2.28.08 - Hawaii Day 1

So our first day in Hawaii has been amazing. I am on my way out to enjoy the day but wanted to share a few of the pictures that were taken on Thursday.

Aloha everyone!



a

2.27.08 : : Traveling

Today was a LOT of travel. I don't have anything overly exciting to post with my pictures because most of them were taken in an airport or on the plane. I'm hoping that Thursday's pictures will be filled with sunshine and palm trees.

Jason's such a sport for carting around my pink suitcase.

Somewhere over Colorado.
This pretty much sums up how we all felt by the end of our traveling yesterday.

2.26.08 : : Leaving on a Jet Plane

Tomorrow morning I am leaving the vast white tundra of snow here in Michigan and heading to warmer climates. Kauai, Hawaii to be exact.

The featured pictures were taken last year in Hawaii and it feels oh so good to look at these as I sit here and prepare for my trip.

I will still be posting my 'Picture of the Day', but because of the 5 hour time difference and the fact that I'm on vacation, the posts may be a little more random. But fear not, I will be posting!

I will have limited access to email so if the matter is urgent, I will try to return your email at my earliest convenience.

Aloha!

2.25.08 : : Baby Love

There was much baby goodness happening at the studio today with two adorable baby sessions. This little guy was just born a few weeks ago and came in to show off his hair. I think we can all agree that he's completely adorable!

And speaking of adorable, Allison also came in today to show off her cuteness and to smile for the camera.

2.23.08 : : Congratulations Twayne + Sharon!

Today our good friend Twayne was united in marriage to his beautiful bride Sharon. I had been greatly anticipating their wedding, not only because Twayne is such a loved friend and we are so happy for him!, but because I got to get dressed up and attend a wedding with my husband and not work! I wasn't responsible at all any of the pictures!

So I took the opportunity to be a guest.

A casual observer.
I could sit back during the ceremony and really take it in.


I would just let others take the pictures!

I could let the tears of joy flow...like these other wedding guests and relatives.
How handsome is Jason?! I was so glad to enjoy the day with him!

He didn't feel the need to work either. No checking his voice mails from work.

I had no problem at all just setting down the camera and letting someone else worry about all of the details.
This is the wonderfully talented Mitch Ranger. He was there to make sure all of the pictures were covered. I even got to be in some of the pictures!
He set up some very fun wall shots downtown.

When we got to the reception at The Photography Room I just made sure to take it all in, enjoy a glass of wine and mingle with the guests.

I really stopped and took the time to smell the roses.



The Honorable Mayor George Hartwell

I listened to the music of the talented Rick Reuthers and his band.

It's no wonder Sharon's so happy!

Contratulations again you two! Thank you for inviting us to your wedding and to be a part of such a special day!

2.22.08 : : Coming Soon - Petit Gâteau

I spent the afternoon photographing these miniature edible delights created by a talented and fabulous local artist. The name Petit Gâteau is french for small cake.

These little marzipan treats will soon be available for order for wedding favors, birthdays, bridal and baby showers, and wedding cake additions very soon.

One thing that I hear so often from my brides and grooms is the frustration over what to do for favors. Brides and grooms typically strive to pick something personal, inexpensive and often edible and these small treats perfectly fit that bill. Not only are they lovely and unexpected, they taste amazing!



Shapes can range from small fruits...
To woodland mushrooms...
Tiny donuts...

Italian cannolis...
Candied Apples...

Her signature petit cakes...

And sweet pies....
and hand-painted chocolate covered strawberries. Yum!


Stay tuned for updates and ordering information soon!

2.21.08 : : Fish-Eye View of the City

I don't have any fabulous story behind these pictures. I had my fish-eye lens on my camera and liked the distortion and feel of these pictures.

Lunar Eclipse

I wasn't going to photograph this tonight, mainly because I was so warm in my house and it was SO cold outside, but eventually my curiosity got the best of me and I ran outside with my camera and my tripod. I'm sure there are those out there who would get a much better image than this one but at least now I can say I went outside to witness and document this lunar event.

2.20.08 : : Jumping for Joy

I may not love cold weather and snow, but it certainly lent well to the two sessions I had today!

The first is a couple getting married this coming November who was eager to have pictures while snow still lay on the ground. No worries there!



Is this yellow coat to die for or what? I loved it so much that I had to ask where she got it from. This girl is so fabulous that she emailed me the link to order my own!



