{Their Words~My Art Thursdays} Mid Michigan Child Photographer

"Hold a true friend with both your hands" ~ unknown


till next time...

{Their Words~My Art Thursdays} Mid Michigan Child Photographer

"The artist has to look at life as he did when he was a child. If he loses that faculty, he cannot express himself in an original, that is, a personal way" ~Henri Matisse

till next time...

{Their Words~My Art Thursdays} Mid Michigan Child Photographer

Their Words~My Art Thursdays} Going to get 2 quotes today since it's been WAY too long since I've done a my art thursday. And some ramblings from me :)
I was just having a conversation with someone the other day about this type of photograph. I have a photo of my daughter swinging and she is out of focus except for her strands of hair floating behind her and it's one of my very favorites and it hangs beautifully in my home. Anyway, I was saying that every once in awhile in a session I'll have the opportunity to make a piece of art like this, and I know some won't get it. But to me this photograph speaks volumes, it makes you want to enter her dream world and it makes me loose myself as an artist in that moment as the shutter clicks. Thanks Ellie for giving me that moment.

Childhood is so magical...

"In dreams, we enter a world that's entirely our own" ~Steven Kloves


"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart"~Hellen Keller



till next time...

Play Time with Ellie :) {Mid Michigan Child Photographer}

This has been something I have had in my head for a session for along time, and I knew this session was perfect for it. Back in the beginning of June I got to meet up with Miss Ellie and her little sis Nora for our 2nd session. Our sessions are always filled with playtime and I was so excited to see them again. Apparently I left quite the impression on Miss Ellie from our first session and she talks about me often in their household. I love hearing that about children, the fact that they have fun at our sessions and think of them as playtime means the world to me. About a month before our session, she came up to me at dance class gave me a big hug and said guess what "Hayley Hamlin" (it's never just Hayley...lol), I got a new pink dress for our session :) I knew she was excited, I was excited to see her too!! I loved this little girl, she melts my heart. Anyway, Miss Ellie deserves her own post, just like she got on facebook. As I said there... Here is just 1 from "my" conversation with Miss Ellie on the phone. As you can see... I am hilarious...lol. Yup, that would have been a picture in itself a camera in one hand and a tin can phone held up to my ear in the other!! Never a dull moment in one of my sessions :)

We had a tea party, talked on the phone, looked for butterfies, and danced and twirled till our hearts were content :) More to come soon from Miss Ellie and Miss Nora's session!!


till next time :)

Gratiot Family Practice (Covenant Healthcare) ~ Wall Displays {Mid MIchigan Photographer}

So, it's true, I am a really bad blogger :) There has been so much going on and it's been so busy it seems facebook has been the only thing being updated. Many of you would have already seen this post on facebook, but I thought I'd share it here too since it was so exciting for me!!

As many of you know Gratiot Family Practice, here in Alma has merged with Covenant Healthcare and moved to a new location. The new office is amazing!! What’s even more exciting for me is my work is being displayed in the new office!! Here are some pictures of us getting the wall displays up for the Community Open House. My photos can be found in Lisa Bigelow’s rooms (3 of them) as well as the baby weigh stations. I have an assortment of my newborn, baby, children’s, and family work on display and as you can see much of it is featured in black and white. The Community Open House was June 15th, and there were about 700 people to walk through the new office.

So... take a peek at the Displays, you might see some familiar faces :)
This first one is of Adam hanging the first group of photos. (Thank you so much Adam for hanging the displays, that is an art form in itself of which I am thankful for your expertise!!)

Finished Grouping #1


This 16x24 Canvas is in the same room as the first grouping. This is one of my favorite newborn photos, it is awesome to see it displayed this large :)
~Featuring Baby Ross

Side view of Display #1

2nd display layed out in the hallway waiting to go in room 2 :)

Room #3 Display~ Featuring Children and Family

16x20 frame over baby weighing station #1, featuring Baylee


16x20 frame over baby weighing station #2 featuring Baby Preston


Thank you to Gratiot Family Practice and Lisa Bigelow for featuring my work in their new office, I am truly honored to have it on display. I know it has been very exciting for my clients to see their photos on display as well :)

Till next time...

