• dozens of tips and tricks from the pros for taking better photos with your mobile-phone camera
  
• a handbook of 60+ photography app reviews for iPhone and Android, so you know which are worth your time and money*
  
• dozens of project ideas for getting photos off your device and into your world
  
• interaction with 32 experienced iPhoneographers and Androidographers, and hundreds of fellow students in a private classroom and on Instagram
  
• giveaways, contests, discounts, bonus downloads, and fun fun fun!
  
  
  
  
  *Note: Many of the reviewed apps are available free in the App Store and Google Play, while the rest average about $1.99 each. App purchases are not required for participation in the class.

I am thrilled to be one of the 32 instructors for this course!  These days about 80% of the personal pictures I take of my own family are taken with my phone.  You just can’t beat the convenience and ease of always having a pocket-sized camera with you.  And I am just blown away by the image quality I get with my newly upgraded iPhone 5.  It’s definitely not the same as my DSLR, but for the ease and convenience of capturing silly kiddo moments in the grocery store, at the park, on our walk to school, I’ll trade out a little in the quality department.  I’ve captured SO much that I would have missed if I solely used my DSLR.    And here’s a little confession:  even if I do take along my DSLR, I always take a few pics with my phone, too!

So, join me for this FUN and INFORMATIVE summer class!  I promise you’ll have a blast, connect with some great people, and pick up a few life-changing tips

Be sure to register NOW while the introductory pricing is available!  Go HERE to be among the first to sign up!

And then watch this cute little promo video

Join me on May 11th for a fun, sweet mini-session.  I’m so excited to be including this brass photo necklace (with your favorite image from your session) with each mini-session booked.

Contact me TODAY to book your mini-session for May 11th.  Limited spots will fill quickly!  amy@amyshertzerphotography.com  |  424.261.2691

The Professional Photographers of America (PPA) formed a Certification Commission that developed and monitors the rigorous standards for earning your CPP.  In order become a CPP, you must pass a tough written exam as well as submit images that meet specific professional standards.  The images submitted must show work created for clients that excels in artistic and technical merit.  You can read a little more about what certification means here.

Last year, I set my goal to become a CPP.  So, I declared my candidacy and started on my journey.  Unlike my previous career field (engineering), I did not go to school or earn a degree in photography.  I am entirely self-taught.  That doesn’t mean I haven’t taken numerous classes and workshops or spent countless hours producing, processing, and finishing images in the past 4+ years.  I have a shelf full of books on photography, all dog-eared and highlighted from late night reading and studying!  What it does mean is that unlike the end of my time studying and practicing engineering, that resulted in Bachelor of Science degree, I didn’t have any sort of official paper declaring my competence in photography.  Until now.  Now, I can proudly say that I am certified.  Certified as a professional in my industry.

As one of my clients, you can have confidence and peace of mind that you are working with a professional.  The Certification Commission states that their mission is to validate a consistent standard by which professional photographers can achieve and maintain a recognizable mark of excellence.  You can count on that excellence not only in your beautiful images, but in all aspects of working with me.

Earning my CPP was a personal and professional goal of mine, but it is also a gift to my clients.  A promise that you are working with a true professional.

Fear & uncertainty be gone! Learn how to make your camera work for you & get amazing images of your own family!

Join me on Sunday, January 13 from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.  The 4-hour class covers exposure–what it is and how to control it, camera modes, finding the light, composition, and more. It’s a hands-on class, so be sure to bring your camera (with the batteries charged!). There will be plenty of time for individual questions and practice shooting. You’ll be off [Auto] in no time!

The $129 class fee includes instruction and practice shooting time along with an AWESOME 46-page workbook full of the info covered, which will be a great reference once you get home. You’ll get yummy snacks and a fab goody bag to take home and I’m going to raffle off some fun photography gear.

You won’t want to miss it! Class size is limited so don’t delay — book your spot today!

Click HERE to register!

I’ve got 2 dates and 2 locations and the 15-20 minute mini-session will result in 10-15 finished images for your consideration.  The session fee is $75 and includes a set of 25 custom-designed holiday cards.  Additional items can be ordered a la carte or through one of my special holiday mini collections.

