Mandi McDougall Photography

I've moved

2008-06-11T11:09:00.000-07:00

Ladies and Gentlemen, the time has arrived. I have finally moved to a new, more me, more color blog!! Yipee!

Check it out at www.mandimcdougallphotography.com/blog

AND sign up for the lifestyle session giveaway!

It's 1:38 and I can't sleep...

2008-05-19T01:38:00.000-07:00

...and I don't know why. But, I'm guessing it has something to do with the venti iced coffee I consumed at 5 pm, and the fact that I just wrote this really intense paper, and that I am graduating in 5.5 days. Anyhow, get ready for a LOT of pictures...I have some catching up to do on here, and since it seems I won't be sleeping for a bit, I might as well be doing something...

Trinity Graduates Take Two

This is Iain. He is pretty cool, because he's really down to earth, easy to talk to, and living near him, we seem to run into each other often (like at Cold Stone last night). I appreciate that Iain usually has a unique perspective, and when he shares it, I think of things in a whole new light.

This is Luis. On Saturday, Luis and I will be the first two graduates from Trinity Lutheran College with a degree in Children, Youth and Family Studies. We've bonded a lot this year, partially because in most of our classes, we're the only ones who are married, and this gives us a different perspective. Luis has worked long and hard for this degree, and deserves it more than anyone else. I can't wait to meet his wife this weekend, either!

I really admire Rebekah. Not only is she funny and caring, but life has dealt her some junk, and she takes it all about as good as anyone could manage. And she's honest, which I also really admire. Even when it hurts.

Robin always has a smile on her face. When I showed up on campus with the pictures she ordered, she bounded out of the building to greet me, smile wide across her face. Robin loves working with kids, and I would guess her enthusiasm and joy helps!

Brittany...how I love this picture! If I had to pick a few words to describe her, I would say thoughtful and servant. She seems very dedicated to doing what she needs to do, and putting in 110% effort. I know she has big dreams to working with military youth, and that dedication and servant heart will take her far.

I don't know Grete well, but I do know that she is one smart lady! She spent a year with us, after having graduated with a BA, to soak up some more knowledge.

I feel like this picture of Karen captures her so well. She is a little like a butterfly...she just floats along through the halls, smiling and bringing with her a sense of lightness. Karen is on the quiet side, which (I think) is because she is such a great listener.

oh Julie! This girl keeps me in stitches whenever we are together. I appreciate Julie because she is dead honest, hysterical, and has a wild side. That is a great combination.

Katherine is like...super woman. She is married, has a one year old son, and is getting ready to graduate. I honestly do not know how she has managed to juggle all the hats that she wears on a daily basis! AND, she has taught me some lessons, whether she knows it or not! Katherine, her hubby and son are headed to Asia to teach English soon, and I know that if anyone can handle that, it is her!

Portrait Parties

2008-05-05T21:19:00.001-07:00

Hey guys! Sorry I've been MIA around here lately...whoo, graduating has snuck up on me, and life has gotten crazy! I have several things to blog, and maybe next week that will happen.

Looking forward to this summer, I want to offer something fun and new: Portrait Parties! If you are interested in hosting a party, it's a fairly simple process and the hostess receives 20% of the sales from the party in print credit. E-mail me for details!

Ethan Riley Reed

2008-04-25T21:34:00.000-07:00

Today I got to meet my cousin (sidenote...I tried really really hard to figure out what formal, official title for our cousin-ness would be, but it was...hard. I think he's my second cousin, once removed) and he is so cute and cuddly! I drove down last night so I could photograph him this morning before heading back up north for work this afternoon, and it was totally worth it. He was a snuggler, and totally content most of the time I was there...anytime he started fussing, we just wrapped him up and gave him the binky..and magically all was better!

We tried out a few new things...I tried out the babycozy, and I love it. LOVE IT! Also, I got some cheesecloth (thanks Kris!) and we suspended him in that...I love those images. Check out the slideshow, and leave a comment with your favorite image to win the family a free 8x10.

Trinity Lutheran College: Graduates

2008-04-19T22:32:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I had the distinct priviledge to photograph seven of my fellow seniors. As I was looking back through the images tonight, I earmarked my favorite images, and then I began to think about what makes these images stand out to me. I believe that in ways both big and small, the images that I picked tell a bit of each person's story (or at least their story as I've experienced it).

Angie: What a lovely, if not quiet, person. What I appreciate about Angie is her behind-the-scenes magic, the organizing, the food she brings to capstone, her thoughtful, unassuming ways. I love this image because she just shines. She is colorful but not over the top, which is Angie.

