The Bee You Beautiful Experience: This Is Me Luxury Photography Sessions

We believe that our This Is Me sessions are transformational experiences.  We start with a simple phone call to discover who our client is, and what she loves about herself.

Then, when a client comes in, she's usually filled with nervous excitement, even though she's had her calls to discover who she is and how she's being photographed.  It's just super-exciting to do something for herself!

However, the magic begins when she sits down in the chair and gets her hair and makeup done.  As the makeup artist works her magic and talks to the client, all of those fears start to melt away.

After getting into her clothes, we start the session.  I carefully pose my client, coach her with expression and other details... and then at the end of the first segment, I get the pleasure of showing her one or two of her photographs, and the reaction is priceless.

"Are you kidding me? Oh my god, is that me???"

Tears and laughter are mixed together as relief washes over her, and then we really get to business.  The reality of her beauty, confidence, strength, and empowerment starts to glow, and the smiles and posing comes more easily.

So by the time our session is finished, we've shared something that is almost sacred.  We've laughed, we've shared, and we've been vulnerable in such a beautiful way; it's an experience that my client will always remember with joy and nostalgia.

The next part is probably the most fun:  The Premiere and Design Consultation.  We project the photographs so that you can truly enjoy them... and seeing them gasp with shock when they see their authenticity being displayed in such a beautiful way is life-affirming.  

This is the magic of a This Is Me session.

But wait... there's more!

But first, can you imagine going on a very fancy date with your partner, at a fine restaurant, and you get dressed up, and you're so excited!  You haven't eaten in three days because you want to savor every bite.  You arrive, and valet parking takes your car to the parking lot for you.  As you walk, escorted by your partner, you take in all of the sights and sounds and smells.  So far it's an amazing experience.  The tuxedo-clad server brings you champagne, and assists you in making your choices for your appetizers, dinner and wine pairings.

And then, you are brought all of the ingredients, ready for you to cook yourself at home.

WHAT????

That's kind of what a shoot-and-burn photographer does with giving their clients a USB with all of the photographs.  At home, you have no idea what should go with what, how to crop them, send them to a lab, there's no guidance.

During your Premiere and Design Consultation, we'll put a collection together that best tells your story and will help you to feel confident, strong, empowered, and beautiful, every time you look at your artwork.

A few weeks later, I come to your home and deliver your artwork to you!  I'll even help you to install your collection.  This isn't any old print... we use a professional lab that has the most beautiful pearlized canvas and metal for this kind of artwork.  The best thing is that your artwork doesn't need framing!

Here's a testimonial from a client who had a This Is Me session done:

"I recently came into my 40s, and with 2 young children, I was really not paying attention to myself.  Megan helped me remember that I am special, that I'm a woman, and I'm my own person.  When I look at my photographs, I'm reminded that I'm beautiful, every day, and I am empowered to follow my dreams.  I love these photographs of me, and my artwork is beautifully displayed in my bedroom.  We redecorate our bedroom just to go with the theme of my photographs!" - Brandie, age 42

She started out wanting some mainstream boudoir photos and you won’t believe what she did!!

What a Transformation!

When Robin called me, she wanted to ask about doing boudoir photos, but definitely wanted something different, but had no idea.

With this in mind, we talked about different things, such as what she loves about her life, what she loves about her partner, what they enjoy doing together, and what her hobbies were. 

She loved that she was in good shape, had just quit her job to pursue a business, and felt free.  She loves her husband because they enjoy life together and they are best friends.  They enjoy road trips together, and they golf together.  She gardens, reads, and loves to decorate her home.

As we were engaged in our conversation, I noticed that she got really excited about golfing.  I asked her if she had her own clubs.  She very proudly said she received new ones for Christmas, and she was excited to use them in good weather.

I said to her that we could use the golfing theme for her session, and she was so excited!  She wondered how we could do that, though, because she didn’t want to get a cheesy costume.

Together, we planned her outfit:  a red or black cute bra that would peak out of a button down blouse, tied right under her bust, red plaid hot shorts, white knee socks, and black heels.  We added a visor and some jewelry, and we were practically done.  This was going to be totally unlike any outfit for a pinup shoot she’d thought of!!!

