Marie Holmes Photography

MARIE HOLMES PHOTOGRAPHY HAS MOVED! JACKSONVILLE'S BOUTIQUE PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER

2012-01-25T14:11:00.001-08:00

Come check us out at this pretty little blog

Check 1..2..3..

2011-02-28T19:53:00.000-08:00

Yes.. I'm still here :-) still shooting, still proofing. Working on previously scheduled sessions until I come back from hiding around mid to late April or earlier. I was a little sad today, because I finished my last newborn session until I come back. It will only be less than two months but I can't tell you how much I will be missing it, even for that amount of time. It was a hard choice having to take a step back and take a breather. But for the sake of chaos and a straight jacket (worn by me :) It's just something that had to be done. I have a bunch of new stuff coming out that I can't wait to release! Of course I can't just let MHP fully rest so during this time I've been doing a lot of behind the scenes stuff, but it sure gives me a sense of relief from having to nurse a baby while sitting at my computer trying to meet proofing deadlines or work on the other little aspects of growing my little business here. I was one of those lucky moms that my first two babies slept through the night like little angels. Well third time around folks. Not so lucky. It's all in good fun though, he keeps me on my toes and I couldn't have it any other way.. he's too scrumptious to complain much.

Spring is like a soft entrance to a brutal summer here in Florida, lots of beautiful flowers, weather, colors.. the air is hazy, the birds are chirping or pooping on someone's car. People can walk around wearing clothing and not worry about having to shower and change halfway through the day. It's one of my favorite times to shoot, and be outside taking it all in. It is also busy season. So I just want to give a heads up that: I will be opening bookings around that time (TBA). But from that point forward I will only be able to book between 2-4 sessions a month. I will have available only *2 weekends per month and any other spaces will be early evening 4:30-6:00 pm. So please contact me early if you are interested in a session with me because they will fill up quickly.

and because a post is always better with a picture

taking it all in......
on a side note: I can't tell you how happy I am to FINALLY have my pictures look the way they deserve. Oh blogger you do me wrong sometimes, you just do me wrong.

the one that started it all. Jacksonville, Fl. family photographer

2011-02-03T16:54:00.000-08:00

Guess what folks.. it's throw back Thursdays time!!! I am envisioning the arms doing the woomp wommp from Arsenio Hall *not kidding, I am that dorky. Aside from all dorkiness, I know I haven't been keeping up with "T.T's" (It might be smart to figure out a different abbreviation for that on this family photography blog) but I have been working really hard on something for MHP, hence my last post was sort of a breaking point. But I think I have taken a deep breath now and I'm ready to go at it full force. Are you keeping up with me?? For today's Throwback this is the image that is framed and displayed on my wall, along side a black and white picture of my little Cruz.
I took my kiddos out to Fort Lauderdale beach that afternoon, with my little Vivitar point and shoot camera and I captured this picture. Okay with that being said let me give you some background.
previous to this I was a hungry college student/mom trying to find her niche in life. After community college, then university, then Art school. My soul was still searching. I remember when I would sit down with my husband and discuss school plans I would cry. Obviously I cry alot. I would somehow try to make him tell me what it is I should do with my career, my life. He hadn't a clue. I was so scattered with schooling that I confused him, heck I confused myself. All I know is that I wanted answers. Like Now! I stressed so much about it because C ( my husband) had already carved a path for himself in the real world. He had a degree, he knew more or less what he wanted to do and was doing it. Why couldn't I have that luck? I guess taking all of those "pre-you have no clue where you are going classes" were supposed to help me eventually? maybe? But they didn't. At the end of the day, he and I both knew that from the very beginning of our relationship I was always chasing something that did not want to be found, just yet. With much perseverance I decided that I would keep trucking along and try as best I could to put the pieces together.

I knew 5 things.

I Loved working with kids!
I loved to design, I loved to create, I loved working with colors.
My background via my birth father's side (who passed when I was just a small girl) were artists. Everything from entertainment to other different types of mediums.
*** I loved taking pictures*** esp of my kids.
I wouldn't be satisfied with a typical 9-5 job. Ever.

While liking to take pictures was simply an ordinary thing for most. I had my ah ha! moment.

The feeling this picture brought to me, was a feeling I had felt before. I didn't know it was there. It somehow all of a sudden creeped up into my soul and found me... and it was then that I decided to stop looking. To jump feet first into a place that I couldn't see if there was something to catch me down below. Needless to say this was a simple snapshot, no editing and the fact that I was no pro photographer then and still have a hard time calling myself even just a photographer minus the pro now. Since then I have been finding my way back up to the light slowly. No more heavy rocks holding me down. I am now at a place in my life where I can play again like I used to do when I was a small kid. The world is in fact my playground.

I hope you have enjoyed today's post. I think I have come a long way as a whole and it just keeps looking brighter from here.

I am also going to announce that I will be taking a mini blogcation. I am really in up to my eyeballs and sick to boot. I have to learn what I can handle sometimes and I tend to push the limit but over doing myself sets me back instead of moving forward. So with that being said** we shall meet again in a few weeks with MHP's new little secret.

work/life balance. The seesaw of life. jacksonville florida family photographer.

