Band of Brothers

Tara was haming it up during a recent photo shoot with her family. Here she is with her sibling brothers. I must say that she really makes these guys look great!

My Critters

Okay, you have seen other people's critters and so its time to show you mine.

Meet Chief and Lilly.

Chief is a male lab/terrior mix. He just turned 4 years old. He is a fun loving dog but has an attitude. He is very proper, smart and knows what he wants. This 40 pound hunk is definitely not a lap dog, but loveable just the same.

Lilly is a full blooded female lab. She is 1 1/2 years old and is the most loveable dog you would ever want. She is dripping with love. This 75 pounder is a lap dog and loves to cuddle.

Both of these pets are spoiled and very well taken care of and they know how to get what they want.

I love you guys. You are the best! -Papa

Surprise Engagement

Ashley is filled with surprise, joy and excitement as her boyfriend, Travis, proposes to her recently at our studio.

Travis called me several weeks ago and said that he wanted to come in with Ashley to get some Christmas photos. The couple had been to the studio before and just loved it. This time the photo session would have a twist to it. Travis wanted to propose to her. After I had talked to Travis about it, I talked it over with my crew and we decided to set up a scenario and catch it all on video.

When Ashley and Travis came in for their shoot we told Ashley that we were doing a promotional video for the business. After taking several formal photos of the couple we had the video cameras rolling. We started to video the couple as if we were doing an interview. When it was Travis' turn to respond he got down on one knee and presented Ashley with a ring. WOW! This was an amazing site and we caught it all on video. It was a complete surprise to Ashley. And of coarse she said yes! It was quite an emotional moment.

We will have Travis' proposal footage on our website within the week.

Congratulations to the newly engaged couple.

Wedding Congrats!

Congratulations to Lyndsay & Eric!

This lovely couple was married on December 9, 2006. Don't they look so cute?

We wish you a long and happy marriage. Thanks for letting us capture your special day for you.

TDP

2007 Wedding Photography and Video

Book your wedding now for 2007 and save! Wedding photography is only $900.00 which includes the proofs and unlimited time. Wedding video is only $800.00 with unlimited time using two video cameras. Book both and you will get a 10% discount. That is a savings of $170.00. Call or email for further information and availability.

Crazy Critters

Bring in your pet for some fun and crazy photos. Remember, your pet is part of your family and you should have a picture of your furry critter hanging on your wall or sitting on your office desk.

Pets need lovin' too!

Tara & Jeff's Wedding

Their first kiss.

Announced as husband and wife for the first time.

Newly Weds

Congratulations to Tara & Jeff. They were united in Marriage just seconds ago in Harrisburg, IL. I will have some photos posted as I get them download from my shooters.

Tara looks so beautiful in her wedding gown and Jeff was a spectacular Groom.

I can't wait to get to the reception and party with these two.

Curt

June 2007 Wedding Bookings

We currently have three slots available for June 2007 weddings. If you are planning on using us as your wedding photographer, you need to act now. The slots open are: Two for June 2nd, and one for June 7th. Call now to reserve your special day in the most popular month.

Right now you can book your wedding photography for $900.00 including the proofs and unlimited time. Our wedding video is going for $800.00 with two camera coverage. If you book both photography and video you will get a 10% discount. A savings of $170.00.

Call 618.351.6900 to book your June wedding or any other month.

New Service Added

Have you every wished that you could put your record collection on CD but didn't know where to go to have it done? Well, wish no more. We have added a vinyl to CD transfer service. We can now transfer your vinyl records to CD. Give us a call for more details on how to get your treasures transfered.

We can also transfer the following to CD/DVD:

-Super 8 and Regular 8mm Home Movies

-Cassette Tapes

-VHS/VHSC, Hi 8 and Mini DV Tapes

-Old Photos, Slides and Negatives

Photo Restorations

Photo restorations and colorizations make great gifts. Below is an example of the process from old to new.

Original photo as it was presented to us.

Photo after restoration.

