Morgan Kervin Photography

Tamika {maternity} | Killeen maternity photographer

2012-03-06T14:08:00.003-06:00

You've seen her other little ones before, here are some highlights of sessions with Tamika's family - when I first met her with her cuties and when I met the rest of her extended family. I am so lucky to be able to call her friend, the fabulous cake and sweets maker of Sweet Retreats. She has now opened up a boutique that offers some fabulous prop accessories like headbands - Buttons, Buckles & Bows!
I am so excited to meet your newest little darling next month ♥

Tiny changes - Big difference

2012-03-05T12:04:00.000-06:00

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Body language - it's the way photographers convey the meaning in images. Everyone has a bad angle, and everyone has their best angles....it is your job as a photographer to figure out the very best way to photograph your clients so that they look their very best.

1. I start out far away so that I can 'see' with my camera eye (yes that's my own way of saying it) - the view IS different. Here you can see that her front leg is bent - creating a nice curve. Also notice that her elbow is bent - thus creating that beautiful shape that is oh-so-feminine.
2. I moved in closer so that I could get a better view of that adorable belly. You can tell by the angle that I am slightly below her eye level (making her head seem smaller than it is and making her belly look larger). The 90* angle is ok but not completely flattering.
3. I moved up above/equal to her eye level so that it equals out the proportions of head|belly. Again the 90* angle isn't quite IT.
4. Now that the angle is higher than eye level I moved slightly to the left so it isn't quite 90* but still showing the belly size. In addition to the angle and sidestepping I also adjusted her hand to rest on to of her belly dividing the breast|belly line.
*I remind my maternity clients to always keep their fingers together - to avoid the look they are 'clawing' at their belly.

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1. Again I start further back and tell them to hug the belly.
2. I switch up the angle again to see how it looks.
3. I prefer the angle of more straight on for this particular shot, something just wasn't right...
4. The hands! If it doesn't seem to click swap the hands.

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1. As always I back it up first - I had an idea in my head but it didn't translate well so it was time to move.
2. Tried a variation of my idea - again it didn't quite work - mainly because her belly was leading and making her head seem smaller than it is.
3. A new angle - I move - if I have an idea I move around until I get it right. Keeping her in the same position but gaining different perspectives yields a very different result.

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1. You can see it isn't bad - but it is definitely off. Hands are good, arm placement good....
2. Change up the legs! By having her bring her front leg forward and on her toe it instantly slims her and creates a great feminine shape.
3. Again it isn't bad and everything is pretty much as it should be, but it isn't complimentary.
4. A slight change of hand placement - moving it back to create a bit of space between arm|back allows the eye to see the shape of her body, instantly slimming her again.

Inspire: cake smash edition

2012-02-24T14:02:00.002-06:00

Inspire: newborn edition
Inspire: maternity edition
Inspire: child edition

Cake smash sessions will be a fun mess! There are a few things you should keep in mind throughout the time you are photographing these little mess makers.

There are many things similar working with these specialized sessions as working with children in general - please refer to that as far as how to work with children in general.
The cake. For this session I highly recommend working with an artistic baker, someone that makes custom cakes. Reason being, when you do this you can go above and beyond making the parent feel amazing by having a custom one-of-a-kind cake for their child's session. I like to ask the parent first what theme they have in mine, if it isn't a theme - at least color palette.
Flavors. My number one, no questions asked is do.NOT.use.chocolate! No matter how much little Sally loves chocolate if you do a cake smash like that it will look like.......poo.....and that is not cute. You also want to have fun easy frosting - think butter cream icing, or at least make sure to rip open the fondant if the baker uses that with butter cream underneath so that it is easy to get messy and taste it.
The scene. I prefer to work with cheap paper backdrops (bulletin board paper from my local teacher supply store) that cost me a whole $0.15/yard so that I can let the kids go crazy and just trash the mess after I'm all done. I also have begun to use paper streamers so that in case the little hands get on the background.
Details. First and foremost you want to get a shot of the cake before it is demolished. While the little one is making a mess get in close and get shots of those little messy toes, fingers and messy face.
Time. Know that it may take a few minutes for the little one to actually understand what you're trying to do, what you want them to do. Chances are Mom/Dad have spent the first year teaching them to not play with their food :) So help them make the initial mess - or even better have Mom/Dad help make the mess (and get a few shots of that too).
Wardrobe. Cloth diapers are the best thing to do! You can have Mom/Dad purchase or use a colorful one that matches with the theme you are going with OR if you can find or custom make a bloomer/bib set that is even better! Fun hats/bows are also a great addition to the outfit.
Things to keep handy. Music! I know it may sound silly but kids tend to love music, especially fun upbeat music and it helps to keep the mood light and fun and keep Mom/Dad laughing while the mess is happening. Wipes, chances are that you, Mom, Dad and anyone else within slinging range will have some cake/icing on them - so keep a box of wipes handy to keep things clean. Sweet little candies, something sweet that is a favorite of the little one so that in case they aren't 'into' the whole cake smash thing push a little candy into the cake to help get them started and digging into the cake.
Clean up. So it's over.....what now?! If at all possible do it at a place with a bathroom so that after it is all said and done you can easily shower the mess of the little one. Remind the parents to bring an extra set of clothes for their kiddo. If you used paper just bundle it up and trash it.

