I've been MIA

My most sincere apology . . . we've been very busy as elves at the studio so my blogging has taken a back seat. It's been a great holiday season for us and we are very appreciative of the clients that have placed their trust in us to create images with them they will enjoy and share with family and friends. My 'merry' is getting merrier!

Webinar Contest Winner

The winner from Tuesday's webinar contest is Richard Stahlberg. The assignment was to send us an image in 'pink' in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month within 24 hours of the webinar. We had some really creative entries but this got all of our votes. He will receive a FREE program DVD Kit from the webinar :)
Here's a quote from Richard . . . 'I enjoyed your webinar on Maternity Marketing yesterday. I have attached a 'pink' photo I took this morning. I lost my brother about three years ago to cancer. I took this opportunity to honor him'. Thanks for sending and sharing Richard!

Our cool new background

Here are some images from a background we had painted for us by David Maheu . . . absolutely delicious!!!!! The Noren children are always such a pleasure to work with and we appreciate Suzy for her patience while shopping for brown clothing . . . who would have thought it could be so tough to find brown in the winter. But wait, it's not really winter yet here in sunny AZ!

My name is Gabriela Garibay, I am a full time student in Sacramento State University and I was diagnosed with cancer on May of 2008. I consider this the best experience of my life because it changed my life and the person who I am in a way I did not expect it.
It was unexpected and I had always been a very healthy person so I never thought I could have cancer.

It all started with a knee pain, that went on for nearly a year and even though I went to the emergency room many times there was no further testing because I didn’t have health insurance. Then I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, which seemed weird because it was only my left knee that was swollen and in pain. I followed the treatment as it was prescribed because I could not stand the pain anymore and other aspects of my life were being affected too. However, the pain did not stop and I went to the emergency room looking for more answers.Once again I was sent home and told that they could not help me I just had to deal with the symptoms of arthritis.

To my luck, a doctor called me the next day and said he wanted me to get an MRI done because he saw something abnormal in my bone. I went that same day after school and I can truly say it is a date I will never forget. I had the MRI done and I was admitted to the hospital immediately, after a week and four biopsies I was sent home without knowing exactly what I had. I knew it could be cancer but I was just hoping for better results since it was unsure. Then I was referred to another doctor and had 3 more biopsies done. Finally, I was diagnosed with a cancer called lymphoma and the chaos in my family begun. I could not stand to see the pain in my parent’s eyes, just thinking of it brings tears to my eyes. I have learned so much about myself and to really appreciate what I have because in a blink of an eye everything you have can disappear.


I take this experience has Gods way of letting me know I needed to be closer to him. For some reason every time something bad happens to us humans we turn to God for help and I was not the exception. I put my life in God’s hands and whatever he decides is best for me, I respect. However, I learned to enjoy every single day of life and to always help others because you never know when you will need the help. Ever since day one that I was admitted to the hospital the first time, I was astonished by all the love and support I received from people I did not even expected. I could not help to feel like crying once I realize how many people cared about me, I was receiving calls even from Mexico from so many persons, and it was a thriller for me. It is just amazing because until this day I receive many calls from people who want to know how I’m progressing, people praying for me, sending me food and donations. It so hard to explain how I feel and how this has had affected me.


I do not believe in self pity because it only brings you down, I believe in fighting with everything you have and not being a victim. As I was going through chemotherapy, there were times I could not help to feel weak mentally but I had to keep strong because a big part of fighting any type of disease as a lot to do with your mind.


Today I am a survivor and I am afraid that the cancer will come back some day however I learned to enjoy every day like it was the lost one we had. I want to study speech pathology because I have always liked to be around children and I want to help children. But when I undergone chemotherapy and I saw so many kids in the clinic that were also receiving it, my wish to do something for children grew. It broke my heart to see these babies experiencing chemotherapy and that motivated me to avoid feeling sick even if I did feel very sick. I wish I had the cure for cancer and could give it to all those who are ill but since I cannot I keep them in my prayers. I am going to graduate and help others in any way I can just like so many people has helped me. I thank God for choosing me and no other member of my family to go through this because I do not know if I could resist seeing any of my love ones go through all the side effects and symptoms of cancer and the chemotherapy treatment.