Photo after restoration and colorization.

If you are interested in having some of your old photo treasures restored, please give us a call for further details and pricing. 618.351.6900

Thanksgiving

Happy Turkey Day!

I hope everyone is having a great day. Don't eat too much, don't gobble your food and remember to give thanks for all that you have. Especially your freedom and our great nation.

I will be spending Thanksgiving Day at my daughters house. Isn't it nice to have kids old enough to invite you to their house on holidays for some yummy food? -I am out of the kitchen this year......

Curt

New Video Link

Our new video link is now up and running. This was a much needed feature and we are very happy to present it to you. You can access the video link from our home page. Enter our broadband site then look for the video gallery.

Let us know what you think about this new feature and our video presentations.

TDP

Wedding Photography & Video

We are currently taking reservations for wedding photography & video for the new year. Don't wait for the bridal shows to reserve your special day. Reserve your wedding day now and save. Our wedding and ala carte prices have been reduced dramatically, and our service is better than ever.

Call today for further details and availability.

Christmas Photos

Okay, so you want some Christmas photos to send to grandma and don't know where to go to get some great photos that don't cost an arm and a leg. Well, come to us. Where else? Our studio is decorated up with Christmas stuff and we are ready shoot. Right now we are offering Christmas photos at a fabulous deal. So you better book your reservations now so you don't miss out. You've got to make grandma happy you know. Ho Ho Ho!!!

Let Freedom Ring

We salute the men and women of our armed forces, past and present, on this and every Veterans Day. Thank you for serving our great nation and protecting our freedom!

God Bless the USA!

Wedding Congrats!

Congratulations to last weekends wedding couples!

Congratulations to our Best Buy couple, Janelle and Greg. These two work at Best Buy and they couldn't resist stopping by to see their fellow employees on their way to the reception. WOW! What a couple and what a PARTY!!!

Congrats also to Andi and her new husband, Jason. These two are so much in love. You can tell by their photos. Your weddng photos are awesome! Have a fun honeymoon....

Launch Time

Our new website is ready to be launched. It will happen either this afternoon or tomorrow sometime. You don't want to miss this beauty. There are a couple minor details that have to be done yet but that doesn't interfere with the launching. The new logo should be added later this week. Let us know if you like the new look.

TDP

New Web Design

Once again we are changing the design of our website. We are doing this in an effort to better serve our clients and our prospective clients.

Over the next week you will be experiencing some day by day changes as we go forth with our new look. The transition should be complete within the week. New photo galleries and features will be added. Two of the most important features are as follows: You will have a choice of selecting either our Flash site or our newly added HTML site. The HTML site will be added for those of you that do not have high speed internet capabilities. The same information will be on both sites. Secondly we will incorporate a calendar so that you can look at a glance and see which dates are available for booking your wedding or event. Our blog will be updated as well. When you log on to our website you will have three choices from which to choose on our splash page. Flash, Blog, HTML.

We hope these changes are beneficial to you as we move forward into a new era.

TDP

Josh Taylor

Meet Josh Taylor!

Josh is trying to get an acting career going and he is constantly looking for the edge on the competition.

I met Josh a while back at Applebee's, where he was a bartender. A very good one I might add. The conversation of acting came up and he expressed a love for it and was pursuing it as a career. I told him that I had a photography business and that he should come in and let us do a portfolio for him. He said he would. Well, that was about two years ago and he finally made to the studio last week. Wow! What took you so long, Josh? Josh explained that he was away from the area for awhile trying to break into the business.

I personally spent a few minutes in the studio with Josh just taking head shots. Head shots were needed for a play he was trying out for. The play? It's A Wonderful Life, put on by the Paradise Alley Players at the Civic Center in Marion, IL. Josh picked out several poses that he want to show them. Well, Josh was back in the studio a couple days ago and said that the production company liked his head shots and he was one of three that were picked for the play. He got the part of George Baily, the father.