Guess where this adorable couple met?


And if those two weren't cute enough, Liz also came in today as an aspiring model wanting some updated pictures for her portfolio.

I never look this cute in a hat.











As if that weren't enough fun for the day, I also am excited to announce that I am now listed on the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel's 'Preferred Professionals' list. So exciting!

Reminder : : Just a Few Weeks Left!

With just a few weeks left and a few spots left open, if you have been considering signing up for the Beginner's Photography Workshop, now is the time to do it! Below is all of the information:

Mirror Mirror Studio is proud to present our first hands-on workshop of many to come, a Beginners Course to Photography. Do you have a digital or film camera that you would like to learn to use better? Want to shoot like the pros or just take better pictures? Sign up for a fabulous day of fun and learning with Amy and Jen on Saturday, March 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and learn the ins and outs of your camera, manual controls and composition with a split session of learning and shooting with live models.

You will learn to:

-Use the manual controls on your camera
-Learn how to use available light
-Pose your subjects
-Compose your shots & much more!


There will be ample opportunity for any and all of your questions as well as an outlined curriculum with everything you need to know to start using your camera more efficiently. We hope you will leave the workshop feeling excited, exhilerated and ready to go out there and conquer the photography world!

Lunch will be provided for you and the class will be limited to 20 participants so as to have a lot of opportunity for one-on-one learning. The cost for the workshop is $150. We will also stick around after the workshop for anyone interested in a private session for an extra $100.

Seating is limited and will be based on a first-come, first-serve basis. Payment can be made through PayPal or by check.

We encourage all of those who are interested in learning their camera's better to sign up. This will be fun day of learning and shooting and we couldn't be more excited to be offering this!


To sign up, simply email either Jen at info@jkphotographyonline.com
or amy@acarrollphotography.com.


Hope to see you there!

2.18.08 : : Baby Alex

Today little Alex made it up to the studio for his second session with me. His first one was earlier this fall just after this little cutie was born.

There is something so fun about seeing these little ones getting bigger with each session!

Fabulous!

This evening I stumbled across a new and fabulous online wedding planning magazine that those of you who are planning weddings may enjoy!
http://www.fabu-luxe.com/mag/

Their tagline is 'feeding your addiction to everything fabulous'. Love it!

Once you sign up, you can see a list of links. Make sure to click under 'Favorite Things' for their Luxe List of wedding-related goodness and the 'Fabuless' link for great discounts.

And if that wasn't enough, they also have a blog: http://fabu-luxe.com/blog/

2.16.08 : : Dana + Jeremy

Dana and Jeremy are getting married this May and were really excited to have their engagement pictures taken while there was still snow on the ground. And although it was chilly, we couldn't have picked a better day to do the session. The skies were blue and we had the park to ourselves.

2.15.08 : : Remnants of Valentine's Day

A few leftovers.

Ooh La La!

Last summer I hosted a Marathon Boudoir Session at a local hotel. It was a hit and I had a lot of interest in another one.

This winter I was working on hosting another, just in time for Valentine's Day. Unfortunately, I ran into a bit of a snag with getting permission from the same downtown venue to host another. Without having a good lead on another suite just as beautiful, I ran out of time and alas, no marathon boudoir session.

I could have used the studio, but ran into the problem of where to set up the hair and makeup crew as my studio is one, large area. I also am lacking the same feel without having a lot of beautifully upholstered furniture in which to photograph with.

So why am I bringing this up? Well, I would love to host another all-day session but am hoping that some of my loyal blog readers might be able to help me come up with an answer. Perhaps a local Bed and Breakfast? Do any of you own a beautifully decorated home and are willing to host such an event? Any ideas!?

The lovely Leasa was a model for me last year specifically to help me promote these sessions. She did give permission that these were ok to post publically. Just in case any of you were wondering ;).


Getting glammed up by the fabulous hair and makeup girls who were on staff.
I also get a lot of emails regarding these types of sessions and want to note that you can schedule your own private session at anytime! They can be done at the studio or even in the privacy of your own home. I can easily travel with props, lighting and backdrops so if you are interest, send me an email!

Can you imagine giving your husband or significant other a truly unique gift? Have wallets printed or a sexy and exclusive "Little Black Book" made for him. Getting married? How fabulous would it be to present your new groom with a sexy and personalized wedding gift?

