|| albums: a no-regret investment.

Mr. UPS Man knocked on my door, and I had barely scribbled my name to accept the package before tearing into it: bubble wrap flying everywhere, order slips whipping past head, my usual sucker almost hitting the cat...until, behold: the beloved album.  I love when my clients choose to print through me.  Even more, I love when they let me design an album of their photos.



I wish, wish, wish Mr. UPS Man had more boxes of albums and pictures for me, but the albums I offer cost quite a bit more than something one can make at Snapfish or Shutterfly.  And prices for pictures can seem unjustifiable- especially in today's economy.

But, the way I see it: an album full of beautiful memories enriches our lives, strengthens our outlook, and gives a joy that lasts.

The Oxford Dictionary describes to invest in as buying a relatively expensive product whose usefulness will repay the cost.

The albums I offer are an investment.  They last.  They are made with a great deal more care: the type of printers and ink, thick and durable pages that lay-flat, and padded leather covers.  All of these elements create a longevity of memories that far outweigh the limited cost difference.







I didn't believe in these albums a year ago as I was planning my wedding.  I took our engagement disk and spent hours on Shutterfly creating an album to be signed at our wedding.  The pages that were signed bled and smeared.  And they're thing and bending a bit.  I love it, I do.  But I love it only because its an album of me and Adam.

But if I had to do it over?  I'd have ordered an album through my photographer.



Here's an example of the two: my engagement Shutterfly album on top of the album I just ordered for a client (with lay-flat pages).



Okay, the final music is starting and that's my cue to get off of my pulpit.  SO:  I'd like to thank my printer for their fabulous work and always including a sucker in my order.  Most importantly, I'd like to thank my clients for believing its worth it.  And, of course, I'd like to thank my special boudoir client who let me selectively feature her boudoir album on the blog today.  

Wednesday, today.  Phew.  Half-way there, my friends!

Old & New Dreams: Happy 100.

I didn’t always want to be behind the camera. Honestly, I wanted to be in front of it. And since my chest resembled more of a boy's than a Victoria Secret Angel, I dreamed that even modeling for JC Penney would pretty be earth shattering. Me…in print!

Summer 2008, and my mom’s friend let me borrow her Canon 20D because “I liked the way the clicker (who knew what a shutter was then?) sounds like a real camera and not my little Powershot.” Pretty soon, my girlfriend and I were in my parents’ bathroom, squishing close together so we could both fit our faces in the oval mirror to apply dramatic make-up. America’s Next Top Model: College (but-really-just-playing-dress-up) Edition.





We’d each take turns posing while the other one took the photo. I remember getting frustrated because my photos weren’t turning out how I envisioned them. I’d sigh and start commanding: Don’t put me right in the center of the photo! or Only from chest up! before quickly scurrying back into my (*ahem* much practiced) model pose—pout and all.



But I knew. I knew right then that no matter how much I wanted to be in front of the camera, I belonged behind the camera.



While I’ve switched from automatic mode (and flash—oh no) and no longer revel being in front of the camera (yikes!), I still feel a sense of belonging as I gently press my left-eye to my viewfinder and capture everyday fleeting moments, significant occasions, and simply…beauty.





Old dreams have done goneand packed their bags to let new dream move in. So while I don’t necessarily want to be featured in a JC Penney catalog as a model; YES, I’d die-and-go-to-heaven LOVE to be featured in The Knot or Martha Stewart Wedding as the photographer. ;P



Happy 100, Blog. Cheers to another 100!

Grand Rapids Boudoir :: Sneak Peek

Just a little bit of sexy for the end of the week. The more I've been shooting boudoir and seeing how women react to seeing themselves in the photographs (and the reactions of the receiver), the more I love to do it!

This gorgeous girl did this session as a surprise for her husband (isn't her ring just gorgeous?). His reaction? Absolute love. And believe me, I'm sure that's a compliment that made her happy too. :)

I've been getting lots of boudoir requests from wives and brides-to-be, so if you're interested in details, booking, or a sample gallery, e-mail me through the contact form at my website or e-mail me directly at brennigan@bgphotographystudios.com.

Between boudoir shoots and weddings, the calendar is filling up. ;)

Happy Weekend!

Mini-Sessions~ March & April Special!

Visit my website or e-mail me at brennigan@bgphotographystudios.com for details & booking. :)

HAPPY SATURDAY!

Grand Rapids Boudoir Photographer

Here's just a little sneak peek of one of my recent boudoir sessions. Each of my lovely clients can either accept or decline a blog post, and I'm so excited that she's allowing me to display a few of her gorgeous images!

Let me tell you~ the recipient of this little book of images is one lucky man! :)

If you're interested in booking a boudoir session or finding out more information, you can see my blog post or my website...and just send me an e-mail. I don't think you're special someone would care if it was a belated Valentine's Day present. ;)

Happy Saturday!

Now Offering :: West Michigan Boudoir Photographer

I've been typing, backspacing, re-typing for a little over thirty minutes. Normally, I wouldn't phrase my words so precisely, but this introduction is special to me. I believe its special to brides. And most importantly, I believe with all my heart that its special to women.

I love having the ability to freeze a moment. But the multitudes of moments, they're the pieces strung together to create stages of life. And I believe that these stages deserve proper attention just as a birth or the first wedded kiss would.

Before I was married in August of 2011, I was given the opportunity to freeze a stage of my life. I was getting married to the love of my life. I was single for the last time. I felt the sexiest I've ever felt. And I was confident in my accomplishments. I was a woman who knew exactly what she wanted. And I wanted to give a gift to my husband that meant something. I wanted to give myself the permission to do something for me too.

Having my own personal boudoir session last summer was one of the greatest investments I've done in a long time. With the photos that comprised a little black book, I was able to give my husband me. The woman he was marrying, the woman who meant so much to him. And I was able to give myself something to never forget. Years from now when I look through those pictures, I will see me. And I couldn't have given myself (or my husband) a better gift.

So, without further ado...

As I said, allowing myself to do one of these sessions was a gift to myself and my loved one: which means...its not exclusively for brides (however, I do encourage my brides to book a session!)! I've already done a few as Christmas gifts and have a few sessions scheduled for Valentine's Day gifts. You can find more information about the session at my website. Oh, ladies~ celebrate being a beautiful woman and book a session today!

Introducing...mini-sessions!

I'm a huge proponent of saving money. Or not spending money. Unless we're talking about Old Navy knit sweaters (I own 5 in different colors). I'm a DIY, crafting, up-cycling queen, especially when we're in the midst of the holiday season.

And I know that holidays brings families together, but I also know that budgets are tight. So this year, I want to introduce a new (limited!) package. One that brings the family together. One that creates memories. One that helps keep your heart full...not to mention your wallet! ;)

Without further ado...

Ready for the details?

* $50 booking fee

* 30 minute session

* proofing gallery with 5 image digital download

* high-resolution disk available with all images for $25

It can happen on location of your choice (a small gas fee will apply 25 miles outside of Holland, MI), and this session is perfect for families...couples...or just yourself if you're looking to add to a portfolio.

Not only that, but hey, it makes a great Christmas gift. ;)

So open your e-mail (or the app on your smart-phone) and e-mail me at brennigan@bgphotographystudios.com to inquire about setting up a session through march 2012.

Happy Holidays!