Mandolin Productions

Sweet North Carolina {Onward We Go}

noreply@blogger.com (Manda) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:28:00 +0000

Well, North Carolina...it's been real. But duty calls, so we're heading to New Mexico. I'll miss your pretty beaches, the sweet mom and pop island shops and the good friends we've made. And your beautiful sunsets.

Dwyer {Family - Sneads Ferry, North Carolina Photography}

noreply@blogger.com (Manda) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:11:00 +0000

To say that things have been crazy around here is a total understatement. I have been so blessed to know some kind hearts out here during our stay in North Carolina and I'm so grateful they let me do family portraits for them. :)

One of the most precious families. Ever. Thank you for being a part of my life!

Fashion {Surf City, North Carolina Fashion Photography}

noreply@blogger.com (Manda) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:29:00 +0000

I got to have a little fun a few weekends ago. I rarely got to shoot for myself and I'm just excited about the opportunity I had. :)

Huge thanks to Elaine and Tiffaney for bearing the cold! And even bigger thanks to Audra Vogel for the incredible hair and makeup job she did. And thanks to me for the awesome fashion tape/safety pin masterpiece dresses. Lol. Don't they look legit?! Thanks to AnnaMaria & Matt for letting Simon come play (that handsome pup you saw at the top). AND last thanks to all the other photographers who came out for the fun!

Merry Christmas!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Manda) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 19:00:00 +0000

To all my clients and friends and family! Love y'all and hope that you have a blessed time with your loved ones!

Huge thank you to Cynthia Rose Photography in Havelock, NC. LOVE our Christmas pictures. :)

Staying Creative {Surf City, North Carolina Photography}

noreply@blogger.com (Manda) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 18:32:00 +0000

Once in a while, I get enough strength to go outside just for myself. Not for physical therapy, not for a doctor's evaluation, but just me and my camera. I can't tell you how much I've missed being behind the lens and how much I yearn to be back doing what I love.

Lucky for me, I have pretty things to look at while I focus on getting healthy. I'll be seriously considering what direction this love will take me. I may be switching to specific session types and may be working towards more studio work. I don't know what I'll be capable of until we get things under control, but I can hardly stand the wait. I miss interacting with people.

Until I can get back to things professionally, I'll try to post the things that are inspiring me to stay creative - despite what's going on.

Hope you enjoy!

And how lucky am I to have these two cuties to cuddle with me and make me feel extra loved?

Kaila {Bridals - Dothan, Alabama Bridal Photographer}

noreply@blogger.com (Manda) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 15:02:00 +0000

I FINALLY get to share these!!! Kaila is fierce and sweet and beautiful - just a dream to photograph. I love one on one shooting any day, but this session was perfection. Love a bride that is talented and kind - and willing to let me work the magic!

Cherished .:. Where Photog Meets Bride [A New Project}

noreply@blogger.com (Manda) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 17:17:00 +0000

I'm working on a new project to bring photographers and brides and vendors together so that the playing field gets evened out a little bit. You have folks that work for dirt cheap and you have folks that work for what seems like an absurd amount. And then you have the folks that are right in the middle. So, how can it not be confusing for potential clients to understand left from right in this industry?

That's where Cherished comes in. As an industry, we WANT you to have the best experience possible. We WANT to see you happy. Nobody that I've met has gone into this field because they want to make people miserable. They go into it because the creativity drives them. The art is something that they want to share and use to touch people's lives. As a client, you want to understand why something costs the way it does. You want to know the cause behind price. You also want to know what are the right questions to ask and what's not really all that important.

I need your help though. Of course, I can write about what's important to me. I can tell you what I think. But I can do that here. I want there to be a community of people gathering to show you what it means to be on the other side of the counter. I don't want it to be just my opinion or just someone else's opinion. I want there to stats that you can rely on, information that's clear and concise, and a place you can direct others to in an effort to bring us together.

