Kay is featured Boudoir photography instructor in upcoming seminar

Hey Pro Photographer! Have you wondered about entering the boudoir market but haven't been sure how to get started? Or maybe you've started but need to know how to take your business to the next level? Then make sure you check out Kay's programs she's presenting as part of the Joy Start Your Year event. And it's completely FREE! You can also learn from the other 10 accredited photographers and again . . . it's totally FREE. Use the link I've included so you can get registered immendiately! You won't want to miss any of it! http://tjom.cc/a/161

Our Celebrate Survivors Contest Winner

Congratulations to our winner of the CelebrateSexy experience . . . (drum roll please)

PATTI P.!!!!

The readers of the blog could only pick one winner. However, we think that each story was so moving and heartfelt; you are all winners. That is why we would like to extend a $100 gift card to each participant toward their own CelebrateSexy experience! We want each of you to have the opportunity to look and feel beautiful.

Meet Pat P.

Hi, Oh where to begin the journey of a lifetime in just a few sort years.

My Name is Patti and I am a SURVIVOR. I am a WARRIOR. I am a THIRIVER… I will be damned if I let Cancer beat me… and I now make it my purpose and passion to support, encourage, engage and aid in any way possible others who are diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Really any cancer… there is physical, mental and emotional damage and pain when going through treatment, there is never a good cancer .

I was 43. Finally married to the man of my dreams with my son and youngest stepdaughter both seniors in HS. In February of 2008 I was getting ready for work one morning and found a lump in my right breast. I did what I thought was the right thing. I immediately scheduled an appointment to have a mammogram, luckily this appointment was within 3 days of my finding the lump. As I walked out of the M.O.M. van I called Dr. Semrad my OB/GYN and told them I found a lump and that I needed to schedule an appointment with them. I was able to get an appointment with them a few days later. On February 6, 2008 I had my exam. The Dr. most certainly felt them lump, commented on the size of it by making a joke regarding my husband liking golf since the mass was the size of a golf ball and told me it was fybrocystic change and nothing to worry about. He then said he did not have the mammo results yet but was certain it was nothing to be concerned about and sent me on my way.

Fast forward to August 8, 2008, I decided to kill 2 birds with one stone and figured I would consult with a plastic surgeon about removing the lump and getting a bit of an upgrade in the form of a breast lift at the same time. I saw the surgeon, he most certainly would do the lift but said he could not remove the mass I would need a general surgeon for that so began my search for a surgeon. Though It was crazy just trying to secure an appointment every one I called was booked months out for a consult. Well, I think God decided to intervene at this point… On August 12, 2008 I was getting ready for work and applying deodorant and felt pain under my arm. My first thought “this can’t be good”, so I called my OB to let them know. To make a long story short in this regard… they were less than responsive… Which in my book is totally unacceptable under the circumstances. It was after seeing my Primary Care Dr. who fit me in immediately that I was referred to a breast surgeon, unfortunately that surgeon was out of town until the end of August. My friend Kim to the rescue, she called her OB – and explained what was going on, her Dr immediately gave her 3 names and told her that if I was not able to make an appointment soon – to call her back and she would call from her back office… Now that’s the way a Dr should respond.

Three days later August 15, 2008, I saw a breast surgeon Dr Mark Runfola (lovingly nicknamed Dr Hottie- LOL), he immediately did a biopsy and ordered another mammogram and an ultrasound… A week later I heard the words that rocked my world, ‘I am sorry you have Breast Cancer”. I couldn’t breathe, my husband had left that morning for a trip and I was totally unable to keep it together. I left work and on the way home the oncologist office called me … Not only did I have breast cancer… but very aggressive Triple Negative Breast Cancer and I was stage 3 because of the size of the lump (now 6 cm) and the lymph node involvement.

This was going to require quick action… I would see the Dr. the following week, have a heart scan, bone scan, Pet scan, MRI, multiple blood tests… the list seemed to go on forever. September 7, (just 2 weeks after being diagnosed) I started neoadjuvant Chemotherapy, to try and shrink the tumor and stop any further lymphatic advancement. So for the next 2 months at 2 week intervals I had chemotherapy… Thankfully the tumor shrunk. The Monday after Thanksgiving I had a double mastectomy, 2 days before Christmas I had to have a port placed because my veins where shot, unfortunately I ended up in the hospital overnight as there was concern that an artery had been nicked… Thankfully it was okay and I started my 2^nd round of chemotherapy on December 29^th, (Merry Christmas and Happy New Year) LOL. Come mid April after chemo round 2 and a few weeks to recover (hmmmm – not sure I really did) It was time for radiation. You see with Advanced Triple Negative BC they through the kitchen sink at you for treatment because they do not know what feeds it so they have no medication to keep it away later. SO you get all the Poison and Pain they can give and you can handle. For 6 weeks I had daily radiation treatment that required a week out of treatment because of 3^rd degree burns to my chest.