Please note:  the November 3rd sessions will be in the morning and the November 11th sessions will be in the afternoon.

You can see the holiday card templates for this year here!  So go check ‘em out then get in touch to book your session for Nov 3rd or 11th!  amy@amyshertzerphotography.com

Most of the cards are 5″ x 7″ flat (think postcard style), full color cards, printed on a high quality press paper.  A few of the designs are die-cut (with ornamental shapes or rounded corners) and a few of the designs are 5″ x 5″ square.  All can be customized with a different color, greeting, names, etc.

As always, your 15 minute session will yield a gallery of 10-15 images to review.  You can purchase items a la carte or select one of my popular holiday collections.  Included with your $75 session fee is a set of 25 custom-designed, full-color, flat, 5×7 holiday cards.  I have some beautiful designs for this holiday season and will release them soon!

The search is on!  I’m looking for some fun, hip moms to model a fabulous line of custom, hand-made bags and purses.

Following the product photo shoot, all models will get a mini-photo shoot with their children.  You’ll get to select one 8×10 print of your choice and will have the option to purchase additional prints and products.  Each model will also receive an adorable “On the Fly” clutch wallet from FlyGirl Bags and a 50% off coupon to use in the FlyGirl Bags store for your own awesome bag.  You must be willing to sign a model release.

The first photo shoot will be in Redondo Beach on Saturday, June 9 in the early morning (7 – 10 a.m.).  The second shoot will be in El Segundo on Thursday, June 21 in the early evening (5 – 8 p.m.).  You will get a specific time slot of approximately 30 minutes during one of those timeframes.

If you would like to participate, please e-mail me at amy@amyshertzerphotography.com no later than Monday, June 5th and include the following:

1.  Name
2.  Ages and gender of children
3.  Available date/location
4.  Please attach a recent photo of yourself — doesn’t have to be fancy, a snapshot is fine.  Just need to ensure we have a variety of looks from our models (some blondes, some brunette, etc)!

Selected models will be notified on Tuesday June 6th.

Thanks!

Fear & uncertainty be gone!  Learn how to make your camera work for you & get amazing images of your own family!

The 4-hour class covers exposure–what it is and how to control it, camera modes, finding the light, composition, and more.  It’s a hands-on class, so be sure to bring your camera (with the batteries charged!).  There will be plenty of time for individual questions and practice shooting.  You’ll be off [Auto] in no time!

The $129 class fee includes instruction and practice shooting time along with an AWESOME 46-page workbook full of the info covered, which will be a great reference once you get home.  You’ll get yummy snacks and a fab goody bag to take home and I’m going to raffle off some fun photography gear.

You won’t want to miss it!  Class size is limited to 10 participants so don’t delay — book your spot today!

Click HERE to register!

He’s sure to love it!  And, if you act quickly, you can get them for 15% off.  But you have to get your order in by 9:00 p.m. PST on May 24.  You can still place an order after that, but the sale pricing will not be in effect.  All orders must be in by May 28 to guarantee delivery in time for Father’s Day on June 17th.

I’ve teamed up with Elizabeth Green at LooKs, etc Salon for a fabulous giveaway, perfect for Mom! Lots of my blog readers are moms and you know that you deserve some pampering! First, you’ll get a FREE haircut and styling with Elizabeth at the salon in downtown El Segundo. Then, while you’re looking your best, you’ll be treated to a mini-photo session with the ones you love by me, Amy Shertzer Photography! You’ll also get a $100 print credit to put towards prints so you can treasure you at your best with the ones you love best, for years to come.

Entering is easy! Just click the link below, enter your contact information and that’s it! You can also stop by the salon and fill out a paper entry with Elizabeth. All entries will be pooled and the winner will be drawn on Mother’s Day, May 13th!

Be sure to visit and “like” the Amy Shertzer Photography facebook page, too! That’s how the winner will be announced, so you’ll be the first to know! (We’ll call or e-mail the lucky lady, too!)

