{TUTU PHOTOGRAPHER FEATURE} Miklus Photography located in Virginia

This week'd feature photographer I met through a very good mutual friend of ours, Chris. Our sweet friend, Chris that did many of my photos passed away earlier this year after battling cancer for years. She is missed by so many, but she also brought many people together through her friendships with many many fellow photographers. Just a week or two ago Karen posted a picture that I loved and we both had to comment on how it reminded us of our friend Chris and a picture she would of taken. So I am pleased to feature Karen of Miklus Photography this week. I love looking at the fabulous pictures she takes and she's been a customer of mine for several years.

Featuring Miklus Photography

http://www.miklusphotography.com

Karen@miklusphotography.com

Stafford, VA

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stafford-VA/Miklus-Photography/203186440934?ref=ts

How did you find yourself in photography?
I've grown up around photography. My uncle is an amazing photojournalist
and he was always taking pictures of his nieces and nephews as we grew
up. As an adult I look back at the images he took of family members and
it strikes me at how he didn't just take a picture, he captured the
essence of his subjects. You could look into that image and be
instantly transported back to the time and place that image was taken;
even though that person was no longer with us, because of that image you
could still feel them. I wanted to do that too. I wanted to capture
memories, snippets of my life so that I could go back and remember a
time that had already passed. I started with shooting places I visited
and then began shooting the children in the family, including my own.
Showing the relationship between my daughter and all her cousins was
very important to me. As an elementary school teacher, I loved
photographing my students interacting with each other. After the birth
of my second daughter, my husband encouraged me to merge my love of
children with my love of photography. I became hooked! Here I could do
what I loved...playing and interacting with children. I could spend my
time capturing those precious moments in time and preserve so that one
day their parents could look back and "feel" that time again and again.

What is your specialty?

My specialty is children and maternity. Maternity images are so
magical, invoking strong emotion. I love documenting that special
miracle taking place within a woman and helping her to feel as beautiful
as she truly is. Children are just wonderful to work with! I love
spending my time playing with them and capturing that special smile or
look that is the essence of that child...the look that makes mom say,
"That's my baby." When I get that response, I am thrilled because to
me, that's what it's all about.

Do you prefer to shoot indoors or out?
I love the control that I have working in my studio...I'm comfortable
there. However, I love the excitement and spontaneity of an outdoor
shoot. Allowing children to just be themselves in an outdoor
environment is so much fun for me...I can really see their personalities
shine. I love finding the perfect setting to create a really original
image fitting to the subjects personality and I love the sparkle that
natural light creates...it's beautiful and the colors are amazing!


Do you have any tips for aspiring photographers?

Keep shooting! If you love photography the best way to learn and grow
is to keep on shooting. We are our own toughest critics, but don't be
afraid to push yourself to try new things and to keep improving.


What do you like about Hannah's Tutu's?

What's not to love about Hannah's Tutu's! The colors and designs are
wonderful! Looking at Hannah's Tutu's is like a child looking through
the window of a candy store where each colorful treat looks more
delectable than the next!
The quality cannot be beat...they are so well made and lux...no other
tutu's can compare.
Last, but not least.....Lisa's customer service is wonderful...she works
hard to provide her clients with outstanding customer service and it is
very much appreciated ;)


Thanks so much Karen, for taking the time to let us feature you this week!

{TUTU PHOTOGRAPHER FEATURE} Renee Ross Photography located in Minnesota

"Renee Ross Photography"

http://www.reneerossphotography.blogsome.com/

email: fivebyfive_78@yahoo.com

(Check out Renee Ross Photography on Facebook too)

If you are a customer of mine .. there is no doubt that you have looked at our Birthday Bash design and ohh and ahh'ed over it. This design has been our best seller for years... last year Renee submitted a sweet picture to me of the Birthday Bash design to use I just loved it!!! This year Renee has shot several other designs for us, such as the Sweet & Sour Lollipop Tutu and we have several new designs that she's working on photographing currently (I can hardly wait to show off!) So keep an eye out for more of Renee's pictures on our sites!

Now a little bit about Renee....

How did you find yourself in photography?
I have always had a camera, always the one wanting to capture those memories. Well after I had kids my passion grew...people started making comments and asking me to take pics for them, and so I am here.

What is your specialty?

I would say babies and kids.

http://hannahstutus.com/item_573/TUTU-Sweet-Sour-Lollipop-Gal.htm

Do you prefer to shoot indoors or out?

