Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween blog readers! I trust that all of my little gys that I have shot this year are looking as scary and fabulous as ever! Feel free to drop them by for some candy. Oliver just had to be the Batman this year. I think he's pretty believable even though he's only 4 ft tall. (or at least he thinks so and has us all convinced, Moira was something a little different this year. So I thought we would play a game. Can you guess who she is? The first person to comment and guess correctly will receive a free 8X10 on any photo of their choice form a previous, current or future session. Good luck and happy haunting!

My Christmas Promo family

This family was the winner of my Christmas Promo Contest. I was so excited to meet them and I think everything turned out pretty awesome. All of their products have been sent away for production so hopefully we will have a really good sneak peak of the actual items next week. I must say their daughter looked "oh gosh so cute" in the black tutu! They will get a ton of prints, cards, a story book and a canvas after the tenth of December. If you want to take a stop by and look at these goodies please call or email the studio. All of the products ordered can be found in the christmas packages.

Here is the sample of their 5x5 flat card.


and here is the sample of one of the folded cards

I am starting to get jealous (lol) Dara and Curtis

I must say after my photographing my last two engagement session I am starting to get jealous. I am considering getting my husband some sort of lessons on how to be romantic. nah, he doesn't need it, he's romantic in his own 11 year marriage way. coffee brought home from work is a romantic gesture I am sure. Okay time to get back to Dara and Curtis. This is one girl who is super comfortable and home in her man's arms. I don't think I have ever seen a girl who is super care free and free spirited melt and get this romantic sereneness in her face when her man holds her, but Dara does. It makes me want to ooh and ahh a little. (of course in my own 11 year marriage romantic way).

There is one more thing I want to note. These photos were taken on saturday a few hours before the Medicine Hat sky went dark in the middle of the day with impending snow. It would seem to me that the Kraskos are very good with the weather and manage to avoid climatic catastrophe very well. (I think they may have a bit of X-men's Storm in them) I shot her brother's wedding in the summer and there were all sorts of thunderstorm, hail and tornado warnings all around them the day of the wedding at the farm. But low and behold all we got was great lighting under the clouds and great stormy skies. It's funny that his sister managed the same fate for her engagement shoot. As I drove away from the session I was looking at the snow coming and thought, wow those Krasko's are a lucky bunch. (in love and in weather!)

The Liefso Family

I absolutely adore being around this little guy. I must admit when I started photographing him he would wear me out pretty good. But that's busy little boys for you. He always seems to have the greatest expressions. I did a session for him and his mom and dad recently. I think he's really getting used to getting his photo taken as I really did have to chase him around with my camera like some crazy paparazzi. I love the colours and the happiness in these photos. When I look at them I always give a toothy grin and get the song "Shiny Happy People" in my head. Not the real version, but the one that was on the muppet show.

Andy and Kristin

I shot these two love birds a few weeks ago. I wanted to blog them earlier, but never got a chance as it seems I have more "ooh I want to thats" then I have time for. We had a beautiful day, and a really nice time down in the park. Who knew that area used to be so flooded? Kristin and Andy are hilarious and it was great getting to know them throughout the session. Looking back on the photos I really liked the connection between them. It's hard to explain, but even though they are separate individuals, Andy takes really good card of Kristin and I think it shows. Also I noticed when kristin gets really close to Andy she gets a big smile on her face. Congratulations on your engagement you two!

Time to catch up for the weekend

The last ten days of shooting has been fabulous! I have met some great people and have seen some awesome family dynamics. I always get a little warm fuzzy in my heart when I see my families interact. I want to thank all of you for your patience if you were waiting to see yourself up on the blog. I truly loved everyone of the last sesions that we all did together, but unfortunately I got to spend way more time under my desk, and less time blogging than I wanted to. Anyways, I put together a little collage showcasing some of my favorite images from the past few sessions. Enjoy!

ten shoots behind and ten lessons learned.

I have no idea how this happened, but my poor blog is neglected and now officially ten shoots behind. this week has been a busy one, but it has been a ton of fun to be constantly out these meeting new kids and families. I must say I enjoyed every minute I was away from my "old friend" aka my office. Here's the deal, suddenly my office has decided that I have committed some terrible crime(for which I can say I have not) and is now totally making me pay the price from it. So my dear blog I have lots of things to tell you in the lessons learned from my office. Do you remember the saying all I needed to know I learned in kindergarten. well, the saying doesn't seem to be true in my office,(it is in the rest of the world) the office is a cruel and jealous mistress and it has made me all the wiser this week.

