Those Moments We Never Want To Forget...

2011 Holiday Mini Session Information

2011-11-01T12:01:00.003-04:00

MG Tot Shots will be doing Holiday Mini Sessions again this year. There are a limited number of openings and once they are filled, that's it! So email me asap to reserve your spot! Sessions are available through December 1st so please schedule your session prior to this date to ensure enough time for editing, order placement and delivery. So start planning outfits and thinking dates!
Please feel free to pass this along to anyone that you think may be interested!
If you have any questions just let me know!

PS The new 2011 holiday card designs can be viewed here: 2011 Holiday Cards and as always you may purchase any designs from previous years too.

2010 Holiday Sessions Are Here!

2010-11-01T20:29:00.009-04:00

Well I have already had some people ask about the popular holiday mini session and YES they are back! So here is the scoop:
MG Tot Shots will be doing Holiday Mini Sessions again this year. There are a limited number of openings and once they are filled, that's it! So email me asap to reserve your spot! Sessions are available through December 1st so please schedule your session prior to this date to ensure enough time for editing, order placement and delivery. So start planning outfits and thinking dates!
Please feel free to pass this along to anyone that you think may be interested!
If you have any questions just let me know!

PS The new 2010 holiday card designs can be viewed here: 2010 Holiday Cards and as always you may purchase any designs from previous years too.

A Little Change....

2010-07-07T11:28:00.005-04:00

Many clients have requested that their 8x10 prints not be mounted since many people like to put them in scrapbooks or album after being displayed, so I'm changing the mounting on 8x10 prints. If you order an 8x10 it will no longer be mounted so that you are able to use them in album or scrapbooks after use. If you still wish to have your 8x10 mounted as before there will be an option for mounting still available. I hope this works for all of you and makes it a bit easier on you.

Mandy

Time For An Update...

2010-06-07T16:23:00.007-04:00

Well summer is here and the kids have their last day of school tomorrow. It has been a fast year! I can't wait to chill at the pool/park with them this summer. I love this time of year, when the kids are home and you don't have the running that comes along with sports, dance class, after school activities and all that stuff.
It is shaping up to be a busy summer. Sessions are booking up and there are a few other things on the agenda that will keep us busy for awhile.
But on a business note......here is Mr. Cooper. Oh my goodness do I adore this little man! He has the best personality ever and is always full of expression and huge smiles. What could be better than that?!?! We had a wonderful time together and got lots of great shots of him....he makes my job sooo easy! I love it!

Down On The Farm...

2010-05-05T16:14:00.006-04:00

Check out the birthday boy! Is he a cute little 2 year old or what?!?!!? We had a great time on Grandpa's farm. He loved everything there, from the cows to the water and the barn. What a great session!

Spring Mini Session Time

2010-04-26T14:38:00.003-04:00

Here is the information on the spring mini session. Please contact me with any questions. Spots are limited so book your spot ASAP!

A Little Lady and The Twins...

2010-03-29T17:57:00.004-04:00

I had such a great time with this little lady. She is such a sweet, cute little 2 year old.
She is excited to be a big sister now and showed me how she holds the babies....so cute!

Some Of My Kids...

2010-03-23T10:46:00.008-04:00

I haven't posted any recent photos of my own kids for ages so I thought it was about time.
Here are a few of them. They are growing up on me! Why does that happen and has anyone figured out how to STOP it?!?!?

2 Beautiful Sisters

2010-03-21T16:35:00.014-04:00

I had the pleasure of shooting these 2 little beauties a couple of weeks ago. They are both so photogenic which makes my job so easy and not to mention GREAT!
Here are a few previews of their session.

Spring Mini Sessions Coming Up!

2010-03-21T16:30:00.005-04:00

Here are the details on the spring mini sessions.

Please be sure to reserve your session time as soon as possible as spots are limited since it will be an all day thing.

If you have an questions just let me know and please feel free to share this with anyone you think may be interested.

Thanks!

Mandy

www.mgtotshots.com

231.937.4814

Some More Recent Sessions...Part II

2010-03-21T16:28:00.005-04:00

Some More Recent Sessions...

2010-03-10T21:07:00.005-05:00

WOW....Long Time No Post!

2010-02-27T12:41:00.004-05:00

Well it has been forever since I have posted a session to the blog. With all of the craziness of the holidays and just life in general the blog has taken the back burner. I hope to start posting more often again. I guess I need to make more time for that! ;)
Anyways.....here is a hodgepodge of photos from recent sessions!

2009 Digital File Sale

2010-01-06T12:57:00.002-05:00

In the attempt to lighten my load of archived DVD's I'm having a really GREAT sale! Anyone who has had a session in 2009 and has already placed an order has the chance to own the rights to ALL of your images from your session. I will provide you with a DVD that contains all of the high resolution images of your session for you to print as you wish. This is perfect for anyone that scrapbooks or just wants more prints of your beautiful images. You can just take the DVD to any printer (like Sam's or Costco) or upload to an online lab like (snapfish) and print away. I don't usually offer these DVD's especially at this discounted price so this is your chance! This special offer will not be offered at any other time this year so take advantage of it now! The DVD will be $250.00 and will contain all of your images from the session! I have an option to buy set up in my accessories store. Please CLICK HERE to go there and purchase your files.

2009 Holiday Mini Sessions...

2009-10-30T13:43:00.001-04:00

They are back! MG Tot Shots will be doing Holiday Mini Sessions again this year. There are a limited number of openings and once they are filled, that's it! So email me asap to reserve your spot! Sessions are available through December 1st so please schedule your session prior to this date to ensure enough time for editing, order placement and delivery. So start planning outfits and thinking dates!
Please feel free to pass this along to anyone that you think may be interested!
(Click on the image to make it bigger....)