This Inspire edition was photographed by Morgan Kervin Photography as intended for educational purposes and to inspire other photographers to step out of the box and create wonderful memories for their child clients.

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Change it up

2012-02-17T10:36:00.002-06:00

Today I posted this image in regards to a chair I recently found on the curb - awesome! I crazy lady cleaned it (6 hours) and am contemplating painting the chair. This spurred a tutorial request - now I have written one before, that can be found here - but this is a variation on that tutorial.

So you start with your image. Get a paint brush - I like to use it with the same color that the thing is I am changing it's color. Then you need to set that layer to color in the blend mode drop down menu (next to opacity by default it is set to normal). You will have to be meticulous and color with the brush everything that you want to change.

Then make a hue/sat adjustment layer and create a clipping mask. Set your hue/sat adjustment layer to the colorize option at the bottom and then start seeing it change!

*Keep in mind that you want it to look realistic so you will have to adjust the hue to set your color then the saturation and lightness to make it look real.
*With the darker colors (red) you will have to make a duplicate layer of your painted background and set it to blend mode multiply and lower the opacity in order to make it look realistic.

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Inspire: child edition

2012-02-17T09:29:00.001-06:00

Inspire: newborn edition
Inspire: maternity edition
Inspire: cake smash edition

Child sessions should be tons of fun! There are a few things you should keep in mind throughout the time you are photographing these pint sized subjects.

Don't be a stranger! Parents tend to teach their children well - don't speak to strangers...so why would the little ones go along with you and be amazing in front of the camera when they've just met you? Chances are they won't. Spend the first few minutes of the session with your camera put away while you get to know your little camera shy subjects. Ask them their name and tell them yours, even let them know what your intentions are.
Eye level. Don't you feel a little insecure when someone towers over you? Do you remember when you were a kid and you met a stranger - you thought they were giants, scary strange giants....let's not do this to them. Squat/sit down on their level when speaking to them so they know you mean no harm and are equal to them.
Let them see you work. Most of the kids you will work with will be very curious - make a game out of it. Tell them that if you can take a few pictures they can see on the back of your camera OR even more fun and bringing more smiles (if you can get Mom/Dad to play along), you can make a deal that if you can take their picture then THEY can take a picture of their parents!
Silly Time! The smaller the kid, the sillier you will have to be - so practice your silly sounds and faces. When you act silly you will get those great smiles that the parents LOVE ♥ Also let the kid know it's OK to be silly! They will be nervous that their parents won't approve - but make sure you are all in agreement that silly time is a great thing.
Location. This is so important for the session. If your location has tall grass the kid may have 'itchies' and it can be impossible for the session to continue. If it's outside in the Spring chances are there will be bugs - so you will need a back up in case that happens, either location or a way to make bugs fun. You also don't want a distracting location since most likely whatever distractions there are will indubitably be more intruiging then you.
Bribery. Yes it is acceptable in this case. You have to ask beforehand to make sure it is OK with the parents but most likely they do it too ;) Depending on the age find out what they love - it can be small toys, book, candy or other snacks. The bribe will come in handy for getting the final product.
Wardrobe. Kids will move, and play....heck they will probably be all over the ground to be honest. Make sure that Mom/Dad know this and choose the wardrobe accordingly. So if you plan to hold the session outside - white or other light colors will not be ideal. Patterns and bright colors are great for fun child sessions.
Relax. Both you and the parents should be relaxed during the session, just as with newborns children can sense anxiety and will behave as such. You also want to let the parents know to stand aside during the session or you will get lots of 'off camera' looks from the kids.
Lens excitement. No it's not just a thing photographers have! Make your lens interesting for the small crowd - think lens friend. I have a crab with googley eyes and it works wonders! If you aren't a lens pet type of person have the child look into the lens and tell you when it winks at them - this always gets great inquisitive looks and giggles.

