MugsyCl!ckers

noreply@blogger.com (Linda J. Russell) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:53:00 +0000

"My Why"

Last night, our wondrous filmmaker Peggy Peralta (http://www.peggyperalta.com), touched my heart so deeply my eyes overflowed.

We had been working on voice overs for a training video and at the end of my "director's commentary" regarding all the antics necessary to capture a compelling portrait of a 3 year old she told me she wanted to share something with me. It was like 9 PM and I had been working since 6AM... but she was so sweet in her presentation that I had to say yes.

First she shared how inspired she had been at an earlier discussion of finding your "why" so much so that she now had a dog eared copy of my friend Simon Sinek's book "Start with Why". (http://www.startwithwhy.com). I had met and photographed Simon as he toured with the Make Mine A Million$ business competitions. Simon would hold a room of women business owners in rapture as he clarified the difference between a business to make money and a business with meaning and true mission. I have used Simon's vision many times to help determine whether or not a photographer is truly in line with our MugsyClicks values, but like many other good practices, it is often easier to preach than live.

At that point Peggy cued up her laptop, stuck big round headphones over my ears and just before she turned off the lights she said "just close your eyes and listen, and imagine your photos illustrating your words" ... and for just a few minutes I truly heard myself. My candid, heartfelt words sharing "why" creating photographs of children touches my heart, why taking that gift and bringing it to kids in schools became my mission. To hear myself and to realize that Peggy heard me as well, and that others felt the same mission, was deeply moving.

So much of the time the heart of a business becomes lost in the details. Change, that doesn't happen fast enough, things that don't work like expected. Websites that crash. Labs that don't deliver on their promises. People who are so unhappy inside that they spread their pain in emails, phone messages and nasty comments. There are so many moving parts that keeping the machine moving can be overwhelming. But for a few minutes in a dark room with my eyes closed I heard, and recognized my own truth, And it was good. Thank you so much Peggy for the reminder.

Peggy's vision soon to come...

Photo Day Fun with MugsyClicks

noreply@blogger.com (Linda J. Russell) — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 23:36:00 +0000

School Photo Day is a whirlwind of experiences for us all. There are tons of move able parts to producing a successful photography day. There are school needs, parent needs, weather occurrences, time lines and hundreds of personalities. Our number one philosophy is "keep it fun" seconded by "wear strong antiperspirant." St Rose School in Santa Rosa, CA helped us along by combining "Crazy Bottom Day" with school picture day and as you can see by "Photo Day Fun with MugsyClicks" video there was lots to smile about!

noreply@blogger.com (Linda J. Russell) — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 23:24:00 +0000

LiveYearbook.com
I am very excited to announce our alliance with LiveYearbook. This innovative school yearbook company's vision is truly a revolution! Their warm and friendly team understands the traditional challenges that plague yearbook advisers and have created a company that offers late deadlines (include spring activities), ease of catching mistakes before going to print, individualized photos of students and their friends, as well as simplified order collection.

Here are LiveYearbook's Key Advantages:

Custom - Every student gets 2 free pages to add more pictures of them and their friends using all of the extra pictures that were not used in the yearbook or they can upload their own, subject to school approval. Name and picture on cover, add as many pages as desired for a nominal fee.

Flexibility - No early deadlines with a 3 week print guarantee, allowing spring activities to be included and printed books received before school is out.

No minimum order quantity requirement, eliminating all risk of loss to the school.

2 books for the price of 1...every printed book includes an online book at no extra charge.

Choices - exclusive online book only option at 50-70% less than print and we can always print a book later if desired.

Online viewing before going to print, allows more eyes viewing to catch mistakes.

Revenue sharing on all custom products, including custom pages and activity books (expanded memory books of any school activity).

Media storage with access perpetually.

LiveYearbook's goal is to provide a more personal yearbook experience without sacrificing school control and at the same time provide flexibility and choices while meeting the tech trends of parents and students in an online world today.

To learn more visit: LiveYearbook.com or contact Linda@mugsyclicks.com.

noreply@blogger.com (Linda J. Russell) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 03:11:00 +0000

Smile Business

Here at MugsyClicks we are in the business of "smiles". Most days there are many, but occasionally, there is a sweet scared muffin or an independent-minded soul who just can't bring a light spirit to the camera. To them I dedicate this reminder that "life is more worthwhile when you just smile".

