Maegan Dougherty Photography

New Blog

2010-03-02T23:00:00.003-05:00

I've moved! My blog is now at www.maegandougherty.com/blog.

Please update your Favorites/Bookmarks and your Google Reader!

Miss America Wave - - - NJ Baby Photographer

2010-02-28T14:08:00.001-05:00

I kind of wanted to bring Jenna home with me. :) She's 7 months old and she waves, says "mama" and "Bob" for dada, which works since her dad's name is Bob. She obviously gets so much love from her family and she lives in a house with a super cozy living room, a kitchen with an awesome floor, and her own little room for a little girl.

She is the kind of baby that is social and happy and smiling all the time - like a girl version of my Xander.

Isn't she cute?!

Birthday - - - NJ Baby Photographer

2010-01-31T09:21:00.003-05:00

Little Ava and I shared a Birthday yesterday. She turned 6 months and I turned 31. Getting older feels good when you have so much to be happy about. Ava has her mom and her dad, a home, and a life full of love and comfort and snuggles and kisses - everything a 6 month old could want. I have good friends and family, a cozy little home I own, a fulfilling and enjoyable career, and this awesome business that I'm passionate about and allows me to make some extra money on the weekends. Most importantly, I have the world's best husband and our precious, perfect baby to give me all the love, comfort, snuggles and kisses a 31 year old could want. It's a wonderful life.

One of my 2010 goals is to blog at least once a week, so you're going to be seeing a lot more of me this year!

Natural - - - NJ Baby Photographer

2010-01-28T19:28:00.002-05:00

Oh My Goodness - - - NJ Baby Photographer

2010-01-23T22:57:00.003-05:00

Jack, Lily & Sam - - - NJ Family Photographer

2010-01-09T18:50:00.003-05:00

Jack is almost four and can count to ten (well, way past it actually) forward and backward, in English and Spanish. He told me his favorite colors, which I have already forgotten because there were so many, that he likes to hug his mom, and that Lily and Sam are twins. And while I was at his house today, he was helpful and loving with his parents, brother and sister, and as you can see, he was happy and fun and super cute!

Lily and Sam are two. As much as I try to avoid gender stereotyping, I just can't help but describe them this way: Lily is such a girl (quiet and gentle and a little bit shy) and Sam is such a boy (active and adventurous, with no fear). Not that boys can't be gentle and girls can't be adventurous, of course!

Both are smart and sweet and totally precious. Lily looks like a tiny version of her mom and Sam looks just like his dad. And Jack is the perfect combination of both!

My favorite from today...

As I'm writing , I'm realizing that I had a shoot with a four year old and two year old twins and there were no tantrums or fighting or crying other than a few tears from bumped heads during "Ring Around the Rosy." We read and played and tickled and laughed and they couldn't have been better. Mom and Dad - You must be doing something right to have such happy kids!

Xander's First Christmas - - - NJ Baby Photographer

2009-12-26T21:41:00.002-05:00

And the winner is...

2009-12-13T21:20:00.004-05:00

...Ava!!!

I've had the pleasure of photographing this little beauty for the past three years. Not only is she adorable and photogenic and the perfect little subject, her parents are wonderful and super cute, and her grandparents are welcoming and fun and offer to make me breakfast! I can't wait for my next shoot with Ava, when she will be a BIG SISTER! Here are some pictures of Ava over the years...

Congratulations to Ava and her family! I can't wait to send your album to you!

We still have more winners!

Second place goes to Maxyne!

Maxyne had such a big lead for several days that when I checked the results just after the poll closed last night at 7:00, I was surprised to see that Ava had won by ONE vote! Maxyne was SO close! I don't think her mama will be too disappointed, though. Not only does she get the prize for second place; she is the winner of the free mini session!!! A HUGE thank you to all the people who left comments on my blog. They were really fun to ready.

Congratulations also to Spencer and Grandpa and Sweet Baby James for third and fourth place!

Thank you all for participating, getting excited and working those Facebook pages and e-mails. To my top four, boxes of surprise goodies will arrive in the mail for you in the next few weeks!

And the winner might be...

2009-12-11T11:39:00.004-05:00

Crowd pleaser Maxyne and her apples are maintaining a good lead!

Cuties James, Ava and Baby Brett are in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th places, within only 10 votes of each other.

Everyone's favorite sibling shot, Rainy Day Story Time, along with Yay?, and Under my Umbrella are not far from 4th place, and just behind those are Tilley, Phoebe and Spencer.

It's still anyone's race! I've thought of some fun prizes for the runners up, so make sure your family and friends have voted. Voting is open until Sunday at 7pm and Facebook posts work wonders!

Remember: A free mini session is up for grabs for one lucky person who leaves a comment on my blog!!! All commenters are eligible!

And now, here's Xander eating a carrot! :)

My Favorites: Second Annual Blog Contest

2009-12-08T21:31:00.002-05:00

It's time for this year's blog contest! Because I slowed down a bit this year to spend time with my new favorite photography subject, I was able to fit all of my 2009 families into this contest! (Okay, maybe 18 entries is a bit much, but all of these pictures were just too memorable to me to be left out!)

Please vote for your favorite (only one vote per person). The owner of the picture to receive the most votes will win a beautiful 4x6 album with my 20 favorite images from your session (or sessions, if applicable). If you already have an album, your kids probably have a Grandma or an Aunt who would like one, too!)

