Studio M

... and as always HE listened!

2011-10-22T11:49:00.004-04:00

We had an AMAZING family day out at Mingo Park! The weather was GREAT, it was a BEAUTIFUL day .... I prayed for nice weather and it worked!

Check out little Ty, his parents and their pup ... SO MUCH FUN! I purchased this awesome geen couch just for family day and drug it out to the park with Laura (no easy task!) in my husbands truck. I had to tie it down too LOL..... I could just see the brand new couch falling off the truck and landing on the way to Mingo somewhere! WE HAD SO MUCH FUN! I want to thank ALL the families that came! (Including little Ty and his family!)

We have been SUPER busy at the studio and I for one am LOVING it! This week we had babies, families, seniors and pups! I LOVE how different everyday is for me here!!!

Much love y'all! ENJOY the fall..... it's so nice out!

Haven't had a family portrait done in a long time? Well what are you waiting for? It's not too late! We are REALLY looking forward to doing WINTER family portraits in January too! Let it SNOW! Be different! Have your family photographed outside in the snow! It's SO BEAUTIFUL!!!!

Maria

A photographers Prayer :)

2011-10-15T19:35:00.002-04:00

Dear God,
Tomorrow I have 8 families to photograph in the park - as if you didn't already know! :) I am asking for no rain, no wind and not too cold or hot weather. I am asking that all goes as planned that parents smile and children behave (LOL) I am also asking that all dogs sit still enough for some great portraits and that the fall leaves haven't all fallen off the trees YET (with all the rain we have had) and that they are STILL plenty colorful. Oh! And I am asking for no mud! Laura and I are excited to photograph at Mingo tomorrow and appreciate your full cooperation ;)
Amen ;)
Love, Maria

Cirque de Soleil

2011-10-13T14:16:00.004-04:00

Had the divine opportunity to photograph Cirque de Soleil last night at the Peterson Events Center for the local papers :)
It is amazing to watch these performers and to think of their dedication and talent.
If you haven't seen this show, I HIGHLY recommend it! Worth every cent! (And NO, I don't get paid to say that!) Just thought I'd share! Enjoy!

ANGELS...

2011-09-24T09:00:00.003-04:00

When was the last time you went to work and created something so powerful, that contained so much love that It moved you? I had to wipe away my tears when I saw this image on my screen.... I spent a lot of time working it to look just so.... I would give anything to go back in time and create something like this of me and one or both of my babies.... but I am so humbled that I can create this for someone to have and cherish forever.

I love it when my clients come in and say.... "Maria I have seen your work and I love it. Just do whatever you want, I trust you." That is an open palette to me. Thank you to all my clients who love and trust me, it enables me to photograph the world as I see it, with all beauty - no flaws.... life is such a beautiful and powerful thing... and I for one, choose to only see that side of it.

A day to remember...Congratulations to Linda & Scott

2011-09-07T22:35:00.003-04:00

I wrote down today's date and signed a form, Sep 7, 2011. What?! September? Where did summer go? I have had such a great summer and have had the opportunity to photograph so many wonderful events ... and have shared... nothing :( Shame on me.
Well.... here is something that is definitely worth sharing! I got to photograph the most beautiful wedding this weekend to one of the nicest couples I have ever worked with. (and no I am not just saying that) Congratulations to Linda and Scott!!! You deserve everything you have and each other... you are both amazing people and I want to thank you for the privilege of being part of your lives. I hope you have a GREAT honeymoon!
Congrats again!
Much Love,
Maria

Take the time to smell the flowers...

2011-06-22T18:01:00.002-04:00

Yes, I know... It's a cliche. BUT... when was the last time you took the time to get a GREAT family portrait taken? Your children are getting older (and so are you!) so get it done and have fun with it! This family was SO MUCH FUN! Megan and I got up at 6am and were set up and ready to go at 7am. (Kids are happy in the morning and the lighting is soft and beautiful!) Here is a TINY preview of this morning . . . Stay tunned! THANK YOU to Laura (& family) for your patience and time. I know you could have picked any photographer to do your portraits, and I want you to know that I am HONORED that you picked me. I look forward to watching your family grow over the years. It is my favorite part of my career... the wonderful relationships that I get to build and cultivate. Life is grand :)

Here is an image of Megan and I waiting for our family to show up. I RAN with the timer on and barely made it! I am surprised I look normal back there behind the couch!

AND... here is the set up image all ready to go.... dragging this couch down to the railrod track was EVENTFUL! (to say the least) I'd also like to thank Megan for agreeing to help me so early in the morning! She rocks!

All my LOVE!

Maria

THANK YOU

2011-06-13T22:59:00.002-04:00

Meet Wesley. This cutie is the son of my clients, both of which are in the Army. I fell in love with this image for so many reasons . . . I just LOVE it.
So... being that I have always been very patriotic (even though I was not born American) and that July 4th is coming up I thought I would stop and say THANK YOU to all of the soldiers out there that help keep my family and this country safe :)
May God Bless you all!
Maria

TEACHING, LEARNING & CREATING!!!!

2011-05-17T10:39:00.006-04:00

So I have been travelng quite a bit.... and I love it! I have been attending seminars and teaching them too.... it is so much fun to get out an create just because you can :)

Last week I was in Cape May, NJ at MARS - a week long seminar for photographers. MARS holds a challenge day where all attending photographers go out and photograph (there were about 100 of us) .... the portrait can fall in any category... and you only have a small time frame in which to photograph, edit and submit images. So.... I went out with a fellow photographer friend and met some commercial fisherman out at a dock in Cape May. After talking to them and begging them to pose for me, Rory did :) THANK YOU RORY! I am PROUD to say that I won the Cape May challenge this year! Of course I did go back to the dock and found Rory again . . . I wanted to personally thank him and get an image with him :) So much fun! AND for those guys at the dock that hounded Rory while he was being photographed... shame on you all! (although your comments over the loudspeaker had me cracking up!!! - LOL)

Well.... got lots going on here at the studio so I better go! Hope everyone is having a GREAT month . . now if it would just stop raining ... ?!?

Maria

Karey and Michael's Wedding

2011-05-16T14:53:00.001-04:00

Check out this beautiful wedding I photographed on May 7th:) Karey and Michael looked gorgeous and everyone had a great time!!!

Maria

Business Hours

2011-04-18T11:17:00.003-04:00

Studio M's normal business hours are:

Monday and Tuesday from 10 am to 5 pm
Wednesday through Friday from 9 am to 4 pm

We do have later hours, since we practically live here! :-) Just give us a call and we'll let you know when we are here!

We are closed:
Thursday May 5th and Friday May 6th for a confrence!

YAY me ;-) Life is grand!

2011-04-08T22:14:00.003-04:00

Had a GREAT week so far ... won the Shiever award on Sunday.... what a HUGE honor :) (Toot toot!!!) Had an amazing time at the convention and came back on Wednesday ... photographed a few A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E babies and a gorgeous Canon Mac Senior today! Life is good :-) Below are two images of me.... One that we took in the studio today and the other was taken by my friend Keith at the awards banquet in State College, PA ... the night I won the award ;-) Hope everyone has an AMAZING weekend! Maria :-)

Fantastically Furry Event :)

2011-03-09T13:42:00.003-05:00

Our Fantastically Furry event was AWESOME! So much fun! Check out some of the fun images we were able to create! Just love dogs! Thanks to everyone that came!!!
Maria :)

Madsion & Prom Fashion show

2011-02-23T21:50:00.006-05:00

Studio M will be at Bella Sera with Carrie Ann's Bridal on Sunday for a Prom Fashion Show! Check out some of the dresses Carrie Ann's Bridal has to offer! Thanks Madison for modeling the dresses for me! Hope you can make it to the fashion show! Bring your friends!
Maria

GOOD LUCK? I don't think so...

