meaganblock

I've Moved!!

2008-11-15T21:35:00.002-06:00

Come check out my new and IMPROVED blog!!!

www.meaganblock.com/blog

Depth of Field

2008-11-09T16:37:00.003-06:00

He's Back!!

2008-11-06T12:28:00.000-06:00

You may recall this spunky little fella from a couple of months ago and this time he brought along both mom and dad. He is easily one of the most hysterical camera friendly kiddos I have ever been around and it makes the time fly by in a really fun way. I mean come on he is winking at the camera!!! How God ever fit so much personality in a little guy his size is beyond me but it is so much fun.

I just love the look on mom's face in this one, it is SO clear how much she adores her husband. Good stuff.

As for me, I am headed out for a weekend of camping with my family cell phone and computer free so if you drop me a note in the next three days you won't hear back from me until at least Monday. I am going unplugged!

A Few More

2008-11-05T01:24:00.007-06:00

Just a few more from the session with Bevin and the number one sign you do NOT want to see on a photoshoot....

She's A Natural

2008-11-03T20:11:00.006-06:00

I had an awesome Senior session with the beautiful Bevin this weekend and we had a TON of fun (mom too)! She was such a natural and the camera obviously loves her; makes me want to book more senior sessions. I'm only about 1/3 of my way through the session but I just couldn't resist posting some previews for her and I'll probably post some more in a few days.

The Frame

2008-11-02T16:34:00.003-06:00

It's A Bird, It's A Plane, It's...

2008-10-30T01:18:00.000-05:00

the cutest little superman you ever did see!. I met this little guy over the weekend and he hit the ground running the moment I arrived. I LOVE that his mom let him wear his superman cape throughout the shoot; there is something so special about capturing kids just as they are, cape and all. Those little tiny touches sure add to the moment and the memories. Good call mom!

Boys, boys, boys

2008-10-28T16:50:00.008-05:00

I had a blast meeting up with an old friend from church and her sweet little family. She has some of the best behaved boys I have ever been around and we had a lot of fun just hanging out and goofing around. Here are some of the highlights...

Something a little different - Geometry

2008-10-26T16:26:00.002-05:00

For the past semester I have been taking a photography course at the local community college just to expose myself to different kinds of photography, new methodology and network with other people interested in photography. My dad, a.k.a. my biggest fan, is notorious for plopping down on my couch and asking to look through my latest stuff. Last night after another request to see my weekly assignment he pushed me to publish my schoolwork on my blog so he could show his sisters. It is a little different than the stuff I normally do so for the next few weeks I will be posting my thematic work on Sundays as a little change of pace.

Geometry

Snuggly Boy

2008-10-23T22:42:00.007-05:00

I just absolutely love newborn photography. Something about the sleepy, squishy, wrinkly little babies all curled up in little bundles of fabric just makes my heart go pitter patter. This little guy is the new son of some sweet friends of mine and I am so happy I was able to join them for a little session with their little man. Isn't he just perfect!?!

Busy, Busy

2008-10-22T06:58:00.000-05:00

This weekend I met up with a sweet family all the way from Kileen! This little doll of a girl was busy, busy and kept me on my toes but it was so worth it. Isn't she a adorable? Look at those eyes!

Beauty

2008-10-19T22:41:00.008-05:00

This weekend I met up with an old friend (28ish years) to do some photos of her and her sweet little Lucy for her annual Christmas cards. Isn't she beautiful?!?

Autumn

2008-10-17T22:24:00.002-05:00

This weekend I met up with an old friend from college and her darling family for a family session at the Arboretum. I was so excited when they I saw them walking up in such rich fall colors that I swear it felt like the temperature dropped a degree (momentarily, of course). It was so much fun photographing this adorable newlywed family and their sweet little bundle of joy. Motherhood definitely agrees with Kelli; she is even more beautiful than I remember!

The Making Of A Photograph

2008-10-15T05:35:00.005-05:00

I learn something every single time I go to a photoshoot. Every single time. You'd think as much as these boys have been photographed by me that we would have this whole process down to a science by now but the truth is, if the kiddos aren't into what you are trying to do there is no way on earth you are going to get the photo you want. Case in point...

Then I say, "Alright guys, let's try something different" and on the first shot I get this....

