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Winning Portraits
We at Tonya Marie Photography were just overwhelmed with the response to the Image of the Year contest. Hundreds of votes later, and lots of really sweet comments (thank you!), we have the winners.
The photograph receiving the most votes is... (drum roll please) image J. And the portraits receiving the second and third most votes are: E and B. Congratulations! You will have a message in your in-box shortly with details.
And I just can't have a blog entry without a portrait so here is a fun capture to make you smile!

9 Month Portrait
We always have fun at our portrait sessions but I especially look forward to seeing this handsome guy. I've love seeing how he changes: from a teeny tiny newborn to a determined and super quick nine month old. Plus he has the best family! Thanks again for the yummy treat we had during our break...a strawberry mousse dessert in a chocolate shell. Mmm...
Anyway, here's a quick peek. Enjoy!

I just adore this expression!

Image of The Year
Yes, it's time for the popular Tonya Marie Photography Image of the Year contest. The following portraits were drawn at random, out of a hat actually, and are lettered for voting purposes.
To vote go to Tonya Marie Photography. Click on the contact page. Fill out the contact form, include the letter of the image you are voting for in the comments section and push send. Only one vote per email address will be counted but feel free to encourage family and friends to vote. Voting ends at midnight on January 16th.
Prizes. Prizes. Prizes. The image receiving the most votes wins a $50 gift card to The Gap and an 11x14 portrait of your choice from your session. The photographs receiving the second and third most votes will each win a Mini Album.
Enjoy!
***(Make sure to type in the letter on the contact form so we know which image you are voting for.)

A Toast To 2008
I've had a great first day in '08 and I hope you have too. My husband started the year off on the right foot by surprising me with a gift. New Year's Eve is the anniversary of our first kiss...14 years ago! And the snow here in Indiana is absolutely picture perfect so I just couldn't pass up the 0pportunity to get the kids outside for some portraits.
Coming in January: a new album (I just love it!) and the very popular image of the year contest.

Snow Sessions
Here in Indiana and Michigan we've had our first blast of winter. And while some people think winter isn't for outdoor portraits, I love the opportunity to photograph in the snow. A nice blanket of freshly fallen snow provides such a scenic background.
Now, I'm not saying a snow session is for everyone! It's really geared more toward the adventurous type and seems to be quite popular with kids as well as high school seniors...and even the brave family. Snow sessions are a bit different as we typically bundle up in hats, scarves, boots and mittens. Often there are blankets just out of the frame and sometimes even included in the portrait. Remember to bring along some steamy hot chocolate or a mocha to keep toasty. Several snow sessions have already been scheduled and we may run a *Snow Special* in January 2008. Keep reading for more details.
Also in January, look for the Tonya Marie Photography Image of the Year contest where you can vote for your favorite image. Really cool and fun prizes given away.

Little Trooper
This handsome guy was a total trooper as we brought him outside in the chilly fall temps. The country setting complete with red barn and leaves all around made for the picture perfect setting for portraits. Don't you just love those expressions!

Family Fun
Happy Thanksgiving! Okay, so I'm a day (almost two) late with my holiday wishes but I was enjoying a tasty turkey dinner...and resting after a high energy session with a group of charming and charismatic people. I just adore this lively family full of fun, laughter, and personality.

Hello Austin, Texas
I haven't even unpacked my suitcase from a super quick trip to Austin, Texas. This mini vacation was a quick way for me to recharge as the holiday season at Tonya Marie Photography is in high gear. A few highlights of the trip include yummy authentic Mexican food at Guero's and a stroll through the botanical gardens at Zilker park.
Other highlights include visiting with some repeat clients. I'm pretty sure these super cool brothers keep their parents on their toes with all of their energy and enthusiasm. But I was quick enough to catch a few frames while they were holding still.

And these two sisters just couldn't possible be any sweeter. They have the best manners: calling me *Miss Tonya*, responding *yes ma'am*, and even reminding me not to forget my water bottle. And to top it all off, they are absolutely gorgeous!