I have always love taking pictures and to me being bald was awesome because I always wanted a picture of myself bald headed. It made me value every part of my body and be proud of whom I am and all the obstacles I have overcome. I would love to win this contest but what I want to do the most is spread cancer awareness and motivate those fighting against cancer.


Please post a comment, email me at jamie@imagesbykay.com or call the studio at 602-393-9333 to cast your vote starting November 1st!

Meet Debbie H . . .

Hello, my name is Debbie and on Dec.5, 2005 my life changed in an instant. I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Breast Cancer – HER2. I endured 2 months of chemotherapy, followed by a double mastectomy, radical on the right side along with an axillary node dissection. Then I had another 2 months of chemotherapy followed by 33 radiation treatments. After that I received weekly Herceptin IV therapy treatments for a full year, which unfortunately did not stop the spread of the cancer. By August of 2007 the cancer had spread from the lymph nodes to my bones. The cancer is now considered Stage 4. It is now in my right rib, right ischuim area and left hip. I am on daily oral chemo for the rest of my life. My life expectancy is two to two and a half years as of August 2007. For me, these statistics are only numbers. I will defy these odds! I will never surrender to this cancer!

I didn’t share my story with you for sympathy, but to encourage you to live your life to the fullest! You see, I’m 45 yrs. old and I didn’t really start living my life until Dec. 5, 2005. I believe all bad things happen for a reason. My cancer has been the greatest gift in my life. It has taught me many life lessons and I have truly learned what is really important in life. So, this experience my friend is a rare, beautiful and priceless gift to cherish with all my heart.

I have created Warrior Princess Wear, LLC. with much love, compassion and inspiration. I hope you will find a design that speaks to your heart. May my inspirational wear inspire you in your life. I ask you to do a monthly self breast exam. It is easy and only takes a few minutes.
Also please go for your yearly mammograms. Take care of yourself and always listen to that
little voice inside of you. Your intuition is always right and only you know your body.

Part of the proceeds from your purchase will go to Bosom Buddies, a non-profit organization of caring volunteers who have personal experience dealing with the trauma and challenges of breast cancer. Their mission is to provide support through the sharing of common experiences and knowledge. Their goal is to assure women that they are not alone in their journey through breast cancer. Bosom Buddies is near and dear to my heart. They have done a lot for me and this is my way of giving back to them. Thank you for helping make a difference in the lives of others.

Please post a comment, email me at jamie@imagesbykay.com or call the studio at 602-393-9333 to cast your vote starting November 1st!

Meet Erica S . . .

I like to think of myself as a particularly bright inspiration for cancer survivors as I am a performer of Middle Eastern style dance - or better known as a belly dancer. How about that - a breast cancer survivor belly dancer!

My name is Erica, I'm 51 years old and found a lump in my right breast in April 1999. My sons were young and my family was in shock, were frightened and felt helpless to do anything other than be supportive. After a lumpectomy, chemotherapy and radiation, I recovered.

Over three years ago I experienced an accident after passing out from a new medication and had to have three plates repair the broken bones in my face. Two years ago I had to have 12 months of Interferon treatment. I am quite happy to say I have been cancer free for over 10 years. I can't say cancer changed my life overnight, but what it did do was make me aware of the food my family ate, our exercise, our environment. I started buying and cooking organic, hormone free fresh foods, meat, dairy and poultry. I made sure we recycled and used chemical free household products and I realized most importantly, life is short! Live in the day, stop whining, get out and do something good for yourself and others!

If you have ever seen or experienced something amazing when you were younger that you've never forgotten you will understand when I tell you that as a teenager I fell in love with belly dancing the first time I saw a troupe perform. What those women did with their bodies was so beautiful and mesmerizing, no matter the age or size of the dancer. Through their music and dance, these women touched my soul as a young girl. Now, as an adult and all my medical issues, I truly needed to feel good about myself, my body and my face. Since my children were now grown, there was time for me to study belly dance! I have embraced the beauty of the feminine and celebrate all women who put it out there!

I work full time at my regular job and dance almost every evening, either in practice, teaching or performing. Dance has taught me to love myself, accept myself, love my sisters and best of all, to share the joy. I would love for all women to accept and love themselves.

