Another Little Cutie!

Wow, was it hard to choose what to blog about with these family pics! I went to school with Mom, and her hubby just looks so familiar.....hum?????? At 18 months of age, this little guy enjoyed a fun photo shoot with Mom and Dad. Fun Photo Shoot? Yes, mom's and dad's, we can have FUN photo shoots.....take a peek.......

Start of Summer!

Hope everyone has a safe and happy Summer! Enjoying toads, turtles and other critters are on my daughter's list of things to do! Ean, just loves to be Ean......

CONTEST! TRASH YOUR PROM DRESS! TRASH YOUR TUX/SUIT!

I am looking for a girl, a junior last year/senior to be or a senior this past year who has graduated 2009. I am also looking for a gentleman at the same age/high school year requirements who are willing as well to trash their tux/suit.

What you will get? Free Session! Not only is session waived, but you will receive a $250 print credit to be used on any photo taken as well as a CD of the files (low res) for your email, screensavers, and social networking sites such as facebook and myspace applications. Total Value at $500!

1. Send me a low resolution picture of you in your dress/tux/suit no greater than 600 x 400 pixels.

2. List your high school activities and what you have accomplished in the last two years.

3. What do you want to accomplish in the next 5 years?

4. Would you be willing to do the following?

• Photographed in dirty grungy places?

• Photographed in the dirt?

• Photographed in water?

(I’m not saying we will photograph in these environments, but we could and I would like full control over we shoot)

5. Are you willing to risk the dress/tux/suit for gorgeous pictures?

6. Will you sign a waiver that I am not responsible for the cleaning or any mishaps to your dress/tux/suit?

7. Are you willing to go out in the morning around 7 a.m. through the week, and/or be willing to photograph through the week after 7 p.m.?

8. You agree that all images are the property of Photos By Design and will be used for advertising and marketing as Photos By Design deems appropriate. Yes or No.

9. Are willing to be photographed in Harrison County, WV, anywhere, Harrison Co.

Submit your photo as well as all 9 questions/comments completely answered to photosbydesign@ma.rr.com by midnight, June 15, 2009. Winners will be selected by June 18, 2009.

New Wedding Albums!

I am committed to providing you with the highest quality albums that will last beyond your lifetime! Not only do I want your album to last forever, I want you to have sophisticated options for your first legacy heirloom.

I just received this sample album for your viewing and would love to meet you in person to show you the gorgeous craftsmanship this album delivers and the various cover options!

Planning a Wedding? Go Get Corridor Magazine June/July 09

Planning a Wedding? Explore the people, places and lifestyles
of North central West Virginia with Corridor Magazine, a bi-monthly community and lifestyles publication as your guide.Go get the latest copy of Corridor Magazine!

http://corridormagazine.com/

You can buy it at UHC Gift Shop, James & Law, Rider Pharmacy, Giant Eagle Town Center, Dairy Mart #24 - Morgantown Avenue, Dairy Mart #27 - Monongah, Fairmont Shop N Go, N & Out Mart Locust Avenue, By-Lo Whitehall Convenience, Morgantown Giant Eagle, Books A Million, Morgantown, Barnes & Noble, Morgantown.

This Issue highlights honeymoons, nuptial tales, gowns, wedding planners and more. Lots and Lots of gorgeous pictures from various photography friends and tons of information!

I was privileged enough to photograph "Fashion" in the Corridor and had these outstanding models to work with!









And a few that did not make the issue just because of space but are simply beautiful!

Senior Pics of Golfer Ben!

Ben is an amazing golfer so we kept him in his own environment. I love love love these golf pics! The sky could not be any blue-er with fabulous greens! And Ben is cute too! ;)



How Kwel is this one!





And this one is for Mom. Ben did not need a yearbook picture, but Mom wanted him in his suit and tie. I suggested a natural light portrait instead of studio lights and backdrop. I love natural light!

Emily & Stephen Howe, More from Saturday!

To view more of Emily and Stephen you can go to my wedding website in the "Featured Galleries"

I'll tell a story on Emily. After the wedding we went to a nearby park and as I was photographing her, she called out to my assistant that "her Husband" can help her. It was said with such reverence and sincerity. A split second went by, and Emily, with giggles and smiles said out loud: "That's the first time I called him my Husband!"


What a Fantastic Couple! I had a BLAST photographing these two!

Emily and Stephen Howe

Ok. too excited about these pictures....My favorite of the day....

Two Cuties!

The sweet innocence of a child....OHHH, how I miss this age. Here is Eden, full of so much energy!



I love, love, love this portrait of Mom and her newborn baby!



Eden and Eryon together. Pure sweetness.....

Will Miss You Rusty Mazzie!

To the Mazzie family I pray that good memories will rise to the top quickly. God, give them strength, comfort, hope. May this family be lifted up into Your arms and security and love be abundance in this tragic time.

