Monday, July 1, 2013

Press Release: Local Photography Studio Helps Victims and Firefighters Make New Memories



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO HELPS VICTIMS AND FIREFIGHTERS MAKE NEW MEMORIES

Andrae Michaels Portrait Studio, located at 621 W. Colorado Avenue, wants to give back to those who have lost so much in this year’s Black Forest Fire by giving away free photo sessions and print packages.  Their giving doesn’t just stop with the victims, but also extends to those who risked their lives to protect the city.  

The Black Forest Fire destroyed over five hundred homes this past June, taking with it the lifelong memories of thousands of people.  With so little time to evacuate, many people had to leave behind photos and portraits of the ones they love to the mercy of the fire.  
 
Saddened by the fact that so many memories were lost, Kim Broadfoot, Manager of Andrae Michaels in Colorado Springs, wants to help people regain their precious memories.  Or, if not regain them, at least give them the chance to make new ones.  

“You always hear that the first thing people save from their homes in times of a fire are their photos. Those that were lost cannot be replaced. That's why we want to do our part by helping those families get new portraits. It’s the least we can do to try to help those rebuild all that they've lost,” says Kim Broadfoot.  So her studio is offering a free portrait session to anyone affected by the wildfire or anyone who had fought the fire.  

This package includes a free indoor portrait session in their Colorado Springs studio as well as the following free prints:

  • One 10x13
  • Two 5x7s
  • Sixteen mini-wallets

Kim loves this community wants to do everything possible to help out those in need.  As this is a busy and trying time for those affected by the fire, she is offering this special package through the end of the year.  Appointments are necessary, but Andrae Michaels will be accepting them through January 1, 2014.  

As a way of expressing their gratitude to those who have risked so much to save the Black Forest community, Kim wants to extend this generous offer out to any of the firefighters who spent so much time away from their family fighting to save others.  

For more information on how you and your family can begin rebuilding memories, please contact Kim Broadfoot at (719) 434-6534.  Andrae Michaels Portrait Studio is proud to be a member of this community and excited about the opportunity to give back in any way that they can. 

Andrae Michaels’ professional staff has over twenty-six years combined portrait photography excellence.  They specialize in portraits of families, children, senior pictures, and pet photography.



621 West Colorado Avenue
Colorado Springs, CO 80905
(719) 434-6534


Monday, April 22, 2013

Celebrate Mom with Mother's Day Portraits

If you’re thinking of what to get your mom for Mother’s Day, or if you simply want to give her that something special, which will commemorate what a wonderful mom she truly is, then why not get her a Mother’s Day portrait? It would make a perfect gift that’s sure to be adored, as what could be more sentimental than you, your mum or the both of you together? Or maybe even the whole family together, all showing how much they love their mom. 

A Mother’s Day portrait could quite possibly be the best gift any mother will ever receive. There are so many different ways to make a portrait unique and personalized, so as to all but guarantee that this Mother’s Day will be a memorable one for her. 

Photo by Andrae Michaels Portrait Studio


Mom will cherish your portrait!
Studio Session

How about making a day out of it and taking your mother to Andrae Michaels Portrait Studio? You can even go with her and have some wonderful photos taken that you’ll both treasure for years to come. Your day will be sure to end with a collection of stunning photos of you and your mom. You can then choose the one you both like most, either of just your mom or of the two of you together. This is a gift that will last forever and will always be cherished.

Other Gift Ideas

An Old Photo

Maybe there’s an old family photo that you all love, hidden away in one of your old photo albums. Maybe it’s a photo of her with you when you were little that she treasures? Either of these would be a great photo to get enlarged and framed, turning that small pocket-sized photo into a portrait that could be hung on a wall. This way, you can be assured your mom will love the picture as well as the fact that you’ve made it into something she can see every day.

Scrap Book 

If you have lots of family photos and want to make something special with them, then why not make a scrapbook? You can buy these in any stationary store or even make your own. Group together photos with other memorabilia, plus you can even add in quotes and personal messages. This is a great way to collect all sorts of things that your mom will love and give her a Mother’s Day present that will be cherished for years.

Make a Collage

Rather than a scrapbook, you could make a collage instead. Get copies of all of your mom’s favorite photos and then cut them out and arrange them all inside one frame. This Mother’s Day gift will mean your mom can see all her favorite photos in one place and will be sure to bring up fond memories from the past.

Make a Portrait 

A great Mother’s Day portrait idea is to have your kids make their own paintings of their mom. Using crayons, paints, stickers and even household things such as pasta and rice. This is a great way for kids to get creative while making their mom a celebrative present that she’s sure to love.

Handmade Frame

No matter what type of photo you choose, it can be customized with a handmade frame around the portrait. You can either use an existing frame and decorate it or make your own. When you decorate the frame, use your mum’s favorite colors and designs. If you go into any craft store you’ll find all sorts of ideas to inspire you and all the equipment you’ll need, from paints, stickers, glitter, fabrics and glue. 

We hope that you’ve found some of these tips for using a Mother’s Day portrait as a way to show how much you care about and love that special woman in your life.


621 West Colorado Avenue
Colorado Springs, CO 80905
(719) 434-6534

110011 E. Hampden Ave.
Denver, CO 80231
(303) 368-4458

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Three Reasons to Get Professional Newborn Pictures



Booking and purchasing a newborn portrait photography session is one of the best things you can do after having a new little bundle of joy enter your family. It is a momentous occasion worth celebrating and recording through photographs and sentimental keepsakes. A newborn baby book is surely a beautiful and fitting way to preserve such precious memories, however it is worth considering getting professional quality photos that can be entered into the book as well as framed and mount around the home. Children grow up so quickly and these photos will serve as meaningful and pleasant reminders during those times when it can be difficult to recall how sweet and vulnerable your busy teenager once was. There are countless reasons to book a newborn portrait photography session, some of which include the added quality and professionalism as well as creativity that come with hiring a professional.

