Although I don't photograph as many weddings as I used to or as many as I would like to, I do get the opportunity on occasion. To see a small preview of the most recent wedding I had the privilege of being the photographer for, find Merrill Design & Photography on Facebook! The bride is a dear friend of my family. We have known her and loved her for many years. I don't know if I could love her any more if she were my own! I am so happy for her and her sweetheart. They make the perfect duo.
Please "like" my Facebook page while you're there! For every new like generated from this, the bride will receive a free retouched image of her choice!
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Another Blog!
I just wanted to let anyone following me here know that I now have ANOTHER blog! It is http://www.tomorrowspicture.blogspot.com/
Please visit, take a look around and give me your thoughts. I would greatly appreciate it!
Please visit, take a look around and give me your thoughts. I would greatly appreciate it!
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Audrey and Richard
Meet Audrey and Richard:
While I love taking pictures in general,
I especially love taking pictures of people in love.
And these two are most definitely in love!
The proposal was all planned out. Richard had come up with a fail-proof idea.
The only thing he didn't factor into the evening was Audrey getting sick!!
So, as a creative and inventive man in love, he improvised!
While the rest of the family (and Audrey has many siblings)
were in the other room watching a movie,
Richard knelt down and gave Audrey a special present to help her feel better.
Just as he asked "thee" question, one of Audrey's many brothers entered the room.
Soon enough, he was announcing with great enthusiasm that Audrey and Richard would be getting married!!!
He may have stole their thunder, but they didn't really concern themselves with that.
They were engaged!
The planning began quickly as they decided on a date only about 4 months away.
I was fortunate enough to be asked to be their photographer.
And so begins the story of Audrey and Richard. Two hearts on their way to becoming one.
They choose Denver City Park for their engagement session.
This was where they had gone on their first date back in the Spring.
Although it was now winter, it was the perfect setting for these pictures.
And we were fortunate enough to have Spring-like weather for the session.
It got up to 65 degrees the day of this shoot!!
They laughed.
Kissed.
Kissed some more.
Ignored me.
And all together, had a great time!
 |
Did I mention,
they liked to kiss!
So much so, that even
their shadows snuck
a few in!
Thank you, Audrey & Richard, for sharing this day with me.
I thoroughly enjoyed spending this afternoon with you, getting to know you and
learning of your unique and fun story of how you became a couple.
I cannot wait until your wedding day!
It's going to be a day of joy, love and all sorts of wonderfulness!
Thanks for letting me be a part of it! You guys are great!!
(I hope the Spring weather will be as nice as the Winter weather was!!)
Monday, August 22, 2011
Christmas in. . . .um, August?!!
I know it may seem early to think about Christmas, but we'll all be saying how quickly this year has gone by before we know it! This is the perfect time to start thinking about getting your family portraits taken and getting those cards printed up to send out to all your loved ones! I've been working diligently this past week or so to design some awesome and unique cards for you this year. I've got 15 new designs all together and they are beautiful! These are press-printed, folded, 5x7 cards. And, they come complete with envelopes! You can choose from the following paper types:
Here are a few examples of this year's designs:
(note: the watermark "M" is not part of the final design--just there to protect the images!)
Can you already see YOUR family's portraits in one of these gorgeous designs? Give me a call and let's make it happen! Be sure to "like" Merrill Design & Photography on Facebook to see our awesome deals that we're running on these cards and your next Family Session!
- Premium Bamboo. A warm base, matte finish paper with a unique watercolor texture.
- 100 % Recycled Paper. Manufactured from 100% post consumer waste with a bright white matte finish.
- Smooth paper. Coated and offers an excellent white allowing for vibrant color rendition.
- Linen paper. Has a subtle, yet luxurious linen pattern. It presents exceptional print clarity and accepts delicate type well.
- Pearl Paper. Offers a subtle shimmer to any design. This rich, luminous effect is achieved by combining natural minerals with organic pigments. It is not recommended for printing delicate type and fine details.
Here are a few examples of this year's designs:
(note: the watermark "M" is not part of the final design--just there to protect the images!)
Outside
Inside
Outside
Inside
Outside
Inside
Outside
Inside
Can you already see YOUR family's portraits in one of these gorgeous designs? Give me a call and let's make it happen! Be sure to "like" Merrill Design & Photography on Facebook to see our awesome deals that we're running on these cards and your next Family Session!
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Maternity Portraits
So, as you may or may not know, I am an expectant Grandmother! My daughter is due in about 8 weeks and so I've been a bit preoccupied with maternity portraits as of late. I have looked at a whole bunch of other photographer's work (some which is so incredible---some which I'm kind of like "really?!"), and I feel like I've been inspired and motivated to not only capture some wonderful images of my own daughter, but for any other expectant mother that may give me the privilege to record this most wonderful time in her life. I've decided to share some of what I've learned both through reading and through photographing. Since I haven't obtained model releases from others, I will showcase here some recent shots of my daughter. We will be doing another session in a couple of weeks.