Britta: oh Britta. She will keep you in stitches, and an hour later, you can go to her for sincere, honest advice. She is what the world considers a tom-boy, but look at her...does she look like a boy to you? Didn't think so. I love her eyes, which I think embodies that thoughtful soul, the heart to reach out to kids in need.

Greg: He has his own sense of humor, and he's another one of the quiet ones. I don't say that as a bad thing; in reality, it makes me appreciate everything that Greg says that much more. I love this picture, because it captures a bit of who he is...every other picture of him was all smiles, but I asked him to try a serious one...this was as close to serious as he managed!

Maureen: I don't know Maureen as well as the others, but I do appreciate what she represents; so often on campus we have an attitude of apathy, we don't want to be there, we don't appreciate what we are allowed to participate in. People like Maureen who make the choice to actively seek education, to do so while working full-time, I just appreciate their sacrifice and dedication. I like this picture because it captures the warmth of Maureen's spirit.

Meghan: What a beautiful friend. Meghan has seen her share of unhappiness in life, and what blows me away about these images is that you'd never guess. I think we've all seen each other in some of our darker moments, and to see Meghan so strong and bright makes me happy. She has truly come into herself in the last few months, and it is great to see her in a happy place in life.

Wen: This amazing woman is an inspiration to me. Wen came here (I think) 4 years ago, with her daughter. She was unsure at first about whether she would be able to "hack it" at Trinity, because english is not her first language. Not only is she handling it just fine, she is graduating next month with a really high GPA (3.9 something, I believe...) Wen has opened herself up to the students at Trinity, shared her story and struggles, and we've been changed for the better because of her vulnerability. What I see in this image is her strength, her endurance, but also a bit of that vulnerability. Thank you, Wen.

Meet the Johnson Family

2008-04-13T14:05:00.000-07:00

I had the distinct pleasure of photographing the Johnson family this morning, and not only are the three of them totally photogenic, their little guy Brady is ADORABLE. Look at those eyes! When the show is over, leave the family a comment, and let us know which picture is your favorite...the image that gets the most votes will be given to the family as an 8x10, FREE!

New Item: Photo Charm Necklaces

2008-03-31T21:04:00.001-07:00

I LOVE these. I just got the first one in the mail today, and it's lovely. The necklaces come with lots of options...black beads, pearls, or multi-color beads (large or small), and you can have a 1 image or 2 images. I want one...who's picture would I wear, though?

Sara: Maternity

2008-03-24T08:47:00.000-07:00

My cousin's having a baby! I couldn't be more happy for her. Little Ethan isn't due for another month, almost, but the doctor thinks she's just about ready to pop! We snuck in a little Easter photo session...how cute is her little boy? Thanks guys, for letting me invade your house and get some amazing pictures!

Spring Break!

2008-03-20T08:30:00.001-07:00

Today is my last day of school for 10 days. WOOO-HOOO! 3 hours left...3 hours left....

One cute picture of Jade, cause a post isn't a post without a picture...

JADE!

2008-03-16T16:36:00.000-07:00

Jade is my most willing model...and is she ever photogenic! I took these with my 50mm, wide open...focus with this lens, especially wide open, has really been a challenge, but I'm finally getting the hang of it...I can't pick a favorite!

SO CUTE!

2008-03-07T14:04:00.000-08:00

My sister's boyfriend has 10 lab puppies...I posted some pictures when they were a week old...here they are at 6 weeks..

Look at the cuties!

2008-02-27T21:13:00.001-08:00

The last few weeks...us at the zoo, and the park!

I opened an Etsy store!

2008-02-22T09:43:00.000-08:00

So a few of us were talking about selling fine art photographs on Etsy yesterday, and I was inspired to open an Etsy store to sell some of my fine art stuff. Check it out!

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=44563

Some recent ones from work

2008-02-19T20:24:00.000-08:00

Late last week we had some really great afternoon light, and combine that with my new 50mm, and this is what you get:

I have an awesome husband!

2008-02-15T09:58:00.000-08:00

Well, I hope everyone had a great Valentin's Day! I worked last night so we didn't go out for dinner, but when I got home Kris had these beautiful roses waiting for me. He had to come up with something good after last year, and he did good!

THEY ARE HERE!

2008-02-13T21:37:00.000-08:00

What are here, you ask? GIFT CARDS! I (if you can't tell) am really jazzed about these gift cards. They are awesome looking gift cards, all hot pink and whatnot, plus what they say is really cute. Wanna see?

The front says, "you must be be special...VERY SPECIAL...A gift card espcially for you from someone who loves you very much"...

...and the back has all the pertinent information.

