North Light Studio - Curt Coenen - Jacksonville, FL - Seniors, Families, Babies, Maternity, Pets

Artist Biography
CURT'S STORY

I had started an interest in photography at a tender age of about 6 years old. I was fascinated that images could be stored in the little plastic Brownie style camera I had found in the house. I occasionally dabbled with it until I unearthed my Dad's Argus C-3 35mm rangefinder camera at age 12. It had been put away since my brother and I had grown past the 'cute' stages and school pictures had replaced the need for my Dad to embarrass us in front of friends and family. At that point I had a ravenous appetite for information and would study every book or magazine I could find. At age 16 I pooled all my birthday monies and bought a brand new 35mm SLR Mamiya 500DTL. I still have both of those 35mm cameras to this day. In October of that same year I had tagged along with my brother to a free charity concert in Paramus NJ. With camera in hand I weaved through the crowds to the front lines. There I snuck into the press area and was singled out by a very large, ominous looking man who I first thought was going to have me thrown out or arrested but instead picked me up and put me onstage with the Chambers Brothers (Time has Come Today) and told me to take pictures of the crowds with the band in them. He wanted to buy them from me. After spending the rest of the evening on stage with the Chambers Brothers and Don McLean (American Pie) my professional career was launched. I was hooked! I was invited by the sponsoring radio station to do other promotional events with them which developed an interest in radio and that brought me to school here in Jacksonville. Shortly after I arrived here in Jacksonville the '74-'75 recession was in full swing and radio jobs were scarce so I went back to what I knew how to do. I worked in professional film processing labs and trained with a wedding photographer on the weekends. I was later asked by Denise Carol to photograph her students and that lead to my departure from the corporate world. I freelanced doing weddings and won a huge reputation for doing dance recital photography. This work lead to a one man show of my portraits of the Jacksonville Symphony's first chairs and the Florida Ballet during their first joint performance in the mid 1980's. I opened my first store front just outside of Sam Marco in 1986. With a real place to work I was determined to capture a nitch market photographing children and launched the Children's Portrait Club in 1986. At a time when all other photographers were chasing the new 'in vogue' market of Glamour and Boudoir portraits I concentrated on making sure that parents had a true record of their children's growing phases by establishing the first Children's Portrait Club that is the backbone of my business today. One of the little girls I started photographing in the early 90's I had the pleasure of being a part of her wedding day in July of 2004. Now I look forward to seeing that her children have an artful record of their growing stages when she begins her family. I will most likely show up for your session in shorts or jeans and ready to play! -For formal location work I do dress appropriately. You won't hear me telling your child(ren) to "say cheese"- I want the true smile, laugh, serious look, etc. I do this by talking, playing and being just plain silly and sooner or later their true personalities come out. My goal is to make the session fun and relaxed so the resulting images reflect this. When studying with one of my mentors in the mid 80's he spoke of the way Renaissance painters would use a window that faced north, so the light on their subjects wouldn't change much through the day long sitting. In photography we try to emulate that same look, the one light 'North Light' effect even though multiple lights are used. Hence the studio name of 'North Light'. My daughter was born in April of 1990 and is the love of my life. She is a well documented little girl and I feel blessed that I had the talent to capture everything I did through her early years. I feel even more blessed that thousands of families have also entrusted their memories to me. Limited Editions
Limited Editions Calender 2009 Limited Editions April & May First Communion April 24, 25 Pet Project May FATHERS DAY SPECIAL! 8 Ways to say “We love you Dad! June 50% off Children’s & Family session fees July 17, 18 Gone Fishin’ July 24, 25 Jungle Safari September 11, 12 Celebration of Angels October 8, 9, 10 Fall Fairies >>>All new set!!< Quick Takes
2009 QUICK TAKES CALENDAR
May 8, 9 Sepia- “Times gone by…”
Yes, we are doing brown tones again
Sepia (brown) tones are great for a more
full length portrait with your child's favorite stuffed doll or floppy animal. Children must be 6 months of age or older. June 13 Stars & Stripes - Celebrate America!
Celebrate red, white and blue! We will
have a large flag and other props to show
your patriotism.
August 7, 8, BLACK & WHITE 13, 14, 15 BLACK & WHITE
Most Popular Quick Take 2003 -2008

This Black and White will be head shots only of
your child's face. We recommend dark
solid, long sleeve clothing. Children must be
3 years of age or older. No more
than 5 children per grouping.
October 23, 24 Pumpkin Patch
Fall produce, pumpkins, bales of hay, fall leaves.
We recommend denims and fall clothing in
solid colors. Children must be between the
age of 8 months and 10 years.
December 4, 5 Winter Wonderland on the Pond
An ice skating fantasy here in Florida!