Mandy Gould

MG Tot Shots

www.mgtotshots.com

231-937-4814

SPECIAL...SPECIAL...SPECIAL!

2009-10-01T17:37:00.002-04:00

So here is the deal.....do you have a 6 month old? Do you know a 6 month old? If so schedule a session and receive a *FREE* 11x14 Gallery Mount OR *FREE* 16x20 print with your paid session. That is a $120.00 value for *FREE*
I recently did a session with an adorable 6 month old and realized how much I LOVE this age and how much I really enjoy shooting babes at this age. So in honor or Mr. "C" and the great time I had with him I'm offering this special hoping to have a wonderful time with some more great 6 month old's!
So schedule your session ASAP, and as always if you have any questions just let me know and please feel free to tell your friends and family!!

IF I DIDN'T HAVE A DOG... (or 4 )

2009-09-17T18:27:00.005-04:00

I could walk around the yard barefoot in safety.

My house could be carpeted instead of tiled and laminated.

All flat surfaces, clothing, furniture, and cars would be free
Of hair. When the doorbell rings, it wouldn't sound like a kennel.

When the doorbell rings, I could get to the door without wading
Through fuzzy bodies who beat me there.

I could sit on the couch and my bed the way I wanted, without
Taking into consideration how much space several fur bodies would
Need to get comfortable.

I would have money ......and no guilt to go on a real vacation.

I would not be on a first-name basis with 6 veterinarians, as I put
Their yet unborn grand kids through college.

The most used words in my vocabulary would not be: out, sit, down,
Come, no, stay, and leave him/her/it ALONE.

My house would not be cordoned off into zones with baby gates
Or barriers.

My house would not look like a day care center, toys everywhere.

My pockets would not contain things like poop bags, treats and an
Extra leash.

I would no longer have to spell the words B-A-L-L, F-R-I-S-B-E- E,
W-A-L-K, T-R-E-A-T, B-I-K-E, G-O, R-I-D-E

I would not have as many leaves INSIDE my house as outside.

I would not look strangely at people who think having ONE dog/cat
Ties them down too much.

I'd look forward to spring and the rainy season instead of dreading
'mud' season.

I would not have to answer the question 'Why do you have so many
Animals?' from people who will never have the joy in their lives of
Knowing they are loved unconditionally by someone as close to an
Angel as they will ever get.

How EMPTY my life would be!

Twins...

2009-07-16T16:59:00.004-04:00

Okay so by now it is pretty obvious that I can not seem to keep up with everything, especially my blog. This summer has been 100% BUSY!!! I am enjoying all of the sessions that I have been doing.
So here are 2 adorable twins girls from a recent session. Ohh this sessions was a blast!! These 2 babes are just so sweet and full of fun! It was so funny watching them admire their beautiful selves in the mirror. We had a lot of good laughs!!

Oh What Fun....

2009-06-22T15:27:00.004-04:00

This session was so fun!! I had a great time with Miss "O" and her mommy and daddy. She has the sweetest personality and the cutest little voice. To the surprise of me and I think her parents she really likes pine cones :)
I heard stories about the zoo, frogs, and swimming. I love to hear a 2 year old tell a story. Honestly.....I really think nothing beats that.
Well here is a sneak peak from our session yesterday!!

WOW....Naughty Me!

2009-06-17T21:46:00.010-04:00

As you can see it has been forever since I have posted. To be honest it has been crazy around here. We have had all sorts of things happen in the last few weeks. Some good, some sad, and some just plain crazy.
First of all we lost our best friend Rylee 2 weeks ago. To be honest I think I have been avoiding a lot of things including the blog because of this. It is still hard for me to talk about. He was diagnosed with bladder cancer just a few weeks ago. He went down hill sooo fast. I knew that the day was coming and that we were going to have to make a decision but when it came time to actually doing it I lost it. We adopted him from the humane society 11 years ago. We had him before we had kids. He has been a part of my everyday life since before Jess and I were married. He slept with me every night. It is just really hard! It is getting a little easier now but I miss him dearly and think of him all the time. I have a nice 18x24 canvas coming of him to hang in my living room. That way I will get to see his adorable face everyday while sitting on the couch. Alright enough about my Ry guy.....It's getting to me now. :(
On a better note. We are officially horse people now!!! I bought my first horse a little over a month ago and love her. In fact Jess loved riding so much that we ended up getting another horse last week for him. When I was younger I always wished I could have a horse but it never happened. We love riding now. Ava is becoming quite the little cowgirl and adores Betsy. Oakley on the other hand needs some more riding behind him before I dare to let the kids on him. He is a beautiful paint and only 3 years old so he is quite young and being that he was just broke out last year I want one of us to put some time on him before the kids ride him.
Another fun thing that we are looking forward to is the birth of Fiona's puppies. We had her bred the end of April and she had an ultrasound a few weeks ago that revealed that she has at least 3 babies in there. Could be double that though. She will be having a c-section the end of June so I will keep you updated as far as the little baby bulldog puppies go. I'm so excited to see what colors we will end up with.
Well it is June and you know what that means.......IT'S BABY MONTH!!! As most of you know all of my kids were due in June and all but Ava were born in June. She was actually pretty close to making it but came 3 weeks early arriving on May 26. My little Chunk is going to be 4 tomorrow!! I can't believe that! Man what a great 4 years it has been!
I have been super busy with sessions and I can officially say that the summer sessions are in full swing! I think it is going to be a great summer. Please email me ASAP if you would like to book a session as they are filling up pretty fast.
So that is the last month in a half in a nutshell. I have a million sessions to post here so keep checking back to see them and there is a summer contest coming up soon.....stay tuned for details!

