Alathia's random tangents

Last day to help donate for Movember!

2009-11-30T19:47:02Z

Todd participated in Movember, which is a LIVESTRONG fundraising for prostate and testicular cancer research. He grew a moustache, aka lip caterpillar, all this month. Today is the last day to donate! He is $115 short of his goal to dye his moustache pink. IN appreciation for your help we will send everyone a christmas card with the pink moustache displayed proudly.

Help donate, please! http://us.movember.com/mospace/480035/

Don't make Albert cry, donate and help out right now! :)

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-30T18:18:32Z

:) my Indy and Short Round.

Free Portrait Party!

2009-09-05T04:19:19Z

Hi friends!

I want to try something new out at my house before I actually make people pay me money for it. If you are willing to be my photographic guinea pigs, then come to my free apple portrait party!

Details:

When: Sunday, Sept. 13th

Where: Otis Orchards, aka my home in Kenmore

time: starting at 9am and ending whenever people stop showing up

what is it? I'll have an area set up for some portraits, and we'll have apple cider, apple cakes and beer and bread and maybe chili.

what I need: People! Families or kids, as long as you guys will be amicable to my posing ideas.

what you get: a relaxed and fun portrait session, your password protected online gallery to peruse your pictures and two free 5x7s out of the deal!

Please RSVP to let me know if you think you can come. Feel free to repost this to your friends and family.

And my shoot last year with Samuel and Albert:

(US) Military question

2009-08-07T01:25:56Z

I know I have some military wives and members on my FL, can you help me out? I got an email from someone wanting to use some pictures I did of a military family. Here is her information:

(name)
Visual Information Specialist
US Army Family and MWR Command
Headquarters is under BRAC so we are in the process of moving from Alexandria, VA to San Antonio, TX.

She also sent her supervisor's name, telephone and email address as well.

Here are the military photos she wants to use.

So does anyone know anything about the US Army Family and MWR Command? Is this legit, will I not feel bad about giving them permissions to use my photos in their ad campaign? Also, if you know of any LJ or otherwise communities I could ask this in, I would appreciate the help! Thanks FL!

Wedding Photography

2009-07-25T00:00:48Z

I get asked to do weddings a lot. Since it was my first year of business I've declined all wedding offers. It's a lot of work, you'd have to deal with brides, did I mention it's a lot of work? I'm just now starting to get my head above water with the photography clients I do have. But in hindsight looking at my sister's wedding, I did have a lot of fun when I did shoot, and I think I'd be pretty damn good. If I did do weddings, I'd cap it off to like, one a month only so my focus would stay on children and newborns. I've been second shooter for a few weddings and it was SO MUCH WORK but pretty fun.

What do you guys think, should I expand my portfolio?

View Poll: Should I offer to do weddings?

Epilogue Books

2009-07-21T22:06:18Z

It's a sad time for independent booksellers. If you know me, you know I love books, and I can happily spend all day walking around bookstores. Epilogue Books is located in Ballard, and had a hard time negotiating on renewing its rent with the building owners. So, they are closing their doors in mid-August. All books are 30%-70% off. Check them out and spread the word!

Epilogue Books

Looking for tattooed parents to be

2009-05-19T18:09:27Z

Hey local Friends List! If you know anyone who fits this bill, please direct them to me, thanks! (this is just copied from what I posted to seattle

I am looking for expectant parents who are heavily tattooed. Arm sleeves, chest pieces, full back tattoos - the more the merrier! Mom or dad can be tattooed. Specifically I want to do some newborn shots with parents showing off their tattoos (so there will be some tasteful shirtless shots of parents, and nude shots of baby). I am also looking for parents who are interested in some urban setting newborn shots as well and are agreeable to putting their baby in some different (but safe) locations.

In exchange for a model release for me to use your images, you will get a free photoshoot and some free prints from the session. I am looking for newborns up to two weeks in age (6-10 days is my preference), so if you are currently pregnant and fit the description, that would be GREAT. We could book your shoot for a week past your due date. If you just had a baby, contact me right away!