With loving thanks to the artists who brought us this tender joy- Charles Chaplin and Micheal Jackson.

noreply@blogger.com (Linda J. Russell) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 04:31:00 +0000

MugsyClicks Summer Fun

Summer is a wonderful season for photographers, long days and sweet summer light. Here are a few of our photographer's summer images.

Linda J Russell- I visited my daughter in Capetown, South Africa and we traveled to Mozambique to enjoy the warmth of the Indian Ocean. These are some of my favorite images from this remarkable adventure. Russellphoto.com


Enchanted by the dogs of Tofo Beach in Mozambique - Linda's African Adventure


Working hands- Linda's African Adventure

Mompreneur and daughter with fresh pineapple


Nando- Linda's African Adventure


Sibling Rivalry- Linda's African Adventure

Michelle Feileacan- Our family vacation brought three generations together in the warm sand and water of Maui. Hawaii is special to my family and my oldest has been 5 times - this time he was old enough to snorkel with us, which is a big thing in my family. http://michellefphoto.com/

Old enough to snorkel

First Flight to Maui

Rosie with his grandparents

Hawaii is Special.

Suzanne Karp: Our summer was filled with family, friends, feasts and festivals! http://www.suzannekarp.com/

A friend's daughter visiting from Japan.

Zeke fishing on the Sacramento River

Henry Silva: Friday, July 23rd. Light Airs and Clear weather. Saw some Turtle upon the Water

but could not catch any. Sounded no ground with 200 fathoms. Variation 15 degrees 40 minutes East. Wind southerly. Henrysportfolio.com

Sea turtle, Oahu

Cam Sanders: Family Fun dominated his summer as well. http://camsanders.com

Some creatures are not so interested in the Season Premiere of Project Runway, it turns out! Other creatures, very much so.

"Donut-ing" on Wellfleet Harbor MA with Uncle Cam. Have these kids ever had so much fun in their lives?!?

noreply@blogger.com (Linda J. Russell) — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 19:51:00 +0000

Photo Grooming Tips & Hints.

How to get great portraits of your kids.

Hair

We always bring combs to shoots. We do not allow children to share combs, and we discourage them from keeping them afterward. All of our photography teams are trained in lice prevention.

If you have special hair concerns feel free to send them in writing with child. 90% of the time the person doing hair will be one of your fellow parents or a teacher. Be kind, they are voluntary hairstylists doing the best they can.

Boys:

Schedule the hair cut at least 10 days ahead of photo day. The front of hair should not "eyelash brushing long". Neat, shiny hair always looks best.

NO BED-HEAD! We love our boys but they can have some pretty knarly snarls in the back of their heads. Promise them sugary cereal if they let you wet and comb their hair before they leave for school on photo day!!!

Girls:

Bang cuts should be at least a week old. Complicated hair styles do not withstand recess and school schedules do not allow much time for hairstyling.

Ponytails are great as long as you include some barrettes or hairpins to manage flyways. We love pigtails but they can be hard to manage if the child's hair is too short for them to look neat all day.

We LOVE tied back hair on windy days. Love, love love it!

Headbands are a nice solution for growing out bangs and their color should complement eyes and clothes. We will often photograph long hair both in front of the ears and in back of the ears as we don't know how your child wears their hair daily.

Hats

If you child shows up to camera in a baseball cap we will generally photograph both with and without the cap. This is fine with us...except when there is a serious case of "hat head". Hat head can be avoided if you could ask your (usually) boy to keep his cap off until after his first photos.

Same goes for girls. Wear those sassy hats, but not at the expense of your hair!

Clothes

The best choice is the simplest - dress them in a collared shirt that fits as well as complements their eyes and hair.

A sweater, a dress, neat tee or a clean soft polar fleece will work. You are looking for a top that complements your child's face not distracts.

Small patterns or solids are best. We love Gap clothes but the word GAP across a t-shirt is a bit distracting in a photo.

Superman, Spiderman, Giants, 49'ers, Cinderella, Dora the explorer or Hanna Montana will immortalize childhood passions but that should be your intention not an accident on picture day.

Clothes that are clean and stain free will save you retouch costs. You can even send a second shirt in case of snack accidents (remind them to tell the teacher they brought it).
Iron those collars!

