Bellies to Earth Photography

New blog

I'm so excited to finally have my new blog up and running. Make sure to update your favorites and  bookmark  www.bellies2earthphotography.com/blog for your Bellies to Earth fixes:)! 

The wait is over

Little J is finally here.  She was giving her momma the run around and couldn't make up her mind about when she wanted to make her entrance into the world.  In the end it's always worth the wait.  This little lady was 7 days old for her first session and worked the camera like no other;)!  There is definitely a whole lot of love for her.  Her momma and Nana are over the moon.  Thanks for great session D and B!  I had a great time chatting.  Oh and D.....Happy Birthday:)!  Enjoy!

 

 

Happy Holidays

As 2009 comes to an end I'm reflecting on what I learned this year. It's safe to say I survived another busy time with my business.  I love it so much I'd be lost if I couldn't do it or was too discourage to keep doing it (which believe me happens sometimes).   I've done a lot of soul searching and still have a lot to figure out but all in all I've learned that I know who the important people are in my life....family first, then real true friends and then my amazing clients.   They are there to encourage and praise me when I'm not feeling that great.  I always say I don't know how I would do it without them.   

Thank you all for everything! Especially, my husband and boys! It means the world to me that I'm so blessed with so many amazing people. 

Since it's the end of the year I have put together my holiday slideshow again.  I love looking back at everything I've captured for the year.  These are some of my favorites.  Click the following link.

Happy Holidays

Oh and I can't forget to add some pics of J and E.  These are some of the pics I used for our Christmas Card. I've beat the clock....I wanted to get this done by Christmas Day and I have about 20 minutes left:)!   Hope everyone is enjoying time with family and friends and may you all have many blessings in 2010!

this is an outtake of Ethan...he's screaming at me "No, I don't want to take a picture!" ...goes well with his shirt:)

 
 



 

Giving is Awesome

Merry Christmas!  I have selected the family that will receive the gift.  If I receive permission from the family I will share their story.  I can't wait to meet them and capture the love that pours out of their hearts!

Christmas Special

With 2009 coming to an end I would like to offer a session fee special.  I'm offering the standard session fee for $75 and the family session fee for $175.  That's a $50 savings!  Email me to book a session for 2010 before Saturday, December 26th.  Session fees must be paid at time of booking.  Session fee provides for time and talent only.  Prints are sold separately.  Hurry and book now! 

2009 clients can save as well! I'm cleaning house on the year's sessions and would like to offer all inclusive digital files of your 2009 session for $350.

Giving is Awesome

There are only two more days to get your Giving is Awesome nominations into me.   The deadline is tomorrow, December 23rd by midnight. 

Here's the rules again that I posted a couple of weeks ago.

 It's that time of year again to give back during the holidays.  I've decided to join hundreds of other fellow photographers this year in the Giving is Awesome giveaway founded by the amazing Kristen Kalp.  I partipated last year and there was no question that I would do it again this year.   I got the email from Kristen a couple of weeks ago stating that she was going to launch Giving is Awesome again for 2009.  It came just in time.  The family below are the ones who opened up their hearts and nominated the "O" family.  You can see their session here.  It's all a feel good situation and I get to provide my services to a family that deserves their moments and beauty captured through my eyes.  Something they can always hold on to. 

Last year, Giving is Awesome, gave over $565,000 worth of custom photography to families across the globe.  This year they are looking to double that total and hit the $1,000,000 mark.

With all that said.....here's how it goes

  You know someone. You know someone who's experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, or is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances. You know someone who can't afford custom photography, but who would cherish it this holiday season. You know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family's spirit, love, and beauty.

I want to know who they are, and I want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography – $800 worth, to be exact. Whether it's canvas or albums, prints for Grandma, or a slideshow to watch over and over...it's in your power to give them the artwork they deserve this holiday season.

Oh, and the best part? The person who nominates the winner receives a $200 print credit. What better reason to show some love could there possibly be, people?

The rules:

You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services. (Being unable to make mortgage payments for a two-million-dollar-home or enjoying relaxing days at the spa does not qualify as sincere financial need.)

The nominee must reside in Northern Virginia or Winchester, Virginia areas. Tell me who you know, what they're experiencing, and why they deserve my artwork. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself as well.

Comment on this blog entry to let me know you've entered, and e-mail me the full story: kathyz928@comcast.net.

 I will start accepting nominations on December 1, 2009.  The deadline to get your nominations in will be December 23, 2009 by midnight . The winner will be announced (if permission given) on Christmas Eve...get nominating! I can't wait to read all of your entries!

Grand finale

With this maternity session being the last on the books for 2009 it definitely deserves the title of a grand finale.  For the first time since I was little I was actually giddy about snow.  For those who know me, know very well that I will NOT drive at the first sight of a flurry let alone the day after a snow storm. I am generally a nervous wreck!  Not a nerve in my soul this time to make the drive over the mountain for a couple of reasons.  One, because this was my first winter belly and two because this beautiful mama was up for going out in the snow.   This future mom and dad to be were troopers and willing to get outside for my vision.   They didn't know it but I was screaming with joy under my breath for this.   Finally, a winter belly with snow to boot!

"S" and "P" rocked their session!  They both are as sweet and kind as they look.  I can't wait to meet their new tiny addition.  Thanks again for going with the flow!  Since this is the grand finale it is only natural to have a grand sneak peek!  They've waited long enough.

 
 
 

Sweet Cheeks

Alas, the youngest nephew.  He couldn't make it to the group session because he was sick but he got his own little special session on Thanksgiving day.   He is as cute as they come and his rolls and cheeks are scrumptious!

She likes me

this year! Yay!  This time last year we had Ms. A's newborn session and she was not a happy camper.  One and gorgeous she had no complaints this time around.   She's got Daddy wrapped around her little finger.   This was definitely a fun session with great friends.  Definitely had some belly laughs!  It's okay "M" we know you mean well:)!

 

Hairy Arm Pits

Another wonderful thought these children will have etched in their minds.  Thanks "J"!   Yep, that's what their mother was telling them to try and crack some smiles...."hey, look at Kathy's hairy arm pits!"  The "S" sessions are always so much fun and this is one of the reasons why.  I think last year it was that I had kaka on my head.  And yes as I can recall Miss Mia remembered that!   It's all good though I still love their mother:)!  We've been teasing each other since we were in diapers.  Anywho, they've been anxiously awaiting their sneak peek and since they've been waiting it's a massive one!  Oh and by the way....a very happy 61 min belated birthday to Miss Mia!