Don't Miss the Little Things ~ Boise Children's Photographer

It was such a pleasure to capture this little sweetheart! He's grown so much since his newborn session. Looking forward to seeing him again at one-year-old!

 

They grow so fast! Let me capture all the details of your little one for you.

Call today to schedule your "Essence" mini session for ages 3 months and up.
Booking for October and November 2012.

One of the fun products offered for mini sessions is this adorable accordion album. They are 3X3 squares with a magnetic closure and frosted plastic cover. Up to 10 images can be displayed in them. Perfect to carry in your bag/purse or give as a gift.
Ask for more details when you call to book your "Essence" Session!

If this post receives 20 or more comments,
this little guy's family receives a complimentary 5X7 gift print! Leave them some love!

Newborn Props ~ Boise Newborn Photographer

Topic of the Day: Newborn Props 

I don't use too many props for newborns as I think brand new babies are just perfect as they are. My sessions are lifestyle in nature as I photograph newborns and their families in their own homes. However, I think incorporating meaningful family heirlooms, special items or blankets can add a very personal element to some newborn images.

For example, we just received an old metal tub for our 10-year anniversary. It was used as a table decoration at my grandparents surprise 10-year anniversary party. It's the perfect size to hold our little newborn we'll be welcoming in a few weeks.

If you could use one prop to photograph with your newborn (whether you're having a baby right now or not), what would it be and why?

And congratulations to all of you having babies this year! 

Here are a few examples of how we did incorporate some family treasures into newborn sessions.  

This little sweetheart was photographed on the handmade blanket her great, great grandmother made. Definitely a treasured keepsake for her family and will help remind them of her every time they see this image.

   

 This handmade doll cradle basket was given to my sister for Christmas when she a little girl. She loved playing house with it. Her baby girl fit perfectly in it and now all of her girls enjoy playing dolls with it. Both blankets used in this image were also wedding gifts from special friends. 

   

During this 9-month session, my client pulled out a blanket given to her baby girl as a gift. It made the perfect backdrop for simple images that captured this growing little baby.   

As you can see, these images are simple and focus on the baby, but by including an item special to the family, the image can evoke even more memories as it's cherished through the years.

"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. 

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! 

It's a... ~ Gender Reveal Party | Getting Personal

 

So most of our close friends and family know about the fun little surprise we're expecting at the end of August, but I thought it was time to let my clients know too. We are very excited to welcome another blessing to our family!

The Details:

     We decided to do something different to find out the gender of this baby. When Josh and I went to the ultrasound on April 3, we didn't have my doctor tell us what we were having. In fact, it took quite awhile for her to see as the umbilical cord was between the baby's legs. My doctor then emailed Erin at Zoey's Attic, who has a custom t-shirt design business. Erin was awesome to work with. I had ordered Little J's "Big Brother" Tractor t-shirt in February when we told the kids we were having a baby. When searching for something special for him online, I found Erin's Etsy Shop. This little t-shirt was perfect, and so fitting as he loves tractors.

     We had also made arrangements to have a onesie made when we found out what we were having. I ended up ordering the girls t-shirts also, which I'm so glad I did. It will be fun to get a photo of all four of them once "she" arrives. I decided instead of some of the popular ideas of cutting into a "boy" or "girl" colored cake, or opening a box of colored balloons, we would have the kids open up a package with the onesie to tell us the baby's gender. It was such a fun way to get them involved too.

The Decor:

     I asked my sister-in-law, Stephanie, to be in charge of decorations and details. She's a wonderful party planner, and I knew I had plenty on my plate to think about. I decided I wanted to go with a black and white color scheme versus the traditional pink and blue. I guess I just love the classic combination. She went above my expectations with what she put together. She even sewed a table runner and two adorable buntings out of the cool fabric she found. I'm so excited because with a little tweaking, these pieces will work as valances and a crib bumper for the nursery. And with the left over fabric, I'll be able to make a quilt and other bedding pieces too. Yay! Can't wait to get it all put together. She even came up with the little diaper party favors stuffed with mints. (It was one of the triangle pieces of fabric, folded and glued to look like a diaper. Adorable!

The Food:

     Spicy Pop Pulled Pork Sliders

     Ham and Swiss Sliders

     Raspberry Chipotle Chicken Salad

     Mixed Fruit (strawberries, pineapple, blueberries, grapes, apples)

     Veggies and Homemade Ranch Dip

     Chips and Salsa

     Cheese and Crackers

     Summertime Fruit Tea

     Black and White Parfaits (This was a quick and easy layered dessert served in individual clear plastic cups. I layered crushed chocolate sandwich cookies, white chocolate pudding, chocolate pudding and whipped cream. These were a huge hit with the kids and adults at the party.)

The Reaction:

     On the invitations, I had told guests to wear black if they thought the baby was a boy and white if they thought it was a girl. Most showed up wearing black. Josh has four brothers and only one sister, so there are a lot of boys in the family already. I wore both colors! Up until a few days beforehand, I really thought it was a boy. I know several families who have two girls and two boys, and I thought we would be another one of them. But, then a day or so before, I just had the feeling I should prepare myself to be having another girl. And I did remember thinking a few years ago when getting rid of all the newborn girl clothes after we had Little J that it would be fun to have just one more girl. Ha! Little did I know...

