2013 Senior Role Model | Maine Children & Family Photographer

Sometimes in life, you cross paths with a truly amazing person. And sometimes as a photographer, you get the chance to photograph that person. I was one of those lucky ones. I met and photographed Kirstie for her high school senior photos and from the very beginning I was so excited! If she was anything like her beautiful sister, Amy, that I've been doing family photos for these past few years, then I was certainly in for a treat! The planning and prepping for the session wasn't easy as I had a lot of personal things happening at home that kept interfering, but when it finally came down to it...everything fell perfectly into place! I found myself at a beautiful location with an even more beautiful young lady and she nervously prepared for her 15 minutes of fame :)

Kirstie was such a natural in front of the camera despite the fact that she was insisting she wasn't LOL I mean, heck, even her test shots were breath taking! She was so fun and carefree. She never stopped smiling and laughing! Her mother attended the session with us as well and I remember seeing the love and pride in her eyes and she watched her little girl rock out an amazing session. By the end of the session I wanted to adopt Kirstie so I'd have a muse at my beck and call. Alas, her mom said I couldn't have her LOL but it didn't keep me from being inspired by her daughter. Not only was the session jaw dropping, but she inspired me to start a Senior Role Model program. A platform in which I can praise that particular senior for truly being an all around role model for future generations.

Without hesitation, my first role model would be Kirstie. She is everything that I feel young women could look up to and more! In this blog post, I am going to share some of her beautiful photos and let you read her personal interview. She is going to do big things in her lifetime and make waves. I am just honored to have been a part if it all :)

My Interview with Kirstie

What did you want to be when you grew up and is it different from the path you see yourself on now?


When I was little I wanted to be a veterinarian because of my love for animals. However, once I understood that vets also have to euthanize animals, I realized I could never perform such tasks. I'm one of those people who sob while watching movies in which animals die- "Hachi" almost killed me! I then moved on to wanting to be a marine biologist, but that thought soon dwindled due to my lack of interest in the profession. When I was about eight I began taking violin lessons, and my family and I noticed that I seemed to have a knack for music. At nine I joined a choir and performed several solos in front of hundreds of people, and at ten I began taking piano lessons. The further I got into the world of music, the more I knew that I never wanted to leave. While at a Christian concert when I was about thirteen, I felt God calling me to be a Christian recording artist. I fell in love with the idea, and soon I began filling notebooks with songs I had written. Since then I've taken up the guitar and now have an insatiable desire to learn as many instruments as possible!

When you first booked with me, you told me you were home-schooled. What is your most favorite and least favorite part of home-schooling?

My favorite part has to be the fact that I don't have to get up as early as other kids! I love sleeping in. The second-best part is that you can complete your schoolwork while you're lazing around in your pajamas, lol. I really love home-schooling, so there aren't many things I can say against it. What can I say, my mom's a great teacher!

Is there any obstacle you had to overcome and how did you do it?

When I was a preteen I was very shy. Most people would expect this from a home-schooled kid since they don't "get out much". Yes, this was true, and I knew I had to change it. I started pushing myself to socialize more and began attending two different youth groups at local churches. During that time I met the people who have become my best friends. I couldn't imagine life without them. I've made many friends and have become quite sociable since my preteen days. Some of my friends find it hard to believe that I was ever that shy and quiet!

Who do you look to as a role model in your life and why? Is there someone famous that you aspire to be like and why?

Over the years I've called many different celebrities my "role models", from Lucille Ball to Tim Tebow. However, I would always think of these celebrities as being perfect, and of course, I was eventually let down by something I heard on the news or read on the internet. Eventually I came to the conclusion that if I didn't want to be let down, I needed to find a new role model. One that would never disappoint me, but instead always be there for me. Ever since, my role model has been Jesus. He's the true definition of the word "hero". I've never heard of any celebrity or philanthropist bearing a cross to take on the burden of our sins, have you? I aspire to be like Francesca Battistelli someday. She is a very gifted Christian artist and writes incredible music.

What do you do for fun? Any hobbies or special interests?

Most of the time you can find me practicing my instruments or singing in my room while strumming my guitar! But I love spending time with my friends, especially my best "buds", Christine and Levi. We three have a great time just being together, because honestly, we are all equally crazy. I also enjoy "mud-running" Maine-style in my go-kart!

What are your plans for the future?

I plan on attending a university for vocal music business and working on getting some of the songs I've written on the radio! I'm hoping to also hone my piano, violin, and guitar skills. I recently recorded my first CD of songs I've written in a local recording studio and can't wait to record another!

What are some of the things you can't live without? (i.e. a certain lip gloss, pair of boots, book, etc)

I would honestly die without my instruments and my Bible. Next comes my Converse sneakers. I'm a bit of a fanatic and have several pairs. Lastly, I would be very sad if the world was void of bacon.

What advice do you want to give to future female graduates?

Work HARD! Find something you really love and never stop pursuing it. Never listen to anyone who says your dream is unobtainable.

