Monday, June 23, 2014

HBP's The Hive Weekly Update 6/23/14

Weekly Update 6/23/14

Howdy! I hope that your Summer Solstice was wonderful.  Now the days are getting shorter.  Now it might not seem like a big deal here, but up in Alaska, it's a BIG deal.  They lost 12 seconds of daylight yesterday!  Can you imagine it???

But seriously.  I hope that the beginning of your summer is going well.  Independence Day is coming upon us very quickly, and I've had some requests to please come up with something to celebrate Old Glory.


Here is one of my favorite scenes from a favorite movie.  Holiday Inn with Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire is a classic movie, beloved the world over.  Check out this song and dance starring Fred, when he's "forced" to do a solo act when he had only prepared for a duo.  "Let's Say It With Firecrackers" is a huge hit.



(In case you can't see it here, visit my blogger site:
http://honeybeeportraits.blogspot.com/2014/06/hbps-hive-weekly-update-62314.html )

Now you know how much I really love Independence Day.  That love happened a gazillion years ago, when I saw this movie for the first time.  Ever since, the fireworks and barbeques and family get-togethers and everything in between have helped make my summers special.

So here's a little somethin'-somethin' I whipped up for my clients!

The other digital packages start at $35.00. Call for details at 240-245-0416.

These two images are my favorites from the whole session.










Sunday, June 22, 2014

A Summer Carnival in Bowie

There is something about carnivals that makes me think of the really good Stephen King novels, especially The Dead Zone and The Talisman (which I think was written under a nom de plume).  I find it fascinating that people who live the carnival lifestyle just keep doing it year after year.  It's definitely a lifestyle.  I can't help but make up little stories about those whom I see and I want to talk to them and let them know my made-up stories, but I know that they will just look at me like I'm crazy.

So I just enjoy the lights and people watching.

This past week, there was a carnival right across the street from my studio. I knew at once that I needed to photograph it at night.  On Friday night, Jim and I had a date night and we went to the carnival when the sun went down.


This was our first stop.


What I love about this image is the interaction between the people.  The cops are obviously on duty, but they are trying to have fun as well.  I have no idea if he won anything.  I kind of have a tale weaving in my head about this exact scene.



I love the design of this particular "ride".  


Do you ever wonder about the various people who you know are in your photos?  


This is the ride that turns really fast so that you stick to the wall.  I took several of this but this is my favorite.


The famous swing. It kept changing colors.  It was pretty neat.


The Justice League slide, I believe.


This image is just so interesting to me. Look at all of those people.  And cotton candy. Mmmmm.
No, I didn't get one. lol


And one more of the swing.  This is my favorite image from the entire time we were there.  Pretty cool.

So there are the images from my date with Jim.  Let me know how you like them!

Saturday, June 21, 2014

Star Spangled Sessions


Call soon because there are only 10 sessions available.

World's Largest Swim Lesson

I had a GREAT opportunity to photograph a swim lesson for kids to participate in the World's Largest Swim Lesson.  At 11 am Eastern Time yesterday, all over the world, participating pools did a swim lesson to enter it in the Guinness Book of World Records.  Yes, this included some swim lessons done in the middle of the night.  I think kids anywhere in the world, when presented with an opportunity to go swimming, will jump at the chance to do it in the middle of the night.

So this is the Bay Hills Swim Club, managed by DRD Pools:


It's a gorgeous pool.  You can find DRD Pools on their FB page at:  http://on.fb.me/UscSAw.

Bay Hills Swim Club is here:  http://on.fb.me/1weKcIL

Here are some of the activities.  Get ready for fun, splashing, and super cuteness.  The water wings on the little totally crack me up.


Safety Briefing


After Stretching


Patiently waiting to go in the water


Posing for the camera


This lifeguard is hilarious


Learning how to save someone by throwing the float


The signal mom uses to let her kids know they can go in the pool.


The waterwings.  I love them.


The smile just speaks for itself.


Bobbing. Lots of splashing.  So much fun.


Best swimmin' buddies.


Eagerly listening to the leader.


Starfish floating.


More starfish floating.


Kicking feet to propel forward.


More splashing.


Me me me!


Listening to the instructor


The staff and firefighters who oversaw that safety measures were followed.


It was a perfect morning.  Thanks to DRD Pools for giving me this opportunity.



Thursday, June 19, 2014

0-18 months Category: Homan

Welcome to The Hive Blog at Honey Bee Photography.  Thanks for stopping by to vote for this entry.  Please observe the rules, available at 
 http://www.honeybeephotography.com/thehiveblog.html?bp_id=4362730843761053795.

There will be twists and turns, and all voting will be monitored.  Unless noted, only one vote per email address will be permitted, and those will be "loudly announced".