Buddies

2008-10-13T05:52:00.001-05:00

This weekend my little family got to spend some time with my best friend's kiddos while she and her husband ran an errand. We took the little guys to our local park and had a blast playing around together. I just love these boys to pieces. How could you NOT love these cutie pies? The ONLY thing that would have made it better would be if their little sister could have joined us but you can see her anytime in the upper right hand corner of the blog. Love them!

Budding Model

2008-10-12T01:08:00.001-05:00

I don't know what happened but overnight my little guy went from running for his life every time I pulled out the camera to becoming my most enthusiastic model. He loves sitting in my lap as I scroll through potential photos on my computer and telling me which ones he likes the best. He has an uncanny ability for remembering the names of the kiddos that I photograph and points them out by name as he flips through my proof book. This weekend, however, was the first time that he OFFERED to let me take photos of him and hammed it up for each one.

Sisters

2008-10-09T03:01:00.001-05:00

I finally had the chance to photograph this sweet little family this weekend after two failed photoshoots, the first postponed by Hurricane Ike and the second cut short by a mishap and injury with the dad. This shoot however was filled with silly, happy girls and beautiful weather.

I've been asked several times over the course of the past few months as to what my secret is for capturing kiddos. The truth is that for every one or two great photos you see there are likely 40-50 really terrible ones of the backs of heads, funny faces or blurry blobs from kiddos running away from me. To see me at a shoot is to see a woman crawling on her knees, sprawled out on her back then stomach then back again, running wildly after silly kiddos and completely drenched in sweat or water in the case of the Higgins family. It is a wild ride and a great workout and more fun than I ever imagined possible. The chance to capture kids just being kids is an adventure and a pleasure all wrapped into one but not an adventure for the faint at heart. I learn something new at every single shoot, I make mistakes, I have fun and if I am lucky I get the chance to capture a glimpse of the very essence of childhood.

Little Guy

2008-10-07T00:20:00.003-05:00

What a fun time we had at my first day of mini sessions! I am still processing the hundreds of photos taken that day but wanted to post a quick preview for my cousin who made a trip all the way down from Little Elm! I now have a membership at the Arboretum so if you are interested in doing a photosession in this beautiful natural setting, your entry into the park will be included in your session fee (up to 5 people and does not include parking).

Ao Dai

2008-10-05T09:56:00.005-05:00

This weekend I got to photograph my best friend's youngest son in a traditional Vietnamese Ao Dai. Aren't they beautiful? :) I just love that little grin.

A Dream

2008-10-01T01:54:00.003-05:00

I met a sweet little gal and her parents at the Arboretum this weekend for a personalized tour (that place is HUGE) from mom, who used to work there, and some really fun one-on-one photo time with a darling little girl. The weather was perfect, M was a perfect model and the time just flew by! Here are some of the highlights...

Yes, I am that kind of mom......

2008-09-29T05:46:00.004-05:00

the kind who will torture her poor little daughter in a pumpkin just to remind you that I will be at the Arboretum all day THIS SATURDAY for Christmas Card and/or Pumpkin Patch mini sessions! If you missed the original Christmas Card post you can find it here. If you haven't yet experienced the Arboretum's awesome pumpkin patch then schedule a Christmas Card mini session and we'll squeeze in some time for you and your family in the pumpkin patch for no extra cost!

$50 will get you.....
* 30 minute photo session (up to 6 people)
* 5-7 final proofs
* Your choice of cd with 2 final proofs in 4x6 format for unlimited 4x6 printing with photographer release OR 20 holiday cards using one of my designs

Availability is limited so check my calendar here and then email me at meaganblock@yahoo.com to claim your spot!

Baby Dear

2008-09-28T03:16:00.004-05:00

Where did you come from baby dear?
Out of the everywhere, into the here.

Where did you get your eyes so blue?
Out of the sky when you came through.

What makes your forehead so smooth and high?
A soft hand stroked it as you went by.

What makes your cheek like a warm, white rose?
Something better than anyone knows.

Where did you get that pearly ear?
God spoke, and it came out to hear.

But how did you come to us Baby Dear?
God thought of you, and so you are here.

Family

2008-09-25T16:48:00.004-05:00

Hurricane Ike relocated my sister, brother-in-law and my ADORABLE nephew to Dallas for the last two weeks and we have had a blast having them so close. Candid sessions are by far my favorite kind of photography and it was so fun having an opportunity to capture my sis and her family just being themselves. Little Hunter is so lucky to have such great parents. I miss them already!

