What to Wear Wednesday: Spring Trends | Ann Arbor, MI Photographer

Emerald Green is the Pantone color of the year for 2013, but there are plenty of other colors that are trending for the Spring. Here's a few hues that might inspire your own outfits for your portraits.

Spring 2013 Color Trends by callmeunwritten featuring diane von furstenberg

What to Wear Wednesday: Valentine's Edition | Ann Arbor, MI Photographer

Looking for something adorable to wear for that special someone tomorrow night? Look no further than this darling little dress and red flats!

Diamonds and Valentines by polybaby featuring maroon shoes

What to Wear Wednesday: Love in the Air | Ann Arbor, MI Engagement Photographer

How cute is this outfit?! I just love the rustic, woodsy feel to it and the deer on the skirt is adorable! I can so see this being worn for an engagement session with pine trees all over and maybe a red barn in the background. If you were recently engaged or are planning on an engagement over Valentine's Day give me a call for a wedding consultation at 517.499.9380 or email nataliemaephotography@yahoo.com. If you book your Wedding Collection before March 31, 2013 you'll receive $150 off a She Said Yes! engagement session.

The month I was born - February by tracireuer featuring fancy scarves

What to Wear Wednesday: Be Brave | Ann Arbor MI Senior Photographer

Today's What to Wear Wednesday was inspired by the Disney movie "Brave." From the minute I saw the trailer for it, I knew that I would love it, so the minute I saw this set on Polyvore I fell in love. This look would be awesome for a senior portrait session, even if you don't look like Merida :) The earthy tones would be great for every season of the year. So call and book your senior portrait consultation today 517.499.9380 or email nataliemaephotography@yahoo.com. Let your Ann Arbor senior photographer take care of all your portrait needs!

Emerald Green by jenniemitchell featuring brown boots

What to Wear Wednesday: Kiss Me | Ann Arbor, MI Boudoir Photographer

Valentine's Day is only three short weeks away and if you're anything like me, you're still trying to figure out what to wear (I always wait until the last minute!). Anyway, here are some really cute ideas to wear for the special night out on the town...or any date for that matter.

Pretty for my Valentine by polybaby featuring strapless cocktail dresses

Eric + Sarah | Ann Arbor, MI Wedding Photographer

Eric and Sarah couldn't have asked for a more gorgeous day for their October wedding. It could have been a tad warmer, but you'd never know because they braved the cold like champs! 

What to Wear Wednesday: Teal & Orange | Ann Arbor MI Portrait Photographer

What a great way to switch from 2012 to 2013 with the merging of both Pantone Colors of the Year (tangerine tango & emerald). I adore this color combination, they compliment each other without looking too much like a carrot. This would be a great jumping off point for coordinating family portrait outfits, just add a base color like brown or white and they would make any portrait pop!

not finish * / season for 2013 by megan-bernier featuring junghans

What to Wear Friday: Frosty Seniors | Ann Arbor, MI Senior Photographer

So things are a little off this week because of the big announcements that I've been making. This week I'm doing things different and having a What to Wear Friday (instead of the typical Wednesday edition).

So...Be different. Be YOUnique. Be bold. While most seniors are getting their portraits done in the summer or fall, why not do things your way and have them done during the winter? The set below by sminkerica7 shows just the right amount of sass that could be added to any portrait session. But there's endless possibilities when it comes to a stunning wardrobe for the snow! So if you want to do things different from the rest, book your senior portrait consultation today with your Ann Arbor senior photographer by calling 517.499.9380 or emailing nataliemaephotography@yahoo.com.

Hello 2013 by sminkerica7 featuring platform booties

Valentine's Boudoir Special | Jackson, MI Boudoir Photographer

Valentine's Day will be upon us before you know it! If you haven't already it's definitely time to start thinking about getting that special someone in your life something they'll remember for a long time. Why not give the gift of boudoir photography?

I'm offering a special Valentine's Collection only good until February 3, 2013 (this guarantees the books will be in before the 14th). It will include professional hair and makeup, 1-2 hour portrait session, and an 8x8 velvet-touch hardcover book for only $425 (a savings of $175!). The book will be custom designed and include all the images from the session. Trust me when I say, this little book will be the hottest thing he (or she) will ever see! But don't take my word for it, here's what Missy S. had to say about the one she gave her husband for Christmas:

"I wanted to give my husband a gift that would last a lifetime. My pinup album was the perfect idea. I had an amazing time with Natalie behind the camera. I felt beautiful and my husband was beyond happy. It is hands down one of the best gifts I've ever given!"