*Please note that this list is certainly not an all inclusive list! It's just a few thoughts that I've had as I've been studying and practicing maternity photography.
ONE
I think one of the most important things the photographer can do for the pregnant client is to put them at ease and help them to feel as beautiful as they are. It's been said (a lot) that pregnant women have a special glow. Showcase that glow, highlight the natural beauty that comes through at this time in her life. Having been pregnant a few times, I know that I often did not feel like I was looking my best with my tummy in the lead everywhere I went! But being able to draw out and capture the inner, natural beauty is truly a skill that I consider a must have for anyone photographing a maternity session. Talk to her. Tell her how beautiful she is. Let her know as you take the pictures that they are looking great. Of course, if you're a male photographer you will want to be careful so as to not offend or say anything that might get you in trouble! And as you pose, watch where your light is coming from. Highlight the roundness of her bump. Be sure not to accentuate any other roundness that she might not be so anxious to show off!
TWO
Although I often take maternity portraits in a studio environment, my favorite images are always those that are done outside or in the client's home. There's something about taking portraits at this time in a woman's life and mixing it with nature that just seems to make it all come together really nicely. Get out into nature. Up to mountains, down to the beach . . . somewhere that let's her feel free--not cooped up! Match the backgrounds with the colors in her clothes. White clothing on the beach with the water just looks good! Darker colors surrounded by the greens and browns of the trees and shrubbery. Beauty surrounded by beauty! Take the natural beauty that emanates from this woman who is preparing a tiny little body to come into this world and surround her with Mother Nature. It just seems to be right.
THREE
Keep it simple. Watch your background. Keep any distractions under control. The whole experience of bringing a baby into this world is a miracle. It should be allowed to speak for itself and in doing so, allow the viewer to feel the reverence of the miracle. No matter where you're shooting, pay attention to what else you are allowing to tell this story. Keep it simple!
FOUR
Don't forget to include other people. Not only the Daddy-to-be, but others in the family. The photo that follows show two of the Aunts-to-be. Show the emotions. The excitement. The happy-ness! At the time of this session, the husband was not available. I will be doing another session soon that will include him. Of especial importance to capture the love that is shared between the mother and the others in her life that will be a part of the baby's nurturing. Also, don't forget to include the baby's siblings. If this is the first baby, consider including the couple's pets! After all, they're part of the family too!
FIVE
Be original. Although there are definitely poses that every mom may want, don't be shy about creating something that is unique and original. No two mothers are the same! Don't make any two sessions the same. Allow yourself to get to know the mother's personality and tailor your session to her. The portraits should speak more to who she is rather than who you are! I try to create something new and different for every session that I photograph. While there are great poses that are tried and true and work great every time, it is important to help each mom feel special and unique. While babies are born every day and have been being born for many, many, many years. . .this experience is special and unique for the mom that is standing in front of your lens. She deserves to be treated in a special and unique way!
I hope something here helps as you in your next maternity session! Please feel free to leave comments/suggestions of your own. Thanks for reading.
*Please note that this list is certainly not an all inclusive list! It's just a few thoughts that I've had as I've been studying and practicing maternity photography.
ONE
I think one of the most important things the photographer can do for the pregnant client is to put them at ease and help them to feel as beautiful as they are. It's been said (a lot) that pregnant women have a special glow. Showcase that glow, highlight the natural beauty that comes through at this time in her life. Having been pregnant a few times, I know that I often did not feel like I was looking my best with my tummy in the lead everywhere I went! But being able to draw out and capture the inner, natural beauty is truly a skill that I consider a must have for anyone photographing a maternity session. Talk to her. Tell her how beautiful she is. Let her know as you take the pictures that they are looking great. Of course, if you're a male photographer you will want to be careful so as to not offend or say anything that might get you in trouble! And as you pose, watch where your light is coming from. Highlight the roundness of her bump. Be sure not to accentuate any other roundness that she might not be so anxious to show off!
Although I often take maternity portraits in a studio environment, my favorite images are always those that are done outside or in the client's home. There's something about taking portraits at this time in a woman's life and mixing it with nature that just seems to make it all come together really nicely. Get out into nature. Up to mountains, down to the beach . . . somewhere that let's her feel free--not cooped up! Match the backgrounds with the colors in her clothes. White clothing on the beach with the water just looks good! Darker colors surrounded by the greens and browns of the trees and shrubbery. Beauty surrounded by beauty! Take the natural beauty that emanates from this woman who is preparing a tiny little body to come into this world and surround her with Mother Nature. It just seems to be right.
