National award winning Saskatoon Photographer

Somebody pinch me!!! I just won an a NATIONAL award for my image titled 'Fallen Angel' at the 2018 Professional Photographers Of Canada awards banquet!!! These images are judged by nationally accredited judges next to the highest level in Canada!!! CANADA!!! This image has won two awards provincially and recently picked up 'Best in Wedding Portrait Class' at nationals. Only one of these awards are handed out each year.

I remember going to my first awards banquet my first year in business, thinking how on earth will that ever be me?  The quality and ideas of these images were far greater than anything I could ever produce and the photoshop skills were out of this world!  Fast forward 11 years, and here I am, accepting my first national award.  There is only one award greater than this and that would be winning "Photographer of the Year".  While these awards aren't handed out lightly, it's always great to have some goals right;)?

I would like to give a huge shout out to the PPOC, without this organization, there would be no precedent for photographers in Canada.  I have learned so much through this amazing organization and continue to do so even after 11 years in business.  I came home from this year's convention and awards banquet feeling so excited about what's to come.  I have so many great ideas I want to implement in my business, and I think our clients are going to LOVE them.   

Photo credit:  Sébastien Lavallée

"Best in Class award" - Wedding Portrait

Cheers to 11 years!!! - Saskatoon Studio Photographers

Holy crap!!!  11 years!  It’s funny to think that I learned photography in the dark room back in high school, and relearned it about 7 years later in photography school, with my first form of backing up a wedding was on a disc in my closet. As I sit back and reflect on the last 11 years in business, I have so much to be thankful for.  First, I would like to thank my amazing husband, who over the last 11 years has supported me throughout my photography journey.  Without his support right from the start, I would not be living my dream.  He has truly been my biggest cheerleader and I can’t thank him enough!!!  To my family and friends, thank you so much for your continued support and especially sending your friends and family my way.  I always appreciate when anyone spreads the word about this little business.  

This path has allowed me to be creative and it keeps me excited, allows me to meet new people (hands down my fav part of the gig!) and has allowed me to have a lifestyle that has me exactly where I should be.  Being a business owner in Saskatoon certainly has its ups and downs, but having clients who trust me to bring my vision of their family to life is truly one of the most amazing feelings in the world.   

This brings me to my wonderful, fantastic, amazingly kind, beautiful clients.  Without you alone, I would not be able to do what I do.  I think about you and your children often and truly feel like your children are my nieces and nephews.  Thank you for trusting me with your families’ memories over the last 11 years.  I can’t wait to watch you and your families continue to grow over the next 11 years. 

From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone for your continued support.  It truly means the world to me.    

With love,

Mandy     

To celebrate 11 years in business, we are offering $11 laminated 8x10's (that's over 80% off, and way below cost!) for all sessions booked in May, 2018, including those already in the books.  ***Very limited sessions available***

We will also be posting our favorite images over the last 11 years over the entire month of May over on our facebook page .  We also love instagram!  Feel free to give us a follow. 

I leave you with an image from my first ever wedding I shot solo (my mom was my assistant!).  Thank you to this wonderful couple for trusting me at the start.... 

Image from our most recent wedding season, this image was entered into our most recent provincial image competition and was accepted into the show!!!  It was not accepted into the show at national salon. 

But these three were accepted into the PPOC NATIONAL image salon!!!  Such a huge accomplishment!!!  So proud of how I did overall.  I think I'm going to need to buy the album if 3 of my images are going to be featured in it:).   

Thank you, again, to everyone who has followed me along with my journey.  Even popping by and reading my blog, a like or follow on social media, means a lot to me.  Thank you Saskatoon.  

Ultimate Mother's Day Package - Saskatoon Photographers

Our mom and me promo is back!!!  We are so excited!!! Last year was such a hit, we can't wait for this year's promotion! 

Our Ultimate Mother's Day Package includes:

-A 30 minute photo shoot of mom and her kiddo's, in studio. 

-A free framed 11x14 print from your session.

-A $50 gift card to Just for you Day Spa (no expiry).

-A $100 gift certificate to Tidy Time Saver cleaning company (expires Nov 30, 2018)

-Plus a swag bag!  (swag bag includes a relaxation package courtesy of Just for You day spa and Memories by Mandy Photography)

*Swag bag may not be exactly as show.

-Only 5 available!!!  All of this for only $249!!!

The fine print:

-Sessions must be photographed by September 1, 2018.  If session must be extended past September 1, 2018, additional fee's may apply. 

-Sessions may be upgraded to a full hour session and include dad for an additional $75.  We will still get plenty of shots of just mom and her children.  Dad will be able to join in on the fun! 

-Session includes a free framed 11x14 print.  Files are NOT included, however they may be purchased afterwards if you wish.

-A week or two following the session, we will have you back to the studio to view all your images and choose the image for your print.  If you wish, additional prints, products and files may be purchased at this time, however there is no obligation to do so. 

-Beware:  Your wife or mom may cry happy tears when opening this on Mother's Day. 

