Even though the class of 2009 hasn't even graduated yet, it's time for the next class to begin thinking about their senior portraits.  This year I plan to offer the best senior portrait option in Western New York.  I know that's a strong statement, and I don't mean to be rough on other photographers, but here are the reasons that Morgan Dawson Photography is the best option:

It's less expensive.  I've put my pricing together after studying countless other photographers, and I'm on the low end of the equation.  What family, or what teenager, wants to drop a thousand bucks (or close to it) on pictures?

No awkward shoots.  Sorry, but I've seen a lot of bad senior photography.  The shots are hokey, awkward, and it's obvious the student is not comfortable.  I'm aiming to provide a much more relaxed atmosphere and setting, and I think you'll see that in the results.

Reduced rates for reps.  See below.

So, the details:

Senior Photo Session: $100

Includes:
  • A photo session lasting up to 2 hours
  • As many locations and outfit changes as possible 
  • An online gallery of 10-15 professionally retouched images – color and b/w versions of each 
  • Five thumbnail (web-only) images for your Facebook or MySpace page
  • One yearbook photo e-mailed to your school 
  • Your choice of: (50) personalized information cards -or- a 10×20 custom storyboard ($50 value) 

I'm on the look-out for senior representatives from area schools.  Each will receive two FREE photo sessions (a mini-session now, and a full senior portrait session later), and earn bonuses for each referral (a $20 photo credit or $10 iTunes gift card).  If you, or someone you know, would be interested, please contact me ASAP, as I will only choose a few individuals.

When I first met these two last year, Alyssa’s hair was a little longer and Paxton moved a little slower.  Now she’s chopped off the locks and Pax is a walking machine. 

I was excited to see them again and meet their totally adorable (if a little shy) cousin Abigail.  Even though we couldn’t go outside (will this winter ever end?), we still had a blast indoors.  Alyssa started by showing off her red cowboy boots before moving on to a vintage flower girl dress (her Mom’s), and then back to a classic black and white ensemble (all her idea).  Paxton was a good enough sport to wear his own boots for a few minutes — even though mom Amanda tells me he hates to have anything on his feet. 

While I would love to take total credit for the first picture, I must thank Amanda for the great idea.  I’m always trying out new photo techniques, but when a parent (or child) has ideas of their own, it not only makes me even more excited for the shoot, it creates a fantastic collaboration between client and photographer. 

Amanda, I hope this is what you had in mind.  Enjoy the preview!

  

Amanda01

  

Amanda02

  

Amanda03

  

Amanda04

  

Amanda05

  

Amanda06

The gear is packed, and I'm getting away from the absurdly frigid western New York – I'm heading to the absurdly frigid Cleveland, Ohio.  I know, I know, it's not the ideal winter getaway.  But it's a working trip, and at least I'll have the chance to see The Hooligans – my nephews Keegan and Landon.

I've been asked to photograph a Cystic Fibrosis charity event on March 25th, and decided to stay in Cleveland for the week.  I already have other photo shoots scheduled, but I still have dates available.  If you – or someone you know who lives in Ohio! – would like to book a session during that week, I'd love to make it happen.  I can even find us a great place to have coffee as well!

The Hooligans and my brother-in-law Ryan:

RyKids_1

It’s the ultimate pregnancy cliche, but in this case it truly fits:

 

The bun is in the oven. You see, he’s a chef and she’s pregnant. 

 

I’ll admit to being a little nervous before this shoot. Jerry and Kim are good friends, and I really wanted to give them some amazing photographs – especially since this is such a memorable time for the two of them. With an empty maternity portfolio, they really put their trust in me, and I can’t thank them enough.

I knew right away that I was happy with the shoot, but I could never have predicted the heartfelt response from Jerry and Kim. Thank you both so much. I hope I’ve left you with something special; you’ve left me with the confidence and excitement to do many more maternity shoots in the future. 

I can’t wait to photograph the baby!

 

Blog1


Blog2

 

Blog3

  

Blog4

 

Blog5

It seemed so simple: Photograph a family of five just in time for Christmas.  The only hitch: Bernd, the adorable German Shepherd "puppy", and Ward, the family cat.  Lets just say, we quickly determined it would be better to keep Bernd and Ward in separate frames.  Maybe we can try again next year 🙂

In any case, I can hardly believe it's been five years since I first met Jeremy.  He was always a cute child, but now he's really turning into a handsome young man.  Every time I see him, I swear he's grown a foot!  He was such a great model – and even came up with several suggestions for shot locations (including the outdoor swing – great idea!).

Gail, Mike, and Jeremy – I hope you like the pictures; you are a beautiful family!

Jeremy1

Blog2

Blog3

Blog4 
Blog7 
Blog5

Well, so much for a surprise. This photo shoot was supposed to be a secret Christmas present for Dad, but someone (ahem) couldn’t wait and decided to shake the proverbial box – that would be their son, Jack. “No Daddy, I am NOT supposed to tell you that someone came here to take our picture!” He tried. Mom Erin told me she will still keep the actual pictures a secret, so if you happen to know the father of these three beautiful kids, don’t tell him what you saw! Erin, Jack, Mia and Emme – I had such a great time. Jack, thank you for showing me your trains, and Mia – you looked so beautiful in your Cinderella dress!

Shhh1

Shhh2

Shhh3

Shhh4

Shhh5

  • December 2, 2008 - 12:35 pm

    Erin - I am loving these photos! YAY! You do know that by your being so good at this that you make it nearly impossible for parents to narrow down their choices?! I can already tell that once I see the other ones that I am going to have to go with the collage option! 🙂 Cheers!
    ReplyCancel

This was an absolutely fantastic photo shoot. We started with some pictures inside where Gabby immediately got into the swing of things. Helena was a little more reserved – that is, until she changed into jeans and a funky t-shirt and let her hair down. And Sydney was such a trooper – even during the pictures outside. The sun was out but the temperature was still pretty low. When we came back inside, my lens turned into a foggy pair of glasses — thankfully I had a spare!

Threegirls6

Threegirls2

Threegirls4

Threegirls7

Threegirls3

Threegirls5

Threegirls8

  • December 1, 2008 - 9:58 pm

    Robyn Bridson - Morgan,
    What wonderful photos that you took of the girls!!! You are amazing and everytime I see new photos that you have taken I have this strong urge for you to take James’ again!!!
    ReplyCancel

  • December 9, 2008 - 11:16 pm

    Anna Cuykendall - I just wanted to say thank you for such a wonderful photo shoot! You were so patient with the girls and willing to do anything to get the right shot! I will definitely be calling you again soon to take more….you have a gift! God bless and have a wonderful holiday~!
    ReplyCancel

Can a photographer get any more fortunate? I mean, really, four beautiful 10-month olds with an adorable 3-year old sister – Suri, Khloe, Kane, Maddox and Sadye! I had such a blast spending the afternoon with everyone. I think my favorite part was seeing the quads in their walkers, rolling around like bumper cars. Seriously cute. Anyway, here are a few of my favorites. Kara and Todd – the rest are on the way!

Lotempio55_1_3

Lotempio34_7

Lotempio07_1

Lotempio11_1

Lotempio16_1

Lotempio22_3

  • December 1, 2008 - 9:59 pm

    Robyn Bridson - Breathtaking!!!
    ReplyCancel