Pssst ... Go Check it Out!

Please be sure to update your bookmarks ... cause THE NEW BLOG is L I V E !!

http://marlalaramie.com/blog

One More Day

One more day, til the new blog is live! Did I mention how excited I am? I'll post the new link here tomorrow morning, so be sure to check back.

Oh and don't forget, today is your last chance to get in on the chance to win that Starbucks gift card, so don't forget to leave a comment!!

Here's a little sneak peek of something you'll see on the new blog...

JUMP!

Earlier this year Elliot bought the girls a trampoline for the backyard. I admit, I was not too thrilled at first. I'm a mom ... I worry. But I must admit, I've been won over. How can I not be, just look at the joy in their faces and smiles. They jump on the trampoline almost every day, except when its rained. I love their silly grins when the jump, the games they've invented, leaps and rolls they do, the way their hair flies all around as they bounce. Pure. Joy.

Back to Tampa

We're going back to Tampa. No, not to live! Just a visit. But its the first visit since we moved away almost 2.5 years ago. I'm so excited to see family and friends!!

Some of you may remember the gorgeous little girl below. She was one of my first portfolio building experiences and this is still one of my all-time favorite shots. And her mom and dad have asked to book a session while I'm down their way. YAY! I can't wait to photograph her and her sister (who is equally gorgeous).

There's a good chance I may have time to do one additional session while I'm in Tampa (the week of October 5th). If you're interested, email me at info@marlalaramie.com.




SCHEDULE & AVAILABILITY
If you're thinking about a session for holiday images, don't forget about my Holiday Minis. If you're interested, book soon, spots are filling up and are almost full. Download the Holiday Mini Flyer HERE.

For regular portrait sessions, my October calendar is full and I'm booking into November.

The deadline for ordering holiday cards will be December 1st. Any orders after this date are not guaranteed prior to December 25th.

Any prints ordered after December 10th are not guaranteed prior to December 25th.

Get Your Foot Off My Chair!!

Doesn't the title just say it all? When did they learn how much fun it is to aggravate your sister? And why is it so much fun? Little stinkers.
(pssst ... click on the image for a larger version)


P.S. Three more days until the debut of the new blog! Hey ... get your comments in for the contest. My stat counter shows you're looking ... post a comment for a chance to win a free coffee. Well, what are you waiting for??

Mama in the Country

I've only lived in northern Alabama a couple of years, so I haven't had a chance to explore all the little towns around here. This past weekend I had the opportunity to visit a lovely spot out in the country. It felt like it was waaaay out of town, but it was really only an hour's drive. The drive was worth it though ... lovely scenery, up in the hills, and a beautiful mama to work with.

I knew this session would be special, when Dad-to-Be contacted me about surprising her with a maternity session for her birthday. What a thoughtful guy!

The love and affection they have for one another really shines through when you see these two together. This is one my favorites from the session.


The current Baby in the house ...


I love her expression here, another one of my favorites!


When I saw this old, rustic swing ... I knew it would be perfect.




This is going to be one adventurous baby, no doubt! Mama and Daddy love to ride their four wheelers in their off time. I love that she was willing to jump on for a few shots. Look at her smile in this one ... pure joy.

Just One

I'm lazy tonight ... so I have just one image to share. It's from last month. It's one of my favorites of Anna right now because the look, her expression, her smile ... it's just so HER.

Enjoy.

P.S. Did you notice I have a little contest going? Don't forget to leave your comment so you can be entered to win a chance at that Starbucks gift card. Coffee ... doesn't that sound good right about now? =)

God Bless America

I consider myself to be a fairly patriotic person. I think its hard not to be when you spend 11 years as a military spouse. Even though Elliot is no long in the Navy, we have many friends who still serve, and they continue to have our support. No matter where you stand politically, the people who risk their lives every day to protect our freedom deserve to be honored and admired for their commitment. I know September 11th is a day to reflect and remember those who were killed in the terrorist attacks. This year I found myself outside, watching my children ride their bikes and play with their friends. As I watched the sun setting behind our neighbor's American flag, blowing lightly in the breeze, I took a moment to remember how truly blessed we are as Americans.

My very small tribute ...

Ballerinas

Dance. Gymnastics. Back to Dance. Sarah loves both dance and gymnastics, but each year she seems to flip back and forth. This year she wanted to do both dance and gymnastics, but we told her she had to choose one. We told her maybe next year she can do both. I think one activity is plenty for her age, especially knowing her attention span. So far she is loving dance and glad she chose it. I think she really missed it last year. We'll see how it goes!

Earlier this year I PROMISED Anna that once she was potty trained she could take dance class. We started training at the beginning of the summer, and after a four day battle of wills, she was a breeze to train. She's had very few accidents since then, and they are pretty rare now. So when it came time to sign up for dance class, I followed through on my promise. And she loves it. Her class is a combination ballet and tap. The last ten minutes of class they let the parents come in and watch. They are so adorable!

