[a day at the park] sheila mckay photography | charlotte nc photographer

a beautiful, warm day

and more attempts at landscape . . .



[mine. . .] sheila mckay photography | charlotte nc kid photographer

mine . . .

so happy she still lets me take photographs of her. . . 

my son . . . 

not as cooperative. . .
but I managed to get a few when he couldn't say no. . .

[Happy Valentine's Day] sheila mckay photography | south charlotte nc photographer

Happy Valentine's Day! 



[happy birthday] sheila mckay photography | charlotte nc photographer

Happy 9th Birthday to my dear, sweet daughter!  Birthdays last a few days around our house.  We celebrated on her actual birthday with painting the rock and cookies at school, then dinner at Chili's with grandma and grandpa!  Then she had her friends over with their American Girl dolls to decorate cupcakes.   (I still believe she has a chance as an event planner!)  If any of you have followed my older posts, you will remember that Morgan likes to plan these events.  She planned it even down to the matching outfits. She had this planned as well.  We were lucky to have a beautiful sunny, warm day.  All the girls did a wonderful job decorating their cupcakes.  As you can see, they were quite creative!  A special thanks to I and A for helping me out.  I know I couldn't have done it without your help. 

It's been a while . . . . [sheila mckay photography | charlotte nc photographer

. . . since I have posted - been on a blogging hiatus I guess you could say. The cold winter months make for a slow season but my personal life has been nothing but slow. Once Thanksgiving came the hustle and bustle of Christmas came and went. Does anyone else feel like time is passing quicker than ever?

Then, my type A personality set in and I worked frantically to get myself organized for the New Year. I organized Christmas decorations in my attic, the kids toys to make room for more, the office, the spice cabinet, my bathroom cabinets, and last but not least, my computer files, videos, and pictures.  Then as I went through the files one by one, I quickly realized that I should make my back ups and burn my images to a cd - - just in case.  It was really odd that my computer went haywire only 2 days after I completed my back ups!  Panic stricken but later relieved about my precious images and videos - I was now without a computer.  And I don't know if you have been without your computer or phone, but it was NOT a good feeling.  I felt so disconnected.  Luckily, I back up in 3 places - (talk about OCD!) { external hard drives, flash drives, cd and Carbonite were my lifesavers}.  I cannot imagine loosing my images and videos of the Christmas we all shared a few days ago.  So, lesson learned:  Back up and burn cds often!

 

Well in the midst of all the panic, I found myself looking back at old scrapbooks.  Yes, there once was a time when I had time to work deligently on my scrapbooks for the kids.  I am now so far behind and the days just keep getting shorter it seems.  So, I told myself that I would catch up - and catch up I did.  I spent hours turning images from 2007 to 2011 into books.  You know, as I turned each page of my old scrapbooks of the children, it brought me back to that moment.  I am so happy I wrote down their cute little habits and sayings that I am sure I would certainly forget years down the road.  I couldn't let anymore time slip away and not have images to look back at.  I just received my 3rd book today and I am tickled pink at how they turned out.  As a wife, mother, sister, and daughter, I truly believe that your everyday moments should be captured!   You will be so happy that you did! Lesson learned:  Stop talking about it, do it now!

Now, what else have I been doing?  Well, my sweet, dear, daughter turned 9 yesterday! (check out the rock we painted at school)  Party planning is complete and coming up this weekend.   While in my craft room, my sweet little girl asked if I would show her how to sew.  It has been far too long since I have used my sewing machine - and a mother should teach her daughter how to sew, right?  We now have a dress to make.  I will be sure to share images of that lesson in the upcoming posts. The sewing bug hit me and I quickly decided I needed a new camera strap (to replace that old boring black Nikon one) to match my brand spankin' new camera bag.  It is awesome!  I was so sick of carrying around a boring black bag so I was in search of a trendy bag.  Here it is - what do you think? Tell me what you have been doing lately.  I love comments!

[Woof . . . 'nuf said!] sheila mckay photography | waxhaw nc photographer





[mini accordian wallet album] sheila mckay photography | charlotte nc photographer

  Choose 10 images from your session and create an adorable 3 x 3 mini accordian wallet album.  These are perfect for parents or grandparent gifts for the holiday season. 

Schedule now for your session to beat the deadline for the holiday season!

[storyboards] sheila mckay photography | charlotte, waxhaw, matthews nc photographer

I just adore these storyboards.  They are fantastic because they really do tell a story! 

