Win the Ultimate Mother’s Day Gift Basket

Let’s Pamper Her…

Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 14

As a working mom of 3 (plus one pup), I know the importance of self-care. That’s why I’ve partnered with local, women-owned businesses to give one deserving mom the ultimate Mother’s Day gift basket! Currently valued over $600, the gift basket includes a FREE massage, wine, lunch, baked goods, coffee, nail treatments, apparel…the list goes on and on.

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HOW TO WIN

Follow @aliciaeadsphotography on Facebook and Instagram
“Like” my Ultimate Mother’s Day Gift Basket Giveaway post
Share using the hashtag #AliciasMothersDayGiveaway on Facebook and Instagram posts & stories,
AND tag @aliciaeadsphotography
Leave a comment on the original Facebook and/or Instagram post.

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THANK YOU to these 17 women-owned businesses for donating your time, services and products to help make this Mother’s Day extra special.

• $250 Alicia Eads Photography gift card

• FREE massage from Patty at Medical Massage Therapy Group in Florence.

  • My neighbors have used Patty for years, and gifted me a massage for my birthday. I loved it so much, I’ve already gone back. Patty is so kind and caring, it makes for the ultimate hour of relaxation.

• Wine and a gift card from Taste on Elm in Ludlow

  • Not only is Taste on Elm the cutest bistro in town, Lauren (owner and chef) is so sweet! Plus, the Granny’s Jam panini and homemade chicken salad are to die for. If you haven’t been, what are you waiting for?!

• Sweet treats from Little Flour Baked Goods of Fort Mitchell

  • Be transported to a patisserie in Paris, without leaving Northern Kentucky. Little Flour’s treats are so delicious, and their smash cakes make for the perfect first birthday sessions ;)

• $50 gift card to The Lash Boutique in Fort Mitchell

  • Everyone has heard of (and seen!) the amazing work the ladies of The Lash Boutique can do. So now it’s time to experience it for yourself! Just by walking in the front door you’ll feel glamorous!

• Nail essentials from Color Street by Elizabeth

  • We’re all pressed for time. That’s why I love Color Street - I can put them on in the car, at a baseball game, in between sessions…they’re so simple and beautiful. And Elizabeth is the sweetest!

• $50 gift card to The Hive in Erlanger

  • Have you heard the buzz? The Hive in my hometown is definitely a favorite. Everything I’ve tried is delish (especially the breakfast pizza!). Be sure to check out the coffee bar upstairs - it’s so cool!

• Beauty essentials from Paint Nail Bar of Northern Kentucky

  • Relax and let the wonderful staff pamper you! I’ve photographed Marquis (owner) and her family for years - they’re the kindest family and I have no doubt they’ll take care of you!

• $20 gift card & earrings from Leeta Ruth Boutique

  • Do yourself a favor and get to this amazing boutique THIS WEEKEND! Spring weather is here and it’s time to freshen up that wardrobe with the most amazing outfits and accessories. (I see a brand new vacay outfit in my very near future!)

• Biggby Coffee gift card, mug & more!

  • If you love coffee as much as I do, and travel to the Anderson area for sports, concerts, parks, etc., you MUST stop by and said hi to my friend Amber - owner of the Biggby Coffee location on Beechmont Ave.

• $100 gift certificate to Healthy Living with Jessica Schloemer

  • As a holistic health practitioner, nutritional & wellness coach, and certified yoga instructor, Jessica is an expert at helping women tap into their full self-healing potential. There’s no doubt you’ll love your time with Jessica!

• FREE Sign Package from Gifted Greetings

  • You’ve seen these amazing signs in yards across the area, now you can add some flare to your yard, too! Katie, owner of Gifted Greetings, has a heart of gold and will make sure your celebration is extra special.

• $20 gift card & coffee from Reality Tuesday Cafe

  • This community favorite not only has delicious coffee, but their sweet and savory bites always hit the spot. Traci is so, so sweet and makes sure every day starts with a smile.

• $25 gift card & haircare essentials (valued over $100!) from Amanda Smith Salon

  • Summer is right around the corner, and Amanda will help make sure you’re ready for concerts, weddings, vacation…anything! And her salon is right inside her beautiful home - so you get the one-on-one attention you deserve.

• Handmade earrings by Erin

  • Add a pop of color to your outfit with custom earrings!

• Weekender bag filled with relaxation essentials from Needzo

  • A little R&R goes a long way! Enjoy some me time with a pedicure set, wine favorites and much more.

• $50 gift card to Boxer Girl Craft & Creations

  • Jen’s custom tumblers are every mom's must-have! They’re SO amazing…and will definitely keep your drinks cold while you sit poolside this summer.

*Recipient must be able to pick up with gift basket in the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati area.