Summer spaghetti strapped dresses that have some "growing" room are usually not the best choice for your girl. They tend to hang to low and if it is chilly in the morning the goosebumps on their arms show.

Attitude

Children who bring a positive attitude to the camera are a joy to photograph. Our photographers work hard to elicit natural expressions, we are not looking for a "cheesy smile" (remember, cheese is a dairy product, not an expression..).

We spend our days unlocking real smiles from our subjects. We have lots of energy, tricks and even bribes in our arsenal to eradicate fake smiles. We have teddy bears for the muffins that are too scared to smile.

We focus on pensive eyes when that is where the camera finds the soul. You can help us by remaining positive in your message to your child.

A successful photograph is a collaboration, and we encourage our subjects to put their best face forward. We have found that if a student is respectful of our time and efforts to make a pleasing photograph they will ultimately be happy with the results.

You can reinforce a positive attitude by sharing with your children how wonderful they are and how you are looking forward to seeing their portrait this year. Let them know you trust them to work politely with the photographer in creating a portrait that they can be proud to share.

More Poses:

Children learn by observation and repetition, this is a good thing in school but not in photos.
Please do not "teach" your children poses. Let us help them position themselves for the best image.

We agree with "American's Next Top Model" on one thing- No Posey Photos!

Special hints for Preschool Parents

If you would like to be there on picture day we welcome your sense of team support, but suggest you head to the bathroom before your child comes to the camera. Most of the time your child will do better without you. (This includes peeking around trees- we are talking to you- preschool parents).

Preschoolers under the spell of their teachers and classmates may forget they are doing something new and unsettling. When their mom or dad is nearby they tend to cling, cry or refuse to participate. There are always exceptions but they are exceptions.

noreply@blogger.com (Linda J. Russell) — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 19:17:00 +0000

Tips & Hints for High School & Middle School Photos

OUR SUGGESTIONS FOR PORTRAITS THAT REFLECT YOU!

You CAN please yourself your parents and your photographer on picture day!
It just takes a little bit of planning, communication and mutual respect. This time in your life is an adventure! Some of you will change more in one year than in the last three. When you leave middle school or high school and look back on that first year photo you will be AMAZED at the power of nature. We are here to celebrate and capture that transformation!
So, while all the things written above pertain to you, in regard to clothing, they are now UP TO YOU. You are in charge. You are in charge. YOUR choice of clothes will determine how you feel about the photo, we are here to share with you our years and years of experience working with people your age.

Clothes:

The color you choose to wear will either complement your face and eyes or it will detract. Words and designs on your clothes will share with the world what you are "into" at this moment. While we want to capture an image that reflects YOU we also want to remind you of no matter how much you loved Elmo when you were 3, you probably wouldn't want a picture with him today.

If you want to reflect your passion for sports, music, etc in this year's portrait we are with you all the way! Remember we are artists so most of us had our own "unique" styles when we were your age. But please stay away from colors, designs and words that over power your eyes and expression.

Before you commit to your photo day wardrobe take a moment to consider who you creating the photo for. If Grandma receives a photo every year, we all know she wants to see you smile. If your mom or dad are the ones who REALLY want this photo, thank them for all the food they buy by wearing something you know they like- heck bring two shirts if we work fast we can make images of BOTH.

Special note to the all the ladies in the house

Plunging necklines and tube tops do not work well in head shots, there needs to be more body in the photo otherwise the photo is just face and skin.

Notes on skin and blemishes

Isn't retouching wonderful? Just because you woke up with a gathering of neon zits on picture day doesn't mean you have to look at them forever. Just order your photos online where you can find a variety of retouch options.

Make up. A bit of lipstick, mascara and blush is all you need! You are young, beautiful and wrinkle free!

EXPRESS YOURSELF doesn't have to mean you look mean or tough.

The gangstra look is good for your CD cover but not in your yearbook or ID card. Especially not on your ID card, wouldn't you rather have your school administer think you are "no trouble"?

Smile with your eyes even if you choose not to show your teeth. We suggest allowing us to create a variety of expressions to choose from later. Why waste your valuable professional photographer time with the same expression over and over again?

