Sweet Baby Girl ~ Boise Newborn Lifestyle Photographer

 

Baby girl turns 3 months old today! Seriously, I can't believe it. She's starting to coo and gurgle a lot. She has lots of smiles too and even a few chuckles. She's found her hands now and it's so funny to see her looking at them. Big kids still adore her. J Man calls her Happy Face and likes to sing her his "happy song". It's so cute. These images were taken about a month ago when she was almost two months old. Can't get enough of her cuteness. I love capturing babies like this!

Can't believe I haven't blogged for an entire month either! Life has been busy and I'm still trying to figure so many things out; how to handle work obligations, how to take care of my little family, finishing up client orders, etc., but really I have no complaints. I am too blessed to be stressed. :0) Looking forward to trying to simplify some things in the future and just enjoying the little people in my life.

Still Waiting on Baby ~ Giveaway | Boise Maternity Photographer

So today, Aug. 27, is baby's due date. I thought it would be fun to get all my friends, family and fans involved in this little waiting game and have a contest. Anyone can participate from anywhere and I have a really fun prize for the winner! Let's see who can guess the baby's birthdate, weight and height. The one closest to the correct stats will be the winner. Time of birth will be the tie-breaker if we need it. Please submit your guesses as soon as possible in the comments below.

The winner will receive a custom-designed print with their family's important dates on it. You can see a sample below (dates/names were modified for privacy). Winner will get to pick first/middle name/birthdates and color of accent font. The finished print will be 11X14 and will be ready to frame. Print can be mailed anywhere, so no excuses not to come join in the fun. Also, I have some modified wording if you happen to have not started your family yet. :0)  Come play along and see who can guess when Baby M will make her appearance.

What a difference a day will make!

Couldn't resist sharing some sweet moments with my boy before he becomes a big brother.  

"Your Story" Belly to Baby Plan ~ Idaho Lifestyle Photographer

I've always thought there was something beautiful and special about an expectant mother. And it's no secret how much I've loved being pregnant myself. Babies and toddlers happen to be some of my favorite subjects too! I find what brings me inspiration in my photography is my own need and great desire to preserve for other women and families what I so desperately want preserved for myself~TIME.

When I'm feeling and seeing that movement inside my belly, sitting in the rocker holding my tummy or reading our little one a book, I know I won't always remember these moments. I yearn for an image, a photograph of the moment captured so I can be transported back in time.

It's all the unseen moments I have with my children I want to remember even more than what we all look like. I want to evoke the emotion that parents feel when they hold their babies and gaze into those sweet faces relishing in the present, while hoping for the future.

A "Your Story" maternity session takes place at the location of your choice. It can be at your home or someplace special to you. I do have a few outdoor locations I can suggest, depending on the look you want, but I really love when clients want to use places unique to them. It only adds to your portrait experience and makes things even more special for you.

The "Your Story" newborn session takes place on location at your home. This is something that adds to the custom experience with Maggie Malson Photography. There is no need to bundle up that brand new babe because I come to you! My style is documentary in nature, so along with capturing all the precious details of your new baby, we'll also be photographing the decorated nursery and capturing moments of you and your spouse snuggling with, rocking, reading to, and taking in all the newness of your wee one. Siblings are also welcome at both maternity and newborn sessions.

My work is best displayed in custom-designed fine art albums or as wall gallery collections. Clients have chosen me because of my storytelling and timeless style and love having beautiful art to share throughout the years.

If my style appeals to you and you want to know more, or to book a "Your Story" Belly to Baby Plan, please call ASAP.  I look forward to telling your story during this wonderful time in your life.

~M

A first year baby plan is available so please ask for details about it as well. 

A Tribute to Dads ~ Idaho Lifestyle Photography

He didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it. ~ Clarence Budington Kelland 

God bless all the dads out there! Hope you were able to relax and celebrate Father's Day, as well as reflect on how important you are in the lives of your children-no matter what age they are.

Boise Lifestyle Photographer | Glimpses Week 22

This is one of those images that is really a snapshot, and yet sooooooo much more. It really tells quite a story--maybe not to anyone else, but definitely to this sappy mama. At first glance, you see the big sister reading to little sister. I love, by the way, the enthusiastic expression of MJ reading. I can almost hear her. She uses a lot of inflection in her voice and is quite fun to listen to.

