L. Severson Portrait Art

Our New Blog

This blog has been replaced by the new and improved L. Severson Portrait Art blog.  Please visit our new blog by clicking here. Thanks!

Pick-up Hours, Week of March 1st:/Indianapolis Photographer Baby Seniors Families

If you have received an email or call from us letting you know your portraits are ready - stop by during any of our pickup hours this week:

PLEASE NOTE: Please check the blog, in case of inclement weather these hours are subject to change.  Thanks.

Monday               Mar.1st                            9am-2pm

Tuesday               Mar. 2nd                      10:30am-1:30pm

Wednesday           Mar.3rd                         4:30pm-7pm

Thursday              Mar.4th                         10:30am-3pm

Friday                 Mar. 5th                           None

 

 

Photography 101 Class

New for 2010 - Leah will be teaching classes on how to take better pictures.

The class is designed for people who own digital slr cameras and would like to learn how to take the camera off "automatic" mode and start using some of the manual functions that can make an ordinary snapshot look extraordinary. Specifically, we will be focusing on photographing people.

Topics covered will include lighting, composition and the basics of manual camera functions.

The first class will be held on Thursday, February 25th at 7pm at the studio. Enrollment will be limited to 20 people. For this inaugural class, the fee will be $25. For more information, or to reserve your spot, call the studio at 867-3723.

One day sale today! Double your money gift certificates!

 

We're having a one-day only Gift Certificate Sale at L. Severson Portrait Art.

Call the studio on  Tuesday, December 15th, and buy a gift certificate, and we'll

double the amount you purchase.

 

For example, buy a $25 gift certificate, we'll send you a $50 gift certificate.

Buy a $100 gift certificate, and we'll send you a $200 gift certificate.

Neat, huh!

 

Here's the fine print:  Limit one gift certificate use per family, but you may

purchase multiple gift certificates to give as gifts.  This certificate may not

be combined with any other discounted offer or special, which includes all

Bebe Collection Sessions.  Gift certificate expires May 1st, 2010.  Maximum

value of gift certificates is $200.

 

Again, this is a one-day only sale.  Call the studio between 9am and 5pm on

Tuesday, December 15th to participate.

 

Thank you!

To everyone who came out and had their little costumed cutie's picture taken, THANKS!

We collected a lot of food for the local food pantry, and had a ton of fun.

In this economic climate the need has never been greater, so we thank you for your contributions!

Halloween Foodraiser

Many have been asking - and yes, we are doing our annual Halloween Foodraiser this year. It will be on Friday, October 30th from 9am-1:30pm. Bring your little cutie pie - dressed in costume - and 12 non-perishable food items for the food bank, and you'll get a free 5x7 of your costumed-cutie. No appointments necessary, just come on in!  Child must be in costume.  Portraits will be of individual subjects only.  Hope to see you there!

School Portrait Special!

It's school portrait time again!
Don't settle for generic pictures.
For about the same price you can have an L. Severson Portrait!

Here are the details:
No appointment is necessary, it’s first-come, first-served.
Child to be photographed must be enrolled in grades K-12, or
home schooled with a minimum age of 5.

Dates:
Monday, August 24th, 3pm-6pm
Thursday, August 27th, 3pm-6pm
Saturday, August 29th, 10:30am-1:30pm
Monday, August 31st, 3pm-6pm

faqs:
Do I need to make an appointment? 
No.  Sessions are available on a first-come,  first-served basis.  No appointments will be taken.

Do I have to pay a session fee?
 No, there is no session fee.  You will pay $30 at the time of your session, and that entire amount will go towards the purchase of your portraits.

How many images will we have to select from?
 Each student will have at least 3 poses to view in their online gallery.

How long does the session last? 
These are mini-sessions, and you can expect them to take about 5 minutes per student.

Are there any age restrictions? 
Yes.  Your child must be enrolled in grades K-12 or homeschooled and at least 5 years old.

How will I view my images? 
Your images will be available in an online gallery.  You will be able to view and select your images from the comfort of your home.  You’ll also be able
to share this gallery with family and friends, so they can purchase their own portraits if
they wish.

I would like to have my children photographed together, is this possible? 
Sorry, these sessions are for individuals only.

May I choose different poses within a package?
Each package is one pose only.  However, you may buy multiple packages to get multiple poses, or you may buy a package and then buy additional poses from the ala carte portrait pricing.

Directions to the studio: 
Take US 31 to State Road 32.  Go west on SR 32 for less than
one mile and you’ll see the Post Office on the left.  Turn left here.  At the end of the road,
turn right.  Your next left is Tiller Court.  We are the last building on the right.  It is a “U” shaped
building.  We are at the bottom of the “U.”  We have a 5’ baby in the window.

