Archive for the ‘Website’ Category

The blog is moving…

December 7, 2011

{Deep breath.} Yes, really.

I’ve been worried about what it would mean to “give up” the brand. I worked so hard to create “Shelby Lane” that, even though I’m now Shelby Newman, I’ve kept the business name. But it doesn’t fit right anymore. I’ve been on a portrait hiatus for awhile now, and as time has passed, I’ve found that it’s really not such a scary idea after all. And that it’s time to rethink the direction I want the photography part of my life to go.

I’ve always loved helping new photographers reach their goals, so that’s where I feel my focus needs to be for now. And in light of some of the recent trends I’ve seen in portraiture lately (including the dangerous newborn stunts at some portrait sessions) there seems to be a need for education at that very, very basic level. So I’m reaching out to moms with information on how to cherish their own photographs, why they need a professional and what to look for in a photographer, and to newbie photographers about how to get their businesses started the right way.

I’d love for you to join me over at the new Capturing Life blog. Make sure to update your bookmarks! And to all my photographer readers out there: I will be looking for guest posts, so drop me a line on the new blog if you have a great idea for an article. Thanks for all the years of support over here at ShelbyLane.net!

Spring Update

March 26, 2011

I’m still here!  But I’m here with a new baby and a crazy schedule, so don’t expect too many new blog posts.  I am shooting again just in time for the late Senior season so I hope to share a session or two within the next few weeks.

I’m currently taking limited appointments in the Victoria area, and won’t be doing any big spring promos this year — I have seen some bluebonnets (even a couple of patches in fairly kid-safe areas!) but I don’t expect them to be around for much longer, so if you are interested in trying for Easter/Spring/wildflower portraits, please email me asap through the Portfolio Site.  I’m also working on updating the site (you will notice there are only two senior portraits from the hundreds in my archives) as time permits, so keep an eye out for some newer work soon.

Until I have some “free” time for the Internet again, here’s a shot of Baby Caleb.  He’s 4 months old now and is changing so much every day.  We looked through some old pictures of the bigger kids the other day, and it was a sweet reminder of how portraits can help preserve memories.  :)

Holiday Update!

November 19, 2008

Just a quick post to catch everyone up on our upcoming events and deadlines!  Don’t forget that our Holiday Charity Sessions are this weekend!  If you’re signed up, please don’t forget that the session fee is an unwrapped $25 gift (one for each child photographed) and that we schedule these VERY tightly, so please be on time!  I’ve never blogged our Pumpkin Patch charity sessions from last month so here are a few for you.  :-)

The deadline for print-only orders for Christmas delivery is next WEDNESDAY.  I will be closed from Wednesday afternoon till the next Tuesday to celebrate Thanksgiving with my family and to pack and move, so I will not be taking phone calls and emails during that time.  If you have a “family share” gallery on our site, it will expire on Wednesday as well because we’re trying to launch the site redesign and the site will be down for a few days during vacation.  As of Dec 1, all sessions will take place “on location” and our pricing structure will change, so this is your last chance to book sessions or order prints at 2008 prices.

I’m really excited about the changes we have coming… I think that it’s going to make sessions a little more fun and creative and I have needed that.  Check back after Thanksgiving to see if we really DID manage to get everything redesigned and back up.  ;-)   Somehow, web tech projects never follow the timeline that they should… .

Monday with Mac and Cheese

August 11, 2008

We had a nice weekend away from the computer and the phone (mostly) and now we’re gearing up for school to start again. Today we went on a School Supply Hunt. It’s like a treasure hunt, but not quite as much fun. Every year there is at least one item on their school supply lists that you just can’t find anywhere. This year it was the Mead Primary Composition Journal. We finally found one at the Walmart on 3009 — and they have a nicely organized and mostly FULL school supply section for all of you locals who are still hunting. As much as I dislike having to go to Walmart (the crowds & the lines) it was worth it to finally find this last piece on our school supply list. It was not the most fun day for the kids though. We went to the library, too, but they would really have rather taken this last big Monday off to do something more exciting. I, however, usually LOVE school supply shopping… I love buying new notebooks, and the way new pencils and erasers smell. Once a nerd, always a nerd. ;) But by the time everything is picked over and we’re getting this close to the beginning of school, it is much less fun.

