Father’s Day Contest & Giveaway!! {Family & Child Photographer, Lewiston MN}

Dad, Daddy, Daddio, Papa, Poppa, Father- Whatever your family calls them, the most important men in our lives are often our Dad’s or the Father’s of our own children.

I am lucky to have both.

My Dad is amazing. The bond between Fathers & Daughter’s is always special, but for me it was special in a different way. My mom passed away when I was 7, and my Dad has always been the most important person in my life. Our relationship has had it’s ups and downs, but the love has always been constant. I can’t put into words what my Dad means to me, and believe me I’ve tried (just ask him) but I always end up in tears (happy tears). Being around my Dad literally melts my heart, and seeing him with my children makes my heart a puddle.

Love you Dad.

 

Remember I said I was blessed to have both.. My hubby, is an amazing father! I’ve been with Ron for almost 10 years, and it’s been amazing to watch him grow and to step more and more into his role as a Dad with each of our 3 children’s births ( Ayden-5, Ava-3, Adeline- 7m).

The older Ayden gets the stronger that bond between Ron and him grows. They are best buds, and it’s amazing how different their relationship is from mine & Ayden’s. They talk superhero’s, lego’s & sports, we talk cooking & pictures. Then there is Ron and his girls, he is so wrapped around their little fingers … I love it!! Each of his girls has a special nickname that doesn’t make sense to anyone outside of our family.. Ava is Derka, and Adeline is Addington or Derka Jr. I am so glad my girls have such a special bond with their Daddy and can’t wait for them to experience that magical bond on their wedding days! *tears*

I could share many many images of Ron that are near and dear to my heart. But there is 1 image that stops me in my tracks every time. It was taken by the amazingly talented Becca Wersland (www.rebeccawerslandphotography.com) at the birth of our youngest daughter Adeline. They say “A Mother’s Glow”?? well, look at that proud papa glow!!

I Love you Baby! Thank you for being such an amazing Daddy to our children!

Didn’t I mention a Giveaway/Contest?

So In honor of all the amazing Dads out there, I am offering a Contest/Giveaway!!

The Prize: One Complimentary Family Session with Me!

A 1 hour session for up to 6 people at my studio or a location within 25 miles of Lewiston, MN

The Details: Contest will run from today June 14th, 2011- Sunday, June 19th 2011 at Midnight. Winner will be announced Monday June 20th.

To Enter: Submit 1 Image per household of a Dad that’s special to you with their children (Dad & Child in same image), along with a little blurb about why they’re such a great Dad. Please Submit your Images HERE (click this to go to my facebook page and submit a photo for the contest). Please spread the word, and tell family & friends!

The Winner will be chosen via a panel of Judges (Professional Photographers & Moms). 

Pretty simple huh? No voting involved!

 

I leave you with this:

Poem: My Hero

 As I ponder the love that I saw in his eyes,

A Godly love, given without compromise….
I recall many times that he stood by my side,
And prodded me on with great vigor and pride.

His voice ever confident, firm and yet fair,
Always speaking with patience, tenderness and care.
The power and might of his hands was so sure,
I knew there was nothing we couldn’t endure.

It’s true, a few others provided insight,
Yet, he laid the foundation that kept me upright.
He’s the grandest of men to have lived on this earth,
Although he’s not royal by stature or birth.

He’s a man of great dignity, honor and strength.
His merits are noble, and of admirable length.
He’s far greater than all other men that I know,
He’s my Dad, he’s my mentor, my friend and hero.

by Debbie Hinton Young

 

MINE ♥ Teething, Crawling and the smile that never leaves her face.. {Baby Children’s Photographer, Lewiston MN}

Not often enough do I get a chance to take pictures of my own love’s. At 5yrs and 3yrs , Ayden and Ava could care less that Mommy wants to take pictures, and I usually end up bribing them with Dove Chocolate’s..  (yes they have great taste), BUT our youngest Adeline is another story. She’s at that FUN 6 month stage where her eyes light up at my goofy antics, and there’s a smile constantly plastered on her beautiful face (And these days that smile is followed with a lot of drool as teething has officially hit her hard) What else is Miss Addie doing?? CRAWLING! YAY!!