Take 2

2008-09-20T22:57:00.005-05:00

I was lucky enough to get a second chance with this cute little doll of a baby this weekend. The first session was right after a short nap and she just wasn't into the photoshoot. Mom and dad asked me back for a morning session and boy was she happy and loving the camera! Don't you just love that smile!?!

Someday they will hate me for this.....

2008-09-19T03:23:00.000-05:00

but I couldn't resist.

Baby Love

2008-09-17T09:26:00.005-05:00

I had a great maternity session with a family friend this weekend while she was seeking refuge in Dallas from Hurricane Ike. It was so fun to try something new, especially with such a great model! Here are some of my favorites...

Ho, Ho, Ho Merry Christmas!

2008-09-14T00:52:00.010-05:00

Announcing new Christmas card mini sessions! Now through November 15th I am offering mini photo sessions (30 minutes) for those only wanting photos for Christmas cards.

Visit my calendar and book your 30 minute session now or join me Saturday October 4th at the Dallas Arboretum for a full day of mini sessions, by appointment only. Claim your session now offer expires November 15th!

$50 Christmas card mini session

*30 minute photo session (up to 6 people)
*5-7 final proofs
*Includes your choice of CD with 2 proofs in 4x6 format for unlimited 4x6 printing

Additional prints available at listed price on website.

4" x 8" single-side holiday photo postcard with envelope
20/40/50/100 - $30/$55/$65/$110

4" x 7" folded holiday photo postcard with envelope
20/40/50/100 - $35/$60/$70/$115

Daddy's Little Girl

2008-09-12T17:34:00.004-05:00

This week I had a great shoot with the family of one of my husband's buddies from the fire station. Baby C was a trooper handling the bright lights, itching clothes and prop changes like a champ (mom is a model so I guess it runs in the family)!

What a mess!!!

2008-09-10T22:02:00.004-05:00

Sooooo Jiffle was and IS a disaster! I've received multiple emails asking if I received session requests that I *thought* I had confirmed and scheduled. What a mess. If you didn't receive a confirmation to a request, I am not ignoring you, and probably already have you on the schedule (you can check below). I have now cut out the middle man and you can view my availability here and on my website under calendar/contact. Sorry for the trouble!!

Good Family Fun

2008-09-08T20:53:00.007-05:00

I had a great session with a really fun and playful family of four this weekend at a beautiful park in Denton. It isn't every day that I get to spend time with an entire family, especially one as relaxed an adventurous as the W family. Here are a couple of my favorites from the session.

Speaking of family photos, I've had a few emails regarding scheduling Christmas card photos in October and November so I am working on a special Christmas card package that I'll detail on the blog in the next week or so. Be on the lookout for that and a couple of fun fall photo opportunities on the horizon.

Baby Mine

2008-09-03T23:07:00.003-05:00

I've got Jiffle!

2008-09-03T00:01:00.005-05:00

I've noticed lately that there are a lot of emails going back and forth about when I am actually available, seeing that I do have a 9-5 job, so I have been on the lookout for a solution and I have finally found one!

It's awesome because it allows you to pick and choose the times that work best for you and then reserve them right on the spot! Indoor sessions will work any time of day but if you want an outdoor session shoot for an early morning or early evening for the most flattering light. If you have questions feel free to drop me an email at meaganblock@yahoo.com .

Visit my Jiffle Calendar here .

My Baby Girl

2008-08-31T00:19:00.000-05:00

My sweet little baby girl is almost 4 months old (sniff, sniff). I can't believe how fast she is growing up!

Surprise!!!

2008-08-29T23:15:00.003-05:00

Surprise Ash!!! I snuck in a little mini session with my favorite nephew while my mom was babysitting last week. I love this little munchkin to pieces!!!

Spunky

2008-08-26T21:14:00.004-05:00

I had a super fun session with this spunky little guy over the weekend at a beautiful development in McKinney. Mom and son were an adorable pair and responsible for my new favorite candid photo - isn't it awesome!?!

Cutie Patootie

2008-08-25T21:22:00.004-05:00

Aside from my own kiddos, this cutie patootie is one of my favorite babies to photograph. Admittedly I am kind of partial since she is the daughter of my best friend but can you blame me? Look at that dimple!!!