     I'm not very good at surprises either, so it was a feat for me not to peek or somehow find out beforehand. But, I'm so glad I didn't. It was fun and exciting at the same time to watch as the kids unwrapped the onesie. 

     Special thanks again to Stephanie for taking the photos from the day. She even made little "boy" and "girl" signs to have our kids and guests hold up to show what they thought the baby was. 

     The most priceless comment was Little J. He looked right at me after we saw the shirt and exclaimed, "It's a girl!" and with big crocodile tears said, "But, Momma, it's supposed to be a boy!" Oh, it about broke my heart. It was sad and sweet all at the same time. He has since decided having a baby sister is going to be just fine. Either way, bringing a new baby to the family will be a little of an adjustment for him. But, I know he'll make a great big brother. And the girls are quite excited to meet their little sister as well.

                       -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

     In a recent post about my summer photography session schedule, I mentioned not taking any sessions in late August and September. Now you know why! Maintaining balance in my personal and work life is not only beneficial to me and my family, but also to my clients. I take a limited number of sessions already because there is a lot of investment of time and resources in "Your Story" sessions. Be assured, when I do schedule a session with a client, I am fully devoted to them and telling their story. Creating an amazing photographic experience from first consult to delivering of the finished albums and prints is my number one priority. 

     There are also some changes coming to my business that will be announced this fall, and I am excited to be working on them now. If you love my work, and want me to tell "your story", please contact me as soon as possible to discuss scheduling options. I am currently booking maternity, newborn, baby, child, senior and family sessions for June and July 2012.

Wordless Wednesday (Name that Photo) | Idaho Children's Photographer

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!

2013 Seniors ~ Idaho Senior Photographer

            I love working one-on-one with seniors, capturing your lifestyle and telling your story. It's such an exciting time for you, getting ready to head out on the next journey in your young life. Contact me today for a free in-person consultation and to schedule a "Your Story" album session. Session dates are available beginning April 1. 

If you happen to be a 2012 and still haven't had portraits done, then we can schedule those too!

A new senior gallery and updated website will be available soon. 

"Your Story" album samples are available for viewing. You can check out a few blog posts too.

Best Times of Your Life
 An Idaho Cowboy
A Dancer's Story

Wordless Wednesday | Idaho Children's Photography

All Smiles ~ 8-month Essence Session | Idaho Children's photographer

This little cutie came over a couple weeks ago with his parents when they were picking up his older sisters from a playdate with my two girls. I couldn't resist getting him in front of my lens for a little while. He's grown so much since this newborn session, almost nine months ago! He's usually a pretty somber little guy when I see him out and about, but he was so smiley during our impromptu session. I can't get enough of sweet little babies!

To find out how your little one could be a baby model for me in the month of April, give me a call at (208) 674-1283. Happy Friday everyone!

Little Fireman ~ Idaho Lifestyle Photography

This little guy enjoyed a fun birthday shoot at the local fire department. It wasn't totally planned that way, but due to some not so fun weather, he got a fun surprise!

This family is no stranger to my camera lens, and we've had fun finding different locations for their family sessions. Their little guy is as cute as ever, and I love seeing how his personality continues to blossom each time I photograph him. This year, we chose to stay close to home and wandered around their hometown a little while. It wasn't a very warm day though. Fortunately, the gracious firemen in Middleton let us come in out of the snow/rain that started during our session. They were so nice to let Little H try on some of the gear too. It made for a very special birthday shoot for him. He loved hanging out on the fire trucks too. Not only are these firemen community heroes, but they were happy to help us out that day when we needed a little shelter from the cold. 

I also took some new headshots for Deanna, who has started her own business, Accent Design, designing wedding invitations, and working with businesses on their design/print needs.

I'm excited to see what all the future holds for this family. Always fun to catch up with them.

If this post receives 20 or more comments, the W family will receive a special gift from me!

Nampa Outdoor Family ~ Idaho Lifestyle Photography

 

 

I had the privilege of photographing this family last fall, and looking back at their session still makes me smile. They purchased a donation package from the Annual Gala supporting the Nampa Boys and Girls Club. This is a great organization helping area youth. 

I met the family at their home, and enjoyed watching the boys play a game of catch. They are both very athletic and love sports. They are all also animal lovers, and their dogs are like family. It was great to capture them relaxed and enjoying what they do together as a family.

After a walk around their neighborhood, we headed down to the nearby lake to wander around. The boys started up a little rock skipping competition. Todd and Tammy were high school sweethearts and are still very much in love. I love that Todd carved their initials in a log down by the lake. During their ordering session, he quickly pointed out which prints he wanted to put on his desk to show off his beautiful wife. Very sweet! 

It was great hanging out with this family and capturing their story. So glad to hear they are enjoying the beautiful wall art they have in their home--memories of their family. 

If this post receives 20 or more comments, they will also receive a special gift from me. Feel free to share!

Beautiful Couple ~ Fall Wedding | Fruitland, Idaho Photographer

  

 

 







 It was such a pleasure to photograph Kelcie and Blayne's fall wedding. They are such a beautiful couple both inside and out. They are madly in love, and it showed. Surrounded by family and friends, they said I do just before sunset on a lovely September evening. Thank you both for letting me be a part of your special day. God bless you always!