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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.

I first met Brandt’s mom during daughter Brooke’s modeling session for UnBOWlievable back in January. At that session she mentioned a “do-over” session for son Brandt’s senior portraits. They were looking for something a little different and more natural than the standard school backdrop, super posed, cap and gown type pictures.

Spring minis were the perfect opportunity to make this happen. And Brandt was a total a natural in front of the camera! A football star who is gearing up for college life at VA Tech, Brandt is excited about beginning a new adventure next year. Good luck on your college journey! I hope these photos fit the bill for a more natural senior session and you enjoy this little sneak peek.

UnBOWlievable is the leading American designer of quality hairbows, headbands, and hair accessories and Be Young Photography will be teaming up with the store yet again for a Spring model shoot to showcase their upcoming product line.   Do you have what it takes to be a model for this opportunity?

Be Young Photography & UnBOWlievable Tween Model Casting Call

Age Range: 10-12 year old girls

Date: Sunday May 1 – 4pm

Location: Fairfax, VA

Description:  Looking for some young “tween” girls ready to show off their fun, spontaneous, and creative personalities while modeling the latest and greatest fashion in hair accessories.

Models will be required to sign a model release form but will be compensated with a 10-15 high resolution images and full printing rights. If you think you fit the description and are interested in participating in this project, please email a current picture to: info@beyoungphotography.com.

18 months ago my Calmer and I visited Tampa to reflect and renew after we lost Bella. We looked out on the ocean at sunset and mourned the loss of the life we were expecting.  This week we returned to Tampa, with Brielle by our side, and looked out on the ocean with a fresh perspective.

We celebrated the life we are now living.

Bella’s memory.

Brielle’s future.

And the love we share.

Brie is one lucky lady who got to meet her amazing 91 year old great grandmother this week.

Brielle is gathering quite a crowd of adoring fans and paparazzi. It’s a good thing she doesn’t mind the attention! This week “MeMa” (my mom) flew in from Florida for a visit and there was definitely not a lack of hugs, kisses, and pictures while she was here. Even though we Skype daily, it’s just not the same as being able to love on her in person. Brielle even put up with her mommy’s hair stylings and is sporting the mohawk look for her photo shoot this week.  I don’t think this look is a keeper, but Brie doesn’t seem to mind.

It’s been awhile since I’ve had a new product to share but recently I’ve been updating my product offerings and today I want to share one of my new favorites! These mini accordion albums measure 3″x3″, come in sets of 3 of the same album, and are the perfect size for a pocket or purse. They make GREAT holiday gifts for grandparents, moms, dads, or anyone really! Each mini album is custom designed to fit the uniqueness of your photos.  I am so excited to have these as part of my product line and they will be an offering for my upcoming mini sessions in Port St. Lucie, FL this December (details about the mini sessions will be tomorrow, stay tuned…)