Meg Sexton Photography » lifestyle photography

2011 Favorites | Day 3 | Bay Area maternity photographer

Meg Sexton — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 17:28:29 +0000

I seem to really be having problems narrowing down my photos. I just can’t pick one. This session is an all time favorite of mine. These two are truly wonderful people, and anyone who has as many dogs, goats and chickens as they do, just deserve some recognition! The cars, the animals and their wonderful personalities just won me over.

Truly a wonderful family!

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Holiday Mini Session | Meg Sexton Photography

Meg Sexton — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 22:04:04 +0000

Our annual mini sessions are here!

Sunday, October 23rd

It’s not too late to reserve your spot. We are only offering one day of sessions this year and have both morning sessions in Oakland and evening sessions in Martinez available.

To view location information, available times, and register for the morning sessions, click here:
To view location information, available times, and register for the evening sessions, click here:

To book a full session, please email meg@megsextonphotography.com

As an extra fun bonus, I’ll be giving away 1 FREE mini session to a lucky family. To win, simply share a link to this post on your Facebook wall or twitter feed (Be sure to link back to Meg Sexton Photography to qualify!), and come back to tell me where you posted. A winner will be randomly selected from the comments this Friday, Sept 23rd. Only one comment per person is eligible to win and the winner must be local and available Oct. 23rd to receive their prize. Good luck!

Ask Meg Mondays | Bay Area Photographer

Meg Sexton — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 17:06:21 +0000

I’m so thankful to all of you who read the blog. Really and truly if I could give you all big huge hugs, I would. (And if you’re not a hugging kind of person, than you get a cookie.) Without you, I’d have nothing to talk about, and I really do enjoy all my talking.

There is so much information floating around out there in blog land. In an effort to be more helpful and pay it forward, I’m taking my Q&A sessions public! Back in May, I asked for questions on my facebook page. I got some great question there and through email. Here are a few:

Alison asked: What is your favorite piece of equipment?

This is easy. Hands down, my favorite, and most used, piece of equipment is my 50mm f/1.2L lens. I love how versatile this lens is. I love how little distortion I get while shooting portraits but it still allows me to get nice and close to my clients. And of course, when I chose to shoot wide open, I get incredible, breathtaking, buttery bokah. And that makes me weak in the knees.

Both of these images were shot with the 50mm. See that bokah in the right image?

Settings:
ISO 200
f/1.2
1/1000 sec

Now, I know the price tag prohibits a lot of you from picking up this gem of a lens, but Canon offers a GREAT alternative in both the 50mm f/1.4 for about $375 and the completely affordable “nifty fifty” 50mm f/1.8 for only a little over $100. I promise neither of these will disappoint!

Laura asked: What software do you suggest for Post Processing?

Hands down, I recommend Adobe Lightroom. I use it to sort my photos, cull my favorites (for both personal and client shoots), and do all of my initial edits. It’s relatively inexpensive, very user friendly and a great way to get started in post production. If you find that you still want some of the functionality of photoshop, there is very easy integration between the two programs.

For those of you just getting started with post processing, Scott Kelby has some really great, easy to get through instructional books.

Julie asked: Do you offer Mentoring?

I do! I have online and in person mentoring opportunities available for any photographer outside of my area. Prices start at $125 per hour. Feel free to email me for details and package pricing.

To ask a question for the next installment of Ask Meg Mondays, email meg@megsextonphotography.com. I’m looking forward to hearing from you!

A week of favorites | Day 5 | Bay Area photographer

Meg Sexton — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 18:01:27 +0000

I can’t help it. There are two again today.

This is getting harder and harder as I approach the end of the week. Each time I think I have it narrowed down, I find something else I want to add. I just feel so blessed.

I’m not even sure this needs any explanation. It’s a baby. In a basket. With a giant flower. What’s not to love?

This one makes me laugh every time I see it. Dad was launching his baby into the air, baby was loving it – and mom was trying her best to not panic. Funniest moment ever.

A week of favorites | Day 1| East Bay photographer

Meg Sexton — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 04:49:45 +0000

Nothing has made me happier over the last few days than reflecting on 2010 and all it’s wonderful moments. I feel so incredibly blessed to be where I am in life, to have the friends and clients that surrounded me this year, and to be able to do what I truly love. What better way to end the year than to recap my favorite images of 2010. And, it means I’ll be blogging every day this week. (I know, I’m as excited as you are.)