Special Pricing:

Package A  $95
3-8x10s
4-5x7s
4-4x5s
40 wallets

Package B  $75
3-8x10s
4-5x7s
32 wallets

Package C  $60
2-8x10s
2-5x7s
4-4x5s
24 wallets

Package D  $40
1-8x10
2-5x7s
16 wallets

Package E  $30
2-5x7s
8 wallets

Ala Carte Portraits
Available ONLY AFTER Package purchase
8x10        $20
5x7          $15
8 wallets   $15

Happy Independence Day!

We hope everyone has a safe and fun Independence Day Weekend!We also hope everyone would take a little time and remember why we celebrate, and the countless sacrifices, and wisdom imparted by our founding fathers so we can live in freedom!

No matter what, we are thankful to live in the greatest country in the world.

May God continue to bless America!

In CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America

hen in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. — Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. 

The Baby Squad

Hello everyone.  I love to share information about local businesses with all my blog followers, and this one is near and dear to my heart.  The Baby Squad provides innovative services from pediatric nurses practitioners and other professionals who are dedicated to the care and safety of your child by offering prenatal parenting education, infant/child CPR training, pediatric first aid instruction, childproofing services and special interest seminars. Classes are offered in your home, workplace, preschool, synagogue or church, and at Clarian North Medical Center. You can visit their website for the more information - www.thebabysquad.com

Emily

Click here to see Emily's Video

Meagan

Meagan's Video

Angela

Angela's Video

Game Off

Okay, so it's been a month or two since I made the "Catch me if you can" deal.  For those who don't know, I agreed to blog every day Monday through Friday, and the first person to catch me not blogging on one of those days wins a $50 L. Severson Portrait Art credit.

Well, I have to admit that it has been much more difficult than I thought it would be, and so I'm going to have to end this promotion.  I still intend to blog frequently during the week.   I just can't keep up with the 5 days a week.  Thanks, though, to all of you who kept an eye on me.  :)

First Communion Portraits

We have scheduled the dates for our First Communion Portrait Sessions.  They are:
Monday, April 13th, 3pm-6pm
Wednesday, April 15th, 3pm-6pm
Saturday, April 18th, 10am-noon
Tuesday, April 21st, 3pm-6pm
Thursday, April 23rd, 3pm-6pm.

We are offering these sessions with no session fees, and specially priced portrait collections starting at $25.  No appointment is necessary.  Just come in during the times listed above.  Also, remember to bring a Bible and/or Rosary to include in your portraits. 

Questions?   Call the studio, 867-3723.

First Communion Portraits

Had a few of my little friends come in recently to "model" for our First Communion Special.  Enjoy!

Spring Break!

While in South Florida, we stopped by the Everglades to see the sights.  Discovered a friend behind us while the girls were taking our picture! Leah was not impressed.

Happy Birthday|Indianapolis Baby Photographer

We're back

Our first family vacation to the ocean was a success!  We visited sunny Ft. Lauderdale.  Emma enjoyed the ocean.  Lindsay preferred the hotel pool.  Mom and Dad were happy that they're both old enough to apply their own sunscreen. 

Studio Closed

The Studio will be closed for Spring Break until Wednesday, April 8th.  Happy Spring!!
Todd & Leah

Inspired Verses Sale

Get a discount on Inspired Verses, with a special code.  Now through April 25th, shop at www.InspiredVerses.com.  When you're ready to check out, use the promotional code "heroes" to get $5 off every canvas you order.

Worms!!

No not the kind that come out of the ground after a nice spring rain. We are talking computer virus.
In case you haven't heard there is supposedly a worm set to strike tomorrow, April 1st. You may or may not have this worm in your computer already!
The Dept. of Homeland Security has released some info on protecting your computer.
Go to: Dept. of Homeland Security  for more information.

Lindsey/Baby Photography Indianapolis, Carmel, Westfield, Zionsville, Noblesville Fishers

Sweet baby Lindsey.  She recently moved to California, but not before one more portrait session. 

First Communion Portraits

Okay, so I'm almost settled on the dates for our First Communion Special.  I'll have them locked in for sure by tomorrow.  So many have called, and so it's at the top of my list of things to do tomorrow.  So check back here and I'll have the dates list.  In the meantime, enjoy these little cuties from last year.

Watching them grow/Indianapolis Baby Photographer

Love love love to watch them grow.  Here's Miss Ella, then and now.

