I heart faces!

This week's theme is "Hilarious Outtakes" at I heart faces, and the outtakes usually end up being my favorite photos of the shoot! This family took it to the next level and this is their wall family portrait! Kiley (mom) said... "hey this is how my everyday life is, might as well show how it really is"!

Be sure to stop over at I heart faces to see the other entries! There are for sure some GREAT ones!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. I think it's pretty obvious I did... I haven't blogged in awhile... ill try my best to get back on track! I'm still attempting to catch my breath! Almost there!

Soper Family

My poor blog! I have been SO busy this month with Santa Days, last minute Christmas deadlines and orders, my kids activities, family things etc... I just havent had a chance to write. I HAVE so much to catch up on!

I met up with the beautiful Soper family just a few weeks ago to attempt some Christmas family portraits. They had a failed attempt at a local chain and wanted to give it another shot! One of the hardest parts of my job is that I have to be behind my camera. I LOVE the challenge of getting kids to warm up to me and usually I am pretty successful at it. I have 2 kids of my own who have VERY different personalities and they have seasoned me on how to "get in" with the kids. When I got to hang out with the Soper's little Luke REALLY wasn't too crazy about me being there. He did come around in time and showed me his amazing smile ;-) Luke you really are the sweetest most handsome little guy once people break through! Thanks for the fun!

Now, to top that off, Luke (who is 3) has 2 little sisters who are about 18 months old... and... they are twins. I don't think I have ever felt so bad about not getting names right with these two sweeties. I CANNOT for the life of me tell them apart. After spending some time editing their two sessions (they came out for Santa Days) I can now see the little differences in their apperances, however... it's tough! It's obvious their personalities are different, but I could not keep them straight!\

Lastly, big brother Kilian who I believe he said is 8, is an absolute gem. He has the most geniune smile and a heart that is more special than I can express here. When Kilian sat with Santa, and Santa asked, "what do you want for Christmas". He said, "It doesn't matter, as long as im with my family". He meant it. Kilian, don't loose that heart about you.

Soper family, it was an absolute joy getting to meet all of you! Next time, we will do this outside so the kids can just have a blast!

It was more than MAGICAL.

My Carson... it's a miracle that he even got near him! We even got a few smiles... unheard of!

Tippy Toes and all :-)

I started the day out with a mentality of... "you fake it til you make it"! We really had no clue how things would turn out with Santa Days. I felt as if we were going into it blind. I had really high hopes that my vision and dream of what that day would be, would come to life, but I just wasn't 100% confident we could pull it off.

He came in with a snow white beard, a genuine jolly attitude and a love for kids that shined the moment you saw him with them. Santa was perfect! I had never met him and just trusted Holly that he would be wonderful. He was MORE than wonderful. Thank you Santa... you are absolutely amazing.

It isn't just any photo session with Santa. I had a terrible time getting that point across when I set out to market this event. I wanted it to be all about the kids and the magic of the Christmas spirit. All I can say about that day in summary is MAGICAL. We only had ONE kid cry and he was related to Holly... id cry too! JUST KIDDING HOLLY! ;-)

We had Gina and Sandra in the lobby helping out with orders and directing the kids to the letters to Santa area. The kids all got really into the coloring contest.

The decor... oh gosh I could go on about this FOR DAYS. My friend Kylee totally pulled my vision out of my head and put it together in the studio. She worked all week and took a space that was just a space and made it feel like home! It is BEAUTIFUL. Kylee, you rock my world. Thank you so much for EVERYTHING. Thank you doesn't even come close to how much I appreciate everything you do for us. You are the best.

Because I have had so many requests for kids who saw the pics and really want to meet Santa and parents who want pics... we have opened up Santa Days for ONE more day. This coming Sunday from 10-2 we will again be scheduling Santa sessions. Please call or email to get your time, we are filling up VERY quickly.

Just to humor you!

Let's talk about the upcoming Santa Days next week!

I stumbled across this image from a photographer friend of mine who lives in Colorado and has already started her Santa Days... oh I can't wait! LOL Keep in mind... by the time Santa appears, we already have all of the good shots for a great Christmas picture! Let the fun begin!!!

Happy Thanksgiving 2009!

Hope all of you have a wonderful day!!!

A few happenings to announce!

Our 2nd annual Black Friday Sale! It's even bigger and better than last year. I am among the crazies that will be out first thing tomorrow morning! I have a session at 10 and by the time I get to that session I will have already spent the past 5 hours shopping! I hope to complete my entire list tomorrow!

click to enlarge ad(above)

As always, gift certificates are available for that special person on your list. I can't imagine a gift I would enjoy more than photos of my kids and family members. Gift Certificates are available in increments of $5 and come ready to deliever... uniquely beautifully wrapped and customized.