2011-01-29T19:55:00.000-08:00

Isn't it so? Sometimes I struggle with knowing what could be the best choice, whether it's the easy, difficult, right or wrong decision. It's the stress alone about making that initial choice is what makes my head spin. I love my kids.. they make my life that much easier. I will usually ask my son "what do you think about blah blah blah...?" and he will answer "whatever you think?", "what do YOU want?" "if you think you should".... same goes for my husband and everyone else in my household. You know actually I am beginning to think they give me these open ended answers because they just want me to..for lack of a better word shut up! What I wanted to get to today is being able to manage a balance between work/home/kids..etc.. I have struggled with this for a while now...and I guess it's time to face fear in it's evil little eye. Sometimes I secretly wish I was Kelly Ripa in one of those Electrolux commercials where she prances around the house cleaning, hosting a party and making chocolate milk for her kids magically appear in their hands in less than the time it takes for the commercial to be over. Either this, or I need an Electrolux appliances. Since this is far from the truth. I have to deal with the reality of it all. I am a wife, and mother of three kids struggling to get her photography business off the ground. When I spoke to my girlfriend the other day as tears of sorrow and leftover overactive hormones drip down my face. She said that I am like a one woman show. As these words escaped through the phone lines and reached me I could actually picture myself like one of those people you see at the fair or on TV with all of those instruments going at the same time. In fact, I have never seen or heard anyone with one of these one man bands that actually even sounded good to say the least. I don't know. It seems like a disaster waiting to happen. Anyway, as I picked myself off the floor and got off the phone.. I went about my business doing what I normally do. Is that it? Do people just go about their business, have one or two anxiety attacks and life goes on after that?? Why wasn't I aware of this before?? It is then when it dawned upon me that although being Kelly Ripa sounds like a lot of fun. It is I that has to face my fear and live my life the way it has intended to be. This is not a commercial. There is no pause or off button. No rewind, no fast forward. As much as I would love to picture this dreamy image of me being able to handle everything with ease. That is not what god has planned for me. That is not who I am, and maybe one day... it is who I have been. So for now, I will keep changing the dirty diapers, making school lunches, untangling curly hair at bedtime, watch series on showtime with my husband in bed, edit, shoot, continue to find inspiration and do my best to push forward. No matter what.

Flash who??

2011-01-23T17:56:00.001-08:00

Now, I'm not quite sure how to work this thing to the best of it's ability.. but I made myself a vow that I would start toying around with the idea of using flash this year because as you all know I am a natural light photographer. I'm a strong believer that with natural light you can achieve great results. I also believe *now that with a little extra lighting you can create even more dramatic effects. I'm not one to single any type of lighting source out and with MHP's future plans of maybe one day having a boutique style studio (god willing) I guess I better get started on figuring this stuff out OCF (off camera flash) and all. I borrowed a flash kit and got to try it out on my girlfriend a few months back since then I have it used several times but not enough to really make me excited and now that winter has hit, I'm sold. She was the perfect model! Silly faces and all! love her. Now there are loads of things wrong so don't make me an expert on this. Just having some fun.

Now as her future "friendager" please route all calls to me if your looking for a future supermodel. Please note **nothing*** has been edited except for adjustments in lighting. Yes she's just that gorgeous!

My hero. jacksonville, Florida Family photographer

2011-01-19T09:23:00.000-08:00

There is really so much I can say about this, but it's hard enough to even type and that's a first. So I will keep it short and sweet.

To my now eleven year old:

You taught me what love really is..
I learned about happiness from you...
I learned how to forgive because of you...
I learned what I know about living because of you,

There are so many things you taught me in such a short amount of time and for that I am grateful I hope you continue to teach me more.

I am really getting choked up here sitting at my computer writing this, and the truth is that you are my hero. You are more than what I could ever dream of. You are wish come true, a dream, the best gift in life. You are the reason why I am who I am today, and I feel blessed that God has chosen me to be your mother. I hope that I am able to live up to this grand title. I love you.

You would have thought I was torturing the poor kid.

2011-01-11T11:55:00.000-08:00

It took all of this....

just to get this.

and that was the best I could do given the circumstances. In the end, I guess sometimes you have willing models and sometimes you don't.

Baby Cruz at 4 months old.

Happy "fresh" year.

2010-12-31T15:17:00.000-08:00

"New" or "fresh" whatever you wanna call it. Its a time to think about what you've done in 2010 and have a fresh start in 2011. This year for us has been a gigantic step from last year. Every nook and cranny of this year was completely different. I'm still getting used to the changes really.

This year brought us our little man Cruz...
My daughters first year in Kindergarten
Amazing new friends
A closer connection to my old friends
An even closer bond to my husband
The last year my oldest will be in Elementary school (this I am very frightful of in the new year).
At this moment in my life I truly feel like I have it all...and even if I didn't I wouldn't need anything else, my heart is full.

I have a few things on my new years resolution list that I hope to abide by. Lots of changes coming with Marie Holmes Photography, one of which nearly beginning in a few short hours. But most importantly I want to say a big THANK YOU! To everyone that has helped, pushed or guide me and this little business of mine. I have got to admit this whole having "your own business" thing is not easy. There were times when I just wanted to give up. And each time I posted a gallery, watched a child grow up in front of my lens, or got a beautiful message from a client... that made my day and whole year. In fact, it also made me realize even more how much I love what I do, in turn giving me the fuel to light my passion. I officially opened up shop in April 2010 here in Jacksonville and from then to now... wow! It was totally unexpected how much growth a few short months could bring in a new place. So from us to you..

and Happy Fresh Year!!

for the unveiling...

2010-12-30T14:11:00.001-08:00

Photo courtesy of Kalyn Price (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rosedale-Va/Photography-by-Kalyn/50121828108)

....of the new frames I will be offering 2011. I am so excited about these!! I seriously can't wait to get one of these puppies in my hands. I can already see my little girls room decked out in these fabulous frames. The craftsmanship alone is something to be admired. These handmade wood frames ready for you to customize. Here's what! If you have had a session with me already and would like to purchase one of these lovely frames you can get one for yourself at 25% off for the entire month of January and any new bookings for January will get one free with a Modern Session. Be sure to head on over to the Organic Bloom facebook fan page to see how people use this babies.

Throwback Thursdays are back!

2010-12-30T13:29:00.000-08:00

So one of my many new years resolutions is to be a good blogger by being more consistent on here. So I wanted to bring back something I started a while back called Throwback Thursdays. This may help me get a little closer to acheiving that goal. Who knows? It's worth a shot. So what does this mean?? Every Thursday I will post everything from oldies, goodies, yuckies, oopsies.. and everything in between that I may not have posted on here before some images may be edited some not. I'm finding more and more as I'm clearing out my hard drive for the new year images that I'm thinking it would be nice to share with you all.

