TWINS!

Last week I had an amazing photo shoot with TWINS!! Beautiful fraternal twin boys! Baby Maddox and Elijah were amazing, letting me get lots of fun shots! =) I hope Mom and Dad enjoy all the photos in their gallery! Here are some of my favorites =)

Baby Sophia!

This little 16 day old Beauty gave me a run for my money ;) She was wide awake for most of her session! She was very curious about every move I made keeping her eyes on me, which ended up making for a beautiful shot =)  Don't you just love her hair and creamy skin! Such a beauty!

Headbands by Warm Fuzzies

The Madison

The Emily

and The Brooklyn

Warm Fuzzies is Growing!

Warm Fuzzies has grown into more than I could ever imagine, so it's hard to imagine that we're STILL growing! I am officially merging Warm Fuzzies with newborn photography in 2012! I've always loved photography but over the last year I've been moved to pick up my camera and REALLY study. I had the opportunity to be mentored by the AMAZING Liana Randel which gave me the push I needed to jump in!
Warm Fuzzies has allowed me the opportunity to work with some wonderful photographers all across the USA. They have all inspired and encouraged me which I can't thank them enough for! Photography by MJ, Kacy Hamar Photography, Liana Randel Photography Jennifer Magee Photography, Pumpkin Pie Photography and  Perfect Pics just to name a few!
While I am in my portfolio building stage I will be offering introductory rates. I am still perfecting my craft, learning new techniques, and growing with each session! So bring on the Babies for 2012! =)


Austin, TX! If you or someone you know is expecting and would like more info on my introductory rates please contact me at: jessica.warmfuzzies@yahoo.com or 512-635-0890

Free Pattern: Lucky 4 Leaf Clover!

I often get asked "what pattern do you use?" and that's a hard question. When I first started out I thought buying the perfect pattern would allow me to make all the cute stuff I was seeing. I quickly realized that just because a pattern is FREE doesn't mean it isn't good OR that it can't be tweaked to be even BETTER! So my biggest FREE pattern reasourse to share is www.ravelry.com
You will never find two people who crochet exactly the same in my opinion. So just because you buy that cute "bunny hat pattern" doesn't mean you're going to get the same results. Crochet can be very loosely interpreted. And what does that mean? Tweak away! I try new ways to make the same item all the time which has often lead me to a better way of doing something. When I buy a pattern now it's because there is an interesting stitch that I can't seem to figure out and need some help with. With all of that said..this is the very first pattern I have ever written down! Yep, that's right...it's all in my head! LOL which really stinks when a good friend says "send me that pattern" ;) So if it doesn't work up right...well like I said, tweak it ;) OR let me know so I can re-write it ;) Happy Crafting!

I recently made a little beanie and attached this 4 leaf clover on it and loved how it looked! You could attach these to just about any of your Sait Patrick's Day projects! They work up really fast!

Beginer-advanced beginer:
stitches used: SL (slip stitch) CH (chain) SC (single crochet) HDC (half double crochet) DC (double crochet)

Lucky Four Leaf Clover:
Using your lucky green yarn With an H crochet hook, CH 5.
Slip stitch in 1st CH, CH 4, SL ST in same sp (1st ch)
CH 4, SL ST in same sp (1st ch).
SC in 1st  CH 4 sp, *[HDC, 3 DC, SC, 3DC, HDC, SC]* in same CH 4 sp, SL ST in center, SC in next CH 4 sp, repeat from * 3 more times for each leaf
Stem: CH 7, SC in 2nd chain from hook
SC in each remaining CH, SL ST in center of clover.
CH 2, cut your yarn leaving about 2inches, pull your CH all the way through and pull down your knot. Weave in ends.
Don't forget to PIN IT on Pintrest!

Someone who does sell patterns that I Highly recomend is Crochet my Love. They are written out very clearly for beginers. Also, nothing worse than buying TWO DIFFERENT patterns from the same person only to realize all they did was change one one stitch or the type of yarn used to make the hat look different, and unfortunatly several big names out there do this. Crochet my love designs is very upfront if two of her patterns are similar!

DIY tutorial - Mini Crown

This is my first Do It Yourself Tutorial! I hope that you enjoy it =) This particular one is mostly for Photographers who need a last min prop or are on a budget. If you try this out I'd love to hear how it went and see pictures! Happy Crafting!

Mini Crown:

what you'll need:
Trim - Go to Joann's! they have the best/largest selection of trim that I have found. You can use just about any type of trim that YOU like. I went for a lacy look with points because I wanted the traditional crown look.
Scissors
Hot glue (or needle and thread)
Stiffy Fabric Stiffener
Sponge brush  (or medium sized paint brush)
Optional: Rite fabric dye, rhinestones or any other embellishments you like

What to do:
Simple and sweet!

1. Take your trim and fold it over, forming a small sized circle. This can vary in size depending on how small you want it to be. The two I've made are 2 and 4 inches across.
2. Cut off any extra trim.
3. Glue or Sew the two ends together. A small amount of hot glue will work just fine, I'm not a huge fan of sewing ;)
4. Pour some of the fabric Stiffener in a small bowl. Use your brush to "paint" the liquid on saturating the trim. It will go on WHITE but drys clear. I found the sponge brush worked best. Let it dry for 30 mins. Go back and add another coat. You'll want to check it a few times and add an additional coat if you feel it needs to be firmer. I did 4 coats. Also, placing it around something to help hold it up will help. I used a small plastic cup
5. Let it dry over night, and you're done!