[Framed]~Their Words~My Art Thursdays...{Mid Michigan Child Photographer}

As all of my blog followers know every Thursday is "Their Words~My Art Thursdays". It's a time when I post a quote and an image that I feel when combined tell a beautiful story. It's also a time when that's all I post and nothing more...so I know many of you are probably wondering, why is she babbling on...lol. Well, recently [Framed] Show put out a challenge for their upcoming show to post an image and tell a story about that image or simply let the image speak for itself. This challenge giveaway for this week is a yearlong membership to Red Leaf Studios Workshop. Now, I can't tell you how inspiring Red Leaf is to me, so when I saw this challenge come up, I was beyond excited!!

So since Thursday's are day's I specifically post these type of storytelling images anyway, I thought this would be a perfect time to share this one. I chose this image because I feel it tells a story of childhood. The freedom, the innocence, the endless possibilities... Oh, to be a child again. It seems that even if you aren't a child, when you watch a child at play in the complete freedom they feel in that moment, you will loose yourself and become a child again, even if just for a moment. I love that about working with children.

And because with every "Their Words~My Art Thursdays" I share a quote to tell the story...

"Backward, turn backward, oh time in your flight, make me a child again, just for tonight."
~Author Unknown

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Sweet Baby "E" {Mid Michigan Newborn Photographer}

One thing I absolutely love about my job is the connections I build with my clients. I have always said it is so much more than just a client relationship, but rather a friendship that has been formed. I have been photographing this family for several years and it's been my pleasure to watch their children grow but this time it was my honor to welcome their newest addition.
So, before vacation I got to meet their little man, and I must say, he was a complete dream to photograph. He was just 7 days old, so very tiny and just perfect!! Thank you for letting me capture this very special time in your life!!

Love this one with big sis...

One of my faves with baby and mommy :)
Isn't this hat adorable :)
When it was time to leave I knew they would be giving baby a bath. I always recommend this because the baby is on so many new fabrics and textures. So for this shoot, I decided to stick around and capture the first bath for them. I know I would have loved to have these photos taken for my babies, so I was thankful I could be there to do this for them :) Here is just one from baby's first bath :)

till next time...

{My Beautiful Child Contest~Dandelions & Daisies} WINNERS ANNOUNCED {Mid Michigan Child Photographer}

Thank you ALL for entering {My Beautiful Child Contest~Dandelions & Daisies}. As I have said many times throughout this contest…truly everyone is a winner in my book. Children are such a blessing and I blessed to be able to capture their beauty with my camera!! This fun contest was simply just a way to return some of my life’s blessings and I thank you all again for making it so enjoyable for everyone. I was truly touched by many of the posts about my photography that were posted when people would share the links to this contest. Thank you for the bottom of my heart, none of your words went un-noticed!! SO, as much as I’d love to declare everyone a winner, we have 2 big prizes to give out. I have to say there were about 4 entries that were neck and neck the whole way through!! It came right down to the wire. You guys were keeping me on my toes :) In fact I had to call in help from my fellow photog friends (Alli and Denise) to keep watch at noon. I had 1 texting me and 1 leaving a comment as a double checking system. Thank you both for your help! But before we announce the Big Winners, I want to extend a little something special as my way of thanks to EVERYONE that entered in the contest. EVERYONE who entered receives a $50.00 PRINT CREDIT to be used towards a 2011 session. As stated in the contest rules, these sessions are for the children you entered in the contest only. Your session needs to be booked by March 1st along with your paid session fee to take advantage of this special offer and your session must take place by June 15th 2011. These are credits towards prints, not a discount towards your session fee and you must still sign and abide by Hayley Hamlin Photography's Client Contract/Policies Forms.

Okay, now onto the WINNERS!!!