Josh has been in several plays all around the country and one day he is hoping to get discovered. Well, Josh, I think you have potential and I wish you well on your endeavors.

Curt

Video, or Not Video?

Wedding Videos are really cool to have. I tell people that come in to book their wedding with us that video is an after thought. Some people don't want to spend the extra money to have it done only to wish they had later.

Here at Two Doves Photography, we are in the middle of fine tuning our wedding video process. There are several new techniques we are experimenting with that will enhance our video service tremendously. Part of our inspiration came from having done video for the Montel Williams Show. It was a learning experience for us to do the show. Other inpiration has come from other videographers.

Shortly, we will be shooting a promo video for the business that will feature a bride in an outdoor setting in and around the Carbondale area. Two Doves Photography will be producing, shooting and editing the video. When we get the promo produced we will be featuring it on our website. We are excited about the new technical additions to our video service and are anxious to show it to the public.

If you should have any doubts about having video done at your wedding, you might want to re-think your decision. The video will be a priceless item to have in your wedding collection.

Curt

Theme Weddings

It seems that theme weddings are starting to take place in the area. Not sure what is up with that but we just did a Boat Wedding, an Airplane Wedding and this weekend we will be doing an Elvish Wedding down in Harden County. Now, that should be interesting. Later on we will be doing a Pirate Wedding. So, watch for upcoming photos from those weddings.

Anyone have any good ideas for a theme wedding? If so, pass along the information to us. We like new, interesting and unusual weddings. Give us a call....

The Airplane People!

Congratulations to newly weds Jessica & Kevin, married October 14, 2006.

Here they are standing in front of their aircraft at the Southern Illinois Airport just before taking off on their honeymoon. Kevin is a pilot, so what better way is there to make a grand exit on their way to a lifetime of happiness together?

Happy flying!

Tara & Jeff

Tara and Jeff, you two look great! I can't wait to get your proofs to you. You did good, Jeff. I told you it would be fun, didn't I?

I will be looking forward to photographing your Special Day. It is coming up fast too!

Seniors Pictures

Seniors, it's time for you to reserve a date for your senior photo session. We have a deal that will literally knock your socks off. Call us for details.

Unique Weddings

You have seen The Boat People... Now stay tuned for The Airplane People coming after this weekend. All we need now is The Train People. Anyone getting married involving trains? Call me! We need a train. Choo Choo!

The Boat People!

This wedding couple could not wait a second after exchanging their vows to get out to the lake and do some fishing. Christina and Kevin are both in love with the outdoors so they wanted to add a touch of the outdoors to their wedding.

Christina had been planning a surprize for Kevin for a long time. The surprize? She showed up at their wedding site in a bass boat. WOW! Now that was a first for me. Kevin was pleasantly surprized. You could tell by the smile he sported on his face when she pulled up at their wedding.

Immediately following the wedding ceremony, I got a few shots of the couple in their bass boat before they sped away to the lake. The bridal party followed behind. Now it was time to launch the boad. It was fun watching them launch their boat as the rest of the bridal party looked on. They had a blast and the photos were unbelievable.

After tooling around the lake in their boat, the couple came to shore to pick up the maid of honor and the best man for a spin around the dock. The bridal party got in on the action too! This was truly an amazing event and a fun wedding.

Christina and Kevin, you two know how to party!

Curt

Happy Birthday Two Doves Photography!

On September 4, 2006, Two Doves Photography celebrated it's 8th birthday. Over the past 25 plus years the studio has had four different names. Here is the story behind it all:

The studio started without a name in 1981 in Murphysboro, Illinois. That's when I shot my first wedding. At that time the studio was just a hallway closet. It appeard that a business was about to transpire so the studio shortly became known as Curt's Photo. During the late seventies and early eighties I was a stringer photographer shooting for the Southern Illinoisan. I gained a lot of experience and confidence working for them. I started out just taking news worthy photos of people and then working up the courage to write stories to go along with pictures. At that time the business was taking baby steps!