So, although they barely made it here before Valentine's Day, if anyone is having a last minute debate over what to give, what could be better than the gift of amazing memories, captured for ever....? You can give these cards to an existing client or a new one, and the card can go towards a session fee or prints, canvases, etc. AND, for the next week, I am running a special: buy one gift card, get double the purchase price! So, buy a $50 gift card, get $100 to spend! That means you can invest $50 and your whole session fee is paid!

Your giftcard comes in a cute little black pillow box, all filled out and ready to give to that special someone. Have questions? Do ask! mandiraemcdougall@gmail.com.

And, to include one non-product, actually adorable picture, here is Jade.

Last but not least, I want to wish all my friends and clients a Happy Valentine's Day! I will be spending the day in class and at work, but late tomorrow night I will come home and celebrate the day that Kris proposed last year!

Odds n Ends

2008-02-13T13:03:00.000-08:00

I had to post these quotes, they are from this book my sister bought this weekend about Redneck Wisdom (that's probably not what it's called, but she'll e-mail me later and correct me, and I will correct the blog!).

About as much fun as a warm bucket of calf slobber.

Just call me butter, cause I'm on a roll.

ahahahahahha. Ok, well, we thought it was funny.

In other news, I've been having fun taking pictures with my new lens. Examples (my school friends Luis and Casey):

AND, I found this awesome website where you can e-mail yourself, in the future. As in, you write yourself a letter, and can have it sent to you in a year, two years, ten years...it's also fun to read the letters others have written to themselves...http://futureme.org/

The announcement is coming later tonight. I promise. Darn Fed-Ex...

love, peace and all things pink,

mandi

Weekend Fun

2008-02-10T21:53:00.000-08:00

Confession: Yesterday I didn't step foot outside my apartment once, and I needed that break from the world.

Today, Ali and Jessica came up to visit and we went to BellSquare (read: shopping ahead). I went on a big of a shopping spree, buying a new camera lens, a new purse (it's HUGE), a hot pink apron...I could go on, but those were the highlights. I've added some pictures...my beautiful sister and Kris (unhappily) modeling my new purse and apron. And one of Kris with my new lens, done in chocolate tones. Love it!

Tomorrow it's back to the daily grind.

Something is in the works...

2008-02-08T20:56:00.000-08:00

...that should be ready by Valentine's Day! I'm excited! Keep an eye on the blog!

On a fun note, I'm getting a new toy! It's a waterproof case for my camera, so I can take it UNDERWATER! How stoked am I??? This case (called a Del Mar Camera Housing) is going to help me rock the pictures this summer in Mexico (yes, I said MEXICOOOO!), and I'm even excited for pool pictures this summer at the grandparental's! AND, they are going to spray paint the back of it pink. I'm in love already. swoon...what would Steve Whearty say...?

Lastly, I'd love to do some newborn (under 2 weeks old) or maternity shoots, to keep fresh. If anyone is interested, I'm looking for a session or two FREE OF CHARGE, with the option to purchase pictures. If you know someone who might be interested, lemme know!

love, peace and all things pink!
mandi

Be My Valentine

2008-01-31T23:46:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to give everyone a sneak-peak at my fab Valentine's cards.

Want some for yourself? Drop me a line!

In the land of dialup...

2008-01-26T16:20:00.000-08:00

...I found some wireless internet! WOO HOO! This is a happy day. I sat down at my grandmother's kitchen table to edit some photographs, and the little "wireless internet within range" icon popped up. I am now the proud stealer of my grandparents mean neighbor's internet! *snicker*

Tonight we're going out to dinner at AZTECA, but earlier today I got to photograph my sister's boyfriend's 10 lab puppies...they are one week old today, and ADORABLE!

Just thought you should all know...

2008-01-25T15:47:00.000-08:00

...that's it's my BIRTHDAY today! I've had many wonderful birthday wishes, coffee with a friend, and dinner and *gasp* gambling tonight with a good group of friends. Dinner tomorrow night with my family, and then just random time at home. I'm in such a good mood!

Randomness from my late night brain...

2008-01-22T23:59:00.001-08:00

I have to be up semi-early tomorrow for a facial, but we took some funny pictures tonight and I had to post them. We (Kris and I)

have a cat, whose name is Rex.

Rex is orange and white, and has long hair. Hair so long, in fact, that it sticks out between the pads on his little scratchy paws. Tonight I named that hair... it's his PawHawk.

exhibit a:

one last note...check out these eye lashes my kids BETTER inherit:

Where oh where...

2008-01-14T23:50:00.000-08:00

...has my dear OSP gone? I spend too many hours a day on a photography forum, and it has crashed...oh goodness! This happened at least once before, and a few days prior it went offline for a bit, but this has been 2 days now...I am definitley going through withdrawls!