Busted...again./Indianapolis Baby Photographer

Congratulations Karen Madzelen.  She caught me failing to update my blog yesterday.  Karen gets a $50 gift card from L. Severson Portrait Art.  By the way, if you see Todd, please don't tell him I forgot to write on the blog again.  It'll be our little secret.  :)

Luke has enough blood!

We have been informed today that Luke has enough blood! (see the post below)
However, it is always a good idea to donate blood whenever you can.
There is always a need.

Blood Donors Needed Soon

Hello everyone.  The letter below went out to all members of the Westfield Moms Club.  There's a little boy who needs surgery, and needs blood donors who are B+.  I know this post is a little long, but it's so important that I hope you will take a few minutes to read it, and help if you can.  Thanks!

Hi All
Our son Luke has recently been diagnosed with increased intra cranial pressure due to premature closing of the sutures in his skull. What that means is that the sutures in his skull that should have closed around the time he turned 3, actually closed shortly after birth. 99% of the time this is diagnosed before the age of 1 and the surgery to correct the problem is pretty simple. Since Luke is now 2 1/2, the surgery is very long and will involve breaking up his skull into several pieces, reshaping those pieces and putting them back together in a different format which will allow the brain to grow and expand normally.

The biggest risk with this surgery is blood loss. Luke will lose the better part of his blood supply during the lengthy operation. For that reason, we are looking for people to donate blood for Luke for his surgery. Luke has B positive blood which is one of the rarer types. The blood bank has already informed us that they rarely have B positive on their shelves and they will definitely not have the 6 units available that we will need on the day of surgery.

We will need 6 units of blood on the day of Luke's surgery. Since each B positive person only has a 34% chance of matching the antibodies in Luke's blood, we are looking for about 18 people to donate in order to have enough blood on hand for his operation.

If you are B positive and are interested in being a donor for Luke, you just need to call the Indiana Blood Bank (they have offices throughout the state of Indiana) at 1-800-632-4722 and press option #2. Then inform the person that you speak with that you are interested in being a designated donor for Lukas Michalak who is having surgery at Riley Hospital on April 29th. They will arrange for you to go to the blood bank collection center that is closest to you for the blood donation. If you do not know your blood type, you can still call and set up a time to donate. If it turns out that you are not B positive, you will still be helping some other patient in need. The donation can be made at any time prior to April 14th. Any blood received after April 14th would not be processed in time for Luke's surgery.

Please feel free to forward this message on to anyone you know who may be willing to help. We need such a large number of donors that we are looking everywhere for help. Thanks in advance to all of you. We are so grateful for your friendship and for your support.

The Michalak's;
Mike, Suzy, Madi and Luke

Happy Weekend! Indianapolis Portrait Photographer

Leah has convinced me to contribute to this wonderful piece of web space. And I was thinking, you know, not all posts have to be about something. So this one's just wishing everyone reading this a Happy Weekend!
Enjoy the fine spring weather (I know I will be seen at a local golf establishment on Saturday), go outside, have a cocktail, read a book, whatever makes you happy. Enjoy!

Westfield Mom's Club Cinderella Project /Indianapolis Senior Portrait Photographer

Westfield Mom's Club needs community support for their Cinderella Story project.  The Cinderella project provides prom dresses, shoes, dinner and tickets to the prom for girls who otherwise couldn't afford to go. They will be getting 10% of the profits for everyone that has a coupon and dines at Chili's on March 24th. The offer is good for carryout orders too.  If you would like to participate, just download the coupon with the link below, and pass them out to your friends if you want! (it's a PDF file)  Thanks for your support!

Download Coupon Chili's Cinderella Project

Westfield High School Student Athletes of the Month/Indianapolis Senior Portrait Photographer

Congratulations to Sam Carnes and Rachel Evans for being selected Westfield High School's Student Athletes for the month of March.

Senior Portraits/Indianapolis, Noblesville, Westfield, Carmel, Zionsville, Fishers

It was a pleasure photographing Meagan's Senior Portraits.  Such a cutie - and such a great personality!  So glad I had the opportunity!

Quick shout out to the Northern Iowa Panthers!

Two famous alums, Todd Severson and Kurt Warner are happy today.

Northern Iowa won the Missouri Valley Conference regular season title AND the conference tourney to gain an NCAA Men's Basketball Tourney bid.
That's 4 of the last 6 years in the NCAA Tourney for the Panthers! (that is more NCAA appearences in 6 years than the Iowa has had in 10 years! How's that taste Hawkeye fan!)
Anyway, if you see me running around with purple and gold on, remember it's March Madness time!

Go Panthers!

Newborn babies.../Baby Portraits, Indianapolis, Carmel, Westfield, Noblesville, Zionsville, Fishers

There's just nothing sweeter.  Wouldn't you agree?

