Friday, April 26, 2013

Recharging the Creative Juices at creativeLIVE

How often do you take a break to recharge? I know I don't do it enough. I try...I really do. But sometimes the planets don't align.

Recharging is essential...and not just for creative type people like myself. EVERYone needs it. For me recharging is all about clearing the clutter from my overly multi-tasked brain. Clearing it out for a few days helps me refocus and balance out. It helps make me a better wife, mom, friend, photographer and overall nice person to be around.

I know that it's easier said than done for many of us. I had to get on a freakin' plane to do it this time. But, I have done it by spending 2 days away with my sister-in-law at a scrapbooking event. And I've also done it with a day or afternoon to myself. I grab my camera and spend some quiet time. I've even hidden out at the library across the street from my house. (I promise I won't say anything if I see you there one morning.)

Make the time.
It fills up your metaphorical "well" and allows you keep dipping into that well to give back to everyone you support.

Going to creativeLIVE was like a dream...running on adrenaline for over a week and the surge of inspiration has definitely filled up my well. SO much to think about. Hearing how others have succeeded...and failed...and then learned from doing both, is invaluable.

Much of what I learned this past week will be apparent soon. Ideas, projects, business practices, and overall inspiration. Great stuff...fun stuff!!

Here's some of my Instagrams from my trip. (Always snappin'.  ;)

Enjoy!

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Thursday, April 18, 2013

Going to creativeLIVE!!!


Have I mentioned this is an exciting week for me??!!

I found out last week that I was selected to go and be a part of the studio audience/classroom for creativeLIVE’s Sony Week – "Shoot What You Love" starting next Monday (4/22-4/24) in Seattle!!! This is a photographer's Bucket List item and I keep pinching myself...(I think I'm beginning to see a slight bruise mark).

Many of my photographer friends out there have heard about creativeLIVE. For any of you out there going..”huh”? It’s a free world-wide internet-based classroom featuring world-class experts in photography, design, technology, business…it’s a MUST for creative types like myself, but also for anyone wanting to learn about one of these areas.

I own Sony gear & I’m VERY excited to learn firsthand from this fabulous group of Sony Artisans. I posted earlier on Facebook about Matthew Jordan Smith’s Future Presidents book project. And you might recognize Me Ra Koh from Disney Channel and Nate Berkus Show…she’s all about empowering women to have confidence with a camera. 

So, tune in Monday to creativeLIVE and maybe catch a glimpse of me! (Bruise getting darker.  ;)



Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Mary McGuire Photography - Launching the Website


I’m Jumping for Joy! 

Many of you know from following me on Facebook, that this is an INCREDIBLY exciting week for me!

Monday was the 1-Year Anniversary of putting myself and my photography out here for all of you to see...mostly on Facebook. A few of you have enjoyed a peek at my website as a "Work In Progress".


Today, I put my website out to all of you! The universe has been opening all kinds of windows lately. About 2 weeks ago, I randomly did my periodic Google search for "mary mcguire photography". For some reason that day I also typed in "www.marymcguirephotography.com". Low and behold it was no longer occupied by the previous owner...it was up for grabs!! So, "& Design" is no longer part of the name and I have a new home.

I had all kinds of fear & hesitation, but with a great deal of support from friends, family & colleagues, I pushed through and started this journey. From the bottom of my heart, I want to say “Thank You!” Your support and feedback has been amazing!!

THANK YOU for following my photographic adventures. THANK YOU for the referrals. THANK YOU for “Likes”, “Comments” & “Shares”. And most of all, THANK YOU for the joy it has brought me.

Thanks for coming by and please take a moment and look around.  I’ll be sharing a great contest soon, so be sure to keep track of me with one (or all) of your favorite ways.

Subscribe to new the website via email (over on the right side of the website), follow me on FacebookPinterest and Instagram. And again, thanks to everyone for the support.

These are just some of my favorite images from the last year.

Enjoy!!
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Thursday, April 11, 2013

A Family on the Beach - A Random Gift

It was about doing the right thing...

While we were on Spring Break up the coast, I was setting up this shot with a shell and the sun streaking across the sand. A family of 3 walked through as I was firing off my test shots. When I realized what I got, I ran after them. (OK...I walked fast.)

It didn't matter that the sun was sinking and I was losing light. They were on vacation from Georgia. Their son had been trying to skimboard on the flat surf, despite the uncommon 40 degree Florida weather. I showed them what I caught and offered to email it. They loved it!

It wasn't the sharpest photo...the shell wasn't as sharp or exposed as I was trying to get. BUT, I know I'd want a moment like that to hang on my wall.

Enjoy!
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Friday, April 5, 2013

Happy Friday - Camera Love

Happy Friday!

My collection of old & fun cameras makes me happy. Katie recently gave me “her” camera to add to my collection. I've managed to collect Windsor, Polaroid, Kodak, Phototak and now Fisher-Price.

Even when the girls were little, running around with the Fisher-Price, they were learning to see moments. Through cameras we see the world and get a permanent record so we can look at it again & again. Grab your favorite camera & take some pictures this weekend. (I know I will.)





Thursday, April 4, 2013

County Fair Couples Session | South Florida Photographer

Who doesn’t love The County Fair?!

It's the perfect backdrop for a fun couple. Ferris Wheels...Bumpers Cars...Midway Games...and let's not forget FUNNEL CAKES!!

Jackie and Howard are so natural together....I love how much in love they are. They wanted to do something fun to celebrate their recent one year “dating” anniversary. (I don’t want anyone to think they missed a wedding. ;)