When I became a mother, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I think most mother’s can look back and say the same. For every moment of parenting that is crazy and challenging, there is one that grabs your heart and hugs your senses. Children reshape you completely. They really do change everything, especially your heart. These two little boys play my heart strings regularly. Mostly because they are mine.

Happy Mother’s Day & Happy Father’s Day!

*SPECIAL: In honor of Mother’s Day (May 9th) and Father’s Day (June 20th), Vanessa G. Photography is offering a FREE Mini Storyboard for every session held between May 1st & June 30th, 2010.*  Applies to new sessions booked during May & June 2010 who mention this offer during booking. The Mini Storyboard is a limited edition item that will feature two to four of your session images.

Here are the rules:

1-BE a fan on the Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/Vanessa.G.Photography

2-Click on the link “Vanessa G. Photography Appointment Reservations” in the links box in the lower left hand corner of the Fan Page. (It’s also on the Wall several times!)

3-There you will select your FREE 10 minute time slot on March 17th! You’ll even get an email and text reminder (next week) when you enter your information.

4-Show up on March 17th, at the new studio, on time, to have your picture made. It will be quick, painless, and fun.

5-Your image will be emailed to you shortly after that day.

About the short and sweet shoot: This will be a head and shoulders shot, unless you have a prop that requires more length, then a head to waist shot. Feel free to bring any kind of prop you’d like (guitar, skateboard, flower, book, magazine, purse, sports equipment, etc.). Keep accessories in mind, like scarves, hats, earrings, necklace, glasses, sunglasses, etc.  You can decide which type of personality you want to show. Ex: funny, silly, serious, fancy, crazy, diva, hobo, mysterious, sexy, fun, plain-jane, normal, in-character, etc.

Ladies, I’d wear your hair down and if you typically wear makeup, use a slightly heaver application of color than normal. Men, at least wash your hair that day and neaten facial hair if needed. Clothes? Anything goes.

Painting has never been a media of choice for me. Light, on the other hand, is quickly becoming my new paint brush.

This lovely lady is fellow photographer Melissa Surprise of Surprise Photography in NY. She was my teammate for a little “light painting” fun. Thanks girl!

Tip: If you are not able to view the galleries, try “clearing your cache” and then restart your computer. Google that phrase to learn how.

SPECIAL: My next high school Senior is going to have a portfolio to die for! I’m eager to get a few in front of my camera, so here’s a deal…BOOK a Senior session for March 2010 and receive an extra $100 print credit. Good only if your session is in March.

Model #1: College student in Atlanta, GA. Sweet as sugar. Up for anything.

I love to capture motion in a photograph. “E”motion too.

Model #2: Originally from Uganda, Africa. Currently a Hospice nurse in Atlanta, GA. Previous experience modeling in London & Paris. It showed.

While she looked stunningly beautiful like this. I was wearing a wool coat, heavy scarf, insulated boots, and you could see my breath coming out of my nose. She was totally professional. Even keeping on her barely there heels.

It wasn’t cold in the studio, but we still captured some smokin’ images.

This handsome little fella was a recent visitor to the new space. He came with quite an interesting story. The christening gown he’s wearing has been worn many times before. It’s made of cotton. Cotton that was grown on the family farm about 140 years ago. A fine, talented woman, his very great-great (maybe greater) grandmother, spun that very cotton into thread and carefully crafted it into this very gown. It has been handled with care for many generations.

When you come to the studio, bring something special with you!

Hats are great on little heads. This one came with him. Like a bonus of cuteness.

A little silliness is always allowed and encouraged.

At 7 months old, babies can, and usually do, play with their own feet. We were waiting for that moment. Often I take the cuteness in whatever form they are willing to give. This little white shirt and curled posture worked for me.

Babies communicate in every way they know how. Making funny faces comes with the catalog of expressive tools. Handsome little stinker.

In the end, we awarded 116 door prizes and 100 goody bags. It was amazing to see the community support from so many local businesses who donated those fantastic door prizes.

Here are a few peeks inside the studio…

Dowless’ Catering helped us complete our vision for the food. We had something very specific in mind…food-tinis! For desert we wanted only mini cupcakes. Sandra’s Cake Creations was given free reign to use her creative skills to make something we could ooow and ahhh about.