The first set was one of the first newborns of the year. (I really could not pick just one image, I’m sorry.)

It was an incredibly cold and gross day outside. Overcast, raining, just bland and awful. Something about the light inside though was magical. We had the heater cranked up to help Baby Dario sleep and we just ooed and awed every time he cracked a little newborn smile.

There is just something about newborn lips that melt my heart.

The newest Raider Fan | East Bay newborn photographer

Meg Sexton — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 19:33:05 +0000

There are some times that my job should come with hazard insurance. Like, when I get to go and cuddle cute, squishy newborns for hours at a time. I have been waiting for Stephanie and Brad to have baby Brody since the moment we finished their fabulous maternity session. These two are just so gorgeous, I knew their baby would be equally as cute. And he was, x 10.

Adorable little Wente getting her model on.

One of my favorite images from Brody session. The last of the day and on a chair belonging to Stephanie’s Great Aunt. I love everything about it.

Thank you Stephanie and Brad for letting me capture little Brody. I had a ball.

To book a newborn session with Meg, please email meg@megsextonphotography.com.

Back in the blogging saddle {Livermore photographer}

Meg Sexton — Mon, 17 May 2010 16:54:24 +0000

I know, I know. The blog has been SLOW. I’ve had a good excuse though… it’s been busy! So, I’m back and I bring pictures. And a promise a of fabulous posts to come.

About a month ago, I received an email from a local photographer looking for some photos of herself. I’ve mentioned it before, but I feel like I have to say it again. I love shooting other photographers. Not only is it flattering, but it’s just a lot of fun. It’s a chance for me to learn and observe someone else who does what I do. And in the end, I hope to make a new friend! (Andrea, those drinks are calling!)

What I loved most though, was that Andrea brought along not only her husband, but her adorable dog Sydney. Since we decided to meet in the hills of Livermore – I couldn’t have been more excited for ANYTHING on four legs that could sniff out snakes. ((shudder)) I don’t do snakes.

Andrea, thank you again for spending the afternoon with me. You are fabulous.

Seriously, aren’t they cute!?

A post from the road {Bay Area photographer}

Meg Sexton — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:36:38 +0000

Thanks to the wonders of technology, this post is appearing while I’m 30,000 feet in the air, on my way to Las Vegas. (For geeky photography reasons. WPPI!) I couldn’t leave without just a little sneak peak at yesterday’s session.

Aren’t you excited about what’s to come!? I am!

Horsing Around {Bay Area Lifestyle photographer}

Meg Sexton — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:06:25 +0000

Ms. Madison and my baby, Grayson, share a birthday. Because of this fact alone, I knew I would like her. I felt like Renee (her mother) and I have a bond. Labor, childbirth, recent first birthday parties…. We totally did those things together! (Even if we weren’t actually together.) I do also realize that I could just be a stalker wanting people to like me!

We got rained out of our first attempt at shooting Madison’s 1 year portraits, but luckily, we came up with an even better, and even more fun location for the make-up session. Canyon Creek Ranch. Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. (And I’m holding myself accountable for taking Grayson there when he is old enough to get on a horse!)

I had a lot of fun with you guys, so thank you Renee and Jason, for being willing to follow me and my crazy antics. I think the photos we got were worth every mud covered shoe!

To book a family session with Meg, please email Meg@megsextonphotography.com

A gloriously rainy day | Danville family photographer

Meg Sexton — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 17:52:21 +0000

The last week has passed by in a blur of rich color, bright sun and glorious photos. It feels like spring in my small part of Northern California and I couldn’t be more excited. But my poor, neglected blog has certainly suffered while I’ve been out working my tail off! There are so many fabulous sessions to share, and I’m starting with one of my favorites.

Char and Dan have one large, furry, and yellow child in their home. Her name is Nacho, and she’s the bees knees. She’s not much for exercise, but I’d be willing to bet that she’s a big fan of belly rubs, napping, and cuddles with loved ones, which is my opinion, is better! As an added treat, she’s tech savvy, and even has her own twitter account.

A little behind the scenes look at how I pay my models. They all work for food!

Thank you Char, for letting me drag you, your husband, and your pup all through a soaking wet Danville! You guys are adorable. And I’d like to steal Nacho.

To book a pet session with Meg, please email meg@megsextonphotography.com