*{The ~H~ Family}*

I saw Mrs. H yesterday and she confessed to stalking the blog for her peek! So I thought I better get on here a.s.a.p! I had a lot of fun with this family...their boys are "all boy"! Coming from a house where I only have girls, and growing up had no brothers, it is so funny to watch the difference...we were in the garage pounding away with dad's tools, playing with frogs, skateboarding, etc! Here are some fun photos from our messing around...

Remember, you may click on the images to enlarge a bit!~

This image below is proofed as a 10x20...would that not look awesome stretched across in a frame above dad's tool chest?!



Enjoy! And I better run...last time I blogged, I turned around when I was done with my entry and my daughter had drawn all over her body...I still don't know where the pen is that she used! So back to my kiddos for the time-being!

Until next time,
m

*{EEEK...I've Been Tagged!}*

Mr. Monty...LOVED this dog!
Mr. C eating up the love!

Mr. K
Miss C and little bro K...LOVE this photo. Miss C could be a model!

Another fun game going around photog-land! Here are some fun things to get to know me better...

What was I doing 10 years ago?

Wow...let me figure this out. That would put us back in good 'ole 1998. I was attending University of California-Riverside finishing up my Bachelor's Degree in Buisness Admin with an emphasis in Marketing. I had just a couple classes to go until graduation. And I was in the midst of planning a wedding! I was also an RA in the dorms...A&I all the way (for any of you familiar with UCR)!

5 Things on my to-do list today:

1. Walk my 3 miles (my daily ritual as long as it isn't pooring down rain!) DONE

2. Edit the Fountain session. DONE

3. Mail out photo orders.

4. Take my daughter to gymnastics.

5. Go to the grocery store...it is pretty pathetic in the fridge!

Snacks I enjoy:

Okay...totally random, but when I was pregos with my oldest, I became ADDICTED to peanut butter on wheat bread with a glass of milk. It is so stinkin' yummy!

And if someone will cut it all up for me...fruit, fruit, and more fruit!

Things I would do if I were a BILLIONAIRE:

*Set up the family with a lump-sum stockpile of money and call it good.

*Buy a couple homes...one for sure in Hawaii. I've always said that if I had enough money, I'd buy a house in the southern and northern hemispheres! That way I could live in Spring/Summer year round!!

*I'd also have a house that is loft-style where the walls are brick inside. Did you see the movie, "Because I Said So", well, remember Mandy Moore's house in that movie...that is so MINE (if and when this billionaire thing comes true)! And just to clarify, it would be two levels and on one level would be the most awesome natural light loft you've ever seen for my photog stuff!

*Finance a burn clinic in an impoverished Country.

*Travel, travel, and did I mention...travel!!

Places I've lived before:

California

Arizona

Missouri

Louisiana

Oklahoma

Washington State

And the list will expand soon!

And if you're reading this, consider yourself tagged!!!

And because I hate checking blog posts without photos, a few photos are above to tide you over until next time. These are from a couple of different sessions from last week that I haven't yet blogged!

Until Next Time,

m

*{In Honor of Sacrafice}*

Wow. That is about all I could say after going to Clover Park High School today and seeing what they have done to honor our fallen soldiers. How can you put into words the sacrafice that these soldiers have given.

Clover Park High School has placed sticks in the front grass of the school. But these are not merely sticks. Each one has a name of a soldier that has paid the ultimate sacrafice in either Afghanistan or Iraq. There were more than 4500 soldiers honored. As I walked through looking at the names, randomly I saw a familiar name...a brave soldier my husband knew. It really hits home seeing all these names and thinking of the countless families that received notification on that fateful day, the thousands of tears that were shed, the hundreds of questions, and many dreams that will never come true.

Just a reminder that Memorial Day is not about those great sales at the local mall, but it is about these brave men and women that gave it all...FOR YOU. Check out the following photos...the note from someone that visited the memorial says it all.

Try to find a moment this weekend to give thanks for the great country we live in because of those phenominal men and women in uniform that continue to serve and those that gave it all.

Off to send these photos to the family...
m

*{Pay It Forward}*

This week has been full of lots of fun! First off, I want to say thank you to the amazing Abie Wolfe for allowing me to second shoot a wedding this weekend. It was a fabulous experience and I can't wait to do more!!! And I was able to meet the delightful Kara Jovag! I shot the wedding with her as well! We all had a lot of fun together, and I thank you both for allowing me to be apart of all the excitement. And a HUGE thank you for the experience! And I know your first comments in the comment box are going to be, "Are we going to see the pictures from the wedding?!" Well, I'd love to show you, but I don't have a model release from the bride and groom...so I feel it is only respectful not to post their pics. However, maybe I can slip you some photos of the "detail" shots from the day!

