You can imagine my glee when Ashley contacted me for a mini session this year.  Now Karter is almost 2 and an absolute doll.  I adored getting to see her again. 

And thank you Ashley for including the giant flower.  It was perfect!

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

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Thank you Koka for filling my life with your love.

Our lives have changed and grown so dramatically in 10 years. Since I don’t share nearly enough photos of myself, how about a walk down visual memory lane?

In December 2001 I brought Koka to my company christmas party.  This is the first picture I have of us as a couple.  Isn’t he cute? Even ten years later, I can still remember how handsome I thought he looked in that tux. I felt so incredibly lucky that he would even notice me.

In 2003, Koka was called to serve in Iraq. This is us, just before he and his unit left for training and then a 16 month deployment. It’s also proof that short hair should always be straightened.

In 2004, when Koka’s unit finally arrived home, a photographer from the San Jose Mercury News caught this image amazing image of his homecoming. This picture encomapasses so many of the emotions I felt on that day. It still makes my stomach flutter to see it.

6 years ago, Koka and I were married. It was such a phenomonal and breathtaking day. If I could do it again, I would. In a heartbeat. (Images by Jack Hecker)

And in 2009 we welcomed a gorgeous baby boy. It goes without repeating how much I love that little guy.(Remaining images by Jen Kloss)

And finally, our holiday photo from last Christmas. It still takes my breath away to be a part of this amazing family.

Today, I’m a happy girl.

Photography 101: Teach your camera who’s boss.

 Join me and meet new friends as you learn how to make your camera do what you want it to do. Instruction, light snacks and some time to practice are included. Please bring your camera so you can play along!

Some topics we’ll be learning about include shooting in manual, aperature and shutter speed, and creative composition.

You can find more information about the class and sign up for a spot HERE.  I hope to see you there!

Johnny, at 17 months, was an absolute riot.  This kid is obsessed with trains.  Obsessed.  If I had known in advance that this kid could be first in line at the Thomas the Train convention, I may have steered them towards a different location. But as luck would have it, we could hear the trains passing us from our Benicia destination. Every 10 minutes or so we’d stop shooting and let Johnny point and yell and just generally be excited at the passing train cars. I loved it!

I had so much fun with you guys. And I just know our boys would have a budding Bromance.

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

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!?

“What should we wear?”

The truth is, there is no right answer!  Wear what you feel comfortable in.  The goal of custom photography is to tell a story.  Your story, as you are right now.  In this moment.  I would never ask your husband to take off his plaid shirt if that’s what he loves.  Don’t want to wear matching white shirts?  GREAT!  Because I don’t plan on asking you to.

I love variety in my photos.  Your clothes should show who you are.  If you’re a t-shirt and jeans kind of person, by all means, wear them!  If you feel more comfortable in a cowboy hat and heels next to a man in a chicken suit, then that’s your thing and I won’t judge you.  I only ask that you don’t show up in matching shirts.  Be yourself.  Add accessories, I love layers.  Layer your colors and patterns and textures.  I love breaking the rules, and I love irony.   (Think cocktail dress and stilettos at the barn.)  So challenge yourself to be you.

Here are just a couple of ideas to help spur your creativity:

And yes my friends, there is a photographer out there lucky enough to have clients that dressed up in a chicken suit.  If you’d like to see them, check out Tanja Lippert’s blog.  Just know they have been dubbed “The Chicken Suit and the Naked Chick” for a reason!

And I was even more thankful when Laura agreed to meet me at the top of one of my favorite fields in Concord.  It’s eye opening for me to capture couples, especially couples as in love and happy as these two.  Seeing two people who are comfortable and content with each other makes my heart sing, and it reminds me why I do what I do.

Thank you Laura for trusting me to capture sweet Molly.  Even if it meant climbing a mountain.

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

Kori and Brian met at a party in college and from the details I’ve heard, they knew almost immediately that they were meant for each other.  And really, I’m not sure I’ve met a couple more perfect for each other.  From the jokes they told to the stories one would start and the other would finish, they just had a way about them.  They were game for anything and everything I asked them to do, and never complained when I stuck them waist deep in wet grass.  (I love it when clients trust me!)  We dodged rain, dark clouds and freezing wind, but I am so excited about what we got.  And Kori, you are simply stunning.  You make a gorgeous pregnant lady!
Thank you Kori and Brien for being game for anything and everything. I had a blast in our makeshift flower patch.