Use us to explore different versions of YOU!

noreply@blogger.com (Linda J. Russell) — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 14:29:00 +0000

Lazy Days of Summer

As school ends, so summer begins. The melancholy of endings meets with the thrill of beginnings. Parents excited to be freed of carpools soon confronted with camp schedules and fees. Discussions of academic "slides" drive summer school classes and enrichment programs. These days it seems summers are less about popsicles and more about catch up or gain a leg up.

What I remember most about the summers of my "retro" youth was how long the days were. They were not packed with activities or rewards they were I Love Lucy reruns and imaginary war games at the creek behind the carport. They were alive with the smells of freedom- grass growing, laundry churning, play dough and Jiffy Pop on the stove. A walk to the market for a candy bar was an adventure.

I was a latch key kid. My single mom worked long hours and didn't have the resources to entertain but left to my own devices I did a fine job of amusing myself. When I think about summer I most fondly remember that stack of library books in the front basket of my bike. Each week I would ride my bike to A K Smiley Library, navigating sidewalks with no handicap cuts. The AK Smiley library was like a church, old and scented with paper and oiled wood. It was cool against the Southern California roasting summer. It's stained glass windows illuminated rows of well used tomes. I would return my 13 books, you were only allowed 13 a week, and begin shopping for my next week's entertainment. No one determined the outcome, there was no required reading list but my own. One summer I chose authors by the first letter of their last name. I started at A and finished the summer at C.

Like my mother and my grandmother before me I look back and see a simpler time. Even as a mother I see that my grown children had a simpler life than the children of today, but risk of sounding like all the crones that have come before me there is something lovely about "simpler". My childhood was not without dangers, but having the freedom of alone, taught me self-reliance and creativity. When I look back at my summers and think about a 10 year old girl playing pretend games next to a beer bottle laden creek bed surrounded by high bamboo through the filters of today's headlines I shutter. But when I remember being that little girl I WAS a french spy playing out the heroic war movies that played in the afternoons on our black and white television. The only danger I felt was that I would be captured by the boys from apartment 4 B. I remember it took hours to finish our imaginary games. It is probably not an accident that many of our greatest filmmakers come from small rural towns, they come from childhoods with lots of unstructured time that they craft with imagination.

So as you plan your children's summer. Please make space for nothing. Lots and lots of nothing. Because from nothing comes something. And that something may very well be a gift to us all.

noreply@blogger.com (Linda J. Russell) — Mon, 23 May 2011 21:13:00 +0000

Graduation Celebrations

Last year this time my daughter, Jesse, was graduating from Occidental College. David Brooks was the commencement speaker. He was humorous and enlightening with a unique point of view. A child of hippies who grows up to be a conservative has an interesting spin on life.

All over the country families are gathering to remininse and celebrate accomplishments. Words of wisdom will abound. Links will be passed from friend to friend for reflection and inspiration. Parents will share tears and often relief as their offspring move forward thru our school system towards (hopefully) independence.

It is in that spirit I pass on the link to this year's commencement words of wisdom from Oxy's 2011 graduation. Here prize-winning author, Harvard professor, and human rights advocate Samantha Power shares 5 lessons on making a difference. Great advice for today and wonderful memories of launching my baby girl on her post school adventure in life. http://www.oxy.edu/x11374.xml

noreply@blogger.com (Linda J. Russell) — Sun, 15 May 2011 17:22:00 +0000

Coordination and Cooperation Creates Art

Great Group Portraits celebrate relationships! The portrait is the group not the individual. The experience of creation is often more important than what is worn or the expression of any one person in these images. What is remembered is shared space and time. A teacher, a class, a year, and more importantly, the gathering of friends.

Here is the story of creating Hidden Valley Elementary School's amazing Star Burst from MugsyClicks certified photographer Michelle Montalbano.

"Hidden Valley is such a great community of students, teachers and parents...I really love working with them. This is the 2nd annual "all school" photo. The "starburst" was part of the yearbook design. It went with all the "stars" and so it made sense to craft the group portrait to reflect that element.

The real "star" is one "superMom"....Jill Fritz. She has been the parent who has helped through every detail of school photos over the years and I could not have done it without her. She organizes all the volunteers for every photo day and she shows up herself to be a part of it all. She has been the yearbook coordinator putting all her heart in it for the kids. She really is amazing.

