Tuesday, November 8, 2011

The Brady Family


I just simply adored photographing this family!


I haven't done a "family feet" portrait in a while...and I think these are always cute to put on the back side of a Holiday card or back cover of an album. Simple and fun





This is the second time in a couple of weeks a family has chosen lavendars & greys for their wardrobe, and I just love the combination. It's so soft & pleasing, flatters skin tones, and photographs beautifully. Thanks to my awesome families I now know what color palette I'll be going with for my own family portraits.  

Monday, November 7, 2011

The Lynch Family

Saturday was such a treat - gorgeous crisp fall weather, the trees at peak color, and two fantastic sessions to enjoy...
 The morning began with the fantastic Lynch family, who are honestly just plain cool. Getting to hang out with them at their home felt kinda like when you're in middle school & get invited to your first party that boys will be at...I really was hoping I wouldn't snort when I laughed, or say anything silly. (I'm pretty sure I didn't snort...) We used their gorgeous home and backyard  as the backdrop for the session...and I absolutly love that they were just as relaxed in tuxedos and a gown as they were in jeans later on in the session... 

{I also loved that they had the music pumping in their home! Mark happens to be the President of Quality Sound and Video so I was spoiled getting to enjoy their system while I was there...we'll just say that my little i-Pod speaker thingy doesn't quite sound the same...}




Vinny is very entertaining...he reminds me a lot of my hubby's good friend Eliot,who was the best man at our wedding; he just exudes personality. He actually DJs, and I'm very excited to get out and photograph him in action sometime soon.




Thanks for such a fun morning, you guys! You've got a great gallery coming soon...hope you've enjoyed this little peek. It was a blast getting to know you guys & I look forward to seeing you soon!

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Sweet Childhood {OpLove Photography}

It was so great to get out and play in the gorgeous fall weather last night with this fun-loving family.

Both Mom & Dad proudly serve our nation in the Army, but next week Dad is headed off to Afghanistan. I hope when he sees all the smiles & laughter in his album it'll help bring part of "home" to him downrange... I have to say that little "j" is just smiling and laughing throughout all the images, obviously surrounded by tons of love and laughter. So on top of Dad having some warm memories to cherish while he's away, I hope years from now "j" will look back on these images and forever remember just how fun it was to be that little kid playing with Mom & Dad.





We started off our session downtown, but "j" quickly led us in the direction of the trains; this little spot was so fun! I hadn't wandered back to this little part for a session yet, and I think you'll be seeing more of it in future images...


I just love capturing fun childhood moments like this one above....the honest smiles, genuine laughs...{sigh}

This little series below is "j" playing "Airborne!" with his Daddy Doll. His Dad flys him around like he's jumping out of an airplane and he yells "Airborne!"...so that's what "j" was doing with his doll. So cute!  {for those of you wondering what a Daddy Doll is, military kids whose parent deploys can get these little dolls for free; the face of the doll has a slot for you to put a photo of your Mom or Dad}


"D,"  "B" & little "j"....thank you so much for trusting this precious memories to me. I truly enjoyed getting to know you ... and a big thanks to "j" for discovering a fun new place for sessions :-)

"B"  - safe travels, and come home soon!

{OpLove Disclaimer: "The photos and other content of this publication do not constitute or imply and endorsement or recommendation by the Department of Defense."}

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Hanging out with the McBrayers {Linear Park}





What a super sweet bunch this family is...and I love the lavendar the gals were wearing - from Emma's sweater dress to Elizabeth's boots and little collar detail, they had it so right on! And how badly do I want to go boot shopping now...lovin' all three pair!

Great job on the styling, you guys! Everyone looked so great; your clothes "flowed" and worked great together,  but still showed everyone's personalities. Paired with your fantastic smiles and how cuddly you all are...it's a big thumbs up!

I had a great time getting to know you guys and can't wait for you to see your gallery! Hope you've enjoyed this little sneak peek; there's so much more to come! Thanks so much for a fantastic session!

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Wink {Missie Jurick Photography}


 I'm so excited to have the opportunity to share with you a few portraits from last night's session. This gorgeous gal was so great to work with...and I'm incredibly grateful that she's allowing me to share some of our captures so that I can introduce you to to what I'm working on...