Okay so for todays throwback.. not too old, this image is one I shot of my kiddos when little baby Cruz was just days old. I can't believe how much he has grown since then and how amazing my older chickadees have been with him. They love him to pieces and I do them.

and for the record, it's still pretty weird looking back at anything esp that link from last year.

Holiday Stay-Cation.

2010-12-24T06:41:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to pop in and wish everyone a Happy Holiday from our family to yours!! Altough we won't be making any travel plans this year, we plan to spend the time at home watching movies, drinking hot cocoa and having a home style vacation. Nothing can beat that. I can't believe this year is already coming to a close... I am beyond grateful for the new friends, amazing clients, flourishing business and growing family we have made here in Jacksonville.

Here is our end of the year calendar: you can always check our session openings on the site here

closed December 24Th-25Th
closed December 31st- Jan 2ND.

more updates!

Anyone who did not have a holiday session this year but did a session with me in early December will still be on schedule as far as receiving their proofs before the new year.

Marie Holmes Photography is currently looking for studio space for early 2012 possibly late 2011 (getting an early start on my new years resolution huh?).. if anyone knows of anything available in the Riverside or San Marco area a small cottage or loft of some sort shoot me an email, I would love to check it out!

Castings for 2011

Couples
Boudoir
Newborn Twins

Upcoming links for 2011...(can't believe I'm saying this...)

Boutique
Exclusive Sessions
Session Payment Terminal

and then comes baby......

2010-12-24T06:27:00.000-08:00

and for the last sneak peek of the year, I soooo love when my clients and new found friends :-) are up for ANYTHING!! Thank you for letting me go crazy C. I hope you did enough walking for your whole pregnancy and beyond ;-)

Congratulations on your upcoming new addition, I can't wait until I get that phone call letting me know the little guy is here for his newborn session!

A princess is born.

2010-12-21T10:20:00.001-08:00

This session is very near and dear to my heart for many reasons. One of them being that this precious little girl is the daughter of my longtime best friend... another because as friends we were able to bond through our pregnancies this year...and another because after three boys this was it... she finally had her baby girl. Little Miss B made her entrance to the world with a pillow of love surrounding here from all corners. Her mommy couldn't have said it better herself.. "she completes us". In my opinion, I feel at times we go through life feeling content and grateful for the things we have. The things that god has blessed us with. But other times we can't help to feel a little selfish in wanting more.... and as happy and fulfilled as we could possibly be, something comes along that we were missing. Most often we don't know what that is. So we go about our lives. Then something or someone that fills a space in our hearts we never knew *needed to be there all along. A space that long ago.. seemed so small. But then this thing called a baby comes into our lives, and we then realized that this little space was actually a large hole.. and how could life have ever been without this little person around. I know this feeling all too well.

about the session....

Mom was ready with girl ammo.. and when I say this I mean all things girly. Hats, headbands..etc.... It was very much apparent that another touch of pink was needed in this household and that's what little miss B brought to the M boys.... That little extra touch of sweet, dainty, airy pink.

Congrats to your growing family, I feel blessed I was able to partake in this special moment in your lives in someway shape or form. Although I now live close to 400 miles away.. know that we love you more than words can express. Welcome to this world.

-Annmarie.

holiday lights.

2010-12-13T10:11:00.001-08:00

I almost thought I wasn't going to be able to get my tree up this year, let alone take our holiday card pictures. But I'm sure glad I got to it (even though I am a little late). So, done and done. Now it feels a whole lot like Christmas in our house.

Ice Princess

2010-12-13T09:45:00.000-08:00

I'm getting the hang of this sneak peek thing in terms of not posting too many.... however, Ive been so busy there are a bunch of families I hope to get around to posting soon. If I get it done before the year is over, then miracles really do happen. Either way, take a look at these gorgeous kiddos. Adorable.... and that's with a capital A.

and the Ice Princess title?? only because the image on the right reminded me of that term... and because I hold onto a little ray of hope that one year it will snow again in Florida perhaps.

A Boy and his Dog.

2010-12-13T07:18:00.001-08:00

This has to be one of the most freeing sessions I have done yet.

Well I have had many pets thus far throughout my life. But one of my fondest memories were of me and my dog when I was about 4 or 5 years old. Capturing the bond of this family pet and his loving family brought back so many memories. Needless to say...the beautiful thing about these amazing creatures is they love unconditionally, they don't judge....(and they don't talk back :-).

I had an amazing time, P you are a beautiful person inside and out.. and it reflects through your son all the way down to the pets too. Thank you for inviting me into your world... I hope you enjoy your sneaky peeky.

Happy Thanksgiving.

2010-11-25T10:23:00.000-08:00

More than words or pictures could ever say.

have a blessed thanksgiving everyone!

who's the fairest album of them all? Jacksonville, florida family photographer

2010-11-18T05:38:00.000-08:00

When I got this in the mail.. my jaw dropped!! I was so pleased with this new product, the touch, the look, the feel **("the fabric of our lives") sorry I just had to!**..
anyway, in all seriousness this little beauty is amazing, and you just have to have one in your hands to see for yourself.. this album was a little test album so I was able to go all out on it..no holding back. I chose a 10x10 size which is the size that will be included in the upper Modern Collection along with a rich velvet cover. The great thing about choosing this particular album is that I can create full page spreads for you to show off big beautiful images, as well as durable thick pages that won't tear. There are upgrades on this album if even bigger is better for you, to a 12x12 flush mount ( a little different in style, seamless and much, much thicker pages with custom image padded cover..images coming soon) or you can purchase exact mini copies for friends and family as shown below in sizes *5x5 lavendar and 8x8 (not shown).