2011-02-21T18:09:00.007-05:00

Recently I was told by "someone" that I am LUCKY.

Lucky to love what I do, lucky to have what I have.

It got me to thinking though....Do people in general not know, that LUCK is opportunity created? I wasn't always a photographer... in fact at one point in my life, I remember thinking to myself, " I cannot do this job, live this life or be here at this very moment for one more day" - it's difficult to be somewhere in your life you don't want to be. It affects everything.... the kind of person you are, how good of a mother you are, your marriage.... It affects your "everything" - and if you let it, It can destroy you. I suppose that's why there are so many bitter people in the world. I personaly stay away from all negative people, as much as I can.... negativity breeds just that. A really great friend of mine is one of the most positive people I know... now, just to make it clear, she doesn't have everything - just like you and I, she has been through "life" - it's highs and lows .... so why is she SO positive? Well, the answer is easy. Positivity makes it easier to get through the day (even when it's not such a great day) and it also makes others around you positive! Now... it also REALLY annoys people that you are SO positive.... and they may even say to you, " Why are YOU so happy?" (I've had that happen to me) and the answer is, "Why aren't YOU?" Soo........ getting back to my point, GOOD LUCK, it is opportunity created! My studio, my photography and everything I have is a product of something I created, that I love, that I cared for. It is a product of my time that I made ... and I am very proud of it. I had an opportunity, a "dream" and I took it and went for it.

Recently, I tried to help a friend start something that required some investing and she said, "What IF I fail?" - OK.... so if you are going to do something .... then make a commitment, and if you make a commitment and you are TRULY serious about it then Failure is NOT an option. Right? Question is, are you commited?

I have NO IDEA why I'm blogging about this because It's not in any shape form or way related to photography or Studio M.... but I thought it was worth throwing out into the world... that comment made me think about so many things ... how I started, how things grew, how wonderful and difficult it was.... hard work pays off... in many more significant ways than you may think. I guess I am writing all this because I feel that one moment, one thought or idea, one sentence can change someone's life so deeply. If you are close to me, you know that, I have a wonderful family and that I am close to all of them except for my brother. I don't know why that is. I don't know what happened at some point in my life that distanced me from him... I can't pinpoint it to one thing... perhaps just a series of events.... all I know is, there is love there but that's it.... nothing else. I am not proud of that, nor does it make me happy. In fact, if I knew how to change it, I would. Maybe it can't be changed... who knows.... but even though my brother and I don't have it together, he said ONE THING in one sentence in one moment that changed my life so deeply that it will never be undone. It planted a seed in my head that changed how I thought about something ... when I was playing with photography MANY MANY MANY years ago (before studio M was even in existence!) he said, "Why don't you become a photographer?" (he knew how much I loved photography) and I said, "I can't... I don't have a degree in photography" and he said, "You don't need one..." - and there it was :) - since then fast forward many many years... yes I have degrees, certifications and merits under my belt and plan to continue to do so.... but that one sentence, one moment.... it changed my life. That was beginning of the "now" - so I am lucky that I believed in myself enough (and had a supportive family) that I created the opportunity to be where I am :) - wow.... that was a lot of intense things to say!

Now, there is ONE THING that makes me feel very lucky and very special that I can give the world that most people can't say the same.... People remember their moments & lives through my eyes, my feelings and emotions. Even when I am gone, my artwork will continue to bring smiles, laughs and maybe even tears to loved ones. That makes me feel LUCKY and loved :)

Creating images like this make me feel lucky, loved & important. When I take images like this my eyes often water up and I hold back my emotions during my sessions and I pat myself on the back and say "great job Maria" - this child will remember the beginning of her life like this. AND THAT makes me feel lucky :)

What did you do at work today?

2011-02-16T17:46:00.002-05:00

Well.... don't be jealous! LOL

Everyday at the studio it feels like Christmas! Our favorite guy is our UPS guy Bill, because when he comes, we have to fight over who opens the box first! Today a shipment we have been waiting for came! Seniors watch out!!!! We ordered several new backdrops for seniors and AWESOME adjustable dresses! These dresses actually fit almost every size and they are BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!! I am so excited about senior season I can barely take it! So.... what did I do at work today???? Well, all kinds of wonderful things but between appointments Megan and I played! So here's a new backdrop and two dresses that came in! In case you don't know me, well, I'm the red head and Megan, well, she's my awesome studio manager!

So what did you do today? I had a WHOLE LOT OF FUN!!!! At the age of 36 "dress up" is still such fun! Who would have known!

Maria

Great weekend :)

2011-02-13T18:46:00.004-05:00

Spent some time with some photographer friends this weekend.... we photographed for fun :)
BEAUTIFUL weekend.... although it was a tad bit cold. REALLY looking forward to spring :) Hoping everyone had a GREAT weekend!

GOOOOOOO STEELERS!!!!!!!!!!

2011-02-02T03:49:00.000-05:00

SOOOOO EXCITED ABOUT THE SUPERBOWL.... thought this was pretty cool!

The very non perfect day.... with a perfect moment.

2011-01-12T19:58:00.006-05:00

Well, I had named this email "THE PERFECT DAY" followed by a bunch of text about just how wonderful everything was today. BLAH! I deleted it all. It just wasn't true. Today was a particularly hard day. I don't have that many to be honest. I am a very positive person. I know you know what I'm talking about! I know I'm not the only person that has these types of days... There is nothing in the world (in my personal opinion) than feeling hurt and betrayed. Anger is a piece of cake. Anger you get over. Hurt? Not so much. Then add more to that. Not the best day. So I hugged my husband and glanced at my kids, drank a glass of wine.... and then my friend/employee/graphic artist Megan sends me this via email.....

AND...

It's funny how this TINY MOMENT I captured in someone's life today changed my whole outlook and how I felt in again, another tiny moment...

Thank you Megan for always knowing what I need without speaking words, and thank you to Sasha and her mom for trusting me to be the one to capture this. This reminded me of just how lucky I am (irregardless of all the other obvious reasons!)

Tomorrow I turn 36. Happy Birthday to me :) Life is grand :)

Maria

Happy New Year!!!! 2011 is going to ROCK!!!

2011-01-02T22:45:00.005-05:00

Well... HAPPY NEW YEAR ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!! Here are some reasons I am SO THANKFUL for all I have! Life is awesome and 2011 is gonna be even better! First of all, wanted to let everyone know that the studio will be closed Thursdays and Fridays ONLY in the month on January. We are making some changes, and getting ready for an AWESOME 2011!!! We have new backdrops planned and sets we are designing! YAHOO!

So here is a little bit of my break in a nutshell! My sister and parents came up for the holidays! SO MUCH FUN!

Here is my sister Julie and I.... we REALLY LOOK ALIKE right? I know.... we sound alike too! I guess genetics doesn't lie. I am 7 years older than Julie - but wiser too LOL - maybe not!

Dinner at Melting Pot! YUMMM!

Then my friend Jant and I. Janet is one of the best friends I have ever had. The thing I love MOST about Janet is her positivity. The glass is ALWAYS half if not the whole way FULL. Need a smile? Call Janet!

My husbands side of the family REUNION that we have every year before xmas. This was obviously after we opened all the gifts :)

Day we got our xmas tree. Every year we go to Candle light tree farm and cut one down. In this image is my mom, dad, husband Sean, kids Dylan(10) & Christina(8) and me :)
Xmas morning..... they got each an Ipod touch. I don't know HOW Santa does it. He's awesome!

May God Bless each and every one of you with the wealth of LOVE. It's like the Beatles sang, "All you need is love"

Looking forward to an AMAZING 2011 - Thank You, each and every one of you, for letting me be a part of your lives!!! Goodnight!

Maria

This video is worth watching....