Then today was full of fun...we all had a blast at "Cup of Michelle" this evening! I hope all you ladies enjoyed yourselves and took a lot away from it. I had a lot of fun chit-chating about all of the in's and out's of photography! I feel it is only right for photographers to help each other...it is the only way to learn. No sense in keeping the fun all a secret, right?! I even had the pleasure to meet another photographer today...the lovely Monica Brown!

And now that I am completely booked until we move, I just wanted to pass on a couple of names of local (or sort of local!) photographers that *I* would love to have photograph my family, so I am sure you'd feel the same...
Inglin Photography (Seattle, WA...worth the drive!)
Shannon Sewell (Vancouver, WA...worth the drive!)

Let them know I sent you...I don't know them personally, but I know from the photographer's standpoint, it is always fun to see who cherishes your work enough to recommend you!

Enjoy your evening!
m

*{Can You Say "Canvas"?}*

All I have to say is "canvas-worthy"...

She's G*O*R*G*E*O*U*S~

-m

*{Cup of Michelle...TOMORROW!!}*

Hey there!
Just a quick post to all my lovely blog-stalkers that I adore so much (I'm serious)!!

Just wanted to put out a quick reminder that I will see you tomorrow night (Tuesday, May 20th) at Forza Coffee shop in Dupont (on Wilmington). We will meet up there at 6:30pm...I figure I may even be there by 6:15ish if you want to come early (McLain) :)

I can't wait to see you all and put some faces to names! So look for me...you'll know me from my blog banner!

So bring your questions...I can't wait to "talk shop"!

See ya tomorrow night!
Michelle :)

*{Gotta Love Brothers and Sisters}*

Your gallery is up Mrs. H...
Have a great week!
-m

*{Bubbles}*

Isn't their an old song about bubbles??! I should post a link to iTunes, but I have no clue what the song is...mom, you should know!


Anywho...just a few to show the fun we had with some bubbles last week at a park for our shoot. Little Miss G was just too precious! Here is a peek of our fun...

Love the perspective of this...
And I'd love to say this is talent, but I think "luck" would be a more accurate description! I love how I was able to focus on her through the bubble!! How cool is that?!

And don't forget to RSVP in the Cup of Michelle post below!! Can't wait to see you there and talk shop!

-m

*{A Cup of Michelle}*

Just a random thought that I had today...

I've had a few different people interested in sitting down with me and picking my brain about photography. I think it is a great idea because the only way to help improve your own skill and technique is to network and work with others. And since my calendar is piling up with more and more things, I thought it might be fun to meet up for coffee for a couple of hours and you can pick my brain...ask me about shooting in manual mode, where I like to shoot at, how I get certain effects in my photos, how I meter, tips and tricks to compositions, etc. Get your list ready and come and get your questions answered...and most of all, this is for anyone...no matter where you are in your walk of photography...it is for those already shooting professionally to just wanting to know how to get better pics of your kiddos. However, there is only one rule...check egos at the door because no question is a stupid question. Trust me, I still have questions! Just as an upfront disclaimer...this is in no way a workshop! I will come with my camera and brain! This is just a very informal time for you to ask me anything you want to know about photography, etc.

Let me know if there is any interest in this...Because this will be a one time opportunity since we are gearing up for a move! I would love to meet individually with everyone that has inquired about this, but time is of the esscence! So *please* let me know in the blog comments if you are game for this...if not, I will just stay home that night and eat cherry bon-bons on the couch watching some good 'ole fashion reality TV! No hard feelings...I just wanted to open up this opportunity to everyone that has inquired and those of you that wish you had!

So anyway, here is what I was thinking...
Forza Coffee in Dupont
Tuesday, May 20th
6:30p.m.

Let me know a.s.a.p. if you are interested!
-m

*{Snooping Around}*

All my clients are so funny...typically, all their friends know they have a session coming up with me, so afterward, they start stalking my client for their password so they can see the whole session! So the *R* Family was gracious enough to share their password with the world so you can "snoop around" and check out their gallery. I just loved this session!

SO...for all you curious individuals...

Go to My Site and click on "client proofs" and then type the password: zachjosh

It cracks me up because I will see ladies around town and they tell me, "Yeah, the __ Family just had a session with you so I've been going to your site and randomly guessing passwords to try to see their session!" You all know who you are!!!!!!!!

Enjoy your peek into one of my sessions!! For all of you locals...these were taken at Saltar's Point in Steilacoom. I think this beats Sunnyside Beach now as my choice location for Puget Sound shots! So if you are currently booked for Sunnyside, I may be trying to sweet talk you to do them at Saltars!

Enjoy!

-m

*{Precious Gem}*

I love it when families are worried no pictures will turn out for one reason or another...and then I edit a gem like this! This is "that picture" where if no other photos from the session even turned out, this one would say it all, and there would be no need for any other photos! But I promise *P*, there are many more to come!!

