Eva's Day at the Lake

It's been a while since I've blogged a complete pet portrait session so I thought I would do one for my own doggy, Eva. I want to show those of you that may not be too familiar with McGraw Photography what a typical shoot might look like. Here it goes... Usually, I like to start off in my client's house - a comfortable place for the dog and really the best location for your pet to get to know me and my camera. From there we can go to any location that your pet loves - your backyard, a local park, etc. As I shoot, I let your dog do its own thing. Occasionally, and with your help, I'll have him pose or move to a specific location that I think will look great. However, I want to capture your dog's personality and the best way to do that is to let him be himself. I want images that you can look back on and say to yourself, "Oh, that is SO my dog."

So this is exactly how I shot Eva's images. We started out around the house shooting what she loves to do most - hang out on the couch, chew on toys, and play guard dog.This was about the point when I told her we were going to GO somewhere (her favorite word). She was so excited...She waited patiently in front of the door. She knew we would GO soon... Finally time to head to the lake! Eva loves going on car rides in daddy's big truck. She can see everything from so high up in the air...The drought really has affected the lake. A large stretch of "mud beach" greeted us along the water. Eva didn't mind...it made it easier to find sticks along the shore.I love this image. It totally reminds me of Forrest, Forrest Gump...I thought I knew all the tricks to get a dog's attention - toys, squeakers, treats, funny noises, meowing, etc. However, nothing works when birds and squirrels are just a few feet away...It was time to head back home so Eva took a second to take one last look across the water. I think she was pretty content... I love you Eva and Eva's daddy! If you are ready to book your own doggy portrait session, contact me and I'll answer any questions you may have!

Bone-ified Dog Opening Event

Saturday marked the Grand Opening of a great new groomer (and more!) here in Cornelius. Ran by two amazing girls, Jennifer and Amy, Bone-ified Dog is your one-stop shop for everything you need for your four-legged friend. Jennifer and Amy have an incredible history and they blow my mind with all of the knowledge and experience they have. If you ever have any pet related questions, they are more than happy to give their honest opinion and steer you in the right direction. Bone-ified Dog offers grooming, a day spa, obedience training, day care and a cute doggy boutique. Bone-ified Dog is located at 20901 Torrence Chapel Road, Suite 104 in Cornelius, NC. Don't forget to check out their website to learn more about the company and all the great services they offer.Bone-ified Dog's boutique is filled with toys, food, adorable dog carriers, and precious outfits...Mom, why are you making me try on this jacket?Tons of other cute dogs stopped by to say hi and take a quick tour...This sweetheart is Bailey. She is one of the co-owner's dogs and the mascot of Bone-ified Dog. Isn't she just so beautiful? She looks gorgeous next to the red brick building... For more pictures from the day, click HERE. Go to the Client Area tab and enter the password: events. Select the Bone-ified Dog Open House gallery in the lower, lefthand corner.

Celena, Ben and Baby Ella

I meet Celena a few years back when she was only thinking about maybe having a baby. Well, the time has come and that dream is now a reality and she is soon going to be welcoming a baby girl, Ella, into the world. This self-proclaimed girly-girl was super stoked when she found out she was having a little baby girl. As the pregnancy has progressed, Celena has become more and more excited and, while she is understandable a little nervous, she can't wait to dress Ella in all the frilly and tiny little outfits she has picked out. Congratulations Celena on your soon-to-be mommy-hood. I hope you and Ben enjoy your sneak peek...

I started out shooting little Ella's room because she had the cutest little clothes and shoes. The room was so adorable, in fact, that I contemplated having a baby...well for a couple seconds.Celena is a huge Patriots fan, so guess what Ella? You better think Tom Brady is hot! :)

Hot mama! This little family is going to be a family of 5 including Rusty and Hurley... After shooting at the house, we moved down to the shore of Lake Norman. It was almost sunset and the pink sky really complimented the pink theme and made this soon-to-be mom glow.To me, maternity pictures aren't just about belly shots but the commitment two people have for something bigger than the both of them...

Best of luck to you, Celena, with the rest of your pregnancy. I can't wait to meet baby Ella! XOXO!

Neo-Classic Album Sample

I love checking the front door when I'm awaiting a package and Monday was no exception - especially knowing that my sample was finally in of my Neo-Classic Coffee Table Book. This album was not cheap and it took forever to design so I couldn't wait to see the final product! Thankfully, I was not disappointed.

Upon opening the box and digging through the peanuts, I finally saw the finished product. I carefully unwrapped it from the bubble wrap and laid my eyes on the gorgeous presentation case. This custom-designed case holds the book in a slide-out compartment and protects it from damage and dust. It has a glossy finish which allows for easy cleaning.