THREE
Keep it simple. Watch your background. Keep any distractions under control. The whole experience of bringing a baby into this world is a miracle. It should be allowed to speak for itself and in doing so, allow the viewer to feel the reverence of the miracle. No matter where you're shooting, pay attention to what else you are allowing to tell this story. Keep it simple!
FOUR
Don't forget to include other people. Not only the Daddy-to-be, but others in the family. The photo that follows show two of the Aunts-to-be. Show the emotions. The excitement. The happy-ness! At the time of this session, the husband was not available. I will be doing another session soon that will include him. Of especial importance to capture the love that is shared between the mother and the others in her life that will be a part of the baby's nurturing. Also, don't forget to include the baby's siblings. If this is the first baby, consider including the couple's pets! After all, they're part of the family too!
FIVE
Be original. Although there are definitely poses that every mom may want, don't be shy about creating something that is unique and original. No two mothers are the same! Don't make any two sessions the same. Allow yourself to get to know the mother's personality and tailor your session to her. The portraits should speak more to who she is rather than who you are! I try to create something new and different for every session that I photograph. While there are great poses that are tried and true and work great every time, it is important to help each mom feel special and unique. While babies are born every day and have been being born for many, many, many years. . .this experience is special and unique for the mom that is standing in front of your lens. She deserves to be treated in a special and unique way!
I hope something here helps as you in your next maternity session! Please feel free to leave comments/suggestions of your own. Thanks for reading.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
The Circle of Life
March 9, 2011 would've been my Dad's 90 birthday! He's been gone for just over 3 years now and I have missed him. I have often thought of advice that he would give me if he could as I have tried to make decisions using the wisdom that he helped me obtain over the years. My Dad was a good man, although at times, a little misdirected. He always gave good advice. He was definitely not without his flaws--but none of us are! My Dad taught me to be true to what I professed to believe. He taught me that anything is possible with a lot of determination, hard work and faith in God. I miss my Dad and hope that the things I do will make him feel proud.
I believe that I am a photographer because of my Dad. Not that I ever wanted to be like him when I was living at home! But as I came to discover on my own my love of photography, I then became very open to his teachings and guidance and tutoring. So much of what I see and appreciate as a photographer is because of his guidance. Sometimes his critiques were pretty brutal. Ok, pretty much always they were brutal! But his unrelenting pushing somehow brought me to the point where I believed in myself as an artist. Never before did I consider myself an "artist". But he always did. He always believed in me. He taught me to see light, shadows, beauty, depth. He taught me to look to the horizon and at the same time not ignore what is right at my feet. These lessons in photography also help me in my daily life.
In our life we have light and shadows and together they create a whole. A beauty that could not exist if one were missing. Blessings and trials work together to develop us and eventually exalt us. We must look deeper than what the surface reveals in all circumstances to find the lessons that God would want us to learn. We must look out to the future, the horizons of our life, and plan accordingly how to get to where we want to be. At the same time, we should not forget to enjoy the very moment that we are in.
I am so grateful for the lessons in art and life that I have learned, and continue to learn, from my Father. Both my earthly father and my Father in Heaven.
March 9th is also a day that one of my friends had her baby. It was a good day to have a baby! I was so happy when she told me that I could come to the hospital and take pictures for her. There is just something about a newborn baby that seems to put this crazy, chaotic world at peace--even if just for a moment. I created a slideshow with the images that I took, but for the life of me, cannot get it to load up here! If you're on Facebook and are my friend (or a fan of Merrill Design & Photography) you can see it there. Here are a few samples from the session. I hope that as you look at these, you will feel the peace that I felt as I worked with this new addition to our earth!
It seems appropriate to post these images here--in honor of my father. I am the photographer that I am because of him!
I believe that I am a photographer because of my Dad. Not that I ever wanted to be like him when I was living at home! But as I came to discover on my own my love of photography, I then became very open to his teachings and guidance and tutoring. So much of what I see and appreciate as a photographer is because of his guidance. Sometimes his critiques were pretty brutal. Ok, pretty much always they were brutal! But his unrelenting pushing somehow brought me to the point where I believed in myself as an artist. Never before did I consider myself an "artist". But he always did. He always believed in me. He taught me to see light, shadows, beauty, depth. He taught me to look to the horizon and at the same time not ignore what is right at my feet. These lessons in photography also help me in my daily life.
In our life we have light and shadows and together they create a whole. A beauty that could not exist if one were missing. Blessings and trials work together to develop us and eventually exalt us. We must look deeper than what the surface reveals in all circumstances to find the lessons that God would want us to learn. We must look out to the future, the horizons of our life, and plan accordingly how to get to where we want to be. At the same time, we should not forget to enjoy the very moment that we are in.
