So the Turbo kids popped over to the studio last week – Shannon (mom) decided a few years ago not to buy the school photos, instead, she comes to me – we do a fast & easy shoot with each kid and we call it done – fast and easy. But – I always have to get a “before you leave get together and smile pix”

Thanks again Turbos!
~M

I am ALMOST caught up on albums
I AM caught up on photoshoots & editing

I am ALMOST ready to put my new website up live
I AM done painting & decorating the studio

I have ALMOST picked my new blog templates
I HAVE got new ideas for fall

I have ALMOST got my new DVD program figured out
I DID finish a book last night!

I am ALMOST done training for my Oct 18th race
I AM caught up on sleep

I am ALMOST ready for the fall rush and yes I know…..
You blog-stalkers ARE ready for REAL blogs of REAL people and PHOTOSHOOTS!!!

Yeah – me too.

Fall is almost here – the phone has started ringing for October bookings….don’t wait to see me at Christmas Magic guys – call now & get your shoots booked for October The leaves will be turning soon, the weather is cooling off and will be close to perfect, my schedule is so far still pretty flexible…but not Ca-Ra-Zy like it gets AFTER Christmas Magic. (btw – I’m sooooo excited to show you all some of my new stuff at Magic this year! HeeYaw!)

I LOVE September, but I have to admit……I’m ready for October!!!

~M

This one speaks for itself baby…..

So – D e-mails me the other day in a fit of laughter….I had just blogged a beautiful photo of a gal that we did a “sexy shoot” for her husband and on the same day D blogged something about “start dieting now for your sexy pix for Valentines Day”.

We both got a kick out of us blogging the same idea…..then the e-mail comes…..

“Hey Micki…I got four gals booking their sexy shoots in February! Get your info on your blog to book some!”

Hello?!?! Is that a CHALLENGE?!?!?
I’ll take your 4 and raise you 5 girl!!!

D and I have noticed funny little differences in our clients…
Hers pay in full at wedding bookings.
Mine pay a little at a time.
Hers book fall pictures in July.
Mine? Ya’all book your fall shoots when it’s cool enough wear your jeans & boots, no sooner!
Hers rock.
Mine rock… more.

BUT – I’m calling all procrastinators, calling in all clients, calling in all challenge-lovers!

Book your sexy shoot now…give yourself a goal for a Christmas present or Valentines Day Present…and while you’re at it….we need a name for these shoots…..Give me a good name and your shoot is free.

How do I “handle” these shoots? They are tasteful but sexy, outside of your comfort zone (of course) but trust me, empowering. I alway say that I’ll take the kinda pix that you can show your mom…but probably not your dad. I will shoot as much or as little skin as you want and I 100% guarantee that you will be more comfortable than you anticipate and you will love the experience. Perfect bodies need not apply….cause ladies – your husbands will LOVE these just as you are – trust me.

I have a few complete shoots that I have permission to show you as samples.

Here is one of my fav. from last year.

Come ‘on ladies (sorry…no men) let’s beat D’s little 4 bookings!

Happy Friday!
~M

Beautiful…but Strong
Sexy…but Tasteful
Artistic…but Classic

She’ll love it…but her husband is gonna love it more!

I love a mom whos directions are “Do something funky”

PS – just as an FYI to all of you who like something different for photo sizes, I do custom framing at cost so don’t be afraid to do a strange size (this print will be printed 16×40) – I’ll frame it for you AT COST – I make NO money on frames…..it’s my little secret way to get you to go outside of the 16×20 print box.

Keep an eye on my blog for updates – I’m hoping to launch my new website this month!

It’s one of the many blessings of my job. I get to, on occasion, take photos of my friends and their families.
This week I got to photograph TWO of my favorite people and their kiddos!

So… please pardon me for a blog entry, as I put aside my Professional-Photographer hat and put on my Friend-With-a-Camera-Hat.

Friends….

It started with a rainy week and a call from Holly…”Micki, hum…did we do our Summer Shoot yet?”

“OMG Holly…No! I can’t believe we missed it! See, we had planned on a shoot at the lake, at the pool, in the spinklers….yes – in true Micki/Holly fashion, we had BIG plans!

