Senior Portrait Tips ( for looking your best for your session )

Solid colors for photographs are key ! This senior did an awesome job color matching our locations for senior photo session images with her clothing choices! I am always willing to do a pre portrait session consultation for any and every photography client that comes to MTM Photography and Custom Edits! 

Flair! Dramatic or unique is always a plus! Your senior portrait images should showcase your personality! Sports, drama, music, hobby, future profession!  I encourage props.. things personal to the senior! Fun things, serious things.. your choice !

So you don't have to have a firetruck to have a cool prop.. but ahhh yeah it sure does help! I love to showcase young up and coming workforce themes in sessions!  

Be you !  Show your style. Discuss your personal style  before your session so your look can be captured with the perfect feel! Seniors rock, shouldn't your photographer ? This isn't just your senior pictures .. this is a senior year experience! 

Doing some fun , some dressy, and some causal images is the best way to get the right images for each person you may way to distribute photos to. Grandmas always like different things than mom and the senior will also be delighted with the ability to choose their looks as well. 

Want to hear more tips? Have questions? I am always taking those things into account for future photography blog posts! So Michigan High School Seniors and Seniors to be... get ready... because the only way to have a session is to have one that rocks! 

989-615-7280 - Bree MTM Owner 

August At MTM Photography And Custom Edits

Hello everyone.. August is almost over already! It has been an exciting month! I recently did a vintage glamour themed Senior session, An awesome Senior Session with a fire truck, took a PPM/PPA Merit education class and am gearing up for the fall conference!  I hope to be bringing soooo many more exciting things to MTM!

Ashton looked awesome in her gown and vintage looking items as we shot at the Vassar Theatre in Vassar Michigan! 

I am soooo excited about Tyler's next session!  The firetrucks and fire-hall were awesome "props" for the session! We have more planned! 

Nathan had a fun first session the other week. His mom made it an awesome time and he was just great! I can not .. I mean can not!!!! Wait for our other sessions!!!!!! 

Attended my first Merit class for my  PPA Master Photographer Journey. 1 merit  down 24 to go yeah!!!      ( have to start somewhere) This is to better prepare me for next years IPC . ( International Print Comp ) . I have been a PPA member for a while and a PPM member since recent. My goals are to set myself apart in the sea of photographers people see everywhere! I want to really bring next level quality to my clients! To provide the images they deserve! From time to time I will be taking on special projects for such reasons... ( more info to come ) for that. 

I am starting my Fall Family and back To School Specials ! Get in while there are open spots! Seniors.. fall is approaching we shall be doing fall color sessions before you know it. make sure you have clothing picked out and ready! 

Have A great One! Thanks For Reading and Supporting Dream!  

My thoughts, my work, my goals .. me!

On a 

Slightly more personal note... 

The other day I wrote about some of my projects, my goals, my wish list of accomplishments.. I want to further establish that in my blog!  

You will see a few changes... I have been working on 

Branding

Packages and Packaging 

I have been working hard on packages, packaging, creative new items such as the Simply Said Line.. and so on.. I realized how much I love designing and creativity. I decided if it can help me reach my goals it is a double win!!!  

I Love:

Well.. as you can see.. I love babies! I love watching them grow! I love working with seniors the fresh creativity is so energizing! E sessions for couples are another favorite!!! I discovered several years back exactly how important good images are.. When you don't have them of certain people or times.. it can be heartbreaking! That's why I have created the "your so worth it " campaign! It breaks my heart to know people are going to someday look back at memories and realize they had went somewhere cheaper and now only have odd color, out of focus, or oddly cropped image. You can't get those times back! It breaks my heart to see it. So I try to have packages and options for almost every budget . 

For the love of pets

I love animals. I have been taking my son to volunteer at the Pet Angels in Frankenmuth !!! He loves it.. We want to do some fundraising things for the animals ! It is what we love !!!

Thanks for reading! I look forward to hearing from you! 

New things are happening

Many new things are happening.. Goals Goals Goals !!!!!

I am raising funds to further my education through PPA and PPM !!!

This means awesome new looks, photography ideas, and such for my clients and comp images! 

 I am sooo excited to announce I will be selling Simply said to raise money to reach my goals.. Many of the products will also work well with my photography!!!  But I can also make props for others and great gifts too! 

My Simply Said Website

My Simply Said Facebook Page

( Image from Simply Said website ) 

I have been asked how people can get these items.. We have a few ways. 

1. Direct order from site

2. Order through me

3.Party order 

4.Ask

I am awaiting my first international print comp merits judging...  this is part of my new goals.. 

Yes.. I am nervous! I am also waiting on the printers national print competition! This is something cool for me and the clients!!!! 

I have been looking into ways to make awesome packages for clients wanting to use both services! 

I would love to open up a Q and A for my blog. Inbox questions you think would be great on the blog! 

YouTube is next on my list with expanding Instagram and Pinterest !!! 

Let me know ....what you think.. 