In 1993 the studio name was changed to Photography by Curtis and I could see a definite growth taking place. In 1994 the studio once again changed its name. This time it was changed to Studio Ten 19. I thought I needed a more professional name instead of using my name. It was during that time that I actually had a working portrait studio and the business was really starting to take off. I was still living in Murphysboro.

On September 4, 1998, Two Doves Photography was born in Carbondale, Illinois. I had graduated to a bigger office, but lost the working studio do to the lack of space in my home. I worked even harder at helping the business grow. And it did.

Somewhere around the turn of the century I started shooting digital, along with film as my primary media. I was only shooting in digital because it was easier to upload images to my website. Several people tried their best to talk me out of shooting digital because they said that it would never catch on. Boy, were they wrong. Video was added to the business at this time.

I eventually moved the business out of my house and into the downtown area of Carbondale. I opened my downtown business on August 1, 2004. I had every intention of shooting film once I moved but never did. I had stocked up my frige with film but never used any of it. The film is still in the cooler. Laura, my first employee, actually introduced digital to the business as a total means of shooting photography. I am glad she did. She had more experience than me with digital so I learned a lot from her. One of these days I will drag out my film cameras and do a little shooting with them for old time sakes. Two Doves Photography is now total digital photography as well as digital video.

Another expansion for the studio is in the making. It has grown so much that it is running out of room. There are several new services that I want to add, but will need a bigger place.

A big heart felt thanks goes out to all of the family and friends of Two Doves Photography. Thanks for helping to make it what it is today. I could not have done any of this without your help. Thanks for your support.

Happy Birthday Two Doves Photography!

Curt

New Pricing

Two Doves Photography has established new prices for weddings. Now you have three wedding packages from which to choose. Choose the package that fits your needs. You will still get the same great quality and service but with more choices and lower prices. We are also changing our ala carte price list for enlargements. New pricing for our portrait services will be changing soon.

The new pricing will become effective on October 1, 2006. For further details please visit our website, under pricing, by clicking on the following link: http://www.twodovesphotography.com

Thank you for your past support and we will be looking forward to new members of the Two Doves Photography family in the future.

TDP

Carbondale Kate

Kate is a Carbondale High School Senior. Her and her Grandmother, Polly, from Arizona, came in together for Kate's photo session.

As with most people, when they first come in for a shoot, they tend to be a little shy until they get to know you a little better. Kate was a little reserved and Polly kept pushing her to be more relaxed. I like to tease a lot when I shoot. It helps a person to open up more and it makes for better communications between the client and the photographer. Well, Polly and I had Kate wound out in nothing flat. This girl opened up like no ones business. All of a sudden I am wondering where that shy little girl went to. Kate was amazing. Her Grandmother was amazing and I was able to get some amazing shots of this little cutie. Come to find out that Polly lived in Arizona where I used to live. WOW! Small world....

Where did you two end up going to for supper?

Curt

Jerica

Introducing, Jerica!
(Herrin's Senior Class of 2007 )

Jerica has to be one of the most photogenic seniors I have photographed yet. Her facial features are out of this world and she was a lot of fun to work with. She is a cute as a button and her attitude says it all.

The day Jerica came into the studio it was raining cats and dogs. I saw her walk by the window, on her way in to the studio, all tucked in underneath her umbrella. As she passed by she just happened to turn her head and look in. I could see a glow about her and she was sporting a beautiful smile. I could tell that she was anxious to get started with her photo shoot.

Prior to Jerica's arrival I gave her a call to see if she was still coming. I could hear the excitement in her voice as she said that she would be coming in regardless of the rain. I was hoping for a nice clear day so that I could take Jerica around the area for some outdoor shooting, but that didn't happen. However, I was well pleased with the studio shots.

I have had the chance to work with Jerica before during a Mr. Tuxedo modeling shoot. She looked great then, but she looked fantastic for her senior shoot.

Thanks, Jerica, for a fun filled rainy day.

Curt

Video Lady

Now it's time to meet Mackenzie.