Inspire: newborn edition

2012-02-09T12:36:00.000-06:00

Inspire: maternity edition
Inpsire: child edition
Inspire: cake smash edition

Newborn sessions can be very stressful if you aren't prepared for all the possibilities! There are a few things you should keep in mind throughout the time you are preparing for and photographing your tiniest clients.

Age. Now most clients consider newborns to be anywhere between birth and 2-3 months in age, in photographer speak it means just a few days old. There is a reason for this - new babies (less than 10 days old) sleep and sleep HARD. They are also easy to pose and are still very bendable, since they are fresh out of Momma's cozy belly where they were cramped in a tiny space. This time is also before the baby acne shows up, as well as colic trouble and other digestive issues that would keep bub awake and grumpy.
Hot. Knowing what I just mentioned - baby was in Momma's belly for 9 whole months where it is toasty! Once baby comes out they can't regulate their body temperature so keep it warm wherever you are holding the session. If YOU aren't too hot - it isn't hot enough ;)
Accidents happen. Be prepared - bring an extra set of clothes in case it does. Keep wipes handy, as you will most likely need to clean up some sort of mess throughout the session (and some can be quite hilarious). Inform the parents that it is OK - when it does happen they will be embarrassed and unsure, just make sure to tell them ahead of time...and have them get an extra set of clothes on hand for themselves as well if they will be participating.
Safety. Although these tiny little people are flexible and seem easy to photograph they are in fact probably the most difficult. You want to keep in mind that babies ARE in fact just small, teen tiny, people - they can be hurt, they can be uncomfortable and they can die if you aren't cautious. They aren't props or invincible - keep them safe and don't try anything unless you are 100% sure that the baby will be fine. Start small with easy bean bag poses - baby will let you know when you're pushing it too far.
Listen. Baby will be vocal and visual throughout the session - watch for the cues. Sneezes, coughs, flailing, reflexes - if baby is uncomfortable they will let you know. If the baby isn't comfy in person it will show in the images.
An extra hand. If you don't have an assistant - ask Mom or Dad to help out with certain poses and to keep baby happy. Also great for set up changes and for grabbing the wipes quickly when poop happens....because it will.
Tick tock. It will be a long process - make sure the parents know this. It can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 4 hours! It all depends on the baby, your desired set ups and your experience. So have a game plan when you go in there, get the 'money shots' first - then move on to the optional, and often more creative shots for last.
Details. Don't forget the detail shots! Tiny hands, lips, toes, baby rolls - oh I love tiny baby rolls ♥! I try to first set up an easy shot on the bean bag after baby is calm and cozy to get the detail shots first - then move on to other poses and variations.
Keep your cool - and have them do it too. I will say this forever - babies smell fear and anxiety. If you are anxious, nervous or fearful - they will be too - same goes for anyone else there with you. Babies read the atmosphere and take their cues from it. So breathe, be patient and if possible take a workshop or mentor with someone experienced before you give it a go so you will be as informed and calm as possible for the best tiny people sessions :)

Inspire: maternity edition

2012-02-07T14:22:00.001-06:00

Inspire: newborn edition
Inspire: child edition
Inspire: cake smash edition

Maternity sessions can be tons of fun! There are a few things you should keep in mind throughout the time you are photographing the beautiful momma-to-be.

