Me Ra Koh Photography Blog

January 19th, 2012

Family Photos from our Texas Confidence Workshop

We had an amazing day with out family models during the second day of our CONFIDENCE workshop in Dallas, Texas. I am so excited to show you some of the images from that day. It was beautiful to see all of the different viewpoints that everyone shot from.

Amy Brion got an awesome shot of this young lady. I love how the “hand holding that hat” gives this image a little “movement” which totally changes the look of the image as well as puts the subject at ease if you tell them to do something. Amazing light!

The lines that the tree trunks make in this image that Veronica Bernal took really add to the image. Great composition!

Susan Prejean…it is so hard to get an image of children this age, all looking at you! You did it! I think the backlighting is so yummy and warm on this image. Because Susan kept these three kiddos close to the same “plane” , she could shoot this with an aperture that allowed for that creamy, blurry background.

Linda Hunstable, what a great, crisp shot of this gal. She is adorable with that gentle smile!

Don’t you always want to have a shot of the older sibling kissing the baby? I adore the interaction that Karen Porter captured with this shot! So precious!

Karen Champlin and Amy’s shot above were probably taken minutes apart but look at how different each “eye” was. Beautiful, clean editing Karen!

Jennifer Pacheco…WOW! Everything works on this image. The warm light, the sun flare, and the composition all directly go with the emotion that this image exudes. Wonderful!

Jan Brier shot a great, classic portrait! This is one of those times when putting your subject perfectly in the middle of the image totally works. Really nice!

Heather Raiden…This is one of my favorite images of the bunch! I love that they are both looking off and are completely caught in that moment of joy!

We had a special time with SOAR gal and NJ Confidence Workshop attendee, Marcia…and Jen Armstrong, 2010 SOAR! Scholarship Recipient on family day as well. Marcia shared with the ladies how her business has unfolded since she went to the CONFIDENCE workshop. It was super helpful to hear Jen and Marcia talk about the ups and downs and excitement of pursuing their photography dreams. Thank you so much for joining us Jen and Marcia!!

XOXO

Me Ra

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January 18th, 2012

Baby Inspiration Photos from the Texas Confidence Workshop

Texas…WOW! I can’t believe it has taken us this long to get to Texas. What a fabulous bunch of ladies. Brian and I are so blessed to have been with this group of women during our Texas Confidence Workshop. We loved being in Texas and sure hope to go back in the future. The women there are so wonderful with the biggest hearts ever. They dove right in with full courage. I am so proud of them and their baby images!

Oh my goodness, so cute…Amy Brion! I love that we can see enough of mom’s beautiful smile as well and this awesome expression on baby’s face. And the light…really yummy!

Heather Raiden took this image with the super simple background. With a background like that, it totally draws us in to the little munchkin. The catch lights in this baby’s eyes are amazing!

I love the warmth of this image from Jennifer Pacheco. With the light coming in from the side of the subject it gives a great dimension to her face. Lovely Jennifer!

Karen Champlin took this really crisp image. I love how easily we can count her eyelashes. Super great focus.

Karen Porter captured the love and comfort of a mother and baby in this image. When I look at this image I totally think about what a baby’s head smells like. Pure heaven!

Wow! Linda Hunstable…the composition of this image is perfect. Just the right amount of baby and mom! And the wedding ring is an added bonus.

Susan Prejean shot this perfect portrait in just simply perfect light! This image is perfectly exposed which also makes it look that much more crisp and clear. Nicely done Susan!

Veronica Bernal used the “Rule of Thirds” with this little gal perfectly. It sends our eye from hers to what she is looking at out the window. Love it!

I am so glad that some of our ladies captured some “Behind the Scenes” during our Baby shoot! Thank you so much!

XOXO
Me Ra

p.s.. There are only a few spots left in Seattle CONFIDENCE Wkshp this month! CLICK HERE for Details!

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January 17th, 2012

Our Winner for Seattle!

We have a winner for our Running on Empty contest for Seattle!

Thank you to our beautiful (you’ll see just how beautiful soon ) and generous panel of judges. One of the tougher jobs to do – to read the heart-wrenching stories of inspiration and hard challenges to pick one out of all very deserving women. We truly embrace and honor every single one of you. And know that you can always nominate yourself or another again.:)

Our winner this round is….Linda Conti! An adoptive mom later in life who went after all options and who has taken many into her heart. Linda, we celebrate you!

