Oy Vey! It's Been Too Long!

I apologize times a million for taking so long to get this next post up. Things have been so busy recently. God is good :)

I'm happy to say I finished Emily and Reynaldo's couples pictures. They were so much fun to take pictures of and to be around. I want to show you my favorite from their session, but I just have so many! I'll show you a few of my favorites. You can check out the rest of their pictures at: http://www.brittanylongphotography.com/couples.html and decide your own favorites. In the first picture, I love that you can only see their eyes, but you can still tell Em is smiling. So sweet. :) I also like the coloring. There's something romantic about it to me.

Some other pictures I've been working on is the Feaster family photos. They were such a fun family to take pictures of. The three boys were hilarious! One of my favorite quotes from the day was this:
Vicki (the mom): "Why do you have bread in your hand??"
Her middle son: "Because I'm hungry!"

Haha. It only makes sense that if you're hungry during a photoshoot, to bring a loaf of bread with you!

And then my most recent photoshoot, was the New Life/CIY team photoshoot for Florida Christian College. I work at FCC full time in Admissions, so I was honored and excited to take these pictures! Here are a few favorites from that photoshoot:

And Oh my goodness! How have I not put this picture up yet?! I love this little one! Her name is Olivia and she has the cutest little baby buns!

Whew! That was a lot of pictures/catching up to do. Ok, one last thing before I close out. Starting April 1st there will be a new promo going on which involves roommate stories. I enjoyed a lot of the roommates I had so I'm pretty excited about this promo! :) Check back here around April 1st for more details on that! :)

Until then, keep checkin' out the photos at http://www.brittanylongphotography.com/ and sneak peeks at www.facebook.com/BrittanyLongPhotography !

Have an awesome day!

Brittany Long

Babies, Babies, Babies!

Last week, I had the pleasure of two photoshoots with babies. They were so incredible and soft and wiggly and cute. I loved watching them play. Both babies had an older sibling and it was a blessing to see the interaction between the siblings and the babies.

I also had the pleasure of borrowing a few things from Hooked On Adorable- Crocheted Creations by Jenni!

That's little Natalie in the picture. What a cutie! The headband is one of Jenni's creations! She is an incredible talented woman. I interviewed her, because I think what she did is great, and I'd love for you to think she's great too! If you have a baby/toddler, etc or know anyone that does, I would seriously suggest checking into her work. Her creations are just precious!

Here's a little more about Jenni and what she does! Enjoy!

Brittany: How did you get started with this?

Jenni: Growing up my mom would crochet baby blankets to give as gifts and I always wanted to learn, but I just hadn’t taken the time to learn. Once I started seeing all of the adorable hats, baby cocoons, scarves, etc. that people were crocheting I realized that it was so much more than just baby blankets! So, last June my mom taught me the basics and away I went! After I spent most of the summer making a baby blanket I found a pattern for a hat and made it. After I had started posting pictures of what I had made on Facebook people were asking me about purchasing things. I was happy to oblige and I made a few more things. Word spread and more and more people were interested with every new picture I posted, so I decided it was time to make it official and I started a fan page on Facebook and then an Etsy shop.

Brittany: Who taught you to crochet?

Jenni: My mom and youtube :)

Brittany: What is your favorite creation so far?

Jenni: Probably my dinosaur because it is the first pattern I wrote myself. Plus it's so darn adorable and perfect for those newborn pictures!

As a side note, I, Brittany, LOOOOOOOOVE the dinosaur. You better believe when I have kids one day, this will be one of the first things on my list to buy. You can find a picture of it at her website. It is SO cute! The owl is my other person favorite. :) And the monkey... and the ladybug... Ok, all of them I guess....

Brittany: Why would it be an awesome idea to get one of these?

Jenni: My creations make fabulous photo props. They add a little pop to pictures, especially newborn pics! They are also great to keep heads of all sizes warm and toasty in the cooler months.

Brittany : What do you love most about making the hats, etc?