The main thing is we want this to be fun for everyone.  Please visit HBP's Facebook Page every day at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Honey-Bee-Photography/121643677422?ref_type=bookmark.


Thank you!


0-18 months Category: Schlorb

Welcome to The Hive Blog at Honey Bee Photography.  Thanks for stopping by to vote for this entry.  Please observe the rules, available at 
 http://www.honeybeephotography.com/thehiveblog.html?bp_id=4362730843761053795.

There will be twists and turns, and all voting will be monitored.  Unless noted, only one vote per email address will be permitted, and those will be "loudly announced".

The main thing is we want this to be fun for everyone.  Please visit HBP's Facebook Page every day at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Honey-Bee-Photography/121643677422?ref_type=bookmark.


Thank you!


0-18 months: Curless

Welcome to The Hive Blog at Honey Bee Photography.  Thanks for stopping by to vote for this entry.  Please observe the rules, available at 
 http://www.honeybeephotography.com/thehiveblog.html?bp_id=4362730843761053795.

There will be twists and turns, and all voting will be monitored.  Unless noted, only one vote per email address will be permitted, and those will be "loudly announced".

The main thing is we want this to be fun for everyone.  Please visit HBP's Facebook Page every day at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Honey-Bee-Photography/121643677422?ref_type=bookmark.

Thank you!


19 month to 4 year Category: Young

Welcome to The Hive Blog at Honey Bee Photography.  Thanks for stopping by to vote for this entry.  Please observe the rules, available at 
 http://www.honeybeephotography.com/thehiveblog.html?bp_id=4362730843761053795.

There will be twists and turns, and all voting will be monitored.  Unless noted, only one vote per email address will be permitted, and those will be "loudly announced".

The main thing is we want this to be fun for everyone.  Please visit HBP's Facebook Page every day at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Honey-Bee-Photography/121643677422?ref_type=bookmark.

Thank you!



19 months to 4 years Category: Bates

Welcome to The Hive Blog at Honey Bee Photography.  Thanks for stopping by to vote for this entry.  Please observe the rules, available at 
 http://www.honeybeephotography.com/thehiveblog.html?bp_id=4362730843761053795.

There will be twists and turns, and all voting will be monitored.  Unless noted, only one vote per email address will be permitted, and those will be "loudly announced".

The main thing is we want this to be fun for everyone.  Please visit HBP's Facebook Page every day at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Honey-Bee-Photography/121643677422?ref_type=bookmark.


Thank you!


19 months to 4 years Category: Mintz

Welcome to The Hive Blog at Honey Bee Photography.  Thanks for stopping by to vote for this entry.  Please observe the rules, available at 
 http://www.honeybeephotography.com/thehiveblog.html?bp_id=4362730843761053795.

There will be twists and turns, and all voting will be monitored.  Unless noted, only one vote per email address will be permitted, and those will be "loudly announced".

The main thing is we want this to be fun for everyone.  Please visit HBP's Facebook Page every day at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Honey-Bee-Photography/121643677422?ref_type=bookmark.


Thank you!


Siblings category: Pascarello

Welcome to The Hive Blog at Honey Bee Photography.  Thanks for stopping by to vote for this entry.  Please observe the rules, available at 
 http://www.honeybeephotography.com/thehiveblog.html?bp_id=4362730843761053795.

There will be twists and turns, and all voting will be monitored.  Unless noted, only one vote per email address will be permitted, and those will be "loudly announced".

The main thing is we want this to be fun for everyone.  Please visit HBP's Facebook Page every day at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Honey-Bee-Photography/121643677422?ref_type=bookmark.


Thank you!

19 month-4 years Category: Baden

Welcome to The Hive Blog at Honey Bee Photography.  Thanks for stopping by to vote for this entry.  Please observe the rules, available at 
 http://www.honeybeephotography.com/thehiveblog.html?bp_id=4362730843761053795.

There will be twists and turns, and all voting will be monitored.  Unless noted, only one vote per email address will be permitted, and those will be "loudly announced".

The main thing is we want this to be fun for everyone.  Please visit HBP's Facebook Page every day at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Honey-Bee-Photography/121643677422?ref_type=bookmark.


Thank you!

iblings Category: Hunter

Welcome to The Hive Blog at Honey Bee Photography.  Thanks for stopping by to vote for this entry.  Please observe the rules, available at 
 http://www.honeybeephotography.com/thehiveblog.html?bp_id=4362730843761053795.

There will be twists and turns, and all voting will be monitored.  Unless noted, only one vote per email address will be permitted, and those will be "loudly announced".

The main thing is we want this to be fun for everyone.  Please visit HBP's Facebook Page every day at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Honey-Bee-Photography/121643677422?ref_type=bookmark.

Thank you!


Sunday, June 15, 2014

I'm adding MORE sessions! WOW!!!

