At Home Living 04/04/15

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Saturday, April 4, 2015 An Advertising Feature of The Topeka Capital-Journal

Jamie Hancock Garden Column – And the winner is... – Tips to hiring a family portrait photographer – Service Directory –

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2 | Saturday, April 4, 2015 | The Topeka Capital-Journal | At Home

Spring cleaning the yard Jamie Hancock

jamiehan@ksu.edu Spring cleaning, our first venture into the yard for the season. This is going to feel good!

It is a sure sign of spring fever when we get that itch to clean the gardens, prune the shrubs, and dig in the dirt. I have crocus blooming in my yard which only fuels my need to get down and dirty.

If our changing Kansas weather delays you from getting out to the garden, clean and sharpen your tools, straighten the shed, repair spigots or fencing, and make plans for what you wish to plant this year.

This is also a good time to inspect the foundation of your house if it is going to be blocked shortly by growing plants. n Prune trees and shrubs. (Call the Extension Office for details.) Wait to prune spring flowering trees and shrubs until right after they have finished blooming.

Remove dead, dying, and broken branches. Shape according to their natural tendencies. Reduce size as needed. n Remove trash, leaves, and any remaining annuals. Remove extra mulch used to protect plants from the winter cold. As the lawn begins to turn green, rake up and remove dead grass leaves. Cut back any perennials you left for winter interest. Leave an inch or so of the dead plant material so that you know where the plant is. Press into the ground any perennials that have frost-heaved over the winter. Collect the debris on a tarp that can be dragged around the yard. This keeps

you from picking up the debris a second time. Everything but the trash can go in the compost pile. n Cut back ornamental grasses.

Grasses green up earlier if dead foliage is removed. You can use hand clippers, weed whips (if the foliage is of a small enough diameter), weed whips with a circular blade, or even a chain saw. Use the top of the chainsaw bar to cut so the saw doesn’t pull in debris and clog. It is helpful to tie foliage together before cutting to make it easier to dispose of. Burning is another option but, only if it is safe and legal in your area. n Divide grasses. If the center of the clump shows little growth the plant would benefit from division. Dig up the entire clump and separate. Then replant the vigorous growth found on the outer edge of the clump. n Divide perennials. Perennials will send signals to you to let you know they would like to be divided. Flowering reduction, flowers becoming smaller, center growth dies out, less plant vigor, or it’s just overgrown. Division should happen just as

new growth is beginning in the spring. Dig around the plant and lift it entirely out of the ground. Use a spade or sharp knife and cut the clump to the size of a quart or gallon sized perennial. Discard the dead center. Keep divisions moist. Replant some divisions, give away some and trade some with friends. n Prepare vegetable beds. Get a soil test to determine the pH and fertilizer needs of your soil (contact the Extension Office for details). Turn over the soil and add organic matter, like compost, peat moss, or composted manure. In late March and early April you may plant early crops that don’t mind a little cold. (See Extension Office for a list of cool season crops.)

While we have been getting warmer air temperatures earlier the last two springs allowing us to put out our tomatoes and peppers the soil will not be warm enough for them to grow well until about the first part of May. n Weeding. It’s never too early to “get those suckers.” Weed as soon as weeds are

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Hancock: Fertilize perennials Continued from 2A visible. The dilemma I have with weeding early is not knowing if it is a weed or the new perennial I planted last year. HINT: plant in groups of three or five then when they emerge in a pattern you can be pretty sure they’re not a weed. n Fertilizing. Fertilize perennials after they have begun to sprout two to three inches. Bulbs should be fertilized after they have bloomed but, before the foliage dies back. Use a good balanced fertilizer on both. Fertilize flowering trees and shrubs after they have bloomed. Generally, nonflowering trees and shrubs do not need to be fertilized every year. n Mulch with “finished” compost from your pile or a wood mulch, placed threeto-four inches deep in the bed. Mulch this thick controls weeds and grasses and helps maintain moisture and moderate soil temperature. Mulching is not as important in March through May, when temperatures are not extreme. However, mulch should be in place by the end of June in preparation for the hot summer months.