2010-12-07T19:34:00.000-05:00

My sister sent this to me today. I hardly ever take the time to watch stuff on You Tube.... life is so busy. BUT... this is so worth watching... I can relate to this is SO MANY WAYS. Thought I would share this... it's worth watching!
Hope everyone is staying warm!!!
Maria

Voting ends tonight at 10PM!!!!

2010-11-29T10:31:00.001-05:00

OK... here is an update! Voting ends tonight at 10pm!!!

CURRENT WINNERS

Oh Bebe Mio Update!

2010-11-28T20:22:00.003-05:00

Follow this link for a current Oh Bebe Mio Update!
Vote Vote Vote!!!

CURRENT WINNERS

Oh Bebe Mio UPDATE

2010-11-27T11:53:00.003-05:00

Voting is going AWESOME! We have had votes from so many people and so many states! Email and notify your family / friends again! Post it on Facebook! Get people involved! This is a GREAT CAUSE and the winner babies get over $1000 in prizes EACH.

Good Luck!

Here is an update.....

GIRLS:

Boys:

Oh Bebe Mio!!!

2010-11-25T09:03:00.006-05:00

HAPPY TURKEY DAY ALL!!!!

Oh Bebe Mio is off to a GREAT start!!!! Here are the current winners!!!

GIRLS: 1) Alyvia 2) Caylee 3) Annabelle 4) Kenleigh 5) Colina

Boys: 1)Mason, 2)Cooper, 3)Carson, 4)Ty, 5)Landon

KEEP VOTING!!!!! Don't know how? Go to our website, www.studiom.ms and click on "Oh Bebe Mio! Contest and go from there! It's REALLY EASY!

Eat a lot, love a lot and be Thankful for everything you have! Thank You for helping educate young girls through Daughters - we are hoping this fundraiser is a HUGE success!

Our holiday schedule

2010-11-22T12:37:00.002-05:00

Greetings all!

We just wanted to make everyone aware that here at studio M we will be closed 11/24 through 11/26 to observe Thanksgiving :)

Also, our LAST DAY FOR PORTRAIT PICKUP before Christmas is Tuesday, Dec 21, 2010.
WE WILL BE CLOSED Dec 22- 24 to get ready for Christmas and enjoy our families!!!

Maria

Congrats to 2011 Senior - CALEB

2010-11-10T10:38:00.002-05:00

Congrats to Caleb who won an IPOD TOUCH in our 2011 Senior Giveaway!!!! Our seniors are a LOT of fun to shoot! We are now looking for 2012 senior models..... interested? Call us at Studio M :) 724.745.4405

The Clock is Ticking

2010-11-05T08:43:00.002-04:00

On November 14 & 15th we are holding our second annual "Oh Bebe Mio" Baby contest where any baby ages 0 to 12 months can enter to won over $1000 in prizes. There will be two winners, a BOY and a GIRL. But this isn't just a contest: it's a fundraiser. Here at Studio M we have spent countless hours preparing for this BIG event. We are so excited to do it again. LAST YEAR we raised $6400 for children's cancer. This year?

This year we chose a fantastic cause:

DAUGHTERS is a non profit organization that is dedicated to creating possibility for talented young women through their education and through telling their life stories, and thereby creating strong societies.
Daughters is a registered non-profit organization with a vision to create possibility for talented young women living in bereft social circumstances so that they may empower themselves. This will alleviate their personal suffering, promote their independence , help them to thrive and thus will strengthen their societies and promote economic development, social justice and peace.

So . . . you still don't quite understand why this cause is SO IMPORTANT? Well.... watch is video and you will most certainly get it. One minute of your time now, could mean a much stronger future for thousands of women and families. Please watch!

Maria

Have a baby or know someone with a baby? Have them join in and be part of our contest! It's only a $10 entry fee and there are unbelievable prizes! Like.... a $500 gift certificate to studio M, a $200 savings bond, jewelery, restaurant gift certificates etc. Please help us make this a HUGE success and tell everyone you know!

What do I do for a living????

2010-11-02T21:35:00.004-04:00

People often ask what I do for a living. And I answer... I am a photographer. I am so proud when I say that, that you would think I own the world. But... I guess that's what happens when you truly love what you do THAT MUCH. I love photographs. I love people. Put together those two things.... I love portraits! What I love most next to the photographs I get to create, is the relationships that I get to build with people. It's so amazing. I remember the first time that I photographed Rachel and Ryan, in my home studio years and years ago when Rachel was only 2!!! I have been SOOOO blessed to be a part of this family for so many years. I love to see them year after year. This has to be the most photogenic family too! When I see this family on my schedule I am so excited!!! AND.... like them, there are so many other families that come to us, year after year, as part of our family collection program. Just this week I had the opportunity to see so many. . . SOOOOOO . . . I want to thank ALL OF YOU that are so loyal to me (and Studio M) and I also want to tell you how privileged I feel to know you and your families . . . it is an honor. Truly.

We have had a couple of crazy weeks here and are SO EXCITED about our "Oh Bebe Mio" Contest! Have a baby between 0 - 12 months? What are you waiting for? Sign up! It's only $10 to enter and ALL the money goes to a GREAT cause! Read more about it HERE.
We have purchased BRAND NEW amazing props for the event... including gorgeous tutus and 4 new backdrops!!!
In December we also have 2012 senior tryouts coming up! Woohoo!!!!
Can't wait! Are you a 2012 Senior? We are looking for models! Call us and sign up!!!
Have a GREAT night everyone and don't freeze! It's getting awfully cold out there!!!!
Maria

That's me in the corner... wearing a Dunce Hat :(

2010-10-25T14:24:00.011-04:00

Yes, that's in, the corner there.... wearing a Dunce Hat. :( I cannot believe I have posted nothing on my Blog since August :( Shame on me.

Please forgive me... truth is, life has been pretty exciting since then and well.... time just flew... and I KNOW YOU ALL CAN SYMPATHIZE.... but still.... NO EXCUSES.

I can't even complain, because, seriously? It's not even fair to complain.... yes, life has been busy but for ALL the right reasons. :) LOL

So ... before you hate me completely, let me explain: I spent most of September in Italy. It was a LONG overdue 2nd honeymoon :) 3 weeks driving around, taking photographs, drinking wine and enjoying life. I needed the break and it was so much fun..... I came back feeling carefree, de-stressed and new. (That lasted about 5 minutes once I got back to Pittsburgh!) You know me, I know you do, I am always crazy, running around doing too many things at one time.... honestly I think I live better in the stress mode. I work well under pressure ... It seems to suit me.

So where are my images of Italy you say? Well..... I'm still working on a lot of them BUT.... you can go check out the ones we have up on our new Fine Arts site!!!!! Enjoy!

And the studio? Well, it's been non stop insanity mode since I came back. It's awesome! Even though I really enjoyed photographing Italy and the countryside, there is NOTHING like the face of a human being. NOTHING. I live for people. I like how they interact with me. It's a wonderful playing peek a boo with a baby - babies are so fantastic. The world hasn't corrupted them yet. They give love and smiles without holding back. The other day, one of my Bebe Collection babies, little Chase, give me a kiss when walking out the door. Made my heart TOTALLY melt! And talking to a senior about their future is just an fantastic... to listen to them, and how excited they are about going to college and the future or to see a family that has, ever so beautifully grown together. Relationships and people.... they are a wonderful thing. I am going to say it again, brace yourself: I am the luckiest person I know. I am so passionate about what I do and the people I get to photograph.... It's just inspiring. So... here are a few recent ones, to show you just how excited I am to come here, to the studio EVERYDAY!

Only one word needed for little Alyvia: GORGEOUS

And... last but not least: We are SOOOOOOOOOOOOO excited about our upcoming Oh Bebe Mio contest!!!!!!!!!!!!! Got the cutest baby in Pittsburgh? Enter our contest!!!!! There are tons of fabulous prizes and it's FOR A GREAT CAUSE... we are soooooooooooooo anxious to see all these amazing babies! Last year we raised about $6400 for St Jude's... these year we are super excited to raise funds for Daughters. Read all about our Bebe Mio contest on our site here AND check out the recent article in the Observer Reporter! Woo hoo!!!!