I am most definitely not a product photographer but this will have to do ;-)

The owl and the furry boots. Jacksonville child photographer

2010-11-17T05:25:00.000-08:00

More often than not I like to consider my sneak peeks to be somewhat of an instant "fix", but in this case I think I am going to have to leave mom and dad in more suspense. This session was soooo much fun, and after going through my *top favorites my list was getting really long. So for my health and well being (I have a major problem with decsion making obviously) I didn't want to give too much away ;-) So thank you mom and dad for introducing little Miss B to my camera.. they surely got along well and hope to see each other again very soon.

More about this session coming later...

the perfect bump. jacksonville maternity photographer.

2010-11-11T12:18:00.000-08:00

I'm starting to think someone is taunting me by sending me these way too gorgeous baby bumps.

Because I cried a little today......

2010-11-06T18:49:00.000-07:00

and because it was her birthday...
and....
because every year that passes I cry a little more....

Boo!

2010-10-31T07:55:00.001-07:00

Remember last weekends giveaway winners will be announced tomorrow!
have a safe and fun Halloween everyone!

Seems like only yesterday................

2010-10-30T20:36:00.000-07:00

Boy does it. I just truly cant believe that he is really here. I feel like someone has to snap me out of it. but even when I am fully aware. Its still such a beautiful dream.

I would love to share these images taken of me by talented Marilyn Sanchez of Pin Me Up Photography in South Florida. She does travel too! ...and her boudoir photography is out of this world! This was my second session with her as my first one was just that a special anniversary session for the hubs. It's not everyday I'm the one in front of the camera let alone expecting a baby and this session was very special not only to me..but to my other two children and husband, as this was another piece of evidence that a bad year can turn into being an amazing year. This session turned out to be more than I had ever imagined and "Miss M" did an awesome job! looking at these images I feel like the woman god intended me to be. Beautiful. Strong. Nurturing and Lively.

"A baby is God's opinion that the world should go on".
Carl Sandburg

the Witching Hour....and a few other things that were brewing....

2010-10-29T13:19:00.000-07:00

Yes.. There really was one! at the beach it was very scary.

....and Here are a few sneaks for two very special families, one of which I have had the pleasure of photographing twice! I wish I could stick to my rule and only post one sneak but I always get carried away and put to many, I hope I have met a happy medium today. It's just so hard to pick!

let the fun begin!

2010-10-28T10:28:00.001-07:00

SOOOOOOO... this past weekend I had a very special opportunity to not only photograph amazing families and kiddos.. we had our first display set-up for everyone to see! Let's see there was cotton candy, games, a bounce house and some more cotton candy...and music..ooh..oooh! and *Free Starbucks :-) Despite what we thought was going to be a rainy day the overcast subsided and the sun was ripping it's way throughout the clouds.

So where was all of this fantasticness? (so wishing this was really a word*)
Rainbow Pediatric Center of course!... only the best peds office in all of Jax.
I can go on and on.. and tell you how lovely the staff is, how cute their office looks but my ultimate suggestion.. head on over there and see for yourself. My new mama's out there and even the families that may be looking for a change, I can't recommend this place highly enough..can you tell?
read more about my experience on my facebook page and if you like* my work...be sure to become a fan of Marie Holmes Photography page by liking our page.
We also had a little giveaway going on there.. and for those of you that have entered winners will be announced on Monday, November 1st.

??? not sure why the image is a little blurry? ...[sigh]...the not so nice perks of having a blogger account :-(

Holidays Cards are here!!

2010-10-27T11:08:00.001-07:00

WOW! could the holidays have creeped up any quicker than this? It feels weird that I am posting this in October yet.. I'm about three months late in showing these (for good reason :) . Well.. they can be completley customized to compliment your attire or you can choose your favorite colors. Collections II and III of the holiday series include a set of 24 cards.

Aside from the holiday goodies... we are officially almost all booked up for the whole year... Holiday Sessinos were capped off at the end of November to ensure that everyone can get their goodies on time for handing out to friends and family. So that pretty much only leaves a few Modern Session dates left. We are also updating the site as well and new pricing will be up very shortly. I wish I can stay more time and update you on some other exciting things that have been happening... but this holiday rush has me in a frenzy... so until we meet again readers...

and now for the oooh's and aaah's.... he's quite handsome if I do say so myself...

Modern Sessions

2010-10-26T07:01:00.001-07:00

Allow me to help you locate the canvas, so you can paint the picture... and I will bring it to life. A session with me will be unique, laid back and most of all fun! Modern sessions typically last up to 2 hours and are perfect for those who desire a more relaxed and customized experience. Modern Sessions are best fit for newborns, families, expectant mothers, babies, big kids, couples and seniors. I want you to have the experience of boutique style photography in such a way that the outcome of your session will be what you had always dreamed of. Sessions are done on location (excluding newborns) and allow for a few clothing changes in between. An intial consulation will take place to discuss your vision and upon booking a session we will cover all the little details like what to wear etc.. and I will leave you with the tools needed to help make the experience a memorable one.

Investing in a session is not just about paying someone to take your pictures. With me as your photographer it's more about creating history and telling a story. One that you can continue to return to time and time again. The Artistic Fee for your Modern Session is $150. This covers the time and the talent of the photographer and also reserves your date. Images are sold separately.

Instead of prints I focus my attention on offering you digital files as a part of a collection. Not only will you have full fledged control over the quantity and the size of your images selected for your disk, but you will be able to walk away with ready made pieces for showing off within your chosen collection. Collections for Modern Sessions start as $295, On average clients spend between $500-$1,200 for the complete session experience. For your images you have the option to purchase finished pieces from the boutique that include canvas gallery wraps, albums, custom framing and more.

Once your session is complete you will have access to a private password protected gallery to begin the selection of your images. I will take additional time to show you how to print your images, and give you advise on how to display your wall and desk art.
Click here to find out more information and pricing

New pricing!!!

2010-10-22T20:37:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to make a quick post....

Site and blog are currently under construction and new pricing for 2011 will be posted this upcoming week.

even greater news...

lower session fees!
those that book between 10/23- 11/1 will have first dibs on the new pricing if you book within this time frame.

So please stay posted.

the Circle of life.

2010-10-11T13:50:00.000-07:00

So in love with this new little guy in our home.

on a side note: 2010 holiday session information has been sent out today, for those that have booked you are in for some fun stuff..my little mind has been spinning with new ideas on these days at home. But for those that haven't yet.. I have two spaces left and that's it for me for me until 2011. The holidays have creeped up ever so quickly and now I am faced with having to stuff my face with all the turkey and ham I can eat, singing the tunes of Christmas music in my car all while spending hours and hours in search for the perfect gifts for my family....oh the horror! what a way for one to torture themselves! this is by far the most favorite time of the year for me... and my kids get to take total advantage of that!

NINE.SEVEN.TEN

2010-10-07T11:19:00.000-07:00

was another one* of the most important events in our lives.......

Entering Tweenhood.

2010-08-14T15:10:00.000-07:00

I think these things are out of our control.

Newborn Goodness.

2010-08-14T14:49:00.001-07:00

A little late in blogging these.
Baby M 5 days old in this shot..
You cannot imagine how welcomed into the world she is.

Just like home. [sigh]

2010-08-14T14:39:00.000-07:00

The world lights up when she smiles.

2010-08-11T17:31:00.000-07:00

I am so honored to be a participating photographer for Inspiration Through Art (also known as the Littlest Hero's Project) You all should know by now how much I love photographing children, but nothing feeds my passion more than being able to give back by using my art in reaching others and showing the world that despite any obstacle every child must face he or she is a beautiful creation of God no matter what.

Sweet Little Hannah was born in the People's Republic of China in May of 2008. She was born with Congenital Cleft Lip and Palate. But her condition is practically transparent due to the fact that her energy, smile and laugh are as bright and as contagious as they come. OOOh... and the love and the energy that her adoptive mother gives her makes you just want to melt into pieces. She had just under went a successful surgery a few weeks right before her shoot and came to her session with me full force! Like as if nothing had ever happened. What a pleasure to be able photograph Hannah. Indeed a Littlest Hero.

If you would like to know more about Inspiration Through Art please click here
Here is also some good info on Hannah's Condition
please do not use this link as the basis of a fact. Seek a professional first for more accurate information if needed.

On other news coming shortly... Little MR. MHP will be here in 4 weeks!!!! I have a special surprise to show you all very soon. We are so excited here at the Rosa- Holmes household we could not be recieving more of a bigger blessing this year than our little man. I have so much to post, since I have been away so I am gonna get on it. When I return... Newborn eye candy, just what the doctor ordered :-)

Ready Set Vote!

2010-07-19T18:26:00.001-07:00

Play a Game with me.....

2010-07-11T20:16:00.001-07:00

It's called catch-up. Ready?

So the first set of images are some sneak peeks from our Rockin' Minis that were held this weekend. There are more to come, but I truly enjoyed each family..and can't thank everyone enough for enduring the heat with me..it was quite hot! Everyone did great including the kiddos despite all that heat. In the future though, I think the next minis we will do will be held around winter :-).

..........and since I haven't posted any recent images of my own growing bump here is another taken a few days ago. I really just can't believe I am 8 MONTHS!!! At the beginning of this week I will officially have 9 more weeks left. The time has literally gone so fast that when I said earlier on that I was "ready freddy"...I might have been kidding myself a bit. I think I am starting to panic a little. Speaking of panic.... here is a little blog I stumbled upon "Pacing in the Panic Room". When I started reading it I just couldn't stop. What a fun idea. It's about a dad to be documenting his wife journey from the first weeks through the very last with images and written entries to the baby.

Last but not least.. I never got around to posting some of our Seaworld trip this summer with the kiddos. Heat seems to be the ongoing topic on here. I'm telling you my hubby is such a trooper. He stood in the hot lines literally melting away while I stood in the shade so the kids could get on the rides. Love him for melting for me and maintaining his cool the whole time. I think it was so hot, that I had somewhat of a nervous breakdown towards the end (sorry about that Bebe) :-(. Going to theme parks at 7 months pregnant is just not a good idea. Try at your own risk if you will, I think I learned my lesson this summer.

On other news. The Mini Bump Sessions that were planned this month were canceled. I might have taken on a bit too much. But they shall return late fall so if you are expecting now, and will be in your third trimester in October, November, December..this is especially for you, and your chance to receive a free* maternity session with a booked newborn session.

Rockin' Minis are here!

2010-06-26T06:51:00.000-07:00

Rockin' Minis- $175

Images will receive basic edits only to enhance contrast and lighting and no further retouching. (see below for example)
Babies must be over the age of 4 months.
Location date and times are set in advance.
Sessions will last up to 45 minutes and can include up to four immediate family members.
You receive up to 25 digital negatives on a CD (maybe more) to print at your leisure. Files will be accompanied by a digital release and can be printed up to an 11x14 size.
Complete retouching is available for an additional fee.
Artist favorite image will be selected by me and printed in an 8x10 size. Image will be mounted for durability.

These sessions are great for...

Quick birthday portraits
Seniors
Milestones (tooth loose, school, sports and first dance recitals..)
Baby's first year (starts at 4 months, 6 months, 9 months..)
Quick family portraits
Holidays
Headshots
Bridal portraits
Couples sessions
*That pic! you have been meaning to take for a while*

Are you in or out?

2010-06-16T05:18:00.000-07:00

Well I guess I'm out... but I'm happy to be in the final leg of the race.

**Just some quick updates**

Those of you waiting on proofs that did your shoot at the end of May, they will be ready by the end of this week (that includes all Bump Minis Sessions)

July and August will be my last months of shooting due to maternity leave, so if you have not booked your summer session yet.. Do it!.. Do it Now!..lol! Lot's of fun minis coming up so stay posted!

I will be out of the office: June 18th-June 22, To celebrate fathers day with my beloved husband and children.