Life is short - dance!

Please post a comment, email me at jamie@imagesbykay.com or call the studio at 602-393-9333 to cast your vote starting November 1st!

Meet Kathy Z . . .

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1987 at age 43, I was angry and frightened. My husband, daughter and son cried together when I told them, but I decided that a positive attitude was the only way to cope. I had spent most of my life traveling all over the country as an Air Force wife and mother, but it was time for a new direction and challenge, so I applied to law school and was accepted.

I was still receiving chemotherapy during my first semester and wound up hospitalized with a blood infection just prior to my exams, but I managed to get through that difficult year and graduate with honors.
As well as working as a healthcare attorney, I became active in the National Breast Cancer Coalition. I have been an advocate to increase funding for breast cancer research and worked to pass legislation on prohibiting genetic discrimination.

This summer I celebrated 22 years cancer free. Although I am retired now, I am still working to help those who have been newly diagnosed through my role as President of Bosom Buddies, a Phoenix area group of caring volunteers. We provide support groups, a hotline and education for members. We travel to Washington every May to keep fighting for a cure for breast cancer so that my daughter and granddaughter will be safe.

Please post a comment, email me at jamie@imagesbykay.com or call the studio at 602-393-9333 to cast your vote starting November 1st!

Breast Cancer Awareness Contest . . .

Since our contest says to send in stories starting the 15th I didn’t expect to come in this morning to some of the most amazing stories I have ever heard from such strong, empowered women! It makes me feel so lucky to be a part of this! It is definitely moving to see how willing these women are to share their stories, so please take the time to read through them and cast your vote starting on November 1st. Each story is magnificent in its very own way! These women are all winners, which is why I am so happy that I don’t have to choose!

Cast your vote by commenting on the blog post, sending me an email at jamie@imagesbykay.com or calling to studio at 602-393-9333

Contest in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As part of our quest to support women’s issues, Images by Kay & Co. Photography is excited to announce our complimentary, first Annual Breast Cancer Survivors’ CelebrateSexy Photo Session Contest.

Having any kind of cancer is frightening and confusing; but breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among U.S. Women.

Research shows us that the impact of breast cancer can be minimized with accurate information. As an all female team we are committed to supporting this cause and proud to be providing Arizona women a place to be photographed in a way that builds confidence about their bodies once again. The pampering that occurs during a CelebrateSexy photo session helps ease feelings of vulnerability. After surviving such a serious health challenge, women sometimes feel betrayed by their bodies. The final photographs help to bridge that gap, building peace and self-assurance. These stunning images provide the final proof: No longer a patient, you survived. And you are stronger and more beautiful than ever.

Images by Kay & Co. Photography will hold a contest during the last two weeks of October for cancer survivors. If you or any woman you know has been affected by cancer, please consider entering our contest to win a FREE CelebrateSexy Diva Photography Package. Entering the contest is easy, simply send us your survival story along with one or two photos of you and we will post the entries on our blog. Then you, the readers, will choose the contest winner based on the person receiving the most number of votes. The winner will receive a Designer Diva Package and will be treated to professional hair styling and makeup application during her CelebrateSexy session. The images in her album will be a wonderful reminder and celebration of her beauty.

Anyone with a cancer survival story is a true winner - all finalists will receive a gift certificate toward a CelebrateSexy photography session. In addition, Images by Kay & Co. will contribute a portion of each CelebrateSexy session in October towards breast cancer research. Please join us in our support of breast cancer research by donating to this important cause.

To enter the contest:
This contest is for any woman who has survived cancer in any form.
Please email your story to jamie@imagesbykay.com with the subject line: SURVIVOR CONTEST. Send a picture of yourself and any other photos you would like to share.
Your first name and images will be posted on our CelebrateSexy and Images by Kay & Co. Blog for our readers to view and vote on.
Feel free to nominate a deserving friend - just please ask their permission first and send us their contact information so that we can get their confirmation.
We will be accepting entries until October 31, 2009.
Viewers can cast their votes through November 14th and the winner will be announced on November 15th.
Good luck and we look forward to hearing your amazing stories!

