MJ's Photography Blog

Cypress maternity photographer – MJ’s Photography

I am a Cypress maternity photographer. When my little sister told me she was pregnant, my first thought was, “Maternity Session!!!!” We decided to do something a little different and head to downtown Austin. It is around an 3 from Cypress, not to far. She was 36 weeks at her maternity session. We had her session scheduled for a Wednesday, she called me on that Monday and stressed that she needed her session tonight. As in that day. I moved some appointments around and we went to Austin to do her maternity session. She started having contractions at the end of the session. She went into labor that NIGHT and had Kannon the next morning! When you know, you know! I am so glad we were able to get her maternity session done!

Below is one of the street shots in downtown Austin from her Maternity Session. She is in one of my favorite gowns from Couture Parfait. Check out her shop below, let her know that I sent you 😉

https://www.facebook.com/coutureparfait/?fref=ts

https://www.etsy.com/shop/CoutureParfait

We of course had to go on the top of a building for that one of a kind shot! Isn’t she glowing with her baby bump!

City shoots are beautiful. I can’t wait to do more in downtown Houston. Here are some more from her Downtown Maternity Session.

MJ’s Photography-Cypress maternity photographer

Want to book a session? Message me now

Cypress maternity photographer

Are you looking for a maternity photographer in Katy? Let’s talk about photographing your baby bump!

You should try to book your maternity session before 20 weeks, to make sure I have availability! I only book a certain number of maternity sessions a month. Ideally maternity sessions take place between 30-34 weeks. Once you hit 36 weeks, swelling tends to come up, as well as being tired! Some mommas do go earlier than 40 weeks, so 30-34 is usually safer.

I have a large collection of couture gowns and dresses for you to use for your session. You are welcome to do your maternity portraits in studio or outdoors. Most maternity clients want to order custom wall art for their home, so I want it to be perfect for you!

All maternity sessions can include your family! Professional hair and makeup is included for you, as well as use of gowns and dresses! This session is mainly about you and your pregnancy bump, but I love capturing your family with you. It’s a once in a lifetime experience and you want it to be perfect, let me create these for you.

After your maternity session, we will go over your gorgeous images together and select which product suites your needs best. From custom wall art, heirloom albums, and gorgeous printed products, we will find what is best for you.

Visit MJ’s Photography

www.mjsphotography2009.com

Visit me on Facebook!

Email me: [email protected]

Twin Boys 1st Birthday – Baby Photography Sugar Land, TX

Baby photography sugar land tx

I am a Baby photography sugar land tx who enjoys photographing 1st Birthdays! What’s harder than having a toddler? Having two toddlers of course! I was honored to be chosen as their photographer in the Sugar Land and Houston area to capture their First Birthday. Ezra and Enzo were a joy to photograph. Ezra was as fast as lighting, while Enzo would take his time getting from A to B. Photographing them in the same shot took a little bit of work, but we got amazing portraits of both of the Birthday boys. Two completely different personalities in two adorable little boys! Their daddy is currently deployed and he is scheduled to come back soon! I know they are all ready to be back together.

Of course we had to get a couple portraits of them in the Bluebonnets! They are on a perfect piece of land around the Killeen Texas area. There are quite a few fields of them in the Killeen and Temple area, you just have to be on the lookout! I just love these of the boys!

*Ezra and Enzo in the Bluebonnets-MJ’s Photography- Baby photography sugar land tx

Mommy even ordered some cute shirts for their First Birthday portrait session! Remember how I said they moved at different speeds? This is how we got some of them together, a crate! <3 By the end, mommy, grandma, and myself were tired. The boys…not so much 😉

MJ’s Photography- Baby photography sugar land tx

Want to book a session? Message me now

Baby photography sugar land tx

Visit MJ’s Photography

www.mjsphotography2009.com

Visit me on Facebook!

Visit me on Google+!