Looking deeper though, this image captures other details that may seem insignificant, but do matter and will fade from my memory over time. I see the cup and the Gatorade bottle on the top of the bed. E didn't like the pain medicine she had to take so I let her follow it with the flavored stuff. She really likes drinking water out of the new horse cup she received from Nana for her recent birthday. She's sucking those middle fingers; a habit I hope we can break her of soon, but still such a part of who she is right now. She twirls her hair too. Next to E is her favorite baby monkey. When I was expecting little brother, she went with me shopping one day, and spotted that monkey in the store. I let her carry it around while I tried some maternity clothes on, and then, of course, couldn't resist when she asked to take it home. She also has her favorite monkey blanket given to her by her Aunt Michelle for Christmas. Finally, there in the right-hand corner of the image is another detail, a small one to some and not too obvious as the image is in black and white, but it sums up the story here. E had an accident at gymnastics and broke her tibia. She's in a cast from her toes to her thigh. She's handling it all really well, considering. Her purple and pink cast is quite the sight to see; she resembles the Cheshire cat a little bit. :0) She even has bright pink toenail polish to match! MJ has been so helpful and compassionate through this whole thing. It's nice to see her showing so much concern for her little sister. This wasn't the plan we had to spend the first part of our summer, but we're rolling with it. And hopefully, she will be all healed by the end of the month. Until then, this little incident has caused us all to slow down. It's caused me to spend more time catching moments like this. And for that, I will be forever grateful.


To see more Glimpses, check them out at Chic Critique Forum


A few more details so I don't forget. We had recently moved little brother downstairs to a bigger boy room. He actually is in a bigger bed too. He's very excited about it. This room will be redecorated to be the nursery for baby sister. The timing was good because Little J had spent enough time in his room that he was perfectly fine with E needing to sleep in his old room/bed (thus the Cars sheets). It's right next to our room and I knew it would be best to have her close in case she needed us in the night. The first night was pretty rough on both of us. I ended up staying in the room with her. Even after she had her cast, she had a few nights where she woke up. But, now she's adapting well and we're all sleeping better. We had just gotten a tablet and J found some videos on it for her to watch. She spent the first few days in bed watching Angelina Ballerina, Thomas the Train and Bob the Builder, reading books, working on her letters and numbers, and napping. It's been a week and half since it happened and we've been able to venture outside a lot more to enjoy the warm weather. We just put her in the wagon and pull her around. The kids also spent the night with the grandparents last week and even slept in a tent. Good thing she's a kid; I don't think I'd handle a cast nearly as well. :0)

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Journaling, photo taking and storytelling have always been a part of me and who I am. I hope to catch up some of our personal scrapbooks now that we're finding more activities to keep our hands busy since E can't run around yet. I know I've been sharing a lot more personal work on my blog lately, but instead of apologizing for it, I'll embrace it. My children have always been my inspiration and the little details I pick up when photographing them translates perfectly to when I photograph clients. I can capture the moments and details that happen in between all the other images we're taking. I'm also putting the final touches on my new blog (yay!!!) and am waiting to share some client sessions and albums in the new format. So until then, enjoy another glimpse into our lives...

My Thinker ~ Glimpses Week 20 | Idaho Children Lifestyle Photographer

 

She looks older here, too old for me, really. But behind that serious look is a heart of gold, a big toothy grin and a girl I love more and more every day. I saw some great light in our living room, so I grabbed her for a little impromptu lighting practice. Love playing with light and shadows! I have plenty of her smiling too, but this one just strikes me. She's my thinker.

For more Glimpses, check out Chic Critique Forum

First Communion | Idaho Lifestyle Photography

 

A few weeks ago our oldest reached another milestone in her life; she received her First Holy Communion. She had been preparing to receive this special sacrament all year along with the rest of her second grade religious education class. And, she was very excited for her big day! They had two wonderful teachers who not only shared their knowledge with them, but also helped them grow in their faith walk. Faith is certainly a very personal matter, but as Christians, Jesus calls us to fellowship with Him and others. First and most of all, we are called to love God and love others. It's not always easy, but something we are called to do every single day. It makes life so much easier when we remember this commandment too. 

We were fortunate that my parents were able to make a trip out for this special occasion. And my sister and youngest niece also made a surprise trip out as well. She is Mackenzie's godmother. It was great having family here to help us celebrate. 

Mackenzie wore the dress my mom made for me when I made my First Communion so that was extra special. She also wore my head piece and corsage as well. I just had some extra flowers and ribbons added to the wreath to make it her own. 

Congratulations to our sweet girl! May you always carry the love of Jesus in your heart and share it with others. We love you! 

Glimpses Week 19 | Boise Lifestyle Photographer

 

Daddy: "Little J, do you want to watch a movie with Daddy and eat popcorn?"

Little J: (Jumping up and down with fists clenched, grinning ear to ear-his really excited reaction.) "Yeah, Daddy!"

Daddy: "What do you want to watch?"

Little J: "Bob the Builder!" (He doesn't get to watch it much as it only comes on as we're headed out the door for church on Sunday mornings.)

Me: (Thinking to myself) I have the sweetest boys ever. Not going to miss this moment!

For more Glimpses, check out Chic Critique Forum.

Glimpses ~ Week 15 | Idaho Lifestyle Photography

Pure joy...

