Valentine's Day Sessions

Chocolates??? Again??? Really???

Think again!!!

Now scheduling "I <3 U" Valentine's Day 30-minute sessions...

• kids for their dad/mom,
• wife for husband,
• husband for wife,
• boyfriend for girlfriend,
• girlfriend for boyfriend,
• partner for his/her partner, or
• reveal yourself to that special someone you've been secretly admiring

$75 ~ 30-minutes ~ 2 5x7 prints & 8 wallets (up to 2 poses) and 5 low-res digital images. I'll even throw in a heart-shaped box of chocolates :-)

Contact me by phone or text at 309-838-2252 or by email at marksextonphoto@gmail.com to set up your 30-minute session. But, move fast... February 14th will be here soon!!!

I Am An Artist

I recently had a couple of difficult days as a photographer... trying to justify to a client why I am charging what I do for my services and my prints and why I do not just give away the digital files for almost nothing.

After our communications back and forth, I took time to reflect about me, my portrait photography, and why I do what I do. I know I'm not the best photographer... I know I have a lot to learn... I know there will always be someone better... I know I fail at light, focus, and framing at times... I know my photography won't be everyone's favorites... I know some people will dislike my photography.

But, I also know...

I am a custom portrait photographer ~ I am an artist.
I am not a Sears Portrait Studio, a Portrait Innovations, and I am not conveniently located in your local Wal-Mart.
You are not just a time slot in my day… 
          you are an investment of my time, my passion, and my creativity.
I don't just take pictures…
          I create art with what I've captured through my lens.
I don't just sell you prints... 
          I offer you timeless keepsakes and cherished memories.
I am a custom portrait photographer ~ I am an artist.

Capturing Life ~ Capturing Memories
Mark Sexton, Photographer

Capturing Leah

I can honesty say that I've never had a photo session that I didn't enjoy... But, there are those clients that I can hardly wait until they want photos taken again. Leah is one of those clients... she's just plain FUN to capture.

Leah is a Freshman at Heartland Community College and performs locally in theatre productions and takes advantage of singing opportunities whenever she can. She has an excellent voice... One that you can listen to all evening long. Look for her name to appear in Twin City theatre productions and at local "singing spots."

In the meantime, enjoy perusing these images from her most recent photo session.

Bloomington-Normal FCA Banquet 2012

I was blessed to have had the opportunity to be the photographer for the 2012 Bloomington-Normal Fellowship of Christian Athletes "Home Team" Banquet on Sunday, February 26. The guest speaker for the event was University of Illinois football alum J Leman, a graduate of Champaign Central High School. To learn more about J Leman and his story, visit his website at www.jleman.com.

Capturing Patrick ~ Eighth Grader, Metcalf School

I recently received a phone call from a professor that works in the same department as my wife at Illinois State University... I was asked to take portraits of their family and son Patrick, who is an eighth grader at Metcalf School (Illinois State University's elementary/middle lab school). As usual in the month of January, weather was not appropriate for outside shooting... but, another local photographer was gracious enough to let me use her studio.

Here are some of my favorites from the session with Patrick and his parents...

Thanks Patrick... I love how your images turned out!!! And, good luck in high school and beyond.

Sizzlin' Summer Simple Sessions

It's the perfect time to get end-of-summer pictures... families, couples, children, grandparents with grandchildren, teen friends... Let me help you remember your 2011 summer with a simple session during the month of August.

A "simple session" lasts no more than 30-45 minutes... Quick and painless (especially for kids).

All you have to do is call or email me with a first, second, and third choice date/time for a Wednesday or Saturday in August... I'll call back to confirm one of your dates/times with information on a location. An email will follow giving your date/time/location confirmation for your session. Dress should be “summery” and very casual... And only an attitude of FUN will be allowed :-)

Here are the details:
* Up to 20 image proofs
* Proofs available for online review within 3-days
* One favorite image professionally printed in the following quantities and sizes:
- one 8x10
- two 5x7's
- eight wallets
(Additional prints of the "favorite" image and all other images are available for purchase at regular print prices)
* Cost for the session and prints is only $125 (due at the time of phone confirmation by credit card; receipt emailed immediately after transaction)
* Prints will be delivered no later than ten days after the order has been completed