Email me: [email protected]

Newborn photography katy tx – MJ

Killeen Newborn Photographer Temple Newborn Photographer — Fay’s Story-Newborn photography katy tx

MJ does Newborn photography katy tx. I was scrolling through a moms group on Facebook one evening when I saw a post by a mother who had delivered her baby girl at 26 weeks. I had just recently moved to the area and didn’t know a lot of people, but I saw her post and I knew instantly that I wanted to offer to drive to Austin from Katy, Texas to photograph sweet Fay in the NICU. Right away Krystal responded with a yes! There were only certain times that Fay could be held. At 1 pound, you can imagine how fragile she was. If I am remembering correctly, it was around 11:30am when I got there. I remember scrubbing in to go into the NICU, talking to Fay’s dad beforehand, and then the first time I saw her. She was so tiny. She looked like a Barbie doll. But oh was she beautiful. I could see the personality in her right away! When Krystal finally got to hold her sweet girl, she busted into tears, which I did capture. What you don’t see, is me crying as well. I enjoy photographing newborns, this was a first for me.

Fay’s mom, Krystal, wrote a little bit about Fay’s story.

“Fay was born March 17, 2015 weighing only 1 lb 13 oz and 13 inches long. She was born at 26 weeks which is 14 weeks early. She spent 98 days in the NICU at St. Davids Medical Center in Austin. During that time she had 4 blood transfusion, was brought back to life on day 2, had a tear in her esophagus, was on a c-pap, NG tube to help her eat, got staff, and scolding skin. Fay stayed strong and on June 22, 2015 she came home. After bringing her home she had 3-4 doctors appointments a day until December of 2015. Fay had a NG tube(feeding tube) placed placed in September due to the fact that she was not growing as much as she should. After going through many different tests and seeing multiple doctors, the conclusion was made that Fay was going to be a slow growing baby. She would only gain 6-8 grams a day (average 20-30 grams a day) and had the NG tube removed. Now during all of this Fay has grown and developed beyond what anyone thought she ever would. She is eating one her own, crawling, has one doctors appointment a week, and is slowly catching up with babies her age. Some of her favorite things to do are feeding herself, chasing her two dogs around the house, getting into whatever she can, splashing in the bath, being read and sang to, and most of all she loves exploring the world around her. It truly is a blessing to get to watch her grow and become her own person.”

I had kept in contact with them after the session and we discussed her newborn session. I was so excited to be her Newborn photography katy tx. After Fay’s 98 days in the NICU, she finally came home. That very next day, they brought her to my in-home studio for her newborn portrait session. I was overjoyed to see her and enjoyed her session so much! I finally got to hold her!

Fast forward to now. I was honored to be chosen as the Newborn photography katy tx to capture Fay’s First Birthday portraits. She was born on St. Patricks day, which you will see in her portraits. We took them in a gorgeous field in Katy, Texas. She is 14 pounds and doing great!

Here are some images from her First Birthday and Cake smash session!

MJ’s Photography-

Newborn photography katy tx

Want to book a session? Message me now

Newborn photography katy tx

Visit MJ’s Photography

www.mjsphotography2009.com

Visit me on Facebook!

Visit me on Google+!

Email me: [email protected]

Happy World Down Syndrome Day from Miss Adalyn-Katy Photographer

Katy Photographer – MJ

I was given the honor of taking Adalyn’s Valentine portraits when she was 5 months old. Her mommy had told me that she was extra special, that she also had down syndrome. She also had told me about the hole in her heart, so I had to get a special outfit for her.

Her mommy, Carrie, has written their story to share with all of you. Here is one of my favorite images of her! <3

Katy photographer

“As many first time parents, much thought, planning and intention go into having a child. Through Chad and I’s 10 years of building our relationship we often pondered the idea of one day having a child. We both put a lot of thought and consideration into what this would mean for our lives and how things would change. Having a child is the absolute biggest, most life-changing experience one could have. After much deliberation we decided it was time.

A month later it happened! Even though we “planned”, we were still beyond shocked. We were both in disbelief for the first couple days, maybe even weeks. The day after discovering the news Chad headed out to a training mission in California for a month and I headed off to Hawaii with a good friend, Erika, for a Salsa Convention. I had the time of my life! We danced, hiked, zumba’d through the week and before we knew it, we were on our way back. It was a wonderful distraction since I decided I wanted to wait until Chad’s return to see the doctor.