Jill coordinated all the teachers for this "all school" photo. She got there early and we drew the design on the playground. I climbed up on the library roof and class by class the kids and teachers began marching out. Then Jill and a few helpers began orchestrating the magic. I loved watching as the excitement rose and over 600 kids become one great form! The school became quiet as the principal Patty McCaffrey spoke to all of them. I was inspired to see the connection between the kids, the teachers and the staff. I am a grateful archivist of the communication, respect and cooperation that are all necessary in creating a great moment and memory.

The yearbooks went home recently and I heard that everyone was so happy and LOVED the image.

I feel honored to be a part of it all...and I am thankful to have this photograph to remind me of the gift we all created for the kids. "

Michelle Montalbano- MugsyClicks Certified Photographer (since almost the beginning).

Why School Portraits Matter

noreply@blogger.com (Linda J. Russell) — Fri, 06 May 2011 17:38:00 +0000

Why School Portraits Matter

By Linda Russell

Years ago when first asked to photograph in a local school, I was a bit embarrassed. At the time, I had built a reputation as a hot shot portrait and wedding photographer whose work had been published in books and magazines such as Town and Country and Rolling Stone. Why would someone of my caliber photograph kids in school? That was the bottom rung of the photography industry. But I loved photographing children and as a single parent I never felt I could turn down revenue opportunities.

     What ended up being really appealing about photographing in school was it was a great place to photograph children. There were no parents to nourish power struggles and the culture of school is one of respect and cooperation. I learned how to work fast, how to manage daylight all day and, most importantly, systems to manage images and data. Parents were delighted. I was able to market my portrait work to a very targeted group of consumers. It was a win-win.

    The demand for my school photography grew. My couple of schools grew into double digits. Soon I found myself inspiring and employing other photographers and team members. As business grew I discovered the many needs of the schools. I started fantasizing about the ways the entire industry could be re-envisioned. Digital Photography offered new distribution channels. What was possible led me down the path of website development. New, simpler ways for parents to view and order photos- progressive systems that allowed more flexibility and less school administration responsibility regarding collecting money and distributing prints. An innovative customer service, parent-focused school photography company was emerging. But what really propelled me were the children in front of my yearly lens. As they grew up before me I discovered the power of the good photograph.

    When a professional photographer points their camera at a subject, a bit of them is invested in every image. We want to create an image that is successful. It is a passion. When a student experiences a photographer who cares, they care. Instead of feeling defeated or defiant they respond to creative energy. They become a participant in a process and the results begin to move from institutional to individual. This transformation nurtures cooperation and we frequently see classmates encouraging each other to put their best face forward. Now there are kids complementing each others photographs. Children whose main experience of photography is an on demand call for “cheese” when a camera is pointed toward them, learn to smile from an inner space.

As the years have passed and I have watched adorable preschoolers grow into awkward middle schoolers then transform again into gorgeous young adults, I am reminded over and over again that portraits created in school can be meaningful. And while I recognize a school has many obligations and pressures to meet academically we in the photography community also have something to offer as well. A yearly image that can provide parents with a record of not only growth but metamorphosis. It breaks my heart to see this opportunity turned into a “fast food” industry focused on cheap and meaningless. Creating quality portraits in school can be professional in all ways and don’t our children (and their parents) deserve what is possible?

We at MugsyClicks believe in what is possible, and our proud to associate our names to the school photography industry and all that comes with it. We invite you to visit us and share in our vision. Let’s work together in revitalizing the art of photography in school. After all we are all in the same business of seeing our youth become citizens of the world that reflect our best intentions and their own unique gifts.

noreply@blogger.com (Linda J. Russell) — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 00:22:00 +0000

MugsyClicks A Winner!!!

Congratulations to Jacqueline Domin our fabulous designer for all the awards that her concept and art direction has garnered for our MugsyClicks Movie.
2010
Fexy Awards
Platinum – Best Web Moving Pixels MugsyClicks
Hermes Creative Awards
Gold – Best Viral Marketing MugsyClicks
The Communicator Awards
Award of Distinction – Viral Marketing MugsyClicks
Award of Distinction – Promotional/Branding MugsyClicks
Telly Awards
Silver – Best Online Video for Professional Services MugsyClicks

noreply@blogger.com (Linda J. Russell) — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 17:45:00 +0000

"The Tag is ITCHY"

Last week I photographed a new group of Make Mine A Million winners in Denver. The format has changed, instead of 30 finalists competing for 10 or 12 winners, the organization is now allowing as many women as possible to "pitch" their business ideas before a panel of judges and feedback experts.

