my day as a winner - part 1 {mine/babies}

I rarely enter contests because I NEVER win. I just don't...it's that simple!

So when I saw the amazing contest that Julie Rollins was having I was torn. I know, silly of me, but remember I never win so I really didn't think much of it. I think I finally decided to enter on one of the last days. So imagine my surprise when I was checking who won and saw that it was ME. I didn't just win, I won the grand prize. I think I reread it about 4 times before it sank in. I was really going to get to spend the day with the "baby whisperer."

So last week I had the amazing opportunity to spend the entire day with Julie. I was over the top excited. You see she is just as nice and genuine as she is talented. We met last year at a photography workshop and have kept it touch ever since. Thank goodness for technology and the ability it has to keep us connected!! Seriously!!

Meet sweet little Annalisse Mae, just 8 days new. She was such a doll for us and I think she actually loved her time in the spotlight.

Thank you so much Julie for having me in and showing me a glimpse into your amazing and talented world.

More from my day coming up soon... 

what I'm working on {newborn photographer}

Lots of cute newness will be filling up the blog in the coming posts. And I'm NOT complaining about that!!

Up next...this little doll.

 

what do I wear?? {Inland Empire Photographer}

"What should we wear?"

That is a question that I get asked on a regular basis. And to be honest I love to suggest ideas. It's a usual conversation with my clients so I thought I would share some of my favorite tips.

These are not meant to be "a rule" by any means. Just tips and advice I have seen and picked up along the way. ;)

~ Keep it simple!~

Avoid too many logos or patterns. Keep the focus on the person, not the clothes.

~Keep your location in mind.~

If you are taking pictures in the snow you may not want to wear shorts and sandals. Or if you are having your session in an ally , you may not want to wear Hawaiian print.

~Mix it up!~

Long gone are the days of jeans and a white shirt (although that's fine also). Don't be afraid of color. Pick corresponding colors for the family and have fun with it. Don't be afraid to mix some patterns and colors.

~Reflect the real you~

I totally understand that we all want to look fabulous for our photos, but let's also be realistic. We want the images to reflect who "you" really are. So if you don't dress up like you are going to Prom everyday then maybe not every image should have those outfits in them. Bring changes of clothes if needed. 

A perfect example of this is ME. I have my own family session coming up very soon and although I have these killer heels I want to rock, reality is I may just fall and break my neck since I don't wear heels on a regular basis. So the heels will make an appearance and then be gone. ;) 

~Keep the end result in mind.~

This kind of goes along with reflecting the "real" you. Keep in mind what you want to use your images for. If they are going to be hung in your home then you may also want to consider that when picking your outfits. You might not want to wear lime green in all your pictures if your home is very neutral (I'm just sayin').  You want them to fit right in!

So I hope that these little tips (at least 1) helped if even a bit.

Don't fear the clothes...have fun with them!!!



Just a few examples of how to mix things up! ;)



Loved these next two images from my friends Holiday pictures from last year.

The adorable Lowe family!

And the irresistible Graham family!

(picture courtesy of the amazing Kamee June)

she sparkles and shines {Rancho Cucamonga Photographer}

I'm so embarrassed to say this, but it's been a year since I took these pictures. Somehow they fell through my blogging cracks. :( 

In fact, this sweet young lady is celebrating her 16th birthday today!

So, lets meet Andrea. She had turned 15 and that was a big deal for her. That meant she was ready for her  Quinceanera. I was honored to photograph such a sweet young lady on her special day.

Here are just a few of my favorites...

Loved the shoes that she wore for her photos!



Holiday mini-sessions (repost)

It's that time of year again...the time to start thinking about the Holidays. I know this is hard to do when it's still like 139 degrees outside, but reality is that they will be here before you know it. They seem to come faster each year in my opinion. ;)

So it's time to launch my Holiday mini-sessions for 2011.

(please see notes below for some details and available dates)

***A few details to keep in mind: please remember to allow up to 2 weeks for your gallery to be ready for viewing. $50 deposit is due at time of booking to reserve your session date. Travel fees may apply.***

Weekends seem to fill up fast so here are a few weekend dates that I still have available:

Oct. 1st, 15th

Remember there are still openings during the week for days and evenings. If you have a question about a specific date, please ask, things do change. ;)

Please contact me with any questions or to reserve your session at

michelle@michellepetersonphotography.com

or

909-214-6389

Visit my website for more details on sessions and regular pricing info. Or contact me for a full list of pricing.

And here's to a great Holiday season!!!!

Elena + Robert {Redlands Engagement Photographer}

I am so in love with this couple!!!

There is really nothing more to say!!

They make my heart happy and I can't wait for their November wedding. It's going to be great...just like them!!

Until then, here are just a few of my favorites from their engagement session. It was so hard to choose!

Holiday mini-session are here {promos}

It's that time of year again...the time to start thinking about the Holidays. I know this is hard to do when it's still like 139 degrees outside, but reality is that they will be here before you know it. They seem to come faster each year in my opinion. ;)

So it's time to launch my Holiday mini-sessions for 2011.

And here is some even better news...if you reserve your session date by Sept 16th you will receive an additional $25 off the package of your choice.

(please see notes below for some details and available dates)

***A few details to keep in mind: please remember to allow up to 2 weeks for your gallery to be ready for viewing. $50 deposit is due at time of booking to reserve your session date. Travel fees may apply.*** 

Weekends seem to fill up fast so here are a few weekend dates that I still have available:  

Sept. 24th

Oct. 1st, 15th 

Remember there are still openings during the week for days and evenings. If you have a question about a specific date, please ask, things do change. ;)

Please contact me with any questions or to reserve your session at

michelle@michellepetersonphotography.com

or

909-214-6389

Visit my website for more details on sessions and regular pricing info. Or contact me for a full list of pricing.

And here's to a great Holiday season!!!!