{ On-Location Photo Session with an Amazing Family }

The Ayres Family is just so amazing.

I have been doing their portraits for a number of years and Rose Ayres has been organizing my home through her company Organized Living; I can’t even believe how she transforms my life in just a few short hours!  

Ryan and Madeline are just so adorable.  We did an on-location portrait session, which they recommended to me.

  

I couldn’t believe how scenic the area was in their neighborhood. Beautiful!  I just loved seeing them and am so thankful for their being in my life.  Who inspires you?  www.MaryBethsPhotography.com 

{ A Mother's Love }

There is just something so sweet about the care of a mother for her children.  

I can’t describe the love that pours from Mom’s voices when they schedule a session.  I love knowing that they recognize the importance of quality portraits to “capture life’s beautiful moments”.  

Delaney’s Mom called me, as she was one of our Mother’s Day portrait winners.  What a super sweet family from Aiken, who had a third little girl.  

Delaney and her sisters came to my studio in the cutest little outfits, especially Delaney’s headband and diaper cover – which very sweetly became a gift to me!  

The family decided to purchase my First Year Moments package, which includes 4 sessions for a newborn (or one can be switched for a family session) and comes with a payment installment plan.  What types of outfits do you like to dress your children in for portrait sessions?  www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

The Power of the Internet

I am still amazed at the power of the internet.  I have been told by multiple people that they found me simply by Googling “photographers in North Augusta” or “newborn photography”.  

I guess it is really not that different than the old school Yellow Page book that I remember thumbing through when I was younger, but I love knowing that someone, who didn’t know me at 1 p.m., looked for a photographer, saw many results return, clicked on my name, checked out my website and/or Facebook page and by 1:30 p.m. decided I was the right photographer to capture their precious moment in time.  Amazing!

Susan Waskavitz found me through a Google search and when she reached out to me, she told me that she was the Mom of an almost one-year-old and she was looking for a photographer to capture her family’s first portraits.

On the day we set our session, I drove to Edgefield, SC to her family’s farm.  What a beautiful day, the farm was so pretty and Spring was bestowing her majesty of everything in bloom.  As if the scenery wasn't enough, the Waskavitz family was adorable - Susan, Adam and sweet Milo were a wonderful family.

One of the most special parts of the day was watching Milo with his Grandpa.  The smile that Milo gave when his Grandpa was helping to him to smile was one of affection and unconditional love.  Such a precious moment and such a lovely session.  What types of special moments of your children do you like watching most?  www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

{ Dreams Come True }

Have you ever had a dream?  You know, one of those BIG dreams that seem so unattainable, yet you live day in and day out with it in the back of your mind?  

Well, I am living proof that dreams come true.  When I first picked up my camera and started taking portraits, I remember telling my husband that I would love to have my own studio – a place that I can call mine and a place that doesn't have limits of weather.  

In August of last year, my dream became a reality when our addition was completed by Stuart of Greystone Construction (www.GreystoneConstruction.net).  His Dad had built our home and when we realized that Stuart’s Dad was now working with his son, we couldn't have found a better fit for making my dream come true!!  

Stuart made it manageable to live in our home while the construction was happening.  He was so respectful of us; he drew everything out and put reality to my dream.  I am still overwhelmed when I walk into this space in our home.  Dreams can come true.  

You have to work hard, but I am living proof of following your dreams! 

Thank you to Stuart – he has become a very special person in my life, as I had the opportunity to take his engagement portraits with his beautiful fiancé, Britney.  Check back soon for those amazing portraits!  www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

{ Sweet Sophia and Precious Memories }

I mean really… how much more adorable can you get than sweet little Sophia.  What a sweetheart!  

This fabulous family was referred to me to have portraits taken of their first child and what a fun time we had together.

I love being able to incorporate the parents into a newborn session – from touching moments together to lovely memories captured as parents soak up the beautiful new life they have been blessed with…  one of my most favorite sessions!!  

And this new studio has really come in handy for me and my clients.  We do not have to worry about the weather or time of the year, especially when it comes to photographing a newborn.  Special thanks to Ashley DeYoung for the referral!  www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

{ Sweet Ella is Six Months Old! }

Sweet Ella and her family joined me for a Family Portrait Session at Living History Park one summer evening and what a beautiful night!  I met Ella’s family through the secretary at my children’s school, Cathey Ferrell.  

