TRYING TO FIND THE WORDS [Monica Brown, Pensacola Family Photographer]

I had the pleasure of photographing my friends, the Groves, yesterday afternoon. And I have to say a big THANK YOU to Jenn and her family for many reasons.

THANK YOU for being such a great neighbor and friend. I have loved living near you. Passing by your house on walks. Luke yelling and pointing toward your house when I drive out of the neighborhood. Reagan stating, "there's Grayson's house!" as soon as we round the corner. Knowing that Grayson does the same when you pass our house :) I don't know how I am going to explain to her that you don't live there anymore next month...

THANK YOU for being inspiring. For helping me have crafty things around my house, monogrammed nonetheless.

THANK YOU for always being so cheerful. Willing to lend an ear or a funny story - whichever the situation requires.

and THANK YOU for helping me build my business. For being my best form of advertisement and telling everyone you know about me!

If only the sign had a G....

[Mamas and Daddys with kids melt me.]

Jenn - I tried to take a photo of G kissing you, but he insisted on looking like he was roaring at you. Seems fitting, really.

Wonder what he is thinking.

And look everyone. Our beaches are CLEAN. That is seaweed on the sand. Normal for this time of year.

I did get just a [feet] shot, but I really love this one where Leni is looking up at everyone.

Okay everyone! Cast your vote!

Which image do you like better?

The bright one with everyone's face clearly visible

or

The darker, more moody one. Almost silhouette. Yummy backlighting and long shadows

I can't decide.

The bug. So sweet for daddy to shadow her from the hot sun.

And mom brought props. I don't know if I will ever have a better client!

oh, I love you sunspots.

This is totally my fave of Jamie and the kids!

Peek-a-Boo Bug!

Her giggle was so sweet!!!

G, just hanging out.

A car was coming so we stepped back. He leaned on the truck, and I snapped.

So laid back.

This is what I like to think they are thinking:

Jamie: We have some cute kids, Jenn.

Jenn: I know!

And THANK YOU for spending a bit of your anniversary with me!

Happy 8 years guys.

You have a beautiful family.

Nice work!

I hope this is not the last photos I will ever take of the Groves family.

Safe travels guys.

I hope to visit you in Va Beach!

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[Get 25 comments and earn a free 5x7 print!]

delightfully,

Monica

CLEANING THE CLOSETS [Monica Brown, Pensacola Photographer]

I am preparing for a yard sale around my house, and I thought it would be good to go through all of my equipment also.

I am selling 2 great lenses that have been well taken care of :)

***UPDATED - THE 75-300 IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE***

The first is my Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III USM. It is a great zoom lens!

It is also a great lens to learn about focal length. I used it in a photography class to take photos where my subject was the same (a house down the street) but with various focal lengths. It is very interesting to see how the image changes.

Here is the link to all of the info and what it costs new.

The little round sticker on the front keeps you from losing your lens cap. You simply remove your cap and it hangs there waiting for you to put it back on...instead of set it down and lose it (Not that I've ever done that...)

I still have all of the original packaging and instructions/information about it.

It also comes with a UV filter attached. This removes haze from your images and gives them more of a color punch. It also protects your lens.

Check out the info on it here and see a photo with and without it.

This equipment costs over $210 new. I am selling for $175.

Also for sale is my *beloved* nifty fifty.

Canon 50mm f/1.8.

THIS IS THE BEST LEARNER LENS EVER.

And I use(d) it a lot my business.

I almost hate to sell it, but alas it is time for me to upgrade :)

Here is all of the info on it.

Again, I have all of the original packaging and papers.

This baby has been well kept :)

It costs $100 new and I am selling it for $80.

If you have any questions, email me at

info@monicabrownphotography.com

or leave a comment and I will answer so that everyone can see the answer.