Her dear friend, Venea wrote:

“I would like to nominate my friend Linda. Family, friends and relationships are so important to Linda. She loves capturing relationships in portraiture. She takes pride and centers her life around her family, and still finds time to take care of others.

Linda and her husband tried for 12 years to have children, during which time Linda underwent acupuncture, herbal remedies, artificial insemination and embryo adoption, to fulfill Linda’s lifelong dream of becoming a mother. The last round of embryo adoption and implantation worked, and she was able to experience pregnancy, giving continued life to a baby created by another couple, but rendered unneeded by them after they attained their desired pregnancies. Linda’s joy was short lived as she suffered the tragic loss of the pregnancy a while later. Prior to the pregnancy Linda and her husband had opened their home to foster children and Linda was able to enjoy the responsibility of being a foster mom. Finally they were blessed with two beautiful children to adopt into their lives and home forever, now ages 5 and 8.

Linda lives for her children, most days driving them the 25 miles to school herself. While the children are in school, Linda finds time to volunteer. When not working in her children’s classroom, she is also a volunteer member of the National Assistants League of Everett, Kitty Young Auxiliary, which is for Working Women, volunteering for several philanthropic projects. Among the many projects, Linda donates time to the NW Regional Learning Center for disenfranchised teens, and one of Linda’s favorites, Operation School Bell where Linda is basically a personal shopper, helping match up needy children in Snohomish County with appropriate school clothes and basic supplies.

2 years ago when health prevented Linda’s mom from living at home anymore, Linda moved her father (now 83!) in to live with her.

Hard economic times have forced Linda and her husband to have to weigh their expenses, through no fault of their own. They had built their dream house out of sweat equity and are raising their family there. Unfortunately, just prior to the economy crashing, they put their house as collateral and built an investment home, in an effort to further secure their financial future. The colossal drop in value of both homes has caused them to risk loosing their investments and their financial future. Linda is always exploring new ways to expand her photographic abilities to offer a means to provide for her family. She is working tirelessly to build a clientele to help ensure her family’s security.

Linda could greatly benefit from a weekend of renewal. She got her first camera when she was 11 and I would love to see her advance and succeed. She is always doing for others and deserves a break for herself! In case you are wondering, I know she is available and I will gladly watch her children for her if her husband wants!

As Linda has blessed all who know her, I would love the blessings be returned!! Thank you for your consideration ”

Congratulations Linda!! I hope you’ll find both respite and inspiring joy at the workshop. Brian and I look forward to giving you a BIG HUG this weekend!

xo,

p.s. Three Spots Left for this Weekend in Seattle!

This Saturday and Sunday we have our CONFIDENCE Workshop in Seattle! Want to start the New Year off with confidence in your photography and a creative spirit that is refreshed?! Then come join us! Ladies only! CLICK HERE for details! Or you can email Genie (genie@merakoh.com) with any questions. ALL LEVELS WELCOME!

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January 16th, 2012

New Photo Contest that’s All About GATHERINGS!

The new photo contest is officially here, and it’s all about Gatherings!

Your response to the New Beginnings Photo Contest was so great, we are thrilled to launch a NEW 2012 photo contest around the theme of Gatherings with a new prize: $500 GC to Target (woo-hoo! just gets better and better!)

How Do You Find or Take the Right Photo to Enter?

Think about it this way…What photos have you taken that show the beauty, love and humor of Gatherings? Note the obvious ideas but go out of the box too! This can be a gathering of people you love or what about gatherings of objects you love–like that collection of shoes you hide (check out our NEW Humor Category!), or what about your recent holiday photo that you are super proud of (see this NEW Category too!). I know it took a TON of work to make that family holiday photo happen! Why not enter in the contest!

Keep getting those photos off your computer, take a step of courage in entering, and by doing so, inspire each other with how we see the world around us!

Remember to invite your kids to the challenge too for the special Kid’s Clicks Category! Be sure to check back because every week I’ll be picking two of my favorite entries, giving them feedback and posting it on the website under Me Ra’s Critiques! Check back to see if yours is picked!