Here is some examples from my most recent newborn session so you can see the type of "typical" newborn photographer that I do. I am looking for something a little edgier and a little more urban.

Contact me through my website or email me at alex @ AlexNguyenPortraits.com.

Thank you Friends List!

Rummage Sale at Samuel's Preschool

2009-04-25T04:03:12Z

Hey local peeps! If you're in the area, come check out the Rummage Sale at Samuel's preschool!

Where: Carl Sandburg Elementary Playground (in Kirkland)
When: 8am - 2pm.
What: A LOT of kid stuff (strollers, clothes, bouncers, bedding), some small furniture (chest of drawers, desks, etc.), games, puzzles, adult clothing.

Come check it out!

LIVESTRONG 2009

2009-04-03T20:36:15Z

Last year Todd participated in the LIVESTRONG Challenge, and raised almost $600 for cancer research.

This year LIVESTRONG is taking place in Seattle so Samuel, Albert and I will also be participating. Todd is doing the 100 mile bike ride, while we will be doing the 5K walk (kids have to be at least age 6 before they participate in any bike rides). Please join me in helping funding cancer research alongside with providing support for families who have loved one fighting the big battle.

You can donate to me here. My goal is to raise $250.00, or at least beat Todd's fundraising goal. :)

Please, if you can spare even a $5 pledge it would make a world of difference. Tell your family and friends. Also, Seattle peeps come and join and support us June 21st! :)

New Photography blog

2009-03-30T15:09:11Z

I promise I'll come back to respond to comments when I have some more time, but thank you to everyone for their support and reading through all my whining. :)

I have a new photography blog! Blogspot and I just weren't getting along the way I wanted us to, so I moved to WordPress. Check it out! Let me know if you find any issues or have comments, WordPress is not as user simple as blogspot but it is infinitely more customizable. :)

ProudMama Photo Entry

2009-03-09T15:31:07Z

Hey! If you are in this community go vote for me and my teammates! I'm entry #5, and she is entry #1.

Apparently we have lazy asses on our team, because THREE people didn't submit their picture!! WTF?! How hard is it?! I have two kids and a part time job and I still found the time! Grrrrrrrrrr.

so go to _proudmomma and vote here! Thanks!

alathia @ 2009-03-07T08:00:00

2009-03-07T16:20:55Z

Hey Seattle area peeps! I am offering up a mini-photography shoot for those of you who don't want to commit to a full package! Please spread the word, for LJ friends I will also include an additional 8x10 for free, just mention LJ. :)

March Mini-Sessions

mini-sessions will be booked for 30 minute slots for Saturday March 21st, 2009 and Sunday March 22nd, 2009

there will be 5-10 final images to choose from in your proof gallery

mini-session can include up to 3 children only

the mini-session includes 1 8x10 and 2 5x7s

the low price of only $65 for the entire March Mini package!

More details are on my blog and you can book a session on my website today!

Thanks for spreading the word and helping me out with my business. :)

Btw, does this image work? Can you read it, or is it too busy? Thanks for the feedback!

Brand spankin' new

2009-02-09T17:25:22Z

I got to meet nwc_orca and her new baby boy this weekend. Her daughter is in Samuel's preschool class, and I was chomping at the mouth to do another newborn shoot. (so if any of you know of seattle area newborns, refer them to me!) This little guy was three days old during the shoot, and boy all he wanted to do was nurse from momma! But I got a couple of sweet shots. The blog post here.

Serious baby is so serious

Bread Pudding with whiskey sauce

2009-01-26T05:08:29Z

I saw a bread pudding recipe posted in bakebakebake and adapted it and the betty crocker recipe for my own. the whiskey sauce came from the better crocker book. it was an excellent way to use up our old bread (we're bread snobs and only like it fresh from the bread machine). Plus with it being snowy outside, a warm plate of bread pudding really hit the spot!

bread pudding with whiskey sauce

Bread Pudding

4-5 cups of staleish white bread (I used half white, half sour bread) torn into 1/2 inch cubes
1 cup raisins
4 large eggs
1/3 cup sugar
1 tblsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
3 c milk

Butter a 2-quart baking dish and spread the bread evenly in it. Scatter the raisins overtop (if using). Whisk together thoroughly the eggs, sugar, vanilla, spices and salt, then whisk in the milk. Pour the mixture over the bread and let is soak for 30 mins, pushing the bread down periodically with a spatula to help it absorb as much liquid as possible.