Jenni: I love coming up with new designs and seeing my ideas take shape. It's also a great stress reliever.

Brittany: Anything else you'd like to share?

Jenni: I love to work on new creations. If you have anything in mind I'd love to work together to make your dream a reality!

Here's where you can find Jenni's things!

All of her creations can be found on her facebook page.

Orders can be placed on etsy or via email. If you don't see what you want in her etsy shop please email or facebook her. Not all of her creations have been listed on etsy yet.

Her links:

Facebook: facebook.com/HookedOnAdorable

Etsy: HookedOnAdorable.etsy.com

Blog: HookedOnAdorable.blogspot.com

Email: HookedOnAdorable@hotmail.com

Until next time,

Brittany Long

What's Going on at Brittany Long Photography

Well hello there, internet world. I finished up editing the pictures from Allison and Jeff's maternity shoot. After each new "category" that I take pictures for, I think "Now THIS category is definitely my favorite". The problem is, I love all the categories. I don't think I can have a favorite. I think every shoot is my favorite. BUT, if I did have to pick a favorite, I would say Allison and Jeff's is one of them. I just love how stinking cute they are! They are going to be such excellent parents. :)

This is one of my favorites. I love that you can see the belly, and I LOVE the car on her belly (she's having a boy)!

You can see the entire edited photos from the shoot here:
http://www.brittanylongphotography.com/allison--jeff.html

On another note, I'm doing a feature post on "Hooked on Adorable- Crocheted Creations by Jenni" next week, on the 15th. I can't wait for that. Jenni makes such cute little hats, etc. I'm going to be borrowing one for the photoshoot with baby Natalie that I'm doing this weekend. I can't wait.
On the 16th, I'm announcing a new promo that will rock your world. ESPECIALLY if you have children and want pictures of them. That's all I'm saying. ROCK. YOUR. WORLD.

But if you don't have children, you may want to tell you people with children, nieces, nephews, second cousins twice removed that are still young, etc. Because it will rock their world. :)

On another another note, I'll be finishing up the editing on the Spencer family pictures this weekend. What a cute family! And, the "first fifty" promo will be ending on the 15th. There is a LOT going on! I've booked some delightful people so far, and am looking to ending the first fifty promo with a bang.

Finally, my last thought for the day.... I am so thankful for my husbands' support in this. I love that he encourages me and helps me to be confident. I'm also thankful for the Lord, and the work He has and is doing in me. Without Jesus and his dying on my behalf, so that the law could be fulfilled, yet I could still be as if I was completely clean and without stain... without that, without Jesus... this wouldn't matter. So, i know it sounds cheesey, but I don't care... it's truth. I'm thankful for Jesus.

Have a wonderful rest-of-day and enjoy the pictures!

Brittany Long

What to Wear for a Photoshoot

Wondering what you should wear for a photoshoot? You don't have to buy a new outfit (but you can if you want!)

Here are some helpful hints on how to make your closet work for you when picking your photoshoot outfit!

1. Get rid of the excess

1.       Is there anything that is too tight?

2.       Anything you haven’t worn for over 9 months?

3.       Is there anything that doesn’t “go” with anything else?

4.       Anything you’re not sure if you like?

5.       Anything that is worn out or has stains?

6.       Is it still in style?

After that, look what at what you still have and build off it!

Start with the basics. What is the purpose/feel of your photoshoot?

1. Is it "business-y"? Some staples for this for a female would be: black heels, black slacks, tweed or black pencil skirt, or a nice blouse. If you're doing a "business-y" photoshoot, you may want to stay away from cotton, as it tends to look less professional.

      For you gentleman, khaki or black slacks, black shoes, a nice collared shirt or a tie would be a good idea for a business-y photoshoot.

2. Casual: For a casual photoshoot, cute jeans are a great staple, as is a cute white or black blouse. With a solid colored shirt, you're able to add accessories. And remember, dress what you're comfortable in!

