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Seniors Ignite!

5"x7" Post Card Template

We were picked!  We just found out we are North Carolina’s 1st Seniors Ignite Studio.  We are sooooooooooooooooooo happy, excited, elated (fill in your favorite adjective)!

What is Seniors Ignite? It is a National Modeling Program for Senior Portrait Studios to give clients a chance to be a part of something much bigger than just getting incredible images by their local studio.  Being chosen as a Seniors Ignite Studio allows us to offer you a senior portrait session with a modeling perspective for you images to be entered into the National Senior Portrait Portrait & Model Contest. YOU, yes YOU, a high school student, could be a NATIONAL Seniors Ignite Model simply by getting your senior portraits taken by us!

How do you become a Seniors Ignite model? Call us to schedule your Seniors Ignite Session. Simple, but hurry! Entry fees & requirements must be received by Oct 31, 2013 so our last Seniors Ignite Session will be scheduled for Oct 20, 2013.

Are they looking for male entries as well? Absolutely.  Check out the top guy of last year & his video  Ladies be nice and don’t fight over him!

How is the Seniors Ignite session different than other senior portrait sessions we offer? Seniors Ignite sessions receive extra work & care by us to set you apart from the rest of the model applicants.  We will treat you like a rockstar because you are one! It includes hair & make-up by Fayetteville’s best, a behind-the-scenes video to show your personality to the judges, extra shots to capture your unique personality for the judges, and a short interview for the judges to set you apart from the other models around the nation.  These additional features & requirements bump up the price a little for you ($295 vs $95) but its totally worth it. Keep reading because your few extra dollars could get you & a parent a FREE Las Vegas weekend.

MODEL SUBMISSIONS

✓ 2 Unretouched Headshots: One Image Straight-On, Smiling, Unretouched & One Image Straight-On NOT, Smiling,Unretouched

✓ Sending in 5 Additional 5×7 Images for judges

✓ Model Application

✓ Comp Card

✓ Model Release & Waiver

✓ Studio Recommendation

What happens if I am a finalist? National Seniors Ignite Model Winners will receive the experience of modeling at the national Seniors Ignite Event at the Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa in February 23-26, 2014. Models will be photographed on location by several of the leading senior portrait photographers in the nation, as well as by their winning photographer. If you win you receive PAID AIRFARE & HOTEL FOR YOU & ONE PARENT. Yup, PAID!  The winner receives a free trip but we wanted to add a FREE parent airfare & hotel to enjoy the experience together.

But I don’t want to model for a living & I have never modeled before.  Can I still enter? Of course! Not all participating models are interested in a modeling career. Some Seniors Ignite Models want fame, some want a place to showcase their talents and to get recognition, and others just want an experience of a lifetime. ALL seniors have a chance to win a spot as a Seniors Ignite National Model.

What are the judges looking for?

1) Photogenic - the winning models must be able to be easily photographed by a wide range of photographers. This doesn’t mean the most attractive but one who can listen to direction & likes getting their picture taken.

2) Personality - The winning models must have a positive and engaging personality. They are looking for models with a wide range of looks to be photographed (meaning they photograph well with more than one look). This comes through in their personality.

3) Recommendation - each model receives a written recommendation from us outlining the reason(s) why they would make a good model for the Seniors Ignite Event.

4) Variety - They are looking for a variety of looks in the winners – height, size, hair color, eye color, etc. will all be considered in the final selection of models. They are not necessarily looking for seniors who are planning a career in modeling (though some may/will), but rather those who are looking for the experience of a lifetime.

5) Video (OPTIONAL but we are doing this for everyone) – a video of you model walking, talking, and engaging with the camera is a very helpful way to show them more about you This will help you show off your personality and variety of looks as well! We will coach you along with this if you are nervous.  A few tweaks make you an instant model.

What else? You would also be featured in videos, images, lookbooks, and marketing campaigns. We would love for you to check out the Seniors Ignite site and read more.

Click the logo.

SeniorsIgniteModelLogo2014

Want to see the breath-taking 100% FREE event location for finalist models February 23-26 2014 at The Westin Lake Las Vegas click the event page.

In addition, models and photographers will be showcased on www.facebook.com/SeniorsIgniteModels

Below are a few image submission card examples from the class of 2013 model entries.

Seniors Ignite Comp Card SINGLE BLACK

Seniors Ignite Comp Card SINGLESeniors Ignite Comp Card Option 1 BLACK

Posted by  |  May 17, 2013 | Categories: RDJ :: Event, RDJ :: Portraits, RDJ :: Promo, RDJ :: Seniors | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave A Comment »

High School Corn Hole Tournament

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We are hosting a high school corn hole tournament on June 1st. Two brackets: guys/co-ed bracket and a girls bracket. It will be a blast and everybody wins! If you participate, you will receive a FREE on-location senior portrait or FREE on-location family portrait session ($95 value)!