~Mandy~

My Rylee.....

and Ry on his favorite spot on the couch

Ivy on my Betsy girl...

and Mr. Oakley

Little Baby Boy...

2009-05-13T19:22:00.004-04:00

Isn't this little guy so perfect?!?!? He is such a little peanut. He was about 6 pounds and totally adorable. He was such a good baby too. I don't think he cried at all during the whole session and he slept so well too. I'm so glad that his mom and dad chose me to take his newborn pictures. I hope to see him back at 6 months for another session!

Another Adorable Baby And Her Big Brother....

2009-05-04T10:43:00.004-04:00

Look her her big brown eyes! Could these babies that I've been getting get any cuter?!?! This little girl was amazing. She was sooo good and full of smiles and an adorable yawn too! I really had a great time with her. Her little brother was pretty handsome himself....he had so much personality. I had a hot dog diggity time with them :) I'm such a lucky girl!

Long Time No Post...

2009-05-01T23:26:00.003-04:00

I have neglected my blog the last month or so. I have been so busy that I don't even know where to start.
I have had many many sessions the last couple of months that have kept me really busy plus I did a production type shoot for Ava's dance studio and that took a lot of time but I must say it was really fun and went really really well. I had a great time doing it and look forward to doing it again next year.
We got a horse and we have been trying to get out and ride her as much as we can but this rainy weather has been a bummer for that. I'm looking forward to some good old summer heat and sun so that I can ride!
Today is our 10 year wedding anniversary so my sister is taking the kids for us tomorrow so that we can go out to dinner and do some shopping and have a nice night all to ourselves. We rarely get anytime to ourselves so I'm really looking forward to it.
I promise to post some pictures from recent sessions and a few of Betsy too (my horse) I can't wait to get out to the river and take some shots of her and Ava together. I have it all planned out in my head but I'm sure it won't go as planned. It never does with kids and animals!
So as promised here are a few pictures from my latest 6 month session.....isn't she a doll?!?!?! Check out those adorable lips and those eyes are to die for! I love this age so much! They are so much fun and show a lot of personality at this age!!! PERFECTION!!!

And The Winner Is.....

2009-03-11T10:10:00.002-04:00

Shelley VanderKolk! Congratulations Shelley! You will receive a FREE 11x14 gallery mount. Your display was beautiful and voted the favorite by fellow photographers by a unanimous vote! Contact me with any questions. Thanks to all the entries I loved seeing everyones displays.

1...2..3 Cute As Can Be!

2009-03-10T20:33:00.005-04:00

I had such a great time with these 3 beauties! It always amazes me how once kids warm up their little personalities just shine though. It is so much fun to see that happen. Little Miss "G" sure knew how to strike some poses!

Economy Special!

2009-03-04T15:50:00.004-05:00

Well I think it is about time for a special for all of you hard working people out there! Has the economy got you down?? Well here is something to cheer you up. Book a session in March or April (session has to take place in March or April) and receive 30% of what you spend in FREE prints. Any prints you want...does exclude canvas prints and coffee table books though. So that means if you spend $250.00 you get $75.00 worth of FREE prints and if you spend $500.00 you get $150.00 worth of FREE prints. The more you spend the MORE you get. You can't beat that! Email Mandy at mgtotshots@charter.net to book your session now! Please feel free to tell your friends!

MG Tot Shots Blog Contest Entries....

2009-03-01T13:42:00.007-05:00

Here are a few of the entries that I have received for the blog contest. The entries will be voted on by 3 other photographers. Here is the link with details of the contest. http://mgtotshots.blogspot.com/2009/01/alright-here-it-is.html
I will post the winner next week after the final vote is counted. Thanks so much for all of the entries. I loved seeing all of the displays. Good luck everyone!

My Lovely Neice Ivy...

2009-02-17T20:19:00.004-05:00

I was the good Aunt on Valentine's day and kept the girls for my sister while she surprised her husband with a night away. Ivy got a new haircut the night before and she was begging for me to take pictures of her new haircut. She is so into being a model lately. Ya gotta love that!
Move over Suri Cruise!~

Ava & Her Best Friend Vincent...

2009-02-12T19:43:00.004-05:00

Ava wanted me to take some pictures of her and Vincent so we went out to the studio and took a few.....she loved it, not too sure about Vincent though. He is such a good little kitty and puts up with so much from the kids.

Contest Update...

2009-02-03T23:52:00.002-05:00

I just wanted to post a quick update to let everyone know that I'm extending the contest until the end of February. I have had a few people that want to enter but couldn't because of one reason or another so I have decided that I would extend it to let these people enter too. Anyone else that still wants to enter still has time. Just email me your pictures of your displays for your chance to win!

All I Can Say Is ADORABLE...

2009-01-28T21:17:00.006-05:00

I had the pleasure of photographing this little guy today. He is the son of our pediatrician and what a little sweetie he was. Is he not the cutest little man ever?!?!? Check out those big blue eyes and that red hair. He was so good and had the sweetest little personality. He had me on the go a few times though.....I had so much fun with him today and we got some really adorable shots!
Enjoy the sneak peak mom ☺

Some Outdoor Fun...

2009-01-19T15:05:00.005-05:00

Just a few from a quick outdoor romp in the snow.....

It Doesn't Get Much Cuter...