Lessons

1. Networking- I used to adore this saying. It meant buddy time or mingling with other people with simular goals and interests. Networking in my office means no sleeping for almost 4 days. It mean that when you have a two macs set up with a windows computer and your printer suddenly decides to go offline, that you should just give up and
a. start drinking and
b. start the crazy serial killer laugh and stare as you will do this often as you search google for the answer.

2. I am a mac. nope, not a mac daddy, but as in, hello I am a mac, and hello of there goes my pc. The pc portion of my mac has now been taken out and windows is now on it's own only for Marty's work and none of my own. I think I am one of those happier divorcee's now that the pc is out of my office life

3. That "woot woot" I love my friend JP. He is honest and truthfull and tells me when I am crabby, but he is THE man when it comes to
a. calming me down and
b. sending me in the right direction when I need answers to my networking and printer issues.

4. Sleep- This you may not actually need. I have had so little, that I am actually finding ways to get my wayward printer back together with my network while I lay in bed. I seem to be doing quite fine minus all the crying spells. so maybe naps are still a requirement of life, but actual sleep I am rethinking

5. Printers- These are not your friend. No matter how they help you and print gorgeously when you are trying something or really don't care if it prints. It will at some point get this big chip on it's shoulder and completely refuse to give you an inch if you desperately need it. In fact I think my printer pointed out the fact that there is a pen and paper on my desk that I should think about using once in awhile.

6. Memory Cards- This was a rather large betrayal. I have babied these little guys since I got them. they all have their place in my life just like my kids. In fact they are even numbered according to adoption in the MAdchen Studio family and what they are used for. Well I got home from my sessions on Sunday. I felt that I had gotten a lot accomplished so I even had a lay down with the hubby. Little did I know that while I was snuggling with my husband that my jealous office was working on a scheme that was so malicious that I almost think I should have this room blessed so I can work in her a little easier. I go to plug in the card and voila (corrupted data). WHAT?!? I had heard of this and know others who have been affected by it, but had never experienced it before. I had three sessions on that card! No worries though folks, as I bought a nice little program and spent 4 or 5 hours recovering files (which I got all back!!) I am sure my jealous printer was over in the corner smiling and thinking "oh honey you think you are stressed out now, wait until you see the doozy I have planned for you!" The main lession learned in that lesson though is always to shoot on little cards and use two cameras. That way if you ever get a bad card then you still have all of the photos from the other card.

7. Mexican Chili Potato chips are a way bigger comfort food in the middle of the night then a triple triple.

8. If you can't beat your printer, but a new one. Oh yes, there will be jealousy later I am sure!

9. My photo sessions are a great way for me to get away. I think I may rethink the name of them and just call them my "calgon"

10. That office quarrels can be resolved when all parties have had their say. All in all there was only one electronic casualty (the memory card) and we are working together very nicely now. just like kindergartners.

3, 6, and 9 months

I was very fortunate in the last few days to photograph these little cuties! The first little gal I met was 3 months and super happy to be photographed and in the studio. Honestly these is nothing more precious than that little 3 month old grin. She was ecstatic to be naked and the accidents were minimal! Here's a little sneak peak from her "cheeky" session



The next little guy to come and visit me was Declan. I had the opportunity 6 months ago to photograph him while he was still brand spanking new to the world. He was a delight! I absolutely love to see how much they have grown in the past little while. It's also super cool to see how much he looks like his parents as all of his expressions and features are growing past that little itty bitty baby stage. Here is his little sneak peak, this no we had no accidents to report, (mom and dad, I don't think Declan is going to win the 2008 Madchen studio body fluid award this year!)





This last little gal, i must say is a very serious 9 month old. she did some serious playing and lots of leaf removing as we begged her to look up and smile. Isn't she a sweet heart? We had a lot of fun with her, moving her to different locations to see if we could get her full attention. I guess you could say we are just not as exciting as grand old mother earth!

a little help from my friends

spell check is most definitely my friend. This is especially true in the minutes before my morning coffee starts any effect in my body. Currently, as I take a bite of my tim hortons boston cream donut, I see 6 red underlined errors. now normally I don't think my spelling is that atrocious, but I think it's the level of motor skills need to type away when half asleep, or half awake, depending on where I am in my morning coffee. I honestly think there should be two level


it seems that everything is a go for the studio closure on Saturday except for one thing. I am having trouble getting a hold of my 1:00 appointment. If you know of someone who has an appointment with me this weekend who's name is Krista or anyone who has a 1:00 session, will you please let them know that I am trying to get in touch with them and that I can be reached at 403-979-2676.

