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.

The Way I See Things (3 minute read)

There was a song back in the 50s, called The Twist.

Chubby Checker taught the world a new kind of dance, and it was a sensation overnight. 

It’s still a fun dance.  When one hears the song, one can’t help but get up and start dancing.  It will never get old.

In a similar way, I help my clients “twist”… or, as I affectionately like to call it, “The Way I See Things”.

My client says, “When I get home from work, I’ve already stopped at the store, so I’ve got grocery bags, and my purse, and the minute I step in the door, the kids are all over me.  It’s exhausting.”

I TWIST it, and reply, “Isn’t it wonderful that your kids miss you so much, that they are so excited to see you, that when you come home they can’t help but come running to you, wanting to hug you?”

My client says, “I stay at home with my children, so to bring in extra money, my husband drives Uber on the weekends.  I never see him anymore.”

I give it a little TWIST, and say, “Isn’t it amazing that your husband cherishes you and the kids so much, that he doesn’t want them to be in daycare, and he sacrifices his time with you by taking on extra responsibilities?  I’m positive he misses you guys on the weekends, but it sounds like he knows that this is what he needs to do, so you can stay at home.”

My client says, “I’m a work at home mom, so when the baby goes down for a nap, I hurry to get my work done.  It feels like just as I’m getting into it, he’s waking up.  I wish he’d sleep a little bit longer.”

I hear the wistfulness in her voice, and I know she is looking for validation.  I TWIST her perception by saying, “Isn’t it wonderful that you can work from home?  Isn’t it wonderful to be the one your baby sees when he first wakes up from his nap?  What do his eyes look like when he sees you?”

“Oh, he’s so happy to see me!  His eyes are big and his smiles are wide!  He bounces with excitement when I pick him up.”

“Isn’t that beautiful? How does that make you feel when he reacts that way?”

“I feel loved and wanted.  I never thought about it that way.”

“So, when you think about it like that, what does that mean to you?”

“I feel like I can successfully be a work-at-home-mom with a baby.  It’s all worth it.”

“What would you do with a photograph of your son, looking so excited and happy in your arms?  What would that mean to you?”

“Oh, I’d put it by my desk so I could see it all the time while I’m working.  It would mean so much to see that every day!  It would keep me going!”

Do you want a TWIST, a new way to perceive your life?  Just like Chubby Checker performed The Twist and all of America started dancing in a new way, I would love to help you see things differently.   I’d love to speak with you and find out what’s most important to you, so that I can photograph that for you, and you can love it every single day.

Recently, Danielle LaPorte quoted, “Life is art”.  I say, “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=

3 Huge Secrets On How To Prepare For Your Head and Shoulders Photography Session.

Are You Out There In Social Media Land?

There are a lot of people out there in Social Media Land.  I heard once, that with social media, you have about 3 seconds or less in which to capture someone's attention.  If they aren't impressed, they will keep right on clicking.  This means that they are actually looking at profile pictures to quickly make the decision as to whether or not to stay there.

If you are a business owner or a professional, you already know that social media is a great tool with which to network and create relationships.  The image that you should have for your profile picture should match the level of professionalism you are creating.

Many professionals dislike being in front of a camera.  Memories of going to a busy, packed studio as a child often makes folks stiff and nervous.  They don't want to look stiff or unnatural, they want to look friendly, approachable, professional.  Oftentimes, they just don't know how to start the process of preparing for a Head and Shoulders Photography Session.

My approach to this is to help my clients feel as comfortable as possible, and this starts at the very beginning when they call me.  We'll discuss many things during that call, including what you want to wear and what image you are desiring to show.  I'll ask you questions, such as, do you want to wear a uniform of some sort, or do you want to wear business casual clothing?  What is the message you are wishing to convey through your image?  Do you want to appear friendly, yet assertive? These are the things that I do to help my clients overcome their stagefright.

The goal, then, is to provide the client with images that make them look their best, on their very best day.  This includes the amount of time, afterwards, to retouch the images that have been selected in such a way that reflects that.  A client's appearance in the images is not changed, it is simply enhanced.

Here are 3 tips on how to prepare for your Head and Shoulders Photography Session.