2009-01-12T23:36:00.004-05:00

I really love shooting babies at this age. At about 6-7 months they can sit up on their own and have so much personality. I always have such a great time with them. This is the perfect age for their 2nd session....of course after the newborn session.
Look at these eyes......and how could you not want to smooch those chubby little cheeks!

Alright Here It Is....

2009-01-08T14:23:00.004-05:00

It's contest time here at MG Tot Shots. Here is the scoop. I'm looking for the best display of images that I have taken. So here is what you do. Take a few pictures of the area where your pictures are displayed and email them to me at mgtotshots@charter.net
I think this could be really fun and interesting. The one thing that I always wonder when I ship or deliver an order is "I wonder where these are going and how they will look" so now is my chance to see all of the great pieces that you guys have purchased. I will have a panel of judges that consists of 3 other photographers to judge who has the best display. The person that receives the most votes will receive a FREE 11x14 3/4 inch gallery mount! If you have not seen these you need to...they are breathtakingly beautiful! I have a new sample in the studio. So there you have it. Take a few quick pictures of your displayed images and email them to me for your chance to win a FREE 3/4 inch gallery mount valued at $125.00 The contest is open to every client that has ever had a session with me and will run through Jan 24th....(my birthday) so get those pictures taken and email them to me! Good Luck!

Digital File Sale...

2009-01-04T14:12:00.006-05:00

In the attempt to lighten my load of archived DVD's I'm having a really GREAT sale! Anyone who has had a session in 2008 and has already placed an order has the chance to own the rights to ALL of your images from your session. I will provide you with a DVD that contains all of the high resolution images of your session for you to print as you wish. This is perfect for anyone that scrapbooks or just wants more prints of your beautiful images. You can just take the DVD to any printer (like Sam's or Costco) or upload to an online lab like (snapfish) and print away. I don't usually offer these DVD's especially at this discounted price so this is your chance! This special offer will not be offered at any other time this year so take advantage of it now! The DVD will be $250.00 and will contain all of your images from the session! I have an option to buy set up in my accessories store. Please CLICK HERE to go there and purchase your files.

Can't Wait...

2009-01-03T21:27:00.002-05:00

I Love these two!! I can't wait to do their wedding this summer. It will be so much fun. They both are such great, down to earth fun people. I just know that we will have a great time at the wedding in August!

♥ Lazy Dog...♥

2008-12-31T16:26:00.003-05:00

Rylee is getting lazy in his old age. This is his usual position on the couch ☺

A Few From Christmas Morning...

2008-12-29T22:02:00.005-05:00

I have mentioned a few times how Ava is "one of a kind" she is so funny and has a personality like I have never seen before. I swear she is the most happy fun loving child ever. Everything is a big deal to her. If you need proof just watch the video of her losing her first tooth that I posted back on November 23. When ever she receives a gift weather it is a paper bag or toilet paper that gift is the most special, beautiful thing she has ever got!!! Pretty much her exact words. I am so thankful for a child like her! She sure does make us laugh.
Here are a few pics from Christmas morning...as you can see from her expressions she "LOVED" everything! Oh and yes for those of you wondering why she is holding a "clapper" she did get one. Every time the commercial came on for it she would tell us how much she wanted one and that she "just knew" that Santa was going to bring her one for Christmas....so Santa had to :) More of that personality I was telling you about :)

and one of the boys.....they look so thrilled huh?!?!? They are nothing like Ava :)

3 Fab Little Girls...

2008-12-28T19:33:00.004-05:00

I love to watch kids and listen to them talk about the things that interest them. You can really tell a lot about their personalities and it always amazes me how siblings can have completely different personalities. My 3 kids are totally different as were these girls. The older girl was just shy and quiet and just an all around sweet heart, ( like my youngest shy little guy) the middle girl was just like my Ava.....outgoing, and chatty, and so friendly while the youngest was kind of a combination.... ( like my oldest) they were all sweet and fun and I love seeing those little things that makes each one special.
Here are a few shots for their session...

Contest...

2008-12-26T22:35:00.001-05:00

A new blog contest coming soon! Check back often for details...

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T09:03:00.001-05:00

Such A Cute Little Man...

2008-12-24T13:16:00.005-05:00

Isn't this little guy just the cutest with his little pouty face?!?! He is just adorable!!! He really didn't want me taking his pictures but I pulled out a few tricks to get a couple of good ones. My little kitten Vincent worked well....I went in and got Vincent and brought him out to the studio. Mr. B. loved Vincent and even let me get a couple of shots with him and the kitty.

My Girls....

2008-12-20T21:56:00.005-05:00

Well I guess they are not actually mine....they are my sisters but they are as close to mine as you can get! I love my girls! Ivy is my girl.....she loves her "meems" and wants to come over a "stend" the night about 5 days a week although we limit it. Puff (Eve) on the other hand is turning into a little stink butt! She is sassy and just tries to do things to be a stinker. She plays these little games with me, you'd have to see it. She used to be sooo sweet. I think she is discovering herself. It is still cute though :) and I still love her even with a bit of an attitude.
For those of you who don't know...Ivy is the one with the bob and Puff is the one with the dimples :) They are 18 months apart.
I did a little mini session with them for cards for my sister. Now if you only knew my sister. She is soo the opposite of me! I'm of course the big sister with the A type personality and she is the little dependent sister with the "whatever" attitude. She is THE MOST laid back person ever!!! It has always been that way and probably always will. So I said to her..." Hey Al what are you doing for cards this year" and her responce is like always "I don't care whatever you want" so I went shopping and picked out the outfits for the girls and bought them (she of course paid me back) then I took the girls out to the studio and went to work. As far as the cards go that was pretty much the same way. I picked out a card did it up and she said "yup that looks good" and that was it! Well besides me having to print her some address labels too :) Oh me and my sister... we are a great pair! Anyways...I had a ball with the girls....they both have so much personality it is hard not to! Love you girls!