I love how sweet they look in their leotards and tights, with their hair pulled up. Naturally I needed a few shots of them dressed for dance class. =) These were my favorites, so I put them into a couple of storyboards.

Yummmm!

Can you believe summer is almost over? I for one can't wait for fall. Fall is my absolute favorite season since moving to northern Alabama. I love when the air turns crisp and the temperature starts to chill. And I especially love the fall colors. Already the days have turned drier and less humid (which unfortunately plays heck with my sinuses) and the evenings are just perfection. I love that the kids are back outside every afternoon and evening again, riding their bikes, jumping on the trampoline, playing with friends.

My girls will miss summer. My girls will miss ice cream. Oh wait. They can still have ice cream. But they will really miss swimming the most.

A New Look ... Coming SOON! ... and a Contest too!

I started this blog in November 2006 ... almost two whole years ago. I still can't quite believe its been that long already. And I officially started my business a year ago THIS MONTH. The first year has flown by. I've learned so much and met so many wonderful people. I am so blessed to be able to do something I love so much. And I have been blessed with some of the best clients EVER. So, thank you!!!

Iit's time for a few changes around here, don'tcha think?! Check back ONE WEEK FROM MONDAY for a brand spankin' new blog with a fresh new look and feel. I'm really excited about it and can't wait to show it off. I will be kicking off the new blog with some fun things ... including a posting frenzy and a commitment to blog more regularly. Look for the new link and debut on Monday, September 29th, to mark my one year anniversary since launching Marla Laramie Photography.

BLOG CONTEST
In the mean time, to celebrate my first full year in business, I'll be posting every day leading up to the launch of the new blog. AND ... I've got a fun little contest for you to participate in. Ok, so you probably want the contest details! Here goes:

Here's all you have to do ... post a comment to this post and tell me what you'd like to see on the new blog. Can't think of anything? Just tell me what you like best about this blog. Can't think of anything? Just leave me some love. =) That's it ... just one teeny, tiny comment left on this post. When I debut the new blog on the 29th, I will randomly draw one name from the comments section of this post for a $10 STARBUCKS GIFT CARD. Be sure to leave your email address with your comment, so I can contact the winner.

And what's a post without some pictures?! Here's two recent one of my sassy, silly, stinkers (say that five times fast!!). =)

A 2009 Senior Sneak Peek

Rain, Rain, Stay Away ... We crossed our fingers and hoped it wouldn't rain for Kelsey's senior session on Thursday. Luck was with us and we managed to get through the entire session without any rain. There were a few times the sky got pretty dark, and getting enough light in some spots was a challenge, but otherwise it was a success! We even managed to find a sliver or two of blue sky hanging in there. Kelsey was such a pleasure to work with ... she's sweet, fun, and gorgeous. Thanks for hanging in there with me, Kelsey!! I hope you and your mom enjoy your sneak peek.

Have I mentioned how much I love rustic settings?

Short & Sassy

This weekend while we were in Pensacola, my mom and I took the girls to get their hair cut. Sarah's hair had gotten really long and was in need of a good trim, and Anna needed to get her ends trimmed and shaped. Both of my girls have inherited my wiggle-worm gene, so getting their hair cut is always an adventure! My intention was to have Sarah's hair cut to about the middle of her shoulder blades ... a good 3-4" shorter. She had such a hard time being still, that we ended up with a much shorter style! Guess it was meant to be though, as I absolutely LOVE it shorter, and so does she. She has gotten so many compliments on her short and sassy haircut, that it will probably go straight to her head before long!! She is just so thrilled with her shorter hair, especially because now she can brush it herself without any help. The other night she brushed it over and over and over again. =) The day after her haircut she woke up and was quite upset because she had decided it had grown during the night ... and she didn't want it to!!

Here are a couple of quickie snaps with her showing off her new cut. =) Anna's looks pretty much the same, except a little more shaped up. I'll try to get a couple of snaps of hers too and post later this week.

(hint: click on the images to see them a bit larger)

Blog Problems and a Quickie Vacation

I've just discovered than on some monitors the photos on my blog look distorted and pixely. Apparently its not consistent, but I've had reports that for some the images don't look like they are supposed to. It would help me out if you could leave me a comment or send an email and let me know what you see. Do the images show up clear and sharp or distorted and choppy? Also, let me know what web browser you're using. I'm use a 24" iMac and use Firefox for my browser, and my images look correct. I'm baffled!

Also, I'm away for the holiday weekend, so emails/calls will be returned on Tuesday.

I took Sarah to get her hair cut today and its now just below her shoulders! I'll post a shot of it after we get back home. In the meantime, here's how long it was ...

