Good Morning & {Good Weekend}

It's been a relaxing weekend

with

BBQ'ing, playing in the water,

being with the family, 

and

cleaning here and there.

I started on my "client ordering area"

and organized my 

{HUGE}

desk of a mess.  

Other than that, we have

been chasing the 

"Ice Cream Man" 

every chance we get!

Our girls are absolutely

{obsessed}

 with

the "Ice Cream"

truck. 

If they hear music playing

ANYWHERE,

the run to the door

and scream,

"ICE CREAM MAN!!!"

.............................

I took a few pictures

 of the girls that I 

{forgot} 

to post.  

This was on Saturday of

{last}

weekend.  

You will notice Vada with

her "snorkeling"

mask on. 

The face Vada is making

is her 

{under water}

face. 

I never laughed so hard

at that girl.

Lila enjoys just being outside.

And I captured a picture

of her just looking 

around and saying...

"wow, it's so pretty out here..."

The other pic of her is her,

{come here and give me some sugar}

face.

ha.

And of course, what is a Sunday morning 

without waffles, syrup and

{COFFEE}

???

Of course, the coffee is for

{momma & daddy}.

And 

YES...

Vada is saying the

{prayer}

for our 

breakfast.

...................................................

We hope you all have had a wonderful

weekend.  

Enjoy the rest of the day...

xoxo

Andrea

Would You Like A Seat? {redecorating}

I figured the best way to save a buck or

two $ is to splurge a little

on paint and go from there.

I think paying $22 for
paint
and
material
 is a LOT cheaper

than, say, $99 for a chair.

My mom always tells me, "Work with what

you already have... be creative and

try to make it work somehow."

And like I've been told my entire life:

"Mom knows best."  And being 

the creative spirit she 

is,

she ALWAYS helps me find a

way to make things look

F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S!

My mom mentioned a while 

back about painting a few chairs

for my office area.  Chairs

that we already had. 

So, being that I've been down

for almost two weeks

because of surgery, I

thought, 

"I will just go ahead, sit on my romp

and paint and recover chair
padding."

I took an old chair
pad and found
some awesome
BLACK & WHITE
material
{that I already had stored away}
and recovered
the pad.

And I did and here are the results:

BEFORE:

AFTER:

So....

Thank you Momma,

for 

ALWAYS inspiring

me...

xoxo,

Andrea

Chambers Family {Sneak Peek} !!!

This family is SO much fun to photograph!  The women are beautiful and the guys are hilarious.  I laughed so much while photographing.  Their personalities are a lot of fun!  

The lighting was absolutely stunning that evening.  I wanted to keep photographing but I eventually ran out of beautiful light.  It was SO golden at sunset but it was very hot.  We had to all take "sweat breaks".  Thank goodness for paper towels! ha

Enjoy your {Sneak Peek} Chambers Family and thank you for choosing me to capture your beautiful family.

Andrea

10 Tips for BRIDES and {Photographers} !!!

Brides!!!!!  This information is for you... and photogs, it would be great to pass this along to your Bridal Clients. ;D Saw these tips in my PPA Magazine (March 2010) and thought it would be a GREAT idea to pass along the tips!  Enjoy!

1.  BLEND, BLEND, BLEND.  You can use your everyday makeup, but use more than you normally use every day.  Many makeup professionals use airbrush makeup, the method of choice for high-definition TV, because it's lightweight, waterproof and gives flawless coverage.

2.  SOMETIMES LESS IS MORE.  Use less makeup for a day wedding and more for evenings.  You can get dramatic with eye makeup.

3.  DON'T SKIMP ON CONCEALER.  Use a moisturized concealer on the thin, sensitive skin under the eyes.  If your concealer isn't moisturizing, blend it with a skin cream.  For blemishes, first treat them with a natural or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory, then cover with concealer.