What are some random/quirky things about you that make you who you are? (i.e. the way you laugh, a slang word you always use, only eating the red Skittles, etc)

Oh, my reply to this one could go on forever. If you ask any of my friends/family, they'll tell you that I am definitely unique. I laugh all of the time.. so much that some people have given me the nickname "giggles". I am always singing or humming, everywhere I go. Several times I have had people ask if the radio was playing while I was singing throughout the store and I just smile and say "I don't think so." I'm a bit of a klutz and am not the most graceful person in the world. I'm usually tripping over my shoelaces or bumping into the wall. Also, I've always made up random nicknames for our pets. How I ended up with "Kiwi" for my dog I will never know..

Tell me about your experience with your photo session from contacting me, planning and the actual session.

Laura did everything perfectly with my session. She kept in contact beforehand and made sure that I was well-informed about the details of the session. The session was SO much fun! I never expected to have such a good time while having my senior pictures taken. Laura is very friendly and instantly put me at ease while I was posing I originally thought it was going to be very awkward since I had never had my photos professionally taken before. In my opinion, there is no other photographer that measures up to the quality of Laura Lee Photography. I will definitely be scheduling another session soon!

Now, didn't I tell you? Kirstie is simply amazing and her session...EPIC! I was being serious when I said she is my new muse...I just adore, adore, adore her! I hope you enjoyed getting to know my 2013 Senior Role Model and that you love her images as much as we do!!!

I will end by telling you that it's never too early to reserve your spot for your upcoming 2015 Senior session! I am currently booking them out until March of 2014 for those interested in a winter or spring senior session. In April I will open it up for booking for the summer and fall months. With 4 unique collections to choose from, you can't go wrong :)

Interested in booking your senior session with Laura Lee Photography? Then click here to inquire and get started planning your epic session: http://www.lauraleephotographymaine.com/#!high-school-seniors/cyg1

When Life Hands You Lemons | A Personal Post

For those of you who know me personally and have met my family, this post will hit home with you. For those of you who haven't met me yet, then hopefully it will give you some insight as to what is really important to me. This is my family:

Me with my better half Dominic with our son Vincent. Photo courtesy of Sierra Kristen Photography.

Three days ago I got the call everyone fears...there was an emergency. Dominic suffered a Grand Mal Seizure and was in an ambulance on the way to the hospital. I can't remember the last time I was so scared. It was the longest drive of my life. I had no idea what to expect. I didn't know where it happened, how or even why. For all I knew he could have been driving. I remember walking in to the room seeing him on the stretcher hooked up to machines...my son on my hip. He just looked over, smiled, cracked a joke and laughed. That is Dominic to a tee! I have to admit, I was immediately comforted. Vincent, however, was very concerned and a little scared. I was putting on my game face and counting my blessings that his seizure didn't occur while driving and that his co-workers did an amazing job handling the situation and getting him immediate help.

We spent hours in and out of the room, while family visited. He went through several tests including a CT scan and we got news that we weren't expecting...that no one expects. They discovered a mass in his brain. The questions were many, but the answers were few. The hospital was simply not equipped for a diagnosis like Dom's and it was decided that he needed to be brought by ambulance to another hospital who specializes in such things. I made arrangements for my mother to watch our son for the night as I made the trip to MMC in Portland to get more answers. All the time praying it wasn't as serious as my gut was telling me.

It was nice to show up and see so many of his family members there. He is so very loved and adored by so many...he is such an amazing man. I kept my game face on and waited patiently to see him. More tests are done and little by little the pieces were coming together. We were told he had a tumor. Much larger than the prediction at the other hospital. The results went from it the size of a pea to about the size of a golf ball. My heart sank. It was too hard to even fathom. He has never really shown any symtoms and he looked and felt better than ever. The doctors kept our faith up telling us that it appeared to be benign and that we caught it in time to treat it. Any little morsel of good news was gobbled up! It was a relief to know he didn't have cancer and it was a miracle he had the seizure because it's what promted the testing that led to the discovery of the tumor in the first place. A tumor that in a matter of weeks or months could have killed him and potentially without warning.

The hours went by at the hospital and slowly family went home to rest and await updates. We got prepped for the night in the hospital while waiting for more detailed answers and the course of treament. We talked about anything and everything while we waited for his midnight MRI. Partly trying to take our mind of it by keeping our humor in tact, partly trying to grasp the seriousness of the situation and partly beginning to see the big picture. Talks of how grateful we are that he's alive and that he wasn't driving during the seizure where he could have been killed or sadly, also killed someone else. Of how we are glad we are lucky enough to have the option to treat it and that he's going to ultimately be ok. We were smacked with the reality that we aren't invincible and we needed to start getting our affairs in order with a will and life insurance. God forbid if this story played out differently.

The more we talked, the more we both secretly got scared of the little things as well. What should be far from our minds is the cost of this testing and surgery, but there it was...staring us in the face. I had my thyroid removed at the age of 17 due to a hereditary cancer and that cost around $15,000. Imagine the cost of massive brain surgery and a week at the hospital on top of the testing? What will that be...over $100,000? I think it's mostly devastating because we were just starting the "american dream" in buying our own home, but that will have to wait. The health of our family is far more important than keeping up with the Joneses. I'd rather be in debt than lose the love of my life and the best daddy in the world.

