I’m back – for good this time!

Hello fellow blog fans!  I’m sorry I’ve been absent for so long, but it’s always a little hard to keep up with my blog when the going gets busy.  I’ve decided to try to post a little something every other day just to keep everyone updated but not to post anything so long that it’s hard to read or, more importantly, hard to make time to write

Our First Facebook Contest

So what’s going on at DPG this month?  Well, we have just recently concluded our first ever Facebook contest where we asked parents to post their favorite summer pictures of the little ones.  After a heated race, we came up with three winners:

1st Place – Aidan McEntyre (139 “likes”)

2nd Place – Alyssa Roscoe (101 “likes”)

3rd Place – Hannah Flattman (39 “likes”)

Our first place winner will get a one hour photo session and a free 11×14 print.  He will also be the DPG poster child on Facebook for a full month!  Our second and third place winners will each get a 30 minute photo session and a free 8×10 print.  Thanks to all who participated, and we definitely plan to do more of these.  If you’re not a fan yet, make sure to “Like” us at www.facebook.com/dpgnola to join in all of our fun!  This week, we’ll be bringing back Where Y’at Wednesday as well so there can be even more deals!

Sign up for our Newsletter

Previously, I have used this blog almost like a newsletter to keep folks updated.  Here on out, I’ll be running it much more like a blog with articles, short posts, photos, videos, tidbits, and interviews.  Please be sure to sign up for our newsletter.  If you’re not by a computer, you can still participate!  Text “DPG” to the number “22828″.  They’ll ask for your email address, and then you’ll be all signed up!

The newsletter will go out every other week and (starting September 1) will replace the blog as the place to keep up with our sales and specials and with sales and specials from our friends.  We’ll also be sure to keep you up to date on local happenings.

Favorite Photo Fridays!

It’s Favorite Photo Friday here at DPG!  Our winner today is Mrs. Dominique Omtambu with a wonderful maternity photograph.  Her new baby, Mikhail was born two weeks after these were taken.

Dominique and I have been friends now for quite some years, and one of the best parts of my career is getting to watch my friends and be a part of their growing families.  Her easy, natural smile shows all of the joy that is present in her personality.  Being around her is always a joy, and this was one of my easiest and favorite maternity sessions to date.  All of Dominique’s photos were this way – full of enthusiasm to welcome her new son.

Mother’s Day

I had to mention that it’s still not too late!  Our Mother’s Day Flyer is below:

Call us today at 504-483-7079 to grab onto any of these offerings or to grab a gift certificate.  See below for our biggest Mother’s Day debut!

This custom charm bracelet comes in an adjustable 8″ overall length. The bracelet features a round link chain that clasps with an easily operated lobster clasp. It features 10 dangling charms whic…h include two small (1/2″) photo charms and a 1″ photo heart with any photos you choose. It also includes one 1/2″ stamped pendant with up to 6 characters. 4 beaded charms hang that correspond with your theme. Two other charms are customizable to your occasion – see below for examples)

Order your bracelet in your favorite theme today and watch their eyes light up when they open it.

Themes Wedding/Bride – wedding ring clasp, dangling pearls, two hearts Mom – Baby Feet, baby bottle, flowers High School Graduate – school mascot, favorite activity Anniversary – flowers, fleur de lis
Life Milestones – School, babies, wedding, etc.

The possibilities have no limits! Challenge us and see what we can do for you!

If you want to order the bracelet but aren’t sure what photos to use or what mom might want, grab one of our build-a-bracelet gift certificates, and let her build her perfect custom jewelry!

Call us at 504-483-7079 or email lacy@davillier.com to schedule your appointment, grab your gift, or grab your gift card today!  All specials must be booked before Mother’s Day but need not be used by then.  Have a great weekend!

Mother’s Day Mania!

Hello Everyone!  I do hope you all had a wonderful Easter and have been enjoying this great weather we’re having!  I’m sorry to have been absent for the past couple of weeks, but things had gotten very busy at the studio.  I’m definitely glad to be back with this week’s blogs!

Custom Charm Bracelets from DPG

It’s that time of the year where Easter is over, and now we’re wondering what to do for our favorite gals.  At DPG this year, we have quite a few creative offerings to get you away from that photo mouse pad that you were thinking of.  The photo above is of our new custom charm bracelet that we offer.  We can combine older photos and new to make the perfect gift for mom.  The bracelet is fashionable and hypoallergenic, and it would make mom’s day!