1. Unsurpassed Quality

The simple truth is, you will never be able to take the same caliber of photographs by yourself with your mobile phone or small digital camera. This isn’t to sound negative, it’s just merely a result of a professional having spent thousands of hours mastering a craft that you likely couldn’t match without putting in that same amount of time and study. While you most certainly can take pictures on your own, the quality will not be the same as that of a professional. Not only is the professional photographer’s equipment far superior but he or she will also spend time editing the photos in order to elevate them to even greater heights of quality.

2. Guaranteed Professionalism

A professional photographer will also allocate a certain amount of time for getting the job done which would be difficult for a family to do on their own, with all of the hustle and bustle that comes with family life. Newborns grow quickly so it is important that you force yourself to make time for a few photographs. Booking a newborn portrait photography session will definitely assist in that small dilemma. Being a professional newborn photographer, he or she will also have experience in handling newborns, which is paramount to your baby’s safety.

3. Inspired Creativity

Photographers are, by nature, extremely creative people. This means that along with the photographer’s technical skill with the camera and editing software, you also gain his or her creative flair. Many bring along fantastic props for your baby such as hats, clothes, jewelry, chairs and more. They will also likely have great ideas for settings and positions for the photographs. This allows for numerous experimental shots resulting in a multitude of options for your final product. Shots can be taken of the baby by him or herself, or with the entire family. Another basic thing to consider, is that if you were to attempt taking family pictures by yourself, one person would always be missing from the picture. With an third party, however, all of your loved ones can be present in a family portrait.

These professionally crafted pictures are top quality keepsakes which will carry beautiful memories that you have shared with your newborn baby. There is nothing more precious than celebrating new life and being able to refer to a professionally done image of your child during his or her first few days of life is priceless. Years later when your child is in high school and even again when they are adults and starting their own lives with their own families, these newborn pictures will be great reminders of how it all began. They are also lovely to show to your child when he or she is all grown up. 

Investing in a professional newborn photography session is a worthwhile investment that you are sure to be thankful for. They make lovely additions to your home when framed and hung on walls or placed on tables. The pictures are personalized and will hold massive sentimental value for the rest of your life for both you as a parent as well as the rest of your family as they “ooh” and “aah” at images of your adorable little bundle for years to come.



We encourage you to give us a call today to get your newborn photography session before it's too late to capture your newborn at this tiny stage in life! 


Our Colorado Springs Studio:

621 West Colorado Avenue
Colorado Springs, CO 80905
(719) 434-6534

110011 E. Hampden Ave.
Denver, CO 80231
(303) 368-4458

4 Creative Ideas for Senior Pictures in Colorado



Senior pictures in Colorado are a great way to commemorate the final moments of a long and storied high school career. They can make lovely keepsakes not only for parents of the senior, but also for the seniors themselves after they have graduated and moved on to greener pastures. For this reason, it is a worthwhile investment to personalize your senior pictures in a way that makes them stand out as the meaningful pieces of history that they are. In this way, you are able to capture some of the uniqueness and flare form your senior year. There are many creative ideas that you can use in order to make sure that your senior pictures in Colorado come out looking spectacular. Some of these creative ideas  modifying the camera angles, backdrops, props and clothing.

1. Try New Camera Angles for Excitement

A senior picture does not have to be your regular run-of-the-mill face portrait. Consider different angles and maybe even action shots. Lying in a tree branch or sitting on a swing are examples. Lying down or standing tall; whatever you wish to communicate, just do not box yourself into an old fashioned idea of what a senior picture is. A good photographer will have ideas as to how to assist you in coming up with a unique angle for you. 

2. Use Different Backdrops for Flare  

As soon as you begin considering new angles, you will realize that the options for backdrops are endless. A studio with a plain background is certainly not your only choice. Head outdoors and find a setting to suit your personality. If you love nature, venture to the beach, forest or park. Why not take a few pictures at your favorite café? The sporty types may consider taking an action shot on the football field. Take into consideration where you spend most of your time and communicate that in your pictures. If you need help locating a great outdoor venue, just talk to your photographer, they will surely be able to help.

3. Include Props for Additional Fun

Using props is an excellent way to portray your interests and personality. If you are the artsy type, don a beret and paintbrush. Whatever your sport of choice is, you can certainly where the uniform while holding the appropriate sporting equipment. Pom-poms are great if you are a cheerleader. The fashion savvy can stock up on accessories. These types of things will remind you of the role you played during your senior year.

4. Make a Fashion Statement With Your Clothing

There are perhaps no better items to remind you of times gone by than the clothing you used to wear and love. The 60’s had their flowing hippy pants, dresses and hair and the 80’s, their tight faux leather, big hair and bright colors. If you have no particular sports or organization uniform, have fun with the types of clothes you select. Choose items that you wear most often and which will instantly remind you of that time in your life. Clothing is a massive expression of who you are so it will be great to look back on the types of things you were comfortable wearing. For instance, are you conservative, groomed and formal or are you relaxed, carefree and casual? Accessorize! A unique scarf, hat, or piece of jewelry could make the shots more fun! These things are bound to come across through your clothing choices. 

If you're located in an area served by Andrae Michaels, we encourage you to book your Colorado senior pictures session with us!



621 West Colorado Avenue
Colorado Springs, CO 80905
(719) 434-6534

110011 E. Hampden Ave.
Denver, CO 80231
(303) 368-4458