On a side note, (which is weird as this is a photography blog) Here are just 3 from my last two sessions. This little baby I shot on Thanksgiving afternoon. They say hair is one's crowning glory, if that saying is true, this one is going to rule the roost as she was given the most precious amount of hair that I have seen on a newborn.




This family I managed to squeeze in over the holidays. they were delightful as they wrestled the two littlest ones into their arms for a quick family session.

A great loss

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. This year, it has been changed forever. One of my closest friends lost her father on Saturday night. Thanksgiving will never ever be the same for her or her family. He was an amazing man and the loss of him is not only great for his family and loved ones but for our community as well. The situation is so sad and so hard to understand as he was one of the most kind and welcoming men I have ever met. I feel honored to have served his family's photography needs in all the important events of the last year and a half.

I will be unable to shoot on Saturday, as I will be attending the funeral. I will be closing the studio for the day. All phone calls and emails will be returned on Sunday evening. For those of you who have sessions booked with me, I will be in contact Tuesday to reschedule. Sunday's sessions will continue as normal. I would like to thank everyone ahead of time for their understanding regarding this matter.

Madchen Studios Holiday 2008

I know I have been promising this for quite awhile, but the Holiday packaging was revealed this week and I and very proud to post the holiday specials for 2008.

I will be running 4 packages these all include the session and digital negatives and many, many more goodies. If you are a membership customer and already have a session, you will be given a gift certificate for a portrait session (gorgeously packaged I may add) for a stocking stuffer. Here is the link for the Christmas Packages.


As well I am posting card samples. These are not just templates as I custom design everything for all of my clients. These also can be found HERE You will have to scroll down a bit to see them.

This holiday page is a work in progress, but I really wanted to get it out tonight. The bugs will be ironed out as the days go by.

Those of you who have been waiting to see the canvas samples they are also found on the same page...but you can click here if you like, again, you will have to scroll down to see everything.


I want to thank everyone for the patience regarding the wait for these. You guys are awesome and I really couldn't ask for better clients! Happy Holidays everyone!

Been Waiting Along time

I am so excited to post these family photos. I have been wanting to photograph this little one since I saw him at a funeral (doesn't sound great does do it? ;) ) and i saw his gorgeous eyes. Over the past year I would see little glimpses of him. Then a few months ago when his mommy and I hooked up as friends on facebook I would look at her fabulous photos of him and just gush at how cute he was with his big eyes and little outfits. when april asked me to do their family photos I was immediately excited. However, there's some added pressure. Her hubby is well knowledgeable (okay that doesn't even look like a word, but spellcheck says that it is) in camera and Mac technical aspects, so I with my somewhat insecure mind was like ahh, this has got be perfect. They as a family take such great photos of their own that I really wanted to give them something special. Anyways I am super excited to give you a sneak peak, as when I woke up this morning I fell in love all over again with their little boy.

Fall Season is in Full Swing!

This weekend started the fall season off in full swing.

First things first. Moira had her science fair this weekend. I stopped by in the middle of sessions to see her project and wish her luck in the judging. I had just left when I got the phone call that her and her friend received the 2nd place ribbon. I am such a proud mommy as I barely went to the science fair let alone entered it. In fact, I saw the science fairs at the mall when I was a teenager, but I always just wondered if they got time off from the fair to just hang out at the mall.

Anyways on to all things photography. I had quite a few shoots this week and I don't want to be a blog hog. Is blog hog a term? It's been super tough to narrow the photos down to post, but I have to post some as I promised a sneak preview while my families wait for the sneak peak before their galleries are up.


This is Mr. E. Isn't he fabulous? I swear American Eagle should send him his modeling contract now before he becomes in demand. Seriously even I am sold I know that the blue suit can't possibly fit me.