Back to real life, it snowed tonight! Snow! I am excited, and hope that it sticks around for tomorrow, so maybe class will be cancelled!

Women of Faith

2008-01-10T14:38:00.000-08:00

I am taking this class I was initially dreading...Women of Faith. Not that WOF isn't a great topic, but history isn't my thing. Anyhow, I ended up here 7 hours a day, two days a week for the month of January.

Let me tell you, it's not so bad. Today we watched a really good movie, One Night With the King, and it was captivating, if not cheesy for a moment or two. We also read a book, that debunked most of what we as current society thinks the bible, particularily Paul, says about women, particularily women in the church. If you want to check it out, the book is called "What Paul Really Said about Women".

Presenting: New Print Presentation Options

2008-01-05T18:01:00.001-08:00

Happy 2008! With the start of the new year, I am launching some really cool new print presentation options. These would look amazing both as regular prints or as canvas wraps. I have started to work up some examples using past clients work. Take a look at the slideshow and check out the awesomeness!

If you see something you love, drop me a line and we'll work up something custom to fit your style, budget and wall!

101 in 1001

2008-01-01T15:46:00.000-08:00

I've seen a few other people make these lists, and you can find out more about the inspiration at Day Zero. The list is basically filled with long and short term goals that I would like to accomplish in the next 2.75 years (prior to September 28, 2010). For me, this list is all over the place, and I love it!

Grey: in progress
Red: done

1. Graduate from TLC (05.24.2008)
2. Grow out my hair to shoulder length
3. Make a sign that says "I Won" and then get to hold it up at D's wedding
4. Move to Centralia
5. Buy a house
6. Have a baby
7. Get another tattoo
8. Go overseas at least twice
9. Finish my Costa Rica scrapbook
10. Start and finish my wedding scrapbook
11. Get my wedding album printed
12. Replace the picture in our wedding signature mat with a wedding picture
13. Get an awesome blog (more color, more of "me")
14. Unpack all of the boxes in our apartment, or get rid of them
15. Open a photography studio in Centralia
16. Take two weekend vacations with Kris that are not trips to our parents houses
17. Pay off my car loan
18. Get Kris back to school
19. Get another pet so that Rex has a friend
20. Figure out a better client proofing method that is cost effective and is nicely presented
21. Get our curtains hung in our bedroom
22. Put together at least 10 new and improved client info packets
23. Shoot 3-4 family sessions for friends in Centralia, to build a new customer referral base
24. Convince my Grandma Thelma to let me photograph her
25. Blog three times a week for 2008
26. Make Kris' lunch every night before bedtime for one month
27. Attend a photography workshop
28. Get Dionne's website up and running
29. Grow an indoor herb garden
30. Create a way to prevent Rex from eating indoor herb garden
31. Take a vacation with Dionne and Mike
32. Go on a mission trip
33. Find a rockin' church home where both Kris and I feel welcome and included
34. Portrait session by Carrie Viohl
35. Get a 30x40 canvas print made from our wedding
36. Do Trash the Dress portraits with Dionne
37. Road trip: D, Mel and I
38. Buy a new lens for my camera (02.10.2008 Nikon 50mm 1.8)
39. Partner with at least two boutiques in Centralia/Olympia
40. Vacation in the dirty south!
41. Buy bigger monitor(s)
42. Buy Kris a plasma TV
43. Find and buy a better camera bag (looks hot like a shootsac, but meets my needs...)
44. Start saving for retirement
45. Sell 10 sets of greeting cards (Christmas cards, baby announcements, invitations, etc.)
46. Buy a small SUV
47. Hand out one business card a day for one month
48. Order my first KISS album
49. Cook dinner (including a vegetable that Kris will eat) three nights a week for 2008
50. Make our bed each morning for a week
51. Sell $500 in prints/other products to one client
52. Go to Montana (05.24.2008)
53. Commission Dionne to paint a huge painting for our living room wall
54. Create a streamlined organization for all of my business paperwork and all of our personal paperwork
55. Get an A in all of my Spring classes
56. Find an internship for the fall that will truly challenge my current ways of thinking, work ethic and beliefs
57. Attend one Christmas church service
58. Do a session for my Brother In Law and family, and my Sister in Law and family
59. Crochet three projects from start to finish without starting another in between
60. Create a system to keep track of all of these goals (01.01.2007)
61. Drink milk with dinner for one week
62. Book one portrait session a week for one month
63. Send out all of my Christmas cards on time one year
64. Give away all of our leftover wedding "stuff"
65. Use my Kitchen Aid mixer 25 times, photo document
66. Buy a cuisinart (thanks mom, birthday present, 01.26.2008)
67. Learn how to make amazing pesto in #66
68. Buy a rice cooker
69. Use the hot tub at our apartment complex
70. Use the elliptical machine once a week for one month
71. Attend Yoga every Wednesday that I am not working for two months
72. Learn how to make raspberry jam from my grandmother
73. Have coffee with two professors
74. Edit 5 more newspapers during Spring quarter
75. Photograph 30 Celebrating Adoption photo sessions
76. Go overseas with a family adopting a child to photograph their journey
77. Become a LoveCat on OSP (02.10.2008)
78. Figure out a streamlined way to read the 30 or so blogs I visit every day
(01.05.2007)
79. Go one week without drinking Starbucks
80. Find an amazing local photographer to do a portrait session for my immediate family
81. Photograph my father's parents
82. Convince my parents to get a new computer
83. HSOAW in 2008
84. Ebay all of my old school books
85. Get an IPod Nano (thanks hubbs, birthday present, 01.26.2008)
86. Purge my closet of all the clothes I don't wear anymore
87. Buy some amazing red high heels
88. Find a tailor who I trust and who does a really good job, and get the 4 pair of unhemmed pants hanging in my closet hemmed
89. Read one business book for each 5 for-fun books I read
90. Design (01.05.2008) and print custom shipping address labels (01.06.2008)
91. Buy a Wishblade (02.08.2008)
92. Go to Europe (Italy, please!)
93. Create a budget system that we can use effectively
94. Get rid of all but 2 credit cards
95. Drink one gallon of water a day for one month
96. Subscribe to three magazines
97. Eat two servings of fruit or veggies a day for two weeks
98. See a Seahawks game in person
99. Photograph a maternity session, birth session and newborn session for the same mother/baby combo
100. Organize all of my scrapbook supplies
101. Make homemade bread at least 3 times

