I did a photo shoot last week of a baby and dog, and OH MY STINKING GOODNESS!, it was the BEST, most HILARIOUS time ever!  We could not stop laughing all throughout the shoot.  Talk about two unpredictable subjects!

Plus, there is this mysterious and beautiful connection between babies and animals that always amazes me.  I mean if you really think about it, this sweet dog is like a horse in size from little Walker’s eyes. But Walker wasn’t afraid and just jibber-jabbered to the dog non stop.  It was the sweetest thing!

I look at this moment below, and I can’t help but see a deeper connection between babies and their pets.  The connection can be so gentle, so protective, and thoughtful.  And even though baby is pulling on the dog’s ears, grabbing fistfuls of fur, or trying to catch that wagging tail, the dog doesn’t waver in her steadfast commitment to watch over this little one.  It makes you want to cry and laugh all at the same time!

There are so many fun moments from this shoot, but I’m not allowed to show any more photos until the publisher has their pick.   Within the new photography book, I’ll be sharing the lessons I learned and photo tips you can try when working with a dog and baby at the same time.  And get this!  Brian video taped the WHOLE shoot so you’ll get to watch this hilarious adventure for yourself!  When is the photography book coming out?  Spring 2011!  We are about to start rewrite #3 this week!  As Pascaline would say “Foofy-Doo!”

For all my Photo Recipe Lovers!  My f-stop was at a 3.2 to soften the background of French Doors.  I had a higher ISO.  It was 640.  Why do this?  I knew I needed to freeze the action between these two, so that means I needed a fast shutter speed.  My Shutter Speed was able to be 1/2000th’s of a second because my ISO was higher.  This helped me freeze every split second of interaction between the two.

A big thanks to the precious baby Walker and Mushu, the sweet pup!

xoxo,

Me Ra

p.s.  Click on any image to get a bigger, closer look!  And be sure to check out the SOAR! blog this week!  We’ve got a handful of diverse posts from the photo results of an Artist Way prompting to what happens when Linda shadows a pro photographer to having the right camera accessories!  Definitely, don’t miss it! 

As I’ve been drafting the chapters for each book, setting images in place for different Photo Recipes and Photo Tips (yes, lots and lots of Recipes and Tips coming!), I’ve noticed a couple spots I want to fill. Be sure to stay tuned into the blog because I’ll be announcing a couple different age groups that I’m looking for.

Let’s start with babies that are 0-12 months. Do you have a cute baby that is publish worry?! (Okay, I just typed that and realized that was a DUMB question! That doesn’t narrow it down much, huh!). How about this…

1. Do you live in the Greater Seattle area?

2. Are you and your baby free the weekend of November 21st and 22nd?

If you said “YES!” to both questions, you may be in luck! Here’s what you need to do!

1. Send us an email at info@merakoh.com with the following;

A. JPG of your baby.

B. Age of your baby

C. Baby’s birth date and year.

D. Any special story you’d like to include

2. Pencil me in for November 20th and 21st (we will let you know the specific date and time as soon as we have some logistics figured out over here)

The photo shoot will be on me! That’s right. I didn’t stutter. It’s an $800 value. You’ll get a High Res DVD of the images and a $50 print credit to Pictage for pro lab quality prints! AND, if your baby is chosen, we will be sending you an autographed first copy of the book!

xoxo, Me Ra

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TWO NEW Photo Contests, TWO WAYS to WIN! Deadline is December 1st! To enter and WIN, read the details HERE !

Our Refuse to Say Cheese DVD series are now AWARD WINNING! Read the press release HERE ! The DVDs were also recently featured on FOX News as a TOP GIFT recommendation for the holidays! Refuse to Say Cheese and Beyond the Green Box , click either title!

Thinking of starting your dream Photography Business?! You can totally do it with our popular 101 Kits ! Inspired from the 100′s of emails that Me Ra Koh receives each week, asking the how to’s of having a Photography Business, Me Ra has compiled all her answers into her popular 101 Kits! For more info, click on the titles of your choice, read the reviews and make your dream a reality! And don’t forget to send your success stories to Me Ra at mera@merakoh.com !

Meet Baby Lila from NYC. She is a miracle angel. (I love her sweet, little hands.)

I was given the honor of doing a photo shoot with baby Lila and her mom, Caroline. But this wasn’t any portrait shoot. This was an incredibly moving experience that captured my spirit.

When Lila was a four week old infant, she and her mom were in a horrific car accident. A truck diver fell asleep behind the wheel, and the collision caused Lila and Caroline’s car to flip seven times. Seven times. Lila was tucked in her newborn car seat and came away from the accident with hardly a scratch. Caroline was a different story. She was torn from her baby and helicoptered to the nearest trauma center. She had broken her neck in several places and was taken right into surgery.

