{ Cyber Monday Special 2011 }

Black Friday has come and gone and now you are hoping that Cyber Monday helps you find the most perfect gift...  Well, look no further!!!  

As a unique giveaway to all my fans who have been so supportive this year, I am going to give away a very special portrait session, which is also becoming a new promotion for 2012.  

Have you every wished you had a photographer with you as you and your family bake your favorite holiday meal or as you go to the park for the day?  I am a photographer because I want to capture life's beautiful moments and they happen all the time!!  

In a new session called "Life Style", I will visit with you and your family for three hours and document your beautiful moments.  

Here is how you enter - send me an email (mb_photography@bellsouth.net) with who you are nominating, the town they live in and why you are nominating them in 200 words or less by December 8, 2011.  

Visit my Blog from December 12 - 16, 2011 for the top three stories and let me know who should win.  The story with the most votes by comments will be the winner and will be notified on December 19th - just in time for Christmas.  

Please note the winner of this contest must live within a 50 mile radius of North Augusta, SC.  

Start nominating and give someone the perfect gift on Christmas morning!  And as if that wasn't the most perfect gift ever... as an extra added, super special, just because you have all been so good to me addition, I am including a beautiful album for the winning family to use as a keepsake of this session!

{ So Much to be Thankful For Today } - WWoW

I love what Thanksgiving does to me!  Each year, Brett and I have made it a point to make November all about being thankful with our children.  Each day we ask them to tell us different things that make them thankful.  

 Last year, we had a "Thanks Tree" and each day, the children would add a leaf to the tree with something that made them thankful.  Sometimes the things we are thankful for are little - being thankful for a piece of electronics or pumpkin spiced coffee, and sometimes the little things we are thankful for rest on our hearts all year long.

 

This year started out so tough with the passing of my 92-year-old grandmother, but it is this time of year that makes me enjoy being thankful for all the little things about her that are always with me - the smell of her perfume, the funny things she would say when we would talk, the way she would pull off her clip-on earring to talk on the phone and the many Thanksgivings we spent together.

 
I am reminded of a quote I heard, "Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize that they were the big things."  As you celebrate Thanksgiving 2011, enjoy the little moments you have with your family and friends - a hug, a laugh, a smile, a memory - because one day, they will be the big things. I wish you a safe and thankful Thanksgiving!  www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

{ A Session that Deserves A Repeat }

Why can't all sessions be just like the one I had with the Ayres Family?   It was just a sweet session all around - sweet family, sweet children, sweet location... all sweet!
  

The Ayres crew was willing to try anything and they appreciate good photography.  On a cool, crisp day, we headed to a new location at the Savannah Rapids Pavilion. 

It was really a great place, full of life and a bunch of other photographers - all of us out in the same location, loving the scenery and respecting each others work... just doing what we love to do!  

Two very funny things happened during the session.  The oldest Ayres, Ryan, wanted so much to go to my studio because he loved to play with the car mat - too funny what impresses children and what they remember.  The second funny thing was the other impressive thing for Ryan - my whoopie cushion.  He was happy that I had brought my "special pillow".  A very special thank you to Rose, Eric, Ryan and Madeline!  www.MaryBethsPhotography.info
  

{ If Only the Horses Could Talk }

Sometimes everything just works... the weather is perfect, the family is full of healthy, happy people and the scenery accents the portraits at just the right time.  

 

This was a Saturday for me a couple weeks ago.  The Holton Family and I met at a special location near my home that was full of fields, horses, stables and I was feeling so creative! 

 

What a beautiful family full of a few generations together.  I swear the horses knew the second I was about to take the portrait, because they would stick their heads out from their stables at just the perfect time.  

 

I was sort of expecting them to start looking at me and smiling!!  One of my favorite portraits was the kids’ “silly picture”, something their mom, Kelly, had been telling me they had been practicing!! 

 

Thank you to the Holton Family for a wonderful day.  www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

{ A Well Planned Portrait Session }

I love spending time with customers whom I have worked with in the past.  

I really feel like I get to watch children grow, capturing them each year!  

The Huckaby Family and I met at Enterprise Mill for a portrait session that was booked three months ago! 

I love being well planned - and they loved knowing that I had saved the time just for them!!  

 
Mrs. Huckaby is fantastic at getting her family coordinated with great colors!  Thanks for a great day!  www.MaryBethsPhotography.info 

{ A Special Piece of Jewelry for that Special Someone }

Looking for that super special Christmas gift?  Then buy a piece from the Kotori Jewelry line and add a portrait from your session this year or a scheduled session.  

These beautiful pieces come in a variety of options for the special mother, grandmother, aunt or sister in your life.  There are also great options for men.  

All the pieces are handmade and solid sterling silver.  They are also UV resistant and waterproof.  Showcase your portraits in this unique way!  

You can also start thinking ahead for birthdays and Mother's Day next year!  Contact me ASAP for guaranteed delivery for Christmas.  www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

{ The Buddy Walk - A Beautiful Inspiration }

A few Sundays ago I was asked to take part in a very special event, The Buddy Walk.  

 

An event that supports families affected by Downs Syndrome, I was thrilled to be asked by two families to visit them while they participated in the walk.  

 

On a warm, beautiful day, I joined all the families including Adyson’s family and Cooper's family.  It was so incredible to see so much caring and love surrounding all the support.  

Thank you for inviting me to take part in this very special day!  www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

{ Pumpkin Patch 2011 - A Huge Success! }

Another great season at the St. Bart’s Pumpkin Patch with so many portraits done over the month of October!  

We have had such wonderful weather and such great sessions of wonderful children. 

I just love how into the Pumpkin Patch everyone becomes and how much support goes to St. Bart’s! 

This year, there were so many visitors, we had to bring in more pumpkins! 

So, tell me, what is your favorite thing to do with pumpkins - painting, carving or cooking? www.MaryBethsPhotography.info