Julian [Iowa City, IA Newborn Photography]

Newborn sessions often take a bit more time than a regular child or family session, which is understandable because babies need breaks for feeding, changing, and lots of time for cuddling. The great thing about spending a morning or an afternoon photographing adorable little babies is that I also get to know their parents pretty well by the end. The session with Julian and his parents Coelle & Chris was no exception, and by the end of the afternoon I felt like we were old friends. Julian was a GREAT model (hello, have you ever seen such a cute little guy?) and enjoyed all of the cuddling with mom & dad. Coelle and Chris are not only beautiful on the outside but on the inside as well. These two are so funny, and are very much in love with Julian, as well as each other. It's really an incredible thing to see, and it was an honor to document it all for them.

So, without further ado - Julian's sneak peek. I hope you guys enjoy!! Coelle and Chris - congratulations again on your new addition, Julian is just gorgeous (or should I say handsome? Either way, he's perfect!!). Thank you again for inviting me into your beautiful home, and for the opportunity to photograph your family at such a special time in your lives!!



Julian is so darn cute! He was born on December 13th, 2012 but arrived a little early so he was still pretty tiny at our session last Sunday.

Everyone knows I'm a sucker for backlighting, so these next two images are definitely in my top 3 from this session!

Love!





I forget what Chris said here to make Coelle laugh, but I just love this photo.

I have to thank Coelle and Chris again for letting me pretty much take over their gorgeous home and being up for trying whatever I suggested. Lifestyle images are some of my favorite, and their house was absolutely perfect. 






















Coelle told me that Julian's nursery is a work in progress, but it looks pretty darn cute to me!

2013: Looking Ahead

It's that time again (though admittedly, a little late) as we all reflect on the previous year and resolve to better ourselves in the coming months. Last year I made several resolutions, which I think I made some good improvements on (maybe not so well on the finding balance thing though!!) and was overall very happy with the way 2012 went.

For 2013 my main goal, particularly in business, is not to be afraid. In the fall of 2011, I made the excruciating decision that in late 2013 I would be leaving the full time job I've held for now 10 1/2 years and going full time with my photography business. It was a particularly painful and difficult decision because I really LOVE my full time job. I work with a young man with a disability and love him and his family dearly - they are truly more than just the family I work for, they are just family - period. Even though I am excited about pursuing my passion for photography on a full time basis, my heart is also heavy with dread as I anticipate not seeing Dan and his family every day and sharing my life with them the way I do now (though they will ALWAYS, ALWAYS be a big part of my life).

So, in regards to my resolution this year - I am making the commitment to push myself - to take risks, to stop making excuses based out of fear of failure or rejection. To pursue my dreams of being a full time photographer by going for it 100%, putting everything on the table, no holds barred. I don't want to look back on this year and feel as though I didn't give it everything I had, and so off I go in preparation for going full time - wish me luck!

What are you resolving to change or do in 2013? I'd love to hear about it!

Oliver: 2 Years [Des Moines Children Photography]

This is the third year I've had the privilege of photography Oliver and his parents, Nicole and James. I am always so thrilled to get invited back into clients' homes and these three are some of my favorite people. Aren't they just the cutest little family? Oliver was full of energy as always, which was great - it made for a really fun session and kept everyone on their toes. We decided if Oliver was a rock star, his rider would include plenty of graham cracker goldfish crackers + chocolate milk. Quite a delicious snack if you ask me!

Nicole and James, I hope you guys like the preview! Thank you again for a great session and for letting me spend the morning with your adorable family, it was wonderful to see you all! :)



I think this one was when Nicole had him do his fake laugh, which was hilarious.




Can't forget the obligatory foot shot!


These photos of Nicole and James interacting with Oliver are some of my favorite pictures EVER. So, so sweet.












This photo cracks me up, because we did a photo like this last year and Oliver made a similar expression. I feel a tradition coming on...

Favorite 10 of 2010

Wow, what a year! 2010 was a year of many firsts - starting out with my first newborn session and photographing my first wedding near the end. Throughout 2010, I had the pleasure of taking photos for so many amazing people - I had an extremely difficult time narrowing down my favorite 10 photos (I wish I could choose 20!!). These photos were chosen because they represent one (or all) of the things I love in a photo - emotion, something creative or unique that I haven't seen before, and feeling a connection to the people pictured. Here they are - in the order which they were taken:

The session I had in March 2010 with Alyssa and Sydney was incredible. I remember for this photo I was challenging Sydney to make each one even cuter than the last - and she didn't fail to deliver.


It took a little while for Emily to warm up to me on the day of her session, but once we got to the park she started feeling more comfortable. Have you ever seen a more adorable little girl? I just love her curls.


Hanna and Joey's session was one that challenged me creatively, and I got the opportunity to try some new things. I love how you can almost feel their love and happiness radiating through the photo.


I have never seen a baby held this way before, and Oliver seemed to love it. I have a ton of favorites from this session, but something about this photo is so interesting to me.


This session with Jessica and Eric was just a practice session for Josh and me, but I absolutely adore the way this photo turned out. I love everything about it - Jessica's expression, the lighting, and the way Eric is looking at her.


Kathleen and Brett were another practice session, and they were wonderful to work with. I really like the symmetry of this photo.


I know this photo is of a pair of shoes instead of people, but this photo will always represent the day that my dream of being a wedding photographer became reality. I will always be grateful to Chelsea and Richard for allowing me such a wonderful opportunity.


The rainbow in this photo was completely unintentional as a bridesmaid's flash went off across the dance floor right as I was taking this photo of the first dance. As it turned out, what some might consider a "mistake" ended up being a very unique and interesting photo. How many people can say they had a rainbow show up during their indoor, evening reception?


Lindsey and Brandon were so fun to work with and I had a very difficult time choosing a favorite, but I love the way Brandon is snuggling up to Lindsey. They both look so happy and in love!


Leslie and Adam's wedding was so much fun to photograph, and there were a ton of great photos but this one kept jumping out at me. Leslie looks SO incredibly happy - it just radiates out of the photo. Just looking at this picture makes me smile too!

Holiday Cards - Samples

I had a few minutes so I sat down and made up some samples of the holiday cards I have to offer this year. If you had a session this year and are interested in ordering some cards, please email me at madiganphotography@gmail.com by December 5th!

Sample #1 (5x7 flat card)


Sample #2 (5x7 flat card - can be made into a folded card)


Sample #3 (5x7 flat card)


Sample #4 (folded 5x7 card - you could just use the front and make it into a 5x7 flat card as well)
Front:


Inside:


Sample #5 (option to make this into a 5x7 folded card)

Workshop: Kathleen and Brett

A quick PSA: Kathleen and Brett are NOT engaged. Just thought I'd clear that up for any inquiring minds that might be wondering. :)

Sunday was beautiful, and I just couldn't let another gorgeous fall day go to waste. I am so blessed to have good friends that are always willing to spend an hour of their weekend modeling for me when asked, so thank you again to Kathleen and Brett!

Again, this was basically a private photographer's workshop for both Josh and myself and I think we got some cute images. Here's a little peek...

I couldn't resist taking a photo with the giant water puddle, and I love the symmetry in this photo.









The following two images were taken by Josh: