Friday, June 21, 2013

Recreating the past... Nostalgia Photography {Mia Bella Photography, Louisville KY Photographer}

More than ten years ago a father was given a book of photographs of his three young daughters for Father's Day. It was a treasured keepsake for the family and many of photos made it to the prestigious spot adorning the walls of their home.

So when the Mom contacted me about recreating some of these poses to once again create a book for Father's Day, I knew this was going to be fun.

With photocopies of the old photos in hand, we orchestrated the poses to exact replicas. The girls were great sports, more than willing to recreate these special moments for their Dad.

But not all of them were recreations. We took several of the girls to add to the collection. I'm so honored I got to be in on this little secret for Dad, and now that Father's Day has come and gone, I can share it with you!



Monday, June 17, 2013

My Own Family Session on Myrtle Beach {Mia Bella Photography}

As a photographer, I am very comfortable behind the camera. I'm also comfortable in front of the camera directing how the shoot will go. Put those two together, requiring me to be both behind and in front of the lens - all confidence flies out the window!!

For the first time ever, with my husband's family, we took our family portrait while vacationing in Myrtle Beach. I was definitely prepared. I had my tripod (which I despise), my remote to control the shutter (which didn't work) and had the perfect location (no complaint there!).

I set up the equipment, then I set up the people. I pressed the button then I had 10 seconds to run about 15 feet, barefoot, over a patch of crazy sharp jaggedy shells, get my self into somewhat of a natural position, tame my wild hair and smile calmly like I'd been standing there for a good five minutes. This same scenario happened about 7 times before I was confident that I had something to work with. Granted I still had to do a little Photoshop magic with my nephew's head... it actually came out pretty perfect.

 
Once I had the whole family shot out of the way, I could relax and enjoy the rest of the shoot. I made sure to capture the littles first as their patience level with me screaming SMILE WESTON!!! HEY ALIANA!!! fell short of the least bit entertaining for them. ;)
 
The proud grandparents and the SWEETEST inlaws EVER.
 
My {little} brother and his BEAUTIFUL wife and one of my bestest friends, and of course they're adorable littles.
 
Running around like a wild woman trying to capture pinball-like Weston, I happened to catch this tender moment between my loves.
 
 
This one just wasn't happening. Weston didn't enjoy being held down by Mia, Aliana was doing her own thing, sand was everywhere... the joy of photographing small children. ;)
 
 
Oh yeah, I caught those pretty eyes that time!  
 
 
Pretty mama and sweet little Aliana!
 
 
Repeat after me... Sand is not a food.
 
 
Flying up in the air courtesy of Dad is always a joy!
 
 
I have a similar shot of these two from when we were in Hawaii, only that was three years ago. She has changed so much... *sniff*
 
 
Setting my camera up for my FAB assistant Vanessa, she caught this sweet one of me and teeny Mia.
 
 
She did a pretty good job on this one too. ;)
 
 
Lost in thought...
 
Oh Mia!!! Look here!!! Ah. There's that sweet smile. :)
 
 
I am done with photos Dad. Let's walk through the tide instead.
 
 
Nothing cuter than sandy baby feet!!!
 
 
Courtesy of my husband. Mr. Mia Bella. ;)
 
 
And the two who started it all...
 
 
And still so much in love...
 
 
One of my models even fell asleep. Being a diva is exhausting.
 
 
Gorgeousness.


Friday, May 31, 2013

From this to that at Mia Bella Photography {Newborn Photography :: Behind the Scenes :: Mia Bella Photography}

There's always a lot going on behind the scenes of a newborn shoot. Amongst all the equipment, blankets, baskets, Mom is holding sweet baby filling his belly for sleepiness. Rocking side to side in front of the space heater, the white noise machine whirs in the background. Finally sweetie is sound asleep and our setup is put to use. This is how we get from this to that at Mia Bella Photography.

{Summer Newborn Special} Normally our mobile studio comes to you, however in the months of June, July and August if you come to US you will receive a $75 PRINT CREDIT!

*Credit to be used only on single prints.
 
 

Saturday, May 25, 2013

SENIOR CLASS MEMORIAL DAY SPECIAL! {Senior Photography, Mia Bella Photography, Louisville KY}

CALLING ALL BRAND NEW SENIORS!!!!!!!!!!
 