And for all of you asking about future sessions, we will be adding at least a few more visits to Austin in 2008. Check back here for specific dates (possible June) or give me an email if you are interested in reserving your Austin session.

Happy Veterans Day
Sending out a big thank you out to all of the courageous Veterans who served for our country. Thanks! Sending some extra love to one of my favorite Vets who happens to be in the hospital but is on the mend.

And because it was such a dreary day I needed to post some happy images.

This image was taken on the North Beach in South Haven, Michigan.

This one is in my new backyard in Angola, Indiana.

And this colorful duo was taken at the Kalamazoo Nature Center.

Autumn Day With Miss *A*
A beautiful autumn day+an adorable (almost) 2 year old=an amazing session. We visited the Kalamazoo Nature Center, one of my favorite locations, and enjoyed the fall color. We also enjoyed the lively entertainment provided my Miss *A*...who happens to be a great singer and dancer. I don't know how it's possible but every time I see her, she's even more adorable! Check out those seriously sweet brown eyes and those precious curls.

Walls Need A Makeover?
Love your portraits but not sure how to display them? I highly recommend using a ledge or shelf. This allows maximum flexibility to change and update portraits as your family grows, as the seasons change, or just on a whim. Below are two wall galleries I custom designed for Tonya Marie Photography clients.
**click on the image to view larger

Trick Or Treat
I just want to quickly wish all of the little munchkins a safe and Happy Halloween!
On a side note: The postal delivery to our new home in Indiana seems to be a bit slower than we are used to. I just received mail today that was postmarked in Michigan on the 24th...that's 7 days!
But I do have to say I have the best mail carrier. He takes exceptional care of the (many) portrait orders coming and going from my home. Thank you!

Not Portraits
I very much prefer photographing babies, kids, high school seniors and families, but I think it's good to step out of your comfort zone on occasion. The fall color was vibrant at Pokagon State Park...a great place to enjoy a sunny warm afternoon.




And pets are often an important part of family life. I'm glad I captured these felines for a very special friend. Enjoy.

The Color Red
The number eight. And a puppy. These are a few of this almost 4 year olds favorite things. I guess it was a good thing I had to drive the red “race car” to the session instead of the mommy mobile.
We enjoyed a game of soccer, a ride in the golf cart, and even a red delicious apple. Little sister even got in a little beauty rest before her camera time. You definitely can't miss their beautiful blue eyes!
P.S. I may be adding another image or two from my most recent sessions to the official Tonya Marie Photography website so check there for some updated portraits.

Thanks Mother Nature
After a week with mostly dreary skies, Mother Nature really pulled through weather wise with a beautiful weekend complete with warm temps and even (finally!) some peeks of vibrant fall color.
This super fun family session includes an exchange student from Germany. Watching the guys wrestle interact was quite entertaining. By the end of the evening I was laughing so hard I had to really concentrate on holding the camera steady.

More Sneak Peek Portraits
Did I mention the cute little guy below also has the best family? I always look forward to seeing them. Fall color was a little scarce (maybe I need to write another letter to Mother Nature) but I think the results are absolutely beautiful.

And I just love this shot with mom...you can always see how much she adores her little man. I think I caught him singing here and I just love the expression.

The Sweetest Lil Pea
Isn't he just the sweetest little guy!
I've had the pleasure of photographing this little one as a newborn, at 3 months, and now at 6 months and he just gets even more adorable every time I see him. More to come tonight or tomorrow...

Dear Mother Nature,
I’m sure your schedule is very busy…especially with Father Time giving us these shorter days now, but I think you forgot to turn off the switch for summer? It’s October and a high temperature of 88* in Indiana just isn’t conducive to those fall portraits I like…you know the ones with hats and scarves and the gorgeous fall color. Is there any chance we can put the short sleeve shirts in the back of the closet and get out the cable knit sweaters?

Thank you for your consideration,
Tonya
Tonya Marie Photography

P.S. We really appreciate the amazing sunsets this summer.

