Mary Beth's Photography

{ Bridal Show Review and Thanks }

2012-02-03T13:01:00.001-05:00

I am still on such a wonderful photographer high from the fabulous Bridal Show I attended last weekend.

It was so much fun to plan for the event and then to show off my work to all the excited brides and their families! Here is a better look at my display from last weekend.

I think I was able to show a variety of portraits from weddings I have photographed and some of the fun "extras" I offer!

Remember, if you attended the Bridal Show, then you have until Sunday to book your wedding with me and receive the { SPECIAL OFFER }! Also, the { "Takenista" Bride Give Away } ends on Wednesday, February 8th, so leave a comment for your favorite bride on my Facebook page www.Facebook.com/MaryBethsPhotography!! www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

2012-02-01T11:04:00.000-05:00

{ Bridal Expo- "Takenista" Shirt Give Away }

What a fabulous time I had meeting brides at last Sundays CSRA Bridal Expo! At this event I had a drawing to give away three cute " Takenista" shirts to three lucky brides! As if that wasn't fabulous enough to get these cute shirts....I decided to make it just a little more interesting!! Once they had won the shirts, I took their picture to be entered into a contest for one lucky bride to win $500 off any wedding package I offer!! I know.... how exciting!! :)

So..... the contest begins today, Feb. 1st ( after all, February is the month of LOVE!! ) with three brides battling it out and will end on Wednesday, Feb. 8th!! You will have 1 week to show these brides some love! Spread the word to friends, family, coworkers...heck even your mailman!!

The lowdown ...aka...The Rules! Have them head over to Mary Beth's Photography Facebook page and show some love to my page and then leave a comment underneath their portrait! The bride with the most votes WINS!!! You may only vote once...it will not count if you vote each day and can only be made on Mary Beth's Photography Facebook page...just an FYI!! :)
( This contest is no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by or associated with Facebook.)

So.....start voting!! :)

*If you are a bride and didn't win, but would love one of those cute " Takenista" shirts for your very own....my very talented friend Marlee sells them at www.whatsyourista.com

{ Bridal & Formal Expo - Jan 29, 2012 }

2012-01-27T06:43:00.000-05:00

In just two days, I will be attending the 4th Annual CSRA Bridal & Formal Expo 2012 held at St. Paul's River Room on Reynolds St. in Augusta, GA from 1-5 p.m.

I am so very excited to speak to all the brides, grooms and families in attendance. Can you guess why I am bringing this bodice? And what do you think is hiding under these boas? Why would I be bringing boas to this event?

Mention you saw my posts on Facebook to enter a { Special Drawing } taking place ONLY at the Bridal & Formal Expo! See you there!!!

{ 11/11/11 Ring in the Bells }

2012-01-25T22:09:00.001-05:00

For Tessa and Jacob, 11/11/11 will be a day that they will never forget!

In a beautiful ceremony and reception at their church in Augusta, GA, Tessa and Jacob became Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Bell on 11/11/11!

What was so adorable was the unique details during their wedding like their giving away "Bells" because of their last name and their signature board, which was a canvas with a tree painted and all the guests were invited to put their thumb prints as leaves on the tree and sign the board - so cute!

After their lovely wedding and dessert reception in their church (which their church family pitched in to help with putting together), the happy couple traveled to a mountain cabin in North Carolina for their honeymoon.

Don't you love this idea for their Thank You Cards?

A very special thank you to Nancy Harper, a fellow photographer who referred Tessa and Jacob to me.

It is always so nice to work with fellow photographers to share our talents!

If you are looking for a wedding photographer, come visit me at the 4th Annual CSRA Bridal & Formal Expo 2012 held at St. Paul's River Room on Reynolds St. in Augusta, GA from 1-5 p.m. this Sunday, January 29, 2012!

{ A Special Portrait Session for A Special Family}

2012-01-20T14:58:00.000-05:00

The Nichols Family are very special to my family, as Melanie and Ralph are dear friends and our daughter’s Godparents.

It was so much fun taking portraits of Melanie, Ralph and their daughter Gini Blake!

Despite it being a very cold day at Hammond’s Ferry (everyone had gloves on and we were all still freezing), we had a wonderful time taking family and individual portraits as well as Christmas portraits.

I even had the pleasure of seeing them again to take portraits of Gini Blake in her toe shoes and ballet outfit, along with her cheerleader uniform. www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

{ Windy Day Turns Out Wonderful }

2012-01-17T08:18:00.000-05:00

Annah Aggerton was lookingfor someone to take her Senior Portraits and saw my work from other seniors.

When she called me, I knew her session was going to be wonderfully different. Annah and her boyfriend met me at Hammonds Ferry on a very windy day, anddespite our contemplation about whether or not to take the portraits, I wouldsay we made a great choice.

Annah is just beautiful and the scenerysimply enhanced her beauty. I loved adding the couch into nature. After she graduates from Curtis Baptist School, Annah will be attendingcollege.

What a great time I had capturing your special Senior memoriesAnnah! www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

{ Skylar Turns ONE! A Full Circle of Portraits! }

2012-01-13T07:24:00.000-05:00

I can not believe that Skylar is one!!!

I also can not believe how lucky I have been to capture her on this first year journey of life. When I first met Skylar, she was a newborn.

Her Mom decided to use me to do a full year of portraits, capturing important milestones - newborn, six months and one year.

As the final round of the three, we did “three-in-one” - “Smash the Cake”, “Christmas”, and “One Year”. Well, Skylar was as cute as ever and one of the best babies I have ever photographed.

As a studio session, we had a few outfit changes for Skylar and had to rinse her from head to toe after her “Smash the Cake” session - she didn’t know what to think of the cake and didn’t eat a whole lot.

I was so happy to present to Skylar’s family a storyboard, showing their beautiful girl over the last year. www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

{ A Wedding Show }

2012-01-11T21:34:00.001-05:00

Attention Fans! I am so very excited toannounce that I will be attending the 4th Annual CSRA Bridal & Formal Expo2012 and it will be held at St. Paul's River Room on Reynolds St. in Augusta,GA.

It is on January 29th from 1-5 p.m. and tickets are $10 and all money goes tothe Aiken/Augusta Chapters of the Red Cross.

If you are getting married or knowsomeone who is getting married, come visit me at my booth.

I promise to have fabulous handouts andprizes, including **SUPER DISCOUNTS** on my wedding packages for attendeesonly.

This promises to be a great eventwith lots of local vendors showcasing our work.

I would love to see you January 29, 2012 from 1 - 5 p.m. at the St.Paul's River Room on Reynolds St. in Augusta, GA for the 4th Annual CSRA Bridal& Formal Expo 2012. www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

{ A Perfect Portrait Session, A Perfect Day }

2012-01-06T14:21:00.001-05:00

When the Dawkins’ Family called to set up a portrait session, I was so excited.

As very good friends of ours, I knew the session would just flow so easily. We headed down to do the portraits at a covered bridge - a location I had been to before and I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day.

It wasn’t too cold, actually a little on the warmer side, and the kids, Ashlyn, Katelyn and Ethan were just so good.

Thanks for a wonderful day! And if you are ever in North Augusta and need a bite to eat, stop by the Chick-Fil-A - the Dawkins own that delicious spot! www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

Happy New Year 2012!!

