You begin this way:
this is your hand,
this is your eye,
this is a fish, blue and flat
on the paper, almost
the shape of an eye
This is your mouth, this is an O
or a moon, whichever
you like.  This is yellow.

Outside the window
is the rain, green
because it is summer, and beyond that
the trees and then the world,
which is round and has only
the colors of these nine crayons.

Once you have learned these words
you will learn that there are more
words than you can ever learn.
The word hand floats above your hand
like a small cloud over a lake.
The word hand anchors
your hand to this table
your hand is a warm stone
I hold between two words.

This is your hand, these are my hands, this is the world,
which is round but not flat and has more colors
than we can see.
It begins, it has an end,
this is what you will
come back to, this is your hand.

-Margaret Atwood, “You Begin This Way”

 

I love that poem. Its heartbreaking simplicity carries such a profound message- that the world is so big to hold such a tiny, precious, loved life. It illustrates a parents’ job so eloquently: this is my hand, this is your hand, this is the world, this is my hand again and always. This is why we capture it.

And man, that sweet, beautiful poem made me tear up when I first read it. So, to keep things upbeat over here, here’s a song that, well,  Makes Me Happy. :)

Until Next Time,

MG

Category: Little Ones, Recent Sessions, Sneak Peeks | Show Comments | 3 people commented. Click here to add yours!

Oh yes, didn’t you know? I traded in the minivan for a VW bus! Isn’t it fab?!

Ahem.

Yeah, that bus isn’t mine. It’s not even registered in this state. Sorry…anonymous New Hampshire residents. ;) We were headed to the beach out on the Eastern edge of Plum Island, and found this parked in the beach parking lot. Score.

It’s pictures like this that illustrate creative photography perfectly…because…pro photogs raise your hands..if you’ve ever “borrowed” things that aren’t yours for shoots, or even “trespassed” onto, uh, yeah, properties that aren’t yours.. to get “THE shot”. You’ve done it, you know you have.

But- if you were the owner of this VW, would you mind this beautiful creature leaning up against it? Didn’t think so. You’re welcome, anonymous New Hampshire residents with-a-sweet-ride.

Another series of shots from this shoot (part of Megan McCormick’s modeling portfolio):

If you didn’t see it, the Holiday 2008 Schedule is posted below. Check it out, and shoot me an email to book your slot!

Secret Workshop Models: I have sent out the electronic release/registration form that you need to sign to model with us! Please fill that out (literally takes one minute) by September 5th to secure your spot. If you didn’t get one, please check your spam! We are FULL for models- thanks to everyone who is participating. :)

Until Next Time,

MG

Category: Bigger Ones, Modeling, Recent Sessions, artists, business | Show Comments | 6 people commented. Click here to add yours!

I know you’ve all been on the edge of your seats. Here’s the 411 (permanently posted in the linkbar above as well), mark your calendars!:

Saturday, September 27th (raindate Sept. 28th): Mini beach sessions at Plum Island Point, Newburyport MA

Saturday, October 11th (raindate October 12th): Mini Sessions at Atkinson Park, Newburyport, MA

Saturday, October 18th (raindate October 19th): Mini Sessions at Atkinson Park, Newburyport MA

The beach sessions will be at the lighthouse end of Plum Island, and will be held on the beach (I added this extra weekend date because I really want to give you the opportunity to get beach portraits in before the summer leaves for good!). Weather permitting, we should catch the last warmth of early Fall for these. Park sessions are in one of the most beautiful parks in Newburyport- with gardens, paths, bridges, fountains, and a variety of places to relax. More dates will be added with popular locations should these fill.

You may have some questions on these elusive ‘Mini Sessions’!:

What is a Mini Session?

A mini session is a regular photo session, but is a half hour long, which is just enough time to get those great family/kids shots in for your Christmas Cards and gifts. No hassle, no stress, just a half hour, and you’re done! These are perfect if you need updated family portraits and family gifts. Mini sessions will be scheduled in the mornings and afternoons of the above dates.

What do I get with a Mini Session?

Your mini session includes at least ten edited final photos, and a CD of these for printing as gifts and wall art. It also includes a pack of 50 Holiday Cards, of which you’ll get to choose from our exclusive designs. Holiday Card designs will be a mix of traditional and chic to accommodate every taste and style.

What kind of shots will I get?

I will shoot in my signature style, but I will work to supply you with a mix of traditional family photos, individuals of your kids, and some fun shots as well. Perfect for the grandparents AND your friends!

When should I have my order for cards/products in by?:

All orders, to be received by Christmas, should be in by November 1st. All orders placed after this date will not be guaranteed to be in by Christmas.

What if I want a full, regular session?

Of course, full sessions are still offered year-round, and can be scheduled on any weekend days other than these dates. A regular full session is 2 hours long, with at least 40 images presented. Full sessions include travel to homes, which may be a more convenient option if you would like a more extended update of your family photos.

Can I buy prints and products?

