Nile (aka...on a hill while it was sprinkling next to a stream) when all of a sudden the Loch Ness Monster (frog) appeared! We rushed over to the safari where a gazelle jump over the moon (a grassy area...bunny hopped over a rock). We busted out the Kodak Fugi Cannon Nine Thousand Edition Two (a camera) and conducted the most amazing shoot of the Loch Ness. Our Super Next Top Model (Kelsey) put her entire life on hold for the amazing nature shoot (she waited a minute while we photographed the frog)...she's such a good sport! We finished the shoot of the frog, and the shoot with Kelsey. She jumped in her Supercharged 20-cylinder Jag Mercedes Mustang (her cute little silver car) and drove off into the sunset. We hopped into our jet (grand prix) and headed for the Mansion on the Hill (our studio in the plaza)....and we all lived happily ever after!!

P.S. The frog was on a stick, but stick does not rhyme with frog....or blog...so we went with log.

Tori shares her umbrella =)

2009-07-24T15:38:00.002-04:00

New additions to our family...

2009-07-24T15:21:00.002-04:00

...haha...our PROP family =)

Guess who went garage-saling!?! (Is that how you spell that...hmmmm?) Anyway...WE DID!!! And we found some beautiful disastrous chairs! They are roughed-up, painted poorly, and missing rungs...they are PERFECT for portraits! We love them and will welcome them into our family, and they will find comfort in the prop room alongside our other precious finds!

Junior Photographer Day Camp!

2009-07-23T18:49:00.001-04:00

Hey y'all! We are suuuuper stoked for our First Annual Junior Photographer Day Camp!! We love to share our excitement for photography and you know we can be kids at heart sometimes, so we can't wait for all the fun festivities! For more details and to register your child online, check out the link on our website! http://hillierstudio.com/daycampinfo.html

WE LOVE OUR CLIENTS AND OUR JOBS!

2009-07-13T21:27:00.013-04:00

We have been having so much fun lately! It seems we've been photographing non-stop!

We have had sooooo many babies in, and we LOVE it!! They are all adorable in every way....from their precious little toes to their adorable smiles....*sigh*....so cute!!!

We've also have had quite a few young ladies in for First Communion Portraits...it's such a beautiful sacrament, and we are blessed to be able to capture these ladies at such an important stage of their lives!

And puppies!!! Cute, cuddly, soft, snuggley puppies!! These Saint Bernards were amazingly well behaved....we wanted to dogknap them and never give them back...lol!

2010 SENIORS Caitlyn and Andrew!

2009-07-10T15:04:00.004-04:00

We've been all over the place doing what we love! (photographing of course, in case you didn't know) =)

From Swan Valley High School, Andrew had his senior portraits taken at our Shields studio. Andrew did both indoor and outdoor portraits, and they turned out amazing! Sorry ladies, we forgot to get the scoop on whether or not he was single...hmmmmm??

From Clio High School, we have started photographing Caitlyn! Her first session was in Frankenmuth, and she'll be back for more portraits in the Bridgeport studio next week! We know...she's gorgeous...what can she say! =) Her portraits are looking fabulous so far; can't wait for her next session!

Babies!

2009-07-01T10:13:00.004-04:00

A new baby is like the beginning of all things...wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities.
-- Eda J. Le Shan

We have several more baby appointments in the next couple of weeks, and here are a few of the tiny treasures who have already visited the studio recently...

Justin and Kelley

2009-06-29T22:42:00.004-04:00

Well since it decided to rain on our Caseville parade, we headed to one of our favorite spots in Frankenmuth for this adorable couple's engagement portraits!! Kelley and Justin are so cute together - we can't wait to photograph their wedding in September!

BEACH PORTRAITS

2009-06-25T15:35:00.017-04:00

Wow - where do we start....
BEACH PORTRAITS have been AMAZINGLY FUN!!

TRIP 1: Brandi, Michelle and Kya.
Brandi and Michelle decided since they were going to get wet doing their portraits anyway that they might as well have a water fight - lol. Luckily we always have a camera ready to capture these types of moments...as you can see.
Kya had fun drawing in the sand...lol...she wrote our names too (insert awwww). We feel so special ;).