“No problem!” Holly says….and this is why I love her….let’s just do it today!

“Holly? Hon. It’s raining.”

“Whatever, I’ll put some gel in their hair, we’ll throw them on the trampoline and you’ll get it – that’s what they did all summer anyway….jump on the trampoline while we sprayed them with water. It’ll be great.”Yeah – one of the many reasons why I love her….and the thing about Holly, she’s always right…..

Possibly my favorite “Summer Shot”

Seriously…how much can I possibly love these boys?!?!

This picture IS Janson. I have photographed him since he was in his mommies tummy and in EVERY shoot he has that tongue out at some point in the session. Janson Ray – you are my Sunshine…even when you’re a stinker.

And then there is Maddox, who is 2. If you can’t find him he’s standing on the kitchen table, climing the ladder to the top bunk in brothers room or he’s outside ontop of the playset…not on it….ONTOP of it. He is a wild man. I remember when he was first born I had a fear I’d not be able to love him the way I loved Janson. Don’t have to – I love him totally different. He’s my little “Wild Man Maddox”

So – after starting the week shooting “My Boys” I got to end the week shooting “My Girls”!

Renee called me and they needed that ONE family photo for a work “thing” for John. No problem! I’m there… by the 3rd snap of the camera we had captured it.

Meet my friends – the Luigs

At this point in my blog I would normally go on and on about how God sometimes hands you those kinda people that make you want to be better people. The kinda people who you can laugh with, cry with, and be yourself with. I would normally go on and on about Renee and how her smile can light up an entire room but she doesn’t know it because during a real smile she loses her eyes to her grin. I would normally write about how John can stop any conversation with his blue eyes (Don’t believe me? Ask Renee. They STILL get to her after 10+ years of marriage)! Normally I WOULD write some of that stuff…I’m not gonna do that, because honestly, it will embarrass them.

Instead….I’m gonna go on and on and on about their children!

So ….where was I? Oh yeah, the needed “the” family shot, well, we get “the” family shot and John and Renee start to head inside for a glass of tea and after-church-snacks. WHATEVER! Come on girls – let’s have some fun….well….as much fun as you can have in church clothes at least.

SOPHIE

Sophie has a special place in my heart because she and my Madie have hit if off as friends this year. She is the kinda kid that you like to be around. She loves shoes and can braid a mean link of hair. She is gentle, but stong. Kind but sassy. Gentle, but watch out if you mess with her little sisters! Her beauty on the outside is a mirror to what’s going on inside the heart of this little lady.

ANNA

Oh Anna – just saying her name brings a sense of calm. Also Madie’s little buddy, Anna is the kid that sat quietly in our boat, waiting patiently for her turn, then FINALLY she took her turn….the waves were bouncing her little-self ALL OVER THE PLACE and her smile took over her entire face, then….suddenly, we saw it….thumbs up….the Benoit-boat-hand-signal for……FASTER!!! Anna is quiet, polite, calm and simply a joy. That is Anna. A Simple Joy.

TESSA

How does that phrase go? A picture is worth a thousand words? What does this little grin tell you? A halo, slightly tilted and tarnished? An innocence that makes you say her name Tessa? Instead of Tessa! A little bit of sugar and spice and…..hum…… a hint of nutmeg maybe?!?! Tessa. It’s all in that little grin.

Thanks Blog-stalkers, for letting me share a little bit of my friendships with you through the eyes of my camera. I’m blessed – no doubt. Now, I’m gonna go find some people with children who aren’t blonde hair/blue eyes for my dark hair/tan little kiddos to hang out with…..

~M

We’re kinda going for the Wild-Child look this month!

And hey….if you’re looking for a great time come to M.Benoit Photography for all of your photo needs!

HeeHee….can’t resist! There is something about that pout and crocodile tears that only a mommy can appreciate! This month big sis Skyler got in on the action too!

Thanks girls! It was a fun day! Cya outside in the leaves next month!
~M

I’m officially registered for my 1/2 Marathon in October!

I’m a mixture of really excited about and wondering…..why would anyone run 12 miles when nobody is chasing them with a sharp object?