Check out our CelebrateSexy website: http://www.celebratesexy.com/

life is strange . . .

I found the salt shaker in the refrigerator this morning . . . either I'm sleep-eating or the cat is messing with my head again . . .

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!

Last night's webinar through Marathon Press was a blast! I had a great group to present my program 'Designing a Profitable Projection Room - WOW on a Budget' to. Great interaction during question and answer at the end! I had some fun with them and ran two contests during the program. The first person to send in a picture of themselves in their pajamas won 10 FREE frame presentation bags from Rice Studio Supply (thanks Scott!!!) and that goes to Treacy Mize!!! And the other contest was for who wore the craziest hat and they would receive the program DVD FREE! And the winner is . . . . drum roll please. . . Richard Stahlberg! Check out the images from these creative and whacky 'webbies' . Can't wait for the next one on the 28th . . . wonder what contest I can come up with?

An upcoming Marathon Press Webinar . . .

October 7th - in the convenience of your own home . . .
WOW on a Budget - Designing a Profitable Projection Room
with Kay Eskridge

Your presentation or projection room may be the last area your clients spend time in but it is the most important when it comes to not only securing but increasing your sales opportunities. This is why creating a balance of client comfort while showcasing your creative image purchasing options is critical. This webinar will teach you how you can create this type of experience on any budget.

You'll learn:
•Layout options to maximize your space and your clients comfort
•How to enhance your room with furniture, fixtures and decorator items
•What to display on your walls to make your client want to "buy bigger"
•What ad-on sales items will make your clients want to "buy more"
•What equipment and software programs are a must for success
•How to display framing options and some secrets on how to sell them
•How to build a screen display so your presentations WOW your clients

Hope to see you online . . . here's the link to register:

http://tiny.cc/hclgF

Some fun pix from WPPI Roadshow

Not much explaination needed . . . the trip to Texas for the WPPI Road Show was a success and a whole lot of FUN! It was really awesome to see how many 'new' photographers were in attendance as they are exposing (pun intended!) themselves to education, motivation and inspiration to learn, grow and succeed!

Back at the airpport . . .

Here I am again . . . at the airport getting ready to head to Texas. Two trips to Texas in one week - crazy. I should have just stayed - those Texas photographers are awesome! I'm super excited to be a part of the WPPI Road Trip and thrilled to give my program tomorrow morning. They're expecting 200+ so it'll be a good group to speak to. The program is a mix of business and marketing with some humor thrown in along the way. Jamie did a great job at the studio to help get me ready - muchas gracias!!! Even though I'm not looking forward to the flight - I hate to fly - I am looking forward to seeing some familiar faces . . . yee haw!

SWPPA Convention

Just got back from a great trip to Texas for their state photography convention. As one of the AZPPA Southwest Region Representatives it is my job to attend the yearly convention and let me just say . . . those Texans know how to do it right! What fun! I always love meeting new people and when they are photographers it's an added bonus. It was also fun to reconnect with old friends and see faces I haven't seen in a while. My term as the SWPPA Rep. is for 5 years and I'm looking forward to every single one of them. Here are just a couple of pix of some of my friends - Julie Klaasmeyer, Elizabeth Homan, and Rachel Glyda, Dale Holladay and his wife Janice (he is the other Rep.) with the President of the SWPPA (Don Dixon) from the night of the banquest. And I had to include one of me performing one of my favorite party tricks :)

New Cutie Patooties

Oh my gosh . . . we had such fun 'playing' with Little Emma and Payton during their session this week. Payton was such a happy little munchkin and had us cracking up with her 'big girl' smiles. And when Aunt Kay accidentally stepped on her finger she hung in there like a trouper. I have no idea how I managed to trip myself - thank goodness I was barefoot! And even though little Emma had a double ear infection she gave us as much as she could and then some. A great big 'thank you' to Jody for bringing such lovely, sweet and fun cutie patooties into the studio. Your holiday cards are going to ROCK!
Jody brought in some really cute clothes she found at UrbanKidz (http://www.urbankidzwear.com/) and when added to the tutu's we had here . . . whalah . . . instant cuteness.
If you haven't had the chance to visit Jody's store, Vintage Villas (http://www.vintagevillashome.com/) in Scottsdale . . . you MUST go!! It's filled with all kinds of amazing home decor items, awesome furniture and unique gifts. She's has true talent and you'll absolutely love her energy!!
And if you're interested in sessions with tutu's we have them in just about every color . . . fun for the holidays :)