We discussed some other looks, and she ended up with a cute black dress she liked to go on fancy dates with him in, and finally, she wanted to do the classic big bow in front and nude behind… that was sexy and daring.  She loved the idea of her outfits!

Next we talked about how she wanted to feel about herself during the session.  She said she wanted to feel elegant but fun, strong and gentle, and definitely sexy.  I asked her to visualize where she would put her artwork in her home, and she chose over her bed… then I asked her how she thought it would make her feel to see that every single day, as being the last thing she saw at night, and the first thing in the morning.  “It would help me see that I am confident, beautiful, and strong, and that I love my husband, and myself!  What a great reinforcement!”

We scheduled her experience, and then I had Stephanie call her to discuss makeup needs.  Stephanie got a really good idea of what Robin wanted, and was prepared for the day.  Robin was already in the zone, prepping her skin with scrubs and moisturizer, drinking water, getting a massage, her hair done the week before, her mani-pedi done about 2 days before to match the reds, and also ordered all of her clothing and accessories.  I coached her every couple of days with emails and calls.  We really got to know each other well.

The day of the session arrived, and Robin entered my home studio with confidence, and a little bit of nervous excitement.  However, after we did her before shot, Stephanie got her in the chair and started her transformation, ending with gorgeous eyelashes that Robin was so excited to wear.

She got changed into her first outfit, and when she emerged, there she was, the Pinup Girl of her dreams.  She was blown away by the transformation, and said, “I’m ready!”

We did fun poses and laughed a lot!  We pretended to “shoot a hole in one” as the double entendre joke in one of her pinup photographs, and many other fun photographs that are influenced by the famous artwork of Gil Elvgren.  Then we photographed her in her gorgeous black dress, and finally the peek-a-boo giant red bow.

Then it was time to view her photographs.  These, of course, were not retouched, as she was seeing them minutes after her session.  She was really eager to see them, and started to cry as we went through them, choosing her favorites and then we came upon her absolute 5 favorite photographs to create the collection, Hollyhock.

I retouched them, sent her a sneak peek of each one, and then the day arrived to deliver her beautiful artwork.  She was breathless.  When she opened it under layers of protective covering, she gasped and said, “This is even more beautiful than I thought it was!!”  We clinked sparkling wine and enjoyed a light snack of cheese, crackers and grapes, and celebrated her beauty, strength, empowerment, and humor.

The next day was Valentine’s day.  She presented it with a big ribbon on their bed for when he came home from work.  She was wearing the black dress, as they were going to a fancy restaurant after.  He was so thrilled with his gift, and told her that she looks like a superstar!  His reaction was the final confidence builder she wanted, and she called me the next day, crying and laughing because she couldn’t believe that photos like these would make her feel so wonderful!

The reason I give the experience the way I do is because I want women to feel beautiful in their own skin and personal style every single day.  With asking question about what’s most important to a client, coaching her, and giving her attention, pampering her, along with gorgeous photographic artwork, the feelings of confidence, empowerment, beauty and strength are sure to boost my client’s day every day.

And that’s my why.

If you would love information about experiencing this kind of attention and artwork to remind you everyday how amazing you are, please click here.  If you would love to join a forum that encourages, empowers, and helps women rediscover their best selves, click here to join our private Facebook Group.  In there, we'll discuss all kinds of topics pertaining to women, encourage and uplift each other, and sometimes there will even be giveaways!

I Hate Going to the Dentist (5 minute read)

What do you hate doing?

I hate going to the dentist; I admit it.  There’s always been a fear of going.  My mom used to call it “visiting the dentist”, as if changing that one word was going to make going sound like a fun time.

I do NOT feel like sitting in a dentist’s chair, with a person holding metal tools, peering into my mouth, is fun.

Now, I’ve had a couple of really great dentists!  My dentist in Anchorage, Dr Christiansen, was so fantastic. Once, I had developed an ulcer on the roof of my mouth, so I went to him to have it lanced;  in my memory, he’s the Dr. Pimple-popper of dentists!  We also had a laugh over my bovine implant in my gum at another time.  We shall never forget that episode.

