Baby Horses + Boots: How to Rock Your Senior Shoot | Louisville, KY Senior Photographer

Getting blog post sneak peeks ready is probably one of the most exciting things that I get to do, right behind shooting amazing people in fun places - and - delivering HUGE gorgeous galleries and seeing people's faces as they look through the images. 

Over the last few posts, I have tried to get some good juicy info out there, straight from the horses mouth, so to speak. {hehe get it horses} This one is all about a beautiful cheerleader named Morgan, a rising senior at Assumption High School. We had so much fun, and really made some awesome images too. Plus her sweet Mama was there helping us out and the former model clearly gave Morgan some of her gorgeous model material genes. 

This blog post is sticking with my recent theme of real clients (I call them friends after we get to play at our photo shoots and goof around), answering questions about how they really felt before, during, and after our shoot. This shoot was all about Morgan of course, and she is going to give you a little peak inside her mind to share some advice with future senior shootees :)

1. How did you feel before the photo shoot? Did you have any concerns?

I was excited yet nervous because I really wanted them to turn out pretty.

2. Did you prepare for the shoot? If so, how?
I got a spray tan 2 days before.  I looked in my closet for outfits that best represented me then went shopping for a few things. Another thing that help me prepare was looking on Pinterest, Instagram, etc to share pictures I really liked with Michelle.

3. Did you do any practicing (i.e. smiling with your eyes, etc)?
No.

4. What made those gorgeous natural smiles in some photos? What was so funny?
The goats yelling in the background and the horse biting me were so funny.  My mom and you both made me laugh as well.

5. What was your favorite part of the shoot?
Getting to pet the horses.

6. Based on the few images you've seen, how do you think we did?
Everything turned out exactly like I wanted.  I love these pictures!!

7. What were you thinking during the session? 

I hope these pictures turn out great.  I also thought of funny things to make me laugh so my pictures wouldn't look fake.  After about the first 10 minutes, I started to relax and have fun!

 8. Is there anything you would have done (or had Michelle do) differently?
Nothing

9. What advice would you give other seniors before their photo shoot?
Have all of your outfits ready to go.  3 outfits were plenty.  Have fun, be natural, relax and enjoy your photo shoot. 

10. Why did you choose Michelle to capture your senior photos?
My mom showed me pictures Michelle took of other people and I loved them!

What do you guys think? She is a natural, right? I think she did a great job!

All the best and genuine smiles!

Mich

P.S. Any burning questions for Morgan or me?

Shoot me a comment below!

P.P.S. (<-- maybe?) Know a rising high school senior that needs some great photos to capture their unique style and personality?

Click "Contact Me" above.

A Ginger and His Bride [engaged] | MHP Louisville, KY Engagement Photographer

A few sweet nothings from the couple-to-be:

 What do you love about your partner?

Kevin: "Her eyes, smile, long curly hair, drive, responsibility, & organizational skills" 

Brittany: "He's a ginger :) His care for others and myself, his spontaneity, the way he hugs, & his personality"
 

What do you want to remember about you two, right now?

Our love and commitment to one another. Who we are as a couple. (Note: people that do not know us may think we don 't like each other because we constantly joke around and razz each other lol)

Describe your perfect Saturday together:

Traveling, catching a football game or a concert, and dinner

Tell us about yourselves. What are your hobbies? What do you like to do together? What’s one fun fact about each person?

We grew up in the same area and live in the city but grew up country. We've known each other for more than a decade. We live, eat, sleep and breathe football. Particularly Alabama and Indianapolis. We love concerts (but sometimes our music choices vary), we love hanging out with our friends & families, and camping. Brittany loves traveling and the beach. 

 

If you could pick one word to describe you as a couple, what would it be?

Loving

Do you have a special location you’d like me to check out?

Organic and/or farmy, we are not opposed to architectural settings

-Are there any other things you think would be important that I know before our session?

We are not photogenic. Our best photos we have of each other are the ones we didn't know people were taking. But we love a good photo.
 

Stationary Stampers SALE | Tiny Prints and MHP Louisville, KY Photographer

I told ya we'd be back today with more sales! Here they are today's - DEAL of the DAY from Tiny Prints!

TODAY ONLY!

I love me some Tiny Print goodness and I am an affiliate so that I can bring all of these savings to you! So check 'em out and let me know what you love!