Mackenzie is our video lady and loves every minute of it. She has been working with Two Doves Photography for one year now. She is the best at getting candid interviews at any event. She is also a weekend warrior. Meaning that she only works with us on the weekends. Believe me, she is not shy with a camcorder. She is right in there with the party and having fun with the guests. This is a shot of her at a recent wedding reception.

Go get 'em tiger!

Team Member

Meet Shannon!

Shannon has been honing her skills at Two Doves Photography for the past eight months now and is a primary shooter and digital editor.

Shannon and I have done some intense research on digital imaging and have explored new techniques. She is a student in the school of photography at Southern Illinois University. Her kick butt shooting and editing skills have been a great asset to the business.

Keep up the good work, girl!

Curt

Gift Ideas

8mm Home Movie Transfers

Clean out your closet and bring in those old Regular 8mm and Super 8mm home movies. We can transfer them to DVD for you. Give us a call and we will give you more details on how you can have those closet treasures preserved. That old film will not last forever so now is the time to have them saved them to disc. We can also add music to them if you like. Cool, huh?

Old Pictures to Disc

How about this: We can take your old photos and have them put on a DVD in a slide show format complete with music.

Video Documentaries

You tell the story! Have your life's history preserved in a documentary video. We can come to your house and set up our video equiptment and video tape you while you tell your life's story. Old pictures that you may have can be incorporated into your video as well. This is the perfect way to hand down your family history to your kids and to their kids.

-These are some gift ideas you might want to really consider. They make great gifts for any occasion. Such as, Birthdays, Annivesaries, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Christmas and you are preserving your family history at the same time, so it can be passed down to future generations.

Stop by the studio and we can show you some samples.

Congrats

Congratulations to the following bridal couples on exchanging their wedding vows this past weekend.

Christina & Kevin (09-15-06) - This was our bass boat couple!
Millicent & Jeremy (09-16-06)
Katheryn & Todd (09-16-06)

I will be posting some pics from their wedding sometime this week.

Interesting Facts

Did you know that Two Doves Photography & Video is the only fully staffed, total digital and walk-in photography studio of it's kind in Southern Illinois? Well, we are. We also have a staff minister, provide same day printing and have a staff technical support person. We have no time limits, no extra charge for different poses and any touch-ups are free. Just in case you were wondering.......

Birthday Girl

Someone is having a birthday today and her name is Princess Krista. She just turned ?? years old. We have been waiting all day long for her to show up so that we could give her her birthday present. What else but her very own Tiara! It is an inside joke around the office. Krista knows it all to well.

Happy birthday Krista. We hope you are enjoying your special day.

Love you,

Staff

Recent Weddings

Shannon & Jarod
Married 09/09/06

Erin & Ryan
Married 9/02/06








Congratulations to both couples!

Kyle & Ryan

Kyle & Ryan, you guys rock!

Your wedding was beautiful and your reception was a blast. I knew it would be. You two are a lot of fun.

Your wedding proposal has to be most unique of any! Thanks for sharing the video with me. That was very creative, Ryan, and you kept it a secret from Kyle too!

Thanks for inviting me to ride around with you in your limo. I got some great photos during the ride and at the lake.

Congratulations and have fun on your honeymoon!

Curt

Congrats!

Congratulations, Angela and Sergio!

You two look fantastic and your wedding photos are looking superb. At least the ones I have seen. The girls have been editing them today and it looks like they did a knock out job.

There are a couple of photos on the website that you can take a peak at in the wedding gallery. You will have to wait on the others. We are hoping to have the rest them online by the end of the week.

Enjoy!

Curt

Isle of Capri

This is where the action is. The Isle of Capri Hotel and Casino in Bettendorf, Iowa. This is where Holly & Tony are having their reception.

The Ride

Here is a look at Holly and Tony's ride. It is a 41 foot Ford Excursion. Now, that is impressive!