1. Get a haircut, color or permanent at least a week in advance. If you have anything done to it the day you are photographed, it will be either a little short, or the color too intense, or the perm too curly. Let your hair relax into its style and you will look great the day of your headshot session.
2. Color and style are so important in your outfit. Most Head and Shoulder portraits are at least waist up, so don’t worry about what to wear waist down, you could wear shorts if you would like. If you are a lawyer, you should wear a shirt, tie and jacket that fits you well. If you are the owner of a cleaning company, it’s a good idea to wear a crisp polo shirt with your logo embroidered on it. If you are a stylist, and you want to show your creative side, a great top that fits you well and shows your personality would work great. It’s suggested to avoid clothing that might cause some kind of wardrobe malfunction. You can bring a couple of outfit choices to your session to see what will work best.
3. Be relaxed. Your expression will show your feelings, so if you are nervous about being photographed, it will show. Many people get anxious about having their photograph done, because they are self-conscious or they don’t know what to wear. Remember to breathe and have fun. Practicing your smile and saying cheese should be avoided. Your photographer should be able to help you laugh and smile before you step in front of the lens.

These simple, but important, tips will help you to prepare or your headshot photo session. If you have any questions about having your Head and Shoulder portraits done, please feel free to call me, Megan, at 240-245-0416.

Star Spangled Sessions

Call soon because there are only 10 sessions available.

What Is In Your Life?

Have you ever asked yourself that?

"What's in my life?"

When you go to the grocery store, what is your main purpose of going?

Most people would reply, "To get food. Duh."

I hear a lot of the same things about grocery shopping.  "I hate going to the store".  "It feels like a tropical vacation when I go without my children."  "I only go for 3 things and end up spending $50".  "What did I just spend $100 on?"

My thoughts are this:  a person goes to the grocery store to get food for his or her loved ones.  That could be your family, as in, your children or pets.  Your mom.  Your cousin.  Your siblings.  Your neighbor.  Your best friend.  The children you babysit.  The people next door that you don't know well, but they need a meal because of a tragedy.

Food is a natural reason for people who love each other to get together.  Fixing a meal for someone is an expression of love for many people.  When you were a child and you went to Grandma's house, what was the first thing she said to you?  It usually had to do with some kind of baked goodie or a snack that she said she had in her kitchen.  You knew that that was how Grandma showed her love for you.

I know that food shopping is a stressful thing for most people to do.  Food is expensive and even when there's a deal, you feel like it could be better.  When you are feeding a crowd of 15, exactly how creative can one get with pasta, sauce and cheese?

When you find yourself in such a mess, try to remember one thing:  that you do this because you love your family.  Food on the dinner table is a way to make sure everyone comes home at the end of the day.  It's a unifier of souls.  It causes conversation ("Mom, this is so yummy!").  It causes quiet moments because everyone is enjoying the delicious meal that you've prepared. It gives reason for people to wake up in the morning, because they know pancakes are on the table.

The fact that you have your loved ones in mind at the grocery store speaks volumes about what is in your life.  The next time you look at your cupboards in your kitchen and you sigh, try to remember all of  your beloved faces in your family when you cook for them.  THAT is what the main purpose of going to the grocery store.  To create memories and special bonds with your family.

Here's a great article to help you save money at the grocery store.  My favorite is the playing your favorite upbeat music.

Here's a new cutie that a certain new mom gets to go to the grocery store for! <3

First Anniversary Family Photo Session Auction Celebration!

It's so exciting!

This is how we celebrate our upcoming 1 year anniversary of officially celebrating in the Bowie, MD area.

Starting in May, we will be having a few auctions on sessions for the month of June to help us help YOU celebrate family!

What?

Yes.

A few years ago, when we were in Anchorage, I actually did a few auctions through Facebook when it was still legal.  I haven't done any since because, well, 1) we've moved a few times since 2010, and 2) Facebook no longer allowed auctions without the use of an app.  

Now that we are in a great area with wonderful clients who are spreading the word about HBP, I'm ready to start my first Auction in May.  I also want everyone to see my awesome new website, so this is how it'll go.

I will be announcing dates and times for the auctions really soon.  It's really important that you arrange to be here virutally, as I'll be doing it on my blog.  I'll probably do 3 sessions per auction, several times a week.

Each session will be started at a lowered price.  It may be for a studio session, or for an on-location session for families.  It might be for a pin-up session or Blanc Boudoir session.  It might even include product.  I'll be sending out the information in the monthly newsletter and weekly updates soon.

Bids will be accepted in $10 or $20 increments and will last for 5 minutes each.  Bidding will take place here on my blog.  When the time is up, the person with the highest bid will win that particular session, and I'll be contacting said person right after to take payment and set the date and time.  Please note that this will be a non-refundable purchase and if you need to reschedule, you'll be able to reschedule only once.

All of the rules and regulations will be posted soon.

Who's excited to win an auction???