How to Get the Most Out of a Bridal Show | Ann Arbor, MI Wedding Photographer

Bridals shows are a great resource to help plan your wedding and get tips to make sure things run smoothly on your wedding day; but before you dive in head first here's a few pointers to help you get the most out of a bridal show.

1. Wear comfortable shoes! There's a ton of walking to be done at a bridal show from one vendor to another and back again, so you want to make sure that your feet are nice and comfy. 
2. Bring a friend. It may be tempting to bring your man with you, but unless he is REALLY into helping you plan the wedding, it would probably be better if you brought a good friend or sister. Whoever is your right-hand lady in the wedding planning department.
3. Notepad and pen. Bridal shows are a plethora of ideas and wedding knowledge. You will see so many vendors and talk to so many people that it can definitely get overwhelming. The notebook and pen will come in handy to remember all of those Pinterest worthy ideas or the bakers phone number who made that decadent chocolate cake!
4. Have a strategy. When you arrive there should be a map of how the area is laid out. Look it over and have a plan on how you're going to weave through all those vendors. If not, all the exciting details of another vendors booth will be pulling you all over the place. This way you see them all and don't miss any pertinent vendor you wanted to see.
5. Bring a checkbook or credit card. Many vendors will be offering deals only good if booked during the bridal show. Have some form of payment with you in case you see a deal you can't pass up.
6. Enjoy yourself! It might be a little hectic at times between the lines and the crowds, but don't stress out about it, you're getting married!! And you're there to plan one of the most joyous days of your life.

Don't forget while you're wandering around the bridal shows who you want as your photographer...Natalie Mae Photography of course! Want to check out some bridal shows in the southern Michigan area? See the list below for one near you.

• Novi Bridal Expo | Novi, MI | January 5-6, 2013
• Lansing Bridal World | Lansing, MI | January 6, 2013
• Here Comes the Brides Bridal Show | Brighton, MI | January 13, 2013
• Brides to Be Expo | Dearborn, MI | January 20, 2013
• Elegant Wedding Winter Bridal Show | Ann Arbor, MI | January 20, 2013
• Jackson Bridal Fair | Jackson, MI | January 20, 2013

What to Wear Wednesday: Winter Wedding | Ann Arbor MI Wedding Photographer

The winter months are not the most popular to get married in, but I've always thought that a winter wedding would be absolutely stunning. Snowflakes falling softly around, the bride and groom wrapped in each others arms, and the most magical moments captured forever. The set below by thisisme2012 just shows how beautiful a winter wedding can be.

Did you recently get engaged over the holiday season? Call your Ann Arbor wedding photographer to set up your wedding consultation at 517.499.9380 or email nataliemaephotography@yahoo.com. If you book your Wedding Collection by January 31, 2013 you'll save $300 off your full Collection price. As an added bonus, if your wedding takes place before March 31, 2013 you'll receive an additional 10% off your Wedding Collection!

winter wonderland wedding by thisisme2012 featuring giorgio armani

New Years Resolutions | Jackson, MI Photographer

Once again it's that time of year to make resolutions to better yourself and your life. Every year I make personal resolutions and business resolutions. I believe every business should always be continuing to grow and learn, that's the only way to be the best you can be. So here's my list of business resolutions for 2013:

1. Simplify my work flow. What does that mean? It means I'm going to get more organized so I can work smarter and not harder. I'll be making checklists so I know what I've done and what I need to get done in order to expedite the portrait process. Now I know that you won't see the checklists, but on my end it's going to make the process a heck of a lot easier!

2. Referral program. I am working on rolling out a referral program that will earn current & past customers money towards future prints.So here's how it will work for past clients: every customer that books a portrait session and tells me your name you will receive a $50 print credit good towards prints from a past session or a future session. For new and future clients, when you pick up your print order you will also receive referral cards. Hand them out to family, friends, your gardener...whoever you want. For each person that brings me that card and books a portrait session you will receive a $50 print credit good towards prints from your session or you can save them for future portraits.

3. New toys. I've been drooling over a few lenses starting with the Canon 70-300mm f/2.8 IS II USM and the Canon 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro, so I'll be working on saving my pennies to buy these two beauties. I've used both of them in the past and just love the images I can make with them, so they will be an incredible addition to my camera bag.

 Above: taken with the Canon 70-300mm f/2.8 IS II USM

Below: taken with the Canon 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

Thank You! | Jackson MI Portrait Photographer

2012 has been a really eventful year for me! I graduated with my second degree, this time in Graphic Design; photographed some really amazing clients; and did a 360 with the direction of my business. There's been ups and downs, but what's life without some bumps?! I am truly thankful for each and everyone of my clients. Every time I get to photograph someone I learn something new and always have a great time. My business wouldn't be anything without my clients, so I am forever indebted to you for allowing me to pursue my dreams.

