The drooling has ended.  The wait is no more.  I *finally* have it in my paws.  The Canon 5d Mark II.  Ohhhhh how I love thee.  I was put on the list before this bad boy was even released and my loverboy, Rick W., at Adray Camera called yesterday to let me know it was my lucky day (FYI- I was 22 on the list and there are more than 300 waiting at this store alone). 

And one of the first shots with my new baby.  For my fellow photographers who check out the blog - - this was taken at 1/80  f/2.8  ISO 4000.  ISO 4000!!!!  Holy Moley.  I am smitten.  You can start to see a bit of noise at 4000, particularly on the walls but I can tell you this baby performs like a charm at speeds in the 2000-3600 range.  Fantastic-o!  The only issue I ran into is that the 5dM2 RAW files are not compatible with Adobe Camera Raw for CS3 (and adobe is not making a plugin for CS3 as CS4 is now available).  RAW files are, however, compatible with Lightroom 2.2 which can then be imported into an older version of PS (i.e., CS3/CS2 yadda yadda).  A bit of a pain, a bit more cash.  Worth it?  Heck yeah.

I’ve added more birth announcements to my ever growing list of boutique items.  Note that most of my templates can be customized for boy or girl. 

Beautiful Baby Sydney.  I had the pleasure of photographing her at the hospital less than 24 hours after her arrival in this world.  Simply adorable, simply sweet, simply girl.  Check back soon for more photos of Sydney as Mommy and Daddy have an upcoming newborn session scheduled! 

I’ve been busy creating new templates.  The square templates are printed at 20×20 or larger and the rectangle template is printed at 11×20 or larger.  These can be printed on professional grade photo paper and professionally framed.  Note that all of my prints over 8×10 come mounted (ensures longevity of your print).  These would also look fantastic printed on canvas as they make an incredible statement on a wall when printed large.  As always, templates can be completely customized to suit your taste and home decor (font type, color, background color, etc., etc.) - each one will be unique!  These are not reserved just for new clients, past clients can take advantage of the new templates as well.  Pricing starts at $90.

I’ve recently taken on some work with corporate clients looking to update professional headshots of their employees.  These here are for BSDD Law Firm in Detroit.  If you, or someone you know, need updated photos for website, brochures, business cards, monthly newsletters, etc., please get in touch. 

I swear my kiddo has 3,000 faces.  Here’s just a handful.  Oh, and by the way, check out this snazzy studio set up.  This is a faux-wood Pergo floor that just snaps together with a very funky damask background.  I also have the same drop in pink/brown.  I really like how this set up looks as though it could be in anyone’s home - it is a bit more relaxed, a bit funky.  I’m diggin’ it!

Okay, so its technically three-year-old-preschool-belly, not baby belly.  But its adorable nonetheless.  My little guy is obsessed with his belly button - - he was even busted during his Preschool Christmas Program with his dress shirt up and playing with the sometimes innie, sometimes outtie (depending on how much he’s eaten that day!).  Maybe its just my mommy goggles, but his belly is awfully cute.

If it weren’t so dag blasted cold last night I would have danced under the moon.  It was beautiful - - lighting up our freshly fallen snow and creating shadows and silouettes of bare trees.  Gorgeous, yes?