Cline Ellis Photography

The Preconsultation and Virtual Proofing

2011-09-24T11:39:00.000-07:00

One of the most important services we provide to our clients is the Preconsultation. The reasons are simple. Our specialty is creating portraiture to decorate your home. Now for you that may be a traditionally framed canvas print hanging over your fireplace, a group of gallery wraps that hang together in your rec room, or a wonderfully adorable wall grouping framed in custom-color frames that coordinate perfectly with your new baby nursery! We understand that you are making an investment in the heirloom quality portraiture you are purchasing for your home, and we want to help you make the best selections possible. During your Viewing/Ordering session, we recommend various options for you to display your favorite images, but it is the Preconsult that helps us do so. It gives us all of the information we need to make the very best recommendations for size, color, style, and arrangement of your purchased portraits.

What is a Preconsult? First of all, it is a completely optional service but is included with your paid session fee, and we rarely have a client that doesn't take advantage of this option. We will schedule an appointment with you at your home a couple of weeks before your portrait session. We will photograph and measure any walls that you may be interested in decorating with portraiture, and maybe a few that you didn't think you were! We will take note of your decor and discuss with you any products that you are interested in hearing more about. Now when we shoot your portrait session, we will know what types of images we need to shoot for to create the best products for you.

If it's not convenient for you to schedule the Preconsult appointment at your home, we are happy to discuss your goals for the session via telephone. You can snap a few shots of your walls, take a couple of required measurements, and email them over to us. No problem!

A couple of weeks later your Portrait Session will take place, and a couple more to follow we will schedule your Viewing/Ordering Session at my home viewing area in Collierville. There, we will project all of your final images on the big-screen and help you narrow it down to your favorites. In addition, we will show you suggested groupings on YOUR WALLS! The images we captured at your home will be projected with your session images "hanging" in various sizes and arrangements. We call this a "virtual proofing." This is a huge help when trying to decide what images and sizes you need to fit your space perfectly. It takes all of the guess work out of it and enables you to confidently select the proper products to invest in.

Check out one of our recent projects below. As always, we are always available via phone or email for any questions you may have.

The Cancer Card Exchange--Save on your session fees for a good cause!

2011-08-12T09:19:00.000-07:00

Never before have we discounted sessions during our busy Fall season, but we want to help this GREAT cause! The Cancer Card Xchange accepts donations of re-gifted or newly purchased gift cards and distributes them to people dealing with cancer. You can find out more about this wonderful charity by visiting their website at www.cancercardxchange.org.

How can you donate and save on your fall portraits? Contact us to schedule your portrait session by October 31, and we will allow you to use $50 in gift cards to pay for $100 of your regularly priced $125 session fee! In other words, you give a $50 gift card donation plus $25, and that covers your session fee. You save $50 and help someone fighting cancer at the same time...what a deal!

In addition, bump up your donation with an additional $25 card, and we will give you one 8"x10" classic print of your choice. Yes, seriously!

Be sure to contact us directly via email or phone to take advantage of this special. We are thrilled if you donate directly to CCX, but we cannot apply session fee discounts unless you donate through us.

We believe strongly in this cause that helps brighten the days of people fighting the battles of their lives. Let's see how many people we can help! Even if you're not in the market for portraits right now, consider donating directly to CCX. The information is below. Be sure to also visit their Facebook page and "like" them. We "like" them a ton!

The Dinic Family--Memphis/Germantown Portrait Photography

2011-08-03T11:52:00.000-07:00

What a joy to meet this wonderful Germantown family...the Dinics! After worrying that we may get a rain-out, the afternoon turned out to be a perfect one for a family session at the Memphis Botanic Garden. You can see why we love photographing at this beautiful Memphis location, and a family like this makes it that much more enjoyable. Much love to the Dinics!