Two Front Teeth

2008-08-23T23:08:00.009-05:00

Oh what fun I had with this pair of brothers. Mom invited me over to capture some candids of little brother in honor of his first birthday but I think big brother thought mom invited me over to play - it was awesome! :) Don't you just love little brother's gorgeous hair and sweet little front teeth? Fun, fun, fun!

I just love this one - have you ever seen such concentration?

Someone recently asked me, after viewing my website, if I had a feet fetish. In case you can't tell, I LOVE baby feet! The truth is that I love all of the little tiny overlooked parts and moments of a baby's development; chubby little cheeks, curly tendrils, pudgy toes, and dimpled fingers...basically all of the tiny little details that make babies so sweet and snuggly. I try really hard to photograph kiddos in a way that freezes that moment in time so that when mom or dad look through pictures of this one year old "big boy" they can find these pudgy, curly little toes and remember that he was really still a sweet little baby boy. :)

Heartbreaker

2008-08-20T20:45:00.010-05:00

Talk about a heartbreaker in the making! I just love having friends who have kids the same age as mine and I find such joy in watching our little families grow up together. Little boy Green is no exception and I can already tell he is gonna be driving my daughter and her little girlfriends wild!

Pretty Little Princess

2008-08-18T16:28:00.008-05:00

This weekend I met a beautiful little princess who LOVED the camera. We had a blast playing in our tutus and taking pictures with her sweet mommy and daddy. Here is a sneak peek for mom and dad.

One For The Books

2008-08-14T03:25:00.002-05:00

Have I mentioned how much I love photographing infants? I had so much fun photographing my friend's two sons who are both around the age of my two kiddos. Big brother and I had fun hanging out in his room and playing games and then he was the most awesome two year old EVER just playing by himself and watching cartoons (the last photo) while I photographed his little brother. If only every session could go that well!!!

Dear Old Friends

2008-08-11T23:28:00.007-05:00

This weekend I had the privilege of photographing the adorable son of some dear old sweet friends of mine. They moved away from Texas more than 2 years ago and we've missed them terribly so it was such a treat to spend some time with them and sweet little DDB. He was such a happy little boy and just one look from mom or dad produced the most awesome little gummy grin.

New life

2008-08-04T00:36:00.005-05:00

This past week I had the privilege of photographing the birth of my best friend's last child, a surprise baby girl after 3 little boys. It was a busy week but I did manage to squeeze in a photo shoot with the sweet baby girl just hours after she was born. Here are a couple of my favorites from that morning...isn't she gorgeous?!?!?!

Mommy's Girl

2008-07-30T01:22:00.006-05:00

I've been cringing thinking about my beautiful wedding dress aging in the back of my closet when a friend of mine used hers as a prop in a recent photoshoot and I realized I could put the dress to use again. It may never be worn again in a conventional way, hopefully she will get a dress of her own, but it makes for a great marker for my daughter's yearly photos.

New Website

2008-07-29T06:07:00.000-05:00

I am officially building up my photography portfolio! I just launched a new website displaying some of the work I have done thus far along with the details of a special portfolio building offer for those of you who have asked me to photograph your families and are willing to sign a model release. Visit the new site and drop me a note if you'd like to be one of my models :)

www.meaganblock.com

Cousins :)

2008-07-27T01:01:00.007-05:00

I'm back from a much needed vacation and working through the many, many photos I took while relaxing with my family. Here are a couple of my cutie and of my sister's cutie. Love my boys!!!

Brothers Part II

2008-07-23T10:55:00.004-05:00

These little guys are just so cute I can't help but post some more from our session. Don't ya just want to eat 'em up??

Brothers

2008-07-22T06:36:00.005-05:00

Right before I left for vacation I had the opportunity to hang out with the kiddos and sweet wife of an old friend of mine from church youth group many, many moons ago. We spent the afternoon hanging out at their nana's house and playing in the front yard and had so much fun. These brothers were just too cute and such a joy to capture. Here is a sneak peak for mom :)

Soaking Wet

2008-07-19T01:01:00.009-05:00

This week I was invited over to spend some time playing in the sprinkler and capturing photos of my co-worker's adorable kiddos. I had a blast hanging out with the kids, dodging squirt guns and a completely unpredictable sprinkler hose; childhood rocks. I left with soaked pants, smeared makeup and a full heart. Here is a sneak peek from that session.

