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catherine cousins photography newsletter

march 2008


In This Issue


Albums
Special Offers for Past Clients
The New Proof Boxes
Things To Remember For Your Bridal Session
Dressing For the Engagement Session
Helpful Hints For the Wedding Day
Reminders for 2008 Brides


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Reminders For April Brides

The full balance of your wedding photography package is due one month in advance of your wedding date. Payments for April weddings will be due this month. Also, I will be contacting my April brides soon to plan a photo timeline for the wedding day. This usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour and can be done by phone. This is a good time to start thinking about the family pictures you need and any special requests.

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Contact Info

Catherine Cousins
email:
info@catherinecousins.com
website:
www.catherinecousins.com
blog:
catherinecousins.blogspot.com
phone: 205-240-7027

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March Plans

I'm photographing weddings in Trussville this month. I'll be off March 16-23 for spring break in the Shelby County school system and plan to do a lot of hiking in my off time.  


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Featured Vendo
r

The Restyled Room

Connecting the dots...between high-end interior design and do-it-yourelf decorating

www.therestyledroom.ne
t

A Note From Catherine About This Vendor
:
I'm so excited to introduce you to Rhoda at The Restyled Room. Her interior design services are resonably priced and a perfect fit for my newsletter. Whether you are purchasing your first home, or just looking to redecorate, Rhoda can help. Be sure to take a look at her blog, as well. It's listed on her website. 

For links to previously featured vendors, visit my vendor and resources page

www.catherinecousins.com/vendors


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Newsletter Archive


view previous newsletters here

February 2008


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Important Dates


March 9: Daylight Saving Time Begin
s
spring forward one hour
More daylight for photography
!

March 17th
: St. Patrick's Day
I'm Scot-Irish, so I always cook an Irish dinner for St Patrick's Day.  I use my Irish linen tablecloth and the good dishes. Set a nice table and surprise your fiance or husband with something special on the 17th, even if you aren't Irish - it's fun.

March 23: Easter
Very early this year! I grew up going to sunrise service at my little church on the lake. Few churches still have sunrise service, but if you have a chance to attend one, it's worth the effort of getting up early!


About the Newsletter
Each month's edition goes out on the first business day of each month. The newsletter is sent to previous clients and brides-to-be. 
The March newsletter is here a day late, due to a minor problem with spam that interrupted the online publishing process.
I hope you enjoy this month's issue.


Proof Boxes
The new proofs boxes for 2008 weddings are here! These boxes are supplied by Renaissance, the same company I use for my albums.
Check out the proof boxes here on my blog


Albums

Albums were to be featured in this issue, but I still have a couple of albums to finish and showcase. I will have a special offer on wedding albums in April for previous clients. If you are interested in getting an album, please call or email me for more info. This will give you time to choose the pictures you want in the album in time to take advantage of next month's special pricing.

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Special Offer for Previous Clients


Save 10% on parent albums

Offer expires March 31, 2008
5% sales tax applicable for Alabama residents

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Things to Remember For Your Bridal Session

I'll be in touch before the session, so you'll have a chance to ask questions, but here are some things to think about before your session:
Location: Some brides have already decided on  a location for portraits. If not, we need to work that out. Check last month's newsletter for location ideas. The locations listed there are free locations. If a venue charges, you are responsible for the fee.
Bouquet: It's probably best to have a bouquet for your portraits. Occasionally a bride chooses not to use one in her bridal session, but I think it's a good idea to have one. It can be an exact replica of the one you'll use on your wedding day, or something different. I've even had a bride grab a 1/2 dozen long-stemmed red roses and a wide shear ribbon at the grocery store just before the session. That made for beautiful pictures. 
Changing / Getting Dressed: If you change on location, bring an old sheet to put on the floor under your dress to protect it from the bathroom floor. Please plan to be dressed and ready to shoot when the session time arrives. If your session starts at 4:30, you will need to be on location earlier in order to be dressed and ready by 4:30. Light starts to fade quickly toward the end of the session. If we get a late start, it means less time to photograph.
Other: You may need to have your dress cleaned after the session. Sometimes it needs to be done,, sometimes it doesn't , but be prepared to have that done, just in case. Also, if possible, bring a helper. If you are unable to bring a helper, that's okay, too. I've learned to fasten, bustle, and lace up just about every gown they make.....but it's nice to have an extra pair of hands.
It's a good idea to have a bottle of water on hand, as well.
When will pictures be ready? Proofs are usually online 2-4 days after the session and proofs are generally ready about a week after that.  Once you order your enlargement, it takes about a week for you to receive it in the mail.


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Engagement Session Info

How to dress: I prefer casual. Occasionally a couple chooses khakis and a dress shirt, but I like something a little more casual. You may be sitting on a city street or a park swing, so be sure to wear something that  you don't mind getting dirty. Be yourself and wear what you like. My only real request is that you don't wear stark white tennis shoes. I usually say stay away from screen printed t-shirts, but those show personality, which I like. So, if you have one you want to wear, do it. Just bring another shirt to change into so all of you pictures aren't in a funky t-shirt.
Jeans or a simple dress works well for the girls. Shoes: heels, flats, cowboy boots - it doesn't matter.......just not stark white tennis shoes, please!
How to Pose: DON'T POSE!....have fun and be yourself. Physical closeness makes great pictures, so stay close together. Just relax,  I'll direct you.
When will pictures be ready? Proofs are usually online 2-4 days after the session and proofs are generally ready about a week after that.  Once you order your enlargement, it takes about a week for you to receive it in the mail.

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Bridal & Engagement Sessions


Almost everyone has booked their bridal and/or engagement session. If you haven't booked yet, there's still time. Sessions should be done  at least six weeks in advance of the wedding and are done outdoors on location. I usually like to start shooting around 4:00 or 5:00 in the afternoon, depending on the time of year we shoot. Sessions last about 1-2 hours and are done on weekday afternoons.

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A Couple of Tips For Your Wedding Day
From Things I've Learned Over The Years

** Eat a good breakfast and be sure to eat and drink throughout the day. Stay hydrated. I've seen brides pass out because they just got too busy to eat. Have some snacks and water in the bride's room and the groom's room.

** Hair and make-up appointments run late. Do a practice run at the salon and plan for it to take longer on the wedding day than it takes at the practice session.

** Bridesmaids and groomsmen tend to run late. Plan for it.
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