The Young Family--Memphis/Collierville Portrait Photography

2011-07-18T14:17:00.000-07:00

We recently spent a beautiful afternoon with this beautiful family at the Memphis Botanic Garden! Thanks to the Youngs for allowing us to create their latest family portraits. Of course, given that these images are the first family portraits to include the smallest member of the Young family, they are that much more special! Here are a few of our favorites from their session. Can't wait to see the Youngs again when they celebrate a big First Birthday!

Our Dear Friend Jonathan!

2011-05-25T10:27:00.000-07:00

I am so glad that we were able to capture some images of our friend and sweet neighbor Jonathan Brang in honor of his First Holy Communion. It is so bittersweet because, after living next door for the past 8 years, the Brang family is moving away to North Carolina.

This family has been such a blessing to us. My boys are as close as brothers to Jonathan, and I can depend on my friend Val for anything I could possibly need. I am not sure what we will do without them, but we are happy for them that they are off to a new adventure in NC. I know we will stay in touch and remain friends for the rest of our lives. I cannot bear to think of the day they leave this August, but we will make the most of the rest of the summer while they are here. We love you all!

By the way...isn't he a handsome young man?! He was 3 months old when we met him. They grow up way to fast!

Baby Cooper--Collierville Baby Photography

2011-04-19T14:00:00.000-07:00

We always get to photograph the cutest babies! How did we get so lucky? Little Cooper, at 3 months old, is such an angel. He fit right in this basket like it was made for him. We feel so honored to be given the opportunity to preserve these precious moments for families. They grow up so quickly!

We are looking forward to photographing Cooper throughout the rest of his first year and beyond. He's going to be a lady-killer don't you think?

The Troup Family--Germantown, Collierville Portrait Photography

2011-02-07T17:26:00.000-08:00

This past Fall we had the PLEASURE of photographing the Troup family. We hope they had as much fun as we did on this shoot! It was a perfect combination of perfect lighting, pretty fall leaves, beautiful people, and great personalities. We thought the best way to share some of the images from this session would be this video. Enjoy!

The McCarter Family--Collierville Portrait Photography

2011-02-02T09:15:00.000-08:00

So, it was a busy holiday season for Cline Ellis Photography, and we have been a little behind on our blog. Time to make up for it with a new family post! We had a blast meeting this sweet family from Murfreesboro, TN, the McCarters. It was an overcast Fall day, making for perfect lighting for our shoot. Aren't they such a pretty group?

Rubinstein Family--Collierville Portrait Photography

2010-12-10T12:04:00.000-08:00

So, these adorable little girls show up for their portrait session in these beautiful, fun, pink skirts....How fun is that?! Loved photographing these sweet girls this fall. We have known the Rubinsteins for a couple of years now and are so happy to count them amongst our friends. Enjoy this little sampling of their images!

Memphis Zoo--Wild Pumpkins!

2010-11-05T15:56:00.000-07:00

Just had to share this great pumpkin display at the Memphis Zoo. We visited over the kids' Fall Break with our awesome neighbors, the Brangs. We saw all the usual wonderful animals, but I really loved the painted pumpkin display. The cutest pumpkins are in the last image (and the wildest)! Enjoy...

Hart Family--Collierville Portrait Photography

2010-11-05T12:03:00.000-07:00

Love the beautiful Hart Family! Fellow Collierville-ians and friends that we have gotten to know over the last few years. Here are some favorites from our session at the Collierville Town Square. We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful fall day. Hope you love your images!

Halloween Portraits at Rita's benefit Autism Speaks!

2010-10-21T17:33:00.000-07:00

Cline Ellis Photography is thrilled to tell you about our first charity event, and we hope it will be the first of many! Bring the family out to Rita's Ice Custard Happiness in Collierville on Saturday, Oct. 30 between 11am and 2pm, and have professional Halloween portraits taken of your little costumed characters while you enjoy your dessert!

Here's the best part...100% of the profits go to Tennessee Walk Now for Autism Speaks-Memphis! This is a new local group working to educate and increase awareness of autism in our area. As autism is affecting so many families, we thought this would be a great cause to benefit at this event!