Scrawled Square Custom Self-inking Stamp 50% off! Use code 0709DEAL50

	Save 25% off all custom self-inking stamp and embosser orders using the code 0709DEAL25 at checkout
When:	7/9
Promo Code:	0709DEAL25
Your Link:	http://www.shareasale.com/u.cfm?d=277668&m=12808&u=882737
Terms:	Offer expires 7/10/2015 (8:00 A.M. PT). Save 25% off all custom self-inking stamp and embosser orders using the code 0709DEAL25 at checkout. There is no minimum purchase required for this promotion. Offer applies exclusively to custom self-inking stamps and embossers and is not applicable to previously placed orders, shipping, taxes, rush processing charges, gift certificates and personalized postage stamps. This promotion code cannot be combined with other offers. Offer is only valid on Tinyprints.com and is not applicable on third party or partner websites. To prevent fraud or abuse, we reserve the right to discontinue or modify this offer or cancel any order.
	Deal of the Day - Save 50% off Scrawled Square custom self-inking stamp orders using the code 0709DEAL50 at checkout
When:	7/9
Promo Code:	0709DEAL50
Your Link:	http://www.shareasale.com/u.cfm?d=277667&m=12808&u=882737
Terms:	Offer expires 7/10/2015 (8:00 A.M. PT). Save 50% off Scrawled Square custom self-inking stamp orders using the code 0709DEAL50 at checkout. There is no minimum purchase required for this promotion. Offer applies exclusively to the Scrawled Square custom self-inking stamp design and is not applicable to previously placed orders, shipping, taxes, rush processing charges, gift certificates and personalized postage stamps. This promotion code cannot be combined with other offers. Offer is only valid on Tinyprints.com and is not applicable on third party or partner websites. To prevent fraud or abuse, we reserve the right to discontinue or modify this offer or cancel any order.

So get to Stampin' and never having to write out your return address ever again YEAH!

Xoxo, Mich

P.S. Let me know in the comments what you love, of the Tiny Print variety or otherwise :)

Birth Announcement SALE | Tiny Prints and MHP Louisville, KY Photographer

Birth Announcement Savings!

I love, love, love Tiny Prints and that is why I decided to become an affiliate a while back and share all of these awesome deals with you. They make some of the cutest cards, invitations, thank you notes, stampers and embossers, even home decor items and photo gifts. AND BUSINESS CARDS! 

So I had to share this awesome offer good for one week only, in case any of my new baby mamas out there need to announce their sweet pea.

Didn't get the digitals? No problem! If I took your photos, I will upload any that you would like to the Tiny Prints site. Easy Peasy!!

Scroll down for all of this week's deals, and check back tomorrow for a couple more.

Save $10 off birth announcement orders of $60 or more, $25 off orders of $100 or more or $50 off orders of $150 or more using the code 50BABYJUL at checkout 

When:	7/8-7/14
Promo Code:	50BABYJUL
Your Link:	http://www.shareasale.com/u.cfm?d=277463&m=12808&u=882737
Terms:	Offer expires 7/14/2015 (11:59 P.M. PT). Save $10 off birth announcement orders of $60 or more, $25 off orders of $100 or more or $50 off orders of $150 or more using the code 50BABYJUL at checkout. Merchandise must total $60, $100 or $150 or more, respectively, before taxes, rush processing, proofs, shipping and other charges for promotion to apply. This promotion code cannot be combined with other offers. Offer applies exclusively to birth announcements and is not applicable to previously placed orders, shipping, taxes, rush processing charges, gift certificates, personalized postage stamps or any other product available on TinyPrints.com. Offer is only valid on Tinyprints.com and is not applicable on third party or partner websites. To prevent fraud or abuse, we reserve the right to discontinue or modify this offer or cancel any order.