Enjoy your peek!

-m

*{Happy Mother's Day}*

Just a quick and simple Happy Mother's Day to all those mamas out there! Find a way to enjoy your day!! Even if it means making your husband change diapers all day!!! :)
-m

*{Where's my bag???}*

Anyone near Scottsboro, Alabama....or know someone that is?! If I ever go through there, this will be one place I stop to shop!! Check this out, it is the Unclaimed Baggage Center. Did you lose that Louis Vuitton bag with your Kate Spade shoes that you packed for your special vacation that never showed up when you got off the plane?! Well, you may be able to find that and more for sale here!!! Pretty crazy, huh?! All those lost suitcases that have no home get sent here and they sell everything they find inside!! It is funny to see what is found in some suitcases!! They even give travel tips to ensure your luggage never ends up there!

Love to share random things that I find...hope you enjoy this one!
-m

*{TOTALLY RAD}*

For all you photogs out there, there is one set of actions that I truly love using. And I am giving them a well-deserved plug here (trust me, I am the type to only plug when plugging is well deserved)! The Totally Rad Actions by the Boutwells are "like...totally amazing" (hope you heard my CA valley talk in that)! And I wanted to let you know about them because there is an amazing special going on right now...

To get $20 off the Totally Rad Action Mix, please enter coupon code totallyrad5508 and let Doug know I sent you! This coupon is good through Friday, May 9th. And if that isn't cool enough, you could win $500 in Apple gear! HOLY COW!!!!! It kills me that I already have these rad actions, because I want to be entered into the drawing!!!

But seriously, his actions have really changed the way I photoshop. And he isn't the type of photog that will just send you the actions and wish you the best of luck figuring them out! He has complete video tutorials and recipe cards on his site. How stinking awesome is that?!

Some of my favorites...just to name a few:

Yin/Yang

Green with Envy

Big Blue

Super Old School Fast (to get those vintage-y look photos)

Boutwell Magic Glasses

Warm it up Chris

Pro-Retouch

And seriously, I know I could find more that I use on a regular basis and love!

So go check it out...Totally Rad will totally change your post-production!

Until next time,

m

*{We Take a Break from Regular Broadcasting...}*

Hey there my fellow bloggers!

Just thought I'd post a couple photos that I edited last night...This little guy was so itsy-bitsy! He is so precious! And I just love the contrast of daddy's big hand with his little hand and how his whole face just fits perfectly in the palm of daddy's hand! So enjoy these for your viewing pleasure!

And on random sidenotes...

**If you loved the movie Pride and Prejudice, you *HAVE* to go rent Becoming Jane. It is the story of Jane Austin's life...oh my, so many parallels! LOVED IT. I talked to my dear friend *S* last night, and I think we are going to challenge each other to crack open an actual novel...yes, looks like we are going to read Pride and Prejudice! You know how there are certain novels you feel everyone should have "fancied" at some point in their life?! Well, I'm going to take the plunge...in what I believe may be the largest book I've ever read! And Maria, your name got brought up too!!! So yes, we will be giving you a call about your necessary trip to Barnes and Noble! Anywho, if you are like most people and don't have time to read a novel (I am still figuring out how I am going to find the time...but I will make the time), watch the movies!

**Yes, my guilty pleasure is back on TV. Grey's Anatomy. THANK GOD the writing strike is over. I didn't know how much longer I could go through another Thursday without my McDreamy and McSteamy! I am so glad to see Addison back in the mix...I hope it is permanent??! I am doubtful though since I saw that Private Practice is coming back this Fall.

**And the countdown is on for Sex and the City!! I never struck myself as a Sex and the City kinda girl until my girlfriends got me hooked...now I am counting down the time until I can drool over Manolo Blahniks for 2 hours in the movie theater! I love it for the fashion and the Carrie/Mr. Big drama! You can keep the rest!

**Okay...now that it appears that I watch way too much TV or movies by my random sidenotes, I will leave you with one more random thought...Ah HA! I know....

I am dying to come up with a photo project...something I can do over the next few years and possibly make a gnarly coffee book out of. Like what you may think??? Well, some I've seen done...a photographer that took photos of locks that she found in all of her travels, another took photos of children with different racial backgrounds together...very cool to see all the skin tones intertwined. So if you have any ideas, please let me know!! Leave a comment and let's get a good list going...hum...maybe shoes! Okay, enough with my shoe fetish!

Until next time!

m

*{The *H* Family}*

This session was done at a park in Old Dupont. This is only the second time I've shot there, believe it or not. But the greens are so vibrant! Being a girl that loves to punch up the color from time to time, I love it! So here is a sneek peek of the ever so adorable and hip *H* Kiddos!

Enjoy!

m