Check out Cherished .:. Where Photog Meets Bride and let me know if you're interested in taking part in this journey I'm about to embark on. I'd love for you to join me. :)

Wedding USBs {Products & Packaging}

noreply@blogger.com (Manda) — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 20:36:00 +0000

I am so excited to introduce my new wedding USBs. This is how my couples are receiving their wedding images now instead of multiple DVDs. Much less bulky. I <3 them!

Love love love them!!!!!!

I am head over heels for the products that I'm getting in and getting ready to offer my clients in 2012. Happy girl over here! :)

Abbie & Adam {Married - Opp, Alabama Wedding Photography}

noreply@blogger.com (Manda) — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 03:34:00 +0000

Beautiful couple, beautiful light, beautiful everything. Couldn't be happier for these or for the gorgeous images we got from their big day! Stay tuned for more details from Abbie & Adam's picture-perfect wedding! :)

Kaila & Dustin {Married - Dothan, Alabama Wedding Photography}

noreply@blogger.com (Manda) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 03:44:00 +0000

Just a couple of my favorites from the Wisecarver wedding. :)

Thanks to Erin Hitt from Studio 6 Photography and Donna Oates from SDO Photography for backing me up at this beautiful wedding. I appreciate y'all so much!

Changes {Life's Many Surprises}

noreply@blogger.com (Manda) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 22:27:00 +0000

First off, I want to thank each and every one of my clients for their amazing patience and the many prayers sent up for me. I can't tell you how much it means to me.

Next on my list is a general update. You may not see much from me in the next few months while we are in North Carolina. As much as I want to work and as much as I love photography and design, I'm going to be unavailable for the most part until things are under control. This isn't to say that I don't want inquiries and/or that I won't be taking ANY work. It does mean that what I take is going to be very rare and selective.

You're probably wondering why the sudden stop/why post an update now? I am pretty much caught up for my year. I've photographed everyone I had contracts for and now I just need to finish the editing process for those jobs. So, at this point, I don't have anyone waiting to get their photos taken.

Unfortunately, about a month and a half ago, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. I have been pushing myself to try and keep doing stuff and as a result, have worn myself down to the point where I'm useless. I now have a handful of different sicknesses (including strep and pink eye) so I'm on house arrest. Until I know how to handle all this and keep myself healthy, I have to take a break.

Know that I'll be back soon. Your love, prayers and support mean the world to me.

P.S. I might do a revisit of the work I did in Texas, just to keep myself busy. But for the most part, you'll be seeing a lot of older images. So, just know that. :)

Picanso {Enterprise, Alabama Family Photography}

noreply@blogger.com (Manda) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 21:26:00 +0000

I met this sweet family while in Alabama for last weekend's weddings. We got together for a quick session for their Christmas photos and I just loved working with them!

Natalie & Ryan {Married - Andalusia, Alabama Wedding Photography}

noreply@blogger.com (Manda) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 20:05:00 +0000

I love weddings more than air. And I love weddings with character even more. Between Natalie's impeccable taste and the sweet relationship that she shares with Ryan, I just knew this wedding was going to be a beautiful (not just in detail - but in moments).

Natalie & Ryan got married in October at the Sweet Gum Bottom Bed & Breakfast. This place is truly a diamond in the rough and if you weren't from the area, you'd never know it was there. If you have a chance to visit the Andalusia, AL area, I'd definitely recommend this gorgeous venue for a secluded and romantic getaway.

The house was packed. And when I say packed, I mean standing room only and there were still people outside. Talk about a community that loves these two. It's amazing to me how much love and support they had surrounding them on their wedding day. It was a real treat to see so many people come out to celebrate with them.

Thank you, Ryan & Natalie, for including me in your big day!

And a huge thank you to Erin Hitt from Studio 6 Photography and Donna Oates from SDO Photography for backing me up at this beautiful wedding. You were both great!!!