He returned and doctor confirmed we were in fact pregnant. During this first appointment the doctor asked if we were interested in completing an optional triple screening to potentially detect chromosomal and other various deficiencies with the baby. We opted in because we wanted to be prepared and educated if something was to arise.

A few weeks later we received the results, the day after Easter to be precise. I was 12 weeks along and it was a day we could never forget and never in a million years would we have imagined that we would be the 1 in 700 individuals to test with a 99.9% possibility of trisomy 21. Trisomy 21 is triplication of the 21st chromosome resulting in down’s syndrome.

It took a couple of days of just Chad and I internalizing the diagnosis and then we jumped right into embracing it and started really educating ourselves and trying to prepare. We started sharing the news with each individual family member in which case everyone was extremely supportive. For extended family and friends we wrote a letter and explained that we were expecting our baby girl and that we were fairly sure she would have down’s syndrome and we hoped everyone would be as willing and excited to welcome our baby Adalyn into the world as we were.

The pregnancy from that point on was scary! Everything was scary! Absolutely traumatizing. I had lots, and LOTS of ultrasounds. In fact one every other day for two weeks. They nearly took her at 22 weeks due to lack of fluid. Yes, traumatic! Long story short we had Adalyn 4 days shy of full term! That same day we discovered she had a massive hole in the center of her heart therefore, where normally there are four chambers, she has a mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood. She spent 2 weeks in the NICU but from day one she was surpassing any and all expectations doctors had thought. The main objective during this time was weight gain and getting her to complete feeds in case heart surgery was imminent and the fact that she was born at 4lbs. 6 oz. They wanted to beef her up before going home and ensure she would thrive.

She is now 6 months old and heart doctors are boggled with how much progress she’s had in closing her holes in her heart all by herself, no medication! With her particular heart defect the majority need immediate surgery. Her heart doctor is now projecting surgery won’t be necessary until she’s around 1 years old. This is amazing because the larger they are the easier the surgery is for them. There’s also a chance she may not even need the surgery however our doctor said she would be his first if this is true.

With this being said, we can plan all that we want, but if you are the chosen one for an exceptional circumstance you simply re-write your plan. We couldn’t be any more happy, proud, or love our daughter anymore than we do. Adalyn having down’s syndrome has increased our awareness as well as our families. It has educated us and lastly it has opened our hearts to an entire new population of individuals that bring such a joy to life. We could never be more thankful for those three reasons alone.

So Happy World Downs Syndrome Day!! We know ours will be!!”

Here are some of the images from Adalyn’s sessions. Isn’t she beautiful?

MJ’s Photography is a Katy Photographer

Want to book a session? Message me now

Katy Photographer – MJ’s Photography

Visit MJ’s Photography

www.mjsphotography2009.com

Visit me on Facebook!

Visit me on Google+!

Email me: [email protected]

Portraits with Grandparents- Katy family photographers

MJ’s Photography is a Katy family photographers.

What is the thing that helps us remember our childhood? Portraits. What is the one thing we hold on to when we lose someone? Our family portrait. It is so important to get photos as a family, but I think there is one thing that we forget. We need pictures of our children with their grandparents. Not only are our children getting older, but so are our parents. We need to make sure to take the time to get those very special portraits with them as well. We need something to pass down to our children when they are grown.

Luxury photographer in Houston — Katy family photographers

I took my own advice and dedicated a shoot for my Mother in law, Kay, and my daughter, Emma Lyn. They had a lot of fun and I am so glad they we captured these priceless moments. It is so important to get Family Portraits.

My daughter is now 7 and I adore going back to these images and seeing the bond that they have always had. Both have gotten older, but their bond has gotten stronger.

MJ’s Photography | Katy family photographers|

Want to book a session? Message me now

Visit MJ’s Photography

www.mjsphotography2009.com

Visit me on Facebook!

Email me: [email protected]

Traveling Europe-Amsterdam. Cypress tx family photographer

~~Cypress tx family photographer – MJ’s Photography~~

After London, we flew to the Netherlands capital, Amsterdam. There were so many beautiful things about this city. Flower shops are everywhere, its quite a site. Fresh flowers line the streets.