QT Information - Please Read Carefully
* 8 to 12 shots will be taken. All shots must be of same subject matter. No splitting QT sessions. * Sessions are scheduled every 15 minutes. If you are at all late, you will have to wait for the next opening. * $59.95 +tax must be prepaid the day of scheduling. This fee includes1-8x10, 2-5x7s and 8 wallets of the pose of your choice. All prints in the package is of the same pose. * Additional packages that are already printed are only $49.95 each + tax. * Individual units are $24.00 each +tax. * All QT reorders are from a special discounted price list. * Quick Takes will take approximately 2 weeks for the packages to be completed. * Once you have been notified your images are ready to view, you will have 48-72 hours to do so and place your order or we will pick the package for you. * Limit group size to 3 children-$10.00 additional per extra child. * NO ADULTS * NO pets during Quick Takes * Quick Takes DO NOT qualify for a Portrait Club Sitting. * Quick Take Sets are initially designed for ages 1 year thru 8 years of age unless otherwise specified. Holiday Creations
Holiday Creations 2009 Holiday Specials November A sitting with SANTA! 11, 12, 13, 14 Jolly old Santa is back to visit. Come in and spend some time with St Nick and let him get to know you. Always sure to make great memories! November “Visions of Sugarplums” 19, 20, 21 Winter Skating Pond The beauty of the season comes alive in this magical wintersetting with our ice skating pond and winter park. Fun for the family! All other dates in October, November and December
"Visions of Sugar Plums” Families in B&W, Sepia & Color Our traditional sessions in B&W, Color and Sepia that capture the love and beauty of families at their finest Tips
Guidelines and tips to make the most of your child's portrait: -For babies and toddlers, please be aware of their regular pediatric appointments for routine immunization shots. Little ones need a few days to recover from these sometime ‘traumatic’ visits. Please schedule appointments before visiting the Dr or a week after their appointment. -Schedule your appointment for your toddler or preschooler for about an hour after their regular nap time usually ends. -Make sure they gets their nap before they come in. -Children’s sittings allow for two outfits. Additional outfits incur an extra charge and should be scheduled in advance. -For portraits, children's clothes should be simple in pattern and design. Also, children should be comfortable in their clothes. -Feel free to bring his favorite blanket or toy! Even if the item doesn't make it into the shot, it can make him feel more comfortable. -For infants, bring extra diapers, formula, and pacifiers. -Too many family and friends in a small room can cause children to feel pressured and anxious. Please limit the number of adults to 2. -Relax! We have plenty of time, and it's very natural for a child to take several minutes to feel comfortable and ready to take photos! -For Outdoor portraits, early morning or early evening is better for everybody. Bright, direct sun will cause children to squint and be uncomfortable. -Keep shoes off infants under the age of 2, they do better with out them. -Plan haircuts around your child’s next portrait schedule-have hair cut about two weeks before portrait sitting. -Remember, we never say "SMILE" to the children- It is best to capture the expressions naturally.Studio Background
Studio Background North Light Studios is Jacksonville Florida’s premier photography studio which has been creating treasured family and children’s photographs for the last 30 years. North Light studios specialized in baby, children and family photographs providing special photographic packages to meet everyone’s budget. North Light Studios is known for creating stunning portraits, providing an unparalleled quality of creative vision and an unrivalled attention to detail always providing a fantastic client experience. Our Limited Edition photographs create fantasy portraits with special events throughout the year. These unique props are used to create a fantasy world for your children and a unique portrait which is available only at North Light Studios. The Quick Take specials are available to provide an economical way for families to get themed portraits throughout the year. Your special event can be captured at the Cotillion Ball, Debutant Dance, on the beach or at your home. North Light Studios has been capturing lasting memories for families in the North Florida and Georgia areas for many years. Curt Coenen, the artist behind the camera, will create beautiful memories for you and your family. Curt is an award winning, certified professional photographer, with an uncanny ability to always capturing the essence of the person and family. He always captures the true smile, the real laugh, even the serious look. Curt will make every session fun, as the resulting images always reflect this relaxed and special mood. Directions
Directions

North Light Studio
3853 Hendricks Ave
Jacksonville Fl 32207

Phone # 904-398-2501 Fax# 904-399-3698
Studio Hours: Tuesday – Saturday –BY APPOINTMENT 10am-4pm All sittings are by appointment Tuesday – Saturday
North Light Studio is located in the south San Marco area; also know as Miramar. Located at 3853 Hendricks Ave we are on the corner of Hendricks and Orlando Cir S; just two blocks south of where Emerson St intersects with Hendricks Ave.
Other notable landmarks to include would locate us: 2 blocks north of Hendricks Ave Baptist Church. Or one mile north of Greenlawn Cemetery and Calico Corners Fabric Shop, or two miles north of University Blvd where it intersects with San Jose Blvd.
From San Marco Square we are approximately 2 miles south on the left hand side. Mission Statement
Mission Statement North Light Studio is dedicated to the single principal of being a historian of moments and special events in the lives of American families. This commitment is the hallmark of North Light Studios and will continue to be the guiding force that maintains our position as the “Photographer of choice” today. Our commitment is not only “what we do and how we do it” but also to what families “want us to do” in their best interest. Our services reflect this commitment by combining the most innovative photographic concepts from around the world, mastery of photography skills, a thorough understanding of marketing, public relations and promotions with a meticulous sensitivity to the messages family and friend want recorded by documenting their special memories in spectacular, yet elegant and refined portraits. Today, North Light Studio’s award winning photographic projects span the country, and our pictorial documents set the standard for quality and value. We commit ourselves to maintaining this standard of excellence. Our commitment to quality is an important part of our philosophy: so important that one of the most extensive warranties in the portrait business. When families consider commissioning our photographers to document their “once in a lifetime” events, they can be rest assured that North Light Studios will continue to not only offer the best value money can buy, but that we are committed to being around in the long run to stand behind our warranties and service. We commit ourselves to illustrate the history of families from babies to brides and all the unique events of life in between. We will record these events with flair and refinement in an affordable way. We further commit ourselves to recording family history through portraits with material and skills so superior in quality that these portraits will last for generations to come. Our Commitment
Our Commitment North Light Studio is dedicated to the single principal of being a historian of moments and special events in the lives of American families. This commitment is the hallmark of North Light Studios and will continue to be the guiding force that maintains our position as the “Photographer of choice” today. Our commitment is not only “what we do and how we do it” but also to what families “want us to do” in their best interest.Quick Takes
Quick TakesLimited Editions
Limited EditionsHoliday Creations
Holiday Creations