I think they serve as such creative art for your walls.  You choose 3-4 images and they are mounted on a styrene board for durability.  It is pliable enough to be placed on an easel with or without a frame. 

Here are a couple of examples - these totally tell the story of the personality of these kiddos!



[new blog!] sheila mckay photography | charlotte nc photographer

Well, here it is, my new blog.  My old blog served me well, but I was ready for a change.  

I look forward to blogging a bit more -  still with lots of recent sessions and of course some personal posts will be included.  I think that it really gives clients a real picture of who I am!

Now, for some new news for the NEW BLOG.  I have had several calls regarding holiday sessions.  In order to get your sessions, proofing, and ordering in time for the holiday rush, you really need to schedule your appointment now. 

And just because - the holiday season is right around the corner, I will be offering a special drawing for a HALF OFF session fee!  It is really easy to enter.  All you have to do is enter a short comment on my new blog  and be a fan on Facebook at Sheila McKay Photography .  You can enter anything- what you think of my new blog (but do say nice things LOL , or what you think of my photography, what you are looking for in a photographer, or just say hi! The winner for the drawing will be announced Oct 15 2010.  

Can you believe it, more good news!

I am thrilled to announce that I will be partnering with, Kathy Duggan, from The Red Lantern, to offer a "One Stop Shop and Photo Event".  Holiday sessions will be offered at The Red Lantern with gorgeous holiday vignettes.   
Haven't been yet?  You must go! Her unique shop has the latest in decorating trends, with unique home decor that you don't want to miss.  The Red Lantern has moved to its new location at 3512F Providence Rd. Waxhaw, NC 28173 Kathy at 704.243.1886. 

So don't delay, make your appointment today and take advantage of getting a jumpstart on your holiday shopping and holiday portrait sessions at one stop. 

And of, course contact Sheila at 704.843.7034 or 704.650.9212 or sheila@sheilamckayphotography.com with any questions.

Here are a few things to remember when scheduling your holiday session:

*session fee due at time of booking to hold your reservation

*Can include up to 4 people

*Newborns, babies that are not able to sit up without assistance cannot be photographed unless held by someone else in the session

*Holiday cards must be chosen from templates provided by Sheila McKay Photography

For those of you that cannot make the "One Stop Shop and Photo Event" , I have a few available spots left for the Fall Mini Sessions as posted on my old blog .  For those of you that haven't had a photograph of your family or children in some time, this is great for you.  Mini sessions are just that - a mini version of a full session.  Basically, the shooting time is a bit shorter but the price is accomodated for that.     Here are some frequently asked questions regarding mini sessions.   

Where will the mini sessions take place?

Any place of your choice within a 15 miles of 28173 zip code.  If your location of choice is not within this, please inquire for travel rates.

How many people can be in a session?

Up to 4 people are included in your Fall Mini Session due to the 30 minute time frame.  If you have more than 4 people to include in a session, please contact me for more information.

You are offering holiday cards, does this need to be a holiday session?

Absolutely not!  This is a great time time to get a senior or family session, headshot, maternity session, etc.  at a discounted price.   Also, if you would like to have non-holiday cards, another comparable product can be replaced. 

Can I take advantage of the 2010 Fall Mini Session for my newborn/baby?

Unfortunately, mini sessions cannot be used for babies who are not able to sit unassisted unless being held during a  family portrait of 4 due to the 30 minute session time allotted.

Can you explain the Tinyprints card orders in your $195 Fall Mini Session?

Tinyprints.com offers a wide variety of cards for all occasions.  With this particular mini session, you will be given a copyright release to use up to 2 images of your choice for cards ordered from Tinyprints.  I will send you a link to Tinyprints.com for you to browse , choose your cards, and place your order.  I will send the images to Tinyprints.com so that you can place and pay for your order and have the cards delivered directly to you.  Please keep in mind that the images you choose for your card will be lightly watermarked with my logo and cards are an additional costs.

What is the difference between your "custom holiday cards" and the "Tinyprints.com cards"?

The "custom holiday cards" are press printed and customized with templates I provide for you to choose from and are included in the mini session fee price.  Tinyprints.com cards are ordered from their website with a copyright -released image I submit for you and cards are an additional price that you order, pay, and have delivered to you.

What does it mean "images are edited"? 

Although 8-10 images are provided in your gallery, many more images will be captured in order to get the perfect ones to choose from.  It takes several hours to complete your image gallery.  Once taken and uploaded,  the post processing will include retouching  of scars or blemishes, color enhancement and processing  for artistic beauty.