Photo Tips for Moms!

Well Moms, we love our kids, that is a given. And we love photos of our kids! Here are some simple techniques you can use with just your point and shoot! For all these pictures, remember to zoom in and eliminate unwanted clutter in the backgrounds.

Window Lighting or Side Lighting:

Here is Anna, a beautiful and simple portrait of her in the formal dinning room. This was taken in the late morning when the sun was coming through the window. Notice the highlights and shadows that make this picture unique. I had Anna look out the window and then played a surprise game of "peek-a-boo". She turned around for me, still not sure of me, but I clicked anyway! A beautiful keepsake!



Window again, but I waited till about dusk. This is my Mica at 18 months of age. It is with a true point and shoot and the flash made the scenery in the background darker and made this awesome reflection. I turned it into black and white. A good program to transform your pictures to black and white, get rid of red eye, and more for a general user that want's everything and simple to use is Adobe Elements. One of my very favs of her before Photos By Design began!



Here is Reese Cup, window light as well. I love his looks out the window. He tries so hard to protect the family and barks at golfers....need I say more....



YUMMIE TUMMIES!

A natural for kids is to get them on their bellies and stack them! Here is Mica and Ean in their younger years. I pretended to fart at a very unexpected moment and the both of them started to crack up!




Another favorite yummie tummie of mine! This is Anna's sister, taken a few years later. I had her in the shade to avoid any sun shadows on the face. Placed her on the tummy and waited for a little wind to pick up. Hey, btw, you can always use your fan, from the house too! I just zoomed in on the face, as her beautiful features are highlighted.



FOR THE MOVERS AND GROOVERS, TINY TOTS!

Keep them in an environment they love! Who care's if they get dirty or wet, just wait for the smiles cause they will happen if you act like you are not photographing them and just playing!



Here little Cameron and I played a game of "peek-a-boo". I love this. I think it is so funny when they are so bigger than the object yet still pop out for fun!



The best advice I can really give you is to go digital. Who cares if you take a bad shot, delete, shoot more! The more you shoot, the better the pictures will get!

Randomness....

If you are looking for great wedding tips, The Knot is on facebook! They have great discussions about favors, cakes, wedding dance songs and more. A VERY EASY READ with Great Ideas!

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1467337774&ref=profile#/pages/The-Knot
/27221929013

For some cute clothing for Children about 5 years and under visit www.teacollection.com Bold colors for AWESOME Photos!

One of my all time favorite place for kids of any age and is a pure classic jcrew www.jcrew.com Now endorsed by the Obama's, too! I love their everyday dress line for girls! Very Chick and Hip and BLASTING with color! For the boys, I love their spring line suggestions!

Spring is here! So go grab some FAB clothing for the kids, and book a lifestyle portrait session with me! I PROMISE to HAVE FUN!

Happy Mother's Day

OK, I apologize and starting on Monday I will post everyday! Weather it is about vendors i see from weddings or just life, I will post beginning Monday and every weekday of that!

In Tribute to Mother's Day, My Mom!

My Grandmother, Kathleen McGann! A Nurse from Saint Mary's Hospital! Her words to my mother, "So what are you going to do with her when she turns 16?", I was very strong willed......



My Great, Great Grandmother, Nancy Margeret Cullinan, a mother, and business owner, she ran the General Store in Hundred WV, I think my genes came from her to answer my grandmas questions! My Real Name is Nancy Michelle, so go figure....

A tribute to my Aunt Margie....no, she never bore children, but, she helped raise us! I love this photo! I think about their times, the poverty, etc, yet all you see in this photo is love.....I love it!



A tribute to My Aunt Ibby....I miss you! I miss your little white beatle bug that would come and rescue me and Michael! No, you never had children either, but know you were truly loved as a Mom! Thank you for taking care of us!

Family.....

I photograph so many things throughout the year and there is nothing like family. Starting an heirloom at the beginning of marriage, having babies, growing them to young adults and giving them wings to venture out into this world. Making memories to pass on and on…..there is nothing like family…..a inter-twine of a rope, bonding everyone together.......Meet the Dubberke's. Great Job Janna and Lance!





A Second Note:

I have been really crazy with pictures and VERY thankful for that....My poor blog is lacking....wanted to share some spring time pictures of my daughter....

Brittney and Joe!

What a beautiful day it was on Saturday to get married! As Brittney and Joe venture off to Key West, I want to give a glimpse into their day.

Brittney's dress was just stunning and I love the architecture to enhance it...



Just beautiful under her blusher. I love when brides wear this as the trend has been to do away from it. It is old fashioned and a classic.



Meet the groom, Joe. I love your personality Joe! Brittney, you got a very kind man who loves you soo soo much!





This church is gorgeous with the golden tones from the lighting accenting the beauty of the ornate...



I love the fun nature Brittney's friends have with each other....So Fun!



And my favorite photo of the day......True Emotions!