Averi | Grand Junction Children's Photographer

The first time I met and photographed this little one she was a bit shy. Her parents had brought her into Kairo's for our first set of Mini Sessions. I got some beautiful images of her there but she was pretty reserved and really didn't want much to do with me or my camera. We all agreed that she'd open up and really let me in if I photographed her at home. And she did. It had been a while since I had seen little Averi. I had been to her home a couple of times already for the previous ordering session and when I delivered images. She remembered me. She immediately grabbed my hand and wanted to show me all of her things. I have that effect on the little ones. It happens often. I always try to give them a few minutes just for them before we get down to business. I makes them special. It makes me their friend. And it makes for incredible images that show your child's true personality.

more Arts, Hearts & Tarts | Grand Junction Glamour Photographer

I thought I would share a few images so you could see what to expect when you book an Arts, Hearts & Tarts session with Five 60 Salon. In the last few days we have been busy preparing ourselves for the event. Both Channel 5 and Channel 11 News requested more information, interviews and images.

We fixed Five 60's Leigh up first so she and Heather would have something to take with them when they visited the KKCO 11 News studio early last Monday morning.

Then we sent KREX News Channel 5's, Lindsey Eaton through a session. She had her hair, make up and nails done by the Five 60 girls while on camera ( I believe I heard the words "pampered princess" during the process. ) and then I photographed her. Look for the story on tonight's news!

Valentine's Day at Five 60 | Grand Junction Glamour Photographer

If you've ever stopped in to Kairos Children's Boutique and hung out long enough for coffee (she has the best coffee on the block by the way) you've probably met Heather of Five 60 Salon as well. Her salon is next door and often the store owners on that block can be seen hanging out in the sun at the little table in front of Carla's. Or when it's cold huddled in front of the heaters inside. I'm telling you, Carla's is the go to place for coffee. The girl should sell the stuff.

A few weeks ago as Carla and I were warming our hands by the heaters and sipping our coffee Heather popped her head in and said she had an idea she wanted to run by me. She wanted to do Valentine makeovers with mini sessions to document the beautiful women we have in our town and to celebrate local artists through the VBC Arts, Hearts and Tarts promotion. I was all over it.

So if you're needing a mom's day of pampering and a Valentine's Day gift for the hubby, give the salon a call and they'll fit you in. Our first day of makeovers will be on Sunday, February 1, 2009. Another day is scheduled for Sunday, February 22, 2009. Sessions are limited so give them a call today!

FIVE 60 SALON & SPA GLAMS UP VALENTINE’S DAY
Salon taking part in VCB Arts, Hearts & Tarts promotion

Grand Junction, CO (Jan. 21, 2009) - Five 60 Salon & Spa has found the perfect gift idea for everyone’s Valentine… you! In a tasteful glamour shot. For two days, Sunday, Feb. 1 and Sunday, Feb. 22, the hair and makeup artists at Five 60 Salon & Spa will partner with local photographer Cristine Strickland to offer personal photo shoots. The salon is participating in the Grand Junction Visitor & Convention Bureau’s (VCB) annual Arts, Hearts & Tarts promotion which runs through the month of February and highlights the cultural attractions of the city.

“We thought a tasteful glamour shot would make a great Valentine’s Day gift for someone else while pampering yourself with a hair style and make up session,” said salon Owner Heather Heinbaugh. “And by partnering with Cristine, who is an incredibly talented photographer, people will get very natural and fun photographs instead of the typical glamour shot.” While the salon’s participation is unusual since the focus of the promotion is on culture, including art, music and cuisine, Heinbaugh insists, “Great hair, make up and photography IS art!”

Hair, make up and photo shoots will take place at Five 60 Salon & Spa, located at 560 Colorado Avenue in Downtown Grand Junction. The basic glamour shot package for one person is $200 and includes professional hair style, make up, photo shoot, one 8 x 10 photograph, and coupon for discounted professional framing of the photo at Frameworks & Gallery. Larger and multiple-person packages are also available. Appointments are limited and must be booked in advance.

This is the second year for the Arts, Hearts & Tarts promotion, a special month-long event designed to celebrate local artistic, musical and theatrical offerings. Throughout February the VCB will be promoting special events, concerts, shows and other cultural activities to draw residents and tourists into Grand Junction’s cultural charms and retail shops. For additional information about the promotion, please contact Jennifer Grossheim-Harris, marketing and public relations coordinator for the VCB, at 970.256.4063.

Five 60 Salon & Spa was started in 2005 by Heinbaugh and currently employs five stylists offering a variety of services, including: hair design, color and treatments, waxing and nail services and massage therapy with Certified Massage Therapist Olivia Anson-Buckley. For additional information about the Glamour Shot promotion or Five 60 Salon & Spa, please contact Leigh Ashman, marketing director, at 970.263.4551 or 970.260.7002.

Several weeks before Christmas I had the privilege of photographing Heather and her son Mason inside her salon for their annual holiday cards. We had a beautiful fun filled session that was full of crazy boy antics. That boy cracked me up. You could obviously see the bond the two of them share as they kidded around for the camera.

More minis!

I think this is all that I had a release for. Remember...if you don't sign the release I can't put them on the blog.

I still have several full sessions to post and hope to do that over the weekend so keep peeking back if you've had a session recently and it hasn't been posted yet. I had planned to be out of town this holiday weekend but my plans have changed and I'll be around trying to catch up. I hope to be completely caught up so we can get the last of the holiday cards ordered by mid week.

Minis at Kairos

I thought I'd share a few from the mini sessions we did at Kairos Children's Boutique. These minis have been a great success. We had an awesome turnout and every one seems to enjoy themselves. I love the variety of looks I'm able to get right there in the store.

The next minis will probably be for Mother's Day. I want to put the focus on moms and the relationship they have with their children. Feedback on this is welcome. Tell me what you all think!

The last of the fall color | Grand Junction Family Photographer

It makes me sad. The beautiful fall colors are gone. Halloween is over. The heaters are starting to click on at night and before we know it winter will be fully upon us with snow and the holidays. My favorite outdoor portrait season has slipped by me and once again I missed it with my own family. But I did get some of your families.

This was the last one with color. We *almost* missed it when little Cache was under the weather. Luckily it only took a few days for her to recover and I snuck her and her beautiful family in between other sessions.

I had the opportunity to spend the evening with this family a couple of weeks before this session. I felt so welcomed and so at home there with them. With a connection like that I knew this would be a good session. We had fun. J said it was work but I had a blast. They ran and played and showed so much joy and emotion with each other. It was a privilege to capture these precious times with them.











And this little miss just happened to have a petticoat hanging in her closet. Of course I wanted to photograph her playing in it. And the most logical place to play....




Mommy and Daddy's bed. Would you expect anything different?

Sophie and Olivia | Grand Junction Child Photographer

LOOK at this smile. isn't it just infectious? Big sis is adorable as well. I had an incredible time photographing these two in their absolutely beautifully decorated home. Mom is an interior decorator. These two girls had rooms that were the BOMB. Beautiful colors. Beautiful furniture. Beautiful toys. Very grown up in a little girl kind of way.