We are also offering  a once in a lifetime sale!  For $75, you can get a 30 minute photography session at DPG along with a custom 1″ photo charm and chain pictured below:

Included charm is the square one on the far right

All packages are 100% customizable based on your needs; please visit us at www.facebook.com/dpgnola to view all boutique items.  We are also able to offer gift cards for the boutique items and the Mother’s Day special if you would prefer to surprise mom.  Call 504-483-7079 (Tuesday – Saturday) or email lacy@davillier.com to book your session or buy your boutique items and gift cards today!

Newest DPG Service – Custom Murals

Custom Mural Created for Andy and Carol Plack

That’s right!  DPG has rediscovered our painter side and is now offering custom wall murals for your home.  The one above was created for a children’s room, and we are able to paint them for any room in the house.  This is a great way to liven up any space and is a great custom piece to have.  Call or email us for options and pricing today!  In addition, please visit us at www.facebook.com/dpgnola for other pictures of the mural.

DPG’s Easter Kids

Thanks to all who participated in this year’s Easter/Spring package specials!  We had a great turn out and were glad to offer the specials to our wonderful customers.  A sample of the photos is located below:

Jackson Enjoying the spring outside of DPG

Thanks for reading, and have a great week!

Favorite Photo Fridays!

Happy Friday to everyone! I hope it’s been a productive week for you all.  I’m checking in today with my favorite photo from this week.  It’s of a beautiful one year old baby boy named Charlie.

In addition to him just being absolutely adorable, this photo is what my business is all about.  I’ve been with Charlie since he was three months old (so in our first photo session, he couldn’t sit up and was still a tiny little guy).  Being allowed to grow with this family has been a marvelous blessing.  Carol and Andy were among my first customers when we still had a one room studio and were a generally tiny operation, and we are still working together today.

The expression on Charlie’s face is one of complete and utter joy.  Too often in our daily lives as adults, we become so focused on the negative – on the bills that are due, the problems at work, and the issues we have in our day to day relationships.  Sometimes it’s nice to draw this kind of joy from a child and to get a chance to sit back and remember what is good with the world.

This weekend, look at the beautiful things around you.  Enjoy this lovely weather!  Make some memories and take some pictures.  Remember that life’s fleeting moments are exactly that – fleeting, so remember them the best way we can.  Send in some of your own shots to my email at lacy@davillier.com, and I’d love to post them on the blog.  Have a great weekend guys!

Hump Day Special

Ahh the middle of the week.  Two down, two to go.  Well, not for me, and not for lots of others, but at least we made it through the beginning of the week, right?  As usual in this great city of ours, there’s lots going on this week/weekend, so here is DPG’s guide to where you should try to be.

Women & Wine on Wednesdays – Tonight!

http://www.womenwinewednesday.com/

 

Photo from a previous month

This is a great chance for all of us ladies to get out and do some networking!  It’s held in a different location every month, and this month it will be at Ralph’s on the Park from 5:30pm – 7pm.  There will be three wine offerings at $5/glass, and you’ll get to meet other women in business. Neworleans.com says of the event: “For centuries, wine has proven to liven the senses, cause thoughts to flow, and enhance friendly exchanges. Today’s busy lifestyles offer little time to allow for such pleasures, and online networking simply cannot offer the personal experience of sharing a bottle of wine in a welcoming atmosphere. Women & Wine on Wednesdays™ blends these together to provide a unique in-person networking and socializing opportunity”.  They also stress that this is for all women in business – not just business owners.  So come out, drink some wine, and meet some professional ladies.  I hope to see you there!

If you love this event and want to know more, sign up to get invites at their website, and like them on Facebook to see some party pics and to keep up with what’s going on!

Brass-A-Holics @ 12 Bar – Tonight!

 

No really, I am...and you will soon be too!

And after all that networking is done, where should you head?  Why over to Fulton Street, of course, for a dose of the intoxicating sound of the New Orleans’ own Brass-A-Holics.  Playing songs that range from Cab Calloway’s “Minnie the Moocher” to Cee Lo Green’s “F*** You”, this band is the definition of eclectic.  The Maison on Frenchman Street has hailed them as “definitely the best brass band in New Orleans”, and they will be playing the Washington DC Jazz Festival as well as New Orleans’ own French Quarter Festival (April 9) this year.  Fusing old school New Orleans Jazz and Brass with Go Go, Funk, Rock and Roll, etc, this band represents the evolution of New Orleans music and of a culture that has never been known to lie dormant.