*Please note that only 1 entry per person is allowed. Moms, you can enter yourselves but spouses, dads, and good friends can enter, too, because the winner can gift the hairstyling/photo session/print credit to their favorite Mom!

Good luck and have fun!

(You can also CLICK HERE to enter)

Haven’t had a session with me yet?  A gift certificate for a family session is something Mom will cherish forever!  Or, join me for a mini-session to benefit Operation Smile on April 22nd.  Get all the info on my Celebration of Smiles event here — and then you’ll have a great image to put in that special piece of jewelry!

1. Trader Joe’s Swiss Dark Chocolate with whole hazelnuts.  This is, hands down, my absolute favorite chocolate.  Brimming with whole hazelnuts, they add a fantastic texture to the smooth dark chocolate.  Yum!

2.  For a little healthier snack, I discovered these apple chips at Costco a few weeks ago.   They are crispy and slightly tart, with a good dose of sweetness, too.  A fantastic swap for potato chips in size, feel, and texture.  And while they don’t have the salty zing of a good potato chip, that tart apple zing more than makes up for it.  These totally satisfy my craving for potato chips.  And my kids love them!

3.  My morning coffee.  I’m not exactly addicted to coffee, but my day is much better when I start out with a good mug.  My favorite way to make it a little more exciting is to sprinkle some cinnamon over the grounds, so as the water drips through, it picks up just a hint of cinnamon-y goodness. Cinnamon has all sorts of good things for your body, and can help reduce your blood sugar.  So I get a 1-2 punch with my little trick — a super tasty cup of joe AND some goodness for my body!

4.  Words With Friends.  I was introduced to this when my girlfriends visited a couple of weeks ago and now I’m hooked.  I hadn’t played scrabble in ages, so I had to dust some cobwebs off.  I lost every single one of my first games (I think I started about 10 or 12 the first night I played).  But I’m on my 2nd and 3rd round with some games and I’m starting to get the hang of the tricks. . . I may even win a few games this go round!  If you have an iPhone or iPad, you have to get this game.  There’s a free version (you just have to deal with a few ads) and it’s so addicting!

Ideal Blox  — This fabulous set was a gift to my kids and I should confess that I find myself playing with them just as much as they do!

Harry Belafonte –  I dare you to listen to the 30-second sample of Jump in the Line and not start bopping and singing along!  I especially love my Harry Belafonte Pandora station.  It’s perfect to put on with the kids and have a little living room dance party.  Way more enjoyable for me than traditional “kid music,” but much friendlier to their innocent ears than today’s pop music..

Appetizers! –  It’s Super Bowl weekend, and while I’m not particularly into football, I do love the commercials and an afternoon of party appetizers!  I saw this recipe for Loaded Baked Potato Dip and I can’t wait to try it.  Doesn’t it look delicious?!

Well, that’s all for today!  Have a happy Super Bowl weekend!

Get in touch ASAP to order yours!  amy@amyshertzerphotography.com  or (424) 261-2691.

1.  Jack Johnson.  He’s one of my favorite singers and I love that he’s so well loved.  I mean, I’ve never heard anyone say they don’t like him.  His To the Sea album is on constant repeat in my car, because it’s the top request of my 4-year-old.  It’s a nice change-up from the Disney songs that were in top demand last month!

2.  Satsumas.  They’re small, sweet, adorable, and delicious!  Pretty much the same as a mandarin orange or clementine, but there’s just something about them that gives them a little something extra.  I love that I can get them at our farmer’s market with the leaves still attached.  They look so delightful on my table!

3.  Toothbrushes.  Okay, I don’t mean a regular old toothbrush is one of my favorite things (although I do love when I come home from the dentist with a new one!), I love these super hero spinning kids toothbrushes.  My older son has Captain America and my younger has Spiderman.  They are awesome for two reasons:  1) my kids are excited to brush, every night (and they’ve had them a solid 3 months already) and 2) their teeth get far cleaner with these than with a traditional toothbrush.  I guess a third reason to love them is that they are pretty inexpensive, on the order of $4 each.