Not only will your portrait purchase benefit Autism Speaks, but Rita's Italian Ice is donating 20% of all of their sales for the day to the cause as well! So, you can have a Gelati in the afternoon and come back for a Misto Shake after dinner, and you'll double your contribution to Autism Speaks ;-)

Please share a link to this blog with your friends to help spread the word about this fun event for a great cause! We hope to see you there...it's going to be a spooky good time!!!

The Details:
Rita's Ice Custard Happiness is located at 305 New Byhalia Rd. in Collierville, between Schnucks and Target. Photos will be taken from 11am-2pm. Prints will be ready for pick-up at Rita's within 7-10 days after the event. Customers will receive an email to let them know when prints are ready for pick-up. We accept cash, check, or credit/debit card as payment for portraits. Your $15 portrait fee must be paid at the event at the time your portrait is taken. All portrait profits go to Tennessee Walk Now for Autism Speaks-Memphis!

NEW...Sterling Silver Portrait Jewelry

2010-10-11T11:51:00.000-07:00

We are so excited about this new product. Beautiful Solid Sterling Silver Jewelry, customized with your images! Our samples are coming in soon, and we can't wait to share them with you. You may purchase jewelry at your ordering session from your upcoming photo session, or you may purchase by selecting images that we have captured for you in the last year. Contact us for details. Deadline for purchasing in time for Christmas is November 24.

New 2010 Die-Cut Holiday Card Designs!

2010-09-23T20:33:00.000-07:00

We are so excited to share this brand new product with you! These one-of-a-kind cards are printed on premium press paper, then die cut into a beautiful ornate shape. We have over 8 new designs to choose from, and we still have our traditional folded and flat cards as well. We still have Fall session times available...contact us today to reserve your date!

Morgan and Elizabeth--Collierville Portrait Photography

2010-09-21T12:06:00.000-07:00

Beautiful twins with 2 very different beautiful personalities. We had a great time with Morgan and Elizabeth, photographing them at their home. Enjoy a few of our favorite shots from the session...

Lakin--Class of 2011 (Corinth, MS Photography)

2010-09-10T10:00:00.000-07:00

We had great fun this summer with Lakin's senior portrait session! She is a natural in front of the camera and was so patient on a hot summer day in Memphis. Have a great Senior year Lakin! We hope you enjoy your portraits :-)

PPBF Weekly Challenge

2010-07-20T23:03:00.000-07:00

At Cline Ellis Photography, we like to do anything we can to improve our skills and stay sharp. In doing so, we read and participate in various blogs and forums related to the photography field. The Pro Photo Business Forum is one that issues a weekly challenge to its readers to help us in our craft. This week...Tell a story in a photograph using shallow depth of field. Most of you may recognize shallow depth of field as the look of a portait with the subject in sharp focus with a lovely blurred background.

My son, Dylan is the background subject of my challenge entry. He is a baseball fanatic and would love nothing better than to one day have his own pro baseball card! In this case he is in the dugout during his last baseball game showing me a baseball card one of his teammates gave him. Since I am not a baseball fanatic, I have no idea who this Cubs player is on the card. Maybe someone would like to accept that challenge? :-)

I think it's important that we always challenge ourselves, and I look forward to participating in future weekly challenges!

Thanks for looking!
Michelle

Schedule your Fall portraits today...1/2 price session fees!

2010-07-05T14:45:00.000-07:00

I know...it seems so early, but it's true! It's time to start thinking about those Fall portrait sessions. The beautiful weather and foliage make this a great time to capture your precious family portraits just in time for Christmas cards and gift giving.

Fall is our busiest season, so it's important to book early to ensure yourself a spot. Your paid session fee will hold your session time on our schedule, and to make it even more worth your while to think ahead, we're offering half-price session fees if you book now! Contact us before July 31, 2010 to schedule your session for August or later, and your session fee will be only $62.50! (Regular session fee $125)*

If you're anxious to schedule your portrait session for the summer, we have some wonderful locations that are great options for shooting in the summer heat. Don't hesitate to contact us for details!