3. If you need to go shopping for a cute piece for the photoshoot, check out the tips below on how to accentuate your assets from TLC's show, "What Not to Wear"

• “Most women's bodies are pear-shaped, which means they have a narrow waist and wider hips. If you're pear-shaped, buy clothing that draws attention to your slim upper body. Brightly colored shirts, scarves and modern-looking shoulder pads should work well. Wear tailored pants and skirts, as well as hip-length long jackets. Avoid pleats and stripes, which will further accentuate broader areas.
• If you're rounder and more apple-shaped all around, you'll want to draw attention away from your waist. Go for flat-fronted skirts, empire-waisted dresses and tailored, wide-legged pants.
• Don't accentuate a flat chest with a deep v-neck. Instead, choose rounded-neck tops, and add a layered necklace to add dimension.
• If you're busty, accentuate your curves by wearing a scooped neckline that hugs your chest appropriately.
• If you're extra curvy, you don't have to wear baggy, saggy clothes. You can still find fashionable, tailored clothes that comfortably compliment your body. Shop in stores that can accommodate your shape and buy clothes that fit well.”

You can find more tips at their page at:

• http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/style/10-ways-to-develop-personal-style4.htm

You can also check out more of "What to Wear" and "What Not to Wear" on my website at:

http://www.brittanylongphotography.com/what-should-i-wear.html

Have a fun day!

The Website is UP!

I'm happy to announce my website! It is http://www.brittanylongphotography.com/ ! Take a moment to check it out and pass it on to any friends looking for a photographer! You can also find my on facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/BrittanyLongPhotography

Check out the banner that I'll be using at bridal shows and an auction to benefit Canoe Creek youth group in the next few months:

Also, check out some sneak peeks of this adorable family!

The Winners and Prizes Announced!

The first place winner for the "How we met" contest was announced today at midnight! It was... Sara Jo and Bruce! They had a lovely story. Their prize is a free couples session and a ten dollar gift card to Boola custom creamery. Hooray for Sara Jo and Bruce! The second place winners were Matt and Jana. All the stories posted were so lovely, that it was hard to narrow it down. You all did a great job voting, and I appreciate that. There's no way I could have narrowed it down to just one. So if you voted... go you, and thanks! :)

Isn't love a wonderful thing? :)

My website will be announced TOMORROW! I can't believe the time has come! I also booked two weddings in the past week, and I'm very excited about that. I absolutely loved everything about our wedding and am so excited to see other people get married. I'm also doing a senior portrait/headshot session this afternoon, and I'm looking forward to that. Things are going well for Brittany Long Photography. :) Thanks for your support thus far!

That's all for now, but check back here or at my facebook page (by putting: Brittany Long Photography in the search box at the top of the facebook page) for the website to be revealed! And while you're at my facebook page, feel free to "like" it, and invite your friends to "like" it. This will keep them up to date on current promos and allow them to see sneak peeks of photo sessions I'm doing!

Until then,

Brittany Long

This Weekend!

This is the big weekend! By the end of this weekend, I will be announcing my website! I can't wait to share it with you all! When my website becomes official, you'll be able to check it for new pictures, new updates, and info on current promotions!

In the meantime though, take a peak at some of the Hardin's family pictures!

Also, I ran a promo recently where I asked how people met their significant other. The 5 top stories were posted and I asked people to vote for their favorite "How we met" story. Of the 5 stories, two were tied for first almost the whole time!

Those two stories were:

1. Sara Jo & Bruce:  I had saved up my money to fly to San Diego to visit my best friend, Becky. When I arrived she informed me that a Navy friend of theirs, Bruce Dusterhoft was in town (from his submarine base in Hawaii). Not onl...y that, but since Becky's husband was actually on duty all week, she and I would be spending the week with Bruce. I tried to be polite, but I was actually very upset that Becky had arranged this behind my back. After all, I wanted to spend time with my friend, not have a third party around! (Of course, now I am so thankful she introduced us!)

