Bye-bye Blogger...

While Blogger has been good to me for the past two years, I've moved!
The new Big Shots blogsite can be found at http://bigshotsbymarla.com/
Please join me there!

It's all about ME!

Days away. I am sooo excited that we are at most days away from me launching my new blogsite! As you know, this is something that's been a long time coming. One last piece of the "puzzle" is figuring out which images to use of me. I figure, if you're going to use me to photograph you, you should know what I look like, right? I mean, if we are supposed to meet somewhere, you should know who you're looking for!
So, here are some of my favorite images from my promo session taken back in early Spring by my wonderful wedding turned promo picture photographer, Geri Ciulla of Ciulla Photography. If you are getting married, look her up and give her a call. She's got mad skills and is just a wonderful person :)
I'm going to be posting these on Facebook soon for you to vote on. Whichever ones get the most votes will be the images to appear on my blogsite so check back to my Facebook Fan Page later. Not a fan? No problem. You can become one here.

Hello...it's me...

Well...things they are a changin'! I'm about to launch my new blogsite...really! I know I've said it before but there have been a few hold ups that I can say will be well worth the wait! I'm SO SUPER excited about this. Not only because it's cool and really amazing looking and it's going to rock your socks off but because it's going to make YOUR experience so much better. You'll see why and how when it launches.

Until then, enjoy some of the promo images my awesome wedding turned promo photographer, Geri Ciulla, took of me. These were at the end; just for fun. But they are me. I can't deny it. I'm just that girl who likes to make stupid faces while wearing my FAVORITE jean jacket from, like 1990! More to come soon...

Relay For Life | Cincinnati Photographer

I've been so focused on keeping up with clients that I didn't get a chance to blog about something AMAZING I got to participate in. One of my incredible senior models, Austin, asked me if I would sponsor his team and provide them with tshirts.
I didn't know much about the event prior to this request so I called the coordinator, Alice Sowers, who explained to me what Relay for Life is, "Relay For Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. At Relay, teams of people camp out at a local high school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Because cancer never sleeps, Relays are overnight events up to 24 hours in length". WOW! You can find more info here . After feeling so inspired by what I heard and read, I volunteered to donate my time photographing the event for them. It was emotional, uplifting and enlightening.
I will soon be volunteering again, taking and printing photos of participants, at the Ride Cincinnati event this coming Sunday. Find out how you can be a part here. It's a lot of fun for a great cause in memory of my close friend's mother. I, unfortunately, have two very close friends who are battling cancer. I wish cancer weren't a part of anyone's lives, but since it is, I would like to do what I can to help find a cure and help those suffering from it and affected by it.
I took 100's of images at the event of many people from many schools which I will be posting on Facebook. These are images of people I know.

Austin holding his team's flag!

More Sycamore students.

"My" team posing with their sign

SWAT team again

Team SWAT members showing their baskets they made for sale to raise money

SWAT team members doing a lap

Annie and some friends

Some of my FAVORITE Class of 2010 clients who have now graduated, Meghan, Molly & Sophie, & friends

The kick off lap for survivors!

Big Shots Suburban Pediatric Gallery

I am excited to "unveil" the Liberty Township Suburban Pediatrics Big Shots gallery. Rob and Melissa Wallace, who you probably remember from their session last year and this Spring, are docs there and asked if I'd be interested in decorating the walls with my portrait art. Happily, I accepted their invite and here's the finished product. Please excuse the quality of the images. I forgot my camera (!) and had to use my iphone!

I did this mini gallery of the Wallace family. They have their own gallery in their home!

Voila! The main gallery! Have a seat and a look :)

If you are a patient there, be sure to grab one of my cards!

Kids Against Hunger | Cincinnati Photographer

During my busy season I feel like I don't get to put enough personal stuff on my blog. I want to but sometimes work comes before play. Well, I decided that the topic and information in this post was just too important for me to NOT write about.
I've never been able to volunteer like I've wanted to. First I had little kids so there went my time. Then I got divorced so I was volunteering for myself! Then, I got remarried and things were very busy. NOW, finally, I feel like I can do more for others and I've always known what I want to do. I want to help stop children from being hungry. There are a million wonderful causes out there but this one has always topped my list. I just get so sad knowing how much we have and the thought of a child suffering because they are hungry is just incredibly heart wrenching.
So, today, we headed out to help Kids Against Hunger. It's an amazing organization. You can read all about it here. We spent three hours with some friends and some very nice "new friends" putting together dry food packets that will feed a child for six days. It's amazing!
I know I'm only "little ol' me" but I know I can make a difference. You can too. I'm not out to solicit anyone. I'm just spreading the word. I'm also planning to get involved in some local charities that help kids who need food over the weekend. I'm so excited to be able to give back. My husband always says, "Everything in its' own time" and he's right. Now's the time for this...

Note: I did not take this photo. It is a demonstration of kids using the packets of food to eat.

How To Tie A Scarf For Your Senior Pictures...or whenever!

I'm glad I have this video now! I can finally wear a scarf with confidence! I wish this video would've been made available for ME this past Winter. I just never could get the hang of the old scarf thing. I have a grey and black one that I've never worn! So, this is really for my seniors BUT I think some of us moms can benefit from it as well! Can't wait to get into this craze!

Senior Model Get-to-Gether!

What a GREAT day! I was so looking forward to the Big Shots Model FYI get-to-gether to meet all of the prospective models. Josh, my big, strong, MAJOR helpful husband, and I set off to Panera to set up. The room looked great, people started to arrive and we got down to business! I had the nicest girls and moms show up and FIVE of them signed on to be Big Shots Senior Models! One of my models from last year spoke so everyone could hear what it was REALLY like! We have a great group of nine people so far! I can't wait to shoot all the model sessions! I've only got room for a few more so if you are interested in becoming a Big Shots Senior Model, let me know.