Come on out and see them, and if you love the Brass-A-Holics, be sure to visit their website to stay up to date on their touring and performing information, and like them on Facebook.  They’ve also gotten two great new tshirts.  To purchase a tshirt and let everyone know that you have taken the pledge (I, Lacy Davillier, am a Brass-A-Holic), please email kbaltimore01@gmail.com.

St. Patty’s Day

 

St. Patty's - Nobody does it like NOLA does it

So we already know about the parades and all, and I’m sure there are a million things to do in the city, but like a true New Orleanian, I will personally be at a place where everybody knows my name, they’re always glad I came, and they will feed me free cabbage.  I’ll be at Bridge Lounge on Magazine & Erato with my cabbage and Jameson.  You can come after the parade, but I will be there already eating both your share and my share of cabbage.  It’s a really chill atmosphere for those of us who aren’t big on huge crowds, and did I mention there will be cabbage?  Homemade cabbage and corned beef is something the guys over there do every year and so graciously share with their customers.  Hope to see you there!

Top of the Hops – Saturday

 

Bring on the Hops!

This is the second year for the Top of the Hops and I’m sure it will be even more amazing.  Normally, there are both VIP and regular tickets, but those VIP’s are sadly sold out completely.  However, you can still grab the regular admission tickets and make a day out of it.  The festival takes place at Fountainbleu Park on the North Shore and is an all day event where you get to taste lots and lots of BEER.  The beers range from your regular beers to your fruit beers all the way to jalepeno beers – yes, that’s right, jalepeno beer; it was interesting to say the least.

Food will be available for purchase as well as tshirts and non-alcoholic beverages.  Tickets can be bought at the door, but you will need cash – not to fear, there is an ATM the moment you walk up to line.  So make a day out of it, and head out to Mandeville.  Hope to see you there!

Can’t make this date?  Want VIP tickets?  Not to worry!  The top of the Hops will be coming up in both Lafayette and Jackson, MS (if you really want a road trip, they also offer the event in Greensville and Charlottesville).  Visit their website for more information, and be sure to like them on Facebook.

That’s all I’ve got for this week, guys.  I hope to see you at some of these events.  For more information on being a tourist in your own city, please visit http://www.411nola.com/.  This great blog is dedicated to local happenings for adults and families alike.  They have some great things to do in the city and also some information on different venues.  For example, did you know that students could get into the NOMA for free??  So take the kids over – both cheap and educational means it can’t get any better.

Thanks as always for reading, and I’ll be back with more on Friday!

Spring is Upon Us!

So it finally seems that it’s getting nice and warm outside, we have longer days, and being at work all day is getting harder and harder.  This can only mean one thing – spring time is official!  We’re gearing up for some great times at DPG.

Easter Photos at DPG

We’ll be starting our Easter photos Wednesday, March 23 this year.  Easter pictures will be taken on a per package basis with NO STUDIO FEE!  That’s right – as a thanks to all of our wonderful customers, you’ll only pay for your print packages on this one.  Here are some samples from last year:

Some of the photos from last year

Remember that we cater to all ages, and we promise that you’ll be in and out on these.  This year we will be offering our extended hours again for “Eggstremely Busy Parents” on the following dates:

Thursday, March 31, 2011 – 5:30pm – 7:00pm

Wednesday, April 6, 2011 – 5:30pm – 7:00pm

Tuesday, April 12, 2011 – 5:30pm – 7:00pm

As with all studio promotions, please call ahead to schedule your appointments!  The earlier you get in, the better.  Call us at 504-483-7079 or Email us at lacy@davillier.com.  We’ll be seeing you in the next few weeks!  And remember that if you choose not to come to DPG, your Easter photos may look like this:

New Wedding Blog Launching Thursday!

DPG is excited to announce the launch date for our new wedding blog this Thursday, March 17, 2011!  Properly titled, “DPG’s Wonderful World of Weddings”, this blog is meant to be a resource for brides and grooms alike to help you in planning your wedding festivities.  Currently, we are looking for articles, fun “for sale” items, and also general tips from local people in the wedding industry who would like to be included.  Email lacy@davillier.com with suggestions and/or submissions, and be sure to visit http://davillierweddingblog.wordpress.com/ this coming Thursday!