1st Place and winner of GRAND PRIZE with 241 “likes” is "E&N"

The Grand Prize Includes.... Full Session Fee ($100.00 value) and a Custom Image Box holding 35-50 proofs from your session ($695.00 value). Total Prize is valued at $795.00 2nd Place and

Runner Up with 233 "likes" is "W"

This prize includes...$200.00 Gift Certificate to be used on a 2011 Session. (Must take place before June 15th)

I also am adding an EXTRA prize in the contest for MOST CREATIVE way to get votes. That goes to “L&A” #61 for the adorable shot of the twins wearing shirts with direction on how to vote. This was very creative and too cute!! For your creative use of getting votes, you receive a $100.00 PRINT CREDIT towards a 2011 session.

ALL WINNERS PLEASE SEE THE FULL SET OF RULES ABOUT CONTEST (1st photo in album). This contains information about where sessions take place, when they need to take place by, and other information about your winnings. Also I will be contacting you all about your winnings :)Thank you again everyone!! :) I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did!!

Hayley :)


till next time...

My Beautiful Child Contest~Dandelions & Daisies {Mid Michigan Children's Photographer}

At the end of 2010 I did a fun Senior Comment Game on facebook and it was a HUGE hit!! Everyone that got involved had lots of fun and turned it into a great contest :) Since it was so much fun, I think it's time for another fun contest, don't ya think :) Since the seniors have had their fun, it's time for the parents to have a little fun and show off their beautiful children :) Right now in Michigan it's cold and winter is in full swing, which leaves everyone hoping for warm weather!! In the next few months Spring will be on it's way and out will pop one of my favorite things....the dandelions :) Yes, I know not everyone loves the dandelions, but I do and children and dandelions just go hand in hand do they not :) So, as I was thinking of a contest name, I kept coming back to the fact that every year I say I am going to do little mini sessions for "Dandelions and Daisies" and then it just gets pushed to the back burner. I have 2 beautiful locations for both of these types of sessions and when you add children to them it makes for some magical photographs :) So to cheer up this cold winter month, and give us something to look foreword to this Spring our Children's Contest is going to be called....My Beautiful Child Contest~Dandelions & Daisies :) And if you win, you can choose to do your session when one of these fields are in their peek bloom OR if these aren't your thing, no worries, I have lots of other locations to choose from!! And the best part is, all you have to do to play is enter your precious little ones photo and start collecting votes :)

*Official Information and Rules are Below :)

{To enter the contest}
Email an image that YOU have taken (no professional images please) of your kid(s) to hayleyjhamlin@hotmail.com and I will post it to the Contest Album OR if facebook will let you, you can upload the photo yourself to the Hayley Hamlin Photography Fan Page by finding the Dandelions & Daisies (My Beautiful Child Contest) Album and clicking on "add photo". Please do NOT upload it to the main wall, if it will not let you add it directly to the album, please email it to me. Please include your child's first name(s) only and age(s). *1 image per family please. Also include your location and your name as the parent submitting the photo. *this information will not be published.

Once your image is in the album please tag yourself in the photo and then share the link to Hayley Hamlin Photography facebook page on your personal facebook page. Make sure you ask your friends and family to go to my fan page and vote for your image. They vote by “liking” the image, they can comment as well, but only "likes" count. :) You can get creative and share the link however you want, the more you share... the more chances you have to win!!

Again, please do NOT upload your photo to the main wall or have people leave comments there, those will NOT count. Also, make sure they know they have to “like” Hayley Hamlin Photography first to be able to vote. At the end of the contest the entry with the most "likes" wins!! It's that simple :)

And to make it worth your while to play, a big prize is up for grabs, as well as a runner up prize. And if you followed the senior contest, you'll know I always add in a few fun things along the way, So you won't want to miss out on this contest!!

