Author: alison@tinyblueorange.com

I always make it a point to carry a camera with me at all times…I just shoot at what interests me at that moment. –Elliott Erwitt

No frills. No bells and whistles. Just me. My phone. And a moment.

My faves from January 2011.

Because I had so much fun.

Because these girls are beautiful.

Because the weather was absolutely gorgeous.

I’d like to introduce you to Luisa and re-introduce you to Kirsten who was on the blog just this past Sunday.

Thank you girls for making my job easy!

Why hello my lovely photography Valentines! Have you missed me? I’ve certainly missed you all! I know it’s been awhile since I’ve posted. For the next few weeks I’ll be taking a blog break of sorts while I rev up for the start of the spring season. What’s in the works you ask? Momtography classes. New exclusively digital collection pricing. Spring March for Babies benefit. And a few other things are up my sleeve too, but you’ll just have to stick around to hear more. It’s busy here in the Be Young Photo office so if you notice me going into blog hibernation, rest assured I’ll be back soon.

This Valentine’s Day has been #1.

I have a new special Valentine.

And one day she’ll look at this picture and say “Mom, what the heck were you thinking me putting me in this outfit?!”

Her face says it all, eh?

The warm weather we’ve had in fits and spurts these past two weeks has gotten me super excited for the upcoming photography season! Can you believe it’s March already?  The warm weather is just around the corner and I am itching to get back out there and take YOUR pictures!

I’m excited today to announce my Spring Minis which will not only kick off the season, but also kick off my Spring fundraiser for the March of Dimes. I’ll be raising money all of April and May for the March for Babies Walk, in honor of Bella’s Believers a team dedicated to my first daughter and in support of all families suffering from premature birth and baby loss.

$25 from any spring mini session and $50 from any full session booked in April and May will be donated to this worthwhile cause.

Let’s raise some money, take some pictures, and celebrate the warm weather and good things just around the corner!

“The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.” ~Mitch Albom

I said “Welcome” and a hush fell over the group of 26 women sitting in front of me. Wide eyed. Camera in hand. Full of expectations. ready to learn. Entrusting me to teach them how to beautifully archive their precious family moments.  I felt prepared, overly in fact. I’d been creating, editing, polishing, and tweaking the course materials for over a month. I should  have felt comfortable, confident, and ready to rock and roll.  But the nerves were there. Bringing me back 8 years to my first day as a Kindergarten teacher. The exact same feeling. I used to work tirelessly decorating my classroom, lesson planning and preparing materials, creating an environment that was comfortable and conducive to learning. The first day of school was always full of anticipation. Meeting amazing new people who had something to learn from you. School was in session again on February 27th, 2011. Be Young Photography School.

Those first moments were a little awkward. Trying to find the right words. Sharing myself, my story, my objectives.  But, the first day of school never quite goes according to plan and it’s always a little rocky at the start. Eventually though there there is breakthrough moment where things get comfortable.  When you’re a Kindergarten teacher, this moment usually involves someone wetting themselves, while someone else is crying hysterically, with the rest of the students run circles around the room throwing toys while they’re at it. Fortunately no cameras were thrown at Momtography class, everyone stayed in their seats, no tears were shed, and the chairs remained dry. I loved all the good questions that were asked and all the light bulb moments that were shared.

I had such a great time with these ladies! Talking about about our kiddos, talking photography, gaining the jumpstart they needed to control of the camera, get out of auto mode and start experimenting.

Towards the end of our time together we took things outside the classroom, chose a partner, put all the pieces together, found the light, tested new settings, and took some beautiful portraits.

And oh my gosh, I can’t forget some of the awesome partners that are helping to make Be Young Photography School even better! SmugMug.  Memolio. Picnik.  Martilena. VMJESS. Happy Acres Farm.  I am so excited about these guys, that they deserve their own separate blog post next week.

I think the Momtography excitement has only just begun and it’s contagious.  I am not sure who is more excited. Me, for kicking off this class with such an inquisitive, caring, supportive group. Or these fabulous women, armed with a new arsenal of photography tools ready to go take some awesome photos of their kiddos!  What are these ladies saying after attending Momtography 101?