2.  Matt & Jana Cutler: Jana and I didn't like each other. A mutual friend who liked me, asked Jana to come to the movies with us. We talked alot in the car on the way to movies and waiting for others. We kept trying to outdo the other person. ...We dated for 13 days and then I asked her to marry me on her daring me that I wouldn’t. that happened in aisle 13 of toys r us while she was buying gifts for her family for Christmas. During those 13 days we talked in person and on the phone constantly, whenever I could get time with her. 5 months later we were married. 15 years and 4 children later we are still basking in what God is sustaining.
In 14 minutes, the winner will be announced and the prize will be announced! :)

This One's For You, Emily G!

Recently my dear friend Emily came into my office. I showed her what I had been working on with the website, and showed her my blog. I told her that I enjoyed doing the blog, but wasn't sure if anyone ever viewed it. At this point she told me she pretty much stalked it. So, Emily G, this post is for you!

I'm hoping to have my website up and announced by the end of this weekend and I cannot wait for it. God has blessed this little business of mine so far and I am so thankful. I am sure He will continue to do great things.

My business cards should be coming in sometime this week or next and I can't wait for that. I think they'll look great. :) ^ That is what they look like! I also ordered appointment cards (fancy shmancy, I know) and a banner. In April, I'm participating in an auction to benefit my friend Kellie's youth group. They'll auction off my "services". I'm hoping the banner comes in before then. I think it'll be a nice touch :)

To end this hodgepodge of a blog post, I'd like to end with this... In case you can't think of a reason to do a photoshoot, here is a list of 50 reasons. Enjoy!

There are so many reasons to do a photoshoot, but in case you can't think of 50 like I can... here's a list for you!

1. As a celebration! Have you accomplished something recently?
2. Maybe lost some weight and you want to show off the new bod?
3. Got engaged!
4. Getting married!
5. You need a new profile picture!
6. You want to pamper yourself!
7. You're graduating from... high school!
8. Or college!
9. You like your roomates and want to have some fun with the by taking pictures.
10. You like your family and want to take some pictures together!
11. You got a new pet, and want to take pictures with the cute little furball!
12. You want to model and need a portfolio.
13. You enjoy taking pictures or having them taken!
14. You are having a baby!
15. You just had a baby!
16. You just bought new shoes.
17. Or a new dress
18. You have kids, and you want pictures of them... right now.. in this time because you know they grow up so quikcly!
19. You and your hubby make a cute couple and you need new pics for the house.
20. You want to send pictures of your family to relatives, but dont have any current pictures.
21. You are looking for a new job and want to take some professional headshots to send to prospective jobs.
22. You got a new job and want to take some pictures with your cute new work clothes!
23. It's a beautiful day.
24. It's a rainy day and you know that umbrellas look cute in pictures.
25. It's a windy day, and you're going for the wind-blown model look.
26. You think old buildings would make a good background.
27. You think the beach would make a good background.
28. You've trained for a competition and accomplished what you set to accomplish- you want pictures because you did a great job and you're proud of it!
29. Your family misses you and demands that you send pictures to them so they remember what you look like.
30. You want to put up an online dating profile, but don't have a good picture of yourself-yet!
31.You need an excuse to buy a new outfit
32. You got this photoshoot as a gift for something!
33. You want to give a photoshoot as a gift for...
34. Someone having a baby
35. Your parents anniversary
36. Your kids' graduation from 5th grade
37. Your kids graduating preschool
38. You'd like a confidence boost.
39. You want to appear more "artsy" to your poetry club
40. It is just... time.
41. It's a new year and new you.
42. For your birthday, because you're growing up and you're ready to look like a grown up.
43. For your birthday, because age is only a state of mind.
44. For your spouse
45.  For your best friend
46. With your best friend!
47. So you can redecorate your house
48. So you can redecorate your grandmother's house
49. Because you/your loved one(s) will look awesome AND...
50. BECAUSE IT'S FUN! :)