2 Gorgeous Very Fun Kids...

2008-12-19T15:22:00.006-05:00

These 2 little blondies were so much fun. Little Miss "R" was a riot with all of the poses. Little girls are always so good at that...I love it! I hope they had a good time here, I would love to see them back again!

Anyone Need A Last Minute Gift????

2008-12-15T22:37:00.004-05:00

Check these out! Noneez Etsy Store (CLICK HERE)
This is my mom's store. She makes the most beautiful custom collars. Perfect for the dog lover in your life! :) She can make you any length and color. Now here is a gift that not everyone will be giving!

Miss Beautiful and Mr. Handsome!

2008-12-14T22:46:00.003-05:00

I had such a great time with these 2 cuties and their pup! Talk about a photogenic dog! I have never had a dog in the studio that was so willing and able. It was like she was smiling.
The kids were great (well of course they are my niece and nephew) Sometimes I worry about finding the connection between a brother and sister that have a wide age span like with these 2....he is 11 and she is only 3 but no problem they were just sweet as pie together! I always love that! Now attitude she sure knew how to work those "pouty" faces, leave it to Miss K! Too cute!

Busy Time Of Year...

2008-12-12T19:45:00.003-05:00

I think that most photographers will agree that this is a very busy time of year. I really love this time of year though, even though it is busy and crazy I love seeing all of the kids that come in for Christmas pictures.
Here are a few to share!

2 Cute Little Guys...

2008-12-07T13:52:00.002-05:00

These 2 little guys were so cute and so much fun! I just love little boys, well I love the little girls too!

One Of My Favorite Little Babes!

2008-12-05T22:04:00.002-05:00

I just adore this little girl. Her eyes, her personality, her spunk.....she is just too cute! I always have such a great time photographing her and chatting with her mama. Check out those piggy's my goodness the first time I photographed her she barely had any hair.....just another reminder of how fast the time goes by and how fast they really do grow.

Mr. Man...

2008-12-05T00:52:00.002-05:00

Oh this little man......isn't he just the cutest!?!?! I have so enjoyed watching him grow. It is always so much fun! I started out with taking engagement photos of his parents and then newborn shots of him and now look at him! Such a little man!!!! Soon he will be a year old...boy where does the time go!?!?

3 Little Cuties....

2008-12-01T22:06:00.003-05:00

Well it seems as though all of my clients are adding to their families. In fact I had a client call today to schedule a session and she said "well I have a 4 month old now too....." I just love meeting all of the new additions! It seems as though most of them are having their 3rd child too. Well we'll see if they continue on to have a 4th.....those 3rd ones kind of push you over the edge :)
Here are a few from our fun session with new baby "J" and of course a few of his beautiful sisters too!

Holiday Cards....

2008-11-29T22:22:00.002-05:00

I have had some inquiries about holiday cards from a few people that had their session earlier in the year and did not do a mini session. So here is the info for those of you who had sessions earlier in the year.
For those of you that would like to order cards and use a photo taken by me on your cards, YES you may order cards through me. Please let me know if you would like to order cards and need your gallery resubmitted on line so that you can choose an image. The deadline is December 15. Please make sure all card orders are submitted to me by this date to ensure enough time for ordering and delivery of your cards. I have a TON of cards to choose from. They are all in the accessories store so please check it out and see if you have a favorite that you would like to use. If you have any questions just email me at mgtotshots@charter.net
Here are a few examples......there are many more in the accessories store!

2 Beautiful Twin Baby Girls...

2008-11-28T13:10:00.005-05:00

I had a great session with these 2 little twin girls. They were 3 months old and although 3 months can be a tough age I think it went really well and we ended up with a lot of cute shots!

Need A Good Laugh?!?!?

2008-11-23T21:13:00.003-05:00

Check this out! I'm telling you she is definitely one of a kind!

(CLICK ON LINK BELOW)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7Ks-zdckFs

Super Busy...

2008-11-22T22:46:00.004-05:00

Well it is that time of year again where I think that I average about 4 hours of sleep a night. The Christmas rush is in full effect now! I think I have placed orders for about 700 cards now and it isn't even December yet. I love it though!!! I think everyday when I'm editing or shooting a session how lucky I am to be doing something that I truly LOVE!!
I know I have been a really bad blogger this month but I have just been concentrating on getting my sessions edited and all of the orders placed. I want to say a quick thanks to all of my clients for choosing me as your photographer! I have the BEST clients ever!
So here is a quick few from a recent session! Isn't this little newborn girl adorable?!?! I will try to post a few more recent ones in the days to come....we'll see how much sleep I can get this week! :)

Hurry Hurry...

2008-11-12T10:25:00.000-05:00

There are only a few sessions open for November yet so if you want to take advantage of the holiday special please schedule your session as soon as possible. All sessions need to be scheduled prior to December 1st to insure delivery by Christmas.

Little Doll...

2008-11-07T01:20:00.002-05:00

Hey everyone!!! I haven't shared in forever. You know how things go. You get busy and life just keeps moving Here is an adorable 4 month old to share. She was the most happy baby I have ever seen. She was full of beautiful smiles and never fussed...not 1 single time. I had a lovely time with her.
So here they are..... a long over due share

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T07:40:00.002-04:00

Have a safe and Happy Halloween everyone!!!