Get Fancy with it:

1. An easy way to change the look is to dye your trim! Follow the directions on the box of Rite dye. Other dyes can be used I'm sure (a friend said she even used food coloring!) get creative ;)
2. after your trim is dyed and dried Follow steps 1-4
3. Embellish it! Add small jewels, rhinestones, buttons, or anything else you'd like to make it uniquely yours! If you're going to add glitter I'd try adding this while it's still wet so you don't have to use any type of glue after it's dry.

Don't forget to PIN IT on Pintrest! =)

Featured Photographer - Photography by MJ, LLC!

Part of my new blog will be fun articles on some of my favorite photographers! I am so excited to feature some amazing talent who I've been lucky to work with...Photography by MJ, LLC!
You can find her on FB, her website and blog!
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Photography-by-mj-LLC#!/pages/Photography-by-mj-LLC/202210723159528
http://www.photographybymjllc.com/

http://www.photographybymj-llc.blogspot.com Yet another reason why I love MJ Photography...she is participating in "It's a Preemie Thing!" Photography giveaway! Be sure to check it out and spread the word to friends and family who have a preemie! (baby does not have to be a newborn) http://blog.itsapreemiething.com/2012/02/north-east-photographers/ Now on to some fun questions to get to know Photography by MJ a little better!

•   Tell us about the face behind the Camera, Who is Photography by MJ?

 The face behind the camera.... is ahhh... not used to being in front of the camera! I tend to work best behind it! lol.

I am Melissa Biasi, and very honored to be your first featured photographer! I am woman of many jobs actually! I am a wife, mother of 2 beautiful children, a boot camp abs instructor, a Yoga instructor, a workout JUNKIE, a chauffeur to gymnastics, soccer, school, etc. AND of course a full time photographer! Whew! I get tired just reading that! haha :)

• When did you start your photography business and what was the hardest thing during that first year?

I started my business 4 years ago this April actually. I just turned it into an LLC this past July, and started under my new name, Photography by mj, LLC. Looking back on this venture, I have come a long way. My biggest struggle in the first year was getting clients! Trying to get my name out there, figuring out how to make it a business, and not just shooting "friends". Running a business was also new to me, so that in itself was a challenge.

• What is your favorite type of session?

I really like all my sessions. I LOVE doing the newborns, but they are the hardest client to work with by far! I would say that I excel at boudoir. I would do it exclusively if I could get all these ladies do shed some clothes for me, lol :) I LOVE that I can take ANY size woman and make her feel sexy. I get such amazing feedback from my boudoir clients, and it feels so good to do that for women. We are all SO hard on ourselves, so it is a nice change for them to see themselves differently. 

• Where do you draw inspiration from?

Inspiration? I draw it from everywhere. For boudoir, it comes from within. I love to feel sexy and I play with that. Other photographer's have helped me so much with newborns, and I think we all inspire each other actually. My kids are a HUGE inspiration to me, and are actually why I started down this road in the beginning.

•  What is your favorite newborn pose, and how have you perfected it?

Favorite newborn pose... hmmm... I guess the hands under the chin pose. I am STILL perfecting it! ha. I have watched countless videos on how it's done. I always do this as a composite. Safety is the biggest concern when it comes to newborns.. it's a PERSON.. some photographer's out there overlook that (sadly) and just want to get the shot. I always have mom help me out with that one, helping to support the weight of her head. It's still a challenge to me.. some babies just do not want to come up like that, and that is when you know not to push it :)

• What is your "go to" lens? Are you a Canon or Nikon girl?

I am a Canon girl all the way :) My go-to lens is my 50mm 1.4. LOVE it! On the 5D Mark II, it's glorious :)

• What is the funnest thing that has ever happened during a session?

The funniest thing to happen during a session would be the explosive pooping! It shot out RIGHT AT MY CAMERA! OMG! I had to take a toothpick to get it out of the grooves!! TMI right? haha... you asked...!!!

• What do you suggest your clients wear for their photos? what NOT to wear?

I like neutral colors for pictures, with a slight "pop" of color. Something that brings out the eye color is awesome. Staying in the same color family is great... but NOT all matchy-matchy... I am just not a fan! Not too fond of bright pink in camera either.

• 
  Where do you hope to take your photography business in the next year? Any big plans in the works?

 I hope to just continue on down this amazing road that I have been on. Slowly but surely my name has gotten out there, and things are picking up. Would like a steady flow of clients. 3-4 sessions a week would be nice. I do not want it to take over my life though. I already spend countless hours here are this computer. I am always telling clients that these little moments in their kids lives are what matters... so I want to take my own advice, and not let this business take anything away from me. Right now, it adds to me, and that is a great feeling :)

• 
   If you could give one piece of advise to those who are just starting out what would it be?

 Practice, practice, practice. EVERYONE wants to be a photographer these days and many turn out to just be "faux-tographers". Study, learn, take a workshop, ask other photographers that you admire for advice. I have had several offer awesome info to me (and they still do!). Shoot for FREE until you have a good grip on it. Once you do. Do it right from the get-go. Get your tax ID #, get a good accountant, and attorney to help you start down the right path :) Good luck to all of you aspiring photographers :)
Thanks so much for having me Jessica! This was a lot of fun :)

I hope you all enjoyed reading about Melissa and Photography by MJ as much as I did! Thank you Melissa for opening up and sharing your life and business with us!

Did you Know??

Stay tuned, on Monday we will have our first Q & A from one of my preferred photographers!! Photography by MJ, LLC! You can get a peak of her work on FB or her blog http://www.photographybymj-llc.blogspot.com   In the mean time... I wanted to share this because I found it very interesting! (haha yes I'm a yarn nerd!) Happy Reading!