The first and second (and maybe third and fourth) runners up with receive special surprises, too, so start spreading the word!

After you vote, leave a comment on my blog to let me know what you like about the picture you voted for. One lucky commenter will receive a free mini session (20 minute session with 10 images on CD, to take place in Maywood, NJ in January, 2010)!!!

Good Luck!

1. Phoebe

2. Ava Writing her Shopping List

3. Dressing Miraphora

4. Sleepy Dean

5. Nina Wearing Hearts

6. Under my Umbrella

7. Justin and his Mama

8. Maxyne Carrying Apples

9. Sweet Baby James

10. Mom and Baby Brett

11. Gia

12. Rainy Day Story Time

13. Happy Anniversary!

14. Spencer and Grandpa

15. Family on a Swingset

16. Tilley and her Daddy

17. Yay?

18. Cheese!

I want to thank all of my wonderful clients who have made this another awesome year for Maegan Dougherty Photography. For those of you have been with me since the beginning, it's been so much fun getting know you and watching your kids grow over the past three years. And for all of you, including those I met this year, I thank you for welcoming me into your homes and trusting me to capture your memories!

The voting is open until this Sunday, December 13th, at 7:00pm.

My Little Guy - - - NJ Baby Photographer

2009-11-29T21:57:00.002-05:00

Trevor's Baptism - - - NJ Baby Photographer

2009-11-29T15:13:00.002-05:00

This is not exactly a preview anymore, but I didn't want to skip posting some shots from Trevor's baptism earlier this month!

My clients have their babies' baptisms in such pretty churches!

The Christening of James - - - NJ Baby Photographer

2009-11-29T09:47:00.001-05:00

So Thankful - - - NJ Baby Photographer

2009-11-27T19:15:00.002-05:00

Two Girls and a Boy

2009-11-08T19:20:00.003-05:00

I met this wonderful family today, with two beautiful, sweet girls and a cute, happy baby boy. When we started pictures and I asked the girls to stand together, one asked, "Should we hug?" So sweet, and I LOVE hugs in pictures!

I told them I have a baby boy about their brother's age and the girls asked if I also have older kids, like them, and if some day I would like to have two girls and a boy. Sounds good to me!

The kids' nanny joined us for some pictures and we had fun with just the girls...

Fish faces can help a mouth that is tired from so much smiling!

Spencer - - - NJ Child Photographer

2009-11-01T21:46:00.004-05:00

Today was a special day for Spencer's baby brother. I'm not ready to post my official preview of Trevor's Baptism, but I just can't go to bed without posting a few fun pictures of Spencer from today. He's a cool kid!

I LOVE this one of Spencer and his Grandpa.

Nina and Sophia - - NJ Child Photographer

2009-11-01T21:33:00.002-05:00

I've photographed this family a couple times before and they are so much fun! Here are a few from this morning!

Grace and Amelia - - - NJ Photographer

2009-10-30T13:38:00.002-04:00

I think most people have a friend or two they can go a long time without seeing or even talking to, and then get together with and have a totally comfortable, fun time, as if only a few days have passed since the last visit. I am lucky enough to have this kind of friendship with Holly. We were friends in high school and since then it's been the occasional wedding or baby shower or long weekend visit. Always totally comfortable. Always totally enjoyable.

I was able to take pictures of her when she was pregnant with her twin girls and then of her with the girls when they were babies, so I was thrilled when she told me her family would be visiting Montana when we were there this month.

Not only did Paul and I get to introduce her and her husband to Xander, and to spend a fun night out sans kids, but we of course took the opportunity to do a quick family shoot one day when we got our families together in Kalispell.

It's so cool to see her girls growing up and to watch her be a mom. Here are some of my favorites.

This is Grace...

Such a sweet face!

And this is Amelia...

And because I can't resist posting a couple of my Xander, here he is with Holly honking his nose!

And smiling up at Mama!

Looking forward to next time, Holly!

Jack and Betty - - - NJ Family Photographer

2009-10-17T18:23:00.003-04:00

Jack and Betty met when they were 13 and 14. Today, on their 50th wedding anniversary, they renewed their vows in front of friends and family, in the cathedral where they were married.

Tilley - - - NJ Baby Photographer

2009-09-27T22:09:00.002-04:00

Today I spent some time with baby Tilley and her super cool parents. At four months old, Tilley is just a couple weeks younger than my Xander, and I could tell by her laughter and her desire to stand up that she was about the same age. But then I picked her up, and she was like a feather compared to my big boy.

It was fun talking to her parents about our experiences in parenthood, and happy, sweet baby Tilley was a joy!

Corey and Ryan - - - NJ Baby Photographer

2009-09-27T21:57:00.003-04:00

These two cuties got the most beautiful blue eyes from their mama!

Blue eyes and dimples. SO cute!

This one made me laugh. He was so excited to go outside in his fun boots. You can't really tell by his face, but you can by his arms! :)

Little brother Ryan was fun to watch. He's so ready to start running around with his big brother!

Three Kids - - - NY Child Photographer

2009-09-12T16:59:00.005-04:00

I had a blast with these three today! The older two had so much to talk about and were full of energy and ideas for me. I love when kids are so friendly. And the baby girl was sweet as can be!

