1.12.08 : : A Baby Story

Early this morning...3:55 to be exact...my phone rang. Immediately I knew it was my friend Mary, telling me she was in labor.

A few months ago Mary, a close childhood friend, asked if I might be interested in capturing the birth of their fourth (and final) child. I immediately agreed!

Knowing that she was getting close to her due date, I went to bed Friday night with the phone close to my bed. My intuition was right on.

Never having witnessed a birth before, I wasn't quite sure what I was in for. I must admit that while I was excited, I was also just a tad apprehensive. I have a severe medical phobia and was hoping their blessed moment bringing in their new baby wasn't cut short by me passing out on the delivery room floor.

Thankfully that was not the case. It was truly one of the most amazing experiences I've been able to witness. And if any of you are worried that I might be sharing the actual pictures of the actual birth...fear not. They won't be posted here.

Here is an excited mom-to-be as she arrived at the hospital (Mary, forgive me for posting this. I think you look adorable here).

All looks good so far!

Ken, waiting patiently. Although, there wasn't a lot of waiting to be done. This baby was in a hurry to make his debut!

One last picture of the bump.
Oh my goodness....why so many of these?! I was starting to get a little nervous upon seeing this tray.
Mary, seriously...you look gorgeous. You don't even look like you're having a contraction here.

And now!....

Now!

Introducing Andrew Carson, seconds old, a little purple, and all kinds of smooshy-faced cuteness!

Happy Birthday Andrew! Look at all of that hair!
It's love at first site.
Ten tiny fingers and ten tiny toes.Being born can really tire a little guy out!

His first bath.

His first swaddle.His first bottleHis first adorable hat.

Congratulations Ken and Mary! Thank you for letting me be a part of this amazing day.

Under Construction...

...Grand Rapids. Or at least Michigan Street.

1.10.08 : : Le Yum

Ever wondered what you should do with a day old french baguette? Well as it turns out, squirells love 'em!

1.09.08 : : Place Your Bids Girls...

...this cutie is for sale!

On February 9, 2008 the 11th Annual Bid for Bachelors and Bachelorettes, to benefit Friends and Families of Cystic Fibrosis, will be taking place at the hot new club Eve in The B.O.B.

This event is near and dear to my heart, as I have been involved for the past seven years to help make it a success. For those of you who might be single, or have a friend, brother, sister, dentist, neighbor, etc. who might be single, this is the hottest singles event in the Grand Rapids area and definitely not an event to be missed! It also helps give support and help to those right here in the West Michigan area who are affected with the disease of Cystic Fibrosis. You can learn more about this disease here.

Tonight was the first night I took headshots at the studio of some of the good looking guys and girls who will be 'bid off' on February 9. All of these volunteers put a lot of time and effort into building amazing date packages. Tickets are on sale now! Go to http://www.bidforbach.org/ for more information.

Sorry boys...this girl's not for sale. She's the fabulous Michelle Ripley...founder and chairperson of this amazing event. She's also a dear friend of mine and I am so excited to help again this year.

Mark your calendars everyone! This is an event not to be missed!

1.08.08 : : A Toy and His Dog

Sweet dreams Tanner J.

1.07.08 : : A Fish-Eye View of a Cat's-Eye View

I love my new fisheye lens. My cat Tommy was this afternoon's target. No one is safe.

A Beginners Photography Workshop : : Sign Up Today!

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!

1.06.08 : : Gina's Gonna Be a Mommy!

What is more fun than showering a new mom-to-be with presents? Taking pictures of showering the new mom with presents!

This afternoon I had the pleasure of capturing Gina's baby shower for her and her family. Gina will soon be welcoming a baby boy and she couldn't be more excited.

The guests were also welcomed to shower their food with chocolate!

So decadent!

Don't forget the goody bags

And the all important punch.

This little one was too cute for words!



Congratulations Gina! We can't wait to welcome little Ethan into the world.

1.05.08 : : More Christmas Goodness

Today our family celebrated a post-Christmas celebration with some very special family friends.

Lauren, above, is opening a very special gift I picked up for her in Chicago...her very first piece of Tiffany's!

We were also treated to a wonderful piano performance, complete with Christmas songs.

It's always fun to extend out the Christmas holiday!

1.04.08 : : Congratulations Nikki & Scott!

Today marked my first official wedding of 2008!

The beautiful Nikki and her handsome groom Scott were married today in a beautiful evening ceremony. The couple was even brave enough to head outside for their pictures this afternoon. Looking back at them, you couldn't even tell how chilly they were. Way to brave it out you two!

I also had the pleasure of having Jen work with me as my second shooter today. Angie, who is typically there by my side, was in Florida this week and Jen was kind enough to step in and shoot with me for the day. It was fun collaborating with her and doubling up our creativity. Thanks again Jen! You rocked it yesterday!

Jen directing the boys on how to look fabulous.

12.28.07 - 1.03.07: My Week in Review

Yes, I've been taking a bit of a holiday from my POTD blog. And although I haven't posted much in the past week, I have been taking pictures every day. I appreciate you all being so patient and I promise I won't let it go like this again. Taking a break from everything for a few weeks though has allowed me to relax and get excited for the year ahead!

So here now, is my week in review:

December 28, 2007:


This was my Christmas ornament from Jason's family...a tiny tree filled with shoes. I think they know me pretty well.


December 29, 2007:

Following my cat Mia around the house.

December 30, 2007:

I am mildly obsessed with taking pictures of the birds outside of my window.

December 31, 2007:

Last day to purchase tax write-offs! My splurge? A new fisheye lens. This was my helpful sales associate at Norman's Camera.

And of course, celebrating the new year with a bit of bubbly!

January 1, 2008:

Happy New Year! My new 2008 planner to start off the new year with organization.

January 2, 2008:

My husband serenading me with his guitar.

January 3, 2008:

My new obsession...puzzles! How retro.

And there you have it friends. Thanks for sticking with me.

Happy New Year!

Don't worry my loyal POTD blog followers...I plan to update with fabulous and fun new pictures very soon. I decided to take a very conscious break for the holidays after such a busy busy 2007. I needed some downtime...to step away from my computer, my email, my phone and my camera for just a little while. To reconnect with my family, my friends and to feel refreshed both emotionally and creatively.

I've also had time to think and to reflect on a truly wonderful year. I hope all of you have been able to do the same. At the beginning of 2007, I knew I was in for a year of changes. My biggest change and biggest risk was deciding to make my photography business my full time job. To leave the security of a job I'd been at for over 7 years to pursue my dream of photography. I'll be honest...I had a lot of apprehension...but it was one of the best decisions I made and one that I'm happy I went out on a limb to follow. It wasn't without a lot of prayer and love and support from those I'm closest with though, to make it happen.

I've also made some resolutions to make 2008 one of the best yet. I am looking forward to all of the fabulous weddings that's on the calendar...a very full calendar I'm starting to realize...and looking forward to adding some new things to my plate. More details later, but to those who may have received new cameras from Santa, or those wanting to learn more about photography, be on the lookout for a seminar being held by Jen and I in March.

Also to be returning are the fabulous marathon boudoir sessions...just in time for Valentine's Day!

I also looked back upon last year's POTDs. This was my favorite.

So Happy New Year to all of you. Anyone care to share their New Year resolutions?