2012-01-01T15:59:00.003-05:00

I can not believe how my 2012 is wrapping up... seriously, my goals this time last year were to increase the number of clients I have, try new ways of advertising and to be hired as a wedding photographer.

Well, check, check, and check!! And I couldn't have achieved my goals without each of you.

Thank you for making my dreams come true; thank you for calling me time and time again to freeze special moments and memories, thank you for all of your support in 2011.

I start this new year with such a wonderful sense of bliss - and I look forward to seeing you in front of my lens! Happy New Year! www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

Energy, Energy, Energy!!!

2011-12-27T10:20:00.002-05:00

Energy, energy, energy... that is the name of the game with the Frey Family. Joanne and Lars contacted me based on the recommendation of another client, the Ayres Family.

What a wonderful family the Frey Family is!! Their twins, Emma and Isabelle were filled with so much energy - Hmmm... in hindsight, maybe I shouldn't have given two three-year-old girls "lollipops"!!! :)

We met at Hammonds Ferry on a beautiful evening and our session was on the go, with quick location changes, different outfits and lots of different poses, were got a bunch of portraits done in a really fast amount of time!

I was so happy to be able to take portraits for Lars and Joanne to send to their families in Austria and South Africa! www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T09:08:00.000-05:00

This time of year always finds me - no matter if gifts are purchased and wrapped, no matter if the tree is trimmed, the lights are up and there are cookies ready for Santa.

This year also always finds me... reflecting on the many Christmases of years past - growing up with my family, my first Christmas with my husband, Brett and celebrating each Christmas with our beautiful children.

Yes, this time of year always finds me - grateful, happy, filled with the spirit of Christmas and wishing for snow.

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas from our home to yours. www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

Unique Request = Special Opportunity

2011-12-21T13:29:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago, I had a chance meeting with RobertRollings, who wanted to partner with a photographer for some advertising workfor his wife's real estate company - Shannon Rollings Real Estate.

An email soon followed with a unique request...Can I do it at night, with the lights on and make it happen fast? :) Yes! Yes! and Yes! You guessed it - She wanted to capture a homedecorated with Christmas lights, at night and needed a very fast turnaround. One thing led to another and here is one ofmy portraits on the back of the "The Home Buyer" magazine!

I love working with businesses and meetingtheir needs. If you or someone you knowneeds portraits for brochures, websites, flyers or any other need, give me acall. www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

{ The Principal is on the Phone }

2011-12-16T20:13:00.000-05:00

Is it wrong that even as an adult, when the Principal calls you, you get that worried feeling?? Well, turns out that Mrs. Churm's, the Principal at my children's school, phone call shouldn't have made me worry at all, just made me feel so honored!

Mrs. Churm's grandchildren were in town from Atlanta and she asked if I was available to take portraits of two of the most adorable little girls.

Ansley and her little sister, Audrey Claire, came to the studio in my home on a cold day. The girls were so very sweet.

As with any two-month-old, the second they fall asleep, the magic behind the camera begins. I love watching siblings together and Ansley was such a wonderful big sister!

Thank you for the very special honor, Mrs. Churm. www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

{ Pond Family Giggles are the Best }

2011-12-13T16:20:00.002-05:00

Sometimes it is just easier for me to set up multiple sessions in one day. And while it can be exhausting, it is always so much fun to spend the day taking portraits. I just love it!

On the day that I met with the Pond family, I had already done a session in the morning. It was so exciting to be with the Pond family, taking portraits of them on their front porch swing. Frick, Frack and Frog - the adorable Pond boys (their nicknames, of course) - have the best giggles I have heard!!

And what inspired their giggles... the trick up my sleeve - the whoopie cushion. What a pretty setting we had in their home that was recently redone - what character and what characters those Pond boys are!!! www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

{ Entries - Life Style Session }

2011-12-12T08:34:00.002-05:00

It is time to vote! After all the entries we received, here are our top three nominations. Thank you to everyone who nominated, now let's start voting! Here is how you do it: Go to my blog www.MaryBethsPhotography.Blogspot.com and read the entries under the title { Entries - Life Style Session } - listed below in alphabetical order. Leave a comment on Facebook or my Blog about which family should win - it could be as simple as "The XYZ Family should win!" Voting ends December 16th, so any comments left after that will not be counted and whoever receives the most comments will WIN a FREE Life Style Session and an album of all the portraits from the day. The winner will be notified with a phone call and be posted on the blog on December 18th! Start voting today and encourage your friends and family to visit my Facebook page to vote, too! (This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.)

The Ayres Family

The Ayres Family are such a wonderful and special family and friends of ours. They do such cool and different things together and always as a family. Their kids are so much apart of what they do and they always do things so that their kids can be apart of it too. From camping trips to days at the lake or the park so crafts at home. They give their kids the best of best experiences and fun times. They would make the perfect family to follow around for the day!! You will have a blast with them.

The Blankenship Family
Picture this... the story of a family's reconciliation happens over Christmas. That is what is happening for the Blankenships this year. After losing touch for many years due to divorce, relocation and busy lives, four generations of the Blankenship family will gather together for the first time this Christmas. People from ages 5 to 90 will gather together and blend the stories of their lives in North Augusta and celebrate. The true meaning of the Christmas season will be living proof in the Blankenship family as they rebuild relationships and foster new ones. What better way to document this momentous occasion than with a Life Style Session!!

The Lehi Family

I really believe Terrie Lehi is an angel walking theearth. She is a dedicated mother, wife,friend, and employee. She seems to takeeverything in stride, keeping all situations in perspective about what are themost important things in life, God and her family and friends. And she has boundless energy and dedicationto making life better and happier for others. Terrie is the type of person who doesn’t realize theimpression she makes on others or the joy she brings to everyone’s life, simplyby being herself. She is selfless,always putting the needs of others first. I think a “Life Style” session would be a wonderful treat for her andher family and a great way to capture the love of her family.

{ A December to Remember }

2011-12-08T11:38:00.001-05:00

Attention all MEN: Do you have something special up your sleeve planned for this Christmas?

Is that someone special in your life going to receive a very sparkly surprise this Christmas holiday?

I would love to capture your engagement with portraits for you to remember always. What better way to document the beginning of your love story than with portraits!! Look at how I captured weddings from this past year and visit my website www.MaryBethsPhotography.info! Give me a call at 803.634.0596 or email me at mb_photography@bellsouth.net

{ A Change of Venue }

2011-12-02T06:40:00.001-05:00

One of the battles a photographer faces when taking portraits outside is the weather. And due to wet ground from the night before the Loose Family's session, we had to make a fast change.

We decided to go to Hammond's Ferry and used the backyard and patio of Melissa's brother.

We were so close to the water and had such great opportunities for different portraits - the day worked out just lovely!

Melissa and I are both in a Mother's Club and her children Thayer and Vivian are friends with my children. It turned out to be a great session and I was so thankful we were able to make the location switch! www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

{ Cyber Monday Special 2011 }

2011-11-27T21:32:00.001-05:00

Black Friday has come and gone and now you are hoping that Cyber Monday helps you find the most perfect gift... Well, look no further!!!

As a unique giveaway to all my fans who have been so supportive this year, I am going to give away a very special portrait session, which is also becoming a new promotion for 2012.