In addition to my Family photography, I'll soon be launching a branch of Missie Jurick Photography I'm calling "Wink." This will have a seperate website and blog, but will still be a part of my same studio ... I can't wait to design the logo and all the fun & flirty branding that will go along with it!

"Wink" will be all about celebrating the strength & confidence a woman posesses. It's about embracing our beauty...no matter our shape, size, or age...and having the ability to feel pampered and gorgeous. We all deserve that.


 


Beautiful "A" is surprising her soldier, who's in Afghanistan, with these gorgeous portraits. I wish I could somehow put a camera in the box to record his face when he gets this surprise...I just know he's going to flip!

"A"...thank you so much for a fantastic session. I really enjoyed getting to know you, and cannot wait for you to see the rest of your gallery. You are simply stunning...and thank you so much for allowing me to share your grace & beauty on my blog. I hope you are just loving these images!

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Celebrating 50 Years {Happy Anniversary}


Friday evening I took a ride out to the gorgeous Carolina Inn  at the Pinehurst Golf Resort to meet up with Brenda & Chris, who were celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary ... with all their family!
What an incredibly special moment to have everyone together to celebrate such a beautiful milestone.

With family flying in from as far away as California, I was bummed to see dark clouds rolling in as I drove towards the resort; but there was no raining on this parade! By the time the guests of honor showed up, the skies had cleared and the sun was back out...not that it would have mattered with this group; they were such a laid back and fun crew! Reminded me of my Chicago family...always so fun to be around, and no matter how long it's been since we've been together it's like we never missed a beat...

 Brenda & Chris were surprised with this family photo by their 7 children and their families. Who wouldn't cherish having a photo like that? We also took the opportunity to capture individual family portraits...goodness, what a good looking group!

{I love this group shot above of Brenda & two of her grandkids....easy to tell who they got their gorgeous eye color from; Gotta love genetics!}

Brenda & Chris, Congratulations again on 50 beautiful years together and the wonderful family you created. I'm so glad I got to meet you both and help you celebrate your day. And to the rest of the Christianson crew...thanks for being so great! Hope you all had a wonderful weekend together!

Sunday, October 2, 2011

E & S {OpLove}


Congratulations to this sweet couple on their engagement!

While most couples who are engaged spend a year together tasting cakes, picking out DJs, and planning their honeymoon, these two will be writing letters, sending carepackages, and having "skype dates." Photographing them reminded me of my hubby's first deployment to Iraq; we weren't married yet, either, and although it was so hard to miss him so much, thinking back I cherish those letters and e-mails more than anything. We grew and connected in such a unique way - sharing our thoughts and dreams in the letters we wrote each other I know helped make our friendship & love so strong. This is what I wish for you, E & S, as well...


{This image above is E "hugging" his two precious little girls, who are in Michigan}

May this year speed by for you both! E- come home safe. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to meet you both, and I look forward to working with you again in the future. XOXO

{OpLove disclaimer: "The photos and other content of this publication do not constitute or imply and endorsement or recommendation by the Department of Defense."


Friday, September 30, 2011

Counting the Days! {OpLove}


So excited that I had the opportunity to work with this family again! We met up this summer for a family session when Dad was home...now that he's in Afghanistan, they're counting down the days, minutes, & hours until they can all be together again!

I cannot believe how much "C" has grown in just the past couple months; and I was loving that he was all smiles and giggles for these long-distance hugs & kisses being sent to Dad. Miss "J" was a great model, as usual, and really should win the award for best big sister. {and how gorgeous is Mom?!}

I know without a doubt that their Soldier is going to love having these moments to enjoy, and I certainly hope these smiles from home help the days go a bit quicker.


{OpLove disclaimer: "The photos and other content of this publication do not constitute or imply any endorsement ot recommendation by the Department of Defense."

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Rain, Rain, Go Away! {OpLove Session}


Mother Nature was not playing nice with me this past weekend. Friday evening I had a session scheduled, and it was so dark, dreary & pouring rain that we decided to reschedule. About an hour later, just as the session would have begun, the skies cleared and there was a gorgeous soft light downtown. Argh!!! So, on Saturday morning for this session it wasn't raining...until about 10 minutes in. Really?!! Luckily, it was more of a gentle rain and  downtown offered enough locations with covering that we were able to get the session in.  Whew!