Website Meltdown/Family Portraits, Indianapolis, Carmel, Westfield, Noblesville, Zionsville, Fishers

I'm happy to report that after several days of difficulty with our website, it is back up and running smoothly.  Let me take this little moment to say "GoDaddy.com stinks!!!" 

Whew - that felt good!!!  Glad to get it off my chest.

Anyhoo, many of the images that have been posted on the website in the last several months are no longer there.  And we're sorry about that.  They were lost in the transfer to our new webhost.

We also wanted to let you know that most of our emails over the last week or so have not been getting to us.  So if you emailed us, and we have not responded, please don't think we're ignoring you.  Chances are we didn't get it.  So just send it again, or give us a call.  867-3723.

Thanks for your patience!
Todd & Leah

Sydney/Baby Portraits, Indianapolis, Carmel, Westfield, Noblesville, Zionsville, Fishers

It's been fun watching Sydney grow up!  We've been photographing her since she was an infant.  She stopped by the studio recently for her two year old portrait session, and she has developed quite the personality!  With her adorable hat, and her painted toes, she was quite the fashionista.  I certainly enjoyed our time together!

Facebook, Friends & Fun night/Business Portraits, Indianapolis, Carmel, Westfield, Noblesville, Zionsville, Fishers

Just a reminder...This Thursday, March 5th, is Facebook, Friends and Fun night at the studio.

Stop by anytime between 5pm-8pm, and I'll take a free portrait for you to use as your profile pic on Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.

It's free. All you have to do is visit our Facebook Fan Page and join.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Westfield-IN/L-Severson-Portrait-Art/47336327770?ref=ts

Hope to see you Thursday. Our studio address is:

17408 Tiller Ct., Suite 100
Westfield 46074

Thanks!
Leah & Todd

Our website is acting crazy! Baby Portraits, Indianapolis, Carmel, Westfield, Noblesville, Zionsville, Fishers

We apologize, but our website crashed this weekend.  We are currently working to solve the problem and hope to be up and running soon! (hopefully by Tuesday).  In addition, our email is not getting through either.  Feel free to email leah at leah.severson@gmail.com until we get the problem fixed.

In the meantime, take a look around this blog for now. It will give you some great information.
Thanks for your patience!

Todd & Leah
L. Severson Portrait Art

317-867-3723

Paint Your Own Pottery/Children's Photographer, Indianapolis, Carmel, Westfield, Noblesville, Zionsville, Fishers

Todd, the girls and I went last weekend and painted our own pottery.  And what a fun time we had!  If you haven't tried it, you really should.

We went to The Creative Escape, which is on Rangeline Road in Carmel.  You can also create your own mosaics there, and do glass fusing - which is my next project.  Best yet, The Creative Escape is a locally-owned small business. 

They also have classes, ladies' nights, and host birthday parties.  In fact, my daughter has declared that she will be having her next party there. 

Younglife/Senior Photographer, Indianapolis, Carmel, Westfield, Noblesville, Zionsville, Fishers

I had the honor tonight of photographing youth leaders with the group Younglife.  Younglife is a youth organization that helps kids explore God in a loose, non-churchy atmosphere.  Here's a little blurb about them from their website:

"Kids' lives are dramatically impacted when caring adults come alongside them, sharing God's love with them. Because their Young Life leader believes in them, they begin to see that their lives have great worth, meaning and purpose.

This is the first step of a lifelong journey; the choices they make today, based upon God's love for them, will impact future decisions … careers chosen, marriages formed and families raised. All ripples from the time when a Young Life leader took time to reach out and enter their world."

Younglife has local chapters in Westfield, Carmel, Zionsville, Noblesville and Indianapolis.  If you want to find out more about this organization, or get you or your child involved, click here to check out their website.

First Communion Portraits/Children's Photographer, Indianapolis, Carmel, Westfield, Noblesville, Zionsville, Fishers

We're already getting the calls wanting to know if we're doing our First Communion special again this year.  And the answer is YES!

We have not settled on dates yet, but we'll keep you posted via our blog and our newsletter.  Again this year, package prices for this limited availability special will start at $25.  So keep an eye on the blog for more details, and feel free to let others know about it too.

Leona/Baby Photographer, Indianapolis, Carmel, Westfield, Noblesville, Zionsville, Fishers

Facebook, Friends & Fun Night/Business Photographer, Indianapolis, Carmel, Westfield, Noblesville, Zionsville, Fishers

Facebook...the new addiction! I love it...seeing photos I might not have otherwise seen, being able to say a quick "hi!" I''m thinking of you, and getting back in touch with people I haven't seen in years...LOVE it!