4.  DO A MAKEUP TRIAL RUN.  It's the only sure-fire, stress-free way to make certain your makeup will look beautiful.

5.  NOT ALL MINERAL MAKEUP IS CREATED EQUAL.   Titanium dioxide, a chemical used as sun block, can reflect flash, giving the bride a ghostly appearance.  In 2009 makeup artist Annie May launched a line of mineral makeup especially formulated for photography called Advanced Mineral Makeup.  May promises it won't white-out the bride under a flash.

6.  USE WATERPROOF MAKEUP WITH STAYING POWER.  You don't want to spend your reception in the bathroom reapplying your makeup.  Foundation, eyeliner and mascara all should be waterproof.  And in case you cry ( and you probably will ), have a tissue or handkerchief handy to gently blot your tears right at the eye.

7.  KEEP YOUR LIPS MOISTURIZED AND COLORED.  Dry lips look dreadful in photos. Have someone carry your lipstick for you and touch up often.  Matte and gloss lip-stick both photograph well, and be sure to use blended lip liner for enhanced definition.

8.  DON'T FORGET THE GROOM.  If the groom is red faced due to too much sun ( or drinking), a little powder can help.  That goes for shiny heads, too.  And it's a good to slip a tube of Chapstick in the groom's pocket for his dry lips, as well as a handkerchief to dab well-wishers' makeup smudges off his suit.

9.  DON'T SPRINKLE ON GLITTER.  In photographs, it tends to look like little white spots, as if there's something wrong with the camera.

10.  REMEMBER to apply foundation and powder to your neck, shoulders and decolletage- you want your head to look like it belongs to your body!

Enjoy these tips Brides... and be sure to pass it along to your clients photogs!
Andrea :D

Laura + David = LOVE {Sneak Peek}

Laura and David's Wedding was so incredibly sweet... it was also very intimate.  There were just enough guests there, not to be overwhelmed with but to celebrate with.  Laura and David were so loving to each other and their children.  Their wedding took place at the "McAlpin House" in Magee.  The McAlpin House is a PERFECT location to have your wedding, if you want it intimate and run by friends, not strangers.

Laura and David seemed right at home during their wedding and reception.  They got into a "shaving cream fight" with their kids and guests, at the end of the night.  It was so fun to watch and capture.

Laura, you looked priceless... so happy and so beautiful.  David, you were so handsome and the look of happiness on your face was priceless.  Enjoy your future together.  Thank you for choosing Andrea Reed Photography to capture the story of your love for each other...

Enjoy your {Sneak Peek} !!!
Andrea and Nicole

Baby Emery {Sneak Peek} !!!

Now how precious is this little girl?!  I loved photographing her... baby Emery was so adorable in her hat that her mom brought along.  Emery also decided to stay awake during most of the session, so I was able to get a lot of photographs of her awake watching her Mom and Dad.

Dad was very hands on too, which helped Mom out a lot... and me too! ha!   You guys are such a sweet couple.  Thank you for choosing me to capture your beautiful family!  I enjoyed every second of it!

Enjoy your {Sneak Peek}
Andrea

What's your answer?

I've talked to a lot of people about the cameras they use. Whether it be a birthday, a birth, Christmas, a concert, a friends party or a family BBQ, pictures are SO important. I have yet to meet anyone that said, "I don't NEED pictures of my family or friends." Everyone takes pictures, whether is be with their camera phone or point and shoot, it has become the norm to take pictures of EVERYTHING. So, I'm curious, what camera do YOU use?

Horn Family {Sneak Peek} !!!

I had such a great time with the Horn family.  They were so laid back and loved watching their daughter, Avery.  She is beautiful!  She did not want to sit still!  Avery was so curious about everything and was constantly on the go.  I LOVED photographing her.  She also has the most beautiful, curly hair.

Thank you Horn family for choosing me to capture your beautiful family!
Enjoy your {Sneak Peek}
Andrea :D

The Craft Family {Sneak Peek} !!!