With nearly 100 women pitching and 60 winners our group of dedicated business women grew expediently. One of the winners is Alexandra Merlino whose company Teres Kids creates extremely soft organic clothing for kids with tactile sensitivity. Do yourself and your child a favor and check out her adorable line of clothing guaranteed to calm the most sensitive skin!

noreply@blogger.com (Linda J. Russell) — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 20:42:00 +0000

"Spring Smiles"

Young tender sprouts dressed in seasonal finery sing "Spring". And I am not just talking about flowers. Children shine when the sun warms their laughter and they can finally leave their coats at home.

Now is the PERFECT time to schedule a session with one of our wonderful MugsyClicks photographers. Immortalize your child's Spring Fashion Duds before they spill fruit punch down the front....

Joyful Spring to you all!

michellefphoto.com

noreply@blogger.com (Linda J. Russell) — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 02:25:00 +0000

"Green Movement"

Ms. Patrick is modeling a 100% organic cotton, hand-knit shell warmer.
Featuring a Kelly Green and Chartreuse stockinette with a twist of garter stitch.

This snuggley cozy keeps her warm while working in the garden alongside her helpful son Paddy.

She enjoys both tender new growth and fresh Spring blossoms.

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

Kate Nagle Photography

noreply@blogger.com (Linda J. Russell) — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 17:29:00 +0000

Russ Osterweil
This beautiful portrait of a dear friend and amazing photographer captures his commitment to art, to life and to being. Russ and I spend many years photographing weddings together and his eye is impeccable. To view video click here: Blink.

Thanks to Yoni Klein, whose video captures and celebrates this amazing man's art and journey.

To view Russ' work: http://www.rofoto.com/

noreply@blogger.com (Linda J. Russell) — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 03:25:00 +0000

"Heart-Felt Valentine" wishes from Madeline,

with help from her fabulous mom- Kate Nagle Photography

We all want one of these Kate!
Great Music from Birdie Busch

noreply@blogger.com (Linda J. Russell) — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 05:59:00 +0000

Make Mine A $Million Meet Up

For those of you who have been following the process over the last few years of MugsyClicks growth you are aware of my relationship with Nell Merlino and her wonderful organization "Make Mine A $Million Business". Nell's goal is to see a million women running million dollar businesses. A true accomplishment when current stats show us at 3% of businesses that large.

If you are interested in growing your business, join us at our San Francisco "Meet UP" January 26th and listen to a great talk by Ellen Looyen on "How to Emotionally Connect to Your Market and Sell with Charisma".

Save your seat today http://www.meetup.com/SF-BayArea-M3-Meetup/calendar/15945904/

For more info and a video of Ellen speaking and client testimonials, visit her website
925.284.5828 www.ellen4branding.com ellen@ellen4branding.com.

noreply@blogger.com (Linda J. Russell) — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 01:48:00 +0000

Turning Dreams into Gold
Blog entry by Nell Merlino on 10/25/10

When Linda Russell applied for the Make Mine a Million $ Business competition four years ago, she was a photographer with a dream. A shutterbug for years, shooting for the likes of Rolling Stone, Linda changed the direction of her dream when she got a taste of school portrait photography. She saw a way to do it better.

Before her M3 win in San Francisco in 2006, Linda didn’t see herself as a “businesswoman.” She was the lone photographer at Mugshots School Photography and photographed 2,000 students, making annual revenues of $200,000. This year, using her community-based approach to school photography, she has brought in nearly $800,000. She, along with her staff of contract photographers, will take portraits of around 24,000 students in 80 schools.

“Things have changed so significantly since my win,” she said. “It’s exciting to see how things are possible.”

Since 2006, Linda’s business has grown 20 percent each year. She hired three full-time staff that aid with business development, production, customer service, and design. She has a fully operational website where customers can proof their photos and order online. Some 20 photographers are contracted with her, mostly located in California, who Linda and her staff assist with advertising, marketing and customer service. She currently has one photographer out-of-state in Connecticut and said there’s definitely the potential to expand nationally. She even started a company blog, complete with video snippets from customers.