Have you every wished you had a photographer with you as you and your family bake your favorite holiday meal or as you go to the park for the day? I am a photographer because I want to capture life's beautiful moments and they happen all the time!!

In a new session called "Life Style", I will visit with you and your family for three hours and document your beautiful moments.

Here is how you enter - send me an email (mb_photography@bellsouth.net) with who you are nominating, the town they live in and why you are nominating them in 200 words or less by December 8, 2011.

Visit my Blog from December 12 - 16, 2011 for the top three stories and let me know who should win. The story with the most votes by comments will be the winner and will be notified on December 19th - just in time for Christmas.

Please note the winner of this contest must live within a 50 mile radius of North Augusta, SC.

Start nominating and give someone the perfect gift on Christmas morning! And as if that wasn't the most perfect gift ever... as an extra added, super special, just because you have all been so good to me addition, I am including a beautiful album for the winning family to use as a keepsake of this session!

{ So Much to be Thankful For Today } - WWoW

2011-11-23T16:49:00.001-05:00

I love what Thanksgiving does to me! Each year, Brett and I have made it a point to make November all about being thankful with our children. Each day we ask them to tell us different things that make them thankful.

Last year, we had a "Thanks Tree" and each day, the children would add a leaf to the tree with something that made them thankful. Sometimes the things we are thankful for are little - being thankful for a piece of electronics or pumpkin spiced coffee, and sometimes the little things we are thankful for rest on our hearts all year long.

This year started out so tough with the passing of my 92-year-old grandmother, but it is this time of year that makes me enjoy being thankful for all the little things about her that are always with me - the smell of her perfume, the funny things she would say when we would talk, the way she would pull off her clip-on earring to talk on the phone and the many Thanksgivings we spent together.

I am reminded of a quote I heard, "Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize that they were the big things." As you celebrate Thanksgiving 2011, enjoy the little moments you have with your family and friends - a hug, a laugh, a smile, a memory - because one day, they will be the big things. I wish you a safe and thankful Thanksgiving! www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

{ A Session that Deserves A Repeat }

2011-11-18T16:53:00.001-05:00

Why can't all sessions be just like the one I had with the Ayres Family? It was just a sweet session all around - sweet family, sweet children, sweet location... all sweet!

The Ayres crew was willing to try anything and they appreciate good photography. On a cool, crisp day, we headed to a new location at the Savannah Rapids Pavilion.

It was really a great place, full of life and a bunch of other photographers - all of us out in the same location, loving the scenery and respecting each others work... just doing what we love to do!

Two very funny things happened during the session. The oldest Ayres, Ryan, wanted so much to go to my studio because he loved to play with the car mat - too funny what impresses children and what they remember. The second funny thing was the other impressive thing for Ryan - my whoopie cushion. He was happy that I had brought my "special pillow". A very special thank you to Rose, Eric, Ryan and Madeline! www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

{ If Only the Horses Could Talk }

2011-11-10T14:05:00.001-05:00

Sometimes everything just works... the weather is perfect, the family is full of healthy, happy people and the scenery accents the portraits at just the right time.

This was a Saturday for me a couple weeks ago. The Holton Family and I met at a special location near my home that was full of fields, horses, stables and I was feeling so creative!

What a beautiful family full of a few generations together. I swear the horses knew the second I was about to take the portrait, because they would stick their heads out from their stables at just the perfect time.

I was sort of expecting them to start looking at me and smiling!! One of my favorite portraits was the kids’ “silly picture”, something their mom, Kelly, had been telling me they had been practicing!!

Thank you to the Holton Family for a wonderful day. www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

{ A Well Planned Portrait Session }

2011-11-10T14:01:00.001-05:00

I love spending time with customers whom I have worked with in the past.

I really feel like I get to watch children grow, capturing them each year!

The Huckaby Family and I met at Enterprise Mill for a portrait session that was booked three months ago!

I love being well planned - and they loved knowing that I had saved the time just for them!!

Mrs. Huckaby is fantastic at getting her family coordinated with great colors! Thanks for a great day! www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

{ A Special Piece of Jewelry for that Special Someone }

2011-11-09T13:31:00.001-05:00

Looking for that super special Christmas gift? Then buy a piece from the Kotori Jewelry line and add a portrait from your session this year or a scheduled session.

These beautiful pieces come in a variety of options for the special mother, grandmother, aunt or sister in your life. There are also great options for men.

All the pieces are handmade and solid sterling silver. They are also UV resistant and waterproof. Showcase your portraits in this unique way!

You can also start thinking ahead for birthdays and Mother's Day next year! Contact me ASAP for guaranteed delivery for Christmas. www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

{ The Buddy Walk - A Beautiful Inspiration }

2011-11-04T20:09:00.000-04:00

A few Sundays ago I was asked to take part in a very special event, The Buddy Walk.

An event that supports families affected by Downs Syndrome, I was thrilled to be asked by two families to visit them while they participated in the walk.

On a warm, beautiful day, I joined all the families including Adyson’s family and Cooper's family. It was so incredible to see so much caring and love surrounding all the support.

Thank you for inviting me to take part in this very special day! www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

{ Pumpkin Patch 2011 - A Huge Success! }

2011-11-01T20:53:00.003-04:00

Another great season at the St. Bart’s Pumpkin Patch with so many portraits done over the month of October!

We have had such wonderful weather and such great sessions of wonderful children.

I just love how into the Pumpkin Patch everyone becomes and how much support goes to St. Bart’s!

This year, there were so many visitors, we had to bring in more pumpkins!

So, tell me, what is your favorite thing to do with pumpkins - painting, carving or cooking? www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

{ It is Here!! The Fall }

2011-10-26T07:46:00.001-04:00

Here it is... we are sitting in the middle of such a great time of year... the Fall!

Seriously, I think everything is just better in the fall - from the Pumpkin Spiced... well, everything, but especially the coffee to the beautiful scenery - perfect for apple or pumpkin picking and portraits - to the weather - cool enough to start wearing my trademark, the turtleneck, but still warm enough to enjoy outdoor time with the children.

Maybe I love this time of year so much because I have so many wonderful memories that involve mums, jack-o-laterns and painting pumpkins with my children or maybe Fall is the special treat before my favorite season, winter.

Whatever it is, I simply love this time of year and all the magic it holds. www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

{Senior Portraits - Head of the Game}

2011-10-21T18:14:00.000-04:00

When Alyssa called me to schedule her Senior Portraits, I knew that there must be something special happening in her life. And I surely was right!!

Alyssa is in this year’s Homecoming Court! A very sweet young woman, Alyssa is super busy between her cheerleading commitments and her job a Chick-Fil-A, so we made time and headed to downtown Augusta.

With five outfit changes and multiple locations, we had a full session and lots of time to chat. Turns out that Alyssa was referred to me by two of her senior friends... how super sweet!

Take advantage of the Fall foliage and get your senior portraits done in an outdoor setting and I can create for you a unique senior announcement!!

{ An Engagement to Remember } Kellyann and Nicholas

2011-10-18T20:21:00.002-04:00

A fun visit with Kellyann and Nicholas for their engagement session brought us to downtown Augusta!

What a fun couple who were willing to try anything!

I loved that Kellyann had done a little “portrait search” on her own and had some creative ideas of how to capture this adorable couple.