These three adorable kiddos were such troopers...getting up early on a Saturday, and dealing with the rain. But they knew they were sending some special smiles and long-distance hugs to their Daddy!


This one cracks me up! We were at the end of the session, and it was starting to rain a little harder and so I was doing my best to keep them still in the spirit and smiling. In an attempt to get them giggling again I told them to scream...well, I definitely underestimated their enthusiasm! I'm pretty sure their Daddy may have been able to hear them. It was cute, though, and this is one of those captures that shows their personalities in full swing, so I have no doubt their Dad will love it. {Maybe bring back a few memories of some long-distance car rides? "Are we there yet?"} Certainly years down the road the three of them can look back at this and giggle.


Mom is a rockstar. Three little kiddos, dressed, happy, and on-time for an 8 AM session with about a 30 mins car ride? Man, she's GOOD!!!

I had a great time marching around downtown with this family, seeing who's feet could be the loudest and watching them giggle and snuggle. I know Daddy is going to cherish seeing his beautiful wife and their kiddos! I can't wait to get his album out for him to enjoy...


Saturday, September 24, 2011

2011 Holiday Mini Sessions

 Woo-hoo! The mini sessions are back!

This year I have THREE dates available for you to choose from...but there's only FOUR slots available on each date, so only twelve lucky families are going to get to take advantage of these great little packages.  I hope you'll be one of them! Call me...NOW!...to grab your slot.

760.927.0518

you can also e-mail me. Just click the "Contact Missie" link on the bottom left of my site

All session slots will be booked on a first-come,first-serve basis. If you e-mail me I will look at the date & time of your e-mail in the event of multiple requests for the same slot coming in.

Your session fee will be due in full at the time of booking to reserve your slot. For your convenience I accept Visa, Mastercard, & Discover via my secure shopping cart.
{I will direct you to this when we book your session}
If I do not receive your session fee within 24 hours, your slot will be considered "open"

I have designed three special packages for you to choose from for your mini session;
all of them offer amazing savings from my regular artistry prices. Simply choose what works best for your family...and you can certainly add on to your package with anything your heart desires from my 2011 studio product line of prints, designs, albums, & jewelry {new!}

Here they are!

Option 1: Enjoy your mini session & online gallery at this special $50 rate!
{any prints, designs, albums, & jewelry will be in addition to this session fee}


Option 2: Enjoy your mini session & online gallery PLUS select your favorite card design from my collection and you'll have a set of 25 beautiful holiday cards to share with friends and family. You'll also enjoy a $25 credit towards your choice of any one of my Framed Print or Lustre Print Collections. All this is only $150 ( a $285 value )
{you may select any additional prints, designs, albums, & jewelry to enjoy at home and give as gifts; these will be in addition to this session fee} 



Option 3: Enjoy your mini session & online gallery PLUS select your favorite card design from my collection and you'll have a set of 50 beautiful holiday cards to share with friends and family.  I'll also customize a 3x3 mini accordian album design for you...you'll have a set of 3 of this design. Perfect to give as gifts, and you get to keep one for yourself! You'll also enjoy a $25 credit towards your choice of any one of my Framed Print or Lustre Print Collections. All this is only $310 ( a $540 value )
{you may select any additional prints, designs, albums, & jewelry to enjoy at home and give as gifts; these will be in addition to this session fee}



So when are these awesome sessions being held? you ask

Here are some answers to some FAQs:

Where will the session be held?
All sessions will be outdoor, natural-light sessions. Your setting will be in the landscaping and comfort of my home's yard...I even have a rockin' shabby chic couch I'll have out for us to use!
I will provide directions once we're booked, but I live in the Haymount section of  Fayetteville.

What if it rains? Will sessions be rescheduled?
Nope! No worries...I've got 'cha covered. literally. Your schedules are hectic, so I wouldn't put you through the hassle of having to figure all that out...in the event of inclement weather, we will move the session inside. I have studio lights, beautiful hardwood flooring, and soft subtle colors that will blend in with any family's style and attire. We'll be good to go!