I was so shocked at the amount of people who bike there. They definitely rule the roads there. I will never again complain about loading my child into the carseat of my car in Killeen and going grocery shopping. These mommas head to the grocery store, kids in tow on the bike…while it’s raining!!! Then their groceries either hang on the handlebars or sit in a basket on the front. Did I mention it was like 30 degrees and raining. Wow. Hats off.

Jordan and I did a lot of walking. We walked the streets up and down. Some people live on boats in the river. House boats. I was amazed, I have never seen this. Of course I had to photograph it. Nice and neat, tucked away.

House Boats in Amsterdam-Cypress tx family photographer

We also ventured into the Red light district…I had to see it, just for a moment. No pictures are allowed there of course. I walked the street once and was done. Prostitution is legal in Amsterdam, as well as weed. So if you didn’t know already, that is the basis of the Red light district. A whole different world that my mind cannot comprehend.

One of the most memorable sites that we saw was the Anne Frank house. The line wraps around the building, so if you decide to go, buy online. When we went inside, it’s like a time capsule. You are instantly taken back to the 1940s and you feel a lot of emotions. The house where they hid has been kept exactly like it was, unfurnished by the wishes of Otto Frank, but even the magazine clippings that Anne had hung are still there. If you ever go to Amsterdam, this site is a must. Pictures are not allowed inside, but below I will post an iPhone picture of the outside.

Anne Frank house-Killeen Photographer. iPhone picture — Anne Frank house-Cypress tx family photographer

Here are some more random photos that I took. I hope you enjoy them!

To read more about Amsterstam, below is a link.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amsterdam

Amsterdam streets-Cypress tx family photographer

Want to book a session? Click the link below to see my website and message me!

Serving Cypress tx family photographer

MJ’s Photography

Traveling throughout Europe-Houston Couple Photographer

Houston Couple Photographer

Every couple of years my husband and I decide to travel. Most of the time it is throughout Europe, this time was no different, but of course we traveled to different places.

We started our trip by flying to London. We stayed 3 nights total. It was everything I imagined. Beautiful city! If you ever have the chance to go, do! Of course the first thing you notice is the cars traveling on the opposite side of the road and the vehicles have the steering wheel on the opposite side as well. Every time we crossed the street, I was so confused!

We visited some amazing sites while we were there. The Tower of London was an all day affair. It was fantastic. In the states, we don’t have things that date back that far, so it is always amazing to see them in person. It dates back to to 1078AD. Insane! It was used as a prison for a while and you could see the markings people left while being detained. Prayers, pleads, confessions of innocence, you name it.

Here is an picture I took just as the sun had set.

Here is one of the torture methods they used at the Tower of London. It was a stretcher…

Houston Photographer — Torture equipment at the Tower of London

Ravens are seen all throughout the Tower of London. They are not afraid and come quite close. Their presence is traditionally believed to protect the crown and the tower; a superstition holds that “if the Tower of London ravens are lost or fly away, the Crown will fall and Britain with it”.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ravens_of_the_Tower_of_London (for more information)

We also walked around the city streets in London. Westminster is a popular place to go. It is known as the Parliament of the UK. Of course it also has Buckingham palace, where the royal family lives! I didn’t take any professional images, but we of course snapped some selfies 😉

Buckinham Palace-Houston Photographer — Buckinham Palace-Houston Couple Photographer

I forced my husband to be my “model” so that I could capture this gorgeous sunset on the London streets! <3

Next we fly to Amsterdam, Holland. The Netherlands captital!

Want to book a session? Click the link below to MJ’s Photography!

MJ’s Photography

Serving the Houston area.

Houston Couple Photographer

View more here

MJ’s Photography – Houston newborn photos

MJ does Houston newborn photos. I live for the sweet baby poses. I had the honor of taking Tyler’s newborn portraits. He was 8 days old at the time of his shoot. His big sister, Emma, is two and was amazing for newborn and sibling shots.

He wasn’t having the sleeping part at the beginning, but I love awake shots just as much as those sleepy poses. If you do not know how to swaddle, learn! It is so important for those times where baby just wants to be awake. Embrace it. He was awake for a good solid hour. We went ahead and did sibling shots, family shots, and then moved on to swaddled poses.