	Save 20% off Eid-ul-Fitr card orders or 25% off orders of $99 or more using the code 25EIDJUL at checkout
When:	7/8-7/14
Promo Code:	25EIDJUL
Your Link:	http://www.shareasale.com/u.cfm?d=277464&m=12808&u=882737
Terms:	Offer expires 7/14/2015 (11:59 P.M. PT). Save 20% off Eid-ul-Fitr card orders or 25% off orders of $99 or more using the code 25EIDJUL at checkout. Merchandise must total $99 or more, before taxes, rush processing, proofs, shipping and other charges for the 25% off promotion to apply. This promotion code cannot be combined with other offers. Offer applies exclusively to Eid-ul-Fitr cards and is not applicable to previously placed orders, shipping, taxes, rush processing charges, gift certificates, personalized postage stamps or any other product available on TinyPrints.com. Offer is only valid on Tinyprints.com and is not applicable on third party or partner websites. To prevent fraud or abuse, we reserve the right to discontinue or modify this offer or cancel any order.
	Save an additional 10% off already-reduced party invitation orders of $49 or more using the code 10INVITESJUL at checkout
When:	7/8-7/14
Promo Code:	10INVITESJUL
Your Link:	http://www.shareasale.com/u.cfm?d=277467&m=12808&u=882737
Terms:	Offer expires 7/14/2015 (11:59 P.M. PT). Save an additional 10% off already-reduced party invitation orders of $49 or more using the code 10INVITESJUL at checkout. Merchandise must total $49 or more before taxes, rush processing, proofs, shipping and other charges for promotion to apply. This promotion code cannot be combined with other offers. Offer applies exclusively to baby shower invitations, birthday invitations, religious invitations, or party invitations and is not applicable to previously placed orders, shipping, taxes, rush processing charges, gift certificates, personalized postage stamps or any other product available on TinyPrints.com. Offer is only valid on Tinyprints.com and is not applicable on third party or partner websites. To prevent fraud or abuse, we reserve the right to discontinue or modify this offer or cancel any order.
	Save 15% off gift and home décor orders using the code 15GIFTSJUL at checkout
When:	7/8-7/14
Promo Code:	15GIFTSJUL
Your Link:	http://www.shareasale.com/u.cfm?d=277468&m=12808&u=882737
Terms:	Offer expires 7/14/2015 (11:59 P.M. PT). Save 15% off gift and home décor orders using the code 15GIFTSJUL at checkout. There is no minimum purchase required for this promotion. Offer applies exclusively to gifts and home décor items and is not applicable to previously placed orders, shipping, taxes, rush processing charges, calendars, photo books, gift certificates, personalized postage stamps or any other product available on TinyPrints.com. This promotion code cannot be combined with other offers. Offer is only valid on Tinyprints.com and is not applicable on third party or partner websites. To prevent fraud or abuse, we reserve the right to discontinue or modify this offer or cancel any order.
	Save 20% off business card orders using the code 20BIZJUL at checkout
When:	7/8-7/14
Promo Code:	20BIZJUL
Your Link:	http://www.shareasale.com/u.cfm?d=277469&m=12808&u=882737
Terms:	Offer expires 7/14/2015 (11:59 P.M. PT). Save 20% off business card orders using the code 20BIZJUL at checkout. There is no minimum purchase required for this promotion. Offer applies exclusively to business cards and is not applicable to previously placed orders, shipping, taxes, rush processing charges, calendars, photo books, gift certificates, personalized postage stamps or any other product available on TinyPrints.com. This promotion code cannot be combined with other offers. Offer is only valid on Tinyprints.com and is not applicable on third party or partner websites. To prevent fraud or abuse, we reserve the right to discontinue or modify this offer or cancel any order.
	Free Shipping on orders $49 and more with promo code FREESHIP49
When:	ongoing
Promo Code:	FREESHIP49
Your Link:	http://www.shareasale.com/u.cfm?d=260212&m=12808&u=882737
Terms:	Find complete shipping details here

I personally will be getting my hands on one of those stampers [wink, wink check back tomorrow], so cute!

Xoxo,
Mich

 P.S. Feel free to peruse the website via any of those links above and shoot me an email if you have any questions. OH and send me more BABIES!!! LOL!

White Bows + Twinkle Toes + 10 Things Mom and Dad Were Thinking | Louisville, KY Family Photographer

I really think this adorable family nailed it.

It is certainly not their first time in-front of my camera, and they are pretty much pros by now. I mean look at that baby, doesn't get any sweeter.

If you follow me on facebook, (see the little circle F link to the right --------->) you might remember this little one from a couple months ago. She was the gorgeous girl in her momma's heirloom dress, EATING HER OWN TOES. Gah so sweet!

And now here she is with her beautiful big sisters just hamming it up for the camera.

But you will see they are laughing at something just to camera right. Mom and dad were doing a great job of cracking them up and I wanted to give you just a little peek into mom and dad's brains during the before during and after the shoot.

1. How did you feel before the photo shoot? Did you have any concerns?

Great! Only concern was if the baby would make it through, always tricky with naps!

 2. Did you prepare for the shoot? If so, how?

Just some shopping for the girls dresses and of course hair!

3. Did the girls undergo any smile/giggle practicing?

No!

 4. What makes your family giggle the most?

Unfortunately it's poop stories. Haha!

5. Was any member of the family bribed?

No!

6. What were your hopes for the session?

Sweet pictures of the girls

7. Based on the few images you've seen, do you think we accomplished goals?

Yes!!!!!

8. What were you thinking during the session?

I hope the baby cooperates.

9. Is there anything you would have done (or had Michelle do) differently?

Nope, everything was perfect!