Sweet Curls

Luck was on our side Saturday morning ... we managed to get Ava's 1 yr session in before the rain! Miss Ava has the prettiest blue eyes and the sweetest little curls you've ever seen. Betcha her hair is going to be gorgeous as she grows up. This little doll has already been walking for a couple of months, and she made me work to keep up with her!! And check out the adorable outfits her mom had for her ... just gorgeous!

Here's your sneak peek, Paige, and thanks for being so great to work with!

This one has already become a favorite of mine!! I love that you can see those adorable curls so clearly. =)


Peek-a-boo! You know me, I love black & whites and I thought this one was just crying out for it. I love it in color too ... but you will have to wait to see the color version, Paige! =)


Aww, those cute little pursed lips!


I just love the intensity of her expression here.

Announcing Holiday Minis

As promised, here are the details for this year's holiday mini sessions. I'll be doing these in blocks of 15-20 minutes, and I will only be scheduling 3 sessions per date/location. You are always welcome to schedule a full session if you want the additional time and images to choose from. My Holiday Minis are designed to get you those holiday card images as well as a few extras for gifts and such. Below are the sample cards I am using this year. If none of these meet your needs, don't worry, we can come up with something together. And while I've designed these Minis around two special collections, you are welcome to add on any regular products you'd like.

Book early to reserve and hold your spot! And now, without further ado ... here's the scoop.

Click HERE to download the PDF file.
Click on the photo to view a larger version.


A sample of holiday cards to choose from ...
Click on the photo to view a larger version.


And where, you may be asking, are these two locations? And what, you may be asking, do they look like? I'm glad you asked! =)

A couple of sessions from Providence Village
HERE and HERE.

And a couple of my all-time favorites from Madison County Nature Trail on Green Mountain (so gorgeous in the fall!) ...

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

Ok. So maybe its not really beginning to look a lot like Christmas. As I sit here checking the current forecast its a toasty 92 degrees, not exactly the kind of thing to get you in the holiday spirit!!

Despite the heat and the humidity, its actually time to start thinking about your holiday images and cards! This year I'm setting aside two separate days for holiday mini sessions. What are minis you ask? They are 15-20 min sessions, designed to get you that special image(s) for your holiday cards and gifts.

I've had lots of you asking me for details about holiday sessions, and I promise, I will give you all of the details on Monday! I'll post sample cards as well.

And what would a post be without a few photographs?? I did a mini session with Sarah and Anna waaaay back in March, that I just recently got around to editing. I fell in LOVE with this mural!! And the adorable outfits they're wearing? I purchased them from the Posh Mommy & Baby boutique in Madison. I highly recommend it for super cute kids' clothes.

Anna's Turn!

For school to start, preschool, that is. Tuesday was Anna's first day back to preschool. She is going to a different school this year and so far she LOVES it. Her teachers are super sweet, and she has been having a blast. Yesterday she actually cried because it wasn't a school day. As we were leaving this afternoon she kept saying over and over "I LOVE school." Very sweet. =)

Naturally I had to document her first day of school. Because she was so excited I decided fun, bright colors were the way to go!

All dressed and ready to go, backpack and all!




"Are ya coming Mommy?!"


Pretending to be SHY. HA!!!


(aren't these red doors gorgeous?!)
Waiting ...


Today on the way home from preschool Anna was full of chatter (nothing unusual about that!). She LOVES music class, and really enjoyed coloring and painting.

She started telling me about how she wants to be a teacher one day, and build schools.

Anna: And one day when I'm a teacher I can build schools, too.
Me: So you want to be a teacher when you grow up?
Anna: Uh-huh, and build schools, too.
Me: So you're going to be a teacher AND build schools?
Anna: Yep.
Anna: And Daddy can help.
Me: Build the schools?
Anna: Yep.
Me: And can Mommy help?
Anna: Nope, you're just a Mom. Only Teachers and Daddies.
Me: But Mommies can help build things, too.
Anna: NO. Only Teachers and Daddies.
Me: Well what can Mommies do then?
Anna: Um. (thinking) Well, you can drive the care, and put on seat belts.
Me: Is that IT?
Anna: Well, you can go in the house too.

Um. Gee. Thanks, Anna. Stinker! =)

And my efforts to let her know that Mommies can do lots of things were not well received!! Guess we've got some work to do on convincing her. =) And she didn't quite believe me that Mommies can also be Teachers.

Sharing a Slideshow

A number of people have asked me to share the adorable Lincoln's entire newborn gallery once it is done. Rather than link to the gallery, I've included the slideshow here on the blog, which has all of the images. BIG THANKS to mom, Christa, for being willing to share. Enjoy! =)

The Crazy Campbell Clan

On Friday I had a photo session with the Campbell family. Now this is a family I can really relate to ... they were constantly joking, teasing, and playing together. It was easy to see how much fun they have together, and I really enjoyed hanging out with this crazy bunch!

Here's your sneak peek ... enjoy!












And I had to get a little sunflare with some silhouettes. =)