So forgive me again ... I will wear the Dunce Hat for a while and hope that you can all forgive me :)

Much love!!!! Photographically Yours:)
Maria

Jessica & Brandon

2010-08-22T22:31:00.002-04:00

ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS WEDDING!

God Bless Jessica and Brandon!

Ivy & Adam

2010-08-17T22:28:00.001-04:00

BEAUTIFUL wedding this past weekend! Adam and Ivy looked amazing and everyone had an awesome time! Check them out!

The past week...

2010-07-27T23:44:00.007-04:00

So I just realized last night that July is pretty much over... how exactly does that happen? It feels like school just let out ... and now it's August... well just days shy of it anyways...

The summer has been so much fun. We have had SO MANY seniors and babies! I put a little sample show together... just to share.

Megan had her baby too! (In case you don't know who Megan is, check out our website on the About us page) Meg has worked here at the studio for over 2 years. She is a wonderful person and an amazing graphic artist and now a GREAT mommy. Little Juda is adorable too check it out!

As for myself and my family, we took a great trip to Florida, went to the beach, hung out with my parents and sister and even went to Universal studios. Then..... just shortly after that my son broke his ankle..... ugh... it's always something I suppose. He is doing better now and is looking forward to be able to walk again soon...

I also bought a new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and I LOVE it. It is an awesome metallic green color and it's a lot of fun to drive. I also bought tickets to the Brooks and Dunn concert and I cannot wait to go this Friday! I LOVE summer, There's something about feeling the sun on my skin - best feeling ever!

Hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the heat too! We have a LOT of great things planned for the studio this fall including a another huge Oh Bebe Mio Baby Contest. We are REALLY excited about it!

Check out little Juda and our video of our recent seniors and babies!

Have a GREAT night!!!

Welcome to the world Juda :)

Bellies & Babies....

2010-06-10T23:22:00.003-04:00

This past week was filled with Bellies and Babies! What a wonderful time to be a part of someones life! Thank you to all this week that were at Studio M... photographing you and your families makes me want to smile nonstop!

Had an awesome week last week!

While you were sleeping.....

2010-06-05T18:38:00.003-04:00

On most rainy days like today, when the rain hits my window by my bed and I can hear the thunder roll in ... like many ... I lay in bed and I'm lazy... rainy weather is great sleeping weather. But.... NOT TODAY. Today, most likely while you were sleeping, I got up at 5 and headed to the studio... It was miserable and wet but I was so excited to get outside and shoot this maternity session... I arrived in downtown Pittsburgh at 7am and the rain was coming down hard. Armed with determination and a lot of plastic covers, I got the camera and flashes ready to shoot this.... Thought i'd share. We had a GREAT week at the studio and it ended with a GORGEOUS 10 week old baby girl and then this.... how fun! So... don't let the rain stop you! Get out there and do what you love most! The best thing about bad weather is the fact that you can get some really amazing skies!

Have a GREAT weekend everyone!

And so this is what we have been up to.....

2010-05-26T23:09:00.005-04:00

and now you know why I smile all the time! :-) Hoping everyone is out there enjoying this GREAT weather!

Maria

My baby girl and blue ribbon :-)

2010-04-29T13:08:00.003-04:00

About 2 weeks ago I received a Blue Ribbon for an image I took of my daughter Christina and Great Dane dog, Malkin. (back then a pup) It's so much fun and exciting to enter print competition. I am looking forward to entering nationals this month too. Just though I'd share.

This portrait session with my daughter was eventful (to say the least) but I got amazing images out of it! Thanks for letting me share!

Senior 2011 ... woohoo we are on our way!

2010-04-29T09:32:00.006-04:00

Senior season has officially started! Now that we started shooting seniors we have months of fun filled shoots ahead! My favorite thing to do is to take seniors on location... I especially love it when we go somewhere special to them. Some of my favorite spots are in the city.... the South Side has amazing backdrops on every street corner. It's just so cool and so much fun....
Meet Victoria one of my Canon Mac seniors :-)

DANCE DANCE DANCE

2010-04-26T17:36:00.012-04:00

This weekend was CRAZY BUSY INSANE!!!!! We had all the dancers from Dance Extensions here! In case you never heard about Dance Extensions ... it's this super neat dance studio in Canonsburg run by two ladies named Betsy and Dawn. Betsy, Dawn and all these girls are filled with talent and they are a LOT of fun! Check out this show we put together... just a few images! Hope everyone is having a GREAT Monday so far!

OUR STUDIO WAS INVADED!!!! :-)

Have a GREAT week everyone!

New York!

2010-03-31T21:00:00.008-04:00

A weekend in New York! Nothing more fun than a last minute trip that you plan the day before leaving! My 10 year old son, Dylan, wanted to see the Ripley's Believe it or not museum in NYC... so we packed and left Friday! A friend of mine (Janet) and her daughter came with me because that's the kind of friend I have... she drops everything to come have a GREAT time with us :-) I don't like planning... and although I understand it's an important part of some aspects in life, I feel that too much planning leaves me stale. There's nothing like picking up and leaving on a whims notice... saying yes let's go! This was an amazing weekend! New York is definitely the city that NEVER sleeps and I REALLY found that out as I drove into the city at 1:30am and there were 30 cabs around me and a very scary bus. I felt like I was in a video game, trying NOT to crash into anyone... dodging the "cabs" and the scary monster bus! Ha!
We saw the statue of liberty, went up the Empire State Building and laughed a while lot along the way. It was COLD and WINDY but so fun! Here is Dylan, Christina, Me, Janet and Katie!

The statue of liberty was everywhere! So cool to see these people! I love to see what people do, their imagination and creativity!

Got to love the tiny cop cars in NYC..... heck, anything bigger they would not be able to park!

Now do you see what I mean about the cabs? There's 9 cabs for every car! AND they drive like maniacs! Believe me I took about 15 of them!!! LOL

Really cool to see NYC lit up!

Had to take a break from the hustle and bustle! My son took this image of my friend Janet and I! I have taught him well! Photography tip of the day: If you want to flatter people and not create that "double chin" some of us have in pictures... avoid it by shooting from above! He did just that :-)
And lastly.... gotta love this! Sinatra's New York.....

Got a busy two weeks ahead! I will be all over the place traveling! Going back to NY for a Photography thing too! Have a GREAT Easter everyone!

Maria

Maria :-)

PS - BTW.... Ripley's museum is awesome!!!

Meet Baby CHASE

2010-03-24T13:26:00.002-04:00

The last few weeks have been filled with gurgles and laughter of adorable little human beings. These babies are amazingly gorgeous and make me miss having little babies myself .... my children, Dylan and Christina are now 10 and almost 8 respectively and do not appreciate being called "babies" - although I told them they will ALWAYS be MY babies :-)
Last week we had 9 babies at the studio... thought i'd share with everyone little CHASE. Chase was in for his newborn portraits and he sure has grown in the last few months!

Hope everyone is enjoying the better weather . . . I'm hoping it gets just a bit warmer :-)

Maria Sauserman, CPP

Robin & Pasquale

2010-03-16T23:46:00.002-04:00

I photographed a BEAUTIFUL wedding this weekend! Meet Robin and Pasquale! Looking forward to seeing you guys soon!

Busy, busy, busy!

2010-02-14T10:42:00.007-05:00

Studio M has just loaded two new websites! First our communion website just in time for Communion Portraits this year! Check out our communion site at:
COMMUNION WEBSITE

and our new Pets website as well, at:
PETS WEBSITE

It's been a fun and eventful winter with lots going on.... the past two weeks have been filled with seniors, babies and a cute little dog too! )Lots more dogs next week during our Tail waggin winter event!!! Interested? Call now! We only have 2 spots open! We are still looking for senior models from Wash High and Bentworth!

