Sneak Peak Ms. B {Naughty-or-Nice}

I had a Naughty-or-Nice session this weekend...actually I had two. They were fun, and sometimse I walk away doubting myself. I am still fairly new to these and I wonder if what I see will truly come thru on the images.


I have to say...after this session - I'm pretty dang proud of myself. She is a beautiful woman!






Interested in a Naughty or Nice session...email me and I'll get you the details

maddiepiecreations@yahoo.com

You Are What You Wear

You are what you wear.

A little cliché? Perhaps. But when it comes to portrait photography, clothing plays a huge role in the success of the finished product.

Before we get going – let’s be clear what you’re clothing does NOT need to be:

1. Brand New
I’m down with your favorite ripped jeans, retro band T’s, and worn converse shoes – as long as you know how to rock them in your own fabulous style.

2. Fancy-Schmancy and Uber-Expensive
Unless it’s your thing (If it’s really your thing, then by all means baby, bring on the bling). If you’re not normally a dress-up kind of person, don’t feel like you have to be one for your session.
3. Matching
No need to focus on matching everything from the color of your fuchsia headbands to the stripes in your socks. In fact, I beg of you, please, please don’t. If you’re heart is set on everyone in white button downs and khaki pants, we can rock it out, but really, you will feel more comfortable if you don't.

4. Stressful
No need to worry about each and every item, or fret about the suitability of each accessory. This is supposed to be fun. If you’re unsure – call me, and together, we’ll make sure you look fabulous. I promise.

I want you to be happy, thrilled, over the moon about your images, and I know that this is much more likely if we take the time and work together to help you choose clothing that fits these few simple rules:

Feels Good.
During your shoot you could be sitting in a pile on the grass having a tickle battle, rolling down a hill with your fiancé, throwing your kiddos in the air or climbing a tree. Wear clothing that lets you do all that (and more) comfortably.

As for the kids? Well…uncomfortable kids have a tendency to look…uncomfortable, and are often cranky to boot. Happy kids make for happy pictures.

Bottom Line: Don’t choose outfits that make any of you feel constrained, stiff, itchy, scratchy, like you’re dressed up for Halloween, or that leave you with a nagging worry that a button might pop if you bend the wrong way. Trust me.

Looks Good.
This can be tricky, looking good is totally subjective – right? If you’re not a Carrie Bradshaw fashionista in real life, you might want to pull in some extra help from a straight-talking friend or your trusty photographer (that would be me) who knows about such things and has plans in place to help.

Sometimes last year’s of-the-moment dress has already become hopelessly untrendy. Sometimes the current fashions just don’t look or feel like you. Sometimes outfits that look good in the mirror might not be ideally suited for photography.

Bottom Line: If you don’t feel fabulous-fierce-take-on-the-world gorgeous in your outfit, you’re not going to love, love, love the end result – and I’m all about you love, love, loving the end result.

Makes Sense?
Here’s where we pull it all together. It’s not just enough that everyone look good and feel good – you’ve gotta look and feel good together AND the outfits should fit with your location and the desired mood for your portraits.

Gulp. That seems like a lot, doesn’t it? (quick – revisit #4 in the top list, and remember, don’t stress).

Before you even begin figuring out your wardrobe, we’ll have an in depth consultation to narrow down what you really want for your pictures, choose the perfect location and make sure you have an understanding about how that all comes together in the finished photograph. I’m with you every step of the way.

Bottom Line: It’s easier than it seems.Think twice about having Emma in a lace prom dress if you can’t get Tommy out of his spider man cape and favorite Star Wars pajama top. If we’re going to be running around in a park, you’ll likely not decide to wear your starched Sunday best. Hate the way stripes and plaids look together but Dad has his favorite stripped polo ready to go? Best steer mom away from her beloved family tartan. Easy-Peasy. [unless Mom is really attached to that tartan, but we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it).

~~~

If you’re still not certain, and you can’t decide between the yellow wrap dress with your red heels or your dark skinny jeans and purple belted shirt – I’ve got good news. You don’t have to decide. Bring lots of options. Heck – throw your whole wardrobe into the back of the car. When we get to the session we’ll wing it all with fabulous results. Trust me.

Now take a deep breath. Close your eyes. Imagine how blow-everyone-away-fabulous-ready-for-America’s-Next-Top-Model you’re all going to look in those pictures….

Can you see it yet? I totally can. OMG, you look INCREDIBLE!

I can’t wait for your session.

Want more information on booking a session with me...check out the MaddiePie website

(used with permission from the amazing Jeanette LaBlanc)

Reflecting on the last year

It's going to be a cliche post..sorry! But I think it is important to reflect on the things that you have learned and determine some goals for yourself for the coming year.



2009 - What I have learned

~ Don't rush things

~ I really enjoy children photography

~ Not everyone is going to like my photography style, and that is ok

~ Sometimes things are A LOT harder than they appear

~ Pace myself, I got way too overloaded this year

~ Focus on the little things, they can get out of control fast!



2010 - Goals

~ Get my boudoir business up and running

~ Create a Senior Model Program

~ Schedule smarter

~ Blog at least 3 times per week (outside of the Project 365)

~ complete Project 365

~ Create all my marketing materials

~ Attend at least one workshop

~

Getting involved and having a purpose

I don't write near enough on this blog as I would like to. My hope for 2009 is that I will be able to write more over here, that will allow my clients to get a better idea of who I am.

One of the things that I have been mentally mulling over is using my photography as a way to help others. I recently ran across a foundation called Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep. *NOTE: Do NOT go over there if you are emotional...you will be crying in no time flat.

But I think I want to find a way to use photography with kids with disabilities. I want to find some organization that I can get involved and show the beauty that is within these amazing kids. I want to find the right one but don't really know where to begin.

Still thinking...

Newborns...

I have this wonderful grand idea that maybe I should do newborn photography...my last two newborn sessions have really made me appreciate the photographers that specialize in these sweet babies. While I love these images...i'm not entirely sold on this niche...I like it when the kids can play and interact with me. This was my first real newborn session...he was only 9 days old. the last two I have done, they were about 2 months old.

He was super sweet and I love love love the images with his daddy! very special

Thankful

As I scroll through all of the FB thankful posts, I am reminded that throughout it all I am very blessed. I am very thankful for my family, for our health, for our friends, for my marriage, for my clients, for the blessings that show up in our lives on a daily basis.

I started this journey as a professional photographer this year and I am constantly reminded why I love this. I have to learn how to accept that not everyone will love their pictures...that is a work in progress. But when a client loves them...MAN that feels great. I am so very thankful that they trust me and go on this adventure with me.

Tomorrow we are headed to get our own family pictures done...images coming soon!!!


~All my love

Sneak Peek {Brian & Hattie}

Two special people, two fantastic families, two beautiful locations...AMAZING!

It is shoots like this that reaffirm my feelings that this is what I was meant to do. These two people are absolutely wonderful and we love them! They share an amazing love and only great things are in store for them.



Hattie & Brian, thank you for sharing your families with me. Crazy death defying bridge...definately worth it!




~All my love