I’m through the roof excited to announce the winner to the BFF Photo Contest!  Thanks to all of the 70 entries.  From the bottom of my heart, I wish I had the time to open this offer to everyone.  Shooting a bunch of friends is going to be a total blast.

To review, those who entered had to answer 5 questions correctly.  The exact answers to these questions were located on this website (as stated in the rules.)  Here are the questions with the correct answers:

1. Where is Jess VanLue based?
Answer:  Vassar, MI

2.  When are the busiest times of year for senior sessions?  (This question was incorrectly answered by almost 20 people.)
Answer: Late summer, Mid fall

3.  How many galleries are on the website?
Answer:  7

4.  Who was blogged about on August 5, 2010?
Answer:  Carissa

5.  FREEBIE – What do you love most about Jess VanLue Photography?
Answer:  All answers accepted.

AND ….  here are the final entrants (those who answered all 5 questions correctly), AND OUR WINNER!

THANK YOU to everyone who commented.  And an even bigger thanks for all of the amazing compliments.  I’m completely flattered and have enjoyed every minute of each session.   I love my job!

So, withour further ado, our 3 WINNERS for the BABY and CHILD Spring Contest are:

1ST PLACE – $150 CREDIT – #20:  Lesley B.

2ND PLACE – $100 CREDIT – #11:  Jamie S.

3RD PLACE – $75 CREDIT – #17:  Heather P.

Congrats to the winners!  Can’t wait for your photo sessions.

1. Tina K.
2. Janice H.
3. Kirstin M.
4. Jenn B.
5. Jenn W.
6. Shamiah S.
7. Christi K.
8. Stephanie H.
9. Jody K.
10. Alisha S.
11. Jamie S.
12. Tracy C.
13. Megan K.
14. Cindy B.
15. Ashley & Steve
16. Angie A.
17. Heather P.
18. Katie W.
19. Lisa R.
20. Lesley B.
21. Amanda D.
22. Nicole G.
23. Holly M.
24. Stacy W.
25. Amber E.
26. Whitney P.
27. James P.
28. Lacy
29. Tracy B.
30. Kristin M.
31. Stacy V.
32. Heidi Z.
33. Melissa R.
34. Missy L.
35. Sarah M.
36. Steve M.
37. Tracy P.
38. Amber H.
39. Kristy H.
40. Steve S.
41. Rebecca E.
42. Karen L.
43. Hayley C.
44. Nicole H.

The time is long over due for a fun little contest by Jess VanLue.  (like that little rhyme?  lol)

OK, here’s the scoop:

WIN AN AWESOME CREDIT TOWARDS YOUR BABY or CHILD SESSION!  Three winners will be chosen:

1st Place – $150 Credit
2nd Place – $100 Credit
3rd Place – $75 Credit

These credits may be used towards your session fee OR towards your print order.   Contest applies ONLY towards baby or children sessions (Excludes family, engagement and senior sessions).  Sessions MUST be held in May or June 2010.

TO ENTER SIMPLY LEAVE A COMMENT ON THIS BLOG POST!

Winners will be selected by a random number generator on Monday, May 3rd.

Has it really been almost 15 days without a blog post?  Yikes!  Let me say, that while the blog activity has been slow, life has not.  Last week was the end to an awesome volleyball season at St. Luke’s Lutheran school.  Coaching those girls is so incredibly fun.  I *puffy heart* volleyball.  The girls say they enjoy my coaching, but I really think they enjoy having me play with them all the time.  The season ended with an 8-team tournament last weekend.  The competition was tough, and even after some hard losses in pool play, we left with a huge SECOND PLACE TROPHY!  Yay girls!  I’m really going to miss our afternoons together.

Back to the subject at hand … the s-l-o-w blog.  This will be no more.  Many posts to come including adorable sisters, babies and finally, the 2011 Senior Reps! Plus a CONTEST!

Until next time, here is a quick shot of the delicious chives in my garden that are slowly making their appearance.

The time has come.  Our lovely 2010 Seniors are focused on the end of the year which will be here in no time, and our soon-to-be 2011 Seniors are getting psyched for next year.  I’m so excited to meet and spend time next year’s class.  Let the fun begin!

I’m now searching for those who will represent Jess VanLue Photography over the next 12 months.  Being a JVP Rep not only gets you through the door first, but gives you great opportunity to earn free goodies and show off excellent marketing materials … not to mention receiving the hottest senior pictures around.

Who am I looking for, you may ask?  I’m looking for students who are well known in their class for being friendly, outgoing, and fun.  Someone who is able to encourage and inspire (and persuade).  Someone who isn’t afraid to give a good wrap for Jess VanLue Photography.  Someone who sets a positive example and is an excellent influence.

Is this you?  THEN APPLY!  The application process will be open through February.  All applicants will be notified when the Reps have been chosen.  CAN’T WAIT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

THE APPLICATION PROCESS IS NOW CLOSED.  THANKS TO ALL WHO APPLIED!

P.S.  Lots of recent sessions are soon to be posted.  It’s been busy madness around here.  I’m excited to share!

Congratulations to ASHLEY T. for being chosen to receive a FREE September Senior photo session!! Last month 2010 Seniors were invited to participate in the “I want a FREE Senior session REALLY bad!” contest.   Participants were required to either submit a brief essay explaining why they wanted the free session the most or submit a photo showing their desperate need for  a free session.  Lots of wonderful and deserving entries were submitted.  THANK YOU to all who took the time to enter.  I wish I could choose you all!

Here is a brief snippet from Ashey’s wonderful essay:

From the age of 6, I was dreaming of gold! I excelled in the sport and landed myself on the United States Gymnastics Associations Junior Olympic team. At the age of 10, I was training year round 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week. It was as much of a commitment to my parents as it was for me. My Mom always had to prepare ahead so I had home cooked food cuz it was a 50 minute drive to the gym. Therefore during school I ate dinner on the way and Mom had another one packed for me to micro at the gym for the drive home after a long practice. Also they made their work schedules around mine. Then we of course have to throw in the gymnastics meets too. Some even took us out of state. Not to mention the cost!
Then my dreams of gold were shattered when I was 12. I tore muscle down the right side of my body …
The choice is no longer mine. My parents and my body will no longer allow me to do gymnastics. My goals and purpose in life was gone. From my point of view that is. I started with a short temper and a bad attitude. Then my almost always A’s turned into not all A’s! I missed the gym so bad that I was so angry. Of course I took my frustrations out my parents. I wasn’t the sweet, happy, respectful or grateful kid anymore. I felt like my life stopped.
After 3 years of torture to myself and my parents, I had a breakdown that turned into a breakthrough. I tried 1 day of track practice and barely made it to the car once I looked at my Mom. My parents took me straight to my old gym to see my old gymnastics coach. We made the proven fact that gymnastics is in my blood. So I started coaching. I figured if I can’t do it, at least I can teach it. Then I will add some strengthening and conditioning to myself! Then I added walking that beam again. Then swinging a little on the bars, and you can get the idea of what’s next!
So here I am at the age of 16. I competed last season for the first time in almost 5 years. I did awesome! I missed going to States by only 3tenths of a point. I am carefully training now so my last Senior year, well all I can say is you should come to the VHS gymnastics meets to see!
As far as the rest of the other changes that happened to me, I’m back to that great kid that I once was!   I am entering this into your drawing for the September session give away because I have given my parents a” run for their money”!

Way to go, Ashley!