Newborn photography tyler tx — Baby Tyler was awake for a good portion of his Newborn session. How could you not love those eyes? Houston newborn photos

Newborn photography is unpredictable. You can have a plan, but that doesn’t mean you will get to follow it. The babies run the show, we just follow their lead. You have to learn to be able to adapt to any situation and learn how to pose each individual baby. Once Tyler fell asleep, he let me pose him whichever way I wanted. So we did around 5 poses in 30 minutes. Just in time for him to have to go, if you know what I mean, and wake himself up!

Here is one of my favorite shots from Tyler’s newborn portrait session at my in home studio in Houston Texas. The taco pose. This pose is no easy task, if you have tried it, then you know!

Another helpful tip. Do not get frustrated or stressed. The newborn can sense this and it will only make matters worse. Stay calm, play white noise, keep it warm, and if all else fails, swaddle them up!

Here are some more images from Tyler’s newborn session. I love changing out wraps and poses.

Most of all. Remember to be safe. No pose is worth the risk.

Houston newborn photos

Want to book a session? Message me now

Visit MJ’s Photography

www.mjsphotography2009.com

Visit me on Facebook!

Visit me on Google+!

Email me: [email protected]

Cypress family photography

I am a Cypress family photography. I service Central Texas which includes, Katy, Cypress, Fulshear, Weston Lakes, The Woodlands, Conroe, Sugar Land, and Pear Land.

I get a lot of requests to take clients sessions at certain times of the day. I always reply with ” I hold all of my portrait sessions during the Golden hour.” I then explain why. So for people wondering what the Golden hour is and why I choose to shoot then, here you go!

The golden hour is that hour before sunset (or sunrise…but most people do not want to get up that early). It provides that soft, dreamy, golden hazed light that I live for. I love the effect that it gives to my images. Sure some of those can be achieved in photoshop, but it is not the same. The golden hour changes with each season, so there is not an exact time year round.

Are there any exceptions? Sure there are. If it is a cloudy day or if the portraits are going to be taken indoor(I mostly do newborns sessions and sitter sessions indoor). If it is cloudy, the sun will not produce that harsh sunlight, so it is then possible to shoot outside of the golden hour.

Will I really decline a session if the client insists on shooting outside of that time frame? If it is not cloudy, then yes I will. Professional portraits are an investment and are timeless. I strive to make every image worthy of hanging on your wall for years to come and if the lighting is not there, it is limited. If you are going to pass down your family portrait to your children, it deserves to be perfect. I am a family photographer that strives to create that perfect piece of art for your family.

I am going to show a couple sessions that I have taken during the golden hour, here in Killeen, Texas. I will then upload an image that was taken at noon, when the lighting was harsh. If you look for it, you will immediately notice the difference in the skin tone.

MJ’s Photography |Cypress family photography| Sugar Land family photographer|

Now for the noon session. Notice the shadows, the highlights, and his skin tone. He is still cute, but imagine what the image would like like with amazing light.

Want to book a session?

Cypress family photography

Visit MJ’s Photography

www.mjsphotography2009.com

Visit me on Facebook!

Visit me on Google+!

Email me: [email protected]

Serving the Katy, Cypress, Fulshear, The Woodlands, Sugar Land, Pear Land, and Conroe.

The Gregory’s are complete again! Weston lakes family photographer

I am a Weston lakes family photographer in the houston area. I love capturing those special moments that cannot be relived! Have you ever watched a military homecoming? Even if it wasn’t your own family, the emotions were soaring. You put yourself into their shoes and you feel what they feel. You start thinking about the past 9 months and how different your own life would have been, if this had been you.

If you haven’t watched one, there is a television series about it called “Coming Home” on Lifetime. Watch it, you will feel the emotion!

The Gregory’s Homecoming was located at Fort Hood, Texas. Andrew left when baby Jack was just 2 months old. He is now almost 11 months old and walking! What a change! This family gave a huge sacrifice. Dad missed these 9 months of Jack’s life. We know how fast little one’s grow in that first year, the milestones that they achieve. Mom had to be a single parent to a newborn and run everything back on the home front. Thank goodness for facetime and skype, but it is not the same. Don’t forget to thank a soldier.