Happy New Year!

I don't know about you but for the New Year is a time to reorganize!  Try as I might organization is not something that comes naturally to me, I have to work for it.  Beautiful calendars are one thing that helps me do that.  If you are anything like me, you will love these gorgeous printables brought to us by NAPCP (The National Associate of Professional Photographers).

Make sure you've got enough ink in your printer and print away!

http://bit.ly/1RclBSt

I bet you can guess my favorite ;) - what's yours?  Comment below to let me know!

Happy 2016 all, let's make it the best year yet!

xo,

M

What to Wear this Fall?

It is important to remember simple is better for photos.  You don't want too much craziness going on, while simultaneously looking fabulous!

Color:  Pick one or two solid colors to build off and then use a fun pop of color of pattern to accent the whole look.

Layers:  This is California and it is Fall, so yes yes yes!  Not only will it add dimensionality and a change in look, it will keep you warm!

Accessories: Another important way to add excitement to your look - scarves, suspenders, sunglasses can all be great ways to just add that little extra spark to make your photos shine!

All these looks and more can be found at Gap with great deals ending tomorrow!

Fall sessions are booking up quickly so contact us today!

Hope to see you soon!

xo,

m

Birth Session | Mountain View, CA

Welcome to the world Miss. P!  I was honored to be a part of your welcoming committee and to capture your amazing entrance.

xo

m

Family Session | Mountain View, CA

So, it had been two years since I had the pleasure of photographing this family but when we met up at Shoreline Park a few weeks ago it was as though we hadn't missed a beat!

The session started with a rousing game of hide & seek between the kids and Dad...

She was our seeker

Mom and Dad finally got a shot of just the two of them, which hasn't happened since their wedding! *gasp*

My aim is to always make everyone feel at ease in front of the camera.  This little guy who is normally very camera shy and always puts on the 'cheese' smile is the perfect example of what a difference feeling comfortable can make.  There's no 'cheese' here!

This session was a gift for Mom and the thing she wanted most was to replace a similar shot we did at our last session two years ago of her and the kids - see below.

Time for pizza! yay!!

Earth Day Wardrobe Wednesday

Happy Earth Day Everybody!  

I had been hoping to provide you with an Earth Day themed shoot this week, but life had other plans :)  Instead I am sharing an old post of my Sister's, about making your own clothing, for yourself or your little one!  This is a great option for reinventing old fabrics or starting anew.

Hope you enjoy!

xo

m

Wardrobe Wednesday Maternity Style

For you soon to be Moms out there, check out this week's Wardrobe Wednesday Maternity Style :)

This jersey tank dress is great for any summer Momma trying to stay cool, but accessorize with a chunky necklace and some bangles you are ready for your professional photo shoot!  Tighter fitting items are always when capturing the 'bump' because it provides that extra definition of shape we are looking for.

This look & so many more can be found at Nordstrom this week.

Enjoy!

m

P.S.  Don't forget that we have a special going on through May 6th, book a 2015 Newborn Session and receive a FREE, that's right I said free Maternity Mini Shoot! Book today!

Wardrobe Wednesday

Since I am jetting off this weekend to New York for my Sister's Baby Shower, I thought it only fitting to do a Wardrobe Wednesday in honor of my little niece that I can't wait to meet!  Affectionately nicknamed Dazzle until she makes her worldly debut :)

I was in Baby Gap today doing a little bit of shopping for her and I just love all the great onesies they have right now!  They all have adorable or cheeky sayings on them.  This long sleeve onesie paired with baby jogging and polka dot shoes will make a perfect outfit for her 9 month session!

Enjoy! xo Aunt Mary

Image Competition

So I am admittedly lame at submitting images for competition.  Something I am working on improving during 2015.  Starting with the image below.  I have submitted it to the NAPCP Image Competition.  Wish me luck!  It will be critiqued no matter what so I can't wait to hear what the judges think.

This image is of my 5 year old nephew Emmett (4 at the time the image was shot).  He is both a total love and a total wrecking ball at times :)  He is bigger than he knows.  I titled this image The Woodworker's Son because the focus of this shoot was actually the beautiful play house my Brother-in-Law built for my niece but she was feeling less than cooperative in the photo shoot department so her brother happily stood in.  Today my sister shared with us an assignment Emmett is working on in Kindergarten, writing non-fiction stories.  As a part of the assignment he had to list things he's an "expert" in.

His list:

• sounding out
• back swimming
• loving
• being adventurous

He is as sweet as this image illustrates.  Having great subject matter goes a long way in creating beautiful photographs and I hope that is reflected here.

Wardrobe Wednesday

Absolutely loving this week's looks from Crew Cuts at J.Crew.  With Spring just around the corner this look evokes the fun Summer will bring and the coordination is superb.  Multiple patterns but nothing to overwhelming because the anchor is echoed in Baby's onesie and the polka dots, well are just awesome! :)  With everything in a very similar color scheme you are able to do a bit more with accessories and patterns.

These looks and so many more are available at J.Crew right now, go check them out!  What are you waiting for?

Enjoy!

xo m

Wardrobe Wednesday

Valentine's Day might be over but these looks are still sizzlin'!  

We enjoyed a relaxing weekend with friends up in Tahoe, where it was unseasonably warm but we still enjoyed some time on the slopes.  How did you spend your love day?  Seeing the new 50 Shades of Grey or with a romantic dinner?  Share your favorite Valentine's Day story below!

For these looks and so many more visit Target & Macy's.

Wardrobe Wednesday

Loving the booth theme here.  Stay cozy with the rain storms coming through, much needed :)

Enjoy xx

mary

Wardrobe Wednesday

This week's Wardrobe Wednesday comes from the Boden Spring 2015 collection, they just make some really darn cute stuff!  Also, I went with a snowy theme in honor of not-so-super snow storm Juno on the East Coast and for those of you Californian's heading up to Tahoe or another snowy getaway for the upcoming school holiday.  The graphics are just too cute to pass up and this week they are doing a different deal everyday so you should check it out, today is was 20% off of all tops!

Enjoy!

xo mary

Family Session | Hidden Villa, Los Altos, CA

Wow, how have I not visited this spot before?!  Thank you to the C family for introducing me because I will definitely be back!  Hidden Villa is a nonprofit organization with beautiful grounds that also operates it's own organic farm and it's in Los Altos!  There are hiking trails & animals galore, even 1 month old piglets nestled with their Momma when we visited last week.

These boys brought the fun and I was just the lucky one able to run around with them and capture their pure joy!  

enjoy 

xo mary

Also, thanks to Weingarten Children's Center for connecting me with this awesome family!

Book Now!

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We've got this adorable Valentine's Day Card design and many more.  Book before February 1st and receive FREE Valentine's Day card design plus 25 free cards with any session!

What are you waiting for? Book Now!

Family Session | Huddart Park, Woodside, CA

Surprise!!!

Check out this adorable family/maternity session from up at the gorgeous Huddart Park in Woodside.

This little princess just can't wait to be a big sister!

...and she's all smiles :)