A funny moment behind the scenes was when I realized that my towering 5 foot stature was no contest for Nicholas’ 6 foot stature. Thank goodness for ladders and my steady hand. We were able to capture some very sweet moments between this adorable couple! www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

{ A Newborn Session with Some Creative Touches }

2011-10-14T19:12:00.000-04:00

Sweet, adorable Sydney... I honestly think I say that all my newborn portraits look like I am capturing little angels and aren’t newborns just that... gifts from God?

Sydney’s Mom Christy contacted me after being referred by Skylar’s Mom Keela. I packed up my camera and a few props and headed to Sydney’s house.

I love doing on-location sessions for newborns - they are comfortable, in their own surroundings and Christy was ready with some adorable outfits and creative ideas, including a ribbon for Sydney’s hair and a beautiful bracelet.

Sydney was a fabulous little girl and by the end of the session, both she and I were ready to eat!! :) www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

{ In Home Consultations - A New Offering }

2011-10-12T19:15:00.002-04:00

Do you have the most perfect place in your house for a portrait? Of course you do... we all do, but are there any portraits on that wall?

Since we don’t know what would be best in that perfect area, we just don’t put anything there. That is where I can help!

As part of the offerings I provide to clients, I am available to visit you in your home to show you a variety of products from frames to storyboard collections to jewelry and circular prints and canvas gallery wraps... and show you how best to display your favorite memories!

Set up a time today! www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

{Brooklyn + South Carolina = A Visit Home for a Maternity Session}

2011-10-07T18:43:00.002-04:00

I never truly realize the impact I make with my camera until I get a call from Brooklyn... Nicole's friend, Shlonda, is a customer of mine and showed Nicole portraits I had done of her and her family.

Next thing I know, Nicole is calling me to schedule a maternity session appointment. Originally from our area, Nicole was going to be visiting her parent's as she takes a break from her medical studies in Brooklyn.

With the portrait session being on location at her parent's house, there we lots of great opportunities for some wonderful portraits of the super sweet couple, anxiously awaiting the arrival of little Xavier! Just before I left my house for the session, I grabbed the Scrabble box for a creative way to showcase their new baby's name.

Thank you Nicole for making time on your vacation to let me capture this special moment for you! www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

{Portraits on Display in a Creative Way}

2011-10-04T11:04:00.000-04:00

Looking for a wonderful way to display your portraits? Take a look at the new line of frames I am offering with TheOrganicBloom.com.

These adorable frames come in every size imaginable and can be embellished with ribbons. This frame line may sound familiar to you, because they even offer frames as ornaments, which I offered as part of a September special.

Want to hear something really neat? The frames don't come with glass which gives a more natural feel for displaying your favorite portraits.

Contact me today so that I can visit your home and help you select which frames would go best in your home. I even have sample frame colors to test with the colors in your home. www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

{Session on the Road}

2011-09-30T09:24:00.000-04:00

When Grace's Mom called me to set up a portrait session, she wanted to capture her sweet newborn at home. I was super excited!!

What a wonderful place of comfort for a child and I love going on location for a portrait session! I loaded my car with my camera and a bunch of fun props and met an adorable family! Grace's Dad is in medical training and the family is originally from Louisiana.

Going to clients homes, allows me opportunities to discuss where their portraits will be displayed. A new service I am now offering with your session is helping you design your space to display your portraits.

Whether it be with gallery mount portraits, wooden mounted storyboards, or using my new frame line The Organic Bloom to help display your portraits, I am here to make your portraits look fabulous on your walls! www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

{Capturing Snuggle Sessions}

2011-09-28T10:30:00.001-04:00

Picture it... It is Saturday morning and all your children have decided to snuggle in your bed.

They love being in Mom and Dad’s big bed, under the covers, warm and snuggly. You look over at your spouse and say, “I want to freeze this moment, don’t you?”

Well, now you can!!! Capture this fun moment with a new portrait session I like to call, “Snuggle Session”! Instead of being in a studio or outside, let me take your portraits as though it is Saturday morning!

Call me today to schedule a session and freeze the moment you love the most!!! www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

{Third Session is Charming}

2011-09-23T19:01:00.001-04:00

I mean, seriously... could Skylar be any cuter?

This little precious one is a photographer's dream and at 6 months old, she is as sweet as she is beautiful!!

Skylar and I have had the pleasure of working together three times since she was born and it is so great to see how interactive she is now and smiling all the time!!

We did the session in my studio with a variety of settings including natural light, studio lights, backdrops and Skylar had a variety of outfit changes for the session, too! What a fun session! www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

{Tradition, Elegance and a Celebration}

2011-09-20T14:01:00.000-04:00

I love a challenge! Each time I am asked to take portraits, I secretly hope that the client wants something I have never tried before or that I need to really focus to make the magic of pictures happen.

Don’t get me wrong, each portrait session has a unique quality, but sometimes all the elements come together that make it an extra special moment. When Brittny contacted me about capturing her wedding day, I was so excited.

So very excited to visit the Sacred Heart Cultural Center, which is where her wedding and reception took place. With beautiful high vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows that make the lighting change so frequently, this was a gorgeous setting that had all my photography senses on overdrive.

The best part is that the preacher was a resource I didn’t think I was going to have - instantly he was giving me suggestions and inviting me to be part of the ceremony so that I could capture all the details of Brittny and Dusty’s special day.

A traditional and elegant wedding on a beautiful day made for the perfect start for a new life together! www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

{Pumpkin Patch Sessions are BACK!}

2011-09-16T15:53:00.000-04:00

It is that fun time of year again!!! Pumpkin Patch Sessions are set for October 7th and 8th at St. Bart’s Episcopal Church in North Augusta. Why not send someone special an adorable portrait of your little one surrounded by the season’s finest pumpkins!?!

I will be taking portraits from 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. on Friday, October 7 and 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 8th. A half-hour session for one child is $30. For 2 or more children, the cost is $50 per session.

If you buy a pumpkin to help support St. Bart’s, you also get 4 wallets! Make your reservations today as spots fill up quickly!

{Fall Fashion for Portraits & a Special Opportunity}

2011-09-14T11:04:00.000-04:00

Fall is a great time to have portraits taken. The leaves are starting to change and the chill of winter is still a few weeks away!

Whether you are having your children's portraits taken or a family portrait, I always get the same question... What should we wear? I decided to put together a few options of great outfits and colors that will help accentuate your family and the portrait location, without making you look like you work for Target!

With the help of former customers of mine and such sites as OldNavy.com and Gap.com, I was able to find some great options.

If you book a portrait session by September 30, 2011, then you will be able to take part in a special opportunity. Booking a portrait session includes a Christmas ornament from my new frame line TheOrganicBloom.com. This adorable customizable, colored 2x3 frame includes a portrait from your session that day! www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

{The Lovell Family Question is Answered}

2011-09-09T14:20:00.000-04:00

I feel like I have spent so much time with the Lovell family and for such wonderful reasons! You may remember this adorable family because Kristen, the mother, had a questions mark on her belly the last time you saw her.

For those of you who guessed she was having a little boy, you were correct. Jake arrived and made the Lovell family even more lovely. I had the pleasure of taking such precious portraits of Kristen and Jake, all the boys and some new family portraits.