4.  The sound of a crashing wave.  I don’t know that I could ever grow tired of a beach sunset.  It’s such a peaceful and vibrant visual, but the crashing waves make a great audio track.  Something about the repetitive sound, with the occasional surprise of an extra loud splash. . . it’s just hard to beat!

That’s all for today, but happy weekend and happy Friday the 13th!

I can be notoriously indecisive, so picking just 1 favorite from each of my sessions was difficult.  I’m sure if I went back through them all again, I’d end up with a completely different set of favorites.   And you may notice (if you’re watching closely!) that a few sessions even have more than 1 image.  Indecision, my dear readers. . . at least I’m honest with myself!

So, now, I present to you — in no particular order — a few of my favorite things:

Happy Friday!  Have a great first weekend of 2012!

It’s not too late to order some fabulous, custom-designed holiday cards.  But you only have until December 5th!  Unless you want to wait and send New Year’s cards.  Or Valentines.  We can do that, too!  But to make sure you get them in time to send to your friends by Christmas, please get your orders to me no later than December 5th.  Press-printed cards are a great way to share your beautiful images with your friends and family, brightening up their holiday!   The 5×7 cards come in sets of 25 and are completely customizable.   Here’s just a few of the many designs available.

With all of the selections viewable here.

It’s also not too late to check off your holiday gift list with a beautiful piece of photo jewelry.  I offer a complete line of sterling silver necklaces, bracelets, rings, cuff links, and keychains.  And I’m also excited to now offer a “fashion line” of jewelry, made with fun materials like vintage copper, brass, leather, and onyx.  You get a sneak peek below, but you can view the entire catalog here.  Just like the cards, orders must be placed no later than December 5th to guarantee delivery by Christmas!

Now, onto the deals!

The perfect gift — a gift certificate to Amy Shertzer Photography good for 2012!   Now through the end of December for every $1.00 you spend, you’ll get $1.25 in value on your gift certificate.  So, if you spend $100, you’ll get a gift certificate for $125.  Spend $200, get $250.  Spend $500, get a $625 gift certificate!  You get the idea — it’s that simple!  Gift cards are available in any amount and can be applied to a session fee, prints or any product!  *Gift certificates purchased during this promotion are only for sessions that take place after January 1, 2012 and cannot be applied to past sessions.   

For my Bozeman clients, I’ll be returning for sessions at the end of July 2012 and again in the fall.  And I may have a March 2012 trip, as well.  Those with gift certificates will have first priority in booking!

My final deal for now is on fine art prints.  I have a large collection of award-winning fine art images, with subjects from the mountains to the seas and spaces in between!  A gorgeous print, canvas, standout, or float wrap can really add a lovely touch to your home.  See my entire collection of available images on my website, here.  Now through December 25th, take 25% off the purchase of any fine art image. 

In my Bozeman home, I had a gallery of images ranging from 5×7 up to 16×20 on display in our entry stairwell.  While you don’t necessarily need 15 different prints, one or two can really make a big impression!  While this offer is valid until Dec 25th, if your intention is to gift a fine art print, please contact me ASAP to ensure we’ll be able to delight your gift recipient on Christmas morning.

May your holiday season be joyous!

My old site served me well, and I hope that you’ll find my new little corner of the web just as functional, but oozing with more style.  I’d love your feedback!

And please bear with me for the next several weeks.  I wanted to be 100% perfect before I had my little ribbon-cutting ceremony, but I’m sure there might be a few hiding broken links or misspelled words.

As excited as I am to launch this new blog, I’m even more excited about the hundreds of images I have just waiting to share!  I saw 14 families and children from 2 schools during my long weekend in Bozeman at the end of October.  With absolutely astonishing fall colors, I couldn’t help but capture a few landscape images as well.  So, I’ll kick off the party with one of my favorite images from Montana. . .

. . . I invite you to stay awhile and to head back often, since this party is just getting started!

You can order a la carte or choose from a special holiday collection.  All these goodies are in addition to the 25 complimentary cards you get with your session.  You can see the 30 designs I’m offering this fall here!

If you’d prefer to do a full session (yielding more images and at time and place of your choice), please get in touch, too.  I’ve only got a limited amount of time in Bozeman and I know it will fill quickly!