When I went off to college, I fully intended to pursue a degree in psychology. Then I took Psych101 and realized that I could never survive the profession without getting emotionally attached to every one of my clients. After trying on my 2nd and 3rd loves of biophysics and English (respectively), I settled on Business. My thought was, no matter what I did, I would be in business.

I was raised by small business. My parents have always had entrepreneurial blood running through their veins and have been business owners for most of my life. So it only seems natural that I would end up owning a business myself. Somewhere along the business degree track, I became drawn to photography, and just a few short years later, I knew that I would earn my living with my camera.

Small business is really the epitome of the American Dream — to create opportunities from adversity; to solve a problem within your community with your ingenuity.

Small Business Saturday celebrates small business owners and encourages shoppers to buy locally. As a small business owner, I rely on my wonderful clients to grow and profit and I am so thankful for each and every one of you. Please be sure to visit some of your favorite small businesses tomorrow and show them how much you appreciate them.

In honor of Small Business Saturday, I am offering 30% off all portrait collections. To take advantage of this offer, simply email me with the name of the collection you’d like to purchase in 2011 and I will lock in the pricing for your session. I will collect a $50 deposit is due at the time of ordering to secure the special; the balance will be arranged when we book your date. This is a great way to pre-order 2011 sessions and add this purchase to your budget!

The collections (click on the session name for a full description of the collection contents):

Family Portrait Collection $400  (reg $575)

Senior Portrait Collection $470 (reg$675)

Parents-to-Be Collection $400 (reg $575)

Baby’s First Year Collection $500 (reg $725)

The offer is valid through Sunday, 11/28, at 11:59 p.m, MST. I look forward to creating some fantastic family art with you next year!

I also ask you to please patronize these small businesses that I love:

Allyson’s Art – Handcrafted gifts and art

Arbor Pro Tree Care – Art Daley, the Tree Doctor

Fizz Bath Shop – Handmade, mostly organic body products

Game Time Processing – Wild game processor

IvyCat Web Services – Web hosting and design

Mick and Mack – Unique handmade children’s clothing

Pink Champagne – Event planning and consultation

All of these fabulous business owners would love to hear from you throughout the year. Please continue to support small business and buy local when you can!