So aside from those stories, let me tell you this:  I will STILL do everything I can to avoid going to the dentist, especially those who don’t use laughing gas.  Breathing in that gas that just makes everything seem hilarious, even when the hygienist is poking around.  But here’s the thing about avoiding the dentist; at some point it could be too late, and you could lose a tooth, all because you avoid going to the dentist.

I hear this about being photographed, too. 

“I know we should do a 3-generation session, and we will, but I need to lose about 50 lbs first, before I get in front of the camera.”
“I know I need to bring my 10 year old dog and 2 teenagers in to be photographed, we’re just so busy, I can’t find a good time to do it.”
“I hate getting my photo done, but I know that I need to be in a photograph with my husband and kids.  Can you hide me behind them?”

And here’s the sad part:  getting around to losing those 50 lbs may take too long, and you might lose a parent.  Dogs have much shorter lives than we do, and how sad is it that that photograph might never happen?  Your kids are going to get older, and you and your husband will, too.  The magical ages of young childhood last for only a certain amount of time, and then all of a sudden they are 10+ years and going every-which-way, and you’re the one driving them to their activities.

I understand that the thought of taking a photograph is risky for a lot of adults.  “What if I lose weight next year, then I’ll have photographs of me at this weight forever! Ugh, I can’t stand to see that!”

What if I told you that by working with me, together, we’ll create the family photographs of your dreams?

My answer to that is, “When we plan your photography session, we’re going to plan outfits that are flattering for everyone, including yourself.  I’ll pose you to ensure that you look great, and my camera angle will be at a place that will make you instantly look like you’ve lost 8 pounds!”

What would it mean to you to have a photograph that YOU LOVE of your family?  Not a photograph where the kids look cute, and that’s good enough for you.  But one where you look stunning, your kids look like they are having fun, and your husband looks like he’s enjoying himself, too.

What would it mean to have a photograph of you, your siblings, and your parents together?  A photograph that, every time you see it, years from now, you’ll remember what it was like to embrace your dad and smell his aftershave?

What would it mean to you to have a photograph of your kids and your dog, one that pulls at your heartstrings, and helps you to grieve a little easier when he ventures on to Rainbow Bridge?

Just like avoiding the dentist and losing a tooth, avoiding getting your photographs done with great intention of doing it someday may result in never having done it, and I can tell you that the regret can be enormous.  Snapshots are great, but artwork that you display on your walls that tell a story of your family is so very important.  You’ll get to see these photographs every single day in your family room, and so will your guests and loved ones.  They are conversation starters and will help you to relive the experience of when you reconnected with your husband and kids, when you talk about them to your friends, and then you’ll fall in love with them, all over again!

And how good does that feel to know that you entrusted such important photographs to a photographer who cares about your photographs just as much as you do?

 

It feels as good as it does to know that my dentist cares about me and my fears as much as fixing my tooth, and that my mouth will feel better when it’s all done.

Make the goal, this year, to get your family’s photographs done, with purpose and meaning.  If you have a pet in your family, or 2 or 7, I’d love to offer you a gift certificate that will help save you money, contribute to a worthy cause, and create lasting emotional attachment to a moment in your family’s history.

Why You Should Consider Artwork to Celebrate Your Love with a Forever Session (4 minute read)

Why You Should Consider Artwork to Celebrate Your Love with a Forever Session

Marriage is certainly one of the hardest things to manage in most people’s lifetimes.  Because it consists of two people who are very different from each other, who are trying to learn to compromise and serve each other, and who sometimes just fall short of the other’s expectations, rough patches can be tough on the relationship. 

This doesn’t mean that It will always be tough.  There are plenty of beautiful moments that help to soften those rough patches, that loving couples soak up and savor.  As most humans are very visual creatures, they are most influenced by visual media.  Having small mementos of recent adventures around the house is fun, especially on electronic devices, and being able to see it at the push of a button is delightful…  until your device breaks, or falls into a puddle.  Or the media corrupts.  Or the Cloud rains.

When a couple has been together, and married, for twenty-plus years, the tendency is to put the children first with school and sports, to work hard, and to create a savings account to live well after retirement.    As the years go by, time becomes more and more precious for parents as they navigate through a multitude of schedules.  It’s difficult for most couples to get a romantic weekend away, let alone a Friday night date of dinner and a movie.