While the bread is soaking, preheat the oven to 350 F. Bake for 50 minutes, or until center comes out clean. Let cool before serving.

Whiskey Sauce

1/4 cup butter (I used earth balance)
1 egg yolk
1/2 cup sugar
2 tbsp water
1-2 tbsp whiskey

melt butter in small saucepan over med-high heat. in separate bowl, whisk egg yolk, sugar, and water together. once butter is melted, whisk in sugar egg yolk mixture, reducing heat down to med-low. stir for 6-7 minutes or until mixture is reduced to a nice consistency. add in whiskey at the end and serve warm over bread pudding.

Blog contest time!

2009-01-25T18:20:22Z

Hi LJ peeps! I'm holding a contest on my blog. Pick your favorite family/kid photo! The winner gets a $125 gift certificate from me. Mainly it's a way for me to get some traffic to my blog and my website during these slow months.

Also, if anyone has an opinion on the new header on my blog please let me know! Todd made me resize it a couple of times because he thought it was too big. :P Also, let me know your monitor size as well.

And I realize I'm behind on the picture of the day, but I'm working on it! expect a slew of picture posts from me soon. :)

Valentine's Day Mini-Session

2009-01-20T05:20:16Z

Hey LJ peeps! I'm trying something new and offering mini-sessions just in time for Valentine's Day! Most of you aren't local, but please tell friends and family about the offer. They can visit my blog for specifics as well.

Moms, do your husbands have no clue what kind of gift to give you from the kids? Dads, does your wife say "just do something creative" and you give her a WTH does that mean look? Then this is a GREAT gift idea for you, for mom and dad from the kids! Set an appointment for just your children, or for a "mommy and me" or "daddy and me" photo session. You'll get some gorgeous pictures to give your loved ones for Valentine's Day. Here are the details:

mini-sessions will be booked for 30 minute slots for Sunday February 1st, 2009

mini-sessions will be booked on a first come, first served basis

all mini-sessions will take place at my home studio

there will be 5-10 images to choose from in your proof gallery

the mini-session includes 3 5x7s and 1 set of wallet Valentine's Day photo cards

you get a 15% discount off any additional prints you purchase from your mini-session. LJ FRIENDS get a 25% discount off any additional prints!

pictures will be back in time for a Valentine's Day gift

the low price of only $65 for the entire Valentine's Mini-Session package!

Hurry and book your session on my website today!

Wanted: Military families for FREE photoshoot!

2009-01-12T17:07:13Z

Hey Seattle area peeps (I'm looking at you mango_pickle. Do you know a military family who'd love to have a free photography session for their family? Here is what I'm looking for:

In exchange for signing a full model release, I will trade you a full photoshoot (complete with photo gallery of at least 20 different poses) and 2 free 8x10s of your favorite poses from the shoot. I'm looking for a family that fits the following descriptions:

must be a full family with one parent in the military (can be mom or dad) and has military dress for the photoshoot. sorry, I'm looking for families where the parent is not currently serving their tour right now

must have at least one child (more is fine as well)

child must either be very small baby (newborn would be great!) or at least walking well

must be willing to travel to me (although I'm flexible on this condition depending on where you are stationed, esp. if you are in Everett/Bainbridge)

If you know anyone who fits these terms, let me know! Thanks FL. The blog entry in case you want to spread the word. :)

Website help please

2009-01-05T16:42:20Z

Hi FL! I made some changes to my website, so if you could take a peek and give me some opinions I'd appreciate it! You can also email me and let me know. Specifically I'm looking for the following:

beginning gallery, too many pictures? Should I cut out some?

beginning gallery, spaced too slow between pictures, should I speed it up?

other galleries, I've spaced the pictures to flow faster, good/bad/leave it as is?

background, too white? I had it colored before but thought the white made it look cleaner

as much as I love the picture of Samuel, should I update my splash page with different pictures to represent maternity/newborn/families?