Thanks as always for all of your support and for reading.  I’ll be back on hump day!

Favorite Photo Friday & More!

Favorite Photo Friday

It’s that time again – Friday!  For most people, this marks the end of the week and the beginning of some rest.  I’ll be working all day tomorrow, but I still love Fridays all the same

This week’s favorite photo is pretty random.  It’s from when I lived in Europe for a semester and had the immense privilege of being in Rome on Easter Sunday.  I took this photo of some nuns who were having a conversation (about what, you ask?  I have no idea; my Italian is absolutely no good).

Rome on Easter Sunday

This photo has always been one of my favorites.  Even though it contains four people, I refer it often as a landscape or still life because the nuns seem to become a part of the background energy – the beautiful flowers, the statues in the distance that give away where we were, the beautiful blue sky.

This is a memory of one of the best times in my life.  It’s funny that while I lived there, the only thing I wanted to do was get back here, but upon thinking back, it was wonderful.  And I would not have traded it for anything.  I know that I am often guilty of not living in the present – of always wondering what’s coming next or what my next move is going to be.  For me, this is a moment; it’s a moment that not many others have had or ever will have and a moment that represents the peace and tranquility that I believe accompanies my faith.

One of these days, I do hope to make it back there.  Until then, at least I’ve got my pictures.  Have a great weekend!

Congrats, Brandi & Terry

In other news, one of my favorite couples announced the birth of their brand new baby this week on Valentine’s Day!  Congratulations to Brandi and Terry and to their family – we are happy to see your family growing with a new healthy, bouncing baby boy.

In honor of Baby Carl, we are offering 20% off our studio packages to our blog subscribers.  This includes either our First Year Plan or our Studio Pass to make photo time convenient for families.  Please see our website under the “investment” tab for more information on these packages.   Note that you must be a subscriber to take advantage of this special (and of others that we put on here from time to time!), so click “subscribe” today!

Have a great weekend, everyone!  I will do much better with keeping up with the blog next week.  Please leave your comments about events to feature for the hump day special as well as other comments that you might have.  Thanks for reading!

 

First Annual Senior Representative Program!

Senior Representative Program

Seniors of 2011 - Hailey, Kyle, and Danielle

DPG is gearing up for our first ever Senior Representative Program.  What we are looking for are reps from all of our local high schools to represent DPG to their classmates and friends.  Reps must be current juniors (class of 2012), be outgoing with lots of personal style and a flare for being in front of the camera, and must agree to represent DPG all year and use our photos as their senior photos.

The perks for our seniors are ENDLESS!  First, they will receive 1-2 FREE senior sessions.  This is a huge burden off their parents and is a lot of fun for the seniors.  These sessions will include unlimited clothing changes and will take place in a variety of locations.  In addition, the seniors will receive 50 FREE “Model Cards” (these are rep cards with the senior’s photos and our business information) to hand out to friends and family so that DPG can track their referrals.   Finally the seniors will each receive a FREE senior book with approximately 15 – 20 of their best images.  This is, again, huge savings for parents, and the seniors will love these custom books.

With our Rep Program, seniors and parents are asked to show these books and give these cards to EVERYONE!  With each referral, seniors will receive a specified percentage off their print order as well as a dollar amount print credit.  These can be used towards any printed items at DPG.  With enough referrals, a driven senior could get everything they want for FREE!

The deadline to apply will be March 5, 2011.  We will accept 1-2 seniors from each high school depending on the size of the graduating class, and choices will be made on a first come first serve basis.  If you or someone you know is perfect for this program, please email us at lacy@davillier.com, and we will send over the application information.

Thanks as usual for your support, and we are looking forward to getting those entries!!!

Favorite Photo Friday

Going with the Seniors idea, I chose a photo of Hailey for this week’s favorite:

Hailey was one of my favorite seniors this year.  She came with her three sisters and her mom, and we had a great time out in city park.  This photo happened when Hailey saw a tree and decided to climb on up.  It captures her wonderful personality with a very natural smile, and she is in her element.  As photographers, these are the moments we live to catch and the ones that we cannot plan.  Celebrating with Hailey during this time of transition was a privilege.