Step-Up. Have Mom put her foot that is closest to you/the camera forward a few inches then pull her heel up off of the ground so she is on the ball of that front foot, while keeping her weight on her back leg.
No claws! One of my biggest things with maternity sessions is telling them to keep their fingers together and relaxed - otherwise you will get the Mom talons, like she is about to claw the baby free - eek!
Degrees* Front on belly doesn't often translate very well - try to have Mom stand 45* to you - then try 90* or better yet YOU climb up on a step ladder and look down.
Space. Maternity can be tough when it comes to keeping the shape of a woman - to do this you want to create space between her arms and waist, even if it's just a tiny bit.
Wardrobe! You won't always have a Momma that is ready to bare her belly - or more - so make sure to properly style your maternity sessions. Clothes that hold shape are great, you want to avoid the mu-mu during the styling ;) Tank tops - jeans - cute dresses that show off the belly - layers that accentuate just under the bust - belts and oh so cute accessories ♥
Location - location - location. It should make sense as well as keep it simple so that the focus is still clear as to what you're photographing.
Fun times! It's always great to get the standard shots, then get creative with your ideas - then GO NUTS! Get crazy and come up with some fun ideas that showcase the amazingly fun people you are photographing :D
Bringing a piece of them. Incorporate something that is special to the family/couple. Some item that will belong to baby. Something that is special to Mom/Dad - make it personal.
Connection. When you toss Dad into the mix on a maternity session - chances are it will be a great thing! First if the man is there and willing that is amazing! Make sure that you show a clear connection and keep them touching in some way or another - sweet simple affection.

Rachel {maternity} | Killeen maternity photographer

2012-01-29T21:09:00.002-06:00

You probably have heard of Rachel Brenke - she is sort of the most awesome couples/senior photographer in Central Texas, and she happens to be one of my best friends ♥ I was so lucky to be the one that Miss RB herself asked to photograph her pregnancy...I was nervous to be honest, but she totally ROCKED IT!

How to make Photo booth props for a party

2012-01-22T10:46:00.000-06:00

Have a wedding coming up? Birthday, bachelorette party, or well…just any excuse to wear a mustache? We will learn how to make those famous mustaches on a stick today. Simple, easy and fun, all in one. Let’s gather our supplies shall we? You will need:

-Mustache stencils/download from this site: http://www.designhousedigital.com/content/blog/happy-april-fools-day/

-Kissy Lips/ download from this site: http://blog.catchmyparty.com/2011/03/08/free-photo-booth-prop-printables-from-the-paper-dolls-shoppe/

-Superhero Action Words download from this site: http://www.accenttheparty.com/party-blog/view/79980

- Dowel rods (the skinnier the gauge the better)

-Hot glue gun and hot glue sticks

-Felt (preferably all wool felt)

-Scissors and exacto craft blade

-Embroidery Floss and thin embroidery floss needle.

-Fabric marker

-Tip Print your printables out on a thick paper to ensure sturdiness.

1-First step print out your free printable link listed above, yes free! Next step take your scissors and cut out all of the stencils from your paper.

2-Now place your paper stencils on top of your wool felt and trace the outline. Why wool felt? Wool felt is by far more sturdy and durable than just regular craft felt. This ensures more durability of your photo booth items so that they can be used time and again, as opposed to being disposed of after just one use. On a side note how fun would it be to use faux fur for a furry mustache? Give it a whirl!

3- Take your scissors or exacto knife and cut all along the outline that you traced with your fabric pen (make sure to use a fabric pen because a regular marker may seep through your felt). Remember to turn the side with the fabric marker towards the back (the side you will hot glue to the stick) so that the outline does not show after cutting. Voila! Mustachio! Now on to the kissy lips!

4- Grab your embroidery floss and needle and get to stitching! Stitch them in a way that is complimentary to the design. Pictured is the back of the design, the floss is knotted at both ends.

5- Now go get your photo booth on!