I am about to post A LOT of photos! :)

My baby - - - New Jersey Baby Photographer

2009-09-03T21:27:00.002-04:00

I love coming home in the evening to find my baby fast asleep in his daddy's arms...

Baby Brett - - - New Jersey Baby Photography

2009-08-30T20:58:00.002-04:00

Here's the baby boy I met today. He has his days and nights mixed up, so he usually sleeps all day, but he stayed awake for me. Hopefully that means his parents will get some sleep tonight!

Brett's mommy is beautiful and she was rubbing his back so lovingly.

Such a sweet new young family.

He was so calm when they swaddled him.

I love this one. No posing or fancy background. Just real life mommy and baby, and real love.

Xander - - - New Jersey Baby Photographer

2009-08-30T20:41:00.003-04:00

Today I had a newborn shoot. It's hard to believe just three months ago my baby was doing the same things this baby was: pooping all the time, nursing all day, doing big stretches, wearing newborn sized clothes. Now he goes to school, smiles every time he sees Daddy, laughs, splashes and kicks his feet in the tub, has chubbalicious baby rolls, knows to pull the toy to make the music play. Three months ago I just wanted him to stay a tiny baby forever and couldn't imagine loving him more than I already did, but he gets even better by the day.

Here he is last weekend. We love him in a polo shirt. He loves to stand up and walk on Daddy's chest and do Super Baby!

We let Daddy sleep in last Saturday and did some tummy time with the boppy. I love his perfect face.

This is one of my favorites. Such a classic Xander face and I love the way his Daddy is gently holding him. He's got the best Daddy.

This one is from today. Just hanging out on Mommy and Daddy's (and sometimes Xander's) bed, happy as can be. It's a very good life.

Ava and Gia

2009-08-16T17:18:00.003-04:00

Today I met these two beautiful little girls.

This is Ava. She's three and she likes princesses, has beautiful brown eyes and a sweet happy smile.

She even looks so pretty with a serious face.

And this is Gia. She's one and likes to walk around and show off her teeth, be read to by Daddy and held by Mommy. Look at these blue eyes! I've been wanting to order a new big gallery wrapped canvas sample and I think it's going to be of this one. Isn't she a perfect little doll?!

Gia's Grandma showed me a picture of Gia's mom wearing this very same dress when she was little. I think it's so special that Gia was able to wear it today!

Montana Portrait Photography

2009-08-06T09:37:00.002-04:00

I will be in Kalispell, Montana October 3-13. If you are interested in a portrait session, please e-mail me (maegandougherty@gmail.com) to schedule. I'm looking forward to meeting some cute Montana babies and photographing them in the beautiful Flathead Valley!

In addition to full sessions, I am offering three mini session. Here are the details...

30 minute portrait session
Location in Kalispell, MT
10-15 pictures presented in online gallery for 5 days (or longer if you purchase CD)

$250 includes the session and $150 credit for a la carte items (see details section of http://www.maegandougherty.com/ for a la carte pricing), along with option to purchase CD of all images for additional $250.

Here is my most recent favorite shot of my baby boy. He started daycare yesterday and I go back to work tomorrow. It's already so hard being away from him!

And the winner is...

2009-07-20T19:48:00.002-04:00

I am happy to annouce that the winner of my free mini session is...

Alissa's friend Emily!!!

Emily - Alissa had such sweet things to say about you and I look forward to meeting you and baby Tilley. Please e-mail me (maegandougherty@gmail.com) so we can make plans!

Alissa - As a special thank you for your e-mail, I am giving you a free mini session (complete with CD), too!!! :)

Baby Trevor

2009-07-19T09:46:00.002-04:00

I met Trevor on the day he turned one month old. Still so tiny and making those cute newborn grunting noises and wanting to be held tight and cuddled by his Mama.

What a cute profile!

Baby feet...

I love the way Mom is looking at her boys in this one...

Big brother, Spencer...

Thanks for letting me continue to photograph your growing family!

Free Mini Session!!!

2009-07-09T13:47:00.003-04:00

I'd like to do a free mini session this month for someone special --- just because! To nominate someone you know, send me an e-mail (maegandougherty@gmail.com) about why you think your nominee should be the winner. It doesn't have to be a fancy essay; a few sentences will do! I will pick a winner this Sunday night, so get all your e-mails to me by Sunday, July 12th, at 5pm. The winner will receive a 30 minute mini session, to take place in Bergen County this month, and a CD of 10-15 pictures, along with a 5x7 print of each.

I'm looking forward to reading your e-mails!

Here are some pictures of Xander on his two month Birthday!

Xander at f1.4 - - - NJ Baby Photographer

2009-06-24T21:07:00.002-04:00

Brandon and Logan

2009-06-24T20:24:00.002-04:00

This is big brother, Brandon. We had fun together, even though he would have much rather been watching the Cars DVD. I'm glad I have a few years because I don't know if I'm quite ready to have a three year old of my own yet. Brandon has a LOT of energy!

It was raining out, so we got some shots of Brandon under his undrella. Doesn't he look sweet?

And this is sweet baby Logan. Don't you love his hair?!

With mama...