Newborns, Children, Seniors
And now families. I can now officially say I love working with families just as much as newborns, kids, and seniors. I used to think that I didn't love working with families. I'm not quite sure why because I'm really having an amazing time photographing families, watching their unique dynamics, and trying to capture *them*. So here's a big THANK YOU to all of my families out there!
Isn't this bunch just adorable...not to mention a breeze to work with.

An Indoor Day
It rained a bit today so we stayed indoors and had a little mini portrait session which included some jumping on the bed fun.

A rare quiet moment.

And the all too common *maybe if I pull on my face and make it look all squishy she will put the camera down* look.

A Family Session
...with two toddlers. Call me crazy, but I was really looking forward to this session today. Of course, I have two of my own toddlers so I am very comfortable working with high energy, always on the go kids. And to make an awesome family session even better, we had the perfect weather and a great location.

'Tis The Season
Yes, that's right...it's family portrait season at Tonya Marie Photography. We have lots of family sessions booked during the next few months and my schedule is almost filled up for the remainder of 2007. So don't procrastinate any longer if you are hoping to get a session in before the end of the year.
Alright, on with the sneak peek...This is the *K* family and they are awesome! Dressed to perfection using the *matching but not* philosophy, they let me work a little bit outside of the box.

A wall I've been wanting to use forever. Rumor is, it won't be there next year!

This image is not for everyone. My husband doesn't *get it* and I'm sure some of you won't either, but sometimes I have to shoot images that speak to my artistic side.

And finally, the spectacular sunset portrait.

Mission: Unpack Angola
Mission: Incomplete. We are making our way through the boxes and finally found the bolts to put my son's bed together. While sorting through the chaos, I came across an entire box of books and decided to try out an idea I've had in written in my *brainstorm book* for months...besides who really wants to unpack another box. Anyone?



And a silly one...can you see he has his first shiner?

*That's A Whole Lotta Family*
That is a direct quote from my 3 year almost 4 year old while he was peeking over my shoulder as I was getting this portrait gallery ready. Definitely a large family, but they are the sweetest people you could ever want to meet...you know, the kind of people who make you feel like you are part of their family.

Miss Curly Q
Curly blond hair. Stunning ice blue eyes. And just look at that mischievous little smile. Watch out Mom and Dad.

The Youngest
I just know you can't resist a face like this! And personally, I think it should be against the law to have such gorgeous hair at only two and a half years old.

Coming To You Live From Angola, Indiana
Tonya Marie Photography is back on line! The moving boxes are slowly being unpacked and organized. Orders and session albums are continually being shipped out. And sessions are filling quickly for the fall. I have a backlog of emails and phone calls that need to be answered and I will be catching up on those this weekend. Until then, enjoy this image from a family session.

Goodbye Kalamazoo
Hello Angola, Indiana. My family and I are finally moving out of my parent's Kalamazoo house. We lived with my parents for 7 months...yes, you read that right 7 months!
Don't worry! There won't be too many changes at Tonya Marie Photography. The main change is I will no longer be accepting new portrait clients in the Grand Rapids area (existing clients are always welcome to give me a call for a session!). However, if you would like to meet in South Haven for a session you are in luck.
I will still be photographing clients in the following areas: Kalamazoo, Portage, South Haven, Battle Creek, Vicksburg, Schoolcraft, Sturgis, and Coldwater areas. And will now be accepting new clients in Indiana including: Angola and the surrounding areas.
I thought the following portrait was especially fitting!



Oh, and a big shout out to our realtor Ken who showed us no less than 822 houses. Okay, not really. But we saw a lot!

South Haven Sky
Here's a portrait of Miss *S* with the cloudy sky from her senior photo session. Just a few minutes after I snapped the shutter for this picture, we were headed for cover under the umbrellas.
This senior was also up for some fun shots! Ice cream anyone? By the way, if you are in South Haven for a session or just for a visit, check out Sherman Dairy for the best scoops around.