26 Weeks

I'm 26 weeks today and feeling as big as ever. I can't imaging being any bigger than what I am right now. Of course I know I will be bigger soon, very soon. Just this week I'm starting to feel a little bit uncomfortable. My last doctor's visit was a good one. My belly is measuring right on track and so is my weight although I have to sadly say that soon I will be outweighing my dear husband.

Jaden has been more and more active in the past few weeks. It's the strangest thing to feel a creature moving around in your belly like an alien or something. His kicks and movements are getting more aggressive. In fact, we can now watch him move from side to side in my belly, kick, punch, and stretch. I personally think he's training to be either a gymnist or a MMA fighter. I've become lax in taking pictures because we've been so busy with working and other things as well. It's been kind of a crazy month for us and it's about to get even more crazy. At least we are getting things taken care of before he is here rather than after. I've tried to start thinking about nursery colors and I have some ideas but nothing set in stone just yet. (or anything we can agree on haha.) I'm excited for next weekend! Some friends of ours are throwing my friend Katie and I a joint-baby shower on Saturday. :)

I'm getting near the end of the second trimester and wondering what's in store next.

Mercer Homecoming

Be flexible!! That is the key! In the Marine Corps you can never have anything set in stone because things are constantly changing. We learned this very well late Friday night/early Saturday morning as I ventured out to meet with Janet for her husband's homecoming at 12:30a.m.

Timing was completely changed and we had to rush rush rush (literally we were sprinting to get there) as we followed the bus into the parking lot! Luckily we were able to get some shots that I hope they can treasure and most importantly, we were there just in time for him to step off the bus. :)

Parker Homecoming

Living the military lifestyle isn't easy. Of course it comes with benefits but nothing can replace your spouse for 7-12 months. Deployments are not fun. Deployments are not ideal but they are a part of the package. I think that a big reason spouses are able to get through the deployment are moments like these... That moment where you are about to be re-united with your husband and you're nervous, excited, anxious, and joyful beyond belief. It's a feeling you can't explain or understand unless you've been there and done it.

I had the pleasure of witnessing 2 of these moments this weekend. I LOVE homecomings and I love shooting them when I get the chance. Even though we're about to move away from a military area, I'd still jump at the chance to shoot another homecoming if I have the opportunity.

I met Nadine and Dustin in our Sunday school class at FBC Jax about a year ago. This was their first deployment as a married couple and it was a joyful reunion. As they updated us periodically my heart raced alongside Nadine as the minutes came closing in.

Dustin's sister Deanna (also a Marine) was also there to help welcome him home.

Witt Family

From the moment they stepped out of the car I knew it was going to be a good session...From their perfectly coordinated clothing choices to their beautiful photogenic faces, I knew right away it was going to be good. :) This past weekend I met up with the Witt family. What an adorable family! I had such a good time during the shoot. Thank you Witt family for such a great session. I hope you enjoy the images Melissa and Jason!! :)



Isn't the flower in little miss precious' hair so cute??








I already posted this one but I couldn't help but post it again. I'm loving it.


In other news....There are some big changes headed our way. The biggest one being that we are moving at the end of December to Missouri!! Therefore I will be gaining a whole new batch of clients! It's bittersweet because I love it here in Jacksonville but we are excited to see what God has in store for us at our new place. :) We will be headed to the small town of Bowling Green, MO right before Christmas. I'm debating on whether to try to build clientele in Jan/Feb or if I should wait until summer after baby *Jaden is born.
January I will most likely be taking sessions. If you are in the Bowling Green area, or Greenville/Vandalia, IL area and are interested in a session, please contact me at: mkloeffler07@gmail.com

*By the way, we picked a name. :)

Every Once in a while...

Editing is fun, don't get me wrong. I love editing and enhancing images. However, it can become a lengthy process! I shoot during weekends mostly because I have another part time job- and edit either in the mornings or when I return home from work; sometimes a bit of both depending on how many sessions I've had in a week. I'm the sort of person who hates to leave something undone and can become obsessed with finishing up my work.
I admit, I kind of get in a zone. I pray my icam on my mac doesn't ever accidentally turn on and display my dumbfounded and squinty looks at our monitor while I view and edit client photos! (not to mention the poor habit of biting on my bottom lip + the occasional head nods to the music I'm listening to...currently Colbie Caillat's new album...) In the midst of these squinty, contemplative looks and poor posture, every once in a while I come across a picture that breaks the cycle and makes me smile or laugh out loud....this one made me do both tonight.