Me in my awesome Big Shots "Keepin' it Real" tshirt! Everyone got one!

Nicole, my amazing model from last year explaining the program to all the prospective girls & their moms.

Some of the girls who attending the meeting and signed on to be Big Shots Models!

An organized life?

I don't know about you but I am always looking for ways to organize my life...my closets, my car, my work, the kids papers they bring home from school (what DO you do with that stuff?). Parts of my life feel put together while others feel like they are just a mess! I would love to be that person who has "a place for everything and everything in its' place" but, I'm not. I read books, watch HGTV, whatever I've got to do to get things under control. With a husband, two kids, a job, a cat and a dog, it's a necessity that I know where things go and where they are. Anyway, I came across this awesome site Penelope Loves Lists. It's got all sorts of organizational tips. Even the blog is super cute and organized (of course)! Check it out. I'm going to follow this blog-if I'm organized enough to remember!

The Dog Days of Winter

As many of you know, I have a dog named Vegas. Almost all of my clients have met her at one time or another. Either at ordering sessions or order pick ups. I love my dog. She's been with me through so much! I can't imagine my life without her. She is always laying at my feet wherever I am. She's so loving and loyal. That's why I am kinda' sad. See, she is twelve years old and that's old for a lab. She's gone grey in her old age but still has so much love and spirit in her. Josh and I took her out in the snow to let her play and get some shots of her. I love this one because her eyes seem to say, "I love you, now can you just throw the ball to me?".

Randomness

Ok. I am working on a new blogsite and have decided to make my new blog WAY more fun. I thought I jump start the good times here, on good ol' blogger! I found the funniest blog you have to check out if you need a laugh. It's here . What were these people thinking? Makes you love your family portraits even more now, huh?

Disclaimer: I DID NOT TAKE THE PHOTO BELOW! IT IS FOR COMIC RELIEF ONLY!!!

Have a fun and safe Saturday night!

Celebrating 2009

Before I totally welcome in 2010, I want to celebrate 2009 and ALL of my amazing clients who made 2009 my BEST year ever. I look forward to sharing more memories with you in 2010! Enjoy the video!

Happy Holiday Wishes

It's that familiar lull in blog posts & delivery of orders that lets me know the holidays have arrived! I hope your celebrations were full of love & laughter!

Giving Is Awesome...again!

Hello blog peeps! I'm doing it again. Last year I had the pleasure and honor of meeting this wonderful family. They were so deserving and appreciative. What a joy it was for both of us! In 2008, the "Giving Is Awesome" campaign, started by a fellow photographer, gave over $565,000 worth of custom photography to families across the globe. We're looking to double that total and hit the $1,000,000 mark this year.

But, I need you to help! I'm asking you to nominate someone for this great cause. I mean, who doesn't value portraiture of their family almost above all else? So come on...you know someone. You know someone who's experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, or is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances. You know someone who can't afford custom photography, but who would cherish it. You know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family's spirit, love, and beauty.

You know someone. I guarantee it.

I want to know who they are, and I want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography -- $500 worth, to be exact. Whether it's a canvas, prints for Grandma, or a slideshow to watch over and over, it's in your power to give them the artwork they deserve this holiday season.

Oh, and the best part? The person who nominates the winner receives a $125 credit for a FREE session. What better reason to show some love could there possibly be, people?

The rules:

· You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services. (Being unable to make mortgage payments for a two-million-dollar-vacation-home in Paris does not qualify as sincere financial need.)

· The nominee must reside in Cincinnati. Tell me who you know, what they're experiencing, and why they deserve my artwork. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself as well.

· You must e-mail me the full story : marla@bigshotsbymarla.com

The winner will be announced on Christmas Eve -- get nominating! I can't wait to read all of your entries!

Open your heart to someone this holiday season -- and thanks for giving me the opportunity to open mine.

With love,

Dawn | Cincinnati Realtor Photographer

You may remember Dawn from last year. She is like a sister to me & I love being with & working with her. She's an awesome realtor at Sibcy Cline & sold my house in 3 days!!! Now it's my job to make her look so good, you'll want her to sell yours! Dawn wanted some non-traditional realtor shots to use for business stuff like cards, brochures & the Internet. We kept the class but added some sass in these shots. I feel like they're high school senior gets a job!

Halloween Ad | Cincinnati Commercial Photographer

Yay! I finished my commercial shoot Thursday and it went to print yesterday. If you are looking for a yummy and super cute treat for Halloween, check out Sweets-in-Bloom! Here are the ads. My image is the one of the two girls...aren't they "sweet"?

GIVING WAS AWESOME!!!

This action is called "Seventies". It sooo gives this image a 1970's feel, doesn't it?

Here is "Vintage". It speaks for itself...so vintage!

Here are some "sneak peeks" for the winning family of my "Giving is Awesome" contest. "N", "S" and baby "A" were so easy to work with and so appreciative of my "gift" to them. "N" has had a lot of hard times in her past but with a loving husband and an adorable baby (seriously...look at little "A" and try not to smile!!!), I think she's well on her way to a happy future.

As for me, I am on a mission to help more people by donating photography and looking for the right outlet to do so. I've got some ideas..do you? Leave a comment below or email me.

By the way, I tried out some new Photoshop Actions on these images just for fun. They seemed to fit the images. Enjoy!