I much prefer outdoor natural light.

Do you have any tips for other aspiring photographers?
If this is your passion, don't give up keep practicing and learn from your mistakes. It doesn't have to be perfect, to be beautiful.

What is your favorite thing about Hannah's Tutus?

The tutu's are the best! So full, extremely well made and the color mixtures just stunning. Lisa is super sweet too.

Any other tad bits you want to tell us about...

little known fact..I love photography so much, I have a tattoo of my first SLR.=)

http://hannahstutus.com/item_89/TUTU-Original-Birthday-Bash.htm

{Customer Photo Shoots}

A few weeks ago I was contacted by a photographer that had shot one of my tutus. She sent me such a sweet note on my tutus and it was so appreciated (it just happened to come in during a crazy week when my little baby had been at the hospital twice for bronchitus, dehydration etc). Her email note made my day .. so I figured I would share the note and some of the adorable pictures she took of Ms M. Thanks Debbie for such a nice and encouraging note!

Check out the cute pictures Debbie and Ms. M's mom were kind enough to share with me and be sure to check out Debbie's Photography website online at: www.clarkphotographs.com

"Last week Ms. M came in for her birthday photo session. Her mother had chosen
a beautiful elegant dress for the main portrait. I had called her that morning and asked her if by any chance Ms. M had a tutu. So she came in with the cake, balloons, fancy dress and tutu. We started with the main dress of course and our sweet Ms. M was not "feeling it". We got a few beautiful shots, but most of them was Ms. M crying for her Mom. We worried she may not be feeling well. As her Mom changed her out of the dress I said lets just try her in the tutu and see what happens. Well we put the tutu on and WOW she started posing and smiling and the real Ms. M showed up. It was all personality from then on! Every time the lights fired Ms. M would absolutely bring something new to the set. I am so excited and everyone who has seen the photos are going wild over them. I will definitely be using your tutus in my studio. I love the "retro chic" feel it brings. Thanks for an awesome product! I am so glad my client told me about you!"

Sincerely,
Debbie Clark (owner of Clark Photography)
www.clarkphotographs.com

{TUTU PHOTOGRAPHER FEATURE} Samantha Wacker Photography located in Florida

So its a little late in the day... business was crazy this morning, but I couldn't forget my commitment to feature a photographer customer of mine every week.

This week's feature photographer is Samantha Wacker of Samantha Wacker Photography located in Florida. I was excited when Samantha agreed to let me feature her, she ordered her first tutu from me a few years back and I have to say she does some great work!! I used to sneek peaks at her blog to see the latest wedding shots she had taken, you can always see the FUN in her work.

Check out her website & blog at:
Website: http://www.samanthawackerphotography.com/
Blog: http://www.samanthawackerphotography.blogspot.com/

So lets chat photography and more with Samantha....

How did you find yourself in photography?

I have always loved photography, but it wasn't a true passion until I had my children. After I had my daughter I would surf the web and think "I would love to have that photo of A..." and once my second child was born I knew it was time for me to get my first DSLR. After working with a 35mm film camera for so many years I thought I would know everything right away....NOT the case! :) Digital is so different, but in a good way! I sometimes get so wrapped up with my work now that I forget the real reason I started this...for my kids. I want them to be able to flip through album upon album of photos from their childhood and see our family the way I do!

What is your specialty?

I do believe that every photographer has a talent. Some photographers are amazing with weddings, but not so much with the newborns. I have to say though, I love it all. If I had to choose I think it would be newborns/babies/toddlers (no, I couldn't choose just one). They are the most challenging! It is so rewarding to me when I leave a session and the parent says "he was so rotten, I'll be surprised if we got ANY good photos!" Once I show them the proofs they either cry of joy or they're speechless! It's the best feeling...EVER! I have yet to have an unsuccessful session!

Do your prefer to shoot indoors or out?

Honestly I LOVE shooting outdoors! Don't get me wrong, I love the studio shots too (some of my favorite photos are done from my studio), but outside is amazing. The light, the setting, the colors...it's all amazing! Kids will be themselves and parents feel at ease. I guess it's reassuring for parents when you get someone who is willing to dance with a 2 year old or sing (horribly) to the Little Mermaid! :) In the studio it's a little more like "business" to a kid! I LOVE being able to get kids out of whatever "funk" they show up in.

Do you have any tips for other aspiring photographers?