Look around. You have a nice clean,

weed free yard ready for planting. You also, have calluses, an aching back, and a feeling of satisfaction. Take a hot bath and relax. We will be planting soon.

And the winner is…

Note: Mark your calendars for the Master Gardener Annual Plant Sale Extravaganza on May 2 from 9AM till noon (make note of the new hours) at the Extension Office 1740 SW Western, Topeka. See our website for more information. www.shawnee.ksu.edu Note: Jamie Hancock will be speaking at the Topeka/ Shawnee County Public Library on April 16 at 7:00 PM. Her topic will be “What can I grow in Kansas?”

The weather in Kansas sees all of the extremes. Jamie will help you become a more successful gardener by sharing with you plants researched to grow well in our crazy Kansas weather.

Note: Master Gardener, Phil Roudebush will speak at the Topeka/Shawnee County Public Library on April 23 at 7:00 PM. His topic will be “Growing Tomatoes!”

Phil will teach you the basics of how to grow tomatoes and what to watch out for.

Jamie Hancock is a horticulturist with Kansas State Research and Extension in Shawnee County. (785) 2320062 ext. 104

Photo Provided by Hometeam inspection service

Left to right: Justin Blick, HomeTeam Inspection Service, Debbie Laubach, Coldwell Banker Griffith and Blair, Maurice Blick, HomeTeam Inspection Service.

The Capital-Journal

HomeTeam Inspection Service sends out surveys nationwide to REALTORS® after using the inspection service. Each respondent is entered to win HomeTeam’s Annual $2,000 Vacation Giveaway and

this year the winner is from Topeka – Debbie Laubach, Coldwell Banker Griffith and Blair. Earlier this week, Laubach received her $2000 vacation courtesy of HomeTeam Inspection Service from Justin and Maurice Blick of Topeka’s local HomeTeam Inspection Service.

4 | Saturday, April 4, 2015 | The Topeka Capital-Journal | At Home

Tips to hiring a family portrait photographer

By Shanna Sloyer Special to The Capital-Journal

The lighting and location are perfect.

The smiles are genuine. No stray hair is awkwardly blowing across a single face, and all of the children are simultaneously looking in the same direction. If you’ve mustered up the energy to make a photo appointment, forced your unwilling clan to dress the part and hauled everyone to the location of your choice, you expect great results.

As any parent who has ever dreamed of having the perfect family portrait taken will tell you, the right photographer can make or break the experience. Here are eight questions to ask a photographer before hiring them to photograph your family: 1. Can I see examples of your work?

A professional photographer will consistently produce great results. Ask to see an entire session worth of images or several images from a variety of sessions to get a sense of what the photographer can do. If you only see one or two shots that you would be consider framing, look elsewhere.

2. Are you a PPA (Professional Photographers of America) photographer?

PPA photographers have the technical expertise and artistry to capture your family’s unique personality. PPA photographers also abide by a strict code of ethics. Visit

www.ppa.com/seethedifference/family to find a PPA photographer near you.

3. What’s your photographic style? Do you specialize in any one type of photography?

Some photographers specialize in weddings, others in seniors. If a photographer mentions working frequently with families, they probably have the experience required to work with groups of people and young children.

A photographer’s overall style is reflected in their portfolio, so pay close attention to images that match your vision for your family portraits. Take notice of the composition, lighting and posing of subjects, and envision your family in similar set ups.

Think of three words that describe your family and share them with your photographer to help them understand what you’re looking for.

4. What’s included in your fee?

Most photographers charge a sitting fee that covers the time that they spend working with your family. Be sure to ask how much time is included, how many images you can expect to choose from, and whether image editing and retouching is included. Ask about the price of prints and whether digital files are available for purchase. Request a list of package prices if that’s an option and ask whether prints can also be purchased a la carte in case the package choices don’t meet all of your needs. Carefully read the contract and don’t be afraid to ask follow up questions.