The $100 Anniversary Special has been so incredibly popular, that I'm adding 5 more sessions for this month.
It's a half hour studio session for up to 3 people, and you get 4 images!  Four of them!  This is a great deal for maternity sessions, and one-year-old sessions, and if your baby gets his first tooth, or if your daughter loses her first tooth...!  The possibilities are ENDLESS.  Oh, you can also do a TEDDY BEAR session for this as well.  AWESOME.



Coming up REALLY soon is my "STAR SPANGLED SESSION".  I am creating the set in the next two days and I am conducting a Casting Call.  I'm looking for one little boy between 3 and 5, and one little girl, same age range, to model for me and receive the session for free PLUS 2 images each.  If you are interested, please call me asap; I need to do these sessions and have them back to the families in time for Independence Day.  I'll be offering the session, actually, between June 25 and July 2.

The "STAR SPANGLED SESSION" is categorized as a Seasonal Session, and will follow the pricing guide as such.  Sessions for up to 3 children is $40 and includes a beautiful 5x7 portrait, as my gift to you.  The best ages for this session are ages 6 months to 7 years.  I will post the pricing guide for this when I make the official announcement.

Please remember that specials cannot be combined.  These sessions are one per family and scheduling is subject to availability.


Saturday, June 7, 2014

The Cute Kids Contest!

As another way to celebrate our first anniversary, we will be running a children "Cute Kids Contest"




Please read the rules and regulations below.  This contest will be done through the blog of my website.


Rule #1: Entries are limited to one snapshot per family. If you have more than one child that you would like to enter, please consider the siblings category for ages 0-18 years. 

Rule #2: Photo MUST be a snapshot. Retouching is NOT allowed. If you take photos of your child and do anything more in Photoshop or any other editing program than resizing and sharpening, your submission will be invalid. The snapshot must show surroundings and not depict a backdrop.

Rule #3: One vote per person only. You must be 18 or older to vote. Any suspicious Facebook accounts will be checked into. Cheating is NOT allowed and will result in immediate deletion of image and therefore your entry. 
Rule #4: You must be a Facebook Fan of Honey Bee Photography and remain so through the duration of the contest

Rule #5: How to Vote:  Each contestant will have his or her own entry on the blog.  During the times of voting, a person will be able to vote ONCE.  You will type VOTE under that person's photograph.  Please be honest by voting only once and don't create several accounts for your children and yourself.  That will not be tolerated.

Rule #6: Negative or disparaging comments will not be tolerated and you will be removed from the contest. That said, comments in the albums begging for votes will result in disqualification as well. 

Rule #7: If these rules cannot be followed by entries and voters alike, your entry will be disqualified and removed. Please advise your family and friends to keep their comments to themselves and just vote. 

Rule #8: Drama will NOT be tolerated. I have the final say on every aspect of this contest as I am the owner of Honey Bee Photography. 

Rule #9: Anyone who has won a session with HBP in the past 6 months may not combine winnings with this contest, or with any other discount. 

Photos are to be submitted by email ONLY to meganmartineau6@gmail.com. Photos posted on my page will not be accepted/entered into contest. Photos must be received no later than 11:59 pm June 14, 2014.. When you email your image, please include the name and age of your child(ren), as well as YOUR contact info as a way to get in touch with you if you are a winner. If this information is not included, your submission is invalid. 


The categories are as follows: 1. 0-18 months. 2. 19 months to 4 years. 3. 5-10 years. and 4. Siblings 0-18 years.   Albums will not be created and displayed until voting is supposed to start. Snapshots must portray the child's/children's current age. 
Voting will begin at midnight 12:00 am East Coast time on June 20, 2014 and conclude at 11:59 pm East Coast time on June 25, 2014

As a warning:  There may be some twists and turns along the way with the voting, as this is definitely a GAME.  Please expect that there will be at least one thing that will happen. 
. 
There will be 3 levels of winners. The first level is the over-all most votes in any category. The second level will be category winners with the most votes in each respective category. The overall winner will NOT be included in the category winner level. The third level is the category runner-up. 

Prizes will be as follows. Grand Prize will go to the over-all winner and includes a one-hour regular family photo-session including 4 people (if more than 4 are in the family, winner is to provide payment for additional subjects at $10 per person), and a $200.00 print credit. Anything ordered over $200.00 will be paid for by the winning family along with all shipping costs. The Grand Prize is valued at $250.00.


Category winners will each win a half hour session of the winner (meaning the person(s) in the snapshot entry) and your favorite image in an 11x14. This prize is valued at $110.00


Category runners'-up will receive a half-hour session of the winner (meaning the person(s) in the snapshot entry). This prize is valued at $40.00. No portraits are included. 

Time is running out!

Time, indeed, is running out!

If you wanted to enter your child into the Cute Kids Contest, now's the time to do it!

Last day to enter is June 14, one week from today!