Since my kids are home with me today I got a chance to sit and play with Addie while her older siblings had nap/quiet time… It’s amazing how the world can just fade away, the “tidy” house, the constant to do lists & lists, the piles of fabrics & ribbons that need to be formed into wearable designs, the laundry (YUCK)…..  all gone as soon as your child looks at you with that big toothless (for now!) grin, those bright eyes and dimples a flashing, and reaches for you.. Gets me every time!

After some playtime, we got down to work and Addie modeled some of Dee’s Desyns awesome hats! These hats are so comfortable & soft Addie didn’t mind wearing them at all, she never once reached up to take them off! But since it’s such a warm day here today I didn’t want them on her to long… so we tried on Dee’s latest creation, the flower headband! I love it!!

Then Addie went on to “model” some of my designs (Captured By Maggie Designs).. by this point there was still a smile on her face.. but she was DONE. lol!

School’s Out for Summer! Summer Mini Sessions { Lewiston, MN Child & Family Photographer }

Are you ready for the end of the school year? My kids are done with school this Friday!!

I wish that meant that things were going to slow down and I could lounge in bed with my 3 little ones in the morning and snuggle. BUT it doesn’t.

Summer is a busy time of year for our family- golf leagues start, t ball starts, soccer starts, vacation bible school, family reunions, you get the idea! And for Photographers summer is always busy, with Senior Sessions, Weddings, Family sessions, you name it any session is perfect for summer because as I always say Outdoor Sessions are my session of choice.. there’s just something about natural light, and kids outdoors. Which brings me to SUMMER MINI SESSIONS!! Because my summer schedule changes, I want to give everyone the opportunity for outdoor photography sessions!

The nitty gritty details:

These sessions include up to 2 children (plus parents) EXCEPT: The Popsicle Package is for 1 child/person only!. If there are more than 2 children, I can not guarantee the amount of shots due to time constraints, and would recommend that you book back to back appointments for an additional charge of $25.

I will have many of my props on hand, but as always please feel free to bring anything you’d like to use!!

Location:  The June Sessions will take place at Windom Park, in Winona, MN,  and the July Sessions will take place at Farmers State Park outside of Stockton MN.

Payments/Book a Session: A $50 deposit is required upon booking (and put towards your package) to reserve your spot. Sessions not with the deposits not paid within 48 hours of booking will have their spots re-opened to the public for booking.

These sessions are booked on a first come, first served basis. Bookings will ONLY be taken by clicking here  , by emailing: maggie@capturedbymaggie.com or by using the contact tab on our website or facebook page.  When booking, please list your top 3 time slots, we will do our best to ensure to book according to these requests.

Cancellations: For sessions that are cancelled within 3 days of the event, the $50 deposit will not be refunded, unless you find someone else to take your spot (their deposit must be paid). If I have to cancel due to the weather, your options are to move to a open time slot on the July 9th day (if your original session was June 1tth),  you also have the options of a full refund, or to keep your same time slot on our Rain Date (yet to be determined, will be sometime late July or Aug.).

Tax: is included in the package pricing, all other products & prints can be purchased via ala carte. Pricing can be found here for additional prints & products http://capturedbymaggie.smugmug.com/gallery/6964350_Hc3Ag/1083071086_xkkiJ

Proofing: Sessions will be up for proofing within 3 weeks (a longer time frame due to the amount of sessions) and will be live on the website for 2 weeks for orders.

These mini sessions will be a great way to get in some outdoor photos before we get the typical (have we had any typical weather here in MN in the last 5 years?!?)  Minnesota  Summer = HOT & HUMID. 

Also think just in time for a FATHERS DAY Gift!

 I am still available for full sessions during the summer, but availability is limited so if you need a family shot or have more than 2 kids, email me and we’ll work out a time! 

We all know Summer FLIES by so its never to early to think about a photography session for those portraits for Christmas Cards! My fall is already booking up, so if you know you want outdoor fall portraits for your Christmas Cards, then I highly suggest you book early!

Happy Summer Everyone!! 