Needless to say, after a fairly sleepless night and an EEG test first thing in the morning, we talked to three more doctors who were helpful in helping us understand the course of treatment. Ultimately he would need brain surgery, but we wouldn't get more details until later that evening...so the wait began again. Time passed pretty quickly thanks to friends and family stopping in to entertain us...all the while missing our son. It had been the first time he spent the night away from us since he was born 3 1/2 years ago. So this whole ordeal was tough on us on so many levels. Slowly, but surely, the time approached to have the official consultation with the doctor who would perform his surgery. His parents came with Vincent to hear the news with us.

The doctor told us Dominic has a SEGA (Subependymal Giant Cell Astrocytoma). Actually, he has two, but he said only one is life threatening and the other will be closely monitored. Apparently this slow growing tumor has been there since childhood and has only recently started disrupting the flow of cerebrospinal fluid in his spine and brain. Surgery would consist of removing a large portion of his top left skull where they would need to cut the lining that holds his left and right hemispheres together in order to get down into the left ventricle far enough to remove the tumor in it's entirety. He will lose minor motor skills, but nothing that should greatly impact him...like snapping his fingers in sync. He would be in the hospital about a week and recovery is about a month. Due to his seizure he is on anti-seizure medication and will not be legally allowed to drive for 3 months. There's just so many little things that will effect our day to day life. Little in comparison to the gratefulness and happiness we have to all still be together as a family.

And speaking of grateful...we awoke the following day after coming home to await surgery on September 18th and discovered that many of our friends and family have already began helping us get through this! We got tons of emails, messages, calls and texts from everyone telling us they are praying for us and thinking of us. We have friends starting fundraisers, raffles, benefit dinners and offering to help in any other way possible. This is all just so surreal to us. We are completely speechless and in awe. Neither of us has been on the recipient end of a community coming together to help and support one of their own. It's often the other way around. It's nice to see we are not alone. It's nice to understand how amazing it feels to not only help others, but to have others help you. We honestly don't think a simple "thank you" will suffice is expressing our gratitude...but THANK YOU none-the-less! You have already helped alleviate some of the stress we are currrently experiencing and will continue to experience until we are done making lemonade with the lemons life has recently given us. Our family is strong and determined, but we couldn't do it without the love and support of those in our lives.

Special THANK YOU's go out to:
~ Dominic's place of work, Motor Supply, for holding a Rifle Raffle for us to help raise money for the cost of surgery and to cover us while Dom is out of work for a couple of months. You can get the tickets at any Motor Supply location or by contacting Rick at 207-873-4286.
~ Thank you to Jim's Gun Shop for the Remington 30-06 with scope to be auctioned off.
~ Thanks to Randy of Harry Smith Co for offering to fix any problems that may arise with our vehicle while he's out of work.
~ Thank you to Liz (my hair & makeup artist and good friend) who began a fundraiser for us to help cover expenses as well.
~ And thank you to everyone who has contacted us to wish us well and prayers for Dominic's speedy recovery! I'm sure I'll be making more public thank you's soon!

If I can manage to find the time, I will also try to have a garage sale where I will also be selling off some of my photography props/gear. You can also purchase some of my artwork here. Proceeds from these sales normally go to my non-profit organization (The Hope Captured Foundation) but for the next couple of months they will go towards providing for my family. I promise to keep you all posted when I have a chance :)

In the meantime, if you are or will be a client of mine, please continue reading...

How This Potentially Affects My Clients

I also want to take the time to tell you why it was important for me to tell you all of this. My family is the most important thing in my life. Everything I do is for my boys...everything! Part of that responsibility is being a stay at home mom and running my photography business to help support them. As I take on the responsibility of also caring for Dominic as he recovers I will need the support and understanding of my clients. I am doing everything I can to keep the sessions I currently have as scheduled. I will let you all know individually if I need to clear my calendar for any reason and reschedule your session. As I am the sole income right now, I cannot slack so I will not turn away further sessions if I can prevent it. I just ask that you have patience as I work around the needs of my family.

One of the changes I am making will mainly affect family sessions. Typically, I offer Holiday Mini's in a studio location for families and children, but that will NOT be available this year. Instead, I will be encouraging families to book their session before it gets too cold and snows. My schedule is almost completely full and I am slightly restricted in availability, but I promise I will do everything I can to get everyone in before the snow flies. I am working on getting some outdoor Holiday Mini's available to my clients by offering sessions at a local Christmas Tree Farm where I will decorate a couple of little trees for photos and offer Christmas themed poses as well as traditional ones while you all wear cute sweaters with hats, mittens and scarfs! I will keep you posted on this as well!