I love this expression and the disappearing neck. My baby has that too. :)

Justin and Jaden - - - NYC Child Photographer

2009-06-21T15:45:00.004-04:00

Today I met these two beautiful boys. Justin greeted me at the door with a hug, always a nice way to start a photo shoot!

He has eyelashes like I've never seen before. Here they are close up! (He really liked to get close to my camera!)

I noticed later that he definitely got his lashes from his mama.

Here's his baby brother, Jaden.

Learning how to walk...

Having fun with Daddy...

Thanks for a fun morning, guys!

July Mini Sessions - - - NJ Photography

2009-06-18T11:50:00.003-04:00

Instead of offering a day or two of mini sessions this summer, I've decided to do a special for the entire month of July! This is perfect for you if you've had a session recently, but your little one is growing up way too fast, or if, like so many of us unfortunately understand, a full session just isn't in the budget right now. Either way, it's a fun way to spend an evening and get some nice new pictures of your sweet baby (of any age!)

Here are the details:

30 minute portrait session
Weekday evening in July
Location near Maywood, NJ
10-15 pictures presented in online gallery for 5 days (or longer if you purchase CD)

$250 includes the session and $150 credit for a la carte items (see details section of http://www.maegandougherty.com/ for a la carte pricing), along with option to purchase CD of all images for additional $250.

Since a blog post is way more fun with pictures, here are some shots of my sweet baby hanging out on my bed this morning. As I type this, he is napping next to me and I am loving the sound of his snoring!

Parents - If you have a fluffy solid colored comforter, your bed is the perfect place for baby pictures!

Don't you just want to pick him up and snuggle with him?

Maxyne and Sadie - - -New Jersey Child Photographer

2009-06-13T18:54:00.002-04:00

This is my third year photographing these twins girls and it's been so much fun to see them grow!

My Baby!!!

2009-06-11T14:05:00.005-04:00

Our precious baby boy, Xander Steven Dougherty, was born May 7, 2009. He weighed 7 pounds, 14 ounces and was 21 inches long. Now, a month later, he's almost 11 pounds of baby perfection and we love him more and more each day. It's been an amazing, special month (and four days!), filled with kisses and cuddles and happy tears. We love holding him and snuggling with him and watching the cute baby faces he makes, the way he purses his lips like he wants a kiss, the big yawns, the sneezes and streches, and listening to his coos and grunts and sweet breathing noises. He makes this adorable frown when he is about to cry and it's such a great feeling when all we need to do to stop the crying is to pick him up because he just wants to be close his mom or dad, and the way he looks at us...there's just nothing sweeter. We love to hold his tiny fingers and tickle the soft bottoms of his feet, touch his cute baby chin and looks at his long curly eyelashes. It doesn't get any better than this!

We are so happy and so lucky to have him in our lives.

Most of you are my friends on Facebook (and if you're not, you should be!) so you've seen plenty of pictures, but here are a few that haven't been published yet!

My baby boy...

Isn't he perfect?

My first post maternity photo shoot is this weekend and I can't wait to see Maxyne and Sadie, and I promise to start updating my blog more! :)

Dean at Nine Months --- NJ Baby Photography

2009-04-11T14:47:00.002-04:00

Today I had what will probably be my last session before my maternity leave, (although I'm still hoping to meet Luke's baby brother first) and I couldn't have asked for a more perfect little model!

Dean was asleep when I got there.

I was afraid he might be grouchy because we woke him up.

But he couldn't have been happier!

He has the best hands and feet!

Thank you Little Dean for making me even more excited to meet my little boy!

Click here to see Dean at three months and here to seen Dean as a newborn!

Nina and Sophia --- NJ Child Photography

2009-04-05T14:21:00.003-04:00

More sweet little girls today and only four weeks or so until we meet my sweet baby boy!

I LOVE this first shot. Doesn't she just have the most perfect little face?

Newborn Lulu --- Westchester Baby Photography

2009-03-29T14:48:00.004-04:00

This is 9 day old Lulu and her big sister Phoebe!

Just one

2009-03-28T15:22:00.001-04:00

Just one from today because Grant was looking so cute sleeping on his mom's shoulder.

Ava - - - NJ Children's Photographer

2009-03-15T16:18:00.003-04:00

This little Ava...just so cute!

Prince Charming

2009-02-22T19:24:00.002-05:00

Today I spent some time with Grant. Of course when I called him that, Grace corrected me..."Prince Charming."

Grant is extra sweet and extra perfect and my baby kicked a lot when I was holding him, so he's obviously looking forward to playing with his cousin.

His big sisters think he's pretty great.

Special!!!

2009-02-14T16:50:00.003-05:00

***Edited to add: Only 3 sessions remain!***

With just 11 weeks and 2 days until Baby Dougherty is due and 5 available portrait sessions remaining, I'm offering a special! We'll call it my Pre-Maternity Leave Special. :)

$500 includes a full 1-2 hour session with a varierty of fun pictures capturing your family, precious memories you will have on a CD to keep forever and to share and order all the prints you want!

Please e-mail me soon with your February, March or early April date preference (Saturdays and Sundays only). Only 5 sessions are available!

Just a few notes: Payment is due upon booking to reserve your session. Must take place within 25 minute drive of Maywood, NJ. If you already have a session booked for February, March or April, you are also eligible for this special.

