TEACHING, LEARNING & CREATING!!!!

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

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

Maria

Business Hours

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!

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 :)

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

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...

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?

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 :)

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!!!!!!!!!!

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

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

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!!!

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....

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!!!!

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

CURRENT WINNERS

Oh Bebe Mio Update!

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

CURRENT WINNERS

Oh Bebe Mio UPDATE

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!!!

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

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

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

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????

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 :(

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

ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS WEDDING!

God Bless Jessica and Brandon!

Ivy & Adam

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

The past week...

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....

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!