The reality of seeing myself in all my pear shaped glory every day without breasts, not sure what type or shape this would be now…. Made me so angry and upset… there was no beauty in my mirror for a long time. Because of everything, I was having to take medication to sleep and keep me from crying and … and… and… I was never one to really appreciate the ‘better living through Chemistry philosophy’ but I embraced it…for now.

The burns to my chest have caused extensive issues with my first reconstructive procedure which is failed and now on January 5^th I am set to undergo a different procedure, which is the best option based on my circumstance. So I have 9 months more to deal with the imperfection of my body because of cancer. My new procedure will be in 3 stages and require out of state travel on 3 occasions to complete. I am just so ready to be done with it all….

But the funny thing is I am not angry anymore… I know that both my OB/GYN and the Radioloist failed in their responsibilities in February of 2008, I will advocate for others because of this. But I can not live in anger. It is counterproductive to Healing, Life and Love. I am alive… I have been given the gift of a changed perspective on many things … Held tightly to the people and things that matter most to me, and released people and things that do not… Saw my kids graduate and welcomed 2 of my 3 grandchildren into the world, sadly I too had to say goodbye to my precious 23 year old nephew who didn’t understand that he could get through the pain and hard times, who thought the only way out was to take his own life, I listened to my big brother (my only sibling), cry out in pain and agony as his son was wheeled away to have his body used to give life to others… I have met amazing women to walk alongside during my journey and been given the chance to hold hands with people just embarking on their own journey. I do not know why in any of this – other than God believes I was the best person at this time and I rest in His peace, grace, mercy, love and promise…

My Name is Patti, I am a SURVIVOR!

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 Cher O.

I was 18 years old and found a lump in my neck, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease. I had Cobalt Radiation to my Neck, Chest and Abdomen, 5 days a week for 25 weeks. Every year I would get a CT scan to make sure that I didn't have any new signs of cancer. At the age of 23 I was Diagnosed again with Hodgkin's Disease, however this time I was recovering from a severe Pilonidal Cyst, I was admitted to Sloan Kettering in NY, where they performed a rare procedure called Rotation Flap. I was in the process of moving to Arizona, and the Oncologist at Sloan referred me to an Oncologist in Phoenix.

Upon arriving to Arizona, I immediately applied for state insurance so I could start Chemotherapy. I was on Chemo for 6 months when they diagnosed me in remission. Everything was fine in February of 2007 at the age of 37, I went to my Primary Care Physician for my yearly Well Woman exam. He was examining my breasts and he found a lump. I knew immediately and my heart sunk. I was referred to a Breast Cancer Surgeon who performed a Lumpectomy and called me a few days later stating that I did in fact have Breast Cancer.

I was told that I didn't need a Mastectomy and that I should be fine with just Radiation, I went to a Radiation Oncologist, where I was informed that I was not a candidate for Radiation since I had already had it 20 years prior and that I did need a Bi-Lateral Mastectomy. I was absolutely devastated. Within weeks I had the surgery, which I believe is the worst part of the entire process. I unfortunately got Necrosis and that delayed the start of Chemo, I had to go to the surgeon once a week for dressing changes and the dead skin to be cut away. Everyday I had to flush the wound and pack it with wet to dry gauze.

I started Chemo about 6 weeks after the Necrosis finally healed, I had 4 sessions across a 12 week time span. I again for the second time lost my hair, I was very weak from Chemo, I was suffering from anxiety attacks daily, sometimes a few a day. My attitude was horrible, I hate the way I looked and felt.

The time came to start reconstruction, I was so excited to finally move on and start getting my life back, I was forced to move in with my parents because I ran through all my savings. The same week I was diagnosed, I lost my job and went on state insurance again. My plastic surgeon was not approved with Ahcccs, and he fought long and hard with Ahcccs for them to approve him to treat me since he was my DR prior to me loosing my job and insurance. Ahcccs made me go to three different plastic surgeons who all didn't want anything to do with me because I had Radiation therapy in 1989. In fact, one was so rude he told me that I will have to look like this for the rest of my life. I had a severe anxiety attack in his office and left bawling my eyes out. I cannot believe how incredibly rude this man was. I called the plastic surgeon what I was told and he reassured me that I would get this surgery and would get my reconstruction.