Holiday Mini Sessions.....

2008-10-25T18:59:00.002-04:00

I have had a lot of people asking about Holiday mini sessions. So here is the info! Yes, I will be doing them again this year. There are a limited number of openings and once they are filled, that's it! So email me asap to reserve your spot! Sessions are available through December 1st so please schedule your session prior to this date to ensure enough time for editing, order placement and delivery. So start planning outfits and thinking dates!
Please feel free to pass this along to anyone that you think may be interested!
(Click on the image to make it bigger....)

Mandy Gould

MG Tot Shots

www.mgtotshots.com

231-937-4814

I Love This Girl!!! (Kristin & Joey)

2008-10-23T17:38:00.008-04:00

I love this girl to death!! This is my sister's best friend and my very good friend Kristin. I don't think I will ever meet another girl like this in my life. To know Kristin is to love her!!! She has been a part of our family since elementary school. She is the most hilarious girl in the world!!! Really....spend 1 night with her and you will see :) She also has the best heart. She would literally give you the shirt off her back. I am so happy that Kristin found Joey. He is a great guy and TRULY loves her.....that is definitely apparent when you see the two of them together. One of the best things about him is seeing Joey with Kristin's two little girls. It just melts my heart!!! Oh my gosh does he love those girls and they just adore him!!! They are truly blessed and really have something special!! I wish you guys nothing but the best!! I love you both have a great time in Mexico and get working on those babies!!! :)

I caught this sweet little moment between Joey and Kristin's youngest daughter

Joey and the girls
My sister.....really enjoying her champagne :)
My little darling Ava caught the bouquet
Yeah.....they got eachother good, but Kristin did start it!

A Strapping Senior...

2008-10-19T21:39:00.002-04:00

I had a wonderful time with this young man and his mom. A short story for ya.....I knew he was tall but I really didn't realize how tall until I had him positioned up against a wall and I thought boy he is tall. What was really funny is that we were a good 45 minutes into the session until I realized this and said "boy how tall are you anyway?" and he replied with 6'6".......I knew he was tall but holy smokes!!

I've Been Tagged!

2008-10-07T20:21:00.005-04:00

The rules:
1. Post the rules on your blog.
2. Write 7 random things about yourself.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post.
4. Pass on the tag.

1. I'm very family orientated. I have 1 sister and we see each other daily. My mom lives about 5 houses down from me and I talk to her at least 3 times a day.

2. I have this weird fear of alligators/crocodiles. I see them on TV and get all nervous. The everglades disgust me. I never in a million years would ever go out on one of those air boats in the glades.....NOPE, NO WAY!

3. I have very strong political views and I'm not afraid to voice my opinion when it comes to them!

4. I don't cook much at all. My husband gets stuck with that job most of the time. He is just plain better at it than I am.

5. My sister and I had babies exactly 1 year apart, in the same delivery room with the same doctor delivering.

6. A high school teacher once tried to suspend me for swearing....and it was not even me that said the word in question.

7. I have a weird obsession with doctors, surgeries and Angelina Jolie and the Jolie/Pitt crowd.

I have tagged: Lindsey, Patti, Jessica, Amy, Brenda, Jen, and Rebecca...have fun ladies!

Senior Time....

2008-09-30T00:18:00.003-04:00

It is such a nice change of pace to have a senior. I love having a variety of clients. From children, to weddings, families and seniors. I really love it all!
This girl was so nice and willing to do anything. She was so much fun. We got some nice shots and had a good time doing them....you can't beat that! Oh and she came to me as a referral from some really great people so a shout you to you Mike & Robin :)

I'm Back!!!

2008-09-28T14:55:00.007-04:00

Well it seems like forever since I have posted. After having a few weeks "off" to recover I'm back and ready to roll. When I say "off" I mean just not shooting sessions. I was still working a lot! I had tons of emails to answer, info packets to get out, wedding albums to design and what seemed like a never ending pile of sessions to edit! I'm happy to say that I think I am all caught up.
Here are a few images from my last wedding. I have a few more weddings to shoot before the end of the year. What a busy year!
Such a nice couple!

The Big One...

2008-09-14T19:57:00.003-04:00

Well as I mentioned in my previous post I received my long awaited canvas. I had been waiting which seemed like forever to get a good picture of all 3 of my kids together. I had this particular shot in my head for awhile and it was just finding what I needed waiting for the right day and going with it. Of course it didn't go quite as planned but I managed to get one shot that I thought would work for my canvas. Anyways....the canvas turned out gorgeous!!! I had a collage on my wall of about 20 framed pictures and I made husband patch all of the nail holes and repaint the wall so I could get one BIG canvas. Yeah, he was beyond thrilled ;) The canvas is 32x48 and looks great on my newly decorated wall.
Here are a couple of shots to show you how big it actually is.....my kids looks so excited huh?!?!? :)

Long Time No Post....

2008-08-29T17:34:00.002-04:00

I just wanted to let everyone know that I'm doing great and everything went really well!
I am really missing my camera and my clients for that matter! I think I will have to take Ava out to the studio and get a few shots. It is really weird not having taken any photos in a couple of weeks.
I received my canvas of all 3 of my kids and it is gorgeous and enormous!! I'll have to take a few shots of it and post them to show you just how big it is.
September is filling up super fast and October is starting to get busy too so if you know that you want to book a session please get in touch with me to schedule something.
Have a safe and happy holiday weekend!!!!

Love Her!

