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

Mixtape Monday | Ann Arbor Portrait Photographer

Since I'm still settling into my new house and don't have anything organized yet, I wanted to keep today's post brief. Here's the top five songs right now that get me motivated and make me want to dance while I work (or maybe not dance, but sing really loud).

• Maroon 5 One More Night

• Alex Clare Too Close

• Alicia Keys Girl on Fire

• The Lumineers Hey Ho

• Bruno Mars Locked Out of Heaven

Fill in the Blank Friday | Ann Arbor Portrait Photographer

Since there's only two days left before I move, I figured I would make this blog as easy and stress free as I possibly could. So welcome to another edition of Fill in the Blank Friday! A tiny glimpse into who the woman behind the camera is...me.

A book you love
Walking in Circles Before Lying Down by Merrill Markoe This book is hilarious and perfect for any dog lover. Makes me really wonder what my dogs could say if they could talk.

Five celebrity crushes
Alright, no judging on this one...

1. Jesse Williams (Dr. Jackson Avery on Grey's Anatomy, Cabin in the Woods)
2. Nelsan Ellis (Lafayette on True Blood)
3. Fred Durst (Singer of Limp Bizkit...yes I know this is old school)
4. Jude Law (Watson on Sherlock Holmes and various other movies)
5. Vin Diesel (Dominic on Fast & the Furious. Plus, all the sequels and other movies)

One thing I'm excited for

I'm excited to start running again. I took time off of it for the holidays and the move; and I miss it dearly. Never thought I'd be a person to say I miss running, but I do. Plus, I just booked my own boudoir session as a reward to myself for when I hit my weight loss goal, so I need to get my butt in gear!

My best memory from last year

Running my first 5k with one of my best friends and hitting my first mini goal of losing weight.

Tomorrow I will ______

Be packing up the last little bits of my house in preparation for moving on Sunday!!!

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

Baby Lucian | Ann Arbor Newborn Photographer

Introducing baby Lucian. He's 10 days new and perfect in every way, and such a model! There was barely any fussing out of him the whole time, had to take a few potty breaks, but he was a trooper. Baby Lucian tolerated any hat or wrap mom and I put him in, pretty much cooperating through it all. I have so many good images from the session, it was incredibly difficult to narrow them down. Brace yourself for some newborn cuteness below.

Since this is was my first newborn session of the new year, I looked back on my very first newborn session ever and it's truly amazing to see how far I've come since then. It's almost embarrassing, but that's part of the learning process. Making mistakes, growing, and moving forward. That's one of the reasons being a photographer is the perfect job for me; it's constantly changing and there is always new techniques to be learned. Plus, I love a challenge!

If you're interested in scheduling newborn portraits please call 517.499.9380
or email nataliemaephotography@yahoo.com.

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

Valentine's Vixen | Ann Arbor, MI Boudoir Photographer

With Valentine's Day being only a month away boudoir sessions are in full swing! I was lucky enough to photograph this stunning woman again. You might remember her from this past fall and her family portrait session. Well, she came back to surprise her boyfriend with some steamy boudoir portraits for Valentine's Day...I think he's going to be quite happy when he sees the book of all the images!

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

Name and Home? | Ann Arbor, MI Photographer

You heard that right, Natalie Mae Photography is moving! I told you 2013 was going to be a year for big changes. Don't fret though I'm going too far away, I'll be relocating to the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area, but will still be in Jackson until the end of January and will be taking portrait sessions up until the 27th. During most of that week I'll be moving and getting settled into my new home. Sessions will start up again on February 1st. When everything is in order again, I'll take photos of my new place and give you guys a little tour. As silly as it might sound, I love moving because you get to redecorate everything in a new way. Plus, it's a great way to take inventory of what you own and what you no longer need. I know I have a ton of stuff that I will be donating or tossing.

So long Jackson, it's been grand while I was here and I'll be back to visit!

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