Hi! My name is Maggie, and I am the photographer and owner of Bliss Photography. While I love creating portraits of all kinds, I specialize in family, baby and child, and maternity photography, including natural light and studio newborn photography.
My philosophy, in business and in life:
Cherish today. There is bliss in each moment.
I started to become interested in photography when my 2nd baby was born; at that time I was also running a business designing and selling custom children's clothing, and working full time as an insurance agent. I learned a lot about photography as my daughter got older and modeled the clothing I made! I realized then that my true love was photography, so I set out to learn all I could, invested in professional equipment, took courses, and practiced, practiced, practiced!
In January 2005, I set up my business, got my licenses and legal paperwork in order, and "hung out my shingle". Since then, I've been blessed to make a living doing something I love, and I've continued to learn and grow along the way.
I also do graphic and web design (started that business way back in 1999!), which is a huge help when I design storyboards, albums, etc for my photography clients.
My specialty is newborns and babies, children, maternity, and family photography. I do other types as well, but these are where my heart is, and what I do the most. I love capturing the excitement and wonder of pregnancy, the miracle of birth, the fresh innocence of newborns, the ever-changing wonderment of babies and children, and the bonds and uniqueness of families.
As a photographer, I happily and regularly:
make a fool of myself to get kids (and grown-ups) to laugh and smile
get wet and/or dirty from kneeling, crawling, or lying on the ground to get the shot
end up with newborn spit-up, pee, and/or poop on my props and my clothing
(I wash all blankets after every session, and wear clothing I'm not super attached to)
sweat my face off for hours so that my newborn subject stays warm and sleepy
give hugs, smiles, high fives, and (when permitted) candy bribes
As a photographer, I happily and regularly:
make a fool of myself to get kids (and grown-ups) to laugh and smile
get wet and/or dirty from kneeling, crawling, or lying on the ground to get the shot
end up with newborn spit-up, pee, and/or poop on my props and my clothing
(I wash all blankets after every session, and wear clothing I'm not super attached to)
sweat my face off for hours so that my newborn subject stays warm and sleepy
give hugs, smiles, high fives, and (when permitted) candy bribes
I love caffeine, owls, pink, sparkly things, Pinterest {follow me!}, kittens, correct grammar, and the ocean.
If I could share two pieces of wisdom regarding photos that I use in my own life, they would be:
1) Get family photos often, starting now. Whether you invest in professional photography, or you use the timer on your point-and-shoot, do it, and do it at least once a year! Don't wait until the kids are older/easier to handle, or until someone loses 10 pounds, or until you have the perfect occasion. If you keep waiting, you'll put it off forever, and trust me - one day, you will be so thankful to look back on photos of your beloved family together, and you'll laugh at the ones where the baby is crying, reminisce about the awkward preteen phase of your now-grown kids, and long to go back "just for a day" to snuggle the baby, chat with your growing daughter, shoot baskets with your young man of a son... there comes a day when you pick your child up for the last time. Cherish today.
2) Capture the moments as they happen. It doesn't matter if you use your phone camera, a cheap disposable, or an expensive SLR. If you ever have to decide between adjusting settings or moving to better light, or simply capturing the true moment, just capture it!! I can't tell you how many shots I used to miss because I wanted the "perfect" photo... just the right pose, just the right light, just the right settings. Once I realized, I decided that documenting my life and family as they really are, and having tons of memories to enjoy forever, is way more important than the perfect smile or a perfectly-lit scene. There is bliss in each moment.
I'd love to meet you, your kid(s), your family... I treat every session as a special priority, both for myself and my subjects, from the shortest seasonal mini session to the most elaborate yearly full family session, because I know how much you value these memories.
Email me at helloblissphoto@gmail.com if you'd like more info about setting up a custom session!
Email me at helloblissphoto@gmail.com if you'd like more info about setting up a custom session!