Love is in the air

2008-07-07T01:23:00.012-05:00

I had the privilege of photographing my sister and her sweet boyfriend this weekend just a few days before my 7 year wedding anniversary (today). Love is definitely in the air.

Squishy Bottom

2008-07-01T00:34:00.004-05:00

My sweet little baby girl is quickly leaving the snuggly, squishy newborn phase and I am astounded at how quickly time is passing. Tonight I tried to capture a few traces of this dwindling phase.

Fiiiiiiiire

2008-06-27T23:40:00.003-05:00

Can you hear the music in my head? Just a little Ohio Players to celebrate round two of the fire photos. I didn't have enough time to complete the shoot with my daughter so I'll post that set after we find some time to reshoot.

Back to Basics

2008-06-24T21:26:00.006-05:00

I found a north facing window with some beautiful light, just what I needed to inspire a few of my little one and her ever lightening blue eyes.

Fire

2008-06-23T23:06:00.004-05:00

I attempted some shots of Trav with the kiddos this afternoon and was very disappointed when they came out really soft. They aren't technically perfect but there were some really sweet shots so I'm keeping them but we'll try again later on this week. Practice makes perfect, I hope!

Branching Out

2008-06-22T00:11:00.008-05:00

My creativity has been a bit squelched in the past couple of days because the gigantic window of natural light that I have been using is going away in favor of a covered porch and the light is officially gone. In the meantime I am branching out and trying new locations/lighting options. Can you even say that someone is branching out when they are only just getting started?

Brand Spankin' New (a month later)

2008-06-18T23:51:00.006-05:00

I have really wanted to capture some sweet brand new baby photos since I have a brand new baby at my disposal 24/7 but have been totally unsuccessful. For some reason my babies don't like to be curled up in cute little snuggly new baby balls, they like to stretch out in awkward 'caught in a spiderweb' like poses. I've had 6 "sessions" with my baby girl in the past 5 weeks and no photos to show for it until tonight.....look at that squishy cheek!
The original of this one includes her name embroidered on the hat in hot pink swirly letters but I took it out to keep her name off of the 'net. I love that sweet yawn!!

{great grand}Father's Day

2008-06-17T00:01:00.006-05:00

Baby Blues

2008-06-04T03:02:00.000-05:00

In case you haven't ever seen the BITB syndrome in action, keep checking back because it is definitely in high gear!

I just had my first non-family member photo shoot yesterday with the most beautiful baby girl you have ever seen. I am still drooling with jealousy over her gorgeous eyelashes and baby blues. Yummy. I am working my way through the 600+ photos that I took but here is a sneak peak for you (and for her dad, too).

Trash the Dress

2008-05-31T02:48:00.015-05:00

As a web designer I am used to people from opposite ends of the spectrum voicing their opinions of my work. It isn't always fun because you usually only hear from people when they are unhappy with a product and while I am happy with the work that I provide (and thankfully so is my employer), let's just say that my complaint file is much larger than my "job well done" file.

Photography, on the other hand, has been fairly rewarding thus far because the only subjects I have photographed have been my kids which means the only person I have to impress is me. But, I know that I will never grow until I branch out and try new things and that only photographing my kids will only make my son turn and run away from the camera that much faster than he already is.

Fortunately my sister, who doesn't have a shy bone in her body, graciously offered to be my first willing subject and even brought a dress! In case you haven't heard of the latest photography phenomenon nicknamed, "Trash the Dress" let me give you a sneak peek. As always, constructive criticism is appreciated.

Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

2008-05-31T01:46:00.001-05:00

Ever since I was a little girl I have been teased for having a chronic case of "Bee in the Bonnet". While I know that my tendency to have extreme tunnel vision can really annoy the people close to me, I have to admit that it has served as a driving force behind some of the most adventurous things I've ever tried. Learning about photography is the latest "bee" in my bonnet.

I'm not here to pretend that I am a professional, even an amateur, I am here because I want to learn to capture all of the sweet and wonderful moments of my life in the best way possible. I blog so that my friends and loved ones can share in my adventure, offer advice and help me grow in my quest to capture those moments. Please don't hesitate to help me on this journey by telling me what you really think and how I can improve; I'll love you even more for the honesty.