Prints and products will be on-sale year round as well, and are available for mini session bookings. I will be offering special holiday products (albums, gift albums, and frames) starting September 15th. I have a surprise product line up my sleeve as well, and here’s a hint: painted canvases and jewlery. Okay, here’s another hint: Erika Jones (now go Google! :) ).

 

Please email me for pricing. Booking is on a first-come, first serve basis. Please use the form on this blog, the form on my website, or simply email contact@mariahmphoto.com. These slots will fill fast, as this is the most popular time of year for family portraits (who can resist having all of their cards, portraits, and holiday gifts done in one fun, hassle-free half hour?). These sessions will be a blast- I can’t wait to see my repeat clients again, as well as new bookings!

 

And since no post is complete without pictures, here are a couple from my recent meetup with a fellow photographer who traveled out here from California with her little guy:

 

We shot in Boston Common, and this red wagon was conveniently…not ours, haha. A fellow toddler let us borrow it to shoot in. Such an altruistic little guy- couldn’t have gotten these shots without it. ;)

I have to add this one, because it shows off his gorgeous eyelashes. We were looking for planes, a rare still moment:

 

Thanks for hanging out, Helene!

 

(I just added this yummy striped background. I’m not sure how it looks to you guys on smaller monitors…mine’s 24″…so let me know if it looks alright or not!)

Until Next Time,

MG

Category: Little Ones, Recent Sessions, business, products | Show Comments | 3 people commented. Click here to add yours!

Yes, first off: where have I been? I really have no good excuses. Literally, every time I get my work done and think “hmmm, should I blog one of these fabulous shoots I’ve done recently?”, I’ve looked out the window, and *poof!*, I found myself suddenly outside! How crazy is that? It’s like the impending Fall weather has done away with every last ounce of willpower I have left! And has given me the power to apparate, to a beach, farm to pick apples, or even my patio- anywhere but the office. Magic. ;)

The chill outside we felt a couple days ago made me want to break out the corduroys and head to Starbucks for a Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino. Mmmm. My favorite Fall drink, other than hot apple cider. My sister and I got into an argument over which season was better- Fall or Spring? I was on the Autumnal side of things, and I think I won. I mean, c’mon. Think of the Topsfield Fair, the cozy sweaters, the excuse to buy new leather knee high boots. Well, it’s MY excuse.

Speaking of my sister, she was just accepted to Cameo as a model, through their new adults division. I took her out for a shoot today at a local farm, Cider Hill, in Amesbury MA, and we hiked to the top of the hill to the peach orchard to take a couple shots.

Isn’t she just adorable?

A couple notes:

-I’ve been having phone problems, where my voicemail box has been literally filling with sales calls. I’m sorting it out with my phone company (sorting is the nice way to put it), so please bear with me. The best way, and quickest way as always, is to email me- for booking or for questions. Please use this method until I can convince my phone company that no, I do NOT need ‘new, lower car insurance!’. Thank you very much.

-I’ve sent out the information for the September Modeling Shoot previously announced to all the models and families that volunteered. Thank you to everyone that’s participating! If you volunteered and did not get an email with details for the day, please check your Spam folder. If anyone would still like to join, please email me ASAP. I am willing to take two-three more kids.

-The Holiday 2008 Schedule will be posted Monday, and booking for these sessions will start then. I will be offering both mini sessions and regular sessions, both of which include digital files and Holiday Cards. Mini sessions will be held on two weekends in October.

Okay, business is done. If it weren’t dark out, I would be outside again. Here are a couple images to remind us of Summer when the chill sets in (coincidentally peach-themed as well):

 

Until Next Time,

MG

Category: Bigger Ones, Modeling, Personal, Recent Sessions, Sneak Peeks, artists, business | Show Comments | 2 people commented. Click here to add yours!

I get this question all the time- “Do you shoot weddings?”. Why yes, yes I do. I shoot weddings for some of the coolest couples in MA- couples who want to remember their day as colorful, happy, and full of beauty. I had the pleasure of capturing Greg and Christen’s big day- and what a gorgeous day it was. For those of you that live up here, you’ll know that Saturday was the best day out of the whole week- the ONLY day it didn’t thunderstorm/flash flood! :) I’ll share a few sneak peek pictures of the beautiful bride for now.

Here we are, on the way to the church:

Greeted by her maid of honor.

Another of my favorite limo shots- these are always so fun to get. I think she was waving at people outside of another church in this one- they all waved back! :)

All ready to go- makeup, hair, and dress all done up.

Headed out to the waiting limo:

A behind-the-scenes shot, by my second shooter (and sister), Meg…you can see me booking it down the aisle-backwards- and in heels, haha:

More pictures to come- the groom will get his own post, to be sure. Love those little details of the day.

If you’re interested in booking a wedding for 2009 with us, please inquire at least 6 months ahead of time for pricing and packages. I take weddings exclusively by request, and will fill a limited amount of slots for next year! I can’t wait to work with my future brides and grooms.

 

Until Next Time,

MG

Category: Bigger Ones, Sneak Peeks | Show Comments | 4 people commented. Click here to add yours!