I am so grateful for the lessons in art and life that I have learned, and continue to learn, from my Father. Both my earthly father and my Father in Heaven.
March 9th is also a day that one of my friends had her baby. It was a good day to have a baby! I was so happy when she told me that I could come to the hospital and take pictures for her. There is just something about a newborn baby that seems to put this crazy, chaotic world at peace--even if just for a moment. I created a slideshow with the images that I took, but for the life of me, cannot get it to load up here! If you're on Facebook and are my friend (or a fan of Merrill Design & Photography) you can see it there. Here are a few samples from the session. I hope that as you look at these, you will feel the peace that I felt as I worked with this new addition to our earth!
It seems appropriate to post these images here--in honor of my father. I am the photographer that I am because of him!
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Today's Senior Session
I know I haven't posted for awhile, but what's new! I wanted to put up some images from today's Senior session. I think it's funny how last year I spent $1000+ on marketing and got very few sessions. This year, I spent $0 on marketing and am so busy I don't know what to do with myself! I have senior sessions everyday next week! Crazy! But, as usual, I'm having a blast!
Here's a few from today's session, Ryan. A very easy-to-photograph guy.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Wow! It's been a looooong time since my last post! I had a crazy summer, then before I knew it the holidays were over and now here we are almost into Spring! I've been on quite a ride and find myself in a very strange place where I honestly do not know what I'm going to do with my photography. I experienced a dip in business with the economy and just plain and simply got scared. So I took a full-time job (which brought quite a bit of criticism from fellow professional photographers) but I had to pay the bills! Now I am anquishing over whether or not to resussitate the business or take a different path. I cannot seem to come to a conclusion that sets right in my heart. So I am sort of in limbo.
While being in limbo, however, I have had the pleasure of doing some travelling. On the first of January, my husband and I with our college-bound daughter travelled to Hawaii to drop her off to school. We spent a week there and while my loved ones in Colorado were freezing the tushies off, we were running and playing on the beach in our shorts and t-shirts! Want to see some of my favorite pics?!!!!
Ok, if you insist.............
I'll try to not let it be so long before I post again. Thanks for "following" me.
'til then. . . .
Patti
While being in limbo, however, I have had the pleasure of doing some travelling. On the first of January, my husband and I with our college-bound daughter travelled to Hawaii to drop her off to school. We spent a week there and while my loved ones in Colorado were freezing the tushies off, we were running and playing on the beach in our shorts and t-shirts! Want to see some of my favorite pics?!!!!
Ok, if you insist.............
I'll try to not let it be so long before I post again. Thanks for "following" me.
'til then. . . .
Patti
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Colorado Scenery
I recently took advantage of an opportunity to spend a couple of nights in the Rocky Mountains camping out with a whole bunch of teenage girls from my Church. It was wonderfully relaxing and rejuvenating. All except the howling coyote's the first night and their crazy attack on some innocent creature that became their feast at 3 o'clock in the morning! Yeah, THAT was a little stressful to listen to! Other than that, I truly enjoyed myself and my return to civilization was not a welcomed event. The campground was in the southern part of the Pike National Forest, west of Colorado Springs. I drove home through the forest and found many wonderful places to stop and photograph some of the beauty that the area has to show. Here are just a few of my favorites.
This is currently my desktop. I really like this one!
I'm intriqued by these crazy little things. So pretty. So pokey!
My daughter told me once that sunflowers remind her of me. It's because I taught a lesson once about how the sunflower always keeps it's face towards the sun and how we should follow its example and stay focused on the Son, our Savior.
I love the colors of this image, but the overall feeling for me is a sadness. There are so many dead trees in our forests right now. It's very sad to me.
Gotta love the purple!!
There's something to the symbolism of fences that I am drawn to. Fences to protect us. Fences to deter us. Fences as an obstacle to overcome. The analogies are numerous.
This image is created from 5 separate images to make a very long panaramic image! It is one I am anxious to print. It will end up being about 8" x 54" ! Might be a bit pricey to frame!!!
This is currently my desktop. I really like this one!
I'm intriqued by these crazy little things. So pretty. So pokey!
My daughter told me once that sunflowers remind her of me. It's because I taught a lesson once about how the sunflower always keeps it's face towards the sun and how we should follow its example and stay focused on the Son, our Savior.
I love the colors of this image, but the overall feeling for me is a sadness. There are so many dead trees in our forests right now. It's very sad to me.
Gotta love the purple!!
There's something to the symbolism of fences that I am drawn to. Fences to protect us. Fences to deter us. Fences as an obstacle to overcome. The analogies are numerous.
This image is created from 5 separate images to make a very long panaramic image! It is one I am anxious to print. It will end up being about 8" x 54" ! Might be a bit pricey to frame!!!
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