I know... I know...

I've been a bad blogger. It's only been since Sunday, and I feel so disconnected. Just wanted to give you an update on what's to come soon.

First, on Wednesday I went to a conference in Columbus for my work. I've never been to Columbus before... but man! It's beautiful. Pictures to come of that soon!
Also, I'm eagerly awaiting some albums to share with you guys in the mail. I can't wait to take pictures of the final images (something I don't think I've ever done) so that you can see what your album might look like if you purchase one... which I strongly recommend! :)
Finally, tomorrow I have an engagement session at Grand Bay with an adorable and funky couple getting married next month in Panama City Beach! I can't wait for their session tomorrow, or their wedding on the beach!

The Featured Session is Up!

I'm so excited to show ya'll my Featured Session. Remember the CONTEST I posted about in March? Well, Misty and her sisters were the first to reply. I photographed Misty's sister's WEDDING last April, and took her own ENGAGEMENT pictures in June. I just love their family!
Go check out their images, and then leave some love comments here for them! Misty and her sisters rocked the shoot like super models!



The purpose of a Featured Session is to show off an entire session's images. So many times, I've looked at fellow photographer's blogs and wished that I could see everything... more than just two images of what looks like an awesome session. Not only that, but for my potential clients. I want you to know that you'll be getting more than two awesome images from your session. Typically, between 20-30 images are shown from each session during proofing.

Maternity

Katrina has almost popped! Here she is (along with her husband Mike) for their "real" maternity shoot. If you're a loyal blog follower, you're used to seeing Katrina's belly by now. The next time you see it, it'll actually be a baby. :)
Taking pictures of any kind for people that I know is a bit anxiety-provoking... taking maternity pictures for my best friend and her husband made is 300 times more stressful.
Here are a few from their session... both at home, and in downtown Valdosta.




















Many maternity clients think that their home is the only place for a maternity photo shoot. Hopefully these images will change your mind, and you'll be more apt to venturing into other locations.
If you're pregnant and are interested in a maternity session, I'd LOVE to chat with you about your interest. We can even do what we did with Katrina and Mike here... do some pictures in a number of locations. Typically, maternity shoots are best done between 34-37 weeks. Katrina was at week 35 for this session.

Love Your Photographer

While looking at fellow photographer Scarlett Lillian's blog today, I saw an article she recently wrote for Photographik - a website based for photographers to network together. The article is titled, "Dear Brides, Love Your Photographer" and I wanted to share the LINK with you all. Even if you're not planning a wedding, please take time to read this. If you're planning a wedding, you've GOT to read it!
I appreciate the emphasis the article puts on the relationship between the client and the photographer. I don't think that people understand it's importance and the difference it makes between a good photograph and an amazing keepsake.
Think about your last photographic experience. What did it involve? Did you develop more than a "thanks, goodbye" relationship with your photographer? Do you remember what his/her name was? The kind of photography I'm interested in, and what Scarlett talks about in her article, is developing a bond between yourself and your photographer.... so that on your wedding day, you're not meeting a stranger to capture your wedding images. You're inviting a friend to join with you in celebration. Or if you're planning a family photo shoot, that you're being joined by someone who is like "one of the family" to help you create beautiful memories.
A photographic experience is more than saying cheese, exchanging money, and getting photo images. If that's all you remember, I invite you to re-experience the journey.

Anna Grace is Two!

Two Saturdays ago (is that horrible that I'm just now posting?) I was invited to a FABULOUS Mickey Mouse birthday party for Anna Grace. I've had the awesome pleasure of photographing Anna Grace since she was in her mom's belly, and I accepted joyfully when Jaclyn asked if I'd bring my camera to her birthday party this year.

The Birthday Girl!


Awesome decorations and gifts




Who knew they made colored sand?




Pinatas are so much fun!




Coolest. Cake. Ever.




Birthday Gift from Mommy & Daddy

McNicol Family

Last Saturday, the McNicol family and I met up at McKey Park for a family portrait session. I posted one image from the session the other day, but felt that this family deserved more than one showcased picture. I had a wonderful time, and I think this happened because of how much they love and have fun with one another.
So many of my family sessions consist of dad being dragged along because mom wants pictures. The kids are sometimes fussy and want to play more than have their picture taken. The McNichols were a dream! When we were wrapping up the session, I even heard Mr.Nicol say, "This is better than I expected". (Score one for the photographer!!)

As promised the other day, here are a few more images to share:









Melissa, Look for an e-mail from me this evening... because your proofs are ready!

Preparing for Baby...

Yesterday afternoon, I met up with Katrina & Mike for their official maternity session. Along the way, I've been taking pictures of Katrina's belly, but this is the first time that Mike has joined us. We started at their house and then we decided to do some urban maternity shots downtown.
I have to admit that it was a little weird directing my best friend and her husband around, but now I know why I did... I love their images!
Here are two from their session. I've got to finish up on a few things before moving onto their pictures, but I couldn't resist looking at a few.