Little Jake was a bit fussy when we started, but like the perfect model, he relaxed by the end of the session and we were able to move him around for some very creative portraits.

I had the letter “J” and Kristen had a perfectly matching green blanket. What a wonderful time! www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

{Sun, Surf, and Portraits...} Just a Day at the Beach

2011-09-06T11:11:00.000-04:00

I love the drive to the beach when my family and I vacation there... the anticipation, the excitement, the list of things my children want to do while we are there!

The last few years, the drive to the beach has also been lots of prayers from me for good weather. As a working vacation, I have had the pleasure of taking portraits while vacationing with my family.

The portraits are always fun and this year, I had sessions every night. Since I know the location so well, I know the perfect spots and the great times for the best lighting.

This year, during one of my sessions, we also moved inland a bit to a park for a first birthday session. In addition to the props I brought of star fish and shells, nature provided us with driftwood on the beach at some of the sessions I had.

A very special thank you to the Butler Family, White Family, Evans Family, Price Family and our contest winners Brantley Family for allowing me to capture your 2011 summer vacation.

{Fun Couple} Portraits

2011-09-02T10:37:00.001-04:00

It is great to take portraits of friends and what a special friend Meredith is to me!!

She and her boyfriend, Brent, decided they wanted to do a fun couples portrait session.

We headed to downtown Augusta and took portraits in a few locations. What a photogenic couple!! They were so cute as the interacted and we had such a fun session!! www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

Happy {Birthday} Brenna - {Capturing} Special Moments!

2011-08-31T11:54:00.001-04:00

Today, my baby turns five. To say that I can't believe that she is five is an understatement. It seems like yesterday that we found out we were pregnant with our third child - the completion of our family. As if being pregnant wasn't wonderful enough, after two boys, we were having our little girl.

I have taken many portraits of my children over the years and love that so many special moments have been captured - frozen memories that will last forever. Over the weekend, Brenna had a couple friends over for her "Fancy Nancy Party".

As I stood with my daughter in celebration, took her picture as she blew out her candles and watched my baby enjoy knowing that she was big enough to go to Kindergarten, I realized that in a few years, I will probably not remember what the decorations looked like or what the cake looked like, but I wouldn't have to recall the details, as I captured them with my camera.

Those frozen memories will be documented to share with Brenna and I can send her a portrait when she is planning her own five-year-old's birthday party and say, "Look... remember when you loved Fancy Nancy and wanted that as your party when you turned five"!! In my profession, I love knowing that I can give that moment to other people, too! www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

Ready to Get {Married}

2011-08-19T07:08:00.001-04:00

After three months of dating, Jessica and Kevin knew they had found their soul mate and got engaged!

When I asked Jessica about their quick engagement, she said, “We just knew we were ready to be married.”

When planning for their session, Jessica had sent me a few ideas she had and I was so happy!! I just love when my clients send me ideas of what they want from their sessions.

I had a lot of fun with Jessica and Kevin and was so happy that the rain held out, even though the sprinklers came on at the very end of our session. www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

{To Use Flash or Not to Use Flash...} That is the Question

2011-08-17T09:19:00.000-04:00

What is a photographer to do when it comes to using your flash? You want to showcase your subjects, you want to make your subjects’ eyes crisp, but you don't want to make the portraits look unnatural, whether you are indoors or outdoors.

First place to start... learn about your camera. Take pictures when it doesn't really “count”. Try using your flash in different ways indoors and outside. Learn about adjusting your F-Stop and ISO settings to get what you want from your portraits.

Second, take classes and attend conferences. I took classes at Augusta State and with Scott Kelby, who offers classes online and all around the country as well as I have attended conferences and workshops.

Third, learn about different flashes. For example, I will use a gary fong globe to eliminate shadows because I can bounce light off items in the room.

Sometimes I even use a diffuser cap over my flash so that when I tilt my flash it diffuses light when directed it at the subject. The best piece of advice I can give you is this... don’t be afraid of your flash in different situations. Make it your friend and your portraits will benefit! www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

Capturing A New Addition to the Ayres Family

2011-08-14T20:53:00.000-04:00

I met the Ayres family through my hair dresser, Keely.

What a super sweet family!! Rose, Eric, Ryan and their sweet new baby girl, Madeline.

Ryan was so excited and so proud of his new baby sister, who was just a little over 6 weeks old.

Rose and Eric, who are both engineers, are so sweet with their children and were so excited about their first family portrait of 4! www.MaryBethsPhotography.info.

A Beautiful Day for a Beautiful Couple

2011-08-09T12:23:00.001-04:00

On June 25th, surrounded by family and friends, Berry and Alicia became husband and wife and I had the honor of taking portraits of their beautiful day!

What a beautiful event at the Rosemary Inn in North Augusta! I met Alicia through her Mom, who works at my children’s school.

The funniest part of the day was finding out that Alicia had Berry convinced that she was wearing a purple dress, but when she arrived she was wearing a white dress with fun navy blue shoes.

A very special thank you to Chuck Reville, a very good friend who is a photographer in Waynesboro. I met Chuck in a photography class and he has been a wonderful resource and has been my co-photographer at the weddings I have photographed! Check out his work at www.ChuckRevillePhotography.com. www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

What a wonderful day!

A Special Connection

2011-08-05T16:43:00.000-04:00

It is always great when I make a connection with someone who takes such great care of my children.

Sonya Edwards is the school nurse at Belvidere Elementary. She knows my children so well and I hear from her so often that she actually has her own ring tone on my phone!! That is what asthma and eczema issues will do!!

I was so excited when Sonya asked to have portraits taken of her husband, Mariquis and her children Bryce and Micah.

Micah was so full of energy and the second I took out the bubble blower, she was all smiles and so was her brother, Bryce. Thanks for a wonderful time! www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

Wednesdays Words of Wisdom

2011-08-03T13:22:00.000-04:00

If you ask any Marketing Specialist, you will find that word of mouth is the best form of advertising.

How often do you ask a friend or family member for advice on where to shop, a product to buy or to suggest a professional service?

I can't tell you how my client base has grown due to the wonderful recommendations of former clients. It is honestly the highest form of compliment to have someone refer their friends or family members to me for portraits.

Keely Seider, my friend and hair stylist at Special Effects Hair Salon (803-292-9609), and my good friend Michelle Warner have referred so many clients to me!! Just take a look at these portraits!

If you refer a friend who books a session in the Fall of 2011, you will receive a free 8x10 or two 5x7 portraits! Act fast, because this special ends when winter begins!

Boy, Girl or ?

2011-07-30T10:07:00.000-04:00

When Kristin Lovell family contacted me about taking portraits, I was so excited about what we were going to be doing.

This wasn't your usual portrait session - we took individual portraits, family portraits, maternity portraits and lots of different variations of family members together. Two hours later, we were successful and took care of all the Lovell family's needs!

I had suggested taking portraits at Living History Park, a park where you have to make a reservation to use the grounds - there is no cost, but you have to get on their schedule. The lush, green outdoor setting was perfect for the Lovell family!

Since this is Kristin and Steven's 5th child and they hadn't found out if they were having a boy or a girl, we painted a blue and pink footprint on Kristin's belly, along with a question mark. It was so much fun listening to their other children discuss if they thought their family's newest addition would be a boy or a girl.