Have a GREAT Sunday everyone!

Chelsea

2010-02-06T17:40:00.004-05:00

We have been busy photographing our senior models! In fact we have photographed 5 this week alone. Here is Chelsea! Chelsea is one of our 2010 senior models from Peters Township High School. Chelsea was a TROUPER being photographed in very low temperatures and yet by looking at the images you could never tell. We were all over the place in Pittsburgh but my favorite images came from the Strip District. We took a break and warmed up while we ate some sandwiches at Primanti Bros too - and that was awesome! I have known Chelsea for a few years now for I did her family portraits a few years back. GREAT Family!
I LOVE to photograph senior models because we get to drive around and have fun and just create. We are still in need of a senior model from the following schools in case you know someone interested: Wash High, Trinity, Fort Cherry & Upper St Clair. I think we are set on all the other schools. :-)
Check out a few of Chelsea's images! This is just a LITTLE preview!!!!

LINDSAY

2010-01-27T13:28:00.011-05:00

Meet Lindsay! Lindsay and I had a LOT of fun out in the South Side this week! Lindsay is one of our senior models from North Allegheny HS. She was a lot of fun to work with! Check out a quick video of her and the images below too! Thanks Lindsay! Looking forward to seing you soon!

BELIEVE

2010-01-14T18:28:00.006-05:00

It's been an amazing and busy beginning so far... 2010 has been interesting. I just flew in from Nashville, TN yesterday where I spent a week at the Imaging USA conference. The conference was amazing.... photographers coming together from every state and even a few countries. You could feel the excitement as you walked through the convention center, the displays were breathtaking. I love to look at images created by other photographers. I am amazed by their creativity and talent and it makes me want to work even more.
Today I got to thinking about where I am and where I was at one point in my life. A few years ago I was struggling a lot with a job I didn't care for . . . it's hard to get out of bed everyday when you are unhappy. It's hard to get up and spend hours doing something you don't want to do. It makes you feel tiered, It wears you out and it brings you down. Nothing is worse than that. You become bitter, not such a great mom, wife and friend.
A few years ago I took a leap. I was told not to, by many. I was told it would be too hard. I was told I was crazy... after all, "You have a secure job" they said... "and health care and a good salary" - but all those things didn't matter... because inside I was dying. I wasn't myself anymore, I was stuck like a lion in a cage, pacing back and forth, back and forth. It wasn't an option to stay.... I couldn't anymore. Leaping into my business was the hardest thing I ever did and people said to me, "How can you do this, how do you know it will work?" Well, the answer is I didn't, I just BELIEVED. Failure just wasn't an option. I have the best job EVER. In fact, it's only a job because I own the business and have the responsibilities that goes with that, because when I am behind my camera, the world is a different place. Time stands still and I am free to create. Nothing can bother me when I am in that state. Besides, who can resist a beautiful baby, the wonders of pregnancy, growing families and those awesome seniors? Who doesn't smile when they watch two people commit to each other for a lifetime? Doing what I do is such an honor.
I saw this movie clip recently and it made me think of so much. Where I have been, where I am heading.... and how lucky I feel.... but Rocky is right.... he said the most important thing ever....
"Until you start believing in yourself, you ain't gonna have a life" -- check out the clip.
Wishing everyone an AWESOME new year! I know that I am really excited about all our plans!
God bless!

Almost the end of a GREAT year... a little about me and my family!

2009-12-30T22:16:00.003-05:00

So I am currently in Sarasota, FL... came down to spend some time with my parents who live here and had the chance today to see my two nieces, Jamie and Jenna So... OF COURSE I ran out the day before and bought the kids some clothes just to get a few great shots. So here are my kiddos, Dylan, 9 and Christina, 7 with their cousins. They are getting big SO FAST and I just cannot stand it. Below you will see an image from today... This has been such a wonderful and exciting year in SO MANY ways.
I got to take some amazing trips this year and spend lots of time out there in different places with my family.... Brazil, Washington DC, Mexico, Nashville, Florida ... I LOVE to travel. We are considering a trip in 2010 to Greece ... I really hope it works out. I hear Greece is amazing and I have never been there... so that would be awesome. Anyone with any tips.... I'd LOVE to hear them!
The studio got really crazy with the Xmas rush but it was so much fun going to people's homes to photograph their families. Some of them with as many as 20 family members. I LOVE photographing in peoples homes.... it's personal and ads a touch to an image that I could never offer in a studio setting.... it does present challenges too but I love that... keeps things different.
I will be coming home in a few days but heading out a few days later to Nashville again, where I will be for a week. Imaging USA should be a great time and learning experience. I will also be taking my CPP exam there :-)
January also happens to be my birth month... I'll be 35. Scary.... 35... doesn't round down to 30 anymore.... it rounds up to.... ____ well..... moving on to bigger and better things.....!
Thank you to all for your love, friendship and business. It has been the BEST YEAR EVER and I know that 2010 will be even better!
I also want to take a moment to thank all the girls at the studio... without them, Studio M would not be what it is!
Happy New Year Soon! YAHOO!!!!!

EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION!!!

2009-12-12T23:44:00.002-05:00

As many of you already know, I worked for Extreme Makeover: Home Edition this summer in Erie! Working for the show was such an honor and was a blast! The show I worked on airs TOMORROW, Dec 13th, 2009 @ 8pm on ABC and is a 2 hour special! It's going to be so much fun to watch since I was there and know the story. Here is an image someone gave me of myself, my assistant Michele and Ty Pennington. Ty is a hoot, a fun person and is no different in real life then he is on TV. Can't wait to watch! Tune in if you get a chance! I haven't been able to share anything about the show since it had not aired yet and that was tough! Have a GREAT weekend everyone!

CONTEST WINNERS & RESULTS

2009-12-02T20:47:00.003-05:00

Words cannot express how elated we all were at the Studio with the results of the Oh Bebe Mio contest! We really wanted to contribute to St Jude's this year and had set a goal to raise $5000 ... the results however were even better!

We are ecstatic to announce that together we have raised $6357 for St Jude's Childrens Hospital in TN. Many babies, children and families will benefit from our efforts.

THANK YOU so much for your time and your generosity. All these babies are beautiful and we had a fantastic time photographing, editing and preparing for this event. Although the fundraiser took weeks of preparation and many hours of hard work between designing, advertising, website building and then the event itself we feel it was WELL worth our time and efforts.

God Bless all of you! Enjoy your families this holiday season and feel great in knowing you helped the lives of children who really needed it.

Sincerely,
Maria, Megan, Renee, Susan, Danielle & Janet

BABY WINNERS

Elisabeth

Dominic

Last day to Vote!!!!

2009-12-01T12:42:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone!!! Thank you for making this contest such a success!!! Today is the LAST day to vote!!! Voting ends at Midnight!! Wanted to give everyone a quick update on the current winners!!!

Boys
1) Tommy M
2) Dominic D
3) Aaden K
4) Joshua L
5) Conner S

Girls
1) Malana W
2) Elisabeth T
3) Lia V
4) Amelianna T
5) Jordyn H

Thank you for supporting St. Judes!!!

Monday Update!

2009-11-30T12:17:00.002-05:00

Hello Everyone! Wanted to give a quick update on the Oh Bebe Mio Contest!

The current winners are:

Boys
1) Dominic D.
2) Aaden K.
3) Tommy M.
4) Joshua L.
5) Conner S.

Girls
1) Malana W.
2) Elisabeth T.
3) Lia V.
4) Amelianna T.
5) Jordyn H.

The votes are really close!!! Remember voting ends tomorrow at midnight!!! Thanks for voting and supporting St. Jude's!!!