Like it or what?! Woo-hoo!

xo,

p.s. Three Spots Left for this Weekend in Seattle!

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January 12th, 2012

Let’s Meet in Person! Vegas or Tennessee?!

Brian and I are coming to Vegas and Tennessee in February, and we would LOVE to meet you!

First stop is WPPI 2012, February 16th-23rd in Vegas!

Wishing you could have a reunion with your CONFIDENCE sisters? Why not WPPI! Take it from the San Diego CONFIDENCE Workshop! These ladies have kept up this reunion for three years now!

WPPI is the largest Wedding and Portrait Photography Conference! Thousands of photographers come from all over the world, but don’t fret. The attendees range from beginner to old pro. The speaking sessions are awesome, down to earth, and cover EVERY THING you could think of from lighting, posing, social media, running a business, etc. Every product, vendor, I mean…any photography related THING, is at the tradeshow–and often vendors save their BIGGEST discounts to offer to WPPI attendees. So if you are thinking of upgrading your camera equipment, save your dollars and do it at WPPI! This is an amazing conference! It’s one of our Grand Prize awards in the Nielsen Photo contests! In fact, I’m super excited for Leah, the Grand Prize winner of the New Beginnings Contest to go! She gets full registration to WPPI as one of her prizes!

Remember the talk I gave at Photo Plus in NY called “Using Social Media Strategically: What Works vs What is Noise”? I know a lot of you were unable to attend Photo Plus but wanted to hear the talk! You are in luck!! The audience feedback was so great in NY, WPPI is letting me bring the talk to Vegas!

Mark your calendars. My session will be on Wed, February 22nd, from 8-10am! I will also be doing several shooting demonstrations at the SONY booth on the tradeshow floor.

So you better say hi! Register for WPPI and save your spot for my talk online today!

From Vegas, we fly to Tennessee for Blissdom 2012!

Calling all women who love blogging, taking pictures, writing and dream of running your own business (or currently have a business)! Blissdom brings 750 women together for a two day conference that will blow your socks off and infuse you with inspiration and friendship! I’ll be teaching all day on Friday for those interested in photography! My talk is titled “Shoot Like a Woman”! And I can’t wait to meet you there! This is my first time going to Tennessee, so EXCITED!

Blissdom is held at the Opryland Hotel. From what I hear, this place is a great family vacation spot too!

But first, before our CONFIDENCE Workshop in Seattle and Florida, before WPPI in Vegas, before Blissdom in Tennessee, we head to Costa Rica this week to shoot a very, very special wedding! (Bring me sunshine!)

So where am I going to see you this new year? Seattle, Florida, Vegas, Tennessee or California? …Costa Rica?

xo,

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January 10th, 2012

Florida “Minis with Me Ra” Released!

Minis with Me Ra are coming to Florida this February!

Every family, every person, has their own story to share. Me Ra would be honored to capture your story this February in Florida!

She is releasing only three Mini Sessions! Below are all the juicy details! To book your Mini with Me Ra, click on the date and time below of your choice!

1. Friday, February 3rd at 3:30-4pm

2. Friday, February 3rd at 4:15-4:45pm

3. Friday, February 3rd at 5-5:30pm

To be put on the waiting list for a possible fourth Mini Session, please email us at info@merakoh.com!

What is a Mini Session? Keep reading!

A Mini Session is a family shoot that lasts 30 minutes. You tell me what your most important photos are (a family shot for the holiday card, individuals of the kids, etc.), and we knock em out in thirty minutes! It’s long enough to get all the shots we need, and it’s short enough for your kids’ attention span.

Mini Details:

Cost is $550. Mini Photo Session MUST be prepaid to confirm your time. You must be on time, preferably 10 minutes early, since sessions are booked back to back.

Testimonial: I received the most beautiful testimonial from a Chicago Mini Session, and with her permission I’m honored to share it with you. My heart’s desire is that our 30 minutes together will be much richer than a picture taking session. I can’t tell you how much Alisa’s feedback meant.