Linda described herself as “blessed” having evolved alongside others with similar dreams and goals. M3 gave her the tools to see her dream accomplished with access to a coach, an array of experts, and a community to blog her way through concerns and issues about her SBA Recovery Loan. Along with all of these incentives, Linda now photographs our M3 events and has witnessed the transformation of dozens of women, including herself. And I can tell you, she takes the best photos of people they will ever have.

“It is exciting to have such a close view into their dreams,” she said of M3 winners. “I see them evolve from nervous and hopeful into winners. I took this amazing photo of Leah Brown standing alone in a hallway practicing her pitch. Now she is running a multi-million-dollar business.”

If you want to meet Linda, along with other past winners, and think you have what it takes to make your business a million, join us in San Francisco Nov. 7-9. The Make Mine a Million $ Business conference can take your business to the next level. American Express cardholders can register for free using code AMEX. See you there!
http://makemineamillion.org

noreply@blogger.com (Linda J. Russell) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 22:35:00 +0000

UNLEASHED HOLIDAY PORTRAITS

Brush your hair! Spiff up your clothes! It is Unleashed Family Portraits in the park.

MugsyClicks is delighted to offer great deals on family portraits from our fabulous photographers. These special sessions are happening at various parks over the next few weeks. JUST IN TIME for holiday portraits. Quick and easy. Just choose your location, date and time. Your photographer will meet you there and capture the joy of family images.
Session Fee: $95 Sample Print Pricing: Click Here

For Session Details and photo day tips and hints click here.

Online appointment scheduling for Photographers

A Brookside Parent Shares Her Thoughts on MugsyClicks

noreply@blogger.com (Linda J. Russell) — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 03:50:00 +0000

A Brookside Lower School Fan Testimonial

noreply@blogger.com (Linda J. Russell) — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 22:01:00 +0000

A Wonderful Photo Day in the Garden at Saint Mark's School

Our photo days at Saint Mark's School in San Rafael reminded me why I love Mugshots. Over the years I have been blessed to have been the creative "eye" for many families in my community. I crawled on the floor with babies and chased down toddlers. I made a fool of myself for many a school aged child. But once I committed myself to working in the schools there was a whole new level of documentation. Now instead of one child or a couple of siblings I was committing myself to hundreds of individuals in a day.

As I continuously preach to my photographers "each and every child is an individual, each one deserves the passion of your eye." I recognize saying it and living it can sometimes be at odds with one another when there is an endless line of kids, changing light, noise and school day concerns. Last week, I had the joy of returning to Saint Marks School. Before my camera were smiling faces who I have been watching grow for years. From timid kindergartners to blossoming 8th graders in a garden that has grown from an idea to a bountiful space alive with food and wild life. How blessed am I? Pretty darn content. How beautiful were the photos the kids and I created? Truly special.

Thanks to Cindy Erlich for her great attitude and help each photo day. And much appreciation and respect to Headmaster Damon Kirby as moves on to new adventures leaving a legacy worthy of 24 years of his nurture and care.

San Francisco School Loves MugsyClicks!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Linda J. Russell) — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 03:39:00 +0000

A Super Endorsement from Julie Galles at The San Francisco School
for MugsyClicks!

noreply@blogger.com (Linda J. Russell) — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 18:40:00 +0000

The San Francisco School is FUN!

It was a warm and wonderful school photo day at The San Francisco School on Friday, September 10, 2010. A particularly heartfelt one for me as it was my son, and Mugshots photographer, Jarreau's 27th. We had the privilege of working together creating really beautiful images in the Adventure Garden of The San Francisco School. What a great staff and delightful students. Truly a pleasant way to celebrate Jarreau! Later we went to The Ramp and relished the fabulous SF weather. I had many dreams for my son on the day he was born but real life has been much better than I ever imagined. Happy Birthday dear son... thanks for enriching our lives with your tender heart and amazing talent!

noreply@blogger.com (Linda J. Russell) — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:42:00 +0000

School Photo Day Tips and Hints for Teachers

It is always exciting for me to see my "finger thoughts" out in the world. When Education World contacted me regarding writing an article focused on school photo day advice I was delighted to share. Our goal at MugsyClicks is to make beautiful portraits of not only students, but the attending adults as well, so having an opportunity to share good practices was a treat!

Education World ® Professional Development Center: School Photo Day Made Easy: Tips for Teachers, Parents, And Students