Lastly... every year we offer a photo ornaments. This years are cuter than ever! I found a wonderful vendor at etsy.com who's workmanship is adorable! These ornaments are $10/piece you choose the photo! All proceeds from the ornament sale will go to benefit NILDMTS. www.nilmdts.org

Another blog!

I have gotten some of the most heartfelt testimonials from my clients. I never felt like it was appropriate to "toot my own horn" per se, however... I was encouraged through a recent online seminar that I took. I have decided to add some of my testimonials over at: www.tmmwabp.blogspot.com

Please stop on over if you are considering a session!

It's been way too long since I have done any interviews on my blog so I thought it would be fun to get back into the swing of things and highlight some local businesses that I think do amazing work, are local, and have wonderful feedback!

I had the opportunity to sit down with Janet, owner of Brooklyn Bridal and Prom to chat about some of the great things about her charming and quaint, yet WONDERFUL store right here in Brooklyn, Michigan!

Brides, bridesmaid, and girls looking for prom dresses... don't miss out on stopping by Janet's store on your dress hunt. I promise you won't be disappointed!

1. What do you feel sets you apart from other bridal stores?

The warm and charming atmosphere coupled with high quality gowns that are priced very reasonable.

2.Do you carry hard to fit and plus sizes?

Yes I do! I carry sizes 0-34 in bridal and bridesmaid, both petites and longs, and sizes 00-34 in prom styles. I have personally fitted customers who have physical restrictions and handicaps.

3. How do you choose dresses from your store?

I work closely with the designers and their salespersons to chose gowns designed for certain body types. I choose gowns based on the past inquiries and customer feedback. I have chosen a large variety of styles to be able to offer something for everyone.

4. How do you keep up with the latest trends?

I depend on the designers and their salespersons to tell me what is HOT! They will advertise in the magazines, on the internet, and use hollywood celebrities to push the product. If I have it in the store based on what they tell me, I am ahead of the curve.

5.What other services do you offer within your store?

Wedding Planning!! The day-of-coordination is the best value! This allows brides to relax and enjoy, but also the mothers can relax :)

Additionally, I offer wedding gown cleaning and preservation that comes with a 20 year guarantee, prom gown registration, measurement services, and ironing or pressing of any formal wear.

6.When should brides order their wedding dress?

As soon as they know they are in love with a gown! Gowns do become discontinued or have price increases. Once they know they found "the perfect gown" they should buy it.
-Bridesmaids?

Bridesmaid dresses are often dictated by what the bride chooses. I recommend the bride and the bridesmaid have their dresses orders six months out from the wedding date.

-tuxes?

The tuxedos should be chosen, measurements taken, and deposits made, three months before the wedding date.
-mother of the brides?

Mothers' dresses should be ordered four months before the wedding date.

7.Do you offer wedding planning services?

Yes, I do! I love to work with brides and their family. I offer a free initial consultation to show how I can be a benefit to the planning process.

8. What is the most outrageous request you have ever been asked by a bride?

Nothing to crazy really. I once was the taxi service driving the photographer between sites and doing floral deliveries from church to reception site.

9. Do you mainly see local brides or where do brides drive from? What is your service area?

The majority of my brides come from Jackson and Lenawee Counties. Occasionally, there is an out-of-town bride who is visiting her family in our area, stops in to browse, and quicly determines my prices, products, and service are fabulous! I have brides from all over including Illinois, California, Panama, Texas, and Colorado.

10. We think you have an amazing store and selection, brides who are considering driving a long way to see your store, what can they expect to make it worth their drive?

Thank you for the compliment! If the bride has made an appointment she will get dedication and one-on-one service. It's just her, me, and whoever she brings. Being a small intimate boutique, they get the run of the place and don't have to compete for attention or service. I like to recoginze each bride who makes an appointment with a small token of my appreciation.

11.What new trends are you seeing for the upcoming 2010 wedding year?

Feathers, everywhere! On the dresses, in the flowers, in the head pieces, and the decorations. Brides are leaning towards natural and soft textiles. Retro styles are very popular and often the feathers coincide with the era of the gowns.

12. What is the largest wedding party you have ever outfitted?

Last year I fitted a large party of 18: bride, groom, bridesmaids, groomsmen, fathers, and mothers. It was amazing! The family has returned this year with the other daughter who is now engaged and we're working on the next big bridal party!

Also, I a wedding tuxedo party of 17 and all the tuxes fit great.

13. Bridal wear has become more casual for some who want their wedding to represent their style. How do you accomodate these brides such as destination brides?