2008-08-10T14:37:00.004-04:00

I love this little girl so much! She reminds me of Ava as a little girl. I have taken her pictures for a while now and from the first time I saw her I was in love her her eyes!! She had these big blue eyes and this cute little high pitch scream, it was adorable!!!
It is so neat to see my clients grow older and bigger. I love watching them emerge into little people of their own with their own minds and personalities. If she grows up to be anything like her mama she will be a wonderful person!!!

My Little Harry Potter...

2008-08-08T21:24:00.001-04:00

Gotta love kids being goof balls :) He reminded me so much of Harry Potter!

SALE....In Honor Of My Little Rascals :)

2008-07-27T13:25:00.003-04:00

Well I finally managed to get a shot of my 3 babes together. I had the shot planned out in my head for quite a while and have just been waiting for the right opportunity to do it. Getting 3 kids to all look great in 1 shot is a lot harder than it looks. One of them is always not looking or picking on the other....it is always something. But I did manage to get one that I like well enough for a new canvas. Oh my husband will be so thrilled about hanging another one :) So in honor of achieving the impossible I'm having a 20% off canvas sale for all of you!! Any size any shape, whatever your little heart desires. You just have to place your order by July 31st to receive the 20% discount.
Happy Canvas Shopping!!!

2 Sweet Little Beauties.....

2008-07-26T16:25:00.004-04:00

I told mom I would post a little sneak peak for her....so here are a few :)
Aren't these 2 little girls adorable?!?!? I love it when a client comes in and tells me what they want. I always make sure to ask if they want anything specific. I do like to be creative and like it when they say "go for it, do whatever" too. After all I really want to give them what they want. Mom had a couple of really great ideas of what she wanted and her shots are going to look great how she is going to display them. I can tell that we have the same taste and would get along really well......:) Here are the cuties :) :)

New 2009 Calendar Sets...

2008-07-25T12:06:00.004-04:00

I have a new set of 2009 calendars that I am offering. These are sooo cute! They come in a 5x7 size and there are 12 different styles, one for each month. They also come with a little desk top frame. So all you have to do is pull them out of the frame and replace with the new current month. These also make a great gift.
Here are some samples :)

Wordle...

2008-07-24T15:52:00.007-04:00

I saw this on a friends blog and thought I would give it a go. There is this website that will take words from your blog or website and make a cute little collage out of them...I thought it was kind of fun. So anyways here is a little collage from Wordle with words from my blog.

Happy Birthday Fiona....

2008-07-23T17:22:00.004-04:00

Well today is Fiona's 1st birthday.....now the puppy days are gone and hopefully she will act more like an adult dog now too :) Here are some new pictures of her.

They Don't Get Much Cuter...

2008-07-22T14:37:00.002-04:00

I swear you never ever see her without a smile.....I wish I had her serotonin levels :)

Check Out This Whopper!!

2008-07-19T13:15:00.004-04:00

Along with the warm weather of summer comes bare feet! I swear between Chunk and Eve they have had about 20 slivers already. I have told them you have to keep shoes on. But I have never seen one this big before! Poor little Chunk. He has had the worst luck with them. In fact 2 days after he had this huge one he got one underneath his big toe. He must drag his feet across the deck when he walks. You would think that would teach a kid to keep some sandals on huh!??! Check out those nice dirty pigs.

Hi Guys!!!

2008-07-15T01:17:00.006-04:00

I had the pleasure of photographing Jason and Lori's wedding on Saturday. This couple is not only THE nicest couple that I have ever met but honestly they are truly the most outgoing, laid back, fun loving, genuine people that I have ever met!!! I can not say enough good things about them! They are truly great people! I don't think I have ever enjoyed photographing a wedding like I did theirs.

Their ceremony was held at a great little chapel on the campus of MSU. It was absolutely perfect!!! And the reception was held at one of the most gorgeous country clubs that I have ever been to. It was all around perfect!!!
Lori and Jason were so great and up for anything...really a photographers dream couple!!!
Here are a few favorites of mine for a little preview for you guys!
Thanks so much for choosing me as your photographer for your special day. I am truly honored!! I wish you both the very best in all that you do and have a wonderful time on your honeymoon, it sounds FAB!!!

Love the clouds in this one :)

see what fun they were!

and what is a wedding on the MSU campus with out "Sparty"

Just A Few....

2008-07-11T01:18:00.003-04:00

Here is a little sneak peak from my session tonight. We had a great session. The lighting was great, nice and overcast and the kids were wonderful!!! I have been shooting these 6 little ones for a couple of years now and now that they are getting older they are so good and showing so much personality!! Boy what a couple of years will do huh?!?! Oh and I have to say that I LOVE the image of the twins! What little sweetie pies. I must say these guys are my favorite six pack. ;)

We Have A Winner!!!

2008-07-10T00:34:00.002-04:00

With 36% of the votes #1, the gorgeous Miss Ava is the winner!!! Thanks to everyone that voted.
To Ava's mommy, your FREE 10x10 gallery mount will be sent to you ASAP!

New Product...

2008-07-09T14:51:00.006-04:00

I have been trying to figure out for a while now which type of jewelry is most popular with my clients and I have come to the conclusion that my clients like a simple pendant and a simple bracelet. I was offering a lot of different types of jewelry pieces but after thinking about this for quite sometime I have decided to offer only tile pendants and 1 bracelet.
So here it is....... the new bracelet!! It is a nice piece and VERY reasonably priced. It is a stretch bracelet so it fits everyone and it has 6 individual spots for pictures, which is great for everyone because it accommodates those of you with 2 children (3 of each child) people like myself with 3 children (2 of each child) and even those of you with 6 children.....right Melissa!?!?!? ;)
Here are a few sample images. If you would like further info on the bracelets or pendants for that matter just send me an email. The bracelets can be ordered via my on-line shopping cart here MEMORY BRACELETS

Just A Fun Summer One Of Ava...

