Children have those photos of being pensive, inquisitive, mischievous and you look deep into their eyes and see their souls. Yet, it is the photos where I see sheer joy and immeasurable happiness that I always remember.  I’m glad I get to photograph happy people preserving happy memories!

Be Good!

We have lots of new ideas for the studio.  And honestly we came home and went straight to work.  We spent the better part of the weekend rearranging what has accumulated in my studio over the past three and a half years.  I have to say I am enjoying the end result. On Monday, my typical day off from the studio, I went to hear Jerry Ghionis speak for the first time ever.  In Las Vegas I was able to see his work in person in the print competition room and I was moved by his work.  We were almost moved to tears by his images.  What a master he is at telling stories without words.  Listening to him speak last night touched me to the core.  I can’t say that anything he said was new or ground breaking.  I can’t even tell you I learned something from it.  I can tell you I FELT it.  That little voice in me that said, ” you can do better – you can be bigger – it’s all inside of ME”. He said to me, “to be a better photographer, you must become a better person.  You must shoot with empathy.  Consider hindsight when you are shooting”.

I took this photograph before my trip, before the talk last night.  And when I clicked the shutter I knew it.  I had captured IT.  That bond between the mother and her daughter.  I could empathize with her.  I wasn’t a single mother for very long, but I can tell you that it forever changed my relationship with Madeleine.  When you are married or have a partner you feel like you go through life with a safety net.  But when it was just Madeleine and I, if something happened it was ALL on me.  I recognized last night that what helps me tell other people’s stories is MY story and when my heart sees it and feels it, I can can capture it.

Be Good!

We are trying something new this year!!  Holiday Mini Sessions at the park.  For $99 + tax you get a 20 minute session out at the park and 25 professionally designed 5×7 flat Christmas Cards (other cards available at an additional price). We are taking furniture out to the park the weekend of November 13th and 14th.  Set up your time now and call the studio at 972.937.9511.  I have 10 pre-designed cards to choose from or for an additional $30 let me create a one of a kind card just for your family. This is great for family photos or just the kids.  Bring a long the pets if you want.  We are at the park this year and plan to have a good time.

Grandparents love to get photos of the grandkids.  This is the perfect opportunity to take care of everyone’s needs.  Send out your cards, buy the gifts and get it all taken care of.  Gift Certificates are also available at Marie Q Photography.  Give someone you love the gift they will treasure forever.

Be Good!

Be Good!

These sweet kids belong to my CPA.  I photographed them last week and had the viewing this week.  She shared her iPhone photos with me and expressed how hard it was to get a photograph of the two of them looking at the camera.  So I thought I should refrain in sharing what my favorite photo of them together was?

Makes me laugh out loud.  He’s got that look like, “I have her wrapped around my finger” and she looks content  to be hanging out with her brother.  No worries though.  Plenty of others with them looking at me together.

Be Good!

And other days I see my family in the reflection of others.

Today I hope you find peace in the presence of others.

Bask in the beauty of this day!

Be Good!

Sometimes I wish I could add sounds to my images.  We all had just come inside the studio after taking some photos outside.  I left the front door open to let some fresh air in.  I told them my idea and stacked them on top of each other and then the laughter began.  The happy sounds resonated in the studio and lingered out the door.  Twice I looked towards the door and saw kids walk by and peer in to see what was happening inside.

We all need this kind of laughter in our lives.  Wishing a little laughter for all of you!

Be Good!

People often ak me how I get kids to cooperate in pictures.  I’ll tell you the secret – its not me…. it’s your kids.  These two were like magic kids.  I’m not kidding.  I could have told them to do headstands and smile natural and they would have pulled it off.  I will say what helps sometimes and it is what happened in this case –  Mom left the building.  That’s right, she trusted me with her kids and left them in my care.  And its not the first time this has happened.  If you feel that your kids will do better if you are not around then tell me and we can make it happen.  I’ve never had bad kids and its amazing how polite and well behaved they are when mom is not around.  You would be so surprised.  And on the flip side, you know if you have a child that suffers from separation anxiety.  They just aren’t ready to be left alone yet.  And that is ok too.  The best environment for a child is one where there are comfortable.  Sometimes that means they get a photo session in their own back yard, and even in their bedroom. You know your children best and working when they are at their best will ensure that you get a great return on your investment.

Be Good!

Love how happy this baby looks being in his mommy’s arms.  And I love how you can almost see just how much his mom loves him.

Be Good!