So I encourage all of you who want a session with me (especially family photos) please contact me asap and do not hesitate to book! The last thing I want to do is refer my amazingly awesome, loyal clients to someone else. I thank you again from the bottom of my heart. Photography is not only my passion, but my livelyhood. I get great pride in being able to do something I love so much to in turn be able to provide for my family that I love even more. I am Super Mom...hear me roooaaarrrr! :)

Baby, I've Come a Long Way | Maine Children & Family Photographer

      It starts out as just a thought. You stew over the idea of this dream. You then tell it to the few people you trust to give you an honest opinion. You then stew over it some more. You gain the support and blessings of those around you. You begin putting your dream into action. It is hard. You sacrifice so much right from the very beginning. You're on a rollar coaster and success seems so far in the future. You're at the mercy of fate, destiny and the opinions and support of everyone around you...including complete strangers. There are set backs and accompliments. Some days you want to give up and some days you are overwhelmed with pride. To think that you jumped head first into something that not everyone thought was possible is scary. To actually pull through 2 years later and see a light at the end of the tunnel...priceless. You must never give up on your dreams! 

"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world."  ~ Harriet Tubman

      Today, I saw a little of that light. I got to finally feel like I accomplished something. Like I have somehow been acknowledged for all my hard work. How was this accomplished you ask? Well, let me give you a little back story first. As many of you know, after 2 years of running a pretty successful photography business and trying my hand at all areas, I have decided that my heart lies with Children & Families. My specialties will include Birth, Maternity, Newborn, Children, High School Seniors and Families. I still plan to offer Weddings at one per month. I've been preparing to take this direction for months, but I am just now announcing it...though I'm sure many of you knew I would eventually take this path since it's my heart and soul! Photographing Children and Families makes me so proud and so happy! It's what drives my true passion and gives me a great sense of purpose and pride :)

     Now, was that the big announcement I was going to make? No, not really. But it is still important for me to tell you! So what is this big news you may be asking me? What I did want to say is this: Baby, I've come a long way! From the very scary (not so perfect) first free sessions to my amazing (one of a kind) recent sessions...a few things have always been in the back of my mind. To always strive to learn and grow and be the best I can be. To be loved and supported in my dreams. To be looked up to and willing to help others. To have my work be admired and appreciated. And let's be honest...all artists dream of having their work on display for everyone to see! Well...that IS my big announcement! :) I know this may seem like small news to some, but to me it's BIG! This is my first step in having my dream acknowledged! For 2 years I have been driven towards the goal of displaying my work and today I finally got to hang some of my favorites up! Honestly, I have Dr. Glidden to thank for it!

     As you may know, I photographed Dr. Glidden's family when she introduced her bundle of joy, Malcolm, into this world. When delivering her print order to her office, I was asked by the staff if I can hang up some of my work in their office. Needless to say, I was speechless! I get a big, ridiculous grin just thinking of everyone who will be in the waiting room starting tomorrow oohing and ahhing over my work!!! And the news gets even more exciting! I will ALSO be putting up some of my work in their Augusta office AND in the new hospital being built in Augusta! OMGosh...I could DIE! I really just can't begin to explain in words how much this means to me and how unbelievably proud I am of myself. I just never gave up and I never will. This is only the beginning for me. I can feel it. I see myself pushing and working harder than ever now. I see myelf setting goals that I will tackle with great passion. I see my work in so many more places. When and how I get there is up to me. 

     So, yeah, I'm happy. I really have come such a long way in such a short time and I have you all to partly thank for that. Thank you all for trusting me, believing in me, supporting me, pushing me, complimenting me, referring me and most of all...continuously booking with me! I love you all! You are like long lost friends to me and I am honored to be a part of your family. I hope you enjoy being on this journey with me as I know I sure do appreciate your company :)

For those of you DYING to know which babies made it to these walls...feast your eyes on this! (And yes, there will be more additonal photos up at the other locations and will be announced as well!)

I may be a bit biased, as Miss Abriella is my cousin...but I couldn't resist :)

This is an obvious choice as it's also my profile photo! Miss Lauren makes me want a daughter :)

I had the pleasure of not just photographing Brodey's newborn session, but his birth as well! Truly amazing :)

What can I say about Miss Aubri besides the fact that her beautiful smile always makes ME smile :)

Owen was only my 2nd newborn session believe it or not. We've had several sessions since then. They grow up fast :)

And last, but certainly not least...Dr. Glidden's baby boy, Malcolm.  The cutest thing since puppies :)

And the Chosen Models for My Project Are...

Ahhhhh! The much anticipated and long awaited announcement of my secret Women's Project models! Buuuut, before I make the announcement, let me tell you a little bit about my project...

This is a project I have been slowly putting together for the past year. It came to me in a dream one night and I woke up at 3am to start jotting it all down like a mad woman! It's about who I am. It's about who I dreamed I'd be, who I thought I'd be, who I feel like I am, how I feel I portray myself and how I feel I am portrayed by others. It brings out hopes and dreams as well as my reality. It pulls at who I think I'd be if I weren't me...who I think I am deep inside...the me that no one else gets to see.