Stock photo/Brandpoint

5. How should I prepare my family before our session?

A professional photographer will be able to offer advice for making your session go as smoothly as possible and helping you get the results you’re looking for. Talk with your photographer about the best styles and colors of clothing to wear, whether you should bring a change of clothes, and when it’s best to schedule a session to avoid cranky, overly tired children.

6. Where can I find you online?

Photographers’ websites often contain a place to view their portfolio, read client testimonials, and get a general sense of the photographer’s personality. Look at social media pages and read customer reviews as well to get a well-rounded picture of the person you’re hiring.

7. Can you take a picture like this one?

Find examples of pictures you like and show them to potential photographers.

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Photographer: Getting your photos Continued from 4A

• No session fees for in-studio shoots, and products are priced by package or a la carte. The studio offers monthly theme sessions that include backgrounds and props appropriate to the season. This month, they are featuring Easter portrait sessions with live bunnies.

• Worth a 1,000 Words has a website, as well as a Facebook presence under Worth a 1,000 Words Topeka.

This gives the photographer a feel for the style and genre you are looking for and allows them to tell you if they cannot meet your needs. A professional photographer will explain why and how they can’t create the same effect, and will happily refer you on to someone else if they feel they aren’t the best fit for your family.

8. How will I obtain my photos and when can I expect them?

Determine how proofs will be delivered and how long you can expect to wait to see them. Proof delivery could include a private, online portal where photos are stored, cloud sharing, or uploading to a social media site like Facebook. State your preferences up front to avoid privacy issues. Also, ask how long you will have to wait to see your proofs and whether all proofs will be edited, or if editing will be done once prints or files have been ordered.

Local photographers take on it Shelley Jensen Photography

909 ½ S. Kansas Ave. (785) 783-3320 www.shelleyjensen.com Owner: Shelley Jensen • In business for 7 years. Clients are guaranteed to have Jensen as their photographer.

• Can be photographed in her studio on downtown Kansas Avenue or on location in the Topeka and Lawrence areas.

• Jenson describes her style as photojournalistic. She strives to avoid too many posed photos in favor of laughter, real emotion, and romance.

• Session prices start at $75. Prints, digital files and CDs can be purchased separately.

• Jensen’s work can be viewed on her website or on Facebook.

Nexus Photography

705 SW 6th Ave. (785) 233-2007 www.nexusphoto.net Owner: John Malloy • In business for 30 years. He and another professional photographer work with all clients.

• Nexus is a full service studio with regular business hours. They offer an indoor facility for studio shoots, but will also shoot on location in Topeka and surrounding areas, and are happy to make recommendations based on a client’s desire for urban vs. rural settings, the season, and the time of day.

• Style is contemporary, and Nexus strives to stay on the cutting edge of new ideas, while trying to capture the action/reaction dynamic of smiling and laughing families.

• Session prices start at $60. Nexus offers prints that are produced in their on-site facility, and all products

Wagers Photography

Stock photo/Brandpoint

are priced al a carte.

• Work can be viewed on the Nexus website or on Facebook.

Wichers Photography

4105 SW 29th St. (785) 271-5355 www.wichers.com Owners: Mark and Mardi Weber • Have owned Wichers Photography since 1987, but Wichers has been in business since 1927.

• Offer in studio and on location photography, and are happy to accommodate requests for specific looks, as well as offer suggestions. They encourage consultations with clients prior to a photo shoot to get a feel for the look the client wants to achieve.

• Style ranges from contemporary to traditional, depending on the purpose of the portrait, and they also offer theme sessions for children’s photography.

• Session prices range from $0-$150 depending on what is being done and how long it will take. The Children’s Highlights Program focuses on a different theme each month, and there is no session fee. Each session yields between 10-30 proofs to choose from.

• Visit Wichers at their website or on Facebook to see examples of their work.