And for those of you that booked a session already, the boutique catalog is coming soon!!!!! pure eye candy.

A very, very un-birthday..to you..to me?

2010-06-06T14:57:00.000-07:00

I always get blessed with these amazing families that are up for anything..therefore letting my creative juices combust through my lens. We were a smidge late on their birthday's, but they sure dug in like it was their b-day yesterday so there was no telling. These guys truly were a blast. One of the twins was definitely not camera shy..so I think he got more of the spotlight. But I promise mom we got some of both so no worries! Enjoy your sneak peeks! more to come later.....

bet you can't tell them apart????

Can't we all just get along?

2010-06-04T18:52:00.001-07:00

This family was beyond awesome! They were up for anything...even getting knee deep into a pond! .. We literally had to re-schedule and change locations for this session and I can't thank you guys enough for doing that for me!

Okay so this little one right here. It took a little while but she came around. More on this session later..enjoy your sneak peek...!

It's the little things....

2010-06-04T17:57:00.001-07:00

As my Due date is vastly approaching, I get a little freaked out from time to time about how I will be able to handle 3 kiddos!! yikes!! I am typically all over the place and little scatter brained and wonder how it will affect the outcome of parenting three children all at once. I am at a place in my life right now where perfecting my motherhood skills are extremely important to me...not that they weren't before, but there was a lot of room for improvement. I let a few things get in the way of giving my children the time they deserved from me..ie..work..school..etc. Bottom line is that it had to be done. I don't regret a thing because everything I ever did I did for them; for my family.
This pregnancy is a very special pregnancy. All the others were equally as special, but as the years go by you start to realize many things. I find myself wanting to slow down a bit more in life even if I have to cut back on the things that "may seem so dreadfully important" which they really aren't...at all.. and enjoy the little things. The small things. The things that are in between. The things that make me laugh and the things that make me cry. Because I know well enough now that the little things are so important... "dreadfully important". As a parent you can try to come close to being perfect, but you won't be perfect. Not even an inch of perfection comes into play...(and if you think you are please write a book or do a workshop about it because I and other parent's out there like me would definitely be interested in learning how you got there..... really). In all seriousness though, perfection come in the eyes of my children I believe personally. They are the only ones that count...

This post is important to me because as I sat there worried and afraid about being a parent again.. I had a change of view. I said to myself "why am I so worried? this is not the first time" When I stopped worrying, I was able to see all the "little things" I had been missing. The things I once thought were a task now became the things I do because I love to do them... from the bottom of my heart, and do them without asking for anything in return. (well maybe for some smiles).

and while all this was going on...

Out of the office.

2010-05-30T15:29:00.001-07:00

Be safe and have a Happy Memorial Day tomorrow!

I will return all calls and emails Tuesday, June 1st.

Isn't it purrrty????

2010-05-27T21:13:00.000-07:00

The 2010 Session Guide is here!!!

I am so happy about my little creation. This accordian style linen textured session guide is now available to those who book a session with Marie Holmes Photography. It has everything you will need to know about how to prepare for your custom portrait session; from what to wear to.. what the session intails and what I may ask of you during your session just to get that special shot! Wish someone would have handed me one of these years ago for some of my sessions, as I now have those "what was I thinking?" pictures sitting in a box somewhere up in my closet that I may never pull out. New MHP clients will get this via email or US postal service along with a very special welcome packet with other goodies. This is just another way I like to make my clients and new friends really have that custom boutique experience. Now the packaging new clients will get...that will be a whole other post..and I'm so excited because I have been working on this for a while. I can't wait to show you all!! You all have a great long holiday weekend.

btw.. look who made the front cover??!! watch out Vogue.

bright eyed girl.

2010-05-27T20:28:00.000-07:00

The minute mom stepped into my home with this little girl..all I could see were her big beautiful blue eyes. As I went through editing her images I was so ecstatic about all of the catch lights we could see in her eyes.. and photographers alike know that catch lights are golden! Throughout the session we had some happy tears, and some sad tears...and a lot of drool in between!!! This was also the first time I had set up my natural light studio and I must say it turned out pretty kewwl. So for those of you interested in future sessions you now have the option to do on-location or indoors.

The Bump Mini's Sessions...Concluded.

2010-05-25T19:39:00.001-07:00

The Bump Mini's Sessions this weekend were a success!!! Thank you to all the lovely glowing mama's to be that came. I truly enjoyed your photographing your cute little bumps! The many different settings at the secret spot was pure eye candy, I haven't even gotten past the first session on the first day (May 22nd). I must literally glue my buns down to this chair and plow through 12 gigs of images from the whole weekend.. but before I do that I *must *must *must play catch up on all other sessions, prepping for this event took a lot of time but totally worth all the work. So this may take a few days to post everyone's sneak peeks. So now that The bump weekend is over, what does this mean??? I now get to inherit photographing all the babes from these mamas!!!! and many of you are due in July. I may just submit a recomendation for a national holiday in July called the "baby month" seriously!

All of the mamas that attended recieved this Bump Session event *Free* when they booked a newborn session with me. Also by popular demand I will be doing another event next month, not sure what day yet but it will be the last one of the year as I will be going on maternity leave myself and want to make sure I am able to block some time around your due date before I give birth myself. Upon my return my focus will be on holiday and senior sessions. You can read and check updates here for more info on the bump mini's session dates and times. These sessions filled up in a matter of a 3-4 days and I can only take a limited amount of "bumps" so if you happen to be interested in doing a mini bump session please fill out this form.

** Please note** that if you have already had your baby and want to do a different type of session "Rockin Mini's" are near!!!! Sessions with style for anyone 6 months and up TBA soon!

Now here is *one of my favorites from one of the days..I would love to post more but I have got to get my brain ready for this. It's going to be a very busy next couple of weeks. And for the record.. It's so not fair to look this good while with child!!! Can you tell us your secrets???..lol! S you are gorgeous, thank you for letting me in on your journey..boy oh boy your hubby is a lucky guy!