I began by making a list of ideas based on these thoughts and feelings and began slowly defining each one with details on how felt this idea can be brought to life. I than began my search for women that fit these themes. I had over 100 women apply for this project and was a bit overwhelmed. I was so surprised by the response to this personal project and it's quite humbling. Though it made it so much harder to narrow it down and choose the women I thought would perfectly fit the look I was going for. Seriously...I can't stress enough how hard it was for me to choose! You are all so beautiful and wonderful and brave for even applying! You all deserve it! But alas, I knew the time would come to make the tough choices and I finally have. I didn't choose models based on beauty or experience. I literally chose women based purely on the fact that they "looked" the part. For the ones I didn't choose for this project, I have put you all on my list for future projects. Maybe someday I will get to work with everyone that applied :-)

So here's the long awaited list of finalists:

Summer Main

Danyelle Gagne

Alicia Wills

Amy Haynes

Brionna Charlebois

Jennifer Bryant

Danielle O'Brien

Aleena Simoneau

Monique Gorman

Ashley Rowe

Meghan Miller

Allison Brochu

Vanessa Freeman

Congratulations to all of the girls that were chosen to work with me on my project! Over the next week or so, I will be emailing each of you to give you a Welcome Packet to my project and in it you will find more detailed information about the themed session I am looking for you to model for me along with the items of clothing, shoes, etc that I will need you to obtain. I'd be more than happy to help in that area if you need it. If for any reason something has changed since you applied and you are no longer able to or you are not comfortable with the theme I have matched you with, please feel free to email me to let me know so I can pass the opportunity on to another girl :-)

Now, I'm sure some of you may be wondering what exactly the themes to my project are, but for now, I am keeping it hush-hush. The models will also be requested to keep quiet about their session until it is revealed. I am putting a lot of heart and a lot of work into this and it means a lot to me personally. I hope that what I'm doing can make a difference in how you perceive not only me, but yourself. All women are beautiful and we are all special and contribute to the lives around us in our own way. We all have the choice to stand up for ourselves and believe in ourselves. We can do anything and be anything. We can have whatever hopes and dreams we want whether we choose to pursue them or not. We can imagine anything we want. It's about being who you are and loving it...every single part of who you are...no matter what it may be. Embrace your imperfections and and celebrate your quirkiness and compassion. It's about being proud of who you truly are and not giving up on who you want to be and what you want to accomplish.

It is my intention to complete this project by the end of the year and I will try my best to follow through with that! At this point, I have my wonderful, amazing, beautiful hair & makeup artist, Liz Caron, assisting on the set, but I have not searched for any assistants. You are more than welcomed to email me at lauraleephotographymaine@gmail.com if you are interested in volunteering to help me on set with my gear, lighting, posing, etc. Perhaps even have you run an errand if needed...like a coffee refill hahaha I am looking to bring on a couple of assistants so that I am always covered even if one can't make it that day.

Thank you all again for applying and congratulations to those who will be modeling for me. I look forward to meeting you all and working with you to make my project a reality. This won't win me awards and I don;t see it bringing in recognition, but I honestly hope it ends up inspiring you and that enjoy the work I will be sharing with you throughout the year! This is going to be amazing!

Win a FREE Mommy & Me Mini Session!

I just want to start off by simply saying: "If only we could see ourselves the way our children see us. How beautiful and unconditionally loved we would feel."

I hear so many moms saying they don't like how they look whether it be their hair, skin, weight, etc. This tends to be the biggest reason they don't like their photos taken. But photos with your kids? That is something that should NEVER be sacrificed! Your babies (young or old) love you so, so much. They don't see what you see. All they see is their mommy...a booboo healer, toy fixer, mac-n-cheese makin, bedtime story tellin, hugs-n-kisses givin, one-of-a-kind superhero! Everything about you to them is wonderful and beautiful. The special bond between a mother and child is beyond words. It's something that should be cherished and relished....no matter how old your "babies" are!

Don't you want to be able to look back in a few years and look through photos of you and your children and remember those sweet, fleeting moments? Photos of you hugging, snuggling, playing, laughing. Don't you want to be able to share these photos with your children when they're older? To look back together and laugh, cry, reminisce in the good ol' days? Don't you want to leave them a legacy? Memories they too can later cherish? Memories of their beautiful mom and the special little moments they got to share with you? These photos remind them of their childhood...of how much you love them and how much they love you. They don't care how your hair looks, what you're wearing or how much you weigh. Seriously, they don't.

You'll never look at a photo of you with your mother (dead or alive) and say: "Gee I wish she would've lost weight before having her picture taken with me." Sure, you might poke fun at the fashion style "back in the day", but never will you say that you wish she had worn something "better" in order to be photographed with you. You will never regret that she wore her hair up instead of down that day. You won't care about any of that. You will only see your mothers arms around you with her lips pressed to your forehead and her eyes closed as she breathed in your sweet baby scent. Now do you see what I'm trying to say? I hope you do.

You know another big reason I hear for not having professional portraits taken with your children? "I don't have the money." And honestly, I can relate to that. Even as a photographer, I don't have many photos with my son. Apparently no one knows how to pick up a camera and snap precious moments of me with my son. And don't get me started about finding a local photographer who I not only admire their work, but can afford their price tag. It's sad to say, but it's true. I want professional photos just like you. So I sat down and thought long and hard about how I can make this happen and I started to cry. I simply never thought of putting it in my "budget" or making it a rewarding goal. And why not? We budget for bills...we set weight goals. Why not for professional portraits?