Kick off your summer with scheduling your own Mia Bella Senior Fashion Photoshoot!
 
Email Jilli@MiaBPhotography.com to reserve your spot and don't forget to mention this ad!
 
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!
 
 

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

An Italian Souvenir {Newborn Photography, Mia Bella Photography, Louisville KY}

Of course every newborn has a wonderful story and I love getting to hear each and every one of them as I'm photographing their sweet new baby.

This one, however; I knew needed his very own blog post. For starters, his name...  Nello Archangelo. Doesn't that just scream beautiful Italy?! Son to mom Jamie and husband Bob, "Archie" was named after his great-grandfather.

Well, Mr. Archie was the "very welcomed but unexpected BEST souvenir we picked up on our Italian honeymoon last July," said beautiful Mom Jamie.

I love it how Jamie said, "Archie was made in Tuscany." Can't beat that story when it comes time to embarrass him as a teen! This was Jamie's first trip to Italy and her husband Bob's third (he still has family there). I bet that will be one vacation they'll never forget!



 
And already now 3 months old, I had the pleasure of photographing them as a family. Congratulations Jamie and Bob!
 



 

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Summer is coming! Class of 2014 book your session with Mia Bella! {Senior Photography, Louisville KY}

I have a love for all things photography - but high school seniors... I have a special love for this group! The fashion, the modeling, the artful drama behind those serious shots... I adore it!!
 
Summer is the most popular time for senior pictures and class of 2014 this is your time!!! We have just a couple spots left at the end of June so we are now booking for July and August. And for a limited time if you book for the summer you'll receive 24 free wallets!!
 
Email Jilli@MiaBPhotography.com to reserve your spot today!!!



Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Operation Random Acts of Kindness


Our college friend Steve was deployed yesterday for the third time. Having before leaving behind his wife, now he leaves behind his young son. For ten months... TEN MONTHS. You can imagine that during this goodbye they would say, "see you next year."

My Dad served in the Army in Vietnam, flying shanooks... but this long before he and I would ever meet. I can't imagine saying goodbye for so long to my Daddy... I can't imagine being without my husband, my partner, for ten long months.

Mia and I try to say thank you every time we see a soldier in uniform. Today we met a man in this same uniform as Steve when we were leaving Chick-Fil-A. I told him thank you for what you do and that we have a friend who just deployed yesterday. He told me the absolute best thing while away in the foreign lands is to have letters from home. He told us to make sure we send our friend letters.

When asked what we could do for Steve while he was away, he came up with this simple plan. Most everyone has heard of "RAOK" or "Random Acts of Kindness." For the over 250 days he'll be overseas, he asked that we all pitch in and do our own versions of RAOKs and send him a letter telling about it.

You don't have to know Steve to participate in this! Only if you've ever wished there was something you could do personally for a soldier who has left HIS/HER family to fight for YOURS, then this is your opportunity!! Below you will find instructions on what to do.

Thank you Steve, Marissa and Jackson for your sacrifice.

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OPERATION: ACTS OF KINDNESS
Let me start off by saying thank you for your support on this operation. Without you guys this would never happen and I cannot thank you enough.
BACKGROUND: During my last three deployments people always asked what I needed and how they could get it to me. I never needed anything due to the fact that everything was available downrange. The only thing I really looked forward to, were letters from home. I felt bad when people spent money on me only to give me things I had access to on a daily basis.

This little endeavor will keep people from having to send me stuff while they give to others in more need. I don’t know how I came up with this idea, but thought we could give it a try.

PLAN:  1.) Complete your Random Act of Kindness between 01MAY13 and 01DEC13. This will give enough time for your mail to reach my location before I head back home.

2.) Write a letter with the following information:

a. Date the Act occurred / Date you wrote the letter
b. Who you are and how you know me
c. What your Act of Kindness was
d. What brought you to do the act
e. Reaction of the person (If Any)

(You can add to the list above if needed)
3.) Send the letters to:
MAJ Kane, Steven L.
11 MP BN (CID)
Bagram Airfield
APO AE 09354

THE ACT: The act does not need to be money driven. Anything you can think of is in play. You can even bring your kids into the mix. They can draw a picture of what they did instead of a letter. This can be a whole family activity and they are highly encouraged to participate.

Thank you again for participating in this operation. I cannot wait to see how this turns out!

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