More to come from the Witt family later on this week!! :)

Mr. and Mrs. Smith

This weekend I had the opportunity to photograph Tabitha and Mark. I met Tabitha in Sunday school class at FBC Jax. Her sweet and warm personality instantly drew me to her. Last Saturday we ventured downtown to take some fun pictures in the chilly fall weather. :)

Semper Fi; USMC

Last night we had the privilege to attend the Marine Corps Birthday Ball. This was my first (and sadly my last) ball I will be attending. I enjoyed it so much. There's something about seeing 250 + marines proudly decked out in their best attire and the wives and significant others beautifully dressed by their side for a night of fun. From the ceremony to the mere presence of all the men and women who proudly serve and sacrifice for our country, I felt so honored to have been a part of the Marine Corps. Although I'm excited for what the Lord has in store for us in the future, as Steve's time of service comes to a close, I admit I will miss the military life a bit. There's a brotherhood, a sisterhood, and a support that is unlike any other.

Jenalee + Justin Couple's contest winner

A while back I posted a contest to help build my couple's portfolio. Among the winners were Jenalee and Justin. These newlyweds from Indiana were an adorable couple, so cute and in love. :) These high school sweethearts "Penciled me in" and then were headed off to the Marine Corps Ball shortly after our session. I was glad we got to do the session before the holiday season began.

Speaking of the ball, our ball is tomorrow evening. It will be my first and last Marine Corps Ball! I look forward to it and seeing my hubby in his dress blues one more time. :)

I've got another couple's session coming up as well as a family and maternity session to finish out the year. I've had a few cancellations so if you're looking for pictures, I have open:

Nov. 27 and December 6

Jenalee, I hope you and Justin enjoy the pictures!

22 Weeks

I'm 22 weeks along, pushing 23. I'm feeling rather pregnant these days, and everyone else is starting to notice too. Yay- I'm out of the "fat" stage! haha. I guess people are noticing the rather large bump underneath my clothes. I've been feeling great though- no complaints really. I've been going to the gym a few times a week and I think that's helped tremendously! I've gained what I feel like is a siginficant amount of weight, but the baby books and the doctor would disagree. Let's hope I can stay on target. :)





A few weeks ago we visited home. I got to spend the weekend at my sister's (also pregnant) and have a baby shower for her. :)


-me 21 weeks, Crystal 31 weeks

I also got to spend the day with my girls. Even though we didn't do much, we still had a good time catching up and hanging out.






Julie-9weeks, Me-21 weeks

Some exciting changes are coming up for us in the very near future...stay tuned for the exciting conclusion!

Farnell Anniversary

Last weekend I had the opportunity to photograph something totally different than normal. My friend Stephanie asked me to photograph the celebration of her mom's 5 year anniversary of being cancer free. What an awesome thing to celebrate! This was a surprise event and all her family and friends were there to celebrate with her. I was truly blessed to be able to photograph their special event.

Enjoy the slideshow. :)

Baby Blair

A few weekends ago I had the opportunity to photography baby Blair. Blair's mom and dad are good friends of ours. I know I would have been pretty lonely without them when I arrived in Jacksonville. Their friendship has been such a blessing to us. Now they are blessed with a beautiful baby girl.

No Mas!!

Sorry, but due to the amount of business I've been recieving, I no longer will be accepting sessions for 2009. Stay tuned for 2010, and look out for new blog posts of sessions galore in the next month!!!

In Between...

Off to a meeting with a client....

This morning in between Praise and Worship practice and my meeting I've been editing Baby Blair's pictures. Loving them! Hoping I can get them finished before we leave for the weekend so I can be caught up for the following week.




My list of things to do is slowly dissolving...

Halfway there!

It's hard to believe but I am halfway through my pregnancy!! At 20 weeks I'm feeling larger than ever and loving every minute of pregnancy. I'm really enjoying it now! We found out on Friday that we are having a baby.....

Boy!!!!!