Once the book is removed from it's compartment, you will find the built-in CD slot...

Finally I got to open the book and feel how genuinely timeless it really is. The book is 10"x10" with 20 flush mount pages that are all custom-designed using your favorite images from your session. Each page is printed in exquisite 6-color and finished with a matte laminate.

As a side note: I highly recommend albums to all of my clients. Why? Well, they are always there for instant viewing - no stumbling around on the computer looking for a specific folder, no crowding around a tiny laptop. Plus, its nice to actually hold the images and have something you can pass down to future generations. In 30 years, your album will still be on your bookshelf or even on your childrens' bookshelf. With ever-changing technology, who knows where your CD and computer will be! An album is something that becomes a family heirloom cherished for many generations.

Coordinating designs make the presentation box and Neo-Classic Book a great pair...I love the thick, flush-mount pages and lay-flat design of the book. Plus, the pillowed hardcover adds an extra touch of luxury.This book is available to all clients - past and present. The Neo-Classic is available at A la Carte pricing or at a discounted rate in a Package. Please contact me for more information. Here is the layout of this particular book. Each book is fully customized using your favorite images. Click on the green button to view in full screen...

[issuu layout=http%3A%2F%2Fskin.issuu.com%2Fv%2Fwhite%2Flayout.xml showflipbtn=true documentid=100914194859-5a2848183de84990acc33972d5971586 docname=rockyalbum username=mcgrawphotography loadinginfotext=Rocky's%20Album showhtmllink=true tag=boxer width=900 height=600 unit=px]

Living in Character

A couple months ago, I had the privilege of photographing a beautiful historic home in downtown Mooresville for Currents Magazine. This unique find was filled with unbelievable details and charm that simply can't be found in today's cookie-cutter neighborhood. The woodwork and craftsmanship tell such a story and, fortunately, the owners have had the chance to hear some of those stories from the locals in the area. To read the entire story in Lake Norman Currents Magazine, click HERE.

The dining room is finished with the original bead board, a built-in china cabinet, and a fireplace with tiger oak mantel.The home's foyer is actually a more traditional parlor with room for guests to mingle before they enter the rest of the house.

Logan and Regan

With this sneak peak of Logan and Regan comes some awesome news from McGraw Photography! I am happy to announce that my services have officially opened up to include baby and children candid portraits. This great addition has prompted a mini-makeover on this blog which you may have noticed above. However, in the next few weeks, check back for a major makeover on my main website! It will be easier to navigate with bigger pictures, more information, and a client gallery complete with slideshows. For more details on the new child photography venture, feel free to click on the information tab above. In the meantime, enjoy Logan and Regan's pictures! Regan loves her big brother and would not let him out of her sight. If Logan went down the sidewalk on his bike, you bet Regan was keeping a look out from the yard. If Logan ran around the house, Regan would drop everything and go after him. I think this picture sums up their relationship...a typical brother/sister love...

Regan has such an expressive face and you can tell what she's thinking without her saying a word. If I remember correctly, on the right, Logan had disappeared around the house and Regan had to make sure he was ok.Logan loves his big boy bike and took every opportunity to show it off...Love it...I love the look on Regan's face in this picture! She's like, I'm trying to eat here so what is my brother doing?

2010 Holiday Mini-Sessions

Yes, it's that time of year already and I'm so happy to announce the 2010 Holiday Mini-Sessions! These special packages are a great deal, are all-inclusive, and contain everything you'll need for your holiday greeting cards, prints, and stocking stuffers. Each of these mini-sessions include 30-45 minutes of shooting and between 12 and 15 final edited images as well as all of the goodies already included. Additionally, all images will be posted to a private on-line gallery for viewing, sharing, and ordering any additional items you need for the holidays.

Location: Freedom Park - Charlotte, NC

Date: October 16, 2010 (Rain date: Oct 17)

Times: 8:00am, 8:45am, 9:30am, 10:15am

These sessions will go fast!!! If demand is high enough, additional days may be added. Here are the packages to choose from...

Each mini-session provides coverage for up to 2 dogs. Looking for a family shot for your holiday card? The mini-session also includes coverage for up to 2 family members! Additional pets and people are welcome to join in for an additional $25 each. A $100 deposit will be required to reserve your time slot and an 8.25% NC sales tax will be added to each session. The remaining balance will be due before your session begins.

Ready to book your mini-session? Contact me ASAP before the limited spaces fill up! I look forward to working with you and your pups!

An Evening of Hope

For those of you that attended An Evening of Hope, pictures from the event can be found here: http://smcgraw1.photobiz.com/cart/. Just click on "Events" and then select the "An Evening of Hope" gallery. Thank you and enjoy!