Compare it to getting your hair done. I just (regretfully) paid $170 at a day spa for my hair and nothing to show for it...besides my roots that are starting to grow back already after only 2 weeks. The same amount of money could have gotten me memories to last a lifetime. So many things became stupid and questionable. Manicures, fancy hair, tanning, brand new vehicles, name brand clothes, etc. None of those things define me as a mother and none of these things matter to my son. These aren't things he can look back on and cherish. So I have started taking pointless things out of my budget to work in something I feel is way more important. I hope this motivates you to do the same if you are among the mom's who don't have the budget for luxuries like professional portraits. 

And if this still doesn't help, I am going to give away a FREE Mommy & Me Mini Session to one very lucky lady! The chance to finally have professional portraits with your children. It doesn't matter if your children are 5 months old or 55 years old...it doesn't matter if you have 1 child or 10...this is your chance! Take the $85 this session would have cost and put it towards something else meaningful...like a day trip somewhere special with your children! Or use it to purchase BIG prints from your session to display proudly on your wall and brag about! Entering is easy and you have a whole week to do so! Below you will see a flyer for the Mommy & Me Mini Sessions and under that will be the contest! Good luck : )

Here is the contest entry form! The contest will run from now until April 10th at 12pm. Winner will get a FREE Mommy & Me Mini Session {an $85 value}. Digital images are included. Prints are separate and they are 20% off. Dates that are still available at the time of winning will be the spots you can choose from. Winner will be announced on April 11th via Facebook.

* Please note that the entry that asks you to comment on why professional portraits of you and your children is important to you is to be entered into the "Comments" section of my blog which is located directly under the contest box. The comment is to be written after you have gone through all steps of the contest.

* And don't for get to share this giveaway with your unique code it gives you at the end! Each time someone clicks on your unique code and enters the contest, you get 5 more entries into the contest! Double your chances to win!

Introducing Brodey | Maine Birth Photographer

     For the past two years I have dabbled in all areas of photography. On-location and in-studio. Everything from maternity, newborns, children, high school seniors, families, pets, boudoir, engagements, weddings, etc. Over the past two years I have discovered who I am as a photographer and where I want to be in the next 5-10 years. I have found my own unique style and continue to develop it everyday. I have paid close attention to the details and how each session made me feel. I have been looking to see where my heart is in my work. Though I thoroughly enjoy all aspects of my job and my art, I have gravitated to specific areas. For the most part...on-location sessions of babies, children and families have always been my favorite though I enjoy photographing everything. Sunday, I added a new favorite...Birth Stories. 

     Sunday I had the pleasure...no, no...the honor of photographing a birth for the first time. I have been waiting so patiently for the opportunity and it finally came. It was completely worth the wait! I have known Sheri for almost a decade. I've watched her graduate high school, become a beautiful young lady and more importantly, an amazing mom to not one...but two handsome boys! Sunday, I was there to document the story of Brodey. A story with 193 beautiful black & white photos. A story that can be cherished, remembered and passed on as a family heirloom. I knew it was going to be a tear jerker, but the words to describe what happened are indescribable...so perhaps showing you what happened is best (and no worries...the images I included do not show anything "personal")...

The hospital and her birthing room.

Getting an overview of being induced and getting her IV

Keeping an eye on the monitors for progress and filling out paperwork

Having fun updating everyone, getting gifts and eating yummy food

Getting an ultra sound and checking the progress

Having a video chat with her boy at home and patiently waiting

Asking lots of questions about an epideral and then getting one

Preparing the room for Brodey's arrival

After 30 seconds and 3 pushes...Brodey makes his appearance

Getting measured and weighed

Getting his first bath

Getting ready to be held by mommy for the first time

Bonding with mommy and getting lots of loves and kisses

Brodey is held by Robin as mommy snuggles with her other baby boy Braedyn

Introducing Braedyn to his little brother

Getting ready to move in to the overnight room with the help of Lindsey

     As I mentioned, there are really no words that could express the pure emotion behind every photo I took. All of the little details...all the big moments. All I can say is that it is something I will never ever forget and I wait patiently for the next opportunity to be a part of something so utterly amazing!

Spring is on the Way!

Aaaaah...spring is "almost" in the air! I looked through the next week's forecast and I have to say it made me smile...big time! It looks like it will be in the mid to upper 40's all week! That means bye bye icky snow and hello tulips! Nah...I'm not excited or anything :) Ummm...who am I kidding...of course I am!

No more being stuck inside. No more cabin fever. The opportunity to go out for walks and play in the sun with my boy. Going to the playground. Taking trips. And of course, photographing OUTSIDE! Not that I mind studio sessions...it's just that I feel like it stifles my creativity. I feel so claustrophobic in the studio. Anyone else feel that way? I seriously can't wait to smell the lilac and pick the wildflowers. I think that I may even plant some Pampas Grass! For those of you who are wondering what the heck I'm talking about, here's a link: http://www.outsidepride.com/seed/ornamental-grass/pampas/pampas-grass-mix.html?gclid=CMSZipHC2bQCFU-d4Aodj0UAhQ

Anyhoo...SPRING! Have I mentioned it's almost here??? I even found myself going through all of my nature images from last year just to further the spring fever mode and came across an image that has found it's way into the top 10 all time favorite nature images I've ever taken. I can't really explain it. It just makes my heart happy. The peacefulness it exudes is perfect. The sweet pastel colors. I can almost smell the blossoms!

