Quote of the day…

“When you capture the perfection that is a newborn, baby hunger soon follows.”

Who said that?  Ummm.  Oh yeah, that’s right…it was ME.

I hear it and I hear it a lot.

“You are so lucky that you are a photographer and can get great pictures of your kids anytime.”

Am I lucky?  Take a look inside a recent photoshoot attempt of my boys and you decide how lucky I am.  It’s not easy being a photographer to your own children.  Yikes.

But, then again…they managed a few treasures out of the chaos.  Ok.  I’ll still be in love with my boys :)

I came for new, little brother…

But big sister seems to like the attention and stole the show…

The title says it all…we’re offering a free seat at each one of our 2012 workshops! First up is for our two day workshop in Las Vegas on February 17th and 18th! Melissa Davis Designs is one of our fabulous workshop sponsors and has all of the details on her Blog and Facebook. Now, get on over there and GOOD LUCK!!!

We are on a six week countdown to our first 2012 workshop…in Las Vegas baby! Come join us for our one day main workshop…our one day wedding workshop…or both! Registrants who sign up before January 15th will receive a $100 discount! You can see all of the details on our workshop website.

Annnnnnd, stay tuned as we will be giving away one free seat to each of our 2012 workshops. The Las Vegas free seat is coming VERY SOON!

Venetian photo credit to Asten on Flickr

Happy, Happy New Year to all of my clients, internet friends, blog stalkers, random bypassers, and anyone else who hangs out with me on this blog!!

There is an excitement brewing deep down within me.  The new year brings new changes, new goals, and new passions.  While I will be sharing much more on fun and exciting things to come, let’s start the new year with a giggle.

What?  Every session isn’t smooth and easy?  Shocker!

As if my job couldn’t get any better, I find little nuggets of hilariosity (pretending that word exists in the dictionary) while I am editing.  Thank you clients…not only for being so awesome, but for providing me some entertainment as well.

So, without further adieu, here are some of my favorite outtakes from 2011 (and a few favorites from the past)…

2011. The year Carmie, her family, and I became fast friends. It started with Peter and Carmie’s engagement session. And then came along the engagement session of her sister, Theresa and her love, Chris. We moved on to Carmie’s gorgeous wedding shower.  And finally, we ended the year with Carmie and Peters UH-MAZING wedding. Oh, and did I mention I will be seeing them all again next year for Chris and Theresa’s wedding?

The point is that I have met them, photographed their very special times, and am in love with this family. They are wonderful people and I knew Peter and Carmie’s day was going to be so beautiful and special. Turned out I was right…times ten. The day was perfect and I am so happy to have crossed paths with this beautiful family.

Congrats Carmie and Peter!!!

I know.  That dress.  Oh, that dress.

Insert Jean shedding a tear as Carmie opened her card and gift from Peter.

Lame that all houses and venues don’t come with built in windows like this :)

Oh, stunning and beautiful Carmie…

Peter, you handsome devil (photographed by Travis)

I love these next two SO much :)

My favorite shot of the day.  At St. Hugo in Bloomfield Hills…the site of the ceremony.

After the ceremony, we headed to to Oakland Hills Country Club for a cocktail hour.  Adore this shot of the groomsmen.

December brings a chilly, slightly eerie, but COMPLETELY romantic feel when shooting outdoors.  The colors, lights, everything is just lovely. I SO love these shots of them outdoors and ESPECIALLY the shot on the left of Carmie, taken by Travis.

And last, we ended up at Andiamo in Warren for their reception.  Sheesh…words do not describe the transformation from an already elegant and beautiful venue into a sparkling, magical reception site.

Par-TAY!!!!

It’s the season for abundant love, happiness, cheer…and giving.  Check out my article on I Heart Faces today regarding something that is near and dear to my heart.  We all have skills and talents that can be given and are much needed and greatly appreciated.  Spread the holiday cheer, my friends :)

Speaking of styling, these little ones have it ALL figured out…

Let’s just put it out there. Clothing/styling can make or break a shoot. Take any environment and put a family in bright, coordinating colors and funky accessories in it, and the image is automatically amazing.  Take a senior with awesome clothing/accesories, along with hair and makeup, and your images look like they are straight out of a fashion magazine.  Or how about a couple with coordinating outfits with just a bit of high fashion or edge  You, and the couple, look like rock stars.

My friends over at Design Aglow just came out with three fabulous Style Guides (High school seniors, Families, and Couples) for photographers to help their clients look their best.   You can present this to clients as simple flat cards, a spiral bound mini guide, or online as a paperless pdf or email.

I am super excited to be a contributor on this project and hope you love it as much as I do.  Design Aglow is also offering a special introductory price…go check it out!