After the surgery, Caroline had to undergo an intense recovery process. Part of the process has been wearing a constricting neck brace 24 hrs a day.

So much happened all at once. Her long beautiful, black hair was shaved in surgery. Her vision of being able to rock Lila in her arms would be put off for months. I cannot imagine the pain her heart has endured. And yet, she is still full of love. And her love washes over Lila.

When we did the photo shoot, Caroline had just been told by her doctor that she could take off her neck brace for small increments of time–maybe 7-10 minutes. A couple weeks before the shoot, she was given permission to hold her Lila for small amounts of time. And as you can imagine, with all the trauma, they had not had photos taken of Lila.

Having heard their story before I arrived in NY, my heart was filled with a desire to capture the beautiful connection between Caroline and her baby girl. I wanted to capture the story of their intimacy. Even though the first four months of Lila’s life had been very different than what Caroline had expected, I wanted the images to prove that their love and connection was deeper than either could fathom. That Caroline’s neck brace wasn’t a distraction but a part of the miracle. That the scar on Caroline’s neck didn’t distract because Caroline’s inner strength glowed–filling the home.

As photographers, these are the amazing stories we get to be a part of. We get to meet miracles. We get to be reminded that all hope is not lost, even when everything is not what we expected. We get to be inspired by the depth of love, despite the circumstances that threatened to break it apart.

Dear Caroline, thank you for allowing me into your home to capture you and Lila. It was a honor to hear your story and capture the beautiful connection you have with Lila. She is an angel Caroline. She is a miracle in the purest form. And so are you. My experience and time with you has forever changed me. My spirit shall never forget it. Much love, Me Ra

To watch Baby Lila’s Slideshow, CLICK HERE!

One last favorite: the classic, precious mullet.

The slideshow music was another great piece I found at Triple Scoop Music. We were able to pay for a license of the music. The title alone, Angel Eyes, seemed to be the perfect fit for Baby Lila.

Enjoy! And get your Kleenex out. The words of the song combined with the images had me tearing up as I created the slideshow. You will see how wide and deep the beauty reaches between this mother and daughter.

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What about putting CONFIDENCE on your Christmas Wish List this year!!! We are down to THREE spots in the January 2010 Seattle CONFIDENCE Workshop! The November Seattle CONFIDENCE Workshop is sold out! CLICK HERE to get one of the last spots!

Our Refuse to Say Cheese DVD series are now AWARD WINNING! Read the press release HERE ! If you haven’t ordered your own copy yet, check out our popular Instructional DVDs Refuse to Say Cheese and Beyond the Green Box , and our 101 Kits for starting or expanding a business in photography, click on the titles of your choice!

This family illustrates the point like no other. If your one of those people who loves back story, read on. But if you are chomping at the bit to see the baby photos, scroll down my friend!

Almost three years ago, Shannon came across our photography ad in Grace Ormonde’s Wedding Style magazine. Shannon already had a wedding photographer, paid the deposit and had her engagement shoot over and done with. But when she saw our ad, she felt like I would understand her and know what she needed and wanted from her wedding photography. She called me, and a friendship began. Who would have ever thought how much the connection would grow.

Needless to say, Shannon canceled her wedding photographer, forfeited the deposit and flew me and Brian out to Napa to shoot her and Rob’s wedding. Not only did we shoot their wedding, but we became friends with her sister and fiance at the time. A year later, we flew out to Denver, Colorado and shot Brittany and Greer’s wedding. When winter came, we all went skiing together in Vail. The only problem we need to figure out is how to live closer to each other!

You can imagine how excited we were when we got an email in Thailand that Baby Hudson, Brittany and Greer’s first, was due around the same time we were coming home. Could we come to Colorado and do a newborn shoot? Absolutely!

One of the most powerful transformations we get to witness and capture is when the stunning bride

becomes a beautiful mother.

I can’t think of many transformations that can compete with a mother’s love.

And let’s not forget about the new dad, who was strong before but now seems even stronger with how gentle he holds his baby.

He is captivated in his own way. To see this captivation alive on a father’s face…it makes you feel like all is well in the world.

Greer has a tattoo on his back. It’s his family crest. We had to do something about that!

Shannon, having come to our photography workshop, caught some great shots of me getting the shots! You did great Shannon! I love these!

And this is by far the best “in action” shot ever! Look what, or who, is in between my legs! Is that funny or what! You never know what your shooting conditions will be.

Their even attentive when the baby cries. It’s pretty sweet.

Since the dogs are such a part of their life, we cleared out the basket of dog toys and put Baby Hudson in there.

Quick Photography Tip: When doing a newborn shoot, try to find objects that you can incorporate to show the scale of how small the baby is compared to the world around them.

