Next to the River + Between two Trees [family] | Louisville, KY Family Photographer

The tree to the right marks the spot, where mom and dad tied the knot.

::swoon::

I always love to shoot a session in a spot that means something to my clients. These photos will serve as memory keepers, reminding you of amazing moments with your beautiful family members - all captured in time. And what better way to remember your wedding spot and your kiddos at this exact age.

When Brooke asked me to come out and take a look at her parent's home on the river where they wed in 2008, I was giddy.

Then I sat in an hour of traffic for our city's bridge-expansion-in-every-direction-plan :).

But it was all so worth it.

This adorable family is sitting in the spot where all of Brooke and Nathan's wedding guests sat a few years back, watching them tie the knot - between two trees - just to the right of the camera.

Secret time: Keegan must be a great secret keeper.

I was so thrilled with how these photos turned out and people are always so concern about their kiddos cooperating, I wanted to give you guys a little behind the shoot 411. So here goes, straight from Brooke and Nathan's mouths.

Big brother Keegan is so great with Grant and Harper.

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

I'm always excited about having family pictures done but nervous about how well the kids will behave!

2. Did you prepare for the shoot? If so, how? We tried to talk to the kids, particularly the younger two, about cooperating during the session! (It does not always work)

3. Did the kids undergo any smile/giggle practicing?
No smile or giggle practicing! They know how to do that pretty well!

4. What makes your family giggle the most?

Unfortunately the kids think talking about toots are the funniest...

Growing up with an older brother and cousin that was like a brother, I know how little Harper feels, and she is not letting anything past them :). Adorable in her dress and boots and still beating the boys.

5. Was any member of the family bribed?

No bribes this time because they do not usually work...

6. What were your hopes for the session?

I just wanted to get some good pictures of everyone!

 How gorgeous is this scenery?AND right in the back yard ?!?

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

The images I have seen have surpassed my expectations!

 

8. What were you thinking during the session?

I thought you might go running for the hills screaming and I might follow behind you! Haha

 

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

Weather was perfect and photographer was perfect :)

Some of those sweet candid moments are the most valuable, seeing your family in their element, playing match :)

10. What advice would you give other dads before their family photo shoot?

The pictures are not as important to me as they are to her so I just wear what I am told and try to get it done as smoothly as possible.

 

This has to be one of the sweetest photos I have ever made.

We go together like....Hadley + Holden [1 year] | Louisville, KY Child Portrait Photographer

"We go together,
Like rama lamma lamma ka dinga da dinga dong
Remembered forever
As shoobop sha wadda wadda yippity boom de boom..."

These two sweet little ones really are two peas in a pod and I cannot believe how much they already show that they love and care for each other.

They interact and love on each other and I can only imagine how much they will work together to try and outsmart mom and dad as they get older.

It really is so important to play nice with others, and I am oh so thankful to a fellow photographer on this shoot.

 Anchorage Trail is quite the place to be and it has so much to offer for photographers like me, especially on a beautiful day such as the one we caught with this little family. And those bridges...to die for!

We happened to run into another photographer just as we got a few shots on the bridge. Holden needed a little breather... he is a model after all... (what is his motivation?). They must have been doing some gorgeous senior photos because they sure looked like they were rocking it.

I really hated to butt in and see if we could share, but the other shooter was so nice to allow us to work in, my models were cranky and hungry and then there were two babies to think about! Hah, but seriously, he stopped right then and was very understanding about my short timeframe with the little ones. I am forever grateful, it sure made my day that someone was willing to work together.

Lesson for the day: work together and tell people you appreciate them

 like... "Chang chang changitty chang shoobop
That's the way it should be, wha ooohhhh, yeah"

"All done"- Holden

Xoxo,
Mich

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!