Dear Me Ra,
Words simply cannot express how much I loooove these images. Ah-mazing! Truly.  You have no idea how much it means to me to have spent some time with you and to have you take some awesome shots of me and my family! It was so, so much fun and I tried to soak in every moment. And now I have these amazing images to remind me of our time with you, of our first family vacation as a new family of five and some great images of Allen and me just loving on each other and our kiddos. My heart just smiles thinking about it.
It was an inspiring weekend all around. I know this is going to sound corny, but our shoot together really set the tone for our entire weekend as a family together. You lifted my spirits, you filled my heart and you gave me a sense of confidence – all of which I soooooo needed – and that carried over into my entire outlook on life. You inspire, you care and you love…naturally. There is a just a freshness about you that is contagious. I love you for that!
     Ok. Tears are coming to my eyes and I feel like I’m sounding a little mushy-gushy…but I mean it. Thank you so much. You are awesome. Wish I could be around you more often….I read your blog every day to get my daily dose!
    Wishing you much continued success and lots-a-lots-a love!

-Alisa, Chicago Mini Shoot

Benefits of a Mini Photo Session with Me Ra

1. Done in 30 minutes! Have you ever experienced a photo shoot where you find yourself standing around, wondering what to do for the photographer. Not going to happen with me! One of the BEST time frames for a photo shoot with kids is about 30 minutes long. And I maximize that 30 minutes like you would not believe. We are moving, trying different ideas, laughing, playing and DONE before the kids are frustrated and tired. (Some of you may be thinking, THIRTY minutes? What can you shoot in thirty minutes? Answer: a whole heck of A LOT–see below)

2. 30 Final Images Narrowed Down for YOU! Are you one of those parents who has thousands, I mean THOUSANDS, of images on your computer? Do you feel lost in knowing how to choose certain ones to print? I hear your pain. This is why I narrow down our time to the top 30 moments of the shoot. And I mix them up with both Color and BW toning.

3. High Res Files FOREVER! The 30 Final Images are YOURS! (yep, you get to keep the images and print them wherever you’d like)

4. Show the Sweetness Off! An awesome 16×20 Metal Print of Your Favorite Image. Our team is more than happy to help you pick the one photo for this Metal. Moms have gone CRAZY over these Metal Prints since we spotlighted them on the Nate Berkus Show. Nate LOVES these Metal prints–I LOVE these Metal Prints! Watch the episode by clicking “Turn Your Portraits into Art.”

I have these metals all around our house, and I even have them hanging on my outside deck because they can handle rain and snow and add this wonderful design and color to our backyard. Once you get yours, you’ll join the fan club of Metal Prints!

The BIG question…

What can I shoot in 30 minutes? Well, this is what I shot in 10 minutes at one of our CONFIDENCE Workshops in Seattle.

Mom had these amazing, long legs, so I walked the group through my thought process on how to set up a shot that tells this story along with the story of two generations.

Love all that JOY!!

(Within this 10 minutes, 20 plus women were watching me as I walked them through my camera settings and creative process–while trying to keep the kids entertained–mind you. )

When we do your family shoot, we won’t have an audience. And, I’m going to pull out the individual personalities of your kids so that you feel like the story of “who they are” is found in your photos.

When I’m doing a live shoot on The Nate Berkus Show, I get less than 7 minutes and ONE click for each photo–one shot, and it has to work because 2 million viewers see it.

Bottom line, a thirty minute Mini Session with your family feels like total LUXURY on my end!! We can do ENDLESS things in thirty minutes!

Once you are signed up, Genie (my right hand woman) will email you with details, like what to wear, what to bring, how to prepare, etc. Questions? Don’t hesitate to email us at info@merakoh.com.

Want more than 30 minutes?

My Private Portrait Packages start at $3K. I come to your home and spend up to two hours with your family, documenting the many expressions of your family being in the place you love. Here is one of my favorite, recent examples, Gita, Nick and their Baby Boy! For more details on booking a Private Portrait Session, email info@merakoh.com.

I can’t wait to see all of your beautiful families on the beach in Florida!!

Much love!

p.s. Please keep in mind that you MUST be on time for your Mini Session. If you are late, your time and payment will be forfeited. Thanks for understanding and arriving early with all your paperwork.

