The Namesake--A movie worth watching

So I don't know if I've ever posted about a movie or not--blame it on the season, or the weather, or the fact that I thought this was just a damn good movie, but I am today. We watched the movie The Namesake other night. I'd seen previews for it and had wanted to get it, but we kind of always would forget about it when we were actually at the store looking for a movie--anyone else ever have that problem?

Anyway, it's about this very young newly married couple from India that starts their married life out in America--it basically follows them through their lives and just how hard of a transition it was for them to make. How different everything was for them and how hard it was raising their kids in such a different culture than they grew up in. It also follows their children (their son particularly) and how hard it was for him growing up. My words can't do it justice--all I can say is I saw it from two different perspectives--as a parent and as a child. It really made me think of my relationship with my parents as well as with my kids. We are all on this earth for such a short period of time--it reminded me how petty we can be, and how we let such stupid things get in the way of our relationships with one another.

Anyway, if you get the chance, it's definitely worth renting!

On another note, I will be heading to the DC, MD area tomorrow and Saturday for some business and a maternity shoot--look for those sometime next week! Have a great weekend!

Slideshow Demo--What do ya think??

This is a little test of a slide show demo I am considering beginning to feature on my blog for each of my sessions. Obviously, they wouldn't have "demo" written across them--this is just a test copy. It gives you a great idea of what a typical session is like. Let me know what you think!

Charlotte, NC Sessions

I have had quite a bit of inquiry about when I will be in Charlotte doing sessions next. Due to my schedule filling up fast here, I went ahead and reserved some dates that I will be doing sessions in the Charlotte, NC area (Huntersville, Cornelius, Mooresville, Davidson, etc.) The dates will be May 29th--June 1st. I will have two sessions a day, so there will be a total of 8 sessions available. Session will be approx. 2 hrs. long and will take place at the location of your choice. These will be on a first come, first serve basis, so call or email soon if you'd like to book a session. This will be my only visit to Charlotte for photo sessions until late summer or early fall.

For the Grandparents

Okay, so at the request of my inlaws, I took a few new ones of my kiddos the other day. It was freezing and my kids are always my hardest subject--or maybe my patience is just shorter??? But here they are. I wanted them to wear their hoods to show what great photos you can take with a cute hooded sweater or jacket--or fun tobogan. My poser:

I asked him to show me his guitar--and this is what I get--not exactly what I was wanting. . .

She was very proud of her self done manicure--a different color for each nail! Ah the things you can get away with at 9! My favorite!

And they lived happily ever after as they walked off into the sunset--ha ha HA!

Now let me preface this next one by saying that this is a mommy photo and not a photographer photo--by no means is it my best work, but I had to throw this one in. We had gone to a party, and my son had fallen asleep in the car. So we get inside and tell him he needs to use the bathroom before he goes to bed--my husband asked him if he wanted help, as he was bit of a zombie--NO he says--very private little fellow. A few minutes go by. . . it's quiet. . .we go in to check on him and this is what we find! The little booger had decided to go to sleep on the bathroom floor! This child can go to sleep ANYWHERE!!

Lastly, I took this the same day I was outside shooting the kids ( with my camera--it sounds so violent!) I really love it! I've been wanting an authentic piece of art for our bedroom--something with no people, but am not a real painting, flowery person--so I think I may just have this put on a nice big canvas!

All these were taken with my new 5D--I just have to say--I LOVE that thing! The colors it produces are amazing!! If anyone out there is considering getting one--it's totally worth it! Is anyone else going to try and catch the total lunar eclipse tonight? I am hoping to if it's not too cloudy. Have a great rest of your Wednesday!

Something a little different. . .

So this is something a little different than I usually shoot. Typically it's newborns and pregnant bellies, children, etc--but this lovely couple wanted me to shoot some photos of their beautiful property and surroundings to create some art work to display in their home--what a fun idea! I had a blast tromping through the woods and completely letting my creativeness lead the way! Prepare yourself, as this is a longer post--I just couldn't choose one or two--and I still have a ton to proof! Here are some of my favorites:

They had these fabulous lights that were just begging for me to take their picture!

And I couldn't leave out their adorable dog! I love this series. . .

Hope everyone is having a fab V-day!

Map

I found this cool little map thingy (look left). As people visit from different areas, little red balls show up and get bigger as there are more visits from that area! So visit my blog lots--and help fill up my lonely little map! Happy Saturday!

What to wear..........

I have a TON of maternity shoots coming up in the next few months--let's just say last summer was HOT in more ways than one!!! I am so excited--I LOVE maternity shoots. There is something so beautiful and sexy about pregnant women! It's a privilege to be able to capture such a special time in women's lives.

One question I get asked a lot from mommy's to be is--"what should I wear for my maternity shoot?" My answer is--keep it simple, form fitting, classic, and stylish. I came across a website that offers some great maternity garb--very stylish, classic, and sexy. Click here to go there. Enjoy!

So many women are unsure if they want to capture this amazing time in their lives--take it from me--do it! It's embarassing to admit, but I didn't and I so regret it--my kids are 9 and 5, and it just wasn't a kosher thing to do at that point in time.

So embrace your big, beautiful, basket ball belly, and capture it! One day, when your child is all grown up, they'll be amazed that that was their home for 9 months!!!

Headed to DC this weekend

I know it's sort of last minute, but I will be in DC on Saturday for a maternity shoot--if there is anyone who is wanting a sessions up that way--I'll be available Saturday morning. Let me know--soon !

Below are a few ad ideas I've been working on for a special project--let me know what you think!