After about 6 months of fighting with Ahcccs, I was finally approved with Dr. John Rowley, the wonderful man who fought so hard for me. We immediately scheduled surgery for expanders! I again had a problem with the same breast that had the Necrosis, I got a staph infection and lost the expander, another devastating moment. A few months later I was healed enough to have the second expander put in. Of course another staph infection! I was admitted to the hospital and had the area flushed out and was on heavy duty antibiotics for 5 days and another surgery to flush the area. This time the expander was saved! After a few weeks I started getting the expanders filled and surgery was scheduled for the implants and reconstruction.

It is now about 2 and a half years later and I went back to school to become a Medical Assistant, I graduated with Honors and Perfect Attendance. Finally, I am starting to get my life back!

Thank you for taking the time to ready my story

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!

Celebrate Survivors Contest

‘Celebrate Survivors’ Photography Session 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 beautiful photographs from the session help to bridge that gap, building peace and self-assurance.

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 or is fighting 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, 2010.

Viewers can cast their votes through November 13^th and the winner will be announced on November 14^th.

Good luck and we look forward to hearing your amazing stories!

Kay's upcoming webinar

I'm really looking forward to presenting a great webinar next Tuesday night for Marathon Press. It's perfect for any professional photographer looking to find some unique marketing ideas and promotional campaigns. Here's the information for you:
Refusing to give in to ‘tough economic times’, Kay Eskridge has found ways to move her studio in a positive financial direction while providing her clients with unique opportunities along the way. With humor, energy and the willingness to share, Kay’s program is sure to leave you motivated, educated and inspired. She will show you the power of effective partnership marketing campaigns, how to embrace the benefits of charitable marketing and what diverse and unique portrait opportunities she’s designed that is driving business to her door. You’ll win BIG with this ‘trifecta’ of marketing strategies!
http://www.marathonpress.com/webinar/1048603803/

For Blog Readers Only

For your eyes only . . . we're extending our Treasure Sale for our Blog Readers only. Give the studio a call before September 30th to take advantage of something that is just for you!

California Dreamin'

One more week before our 2010 California Portrait Safari. We're sold out and super excited . . . especially hearing about the low temps they're having. Looking forward to creating some wonderful images with the clients spending some good quality family time during their summer vacations.

The good, the bad and the furry . . .

Our Paws for a Cause event benefitting FACCS http://www.azfaccs.org/ was a HUGE success! The day was filled with sessions that included 34 dogs and 4 cats . . . thankfully not all at the same time! We were so pleased with the quantities of donations - especially all of the kitten nursing kits. The shelters were overwhelmed with everyone's generosity and we were able to get great images of all our furry new friends. A great big furry high five to all that supported the event.

Sometimes it's the 'out-takes' that make you smile the most so we thought you would enjoy seeing some of those. The first one of the black kitten cracked us up the most . . . right in the middle of the session she turned around and jumped right up the wall!

We were on TV . . .

We were on Channel 15 yesterday talking about our upcoming Paws for a Cause event supporting FACCs and wanted to share the link. The puppies they brought in for us to photograph were so cute & unpredictable . . . just like puppies are! They went from being wide awake and playful to fast asleep. You can click on the link below and it will take you to Channel 15's website where you can see the interview.

5 tips for taking good portraits of your pets

Paws For A Cause Part Two

Our last Paws for A Cause event was such a huge success that we wanted to do it again! This time we will be supporting FACCs (Friends of Animal Care and Control).
This is puppy and kitten season so the center is in desperate need of support in that area. By bringing in either unopened puppy, kitten food or formula, nursing kits or scoopable kitty litter you can enjoy a complimentary portrait session of your pet and a FREE 5x7 print of your choosing. You win, your pet wins and the puppies and kitties at the shelters win. Help spread the word and remember you must call to schedule your appointment asap as space is filling up fast!

KAY ESKRIDGE, LORI NORDSTROM & ELIZABETH HOMAN WIN OPERATION SMILE'S JUDGES CHOICE AWARD WITH TRIPLE SCOOP MUSIC

We're excited to share a very special post from one of our favorite vendor partners TripleScoop Music's blog.
PPA Charities held a fun and challenging competition at their evening festivities during the most recent Imaging Convention in Nashville. ‘The Ronald’ was a spoof on Donald Trump’s successful reality show and PPA President’s Ron Nichols, along with two other judges, participated in this light hearted event. Four teams competed in two ways. One, by creating and displaying an image with a country western theme (the Judges Choice) and two by raising funds by means of votes (the People’s Choice award / $1.00 = one vote) for the PPA Charities Operation Smile campaign.

It was both an honor and a privilege to lead one team through this process. My team consisted of myself (Kay Eskridge), Lori Nordstrom and Elizabeth Homan as well as many, many photographers that helped our team through our fundraising efforts. Our team title was The Power of One and this is our story . . .