Despite the heat, the children were troopers and I enjoyed taking portraits of the Lovell family during the first outdoor portrait session! www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

Wednesdays Words of Wisdom

2011-07-20T13:26:00.000-04:00

When planning to have portraits taken of you and your family, have you ever considered stepping outside?

Right around the corner in Aiken, North Augusta and Augusta, you can find lots of great woodsy areas for beautiful, natural backgrounds for capturing special moments with your family.

Throughout my photography career, I have found quite a few outdoor locations to meet my photography needs - rivers, covered bridges, cool outdoor structures that provide great texture for portraits, railroad tracks, lakes, wooded paths, waterfalls, streams and rocks.

Of course, there are lots of ways I recommend to structure your outdoor portraits session to make the most out of the location and your time.

Time of Day. A successful portrait session does not take place in the bright sunlight! Since I am familiar with so many different locations, I am also familiar with the best time of day to provide wonderful natural light to enhance your portraits.

Arriving Promptly. Generally speaking, and especially if you are looking to have portraits taken of children, I recommend arriving promptly for your appointment. Outdoor sessions rely so heavily on the perfect time of day that even a 15 minute late start could affect location, shadows and bright areas.

Special Touches. Depending on your family, I sometimes like to bring indoor items outside, to add texture to locations, such as luggage or baskets. I also always bring bug spray and drinks to outdoor portrait sessions. Prior to the session, I can give advice as to what your family should wear to compliment each other and the location.

If you are interested in a portrait session, either indoor or outside, contact me to discuss your needs or visit my website for more examples www.MaryBethsPhotography.info.

The Twin to Twin Tour

2011-07-18T11:05:00.001-04:00

What do you think of when I say NJ, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, NC and SC? I think of a wonderful family vacation - visiting family!!

Over the 4th of July weekend this year, my family and I hopped in our car, armed with DS games, chips, lemonade, fruit, music and lots of excitement. You could consider our trip "The Twin to Twin Tour", as we started our trip by visiting my sister in Washington, D.C. area.

She and her husband Mark had twins in January, adding to their family of three. Joining us (by plane) was my mother and her husband. It was a fun start to the weekend, with a bus tour of D.C. and a visit to see the Washington Nationals play!

Then, we continued "The Twin to Twin Tour" along with my sister and her family and drove to NJ to visit my cousin and her husband, who also had twins this year!

It was a beautiful day for BBQ and swimming in their pool. We were sad to leave all the fun, but happy to be heading home!

Our seven state tour over the 4th of July weekend made me realize how lucky we are to have each other and to live in the United States of America! www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

Capturing Wedding Day Memories

2011-07-12T15:44:00.000-04:00

Fun, fun, fun and hot are the words I would use to describe Van and Shannon's wedding!

In true Southern fashion, Van and Shannon's wedding day weather was blazing hot, but thankfully, and also in true Southern fashion, the tea was cold! Their wedding took place at Hopeland Gardens and their reception was held at the Rye Patch.

With an outdoor ceremony and an indoor/outdoor reception, we were all very happy that it wasn't raining! And I was so happy to have such beautiful locations for some creative pictures.

I couldn't help but feel the tears in my eyes when I saw the Remembrance/Memorial chair for Shannon's Dad. He passed away suddenly when she was younger. It was a beautiful tribute to a very special person.

Shannon and Van, thank you for letting me be part of your special day! www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

{ One Last Memory }

2011-06-11T08:49:00.000-04:00

When Ashley called me to set up an appointment to take some portraits of her family before they headed out on their new adventure of moving to Greensboro, NC....I was excited to be able to give them one last memory of our beautiful area! Our families have been friends for a while now and our boys are good friends. Sad to say the least having them move, but wishing them good luck on this move to Greensboro! Here are some portraits from our session together........

{ Senior Style }

2011-05-27T21:45:00.000-04:00

Book a Senior session by June 15th and receive 25 custom Senior Announcements! They come in a fabulous front to back 5x7 size, with portraits and wording of your choice! Check out these Senior portraits, as well as few sample Senior Announcements!!

An Unwanted Guest Visits This Portrait Session....

2011-05-20T09:57:00.000-04:00

It is always nice to see how your clients children have grown since the last family portrait and this was the case with the Anderson Family! Our last session took place when I was still fairly new into my photography business and we took their portraits at Living History Park! This session we decided on Brick Pond Park and Hammonds Ferry, since they are so close together and there is something unique to offer at both!

It was so wonderful to see how the boys had grown! It was a beautiful evening to take their portraits and I have never seen so much wildlife before at the park. During the first part of the session, we even had an unwanted guest show up near where we were taking some portraits......can you see the alligator head popping out in the water to the right of the boys?

I explored new parts to Brick Pond Park and found some wonderful new areas! Always a fun thing to do! My aim with each session is to do something unique or try something new or find a new area to take portraits.......

We ended our session at Hammonds Ferry, where some beautiful flowers were blooming in the field! Nature gives us some breathtaking backdrops for portraits!! Thank you Todd and Dawn for allowing me to capture this moment in time for your family! :)

Shh....It's A Mother's Day Surprise!!

2011-05-11T14:21:00.000-04:00

Don't you just love surprises?? I know I do, but I also know I have a hard time keeping a surprise a secret!! I just get so excited for the person who is getting it!! This one was underwraps until Mother's Day! Now that the gifts have been given, I can share with you what the surprise was.....portraits of grandchildren together were given to several Mom's on Mothers Day! What a special treat and one that is timeless!!

I even got the sweetest note from one of the Grandma's, saying she is enjoying the portraits and what a great surprise it was!

Win A Free Beach Session

2011-04-20T15:54:00.001-04:00

Spring fever got you down?? Well let's have fun and remember those wonderful summer days!! It will be here before you know it! Mary Beth's Photography is having a "Summer Fun" contest!! Here are the rules: Send your favorite photo of you, your children, your dog enjoying summer etc.... It can be the kids at the beach, pool, biking, camping, playing with chalk, enjoying a park, a vacation that rocked...pretty much anything dealing with summer. Mail "Summer Fun" to mb_photography@bellsouth.net anytime between April 20th-April 24th. I will post an album called "Summer Fun Contest" and then all you have to do is become a fan of Mary Beth's Photography and then click "like" or leave a comment under your favorite "Summer Fun" photo.The Contest will run from- April 25th-30th and the picture with the most votes wins .....the grandprize, well this a doozy..... A Beach Session at Hilton Head July 15, 16, 17 or 18th and $100 credit towards portraits!! What could be better??!! You know you have always wanted beach portraits, now is your chance to get them for free!! 2nd place will win a $50 gift certificate for Mary Beth's Photography! So, send those photos - please, no professional portraits, unless I took them :) and tell your friends about it..... If you cannot go to the beach, you will receive a free session for you and your family at a location of your choice in our area and the $100 credit that goes with it!! So, send the photos!!!!

Welcome Little One!!

2011-04-12T10:32:00.001-04:00

A new life enters the world and it is a reminder to us that we are witnesses to miracles!

This little miracle came to visit me in my studio, when he was 7 days old.

Do you see his little smile...... so precious! :)

They happen to be Georgia Fans.....go Bulldogs!!

His room has a jungle theme and so they brought this monkey to

use in some portraits.......hard to balance, but we got a few shots!