Vows Exchanged

Congratulations to Holly & Tony. They were married today, August 19, 2006 ,in Rock Island, IL. Their wedding was just fabulous. They both have such great families.

Today was very long, but tons of fun. I have been with the the bridal couple for the past two days just following them around as they were enjoy their family and friends.

I am writing this from their reception in Bettendort, Iowa, which is just across the Mississippi River from Rock Island. It is 10:30 PM and the party is still going strong. They have a live Mexican band that is fantastic. The trumpet players are very good. I could listen to them all night. I just spoke to one the band members and he said that they were from the Quad Cities area.

Thanks you two for a wonderful time and a great experience. I wouldn't have changed anything. Thanks for asking me to photograph your wedding.

Curt

Rehearsal Dinner

Holly and Tony visiting with family and friends at their reception dinner at the VFW in Moline, IL just across town from Rock Island.

Thumbs Up

Holly and Tony gives thumbs. They are ready for tomorrow.

You better get some sleep tonight, guys!

Quad Cities

Well I finally made it to the Quad Cities to join up with Holly & Tony. It was good to see them again as I haven't seen them in a while.

Here they are during a run through at their wedding rehearsal. They seemed to be pretty calm but this is only the practice. I'm sure that tomorrow will be as calm. They are a cool couple and seem to have it all together.

Tomorrow is going to be a very busy and long day. Their wedding is at 1 PM in Rock Island, IL and the reception is going to be later on just across the river in Bettendorf, IA at the Isle of Capri Hotel and Casino. That is where I am staying. Everything for the reception is right here and really convenient. I Can't wait until the party. I saw the reception hall here at the hotel and it is fabulous.

Earlier when I came back from the wedding rehearsal and was waiting for the elevator to take me to my room there were several musicians, men and women, arriving to go to their rooms. They were wearing cowboy hats and everything. I am a bus chaser so I must find out who they are. More than likely they are just the backup band of someone that is a star. That is usually the case. However, I didn't recognize any of them.

I am ready to hit the hay!

Holly & Tony

Tomorrow I will be traveling to Rock Island, Illlinois to photograph Holly and Tony's wedding on Saturday. This is a wedding that has been long antisipated. It is going to be a lot of fun and I am looking forward to it. I will be gone for three days for this one. Their reception is going to be in Iowa and I will be parting with them Friday, Saturday and maybe Sunday if Saturday night doesn't wear me down to much. I got booked in the same block at the Hotel where the wedding party is staying. The reception is there as well. This should be interesting!

See you two tomorrow!

Curt

Guitar Man

This is my grandson, Jacob. He came in today with his sisters for a little fun in the studio. They had a blast!

Jacob is just learning to play the guitar and he is proud of the fact that he can play. He wanted to be sure to include his guitar in a few of his shots. He plays the guitar left handed and he is the only in the family that I know of that does.

Guitar players run in the family. My grandpa, dad, brother, son, grandson, and myself all play the guitar as well as several aunts and uncles.

Keep up the good work Jacob! I am proud of you for keeping up the family tradition...

-Grandpa Curt

New Cards

Finally, after much thought and consideration, this is the new design for our business cards. A photo from Kira & Joseph's wedding made the cut. Thanks, you two, for such an eligant photo.

'Sam I am'

Meet Samantha!

Samantha will be graduating from High School with the Class of 2007, and this young lady has it all. Looks, witt and humor.

Sam is a very energetic and out going person. She is a budding photographer and has her eye set on the photography industry. She definitely knows what she wants and she is not afraid to do whatever it takes to get the job done. Photography is her love and passion. I have had her shooting for me a couple times and she handles herself very well. My clients just love her.

Good luck in the future, Sam. I know you will go far with your passion.

-Curt

The Winner

And the winner is? You guessed it. Janelle kicked Greg's butt big time by getting him in a head-lock. Slick move!

Way to go girl!!!

Cubs vs Cardinals

It was all fun and games with this engaged couple, Janelle and Greg, as the Cubs vs the Cardinals competition. They were having a blast during their engagement session and so were we. I wonder whose team won?