Okay, so I know most of you know, it has been a LONG time since I've posted a Sneak Peek on my BLOG!  I am so behind these days... Spring is getting the best of me.  I am spending a lot of my time outdoors enjoying the weather.  Because of that, I've gotten behind on blogging, not work... just blogging. Sorry!

This is the Craft family and they visited here in MS this month with their 3 month old son Murray!  They are such a cool family.  I loved working with Murray.  The first time we began photographing, he was not having it!  Then we tried again and voila!  I LOVE babies... and Murray is extra cute!

The Craft family is very "go with the flow", etc...   They are all so sweet and they LOVE that baby boy!  I can't wait to show them the rest of the photographs!  Right now, take a look at your {Sneak Peek} ~  Enjoy!

P.S.  In the "sister" photo, you will see a dog sitting and smiling.  I LOVED that dog.  He smiled for me and made everyone laugh.  Hilarious!

Stay Classy ;D,

Andrea

A Boudoir Party!!!!

I know there have been a LOT of you who are interested in booking a Boudoir Session!  Thank you ladies for that! :D  I will be teaming up with a FABULOUS makeup artist/hair stylist for "How To Be A Goddess" Boudoir Session Party.  This is a special event held in "my" Boudoir, here in Magee!  You can book a session for yourself and be sure to invite a friend, if you like!  You will be given a two hour time period- one hour for hair and makeup and snacking and then another hour for photographing.  The sessions will be held in "my" Boudoir, like in the Boudoir On-line Gallery you've probably already seen.  It will be held behind closed doors, so NO one will watch you during your session.  I will have a photography assistant on hand, who will also be a woman.  This is a GREAT time for you to get away and have a morning, afternoon to yourself!  What an AWESOME Mother's Day present this would be for you... and what a GREAT gift it would be for your hubby too, hehe...  Remember, birthdays, anniversaries and "Father's Day" (which is coming soon)!!!

Contact me if you would like to book this session.  LIMITED availability!!!  We are only taking 6 sessions for this event!  Payment is due at the time of booking!  If you have any questions, please feel free to email me through my website under contact!!!

Have a beautiful day!
Andrea

"Boudoir" - What is it all about? Q&A's

Okay, so I know some of you ladies may have questions about my "Boudoir" Sessions.   So, I thought the best thing to do is make a Q&A for my clients!  If you HAVE any additional questions, that I may not have addressed, please shoot me an email on my website. :D

First off, if you would like to see a gallery of a Boudoir Session I've done, contact me through email or phone (information on my website) and I will give you the password.  Yes, it IS password protected.

Alright, Q&A below:

1.OH MY GOSH, will you post MY photographs all over your BLOG or Facebook?!

 First off, the model who you see on my BLOG is Brandy T.  She has given FULL consent for me to use her images as part of my advertising FOR "Boudoir" and for her own use.  I would never EVER put your "Boudoir" images on my BLOG for the world to see.  There will not be a +Teaser+ (a.k.a. Sneak Peek) either.  So, please do not worry that your images, that you hold very close to heart will be plastered all over my BLOG or Facebook.  These images are private and for YOUR eyes only... and maybe your hubby's.  hehe  You will be provided with an online gallery WITH a password that will only be given to YOU.  It is up to YOU whether or not you would like to share that password with anyone else.

2.Why should I do a "Boudoir" Session?

One question that I want you to ask you is:  why not?  Is it your hips?  Your thighs?  Your waist?  Your arms?  Your bust? A turkey neck that you *think* is there?  Teeth that may not be as straight as an arrow? Your "baby belly" from giving birth to a child?    It doesn't matter if you're a size 20 or a size 2... you will be captured so beautifully.  I work with props (sheets, oversized shirts, etc.), lighting (natural light) and I know SO many great poses for ALL different body types.  No TWO bodies are designed the same... and I do not intend to capture each of you "the same way".   You will be very pleased with the results, I promise.