On our weekly library visit today, the kids picked a book to share with y’all that made both of them happy. John, Paul, George and Ben by Lane Smith is their pick of the week, and we all thought it was good. Lane Smith’s slightly irreverent humor will not be to everyone’s taste, but it fits pretty well with our little household. My kids loved the story of how John, Paul, George, and Ben (and Thomas too, but he’s always been very independent) all had special “talents” that helped them when forming our nation. We are a History Channel kind of family, so they thought this funny but educational look at the young founders was fantastic. There is a true and false page at the end that helps separate fact from fiction.

In music, they chose one of my all time favorite James Taylor songs: Blossom. They’re very familiar with 70s singer songwriters because we always have music playing in the house, and so does my mom, and it’s usually all the same music. ;) This is off of Sweet Baby James, which I still consider one of the best records of all time.

That’s it for this week! I will be back in the studio tomorrow to return all calls and emails. We have a very full week!

Top_model_1

It's that time of year again!  We are looking for 2009 Senior Models!  Our models will represent the studio at their schools, and can earn cash and prizes by referring their friends.  Our model sessions will take place over the summer before school starts, so I need to get your applications in ASAP.  If you or someone you know are a New Braunfels, Canyon, Smithson Valley, Seguin, San Marcos, Wimberly, Judson or Reagan senior and you would like more information about our model search, please email me or call the studio — we are ALWAYS closed Sunday and Monday but will be back in the studio on Tuesday afternoon.

In the meantime, check out our new Senior site at shelbylane.net — click on the right hand image and see what we have to offer for the class of 2009.  As always, we will be taking a limited number of seniors this year, so if you want the most unique, magazine-style senior portraits in the area give us a call or shoot us an email so we can schedule your consultation.  ALL SENIOR PORTRAIT SESSIONS ARE HALF PRICE when booked in the month of June (scheduled to complete in June and July 2008). 

I'm in love…

December 6, 2007

… with my new blog header!  It’s the work of the incredibly talented Kim Townsend of Simply Splash and I have to say, it is beautiful.  When I first signed up for her to design this, I didn’t really know what I wanted — but I knew what I didn’t want.  Yes, I am that kind of customer.  ;)   I was so thrilled that the very first design Kim showed me was absolutely perfect.  Thanks, Kim!  It’s so nice to have a fresh look for the new year.

Site Updates

May 7, 2007

I just added a BUNCH of new images from the last few months.  I am not done updating so if your baby isn’t up, don’t get upset.  You’re not being snubbed.  :)   But go check it out and see if someone you know and love is on the site.

http://www.shelbylane.net

Slideshow!

March 8, 2007

Just a little slideshow of some of my favorites from this past winter.

New Blog, New Site, New Year

December 21, 2006

Hey, y’all!  It was so good seeing so many of you today as you picked up your orders.  I can’t believe another year is almost over. 

Just wanted to let y’all know that the new site is set to go live this weekend.  As you can see, we redesigned the blog last night and moved it to a new location.  This should help with updating and streamlining.  :)   ShelbyLane.net might be down for a little while today and tomorrow as the domain names are resolved… it takes a few days to get everything transferred through the different agencies.  But my fingers are crossed that the transition will be really smooth.  So keep checking back!  Almost all of the images are brand new, and your kid might be featured.

Hopefully, my email will continue working through the site transfer!  I will be out shooting for the next couple of days, so I may not be reachable.  I am monitoring phone messages, though, and hopefully will be able to keep in touch with anyone who needs me. 

So, just in case all of my digital communication lines crash over the next few hours ;) , I wanted to go ahead and wish y’all a Merry Christmas!  Have fun and stay safe!