I am offering these to my blog readers first, and later tonight I will be posting them on Craigslist.

delightfully,

Monica

A DIFFERENCE YOU CAN SEE [Monica Brown, Pensacola Engagement Photographer]

What a fantastic week! I have had so much fun editing the sessions from last week. Every now and then I take a bit of a break and go play around on some blogs, click some links, then some more, and then I get totally lost in it. This weekend I stumbled upon this great product by Ariana Falerni. I love it!

I can now show my clients what their images would look like in some standard settings. These are REAL photographs of rooms, not just two dimensional silhouettes. And I insert images from [their] session!

This puts an 8x10 in perspective when placed above a mantle.

This 16x20 fills the space much better :)

And this 20x30 serves as a gorgeous focal point of the room!

This is a very helpful tool when you are deciding which prints, which sizes and which configuration you would like to see in your home.

Just one more aspect of [custom]!

How can I help you?

delightfully,

Monica

ONE ON ONE [Monica Brown, Pensacola Commercial Photographer]

Last week I had the pleasure of photographing the lovely Megan Kennedy. She is in the process of launching her new business venture - Megan K. Events!

Megan Kennedy, owner of Megan K. Events, is all about people, planning, and everything personalized! She, along with the most sought – after and creative professionals in the industry, whip up their magic to create one-of-a-kind events with details and design that represent each client's personality and spirit. Megan K. Events and team love to kick up even the most "typical" events – from simple to savvy – including weddings, professional and private parties, and life's little (and BIG) moments that must be done just right.

Oh, and one more thing, Megan and team are ready to unveil their very own "big idea" – engagement planning. So listen up, guys! There's now no excuse to "surprise" your beloved with a ring on a dessert plate at her favorite restaurant. With just a tad bit of "professional help," combined with a few subtle details that could only fit your bride-to-be, she'll have no choice but to say "YES" when you pop the big question. Best part is… she never has to know.

Megan K. Events is located in Pensacola, Florida, and provides event consulting and planning for individuals and businesses along the beautiful Gulf Coast. Come check out their newly updated, posh office above the Fish House restaurant, or give them a ring or send an email to hear what all the talk is about. Be sure to take a checkback soon at www.megankevents.com to see what their whipping up now.

delightfully,

Monica

THE BEGINNING OF FAMILY [Monica Brown, Pensacola Engagement Photographer]

So I know you are used to seeing families with lots of kids or newborns here on the blog. Well I branched out a bit and am SO GLAD I did!

When you become engaged, this is the beginning of your family. You have decided that this is the person for you. Your person. The one you will share everything with. Your joys, sorrows, life experiences, successes, laughs...you get it.

So glad Kelli and Josey have found their person in each other.

Good job on the ring! It is beautiful!!!!

Just look at how she looks at him.

The summer sun was perfect. I love the evening glow. It was HOT out there, but Kelli and Josey were both good sports about it. We are all from the South, so this is what we are used to.

Wonderful. Southern. Heat.

[No offense Washington, but I have always been a southern girl. I was beyond excited to move back HOME.]

I had the pleasure of meeting this beautiful couple through Megan Kennedy of Megan K Events. She is planning all the details for their big day. More details about Megan (and how you can contact her for YOUR big day) will be coming soon!

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Kelli and Josey - Get 25 comments here on the blog and receive a free print!

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Everyone have a most wonderful weekend!

delightfully,

Monica

SUMMER SWEETNESS [Monica Brown, Pensacola Newborn Photographer]

So sweet.

I love the tiny features of a newborn. I no longer think newborns look just like "babies." They each have their unique features that separates them from all others. Daddy's hair. Mommy's nose. They are each so special and so loved.

Grandma's quilt was a wonderful addition to our session. The images taken with it are some of my favorite. Look for them on the website soon.

Ahhh....Babies are such a nice way to start people :)

Mike and Sandra - she is simply stunning! Thank you for the opportunity to photograph your new [family!]

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Ok everyone...help them receive a free print by commenting below. They will receive a free 5x7 print if they get 25 comments here on the blog!

delightfully,

Monica