Standing as ONE, professional photographers across the country can make a difference in the lives of children all over the world through the PPA Charities Operation Smile Campaign. It is the ‘Power of One’ team’s goal to enlist the support of socially responsible photographers by sharing how the simple ‘power of one’ really is.

These are tough times for fundraising but we firmly believe that people still want to help. They just feel like the small amount they may have to give couldn’t possibly make a difference. Our campaign was designed to show them it is not true. Small amounts could count. And, that by spreading the word about the Power of One, they would become a part of a campaign that was making a dramatic difference in so many little lives. So we twittered, facebooked, blogged, emailed, e-newslettered . . . and worked tirelessly at spreading the word and asking for small amounts.

Embracing Operation Smile was the perfect fit for our campaign. What person wouldn’t want to help give a child hope for a future where they would not be ridiculed for the way they looked or spoke? What person wouldn’t want to help give a child the chance to smile?
Our message is simple . . . the power of one does count. One simple act of random kindness can make a difference. One hug, one smile, one relationship, one thoughtful gesture, person to person, generation to generation . . . the art of kindness rekindled in this simple campaign.
The image we created for ‘The Ronald’ exemplifies not only the Power of One (as in one generation passing the gift of music to another) but also this competition’s country music theme. The song we selected from the amazing team at Triple Scoop music, “Sing” by David Keen, was just the right addition to our presentation (as well as exemplifying PPA’s Campaign Smile perfectly)! The crowd loved the image and many said there wasn’t a dry eye in the house while they listened to the wonderful words of the song.
The judges discussed the presentation, the votes were tallied and I am proud to announce our team, The Power of One, took the Judges Choice Award.
We were very proud of raising $2,000 in three hours. The big winner that night was the many lives that will be forever changes through PPA’s Operation Smile.
A big ‘thank you’ to the team at Triple Scoop for helping us in our fundraising efforts and for a beautifully written and performed song. They say ‘a picture is worth 1,000 words’ but I think when you put music to it . . . it makes it priceless!

Being a part of an amazing weekend . . .

I am so excited to be a part of this upcoming workshop . . . there are only a few spaces open so if you're interested please contact Lori via the information below :) I'll post some images from the experience ~ including our trip to Kansas via the whcc private jet. Pinch me, pinch me, pinch me!

PPA Charities & our Power of One Team

Consider the ‘Power of One’
One person + one dollar = one united force

Standing as ONE, professional photographers across the country can make a difference in the lives of children all over the world through the PPA Charities Operation Smile Campaign. It is the ‘Power of One’ team’s goal to enlist the support of socially responsible photographers for a one week fundraising drive. The week will end Saturday, January 9th at the PPA Imaging Charities Party as our Power of One program is presented for judging at The Ronald Event.

How can you help? It’s easy!

First, we’re asking for pledges in increments of $1 . . . $10, $100, $1,000 . . . whatever amount you can give. The link to donate using a credit card or paypal account is: http://ppacharities.com/donate-now.php. You will need to use the Honors/Memorials Donation button and be sure you list PowerofOne in the Special Requests. The cut off to donate in this way is this Friday, January 8th at midnight.

Second, as ‘Power of One’ team ambassadors we ask that you share this fundraising campaign with as many people as you can. Contact fellow photographers, clients, family, friends, anyone and everyone. We’ll all be working as ONE and that is where the power is. Send emails, twitter, post to facebook, blog, anyway you can help get the word out. See below for some ideas to help you. And please join us at the Charities Party on Saturday night at Imaging 2010 ~ it’s FREE and it will give you one more chance to vote for our campaign! One dollar = one vote.

The key to the Power of One campaign is that is starts with YOU and the power you have to do something wonderful. We thank you in advance for getting involved and making a difference in the lives of children across the world that will be forever changed through PPA Charities Operation Smile.

Thank you so much,

Kay, Lori and Elizabeth
The Power of One Team

Want to learn more about PPA Charities Operation Smile Campaign? http://ppacharities.com/

If you want to twitter:
PowerofOne joins PPACharities 4 OperationSmile.Donate today & give a child a smile~even $1 counts.list powerof1 on form http://bit.ly/61Uzud

If you want to facebook:
Standing as ONE, professional photographers across the country can make a difference in the lives of children all over the world through the PPA Charities Operation Smile. Join the ‘Power of One’ team by donating this week by using the Honors/Memorials Donation button and be sure you list PowerofOne in the Special Requests. The cut off to donate like this is this Friday, January 8th at midnight. You can make a difference!
http://bit.ly/61Uzud