The Kvarnstrom Family

2007-12-27T11:20:00.000-08:00

I work for the most amazing family, and yesterday I had the priviledge of doing a family portrait session for them. Take a look:

After you check out the slideshow, leave a comment below, and let the Kvarnstrom family know which picture is your favorite. The picture with the most comments will be given to the family as a free 8x10!

Merry Christmas to all...

2007-12-22T10:02:00.000-08:00

and to all, a good time!

We're headed down to my parents house for the holiday, a.k.a. the Land of Dialup, so I will be MIA until next week. I hope that everyone has a radtastic Christmas, and if you're checking out the blog to see someone's photos, leave a little Christmas love on the other families slideshows...help them win a free 8x10!

The Crofton Family

2007-12-19T20:25:00.000-08:00

Today I had the pleasure of photographing the Crofton family. I go to school with Katherine, and Brent graduated from TLC last year. Owen is my weekly (or more frequent) "baby fix" (one look at him and you can tell why...he's adorable!!)

To win them a free 8x10, leave me a comment with your favorite photo, and why!

Winter Portrait Special

2007-12-13T07:26:00.000-08:00

What: Receive $25 infree print credit with your portrait session purchase
When: Special dates in December and January
How: fill out the contact sheet on the website (www.mandimcdougallphotography.com) for more information
Why: because my clients rock!
Who: anyone!

So, get movin'! I've got about 10 dates that I are free, and I'd love to fill them up. This is a great time to do a family session (or a senior session, or a maternity session, or a newborn session...), like the Gintz family below!

**Extra special referral**
Refer a friend who also books a session and you both receive a free 8x10!

The Gintz Family

2007-12-11T22:19:00.000-08:00

Today I had the pleasure of photographing the Gintz family. They were a ton of fun, they have two of the most adorable daughters and one cute dog, too!

The Martin Family

2007-12-02T09:14:00.000-08:00

On Friday I had the pleasure of photographing the Martin Family. They adopted their daughter a little over a year ago, and she is adorable!

Thanksgiving

2007-11-25T19:38:00.000-08:00

Kris and I spent Thanksgiving at my grandparent's house. First thing Thanksgiving morning my brother Stevie and I headed into town to forage for Pumpkin Cheesecake supplies and a springform pan. That ended in one trip to Safeway, one trip to the closed kitchen store, and a long stopover at Walmart (we never did find the stupid springform pan!) That afternoon, before dinner, Stevie and my sister, Ali were my models for an inpromptu photo session out and about at my Grandparents house. I love the jump shots, and look at my BEA-U-TIFUL sister! Lastly, I took a few pictures of this statue of my grandmother's. Enjoy! I did.

