GROWING UP [Monica Brown, Pensacola Photographer]

I can't believe it. Today my baby turns 2!

We planned to watch the Blue Angels this morning, only to find out they didn't fly today. So instead we headed to see Daddy's airplane. It wasn't fast. It was parked. Even better! We got to climb in!

earplugs for safety!

Check it out. This one says U.S. Air Force! We have our own planes now :)

Jake's initial assignment was to fly this aircraft for the Navy, but now that the new AF squadrons have officially stood up, he is training AF students now.

We still LOVE all of our Navy friends and hang out with them all of the time.

This has been the best assignment.

Jake home every night. Close to family. And Sunshine!

Cool guy behind the stick

Now off to buy a cake (I don't have the 5 hours to bake a decorate another one!) and cooking STEAK tonight for dinner.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUKE!

I LOVE YOU!!!

delightfully,

Monica

A WONDERFUL AFTERNOON [Monica Brown, Pensacola Maternity Photographer]

I have taken some time away from "work" the last few weeks...and I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. I took time with just the kids and we have simply played. They have boundless energy and I have had a hard time keeping up! Next week we will settle into a routine, but for now we are trying to enjoy every moment of summer. And I am sure we will continue to do so in the afternoons after preschool :)

Last weekend Jake was wonderful enough to watch the kids the entire weekend for me to travel to Atlanta to throw my cousin's (sister's, more like it) baby shower. While there, I took her maternity photos just north of the city at Chateau Elan. It was amazing there. Beautiful streaming sunlight through a magnificent vineyard. The photos will tell the story...

The first photo I snapped.

These always seem to be some of my favorite.

I am getting my settings and then snap to make sure they are spot on.

No one ever realizes I am taking their photo.

The results are so very natural and unposed.

That afternoon sunlight was just yummy

my favorite family photo of the afternoon

oh, sweet Savannah! She is going to be a great big sister!

Wendy, you are simply breathtaking.

It was my pleasure taking these photos.

I will treasure them always.

And my very favorite of them all!

You can actually tell Wendy has a little belly in this one. She is so tiny so far. I looked about like this at 4 months with Luke. Having two little girls running through the house is going to be so much fun!

I cannot wait to meet you Miss Hailey Grace!

delightfully,

Monica

JUST AN IDEA [Monica Brown, Pensacola Family Photographer]

I just love being able to help clients visualize a collection of their favorite images :)

delightfully,

Monica

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!

**********

[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