Maternity R & J: 38 Weeks {Pregnancy Maternity Photographer, Rochester MN}

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, pregnancy is such a beautiful and miraculous time in a woman’s life! As a mother of 3, I understand & remember all to well my children’s pregnancies. Each and every pregnancy is so different, and each and every one is such a blessing. I’ve been blessed to photograph some Beautiful Pregnant Women, they carry themselves so well, and the glow of pregnancy is worn proudly on their faces.. The beautiful Miss J, is no exception! I can’t wait to meet & photograph the much anticipated Baby R!! Enjoy a sneak peek from Miss J’s maternity session (to respect my clients privacy, I do just a tiny sneak peek of maternity sessions I wish I could show you more, because the images are Beautiful, but you’ll just have to take my word for it!).

Miss “A” Fun 6 Month Session {Baby Photographer Rochester MN}

Oh beautiful Miss A, how I always look forward to photographing you. Watching you grow is special enough, but your smile is contagious!  Mommy, Daddy and I were all so proud of you and how good you did for your pictures! You let us try all kinds of things, and flashed that beautiful grin of yours through anything we threw at you! Happy 1/2 Birthday beautiful girl!

Beautiful Boys! {Rochester MN Newborn Portrait Photographer}

I was so lucky to meet and photograph a family of beautiful beautiful boys in Jan. When I arrived for the session the older brothers were so excited and helpful, and SO proud to be big brothers. They let me have my time with their new baby brother, and then came in a for a few shots as well. Enjoy these beautiful boys!

The Tiny Light Foundation- New Partnership!! {Non Profit Organization- MN Photographer}

I am So So So excited about my newest partnership with The Tiny Lights Foundation!! http://www.thetinylight.com/

Children have always been so dear to my heart, if I wasn’t a photographer, I would of gone to college to be a teacher, or a counselor. I am the oldest of 8 children, a mother to 3. Growing up we faced our challenges and with raising my own children I’ve faced challenges but it’s always been worth it. One little smile from a child makes everything else fade away.

The Tiny Light Foundation is a non profit organization that provides professional photography for children and families that have been faced with a life altering diagnoses.

We provide families with the lasting memories through the amazing art of photography. With the help of many photographers throughout Canada & now in the US we are able to provide families with photos they can share and help carry the many memories.

Our mission is to provide and capture memories that will help provide a family with one less thing to worry about. In the mist of dealing with doctors appointments, specialist appointments or just the daily life of medicines, rushing here to there for weights, check ups, and the many many other things we deal with in everyday life. A lot of the time photographs seem to take a back burner and not only with time, but with funds. When we look back we want to remember and even though you may not forget what you and your child has gone through we always want more we need the memories to last “Forever”.

We at The Tiny Light Foundation feel that helping families create these memories is very important. Each of us has somehow been touched by a family member or friend who has had to endure a life altering experience and looking back we know the importance of these special moments. So whether you have a child or know a child who would benefit from a professional photo session. Please know we are here to help. Each session is specially designed and catered to your child and your family. Each session is free of charge and you are provided with a high resolution disk of edited photos ready for printing and four sheets of professional quality prints. Our photographers are willing to travel to your home, hospital, school. We want to capture a moment in the day in the life of you and your child.

Each child is different and special in their own way. When dealing with a serious illness or life altering disability we know that sometimes it takes much more patience and time then a normal in house studio can provide. Each Photographer is hand picked and selected for that special reason alone.

Contact me

Sneak Peek “Z” One Year Old {Toddler Photographer, Rochester MN}

Some of you may remember the other session we did for this little guy’s 1 year birthday, with the Cake & Balloons in the studio. Well we also did a session outdoors, his first one with me!

Sneak Peek “I” {Toddler Photographer, Rochester MN}

Some of you may recognize this little guy and his beautiful eyes! I’ve been lucky to be able to photograph this little guy since Mommy was pregnant with him, and he’s 9 months old already!

We headed out to the Plummer House for this 9 Month session. Enjoy!

Sneak Peek “S” {Newborn Photographer, Winona MN}

Oh sweet miss Sophie! We waited and waited for her to arrive, and 9 days past her due date she did! This little one is so loved by her big brother & sisters, it was so fun to watch! She was a perfect little peanut, so content during our session!! Congratulations, Mom, Dad, & siblings, she is beautiful!