ericamay | photography blog. » portraits http://www.ericamay.com/blog The photography blog of www.ericamay.com Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:01:11 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1 2011 Story Shoot: The Wilsons http://www.ericamay.com/blog/2011-story-shoot-the-wilsons/ http://www.ericamay.com/blog/2011-story-shoot-the-wilsons/#comments Fri, 09 Dec 2011 16:01:55 +0000 ericamay http://www.ericamay.com/blog/?p=7129 Big things happened to a lot of couples and families this year. Some people, like my sister- and brother-in-law, took a leap of faith, sold the first house they bought together, moved to Kansas City, both found new jobs, and bought a beautiful and historic home. Here’s their story this year:

Have you heard about the Christmas portrait special that ends one week from today?? There might be one or two last-minute spots available! Here are the details!

]]> http://www.ericamay.com/blog/2011-story-shoot-the-wilsons/feed/ 0 Layne’s 2011 Story http://www.ericamay.com/blog/laynes-2011-story/ http://www.ericamay.com/blog/laynes-2011-story/#comments Wed, 07 Dec 2011 17:04:09 +0000 ericamay http://www.ericamay.com/blog/?p=7124 There’s still a little time to take advantage of the Christmas portrait special this year, 2011 Story Shoots! :) The special ends next week, but if you’ve put off a family photo this long or still don’t know what to do about a Christmas card, I’ve got you covered! We’re doing these with super fast turnaround times, so you’ll have them in time to use them for Christmas!

If you missed the details the first time around, click here to see all about the shoots!

Here’s cute little Layne’s story this year:

 

]]> http://www.ericamay.com/blog/laynes-2011-story/feed/ 1 Another 2011 Story Shoot! http://www.ericamay.com/blog/another-2011-story-shoot/ http://www.ericamay.com/blog/another-2011-story-shoot/#comments Mon, 05 Dec 2011 12:00:51 +0000 ericamay http://www.ericamay.com/blog/?p=7115 I got to photograph our good friends the Parsons for a 2011 Story Shoots. They have a wonderful story this year, which started out with a bunch of unknowns and questions that come with starting the adoption process. But in May, their family grew to include a tiny little baby boy… who isn’t so tiny 6 months later. :) Their family story is rich, heartfelt, and full of ups and downs this year, but they’ve arrived at the holiday season with happy hearts and thankfulness for the journey. I wanted to capture their family in the warmth of their home, with their cozy fireplace, decorated tree and mantle of knitted stockings. And with all of them piled in together, loving each other and laughing together like they often do. Here’s their big story this year.

If you haven’t claimed your spot for the awesome Christmas portrait special happening right now, click here to read the details and get in touch today to reserve your date and time! It’s not too late, and it’s totally worth it. What does your home look like this year?

]]> http://www.ericamay.com/blog/another-2011-story-shoot/feed/ 3 What’s your story this year? (Christmas portrait special) http://www.ericamay.com/blog/christmas-portrait-special/ http://www.ericamay.com/blog/christmas-portrait-special/#comments Thu, 01 Dec 2011 19:16:32 +0000 ericamay http://www.ericamay.com/blog/?p=7105 Happy December 1st! I just love this month — the anticipation of Christmas, and the end of the year is on the horizon. It’s always a time of joy, thankfulness, and reflection on what 2011 held. A year in the life of a family, a couple, or a child is often marked by something big that happened. I can’t think of a year that has passed without something memorable happening, either a big occasion or just a funny story that will forever remain in the chapters of my life story.

So, this year, I’ve been thinking about how to give you the chance to capture your story right now, and preserve what it was about 2011 that sticks out the most to you. What is it that happened this year that defines who you are? How did your family’s story change and grow this year? What kinds of things are your kids doing right now that they haven’t done before and might not do in the future? Was 2011 exciting, challenging, fun, or heartwarming?

It’s time to tell your story — right now, as it’s happening. Now is the time to preserve your current reality, which becomes your family’s history.

My Christmas portrait special (available only through December 16th!) will do just that. I’ve never done this before, and I can’t tell you how excited I am!

Introducing…

2011 Story Shoots!

What are they?

30-minute mini-portrait sessions preferably at your home in the Kansas City metro area or a location that is connected to your story this year. Each session will include a small chalkboard for most of the shoot, which will have your 2011 story written on it (in your words, as long or as short as you want it to be). Imagine skipping writing that 10-page Christmas letter (ha ha), and instead sending an adorable photo with your story told in a concise, clever way. Your Christmas card recipients will love it, and it will be so much easier for you! :)

What is included?