TRIP 2: Kelsie, Karlee, Tori and Loren
Our trip believe it or not, was a bit cold. The girls all got soaked and probably froze, but so far no phone calls asking us to bring them cough meds so I think all is good.
Tori's mom made us some delicious treats for the drive home and we're hoping to bribe the recipe out of her soon.
Kelsie (aka Independent Woman) decided to make the road trip on her own. Her drive home may have brought some regrets to that decision...lol. First was the raccoon family that we had to abruptly stop for. Not only did Kelsie almost end up with the front of her car in our backseat, she also had to watch as the baby raccons dodged our back tires. Then came the roundabout that we had to drive through...nuff said...lol.
Karlee left before we had a chance to say goodbye (I think she was freezing in those wet clothes)...so Karlee if you're out there and well, please reply!

TRIP 3: Sarah, Jakob and Tony
On the way there, Tony decided to show off in his Mustang. He did miraculously win the race between his Mustang and our Grand Prix (go figure)...however, our revenge came when he was in front of us and had to have Sarah text us because he had no clue where to go...lol.
Jakob and Tony spent most of the trip skipping rocks in the lake...we hear they are trying out for the Professional Rock Skippers of Michigan Competition in July...can't wait to see how they do!
Sarah filled us in on the history and operations of FedEx Ground, which we strangly found to be an interesting topic of discussion among ourselves for the ride home.
Speaking of ride home...poor Tony spent a lot of time shining his ride, only for it to be blood-spattered by Little Bunny Foo Foo hoppin down Bradleyville Rd. RIP Bunny Foo Foo.

Next trip: Justin & Kelley (our lovely Mr. & Mrs.-to-be) to do engagement portraits!
We still have limited room for a few future trips...call or email to take part in the fun!

2009-06-17T23:31:00.001-04:00

had our first BEACH SESSION tonight!! It was tons of FUN! Michelle and Brandi got into a water fight, and Kya had fun drawing in the sand...lol. Keep an eye out for some pics in the next couple of days!! ♥

6th Annual Bridgeport Pageant

2009-06-12T14:04:00.005-04:00

Opening Number starts at 5:00pm
Bridgeport High School Auditorium
$5.00 admission (4 & under free)

Come enjoy the show, and support the nineteen lovely ladies who will be competing for the titles of Little Miss Bridgeport, Junior Miss Bridgeport, and Miss Bridgeport.

All of the ladies will be competing in swimwear and evening wear. Junior and Miss contestants will also be competing in a talent portion. Miss will additionally be competing in an on-stage interview.

Co-chairperson: Stefanie Licht-Popp

Co-chairperson: Sally Bull

Emcee: Christina Erway-Licht

Judges: Cindy Horn (Bridgeport School District), Heather Skabardis (Mary KayCosmetics), Heather Wilson (Citadel Communications)

2008 Miss Bridgeport: Allison Schroeder

2008 Little Miss Bridgeport: Mekenzie Hawes

Entrance Attendant: Mary Lysagorski

Contestant Attendant: Michelle Bull

Lighting: Garrett Skabardis

Sound: Robert Licht Jr.

Special thanks to all of the businesses and individuals who have made this year's pageant possible!

Bridgeport Pageant

2009-06-09T21:05:00.002-04:00

We are getting ready for the Bridgeport Pageant on Friday!!! 5:00 at the High School auditorium. $5.00 admission (children 4 and under FREE). Come support the ladies who are working so hard to become the next Little Miss Bridgeport, Junior Miss Bridgeport, and Miss Bridgeport!!!!

2009-06-08T19:17:00.003-04:00

It's raining, it's pouring...Stefanie is snoring. lol.. just kidding. Well it is raining hard, but we are FAR from snoring! Life at Hillier is BUSY BUSY (we love our clients!!!)!! We are gearing up for beach portraits! Hoping for better weather than today. We still have one spot left in June, and a couple in July. It is sooooo much fun, and the portraits are always beautiful! Can't wait!

2010 SENIORS - ONE DAY SPECIAL

2009-05-29T12:48:00.002-04:00

FREE 100 extra wallets if you book your senior session TODAY for June or July!! All you have to do is call TODAY and set your date, pay your $50 booking deposit (which goes as credit towards your order), and you GET 100 FREE WALLETS added on to whichever package you choose!!

Bridgeport: 989.777.6831
Shields: 989.274.9916
smile@hillierstudio.com

This plus our June/July Special = an awesome senior portrait package!
For example, you could get...

1 Outfit Indoor Session
1 Outfit Old Town Session
2 Outfits Beach Session
1-8x10, 2-5x7, 132-wallets
for only $320 plus tax

HURRY - CALL!!

2010 Seniors! Check out our new commercial!

2009-05-29T11:31:00.002-04:00

2009-05-26T21:13:00.003-04:00

Yay for no rain today!!