When this family asked me to meet them in River Park in Redcliff I had no idea that the location would be as beautiful as it was. The fading light was perfect to highlight this amazing family and the personalities. I fell head over heels with their little one who has these gorgeous piercing eyes.


I got to know this Family in the Summer when I tooks Sam's Graduation Portraits. It's nice to know that they got together twice this year as some of them live all the way over in Australia. Sorry about the mix up guys, but you portraits turned out fabulous and hopefully it was worth the wait. I appreciated you understanding on Saturday morning!



This is Mr. C., cousin to Mr. E. Isn't he a sweetheart? It's been awhile since I photographed a nine month old in the great outdoors. Man they are on the move. But what's a little exercise for the photographer who spends her weekdays in front of the computer.




Please meet Michele and Ryan. They were an awesome, easy going and relaxed couple. Michele and I had been playing phone tag until noon the day of her session, but we got all the details worked out and think we were able to get a glimpse of their life together. They brought their dogs to the session, which always makes the photographs fun and light hearted. I wish them all the luck as they tie the knot next year up North!


Two Teacher in a family makes for some fun dynamics as an observer. Seriously though, this family I am getting to know fairly well as 2008 comes to a close. they are alot of fun and I enjoyed every minute of being around them. I even got to meet zack who seems to be as energetic and "crazy" as my dog. However Zack is way better at posing for family portraits.

All in all it was a fabulous weekend. The weather was gorgeous and even the rain held off as best as it could. Autumn in Medicine Hat is gorgeous, and I was happy to experience it this weekend with some fabulous people!

Congratulations to Megan!

So here it is folks. Thank you for all the entries. the Christmas Promotion was super popular and it was awesome to hear about all of the families. It's nice to now that the blog readers are so kind hearted to one another. I was in the middle of making the video when Oliver decided that he wanted to participate, little did I know that in the end he would do the whole thing. I think I will make him my full time video blogger. He even ad libbed some super nice things to say about the comapany! Man I love that kid! Please excuse the quality, as of today I was unable to locate the HD video camera so we used Moira's canon powershot. (not too shabby for a little camera hey?) Woot! Woot! Canon!

I must say that making this post has given me a whole new respect for video bloggers! My hats off to you for all the work you put into each post. This one took me over two hours and the quality just isn't there.

Congratulations to Megan Willerton who won the draw! I will be in contact shortly and we will work out the details!!

Laura and Joey

It's a shame that I can't leave Leo and Lauren on top of the page for awhile, nut it's going to be a couple busy weeks so the blog should be changing almost daily. I am excited to preview Joey and Laura's engagement session though. they were so cute together, I just wanted to pinch their cheeks! We had a lot of fun, waiting for twilight to arrive. Joey and Laura are both actively involved in theatre, in fact that's how they met. That story, though, is one for a different time and one that they should tell you as it's super funny and makes me laugh every time I think about it. Because they both are actors we decided to shoot at the Esplanade. The Esplanade is a great place to shoot with it's luscious grass, cool architecture and great reflections. Here you go guys, here is your preview, just a little later than 24 hours as promised. But hey look, no lint! Good thing you brought that brush Laura! Thanks for the fun guys!

Leo and Lauren

This past weekend Marty and I were given the honor of shooting Leo and Lauren's wedding in Calgary. This wedding was special not only because the bride is a super sweet gal, but The groom Leo, I have known since he was an itty bitty boy. He was one of my little brother's friends, they attended the same babysitter as young preschoolers and then later played hockey. IT's funny, because everywhere you go here in the Hat if someone knows Leo you can hear them say "oh I know Leo, he's so nice." Now Leo is all grown up (and married BTW), and he has found a true counterpart. I must say that she is equal to him in all aspects of his warm and caring personality. I have not known Lauren very long, but I can honestly say that she has the same spirit in all social aspects. I love them both dearly and wish them all the happiness, if you know them you can honestly say that they will have no trouble being happy in the future. I believe the saying goes "to know them is to love them" and if you looked up that phrase there they would be.

I couldn't help myself, I have a ton of photos of the flowers as the cala's were just bursting with warm colour!



Marty as usual did the guys's shots, but I put together this little montage of their ride from the elevator to the church just because I thought it looked so fun and quirky


This here is the paparazzi that was waiting at the house for Lauren to emerge in her gown. She had a ton of supporters that obviously love her very much!



I love the way she is looking at him here...gorgeous!