Upholding Traditions | Family Portrait

For many families, the holidays are a time for traditions. Our household is no different. We pick out pumpkins to carve for Halloween, recreate my great-grandmother's dressing recipe on Thanksgiving, and give each other ornaments on Christmas Day. It's the little things that bring us together to enjoy the three whirlwind months of celebration. On this breezy Black Friday, this family was gathered to take part in their own tradition: Family photos. And, boy, were they pros! They knew how and when to pose, and there wasn't a forced smile in the bunch. With very little direction, we completed my carefully devised shot list and additional pose requests in 45 minutes. I can only hope that they had as much fun as I did (as fast-paced as the session was!), and are just as pleased with the results of their hard work.

All Good Things Come To Those Who Wait | Homecoming

It takes a special person to be a military spouse. They do not encounter the same discomforts a soldier may encounter, nor the same dangers. But the pain of separation is the same. The burden of putting a part of one's life on hold for hundreds of days is a shared load. But the military spouse bears it with grace and dignity, especially this military spouse. She smiled through the mugginess of the early evening right through the wind and chilly rain of nightfall. She laughed and danced on the dirt despite the pain in her feet from a pair of new heels. And, as the scheduled time for reunion came and went without a hint of their arrival, she didn't grouse or pout, but joked and chatted with the other families who were eagerly awaiting their soldiers. Ultimately, once the soldier and spouse are back in each others' arms, time doesn't matter. The burden of separation and the joy of reunion may seem worlds apart, but the distance is what you make of it. Like this military spouse, I prefer to wait with a smile.

Coming Soon... | Maternity Portrait

I cannot explain how wonderful this weekend's session made me feel. The weather was (practically) perfect as we hopped from location to location in scenic Salado. The atmosphere was alive with energy from the waxing and waning sound of bagpipes from the 50th Annual Gathering of the Scottish Clans and Highland Games (it became the soundtrack of the day!). Most wonderful, of course, was the session itself. Seeing a couple so in love, both with each other and with their unborn child, is a beautiful thing to behold. Not to mention their killer genes (check out their eyes!) and fabulously accommodating attitudes!

{C+S} | After Wedding Portrait

While going over the details of the wedding day recently showcased in a previous blog post, I was very sympathetic to the sheer amount of stress the bride was under. We were days from the wedding that she had been planning for months. Anyone who has ever planned a wedding or worked in a related field understands the hustle and bustle leading up to the big day. I suggested that we have a separate shoot for the bride and groom to relieve some of the pressure and give her a little time to breath between the ceremony and the reception. I can't tell you how glad I am that she agreed to it! Without a schedule looming over us, we were all able to relax, have some laughs, and get some gorgeous pictures!

Fix-It-Friday #120 | I Heart Faces

It's been a while since I've participated in a Fix-It-Friday. After working on this photo provided by Keli H., I wonder why I ever stopped! It's just too much fun.

Original:

Color:

B&W:

To see more great edits, please visit the I Heart Faces photography community here. Have a great Saturday!

Big Changes Are Coming!

First, I want to thank everyone who has followed me through my first year of establishing myself as a professional photographer. Every twist and turn has been a great learning experience, and I am excited to apply my knowledge to help my business flourish in 2012. I want to extend a special thank you to my clients, without whom I could never have discovered where my passions lie. An extra special thank you to my repeat clients and those who referred me! You all rock, and I am looking forward to working with you in the future!

Onward to the focus of this post: Changes! There will be several big changes coming to MMU Photography in 2012.



First and foremost: Pricing.

I will no longer be offering free sessions. Starting January 1st, 2012, my session fee of $350 will be in place. This includes a DVD of web-optimized images for sharing on social media, a spiral-bound proof book of all images, and a $150 print credit to be applied toward either prints or digital files. All prints, digital files and packages will be discounted 25% and wedding packages will be discounted 50% through 2012. **Please Note:* There are still slots available through December 20th that are subject to the waived session fee and 2011 pricing.* New pricing will be posted in December for anyone interested in booking a shoot in 2012.



Onward to specializations!

I have done several types of sessions this year. I have truly enjoyed each and every one, but I have also come to the conclusion that there are a few that give me the greatest satisfaction. Seniors, couples, weddings and maternity will be my areas of specialization. Boudoir will also be offered as a specialization and will be separate from my main business. I will book a limited number of family sessions, and newborn, infant, and toddler sessions will be referred to one of the many wonderful photographers who specialize in that area. As much as I adore children, my best work has been with adults, and I am determined to provide my clients with the best products possible.



And now for the big one.

From the end of December 2011 to June 2012, MMU Photography will be relocated to Lawton, OK. Sudden moves are a sad reality of the military lifestyle. However, I will still be booking sessions in Texas until June, when we find out where we will be moving to for the next two or three years. With any luck, we will be right back here in Central Texas!

Thank you all so much for your support, encouragement and faith. You've been a big part in making my dream a reality, and I am grateful. If you have any questions, or wish to book a session for the holidays or beyond, please contact me at mmuphotography@gmail.com.