Frustration

I thought I would write a blog on frustrations so that I can get it out of me. I am living outside of Philadelphia and I'm constantly finding ways to advertise my photography with friends and local venues, and I get certain people interested in hiring me but rarely does it ever follow through.....so I decided, "you know what, I'm more than a photographer" and I began making cute "shabby chic" inspired pillows and I have them for sale at a local Bucks County Boutique, and SURPRISE SURPRISE...not selling. I don't understand why. I'm not the type to quit but I'm frustrated. I'm sure with this economy many can relate because it's hard to get any business now, so my thought is to get it out there in the open and I'm going to keep the faith that things will start to turn around for the better as far as business goes....soon.

Happy Mother's Day

I am blessed to have my mother. She has always been there for me and she is one of my closest friends. We laugh together, cry together, shop together, pretty much anything and everything. I have had my moments in life where she has offered her help or assistance and I'm the stubborn daughter who says "no thanks mom, I have to do it by myself" and I don't know if I verbalize it enough but I sincerely do appreciate her help. She's the greatest woman in the world and I hope to be just like her. Happy Mama's Day Willy

I'm Starting a New Adventure...Portrait Parties!

Host a Portrait Party!
NO SESSION FEE! NO OBLIGATION!
Just FUN, FREE Gifts and Beautiful Portraits!

You’ve been to make-up parties, food parties, kitchen parties, etc….Experience the newest wave in social gatherings. Host a Portrait Party!

You can host a traditional portrait party or choose a theme:

Newborn, Teen, Couples, Cheerleaders, Playgroup, Seniors, Football, Preschool, Birthday, Scouts, Soccer, Dance, Sports, Holiday, Retirement Party, Valentine’s, Dress-Up, Make-Over (During a Mary Kay Party), Wedding, Christmas, Mother’s Day Out, Tea Party, Baseball, Halloween, Baby Shower, Easter, Outdoors, Mommy & Me, Daddy & Me, Family Focus, Pets, Graduation, Reunion, Bring a Prop, or Make Up Your Own!


WHAT’S A PORTRAIT PARTY?
Portrait Parties are a fun opportunity to have beautiful portraits of your children, other family members, friends or co-workers! There is NO SESSION FEE. The event takes place at your home, or another location of your choice, where everyone is comfortable and natural. As the hostess you will receive a complimentary portrait package and earn a discount on portraits of your own, based on your guests’ order totals.

You and each guest family will be schedules for a 15 minute photography session. In that time period, I will capture anywhere from 15-50 images of your guests. During each session, portraits of groups, individuals or a combination of both can be taken.



HOW DOES IT WORK?
1. Invite 8-12 guests
2. Fill in simple schedule of guests planning to attend
3. Party Time! I take your guests portraits!
4. I edit photos and post online galleries
5. Guests place their orders with you
6. I make ordered photos and products look beautiful
7. You deliver orders to your guests after about 2-3 weeks!

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?
• For hosting 5 or more guests, receive a $35 package of your favorite pose FREE:
o 1 8x10
o 2 5x7

• For holding the party on the original scheduled date, receive 16 FREE WALLETS
• Receive ONE FREE PORTRAIT SESSION for each guest who spends $100 or more (multiple sessions could accumulate into a nice leather bound album in the future)
• Receive a percentage of your guests’ order total in print credits
o Totals up to $300 – 5%
o Totals up to $301-$500 – 10%
o Totals $501 and up – 15%
• Four levels of FREE photos gifts with minimum order amounts!
o Including…keychains, mousepads, greeting cards
• Enjoy the company of your friends and their children all dressed up for their photo shoots
• Enjoy the beautiful photographs of your family

If you are interested in hosting a portrait party, I would love to hear from you. For more information give me a call at 717.421.4221 or via email at cdhphoto@gmail.com

Got My Machine!

I got my new sewing machine. Hip hip hooooray! I could not have been more excited to get my machine. I searched the serial number and it dates back to 1916. I love antiques! As soon as I find a new belt for the wheel, we will be up and running.

New Blog Site

Hello Dear Followers!
I have changed my blog site. It is now www.courtneyhurley.blogspot.com

Sorry for any inconveinence, I just wanted to make my website and blog the same name.

Thank you!

Back in the States

I'm back in America and let me just say God is good....Ameena!

I went to my hair dresser the other day and through a very random and odd connection she knew someone selling a sewing machine. The same exact kind that the woman at Smile taught me on. I got a great deal and purchased it! I'm so excited, its dated back to 1918! I am so motivated I have so many ideas and I can't contain my excitement. I'll be able to make more quilts like the one above. I also have the possible opportunity to be in a Philly artshow so please keep your fingers crossed. I'll keep you updated on whats yet to come. God Bless

Softner

Today we woke up at 6am because we had to load up the van and begin our journey to Kampala. Once we arrived we got some lunch and then hung out at the Matoke Guest house. I was so sleepy I went into the room and laid down. My face hit the sheets and I smelled laundry softner! I forgot how much I loved that smell. As soon as I smelled that I felt like I was at home and I was out. Mmmmmm can't wait for good laundry soap and softner. God bless who ever invented it, I miss it lol