In honor of friendships, facebook and fun...we're throwing a party on Thursday, March 5th from 5 - 8 p.m.!

Come on by to say "hi!," enjoy some refreshments...and have a professional photo taken of you for your Facebook profile pic for free!  The only requirement is that you sign up on Facebook as an L. Severson Portrait Art fan and RSVP for the event.

No appointment is necessary, just stop by anytime between 5pm and 8pm. Feel free to bring your friends, but please leave your kids at home. Make sure that if you do bring your friends, they sign up on Facebook as an L. Severson Portrait Art fan too.

Double your money Gift Certificates - One Day Sale/Family Photographer, Indianapolis, Carmel, Westfield, Noblesville, Zionsville, Fishers

Still testing the waters here, wondering how many people are reading my blog.  So I've got an offer I'm listing on the blog only.

It's a one day double your money Gift Certificate sale.  Call the studio on Monday, February 23rd, and we'll let you buy any L. Severson Portrait Art Gift Certificate up to $100, and we'll double the value.  For instance, spend $50, get a $100 gift certificate.  Spend $100, and get a $200 gift certificate.  Get it?  Good!

Of course, there is a bit of fine print.  The certificate is valid for the purchase of portraits and portrait sessions only.  It must be used to purchase portraits from a new session, or reprints from a previous session.  The offer cannot be combined with any other certificate, special offer, sale, yotta yotta yotta.  Also, Bebe Collection members are not eligible.  Sorry.

If you've got a baby shower coming up anytime soon, this would make a great gift.  And what a deal! 
So call the studio on Monday, 867-3723, to take advantage. 

Free Portraits for High School Students/Senior Photographer, Indianapolis, Carmel, Westfield, Noblesville, Zionsville, Fishers

Come celebrate what makes you special.

We are having free mini-sessions for high school students in extra curricular activities.

Sports and Cheerleading: Wear your uniform or jersey and get a free mini session and a 5x7 print.

Band: Bring your instrument and get a free mini session and a 5x7 print.  Uniform is no required.

WHEN:  March 11th and 12th    2pm-6pm
             No appointment is necessary

WHERE:  L. Severson Portrait Art's NEW Studio
               17408 Tiller Ct. Suite 100
                behind the Post Office in Westfield

COST:     It's free!  But you MUST bring your uniform or instrument.

Busted...again/Family Photographer, Indianapolis, Carmel, Westfield, Noblesville, Zionsville, Fishers

So this posting everyday thing is not going so great for me.  Seems I just don't have something profound to say on a daily basis.  I'm sure that doesn't come as a shock to most.  Congrats to Stephanie Ray for catching me not posting on Monday.  She wins a $50 L. Severson Portrait Art credit.

Studio Closed/Family Photographer, Indianapolis, Carmel, Westfield, Noblesville, Zionsville, Fishers

L. Severson Portrait Art will be closed today until Friday, February 13th.
Our pickup hours on the 13th are 10-2. 
We will be unable to update our blog daily :( so our "Catch Me If You Can" deal is off until then. 
Have a great week!

Todd & Leah

Silent Auctions/Family Photographer, Indianapolis, Carmel, Westfield, Noblesville, Zionsville, Fishers

Just a reminder...We love to donate gift certificates to local charities holding silent auctions.  If you know of a silent auction, give me a call or an email and let me know.  We're happy to help!

Trivia Question Contest

Thought we'd mix things up tonight with a trivia question.  I'll take all the correct answers that come in between post time and noon tomorrow, and I'll draw one for a $50 L. Severson Gift Card.  Here's the question, from Seinfeld:

How much money did Lloyd Braun spend on gum for Jerry?

Good luck!

The perfect gift

My friend Myles came to see me this morning.  His momma knows that Todd and I are big Steeler fans, and so is Myles' family.  So he brought me a little Monday morning gift, a Steeler balloon, which he helped me hang on the front door of the studio.  Thanks, little man, you made my day!

Facebook

Ok, I missed posting on Friday, so I'm busted.  Does a 7:26 post on a Saturday morning count?

Anyhoo, if you're on Facebook, check out the L. Severson Portrait Art Fan Page!  We would love to have you as a fan and post one of your images on our page. 

And if you're not on FB yet, catch up!  Even my mom is on there!

Ok, I missed posting on Friday, so I'm busted.  Does a 7:26 post on a Saturday morning count?

Anyhoo, if you're on Facebook, check out the L. Severson Portrait Art Fan Page!  We would love to have you as a fan and post one of your images on our page. 

And if you're not on FB yet, catch up!  Even my mom is on there!