On Yahoo this morning

2009-11-29T08:29:00.001-05:00

Here is a story that I came accross on YAHOO this morning... it is so sad to think that there are children out there suffering this much... let alone the families. THANK YOU to all who have been donating to this WONDERFUL cause!!!

Thanks and Giving campaign Meet Alejandro

Contest Update - SAT 10pm

2009-11-28T21:56:00.003-05:00

The contest is going GREAT!!!! It's so wonderful to see votes coming in from ALL OVER the country!!! Here are the current winners.... it is INCREDIBLE how close these babies scores are! Both the boys and the girls! Happy Voting everyone! THANK YOU for your generosity! We are SO EXCITED to send a check to St Judes Childrens Hospital! It feels WONDERFUL to help such a great organization!

Girls...

1) Elisabeth

2) Malana

3) Lia

4) Charlie

5) Amelianna

Boys...

1) Joshua L

2)Aaden K

3) Dominic D

4) Conner S

5) Tommy M

Hey Everyone!!!

2009-11-27T15:26:00.002-05:00

A quick update on the contest!!!

Girls
1) Elisabeth T
2) Lia V
3) Charley M
4) Jordyn H.
5) Amelianna T

Boys
1) Conner S
2) Aaden K
3) Dominic D
4) Joshua L
5) Tommy M

Have a great weekend! Remember to tell your friends about the contest and help us raise money for St. Jude's!!!

Friday Update!!!

2009-11-27T07:59:00.003-05:00

Hope everyone had a GREAT Thanksgiving!!! Thank you for voting and raising money for St. Jude's!!!

Our Current Winners are:

Girls
1) Elisabeth T.
2) Lia V.
3) Charley M.
4) Amelianna T.
5) Malana W.

Boys
1) Aaden K.
2) Conner S.
3) Dominic D.
4) Tommy M.
5) Jace C.

More updates to come!!!

UPDATE!!!!!!!! (and Thank you!)

2009-11-26T19:52:00.004-05:00

The support for this has been overwealming! I am so excited every few hours when I see more votes! Here are the current winning babies! The votes are SO CLOSE! Hope you guys all had a GREAT day and pleanty to eat :) Happy Thanksgiving again!
Maria

KEEP VOTING! E-MAIL YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY FOR SUPPORT! MORE UPDATES TOMORROW!

GIRLS:
1) Elisabeth S
2)Lia V
3) Amelianna T
4) Malana W
5) Charlie M

BOYS:
1) Aadan K
2) Conner S
3) Dominic D
4) Tommy M
5) Jace C

A PERSONAL NOTE & MORE

2009-11-25T19:24:00.012-05:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!

I want to start by saying that this year has been such an amazing whirlwind. I have SO MUCH to be thankful for... Many of you know that I am not a natural born American, although I have been a citizen for a few years now... I was born and raised in Brazil. Thanksgiving does not exist there of course and I never really knew what a pilgrim was until much later than most :-) BUT none the less, it is my FAVORITE holiday ever! It trumps birthdays, Easter and even Christmas. I LOVE the idea of family, food and existing together... something that these days is so hard to come across. Its non-commercial, there is no stress of gifts... it's just a day to exist, eat and love each other. SO.... I am now in Florida now... flew down this morning and I am staying at my little sisters house. She has an adorable house in Sarasota, FL and her and her husband are having us for a few days. My children are having an awesome time between their aunt and uncle and my parents who also live down here now. They are currently in SPOILED zone. :-)

So what am I most thankful for? Well, I have so much I am thankful for ... I could not possibly list everything, so I think this year, I will share what I am MOST thankful for other than my children and their health. This year, I am more than anything, most thankful for my husband. Now... considering my husband is not much of an internet person unless he is searching for something... he will probably not read this blog posting unless someone says to him, "Hey! Did you read what Maria wrote about you?" I am not writing this for him to read, rather I am writing this just to share. Like all couples that have been married for more than 5 minutes, my husband Sean and I have had our moments. It has been 13 wonderful years but it has not always been a bed of roses. The stress of daily life and children can at times be overwelming and I know that you are now, at this very moment nodding your head in agreement.....right? BUT, here is why I am most thankful for my husband this year. My husband has, this year more than ever, become my best friend, my psycologist, my rock. He is always so quick to help me at the drop of a hat, he makes me THE BEST iced non-fat lattes in the morning (he has is down to a science) and he is always concerned about me. He often shows up at the studio with lunch for me (even though I never ask) but most of all, he is so kind and loving towards me. Every morning when I am leaving the house, he tells me how beautiful I look (I trained him REALLY well!!!) and coming home he always eager to hear about my day. I LOVE to share with him about my babies, my families and seniors etc... I often go on and on about what I did and images I created. Some people may think that this is just my "job" BUT it's not. My camera is like an organ to me. I need it for survival. It is who I am, not just what I do. I love to create... and there are certain images that move me so much. We talk about them... we share ... and it's awesome. So this year, I am most thankful for my husband. He provides me with a huge source of strength and confidence. I could not do what I do without him... he is an honorable man, a great husband and an amazing father.

This past week as many of you know... I spent 3 days photographing babies for our baby contest... I was SO MUCH FUN and exausting too!!! They were all so cute! ALL the proceeds from the votes will be going to St Judes Childrens Hospital for children with Cancer. Now, I don't know about you guys BUT Canvcer has taken SO MANY loved ones from me, both young and old. I have lost many friends to this awful disease and it angers me. So... I came with the idea to do this contest to help St Judes. I love how St Judes helps ALL children, including those that cannot pay for their care. NO CHILD, NO FAMILY should have to go through this .... let alone have to worry about money! So PLEASE.... vote on your favorite baby and donate money to a GREAT cause! It's only a dollar a vote.... so vote as many times as you can afford. We are NOT keeping any of this money at all.... and we are super excited to see the results of the contest. So far, it's doing AMAZING. Both baby winners (one boy and one girl) will get $500 gift certificates and a $100 savings bond too! Here are the current numbers....

Wednesday night at 8:55pm.....

GIRLS:
1) Elisabeth
2) Lia (Elisabeth and Lia are SUPER CLOSE!!!)
3) Amelianna

BOYS:
1) Aaden
2) Dominic
3) Dante D
(ALL three very close as well!)

Contest Update!!!

2009-11-25T15:58:00.002-05:00

THANK YOU to everyone who is voting!!! The contest is going great so far!!!

Our current winners are:

Girls
1) Elisabeth T.
2) Lia V.
3) Amelianna T.

Boys
1) Dominic D.
2) Joshua L.
3) Jace C.

Have a very Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Contest Update!!!

2009-11-25T11:56:00.002-05:00

Wow! The contest is really close!!!!

The current winners are:

Girls
1) Elisabeth T.
2) Lia V.
3) Amelianna T.

Boys
1) Dominic D.
2) Jace C.
3) Dante D.

Thank you to everyone who is voting and helping St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital!!!

The Contest Has Begun!!!

2009-11-25T09:22:00.003-05:00

Our Oh Bebe Mio contest is off to an AWESOME start! Thank you to everyone who has voted so far!!! Remember voting ends Midnight, December 1st!

Our current winners are:

Help those who are less fortunate this Thanksgiving season! All money raised will be donated to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital! Voting only costs $1 and it is a fun way to help those in need!

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Oh Bebe Mio!