Can our dog {or cat, or bird, or snake...}be a part of our session?
I love working with pets, however family sessions incorporating four-legged family members do take a bit more time since, well, pets will be pets. Because these are 20 minute sessions I ask that pets please do not join you. If you would like for your dog to be a part of your family portraits I would love to schedule a regular session for you...we'll have the time and locations perfect for your warm fuzzy.

What is the difference between a mini session and a regular session?
Mini sessions offer you to opportunity to enjoy working with me to capture those important family moments, only without all the "bells and whistles" and {bonus!} at a mini price.

My sessions are $125, and in addition to the 60-90 minute session I spend time with you in person for both a pre-session consultation and a post-session portrait & design collection consultation. A family session can include up to 2 wardrobe looks, and may not necessarily be in just one location. Well trained & friendly pets are welcome with advance planning, and your gallery will include 30 images.
With 48-hours notice we are able to reschedule a session due to illness or family emergency.

My 2011 Holiday Minis are 20-minute sessions. We use one set location, and there are no wardrobe changes. Pre-session consultations will be done over the phone at the time of booking, and you will enjoy a gallery of 10 images to select from. Sorry, no pets allowed. For these specific sessions you have three package options to choose from; all of which you can add to from my studio product line.
We are not able to reschedule mini sessions for any reason, and deposits are not refundable.

I look forward to working with you! Remember, while I have 3 dates available there's only 12 total slots! Call or e-mail me today to reserve your family's time! 760.927.0518  or e-mail.


Friday, September 23, 2011

Jessica & Ryan {Five Star Entertainment}


This past Saturday I teamed up with Five Star Entertainment to photograph the wedding of Jessica & Ryan. I met Nina, Mark, & Ray from Five Star during the Extreme Makeover Home Edition build this summer; they are so much fun, and their DJ/Videography was part of The Knot's "best of weddings" for 2010. Awesome! So I was very excited when they asked me if I'd be interested in shooting some weddings for them...

Nina & I teamed up to photograph this super cute couple...you couldn't ask for a more easy-going and fun family to work with.  I was so bummed, though, to learn that the owner of this gorgeous location is not going to book any weddings for 2012! Gorgeousness aside, I was VERY glad I made the last-second decision to nix the heels and opt for the ballet flats once I saw the set of stairs the wedding procession was going to be walking down....


....these steps just screamed "missie moment!" If I had been in heels, I probably would have wound up as a YouTube sensation....

{I always love the moments right before the ceremony begins, when Dad's & Daughters share a few moments together. I'll always remember that moment with my Dad; he was suprisingly nervous.}


I'm personally always drawn more towards the casual, candid moments of weddings rather than the formal elements. Obviously weddings are one of the few times we're able to enjoy having so many of the people we hold dear to our hearts together in one place; and to me it's more natural to capture those connections through less formal posing. Don't get me wrong, I love and admire a lot of wedding photographers that follow a more traditional and formal element in their work, but my style is definitely a reflection of my personality and how close I am with my family. I try to capture the types of moments that are similar to the ones dearest in my heart. Jessica, Ryna, and their families definitely had a TON of super cute moments. I'd love to be at a Thanksgiving table with all of them - certainly lots of laughs and nothing but warm fuzzy feelings. These next couple of captures prove it:



{Ryan with his Sisters}

{LOVE these laughs! And so wish I could remember what Nina & I said to cause 'em. Whatever it was certainly worked....}

{Jessica & her parents}

OK, so this shot of the flowers doubles as my "Awkward & Awesome" post for the week...this beautiful piano was in this itty-bitty, teeny-tiny corner with all this gorgeous natural light, so obviously I HAD to use it. However, I'm sure it was pretty entertaining watching me trying to squeeze between the wall, window, piano edge, and stereo equipment to get to the keys. And heaven help the person who was outside the window that may have looked up at the wrong time to see my rear end squished against the window and I wedged myself in for the shot. Sorry! hehe

Jessica & Ryan - Congratulations!

& Nine & Crew at Five Star - I really enjoyed working with you and look forward to the next event!
One last share....this is the groom's sister with her new little one. She didn't know I took this...how beautiful is this moment?!!