Friday, July 25, 2014

{ Friday's Favorite Things - Felt Tip Pens } || Aiken SC Newborn Photographer

Ok, ok, ok... I have a bit of secret obsession that I need to tell you about. It is one that instantly makes me feel like a kid again. Felt Tip Pens!!

Image of multiple colored felt tips pens on hardwood floor.

I mean seriously, who doesn't like felt tip pens? The variety of colors, the ability to add a unique style of ink to a piece of paper, the cap that clicks when you put it back on... { I told you it was an obsession!! }

White piece of paper on hardwood floor with a hand drawn rainbow in felt tip pens.

Felt tip pens are such a little thing in life, but they make me so happy. I find myself using different colors based on my mood or depending on whom I writing a note to at that moment.

White paper with hand drawn rainbow with felt tips pens.

It is funny that sometimes in this fast-paced world of non-stop messages and online interaction, a felt tip pen will make me feel like I am a little girl sitting in my dad's office chair. Sweet memories of a simpler time! What items make you feel nostalgia?

Find out more about how I am "Capturing Life's Beautiful Moments" in Augusta, GA; Evans, GA and Martinez, GA; Aiken, SC; Edgefield, SC and North Augusta, SC by visiting my website www.MaryBethsPhotography.com

Friday, July 18, 2014

{ Friday's Favorite Things - Cousins } || Evans GA Newborn and Family Photographer

I recently saw a quote about cousins that went something like this, "A Cousin is a Ready-Made Friend for Life". Oh boy is that true!!!

Mary Beth, Melissa and Claudine - circa 1984

When I was debating about attending the Heidi Hope Photography Workshop, my cousin, Claudine (she also manages a few facets of my photography business), said, "Drive through NJ, drop off your children and go to the workshop!!!" How could I pass up an offer like that, right?!?

Mary Beth of Mary Beth's Photography in NJ with her cousins.

Melissa, Claudine and Mary Beth - 2014

So, in the middle of June, we arrived at her house and to my surprise, she had invited two of her siblings, who also live in NJ, to visit with us, too.

A boy in a suit and a girl in a dress laying in the grass looking up to the sky.

So, there I was in NJ with 3 of my cousins, swimming, BBQing lots of goodies and feeling like I was a kid again (minus all the Barbie-playing and dress-up). My cousins and I spent summers and winter vacations traveling to each other's homes to spend time together.

Young girl looking at camera with green tree behind her.

Oh the stories we could tell, but... isn't that the beauty of cousins, right?!? You each keep a part of the other's childhood so close to your heart - memories only you can share.

So, this summer was a fabulous one for me for sure! And you want to know the best part, watching our children play together, watching them develop relationships and memories that will last their whole lives, too!

Friday, July 11, 2014

{ Friday's Favorite Things - Heidi Hope } || Edgefield, SC Newborn Photographer

I have to admit that this has been one of the best summers in my professional career because of one person - the fabulous Heidi Hope.

Heidi Hope positions a newborn during a portrait session.

Hiedi Hope positioning a newborn for a photo.

For those of you who don't know her (check out her website and blog NOW), she is one incredible photographer who lives in Rhode Island.

Heidi Hope positions a baby during a portrait session.

I have been a huge fan for quite a while! I would see all the wonderful portrait sessions she was doing, would be inspired and in awe of her creativity.

Baby portrait from a Heidi Hope Workshop.

Child portrait from a Heidi Hope Workshop.

And then the most magical thing happened... All the stars aligned and I was able to attend her INCREDIBLE Photographers Workshop in June.

Twin children on a white couch portrait from a Heidi Hope Workshop.

I can not believe I met Heidi and her incredible team, but I also had the privilege of working with them, being inspired by them and feeling as though I have grown as a photographer and business woman in one month's time.

Portrait session during Heidi Hope Workshop of attendees taking portraits of family on a beach.

Life has a funny way of putting people in your life just when you need them! Thank you Heidi and your team for your generosity and for sharing your genius!

Friday, July 4, 2014

{ Friday's Favorite Things - God Bless America } || Evans, GA Newborn Photography

On this Friday, July 4th, I thought it was appropriate to tell you about one of my most favorite things... being an American; being born in this incredible country of ours - The United States of America; having a passport that confirms I am an American; believing that I could not do what I am doing in many other countries around this world; knowing that there is no other place I could possibly live than right here on American soil.

Swaddled newborn baby laying in a brown fur blanket with an Army hat on their leg.

And I am really, really cheesy about it, too - my heart swells when our national anthem plays and I have tears in my eyes; I dress in red, white and blue on any national holiday and until they say I should do otherwise, I dress my children in red, white and blue, too.

Mother, father and child together. Father is in a United States Military uniform and child is in military fatigues

I love a good, old hometown American parade and fireworks show. I WILL join in with any U-S-A chant that is happening.

Newborn baby girl sleeping on her father's United States Navy cover.

I have traveled to other countries and when the plane touches down back in the U.S.A, I beam with pride, because I know that being an American is a privilege; having our freedoms and living in this incredible country has come with a heavy price. Many of my relatives have been or are still in active military duty, including my own father.

Black and white image from 1960s of Anthony Jackson, a member of the United States Army.

My Father, Anthony Jackson, a member of the United States Army.

I thank every military person in uniform that I see for their service, too. Some of the most treasured portraits I have taken are of military spouses and their children, but while I am taking them, I know that in a few weeks or days, one of the spouses is headed out for deployment, protecting and serving this incredible country.

So, on this 4th of July, I say, "Thank you" to everyone who has served or is currently serving our country. I also say, "God Bless the USA!"

Find out more about how I am "Caputring Life's Beautiful Moments" in Augusta, GA; Evans, GA and Martinez, GA; Aiken, SC; Edgefield, SC and North Augusta, SC by visiting my website www.MaryBethsPhotography.com

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Augusta, Ga Maternity Photographer II Baby Girl On The Way!!

Sheila and her husband Patrick joined me for a maternity session at Hammonds Ferry in North Augusta! We waited out the wind from a storm near by and were able to get some fabulous portraits! I cannot wait to meet their sweet baby girl in just a few months!!

See more from our session www.facebook.com/MaryBethsPhotography

or book a session

by calling 803-634-0596

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