2.13.08 : : My Wild Kingdom

Despite seeing so much snow on the ground, I was happy to see the sunshine out today. And so apparently did the wildlife.

I loved that I was able to catch this cardinal in mid-flight...leaving the branch to head down to the bird feeder.

And where there is bird seed, there are squirrels. Five I counted in all today.

And Tanner...the Squirrel Hunter.

2.12.08 : : Take Two

Today was actually Allyson's second trip to the studio. The first time that she showed up for her photo shoot, she was teething and was very unhappy with having lights and a camera on her. But today she was a completely happy and content little girl and was giving us all kinds of cute faces.

2.11.08 : : We Need Some Spring

Who is ready to see these lovely flowers in nature? Without 6 feet of snow covering everything that grows.

2.10.08 : : Celebrating Adoption

I am so excited to share that I am a part of a national organization of photographers who are willing to donate their time to celebrate love, life, and adoption.

So why am I choosing to do this, other than it being such a wonderful gift to families who are able to celebrate a new child being welcomed into their family? Well, adoption and the choice of adoption, is especially close to my heart.

Almost 11 years ago now, I made one of the truly hardest decisions of my life during my senior year of high school. I was facing an unwanted pregnancy and at the time, felt like the task of motherhood was something that I just didn't think I was ready to tackle. I looked into my options and ultimately choose to give my unborn baby up for an open adoption. And that choice began an amazing journey for me, for my daughter, and for the family I was about to meet that adopted her.

I have always been extremely vocal in talking about my experience, because it's truly been one that was so positive, so full of love, and because it has shaped me into the person I am today. Was the decision an easy one? Never. Was it right for me? For my daughter? Thankfully, in my heart of hearts, I know it was. I've been able to counsel other pregnant teens and speak in adoption forums to prospective parents waiting to adopt. I've been able to have a relationship with my daughter, with her family, in such a loving and open way. She was in my wedding when I got married, we've spent birthdays and special occasions together, and she has grown up knowing that her birth father and I had her and her best interests in mind when we made this choice.

I remember the day she was born, and seeing the love and excitement on her adoptive parents faces the first time they laid eyes on her. It was the beginning of their story together, of my part in that story, and to be able to give the gift of photography to a family choosing this, is something I couldn't feel more priviliged to offer.

For more information on this organization and the photographer who started it, please visit www.celebratingadoption.org.

2.9.08 : : The 11th Annual Bid for Bachelors and Bachelorettes

Tonight was the 11th Annual Bid for Bachelors and Bachelorettes event to support the Friends & Families of Cystic Fibrosis at the new, fabulous club Eve at The B.O.B.

Jen, Angie, and I were all on-hand to photograph the event and seriously...this was one fun event!

A few backstage pictures before the lovely bachelors and bachelorettes went up on stage.




This club looked so amazing!

The crowd is eagerly awaiting and checking out some of the date packages these amazing volunteers put together.
And then the excitement begins!

None of this would even be possible without the amazing dedication of chairperson Michelle Ripley. Not only is she an amazing person, she's also a wonderful friend of mine. The event raised lots of money for those affected with Cystic Fibrosis and the great news is that all of the money stays right here in West Michigan. Great job Michelle...it was another fabulous year!

Oh look...the photographers actually in a photograph! Thanks to Angie for snapping this shot.

2.8.08 : : Abstract Art

Playing around with brightly-colored Ikea drinking straws and the glow of the television for some creative lighting.

2.7.08 : : A Familiar Little Face

Some of you may remember a few weeks ago when I had the opportunity to document little Andrew's arrival into the world. And today I was able to document his first trip to the studio with his three sisters and mom and dad in tow.

Look how cute this little guy is!

Of course the girls also had to have their time in the spotlight.

These three don't look at all related do they?
Thanks for making my afternoon a brighter one!

2.6.08 : : Sample Album

Because of the lovely weather we have yet again today, all of my appointments were rescheduled to new days. That meant that I could stay home and work on a project that I've been putting off for months...my new sample album. And now I can finally say that it's done! So maybe I should be grateful that the snowy roads kept me home today.

So here it is, the layout of my newest sample album. Imagine it flush-mounted and bound within a rich, buttery leather cover.

