Monthly Archives: December 2009

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Santa Baby…

I had the pleasure of documenting the arrival of this Christmas baby, when I photographed mommy’s maternity photos as well as the baby at the hospital just hours after he was born.  One of my favorite shoots is newborns at the hospital, it is such a fresh and real look at the arrival of a baby.   We did this shoot the day before Christmas Eve, when he was just 2 weeks old.  He was bright eyed and happy the whole time I was there.   Thank you to Daddy who stayed up late making sure the tree was up for baby’s homecoming, I love how the tree lights glisten in the background.

Finally, we got him to sleep

A little one on one time with big sister.

The complete family!

Merry Christmas…

From my family to yours, have a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!

And The Winners Are…

Thanks to the 100 or so of you who entered my “Favorite Things” contest.  I can’t wait to do it again next year, bigger and better.  Congrats to the winners, if you haven’t  already seen your name on my Facebook Fan Page, here is a nice surprise:

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Giving Is Awesome, Part II…

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So, you heard about Giving is Awesome.  The premise is simple: think of someone you know who deserves custom photography but can’t afford it.  Nominate them  to win it.  Enjoy the warm fuzzy feeling you brought to the world.   Last year, Giving Is Awesome had over 500 photographers give away $500,000 in gifts.  Pretty sweet huh, and we can’t wait to do it again this year.

This is a joyous time of year. A time to celebrate the season, our family and a time to truly reflect and appreciate what we have. For some people however, the holidays are a reminder of personal struggles.

You know someone. You know someone who’s experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, or is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances. You know someone who can’t afford custom photography, but who would cherish it this holiday season. You know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family’s spirit, love, and beauty.

You know someone. I guarantee it.

I want to know who they are, and I want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography.  Last year I heard so many heart breaking stories, but could only picked one family.  This year, I am splitting the prize and offering 2 families the gift of custom photography. Two families will be gifted a session with Surprise Photography and will also receive a $500 print credit.

The rules:

You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services. (Being unable to make mortgage payments for a two-million-dollar-home does not qualify as sincere financial need.)

The nominee must reside in Dutchess/Ulster county. Tell me who you know, what they’re experiencing, and why they deserve this gift.  Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself as well.

Please email me your stories to melissa@surprisephotography.com, by December 24th. If you sent me a story last year, but did not win, please feel free to submit the same family again. Many of your stories were extremely touching.  The winner will be announced on Christmas Eve…so get nominating! I look forward to your stories.

Open your heart to someone this holiday season – and thanks for giving us an opportunity to open ours.

Not in my area, find a photographer in yours, please visit: www.givingisawesome.com/

Itty Bitty Boy, Well…

Well, mom may say otherwise.  He comes in at 9lbs, 2ozs.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE to go to the hospital to photograph newborn babies. It is one of my favorite things to do.   My blog stakers might reconzine momma from a couple week or so back when we did her maternity photos.  I also photographed her son when he was born last spring.  This family is growing quickly.  I do have to say, Dad looked a looked a lot more calm and relaxed this time around.  Momma, you looked beautiful and I hope you feel better soon. (Guess what came in the mail today :) )

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I love this photo…

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Here Are A Few Of My Favorite Things, And I Am Giving Them Away!

No, I am not applying for Oprah’s job, but she has inspired me to create a list of my favorite things and share them with others.  Sorry, no cars or Black Berry’s :) Still wanna win???  Those who sign the blog by December 18th will be put into a drawing and could possibly win some of my favorite things.

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The List:

#1)  From  Elizabeth Boutique:  A Kiss My Face makeup collection (must be local)-  You will get a GC good for 1 Sheer Organic Shimmer, 1 3 way color, and 1 Tinted Moisturizer. Your choice of colors. Swing into Elizabeth Boutique and Beth can help you make sure you make the proper color selection.

#2) From Waddle n Swaddle:  One Gro Baby Cloth Diaper.  My son wears cloth, and I recently purchased this brand for him.  Love it.

#3) From my SIS designs:  Two goodies!!!  2 sets of handmade wine glass charms and 1 necklace and earring set from her everyday wear collection.  Beautiful stuff!

#4) From Starbucks:  No need to express my love for Starbucks and my Venti non fat peppermint mocha, oh yum! Two goodies!!!  1 $25 Gift Card and 1 travel cup. I love this cup because it is the actually shape of the Starbucks cardboard cups.    Don’t leave home without it!

#5) From Waddle n Swaddle:  Dandelion, Natural Table Wear.  Keep your kids “Green” with a set of these great plates made from corn. Yes, corn!  I used forks in Kauai made out of potatoes.

#6) iTunes:  Santa is bringing me an iPhone for Christmas, so I am giving away 3 $10 iTunes gift cards. Remember, don’t steal music :)

#7) I love  Burt’s Bees products, especially for the boys.  I am giving away a Burt’s goody bag.

#8) I admit, I am a pen snob.  I love a good gel pen, no ball points here.  Sharpie came out with a great new pen that doesn’t bleed through paper.  My brides get these for their signature albums.  I am giving away a pack of them for you to check out.

#9) From Bee-Eazy Bags:  I gave away a bunch of these at my grand opening party and every tells me how much they love them, so I have one to share with one of you.

#10) From Nalgene:  We have been using these product for years.  We never buy water bottles and can’t stand wasting money on sippy cups with 5 parts to lose.  Nalgene came out with a kid tough cup that is a mini version of the adult size.  My kids have them and love them.  They are super easy to clean and I look forward to sharing with one of your kids.

#11) Comfy socks.  Yes, this may seem weird, but I live in an old house with cold floors.  You need some super warm socks this time of year so I have 2 pair to give away.

#12)  From Seventh Generation (local only) : We love their products and have used everything they have from their dish detergent to their diapers.  I  know a basket of Seventh Generation products may not sound fun, in its association with the idea of having to clean your house ;)   but I want to spread the love of “Green” products and how they can easily fit into your home.

#13) Cliff Bars.  Both me and my kids love Cliff Bars.  For me, they are an easy go to bar when I am either out shooting a wedding or have a long day ahead of me.  The boys love the taste and as a mom, I love the fact they are all natural organic ingredients and full of vitamins and minerals.  Wanna Box?

#14) Saving the best for last.  “Make It Work!”  Project Runway, season 2 was my favorite of all time.  “Where’s Andre?”  One lucky person will get the DVD set of Project Runway, Season 2.  Isn’t that so “Fierce!”

Ok, so here is my list of some of my favorite things.  Now I want to give them to you.  What you need to do is:

-Sign your name in my comment box below

-Be sure to put your town and state initials after your first name

-Feel free to tell me your 2 favorite things  from above in the comment section

-You have until December 18th

-Sorry, you can only enter once

-Blog entrants will be drawn at random

-Winners will be announced on my Facebook Fan Page around December 19th

-Local prizes will be available to pick up at my office, the rest will be shipped out

THANK YOU!!!!!!

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