But wait, there’s more. There will be prizes for first, second,and third place! 60%, 20%, and 10% of the pot respectively. Hurry and get your teams together and buy tickets by May 28th for only $10!

To register and pay for the ridiculously cheap tickets click here!

Check out the video for details http://youtu.be/iwOwTNrYx8I

Posted by  |  May 10, 2013 | Categories: RDJ :: Event, RDJ :: Promo | Tags: , , , , , , , , , | Leave A Comment »

Kristyn Seay :: Class of 2013 :: South View

The Seay Family had too much fun with us last year capturing their eldest

Aarron in his element for his senior portraits. They couldn’t resist our amazing good looks & celebrity status (we wish) when choosing us for their daughter’s portraits.  Joking aside, we had a blast in Southern Pines capturing the beauty and personality of Kristyn.  Multiple locations and outfits make for a great variety and interesting times. See her images below and read on for our unexpected photography exploits.

senior portraits, fayetteville, nc, family portraits, location portraits, outdoor portraits

Our photo day exploits included…..

Creepers: Wondering what 3 officers were doing in the city park parking lot creeping ever closer to us for more than an hour.  Kristen Seay-7

Skipping school: Watching the local middle school skippers play ball on the local blacktop.  They were talented players but who wouldn’t be when you skip school and play all day. We didn’t capture an image of them because we didn’t know if they had 9mm in their shorts!

Deathly rails: Getting a few images on the tracks were a moment near heaven for our friend and helper Serena

Kristen Seay-165

 

Family abuse: A long afternoon was too much for Dad & Aarron.  They resulted to their animal-like characteristics due to hunger.Kristen Seay-293

Posted by  |  May 10, 2013 | Categories: RDJ :: Portraits, RDJ :: Seniors | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave A Comment »

Paint Splatter Fun!

75 teenagers.  100 gallons of paint.  15 different colors.  A field.  White clothes.  Ready…… set……go!

After much deliberation, actually about 1/2 a second, we decided to spend an afternoon with our senior portrait rockstar ambassadors & friends doing what everyone has always wanted to but never done–Paint Splatter.

In a random field in the middle of Gray’s Creek, NC we splatter the heck out of each other using regular household paint.  The fun was endless.

Want to paint splatter your family or friends?  We are offering this as an add on for only $79 to a senior portrait or family session.  Splattering only takes 10 minutes and is the absolute best compliment to any shoot.  Add on includes 5 colors of paint.  You pick the colors and we get your dirty!  Contact us to schedule your session and splatter bonus.

Paintsplatter2013

Posted by  |  May 9, 2013 | Categories: RDJ :: Event, RDJ :: Seniors | Leave A Comment »

Emily Baughman :: Class of 2013 :: VCA

After a planned Blue Ridge Parkway shoot with the amazing fall foliage cancelled last minute due to a family emergency we had the pleasure to capture Emily in her hometown of Fayetteville, NC.  The weather held off and we got some great images.

Check out her smile. It captured us and we are sure it will capture you.

emily baughman blog

Posted by  |  May 3, 2013 | Categories: RDJ :: Portraits, RDJ :: Seniors | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave A Comment »

If I die, I die

Recently I was given “The Story” which is a novel version of the bible.  Yesterday I read the story of Esther.  Here are my thoughts.

Background: Esther was a Jewish orphan living in the land of Persia. Her people, the Jews, were taken into captivity living under the reign of King Xerxes (which is an awesome name by the way).  He was raised by her cousin Mordechai who was a prominent leader in the government, even though his people were in captivity. After the current Queen Vashti was disowned by King Xerxes for not coming to him after being summoned during a big banquet the king sent out an edict to bring all the virgins to the king’s palace from the surrounding regions to replace Queen Vashti. Esther was one of the young women taken and she won over the King and she then became his Queen

A Cool Good Twist for Good vs Evil: Mordecai, due to his job, learned of a plot by Haman, an official of the king, to kill all of the Jews.  Haman didn’t like Mordecai being a jew and not bowing to him because Mordecai only bowed to the ONE TRUE GOD. Haman had a wicked heart, I think, toward Mordecai.  Mordecai, in the past, has saved the King’s life from assassins and this was hidden in the scrolls.  When the King was reviewing the scrolls he learned of this matter and wanted to praise Mordecai in public.  Since Haman was in the court at the time of his decision He was picked to parade Mordecai around.  I wonder the hatred in his heart as he parades this Jew around claiming he was worthier than himself.  Oh, the laughs God must have had.

The Courage Part: Mordecai told the now Queen Esther about Hamans plot. The only way this edict, which was deceivingly approved by the King through Mordecai, would not be carried out was if Esther asked for an audience with the king to request that the plot be abandoned on her behalf. However, she knew about Vashti and how she was disowned in a similar matter. If King Xerxes refused to give her audience, the penalty was immediate death.