The new year brings more changes for us first starting with the name change. We were formally known as Natty J Photography, and are starting out 2013 with a fresh look as Natalie Mae Photography. Still, same beautiful portraits and individual customer attention, just with a neater and cleaner looking package. I can't wait to photograph and get to know more of you in the new year! Until then, here's my incredible collection of 2012 clients...and once again...THANKS!!

A Little Spice on a Cold Night | Jackson, MI Portrait Photographer

When Missy first asked me to do some pin-up portraits for her, I have to admit I was a tad apprehensive because I had never done that style before, but since she's a really good friend of mine I agreed. These were seriously SO much fun to photograph! We tried all kinds of poses and I have to say I loved every single image, it was so hard to narrow it down, so you guys get more images than normal. We had so much fun that even my dog, Piglet, wanted to join in!

After I showed her all the images, she had me design a hardcover book for her husband's Christmas gift. I adored the book on screen, but once I saw it in print...oh my! She has one lucky hubby! That book is enough to keep anyone warm on a chilly night like tonight :)

Big News | Jackson, MI Photographer

Last week I announced that there will be some big changes come the New Year, most of them won't necessarily be seen by all of you because they have to do with behind the scenes things like furthering my education with photography by becoming a Certified Professional Photographer with the Professional Photographers of America and learning how to run the business side of things more smoothly. I really appreciate all of you that have stuck with me this long and want to thank you because I'm constantly learning the business side as I go, but I've got a great network of other professionals helping with that part.

Now for the change you will see...Natty J Photography is getting a makeover! If you've been following me this year, you've seen the small visual changes that have occurred and the updated website is in the final stages of being completed. Check it out and let me know what you think so far! However the biggest revision is I'm changing my business name to Natalie Mae Photography. I think it fits more with the direction my photography is going. Below is the new logo to keep an eye out for, I'm so excited for it and the new cohesive look!

As far as social networking and other sites go, there's been some changes in the URL's, so I posted the links below to make it easy to find me.

| Website | Facebook | Twitter | 

nataliemaephotography@yahoo.com

What to Wear Wednesday: Winter Red Model Call

This outfit would be gorgeous for a winter senior session! The contrast of the red against the white snow (hopefully we'll have some this year), would just be stunning. I would love to do a session in the winter for someone with a dress like this, so if you're a 2013 senior and willing to let me "experiment" this winter with your senior portraits, give Natalie Mae Photography a call. So what's in it for you?! A free senior portrait session ($150 value), three fabulous web images to share with all your friends, and prints would be available for purchase separately.

If you're interested in being a model for this session, call us at 517.499.9380 or email us at nataliemaephotography@yahoo.com.

about red. taylor swift by x1derstruck featuring elizabeth arden perfume

The Holiday Pig | Jackson, MI Pet Photographer

I couldn't resist photographing the Pig again this holiday season. He's just such a good model for me and listens so well. Here's the cuteness that came out of his mini-session.

What to Wear Wednesday: Mustard & Purple

If you've been following my blog, you know I have a *semi-unhealthy* obsession with the color mustard, so as soon as I saw this collection I was immediately drawn to it. I don't know what it is, I just love that color and burnt orange and charcoal grey and...oh there's too many to name, but mustard is high on the list of awesomeness. But I love the subtle hints of purple in this tied in with the shoe, so cute!

Get The Look : Solange Knowles by ayutianrts featuring tom ford

Now I don't expect anyone to rush out and buy these items, but they're great for giving you ideas of how to put together a portrait wardrobe.

What to Wear Wednesday: Thanksgiving Day Edition

Okay, I seriously am in love with that "wooden" shoe!! If I had any sort of girly, girl in me I'd buy them, but I'd probably break my neck trying to walk in them. To me, this just screams Thanksgiving with all the rich browns and orange tones. Perfect for any family gathering or portrait.

Now I don't expect anyone to rush out and buy these items, but they're great for giving you ideas of how to put together a portrait wardrobe.

Acne Shining crepe shirt by mauriciofredes featuring christian dior cosmetics

Paint Fight! | Jackson, MI Engagement Photographer

Meet Katie, Doug (THE Doug), and their fur child Louise; they're our first official 2013 wedding! I've known Katie for a few years now, we used to work together and then we played roller derby together and now I'm photographing her wedding and engagement photos. When Katie told me she wanted to have a paint fight for her engagement photos I was so excited. She's always been really creative and I could just tell that this was going to be an awesome session. The paint colors her and Doug used in the fight are their wedding colors.

And I couldn't leave out this little cutie, while her parents were cleaning up, I took the chance to grab this quick shot of Louise in all her adorable glory.