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.

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!

Happy Mother's Day!

There is nothing more precious to me than my family. THEY are the reason this Mother's day and EVERY day has meaning. I am grateful that I get to share parenting these wonderful munchkins with my husband, Josh. My kids make me so proud to be their "Mommy". These images are our latest and decorate the walls of my office so that every day, no matter what else happens, I can be reminded of how lucky I am.

Happy Mother's Day to all of my clients, blog readers and other "Mommy's" out there.

I'd really wanted this shot for a while. Just to show them how they really are. With a gorgeous sunset in the background as a bonus :)

That bench has been in my family for generations. One more reason I just love this image.

The kiddos

Ok. You've noticed. WAY more pics of my daughter than my son this night. He just wasn't too into the whole thing so I focused on the child who was! Doesn't mean I love him less, he just loves the camera less!

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.

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?".

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!

Did you know...

It's my birthday & those are my beautiful roses from Josh!

Yes, today I turned 28 (LOL!!!). I had a super day. First stop, massage & facial...ahhhhhh. Next stop, Kyoto for lunch with Stacey & Vanessa...mmmmmmmm. A little shopping and house stuff and then off to dinner at The Works with my hubby & kids. In between I got so many nice calls, visits, emails & gifts. Thanks everyone!

Ok, so I have a fantastic idea to celebrate my BIG day with my Big Shots blog readers. It's a reverse birthday present. Tell me what you'd like from Big Shots. It could be a special promotion, something you'd like to see on my blog or anything else you'd like from Big Shots. After that, have your favorite dessert to celebrate July 30th :)

Me, Myself & I

When I go on location with my clients we always have a good time talking. Sometimes it's about photography and sometimes not. No matter what the topic, I always here, "WOW, I didn't know that about you" or "REALLY? I like/do/think that too" or "I wish I'd known. I would've brought/sent/emailed you that information". SOOOOOOOO...I am going to start bringing more of me to the blog! Just a little this and that. Not too much in case you don't care and just enough in case you do.

I thought I would start with the blog form that I have been having my seniors fill out. It's fun, fast and full of info!

My name is: Marla

I went to school at: Sycamore High School, OSU & Xavier

My high school graduation date was: 1989 (yep-I'm OLD)

The last thing I ate was: tootsie roll (I have one every day after lunch!)

My dream job: Living it-Photographer

My favorite music/artist: Michael Buble, Rascal Flatts, Nora Jones, Brad Paisley, Colbee Caillat, Dave Matthew's Band, Jack Johnson, John Mayer & probably 100 others I'm forgetting.

My favorite thing in my closet: My closet organization system!

My favorite pastime: Fun family game night with my kiddos and hubby

My favorite phrase: "Maybe next time you'll make a different choice" (my son HATES this!!!)

My favorite website: facebook

My favorite magazine: US (guilty pleasure)

My favorite place to shop: Forever 21 & Target

I have never… had naturally straight hair

I love my job at Big Shots Photography because: I get to be with/photograph/work with some of the most interesting people ever. I would not have this opportunity if it weren't for my job! I also LOVE what I do. I love my equipment, my "digital darkroom" where I get to photoshop to my heart's content, and I get great pleasure out of delivering the final product to my client's homes.

Let me know if you have questions or things you want to know! Otherwise, I'm on my own here :)

Happy Father's Day

Some point and shoot snapshots capturing the love!

I love Father's Day.  It's a day when my whole family gets together to honor the greatest men I know.  My dad is so amazing.  I can't even put into words what a great influence he's been in my life.  It is also a day to recognize my husband for being THE GREATEST step-dad E-V-E-R!!!  After all these years and lots of stuff, I realize it's the time that matters most with the important people in my life and today we spent some time celebrating!  I hope you had a wonderful Father's Day too!

Karaoke American Idol

"J" is so good with our dog!

The judges...

"W" can really carry a tune!

So...the kids were home from school last Friday and they had some friends over.  What a great day!  It's so nice when the whole gang hangs out over here.  They do so many funny & creative things.  They decided to have a Karaoke American Idol contest on this particular day.  It was hysterical.  It's moments like these-everyday moments-that I love to capture.  What do your kiddos do when they're off school?  Leave me a comment below or even send me a pic.  

From My Family to Yours...Happy New Year!

I took these pictures of my parents and my kids this fall.  I wanted to take photos of all of them for years.  My parents and my kids have such a special relationship.  We live 5 minutes away from each other and see each other often.  

They've been super involved with my kids since they were born. My dad comes over to read to the kids, my mom drives "D" home from school twice a week and we always have dinner at their home on Friday nights, among MANY other things.  We share all of our holidays together.  The great parents I grew up with have proven to be even greater grandparents.  I was so glad to finally capture these two generations.  

I hope you enjoy the holiday season with YOUR family and loved ones.  Have a safe, happy and healthy New Year.