We braved a lightning strike, tornado warnings, and massive amounts of rain to get this family together for an end of summer sunset run through The Sunflower Gardens. A beautiful family + gorgeous flower fields + post storm clouds = amaaaaaaazingness. These cousins were so cute together - hugging eachother, discovering giant birds nests (seriously, it was for a dinosaur sized bird), and being helpful pointing out things such as bees and puppies. These kids LOVED the flowers and it was so fun watching them discover everything there. And I dont need to mention how beautiful this family is - just see for yourselves.

Every time I remember to photograph some of the products that come through my studio, I kick myself for not doing it more often. I must say, receiving the big boxes from my labs never gets old…and I often find myself staring out the window waiting for the UPS or Fedex trucks to arrive bringing me the goodies. I love digging into the boxes of prints and pouring over them looking at every single detail. There is something about seeing your images in print that brings back the feeling of that session day. I get so pumped seeing the storyboards in person too - they are my most popular product and designing them with my clients is always a blast. The mini albums are awesome to keep on your desk or throw into your purse and are always designed for your session. Here are a few shots from one of my packages before it was delivered - seeing them just makes me happy.

I had such a blast meeting this sweet family and hanging out with these adorable kids - it was the perfect session to kick off my return from maternity leave! I had so much fun snuggling with their sweet baby boy, chasing butterflies with his older sister, and giggling with them both. Their mama is so laid back and stunning too - I couldnt help but keep her in the frame on a few photos. Meeting up with them was such a joy and it was a great return to photographing my clients!

I had such a hard time narrowing their gallery down for sneak peeks so I picked a few of the ones that keep making me smile.

Tickling her baby brother - so cute!

I think I was asking her about Diego and Dora here. For the record, she prefers Diego.

Loved his little giggles here!

My good friend Kelly of Kelphoto.com was kind and generous enough to head over to my house and take some maternity photos of me. I’ve always loved Kelly’s talented eye and I cant wait to see what she came up with! An awesome side benefit was that she brought her gorgeous daughter over and we grabbed a few photos of her under the cherry trees in her new birthday dress and princess shoes.

She then proceeded to fall in some dirt down by the barn, and stood up totally unphased (Easter chocolate still in hand!). A girl after my own heart!!

Is your baby under 2 years old?
Do you have a super cool nursery?
Would you be interested in winning a free session and mini-print package?

If you answered yes to all three of these questions, we would love to see pictures. What’s in it for you? A chance to win a free photography session featuring your baby and your nursery! We would like to see between 1-4 photographs of your space. At least one photograph must include your child in the nursery itself. We are looking for creative use of light, color and design elements. Images must be taken by you or someone in your family (we are really saying “please don’t submit images taken by another professional photographer.”)

All submissions must be received by midnight, March 5th, 2010.

Entries will be judged by a panel of photographers who will narrow down the selection to 5 nurseries. The finalists will be posted on the Shey Marin Photography blog and the winner will be chosen via a public voting poll. Voting will occur between March 7-March 13, 2010. There are specific rules around voting that will be clarified during the voting round of the contest.

Winners will be announced on March 15, 2010. There will also be 2nd and 3rd place prizes awarded. Winning session must take place between March 18 - April 18. Winners must sign a release to allow Shey Marin Photography to display images on blog, website, Facebook Business Page and any other print or web materials as deemed appropriate.

Enter here by clicking THIS link!!!!!!!!!!

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Don’t live in Maryland? Have friends across the country? Check out these photographers who have nursery contests running in other cities! Their contest, terms and conditions may vary, so please make sure you read the details with care.

Birmingham, AL: Stephanie Fisher Photography
Northwest Alabama: Jennifer Weddington Photography
Denver, CO: Laura Werner of Vibrant Life Photography
Connecticut: Crista Acosta Photography
Central Indiana: Kristi Hibbetts Photography
Metro New Orleans, LA: Amy Drouet Photography
Frederick, MD & Washington DC/Baltimore metro: Shey Marin Photography
Boston, MA (including North Shore & Metro-West): Kristina Young Photography
Mississippi Gulf Coast and Pearl River County: Emotional Imagery by Brandi Head Photography
Central New Jersey: Kim Schmidt Photography
Northern New Jersey: Christie Adams Photography
Cincinnati, OH and Northern Kentucky Area: Jessica Wright of Memories That R Precious
Columbus, OH: Andrea Roberts Photography
Philadelphia and Main Line, PA: Bernadette Uzcategui Photography
Pittsburgh, PA: Seedlings Photography
Rhode Island and South Shore of Boston: Amy Ro Photography
Houston, TX: Kerri Mathis Photography
Seattle/Bellevue/Tacoma, WA (and surrounding areas): Susan Berman of Whimsical Photo Design
Spokane, WA: Jaidean Baker Photography
Northern VA, Washington DC: Little Moon Photography

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The Fine Print.

This is our contest, we make the rules. We have researched many different ways of voting and there are pros and cons and hanging chads in just about every method out there. This is how we have decided to run our contest, if it’s not a fit for you, we respectfully accept your decision to decline participation. We also know there are ways to work around the system, so we will actively monitor IP addresses and research anything that appears to be fishy. We reserve the right to disqualify any entry that appears to be suspicious.

All participants must agree to sign a model release allowing images to be displayed on participating blogs. Winning participants must sign a release allowing images taken by Shey Marin Photography to be displayed on web site, blog, Facebook and print advertising sources. Participants must also agree to standard Terms & Conditions of Shey Marin Photography.

Winning participant will receive a complimentary session from Shey Marin Photography focusing on nursery, baby and/or family, and your choice of (1) 8×10, (2) 5×7 prints and one set of (8) wallet prints. Additional prints may be purchased at 15% off a-la-carte. Additional items may also be included. Regular session terms and conditions apply.

We require an electronically marked consent that you are entering this contest voluntarily and that Shey Marin Photography is not promising any winnings or other compensation for participation.