|| 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!

Charlie :: Holland Newborn Photographer

I've found my niche in photographing senior girls and couples. I rarely find newborn session requests in my inbox. So, like with many things in life, I had to make the opportunity for myself. Open the door, window, whatever. I'm not an extrovert, nor am I completely confident with my camera and babies (baby sessions require lots of patience, heat, and a great balancing act). But, I asked (begged) my sister's neighbor to give me an hour with her baby. Sure. No problem. I'm glad I asked. I knew this baby was already extra special. I shouldn't have been surprised that his session would go so well either.

Kaleen & Joel were expecting their third child: a sweet baby boy. Kaleen went to the hospital for pain completely unrelated to her pregnancy (the pain ended up being non-problematic), but right before they sent her home, they had her lie on her back to check the baby's heartbeat. That's when doctors noticed the heart's deceleration. Immediate panic. The doctors knew what they were doing to raise his heartbeat, but nothing was working. It was a chaotic calm. Calm in training perhaps for doctors, but for this Mama and Daddy who were four weeks away from an expected due date: chaos. Kaleen was rushed in for an emercency cesarean section and the doctors found the cord wound tightly around Charlie's neck. 7 minutes from start to finish.

Charlie came into the world weighing 5 pounds, 15 ounces, and has shown a true fighter spirit and been growing remarkably well in the three months of his new life.

Miracles happen. Ask Kaleen and Joel who went to the doctor and just happened to find Charlie's heartbeat decelerated. Accidents don't just happen. But, miracles? Miracles do.

~

We started our session all cuddly and warm in his beautiful white & blue knit blanket.

Sweet baby noses and lips.

I love this photo~ he is such a sweetheart.

Babies + homemade patchwork quilts? Love.

"I'm waking up..."

"I'm awake, poopy, and hungry. Where's Mom?"

Mini-Sessions~ March & April Special!

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

HAPPY SATURDAY!

Grand Rapids Baby Photographer :: Charlie Sneak Peek

I don't even think this little guy needs an introduction just yet (or maybe its too early in the morning for me to think of one?). But I mean, his name is Charlie (CUUUUTE.) and he's just about the cutest baby of the year. More of him to come later, but this morning, just a little sneak peek.

I think he's so cute I'm contemplating putting a picture of him on the wall. But then I realized that might be considered creepy- him not being remotely related to me and all- but we did spend a fabulous afternoon together. :P

Hope his adorableness made your morning; it sure made mine! Happy Tuesday!

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!

Everett Charles.

Meet my new nephew, Everett Charles. If I could be holding him this morning instead of blogging about holding him, well, THAT would be the ideal way to start my day.

Who knew I could love 8lbs, 8oz. so much? I was there for his arrival. I heard his first cries (which were not too many). I watched as he squirmed around while getting his footprints done. I touched his sweet, soft baby skin while he tried opening those baby blues.

I've counted his toes and fingers...all ten over and over again. And I've memorized his face and how his forehead wrinkles when he curiously looks around. And oh, how he can nestle into my arms.

I've never been about babies. My dreams didn't include diapers and crayons and bottles. But when I hold a baby that means this much to me-- a life that means this much to me-- well, how can I not be all about babies?

Sneak Peek: Everett Charles.

I broke my blogging resolution. Tonight, I'm resuming said resolution. Just a sneak peek until tomorrow morning. :)

Can I just call in sick?

I didn't want to go to work yesterday. I mean, even city halls were closed due to the snow-storm. Why on earth would I want to go to work? But then today, my parents, grandma, cousin, and her baby girl, came up here to visit my new nephew. Why...HOW...could I go to work when they were here. I was able to stop by for 10 minutes before leaving for work, but it broke my heart to put on my coat, pick up my lunch-bag, and walk the long driveway to my car.

Being an adult stinks.

And since posts are so much better with pictures, here's a picture of my newest nephew. The one I had to leave to go be an adult and work. More to come from his session later. :)