*{Drumroll Please....}*

TA-DA! Yes, yours truly is now the blog banner above. I figured I should really have a picture of myself somewhere on here so you can all see me and piece all of the pieces together...you hear my words, see my photos, and now you can see me!

The funny part of it is I think I may of pulled off the whole "calm, cool, and collected" photo. However, if you only knew! I did this all manually of course; so I'd put my child on the backdrop so I could focus on something, set the timer, and then ran in the photo...to not only pull myself together, but to push children away and toys back off of the backdrop. To then repeat that process several...okay, 'several "times 3"' times! But I think I pulled it off...I'm hoping!

So yes, there is my self-portrait for you all!
Have a great evening!
-m

*{For the Kiddos in Our Lives}*

With Spring at our doorsteps (Thank God) and the Summer months not too far away, I thought this post was only appropriate for those little munchkins in our lives. And it has to do with water safety.

This was sent to me by a friend. It is, without a doubt, the most amazing video I've seen in a long time. Watch the video link (most amazing video) and then check out the National Swim Program that they run. I looked to see if they offered this swim training in my area, but unfortunately it looks like they don't. But check it out...I would sign up in a heartbeat if I could! And tell all your friends around the country about it! It might just save a life!
-m

Warning: It does show a toddler go into a pool but he is completely in control of the situation due to his training through this program. It is absolutely amazing to watch, but it will pull at your heartstrings!

*{Mr. M}*

Little Mr. M was so much fun this morning! He is such a good little guy...
Here are a few sneek peeks for mom and dad...and all his loving family members across the good 'ole USA.

Drumroll please...............
Meet Mr. M...

I love this shot...it's so moody...

Newborns crack me up...always trying to figure out what to do with those things called hands!
Mr. M in his nursery with his loveable dog Odie and kittie Jackie O hiding in the corner!
Aren't those lips to die for...love the facial expression on this!
AHHHH...

Thanks again for a great morning. And I wish you all the best that life has to offer Mr. M!

Until Next Time...

m

*{Your Mouth Will Drop}*

This is a must watch video....

PLEASE watch this...it is something I thought I'd NEVER see!! I wonder if these guys can even *get* life insurance!!! And could you imagine the premium?!

Maybe something for my next tour on vacation??? NOT!!!!!!!

Until next time you fly by...
m

*{What's in That Bag?!}*

So I received a comment in one of my posts yesterday about what I shoot with/photo tips/etc. And this wasn't the first time I've received such an inquiry. So I thought I'd unveil the *big* mystery of what is in my bag and the such...

If you've done a shoot with me, you may recognize that funky pattern up above. It is the amazing Shootsac. For any of you photographers out there, GET ONE ALREADY! I seriously consider it a "tool" when shooting. It holds all my lenses I'd ever need and more. And it grips so nicely to the body that I don't need to worry about a bulky camera bag swinging around and banging into something. And some of you know, when I am shooting, you will find me laying on the ground to get a shot! So this is perfect. I never have to worry about my equipment. And I have to admit...I was a tad nervous when I bought it that it may just be a "stylish" glorified camera bag...boy was I wrong. It changes the way you shoot...you can move all over and not worry about your equipment, etc. So to start, that is my bag.

Now inside my bag is all the "candy"! I shoot with a Canon 30D. You will always hear the debate of Canon vs. Nikon. In my opinion...it is just that, an opinion! They both produce great images. But I am a Canon girl and once you invest money in lenses...it would take a lot to switch!

The two main lenses I prefer to shoot with are the Canon 50mm 1.4 lens. It has a nice yummy aperture for some great depth of field (DOF)--for photo dummies...that means the cool blur you can create in camera on the stuff that isn't in focus. And my wide angle that I use for 95% of my indoor shooting is the Tamron 17-50mm 2.8. I like the low aperture for natural light shooting. And I don't need to back through a wall to get a shot because of the nice wide angle! And the last lens that I use is the Canon 85mm 1.8. I haven't had a chance to actually use it much yet...but I bought it for a wedding I am shooting in September. And for the record, I am not taking on any more weddings at the present! I will make the *grand announcement* the day I start to book more! But thank you for the inquiries I have received so far! However, if you are looking for a great starter lens and don't want to spend a bank full of money...I recommend going with the Canon 50mm 1.8 lens. It is a *phenominal* lens for the price.