And the winners are...

2007-11-20T11:38:00.000-08:00

Col:

Brooklyn:

Thank you all who voted for your favorite pictures! Come back often to see my new slideshows, and keep your comments coming! Families, look for your free pictures in the mail after Thanksgiving!

Meet Nicol "Cole" Murdoch

2007-11-12T21:03:00.000-08:00

Today I had a wonderful time doing a Celebrating Adoption photo session with the Murdoch family. Keely and Andrew were blessed with Cole 8 weeks ago, and he is adorable! He even slept at the end of the shoot, and we were able to get some totally serene picture of him!

Leave me a comment to vote for your favorite picture from Cole's photo session, and the picture with the most votes after a week or so will win the family a free 8x10!

Brooklyn's First Birthday

2007-11-11T13:39:00.000-08:00

A while back I had the pleasure of photographing Brooklyn and her awesome family. Angie and Jacob adopted Brooklyn from Vietnam, and she was welcomed home by big brothers Dakota and Austin. On Friday Brooklyn turned one, and yesterday I had the priviledge of photographing her birthday party, teeming with friends and family.

Find your favorite picture from the slide (you have to choose just one!) and leave me a comment letting me know which one you love. The family will win a free 8x10 of the picture that receives the most votes!

Class Project: The Girl Child

2007-11-05T23:38:00.001-08:00

Last week in my Human Development class we watched a movie produced by World Vision about how females are mistreated, globally. The movie touched on three particular ways, child brides, forced prostitution and female circumcision. It was a pretty hard movie to watch, and afterwards we were all pretty stunned. Fast forward a week, and I have a project due. It can be about any concept we discussed in class, so I decide to work through some of my ideas about The Girl Child. Without further ado...

Meet my BROTHER!

2007-11-02T13:01:00.001-07:00

This is my brother Jimmy. It is hard for me to believe that he is 18 and will be graduating high school this spring. I love these pictures of him, mostly because they capture who he is; strong and tough, sweet and tender-hearted, a pig farmer, hick and redneck :) I had a lot of fun having total creative control over his pictures, although the pictures on my dad's bike with his shotgun were not my idea :)

Dionne's 23rd Birthday

2007-11-02T11:57:00.000-07:00

Last weekend it was my best friend's birthday, and we spent the day celebrating in Seattle.

First it was pedicure time in Magnolia, then across the street to our fav Seattle Mexican restaurant: El Ranchon! Afterwards we headed downtown to check into our hotels and get ready! Mimosas and some makeup, and we were ready for dinner!

New Logo!

2007-10-30T23:45:00.000-07:00

By now you've seen the beautiful new logo at the top of my blog and on my website. I LOVE IT! Do you love it! Shalonda of Chubby Cheek Designs designed it for me, and that girl is a genius!

LOVELOVELOVELOVELOVELOVELOVELOVELOVELOVELOVE

Ok then. Moving along...

Not much photo stuff going on this past week. It's been crazy busy with school and work, and Dionne's birthday (there might be some surprise pictures from that later tomorrow...) We had an amazing dinner in Seattle to celebrate Dionne gettin' older! BOKA Kitchen=the best dinner I've ever had. If you live in Seattle, near Seattle, might visit Seattle someday...check it out! I mean really...

Ok, off to bed now. Just finished making a 2008 photo calendar for some clients, and now I'm hittin' the hay.

peace, love and all things pink!

Just one picture...

2007-10-21T21:58:00.000-07:00

...shows it all.

What love.

Utter, honest, unabashed love.

Mansfield

2007-10-21T21:24:00.000-07:00

This weekend we ventured to eastern Washington for our belated wedding reception with Kris' family/hometown, and before we left, I rented a fisheye lens, a 105mm lens and a lensbaby. I had a ton of fun with the fisheye, got some amazing pictures of my rings with the 105mm, and didn't really care for the lens baby.

Another family session...

2007-10-13T18:48:00.000-07:00

Today I did another family session (I am lovin' these family lifestyle photo sessions!) Get ready for some fall colors!

Meet the Sheaffer Family

2007-10-13T18:36:00.000-07:00

The Sheaffer family found me through CA. They adopted their little bundle of joy this spring, and from the sounds of it, she has changed their lives! They were super nice to photograph, and the boys reminded me so much of growing up with my own two brothers! Fun abounds...as do photographs!

Chloe has arrived!

2007-10-10T21:41:00.000-07:00

Chloe is a member of the Sabol Family. She is blessed to arrive in this vast world with a crew of siblings to keep her company (4 others), and she is their little miracle baby. She is cute, sweet and crinkly...all things that a 2 week old should be!

