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  • WELCOME!

    I believe family life is where it's at.

    Our daily life revolves around our family. Our days are filled not only with the routine of things, but the special moments that we will always remember. The sound of our children's laughter. The spontaneous hug after breakfast. The way their hands feel in ours. This is life we will remember when time slows down. But for now we are running along beside them, doing our best to teach them to become fearless, strong and happy. Isn't it worth taking a day aside to document this life? This wonderful life that we live right now?

    I love all aspects of family life. My life's work is to photograph your family life as it is right now. Because even in a year's time, things will be so very different.

    So let's chat. Tell me all about your kids, the daily grind and what brings you joy in all of it. I can't wait to hear your story!

    delightfully,
    Monica

Jan 19 2011

THE CURRANS

Happy Wednesday!  What better way to spend it than enjoying photos from this lovely family’s session back in the fall:)

Things have been a bit busy around here, so I am so glad to finally be able to blog these fun photos!

I have no idea what Paige is laughing at here, but I LOVE this photo!

Happy Accident :: I was trying to get the shot ^above^ and got the shot below!

And everyone’s favorite!

I love when families choose Downtown Pensacola as the backdrop to their portraits.  It is so beautiful and has many settings from which to choose.

Thank you to the Curran Family for such a fun time!!!!

delightfully,

Monica

Filed in: Children | Family Life Sessions | Pensacola Downtown

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January 19, 2011 - 12:53 pm

McLain - Beautiful!!! Love them! Such a happy looking family!

January 19, 2011 - 2:52 pm

Paige - Thanks for posting this! We had a great time wandering around downtown with you! I also have no idea what I was laughing at in that picture. Must have been pretty funny :)

Jan 18 2011

YOU AND ME

I actually meant to write this post the other day, but once I started it, it turned into how to find the perfect photographer for you.  I realize I am not everyone’s photographer.  And that’s ok:) I mean, if I was, how busy would I be?  Geesh!  So I strive to show you through my website and this blog just who I am and what I do.  That way, you have all of the information you need to decide if I am the photographer for you:)

YOU

You love photographs.

You appreciate the value of a portrait that shows your family just being themselves.  Everyone’s personality shining through.

You understand that photographs are meant to be more than an illustrated documentation of your family.  They are meant to be FUN!  And always remind you of this time.  This particular time in your lives – that will change so quickly, yet wonderfully.  How do you freeze those cute kids and make them stay forever small?  With a photo.  And you will always have that memory that you can reflect on with a smile.

And you realize that this wonderful thing you do for your family – have their portrait taken – will be passed down through generations.

ME

I love photographs.  That is a given.

But what I do for you is more than that.  I assist you from the beginning.  From helping you choose the location that best reflects your family, to your styling, and even helping choose the perfect outfit.  We talk about what you want from your session.  A great family portrait to hang in the living room?  A collage of your favorites to showcase along your walls?  I learn from you exactly what you are looking for.  And then I make it happen.  Once your session is complete I can even come to your home to help you decide what print or specialty product should go where.  Because what good are photographs if no one sees them?  Together we decide what is perfect for you.

The best compliment I can get from a client is, “I always knew what it felt like to love my family.  Now I know what it looks like.”

delightfully,

Monica

Filed in: Children | Family Life Sessions | life | New Life Sessions

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Jan 12 2011

LOVE IS IN THE AIR

Drumroll please….

Finally!  I am announcing my Styled Valentine Mini-Sessions!  This has been lots of work and lots of fun to prepare!  I am very excited!!!

Here’s the scoop:

:: All Sessions will be held Saturday, February 5th.  There will be a limited number of time slots, so first come, first served.:)

:: Your session fee includes your session time, all post processing in my digital darkroom, and your personal online gallery of 10-15 finished images.

:: And as an added BONUS, if you secure your session by January 29th, you will receive a COMPLIMENTARY DIGITAL NEGATIVE that is yours to keep!