So those are the lenses I love to use...however, that is only half the battle. A good camera can only get you so far...you can really BOTCH up photos with a good camera if you have no clue what you are doing!

For those of you interested in photography. The first thing I can tell you is to turn it off the Auto setting (I know, it's a huge step) and turn it on that intimidating "M" setting for Manual! Your camera book will tell you how to change the settings, etc. And if you are *freaking* out at the thought of that, go buy the best book I've probably ever read about nailing exposure, etc. It is called Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson. You won't be able to put it down and it is VERY straightforward and explains everything in detail with pictures and all the settings, etc. It will really be an eye-opening book for you if you don't know the in's and out's of manual settings.

And as far as a couple photo tips for the day..

When shooting kids, get on their level. Get down and dirty in the grass so you see life the way they do and that way you are at their level when shooting. Also, I find the best way to shoot kids is let them do what they want and just follow them to capture who they are at this stage in life. This is why I am a HUGE fan of shooting outdoors. I am so thrilled this weekend that we have not had rain and there is an inkling of hope that Spring is around the corner!

And my last tip. TURN OFF THE FLASH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! In my opinion, it makes people look like they were hit over the head with a frying pan of light!

Hope this helps guide any of you that are interested in experimenting with your camera! And now you know what is in my mystery bag at shoots!

Have a great weekend! Now go play with your camera!

m

*{Sneek Peeks Part II}*

Yes...see, that is how much editing I still have to do! I have a part II to all of this!~

Here is Miss H...I love the wrinkles in the hands!

I have *always* wanted to catch a baby yawn like this...

little Miss H hammed it up for me and gave me my dream come true!

And Mr. N...this big grin is all due to his love of Elmo!
Dynamic couple...and my hubby's dear friend...
GRRRRRRRRRRRR...
Until next time...have a *spectacular* weekend. And if you are in the PNW...GET OFF THE COMPUTER AND GET OUTSIDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is gorgeous out this weekend...we hit a whopping 50 degrees today...can I get a "hallelujah"!?!

Amen! -m

*{Sneek Peeks for All!!}*

I am in major catch-up mode. Thankfully, I am still on schedule editing; however, I am going to be one busy girl this week...no Survivor T.V. for me!

So I thought I'd combine several photos from different sessions into this post as a sneek peek for all!

So drumroll please...

Mr. M...in a 10x20 print...

Mr. M again for his close-up...
Mr. H...diggin' your smile...
And Miss F...you are seriously stylin' from a very young age...

More to come...

m

*{Why Can't Mommies Call in Sick??}*

I know...you are probably thinking I fell off the face of the earth! We fought a couple of viruses around here so we weren't doing much of anything, including sessions! And on one day, as I sat in the fetal position all day, I wondered why mommies can't call in sick when they need to! Thank you to all you wonderful clients that were so understanding in having to reschedule!

AND, for a *huge* announcement...
I am completely booked through April 08. And I am only booking through the first week of June. I will not be booking beyond that due to summer vacations and A MOVE...yes, we will be moving. But do not fret, I will connect you all up with another fabulous photographer before we leave.

What this means...I am booking May and the first week of June and no weekend appointments are available anymore. Those are already spoken for. So get those appointments booked asap because I would not be suprised if in this next month I announce that there are no more sessions available...ever! So sorry, but that is how life goes, and it is a never-ending adventure.

Here are a couple recent shots from a session...Mr. A is such a cutie! And in the second one, you will see the KU hacky-sack that momma used during the labor and delivery portion. However, I can probably guarantee you she wasn't playing hacky-sack in her room...I am sure she was squeezing the life out of that thing!!

Until next time...
m
PS-Don't know where we will be moving...will keep you posted on that fun part of our lives when we know what's going on!! Then you can go tell all your friends that live there!!