This (beyond) adorable little guy is Daniel, Chloe's older brother. I captured this cute picture of him while Chloe was taking a little break, and had to post it!

2007-10-05T07:54:00.000-07:00

Maternity Pictures
A maternity session can be a wonderful way to capture your pregnancy in a artistic and memorable fashion. These pictures are done in your home, and at your comfort level (fully clothed, partially clothed, covered in cloth or tastefully nude). They are a beautiful way to embrace the changes your body is going through. The session could be done all at one time (I recommend doing this at 7-8 months) or a few times, starting when you are just showing and documenting the growth along the way.

Christmas Cards, 2008 Photo Calendars, Oh MY!

2007-09-21T13:20:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone. I just launched a new product, custom Christmas cards, Birth/Adoption announcements and 2008 calendars. Here is an example of each:

It is never too early to book your family session for Christmas cards! If you are interested, check out the newly revamped website! http://www.mandimcdougallphotography.com/

Two CA shoots in one!

2007-09-03T21:15:00.000-07:00

A while before the wedding I was contacted by Tracy, who had just adopted a son from Ethiopia. By time we got around to scheduling the session, her sister was going to be in town with her newly adopted son. We did a duel session...Tracy and Zavion, 6 months old and Bradley and Sebastian, 13 months old.

Sabol Family

2007-09-01T20:07:00.000-07:00

Today I had the pleasure of photographing the Sabol family. They found me through Celebrating Adoption. Amy and Toby have four children that are fosted to adopt; Katelyn, 4, Daniel, 2, Kaelee, 15 months and Abby, 12 months...and Chloe, due in October!

As soon as I walked in the door of their house, love and chaos surrounded me. Seldom have I ever met a mom who handles the challenges of four little ones so well. She was firm with Katelyn, sung to Daniel, and played with Kaelee and Abby until they giggled.

Without any further ado...

The Reinmuth Family

2007-08-28T13:13:00.001-07:00

This last Sunday I participated in my first Celebrating Adoption photoshoot. It was fun...such a warm, loving family to photograph. They adopted both of their children when they were infants.

I am back, and I am officially Mrs. McDougall!!

2007-08-16T13:32:00.000-07:00

Boy, does that feel great.

The wedding was wonderful. Beyond words wonderful. I think our wedding was exactly what a wedding should be...first and foremost, a celebration of our love, undying devotion and unity. Beyond that, it was fun, hectic, and just a really good time. I left for my honeymoon thinking...dang, I've got an awesome family. They cooked, cleaned, set up, took down and HANDLED life for a few days for me. Stunning, amazing, loving. And I'm not just talking immediate family, although they worked their tails off. I'm talking friends of family, grandparents, cousins (Jeremiah and his to-die-for cake), friends (hello Dionne, Mike, Paulette and my Wedding Coordinator extrordinaire Melissa).

And now that the honeymoon is over, we've returned to "normal" life (that is a joke!) and are starting to put things back in order. Not our apartment, mind you, but the rest of life.

I've had a few inquiries for Celebrating Adoption, and I thank you ladies. I am bubbling with anticipation over our photo sessions in the next few weeks. Work is crazy...I'm on track for a 50+ hour work week. Yikes. 2 weeks left after tomorrow and I get on day off...then school starts. I am so ready for that. So ready.

All I have so far is one little wedding picture...it was when we were leaving, during the confetti toss:

Peace, love, and all things pink!

Mandi McDougall

it's been a while...

2007-07-25T14:38:00.000-07:00

...I've been so busy with life (moving, wedding planning, being sick, work, etc.) that I've taken a ton of pictures but haven't gotten around to actually editing many of them. These are from Kellee and Andrew's wedding July 7th:

With the wedding only 10 days away (omg...tomorrow is single digits!) life has gone into full-swing berzerk mode, as much as I try and deny it. I am keeping a level head, trying to focus on the positive and not get too stressed, but I can feel the anticipation building. By Monday we should be totally moved, and from then on (I hope) life will begin to get a little better each day!

This may or may not be the last post before the wedding/honeymoon...! If anyone needs to contact me for Celebrating Adoption, please send an e-mail and know that I will get back to you as soon as the wedding/honeymoon festivities are over!

These pictures are not taken by me, but they are of me!

2007-07-02T23:22:00.001-07:00

Had session 2 of our engagement pictures tonight, with my best friend, Dionne Bossart. Here are two faves:

check out her website at: www.dionnebossartphotography.com

Celebrating Adoption

2007-06-28T14:03:00.000-07:00

So there is this group I joined...called Celebrating Adoption. The basic idea is that anyone who has adopted in the last year (from anywhere, a child of any age, etc.) can contact any of the photographers on the website (www.celebratingadoption.org) for a free portrait session for them and their family, plus they will receive 20 free 4x6 proofs.