Ella is Cathey’s granddaughter and what a cutie-pie.  A special thanks to Cathey, who came along for the portrait session and was able to help me  get Ella to smile.  With Family Portrait Sessions, families receive individual portraits, along with the whole family.  Thank you to Marianne and RC for spending the evening with me!  www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

{ The Pruett Family and Their Smiles }

Melanie Pruett and I met when she was Brenna’s teacher at First Baptist Preschool! What a beautiful family and so full of energy!!  Melanie, her husband Sam and their daughters Olivia and Mia joined me at Hammond’s Ferry for a fun portrait session.

  

Olivia and Mia were just so very silly and would just giggle, giggle, giggle.  I had to enlist the help of an old trusted friend… the whoopee cushion… to get collective smiles on command and my good buddy didn’t let me down!  I just loved watching the girls read their books – I can’t help it – this just warmed the former teacher in me!  www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

{ A Well-Prepared Seider Family }

I cannot believe that it has been so long since this FABULOUS portrait session.  Back in May, the Seider Family, Keely, Charles, Kailyn and Cooper joined me in Hammond’s Ferry on a beautiful evening.  We used the burgundy couch as part of the session and… if I do say… didn’t it look fabulous??!!??  Keely and her family are repeat clients and Kailyn and my little “mini-me” Brenna are good buddies, so this was such a fun session for me.  

Keely came prepared with coordinated outfits AND a vision for what she wanted in her home.  She purchased nine 8x10 portraits to frame in her hallway.  I just LOVE IT when my customers come with a plan on where they are going to put portraits in their home.  And if you need some assistance, I will come to your home (with a special little treat) for a custom home viewing session.  We can work together to figure out where is best to place your new, beautiful portraits.  www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

Living History Park and the Stalvey Family

I can’t believe how much Living History Park in North Augusta amazes me every time I go there - this picturesque park is home to streams, bridges and an open grass field.

Even though it does require a reservation, it is worth it, because it is a photographer’s dream outdoor shooting location.  

I was so excited to meet Layne, Chad and their daughter, Noah at Living History Park one beautiful evening!  And what a delightful family.  

Noah is such a sweet little girl who was just all smiles!  Look at all the ways we used the park to capture this beautiful family.   www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

 

{ Referrals Earn Credits! }

On New Year’s Eve, I received a call that made me smile. Edie’s Mom had been referred to me by Christy Gardner, a client of mine. 

I was so excited about the call and to let Christy know that she had earned a $15 credit for the referral once the session had been booked – a win-win, I surely do think!

Edie’s Mom was interested in having portraits of her newborn taken in their home and let’s be honest… I love taking portraits of newborns – so sweet, so cute and so precious. During our first try, Edie was a little fussy. 

With three children of my own, I know how newborns can be, so we took a few that evening and then I came back the next morning to take a few more – who wants their picture taken when they aren't happy, right? 

I walked into the house the next day to a much happier newborn and was able to get some really sweet portraits of little Edie!!  

If you are pregnant, or know someone who is pregnant, you can participate in my { “First Year Moments” Baby Plan }, with 4 sessions (Newborn, 6 months, 9 months and a 1 year). The plan includes 5 digital downloads, a 5x7 from each session, a cake for the Smash the Cake session and a 10x20 custom storyboard of portraits selected by you as a memento of your baby’s first year!  www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

{ Christmas Surprise! To: Our Parents, Love: Your Children }

Amber and Jaime are our neighbors… what a super sweet couple and they just adore our children. 

We help watch each others’ dogs when we travel and they are just so sweet to allow our children to enjoy their beautiful, relaxing pool!  Last year, they asked if I would take portraits of them and Jaime’s sister and her husband to… YAHOO!  SURPRISE Jaime’s parents!!! 

It has been a week of super special surprise portraits and I love it!  We headed to Hammond’s Ferry on a beautiful afternoon where the lighting was just perfect.  With my white couch, we found such wonderful contrast to the beautiful scenery!  

Check out Creative Rentals on Facebook to rent the couch for any of your picture-taking needs at www.Facebook.com/CreativeRentals.  www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

{ Silly Fun for Everyone }

Millie Robinson and I have been in the same Mother’s Club for years.  I had so much fun taking her family’s portraits last year and was so looking forward to capturing her family again.  

We headed to Hammond’s Ferry and I brought one of my couches.  The Robinson boys are so silly and so cute and didn’t disappoint on this session.  

What a compliment they gave me by putting their favorite portrait on a Christmas Card... and even better... they ordered Christmas Cards from me, along with a variety of individual portraits, as well.  

It is never too early to get ready prepared for Christmas portraits, so make sure to book your appointments early!!  www.MaryBethsPhotography.info