The 30-minute session, an online gallery for easy viewing/sharing, AND a disc of the edited high-resolution digital files!

What’s the special price?

The cost is just $200, including the digital files! It’s a steal!

Will I have the photos back by Christmas?

Yes! Your disc of photos will be ready for pick-up in Kansas City just FIVE DAYS after your session! The portrait special is only valid December 1st through 16th, 2011, but schedule early to get the photos back sooner!

Are there any other details I should know?

Since I’ve promised a super fast turnaround time, I can only do a limited number of these special 2011 Story Shoots! Email now to reserve your date and time. Also, don’t worry about the chance of inclement weather — we will either shoot indoors at your home (which is so much fun!) or brave the chilly weather for a little bit, since the session is only 30 minutes long!

Click here to go to the contact page and send me a message to schedule your session! Type “Story Session!” in the subject line on the contact page. Or, email me directly at me[at]ericamay[dot]com.

 

Rachel and Ryan got married this year, got their first dog together, and have had a really big year. These are from their 2011 Story Shoot!

Click here to request your session!

]]> http://www.ericamay.com/blog/christmas-portrait-special/feed/ 8 Lisa and her sisters! http://www.ericamay.com/blog/lisa-and-her-sisters/ http://www.ericamay.com/blog/lisa-and-her-sisters/#comments Tue, 29 Nov 2011 13:00:05 +0000 ericamay http://www.ericamay.com/blog/?p=7089 It’s the best thing to spend time with people who are so full of life. Like Lisa, who never stopped smiling during our whole shoot, who laughed a lot, and who was just a joy to photograph. People who are so full of life, like Lisa and her two sisters, Sarah and Emily — who are all so fun, and even more funny all together. These sisters made me wish I grew up with sisters, too (although, don’t get me wrong, I love my brothers dearly). We took photos of Lisa to celebrate her first year of college, and had to also capture photos of the bond that only sisters share.

]]> http://www.ericamay.com/blog/lisa-and-her-sisters/feed/ 1 Allyson and Matt are having a baby! http://www.ericamay.com/blog/allyson-and-matt-are-having-a-baby/ http://www.ericamay.com/blog/allyson-and-matt-are-having-a-baby/#comments Mon, 07 Nov 2011 02:00:10 +0000 ericamay http://www.ericamay.com/blog/?p=6996 I got to take their engagement photos a while ago, and now this super sweet couple is expecting their first baby! :) They already have a canine “daughter” so we included her in some photos, too! Here are just a few photos from their session.

]]> http://www.ericamay.com/blog/allyson-and-matt-are-having-a-baby/feed/ 1 The Beatys do New York! http://www.ericamay.com/blog/the-beatys-do-new-york/ http://www.ericamay.com/blog/the-beatys-do-new-york/#comments Sat, 01 Oct 2011 15:59:32 +0000 ericamay http://www.ericamay.com/blog/?p=6645 We’re in New York City right now. Surprise! We have an incredible wedding that Jeff and I are filming tomorrow. Our friends Jon and Emily are the photographers for the wedding. Since we’re all in this city at the same time, we decided shoots of each other were in order. They love the show How I Met Your Mother, so their shoot took place in the Upper West Side, and a little bit in Central Park. How cute are these two? :)

P.S. for all of you photography nerds, I shot all of these with Canon equipment. Gasp! I am a Nikon girl, but have been learning to shoot with Canon gear, since sometimes it’s easier to take photos with the same type of equipment Jeff uses for filmmaking. :) I have to admit, I really enjoyed it this time!

]]> http://www.ericamay.com/blog/the-beatys-do-new-york/feed/ 8 Fall Portraits and Travel Schedule! :) http://www.ericamay.com/blog/fall-portraits-and-travel-schedule/ http://www.ericamay.com/blog/fall-portraits-and-travel-schedule/#comments Mon, 22 Aug 2011 15:57:52 +0000 ericamay http://www.ericamay.com/blog/?p=6340 People always ask me what kind of shoots are my favorites to do. They want to know if families are more fun than engagement photos or if babies are the best because they’re so cute. But the truth is, I can’t pick one. It changes all the time, because what I love more than a certain “type” of shoot is photographing people who have a connection, who love each other, and who have fun together. That description applies to any shoot that involves a human. Or a dog. Dogs are awesome, too. :)

So, I can never choose. I love capturing the connection between a family with history together as their kids grow up. I love preserving the new, young spark between an engaged couple. I love stopping that quick moment in time with a new baby’s eyes get big as he explores the world around him. It’s an amazing blessing to me, that you all ask me to be a part of creating the images that tell your story — whatever stage in life you might be in.