In other news, I have a new baby cousin! Welcome to the world, baby Grant!

Thanks guys!

2009-02-14T13:05:00.003-05:00

Today I stopped by the home of Kevin and his baby sister Charlie. Their parents did something nice for me, so I took some pictures of them as a Thank You. Here's a little preview!

Thanks guys! :)

Christening of Achylles and Miraphora

2009-02-01T19:09:00.006-05:00

These twins have made two appearances (here and here) on my blog already. Now they are a year old and last weekend I photographed their Christening. I loved the colors and the outfits and the traditions and the way the family was involved and all the little kids were running around. It was such an exciting and special event. I'm so glad I was able to be there.

A Wedding!

2008-12-28T19:02:00.003-05:00

Yesterday I had the pleasure (and an absolute pleasure it was!) of photographing the wedding of Jennifer and Luis. The bride and groom, their familes, their friends, their adorable nephew who seemed to really like me, the flowers, the dresses, the church and The Liberty House...all were so wonderful. It was a perfect day. Jenn and Lou are so obviously adored by everyone who knows them and I am now one of their fans. What a fun, caring, amazing couple!

Newborn Eric

2008-12-28T16:47:00.002-05:00

Today I met my friend's new baby boy: tiny, perfect, two week old Eric, with such a cute little chin. Just four more months until Paul and I have a new baby boy of our very own!

Baby Joel

2008-12-07T19:39:00.002-05:00

Today I met this little teddy bear, three month old Joel.

I don't usually do a lot of black and whites, but Joel's adorable baby parts look so good this way!

Two cute boys and a baby sister

2008-12-06T20:09:00.004-05:00

Since I mostly photograph little ones, I wasn't sure what I was in for today with 11 and 13 year old boys. It turns out that 11 and 13 year old boys can be super cool and nice! These ones were cute, too, and they just abore their baby sister. Who wouldn't? This baby girl is as happy and sweet as she looks! And just wait until you see the last shot...

Little Boys

2008-11-22T11:55:00.002-05:00

These little boys made me smile while I was taking their pictures, laugh out loud to myself when I first looked at them on my computer, and I'm still smiling about them.

Aren't they sweet?

Newborn Baby Boy

2008-11-01T19:49:00.003-04:00

This is Dakota. He stayed awake the whole time and was perfectly relaxed and alert and just gorgeous. All around perfect! I loved Dad's tattoos and isn't Mom beautiful? Grandma and Greatgrandma were visiting, so I convinced them to be in a few shots. How could I not get a picture of four generations?! Baby Dakota even had a bunch of beautiful blankets that people made for him.

Lexie-Ann

2008-10-26T13:52:00.002-04:00

I love when I have new pictures of Lexie-Ann to post. She's like a elebrity on my blog and I know everyone is always excited to see her!

There are two new puppies in the family. Lexie-Ann held them and kissed them and even shared her lollipop.

I love being a photographer. :)

Nicholas at nine months!

2008-10-16T08:41:00.003-04:00

I saw Nicholas over the weekend again. This little guy is the greatest. He sat there and smiled and showed off his little front teeth. So cute!

Baby Dean

2008-10-11T14:48:00.002-04:00

You may remember this little guy as a newborn. Now he is three months and so totally cute and irresistable. Don't you want one just like him?

Newborn RJ

2008-09-21T17:15:00.003-04:00

I am just sitting here looking at these pictures of little RJ and smiling. Isn't he absolutely precious?

Kendall

2008-09-20T14:05:00.002-04:00

Today I met Kendall. At almost 14 months old, she is so cute and happy and starting to take her first steps! Her parents are totally warm and welcoming and we had a fun time watching Kendall swing and play in her car, dance with Elmo and sign when she wanted a snack!

My Favorites: A Blog Contest!

2008-09-08T15:41:00.008-04:00

Posting about the holiday mini sessions got me thinking about the whole year so far in pictures. I went back through my blog to remember some of my favorites and I decided to do a contest!

The prize is a REALLY nice one: a BEAUTIFUL album with 10 mounted 4x6 images from the session. So if you are one of the contestants, be sure to e-mail this to everyone you know so you get lots of votes! Each person can only vote once and voting will be open until this Sunday, September 14th, at 6pm.

Although I would love to post my favorite from each session, I am limiting myself to ten! I love these images for all different reasons. Some make me laugh out loud when I see them. So make me feel warm and fuzzy. Some evoke a memory of a super fun family or an extra sweet child. And some are just so cute! Here they are...

1. Nicholas at 6 months

2. Baby butts

3. Tyler with his grandparents

4. Lexie-Ann playing peek-a-boo

5. Spencer and his dad

6. CJ Frowning

7. Alex wearing shark shirt in a field of flowers

8. Jackson's Family

9. Luke and his mom laughing

10. Baby Dean with his mom

Happy voting and good luck to the contestants! The winner will be announced next Sunday!

Holiday Mini Sessions

2008-09-06T08:07:00.003-04:00

Holiday mini sessions are a fun and easy way to meet all your holiday photo needs! If you've already had a full session this year and you would just like some new shots for holiday cards and gifts, or if you've been watching my blog and would love to see your child's adorable face on it, but just haven't gotten around to booking a session, a mini session is perfect for you! Here are the details:

Date: Sunday, September 21st
Time: 9:00, 9:30, 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 2:30, 3:00, 3:30, 4:00, 4:30
Location: Monclair, NJ
Price: $250 includes...