The Grand Prize Includes....
Full Session Fee ($100.00 value) and a Custom Image Box holding 35-50 proofs from your session ($695.00 value). Total Prize is valued at $795.00

Runner Up
$200.00 Gift Certificate to be used on a 2011 Session. (Must take place before June 15th)

Official Contest Rules & Deadlines- PLEASE READ!!
Contest begins today (Monday January 24th, 2011 and ends Wednesday February 16th at Noon. Winners will be announced the following week.
Contest Revision: So that all entries have 1 full week for voting, ALL entries must be received by Wednesday, February 9th at Noon.
No professional images please. Only one entry per family. Only "likes" on images in the contest album will count. This promotion cannot be combined with any other previous promotions or gift certificates. Contest is open to anyone willing to travel to Alma, Michigan or that lives within a 30 mile radius of Alma. Not valid for sessions that are currently booked with Hayley Hamlin Photography for 2011. You must enter a photo close to the current age of your child. If you should win, the session is for the child you entered, no one else. Contest is not intended for professional photographers. There must be at least 15 entries for anyone to win and the winning photograph must have at least 25 votes (likes). Winner must sign and abide by Hayley Hamlin Photography's Client Contract/Policies Forms. Winners Sessions must be booked and completed by June 15th 2011.

So, what are you waiting for!! Head on over to Hayley Hamlin Photography Fan Page and enter your child now!! :)

In a Heartbeat Collection & Newborn Special {Mid Michigan Newborn Photographer}

Last year I think the question I was asked the most was if I had a babies first year package. So it was at the top of my to do list for 2011. At the beginning of January I announced that I had added this specialty collection to my 2011 pricing but I wanted to share the details about it and launch a special to go with it. Here are the details about the "In a Heartbeat Collection" {babies first year}


To kick off this Specialty Collection, I am offering a Newborn Special. Do you know someone who is expecting? If you do, simply refer them to Hayley Hamlin Photography in January or February. They do not have to have their baby in these months, but to get the referral points they do need to pre-book their session in these months. Upon your referral's booking (and sitting payment), you will receive a $25.00 print credit per referral to be used towards a session of your own. The person you referred also gets a beautiful mini brag book at the completion of their newborn session. If the person you refer books my newest "In a Heartbeat Collection" you will both get a mini brag book :) Contact me with any questions or for complete details :)


And because we can't have a post without a photo, here is 1 of my very favorite newborn images and oddly enough I never blogged this one when I shared this session. Isn't he precious as can be!!

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Their Words~My Art Thursdays...{Mid Michigan Child Photographer}

"To be a star, you must shine your own light, follow your own path, and don't worry about the darkness, for that is when the stars shine brightest”
~Unknown

Merry Christmas {Mid Michigan Photographer}

"Believe" in the magic of Christmas...

I hope this finds you all enjoying your last few days before Christmas :) Yes, you have seen this image before, it was actually taken last winter after Christmas and so this year it graced the front of our Christmas cards. I think it will always be a favorite of mine as the simple words my children are holding are so much apart of what the Christmas season is all about. There is pure "Magic" in these simple words. I hope you and your family have a very Magical and Blessed Christmas!!
And above all, I hope the true meaning of CHRISTmas is near and dear to your heart this holiday season.
God Bless,
Hayley

I also want to take a moment to thank you all for being a blessing in my life this past year. I am so thankful for each and everyone of you who allow me into your lives to capture your special moments. 2010 was a year of blessings for my business and I am very excited to see where 2011 takes me. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

And Happy New Year!!

Office will be closed from Thursday Dec. 23rd ~ Monday Jan. 3rd. I will return all emails and phone calls after the 3rd.

Also, just a reminder applications for Class of 2012 Senior Reps are due soon. For information on that, see blog post HERE.

Their Words~My Art Thursdays...{Mid Michigan Child Photographer}

"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart."
~Hellen Keller


I know, I've kinda been slacking on my "Their Words~My Art Thursdays" posts :) Hopefully this will get it rolling again. Till next time...

The "B" Family {Mid Michigan Family Photographer}

This past August, the "B" family came from Bay City, Michigan to have me photograph their family here in Alma. I showed you a few pictures of their little guy by himself right after their session, but have not shared any of their family photos yet. I absolutely loved their session, so many beautiful memories were made. There little guy was such a dream to photograph and their family photos are full of love and laughter. I walked away from that session feeling inspired and refreshed. Thank you for letting me be apart of your families memories :)
They ended up ordering a lot of large wall portraits for their home in black and white, so I am going to post a series of black and whites for this post. Even though, I promise, I did do color images too...lol :)




These image melt my heart!! What I would give to have images of my family like this!!