Every child dreaded hearing their parents say "practice makes perfect" but it's SO true! I haven't taken any photography classes or attended any pricey workshops...everything is self taught and I like to think that I have done really well for myself. All of it has been through practice and determination though. Find your "style" and go with it. Not everyone is going to love your work so don't let your feelings get hurt. Take constructive criticism when it's offered...especially if it comes from a professional photographer.

What is your favorite thing about Hannah's Tutus?

Ahhh, where to begin? Lisa has become a master of the tulle! :) Not one of the tutus that I have from her has come to me wrinkled, thin, or plain! She makes sure they are as full as they can possibly be (which was the main thing that drew me to her tutus). Every last piece of tulle and ribbon is in an exact place making sure it looks fabulous!!! On top of the awesome tutus, Lisa's business etiquette is phenomenal. I think that is key to making a business run smoothly. I literally have NO complaints about her or her products. Having 3 kids myself, I know how tough it can be sometimes to get work done (especially when you stay home with the children and work in between diapers, meals, cleaning, and arguments), but Lisa makes sure her turn-around time is quick! I don't think I could say enough good things about her...

PS ... I know many of you also are like myself and Samantha and working your business around the lives of your children.. in the near future I hope to do a post on sharing how to make your business work around your family .. its hard .. I have 3 children and all are preschool age and under although I work a Mon-Fri business my actual hours are crazy some days I get up and work 6-8 am logging orders before the kids get up ... then I wait til nap time and do replys ... then at 5 I start actually making orders til the late hours and nowadays business has become so busy that I actually have a college student help me .. she is a GOD SEND, some days she watches the kids some days she helps prep orders ... managing a business around a crazy family schedule sure takes alot of energy but I love what I do!! When a customer sends a picture and says thank you for making her birthday outfit .. it makes my job worth every moment!

{TUTU PHOTOGRAPHER FEATURE} Tracy Joy Photography located in Illinois

Its Feature Tuesday...


This week I am featuring Tracy Joy Photography http://www.tracyjoyphotography.com/ located in the Chicago area of Illinois.

Photography Website: www.TracyJoy.com
Blog Link: www.TracyJoy.com/photoblog

I just can't say enough things about Tracy. She's been doing many of my pictures for almost a year and a half now. She's great at getting wonderful tutu and bloomer shots and has an awesome model thats as cute as a button (when I see pictures of her she reminds me alot of my little girl). I first met Tracy when she took some fabulous pictures of one of my tutus that her friend had purchased from me ..and its seems as though we have been friends ever since.

Now let me just give Tracy's friend a shout out because she runs a business "Bangerang Bakeshop" http://www.bangerangbakeshop.com/ and I've had the pleasure of indulging in one, two, okay maybe a few of her fabulous cupcakes in a jar, my favorite was a chocolate mint cupcake that was offered but this morning I took a sneak peak at her flavors and that red velvet was calling my name!! Check out her website the cupcakes are great for gifts!

Anyway, back to Tracy who is just full of talent and super busy all the time with all the businesses she takes on. As I will for each feature I asked Tracy a few questions for this post.

How did you find yourself in photography?

I've always had an "eye" for photography... looking at things from a different aspect then the normal person would. Seeing a street full of graffiti and thinking "wow, those are beautiful colors!"... or the sparkle in a child's eye, and seeing that moment "still" or in slow motion and dreaming of capturing that specific second in time. Not to mention... I love all things art, in general. My grandfather owned an art gallery when I was young, and I remember how the paintings all filled me with dreams and curiousity... how the painter captured that exact moment and put it into a piece of art. That is how I think of of my photography... it's not a job, it's not a piece of paper or a digital clip... I try to make a piece of art that is unique in the smallest (or largest) way I can! For instance, seeing a mother and child in those first days of life, and being able to feel the love straight through the lens, and capturing an instant that can last a lifetime to that mother...

What is your specialty?

I love working with kids..... and I think kids love working with me. I can put myself into the world of a 2y old, and pull them out of their "regular stranger shyness", and they happily let me capture something wonderful through my lens. Parents must think I'm nuts (cuz of the corny things I do to get a kids smile or sweet wink), but the kids surely find me amusing! haha! I love baby giggles, kiddie toes, lil button noses... the whole nine yards! And twins... what a blast that is! Not a challenge by any means... it just means following their moment, and their personality... and capturing them each, as they are... LOVE THEM!

Do you prefer to shoot indoors or out?