- 15 minute portrait session with time to check out cards, print and album samples

- 10 images in an online gallery for 10 days, to view and share with friends and family

- 25 folded holiday cards with your favorite picture from the session and your choice of wording

- 2 8x10 prints

- Entry into drawing for one free 11x14 print (There will be no more than 10 entrants, so your chances are good!)

Special deals...

- 30% off 11x14 or 16x20 framed canvas (This is an awesome deal!)

- 20% off additional holiday cards (same layout and wording as the first 25).

- 10% off any additional items.

- 10 image 5x7 album with your color choice of silk or leather cover at special price of $200.

The $250 is due upon booking to reserve your spot. Please e-mail me at maegandougherty@gmail.com and include your child's name and age (if I don't already know) and your preferred time.

I look forward to hearing from you!

To look at a previous mini session, click here!

Holiday Cards

2008-09-05T20:56:00.003-04:00

This weekend I will be posting the details of holiday mini sessions, which will take place THIS month!

Here are a few samples of the holiday cards I'm offering this year. Picture your child or family on one of these. Pretty cute, right?

Be sure to check back later today or tomorrow for more information. I'm finalizing the details and the mini sessions are sure to be lots of fun, with some really cool deals!

Baby brother coming soon!

2008-09-01T08:37:00.003-04:00

I met these girls last year at a holiday mini session and they really made an impression on me because they were so fun and outgoing. So it was great to see them again yesterday. Their baby brother will be born in the next week or so. Mom looks beautiful and radiant, Dad's looking good, too, and I think these girls are going to make life a lot of fun for their baby brother!

Newborn baby pictures!

2008-08-24T21:06:00.003-04:00

I was going to wait until tomorrow to post another post, but I just can't wait any longer to share these pictures of baby Thérèse! Here she is yesterday at just 5 days old (I think that's right). Perfection, that's what she is! It was so special to spend the time with my friend and her precious baby girl and fun to work together to get the pictures just right. Christie might even let me go back next week for more!

Super sweet 5 year old

2008-08-24T12:00:00.002-04:00

This is Isabel's sister Abigail. You can't look at her without smiling, right? Doesn't she just look like the sweetest little girl? And these sisters have the most beautiful, shiny hair. I'm going to try parting mine like Abigail's. I love the way it looks!

Beautiful 7 year old

2008-08-23T23:15:00.002-04:00

Today was such a great day! First I met my friend Christie's brand new, absolutely precious baby Thérèse. Then I hung out with four really great kids. I have so many pictures I want to share that I decided to break them down into a few posts. Here are a bunch of 7 year old Isabel, who is a super fun big sister, a natural leader, and has beatiful brown eyes and shiny hair!

Stay tuned this week for Isabel's little brothers and sister and for tiny, perfect baby Thérèse!

Tyler!

2008-08-17T21:51:00.002-04:00

When I'm a mom, I hope I will be as energetic and sweet and totally fun as Tyler's mom was today! She was amazing. We were basically lying on the grass and playing for an hour and a half. LOVED it!

Tyler's starting to walk and he's so excited about it!

One of his favorite things is the hose. This is after his clothes got soaking wet!

Another favorite toy: the phone.

And this is my favorite. Look at those blue eyes! I think he looks like such a big boy here!

We also got some nice shots of Mom and Dad reading with Tyler and even some with Grandma and Grandpa. I love meeting new super nice families, and today I met two, plus had time to spend with my husband, so it was a really good day! :)

Maryana is almost one!

2008-08-17T13:06:00.003-04:00

Today I met Maryana, who is turning one this week. My favorite part of the session was seeing her dance with Elmo when her mom turned on a Sesame Street DVD. Look how cute she is!

My mini session with 15 month old Christian

2008-08-16T22:13:00.003-04:00

I ended up with only one mini session today, so I got to spend some extra time with Christian and his family, and we decided to do the session at their house instead of the park. Christian was sleeping when I arrived and was not too happy to have a stranger in the room when he awoke! Dad and I kicked a ball back and forth and chatted while Mom got Christian a snack and drink to cheer him up. Little Christian just wanted to hold on to his mom the whole time. So sweet. His mom is gorgeous, so I didn't mind having her in the pictures, too! And I am LOVING the pictures from today...so much that I'm posting 10! :)

Mini Sessions this Saturday!

2008-08-13T22:30:00.004-04:00

I will be posting soon about holiday mini sesssions, but it you aren't planning on doing custom photo holiday cards this year or you just can't stand to wait any longer to get more pictures of your child, there are still openings for this weekend's mini sessions!

Click here for the details and e-mail me soon if you're interested!

Here's a shot of Luke's little hand grabbing a Cheerio from this tree that he seemed to think was made just for him! Fifteen months might be my new favorite age!

I'm really looking forward to meeting Maryana and Tyler and Christian this weekend!

Gavin!

2008-08-09T15:39:00.003-04:00

Yeah yeah yeah, I need to start getting ready, but just look at Gavin! His family is moving soon, so I won't get to see him for regular photo shoots anymore. I asked his parents if they're going to fly here every year for pictures and I think they were joking when they said yes, but I hope they were serious!