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January 9th, 2012

Photography Exercise for the New Year: Starting From Where You Are

Today is only the 9th day of the New Year, but I must admit 2012 feels different than what I expected. The last couple years, I’ve been gung-ho on making new resolutions. The motivation behind making new resolutions feels like a loud energy. In the past, the new SOAR! year would start to build with applications in November, growing with anticipation in December, and then exploding into a new beginning in January. By taking this year off of the SOAR Scholarship, wow, I didn’t realize how much of the holidays we had missed the last couple years. This year the holidays were rich in rest and quiet. But I think I still expected myself to be building in energy, especially that “take charge” energy when January 1st arrived. Instead, I’ve rolled into this year feeling super quiet. The quiet is almost unsettling.

It’s uncomfortable to feel something different than what you expected. Instead of just accepting that I jump to conclusions. Something must be wrong with me. I check my pulse. (Am I alive? Why am I so quiet?) I ask Brian if I’m depressed. As the question rolls off my tongue I start laughing because I know I’m not depressed at all. Ahhh, I’m already starting the New Year with temptation to feel like a failure!….And off my mind goes, jumping from one silly conclusion to the next. (Does anyone relate? It’s like I’ve turned into crazy woman because I feel quiet inside and quiet is not what I expected to feel like. How does Brian survive me?)

Well, good news. I decided to go with the quiet. There is a saying that hangs on the wall at the yoga studio; “Start from where you are.” It’s so simple, but so powerful. Where am I? I’m in a quiet place. This is where I should start.

With camera in hand, I went on a long walk, looking for quiet details. I wanted to find beauty in the stillness–beauty I often miss because life is moving so fast.

I didn’t expect to find the desires of my heart. The golden leaves holding on to the burning bush in full splendor.

The bare branches reaching up into the white, blank sky with a fearlessness.

As I finished my walk, I realized I had gone searching for vision. I didn’t want to miss the beauty in the quietness. I didn’t want to keep jumping to conclusions because I never took a moment to pause with my camera…with myself. Before I took a single photo of someone else this year, I wanted to make sure I took one for myself–of myself. The embrace of starting from where I am, capturing what I see today (and not what I think I should see) will be the roots that hold me in the coming year.

So, the photography exercise for the New Year is simple, quiet and possibly necessary for the artist soul. It is all about starting from where we are.

1. Carve out 10 minutes of quiet space with a blank sheet of paper and pen.

2. Write down three things you expected to feel in the New Year. Now write down what you do feel. Are they the same? If they are not the same, take note.

3. Take your camera and a small pocket size notebook and go for a 30-45 minute walk. Walk slow and notice the details surrounding you. What captures you? What in nature or surrounding objects reflects the space you find yourself in this New Year? What can you photograph that symbolizes how this New Year feels.

4. Pause. Listen. Shoot.

5. For just a minute, write what message is being spoken to you? What acceptance is available to you that you may not have noticed before?

As 2012 starts, I want to start from where I am–not where I think I should be. I want to start the year aware of all the riches I hold within me, instead of feeling inadequate. I want to practice finding truth in what feels unfamiliar. I want to venture into the unknown, even when it looks completely different than what I expected. I want to take the next step forward, no matter how small, rather than retreat to what is familiar. I want to be true to myself, so I can lift up my family and loved ones inspiring them to be true to who they are. I want to be humble enough to start from where I am, regardless of what outcome I fear or hunger.

I want to reach out from the burning bush and feel my spirit set ablaze.

If you feel inspired to try this exercise this week, I would LOVE to see your photos and hear what you discover. You can email me or even better, post them on my FB page so we can all find comfort and inspiration in knowing we walk this journey together.

To the most wonderful community, I walk into the mysteries of 2012 with you.

xo,

p.s. My DSLR Settings for the Photos in Today’s Post…Camera: SONY a900 DSLR and the 85mm fixed lens / 100 ISO, f/1.4 Aperture and Shutter Speed at 250th of a second.

p.s.s. Only a few spots left in Seattle CONFIDENCE Wkshp this month! CLICK HERE for Details!

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January 6th, 2012

Running on Empty for Seattle – Who will she be?

Our first Running on Empty contest for 2012! With Florida SOLD OUT and only a few spots open for Seattle and LA/OC, this is a very special gift for a woman who’s given her all.