I have two designer lines in my boutique that specializes in creating destination gowns. Besides being great styles, and fabrics that travel well, many are priced under $350.

14. Lastly, Why did you open a bridal shop and how did you choose Brooklyn to be the "home" for your store?

Over the years I have worked in various positions developing skills and relations in retail and customer service. During the courtship with my husband, I had accumulated such an excessive amount of information that I decided to become a wedding planner. As a wedding planner I met a lot of great people in the wedding industry, and brides and grooms, who inspired me to be my own boss and take it to the next level. Then during my engagement, I had a hard time finding bridal shops who were charming or inviting in our area. Now seeing both sides of the wedding planning process, as the bride and as a planner, I was sure I could open my own bridal boutique and offer something special to the brides and grooms. I worked hard developing a business plan but knew that location was going to be key to my success. As I did the demographics I noticed the corridor of M-50 was highly traveled. It seemed like a natural fit to put a bridal boutique right in the middle of the quaint and charming town of Brooklyn.

Thank you SO much Janet for taking the time to answer a few questions for us

Baby Brady!

Ohhhh newborns... I can NEVER get enough of these precious little ones. The wonderful infant smells, soft skin, sweet noises, and sleepy grins. It really doesn't get much sweeter than that. And this little guy... those baby cheeks, so so kissable! It's been a few weeks since I have done a newborn and I was so ready to get back to one of my favorite sessions. I seriously think I would LOVE to photograph newborns every day. It can take a lot of patience, but I think that's why I like it, it's like a challenge to get the winning shot and not totally tick of the baby in the meantime!

We had to work hard for some of these sleepy shots, but they are always worth it. Isn't he just the cutest, sweetest little guy? At 3 weeks, he already has some wonderful baby chub! Next session at three months, the baby chub should be in full swing and that my friends... is the best!

Brady and his parents traveled all the way from northern Michigan. I give anyone who is willing to travel more than an hour with a newborn, let alone 4 hours... Parents of the Year! ;-) Wow! Looking forward to watching Brady grow over the next 12 months! Congratulations!!! He is wonderful!

Franklin... 6 months!

His smiles can light up an entire 60 story building and his baby blues will melt your heart! Franklin was such a fun baby to photograph. He was so easy going and just happy to look out the window! We had a hard time getting his attention from looking outside, but once he would look at us... it was smiles all around!

I got so excited doing his session when we did some Christmas stuff. I am beyond ready for the Holiday season. I mentioned in a previous post that I used to be kind of a bah-hum-bug... not this year! I could not be more excited. I have one more image that is an absolute favorite... but Im going to make you wait!

I Heart Faces Photo Challenge... Autumn Beauty

I have been so busy over the past few months I haven't had a chance to enter in any of these challenges, but... when I saw the title to this weeks challenge I had a certain picture pop right into my mind!

I think this was the very first "fall" shot that I took this year. It was absolutely beautiful out that day. I can't lie, it's kind of depressing to look outside now and see very little green left. It all happens so fast. Oh well, there is always SPRING! LOL Can you tell im not a big "winter" fan?



Be sure and stop over at: www.iheartfaces.blogspot.com to see all the other great entries and give it a try yourself!

Elijah - ONE YEAR ALREADY!!!

Eli and his beautiful momma.
Baby model? Yep I think so... he is SO photogenic.

Big sisters having a ball! They have such a fun friendship and definitely know how to have a good time!

Don't ask me where I keep getting all of these beautiful babies! Im pretty sure this little guy could be a baby model! He was just as sweet as he looks. I know I say this with every session, but I really think I LOVE photographing 1 year olds. They laugh at my noises, are so easy to entertain, and generally don't run from me! This picture (below), he posed himself up there and it was PERFECT! Does he not just LOOK like a football player? He has NFL written all over him!
Thank you Elijah and family for a WONDERFUL session, I had such a good time!!! Who knew a session with 4 kids could be such a success?!

Olivia... ONE year already :-(

3 months

6 months (above)

9 months (below)
And here she is for her FIRST birthday!!!!! Happy first birthday Olivia!!!! Her first graduation with public announcement! Olivia has officially graduated from the Bebe' Collection here at Touch of Love Photography.

Seems virtually impossible that a year has already passed since I started photographing this little sweetie. It truly brings tears to my eyes to go back and look through her first year of photos. It's wonderful because she's such a thriving, sweet, fun loving little girl, but at the same time its sad because its gone just like that!

Ashley, Olivia's mommy was like clockwork everytime it came time for Olivia's session and I am so proud of each of these sessions. Olivia will always be near and dear to my heart. This has been an amazing journey to watch her grow. Thank you all for the opportunity to capture your beautiful girl and also thank you for your diligence with the Collection program! Love to you all!