Magen first contacted me a few months ago via email.  She was a portrait photographer from the next city over looking for peers and she had a few technical questions she wanted to ask as well.  “Please don’t feel like you have to tell me your secrets, though”, she said.  “I understand if it’s a conflict of interest”.  I quickly wrote her back, telling her I LOVED helping other photographers out and to ask away – and to teach me a few things while she’s at it!

We kept in touch and she inquired about a portrait session for she and her husband as a Christmas gift from Mark to her.  Of course I was more than happy to oblige and even more excited to finally get to meet the lovely lady I had been talking with through email for a few months now.

She explained that both she and Mark were into acting and theatre and wanted a very silly shoot, but with some serious shots thrown in as well.  They actually showed up to our shoot with a ‘Bag ‘O Fun’ full of hats and wigs and props and masks.  They were oodles of fun to work with and I am going to split their photos into two posts.  This first one is of the more serious photos we took – and look at how stunning this couple is.  Magen was everything I thought she’d be and more and I cannot wait to hang out more in the future.  Girl is talented, beautiful and funny to boot!  I honestly walked away from this shoot feeling inspired, in both my photography and my personal relationship.  These two know how to have fun and be silly together, and they encompass true compatibility and comfort within a relationship.  I found myself both laughing out loud and sighing while editing these photos – and THAT is how I love to be effected by a photoshoot.

It was FREEZING the day they came to Winston, and with the windchill, I’m pretty sure it was around 10 degrees outside.  They were SUCH troopers, though!  Are they not a beautiful couple with killer style?

I loved this natural chemistry between them throughout the whole shoot.

Work it, Magen!

THIS is why I shoot with natural light!

The Bag ‘O Props has just been opened!

This is one of my absolute favorite photos ever.  It really encompasses everything I love about LOVE.

As I mentioned above, Magen is also a portrait photographer, so I HAD to photograph her with her baby!

I love these last shots.

Welcome, 2010!

Wow, where has time gone? The first week of 2010 is almost over already! I had a few posts ready to blog and before I knew it, I had already shot my first 2 shoots of 2010 and have hardly had time to catch up on the blog.

First off, I want to thank everyone for their generosity on contributing to Comments for a Cause. I am going to match every comment made here over the 2 days that I ran the contest and donate 50 cans of food to our local animal shelter. I am probably going to donate the food this weekend and will be sure to take my camera along with me as well!

Second, within the next couple of days, I am going to have a “casting call” for sorts for all ladies around the area. What’s in it for you? Free professional airbrushing makeup and one free edited large resolution image that I take of you after being dolled up. This casting is for all local women (or those willing to drive to Winston Salem), 18 years or older. Mothers, daughters, models, teachers – every type of woman can apply. In 2010, I am offering professional airbrushed makeup with all of my photo packages from my dear friend Heather. She is a licensed and professional makeup artist and this casting call is to build a portfolio for both she and I to use. We will have 2 days, 10 ladies each day, to come to Winston Salem, have your makeup applied and I will photograph a head shot for you to have. In return, a print will go into both Heather and I’s portfolio as well. More details coming soon – but tell all of the special ladies in your lives to keep an eye open on the blog for more details in the coming days.

Speaking of 2010, I am pumped to offer new and exciting products this year, and to add awesome goodies to my shoots, like the above mentioned professional makeup. This will be added into each package automatically, so for those who would rather do their own – that’s totally OK! I just figured, if I were going to pay for photos and have an awesome day either with just the photographer or I, or especially if I’m with my special someone in the photos, I want to look my best! I’m also going to offer super fun albums – very fresh and colorful and fun with lots of personality.

I’m so excited to get the ball rolling this year. The first weekend of 2010, I had two shoots – a couple shoot with a fellow amazing portrait photographer (not to mentioned, beautiful and SO funny) and her ridiculously funny husband, and my first ever boudoir shoot. I probably will not be posting many (if any) photos from the boudoir shoot as that was a private shoot for a special lady, but I can promise you we kept it classy and fun and comfortable. Very girly, very sexy and VERY laid back. For those interested in a boudoir shoot, feel free to send me an email and we’ll set up the details for you!

Now, for a sneak peek from one of, if not THE funnest shoots I have ever taken part in. I adore Magen and Mark and this is only the calm side of the shoot.  You have to check back tomorrow for the full post.  Let’s just say, they literally brought a ‘Bag ‘O Fun’ to the shoot – including wigs, masks, glasses, hats and more!  Seriously – we had THE best time.