Webinar WOW

GREAT webinar tonight! A big shout out 'thank you' to all the webbies that joined me to learn, share and get fired up about a great new revenue stream to offer. Seriously - I really loved the feedback you all gave me . . . I know I'm on the right track with this! There are 4 more to go through Marathon Press who I tip my hat (or bangs) to for their continued support in education for professional photographers. wha whoooo!

FREE upcoming event

Check out this awesome upcoming Free Marketing Telesummit. The programming content is amazing and the speakers are fantastic!!! You won't want to miss it! And remember . . . it's FREE!!!! http://tiny.cc/2ApIk

Sharing some blogging info

Cool article about blogging from Firedrum Marketing
http://tiny.cc/gUCBm

Awesome Webinar Next Week

Getting super excited about next week's webinar through Marathon Press. I'll be talking about how we've been enjoying a revune stream that is both fun and profitable. To all my fellow photographers . . . check it out, you'll be happy you did. Here's the link:
http://tiny.cc/qLAZj

Kay got a new toy

Sometimes you just have to pull the plug and 'do it' . . . let's see if that holds true as I play with a new camera this weekend. Wish me luck and pray I don't drown. Yup . . . it's an underwater camera and I'll post some images once we work out the kinks.

Kay's headed to Dallas

Dallas here we come! The WPPI Road Trip is going to be amazing and I'm super thrilled to be able to present a new and exciting program. Check out the programing and information below. Texas may never be the same - yee haw!

Dallas Tour
September 28, 2009
Business & Marketing Lighting & Posing Portrait Workflow

Learn * Grow * Succeed
Kay Eskridge
Running a successful portrait studio requires innovation, adaptability and the drive to not only grow, but to succeed. Kay Eskridge has discovered the necessary steps to developing new programs within her portrait studio and is ready to share them all with you! You’ll learn about the programs Kay runs throughout the year to keep her clients coming back for more, how to reach new clients through partnership marketing programs and a few secret tips about customer care that will set you apart from your competition. Plus, she’ll show you a few tricks on how to market your programs for free by embracing the Internet and connecting with this new generation of social networkers. Get ready to be educated, entertained and empowered!

High Fashion, High Glamour Weddings with a Little Flow
Doug Gordon
Change the way you think and change your world forever. If you love speakers who are motivational and funny, come to this class—because, after all, people learn best when they are laughing; because they need a motivational message; because they need to have fun while they learn. Learn how to take immediate action and create momentum toward becoming the photographer you want to be as we pose, light and shoot every scenario possible. Learn how to make the ordinary extraordinary as he shoots and explains a wide variety of poses before your eyes. See how to work with limited time to create fashionable, glamorous photos at every wedding, optimize your workflow and make the most of your time.

Creating WOW in Any Market
Lori Nordstrom
You CAN have a successful studio—even in what the media has called “hard economic times.” Find out how Lori has profited in a tiny mid-western town of 5500. What does it take to create a successful studio in these times? She will share with you the steps to make your own portrait studio happy, busy, balanced and profitable.

Top 10 Workflow Tips
Eddie Tapp
Improve your style in Photoshop! Redefine your final image creations. Get motivated by a host of specialized Photoshop techniques that include blending, masking, channel and layer techniques, as well as advanced image enhancements for portrait, wedding, fine art and commercial images. Learn how easy it is to implement these techniques to achieve outstanding imaginative effects, superb print quality and break away from your normal process. Go ahead… join Eddie Tapp and create something different, impress your clients and enjoy a more productive enhancement workflow.

Registration for the Dallas WPPI Road Trip is just $149 and includes:
All Four Programs
Buffet Lunch
Mini trade show with access to huge savings
Free Registration to WPPI
(savings of $249 for members and $399 for non-members)

Date: September 28, 2009
Hours: 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Location: The CHG Cityplace
2711 N. Haskell Ave.
Suite 100, LB #34
Dallas, TX 75204

See what others are blogging about us!