I love both, for different reasons. I love the sharpness of the entire shot that I can capture with my lil home studio. And the control over my lighting makes things very persistant and sweet... not to mention my room full of props that I can quickly thumb through and incorporate into my studio shoot. HOWEVER.. I Love the challenge of the outdoors! Esp with older kids, and teens... finding that great urban spot can really make a difference and show a true personality and extra edge.

Do you have any tips for other aspiring photographers?

DON'T HOLD BACK! We can be our worst critics... it's an aweful thing. Take pride in your work... and in YOU. If this is what you love, jump right in... feet first of course :)

What is your favorite thing about Hannah's Tutus? Do I have to come up with one thing? First of all.. Lisa is a peach... just a wonderfully talented, well rounded, gal! Her products.. TOP NOTCH! I've never had a tutu from Hannahs that I wasnt in love with.... EVER! They are full to the brim with lovely soft tulle, and full of color combos that leave me breathless (yes, no exaggeration... opening a box from Hannah's tutus is like Christmas every time!)

I LOVE props... esp girly things! I also have another company www.PropInsanity.com where I review and feature unique and fun props and their creators... Hannah's was one of my first, and a favorite of mine! I have a wall of tutus in my house... and nothing brings a smile to a clients face than when their eyes meet that rainbow of yummy tulle!

Check out these additional sites of Tracy's to see great props and Camera Bags!

http://www.facebook.com/#!/TracyJoyPhotography?ref=ts

http://www.propinsanity.com/

http://www.pinkheelsboudoir.com/

http://www.thejoybag.com/

Before I close this post - let me remind you just a few days left in the giveaway check out the post and enter to try and win then return this Friday to find out the winner and what great giveaway I have in store starting this Friday with our summer of specials and giveaways!

{TUTU PHOTOGRAPHER FEATURE} Misty Jones Photography located in Florida

Introducing Misty Jones Photography.....

This week's TUTU FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHER is someone I have known for quite some time and consider a friend of mine, and thats "Misty Jones Photography". So I felt that she should be one of our first features on the blog.

I rememember several years ago when Misty took some of my first professional pictures I was starting the business and she was starting her own business and even then I knew Misty was going to have a great business her pictures were fabulous from the start!

Misty serves areas of Florida like Brandon, Riverview, South Tampa and many of those surrounding areas.

Her website is: http://www.mistyjonesphotography.com/
You can read her blog at: http://mistyjonesphotography.blogspot.com/
Or join her facebook photography page at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Riverview-FL/Misty-Jones-Photography/90574090597

For this week's feature I asked Misty a few questions and here are her responses:
We asked Misty a few questions and here are her responses:

What is your speciality?

Misty: I love working with children. I love the different expressions they give you and just that genuine childhood pureness. I also love photographing newborns, high school seniors, couples and pregnant woman.

Do you prefer to shoot indoors or out?

Misty: A bit of both. I prefer to work with walking aged children outside where they can run and be free. I just follow them around while they play and be silly. As for newborns and maternity I mostly photograph them inside but I also like to head outdoors for some more original shots.

Do you have any tips for other aspiring photographers?

Misty: Don't rush into things. Take your time. Learn your camera, learn how to run a business (marketing, sales, accounting, editing, etc....), get everything all set up and THEN start portfolio building. I did the complete opposite and I have to tell you that its crazy when your trying to learn it all at once. It's a lot to take in. Keep in mind that you probably spend about 1% of time shooting and the rest of the time you are editing, placing orders, packaging, marketing, etc....

What is your favorite thing about Hannah's Tutus?

Misty: I love Lisa's creativity. She is always coming up with new things and her tutus are some of the fullest I have ever come across. They just feel better then some of the thinner/cheaper tutus that I have come across. I also love that Lisa has teamed up with other great sellers like Bella Claire Baby for custom tops and bloomers (http://www.bellaclairebaby.com/),

Stella and Dot with their new little girls jewelry line (http://www.stelladot.com/sites/laurengoldman/productcatalog?page=productlisting.category&categoryId=1156) and The Little Red Wagon for hair bows (http://www.thelittleredwagon.etsy.com/). Together they make quite a team and you really turn your daughter into the princess she always wanted to be when you mix and match all these adorable items!

If you have been on the http://www.hannahstutus.com/ website or on my etsy page then you have seen Misty's work she does many of my business pictures for me, but I picked a few favorites to share with you.

The Cupcake Bash
This sweet new tutu is a personal favorite!

The Mod Witch

The Mod Witch was a popular design last Halloween and will return...