3. What happens in a "Boudoir" Session?  Do I strip down to nothing... In FRONT of you?!  :O

No... you do not walk into "my" Boudoir and strip down to nothing.  You will be given a private room to change in, relax in with bottled water and ambient lighting.  You will also have time to fix any last minute hair styles, touch up your lipstick and take a minute to relax.  I will go at YOUR pace with this session.  You need to be 100% comfortable with me, my camera and the session pace.  I usually talk "through" the session to put you at ease... I take your mind off of everything and focus on YOU: your hobbies, your favorite music, great movies you've seen lately, etc...  It will be like talking with an old friend... and that brings comfort. :)

4.  Ew... I have cellulite!  Why in the world would I want that captured?!

Don't worry about cellulite.  I promise, with my poses, lighting, and editing, your cellulite will not show.  Nor will ANY other part of your body that you are uncomfortable with.  I am here to capture the sexy, vibrant, and confident Y-O-U!  Be-YOU-tiful! <---(word taken from Cathy Empey!  Thank you CATHY!)

5.  What if I'm not any good at doing my makeup.... or hair?!  I want to look sexy... like that woman I saw in my "InSyle" magazine!


First off, IF you can afford to hire someone to do your hair and makeup for the session, DO IT.  It is SO worth the money.  I've worked with women who have had their makeup and hair done by a professional AND women who haven't.  If you can afford it and you want to treat yourself OR if it's time to get your roots "touched up", then do it!  And go to someone you trust or someone who has an trustworthy list of references (like from your Best Friend).  If you're pretty good at pulling off "that look" right off of the magazine page yourself, go ahead and do it yourself.  If you have that artistic flare and can mimic a look, do it! :D  And if you need help, I am here also.  I am not licensed by any means FOR makeup/hair, but I have a background in helping with makeup.  I can mimic just about any look:  the smokey eye, the natural, the bed head, the classic, etc...  I will not do your entire face or head of hair but I can help with what you've started if you're having trouble.  I'm sure there is a certain look you've seen in a magazine, in a movie, etc... that has inspired you.  Tear that page out, bring the movie box, etc...  The best way to get ideas is to "save" your inspirations... :D

I hope this Q&A has helped answer any questions you may have about my "Boudoir" Sessions.  I have a private gallery on-line of a recent "Boudoir" Session.  You will need to email me to receive the password.  Again, this is for anyone who is interested in a "Boudoir" Session or is *thinking* of doing a "Boudoir" Session.  If you are worried about "what will the images look like, what is your style when shooting "Boudoir"", etc... I think you will be very pleasantly surprised...

Email me for the password!  If you would like to book a session, please call 601/ 408.1921  or you can email me at andrearose3@yahoo.com

Thank you and have a be-YOU-tiful day!

Andrea :D

"How To Be A Goddess"

It's been a loooong time since I've shot Boudoir.  I had my first (of many to come) Boudoir Session today for this year!  It was SO. MUCH. FUN!  I fell in love all over again with lighting, posing, hair, makeup, curves, shadows and yes... pretty, oh so pretty, lingerie.

I L.O.V.E. Boudoir.  I see this being a GREAT addition to Andrea Reed Photography.  So ladies... get ready...  And YES.  You all CAN do it!  :D  Here is just ONE peek at a Session from today.

More to come...

"Twinkie Delight" Sneak Peek = Cali&Sam

Oh my gosh these twins are adorable!  And let me just say right off, Miss Cali LOVES being in front of the camera.  As SOON as her mom put her in front of me, she started smiling!  She was hilarious... of course, she doesn't sit very long, she is ALWAYS on the move!  Sam was so handsome too, he was such an observer!  He wanted to know "what in the world is going on?"  at all times! ha!

Reese, of course, (who is about to be 8) is a riot too!  He is full of smiles (but doesn't want to have his "missing two front teeth" photographed! :D  Trust me, I tried... and I got a 'lil' bit of his missing teeth :)  He's not going to like me for that! :/

Joni and Jason, y'all have a BEAUTIFUL family!  Thank you for letting me capture your family...

love you all,
Andrea :)