Creativity * July Special * Wedding Beauty * Fundraiser

Tons happening at MTM Photography And Custom Edits Again

Where do I start... well here I will start with the awesome never seen before July Special :

This session is good for any newly booked session in July! I am looking for creative, different, themed.. and so on.. Pennell Farms, Wesleyan Woods, And Millers Orchard have all agreed or worked out something with me to take images at their locations!  Speaking of that.. here is a super cute example piece of just one spot out there..at Pennell Farms.. I just think  this this lil one is super cute and she was a blast! Her family has worked with me when they can for years.. I think they also earned the farthest traveled customers too see me award lol..

I own tons of cute props to make sessions unique, different, and fun! If prop stashes can be an addiction.. I guess I am guilty as charged! 

I am always up for fun weddings and couples sessions! I have many ideas for those too! 

This was such a fun couple.

I Have gotten to work with them 

for a while.

We have also made a trip to Renaissance Fest and fell in love with it

I would actually like to work with people in costume! 

We have also been visiting Pet Angel Cat Rescue In Frankenmuth MI

So many pets in need of a home.. which leads me to a fundraiser with a pet feature in a calendar plus a pet session! 

This is a Instagram shot of the calendars I am looking to make with pet images on them! 

Ok, so this is an outtake from one of my last sessions! I love outtakes! 

Lastly, I would love to let you know I have Hair and MUA locally that would love to help you look your best for a session! 

So to end this awesome blog, I would love to add in an image of some creative fun I have been working on or looking into lately for personal projects and to maybe use for studio too..

I hope you enjoyed seeing all the new things going on with MTM ! 

989-615-7280

Photography * Michigan * Unique * Fun * Supporting Local Growth * Love What I Do 

So social

Well I am trying to keep up with the times... I am adding so much to Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, the blog, small publication submissions and International print comp for PPA !!! As well as selling stock photography. 

We have made it into Surreal Beauty several times as well as Blurring The Lines and Sheeba !!! 

I am so proud of my models I work with and we have several projects and such coming up!!! 

I would love to send in teens for teen submissions to a separate publication!!!

I am looking for Michigan seniors 2016 as well as Michigan students for certain other projects!

Would you like to be part of something Awesome..???? 

Who wouldn't... let's rock a unique style like only you can!!!

Amber ( One of the stylists I collaborate with)

I have been making connections with Hair and or makeup artists. If you would like to be a part of the services I offer feel free to contact me!

Meet Amber from Street Light Style in Vassar.. She has offered to do regular styling for only 10 dollars for my clients! Seniors etc need to be pampered! This is a special time! If you have  other hair needs inquire for pricing. 

I have been a hair professional for 12 years I do cuts, styles, waxing, color, and extensions. 

I work Monday and Wednesday and I'll come in on weekends if needed.

This is one of my 2016 Senior Models! I want to thank her for coming in today! 

Street Light is located in Vassar Across from the Theater. 

Amber is fun and friendly and does a great job! 

Detroit Model Meet

What do you get when you put 2 Photographers and a model in a car and they go down to a model group shoot in Detroit?  You get a whole lot of fun, creativity, and some mingling! 

Sunday we went to the Meetup featuring Rob Woodcox Photography!!!  We visited Belle Isle in Detroit MI

It is a beautiful place!!!!

Some of my images are inspired by our lead photographer! Some are just things that came to me. I will be sharing some of these images as I go! I hope everyone enjoys them! 

http://mtmphotographycustomedits.smugmug.com/Portraits/models/Detroit-2015-April-Models/

Models

I have been working with several girls who have modeled for me. Our ultimate goal is to be published. We are awaiting images in some smaller publications and  anticipating some larger ones as we go ! I would like to introduce 2 of these models.. I asked them to tell me what they liked about MTM, about Modeling, and 3 random facts!  

What I love about modeling.
I love that i can express myself through photos, I get to show the real me. I get to feel confident and have fun.
I loved working with you because you were so helpful, posing with posing, ideas, ect. Its very stressful when you get in a studio and the photographer wants you to take all the control! You were very quick with the responses between us, and editing. I loved that when I got home from the shoot, a photo was already up!
Three things about me.
Well I love what I do. Modeling. Serving, and of course being a nanny. I am very outgoing so I love to make new friends and be everywhere i can.
I went to school for culinary so I am a great cook!
I am honestly just a big ball of energy and told I'm super fun to work with.

I love modeling because I love capturing emotions and beauty that you don't see on a regular basis. Making art is a gift and models and photographers do just that! I loved working with Bree because she was so down to earth and it felt like I have known her forever. She made everything comfortable, easy and fun!! Great person to work with

I am a coffee fanatic.

I am a dreamer, window shopper and love shopping even without money. (Crazy I know)

I love sweating, I love the feeling of burning calories!

Pet Angel Frankenmuth MI

I am just sitting here thinking about all the beautiful cats/kittens that I encountered today while doing some volunteer work ....I wish I could take them all home .. ( insert crazy cat lady jokes here) ..

The cats just loved my bag... it may be because 1 of the kitties of my own.. just loves to lay on it herself! 

Harold is a blind cat in need of a home preferably without other pet.. he is unable to see them and can get scared of them. He would make an awesome pet.. he was very sweet. I would have loved to take him home... I have a 1 eyed kitty myself. 