I knew it. :) Now we are in the middle of name searching. We have 2 that we like. Steve really likes one, I really like the other. Who knew picking a name would be so difficult? When choosing a name I find the meaning to be very important. Call me strange, but in Biblical days a name said a lot about a person. God even changed the names of some people to fit them. I guess we still have a lot of time to decide, discuss, and settle. :)

This week is jammed-packed with things to do for me!! I did a baby session this weekend with our good friends the Hearns. Baby Blair proved to be a precious addition to my portfolio! I don't know exactly when I'll find the time to edit the images but they will show up on the blog soon, I promise. This weekend we are headed to Missouri to visit family and a church for a potential position. Please be in prayer about it if you remember. Before the trip I have laundry, meetings, practices, Bible study, doctors appointments, and work events! Every night is filled!

Coming up on a busy work schedule too- I now only have 2 evening/afternoon session spots left for the rest of the year!!

Nov. 22
Dec 6

If you're wanting to book, please let me know asap!!! Until next time....

Farrah + Travis - couple's contest winner

Sunday I ventured to downtown Wilmington for a photo session with the Mackies. I love the atmosphere of downtown. It makes me feel like a college student again. :) I was ready for something different with Farrah and Travis and I'm SO happy they agreed to head to Wilmington for me! I had a lot of fun getting to know these high school sweethearts.































The other contest winners will be featured in November. Thanks Farrah and Travis for being such an awesome couple to photograph!!!

Mackie Preview

Today I did a fun photo session somewhere different....



I should be in bed right now. I've been fighting another sinus/allergy issue. I have been both blessed and cursed with the idea that if I start something I have to finish it...which equals long nights in front of the computer screen. Call me crazy, but after about 4 1/2 hours of editing I'm done with the edits from today, but don't have the energy to get them ready to blog.

I don't think that people realize how much work actually goes into photography. Sure, the shooting aspect of it is pretty quick. Within an hour or 2 you shoot hundreds of pictures, no biggie. BUT, then you have to then go through all of them, narrow them down to the best ones, and edit from there. You have to think when you're paying a photographer, you're actually paying not only for shooting time (1-2 hours) but also editing (4-6 hours). One session = a full day's worth of work! Not only that, but if you have more than one session in a week, or a wedding- (yikes! A wedding is at least 3 full days of work post wedding) the hours are even more!!

All in all the process is long, but for me, rewarding. To me, that makes it worth it. It's definitely more than a hobby though. I dream of someday working as a photographer full time...

But for now...I'm off to bed with my Vicks Soothing Vapors plug in, lazy dog, bed-hog cat, and fast asleep husband.

More to blog this week....

Garage Band: Me Myself and I (mac)

This summer Steve and I got a Mac and I am loving it. I'm not a mac snob just yet though. I still use our pc for many things. I mainly love the graphics card that is in it. Everything is so much more vibrant to me when I'm editing images. Not only that, but the ginormous screen helps too! I mainly use my mac for editing and internet but mac does come with some pretty sweet programs. I LOVE imovie and have gotten a chance to do a few slideshows with it. I hope to use it later on in the future too. idvd has the same things in it.

A lot are un necessary- like the one I played with tonight: Garage Band. However, it is incredibly fun. I was practicing for praise and worship tomorrow morning at Bible study and decided to try this baby out! Result= me x 3 and a guitar. Yes, I was a one woman band for this. :) haha.




Have a busy weekend planned ahead- photo session (contest winners) and Sunday School social on Saturday! Yippee!!

FYI: I only have 2 Saturdays left this year for sessions!! Please contact me if you're wanting to book a session. There are more Sunday afternoon sessions available but I'd like to fill the Saturdays first.

Christmas Card options

This week I've been working on some Christmas cards for all you lovely people if you would like to purchase them with a package.

Happy Christmas Sale!!!

$150.00
- 45min. session at location of your choice
- 15 edited images on copyright free disk
- 25 double sided Christmas cards from design of your choice (1-3 poses) (5x7 size with envelopes) OR 35 single sided cards from the design of your choice (1 pose) (5x7 size with envelopes

100.00
- 30 min. session at location of your choice
- 10 edited images on copyright free disk
- 25 double sided Christmas cards from the design of your choice (1-3 poses) (4x6 size with envelopes) OR 35 single sided cards from the design of your choice (1 pose) (5x7 size with envelopes



Or if you have previously booked a session with me this year and would like to order cards, please contact me!!

2 sided 5x7 cards
25-5x7 for 30.00

single sided cards
25-5x7 for 20.00
50- 5x7 for 45.00

Double sided Card options:









Single sided Card options:

New Christmas portrait sale!!!

Happy Christmas Sale!