Weeeee! Time to get down and dirty in a photo booth baby! Go bananas! XOXO

Guest blogger Amy Jo Wagner, is a stay at home mom, military wife, crafter, student and photographer. As a guest blogger she hopes to teach you all how to craft on a budget for personal use or photography use . Her current eye candy comes from Morgan Kervin, Rita of The CoffeeShop Blog and Pink Paisley Photography.
"My real job is being a stellar mother and wife, my hobbies are crafting and photographing life's special moments"
Websites: http://www.mrswags80.etsy.com/
http://www.mrswaggy.etsy.com/
http://www.mgmphotography3.com/
Blog: http://monkeyandabeesittinginatree.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/MGMPhotography3/142781549125516

It's an experience

2012-01-09T16:55:00.000-06:00

When I started college...well technically when I started my marketing and business classes for my major I had an amazing marketing professor that made me really think, seriously think about how businesses sell their products - it is really about the experience and perceived notion of the business/product and not necessarily the product itself.
Take Starbucks for example (it is a staple in a photographer's life after all)....do they really make the best coffee and treats or do they just make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside and just down right special?!
Well, I do think their pumpkin spice latte is the best thing since sliced bread ♥
Aside from that, let's see how the 'experience' breaks down.
When you go in or drive in you are greeted with a "Hi! I'm John what can I get created for you today?"
What...really they just told me their name and make me feel like I'm a creative genius - awesome!
So then you place your order and what do they do? They ask for YOUR NAME and they write it on the cup - so cool. When your order is ready, they don't say "Order number 235" they say "Morgan your order is ready" with a smile!
So that is pretty awesome right - but then they go even further! If you go there enough you get a customized gold card, pretty special, and other freebies and perks.
If you go inside you're greeted with an 'at-home' feel with cozy couches and chairs and it just reeks of 'worth it' for what they charge.

Let's put this into photography world speak.
Make your clients feel special - make them feel like you went above and beyond everything to make their experience the best you could!
Bring water along for during the session - the client won't think of that!
Bring tissues, a towel or anything else for wiping sweat or yuckiness off.
If they have small children bring an age appropriate toy or an assortment for their good behavior during the shoot.
If it's the older crowd bring something special that pertains to them as a unit or individuals - something small that lets them know you care.
Learn their names before you ever meet them! Yes, I am serious, learn all the names. If you don't personally know them get the ages and names and match them up.
So the session is complete - let them know how much you enjoyed them, yes they are paying you - thank them!
During the session get to know little things that make them special and set them apart from everyone else - that way when you do your sneak preview on your blog you can show them that you did listen and you do care.
Once your clients have completed their order and you are presenting it to them make it beautiful! Have your packaging reek of 'worth it' make it like a special present and include a thank you note, a personalized thank you note.

The session is over, so no more contact with your clients? NO WAY!
When they fill out forms for you - have them put birthdays, anniversary etc. and send them cards for the special occasions in their lives. When you're mailing out Holiday cards - send your clients one from your business.

Offer repeat clients perks. Show your clients that you do care, they are your bread and butter and allow you to continue to do what you love.

♥Morgan

How to make a Burlap Swag Banner

2012-01-09T15:15:00.001-06:00

How to make a Burlap Swag Banner
Gather your supplies, you will need:
-Fabri Tac
-Scissors
-Burlap
-Selected paint colors
-Paint brush
-Fray Check
-Bias Tape
-Measuring tape (for fabric, not pictured)
-Stencils (you can make your own with a craft exacto type razor and thick scrapbook paper)

Start off by laying out your burlap, you can iron on a low setting if it is stretched or wrinkled. Optional-I also Febreeze my burlap because it does have a natural smell to it. Then cut a small starter cut at the bottom of your burlap. Burlap is a very difficult fabric to cut straight but there is a trick to cutting in a straight line as pictured below. Grab a string where you cut your burlap and pull that string all the way out.

Please excuse my unpolished/unkempt nails I have been terribly busy chasing babies and working lately! This is what the fabric will look like with the string pulled.

I used the string pulling method for all areas that I wanted to cut so that I could keep my lines straight. I then cut my hanging portions of my burlap banner in 5 inch sections.

Next I created my stencils I used my cricut to cut my stencils but you can either buy your own stencils at Michaels, Wal Mart, Hobby Lobby, or you can create your own! Create your own by printing out the letters in a bold large print from your computer then cut the letters out, trace the letters on thick scrapbook paper. Use your craft exacto razor to cut the letters out that you have traced on your thick scrapbook paper, and voila! Stencils!