Calling All Sweet, Snuggly 6-10 Month Olds

Do you have a 6 to 10-month-old baby who sits up without support? I would love for them to be one of my 2023 promotional models! Below are all of the details and how to sign up:

• You’ll receive 50% OFF a full-priced session (regularly $400)!

• You will get all edited images and a print release.

• Your baby will be featured in upcoming Alicia Eads Photography promotions on social media, in print and more.

Sign Up Today!

The Benefits of Spring Senior Pictures

As a mom of 3, I know how busy summer and fall months can be with vacations, sports, back-to-school prep and more. And while July through September is peak picture season for rising seniors, spring is the perfect time to schedule your 2023 grad’s photos (just in time for announcements, party invites, etc.).

So if senior pictures is still on your to-do list, don’t worry…spring provides lots of great opportunities. And here’s why:

Better Weather
Milder temperatures make it more comfortable when choosing an outdoor location. You won't have to worry about it being too hot or too cold, which can make for a more enjoyable experience. (However, the weather is always perfect during an in-studio session.)

Beautiful Scenery
Lush greenery and blooming flowers can provide a stunning backdrop for senior pictures. And if we have a late bloom, we can choose a beautiful cityscape, like downtown Cincinnati, Covington, Newport, etc.

More Flexibility
The days are (finally) getting longer which means more daylight and more flexibility in scheduling the photo shoot around school and other commitments.

Comfortable Outfits
The milder temperatures make it easier to wear lighter, more comfortable outfits. This can help your grad feel more relaxed and confident during the photo shoot.

Cap & Gowns
Typically your grad will have their cap and gown in April - it’s the perfect additional to any senior pictures session!

Take a look at past senior pictures below and over in my portfolio. Let’s schedule your grad’s session today!

Full Session or Mini Session…What’s the Difference?

I get this question a lot, “What’s the difference between a regular photo session and a mini-session?” So, let’s dive into the benefits of each shoot, and which one might be right for you and your family.

Regular (or Full) Sessions
Perfect for birthdays, maternity sessions, newborns, annual family photos and senior pictures.

What’s Included:
Regular, or full, sessions typically last about one hour and can either be on location (like a park, city, in-home, etc.) or in my photo studio. We build in enough time for multiple groupings (like full family, just the kids, mom and day only, etc.), scenery changes and more. With my full sessions, you can expect to receive a minimum of 40 fully edited photos and a print release. Full sessions start at $350 (for maternity) and gradually increase from there.
My prices are all-inclusive, meaning you get all the images - no hidden or extra fees.

Examples from Recent Regular (Full) Sessions

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Mini Sessions
Best for smaller celebrations, like Valentine’s Day, Back-to-School or Fall.

What’s Included:
Mini sessions are typically on set dates and at a set location (for example, my Fall Mini Session is on Sunday, Oct. 16 at a nearby park). The minis are quick, 15-minute sessions. You can expect 5 to 10 fully edited images and a print release. Prices vary depending on mini session theme, but are typically between $150-$200.

Examples from Recent Mini Sessions

Calling All Rising Seniors…Ready to Be My 2023 Ambassador?!

It’s your best. year. ever! And I want to help make it even better with a FREE senior picture session!
Check out all of the details below:

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

• Up to 4 outfit changes. (I recommend a casual outfit, formal outfit, cap and gown, and a sports uniform or any special interests.)

• Location of your choice.

• Digital download of high-resolution, print-ready images and a print release sent via Dropbox.

• PLUS a FREE Cap & Gown Mini (closer to your graduation date)!

COST: $450 FREE

All you have to do is get 5 other rising seniors to book a full-priced senior picture session. For each person that books, you’ll get $90 OFF your session…all the way down to FREE!

Submit Your Application

All 2023 Ambassadors will be announced no later than Thursday, September 1!

Alicia is such an amazing person and photographer! She has taken many photos for my family throughout the years and took my senior photos for me. I can’t thank her enough for the photos she took of me, they are exactly what I dreamed of.

-Isabel

See more of my most recent Senior Picture sessions!

Big Love for Small Businesses

When you support a small business, you’re supporting a leap of faith. Long days, and even longer nights. Sweat and tears (especially during tax season 😂).

I started my small business over a decade ago right after the birth of my twins. (Read more about that here.) There is not a day that goes by when I’m not blown away by the love and support of my friends, family and clients. My very first clients still trust me to photograph their families today!

So naturally, I love supporting other small businesses. In honor of Small Business Saturday, I’m sharing just a few of my favorite locally owned small businesses. Click each image to check them out!