$150.00
- 45min. session at location of your choice
- 15 edited images on copyright free disk
- 25 double sided Christmas cards from design of your choice (1-3 poses) (8x10 size with envelopes)

100.00
- 30 min. session at location of your choice
- 10 edited images on copyright free disk
- 25 double sided Christmas cards from the design of your choice (1-3 poses) (4x6 size with envelopes)

Or...if you have purchased a session with me this year (2009) you can order double sided cards (25-5x7 for 30.00) or single sided cards (25-5x7 for 20.00) (50- 5x7 for 45.00)

Please contact me if interested!!

week.seventeen.

We had an exciting thing happen last week....
We both felt the baby move on Friday night for the first time before we went to bed. :) I felt it a couple more times this weekend too. This week I've really started showing. My stomach is protruding now. Yikes! At my apt. they said I was measuring big for my week, although I've only gained a few more pounds since the last time I was in.

I'm at week 17 now, and like any mommy to be, I have been browsing online for bedding, nursery decor, and baby gear. I'm holding back the urge to get anything big yet until we know what we're having (on the 30th). I have yet to find the perfect bedding for our little one. I want to pick something fairly neutral and something non-traditional: a little less baby, a little more modern.

I've been browsing on etsy.com lately and I'm loving what I'm finding. A little bit about Etsy, it's all handmade stuff from people just like you and me (but who can actually sew, and sew good!) selling their items online. Some of the stuff is really nice, really boutique-like which I really like. Here's just a few things I found tonight browsing....





I can't wait to go and register!! I'm considering going fabric shopping and trying to make my own bedding if I can't find what I want. I picked up a used sewing machine (that is broken at the moment) and I plan to start making some fun things with it as soon as I get it repaired.

I had the day off today. Woo hoo! I spent the morning rehearsing for Thursday's praise and worship at Bible study, and we ran errands this afternoon. When I got home I suddenly turned into Suzzie homemaker...I made a broccoli salad, apple cobbler, and supper; broiled Parmesan tilapia, homemade mac and cheese and salad. I don't know what got into me! I sit here now, trying to motivate myself to go through the office a little more (an over 3 week project now), sipping on a Dr. pepper from this afternoon....please don't lecture me on not drinking caffine while pregnant. I'll probably be up for a while because of the caffine since I rarely drink it. More motivation to do something productive, right?

Contest Winners!!

Congratulations to:

Janalee and Justin Small

and

Farrah and Travis Mackie

They are the winners of the couple's photo session contest!!! Pictures to come soon! Follow my blog for more contests in the future!! :)

2 Year Anniversary

2 years ago I married my somewhat high school sweetheart and my best friend. When we got married I knew little about what I was getting myself into considering while we were dating, we hardly even got to see each other more than 2 days in a row! However, marriage has not had any huge surprises for me, just affirmation of this: I've married a Godly man, who loves me and provides for me, who makes me laugh even when I want to kill someone, and who brings out the confidence in me that I need to get through times that I struggle.

In a year and a half I've been working towards building up a small photography business and part of the credit to my success has to go to my husband. Although he's not behind the camera, he's always been there to support me through it, and push me to do what I love. He's seen that photography is not just a hobby but a passion for me. I still have a long way to go, but I couldn't have gone this far without him.

After being together for 7 years (5dating, 2 marriage), I must say- I'm still crazy about you Steve, and fall more in love with you everyday. I love you with all my heart. Happy Anniversary.

Kuhns Family

Wow I have been busy lately. Our weeks have been jammed packed with things to do, but it's been fun nonetheless.
I had the opportunity to photograph the Kuhns family at the park. I love this family! They attend FBC Jax with us and Heather works with the youth with Steve and me. I had so much fun on this shoot. Heather, I hope you and your family enjoy the images!!




These kids have the most amazing eyes!!








- I loved these images of Libby and her daddy:)


I just love her expression on her face in this one.


Every now and then I'm reminded of why I love this job so much...






...why I loved this family so much!! :)

Thank you guys for such a fun day!

Khuns Preview

Currently working on edits to the Khuns family! Looking forward to a relaxing weekend!!

Breanne + Chris

I'm up way to late...again. This has become an all too familiar occurrence lately. {Perhaps it has something to do with the Dr. Pepper I've been drinking?- Hey I only have 1-2 a week!}

Trying to use my time wisely, I did get to finish the edits from the wedding and they are now blog ready! Lucky for you.

