Giving Is Awesome - the decision

I'd like to thank everyone who nominated someone. I have been touched by every story. Out of respect for the recipient family, I will wait to speak with them directly before I share their story. With that said, the little I do know about this family, I'm very excited to be given the opportunity to photograph them, each and every one of them! That's just a hint of what's to come. :)

And because I don't like to post without a picture, this is my favorite ornament this year. I hope everyone has a warm, peaceful, loving Holiday Season and a Happy New Year! Merry Christmas.

snow day!!! {Michigan Child Photographer}

I certainly don't mind having a snow day! There is something fun about being able to stay in your pj's all day. And according to my kids, its even more fun to play in the snow! Crazy kids! Well it took about a half hour to get everyone all set in their snow gear and it was worth it to listen to their laughter and see their pink cheeks. The only down side to the snow day is that my oldest daughter missed her school Christmas party. I think a little fun in the snow made her feel better.

peaches and cream {Michigan child photographer}

Baby A has the most beautiful skin - very peaches and cream - lucky girl! I couldn't get over her baby blues and adorable cheeks! She has such a sweet personality too. Getting her picture taken was very serious business but I did sneak out a smile or two.

squishy baby love {Michigan newborn photographer}

I love babies and this adorable boy is no exception. He stole my heart the second I saw him. He was so content the entire time I was poking and moving him. Can you believe he is only about 1 1/2 weeks old in these pictures?! He is delicious! Many thanks to Auntie Page who gifted me to this wonderful family and thanks to K and K for letting me rearrange their house and poke and love on their very precious baby. Please give baby R a kiss from me. warmly, K

a gift {Michigan children's photographer}

This time of year is one of my favorite (minus the cold!). I love how excited my kids get over simple Christmas lights, snow falling, visiting their grandparents, hot chocolate, I love spending time with family and splurging on good food...this year I'm saddened and constantly reminded on how hard things are for so many of us, especially here in Michigan. A fellow photographer Kristen Kalp from Essential Imagery was the brains and heart behind this movement and has encouraged the photography community to join in. So read below to get the details (in the words of Kristen- thanks!).

You know someone. You know someone who's experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, or is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances. You know someone who can't afford custom photography, but who would cherish it this holiday season. You know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family's spirit, love, and beauty.

You know someone. I guarantee it.

I want to know who they are, and I want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography - complimentary session, slideshow and $250 print credit, to be exact...it's in your power to give them the artwork they deserve this holiday season.

Oh, and the best part? The person who nominates the winner receives a complimentary custom photography session and a $100 print credit. What better reason to show some love could there possibly be, people?

The rules:

You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services. (Being unable to make mortgage payments for a two-million-dollar-vacation-home does not qualify as sincere financial need.)

The nominee must reside in south east Michigan or willing to travel to south east Michigan. Tell me who you know, what they're experiencing, and why they deserve my artwork. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself as well. All entries must be received by December 22, 2008, at midnight.

Comment on this blog entry to let me know you've entered, and e-mail me the full story: info@KristaMuskovinPhotography.com

The winner will be announced on Christmas Eve...get nominating! I can't wait to read all of your entries!

Open your heart to someone this holiday season – and thanks for giving me the opportunity to open mine.

Click on the link below (or go to www.GivingIsAwesome.com) to be taken to a list of other participating photographers around the world. Think BIG!!

GivingIsAwesome

Thank you! Krista

3 brothers {Michigan Children's photographer}

I'm imagining all the fun these brothers will have as they grow up together. Mr. T, the oldest, is so so sweet and charming and you can see how handsome he is. Mr. A, the middle, is shy and adorable. It took him some time to warm up and a little coaxing to come out of his shell. I think he liked giving me funny faces best :) And then there is baby B ~ I just love babies and he's so lucky to have his big brothers (do you think he was sticking his tongue out at me?!?!). It was nice meeting you boys!

soon to be big brother {Michigan maternity photographer}

I love this little guy. It was fun (yes mom and dad, I had fun) photographing him. Usually he's quiet and reserved but this time he showed me some spunk and I loved it. I can't get enough of his eyes and his lips, so cute! I can't wait to see him with his new baby. Which I'm going on the record that I think it's a girl :). Thanks baby J, you can hang with us anytime. xoxo K

thankful

Happy Thanksgiving!

dreamy eyes

There is something so warm and loving that I find about brown eyes. These brothers have eyes like liquid chocolate and they melt my heart (a little cheesy, I know, but true). And they are truly as sweet as they look. ;)

beautiful grandchildren

This weekend I had the pleasure of meeting these 4 beautiful children, thanks to their Grandmother who managed to bring them together for our session. The girls were so sweet and loving with their younger cousins that it warmed my heart. It took some time before Mr. R, the older brother, warmed up but when he did his smile lit up the room (note to self, bust out big trucks at the beginning of session). I swear I can still hear all their giggles today. It was wonderful to meet all of you!