It’s always a privilege to be able to announce this contest for a seat in Me Ra’s CONFIDENCE Workshop. We do our best to hold one seat aside for a special mom.

Do you know a mom who needs this kind of group and weekend getaway? Her own ‘play group’? A woman Running on Empty? Nominate her today. Let’s start her year with a gift, give her something to SMILE BIG about all year and lift her spirit!

If you know a MOM who is;

A. Running on Empty

B. Lives near the Seattle area or has mileage to spend

C. Can arrange for a sitter and get the weekend free, starting Friday, January 20th 7-9pm, for the Meet & Greet through Sunday evening, January 22nd, about 7pm.

D. Most importantly, has a PASSION for photography

Nominate her TODAY! Nominations must be in by Monday night, January 9th at 6pm PST.

We will announce the winner in time for her to jump in and make all the arrangements. So make sure your nominations are all in by Monday at 6pm PST. If you are not familiar with this contest, read Me Ra’s description below and see what it’s all about! Moms are one of the most beautiful parts of creation. This contest is all about acknowledging their beauty, even when they are Running on Empty and they sometimes know it least of all.

“Here’s how it works!

In honor of how wonderful moms are and all that they do and give, Brian and I keep one spot reserved in (almost) every workshop for a special mom like YOU! That’s right, you (or she) will get a free pass to the upcoming CONFIDENCE Workshop in the Seattle area! (Please note, we don’t provide room/board and travel.)

To nominate a mom, you must post a comment telling us about the mom who you think deserves a big break in life! If you are a mom, you’re probably laughing because we ALL deserve a serious break. But the moms we’re looking for are the ones who have had a ridiculous amount of stress in their life whether from trauma or things just not going her way this year. She is a mom in your life that needs a serious blessing to come her way. She needs a serious surprise that gives her empty tank some fuel. If she is a woman that has miscarried, she is still a mom in my mind b/c I know her heart became a mother’s heart the moment she found out she was pregnant. Don’t hesitate to nominate her too.

I’m proud to say that some of our previous winners stepped out on a limb and nominated themselves. Take courage in them and feel free to nominate yourself if you know you need a serious break. Who knows, you may have your house remodeled by Oprah!”

xoxo Me Ra

_________________________________________

We’ll collect all the nominees, have a committee of wonderful moms vote, and then announce the winner in the next week! Being as wonderful as they are, it’s not an easy job. As one said recently, “After reading each story I’d say, ‘I’m voting for HER’.” Each one of you is so deserving.

Nominate her today and turn her day around! Oh, wait! Don’t forget to let her know you’ve nominated her too! If I was a mom nominated I’d love to know my friends were thinking of me whether I won or not! Deadline for ALL nominations is Monday 1/9 at 6pm PST. Nominations MUST be posted as a comment on this blog post. Nominations emailed, posted on other blog posts or FB may be overlooked. Please post all nominees here . Thanks! (A tip: write in Word or other program first, then cut and paste over – just in case.:))

What do past attendees say about the CONFIDENCE Workshops? Take a look at Me Ra’s birthday post where over 100 women shared what a difference this workshop has made in their life. CLICK HERE to read their comments!

May 2012 spark many moments of happiness in your heart! ~ Genie

____________________________________________

We have limited spots left in our Seattle and Orange County/LA, CA Winter workshops. Women only (sorry guys!). Tampa, FL is SOLD OUT! CLICK HERE for Seattle Details and Orange Country/LA Details!

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January 5th, 2012

Stiletto Woman in Business: Award Finalist!

I’ve been catching up on holiday emails, and I found one that took me by total surprise! Turns out I was nominated for the Stiletto Woman in Business Awards.

Out of 300 nominations, I’m a Finalist for THREE different categories;

Inspirational Entrepreneur of the Year

Artistic Entrepreneur of the Year

Photography Business of the Year!

Wow, wow, and wow!

I’m a bit speechless! Seriously speechless!

Thank you so much to the people who nominated me, I feel completely honored and wow…speechless! If you feel comfortable letting me know who you are, I’d love to send you a personal note of thanks. What a wonderful surprise and gift to be nominated by you!

Thank you to the Stiletto Woman in Business! Their community and magazine empower women in business leadership, and seriously, that is an incredible…beautiful committment that I can’t say enough about.