I did get lots of smiles, but I really like these two...

Luke!

2008-08-09T14:58:00.003-04:00

I need to start getting ready for a wedding I'm attending tonight (Congratulations Lana and Yuriy!), but I couldn't wait to post a couple shots from today. I had two really great shoots: first Luke and then part 2 of my session with Gavin. Both were SO cute! More tomorrow, but here are two of Luke. We went to a park and he was totally in awe of everything there...every rock, every leaf, and especially every tree. It was so fun to watch!

Baby Dean

2008-07-20T16:13:00.003-04:00

I knew when I saw the mom's warm, welcoming smile that I was going to like this family! Mom and Dad are both so open and friendly and were patient and loving with each other and the baby. It was very sweet to see. They let me stay for a long visit in their comfortable home while we waited for little Dean to fall asleep for some curled up sleeping baby shots. He only slept for a few short moments. He didn't want to miss any of the action!

Lexie-Ann!

2008-07-20T14:43:00.002-04:00

It's amazing how much kids change after just two months. Maybe I have said this before, but Lexie-Ann seems like such a big girl now! Look how much fun she had today!

Nicholas - 6 Months

2008-07-20T14:00:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I saw little Nicholas again. He was cute as a newborn and cuter at three months and just look at him now!

Thanks!

2008-07-17T22:18:00.002-04:00

I just want to thank all of you for the wonderful e-mails and comments about my new website, and also for letting me know when you find typos (they happen to the best of us)! :)

I also want to share an e-mail that I got tonight from a really sweet client of mine. It's so dramatic that it totally made me laugh.

"I almost died when I went on your website -- it looks FANTASTIC!!! I am SO happy my little guy is on it :)"

Isn't that cute?! People make me so happy!

Here's a picture of one of my favorite regulars. I'm looking forward to seeing Lexie-Ann this weekend!

More mini sessions coming soon!

2008-07-16T22:06:00.003-04:00

I had such a great time with Avery, Corey, Emma and Brielle last week that I've decided to do a day of five mini sessions next month! These will be 20 minute portrait sessions with 7 individually processed proofs to choose from. Included will be one 8x10 and two 5x7 prints, along with a couple special discounts and add-ons!

DATE: Saturday, August 16th
TIME: 4:30-7:00 pm
LOCATION: Wyckoff, NJ
PRICE: $110

E-mail me (maegandougherty@gmail.com) to book!

Additional mini session dates coming soon: October in New Jersey and (possibly) Kalispell, Montana in September! E-mail me to be added to the waiting list!

Brielle

2008-07-16T21:02:00.003-04:00

This is Brielle. Her favorite color is orange and her favorite shape is a triangle!

In some of these pictures, I think she looks so grown up and in some she looks like like sweet little 3 1/2 year old that she is!

This is my FAVORITE!!!

I'm hoping that next time I see Brielle, I will get to meet Princess, her new PINK puppy!

Emma

2008-07-14T22:22:00.002-04:00

Another super cute mini session model! Little Emma was so totally adorable, walking her wobbly little walk all around the park, sporting her little pigtails. :)

Corey

2008-07-13T19:54:00.005-04:00

My second mini shoot model was Corey, who napped in the car on the way. He woke up a little bit cranky and extremely shy, but some talk about what sound helicopters make and what's in his mom's pregnant belly got him laughing. They don't know if the baby is a boy or a girl, but Corey thinks he's going to have a new brother named Hannah. :)

If I have a contest this year for prettiest eyes, this little guy will definitely be a finalist!

See where he got his eyes (and I guess some of his facial expressions, too!)?

Avery

2008-07-13T13:56:00.003-04:00

Avery was my first model for Thursday's mini sessions. The interaction between her mom and her was so sweet that I made the two of them the subjects of my blog header and ordered a sample storyboard!

Here are a few more of Avery. Such a cutie!

Free Mini Sessions THIS THURSDAY!

2008-07-08T10:39:00.003-04:00

I am working on my new website this week and I would love to have some brand new faces for it! I have decided to do 4 mini portrait sessions this week. I will pick 4 lucky children as the winners of a 20 minute mini session and a free 8x10. Following are the guidelines. If they work for you, please send me an e-mail with a picture of your child. It doesn't have to be a professional picture. Any cute shot will do!

1. These sessions are not for current clients. If you are a client, that means I already have pictures of your adorable child, so please forward this to your friends. They will love you for it!

2. You must be available THIS Thursday, July 10th, between 4 and 6 pm, for a session in Wyckoff, NJ.

3. You must be willing to sign a model release.

I will be picking the winners tomorrow night, so get your e-mails in to me by noon tomorrow!

Kyriaki

2008-06-29T22:16:00.002-04:00

Look at this face. :)

Gavin: Part 1

2008-06-29T18:36:00.003-04:00

What is with all the thunder showers lately?! It was raining today, so Gavin's parents and I decided do just do half a shoot and meet again soon for Part 2. Here are a few cute images from today!

Gavin's 14 months old now and running around and laughing and having fun with his parents. I always notice that the three of them seem to have such a great time together! This is my favorite shot of Gavin (and one of my all time faves) from our last session early this year...

...and here's one from about a year ago...

So little and already so happy!

