Surprise!!

So I received an email from a daughter wanting me to photograph her mom's 90th birthday. I was a little unsure of how this might go...but when her mother arrived at the party I was the one who was surprised! If I look half as good as her at 90 that will be amazing. At 90 she still works 4 days a week at her daughter's restaurant! It was just so wonderful to meet all of her family and see just how much she meant to all of them. It was very clear that she is just an amazing woman who is well loved. It was such an honor to be a part of the party, and capture every moment.

Sweet Isabel!

I Love newborns!! I know a TON of people who hate the newborn stage! It is such a hard stage I know, but they are so sweet and so perfect to photograph! Don't get me wrong my nieces are 3 and 2, and they keep me in stitches, and my nephew is so sweet with his frankenstein walk, but newborns just make me smile!!

I was so lucky to get to go to Hattiesburg to visit with one of my very best friends (you may remember them from their maternity shoot)! I usually stick to a strict policy of only photographing newborns in the first 10 days, I also recognize that this is sometimes not possible (which was the case with Isabel). Benton and I spent Saturday just hanging out with Corey and Christina. It was so wonderful catching up with them, hearing about Isabel, and seeing them interact with her. Sunday morning we woke up and wanted to start taking pictures. Isabel had a different plan. She was wide awake! well 4 hours later we were able to get her out and we were able to get some great shots!

Corey & Christina

sweet Isabel

Busy, Busy,Busy

I have been editing pictures like crazy for the last few weeks! Business is really picking up, and I couldn't be happier!! If you are wanting to schedule a Christmas card session NOW is the time to contact me at amcdonoughphotography@gmail.com. I am filling up quickly! I will also be posting some Christmas card designs very soon. It seems so crazy to be talking about Christmas this early, but time is flying by! Here is a little of what I have been working on!

The Clement Family

The Tant family

My Sweet niece Maggie

HOME

Well I am home from my third vacation of the summer! In theory two straight weeks at the beach sounds like so much fun, but in reality that is a long time to be gone. I am so behind in editing, because suddenly i have two and three sessions a week! It is so exciting, but being gone for 2 weeks away from my computer makes for a ton of work now that i am back.

I am having so much fun being busy! I have had so many different shoots the last few weeks, and it is so much fun having returning customers! My latest is a good friend of mine who is about to have her third baby boy! I cannot believe she is having her third! I can't wait to see baby number three.

Happy Birthday Campbell

I cannot believe it has been a year already!! Campbell is just about the sweetest little boy I know!! I just wanted to post a few pictures of him on his first birthday, and to let you know I have purchased a few new props, and I cannot wait to put them to use! The highchair is the first one, and if you have a one year old I would love for you to set up a session to remember them at this adorable stage!

...Then Comes Baby!!!

I am so excited for my best friend Christina, and her husband Cory!! She is having a little girl in July. I don't get to see Christina very often because she lives in Mississippi, so I was thrilled to stop by for a quick weekend and help throw her a baby shower. While there we took a few pictures to capture this very exciting time. I cannot wait to take pictures of sweet Isabel when she arrives.

Hey Parents!

I am always thinking of ways to get the most out of kids during a shoot! I often find that kids are better behaved for me than they are for their own parents, but sometimes just taking time to do a few things can make or break a shoot. So Parents take note!

1. When scheduling a shoot decide if your child is a morning or afternoon person.
-I am often surprised when parents don't even think about the fact that their child/children are at their best in the morning and they plan an afternoon shoot.

2. Make sure your child is fed before the shoot, and bring plenty of snacks and water. This is also a great time to bring something they aren't allowed to have very often. Maybe some M&Ms...I am NOT above a little bribery.

3. Do your kids have a favorite toy, or do they LOVE bubbles? bring them along! They will also be great in the pictures that way you have a great memory of that toy.

4. Talk to your kids for a few days before hand. Really talk up that they are going to get to have their picture made. Make it sound fun and exciting! I will be sure to actually make it fun and exciting.

5. Lastly, dress your kids cute, but make sure it is COMFORTABLE!! If they are not comfortable that will show in the pictures.


I hope this is helpful, and I can't wait for you all to schedule your next shoot with me!!!!