I captured this moment of my girls while out location scouting the other night. It's funny how I struggle sometimes with photographing my own children-at least when trying to take one of all of them together. I love photographing kids, and can handle just about anything they throw at me. I can capture moments of them showing their true essence the parents don't even notice until they see the final images. But, I seem to put a lot more pressure on myself with my own because I go back and forth between wanting that "perfect" pose and then also capturing their true essence. I should know better by now because my style really is photojournalistic and storytelling in nature.

Well, this night there was no pressure. It was windier than all get out, and getting quite chilly. So, we hopped out of the car really fast, ran to a spot I wanted to try and I told them to get close. They were being silly and sweet all at the same time. I had no expectations except to see what kind of light I had. And because I was completely relaxed, I captured one of my girls that makes me smile and fills my heart with pure joy....

For more Glimpses, check out Chic Critique Forum. 

Glimpses Week 14 & Wordless Wednesday | Idaho Lifestyle Photographer

 

Chic Critique Forum "Glimpses"

Sunbrella ~ Five-year-old Session | Idaho Children's Photography

This was a super fun session with my spunky five-year-old. She's got lots of personality, which I'm sure you can tell by these images. I had picked up this umbrella quite awhile ago and was saving it for just the right session. She loved being able to twirl around play with it out in the sun. I love captured her just being herself. And the light that night was so lovely! Have to love yummy light!

I created a beautiful "Your Story" album for her to showcase the rest of the images, and I'll post some photos of it once it's finished.

Babies and children are my absolute favorite subjects. They are just so uninhibited, and my style of capturing them works perfectly with their personalities, whether they are outgoing and spunky, or quiet and reserved. Call me today to book a "Your Story" session of the special child in your life!

Happy Easter! | Idaho Lifestyle Photographer

 

"He is not here; he has been raised." Luke 24: 6.

 

Loving the first signs of spring!

 

 

Happy Easter from Maggie Malson Photography!

May the blessings of the Easter season continue with you all year long!

Glimpses Week 11 ~ Idaho Lifestyle Photography

 

It seems I do post quite a few images of my little guy. And this week I couldn't pick just one. He's such a part of my every day though, and he loves these blocks he received for Christmas and his birthday. I love that you can almost hear him making his little sounds as he plays. And he was so interested in playing, he didn't pay any attention to me. He's not going to always be this little, so I want to continue to preserve as much of his childhood as possible.

To check out other Glimpses, visit the Chic Critique Forum. 

Wordless Wednesday | Idaho Children's Photography

Glimpses ~ Week 10 | Idaho Lifestyle Photographer

Oh I've gotten a little behind on my Glimpses of Everyday posts, but I hope to make up for it. This is a pretty typical scene around our house these days. J loves to put on his boots, hat and chaps, about every day it seems. One afternoon, I could hear him playing, then things got pretty quiet. After a few minutes I decided to investigate and found my little guy all tired out from all his hard work. To see more Glimpses and to check out the new CHIC magazine launched by Chic Critique Forum head on over there. I can't wait to get my issue in the mail!! Happy Wednesday everyone!

The Unseen Moments ~ Your Story Session | Idaho Lifestyle Photographer

For this session, I was inspired by my own every day moments spent with my children. Every time I sit in my rocking chair reading to my baby boy or mix up a batch of cookies with my girls, I think to myself, I really wish I had a photograph of this. I wish someone would document these really special moments for me, and then I could be in them too. I also knew there would be other families who felt the same way, and I wanted to share my eye and my perspective on capturing those every day, unseen moments with them.

I got to know Amber because we were both photographers in the same area. When I met her, she was someone I felt I'd known forever; she is easy to talk to, genuine and a true friend. Recently, she and her family found out they would be moving across the country, and I knew this was a session she would be thrilled to have done before they left. Her girls are the world to her, and we both realize how fast our children are growing up!

Knowing this would be completely relaxed and in their home, I told her to let the kids wear what they wanted (they all wore their pjs, which I loved!), and to just plan on doing some of things they do at home every day, like read books, snuggle on the bed and play. It was truly going to be capturing them having fun doing the mommy/daughter activities they do every day.

My style really is about storytelling. I use different angles, close-up detail shots, and pull-backs to create images that really work together to tell the story of my subject(s).

Even though the session was very laid back, I was still aware of my light sources and where the light was coming from. I also tried to keep my aperature low in order to create as much bokeh as I could to blur the background and make my subjects the true highlight of the image.

The baby is about 9 months and her big sister is almost 3. I knew I wouldn't be giving a lot of direction, but really trying to stay back and capture the natural interactions between them. In this particular session, I let Mom take the lead in engaging her children for the most part; whereas in other sessions I would interact more directly with the children.

 The very best images from each Your Story session are custom designed into a beautiful, heirloom quality, flushmount album. This session was so much fun to do. We all had fun, and Amber was overwhelmed by the story we captured of her and the girls. All the unseen, sometimes forgotten moments, are now preserved forever.

As always if this post receives 20 or more comments, this family will receive a free gift from me!