We can’t forget the precious hair swirl.

This one is for Grandma! Love you Megan!

Another favorite.

But if I had to choose the image I love the most, it would be this last one. I feel like this image tells the story of a newborn; life is quiet, mom is there with arms wrapped around baby. Their body heat creates the perfect temperature, as it has the last nine months. You can hear mom and baby’s breath intertwine, the rise and fall of their connection. The day steps out of being a 24 hour day, time itself is fluid with no beginning or end.

All that is important is this. All that exists is this.

Brittany and Greer, Brian and I love you both. We are so happy for you. Thank you for inviting us to capture this incredible moment of time.

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Tomorrow’s blog is going to be all about the camera gear we took to Thailand! Why we took what we did, what we needed outside of cameras and lenses. What we would do differently the next time, and much more! Stay tuned!

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**The BIG SONY/Woman’s World magazine contest ends April 30th! Have you signed up yet? Make sure you, your family and friends get registered! For details, CLICK HERE !

Our Refuse to Say Cheese DVD series is continuing to grow, faster than we know what to do with! In the midst of unpacking luggage, I jumped on a radio interview this weekend and talked about our DVDS for 30-40 minutes! It was wonderful!! If you haven’t ordered your own copy yet, check out our popular Instructional DVDs Refuse to Say Cheese and Beyond the Green Box (They are BACK IN STOCK!! Yeah!!), our 101 Kits for starting or expanding a business in photography , click on the titles of your choice!

Most the time, adults need to lead children.

But there is also a time when adults need to step aside and listen to children, allowing the children to lead.

Whenever I do a portrait shoot for a family, I always watch and listen to the kids. They are my guide to how this session will unfold. They answer all my questions…How much energy do they have? How do they feel about the camera in their face? Are they scared by it, excited about it? Do they want to connect with me? What can they teach me? How would they take a picture if they were the photographer? Carter didn’t have to think about the answer to this question. He’s a natural!

I had the honor of taking Brendan’s photos this summer. It was such a rich experience because I also took Carter’s photos when he was a baby. To watch Gayla and Ken’s family grow is amazing. They are the most wonderful, kind family, and I’m so excited for you to see their slideshow! Turn up the volume, the music by Alison Krauss is perfect for this sweet family shoot.

To watch Brendan’s Slideshow, click on the name!

But even if you watch it, I have to show you two favorites!

Look at how Baby Brendan smiled in his brother’s arms.

Carter has got the sweetest face and little curls in his hair. I’m telling you, he will rob your heart when you meet him!

For those of you doing portrait shoots, here are a few rules of thumb I go by…

Before I start a portrait shoot with a baby, I always suggest feeding the baby right before we start. Not so much for hunger but comfort purposes. I know that I’m going to spend the next two hours asking this little baby to interact with me. And even if they sleep through the whole session, they will have connected with a me…a stranger. I want them to start with the smell of their mom, take a break in between and maybe nurse again–reconnecting with their mom, and then I watch them carefully to make sure I never ask to much.

As you can see in the first image above, the two year old can have pretty strong ideas about how a photoshoot should go. And I love it! Some photographers email me and say they get really stressed out at this point. The kids aren’t cooperating and getting crabbier by the second. But I think it’s important to remember that as you gain confidence in yourself, you will know when you’ve captured the shots you want.

And remember, the family rarely feels you caught anything “good” because they are caught up in how their kids are behaving or not behaving. But as your confidence grows, you’ll be able to reassure the family that you actually caught exactly what you wanted.

If you want more help with your Portrait business, check out or Portrait 101 Kit. Hundreds and hundreds of people have bought this kit and given us the BEST raves! I share all kinds of secrets, like how I market myself, create packages/pricing, interact with clients, photo release waivers and staying organized, plus much more. You can see all the items in detail if you click on Portrait 101 Kit.

This kit, along with all our other kits, was designed for you. We get so many emails every day asking us about how to get their portrait or wedding business off the ground. These kits are a compilation of all the answers we’ve found. Enjoy!

Congratulations Gayla! I loved working with your family again! What a honor. Brian and I adore all four of you. We can’t wait to connect again soon!

Much love,
Me Ra

I’ll share a lot more when I’m done processing them, but for now, here are a couple Baby Teasers.

Look at his smile and big brother’s chubby hands!

And this is one of my favorite “mama and me” images. I love the circular motion that is happening because it almost gives off the same warm, covering energy that a mom feels when she is pregnant. Even though this little one has arrived, you can still feel the encompassing, quiet, devoted love of mama.

One last teaser! Guess what DVD 3 is going to be about? Yep, DVD 3 is in the works…

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To see our day job , visit here.