The wedding was at a beautiful octagon house in Swansboro, NC. I loved the house and the vintage feel. I wish there would have been more time to use some of the nooks and crannies in the house. The weather was supurb and Breanne and her mother were awesome to work with! Here are my favorite images from the day... {I couldn't pick just a few!}













































Coming for portrait world and venturing into the wedding wonderland, I am going to start booking weddings regularly if the demand is there! Please contact me @ mkloefflerphoto@gmail.com
if you're interested in booking a wedding for pricing and packages! Thank you!!

Wedding teaser

Finally finished with the wedding I did last weekend! I was happy to get some shots to help build my portfolio! The bride was SO laid back too which made it ten times easier. More edits to come- here's just a quick sneak peak/teaser. :)

Lust

Yes I'm having a baby, and yes I should be budgeting better and not thinking about fun toys that are way too expensive right now. However, Steve and I both really like this camera:





Myself, clearly for the photography capabilities- a better image sensor than my D60 and a more pro body, and Steve is in love with the video capability. Plus it will come in handy with the baby and being able to send video to family back in Illinois. Of course we could just buy a video camera.
I've had mixed reviews of whether or not it is a good buy. I've had lots of people tell me the D90 is a better bang for the buck, and I've also had people tell me to wait till I can afford the D700. Any tips, advice or suggestions from the photog people out there in blogger world?

Sweet Break

I don't eat sweets. That's something unique about me I suppose. Therefore, I rarely bake them. I don't eat fruit a whole lot either- which is kind of weird I guess. I'd much rather have a bowl of corn than an apple. Weird I know.
When I'm editing I like to take little breaks to do keep my mind and my eyes fresh. These are the cheesecake brownies I made for Steve and our friend Robin who stayed with us this week...I can't tell you if they're good (cause I haven't touched them!) but they sure looked pretty when they came out of the oven!! :)

10 minute Break

I'm blogging today not because I have anything exciting to blog about. I really just need a break and a little brain dump if you will let me. I feel like the past 2 weeks have been a whirlwind of activity. I think rice baby feels that way too- considering the amount of sleep I've been getting at night. (11.5 hours is not normal) I'm in my second trimester now but feel exhausted more than the past 12 weeks! It's been hard for me to slow down a bit. I want (and always have wanted) to do everything, and be everywhere yet my body I think is starting to tell me to chill out and relax!

Last week was jam packed with activity every night both with my husband and with myself. The weekend proved to be even more busy with a wedding and family session. Currently I'm working on wedding edits. Wow there are a lot! It tops any number of portrait session images! I'm almost half way through though. I will post some pictures soon.

This weekend will hopefully be a little more relaxing. Saturday I hope to have a couple's shoot in the evening.

Thanks to everyone who has been entering the Free couple's session contest! In case you don't know details- here's the 411:

Looking for 2 lucky couples in the Jacksonville area for portfolio building offering session for free!

What you will get:
- 45 min - 1 hour session in the Jacksonville area
- 1 outfit change
- password protected online viewing of all edited images
- 3-5 images of your choice via disk or electronic file

*additional prints or photo books may be ordered
*A disk containing all edited images may be purchased for 75.00

Here's how to enter:
Send an email containing:
-names, address (city) and phone numbers
-a photo of you and your significant other
-something unique about the two of you
- Contest deadline is: October 1st, 2009

Send all entries to:
mkloefflerphoto@gmail.com


www.mkloefflerphotography.com

Toodles for now-back to work!

Wedding today!!

I have a wedding today! Yep! Fortunately I was able to sleep in a little bit because it is an evening ceremony. I'm a little nervous and VERY excited!
This baby has been kicking my butt lately! Plus, I've been battling a sickness. :( yuck!!

Today marks 14 weeks. Goodbye first trimester! I've been dog sitting 2 boxers today and yesterday. They are so sweet. It's my dog who is the crazy one! She's just not used to other dogs I guess. Talk about a busy week. This week has been packed with things to do. Between softball games, church activities and work, I've barely had time to breathe! I have a family session tomorrow as well, so the busyness continues!! :) I like it that way though I do admit, as long as I have a recovery week.

I've been toying with the idea of getting a slideshow program to use: showitweb. I really like the program, but am unsure if it's worth the money since I have imove and iphoto on my computer already and it's free.