This recent post was from PhotoOne (we LOVE their studio management software!)
Labor Day 2009
by Doug on September 2, 2009 • 0 comments
in Announcement, Featured PhotoOne Photographer, Fun

Here we are again, coming up on Labor Day and it’s starting to feel a little like fall in New England with temperatures dropping into the 40’s at night. With a short holiday week coming up I thought I would share with you a couple of fun, new things our clients are doing.
As I discussed in my last blog post this is a great time of year to explore new avenues and ideas for your business. Kay Eskridge is clearly ahead of the curve and has several new business enhancements up and running. Kay has run a successful portrait studio business in Phoenix, Arizona since 1986 and during that time she has created lots of energy with events like Birthdays Rock, Girls Night In, When I was one, two, three . . . and Paws for a Cause. When I spoke with her the other day she said that she has recently introduced two new websites in addition to her current site: Images by Kay.
Kay has put together a new site called Learn Grow Succeed to promote and develop opportunities for speaking engagements. Kay has often been involved in educational and motivational programming to photography associations across the country and it’s a good time in her career to reengage in something she enjoys — so Learn Grow Succeed acts as a virtual resume and aids in generating ideas. Kay will be speaking at the WPPI Road Trip in Dallas on the 28th of this month.
Kay has also decided to leverage her great studio with her new site Celebrate Sexy. Kay and her staff have created a comfortable studio environment in which to capture images of a woman’s more private personality.
Here's their link if you'd like to see more ...

http://www.photoonesoftware.com/blog/2009/09/labor-day-2009/

New Website Launches

For the past 15 years I've had the amazing opportunity to provide educational and motivational programming to photography associations across the country. I've made some great friends along the way and really enjoyed knowing that I could help other photographers succeed. I also knew that in order to focus on building the new studio I'd need to take a break from speaking. Well, now that the studio is up and running (and I couldn't be more proud of what we built!) it's time for me to recommit myself to something I have such a passion for.

In order to get the word out we developed a new website . . . kind of a virtual resume. And, even though we're still tweaking it, I'm super happy to share it with you.

Check it out by clicking on the link: www.learngrowsucceed.org
Just remember it's .org NOT .com or .net.
Let us know what you think?

Thar Be Whales

I just returned from the most amazing adventure! We went back east to spend time with friends on their boat and while we were about 30 miles off Nantucket we were surrounded by a pod of whales! They were so playful and curious . . . you can see how close they came to the boat. At one point it actually seemed like they were waiving to us!
It was awesome to see how powerful they could be while at the same time graceful. It was quite a day and one I still get goosebumps thinking about. We joke about getting alot of 'tail' in Nantucket :) Enjoy the beauty!

Free Trip to Imaging USA 2010

Win a FREE TRIP to Imaging USA 2010!

• Grand Prize: All-inclusive Imaging USA trip
(Imaging USA Registration, Airfare--up to $400 and 4 nights at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center)
• Four First Prizes: Free Imaging USA registration
• Everyone who enters: Free Imaging EXPO pass

Registration is quick, easy and FREE! You don't have to be a PPA member to register. If you've ever thought about attending this amazing educational event and trade show, register now!! Registration is only open through the end of the month.

Come and join me in Nashville! Click HERE to register

OR copy and paste this address in your web browser : https://www.formspring.com/forms/?form=660963&viewkey=my5nhIDdgP&evangelist_id=Nordstrom

Forward this email to your friends and family - give them a chance to win a FREE trip. Everyone who enters will receive a FREE Imaging Expo pass. Bring your family and friends along to join the fun!

See you there!

Fun with my camera

I just spent a weekend up north relaxing at mom and dad's mountain home outside of Payson. We had alot of fun and sure enjoyed the cool moutain air!
Their yard backs-up to the forest and is constantly visited by animals of all types so I spent one morning getting a chance to just 'play' with my camera. The hummingbirds are so busy right now . . . mom spends much of the time just refilling feeders. I learned the hard way that wearing a red shirt is not a smart thing to do when photographing hummingbirds.