Achylles and Mirophora

2008-06-28T20:57:00.002-04:00

You might recognize these twins from a while back on my blog. Today I saw them for what was going to be a half hour mini session. But they were being so cute and I was having such a great time that I stayed for two hours! There's just something special about these two. I kind of wanted to take them home with me. :)

Here are some of my favorites. More to come tomorrow of their cousin, Kyriaki!

Sam

2008-06-22T17:51:00.002-04:00

Today I met super cute, 8 1/2 month old Sam. I caught him on an afternoon when he wasn't smiling as much as usual, but I think he looks adorable anyway!

We took a break for some yogurt.

He loves this hippo. I think this was right after he gave it a kiss. :)

One more...

2008-06-22T11:26:00.002-04:00

I just found this cute shot of Bailey and her big brother, Brandon. Everyone at the party was having a great time with these blowout (I just googled and that is what they are officially called) favors.

Bailey's First Birthday Party

2008-06-22T11:04:00.003-04:00

I met Bailey last year and was happy to photograph her First Birthday Party yesterday. She was active and happy the whole time and it was fun to watch all her little friends having fun too!

Couple shots of Rose...

2008-06-16T21:53:00.003-04:00

...just because she's so cute.

Christie

2008-06-14T17:04:00.003-04:00

It had been a long time since I'd taken pregnancy portraits, so I was excited when my friend Christie asked me to do hers. Or maybe I was the one who asked her, but either way, I was excited!

Christie started out as my client. Shortly after our first session, she started her own photography business and we quickly became good friends. I love when my clients become my friends and it seems I even love when they become my competitors! It's great to have someone to share experiences with and learn with and basically just talk and talk and talk about photography!

Anyway, it was fun to shoot Christie's family again, and her perfect pregnancy body!

2008-06-08T19:15:00.002-04:00

Today's family session was cut short by thunder and lightening that seemed to be right above us. We left just in time because it started pouring rain as soon as I drove away. But 25 minutes was enough time to get some group shots and some nice images of these beautiful kids...

I love this one. Two year old Alexander, looking kind of tough in his shark shirt, standing in a field of flowers!

I don't know if his parents saw, but Joshua walked up to me while I was kneeling down taking pictures of his cousins, and he put a flower in my hair! It was so sweet.

Family

2008-06-08T13:48:00.005-04:00

This is the kind of family you meet once and feel like you have known forever.

A dad that paints flowers on his daughter's face and and teaches her that pants will be called trousers when they move to England.

A mom who turns tissue paper into butterflies and knows the names of all the trees and flowers at the park. Who makes her photographer feel so special by sharing all the nice things people have said about her photographs.

A 5 year old who loves to laugh and dance and sing and make funny faces and carry on conversations. Who will run up and hug you the second times she meets you.

A two year old who is full of energy and will stand 6 inches from your face and speak sentences you can't quite understand, but you smile because he has such a sweet little voice. Who likes to set up trains with his dad and loves to hug and kiss his mom and sisters.

And a baby who just smiles and laughs and seems perfectly content.

It's a family you can feel like a part of, even after just a short time. So free-spirited and excited to learn and experience new things. So genuine and loving.

Thanks Jason, Starr, Cami, Graham, and Rose!

I love this one...

2008-06-08T11:13:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I saw one of my favorite client families and I will be posting a preview very soon, but first I just wanted to post one of my favorites from last time I saw them. I was following little Graham around in the yard to get some candid shots and he picked up a watering can and started watering these plants! Isn't this the cutest thing ever?

More of Spencer

2008-06-04T22:43:00.002-04:00

Here are a few more from this weekend...

Spencer's grandparents were hoping I could get a nice picture of their dog. I hope they like this one!

Spencer's Baptism

2008-06-01T19:33:00.003-04:00

Here are a few of my favorites from today. I spent some time with Spencer's family at his grandparents' house...

Then we went to his baptism. Look how nicely Spencer (and his dad) sat in church!

Rose's First Birthday

2008-05-19T19:47:00.002-04:00

Yesterday was Rose's first Birthday party and she was her usual happy self the whole time...looking cute, smiling, laughing, clapping hands, waving and blowing kisses!

2008-05-18T14:50:00.003-04:00

More CJ

2008-05-06T22:36:00.003-04:00

You know how sometimes something or someone is so cute that you smile, but smiling isn't enough, so you just have to laugh? That's how how feel about CJ. He's so cute that a smile isn't enough.

Twins!

2008-05-05T06:59:00.001-04:00

CJ

2008-05-04T21:29:00.006-04:00

I know his parents are probably hoping for smiles, but I can't resist posting this!!!

Kyriaki

2008-05-04T21:19:00.001-04:00

Isn't she sweet?

Maxyne and Sadie

2008-05-04T21:06:00.002-04:00

I met these twin girls a year ago when they were turning one. Now they're almost two!

Don't worry, Mom, I did get smiles! Just doing a short preview for tonight! :)

Lexie-Ann's First Birthday Party

2008-05-03T20:57:00.007-04:00

Yesterday was Lexie-Ann's First Birthday Party, and what a party is was!

There was fun entertainment...

Good food...

dancing...

Lots of friends and family...

And of course the beautiful Birthday Girl!!!

Happy Birthday, Lexie-Ann!!!