A Few Updates and Family Day Peeks!

If you're on the blog today you might notice that it looks a little different. And if you're not reading from the blog and you didn't notice... Well, it looks different. I'm getting ready to roll a couple things out. On Monday night the blog and site will be merging and everything will be accessible at christinemcguigan.com.

The other change will be an adjustment to packages and pricing. Session prices are going up a bit but the big change is going to be to the wedding packages. I'm starting to see what works and what doesn't as far as package options, so I'm simplifying big time on those! As always, anyone under contract for a wedding or anyone who has already booked a session for the fall will still be guaranteed the old pricing.

And speaking of fall sessions... I have about a week left of sessions then I'm taking the remainder of my pregnancy off. I'm due at the end of the month and it is getting to be nearly impossible for me to maneuver around during sessions! And once I'm down on the ground to get a shot, I'm pretty much stuck down there. Feel free to still contact me if you're hoping to book something before Christmas. I'm taking a limited number of appointments in late November.

Here's a peek at the families that came out last weekend for holiday mini sessions. I had a lot of fun with everyone and I'm working hard to get everyone's photos done as soon as possible!

Brandon and Katie, With Halle and Boo

I recently met up with Brandon and Katie and their two puppies, Halle and Boo. I can't decide which is more work, photographing two puppies, or photographing two kids. Puppies run faster, but children cry. But both can be bribed with treats... It might be a tie.

C. Family Photos

I met this group out recently for their family photos. There are too many names to name, so we'll just call them the C Family. They were certainly a pleasure to work with! First of all, it was a ridiculously good looking group of people. Then add to that the fact that they were all nice. And they even offered to climb up on big piles of rocks for photos. It was a little chilly (and I know everyone was hungry) but they all hung in there and had fun!

Happy New Year!

Welcome to the new year! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season. I'm enjoying my mini vacation. I mailed out my last disc of 2009 and I am officially photo free for another four days. I've been watching endless hours of movies and The Office. My husband and I have been creating new things in the kitchen. My dog hasn't had to sit next to my desk and beg me for attention. (I think he might be ready for me to get back to work now.)



We had a grand total of seven seconds to get that shot.

I couldn't be more excited for the things coming up. Lots of fantastic engagement sessions and weddings for the year, new babies being born everyday, kids finishing up high school... it's always something new with this job! My big, giant goal for 2010 is to find a studio space.

What big things does everyone else have planned for 2010?

Next week I will have two amazing sessions to share with everyone! A 1st birthday party and a rocknroll engagement session.

Kobe, Katie and Pudge

I'm taking a little break from all the engagement, families and wedding photos (not that I don't love them) to share some pet photos I took recently. I went over to Lorraine's and photographed her beautiful dogs and cat.

This is Kobe with the blue eyes.



And Katie with the brown eyes.



She's a howler. Doesn't she look so soft in this picture? I want to bury my face in the scruff around her neck. That's probably my favorite part of a big furry dog - its mane.



Then, we went and found Putty Pudge. The cat actually came running when Lorraine called her. I've never seen a cat do that before.





Just to give you an idea of how big this cat is, here she is sitting next to the coffee table.



Thanks, Lorraine for having me over!

Melissa and Alex

If Melissa and Bryant got the less desirable version of Fall, Melissa and Alex got the good one. Warm, sunny... warm, sunny. What else can you really ask for in the middle of October?

Melissa and Alex were a lot of fun. They met me out for engagement pictures with their beautiful dogs; Chopper, Diesel and Cali. I think pound for pound, they might be outnumbered. It's funny that to me, my one 40 pound furry lab-mutt is "too much work," yet here is a functioning family with 300 pounds worth of dogs. That is going to be the basis of my argument when I talk to Matt tonight about getting a second dog. :)

Cohen's One Year Photos

This day was pure adorableness. There was not only cute Cohen, but also cute Lulu, an eight week old boxer puppy.



And Cute butts.



Cute smiles.



Cute not-so-smiles.



Cute OMG what am I sitting in.

Maddex

I almost made it through June's sessions before I started on July. Almost. I got behind on poor Maddex here. He turned 6 months in June. At first he wasn't too thrilled about getting his picture taken, but his dad cheered him up enough to get some smiley pictures.



Here it comes...







Maddex is neighbors with Grant, so they also took some pictures together. Grant spent the entire time trying to eat Maddex. It looks like they're hugging in this picture, but Grant is really slobbering all over the side of his face.



And here's this because I seriously cannot go to someone's house and leave without taking a picture of their dog. I can't. I'm simply unable.

G-Man's 5 Month Pictures

Every month it gets harder and harder to take his pictures because I'm too preoccupied with playing with him to really concentrate. The kid is an absolute doll.



We took this month's pictures over at Grandma's house. By the time I got there and started snapping away he was already worn out from all the over-stimulation that comes with a room full of adoring grandparents.



Even Great Grandma was getting in on the action.



And then of course I couldn't resist taking a picture of the dog.



Keep an eye out on the blog next week, it should be full of all kinds of new stuff. I have three sessions this weekend!

Vegas

This is Vegas, my sister's doberman. Vegas completely ignored my camera. I photograph my dog at home a lot, and he will not sit still once I get my camera out. He's way too interested in what I'm doing. If I hold it up in front of my face he comes running over to make sure I'm still okay behind it. Vegas though, couldn't care less about me. Which worked out well...