2010 - what a great year

2010 has been an amazing year for MaddiePie Creations.  There will be several changes for 2011...but I think it's important to reflect on what has happened over the year...the great and the not so great!

The Great
~ I met some amazing clients this year that have become friends and family.  I have been so fortunate to have these people in my life and to meet some amazing women!

~ I was blessed to connect with an awesome Photographer in Tulsa Dana Suggs.  She has become a great friend, resource, critic, and angel when I needed one.  She and I are relatively in the same place with our businesses and we often times feel each others pain and talk the other off the ledge when business gets overwhelming. 

~ Referrals - my business has grown significantly this year and it is all due to referrals from my amazing friends and clients.  I can honestly say that without those people that continue to believe in me and lift me up - I am growing...personally and professionally.

~ I was able to book and pay for a REAL workshop.  I love all the online workshops that I can participate in, but going to a workshop is just a completely different thing.  February 2011 - I get to go to San Diego and attend a workshop that will most definitely help me develop the boudoir portion of my business.

~ I was able to finish my studio...with props and amazing lighting.  My mom was a big help on the lighting (thank you) and now I can fully utilize the studio for individual sessions.  (Although one day when I make a bajillion dollars I will have a big loft studio all to myself)

~ I booked two weddings this year and 3 for 2011.  I am still trying to determine if this is what I want to focus my business on...but for now, it feels like maybe this is where I am supposed to be.



The not so great
~ I have had to learn how to accept that each photographer shoots in their own style.  I shoot in a way that is unique to me. I have had my feelings hurt more than once this year and have struggled with my own insecurities over my abilities as a photographer. It's a work in progress..

~ I am still learning how to structure myself as a business person...it's definitely not the FUN part of the job.

~ Newborns...they are not going to be my specialty.  I love them and there is nothing cuter...but I have had to learn how to accept that we each have our own strengths...and this one is not mine.

~ I have learned that sometimes it is important to say no.  I started this year thinking that I wanted all the clients that approached me because I needed the business.  I have learned over the year that it is important to ensure that it is more about making sure that I am the right photographer for them and they are the right client for me.  Money is definitely not everything if the two personalities don't mesh well.  Great relationships will lead to deeper friendships.



Looking forward to 2011

I am so excited about this coming year.  I want to focus more on a couple of areas of my business and networking.  I think that if i continue to grow like I did this year, anything can be possible.  I have the love and support of my amazing husband. Without him, none of this would be possible.  He has definitely been a big reason that this year has been so successful. 

My big focus for 2011 is going to be weddings and boudoir.  I have so many great ideas that are just waiting to come to life. Now...I just have to find those brides and those adventurous women who want to feel as beautiful as they really are.

Much love to you and thank you for helping me make MaddiePie Creations what it is today and what it will be in 2011!!

xoxoxo
Brooke

Tammy & Daniel {Burleson Family Photographer}

Tammy is one of my favorite people.  She has an amazing heart and you can see her compassion in everything she does.  She has two amazing kids that are beautiful...I mean REALLY beautiful.  Tammy was blessed when Daniel came into her life...and he fits in perfectly to the family!

 Nick is all boy!  ALL boy...

Jessica is stunning!  I mean really - could she be any prettier?

Tammy & Daniel are now engaged and will get married in 2011.  Daniel, you are wonderful for Tammy and it makes so happy to see how she lights up when you are around.  I can't wait for you two to get married and begin the next chapter in your life.

Much love to you Tammy and your family that will soon be complete!

Sometimes...boys are my favorite

I mean really...can't you just see how much they love each other?



It's time to make silly faces!!  When the little ones start getting bored, nothing is better than letting them goof off and have a little bit of fun :)

I can almost hear the growl in this one

Poor baby busted his lip just a couple of days before the shoot...but i think it is awesome!  What's better than a beautiful little boy with great bright blue stitches?

Beautiful Family!

Much love to your Family!  

Christy Family {North Richland Hills Family Photographer}

The Christy Family was super sweet.  A great group of kids...even though biggest brother was NOT interested in taking pictures.  He's hit that age where being in front of the camera is a mild to moderate form of torture.  This session was one of the fastest sessions I have done in a while...but when they are done, they are done.  NO amount of bribing will get them to continue on.

Happy Holiday's Christy Family

Much love!

IHeartFaces - Orange

I haven't always been faithful at posting entries with I Heart Faces...however, a dear friend of mine, Dana Suggs relit the fire for their community.  So...while I wait for the next workshop to come around, maybe I'll join in and see if they love me???

This week's theme is Orange.  This sweet boy is from a session this time last year.  He is so precious and was amazed by the ladybug he found.  The whole group (5 families) dressed in Texas Longhorn Orange.  It was a great session split between two days.

Enjoy!  Head over and check out some of the other fabulous entries for this week.  iheartfaces

Fall Family Pictures

It's definately cooling off and the leaves are starting to turn colors.  My October calendar is completely full and November is filling up rather quickly. 

It's the perfect time to have your family pictures done...or even just pictures of your kiddos.  They make great Christmas gifts and are perfect for custom Christmas Cards.

Lots of moms ask me what to dress everyone in.  Some people are very traditional and really like the look of everyone matching.  Everyone in all black is a very nice picture.  However, you can have beautiful and fun pictures without everyone matching.  Below is a sample of what I would recommend for a family.  It's not always important to match...just to coordinate the color schemes.

Ready to book your family pictures - give me a call or send me an email and let's get your session booked.  I can't wait to meet you!

817-564-3068
maddiepiecreations@yahoo.com

We love these freckles {Fort Worth family photographer}

I mean really...can these freckles be any better?  This brother and sister got a long remarkably well...but I remembered as I was editing these images...they got out of doing the chicken dance!  DANG!

Typically, when kids are having a hard time loosening up I will have them do the chicken dance.  Silly you say...yes, but I bet you can't do it without cracking up!

Sweet sister had such a sweet smile...but after a while, her smile got stuck.  It was the same smile over and over and not a real one.  Her mom had the code word to get her laughing..."spaghetti".  Every time her smile got stuck she would say "SPAGHETTI" and she would get the giggles.  Love it!