Thank you Ashmita and Manish for sharing your new little

one with me! Welcome to the world Ronak!

2011-04-05T17:21:00.000-04:00

Sharing Your Gifts.....
Life is about sharing the gifts and talents we possess with others. Using the gift I have been given to record life's moments with those around me is something I get pure enjoyment from! The feelings inside me that come from giving of myself and the families I have met, makes it all too clear why I have been called to be in this profession. It is a calling you know...what you are meant to do. It is that inner voice that quietly speaks. It may take time to listen to that voice or hear what God is calling you to do......but once you surrender yourself to what you are truly meant to do with your life, it is the most liberating feeling!

I am a part of the "Littlest Heroes" program that gives free sessions and portraits to families with children who have an illness or special need. These children are truly "Little Heroes" and their families are going through things I cannot even imagine having to deal with on a daily basis. I recently had the opportunity to spend some time with the McBride Family and their "Little Hero" - Andrew!

Andrew was diagnosed with Leigh's Disease around the time he turned 2. He was a normal little boy up until that point. Leigh's Disease is a rare neurometabolic disorder that damages the central nervous system. There currently is no cure for this disease, so each day is a gift!

He and his family have never had a family portrait done, because he cannot get out much. They have to be very careful about germs with Andrew. It was such a pleasure to meet them and little Andrew! What made it even more perfect, was that Lisa ( his mom) had her mother and two sisters in town to share in the portrait experience too!Andrew and his family have made an imprint on my heart and I feel so blessed to have been able to record a special moment for this family. Here are some shots from my visit! If you know of a family that has a "Little Hero", feel free to contact me!

Happy Child = Perfect Portrait Session

2011-03-21T13:52:00.001-04:00

As far as first birthday sessions go, Caeden's was one of the easiest I have ever had! What a little doll!!

As you can imagine, a successful session photographing children is truly dependent on how they are feeling at that very moment.

Jennifer, Caeden's Mom, was very worried when she arrived for Caeden's portrait session, because he had fallen asleep in the car ride to my studio.

Turns out, the little model, just need a few extra moments of rest before turning on the charm for the camera. Caeden was all smiles, so happy and just so darn cute! He is very close to walking and loved standing and holding on to a variety of props used during the session. What a fun time!

Wednesday's Words of Wisdom

2011-03-09T08:57:00.000-05:00

Christmas Gift Idea - Organize Now!

I know, I know... Mary Beth, are you really talking about Christmas gifts in March?? Yes, I am and it is all because this is not only a great gift idea, but it involves being organized throughout the year to accomplish this gift. I am sure you have all seen or purchased really neat calendars with personal photos for each month. This is a great idea, but how many of us start looking around Thanksgiving for a 12 pictures from the year of memories? I am one of the guilty ones.

I always have felt rushed to get this great idea to take shape for our parents. Then, once you find the pictures, now you have to upload them and get them into a calendar format.

All this extra stress can easily be avoided by organizing pictures in your computer. Simply take a few extra moments as you are are downloading pictures from your camera to place the pictures in month folders on your desktop or Photos folder.

You can even take it the next step and label folders within the month. If you have a few extra moments, pull out a few photos and place them in a 2011 Christmas Calendar folder that you have created. By the end of the year, you will not only have all your photos organized, but also be able to quickly and easily create those beautiful calendars that grandparents love.

I have ordered our calendars through online sites such as Shutterfly, Kodak, or Snapfish, (all calendar images on this post are from one of those sites) but you can easily take your pictures to your local Walgreens or Walmart for beautiful calendars that will make Christmas morning so special!

Very First Family Portraits

2011-03-04T08:03:00.000-05:00

On a cold, windy day at Hammond's Ferry, I met with the Glore Family for their very first family portraits.

Kim and Dennis arranged the session after always hearing my name when asking friends about having their portraits taken!

What a super sweet family - Lyla and Aiden were little troopers despite the weather and with trains in hand, Aiden was one happy 3-year-old. Lyla, 6 months old, had the most beautiful eyes and was much more interested in the pearls and flowers than having her portrait taken!

Take a look at the neat colorings I used in post production - I have been trying out some different effects and couldn't have asked for better subjects!

Bunny Time

2011-03-02T13:53:00.001-05:00

When I say pink nose, long pointy ears and carrots, what is the first thing that comes to mind?? Easter Portraits with Mary Beth's Photography!

That is right, it is that time of the year again and I have been searching high and low for the sweetest little live prop for this year's Easter Portraits! And I found just that sweet prop thanks to the kind folks at Pheonix Sun Rabbitry or find them on Facebook.

Reserve your portrait session today for March 25, 26 or 27th, when the sweetest little bunny will be in my home studio - portrait sessions will include a variety of props as well as be taken with white backdrops or natural light.

If you are interested in purchasing a little bunny for your family, contact Pheonix Sun Rabbitry! Portrait Session are $60 and include 2 - 5x7 and 4 wallets!

Skylar Makes My Day

2011-02-25T14:30:00.000-05:00

Keela and Kevin contacted me to take portraits of their beautiful 6-week-old daughter, Skylar.

Through a friend's referral, we realized that we lived in the same neighborhood. Skylar is so very cute!

She fell asleep during the session, so we were able to take some really sweet portraits. I love being able to use both natural light, as well as a black backdrop with newborns.

And how cute is the little hat Skylar is wearing with the pink bow? I had such a great time capturing this special moment in Keela, Kevin and Skylar's lives!!

Wednesday's Words of Wisdom

2011-02-23T08:24:00.000-05:00

Before becoming a photographer, I never realized how displaying photos can change the feel of the portraits or the feel of a room. When selecting a frame for your portraits, always try to match the frame and matting to the feel of the pictures.

A professional framer can help you select the appropriate colors and matte. Take a look at where you want to hang or place your newly framed portrait and figure out what size portrait you need to order and if your room already has that "feeling" associated with it. Do you want to continue that sentiment? Are there accessory pieces you need to purchase to fill up the space?

It can be an overwhelming task, but one that can make your wonderful portrait... spectacular. I offer solid wood, ready to hang storyboards that put together a variety of portraits from one photo session - this is a great option, if you just can't select the centerpiece!

In a 10 x 10 or a 10 x 20, these are great options and I can complete the finish in black or white. Ask me for more details on how to better showcase your portraits!

Organized, Organized, Organized

2011-02-17T12:28:00.000-05:00

Have you heard about how awesome my husband is? When I was explaining to him that I want to have my studio more organized, he built me shelves and painted them black with space for 12 really cool storage units!!

Can I just tell you how awesome it is to have my studio props, backgrounds and albums (among many other items) organized!?! And everything is organized in funky polka dotted bins, too!

It is so nice to feel like my studio is more friendly and welcoming and with so much less clutter! Thank you so much Brett!

Valentines Day Fun.......

2011-02-08T16:49:00.000-05:00

Want a fun idea and something creative to send or print for your love in your life??
I saw this idea and thought I'd give it a whirl and share with you all.....

All you need is : Your wedding ring , a special book that has meaning to you and your love, a flash light and camera/camera phone( it might be cute to send as a picture text!!)

Directions:
Step 1: Open your book to that special page~

Step 2: Get off your wedding ring (if you can!!) or use another round ring~

Step 3: Get your flash light~

Step 4: Place your ring at the top of the book and come from an angle with your flash light down on
the ring.......and check out what the shadow makes??? Do you see it??