I'll be doing some blog changes as well. I'm also thinking of doing the following to generate more business in the slower winter months. Thoughts?

Valentines Day mini-session. Similar to my Holiday Portrait sessions, these would be studio shots at my house for 45 minutes a session with a set amount of pictures for $75. Would people be into that? I was going to practice with Samuel and Albert then post the pics on the blog

I'm thinking of holding a contest for everyone who did a session with me through Oct/Nov/Dec. I'd put their pictures up and have everyone vote for their favorite session. Then the winner would be a $150 gift certificate for my services. Good/insane?

anything you'd like to see me offer or do?

Here's my website again. Please take a look and thanks for any ideas/comments!

Photoshoot

2008-12-07T17:09:06Z

I had the opportunity to photography the lovely erinmdmd's little girl last weekend. She ran me and her parents around Gas Works, but I got some cute pictures. These are the ones that didn't make the blog.

Full blog post here.

I've replaced her mouth with a bubble here

Look at the pigtails! Being a mom of two baldie boys I don't think I'll ever get to do this.

a rare smile without The Ultimate Bribe Lollipop in hand

Friends

2008-10-28T18:43:28Z

I recently did a photoshoot with perimyndith and her family. I've known her since I was in 7th grade, and think her family is super awesome. I thought the session went well, and bonus! Got some shots of Vivian and the cute hobbit door

perimyndith and family

look! a smile! plus, she's totally Erin's mini-me

hobbit door. erin's hiding behind the tree to the right

Seattle area peeps!

2008-10-27T19:45:47Z

Hey Seattle area peeps! Just wanted to mention that if you wanted to get some holiday portraits done, please contact me soon. I'm booking up quickly through December now. You can either contact me through my website,Alex Nguyen Portraits, or leave me a message here. You can check out all my recent sessions on my blog.

And for funsies, probably the rolliest polliest giraffe baby you'll ever see.

Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep

2008-10-02T06:37:16Z

Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep is an organization which does infant bereavement photography and helps families capture memories with their beloved infants after they have passed. I am proud to state that I'm a volunteer photographer for such a wonderful organization.

With the Month of October being recognized as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, The Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep Foundation holds its Annual Fund Drive for six weeks starting in mid-September and ending on October 31.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO NiLMDTS.

If you are in a place to make even a small contribution to NILMDTS, please know that doing so will continue to allow the organization to provide improved resources, training, communication, and other tools necessary in support of our amazing contingent of professional photographers who provide the gift of free remembrance portraiture to families in need. For more information read my blog post about it on my photography blog site.

alathia @ 2008-09-16T23:32:00

2008-09-17T06:32:23Z

I'm running a Holiday Portrait Special for my business. If you are interested in getting some family pictures taken, check me out! :)

Friends cut

2008-09-11T16:01:27Z

I'm thinking of doing a friends cut, simply because I'm on here so sporadically I don't feel like I'm giving my FL the attention it deserves. Just comment here if you are ok with my sporadicness posting and want to stay on the list. I'll do the cut sometime next week most likely.

Also, I've garnered some new friends lately, so if you could just comment about where you found me, that would be awesome.

If you're not sure why you are on here (because you're not a parent), most likely I added you randomly most likely it's because I admire your photography. I'm not a crazy weird stalker, honest :)

Bone Marrow Registration!

2008-09-10T01:28:52Z

Due to a grant from Nascar (?!), through Sept. 22nd if you register to become a bone marrow donor the registration kit is free (usually $54).

www.marrow.org

Also, if you are of asian or ethnic descent, registration is ALWAYS free. I registered a couple of years ago and the process is quite painless - a couple of swabs on the cheek and you're set!

www.aadp.org

:D pass the word along!