I Am Going On Vacation

I just wanted to let everyone know that I will be on vacation starting tomorrow. I will not be answering emails or phone calls during this time. I am really taking a vacation....I will return to work on Monday the 30th. Have a great week!

Playing With Some Vintage Color and Textures

Another one from the other nights session. I thought I would try some vintage color and texture. I like it, it is different!

My Beautiful Friend Jenni

We were visiting with our friends Greg and Jenni last night and I asked Jenni if she would model for me so I could try out some new lighting techniques. She did and here are a couple of images from our quick session at sunset. We only had a few minutes as the light was going fast but I got some amazing images...here are a couple of our favorites. I LOVE how they turned out!!!!

Chris and Megan's Wedding

Last weekend I was so lucky to have the opportunity to photograph Megan and Chris's fabulous wedding in Atlanta. Sandy came a long to help me out too (she was a huge help.) We both had a great time with them. We were able to get SO many shots of the bride and groom together and with their wedding party because the B&G chose to see each other BEFORE the ceremony. I recommend this to all of my couples because it gives the bride and groom the ability to see each other privately before the ceremony without everyone else there. It is such a special time where they can see each other for the first time alone, talk quietly and hug...all of the things you can't do if you wait until the ceremony. The best part of this, from my point of view, is that I can do all of the bride and groom pictures before the ceremony while there is still time...and not have to rush through their portraits, which are the most important ones, in a couple of minutes after the ceremony.

Megan and Chris were incredibly great to work with. We started at the church with the wedding party and then moved to an old train depot not too far away. We were able to get some fun and different shots there and then the clouds rolled in. I would have loved a few more minutes there but we didn't want to chance it so we headed back to the church. Of course it stopped raining then!

They had a beautiful ceremony that was SO moving! Chris is in a band and he and his band played the processional. The song that they played was an instrumental written by the groom that he played to her on his guitar (quietly accompanied by the rest of the band.) What was so amazing about it was that it started off so quietly and then it grew louder and louder as she entered and then came down the aisle. It was VERY emotional and nearly everyone was in tears.

They had a great reception attended by their family and friends. They are a truly special couple and I know that they are going to have a wonderful life together. I feel so blessed to know them and to have been asked to photograph their wedding.

Congratulations Megan and Chris!!!!


Playing with a vintage look...
The lens fogged up when we went outside, I loved the look it gave the shot...

I love the grooms shoes, they were SO him...
on three...1,2,3
Fun with Chris's guitar...

Check out one of the groom's attendant's pink socks and "chucks"...
I think this is my all time favorite groom with his attendants shot, it looks like a CD cover...
Love...
Details...
Details...
Details...
Love this too...
It's a wonderful life!

Lori and Mark's Engagement Session

These two are getting married on August 1st and I am honored to be shooting their wedding. We did their engagement session last Friday at the Arboretum. Mark was a great sport about it ( I know how you guys LOVE to have your pictures made!) I got some great images...These are just a few.

Enjoy!

Just an FYI...

My phone was stolen last night by some teenagers. I heard them getting into my car and scared them off but not before they had grabbed my cell from the car. I made a police report and they told me last night that they had already gotten 5 other cars by the time I had called in. I am hoping that they will catch the little buggers.

The best way to reach me over the next couple of days will be through email.

Thanks!

One of My Favorites From Saturday

I photographed an AMAZING wedding Yesterday and I just had to share one...there will be more to come in the next day or so. I am too tired to work on anymore tonight! Until then, Enjoy!

Congratulations Megan ans Chris!

Big Brown Eyes

OK, This is NOT my usual subject matter...I found this little guy on my doorstep this evening and had to get a couple of shots of him. I couldn't believe he just sat there and let me photograph him. This one is my favorite so I thought I would share.

Enjoy!

An Amazing Email!!!

Several weeks ago I was contacted by a photographer from out of state that was really wanting to move to photography full time. She had some questions and was hoping that I could answer some for her. I tried to answer her questions and give her encouragement. It is a very hard decision to make to quit your job and jump in feet first to photography full time...It is very scary, believe me, I know!

Today I received another email from her and it read as follows:

Michelle,

I know you really don't know me from Adam...but I wanted to let you know.

My husband came into my office (of my "real" job) yesterday. On my bulletin board i had hung...

"Don't wait for your ship to come in...

swim out to it" (In case you haven't read my website: I have a story related to this quote on there in the about Michelle Section)

Well, "swim out to it" was covered by a stack of papers. My husband asked, "What does that say? I told him...and his response was..."There's your answer." I'd never told him of the email you had sent me several weeks ago.

I've been up until 3-4am every night for the last two months getting a website ready, putting together price lists, editing photos from pb shoots. Spending weekends photographing strangers for free, offering them prints at cost. I'm completely exhausted and I've been wondering if I'm ready to make the move. A month ago I entered a regional photography show. Two judges came up from Santa Fe, NM. I entered 5 photographs...the max number you could enter. Every photo won a ribbon and I swept the portrait category.

I've had a ton of people come up to me giving me praise about my photos. What's the phrase? Strike while the iron is hot. Well, this morning I gave my notice at my job. I did it because I can't do photography and a full time job and a full time mom, I'm having sitter issues and want to be able to spend more time at home with my children and I don't love my job like I used to (and I have a part time stay at home job that will pay my health insurance) but I made my move. I can dedicate most of my days to the photography business. I'm hoping that determination and a will to NOT fail will help me along. My husband and I opened our own architecture firm 11 years ago now, so I'm not completely dumb when it comes to working for myself.

I wanted you to know that you helped inspire me. I have a gut feeling that this is going to work for me and I'm going to take some wonderful photos for people who may have otherwise NEVER had a professional photo of their family or their newborn baby.

Thank you for your kind words and I only hope one day to be able to inspire somebody to follow their dreams as you have done for me!

I'll keep you posted and would love any tips or suggestions you may offer me as far as my website goes!

Thank you always,

J.

Let's just say I was very moved by what she had to say...It's not everyday that you get an email like that! Talk about the warm and fuzzies! I am so grateful to my mentor Donnalynn for all that she has taught me...it is nice to know that I might be able to help someone else now. I am so excited for her and I can't wait for her success to continue. I am sure she has made the right decision!

J- I am so proud of you, I know how hard this decision was for you. You are going to do great, I just know it!!!

-Michelle

Three Beautiful Ladies

Here are a few from a session last week. Mom brought the girls in for some portraits for Dad for Father's Day. I was able to get some great ones...here are some from their session.

Velia, Thanks for coming in. The girls are beautiful and so great to work with. Enjoy!