 This sweet kitty seemed to want to pose for me... if you love to photograph your pet this one is perfect! 

 Another one of my favorites!!! I just loved this one!!!!!! 

 The office manager.. wow does this sweet cat look grumpy!  They are always accepting donations, food, liter.. and so on.. it is an awesome place! 

Pet Angel website 

Pet Angel FB

MTM facebook

1st Birthday * Mommy and Me * BF

I had the most wonderful momma and baby in to the studio! Baby came in for her first birthday session with smash cake and all! Mom also chose to do a breastfeeding bonding segment in her session. 

Breastfed or bottle fed this is an awesome bonding moment that can be added to a session! We have such little time with our little ones before they grow. Why not cherish every moment!!! I tell my moms to always make sure to get into images with little ones.. Everyday is a gift and not a promise. I myself have very few images with my mom and wish she would have let us take more images. A lot of moms that come in are waiting for the perfect time, or to lose 5 lbs or to get new clothes.. I want to say.. just embrace the moments. I can help you look good! This mom was naturally beautiful and we all are in our own ways too!  

Feel free to ask me about bonding sessions, lifestyle sessions, fresh 48 sessions, and day in the life of sessions as well as grandparent sessions. 

Big Prizes!!!

Big contest... Big Prizes!!!

CONTEST CATEGORIES NEW - Me n’ My Pet 0-6 months, 7-12 months, 13 months - 2 yrs. & 3-5 yrs. 6-8 yrs. & 9-12 yrs. Mommy/Daddy & Me (This is ONE category. Maternity “Mommy & Me” is not eligible). Buddies Group Bloopers MTM Photography & Custom Edits CONTEST DATES Now - May 31, 2015 MTM Photography & Custom Edits ELIGIBLE CHILDREN The contest is open to children through age 12. Mommy/Daddy & Me can only be one adult and one child per category. Maternity pictures are not eligible. Buddies is a minimum of 2 subjects. MTM Photography & Custom Edits JUDGING Prints are judged on the basis of quality, appearance, charm, expression and personality. All judging decisions are final. MTM Photography & Custom Edits Contest winners will be announced and prizes awarded on July 31, 2015 MTM Photography & Custom Edits We can enter 1 image per category you qualify for. I have a side contest in addition that is giving away 16x20 images. MTM Photography & Custom Edits CHILDREN’S NATIONAL PRIZES GRAND PRIZE (1) $1500 Mastercard - gift card (1 overall winner) 1ST PLACE WINNERS (9) $200 Mastercard - gift card (1 per category) 2ND PLACE WINNERS (9) $100 Mastercard - gift card (1 per category) 3RD PLACE WINNERS (9) $50 Mastercard - gift card (1 per category) HONORABLE MENTIONS (18) $25 Mastercard - gift card (2 per category

Facebook Contest page

Relax Brides.. This is supposed to be fun .. Tips to making it easier..

O' My Gosh.. as a photographer I have seen it all ( almost) .. let me help you!

I have found and joined several bride sites on FB. These are awesome!!! I repeat ladies.. these are awesome.. brides, vendors, and sales all in one..People who are doing the same thing or have just went through the same thing. It is great. So here are a few tips for you!

1. To eliminate looking through 45 vendors that you can't or won't hire or that may or may not be available.. when you look for a vendor  this is what you should say..

ISO xyz type vendor for xyz date.. we are looking for x to y hours of service and would like xyz with that. Our budget is xyz to xyz for this. looking for dependable referrals or vendors who would like to work with us on our special day. 

 This eliminates the people who are booked, the people way out of the budget you wish to use, and it also lets the vendors know what to quote you between hours of service and wants. It at least gives a start point. 

2. Never underestimate what other vendors know.. especially photographers. For example I have worked with florists, cake decor, DJs, venues, and more. With each wedding I learn more and more tips and tricks I pass on to my brides!!! You would not believe what a photographer can tell you about these vendors/venues sometimes and they are willing to share.. 

3. Here is a quick tip: Have you considered a kitchen cake? You simply get a smaller fancy cake and also serve from a sheet cake that is cheaper and is located in the kitchen for serving time. This can save money off of your total budget and can be moved to where you may need more money!

4. Did you know some venues and vendors will give a Friday discount or if your wedding is shorter than the norm.. some have half day specials they don't advertise.!!!!!

5. As a photographer I offer my services differently than others. We all operate differently.   Some want everything pd for up front. Now I know weddings add up and I am not opposed to having the wedding or package pd up front and then other purchases made later .. ( income tax time is popular ). 

6. When booking. Most vendors require a retainer fee. To get the vendor you really want try to book venue then book vendors ASAP. If you can book 1 year in advance.. that is great. !!! Waiting till 2 months before the wedding to find a photographer or DJ doesn't save you money.. it actually scares the vendor. The vendor most likely has been messed over by a late comer that ends up making more changes later due to being unprepared. 

7. Remember .. breath.. this is supposed to be fun. 

This is a general guideline for my wedding cost. Ask about half day weddings or creating a package to suit special circumstances.