IN FOCUS: News from Sutton Studios

Issue No. 31

February 2010

It's so cold we're freezing our prices! Take advantage of our reduced sitting fee in February!

SPOTLIGHT

Ketu and Carol
(click to enlarge)

This month's Spotlight features Carol Prygrosky and her pack of Shih Tsus. Carol came back to us for a second portrait sitting after her family of small dogs got a little bigger.

"The first session was of my four dogs and my sister's three dogs (yes, hers are Shih Tzus, too). David produced many magnificent pictures, but one - a shot of all seven dogs - is just spectacular."

Carol scheduled the second session to celebrate the arrival of her new dog Dorje to the "herd."

Dorje, Ketu and Kitsi (another recent arrival) are littermates. The portrait sitting would celebrate their reunion after having been separated at four months of age.

"I chose David because he is, quite simply, the best. The pictures speak for themselves. There's no denying that he has a way with animals - and people, too!"

All three of the dogs are small but Ketu, who tips the scales at 2 pounds 9 ounces, is the smallest of the bunch.

"She thinks she is quite the lioness. Ketu has taken to sitting on my shoulder. David caught us while she was doing her best parrot impression."

"The photo of all seven dogs amazes people. David is quite the master at getting unruly, boisterous dog-kids into the mood for picture time. I am not exactly sure how he does it, but he does it. I call it David Magic."

The Magnificent Seven
(click to enlarge)

Our framing partners

REFLECTION & REFRACTION

THANK YOU!

The economy has brought challenges for businesses and households alike, but not-for-profit organizations have especially felt the pinch.

That's why we decided to waive our customary $395 sitting fee for the entire month of January in favor of collecting donations for Mary Lou's Place in Evanston. Instead of a sitting fee, we asked clients to bring us gift cards for Jewel or Target, or CTA passes worth $75 or more.

Mary Lou's place provides housing and services to victims of domestic violence. Last year, their 32-bed residential facility served 208 women and children and provided 8,384 nights of care; the legal advocacy program assisted 431 women in obtaining emergency, interim and plenary orders of protection; and the Children's Program offered individual and group counseling, including art and play therapy.

The gift cards will help these families buy diapers, baby formula and clothing. The CTA passes will help with job searches, apartment hunting and court visits.

Sutton Studios clients did a fantastic job of helping us get the word out, and the outpouring of generosity and support not only helped us raise over $1,000 for Mary Lou's, it enabled us to set a five year record for portrait sittings in January.

To learn more about Evanston's YWCA Mary Lou's Place please visit the YWCA.

Thanks once again to our generous, caring clients and friends.

David Sutton
Write to David

P.S. If you missed our January promotion, don't despair - We've brought back our mind-boggling $150 sitting fee for all of February! That's right- we've ratcheted down our portrait-sitting fee just in time for Valentine's Day. Normally $395, all portrait sittings done in February will be just $150.

Follow us on Twitter (dbsuttn), the Sutton Studios blog, and the Sutton Studios website for unexpected fundraising campaigns, guest bloggers and promotions throughout the year!

COMMUNITY FOCUS

Sit Stay Read benefit The excitement is building for the Best In Show Benefit for Sit Stay Read! Join the fun on Tuesday, Feb 16, 2010, from 7-10pm at Fat Cat in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood. They'll have an amazing silent auction, great food and an open bar. You can cheer on your favorite dogs during the televised Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Have a great evening and help the Sit Stay Read Children's Literacy Programs. Call 773-545-6629 or visit www.sitstayread.org for additional information. Buddy's birthday On Thursday, February 25th, The Buddy Foundation will celebrate their 15th Birthday at Moretti's, formerly Freddies Roadhouse, in Mt. Prospect. The evening will include a delicious buffet, raffles, games, auctions and prizes. For additional information please call 847-290-5806 or visit www.thebuddyfoundation.org. Adopt-A-Pet raffle Adopt-A-Pet is having an incredible online raffle February 28th. Unlike many organizations, they only ask for your help once a year. Please visit www.adoptapet-il.org