To book a maternity session with Meg, please contact meg@megsextonphotography.com

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

A little cliché?  Perhaps.  But when it comes to portrait photography, clothing plays a huge role in the success of the finished product.

Before we get going – let’s be clear what you’re clothing does NOT need to be:

1. Brand New
   I’m down with your favorite ripped jeans, retro band T’s, and worn converse shoes – as long as you know how to rock them in your own fabulous style.
2. Fancy-Schmancy and Uber-Expensive
   Unless it’s your thing (If it’s really your thing, then by all means baby, bring on the bling).   If you’re not normally a dress-up kind of person, don’t feel like you have to be one for your session.
3. Matching
   No need to focus on matching everything from the color of your fuchsia headbands to the stripes in your socks.  In fact, I beg of you, please, please don’t.  If you’re heart is set on everyone in white button downs and khaki pants, I’m probably not your girl.
4. Stressful
   No need to worry about each and every item, or fret about the suitability of each accessory.  This is supposed to be fun.   If you’re unsure – call me, and together, we’ll make sure you look fabulous.  I promise.

I want you to be happy, thrilled, over the moon about your images, and I know that this is much more likely if we take the time and work together to help you choose clothing that fits these few simple rules:

Feels Good.
During your shoot you could be sitting in a pile on the grass having a tickle battle, rolling down a hill with your fiancé, throwing your kiddos in the air or climbing a tree. Wear clothing that lets you do all that (and more) comfortably.

As for the kids? Well…uncomfortable kids have a tendency to look…uncomfortable, and are often cranky to boot. Happy kids make for happy pictures.

Bottom Line: Don’t choose outfits that make any of you feel constrained, stiff, itchy, scratchy, like you’re dressed up for Halloween, or that leave you with a nagging worry that a button might pop if you bend the wrong way. Trust me.

Looks Good.
This can be tricky, looking good is totally subjective – right? If you’re not a Carrie Bradshaw fashionista in real life, you might want to pull in some extra help from a straight-talking friend or your trusty photographer (that would be me) who knows about such things and has plans in place to help.

Sometimes last year’s of-the-moment dress has already become hopelessly untrendy. Sometimes the current fashions just don’t look or feel like you. Sometimes outfits that look good in the mirror might not be ideally suited for photography. If you’re really looking for extra help, I can put you in touch with some incredible folks who make people look good for a living.

Bottom Line: If you don’t feel fabulous-fierce-take-on-the-world gorgeous in your outfit, you’re not going to love, love, love the end result – and I’m all about you love, love, loving the end result.

Makes Sense.
Here’s where we pull it all together. It’s not just enough that everyone look good and feel good – you’ve gotta look and feel good together AND the outfits should fit with your location and the desired mood for your portraits.

Glup. That seems like a lot, doesn’t it? (quick – revisit #4 in the top list, and remember, don’t stress).

Before you even begin figuring out your wardrobe, we’ll have an in depth consultation to narrow down what you really want for your pictures, choose the perfect location and make sure you have an understanding about how that all comes together in the finished photograph.   I’m with you every step of the way.

Bottom Line: It’s easier than it seems.Think twice about having Emma in a lace prom dress if you can’t get Tommy out of his spider man cape and favorite Star Wars pajama top. If we’re going to be running around in a park, you’ll likely not decide to wear your starched Sunday best. Hate the way stripes and plaids look together but Dad has his favorite stripped polo ready to go? Best steer mom away from her beloved family tartan. Easy-Peasy. [unless Mom is really attached to that tartan, but we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it).

~~~

If you’re still not certain, and you can’t decide between the yellow wrap dress with your red heels or your dark skinny jeans and purple  belted shirt – I’ve got good news.  You don’t have to decide.   Bring lots of options.  Heck – throw your whole wardrobe into the back of the car.  When we get to the session we’ll wing it all with fabulous results.  Trust me.

Now take a deep breath.  Close your eyes.  Imagine how blow-everyone-away-fabulous-ready-for-America’s-Next-Top-Model  you’re all going to look in those pictures….

Can you see it yet?  I totally can.  OMG, you look INCREDIBLE!

I can’t wait for your session.

(used with permission from the amazing Phoenix photographer Jeanette LeBlanc)