Presenting......

2010-05-20T17:16:00.000-07:00

Little Miss M. A little slideshow I created for her. There were so many I liked when I turned them into mom that I just decided to show you "mostly" all of them. (I happen to be okay with my grammer by the way...)

You know, I must say this pregnancy has me going in reverse because I may just be a little late in posting this for everyone yeeps!. (gonna use this excuse till the end!)just kidding....

please be sure to pause or stop the blog tunes at the bottom of the page for better listening.

surroundings....

2010-05-17T21:31:00.000-07:00

So it states in my intro that I will be talking about other things than just sessions and I have not stuck much to my word of that lately. I know..I suck! So today as I am gearing up for a big week ahead I decided to stay true to what I have said and post some more random images about life and such.

This weekend we went to my favorite place when I need to get my vintage fix, Saint Auguustine. Everything about that place takes me back to a time (a time that obviously I am not from) but that echos the days of a more simple life, where things were less complicated or so is "my theory". Anyhow, walking down the cobblestone paths and running my fingers across a tattered wall brings me to appreciate the history of that place. Knowing that a mother and her children may have once walked down that path in a more obscure and non-scurried pattern. Today the streets are filled of course with tourists eating 5 flavors of gelato in one single scoop and savvy collectors of antiques.

I visted one store in particular that caught my eye.... not just because they had an amazing collection of fairies (which I love and collect myself) but because they had so many neat glass knick knacks crammed all in one space... I could literally hang there all, day much like the items you will see.

and here is baby girl eatin that Gelato!

just a few more...

2010-05-16T21:40:00.000-07:00

I posted about this session a few weeks back and never got around to adding some more images so here are some more from Just lovely.

The "Bump" Mini's

2010-05-09T16:51:00.000-07:00

Introducing our first ever Mini Bump Sessions..........

Book a newborn session and recieve an invite for a free maternity session at a secret spot.
Mini Bump Sessions take up to 30 minutes and include a complete digital package.

Spaces are limited and fill up quickly! so contact me @ marieholmesphotography@gmail.com if you are interested in learning more.

dates are as follows

May 22 2010
May 23 2010

time and date TBA

Child Study.

2010-05-02T14:17:00.000-07:00

and here is another for mom....don't worry we got some serious one's too!

Connected....

2010-04-25T10:53:00.000-07:00

In every single way....

how we connected during their session and had a few laughs along the way..
how they connected to their unborn child...
how they connected to each other, and how much it showed through my lens...

how much I truly enjoyed spending time with them and capturing their journey, I felt like I walked away with new friends.

I feel connected.
Enjoy your sneek peek.......

How do I count thee ways?

2010-04-19T18:22:00.000-07:00

....how amazing this weekend went...! I'm tired and drained and probably don't have much in me left to explain, so I will show you by the way I know best.

Saturday my kids and I spent the day in Saint Augustine hunting for props...then...
Sunday I had the pleasure to photograph little Miss M. (look at those eyes!!!!!)

isn't she stunning??? more to come from this session later..and note to mom and dad.. you guys are awesome!!

Today is oficially my 2 Year Wedding Anniversary. We celebrated by going out to dinner last night. Here's to 200 more years..Love you babe!!

Spring Guide: What to Wear?

2010-04-17T07:51:00.001-07:00

So if your wondering how to get that special look for your portrait session here are a few tips that I hope will help!

Keep it simple.
Go with a print that's not too busy yet colorful and bold. Think large florals, polka dotsand stripes, Anything goes as long as you are wearing the clothes, not the clothes are wearing you!

The Color of Spring
The spring color wheel is my favorite color wheel of the year. Soft light hues, with bold pops of color here and there. Guys, think light teal, soft gray, pink or muted boxy patterns. Jeans, khakis..Spring is where the colors are taken down a notch, but manufacturers still find ways about getting amazing texture such as chiffon, silks and plain old cotton that airy springy feel.

Mix and Match...But not too Matchy!
As a family, start with your base color and work your way out. You can try to have each member wear that base color somewhere on them, and it doesn't have to be on everyones shirt. You know.. everyone *can* look different. That is the whole point of making your session unique, finding patterns and colors that match your personality while combining the entire family into the scheme.

Accessorize is the name of the game.
Hats, scarves, chunky and heavy jewelry pieces(I happen to like the jewelry selection from JCrew.) Funky shoes, rain boots..yes rain boots! Tutus, legwarmers, extra embellishments, floral headbands. Adding those final touches bring so much more eye candy to the final image. So have fun with it!

So without further ado.. here is a good starting point for my visual people out there.

The details

2010-04-16T21:01:00.000-07:00

Just Lovely.

2010-04-16T20:29:00.000-07:00

We had a visitor yesterday...

2010-03-21T12:07:00.000-07:00

Bed head and all, that didn't stop baby girl from chasing after this little guy with a warm welcome. Until finally he jumped on her pj's from our screen porch. I honestly can say that my kids take after me when it comes to bugs and insects..we love em, wish we could touch em, but we just won't get the nerve to ever put our hands on one of these little creatures...freaks us out a little. You can totally tell by her body language..lol! Yes I am the type to go for grabbing a butterfly and clench my hand away when I get close to catching it...I have seen myself in pictures..you should see me too, it's a hoot!

Throwback Thursday

2010-03-18T11:58:00.000-07:00

So I thought it would be fun to go back to some past images I never got a chance to post. This way everybody gets some blog love. Now this is not that old...but please hold the torches, I am indeed a tad late. But late or not, you won't be able to resist the M boys!!! too cute for words.

Keeping my head above water.