Time is cherished by such couples.  Taking the time to celebrate your relationship through artwork will help oft-busy couples reconnect with each other, especially during periods of business travel, or opposite schedules.  Because of the presence of such poignant artwork, the reminder of love you have for your partner is always visual.

Why, yes, you did have wedding photos done, and yes, there’s the token snapshot of you, together…  but do they convey the emotional part of your relationship, as it is now?  Wouldn’t you love to have a bit of time together, to soak up everything you love about each other, and really have that moment to treasure for years to come?  Wouldn’t that be amazing, to share, during your experience, these beautiful sentiments with each other, and attach that admiration and desire for each other to your artwork?

Every time you walk past your artwork, how incredible would it be to feel those feelings?  To fall in love all over again?  To imagine you are feeling his embrace, or smelling her perfume, every time you see it in the corner of your eye?  It’s an amazing experience to be able to relive again and again.  As much as the words I use to describe this experience, the only way to know for sure is to go through your own photographic experience.

Finally, the artwork that you display in your home of you and your partner should be a celebration of the love you share with each other.  This is a milestone that you have in your life, and it’s just as important as the milestones your children enjoy.  You have every reason to celebrate! 

Be in love with the artwork of your life. 

Are You Looking For Something a Little Bit Different?

Are you sporting a new look?  Did you just lose some weight and get toned up and you want to celebrate your beautiful figure?  Are you looking for a boost to lift your spirits and discover the real beauty you possess inside and out?

Honey Bee Photography Presents Starlet Sessions.

This is a transformational experience that you'll always remember.  Every time you look at your photographs displayed, your confidence will soar and you'll smile, knowing that you look as gorgeous today as you did the day of your Starlet Session.

What's a Starlet Session?

A Starlet Session is a fun, dress-up kind of session for adult women who want to have photographs of themselves that are fun, flirty, fashionable and show off your personality.  Done from the waist up, you can bring in several tops in which you can change your look.  Ladies bring a variety of clothing:  evening wear, something sexy, favorite tops, or they prefer the bare shoulders look.  Sometimes they'll bring a little bit of everything, and also change their hair a little to go with their outfits, add different accessories, or change their lipstick.

In the camera room, I'll help you pose, dance a little, shake your shoulders, and make you laugh.  If you have long hair, we'll give you a little bit of wind.  If you are figure-conscious, I have all kinds of tricks in the camera room as well as in post-production to help you look your best.  I can promise you, we'll have a LOT of fun.

When you get to see your photographs, you'll be amazed at your transformation!  You'll choose your favorites, which will be all of them, (of course!), and be thrilled with your selection.  The anticipation of what comes next is hard to bear.

The next part is the best, though.  When I deliver your artwork to you, you'll be dazzled by your prints.  Whether you choose beautiful Metal Portraits for your home, an album, a Treasure Box*, or one of my many other products, you will enjoy these for years to come.  It's like a holiday morning when you get to open your gifts to yourself!

Are you excited about the possibilities of seeing yourself in a new light?  I'm excited to help you! Give me a call at 240-436-2169, and let's talk about you and what you are up to.  I'd love to hear your stories and help you find out what's most important to you.  Then we'll get to work, and prepare for your session.  I have some hair and make-up artists to whom I can refer you.  

Let's do it!  Let's uncover your true beauty, inside and out.

For an example of a Treasure Box, please visit here:  http://www.honeybeephotography.com/thehiveblog.html?b_blog=P4O9d+kaqNjaCwUadkW9rtWnMvVIYW7a2l8TS/sddeEgOJlFjyYAk+tcwYcZA8Y=

Easter Photos start as early as March 1, 2015!

Spring is just around the corner.  I know that you are as excited as I am!  As much as I love snow, I'm just about ready for spring.

Last week, I came across these in my side yard!  I was so excited!

These are hyacinths and daffodils!  I can't wait to see them again this spring!  I did check today, while I was shoveling, and yup, they are still doing well.

See what else is making it's appearance this coming week!

These little guys are so cute and fuzzy! 

They aren't real!

They are perfectly perfect for your child to play with.  Your child's eyes will shine with pleasure as he or she plays with these chicks and bunnies while being photographed.  

Call for your reservation, today!  240-436-2169.