2009-11-21T18:33:00.002-05:00

As many of you already know, the past three days we have been working with babies! We started shooting for our Oh Bebe Mio Contest on Thursday and finished today.... SO MUCH FUN! These babies were BEAUTIFUL! As you know, this is our big fundraiser this year! Images go up for voting on Tuesday at 7pm! Please vote for your favorite baby as many times as you wish.... it is $1 a vote and ALL money goes to St Judes Childrens Hospital! There will be two baby winners.... a boy and a girl.... each baby will recieve a $500 gift certificate to the studio and a $100 savings bond...and last but not least... THANK YOU to all who came out the last three days! Of all people, I KNOW how crazy life is and how time is precious.... so thank you for giving me the opportunity to work with your cutie and for helping out in a GREAT cause. We should all be extremely grateful for our healthy children and willing to help those who are not as fortunate.
Here is a little preview! These are only a handful of images there are SO MANY more! I just wanted to give a sneak preview and we quickly picked some random images! I am going home now to enjoy MY babies.... and even though they are no longer "babies" - they will be my babies forever. Grin :-)
Maria

Senior Tryouts ... more!

2009-11-17T22:19:00.001-05:00

Here are some more images from our senior tryouts! It's going to be SO HARD to pick! Thanks to all the 2011 that came! We will be contacting you soon!

2011 Senior Model Tryouts!

2009-11-15T23:27:00.003-05:00

Today we held the first day of senior model tryouts! It was a lot of fun! Here are a few of the 2011 seniors who entered for try-outs! More to come...

Elena & Gary

2009-10-20T19:48:00.001-04:00

Beautiful wedding on a somewhat cold October day! Had a GREAT time at this wedding on Saturday! Have fun on your honeymoon Elena and Gary! See you soon!

Our trip to Cancun, MEXICO

2009-10-19T08:08:00.007-04:00

Just came back from Mexico a few days ago! The weather was fantastic and we had a GREAT time! Here is the view from our room during the day!

Here is an image of Dylan (my son) and my husband Sean .... BEAUTIFUL day!

Here is the view I saw when I woke up in the morning.... looking out the window alone put a HUGE smile on my face!
The arrival in Cancun was not as pleasant as my view. Delta airlines REALLY needs to rethink their bagage people/ machinery and the REALLY REALLY need to rethink their customer service. After 5 days and 1,000 phone calls from me they finally did give me a new piece of luggage...... I dealt with the issue by placing a LOT of phone calls and drinking many margaritas, mimosas and of course Mexican Water... CORONA! lol

Swimming with the dolphins was AMAZING. I hardly ever see my husband laugh this hard..... here he was being pushed by two dolphins..... they swim up behind you and push you by your feet...amazing!
Christinas was in LOVE..... wanted to bring "silver" home with her..... and put it WHERE I said?
It really is a LOT of fun..... here they are pulling me.
Kisses are always nice too :-) We all had a GREAT time.
Here is Dylan and Christina before dinner one night. The weather was warm and the view was fantastic no matter where you were at the resort. GORGEOUS.
OK. This falls under the category of I LOVE MY SON. I am deathly scared of this kind of stuff but guess what... I went with Dylan and I did not break his hand.....although I did sqeeze it VERY hard! He told me it was "ok" and he was right. My little baby boy is becoming such a BEAUTIFUL kind hearted little man.... he is so wonderful :-)
Anyone who knows me know s I LOVE Forrest Gump. The moview is awesome! Here we are at the Bubba Gump Shrimp company. I bought a Tshirt :-)
Gotta love days ike this!
Took a day trip .... drove around in this awesome little thing and went snorkling. This was probably my favorite day of all. Just the four of us, the ocean and a gorgeous day. We all got VERY tanned too!

Snorkling was AMAZING. There are so many different and wonderful creatures in the world. Seeing this in real life is such an opportunity and a gift. Life does not get any better than this. I cherished every minute with my family and every beer that came my way throughout the day :-)
On the boat...
Underwater with a cheap little water camera :-)
At the water park....
Christina with her non alcoholic strawberry daquiri :-)
Thought I'd share. It's been an amazing year at the studio filled with awesome moments. We have SO MUCH in store for the end of the year AND we are remodeling the entrance of the studio... it's going to be BEAUTIFUL!!!

Have a great day everyone and STAY WARM :-)

Maria

Alyssa & Rob

2009-10-12T16:36:00.002-04:00

Alyssa & Rob, I had such a WONDERFUL time at you wedding. You are blessed with your love but also graced with such a wonderful family to support you. Thank you for letting me be the one to capture one of the most important days of your life! I am honored!

Can't wait to see you two again! Have a GREAT time on your honeymoon!

Maria

It's been crazy around here!

2009-10-03T10:35:00.003-04:00

PLEASE forgive us for falling off the face of the earth! Things at the studio have been wonderfully & insanelly busy! We are still shooting at least 8 or so seniors a week, our newborn and bebe collection babies are steadily coming in and it has made for a wonderful few weeks around here! I actually got an e-mail from a client (and good friend :-) telling me that our BLOG has been "dead" for too long..... so sorry! Sometimes it's hard to keep up with everything! So......below you will see some of the reecent bellies and babies I have photographed... we will update some seniors soon too! The girls and I just came back from Chicago from an AWESOME photographic convention where we met some other amazing photographers and saw the newest products and things out there.... so.... brace yourself! There is a LOT of new things coming in 2010! We are updating so much around here that it makes even my head spin! Yesterday Megan talked to me for like 20 min and NOTHING registered..... haha.... it was actually funny. (Although I am not sure she appreciated repeating everything to me!) STAY TUNNED to the clipper magazine, our fall newsletter that is coming oh so soon and also for our ad in the expectant mothers guide. Lots of GREAT offers coming up! Anyhow, ALL is wonderful in our neck of the woods. It's always fun around here.... the babies, the cute little kiddos and their siblings and the seniors that we shoot are awesome.... love those.... they're like mini modeling sessions! Its been a VERY EXCITING year! Well....gotta go! Got a BEAUTIFUL Wedding to go to today! Smiles to all and have a GREAT weekend!!!
Maria

ELIZABETH

2009-08-18T01:43:00.003-04:00

Meet my niece, ELIZABETH. Elizabeth is a 2010 Senior soon to graduate from Altoona High School. I had the pleasure of shooting her this weekend... it's hard to believe that back in 1996 she was my ever so adorable flower girl. Time really does fly by... photographing Elizabeth was a lot of fun ... I am so excited for her and I cannot WAIT to see what the future brings!
Love you Liz!
Aunt Maria

Maddux & Levi

2009-08-13T19:55:00.001-04:00

Meet these adorable newborn baby boys! They are identical twins! It's going to be a LOT of fun to watch these two grow!
Meet Maddux and Levi

Christina & Malkin

2009-08-06T00:59:00.002-04:00

Meet MY baby girl Christina (who just turned 7!) and our puppy Malkin! Today I was able to find the time in my crazy schedule to photograph them together!
People always say to me... "Wow Maria, how WONDERFUL that you have this gift and talent ... you must capture beautiful images of your children!" - I ALWAYS want to laugh histerically when I hear this..... OK YES, I have stunning images of both my son and daughter but let me just tell you.... It is NEVER easy. This adorable angelic looking little girl was anything but! Every year I look forward to and yet dread this day and If I do not schedule it in... it never happens! Anyhow.... here is Christina and Malkin! Check out the show below too!

Melissa & John tie the knot!

2009-08-02T01:17:00.001-04:00

Lauren & Russ tie the knot!

2009-07-30T22:29:00.000-04:00

Beautiful wedding! Congrats to Lauren & Russ!

Peyton turns ONE!

2009-07-25T23:11:00.003-04:00

Its always hard to believe when one of our babies turn one! We started photographing Peyton when she was still in her momies belly.... then we got her newborn, four month, 8 month and now 1 year. It's been amazing to watch her grow. Here are some of Peyton's 1st year images! Congrats Kristen and Jude, you guys are raising a beautiful angel!
Maria

Baby CARSON

2009-07-21T06:29:00.006-04:00

Meet Baby Carson. This peanut was a hoot to photograph. Carson is blessed with two super nice and beautiful parents that were not only fun to work with but had a lot patience and were willing to work hard for their memories... and believe me when I tell you, they have WONDERFUL memories from Carson's newborn session. In fact, prom night (16 years or so from now) may be PAINFUL for Carson if his mom & dad bring out these stories! Here is an image Baby Carson gave us that he probably won't want to share years down the road but that I know will be a topic of conversation of years to come!!! Thanks Carson for your cooperation last week, you gave us all a GREAT laugh! You are a beautiful baby boy!