April & Chad {Married - Dothan, Alabama Wedding Photography}

noreply@blogger.com (Manda) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 22:09:00 +0000

Close your eyes. Imagine a beautiful, clear, sunshine filled morning and a bride filled with anticipation as she calmly waits for her hair and makeup to be styled. Accompanied by her sweet cousin (who adores her) and two photographers, she prepares for the most important day of her life. Today, she gets to say "I do" to the man with the firefighter hat that has changed her life and made her dreams come true.

They say that your wedding day is your fairytale - this day was completely that. Sweet attitudes, loving family and friends gathered to celebrate a new life, and most importantly, two people absolutely head over heels in love - ready to spend the rest of their lives together.

I rarely get such beautiful light INSIDE of a church, so getting to play around with some bridal style photos for April was a huge treat. Isn't she stunning?

I love this shot my second shooter, Donna (from SDO Photography) got from the balcony. Love it!

Remember how I was talking about that pretty wonderful light? Um, yeah. Dream-city.

The reception was at the Homestead in Dothan. I loved that the entrance was FIRE. Love how they incorporated their lives into their wedding. :)

I always, always, always get choked up at the daddy-daughter dance. And this was no exception. So, if you see me at a wedding, ignore the bumbling teary eyed kid with the camera in the corner wiping her nose. ;)

To wrap it up, they did a Cupid Shuffle. It was so fun! To the left, to the left....

Bouquet toss = epic. I've never seen someone get elbowed in the face. Pretty intense. :)

And Chad's face got so red during the garter retrieval! So sweet!

April & Chad - you're fantastic and I loved every moment of hanging out with y'all. May God bless your marriage and may the day you said your vows be only the seed from which your love blooms. (That's the cheesiest thing ever to say - but I mean it!). And P.S. Thank you for being so patient and wonderful while I've moved and deal with medical stuff. You're a blessing!

Donna - thank you oh so much for helping me at the wedding! You're an awesome second shooter and I'm soooo glad you were on my team for this!

Haley {Portraits - Atlanta, Georgia Portrait Photography}

noreply@blogger.com (Manda) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 15:16:00 +0000

Another session I got to do while at WPPI in Atlanta! Haley was with us for the trip and I loved getting to know her! She is so talented and has a bright future ahead of her. I'm so excited to watch her skills develop and to see what direction her photography takes her in.

I just love these next two shots. I'm almost pretty sure they're my favorites that I've taken recently. *Sigh*

Loved meeting and getting to know you, Haley!

Amanda {Portraits - Atlanta, Georgia Portrait Photography}

noreply@blogger.com (Manda) — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 14:58:00 +0000

I love this girl. Not only is she a blast to hang out with, but she is one very talented wedding photographer. So, when we had a chance to mess around and take headshots while at WPPI in Atlanta, I was ecstatic! She totally rocked it out and I'm so glad I got to practice on her!

Love it! Can't wait til the next time I get to work with her. Weddings with Jubilee Photography are always a blast!

McKenzi & Bucky {Engaged - Enterprise, Alabama Engagement Photography}

noreply@blogger.com (Manda) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:22:00 +0000

I had such a great time with McKenzi & Bucky. They are two of the sweetest and most affectionate couples and it was great getting to work with the two of them for engagement photos.

Check out this gorgeous sunflare from my second shooter. Isn't it dreamy?

I love shooting over by the Rawls. Between the courtyard area and the Depot - it's a goldmine!

I love how a second shooter thinks. I love this shot Donna got. :)

We headed out to another area just in time for the sun to leave us completely, so we played around a little bit and experimented with the headlights and flash. Got a couple of neat shots out of it!

Thank you both for choosing me to be your engagement photographer! It was a blast hanging out with you!

And a huge thanks o my fabulous second shooter, Donna!

Warren & Vanessa {Engaged - Enterprise, Alabama Engagement Photography}

noreply@blogger.com (Manda) — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 03:37:00 +0000

Vanessa & Warren are one of the sweetest couples I've had the privilege of photographing. They even had a great spot picked out for engagement pictures (and I love when a client takes me somewhere new!). I can hardly stand the wait to be a part of their wedding after getting to work with them tonight! It's going to be uh-ma-zing!