Miss A aka Miss Personality

Oh she is so cute and has the best personality! I say this every time I photograph her because it's so true! I can't wait until she can talk because I have the feeling she'll have me laughing all the time. She really wasn't in the mood to be photographed but mom and I persuaded her by playing her favorite music, taking pictures of her teddy bear and letting her see, putting down my soft blanket (she went a little crazy for the soft blanket), a big sucker, snacks...I'm sure there was more, LOL! I enjoyed spending time with you Miss A, as always. :)

PHONE DIED!!

Serious bummer! My phone has gone belly up on me this morning. It might be a few days before I receive a new one so please e-mail me if you need to get a hold of me at info@kristamuskovinphotography.com. Thank you!

OMG ~ Oh.My.Gorgeous!

I love these two! I've known them since birth and they are both full of such character. Mom and Dad were after them to sit up, smile pretty...well they left the room for a minute and I loosened the tie and shirt and told them to strike a pose. I like what I got!




If only I was 8 again I would so ask him to go with me! Isn't he just dreamy?!?! I love his little half smile. LOVE IT!




And Ms. Thing! She's got the looks and tude! Poor daddy, LOL!




Both of them play hockey. On second thought, I think between the older brother and the hockey skills, Ms. Thing can take care of herself!

a few more

my girl

Well, one of my girls ;)  She nicely agreed to sit for me (after a big fat bribe!).  I've got a few more images from our session to share later.  For now, enjoy the new looks to my blog with bigger images.  You no longer have to get out the magnifying glass to see them!

voter #50

I was in line to vote this morning at 6:50 a.m.  In line around me were some very interesting people.  The gentleman behind me was young and kept saying "I'm happy to stand in line, I'm happy there is a line, whether you agree with me our not, I'm happy you are in line."  I'm with him - go out a vote!  

Everyone I came in contact with this morning was happy and nice.  Well, except the one poll worker, she was nice, just not happy.  She was having control issues and I felt her pain (I often have control issues) lol;)  She needed some coffee I think.  Don't forget, the poll workers are volunteers.  Not a responsibility I'm volunteering for - a very long day!

Well I'm off to start my day, which will mostly likely be a normal day for me, running the kids, going to the office, having dinner with my family, but will be a historic day for America.

little man

After a day of ever changing weather (rain, thunder, hail, sunshine), the skies cleared just in time for our afternoon together and I'm so happy it did!  Mr. P is such a handsome little man and was great to spend time with.  He wasn't too excited to be getting his picture taken but he I could barely tell, I think there were moments he may have liked it.  He is so smart and such a professional ;)  Thank you Mr. P, I hope you enjoy your pictures!  

illegal lashes!!

Look at the amazing lashes on this little boy, yep, I said boy!  They are amazing :)  This is actually the other older brother of my son's crush (from previous post somewhere below).  I didn't have the opportunity to catch him while I was photographing his brother and sister but was able to get a few minutes with him while we were camping.  I've got a soft spot in my heart for this little guy.  I've noticed a trend.  Give me a toughie exterior with a heart of gold and I melt.

I just did my last outdoor session of the year (unless I get a super special request for snow!). But no worries, you can still book a studio session.  I have just a few dates left before the holidays.  Contact me at info@kristamuskovinphotography.com if you are interested in booking a session.  Thank you!

seriously cool

This is Miss P and I had a blast photographing her!  She's smart, fun and as you can see, simply gorgeous!  She has quite a sense of adventure, which made for some unique photographs. ;) Thanks P!  

Miss R and Mr. L

Here's your sneak peek!  xoxo K

reflections

My family went camping this past weekend and the campground was situated around this lake.  The view was amazing.  The colors are just starting to turn and most of the time, the lake was still and looked like glass.  I'm so behind on editing sessions but will try to share more of our camping trip in a few days.  We had a great time and the weather was perfect!

Limited Edition Christmas Sessions

Because I have so many requests for Christmas sessions and we all have limited time before the holidays, I've decided to do these Limited Edition Christmas Sessions so that I can capture as many of you as I can!  I do have availability for both dates.  Weather permitting, the sessions will be held outdoors. For Christmas cards, I have several designs available to choose from.  All cards are 5x7, two-sided and printed on beautiful art linen paper.  The hand crafted ornaments are only available with the Limited Edition Christmas Sessions.  They are beautiful ornaments, great for your tree or gifts!

Please email me at info@KristaMuskovinPhotography.com to book your session!

**Please note that I will be out of the office until Monday, October 13th and will respond to all inquires on Monday morning.**