What stage of life are you in right now, the fall of 2011? Who are you right now, and what is happening in your world that needs to be captured? Time flies by so fast, especially for busy families, students going back to school, and couples getting engaged and starting their wedding planning.

My calendar is now open for fall portrait sessions of all kinds — from now through November, and dates are filling up quickly! I will have a few weekend dates available this fall, and more availability on weekdays, so now is a great time to start scheduling shoots before the holidays! And let’s plan something fun for your shoot! Something that tells a story about who you are, right now, in the fall of 2011. You’ll love it, and I’ll be honored to shoot it.

We’ll be traveling for a few extended trips this fall, and I’d LOVE to shoot portraits while we’re in new locations. Here’s the schedule, in case you or someone you know in those areas would love to have a fun session:

August 26 – 28: Pierre, South Dakota

September 28 – 29: near Hartford, Connecticut

September 30 – October 5: New York City/Brooklyn, New York

November 4 – 9: San Diego, California

November 10 – 14: Portland, Oregon

 

I’ll leave you with one more shot of the adorable little Henry, who right now can’t stand on his own, and still needs his Dad’s hands to hold him up.

]]> http://www.ericamay.com/blog/fall-portraits-and-travel-schedule/feed/ 0 Renee and JP’s Anniversary Session http://www.ericamay.com/blog/renee-and-jps-anniversary-session/ http://www.ericamay.com/blog/renee-and-jps-anniversary-session/#comments Wed, 17 Aug 2011 21:29:39 +0000 ericamay http://www.ericamay.com/blog/?p=6220 They said I’m their “marriage historian.” They’re planning to do a session every year during the month of their anniversary, and I get to capture it. Because they realize the importance of capturing images that represent their lives together. They recognize that someday, these days will be gone, and new days will come, but they’ll have images to prove who they were that year, their first (or second or third or twentieth) year of marriage. I like how they think.

Renee and JP are not only fun-loving people who are really fun to photograph, they’re people who set aside time in their busy lives and successful careers to have their lives documented. They got married a year ago this month, and I was there to capture the day. Now, a year later, they wanted some fun photos of them. We shot in midtown Kansas City, an area they seem to spend a lot of time either working, nearby their workplace, or unwinding after work. They took a weekend off of their work routine to have an anniversary “staycation” and do fun things around the city, like going to the water park, having a mafia movie marathon, and creating their own beach in their backyard. :)

I am so honored to be considered their “marriage historian.” I couldn’t have asked for a better title.

She wore his favorite color (green), and he wore her favorite color (pink).

In honor of the “paper anniversary” (first year), JP made Renee paper flowers that were so beautiful and took quite a bit of time to make. Renee also made JP some really fun paper airplanes!

Renee and JP, you’re both awesome. Thanks for inviting me to capture your marriage. It’s a honor.

]]> http://www.ericamay.com/blog/renee-and-jps-anniversary-session/feed/ 2 Family photos in Washington, D.C. http://www.ericamay.com/blog/family-photos-in-washington-d-c/ http://www.ericamay.com/blog/family-photos-in-washington-d-c/#comments Mon, 18 Jul 2011 18:28:20 +0000 ericamay http://www.ericamay.com/blog/?p=5977 I took a trip to Washington, D.C. last week with my siblings (more on that later). In between all of the sightseeing, museums, monuments, eating pizza, and riding the Metro, I met up with this adorable family for some relaxed family photos at the Tidal Basin/Jefferson Memorial. Sol and Rachel have two adorable boys — a 2-year-old full of energy and a 3-month-old who might have slept through half of the shoot. :) It was unusually nice for a summer session in D.C., so it was so great. Rachel’s BFF Victoria also came along for the session, and we took photos of everyone, since Victoria has been like family to them. So much fun.

We also worked in a few head shots… because who doesn’t need a good photo of themselves? :)

This one just cracked me up. What a cutie!

Thanks so much for a super fun shoot! :)

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