Take your new stencils and place them on your burlap where you would like to paint the letters.

I use the “blotting” method of painting and paint around the outer edges of my stencils first. The blotting method seems to work better than brush stroking.

Most Bias Tape will come in 3 yards section pieces. I cut mine to about a yard, cut yours as long as you would like to fit the width of your backdrop or what have you. Next grab your bias tape, ribbon, or cording and turn it over and put your glue along side of the back, place your burlap pieces and glue. Now use your fray check to go along all the outside of your banner burlap pieces. You can further fray the outer edges by pulling 2 or three of the outer strings.

Ok so this is what your banner is going to look like when you are done with it! I have afixed mine to my backdrop and it is ready for my Valentines day shoot! I figured it was time for my dogs to get hitched!

Ok, so it is not my best work and the groom looks like he had a wee bit to much "punch" before the reception...but hey the banner looks great!

Guest blogger Amy Jo Wagner, is a stay at home mom, military wife, crafter, student and photographer. As a guest blogger she hopes to teach you all how to craft on a budget for personal use or photography use . Her current eye candy comes from Morgan Kervin, Rita of The CoffeeShop Blog and Pink Paisley Photography.
"My real job is being a stellar mother and wife, my hobbies are crafting and photographing life's special moments"
Websites: http://www.mrswags80.etsy.com/
http://www.mrswaggy.etsy.com/
http://www.mgmphotography3.com/
Blog: http://monkeyandabeesittinginatree.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/MGMPhotography3/142781549125516

Not created equal

2012-01-06T08:44:00.001-06:00

Probably my most insightful quote to date:

"Not all photographers are created equal.
Don't go to someone based on price - instead invest in the one that makes you love looking at the world through their eyes.
Don't go to the one all the 'cool people' go to - invest in the one that makes your heart sing when looking through their photos.
You need to love almost everything your photographer offers and more important than that, you need to love your photographer's personality - those are most important or you won't get the magical images that are uniquely you."

This means more than even just the surface text. There is a reason that a lot of photographers advertise that they specialize in something - it isn't just because that is what brings in the most money or what is the highest in demand. A photographer with a specialty knows what they are good at and know the ins and outs of it - not all photographers are created equal.

So for example:
You are engaged and have hired photographer Jane to capture your special day - that is her specialty after all :) GREAT!
A year later you find out you're expecting, you give Jane a call and she says 'no' - don't be discouraged. If that isn't her field of expertise she would be doing you a disservice to take your hard earned money not having the experience in maternity/birth/newborn photography.

Not all types of photography are the same! If you want to hire a photographer, do the research and find the photographer that works best for you....both in price and quality....don't just go to the one everyone else goes to.

Sports - your photographer will need to have the proper equipment and time
Wedding - your photographer will need to have the capable equipment, time and an assistant
Birth - your photographer will need to have the equipment, emotional/mental and flexible schedule to accommodate
Portrait - your photographer will need to have the equipment, knowledge and skills
Newborn - your photographer will need the equipment and experience

Honoring the organizations that give back

2012-01-04T13:32:00.000-06:00

It's hard. Life is always a battle, but when something rocks your world your first reaction isn't "Do I have pictures of my family?" Likewise you shouldn't have to worry about the little things - step in the non-profit organization. These groups make it easy to partner the client with the photographer to make these memories last a lifetime, with most the one in need contacts the organization and they handle the rest. It's one less thing to worry about, but one amazing thing to keep you going later - a little something to bring back your smile in remembrance of the great moments together. So if you do fit any of the organizations requirements - just contact them, get the portraits done, capture the memories...if not for you, for your loved ones. Photographers, if you can join at least one non-profit, I promise it will bring you more joy than you can imagine! I've worked with non-profit organizations of the years and I loved it ♥ being a part of something just for the joy of giving someone a gift of photographic memories is amazing.

The list is a continual list, so if I'm missing a non-profit or a new one just started let me know so I can share the link and information. Also feel free to share the post, just a quick link will work to spread the word of these amazing groups selflessly helping others.

Inspiration Through Art - Our mission at Inspiration Through Art is to help provide and capture memories for families who are dealing with hectic schedules due to having a child who is suffering from a serious illness or life altering disability.

Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep - Our mission is to introduce remembrance photography to parents suffering the loss of a baby with the free gift of professional portraiture. We believe these images serve as an important step in the family's healing process by honoring their child's legacy.

Preemie Prints - Organization dedicated to sharing hope with families experiencing the difficulties of life in a neonatal intensive care unit with a premature or sick baby through information, photography, gift bags, support, and prayer.

Shoots for a Cure - A charitable organization, comprised of a network of professional photographers, serving two main purposes – celebrating life and supporting the cause.

The F.I.L.M Project - Photographers worldwide gifting professional family portraits to cancer patients and their families during their most fragile time.

The Maple Leaf Mission - "THE GIFT OF LIFE IN PICTURES" We want to help you capture those precious moments & memories and will do so in the most gentle and accommodating way Our soul purpose is to make those final moments with a loved one absolutely Beautiful!!!

The Tiny Sparrow Foundation - A non-profit foundation that will provide professional photography, free of charge, to families of children with life threatening illnesses. These photos will provide the families with the gift of precious memories:-)

The Tiny Light Foundation - Provides Free professional photography for children and families that have been faced with a life altering diagnoses. We provide families with the lasting memories in the form of photography.

OpLove - Most people are so overwhelmed with emotions they forget to simply point and shoot the camera they are grasping of their child's first hug, or that single tear of relief from a mother being able to hold her twenty year old son again. With the help of Operation: Love ReUnited and local photographers near your base, you can.

A Wee Lil Princess Crown Tutorial

2012-01-03T09:07:00.002-06:00

Thank Morgan for letting me come back and start my crafting tutorials again. I took quite a bit of time off in order to take care of personal family health issues, but now I am back in the saddle! This is a tutorial on my Newborn princess crowns, as always feel free to make and sell these items but you are not allowed to (alter) and sell this tut in anyway or fashion. Also please credit Morgans blog as it is always nice to credit the source :) I know that you may have seen these wee lil crowns around but who wants to pay 14.00 for one? Here is how to make your own.

Supplies:
-1 can of starch (or extra hold hairspray)
-Scissors
-A roll of lace
-Dishtowel
-Iron
-Fabri Tac glue
-Fabric tape measure (not pictured)

First take your lace roll and tape measure and cut it to “about” 9 inches (give or take) in order to fit the newborns head. I bought this roll of lace from Wal Marts craft/ribbon section.

Next grab your handtowel, your cut piece of lace, and your hairspray. Hairspray (or starch) your lace piece and lay it atop your folded towel. Fold your towel in half covering your lace piece and iron over the top of the towel several times. After your lace piece seems very stiff (may take several hairspray applications and ironing) flip it over and repeat on the other side.

Now take your starched lace piece and apply just a wee bit of Fabri Tac to the end of your lace piece and glue the ends together. This should take about a good 15-30 seconds to dry.

Here it is in action (photo taken by me):

Guest blogger Amy Jo Wagner, is a stay at home mom, military wife, crafter, student and photographer. As a guest blogger she hopes to teach you all how to craft on a budget for personal use or photography use . Her current eye candy comes from Morgan Kervin, Rita of The CoffeeShop Blog and Pink Paisley Photography.

"My real job is being a stellar mother and wife, my hobbies are crafting and photographing life's special moments"

Websites: http://www.mrswags80.etsy.com/
http://www.mrswaggy.etsy.com/
http://www.mgmphotography3.com/
Blog: http://monkeyandabeesittinginatree.blogspot.com/

Remembering 2011

2012-01-01T16:08:00.002-06:00

2011 was a wonderful year!
I photographed over 60 clients - totaling nearly 100 sessions
I had my first magazine shoot (first time being published)
I held my first co-workshop with Rachel Brenke
Rachel and I also launched our brainchild Fstop Frenzy
I began my photo[ed] course
I temporarily closed my camera to clients

Thank you all, fans and clients alike for making 2011 a wonderful MKP year to remember.
May 2012 bring much happiness and success to you all.

♥ Morgan

Little Diva and Dude Designs - Hope for Ava Auction

2011-12-27T08:37:00.000-06:00