I can’t say enough good things about having taken this class. It FINALLY got me to feel comfortable about getting off of the auto mode. The class is interesting, easy-to-follow, and hands-on. After taking this class, everything just clicked and now, instead of feeling frustrated and intimated by my DSLR camera, I am excited to try different things! My baby is going to look so cute when I get done practicing what I learned! ~Sunny

My girlfriends surprised me with a gift certificate to “Momtography 101” for my birthday and it turned out to be the perfect gift! I have a 9 month old and I love “trying” to capture her on camera, but my photography knowledge was less than average. After taking this class, I feel much more confident with my camera and now have great tips on how to take better photographs and capture moments that I will want to remember forever! I highly recommend the class to all the mommies out there wanting to photograph their favorite little munchkins! ~Trish

Great to meet you & attend your class! Your presentation & descriptions were illuminating………but with the flash off ; ) Thank You!! ~Melissa

The next Momtography 101 class is only 2 short weeks away on March 20th, 2011. And it’s almost full! Do you want in? Get all the information on how to register by going here. And stay tuned because Be Young Photography School is working on some new class offerings for spring/summer that you won’t want to miss!

I am so excited to get the ball rolling this photography season with Spring Mini Sessions on April 2nd.  Warm temperatures, quality time with your family, beautiful memories captured.  All of the details about these mini sessions are HERE. I’d love to connect with you and get you booked for that afternoon.  And, just in case you’re looking for a little wardrobe inspiration, I thought I’d share my spring inspired favorites for mom, dad, and daughter.

The next Momtography class is less than a week away and I know 24 more ladies are gearing up for an afternoon of fun, learning, and growth. I know I am excited to meet and work with them all! One of my favorite parts of our afternoon together is setting a little bit of time aside to share some of the resources I have found over the years. Resources I have found to be an invaluable and fun part of being a photographer and mom.

My #1, top choice, must have it now resource? SmugMug. Hands down.  No contest.

SmugMug is a photo storage and sharing site famous for making your photos look amazing. Their tagline, “Your photos look better here” is no joke. With SmugMug you can store, view, and retrieve your original images at any time. You can print from their reputable photo labs. And you can even customize the look and feel of the site your liking.  They have 3 affordable annual subscriptions plans to choose from based on your level of usage, but I think the service they offer is priceless.  They also offer a 14 day free trial to give them a test drive. I highly recommend you give them a try and ensure your digital photos are in safe keeping.

#2 pick? Memolio.

They’ve appeared on the blog before. They’ve really been around here since I started out on this photography journey and have been such a supporter in me and my growth. I absolutely love what they’re about, their customer service, and their product. Memolio offers mini albums or brag books. Great gifts for the grandparents! Or for you slip in a purse to share with friends. Or for dad to keep on a desk at the office. So many uses in such a cute little package.  A GREAT way to share all the fabulous images of your kiddos!

And now? It’s time for some fun!

Who doesn’t want custom camera bags, camera straps, or lens bling?! I love Etsy! And Etsy led the way to some of these amazing shops who are cranking out fun & custom photography goodies.

Martilena is making out custom dslr camera bags.

VMJESS is making custom, cross-body camera straps.

Happy Acres Farm is making cute cute cute lens bling animals to keep your kiddos looking at the camera!

These are just a select few of my top picks, but they are the ones that really top my list. I hope you stop by their stores and sites and tell them Be Young Photography sent you. I know they’ll be happy to see you there!

I know you’ve missed these cheeks. They’ve missed you too.

Kisses and tickles always welcome.

Please refrain from pinching.

This family has a lot to celebrate. One little one turning 4 (going on 30). One little one turning 7 months (and just saying her first word – “dada”).  9 years of marriage. And thriving family business.

Mom Kristen and I met shortly after my Brie baby was born when I decided to browse hair accessories at UnBOWlievable in the Dulles Town Center mall (because what mom doesn’t want adorable hair things for her little girl, right?!). Kristen and husband Chad are the masterminds behind this store and they are some of the most down to earth, passionate, and friendly people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. They are the type where you feel like you’ve known them forever after just chatting for 5 minutes and I absolutely love that about them!

The past few months I’ve done model shoots of their product line for in store promotions. This month, I was thrilled to finally get to spend some one on one time with their wonderful family and take some special images just for them.

With the arrival of Spring it was a must that we get outside and enjoy the gorgeous weather. Mom and dad got the two girls dressed up and accessorized we headed to the neighborhood community center. It’s apparent from these images that these girls have a lots of personality, style, and love for one another. Thanks for letting me come hang out with you on a beautiful Saturday afternoon B. family! I hope you enjoy your sneak peek.

Cheekers. Our munchkin. Little lamb.

We can’t believe you came into our lives 6 months ago.

It has gone by in the blink of an eye.

You started sitting this week. When we blink again we’ll watch you crawl, walk, and talk.

Thanks for filling our days and nights with lots of smiles. laughs. and love.

xoxo. Mama and Daddy.