It's a heart!!!

Wedding rings are a symbol of LOVE between two people and now you can actually SEE the LOVE!!

Give it a try!! I would love to see what you came up with!! So feel free to post your pictures on my facebook page!!

A Boy and His Dog

2011-02-02T09:54:00.000-05:00

There is nothing that says "childhood" like portraits of a boy and his dog.

I had the pleasure of taking portraits of Bronson and his dog Bungi. This 4th grade boy was super easy to photography and we took pictures in a number of different natural areas in our subdivision. Doesn't it look like I just happened upon them on a dirt road?

We also headed to a covered bridge in Aiken to take a few portraits as well. What a beautiful Christmas Card from the Bronson family!

Two Brothers and a Sister

2011-01-25T17:51:00.000-05:00

The Giffin Family lives in our neighborhood and found out about me through another neighbor, who is also a teacher at Belvedere.

Big sister Payton and her twin younger brothers Logan and Tyler were so very sweet to take portraits of at Hammond's Ferry. We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful afternoon around New Year's.

Since Tyler and Logan are twins, I decided to try something new and gave them letters to hold, spelling out the word "Twin"! Take a look at how I merged the portraits together!

How adorable are those sweet boys and how beautiful is Payton with her beautiful long brown hair and big brown eyes?!? What a loving, wonderful family!

Family Reunion Memories Captured

2011-01-21T09:23:00.000-05:00

What a wonderful Christmas it was for the Yarnell Family!

Their Dad is station in Alaska with the military and has been away from home for 6 months. He was able to get leave for 2 weeks during Christmas.

The Yarnell Family was referred to me by another customer and I just couldn't resist taking on their portrait session. If love were in the form of a picture, this family would be the true representation.

With two daughters in college, a son in middle school and a husband in Alaska, there is no dull moment in Jessica's life, but you could just tell how much they appreciated each other and how much fun they have together during the portraits.

This family was willing to pose anyway I requested and I couldn't have asked for more beautiful or handsome models! Thank you letting me capture your special time together!

Portrait Session with Cousins Becomes a Beautiful Gift

2011-01-17T10:46:00.000-05:00

I just loved this idea... My friend April called to set up an appointment for portraits of her children with their cousins.

She explained that she and her sister-in-law wanted to give their mother-in-law the perfect gift - a 16 x 20 of her grandchildren!

With a black and white theme, I enlisted the help of my black backdrop and set up my studio to capture the silly personalities of the Fox and Robinson boys.

My whoopie cushion trick made a for some hysterical laughter and kept the boys giddy for the entire session! Thanks for asking me to be part of this special gift, April!

Studio Session and Sweet Children

2011-01-13T13:32:00.000-05:00

I have been taking portraits of the Dawkins children since I started my business a number of years ago and I can't believe that I have watched them grow through my camera.

Ashlyn, 9, Katelyn, 7, and Ethan, 2, are such sweet children. We had a great time in my studio together.

Between the natural light portraits and the black backdrop portraits, I just love how each one turned out!

Ethan's Mom, who is also a very dear friend of mine, has told me that when she pulls out the camera, Ethan runs away... as you can see, he was a total ham for me (maybe the trains were helpful)!

Warner Family Portraits

2011-01-07T16:03:00.001-05:00

Michelle, who is a very good friend of mine, wanted to capture a few memories of her family and include their newest addition, Ellie.

You may remember Ellie, as I have been taking her portrait over the course of the last year, capturing her as she has been growing!

We met at Brick Pond Park on a beautiful day and found a few great places to take the portraits. How adorable is the one of Ellie with her Dad, Cliff?

Baliegh, who is 10 years old, was such a beautiful model... between her long hair and beautiful smile and bright eyes! Thanks for spending an afternoon with me, Warner Family!

She puts the "Dear" in Deering

2011-01-07T15:45:00.000-05:00

Abby Deering is as cute as a button... There I have said it! I spent such a wonderful day with Abby and her Mom, Carla in Aiken.

Despite the fact that I have been taking Abby's portraits since she was 3 months old, she was very shy when I first started taking her portrait. She was so shy that I thought I was going to have to break out my zoom lens to be a little bit further away and make Abby feel more comfortable.

Slowly, she warmed up to me and look at how her portraits came out! How darling is Abby in the wagon with her name on it?

Carla was very excited, because she wanted to surprise her husband with portraits of his girls! Very special "Happy Birthday" to Abby as she turns 2 this month!

More Commercial Work

2010-12-29T21:14:00.000-05:00

2010 wrapped up with more commercial work for Mary Beth's Photography! I had the pleasure of taking a portrait of the staff at Posey Funeral Home. The portrait was run as part of their holiday advertisement in The North Augusta Star. For more information about my services, please visit my website www.MaryBethsPhotography.info.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

2010-12-24T15:18:00.000-05:00

From my family to yours, may you have a very

Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year!

The Cooper Family 2010

Time with the Family

2010-12-22T17:43:00.000-05:00

I have one big, incredible family and whenever I am visiting them or they are visiting us, I always have my camera ready to capture sweet moments and special times. This last month has been no different.

The best part is the quality time has been spent with some of my nieces and nephews. Trapper is my sister's son. His life is about to change dramatically as my sister is giving birth to twins in a month. He will be such a great big brother and a wonderful helper to my sister and brother-in-law.

Justin and Amelia are my husband's sister's children. While they were staying with us, I surprised Stacy and took a bunch of pictures of them. She was so thankful because she was running out of time for Christmas card portraits. I can't believe how these children have grown!

Exchange of Services

2010-12-19T19:20:00.000-05:00

Owning my own business means I get to set some rules and one of those rules is to be open to different forms of payment! Now, I am not talking about accepting fake bills or chickens, but I am talking about exchange of services.

A perfect fit happened recently when I needed a logo for my business and Courtney Radtke needed portraits of her family.

My new logo has been being used for months now and recently I was able to pay Courtney back by taking portraits at Brick Pond Park. Maddox, her son, was adorable with his fire engine red hair and being always on the go!

Special thanks to Courtney for her great work on my logo. Check out her work as a graphic design artist at www.CRGraphicDesign.org

Beautiful Family, Beautiful Park

2010-12-15T11:38:00.000-05:00

Millie, Michael, Marshall and Walker met me at Brick Pond Park for their family portrait session and we had such a great time!

I couldn't believe how perfectly the family's outfits complimented the scenery at the park; Millie picked out the outfits for her family. The boys are so well behaved and so super sweet. Marshall, the older son, wrapped up the portrait session by singing us a song that he made up and showing us some of his artwork. What a talented little boy!

And how cute is the picture of the boys sitting on the suitcases! Looks like they are heading out of town for a road trip! Thank you Robinson Family for a wonderful afternoon!

Ellie's First Birthday Celebration

2010-12-09T07:47:00.000-05:00

Seriously, couldn't you just stare at these pictures all day?

Little Ellie visited me in my studio for her first birthday portrait session. With a beautiful white backdrop, Ellie delicately got into her cake.

Ellie was so bubbly and just loved her cake. Isn't Ellie's outfit adorable? Ellie's Mom borrowed the outfit from a friend to take the pictures. What a beautiful girl!