I'm totally trying to sniff them right now! Are you? :)

So what do I get in my email this afternoon? None other than a Flower contest through one of my favorite photography related sites! I am entering this beautiful image of mine into the March Photo Challenge at Rock the Shot (www.rocktheshotforum.com). It's actually my first time entering one of their contests and I'm a bit excited! Well, and nervous. I mean, I'm up against some pretty darn amazing photographers! But someday I hope that I'm awesome enough that other photographers adore me as much as I adore others :) I think I have finally built up the nerve to enter contests so hopefully this is one of many and that one day I actually win one. Who doesn't like to be published? ;)

Did You Know...? FAQ's

It's funny how hard you try to ensure your clients and future clients are aware of the services you offer and value in these services. The market is heavily saturated with other photographers and we each have to work hard in reaching out and setting ourselves apart. The one good thing about there being so many photographers to choose from is that you are bound to find the photographer that fits your needs perfectly. There are lots of things to consider and to appreciate: their style of shooting, their available packages and services, their prices, their consistency, their location and, yes, even their personality! After all, if this photographer is the right fit for you, they will become a part of your family and capture all of your important memories. You should trust and love everything about them! 

There's a million things to the business side of photography that I never even considered when I first started on this journey. I have learned so much. I am learning every day and I will always continue to learn. (I'm like a learning junkie. Sad, but true.) But in all the midst of learning everything I feel I should know...I seem to have fallen slack in the area of ensuring you all know about everything I have to offer. So I thought I would make a little blog that covers a broad range of information. The information within this blog post is compiled of questions I have received from many current and future clients through Facebook or email. Hopefully the question that was asked by you was answered here and you're willing to share so others can see the light as well!

1. BOUDOIR. Why, yes. Yes I do offer Boudoir sessions. I have a Barely Boudoir Signature Series that I have offered for about a year. The reason it is so popular is because I swear to the utmost secrecy. I run my Boudoir side a bit differently than most photographers. My boudoir sessions are all about classy, sensual, fun, beautiful images. It's about YOU. It's about making you feel as beautiful as you truly are...inside and out. To give you images you can be proud of whether you show them off or not. I'm not in it so show them off either. Don't get me wrong...I get a bit bummed when I can't share all of the beautiful images I take of all of these beautiful women, but again, that's the reason most book their session with me! I understand that the images are for your eyes only and anyone else YOU choose (i.e. your sweetheart). I do not plaster them on Facebook or my website or anywhere else. I only post if I get confirmed permission from you and even then I allow you to choose the specific images that get posted whether it's none, one or all. I know that some of you may not want your children, parents, grandparents, extended family, friends, coworkers, boss or straight up pervs to ogle over your intimate photos. I know I would not be comfortable with that.  

Boudoir sessions are either held at my home studio, your own home, outside or one case I had a women book a suite at a hotel for a few hours to achieve a very luxurious feel in her images. (I'm sure she had a hook-up to get the deal she got!) I also have professional hair and makeup artist, Liz, available to pamper you prior to your session while I get to know you better and we can go over the session as we get comfortable. Below is a sample from a recent session where I did have permission to post and as you can see...classy, sensual, fun and beautiful!

2. STUDIO. I was dumbfounded recently when a client I photographed last summer had no idea she can book during the winter months, because she did not know I had a studio. Why, yes. Yes I do have a studio. I have an in-home studio in Albion. It is warm, inviting and spacious. I utilize it mainly during the winter months to photograph when clients don't want to be in the cold snow. I use it to photograph maternity, newborns, children, mini sessions, cake smash sessions and boudoir. Here, I have tons of backdrops, props and gear to make every session fun, easy and unique. I do not often photograph families in my studio as the space in somewhat limited. I can easily accommodate a small family. For larger families or events that I must shoot during a time of year when Maine weather doesn't permit us to be outside, I utilize a studio space in Waterville. 

Now, someday I may venture into either building my own studio or obtaining a space in town closer to all the hub-bub, but for now...I love my home studio. It's private and quaint. Clients are able to sit comfortably on a couch or chair and even raid my fridge if they wish! I've been known to cook for clients and offer coffee. It's more of a home environment and not a structured, cold studio. Children tend to be more relaxed in the environment and even play with my son and all his cool toys :) I'm able to give clients a more "part of the family" feeling when they come over. And honestly, when warm weather comes around my butt is back outside for my favorite kind of session...outside, on location in the fresh air and beautiful sunlight! During that time the studio is mainly used for newborn sessions or rainy day sessions that can't be rescheduled. 