Vows Exchanged

Congratulations, Trisha and Kerrick, upon exchanging your wedding vows.

I must say that your wedding was the most intimate wedding I have had the pleasure of photographing. You two were fabulous and your families were a joy to be with. Trisha, you were a most stunning bride!

Thank you for the oportunity to experience such a magnificant wedding.

Curt

Again?

Miss Raylee has managed to do it again. This past weekend she won Most Photogenic and Supreme Queen, which means she had the highest scores out of everyone in the entire pageant. The pageant is affiliated with a reality TV show and she may be on TV soon.

First Anniversary

Happy first wedding anniversary to Ryan and Lara. Here they are with their daughter, Riley, who just turned one!

Congratulations!

The Birthday Boy!

Tomorrow, Friday July 28th, will be my birthday! YEAH! Don't forget to call me and wish me a happy birthday and tell me how much you love Two Doves Photography! If you are really nice I may tell you how old I am.

How about this.... Call or email me and guess how old I will be. You can find the contact information on my website. The closest guess will win a free sitting and maybe some free photos too! You never know about me. This sounds like fun. I love birthdays!

Note: Family members or staff are not eligible to perticipate. Only one guess per person allowed. Sorry! The name of the lucky winner will be posted here on the blog.

Have fun guessing!

Curt

Along Came Erin

Every now and then someone will walk into the studio that will make a big impression on me. Like today for instance. I had scheduled an appointment with a young lady, Erin, for a wedding preview. The first thing I noticed about her was this nice firm handshake. WOW! This I like! A beauty with a grip. I know, handshakes are supposed to be firm, but this was no ordinary handshake. This cutie must be working out in a gym somewhere. Anyway, it caught my attention and I told her how I felt about it. Aside from that she was a very pleasant young lady.

The preview went really well and during that time another young lady, with her mother, came in to book her wedding so I had to switch my attention to them for a couple minutes and take care of the paper work. All the while, Erin was having fun looking through our preview books and watching a video presentation of our previous work. After I took care of the paper work for the wedding I just book, I gave Erin a tour of the studio. This is something I usually do with new and prospective clients. Erin and I chatted a little more about her wedding plans and I gave her some information to take with her.

Upon leaving the studio she told me that she enjoys reading my blog and it was the blog that attracted her to the studio. She said she loves what I write. I thought that was pretty cool and was very nice of her to keep up with what is happening with the studio. I don't know if I made a good enough impression with Erin for her to book her wedding with me or not, but that didn't really matter. However, I do hope I have the chance to work with her and her family during her special day. The firm handshake and the fact that she is a dedicated reader to my blog was good enough for me.

Thanks, Erin, for stopping by and making my day a little brighter.

Curt

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Millicent and Jeremy on their engagement. We will be looking forward to photographing your wedding! It is going to be so much fun. You two are a GREAT couple and fun to work with. Your photo shoot was spectacular!

Raylee

This little cutie is on the trail of becoming a super model and has become the talk of the town.

Raylee is a regular to come in for modeling photos. Her photos are amazing and she has become a hot topic. Her name is spreading around like wild fire. She models all around the region. Her mother tells me that she won three crowns and four trophies the first week after coming in for her last photo shoot! WOW GIRL! Way to go! We are glad to be able to capture your natural beauty.

You are so much fun to work with, Raylee! We look forward to your next visit.

We wish you well.

Studio Update

Hey Gang,

I just wanted to update you on the changes that have been made and changes that are coming. So here goes!

The editing room is 95% completed now. We only need to hang a door and re-locate our printers. We now have four editing stations which will give us more flexibility. All the fluorescent light was taken down and new overhead lighting added.

Two new team members have been added to our staff. Two Doves Photography is growing with leaps and bounds and are seriously considering expanding. There are some ideas on the table and I will give you updates as things progress.