We are super excited it held off for Karlee's oldtown session! Karlee is the newest addition to our Model Buddy Team...and we are so glad she joined us!! She is absolutely adorable, and so easy to work with!

This little Dancing Queen has about 4,985 dance costumes and trophies and dance shoes that she took some super cute pics with before heading outside.

Once we got to oldtown, we were stoked to be able to try out a spot that we'd never photographed with before (please refer to the amazing portrait to the left/above for an example)! Karlee's outfit was perfect for the spot and the portraits turned out really cool!

We were also pretty happy that there was another train in the area, and we were able to photograph with that again!
2010 Seniors - book your oldtown sessions for June or July and get special discounts. We'll be heading to the beach soon too, and we also have discounts on joining us on one of our beach trips! What are you waiting for!?!? BOOK TODAY!!!

ANN HERZBERG DANCERS...

2009-05-21T13:47:00.000-04:00

...AWESOME job at the recital last night!!!! You all did a really good job, and we were so proud that we know so many of you from having had the opportunity to take your portraits! We will see some of you soon for Senior Portraits!

OLD TOWN IS AMAZING!!!

2009-05-07T20:20:00.012-04:00

This week has kept us extremely busy!! In between a Model Meeting, a career fair, a business expo, in-studio sessions, and the typical tasks of editing, ordering, sales, and marketing... we managed to make it to OLDTOWN!!!

Model Kelsey and Model Sarah were looking fabulous as always!! They both had a good collaboration of glamour and rockstar....AND...they somehow made it through the uneven streets of brick in high heels!!

Our newest member of the Model Team, Jakob, did a fantastic job at his first session...and he rocked the railroad tracks. He is for SURE Model Status!

And then there is Model Buddy Tony....lol...Tony is as funny as he is studdly! He kept us laughing as we got to learn his real personality and very entertaining humor! We couldn't help but put up one of Tony's many laughing pictures.

............................2010 SENIORS...if you want to go to oldtown (which you do!) you'll want to take advantage of the $50 OFF in May!! It's basically like you get to go to oldtown for FREE!!

......................smile@hillierstudio.com. Or call 989.777.6831 (Bport) or 989.274.9916 (Shields)

Senior Model Meeting

2009-05-05T22:42:00.003-04:00

Soooooo....we had our 2nd Senior Model meeting tonight! The girls did an awesome job at marketing for us, as we sent them on a scavenger hunt through the mall! We had a couple 'hiccups' with the scavenger hunt, but the important thing was...........the girls got their bags they have been working so hard for!

After they got their bags, it was on to Olive Garden for some amazing Italian donuts that have a special name, but we have no idea how to spell it! lol!

THANK YOU girls for all of your hard work!

Kelsey has now completed her oldtown session (before the meeting tonight) and we have Sarah, Toni, and Jakob to go (hopefully tomorrow if we don't get rained out AGAIN)......and then we're off to the beach - can't wait!!

The Best Day...

2009-05-01T12:26:00.003-04:00

2009-04-25T22:04:00.003-04:00

Did we mention how much we love Old Town for Senior Portraits!? Well we will again because it ROCKS! Everyone should definitely add this option on to their Senior Portrait Package with us (and if you book in May it's like you get it for free because you get $50 off!)

These amazing ladies strutted their stuff, both high glam and rockstar style on Thursday (Model Brandi and her Model Buddy Michelle - top picture; Model Kya - bottom picture).

We got to meet Model Buddy Michelle for the first time and she did a spectacular job!
Brandi got to go on a little unmentionable experience that gave her a taste of the downtown atmosphere! =)
Kya was her spunky little sparkplug self - she kept us all laughing the entire time!

These girls are all fabulously beatiful inside and out!

We are having such a great time with these Model Sessions! There are more coming up and we can't wait!! Great job ladies!

2009-04-20T18:11:00.006-04:00

Jump for Joy....Our 2010 Old Town Sessions have begun!! LOL

The styles of portraits we can create in the downtown setting are definitely among our favs!
Anything runway or rockstar can kick the urban style these backgrounds create!

Our first session of the season was this past weekend with Model Tori and her Model Buddy Loren! Just look at how much fun they had....and oh my gooooodness their portraits are beautiful!

Book your Old Town Session in May....you get $50 OFF ANY SENIOR PORTRAIT PACKAGE!!!

Stay tuned for pics from more Old Town Sessions. Coming up soon: Sarah, Tony, Brandi, Michelle, Kelsey and Kya