*Discount applies to regular family and child portrait sessions. Does not include events, Senior, or newborn sessions.

Baby's 1st Year Portrait Club

2010-06-25T20:49:00.000-07:00

Because babies change so FAST and so MUCH in their first year, Cline Ellis is offering the Baby Steps plan to ensure that you capture every moment. The Baby Steps plan fee is $250 and includes 3 portrait sessions taken from newborn to 12 months. Right off the bat, you are getting 3 sessions for the price of 2! In addition, you will receive the following member benefits:

Baby Steps Goody Bag
(1) 3x3 Accordian Wallet book with each session order
(1) Personalized Bag Tag
10% discount off regular a la carte prices
Exclusive member discounts and packages

Additional sessions or subjects may be added to the plan for just $40 per session. Photographing babies is very time-sensitive, and it is best to photograph newborns at 1-2 weeks old. To ensure availability, please plan to book your first session several weeks in advance. We don't want to miss a moment!

Contact us today for details...we can't wait to meet your bundle of joy!

Big Boy Reid...Collierville Portrait Photography

2010-06-22T10:35:00.000-07:00

What a sweet face! We had fun chasing this little one around Collierville Town Square. He is all boy and loves his trucks and tractors. I think his favorite part of the session was the lollipop at the end! Here are a few shots from our session...

Cates Family...Memphis Portrait Photography

2010-06-18T16:31:00.000-07:00

Another sweet bunch...the Cates family! Just a few shots of their session. SWEET kids and parents. We loved getting to know you all! We braved a bit of a hot day and some walking, but the kids were such troopers for us. I hope we will be taking your portraits for a long time in the future and get to watch these kids grow up. See you soon!

Baker Girls...Collierville Portrait Photography

2010-06-15T17:36:00.000-07:00

What fun we had photographing these cuties, Chloe, Claire, and Mira! Sad to say we will not photograph them again for awhile, as they are relocating to Chicago. We will miss all of you and hope you are so happy in your new home! I am so glad we got these portraits done as a little farewell to Collierville, TN. Thank you...it was such a pleasure!

Sweet Baby Reese

2010-06-15T14:41:00.000-07:00

We have waited long enough to post the debut of my first baby niece...Reese Madison Lanier! I was so lucky to travel to Charlotte, NC shortly after her arrival for a visit. What a beauty!!! Since we are a WHOLE family of photographers, this baby doesn't have a chance escaping the camera. My sister (her mom) is the lady behind the camera at Stacey Lanier Photography in Charlotte. So between me, dad, and Stacey, we had a spectacular photo session (that Reese was oblivious to as you can see)! Can't wait to see you again baby girl!

Spring 2010 Special!

2010-04-20T13:20:00.000-07:00

Now through the end of May...Receive 2 free 3"x3" accordian wallet books with your portrait order (a $70 value)! These have been our most requested product since we introduced them last Fall, and now you can get them for FREE! With two, you can keep one for yourself and give one to grandparents. The images are printed on linen texture stock, and there are 17 cover options to choose from. A great little book to throw in your purse and show off your little ones to friends and family. Contact us today to schedule your portrait session!

(2 wallet books are identical. Additional duplicate books are available at $35 each.)

Our Latest Commercial Venture...

2010-04-16T22:25:00.001-07:00

We just wrapped up a local commercial project that we loved working on! We got to use a little extra creativity in our post-processing to make a couple of really rustic buildings fit into a very contemporary design. We were asked by Sawyer Design Associates out of Texas to produce these two pieces for a renovation project for an apartment leasing office here in Memphis. Here are some photos of the final result. We are honored to have our work in such a beautiful space!

We're blogging!

2010-04-16T21:59:00.000-07:00

...at least I hope this is working ;-) I hope this will be a convenient way to inform all of you about the latest at Cline Ellis Photography. Don't forget you can also follow us on Twitter (@clineellisphoto) or become a Facebook fan. We are looking forward to this new blogging venture! Thanks for visiting!