One of the best things about my job is that I get to really know people through the lens.  They become more than customers to me and become my friends and extended family.  Hailey certainly has another sister (to add to her other 3!), and I’ll be proud to see the young woman she becomes within the next few years.

And Finally, Don’t Forget…

DPG will be at the Weddings in Style “Who’s Who in ‘I Do’” show this coming Sunday.  If you are getting married, this definitely not one to miss!  It will be at Generations Hall on Andrew Higgins this Sunday from 2pm – 5pm.  We still have about 5 FREE tickets, so give me a call at 504-483-7079 or shoot an email to lacy@davillier.com if you would like to come by to grab one tomorrow or if you’d like me to hold one at the door.

As always, thanks for reading.  Be sure to subscribe to the blog and like us on facebook to keep abreast of what’s going on at DPG and in New Orleans.  Hope to see you this weekend!

Hump Day Special

It’s that time again – Wednesday.  We’re almost there guys!  Two more days of the work week and then freedom (or not, but you get the idea).  This week’s hump day special includes two great events.  First, I’m still telling you to check out the Brass-A-Holics live this Wednesday at the 12 Bar.  If you can’t make it during the week, be sure to check them out on Saturday at VASO and/or at Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse at the Royal Sonesta Hotel .

 

The Brass-A-Holics delivering that intoxicating sound

This is not your average brass band.  With a style that can only be described as NOLA Brass meets Go Go Funk, this is a truly eclectic blend of individuals with a sound that is comparable to none.  So come out one of the days and hear the new sound that’s sweeping New Orleans – remember the best part is that it’s all FREE!

 

Winston and Tannon at Vaso

Be sure to follow the Brass-A-Holics on Facebook to keep up with all of their scheduled appearances!

What else is going on this weekend??  Oh yea!  The Who’s Who in I Do bridal show given by Weddings In Style Magazine that will feature yours truly as one of the wedding vendors.  If you are getting married or know someone who is getting married, then you need to be here!

Who's Who in "I Do" flyer

With hundreds of vendors ranging from photographers and videographers to caterers and gown stores, this is the place to be.  Come and enjoy the day before Valentine’s Day with some of the best food in New Orleans and start getting your wedding planned (or start giving the man in your life that subtle hint!).  Featured vendors will include Davillier Photography & Graphics, KCJ Makeup Artistry, Fine Weddings NOLA, The Bourbon Orleans Hotel, and many many more.  If anyone is interested in tickets, we do have free ones available at the studio at 4322 Canal Street.  Be sure to stop by, or we can hold them for you at the door the day of the event if you let us know in advance.

Momslice and I at last February's wedding show

Be sure to also check out Weddings in Style’s website for other great wedding events happening in the city!  And follow us on Facebook to get more wedding info as the season goes on!

Finally, there will be an event NEXT Wednesday for local business owners that should not be missed!  We are having a business card exchange social here at Davillier Photography & Graphics in conjunction with BNI of Louisiana.  If you are new to the area, this is for you.  If you are a business owner, this is for you.  If you have not yet been to the new studio at 4322 Canal St., this is for you!  There will be lots of business folks here to answer your questions and to hob knob.  New Orleans is all about who you know, so come and get to know some folks!  More on this next week.

Kari and shameless DPG Promotion

Enjoy the rest of your week!  And I’ll see you on Friday!!!

Favorite Photo Fridays

Thank God it’s Friday.  This has been a long week but a pretty good one.  This week, I chose an oldie but goodie for my favorite photo.  This photo was taken at a park near the Hudson River in New York, NY in 2006 around the time when I first fell in love with photography.

 

Isaac on the Hudson River

This is a 35mm black and white photograph that I developed in a darkroom shortly after Hurricane Katrina.  The image is both tranquil and innocent – a beautiful silhouette that captured a child in a moment that would never happen again.  At the end of the day, that’s what my job is all about – preserving moments.  The following photo was taken shortly after and was a much more active photograph.

With the backdrop of the Jersey skyline behind him, this speaks to life growing up in the city.  The funniest thing about these photos is that they weren’t originally meant to be silhouettes.  I was a brand new photography student with a very limited understanding of backlighting.  When developing them, however, I knew that this is exactly what they were meant to be.  To this day, I still consider them to be two of the best photos I’ve ever taken.  Have a great weekend everyone!