Charlie + Karra :: Expecting!

Karra and I met while working a retail job we both despised (technically, I first saw her was during interviews, and I thought she was trying to steal "my" job!).  We'd plan out specific schedules for when we'd be able to work together -- always looking forward to those days and bringing magazines or other fun stuff to pass the time.  It's been over a year since then, and I've talked about her and her new and upcoming career as a stylist quite a bit.  Not only will she be graduating this summer, she'll also be sporting a new fashion :: the baby bump!

Charlie and Karra have been married for two years this October and will be welcoming their first baby this November.  She told me the news only a few weeks in asking me if I could help her with a project (the project being a cute way to announce to Facebook that they were expecting!) before telling me the surprising news.

Karra and Charlie came up with the rhyming idea, and I worked out posters and a place to shoot (with the perrrrfect sitting tree).  However, we had no idea we'd be working gale force winds, so we opted for a little on-the-spot changes.  I worked something fun and funky out with a little bit different than my normal editing process for their Facebook announcement.

And the crowd went wild with happiness for these two!











She's 13 weeks along and is having a wonderful pregnancy so far.  I am thrilled for gender reveal sessions and maternity sessions and oops...too much photographer talk getting in there!  I'm even more excited for redecorating the house, baby showers, and holding this sweet precious bundle that will, no doubt, be beautiful (I mean, look at these two!)!

I'm so excited for the *three* of you!  Thank you for letting me be a part of this experience!

xo, b.

|| 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!

Mini-Sessions~ March & April Special!

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

HAPPY SATURDAY!

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!

Happy New Year!

After a brief reprieve from blogging and business for the holidays, I'm back in the office (which thankfully still includes yoga pants and hot cocoa). So now it's time for a bit of catch up in the form of numbers. Because I'm OCD. And that helps.

1.

Cue love. Ah, sweet love.

Chelsea was the first senior to ever contact me for professional pictures. You could say she was the one that really pushed me into my business. And for her, I'll be forever grateful. So when she contacted me for a last-minute Christmas session with her boyfriend, I couldn't say no.

We had a gorgeous day in my home-town, walking around, laughing, and LOVING. Seriously, high-school sweethearts just doesn't begin to cover it.

Thank you, Chelsea, for another wonderful opportunity to do what I love-- documenting love! You guys are adorable!

2.

New Year, New Love.

And this year, I'm in the process of booking two weddings for May! As a bride myself, I pride myself in knowing what these couples want...after all, I'm going through all those processes myself!

To see my updated packages (and galleries), just lead your mouse to my website.

3.

New Year's Resolution? Blog at least once a week here. It's harder to blog in the winter when sessions are more sporadic, but if you see a lagging blog here, you can always click on my personal blog where I update more frequently. Plus, you'll get a taste of just who I am when I'm not on the job. :)

Happy Monday, all! Hope you are feeling blessed today!