2.5.08 : : Roxy & Sophie

Today was a really good day. Not only did I get to take pictures of two adorable pups, I can now officially say that I'm completely caught up with proofing out weddings! This, my friends, makes me feel like superwoman. I can now completely concentrate on designing albums, get excited about all of the fabulous weddings I have booked this year, and watch marathon reruns of Americas Next Top Model. I could also maybe catch up on the mountain of laundry I've been putting off forever. Or do my taxes. Neither of the latter two sound like much fun.

Anyway, back to the dogs...

So this is Roxy, an adorable and spirited little dog who sat still long enough to grab a treat and go off exploring again.

And this is Sophie! The sweetest little Pomeranian/Sheltie mix who sat still as long as it was on a blanket and she didn't have to touch the paper (gasp!) backdrop. The paper totally freaked her out which ended up working great for me.

I'm not going to lie and tell you I didn't think about trying to smuggle these two out in my luggage-sized purse. Tanner needs some friends don't you think?

2.4.08 : : My Thoughts Exactly

I almost always feel like this on Monday. I wake up, not wanting to face my large list of things to do. And when it's cold outside, I have an even harder time motivating myself to get out from underneath my warm down comforter. Thankfully today though, I made it through my long 'to do' list and even got a few things done that weren't on it. That's what I call a pretty successful Monday.

The picture, by the way, is my neighbor's son Noah. He absolutely adores having his picture taken.

2.3.08 : : Football and Cars...Not My Girliest Post

The West Michigan Auto Show is one that my husband and I annually trek to each year. Jason has a great love for cars and although I only had a few I wanted to scope out for myself, I'm always happy to walk along with him and take some pictures. When I have a camera in hand, there is always something to take a picture of.

And that something this year was a very pink, very fabulous classic Ford Thunderbird.

You never know who you might run into at these things. Today I ran into a baby I know. Hi Andrew!
I thought it was getting ridiculous with all of the celebrities who have their own fragrences. Apparently, now even cars are jumping on the bandwagon.

And then of course, today was Super Bowl Sunday. I love Super Bowl Sunday...not really because of the game, but because it's a great excuse to spend time with friends and loved ones and eat lots of unhealthy, but delicious, snack foods. I also am one that truly does enjoy watching the clever commercials that advertisers pay so heavily for you to watch. This year's favorite? Possibly the Audi car commercial right at the beginning. Perhaps it has something to do with all those cars we saw earlier. Anyone care to share their favorite?

I did not bake these cookies. They were tasty though!
Jen has just about the same look of enthusiasm in this picture as I did. Although I will say I think she was more into the game than I was. Wally (Jen's husband) just wanted me to stop talking and put the camera down.

Sorry Patriots! We were totally rooting for ya'll to win!

2.2.08 : : Oh Baby!

Today I had the pleasure of working with not one, but two adorable little ones!

This was this little ones first trip to the studio but she acted like a pro. I think she was loving the attention!

Look at the big, beautiful bright eyes.

Little Christopher is a regular to my studio, but now that this little guy is more mobile and full of curiosity, the last thing he wanted to do was sit on a boring backdrop. There was exploring to be done!
Sitting down with Dad seemed to work for a little while.

2.1.08 : : Embracing the Beauty

As some of you may know, I am not a big fan of the snow and the coldness during this time of year. But instead of ignoring it and pretending it isn't right outside my window, I decided to embrace it and see the beauty all around me.

Although, to be honest, I didn't venture far. This was right in my landscaping outside of my house.

Mirror Mirror Studio has a Blog!

Keep up with all the latest being offered by Mirror Mirror Studio at our fabulous new blog!

www.mirrormirrorstudios.blogspot.com

Are you a bride-to-be that that wants the Crème de la Crème? Do you want amazing photography from not one, but two fabulous photographers? Amy and Jen have put together two amazing packages for the bride who wants it all!


The Double your Pleasure Package

A personalized engagement session
Photography coverage of your bridal shower
8 hours of exceptional photography for your wedding day
Online proofing
Wedding proofbook
10x10 Coffee table-style album
$4500


The Double your Fun Package

Truly the wedding package that includes everything but the kitchen sink! But if you ask us nicely, we may include that too!

A personalized engagement session with copyrights included
Photography coverage of your bridal shower
Unlimited photography coverage for your wedding day
Online proofing
Wedding proofbook
12x12 Coffee table-style album
A "Trash the Dress" session at location of your choice.
$5500


These packages are for those getting married in 2009 and will be offered on a limited availability basis. Please direct any inquiries to either of us at:

info@jkphotographyonline.com
or
amy@acarrollphotography.com