For more fun photo exercises, check out our popular Instructional DVDs Refuse to Say Cheese , our 101 Kits for starting or expanding a business in photography, or for details on spots left in our upcoming Chicago Workshop , click on the words of your choice!

Meet the two sweetest neighbors in the world: Henry and Will.

This is little Will. Can you believe those eyes! Isn’t he a little Gerber baby!

And this is big brother, Henry. This is one of my favorite “little boy” shots ever. I love the stone he’s sitting on, and the ground cover with little blue flowers and the dark background almost makes it seem surreal. It’s as if he’s sitting inside a magical world. His expression could mean a 101 things.

We grabbed one of their chairs from inside and put it in the backyard. Kind of fun!

And oh my goodness, look at how dynamic all three are in this shot. Dad is totally laughing, Henry is giggling so hard it’s making his tummy hurt, and Will is definitely giving me a command of some kind.

And here are two more to encourage all of you aspiring photographers.

We went live with our new site yesterday, www.refusetosaycheese.com. (And yeah, the pages are all working and looking good! )

One of the hot sellers for our first day was the much anticipated Portrait 101 Kit: The Essentials to Starting Your Own Side Business. If your new to the business of portrait photography, check it out. And remember, that every photographer wades through moments like this…

and this…

because they know this is around the corner, often minutes later.

What is one of the keys to a becoming a great Portrait Photographer?

Confidence.

Confidence that is gentle and strong when the parents are nervous that the session was a waste of time. Confidence that is quiet and kind when there is a temporary meltdown because you know kids go through these, and you also know the meltdown will pass. Confidence in your artistic eye. You really do see the moments of life and connection, it’s okay if you have to take a little longer to capture the shot–try to go easy on yourself if the waiting starts to feel to long. You’re okay, and your images will give more life than you could ever imagine.

How do you gain this type of confidence?

Build trust with yourself through experience. Shoot and shoot some more. You will learn to trust your creative spirit, and that’s when you realize your flying.

Thanks Henry and Will for letting me share my time with you.

Love, Me Ra

p.s. Brian is sleeping in this morning. Thanks for making him smile so wide all day yesterday! We celebrated the new site at took the kids to pizza last night. I couldn’t believe Brian was still awake, but he made it. Love YOU Brian!

Meet this little guy: Baby Jayden. He just turned one!

Do you remember when your little ones were one?

All the “dressing up” that goes on whether you like it or not.

The focus and steady balance it takes to walk on your own.

The safety in his arms, and the joy in his great laugh.

Knowing mom is always behind you no matter where your curiosity takes you.

The stolen kisses they thought you never noticed.

And the naps, ohhhhhhhh, those wonderful naps.

It’s all about being one.

Happy Birthday Sweet Jayden. May your life be filled with awe and wonder, and may you witness the impossible happen countless times. Love, Me Ra

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Details on this week’s events coming in a second post later today sometime around 1:10pm.

The day after Auntie Brittany and Uncle Greer’s beautiful wedding, Brian and I were given the honor of going to Ruby’s house and spending a few quiet hours documenting the utter beauty of her strong, little spirit.

I couldn’t take enough shots of how Ruby naturally tucked herself into dad. Made me want to cry.

And I still can’t believe that last July, I was taking photos of Rob and Shannon that looked like this.

Now they look like this. Don’t they glow with parenthood?

I especially love these two next to each other.

Wedding Day Kiss

Baby Kiss

And just when you think a woman cannot be any more beautiful than she is on her wedding day…

You see her as a mom, and I can’t help but cry at the transformation of beauty. The softness, the nurturer, the tenderness, the mother’s heart, it all pours out of Shannon effortlessly. Shannon you were created for this. You leave me speechless.

Two more to share. It’s so hard to pick the last two blog photos from a 100 plus, but here we go…

Can’t forget the toes.

And we especially can’t forget Grandpa.

I loved these next two images. They were both being such good little boys, and then they cut loose.

But this last one is my favorite portrait of a mom and her little one. I love how peaceful Teddy is (isn’t Teddy a great name!) in his momma’s arms, and how absolutely beautiful and soft she is holding him. His face just says, ‘I could stay here forever’.

And for those of you who delete your blurred shots before you even see them on your computer–STOP!!! Sometimes the magic of a relationship or the wonder of a moment is accentuated in the blurriness of the image. When taking photos of your loved ones or clients, remember, you’re not going for the technically perfect image. You’re going for the picture that moves us b/c it conveys an emotion that makes us want to see more.

A warm thanks to the Corddry Family for sharing their family and wine with me.

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To learn more about me visit About Me Ra.

For information on Me Ra’s popular photography workshops visit “Documenting a Child’s Life.” To be put on the Waiting List for 2008 workshops, email us at mera@merakoh.com.

To see our day job, visit our website.