Now here is his show.... Looking forward to seeing you again soon Carson!

Katrina & Shawn tie the knot!

2009-07-14T22:34:00.002-04:00

Gorgeous wedding, beautiful hot day... congrats! Can't wait to see you guys again! Have a GREAT time on your honeymoon!

Cocoa & Mia

2009-07-02T14:42:00.003-04:00

Our Dog Gone Days of summer went GREAT! We had the cutest pups EVER! Check out Cocoa and Mia.....
Our July 12th date is sold out.... we did add a date on August 23rd... appts go VERY fast! Please call if interested!

Ashley & Chad tie the knot!

2009-06-30T21:20:00.002-04:00

Ashley and Chad got married Saturday.... It could not have been more perfect. The sun was out, the sky was blue and everyone had a GREAT time! Congratulations! Looking forward to seeing you guys again soon! Have a GREAT time on your honeymoon!

MALKIN

2009-06-18T05:06:00.001-04:00

Meet Malkin.... yep that's his name for sure. My son Dylan came up with that name since he is a huge Pens fan.... it's also very appropriate since we just won :)

Our family is growing....

2009-06-17T04:53:00.009-04:00

On a personal note our family has grown and NO I am not pregnant :-)

Yesterday, after almost two weeks of waiting... our GREAT DANE puppy came from Texas. He arrived in Pittsburgh in his little crate and is SO adorable! Our kids had NO IDEA and thought we were going to the airport to pick up a friend. I had already named this pup MALIK but after my son saw him yesterday he said we should name him MALKIN, especially since the Pens just won! Anyhow, we will discuss his final name today but here is our Studio M mascot.... his name will have an "M" non the less. Meet our new GREAT DANE puppy which we will not be able to pick up and carry around much longer. He is full of love and energy! I have personally wanted a great dae for a long time and I love them.... the are the most gentle dogs ever. The breeder I purchased him from is AWESOME and could not have been more wonderful to work with! Our pup should grow quickly... and weigh between 170-180lbs when he is full grown!!! I have included some snapshots I took of my children with him but will take some really great portraits of him and post them soon :-)
Below is my breeders info if you have any interest....
CONNIE QUEEN
903-476-0341
903-267-1128
www.freewebs.com/texasdanes

Jennifer & Andrew tie the knot

2009-06-15T21:38:00.002-04:00

On Saturday, June 13th I was lucky enough to witness and share in the joy of Jennifer & Andrews event... what a beautiful wedding. We cannot wait to share the rest of these with the two of you! Have a GREAT time on your honey moon! See you soon! Maria

BRIA

2009-06-11T20:03:00.002-04:00

Meet Baby Bria. This adorable little girl angel paid us a visit this week. . . we can't wait to see her again! :-)

Tiara - 2010 Senior

2009-06-11T13:01:00.001-04:00

Meet Tiara. This senior came in a few days ago and it was an amazing session! Check out Tiara.

Serena - a recent fairy

2009-06-10T15:38:00.001-04:00

Meet Serena, one of our recent "Fairy Days" fairy! This beautiful little 3 year old was gorgeous and listened so well! She made a beautiful fairy! See you soon serena!

Aimee's Quince anos

2009-06-10T14:06:00.001-04:00

We had the honor to attend and photograph Aimee's Quince Anos celebration Saturday, June 6th... it was a BEAUTIFUL ceremony followed by a very festive reception. Looking forward to seeing you again soon Aimee!

Kristen

2009-05-27T00:39:00.001-04:00

Love shooting seniors! This PTHS senior was awesome, fun and beautiful! I just LOVE when senior season begins! YAHOO!!! See ya soon Kristen!

Kaitlyn

2009-05-11T22:11:00.001-04:00

Senior season has officially begun. We have had so much fun this last week with seniors. Meet Kaitlyn...this senior was a lot of fun....

Erica & Matt

2009-04-27T21:27:00.001-04:00

Meet Erica & Matt.... they got married yesterday on a BEAUTIFUL April day. Looking forward to seeing these two after their honeymoon and sharing the rest! Congrats!

Rachel

2009-04-20T21:19:00.001-04:00

Meet Rachel. I have known this doll for about 2 years now... It is so wonderful to get to see Rachel grow... she is such a beautiful girl. Today I had the pleasure & honor to get to be the one to photograph Rachel for her First Holy Communion. Congratulations Rachel ... and God bless you. Maria

BABY REAGAN

2009-04-17T14:44:00.001-04:00

Meet Baby Reagan and her parents. This 7 day old baby girl was so well behaved during her session! Looking forward to seeing you again Reagan!

Malana

2009-04-14T15:14:00.001-04:00

Meet Malana . . . this cutie was such a pleasure! Can't wait to show her family the rest of these!

Coming Soon!

2009-04-09T10:44:00.001-04:00

Can't wait to meet this little peanut thatis on the way. Stay tunned! I LOVE maternity sessions.... they are a beautiful way to capture the beginning of your family...

No Bones SOLD OUT!

2009-03-24T01:09:00.001-04:00

Our "No Bones About it" event sold out! We had a TON of pups in here the last two days! It was a LOT of fun! Check out this show with some of the gorgeous pups we had! We are still working on finishing them... these are just a few....

Eliza Madison

2009-03-23T02:07:00.001-04:00

Meet Baby Eliza. Eliza is a beautiful smily baby that I got to photograph yesterday! She is such a doll! See for yourself!

Baby DELANEY

2009-03-13T20:47:00.001-04:00

Meet Baby DELANEY. I had the pleasure of spending this morning with this GOEGEOUS baby girl. At only 10 days old she is already a heart breaker! Check her out...

Pamper Your Pets!

2009-02-26T00:52:00.002-05:00

We are at it again.... but this time IT'S BETTER!!! Studio M is working with Just Dogs Gourmet to bring your Pooch the VERY BEST! Specialty treats and beautiful portraits for your furry friend... and yes they are worth it.... they are part of your family!
To see bigger info on this click HERE

Brooks

2009-02-17T16:15:00.001-05:00

Meet Brooks. This PTHS 2010 senior is an amazing Hockey player. See for yourself!

Katarina

2009-02-08T23:01:00.001-05:00

Meet Katarina. This 2010 senior model was not only a ton of fun to hang out with but she is also EXTREMELY talented! How? Well, check it out for yourself! Amazing stuff. Thanks Katarina! See ya next week!

Rayna

2009-02-02T19:55:00.002-05:00

Meet Rayna. This Trinity 2010 senior is one of our models and we spent some time getting to know her and did an awesome session. Check it out! Thanks Rayna for all your time today.... we loved every minute of it!

Baby Hayden

2009-01-28T18:03:00.001-05:00

A few weeks ago I posted maternity images of Heather & Jason, and now here is baby Hayden! It is so wonderful to capture beginings to such WONDERFUL events and people. Thank you for letting me do just that!

Great Trip

2009-01-25T19:02:00.002-05:00

We got home a few days ago! It was such a GREAT trip that it was hard to get to the BLOG. We spent a lot of time on the beach and other beautiful places in Rio. The weather was awesome, just perfect! On the last day I took the kids to see the Crist . . . awesome! Check it out!

Lots of fun...

2009-01-16T17:20:00.004-05:00

I have no idea where the time went but I have had a lot of good times the last two weeks. I hear that the weather in Pittsburgh is brutal now and am scared to tell you all how nice it is here... take a look! Here are the kiddos and my mom and I riding what they call a "banana" on the beach! We had such a GREAT time!