-Offer ends on Mothers Day 2018 (May 13, 2017), or until they are sold out, which happens ever year! 

-Email us to book!  memoriesbymandy@shaw.ca.  Or contact us through our website. 

Maui session - Saskatoon Photographers

I had the most incredible time shooting on the beaches of Maui last February!  Our wonderful clients and friends happened to be in Maui as the same time as us, so we did their family photos this year in the tropics!  I'm so in love with everything about this session!  I wish I could shoot here half the year (I think you know what half I'm talking about, haha).     

Grade 12 grad models wanted - Saskatoon Photographers

We are looking for a couple of Grade 12 students (1 male, 1 female) to model for us in their graduation attire for our Mentorship program. Applicants must fit the following criteria:

-Must be in grade 12, graduating this spring.
-We are looking for females in their grad dresses AND males dressed casual in new or like new plain clothing.  No logos or patterns.  (check out old navy or gap.)   
-Must be OK with us using their images for our portfolio/student portfolio (this includes online). Parents must sign model release for those under 18 years of age.
-Must be available between 1-3:30 on Sunday, May 20.
-Any comfort level in front of the camera welcome!
-All sizes/looks encouraged to apply!
-Session will be free, as well as a gift of 5 digital files.

This is much different than what a normal session with us looks like, as there will be a lot of teaching the other photographers how to pose and shoot grad's. Please email us a photo of you in your grad attire to apply! (memoriesbymandy@shaw.ca). Please forward to a grad who might be interested!

Familiar faces - Saskatoon family photographers

It's always a pleasure to see some familiar faces.  I photographed their wedding and they since welcomed this little beauty!  She is just as sweet as her parents.

Unicorns - Saskatoon Studio photographer

The little girls have sure been loving our unicorn!!!  Can you blame them? 

Spring mini sessions - Saskatoon Photographers

We are so excited to launch our brand new limited edition spring mini sessions!!! Sessions take place at our Saskatoon Photography Studio in the north end of Saskatoon on Saturday, April 28, 2018.  This is what our limited edition set will look like (outfits are from Carters/oshkosh)....

FAQ

What do we wear? 

-As always, we can't stress how important clothing is for your session!  Wearing plain clothing, with no busy patterns or big logos look best and allow the child to be the focus instead of the clothing.  Buying new clothing for your session is highly suggested.  Any type of wear in the clothing can show up more drastic in your images, so purchasing new is ideal.   We suggest wearing your favorite dressy clothing for our Spring Mini Sessions and have created a 'what to wear' for your spring mini shoot with us.  Pastels/neutrals will look fantastic on this set!  All of these outfits can be found at Old Navy, Gap, and Etsy.

*Not our images. 

Is the session fee just $39?  What does that include?

-Our session fee for the mini’s is just $39 and that includes your 10 minute session.  Digital files are additional.

Digital files come in two packages:

The GARDEN PACKAGE - $329 - 10 digital files.

The SPRING FLOWERS - $179 - 5 digital files.

Who chooses the files we receive? 

-The photographer will choose the images based on the package you choose. 

How long until I receive my images?

-Images will be available 2-3 weeks from the session date via digital download.  Add your images to a  custom crystal Memories by Mandy USB for an additional $29.   

When do I place my order for my preferred package?

-Orders are placed on the day you book your session. 

What type of payment do you accept?

-We accept Cash, cheque, email money transfers, Visa & Mastercard.

What do you require to hold our day/time?

-We require the full payment as your non refundable retainer.  If something comes up and you aren’t able to make it, your session fee is transferable.

Can the parents be in the images too?  Or is this just limited to children?

-Due to the size of our set, our spring mini sessions are limited to children only.  We suggest no more than 3 children on the set at one time. 

If I would like prints can we order those as well?

-Of course!  You can order prints/products at anytime after your session. 

Someone in my family is in a wheelchair.  Is your studio wheelchair accessible? 

-Sorry, our studio is upstairs without elevator access. 

How do I book?

-You can book your session by emailing us at:  memoriesbymandy@shaw.ca , or through our website:  memoriesbymandy.ca.  

Can't make it on the day of our minis?  For the month of April, add this set to any regular priced studio session absolutely free! 

I think that covers it!  If you have any other questions, please contact us through email:  memoriesbymandy@shaw.ca!  Cheers!

Meet our retoucher!!!

It's embarrassing how long it's taken me to write this blog post, but better late than never, right?  Meet Bryanna! She has been working with us for almost a year now, taking care of most of our editing/retouching. If you have had a session with us in the last year or so, this wonderful gal likely retouched your images! Mandy and Bryanna first met 10 years ago working at a photo lab, that has since closed, and have kept in touch ever since. We are thrilled to introduce Bryanna to all of wonderful clients!!!  

Saskatoon family photographer

This session was full of energy and full of fun!  It's always a good time when this crew comes to see us for their family portraits.  They needed some updated images of their littlest girl to add to their canvas wall collage at grandmas house, so I was thrilled to see them at our Saskatoon photography studio.  It's so hard to pick just a few from their session:).