Worth a 1,000 Words Studio

Inside West Ridge Mall 1801 SW Wanamaker Rd. (785) 271-7000 www.wortha1000wordstopeka.com Owner: Kristin Webster-Lee • Locations in Topeka, Olathe, and St. Joseph • In business for 5 years • Offer studio photography as well as outdoor shoots on location. For clients looking for a variety of styles, having different photographers with unique abilities is an asset.

(785) 220-2275 www.wagersphotography.com Owner: Lindsey Wagers • 10 years experience • Works primarily on location in the Topeka and Lawrence areas. Wagers is happy to offer location suggestions, and tries to find places that are unique from other photographers.

• Style is colorful and rustic, with a country feel. Wagers’ experience working with children and families has given her an understanding for the patience required to get the results the client is looking for.

• $100 session fee, and prints and packages are priced separately.

• Portfolio can be viewed on her website or on Facebook under Lindsey Wagers Photography.

Ken Doll Photography

4606 SW West Drive (785) 231-7191 www.kendollphotography.com Owner: Ken Doll • In business since 2005 • Doll strives to bring a passion for what he does to every photo shoot because he understands firsthand how important family photos can be. Before losing his sister in a car accident when she was 21, they surprised their parents with professional photos, which he now describes as priceless.

• Works in studio and on location and believes that understanding lighting and the craft of photography are key to getting great results. Doll also works to get angles just right and to capture the emotion and expressions of his families.

• Session fee starts at $75, and he offers a la carte packages and digital files.

• Doll’s work can be viewed on his website or on Facebook.

T.H. Peterson Photography

503 Scranton Ave. Scranton, KS (785) 793-2492 www.thpetersonphoto.com Owners: Tommy and Holly Peterson • In business since 1999 • Although most clients choose outdoor locations for their portraits, they do offer a studio setting for very young babies and children.

• Tommy Peterson has photographed over 100,000 families to date, and believes having good assistants is important to working with small children.

• Fees start at $50 for mini sessions, and a two-hour session begins at $150. Prints and packages can be ordered separately.

• In addition to their website, work can be found on Facebook.

Nathan Ham Photography

320 NW Laurent St. (785) 232-3030 www.whataham.com Owner: Nathan Ham • Over 30 years experience • Works in his studio and on location.

• Recently awarded #3 in the world photographer by the PPA, which boasts 27,000 members.

• Style is to do things that are fun, unique and creative. “The wow factor is what we attempt to create,”said Ham. He encourages clients to participate in a consultation to get a feel for what they want in a portrait.

• Believes great attention to detail, and correct posing techniques take a photograph from a photo to a piece of art.

• Studio fees start at $140-$150. Prints are priced individually, and retouching and photo manipulation are included in the cost.

• See Ham’s work on his website or on Facebook.

Megan Rogers Photographie

2609 SW 17th St. (785) 230-8928 www.meganrogersphotographie.com Owner: Megan Rogers • 8 years in business • Studio and location experience serving Topeka and the surrounding areas.

• Prefers natural light and encourages clients to peruse her website to see what they like. Can make location suggestions based on client preferences. “If I were looking for a photographer, I would look for best quality,” said Rogers. “Lighting matters.”

• Style is whimsical, artistic, and colorful.

• Session fee is $75. Prints, digital, packages and a la carte are priced separately.

• Visit her website or Facebook to see samples of her work.

Captured Moments by Christina

3836 NW Oakview Dr. (785) 213-4831 www.capturedmomentsbychristina.com Owner: Christina Guivas • 6 years in business • Studio and location experience in Topeka and the surrounding areas.

• Stylizes each photo session based on the individual needs of the family. Colorful, vintage, soft and traditional styles. Conducts consultations via phone or e-mail prior to a session.

• $75 session fee. Digital files, prints and albums are priced separately. All photo retouching is included in the price of the products.

• See Guivas’ work on her website or on Facebook.

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Service Directory

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