Megan and I met, at least virtually through mutual membership in a  Facebook group associated with a pregnancy website, although her little miss Liberty is a year and a bit younger than my son.  A group of women from the Twin Cities area formed a group to share parenting advice as well as important things like where the best splash pads and pediatricians are in our area.  When Megan mentioned she was looking for a photographer for her daughter's one year portraits, I was eager to help her out.  And it was nice to actually know who I was looking for at a session from her profile  photo. :)

She also mentioned that as her family photographer, she seldom got to be in photos and she and her husband were last in photos together at their wedding-- a common complaint from moms.  So we decided to also include photographs of her and her husband Chris in the session.  They also brought along Megan's mom Rebecca, which is a wonderful idea for family sessions. 

Grandma-- or some other family member-- are so helpful when there are little ones at the session: diaper and clothing changes are easier, blankets and lovies are safe in their hands, and they are wonderful at getting little faces to look where you want them to.  And since there were some photos that Liberty was not involved in, it was great for her to have a break from performing for the camera.

Megan, Chris, Liberty and Nana, I hope you like your session preview!

Yes-  I am packing my bags and moving my humble little corner of the web to a brand new shiny site at http://www.cwestonphoto.com/!  If that link isn't working, try out this temporary one to see all of the wonderfulness.  I'll be packing up my slideshows, gallery links, tutorials and session info and moving over to my big fancy new digs, but what about this site I've used for so long?

Don't worry- you will still be able to see past blog posts, as well as new information and blogs here and always more info at my Facebook Page.  I will be updating you further as I make the changeover from this site and host to another.  For now:

My New Site: http://www.cwestonphoto.com/
My Old Site: http://www.carriewestonphoto.com/
My Blog: http://carriewestonphotography.blogspot.com/
My Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Minneapolis-MN/Carrie-Weston-Photography/122611844453428

Do you have a mother that you love more than anything? Are you a Twin Cities mom who deserves a bit of pampering for Mother’s Day this year?


Carrie Weston Photography is happy to announce an “I Love My Mommie” contest on my Facebook Fan Page. Prizes include a Classic Photo Session, which includes an hour and half of Carrie’s time and talent, location and studio options, a password-protected online viewing gallery with 35-45 edited and color corrected images to choose from, as well as a $25 print credit.

The winning mom will also receive an additional $50 print credit, free Boutique Packaging, flowers and more!

To enter you or your mother in this contest, simply “Like” Carrie Weston Photography on Facebook.com  http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Carrie-Weston-Photography/122611844453428, and submit a picture of your mom in the contest folder and include a description of why you or your mom deserve to win.

Then make sure to spread the word to your friends and family to vote for you or your mom. Whoever receives the most “Likes” wins the grand prize. However, an additional prize for the contestant who receives the most comments will be awarded.

Voting is available April 1– 30th, with the winning moms being announced May 2– leaving plenty of time for the winning mom to claim her prize.

I was delighted to recently stumble across http://www.celebratingadoption.org/, a website offering similar services, and listings of photographers across the United States who are willing to donate their time and talent to you for your adoption session.

I am currently working with anticipation toward a landmark event for me.  Come Febraury I will be beginning the first of the Community Education classes I am teaching here in our little suburb of Fridley.  I was just informed that I have just four students for my "Beginning Digital Photography" course, which will be plenty for me.

I worked my way through college as a Preschool and Early Fives teacher (one of the many hats I wore at that time) and I loved teaching my little ones.  I loves seeing their little minds light up as they understood something for the first time and to see their progress throughout the year.  I was often rewarded for my efforts with a stick figure drawing of myself- or a handmade ornament at Christmastime. I doubt that my photography students will give me such earnest affirmations, and it is just a four week course, but I am very excited about the prospect of teaching again.

Coming this February and March:

Carrie Weston Photography is pleased to be offering Beginning Digital Photography and Basic Photoshop classes through Fridley Community Eduction.  Beginning Digital Photography starts on February 1st and has limited spaces available, and you have all the way till March to sign up for Basic Photoshop. 

If you are interested in learning anything about composition, the Rule of Thirds, or simply how to take your brand new shiny Christmas present out of the most basic of settings, be sure to check the class offerings out. 

I am also always welcome to suggestions for new class ideas.  I am currently creating my class schedule for the spring semester.