The look of wonder and excitement on his face, I just adore in this one. I just love photographing children, they are so honest and refreshing!!

Can you hear the laughter...love this!!

I adore these, there were a few like this, but this was the one they selected for a large print.

And here is the whole series of little man "D" bring his mom a flower, I adored this moment so much had to put it in a storyboard. :)

Next time, I'll share some of the little guy by himself, I love those images too!! Such a beautiful session!!

Till next time...

Their Words~My Art Thursdays...{Mid Michigan Child Photographer}

"We do not remember days, we remember moments."
~ Cesare Pavese

"I not done" (Mid Michigan Child Photographer}

Out of the mouths of babes they say. So what on earth am I talking about? Well, I am going to go out of order a bit from my "catching up on summer" blog posts BUT I have to share this story about this session with this cutie pie. Recently The "B" family came from Bay City, Michigan to have me photograph their little man. I must say....I am always so honored when people travel to have me photograph their children. We had lots of fun, which I can't wait to show you all the fun things we played with at our session. But at the end of the session I went to lift him off the hay bail and he says to me "I NOT DONE". It was the cutest thing ever. It always makes my heart so happy when children remember our sessions as a fun thing. I can't tell you how many times I have parents tell me that their child recalls our special sessions because a place or a thing will jog their memory. And when we meet again for returning sessions I am always greeted by them with hugs. And I love how they always bring up things from their previous sessions with me. How we did this or that. I love that I can form special bonds with these little ones, I am not there to get a quick session and be on my way. I am there to form a connection, play with them, capture them being children. I am honored to watch them grow up in front on my lens. I photograph your child with the same heart and soul I would photograph my very own. Anyway, after I got home from this session, I was looking for a quote for my "Their words my art Thursday" post and happened to stumble upon this quote instead. I saved it because I loved it. It is so true.

"When you find yourself beginning to feel a bond between yourself and the people you photograph, when you laugh and cry with their laughter and tears, you will know you are on the right track"
~Arthur Fellig

I truly do put my heart and soul into your session. From the first time we speak...to the click of the shutter, to the hours I spend hand editing each image, to placing your order, to the special packaging, and finally to the final delivery of your cherished memories. You are more than just a client to me. I look forward to all my returning clients to watch their families change and grow and to meeting all my new clients to begin friendships with them. I feel truly am blessed to do what I love!! And with that said....the busy fall rush is certainly upon us. Soon the kids will be back to school and you can already feel the change in the weather. Although I will say the hot weather of the past few days may not feel like it :) But it's also this time of year when everyone starts thinking family and children sessions even more so. Last year I had to turn away sessions because I was booked so full and it's looking like this year will be the same. My fall schedule is already filling up fast with senior work. If you are thinking of booking a Fall session, Do not wait on investing in your memories.

And here is just 1 from this little guy's session. There will be much more to come.

till next time...

Their Words~My Art Thursdays...{Mid Michigan Child Photographer}

"Look and think before opening the shutter. The heart and mind are the true lens of the camera" ~Yousuf Karsh

A special thanks to little man "D" for being my helper for this shot for my website. You were the perfect little model!! :) Can't wait to share more pics from this session!! :)

till next time...

Miss "L" {Michigan Child Photographer}

Miss L came from Bay City, Michigan to have some playtime with me and my camera...and we had lots of fun. It was fun to watch her discover a world of new things that day...and I almost got to watch her take her first steps. I knew she'd be walking soon after...and a few days later she was :)

She loved the flowers...
the touch...
and smell...


I think the dirt was her favorite thing...lol :)

And a little refresher at the end of the session :)

Thanks for making the trip my way "R" family to let me capture your little ones memories!! I had a great time with you!!

Their Words~My Art Thursdays...

“Only those who look with the eyes of children can lose themselves in the object of their wonder” ~Eberhard Arnold