3. ACCESS. I know that not everyone follows or uses the same form of social media so I try to maintain several forms of it in the effort to reach you all. Nothing makes me feel worse than a client telling me they missed out on a mini session, event or promotion because they were unaware it was going on. Facebook is used by pretty much ALL of my clients, but Facebook unfortunately does a crappy job at helping me inform my clients of everything happening. So for those of you who don't know all of my social media access...here are the links. It's honestly best to choose at least 2 forms so you have a better chance at getting all of the current updates on mini sessions, events, contests, coupons, promotions, specials and breaking news.

My Website: www.lauraleephotographymaine.com

     This gets updated bi-weekly with new images. It also has a "Specials" page where I post the latest contest, mini sessions or promotions that I'm offering. It's chalk full of wonderful things!

My Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Laura-Lee-Photography/112390968853223

     This is updated almost daily with images, updates, news and tons of fun stuff like contests and giveaways! It's the most frequently interacted by myself and my clients, but is not always good to depend on giving you the updates you need when you need them.

My Blog: www.lauraleephotographymaine.blogspot.com

     I try to create a new blog post weekly if I have the time. I try to blog about different aspects of what I do and is related to photography. I also take suggestions from readers on what they'd like to see me blog about next! In the right hand column is a spot to sign up for my blog feed through your email. That way you know the moment something new is added. Posts are never boring :)

My Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/lauralstpeter

     This is where I pin items of interest related to all areas of photography. Go check out my boards and follow a few! You may get inspired too! I'm always adding new boards and sharing fun ideas :)

My Twitter: www.twitter.com/LauraLeePhoto

     I have recently started using Twitter and it is not heavily used at this point, but it is my intention to try tweeting more often for those wishing to follow. In fact, click the link and follow me! You'll be glad you did!

My VC Club: Text PHOTOME to 555888

     Yes, you read that right! This week I have began a VC (Valued Client) mobile alert Club! With cell phones becoming everyday necessities and with texting as fun, fast, easy and popular as it is, I just had to jump on board! The best part is that the service is FREE! You can opt out at any time and during your membership to my mobile alert club you could receive up to 3 messages a month but never more. You have first access to any specials, contests, coupons and promotions sometimes days before I release it! You even have access to VC Club ONLY deals! So join now! You won't regret it :)

4. THEMED SESSIONS. <----- These are my favorite!!! Especially children's themed sessions! I'd like to start off with a quote that I coined myself "Childhood is magical so therefore, children are." How incredibly accurate is that?! Last summer I spent some time delving into an area of photography that really ignites my heart...magical children's sessions. This is also what I intend to work on again this summer. I eventually want it to be a major part of what I do. And I'm sure you can see why...

I will soon be looking for more children to model themes I wasn't able to do last year. Another reason why following me in more than one social media is important to ensure you know what's going on! So look for a blog post in the near future when I reach out to parents for children to model some of the fun, creative themes I have planned this year!

5. DIGITAL FILES. This is a big question and every client always asks. So I will go over the options for digital files so you know what they are. My portrait investments are set up with a session fee which varies from $100-$400 for full sessions depending on what you book me for. There is a 10 image minimum, though I tend to produce up to 20+ images per session. Some images get posted to Facebook and my website. All images get uploaded to your own private online viewing/ordering gallery. This is where you can order prints and products. The most popular product is the digital files, of course. There are 3 options to purchase the digital files. A Print Release will be included so you can print locally if you wish.

Customized USB: This is becoming the more popular choice and is a new addition to my product line. They are large capacity and universal. It will eventually replace the Disc option. I say this because so many of our popular devices nowadays do not have a disc drive in them and will not be of much use to you. Thumb drives can be used on many more devices and local printing labs as well as digital frames for those of you that use them. The initial cost is $65, but once you own a custom Laura Lee Photography USB drive, you can then use the USB to load future sessions at only $50 per session for the digital files. The thumb drive will contain all of the hand-picked, professionally edited digital files from your session. Delivery times are 3-10 days.

Disc: This is a popular choice as well. The disc is currently $50 and contains all of the hand-picked, professionally edited digital files from your session. It is given a customized label and a Print Release to print locally. I even wrap them in organic, recycled sleeves and mail them within 24 hours of placing your order. 

Digital Downloads: This is the first year offering the digital downloads. It's actually quite simple and very convenient! For those of you interested in knowing, this option has replaced the disc option for Mini Sessions. Which means no more mailing you a disc for mini sessions, you can now download the files directly from your gallery! Once your order has been placed, you will receive a special code to enter to download your images. After you download them, you can burn them to your own disc or save them to your own USB or memory card. (I also suggest backing them up on an external hard drive if you have one.) It means you don't have to wait to get the images since the process is immediate.

I will end this blog with an image of my son that I took last week! I'm just so gosh darn proud <3

OK! So for now, I believe this post answers the most common questions I'm asked. I will release other similar posts in the future when more frequent questions become obvious. In the meantime, I am more than happy to answer all of your questions! This is not my attempt to discourage you from asking questions...these are just FAQ's that I though would be nice to address :) In fact, if there are any other questions you'd like to see covered in the next FAQ blog post, please comment with the questions below so I can address them! THANK YOU!