Catching Up!

I have so much to blog about and have been falling behind, so I'm gonna make this a multi-topic post.

1. My work is on the cover of July's issue of Indy's Child magazine!



2. I am doing the "Bellies & Babies" Maternity expo in September and want to have some new images to display there. I am looking for about 5 pregnant women to model for me. There would be no charge for the session and the images will be available to you at a discount if you want to purchase them. I am looking for ladies who are up for having a fun, adventurous session...some partial or full nudity may be involved! Email me if you are interested.

3. I am moving my business out of our home and into it's own space! I will have my office, meeting space and gallery at this new location! This space will be available to meet with potential clients and to do in person ordering appointments. I have been getting requests to do this more and more and I am exited about helping my clients figure out how to order and display their images in their home.

That's all for now...but, I will have more about the space in the coming days. I'll try to post a few pictures too!

We have a winner!

jflower74@sbcglobal.net wins June's subscriber drawing...email me to claim your session! Stay tuned for next months surprise give-a-way...it's even a surprise to me ;)

Maris Kate

I dont' have much time...but, had to get these up for mom...there are so many cute ones, it was hard to pick just a few. I'll let you know as soon as your gallery is up!

Don't forget...

We will be drawing another blog winner at the end of June for our monthly subscriber give-a-way. This month's prize...a classic session valued at $200! Tell all your friends to enter...or don't tell anyone and better your own chances at winning!

Gettin' My Baby Fix!

So, I am obviously not the creator of this image, however, I couldn't resist sharing it with you all. Baby's mama captured this photo during a visit to drop off their order. Holding babies is just one of the many perks of my job! I love it! Thanks for sharing Jenn!

The Gerber Baby?

Look at this beautiful baby boy. Doesn't he remind you of the gerber baby? He has the most gorgeous blue eyes and the poutiest lips I've ever seen. I just love everything about little Ben. He is six months old here and you'd never guess by the looks of those legs that he was born premature! I had such a great time getting to know his mommy and daddy. I'll bet they didn't think I was able to get any good pictures based on Ben's grumpy mood that day (bad tooth day:)but, rest assured, there are many more where these came from.

Maternity/Newborn BOGO Special

Some women love being pregnant and feel very beautiful. Others struggle through difficult pregnancies. Either way, this experience will end and it won't come again...at least not in this exact way.

If you are pregnant, you must have belly shots done. I know, I know, you don't want to, don't feel like it, don't like how you look, etc... But, trust me...you will be glad you did it! I did with my first and then didn't with our second. Now, I am so upset that I don't have those images of me pregnant with him. I'll never get the chance to do it over either.

For a limited time, I am offering a buy one get one free on maternity and newborn sessions. So, if you book your maternity session by the end of June, you will receive a free newborn session valued at $150. BTW - You don't actually have to complete the session by the end of June, you just have to schedule it by then. Anyone is eligible for the promotion, so, if you aren't pregnant...pass this on to someone who is! Share the love!

And please do not worry about the stretch marks, I have a magic stretch mark eraser!

Just for fun...here are a couple of me when I was pregnant with Mary. I am truly heartbroken that I don't have any pictures from my pregnancy with William. I had the session scheduled and the photographer had to cancel at the last minute.

JMK

Just my kids...

Getting ready for the splash park!!
America's next top model?
Little copycat
This girl knows how to accessorize...she does not get that from me!

A Change of Pace

I have to tell ya...as much as I love photographing babies and children...it is so nice to have a subject that follows direction every once in awhile.

This was a shoot for the Zeta Alpha sorority/fraternity. They are making a recruting video to use for all their chapters nationwide and asked me to shoot a cover for a digital magazine that will be a part of that video.

BTW-Isn't she gorgeous? She's a Zeta alum and a Colt's cheerleader! And it turns out, her boyfriend is from my hometown!

More Izzy...

As promised, here's more of this beautiful baby girl and her family. Mom and baby will be featured on the cover of Indy's Child magazine in July! I have been holding off on posting more because I was waiting for them to choose the cover image. Now that they have, I can show these off a little more.

{ Izzy }

I cannot even begin to tell you how pleased I am with the images from this session. I only have time for a little teaser...I promise to post more as I get them ready! Hopefully tonight as I am headed out the door to have a girls night out!

NILMDTS

It is with great joy and yet, tremendous sorrow to announce that I am now an affiliate photographer for Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep...a non-profit organization that provides free photography to families who are experiencing the death of a baby. I am so thrilled to use my gift to serve others in this way and yet, my heart breaks each time I consider actually getting a call to come to the hospital to capture the last moments a family will ever have with their newborn baby. Please read the exerpt from their website to learn more about the organization and how to find a nilmdts photographer in your area.


"Pregnancy and birth are miraculous journeys. This amazing time of life is full of mystery, anticipation, joy, hope, and wonder. Feeling the powerful energy of birth and new life, watching as a new family is born unto each other. These things humble and amaze. These are the things that we celebrate when a baby is born."

"But there is another aspect of pregnancy and birth. There is an unexpected place in this journey where some families may find themselves. When a baby dies, a world is turned upside down. There is confusion, sadness, fear, and uncertainty that cannot be explained. There is sorrow where there should have been joy. During this time, it might be impossible for families to know what they might need in order to heal in the future."


"For families overcome by grief and pain, the idea of photographing their baby may not immediately occur to them. Offering gentle and beautiful photography services in a compassionate and sensitive manner is the heart of this organization. The soft, gentle heirloom photographs of these beautiful babies are an important part of the healing process. They allow families to honor and cherish their babies, and share the spirits of their lives."

Contact me to find out more or visit their beautiful website.

I just got this email from one of my clients and wanted to add her response to this post...

Brandy-

"I read your BLOG update this morning and then went on the NILMDTS website.I sat and looked at the images and wept. I cannot imagine the true devastation those sweet families feel. I am so proud of you for joining this group- what a beautiful memory to provide a grieving family. Againyour photography- your gift is going to be used to bless others."

"I am so proud of you! I wish you never had to do a single shoot of this nature but know that when you are called upon- it will be a beautiful experience in a very different way than you have had."

"My family has made a donation to this organization today- thank you for opening our eyes to this worthy cause. I can tell you without reservation-that when I put my kids to bed this evening I will hug them a little tighter and kiss them an extra time- then hit my knees and thank God for their place in my life!! I have been really moved by you and your new journey today."

Blessings!
Jessica

Another Great Session

I just love this family. We had a session scheduled for Saturday morning, but due to the storm had to reschedule. I still went over and had coffee and hung out with them. Since I have photographed them 5 times now over the last couple of years...I feel like they are good friends.

And oh how I love Miss Piper Mae! Once again, there are too many to choose from. Here are just a handful of my favorites. Enjoy!

And the winner is...

I am so pleased to announce that the winner of June's give-a-way is Christin Nevins!! I have know Christin and her family since I started attending Common Ground Christian Church a few years back. She's one of those women that I instantly wanted to spend time with. Unfortunatley, we have yet to set a date to get together. But, everytime we run into each other, we talk about it...you know how that goes.

Anyway, her and her husband, Adam, have two of the cutest little girls and have recently adopted a little boy from India. You can read more about her on her blog called "Heart & Hands".

Can't wait for this exuse to hang out with the Nevin's family! Christin, contact me asap to receive your session and digital images gift certificate.


Stayed tuned for next month's contest!