“If I die, I die” Esther quoted at this time. She realized this could be the reason God created her – to save her people from destruction. However, out of concern for Esther, Mordecai explained the situation to her, “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish.” Mordecai was giving her a choice. Either she will be used by God or someone else will be used to save their people.  She eventually stood before the King & court, claimed herself as a Jew, asked for her people to be saved and did it knowingly she could die instantly.  The King heard her story and eventually saved her people from Haman and killed him in the process.

My thoughts: For so long I always concentrated on Esther’s courage in her story–one of the greatest of all time. Today, I pay attention to Mordecai’s statement of pure righteous wisdom and faith.  He loved his cousin with all his heart but loved God with an exponential amount of love, and trusted in God’s sovereign judgment even if it meant death for his beloved cousin.  DANG!  That’s Godly.  It’s exactly what God did for us.  But He killed His son, brutally and intently.

Everyday you and I are given a choice. Are we willing to be the person God uses to impact the future destiny of a people or save ourselves from a few words of ridicule? Many of us are silent Christians simply letting the status quo reign while we sit quietly by watching. Who knows that you were created for such a time as this to be a catalyst to stand in the gap for some situation in your workplace or community or nation.

Posted by  |  May 3, 2013 | Categories: RDJ :: thoughts | Tags: , , , , , , | Leave A Comment »

Pratiksha Singh :: Class of 2013 :: Fayetteville Academy

Beauty again!  Our senior portrait work led us to another beauty standing in front of our camera entrusting us with images that will mark the major high school graduation milestone seen for years to come.

Thank you Singh Family for letting us make portraits with your beautiful daughter Pratiksha.  Her personality is amazing and we loved spending the early morning with you at our gorgeous hidden location.  We look forward to capturing your extended family in the near future. Pratiksha Singh-4 Pratiksha Singh-65 Pratiksha Singh-71 Pratiksha Singh-88 Pratiksha Singh-191 Pratiksha Singh-215 Pratiksha Singh-242 Pratiksha Singh-218

Posted by  |  April 30, 2013 | Categories: RDJ :: Portraits, RDJ :: Seniors | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave A Comment »

Jesse Stone :: Village Christian :: Class of 2013

A bright future awaits this amazing graduate  from Village Christian Academy in Fayetteville, NC.  His athleticism, gentleman characteristics, handsome looks, or intellectual prowess is a combination Washington & Lee University are drowling over as he starts in the fall of 2013.  We had such a great time shooting this amazing up and coming leader.  Thanks Jesse, Mom and Jeremy for letting us spend the day with you taking your senior portraits and a few fun ones on the side.

bridget Grad slideshow (6 of 8) Jesse Stone GQ jesse stone sitting Jesse & Jeremy fun Jesse stone intense swim Jesse Stone diveJesse Stone brick seat Jesse stone b&w

Posted by  |  April 22, 2013 | Categories: RDJ :: Portraits, RDJ :: Seniors | Tags: , , , , , , , | Leave A Comment »

Rockstar Sessions have started!

Our rockstar sessions are in full effect capturing the personalities of those who help us do what we do– make amazing images.

Rockstars ambassadors are the eyes and ears of our business at local schools and in the community.  We are picky in our quality of images and the same goes with our rockstars.  Upcoming seniors are exclusively referred to us by our trusted clients to make sure our images and brand stay professional and of extreme quality.

Rockstars earn referral credits throughout their senior year sharing their images on custom smartphone apps called Sticky Apps, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and any other facet they desire. Check out our rockstars. This is a preview to their success in their senior year and in life!

Brooke Bullock rockstar-27 Brooke Bullock rockstar-115

olivia clifton rockstar-69

olivia clifton rockstar-74

Jessie Faircloth Rockstar-47 Jessie Faircloth Rockstar-103olivia leahy rockstar-35 olivia leahy rockstar-42Lilly Petzold rockstar-19 Lilly Petzold rockstar-49Mekayla Rivera rockstar-22 Mekayla Rivera rockstar-51Alex Hill rockstar-39 Alex Hill rockstar-63Ashley Kubit rockstar-15 Ashley Kubit rockstar-60

Posted by  |  April 2, 2013 | Categories: RDJ :: Portraits, RDJ :: Seniors, RDJ :: Sneak Peek | Tags: , , , , , , , , | Leave A Comment »

March Madness Tournament Savings Bracket

The time is now!  64 of the best college basketball teams in both men’s and women’s NCAA basketball go head to head for a chance to upset the big dogs and for a chance to be called National Champion.  We love the cheers, jeers and unexpected underdogs that make the March Madness weeks one of sport’s all time greatest events.  So why not give our clients a little incentive during the tournament.

50% OFF ALL CANVAS AND CANVAS COLLECTIONS.  Call to order!  All orders must be in before the clock runs out on April 8th during the National Championship.

March madness

Posted by  |  March 21, 2013 | Categories: RDJ :: Promo | Tags: , , , , , , , | Leave A Comment »

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