10. Mark, What advice would you give other dads before their family photo shoot?
Do whatever your wife tells you to :) 
 

I'd say the baby cooperated, and this sweet family did such an amazing job. No giggle practice needed.

Xoxo,
Mich

P.S. Have you done a family portrait session recently? What other advice do you have for a successful family photo shoot?

Leave me a little love note below in the comments, shoot me an email with the "Contact Me" link at the top of this page, and as always, go ahead and share this post with your family and friends.

They are too cute not to!

Lillies + Puppy Kisses + How to Make Your Newborn Session Awesome | MHP Louisville, KY Newborn Photography

I am sitting here thinking about a way to share these photos of the sweetest little family, and of course I do what most others do while procrastinating focusing on the task at hand, I jump on Facebook.

Would you believe that it just so happens to be the little mama's birthday? I cannot think of a better way to celebrate, than with posting and sharing these sweet newborn photos of her new baby Lily.

This little family was sent to me by another friend (I LOVE referrals) and I am so glad that we could fit sweet Lily in to the schedule.

Isn't she the most gorgeous little girl, and that name, fits her so perfectly. We even found some yellow Lilies blooming in the backyard. How PERFECT! 

There are so many great images from this session - we were able to shoot indoors and out! - and I felt so bad that mom and dad were concerned about Lily being upset and having to snack a little during our session. Which is COMPLETELY NORMAL and expected! Just look how beautiful!

SO I wanted to share what to expect and I put together a few tips to make your newborn photo session go as smooth as a baby's... well you know buns ;).
   

 1. Start Early - Be sure to start contacting photographers at lease a couple months before your due date. I usually use your due date as a place holder and then confirm with the little one arrives. I will always try to fit in any session, but I can only schedule so many sessions per week because newborn sessions can take some time, see #2.

2. Be Prepared for a 2-3 Hour Shoot - Babies are amazing, cuddly, adorable, squishy, unpredictable little creatures. But, they are on their own schedule and have to eat pretty often. We may have to have a few mini feeding sessions in the middle to calm down baby and make them sleepy again. The photo shoot will stress them out and feeding helps to soothe them too.

3. Feed Before your Session - It is best to feed a good big meal about a half hour before the shoot and loosen the diaper if you are interested in naked baby photos. Makes baby milk drunk.

4. Avoid Crazy Days - I know it sounds ridiculous with a brand new baby, but get as much sleep and take it easy the night before and morning of the shoot. Lots of visitors wear baby out, and can make for a more cranky pumpkin for the session.

5. Young Babes are Sleepier - I suggest photos in the first 10 days of life and first 7 is ideal. It is not always possible for various reasons, but try to get photos done as soon as you get home from the hospital. Younger babies are sleepier, which is usually better for photos because they will be more content. Babies eyes haven't developed strong muscles yet, so they often look cross-eyed if they're open.

6. Don't Skip It - If you are concerned about timing, or baby comes early/late, or has a little stint in the NICU, don't cancel. Even if the photos end up being 1 month photos, do them anyway, you will be glad you did later. 

7. It Won't Be Perfect - But we will get perfectly amazing images that will last more than a lifetime. Behind the scenes always looks a little messier than you would imagine. The photos will be gorgeous even if your house is a mess, you haven't slept more than 30 mins and your pants have dried milk on them. The photos show only where I point the camera, and I can hide a lot.

8. Include the Important Stuff - Be sure to collect heirlooms and objects that mean something to you and have them ready for the shoot. In fact, I often ask what you have before hand so I can get the ideas rolling.

9. Consider Priorities - Sometimes the little ones just aren't having it. They may be growth-spurting, or fighting sleep, and just don't want to do much. We have to have a plan. So tell me what is most important to you and we will do that first. I always suggest family photos first, just in case we get some projectile matter on our clothes (also completely normal, no worries).

10. My Models Tell Me - My models, large and small, always tell me when they have had enough. We will go by the way the little one responds and if we have enough and little one starts freaking out, we are officially wrapped up. This is why #9 is so important. 

Most of all, I know it is scary and uncomfortable. But, PLEASE try not to worry. I have done this many times. Pee, poop, spit-up, breast milk, boobs, I have seen it all, and it doesn't freak me out. I will not be offended or injured if it happens during our shoot. I have a washing machine and I know how to use it :)  

Plus babies can smell fear, and their mom, so sometimes I'll make you go away :D

XOXO, 

Mich

P.S. Send me some love, or tell me what I missed, in the comment section below. And please shoot me an email - using the contact link above -  if you need some art made of your new addition.