In the office area of the studio we have put up new overhead lighting and are adding an editing station for client use. This will allow clients to view their images at their own leisure. They will be able to place a photo order while they are here.

The shooting area is the next place to get a face lift. Lighting systems will be changed and the shooting bays will be redesigned. We were hoping to have all this done before now but it has been crazy busy with weddings. All the pending changes should be made before summers end.

We have a staff minister now and are looking at construction a small chapel for quickie weddings vs going to the courthouse.

Sometime this summer our pricing structure is going to be modified a little, so keep watching for upcoming changes.

Does all this sound crazy or what? Let us know what you think. Give us your input so that we can better serve you, our present clients and future clients.

Thank you to our clients for your support and encouragement. Please stop by sometime and check out what's going on.

Have a great summer,

Curt and Staff

Happy Birthday America

Happy 4th of July 2006!

Thank you to all of our veterans who have served this great nation of ours so that we may have the freedom we have today.

If you know of someone who is a veteran, someone currently serving in the US military, or should happen to see someone in military uniform today, be sure to personally thank him or her for serving our country.

I myself have had the privilage to serve in the military. To me it was an experience that compares to none. Military life is a close knit network of american citizens that came together for one reason. To protect what we love most. Our freedom!

So today I am proud to wear my army t-shirt in honor the men and women who served in our armed forces. Especially those who have already given their lives so that we may continue to be a free nation. Wear the colors today and be proud!

Happy Birthday America!

Curt

Valerie

Meet Valerie!

Valerie is one of our latest models to come into the studio. She said she was very much interested in modeling in any capacity. However, she was in need of an immediate portfolio. I personally spent some time with her in the studio capturing her natural beauty and personality. Her pics were sensational.

This weekend, Valerie is on her way to Chicago in hopes of being discovered.

We wish her well!

Anniversary

I will be taking tomorrow off, Friday June 30, so Jamie and I can celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary. We plan on spending the whole day to ourselves just having a great time.

I originally wanted to get married on the 29th of June, but it was on a Friday and Jamie convinced me to have our wedding on Saturday instead. If I would have had my way then our wedding date would have been 62901, Carbondale's zip code where we live. That way it would have been easier for me to remember our Special Day! Well, I mean I remember it anyway but I thought it would have been cool. I guess it is a guy thing or something.

Happy anniversary, Jamie! Love you lots!

Curt

Avid Readers

There are a few avid readers to the blog and it was brought to my attention that I haven't written anything since Father's Day. To tell you the truth it has been a really busy season and I haven't taken the time to write anything or add any images. Yeah, I know, I really feel bad about it too. I promise that there will be some cool pics and new information coming up really soon.

It has been so busy that I had to add two new faces to the staff. You will meet them later, after I introduce you to the staff I have now.

I appreciate the fact that you take the time to check out the website and read the blog. Hey, how about sending me something and if I like it I will add it to the blog.

Thanks for your support!
Curt

Father's Day

This weekend is Father's Day. Be sure to go and do something special with your father. I know he will appreciate it very much. Don't forget to tell him how much you love him.

Happy Father's Day to all the fathers.

-Staff

Photo Contest

Keep watching for upcoming photo contests. To be announced on our BLOG only!

Something New

Something new and very unique is about to unfold at the studio. I can't tell you anything about it until everything is settled and in place. I will say that no known studios in the area are doing anything like we are planning to do. It is so simple and I am surprised that no one has come up with idea yet. That's all I can tell you for now. You will have to keep checking back for further details.

Curt

Site Launch Date

The launching of our new website should take place either tomorrow or on Friday. We are excited with the new look and features it has. The video gallery should be soon to follow.

Let us know what you think.

Website

New Web, Again!

Due to the high demands of our business, and changing technology, we are once again changing our website. Our new website will incorporate video and will have a new look. This will be a much needed feature as we do a certain amount of video. It will enhance our business and give our clients better exposure to kinds of work we do.

I am hoping the new website will be available sometime next week or maybe sooner.

TDP

Sara