I photographed Adalynn this week to celebrate her one-year milestone.  When I uploaded her session to my computer, all I could do was smile…there are images of Adalynn sticking out her tongue, images of her giving me stink eye (my personal favorite), frowning, shy faces and happy faces.  Even when she is not smiling, she is a very photogenic little girl with her slew of backup expressions.  Adalynn is such a cutie and a pretty happy one-year-old (don’t worry Mom & Dad she’ll give you the temper tantrums during her teenage years!).  Thank you {V} Family for meeting up with me this week!  Enjoy your sneak peek!

Of the numerous sessions I’ve photographed, I think I’ve had *maybe* four men call to schedule the appointment.  You have to admit.  Photos are a “woman thing” - - we get all weepy and sentimental when it comes to our babies. 

So this gift certificate sale is for all the guys.  I know ya’ll love a sale, especially if it means you don’t have to venture to the mall!  Surprise your wife with a Mishka Photography gift certificate for Mother’s Day.  Yes, Mother’s Day is May 9, so no scheduling golf outings that day.  You can thank me for that reminder later.  Bring the kids in for a session or, better yet, do a “Mommy and Me” session.

Gift certificates can be applied to session fees and/or prints but cannot be applied to boutique items (i.e., image boxes, canvas, metal panels, etc.).  Sessions using gift certificates can take place at my Royal Oak studio or outdoors on location.  Sale ends 4.9.10 but certificate can be used for six months, or through 10.09.10.

And, ladies.  Feel free to email this post to your husband.  Sometimes they need gift ideas or that gentle push [shove?] in the right direction.

Firstly, I apologize for the lack of blog action lately.  Busy, busy.  I couldn’t help but take the time to post about these two beautiful sisters. 

Sydney and Kelsey walked into the studio and I knew that they would make ridiculously adorable photos.  What started with shyness turned into goofy smiles, funny faces, a tea party and dancing.  Mom called to schedule a session and wanted photos of the girls in their dance outfits.  I realize, now, that the sneak peek does not even contain any of the dance photos!  I really had a difficult time deciding what to include!!  Check these sisters out - they have THE.MOST.AMAZING.EYES!!!!  No photoshop enhancements made to their eyes - those sparkles and lengthy eyelashes are all natural.  Gorgeous!

**Leave ‘em some love!  10 comments earns the “N” family a complimentary 5×7.

It has been a great year.  “Great” is actually quite an understatement.  It has been a fantabulous year for Mishka Photography!  My work was published locally a few times in various articles and publications.  One of my photos made the back cover of a nationally published book.  Metro Detroit voted my business into third place for WDIV’s Best of Detroit for portrait photography.  I am proud of my accomplishments and excited about the opportunities 2010 will offer. 

The best part about the past year?  I have met so many wonderful, kind hearted families, adorable kiddos and blissfully sweet babies.  I have spent time with amazing children through the Littlest Heroes Project - - each one of them taking up shop in a special corner of my heart.  I sincerely appreciate every bit of trust you put in me to capture your families moments and memories.  I say it all the time….but the photography arena is a very competitive industry……I am humbled and honored and sometimes flabbergasted that you made the choice to work with crazy ‘ol me.  I am blessed to remain busy and booked, even with the Michigan economy in cahoots.  I love to pick up my camera every day.  I love to meet new families (which often times turn into great friendships).  I love to make your children giggle.  I could not have chosen a better path to take in my life and I never imagined in a gazillion years that my passion would turn into something so……..wonderful.

Now, for the deliciously exciting news!  I am taking my business and photography up a notch.  I have taken the plunge and will be opening my own STUDIO in Royal Oak!!  My head is spinning, I can’t stop thinking about furniture, fabric, paint and window treatments and I am beyond excited to show it to you!  I have some a-maaaaaa-zing ideas up my sleeve for the space and am aiming for a mid-January opening but will keep you posted here on the blog (and on Facebook if you’d like to look me up over there!).  I hope you will all stop in to visit me at the new place.  And, if you have been happy with my services, I would be forever grateful if you decide to spread the word about my new home away from home. 

So, THANK YOU, my friends for making me feel special.  For believing in me and my, often times, crazy visions and ideas.  Thank you for a wonderful year.  I wish all of you and your loved ones a safe, happy and peaceful holiday season.  Be Merry!

Cheers!

Andrea

p.s.    I almost forgot to give some love to my family!  I cannot express how wonderful they have been, particularly the past few months.  I really gave their patience a run for the money this Holiday season! 

And, because a post is blah without photos.  Here are a few fisheye snaps from the Rochester display.  Its gorgeous!

Unsuspecting shoppers and those out for a casual evening meal were in for a surprise on Sunday.  Royal Oak was taken over by ZOMBIES!!!  The undead came out to walk the streets yesterday for a good cause - - Gleaners Food Bank - - in the annual Detroit Zombie Walk.  There were hundreds of them - zombie dogs, zombie babies, zombie brides, zombie priests, zombie doctors.  It was fantastically entertaining!  If you’re interested in participating in this event in next year, visit Zombie Walk Detroit website here.

Effective December 1, 2009 the standard session fee will be increasing (don’t shoot the messenger!!).  For clients who have already booked 2010 appointments, please note that the change in price will not affect you.  If you are intrested in booking a session and would like to save on your session fee, please contact me asap to discuss scheduling.  All sessions booked and paid for before December 1st, even if your appoinment falls in 2010, will be subject to the current $100 fee.  And, because a post is not complete without a photo. . . .I thought this one was appropriate for the news. . . . .

Sorry folks…..there is nothing cuter than a baby in a knitted hat…..or a baby in a pumpkin for that matter!  Although I have a plethora of hats to choose from for your session, consider purchasing a hat for your little one at www.etsy.com to make your session that much more unique.  Everything on Etsy is handmade, professionally crafted, and did I mention handmade?  There’s a whole lotta talent going on over at Etsy.  You can even support your local crafters and choose the search option to “shop local.”  Check out this little cutie.  Both hats purchased from debrobinson’s shop.

My fellow photographers: if you do not know Jodi of MCP Actions, you need to know her and you need to start stalking her blog.  She is a genius -  -a Photoshop Rockstar.  She’s featured two of my blog boards on her site!  Click here to see them (the maternity and floral boards are by yours truly).  Jodi offers a plethora of tools to speed up your editing process, fantastic informational online courses to master certain areas of photoshop, as well as daily tidbits and helpers on her blog.  Check her out!

And, because a post is not complete without a photo, here’s another of the train station.   I just never tire of these images.  Happy Friday!  Enjoy this a.w.e.s.o.m.e weather!!!!

Sweet little AJ was only 6 days old when I photographed him this week.  Although he didn’t quite like me moving him around, he was a champ for his session and made the cutest little faces.  Simply adorable.  Thank you Mom and Dad for having me over.  Enjoy your sneak peek and your new little blessing!