This is the month for love. “Unselfish, loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another,” according to Webster.  I am simply humbled by the fact that my art and now that of my two Kidzpiks photographers brings happiness to others; brings joy; brings love.

Oh what a month it’s been! The new studio is in full swing; the open house a wonderful success. Thank you to all who attended. And, if you couldn’t make it, don’t hesitate to ask for a personal tour! It won’t take long, I promise.

Our Kidzpiks photographers, Lara and Michelle are trained and ready to serve. They’ve even agreed to photograph your kids with bunnies this Easter season! Call me crazy, but Princess, the bunny, needs a “debut” and we’re going to give her one March 8th.

And finally, a big welcome to Kathryn, our Apex High School intern who’s taken on the role of my Studio Assistant. A big task, I should say. You’ll hear more and more from her as her role grows. She’s handling our online galleries, our mailings, our print orders, reminder calls … all the important stuff!

I hope February brings you everything you’ve hoped for, but, ladies, if it doesn’t, you can get it February 21st. What’s that you say?See below. Trust me … you don’t want to miss it!

At your service,
Aimee

The Laster Family

Three boys ages 3, 7 and 13. Four boys if you count Dad. They outnumber Mom four to one, but you’d never think that when you meet them. They are family through and through. The Lasters, an Apex family with what they consider “a life that always stays interesting given the 10 year spread between the boys”, joined Aimee for a family portrait session in 2007.

Says Missy, “As our family grows it seems that it goes so fast and before you know it the oldest one is going to be off to college and it is just a fun time in life right now with all the boys.” We all know growing up is part of life and as parents we often want our children to stay small, but just cannot keep them that way.

The Lasters had their session in the studio and would choose to do so again because “with all boys, (including a three year old), a confined space was best,” says Missy with laughter. Next time though, they may choose an outdoor location, simply for variety.

With a family of five, location wasn’t the only factor in their choice for photography; it was convenient. Their first session
was postponed due to one boy’s illness, but was rescheduled during one of the boys’ early release days and Dad “just came on his lunch,” an easy way to accommodate everyone.

The Lasters were auction winners from Turner Creek Elementary’s 2007 festival. “I actually picked up the [Artist’s Choice]
package at the school auction and am so glad that I did because it was such a great experience that if I could choose anyone to do it it would be Pure Expressions,” said Mom.

As part of the auction package, the Lasters received a CD of their images, a set of 4×6 prints and a collage. According to Missy, she’ll use the CD to print images for her family … her extended family, of which there are many members. But it wasn’t just sharing that motivated this family to bid on the auction. They wanted wall portraits … images they could hang in a group over the fireplace. For that, the family acquired a 20×30 of the family and two 10×20 images, effectively creating a group that represents their family today.

Their images were a true reflection of their family. Said Missy, “I really enjoyed how [Aimee] worked with the kids, no matter if it was the oldest one or the youngest one [she] could get them to do what [she] wanted them to do.” The only exception? The family didn’t include the two dogs or the cat in this session. Maybe next time.

Missy, Dad, boys … thank you for being our featured family for February!