:: For an additional $395, you can purchase ALL of your digital images PLUS  a Custom 7×7 Album that will showcase all of your images (complete with your favorite image on the cover!) (Albums may not be purchased a la carte.  They are only available with the complete digital package.)

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Guys, this is a great way to earn brownie points with your sweetie.  And Ladies, if you are like me, and like to drop hints, this is perfect!  Print the image above and place it in a strategic spot.  I mean, would you rather have flowers and chocolates, or photos with the love of your life and family?  If you say, “yes, Please.” to both, then have the flowers and chocolates brought along!  It would be a sweet addition to your session!

To reserve your time slot, please email me at info@monicabrownphotography.com.

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And because posts are more fun with photos, here are a few more so you know what to expect from YOUR session!

delightfully,

Monica

Filed in: Children | Family Life Sessions

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Jan 11 2011

THE BEACH IN WINTER

This family is very near and dear to me.

Laura is one of the first people I met once we moved to Pensacola.  We had just moved from Seattle with a 2 year old and a 5 week old.  And they had just moved from Virginia with an under 2 year old and an 11 week old.  We had lots in common.  And it turns out, our kids did too.  Kaelin and Reagan became fast friends, and Kiera was Luke’s best friend/main squeeze before they left:) Saturday.  This past Saturday.  We already miss them terribly.

Before all of the craziness of the move, they scheduled a family session on the beach.  In winter.  My favorite!

It was cold and windy out!  Little Kaelin was freezing!

Everyone was together for Christmas.

[I love being surrounded by the people I love during the holidays.  Being military, this doesn't happen every year, so we are all so thankful when it does.]

And Laura brought a kite!

And the family favorite.  Mine too.

I love how happy and relaxed everyone looks.  I think the guys were just happy we were done!

To the entire King family – I had a great time with you!  Thank you for being so fun and creative:)

And Laura – I’ll be calling you later today!

delightfully,

Monica

Filed in: Children | Family Life Sessions | Pensacola Beach

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Jan 06 2011

FINDING *THE* PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER FOR YOU

When choosing a professional photographer to take your family’s portraits, there are many things you should take into consideration to find the PERFECT match for you.

1.  THEIR STYLE

When you go to a photographer’s website (and they really should have a website), look through their galleries.  My [collections] galleries are where I post my favorite work.  It is the quickest way you will learn what my shooting “style” is.  Then determine if that is how you would like your family portrayed.  Do you like everyone sitting down, looking at the camera, eyes open, and smiling?  Or do you prefer a more casual look to your portraits?  I love to simply capture the interaction of a family.  The group dynamic.  I take time for your children to become comfortable around me and my big ol’ camera…and let the magic unfold!

2. POLICIES

Most photographers will notify you of their business policies once you contact them and express interest in booking a session.  If you are concerned about digital image sharing, be sure to ask about that.  Know any cancellation/rescheduling policies.

3.  BUDGET

There are professional photographers for every budget.    Please, PLEASE, do not rely on your personal snapshots alone to record your family’s life.  I take my fair share of snapshots.  I love documenting everyday life.  However, I book a professional photographer every year to take our family’s photos.  (I’ll be blogging this year’s soon…I hope!)

When you contact a professional photographer, FIRST take a look at their site.  Look at their book of work (do step 1).  See what pricing information they have available.  Most do not show their entire pricing and product lists on their sites, simply because they are too comprehensive.  Mine includes prints, of course, but also Museum Mounts, Gallery Wrapped Canvases and Digital Collections.  When you do receive the pricing booklet, review it in it’s entirety. Ask any questions you have before your session.

THEN BOOK:) I recommend my clients reserve their session date and time no later than 2 weeks prior to the date.  This way we both have adequate preparation time.

AND HAVE FUN WITH YOUR PHOTOS!!!

[Here is a photo from the King family's session we shot on the beach in December.  I just love the beach in winter!]

delightfully,

Monica

Filed in: Children | Family Life Sessions

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January 10, 2011 - 7:16 pm

Michelle O - LOVE the photo! Very cool!