Congrats also to Keri Doolittle, a fellow SONY shooter, who was also nominated! (Go Keri!)

It looks like they are doing a special conference for women. We’ve been invited to come for the awards ceremony, and I’m so sad that our calendar is already booked for those dates. But if you are in the Atlanta, Georgia area, it looks like a great day of women being inspired!

I know I said it already, but wow. I’m so moved by this news. Again, thank you so much.

xo,

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January 4th, 2012

7 Winning Photos! Announcing New Beginnings Photo Contest Winners!

We had the most INCREDIBLE turn out for our first photo contest with the Nielsen Photo Group! The New Beginning photos that were submitted were simply AWE-some! What better way to start the New Year than be inspired by your peers! If you haven’t had a chance to see the winners photos, you MUST check these out! They are incredible!

GRAND PRIZE WINNER and BABY CATEGORY!

Leah Robbins
A giddy little girl celebrates her first birthday!

Leah wins;

A Seat at Me Ra Koh’s CONFIDENCE Workshop (value: $999). Brian and I can’t wait to have YOU!
SONY a65 DSLR with DT 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Standard Zoom Lens, 24.3 MP Digital, Translucent Mirror Technology. Sony’s latest DSLR! Be one of the FIRST to own it! (value: $999.99)
Full Registration for the WPPI (Wedding & Portrait Photographers International) conference, which is held annually in Las Vegas! (value: $399)
Full registration includes one free guest. The WPPI tradeshow has over 300 exhibitors showcasing an assortment of photography and imaging products. There are also over 75 wedding industry speakers presenting on wedding and portrait photography, lighting, Photoshop and much more! This expo is sure to jump-start your creativity!
Two V.I.P. Tickets to The Nate Berkus Show (taped in New York City).

CATEGORY WINNERS!

CHILDREN Category

Shante Gillette
Water approaching. (Image 1 of 4)

RELATIONSHIPS Category

John Krauss
Happy and content while rocking away under the guise of Fidel.

ELEMENTS Category

Nicole Rae
Without thought or regard… carefree. (Image 1 of 6)

CAMERA PHONE Category

Sean Conaty
July ’11.

KID’S CLICK Category

Family’s tentative first steps into the cold, foamy shoreline of New York’s Coney Island Beach. This little photographer won a Toys R Us Gift Certificate for the special KID’S CLICKS category! (value $250)

PEOPLE’S CHOICE WINNER

Maggie Habieda Nowakowski
Nature’s Miracle.

All Category Winners receive;

$250 B&H gift card.
Autographed copy of Me Ra Koh’s best-selling book Your Baby in Pictures (value $19.99)
One year subscription to PDN, the #1 magazine for professional photographers (value: $65)
PDN PhotoPlus Expo Gold Pass (value: $50)
PhotoPlus Expo is the largest annual photography tradeshow in the U.S. Category winners will each receive a 3-day pass to the expo plus priority admission to the keynotes, special events, a swag bag and much more!
Go Pro! All winning entries may be submitted to sell as stock images!
Winning images will be published in Rangefinder magazine and seen by over 60,000 subscribers.

I wish all these winners could hear the oooh’s and aaahhh’s that our family made when we looked at their images! Simply beautiful and inspiring work!!!

Thank you so much to EVERY ONE who entered! Wow, the judges had a TOUGH time choosing! I’m so glad I don’t have their job!!! All of you did so great!

Deep appreciation to our incredible photo judges; Julie Holder (recently the photo editor at the Nate Berkus Show and now the photo editor of Rolling Stone!), incredible photographer Matthew Jordan Smith (you must see his work!), and wonderful Jacqueline Tobin, executive editor at Rangefinder magazine!

Hold on to your seats!

The New Beginnings Photo Contest is the first of many more to come from Me Ra Koh Media and The Nielsen Photo Group! We had so much fun with this contest and had such great response that we are going to start a new one with a new theme next week! Juicy details to come!! Stay tuned!

A BIG thank you to our wonderful sponsors; SONY (the Grand Prize winner got a new DSLR thanks to SONY!), Amphoto Books, PDN, Rangefinder magazine, WPPIonline, PDN/PhotoPlus!

xo,

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