This is the sweet spot they took me to. How gorgeous is this? It just completes the photos. LOVE it!

And I'm pretty sure this is my new favorite engagement shot. Dreeeeamy!

Thanks for a great time, y'all! It was a blast getting to know and getting the chance to photograph such a sweet couple!

Isaac & Tiffany {Married - Destin, Florida Weding Photography}

noreply@blogger.com (Manda) — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 00:39:00 +0000

*Sigh* Destination weddings make my heart melt. I adore working with Amanda from Jubilee Photography down in Destin, Florida. I am sooooo happy with the way these images turned out and ecstatic to be adding them to my body of work. Tiffany and Isaac are so full of life and love for each other - it was a blessing to witness them get married. :)

Soooo much fun! Thanks to Amanda for having me along and thanks to everyone else for such a fantastic party!!! :)

Meredith & Billy {Married - Troy, Alabama Wedding Photography}

noreply@blogger.com (Manda) — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 00:06:00 +0000

Just a couple from shooting with Jennifer Connelly Photography a few months again. Meredith & Billy are so super sweet and it was great working with them!

Too sweet! Hope married life is wonderful for both of you!!!

Meredith {Bridals - Troy, Alabama Bridal Photography}

noreply@blogger.com (Manda) — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 21:11:00 +0000

Getting a little bit caught up today!!! I got to second shoot for Jennifer Connelly Photography a couple months ago and now I get to share those images! Yay! Meredith is so super sweet and I loved getting to know her as we photographed her bridal portraits! :)

Stay tuned for shots from the wedding!

Erin & Brandon {Married - Dothan, Alabama Wedding Photography}

noreply@blogger.com (Manda) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 22:10:00 +0000

It means so much to be to be a part of someone's wedding. The friendship that is built, the trust that is established - it's all a part of an experience that I truly cherish.

Now, take that, and magnify it by a gazillion to explain how I feel when someone who is already near and dear to my heart asks me to be a part of their big day. It's incredible. I love Erin and Brandon - they are two of the sweetest and most down to earth people I know. Brandon's goofiness and Erin's fluent sarcasm are the perfect combination.

I had so much fun working as a team with Jay to photograph E&B as they got married and I couldn't ask for better buddies. <3

Right after some football scores were announced...devastation for B, alcohol for E. Hehehe!

Classic Brandon...ready? In:

5......

4....

3...

2................

1....

GO:

Seriously, a blast. Thank you both for letting me be there with you (and letting me sit at the head table!). LOVE!

Like the venue? Go check out The Grand on Foster Street.

Craziness Ensues {Personal - Moving Where Duty Calls}

noreply@blogger.com (Manda) — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 13:48:00 +0000

So, you may or may not see me here a lot in the next month of so. Damien is back from training and we are packing up and moving on out to North Carolina. I will be here most of September, but availability is limited. That being said, if you're interested in nabbing a session before I head out, please get in touch as soon as possible.

Alabama, you've been good to me. I will miss some sweet friends, but I know our paths will met again. Such is the life of a military family! Love you all and can not thank you enough for the support and love you've shown me.

Geranen {Families - Enterprise, Alabama Family Photography}

noreply@blogger.com (Manda) — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 13:44:00 +0000

Erica has a special place in my heart. She was my first marathon participant, a never-ending promoter and overall just a sweet friend. I am so blessed to have been able to photograph her family before we head out for North Carolina. I have to say that this was literally the fastest session and fastest edit job I've ever done and it was glorious! :)

So sweet. Erica, thanks for everything, girl. You're the best!

Kelso {Families - Enterprise, Alabama Family Photographer}

noreply@blogger.com (Manda) — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 20:09:00 +0000

I love a family that will just live in the moment and be a family. This sweet family wasn't afraid to have some fun and their photos really show it!

To wrap things up, we took some time with the studio set up and got some sweet pictures there, too. :)

Picture perfect. Congrats on the new addition, Ashley & Ted! Your family couldn't be more amazing. :)