Emily Rose Florist • Seed + Soul Image & Wellness Salon • The Playful Pumpkin • Taste on Elm • Oak & Ash • Jessica Schloemer, Health Coach • The Beauty Carousel with Traci Hanser • Jenia Couch at The Color Room • The Lash Boutique • Holtman Lawn Care • Signature Home Services • Reality Tuesday Café • Oakley Pub & Grill • Golden Gelato

The Making of My Fall Mini-Shoots

When it came time for my Fall Mini-Shoot, we were one month into fall…but our leaves were still on summer vacation! Everything was still pretty green and wet…the opposite of what I had in mind for my Fall Mini-Shoot. But if I’ve learned anything in my 20 plus years as a photographer, you just have to go with with.

I’ve always thought floral arches were so beautiful at weddings. In fact, a good friend is the most amazing florist and posts beautiful images on her creations using arches. (You can see her work here.) So when I was brainstorming ways to bring in fall colors to my photos, I thought “Who says arches are just for wedding?!” I reached out to a brand-new local vendor, Our Wedding Cabinet, and sure enough, they had the exact arch I envisioned for my photoshoot.

After adding all the colorful foliage to the arch, it was hard not to fall in love :)

🦁 Logan’s Wild Photo Shoot 🐯

First birthday photo shoots are always so fun. There’s so much to celebrate…365 days of learning, growing and (maybe) walking! And if you’re anything like me, the first birthday party is always a big to-do. I remember our twins’ first birthday party…we planned for months and months (and months!) just to make it extra special. (Although looking back, I think we went overboard!) And there’s usually a theme for the party that helps set the scene for the photo shoot.

While sweet Logan is anything but wild, it was a super cute theme for his first birthday shoot! I loved incorporating personal touches, like all of his stuffed animals. And isn’t his cake perfect?! I’m so thankful his parents trusted me to capture such a special milestone in Logan’s life.

Feeling Good and Hungry? It’s Photo Shoot Time!

I love Skyline. Like, looove it. If I’m having an off day, Skyline’s sweet tea and crackers is all it takes to turn my day around. And our kids love it, too. Before our kids were school-aged, one of my best friends, Erin, and I would take our kids to lunch at Skyline several times a week. It was quick, affordable…and what kid doesn’t love spaghetti or hot dogs?! So when it came time for Erin’s daughter’s first birthday shoot, we traded the traditional cake smash for a 3-Way smash! Little did we know it would “go viral” and we’d be featured on local news channels. Even though it was 3 years ago (to the day)…this shoot is still one of my favorites.

I Never Thought I’d Start My Own Business

I know, I can’t believe I ever thought that either. To learn how I got to where I am today, let’s take a stroll down memory lane…

All my life, I was the girl with the camera. At school dances, sleepovers, vacations…you name it, I had a point-and-shoot in my hand. I still have boxes and boxes of prints from as far back as elementary school. I even have undeveloped rolls of film! So it was no surprise that right out of high school I started taking pictures at Lifetouch inside JC Penney, where I ended up working for 10 years! Meanwhile, I started Northern Kentucky University pursuing my Graphic Design degree. At 18 years old, I thought one day I’d work for a big ad agency, designing campaigns for Fortune 100 clients. But as I got closer to earning by Bachelors of Fine Arts, I thought…maybe working at an agency isn’t for me.

My degree required a few (film) photography classes. And those classes, paired with my part-time job at the portrait studio, is why I fell in love with (cliche alert) making people smile. So after graduation I went to work full-time at the portrait studio doing just that. Eventually, I managed a few studios and even became a District Trainer. I loved Lifetouch! I mean, I got to visit their headquarters in Minneapolis where I saw Lionel Ritchie perform at their annual gala. And anyone who knows me, knows how much I love Lionel! Perhaps one of the best perks of working for Lifetouch was meeting one of my best friends. And I know you all love Jody, too!

Fast forward a few years, I found out I was expecting not one baby, but TWO! I had it all planned out — how many weeks maternity leave I was taking, my return-to-work date, etc. But at 22 weeks, I was forced to go on bedrest, which meant leaving the career (if only temporarily) that I loved. Undeterred, I still planned to return to work after my twins were born…but I wasn’t prepared for how my body reacted to having twins. I’ll save all the details for another post, but postpartum preeclampsia is real.

After the birth of my twins, I tried to return to Lifetouch on a part-time basis, but my health and the constant demands of preemies (who weighed 9 pounds combined!) rerouted my plans. Again, I stepped away from a job and company I loved to focus on my health and family. Once I was on the up and up, I started photographing the twins at home, experimenting with natural and studio light, baby posers, backdrops and more. Several friends had babies around the same time I had the twins, so I started photographing their babies, too. And before I knew it, I had friends of friends reaching out to book photo shoots. I fell right back into doing what I loved, on my schedule the twins’ schedule, and back into something that brought me so much joy!

The next 10 years were filled with unimaginable growth, unwavering support…and unbelievable clients! Looking back, it’s clear I was destined to own my own photography business. It just took years of learning, growing, amazing clients like you…and a few unexpected turns to get me here.

— Alicia