Love Printable ~ Thank You ~ New Blog | Idaho Lifestyle Photographer

I have been blessed to have worked with many great families, babies and seniors during my last four years (and even before) of being in business. And I appreciate each one of them; what they shared with me about their lives and how they helped me grow, both as an artist and as a business woman. This is just a small thank you just in time for Valentine’s Day (since I missed getting out Christmas or New Year’s cards.) It’s a FREE Love printable just for you. Print it out and frame it or send it to a friend. Use it however you want. Credit goes to my great friend and designer, Deanna at Accent Design. 

I have a new blog now too, so visit www.maggiemalsonphotography.com/blog from now on...

Thanks again for all of you who have shared your lives and trusted me to capture your memories. It's been a true pleasure!! 

Glimpses ~ Week 4 | My desk

I'd love to be able to say my desk rarely looks like this, but that wouldn't be real-and I want to be real-so I admit it. My desk is usually piled pretty high. I'm a piler. Not sure if piler is really a word, but I'll go with it. Now I'd like to think I'm still a pretty organized person. I do have files and other various ways of keeping track of information, but because I'm usually working on several projects at once, my desk looks like this a lot. Right now I'm finishing up a magazine issue, as well as trying to catch up on blogging some sessions from the end of the year. Both of those tasks will be finished soon, and the desk will be a little clearer-at least for a little while. Sometimes I have to take a few minutes to just get it all cleaned up, then I'm ready to roll again.

I love my desk. I picked it out a few years ago when we moved to this house. It has file drawers on both sides, you know for staying organized, and is big enough to have everything I need within reach.

After the girls are headed off to school, and J's busy playing cars or cows or both, then I grab my mug, lately with Green tea or sometimes Vanilla Chai, and head to the place where the magic happens. Well, maybe not magic, but this is my command center-where the work gets done. Sometimes I feel I am on the computer too much, but at the same time, I'm thankful that my office is in my home, and I can get up whenever I need or want to-to make lunch for my hubby, or play with my kiddos, or grab my mug and a good book to read.

Yes, I do love my desk. I love to sit at it, editing photos for my wonderful clients, writing a story for an upcoming issue and putting the finishing touches on the layout of the magazine. I also love getting to walk away for awhile, knowing my desk will still be here waiting for me.

Welcome 2012!

Welcome 2012! I feel like I have so much to say, so much to do, yet so little time! I guess it's all about priorities though; and seems there are lots of those to narrow down too. Ha! I had a wonderful 2011, and met some great new kids and families, and photographed some repeat clients as well, so thank you to all who trusted with with capturing their memories last year. We spent a wonderful holiday season away from home with my family, and it was so nice to have lots of downtime with extended family and my husband and kids. After a busy fall, it was just what I needed. I've been mulling over several things, and because this winter time is slower for me-on purpose-I'm taking this time to formulate a plan for this year. A plan so that my number one priority-my family-comes first. And that when I do have clients-they truly feel like they are the only ones and my priority at the time as well. It's a philosophy I've always had, but want to be better at putting it into practice. I'm always completely dedicated to my clients during the session, and kind of get lost in all the fun of it. As a goal for 2012, I want to decrease my turnaround time for viewing/ordering sessions, and delivering final products to clients.

Recently, I looked back at my New Year's post from 2011. I think it's always good to look back and see how far we've come. I am pleased that I was able to meet all those goals for last year too. One thing I am working on more is creating S.M.A.R.T. goals-specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely.

As I determine the best way to conduct business in 2012, I know for sure I want to shoot for myself personally and blog more-the good, and the not so good parts of life. It's hard sometimes for me to know what audience to write to-is it only my family reading this? or my friends? or potential clients? other aspiring or pro photographers? Sometimes I feel like I have to put out only that perfect photo or write the perfect words, but I realized a long time ago that I am no where near perfect. So, I am going to try to not be so hard on myself and just be me-be honest-be real. I am curious though who is out there following my work-maybe it's only my Mom. I know she loves my work, but she has to, you know. :0) Anyway, please do comment. I love to hear from people.

What are your goals for the new year?

And just because a post isn't much fun without a photo, here's a little photo of my family, taken by the wonderful and talented Randi Davies. She's become a great mentor and friend, and I enjoyed getting to know her and shooting with her last year. Although I value all kinds of photographs because they capture a moment in time, I feel strongly about hiring a fellow professional to photograph my family at least once every year or so. And it's fun to be the one in front of the camera for a change instead of always behind it!

MCP Actions Launches New Template Sets

A few weeks ago, I was invited to test some new actions by MCP Actions. Jodi did a fabulous job with this new set of Rounded Blog It Boards and Rounded Print It Boards. Learn more about them on the MCP Blog. (As an aside, I realized that another tester, Heidi Lawson of Wishful Thinking Photography was also testing them. I happen to follow her blog, and love her work. Talk about a small world!)

Here are some of the samples I used when testing the actions. Some others also appear on the ordering website. If you are a fellow photographer and have never used MCP, I highly recommend checking out Jodi's products. Or if you're already a fan, go get this new set!

Changing it up-part 2

I have been wanting to change things up on the blog for awhile and really showcase my images much larger. I asked a friend, RK, at Just RK Designs, to help me out. I'm still working on some of the elements, but I love the changes so far. I still really like my logo and the black & white look I've chosen for my branding. It's classy, but also fun, which is how I'd describe my style. I feel my portraits are timeless, but also capture the fun and personality of each individual child and family I capture. Now on the posts! I have a lot of sessions to share. Thanks to my awesome clients!