2010-03-17T20:24:00.000-07:00

Since I just moved to a new town, I have dealt with all the bells and whistles of moving in these short three months.... The unpacking, the getting lost and most of all the starting my photography biz all over again. Fun fun fun! (not). Not that I don't love what I do, but since so much has happened in the last three to four months I have neglected a ton of things, and those things have all become a pile of "oh my goodness where do I begin?". So as I sort through everything to get the show on the road up here in North Florida. I leave you with this precious little girl I had the privlige to photograph a few months back. Speaking from outside of myself and some people I know... I have never met a stranger/mother who was so in love with their daughter. Little A lights up her mother's world in a very very big way, and that's what made this session oh so special!

news, news and some more news.

2010-02-03T16:03:00.000-08:00

First thing to cover.....due to unfortunate circumstances Marie Holmes Photography is currently closed until furthur notice. I wish I could tell you everything that has happened in the last two months, but I can really go on and on and on with no end, as I am still in this "situacion" that has permanently changed my life. So for those of you that have received a session from me and are awaiting images you will still be getting them very soon. I had sent out a mass email in the begining of january and I haven't got back all the resposes...so if I may have forgotten you on my email list please call me at the number above so we can discuss your previous or scheduled session. Again,thank you all for your extreme patience. As far as my "situacion" everything has been going the way god intends it to.

On a more lighter and positive note, you all know by now that I am officially a jacksonville girl so if all goes well.... if and when we re-open the plan is that I will be doing sessions in south florida for a set travel fee, and here in north florida. And.........my husband and I just found out that we are expecting our 3rd baby!! This news makes all the other bad stuff seem so insignificant. Unfortunatly, this part of being pregnant, I'm not too fond of. The "Every Second of the Day Sickness" I call it. I almost like I can't function in society.... its terrible. I am having severe outbursts at home balling about everyone and everything smelling funny....I can't help it! I've got supersonic senses right now. Anyhow, while MHP is on hiatus, I plan on keeping you all posted with my pregnancy, as well as following up on emails regularly. So that's it! That's all I had to say. So for those of you that thought I was kidnapped for ransom by some unknown cult, I'm here, alive and doing well.

Capture me with "your" eyes.

2009-11-24T21:44:00.000-08:00

I had so much fun today with this session, not that I never do.. but let me tell you that I have never been around a little lady with so much energy and happiness all in a few hours of the day.... we started off at the the boardwalk and she ended up in the water!...I guess one can't assume you would get near the ocean and a 19 month old won't try to get in. Anyhow, off to bed..just wanted to post this sneak peek for mom. Isn't she stunning?

it's time we part.

2009-11-22T11:12:00.000-08:00

......

I am so sorry to have to break the news to you but I have found someone else.
I have been secretly seeing them without your knowledge.
I do love you but I need to move on to something much better..by better I mean, faster, bigger and with much higher peformance level..(hehe)..
I don't mean to hurt you, and the next person that haves you will be very lucky. You have been there for me, and you were my foundation..you is where I started it all, and without you I would not be where I am today. We have shared so many memories together and had the best of times. No... I cannot forget you ever, my dear sweet Oly (a.k.a Olympus E510)

With all my love,

Annmarie

P.S
With whom have I moved on to?? The Canon 40D.

Please excuse the dust while we revamp our site.

2009-11-14T09:15:00.001-08:00

A new look coming soon so stay tuned.

About the artist (personal)

2009-10-27T07:48:00.000-07:00

Where shall I start? I am a self taught natural light photographer in the Jacksonville area. My children are the driving force behind what I do and my husband is my biggest cheerleader (without the frilly skirt and pom poms of course). I love music, interior design and italian food. My life is hectic yet still structured and I wouldn't have it any other way. It's been about two years into this journey and I can happily say that I LOVE WHAT I DO! I can't imagine myself doing anything else.

My road to photography began all on a mission to perfect the images I was already taking of my two children. I knew I wanted to capture more than just a snap shot, I wanted to remember these special moments in a colorful and fun way and I also knew I had to learn the technical aspect in order to do so. Shortly after my "ah ha" moment... I recieved my first DSLR and the rest is history. I have had a lot of sleepless nights and many happy mistakes along the way. But when I brought my first creatively correct image to life, seeing the world through my lens has never been the same.

I focus my attention on offering a combination of lifestyle and portrait photography. So if someone where to ask me what was my style? My answer would be this simple. none. Although you may see me use some of my favorite color treatments I do my best to ensure that every session is different and every image I edit is even more unique.

I LOVE capturing real life. real moments. I love seeing life through my lens. It is so different. Everything is beautiful, even those dark dingy pockets I find. I love creating art and having people get excited about what I've captured for them. It has been such a worth while journey and something that I am really proud of. I would love to capture life as I see it in you... pure. unique. moody. beautiful. Real.

Throwbacks....

2009-09-19T15:02:00.000-07:00

Well not really but, this couple is one of my first shoots I did and since I have to play catch up, thought it would be pretty cool to see some of my old pics. You know..it's pretty weird looking at back then verses now and how I am growing as a photographer, but I gotta say that I am honestly and truly proud of myself and how far I have come. I still have a ways to go..but it's still nice looking back every once in a while. So back to this beautiful couple. K and V never got the chance to take E pics while planning their lovely beach wedding back in April of 08' oh and did I mention that they were married on the same day, year and month as my husband and I? no wonder we had so much in common right from the beginning. Anyhow, she came to me and asked me to be her photog and recreate the love so to speak. So here they are...what an awesome shoot this was!

getting "blogtized" today!

2009-09-15T17:46:00.000-07:00

Okay...so I finally gave in and jumped on the blog bandwagon. There is still tons I have to adjust on here..so be sure to see some "in construction" signs just about everywhere. I also have lot's of postings from past sessions as well as upcoming news so I figure I better get started.... like now. Here is a list of things to be on the lookout for....

Session pricing and info.

The Boutique........and may I add all designs will be custom made by me....

"Tons and tons of images of my kids"

randomness...

Client Gallery

link to official site that is in the works...and much much more....

So today this photo blog can not get officially "blogtized" until I share with you a beautiful family that I had the pleasure of capturing a few weeks back.... little baby M, what a little cutie.