For me, this is not only a chance to randomly give back, but a chance to advocate for something I believe in. I have always wanted to adopt, and have known in my heart that I will. Three and a half years ago I met this amazing person, Kristopher, who I will be married to in exactly 37 days. He was adopted at age 11, after both of his birth parents passed away. I know the hurt he carries from this experience, but I have also seen how blessed he has been by the family who adopted him. He became the youngest of three kids, and was blessed to be raised by such a wonderful, Christian family, who I will soon be "adopted" into myself.

We have just been given a big choice of our own...a family member of Kris' is raising her grandson, and is dealing with some pretty major medical issues. A little under two weeks ago we were asked to take on the responsibility of Godparents...that is, to agree to take this woman's grandson if anything is to happen to her. We are both pretty young, I am still in school, and at first we were shocked almost beyond words (side note: me being speechless does not happen often. at all.) Last night we made a decision that will change our lives forever, I'm willing to bet in ways we can't even fathom. We are now Godparents (that's all I can think of to describe this duty...) to a bright and rambunctious 6 year old boy. Heaven help us.

So, that is why, in a rather large nutshell, that this form of serving others and giving back has become so important to me. When I signed up for Celebrating Adoption, we had not yet been asked to take on this responsibility, and never would have fathomed it.

Multiples at the park

2007-06-28T13:58:00.000-07:00

Last week we had a multiples playdate at a local park. It was fun to see all the adorable twins running around! Here are a few pictures from the day:

This is Sophie. You all know her by now. Mom and sister Anna are in the background.

The troublesome twosome (ok, not really...more like the adorable twosome!) heading down the slide.

This little cutie and her sister sat quietly and patiently in their stroller...ah, those are the days!

More pictures!

2007-06-07T23:26:00.001-07:00

This is another of Sophie, the other day at the park.

This is Audrey, a friend of the girls. How adorable are those glasses?

Here is another of Annabelle. She is definitley more pensive than Sophie.

And...this is Ethan. He is adorable, but hiding in that crop of blonde hair are devils horns!

More of Sophie...

2007-06-07T10:25:00.000-07:00

...who is my favorite photography subject, even if she doesn't cooperate all that much! So I know that I haven't said much about Sophie, but she is one of the three adorable kiddies I nanny for full-time. She has a twin sister Annabelle, who I've also posted pictures of, and an older brother Ethan, who's debut on my blog will be happening soon. Sophie is the sweetest little thing I've ever seen, and you'd never know by the smile on her face that she's been through many major surgeries, had a tumor removed from her face and spent almost the first half of her first year in the hospital. She is such a trooper, and such a happy little thing.

Took these over the last few days...

Here she is on a tear through the playtube...

This is my favorite lately of Sophie. I took this blind...just stuck the camera into the playtube and clicked. I love the expression on her face and the composition.

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This is my favorite picture I have ever taken of the two of them. It is so stereo-typical Sophie and Annabelle....Annabelle moving very fast towards the thing I want her to get into the least, and Sophie sitting back, having a drink (of milk), bossing Anna around. This is how things go around here. When they were about 9 or 10 months old, Anna was the bigger and faster of the two. Now, she still moves a little faster, but not because Sophie can't. Rather because Sophie is just too laid back to care. Talk about the one who rules the roost...Sophie "dramaQueen" Clinick!

What a cutie!

2007-05-29T21:35:00.000-07:00

This is Bailey. She is almost a year old and quite a funny little girl.

At the Park with Isabel

2007-05-27T00:03:00.000-07:00

This weekend some family came up to Seattle, and with Kris' parents came his niece, Isabel. I don't have any nephews or nieces, but Kris has 6, and being called Aunt Amanda has been a new experience for me in the last few months. This little girl is adorable, and such a ham!

And then one last picture from the beautiful day at Magnolia's new park...this gorgeous purple flower for which I don't know the name!

Kid pictures!

2007-05-24T23:13:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from the last few months at work...

adorable kiddies...

Sophie:

Annabelle:

My first new post!

2007-05-24T11:08:00.000-07:00

Mandi McDougall Photography

Well I am switching blog addresses. Mostly because this one is going to be the launch of my photoblog.

I am getting married in two months, and have decided that I want to get a little more serious, or maybe just put a little more time into my photography. And because I'll have a new last name, I decided to include it. So, Mandi McDougall Photography is born!

Here is one recent picture to get things started...