2008-07-07T23:44:00.002-04:00

I haven't had a lot of time to take a ton of pictures of my kids this summer although I did manage to get a few. One of my mom's friends had a ton of daisies in their yard and told me to come on over and take some pictures. We got over there and had been there for about 5 minutes and it started to rain. Well if any of you know Ava you know that she is deathly afraid of storms, and of course once it starts to even sprinkle she thinks that a storm is to follow so needless to say I got about 5 shots and she was freaking so we had to take off. I wanted to go back and get some more shots but haven't been back yet. It was a great location. I could have went wild there. We'll see what the week brings....
I couldn't decide which one I like better the more vintage toned one or the full color version.

Alright I Said It Was Coming......Here It Is! MG Tot Shots Contest Time...

2008-07-03T14:08:00.008-04:00

Welcome to MG Tot Shots best/favorite picture summer 2008 contest. This is how it works....cast your vote for what you feel is the best or your favorite picture of summer 2008. I picked 6 pictures at random. Whatever picture receives the most votes will be declared the winner. Mommy of the child chosen will win a *FREE* 10x10 gallery mount of the winning shot. So go ahead and let all of your friends and family know about the contest and tell them to vote. The poll will be open for 7 days starting today so make sure to vote vote vote! Good Luck to all of the adorable children that are featured in the contest. To all of the other adorable children that were not featured keep checking back for the next contest and don't forget to book your next session to increase your odds! GOOD LUCK!!!

You Never Know....

2008-06-27T21:00:00.004-04:00

So as a photographer you are always looking for "the light" when you are shooting an outdoor session. Sometimes the lighting is good and sometimes it is not. You just have to look around and see where the light is the best.
I had an great time with these guys!!! I had a session with them last year and you wouldn't believe how much these cuties have changed!!! Last time I shot them the little girl was pretty much a baldie.....now look at her gorgeous hair!!!! I was so shocked at the amount of hair she has now. And the curls....oh so cute!!!
Anyways.....more about the light. So we are outside shooting and I decide that the light is pretty great in these tall weeds. So I take the kids over there and start shooting. Mom and Dad probably thought I was insane. I know they had to be thinking we have all of this beautiful landscaping and you stick my kids in the weeds????? So, if you are ever wondering what in the heck I'm doing shooting in some strange location that looks a little less than appealing that is why :)

So Do You Believe This....

2008-06-24T22:32:00.004-04:00

Here are a couple of shots of all of us happy photographers at the I Shot Someone In Detroit Workshop. What is so funny is that we couldn't seem to get a single group shot. We had some point and shoot cameras and do you think one of us knew how to work those things!?!? Nope!! I guess we are so used to our professional SLR cameras that a point and shoot is foreign to us :) You should have seen the cameras falling off from chairs and self timers going off at random times, it was a hoot. Needless to say we did manage to get one salvageable image, thanks to Anita and her trusty SLR set up on a chair with the self timer!! :) We had such a good time at the workshop, and the party bus wasn't too bad either :)

Summer Blog Contest Coming Soon!

2008-06-23T23:43:00.003-04:00

MG Tot Shots will be holding it's annual blog contest coming very soon, watch for more details coming soon!!
So now is the time to schedule your session if you want to be a part of the contest!!

Oh The Baby Boys.....

2008-06-20T23:14:00.003-04:00

Ok so anyone who knows me knows that I am a complete baby freak! I mean I see a newborn in Wal-Mart and I get all maternal. I know I'm a freak but I actually miss going down the baby isle to buy diapers, and I still find myself strolling down those isles to see if any new cool pacifiers have come out. I know weird right!?!?
For some reason the baby boys seem to really do it to me. Maybe it is because my first child was a boy and seeing a little newborn boy brings back so many memories of being pregnant and having my first baby. I mean I loved being pregnant with my other 2 but there is nothing like being pregnant for your first. All of the excitement and the unknown.....I loved every second!
Isn't this little guy 100% adorable!?!?? I fell in love with him instantly!! He looked sooo much like my little guys as babies. Oh those sweet memories of sleeping next to a newborn and hearing their little noises and breast feeding all day long......now those were the days!

Happy Birthday Chunk and Ivy!!!

2008-06-19T21:54:00.002-04:00

I can't believe that my little Chunk is already 3! Yes, he had his third birthday yesterday. Actually him and Ivy both. Well Ivy celebrated her 4th birthday. They were both born on the same day 1 year apart. Leave it to me and my sister.
They had a great time at their mini party last night, each with their own cake.
Please excuse my not so appealing very "snappy" snap shots :) Yes I'm a regular picture taking mom at birthday parties too :)

I Shot Someone In Detroit!

2008-06-18T00:17:00.008-04:00

Well I have have had a great couple of days hanging out and shooting in Detroit with a bunch of fantastic fellow photographers.
Thanks so to all of our gorgeous models for their willingness to be shot all day long!!! A big thanks to Amy Michelle and Chris for all of the hard working planning and organizing this event!
Here are some images from the "I Shot Someone In Detroit" workshop...I have a ton more but I'm pretty wiped out and have to prepare for my little man's birthday party tomorrow.
~ENJOY~

2 Little Sweeties...

2008-06-14T15:42:00.002-04:00

I had so much fun at this session. These 2 little sweeties were so fun and they both had wonderful personalities. I love the expressions that I got from them. Nothing like true joy! The image with their dog is one my favorite images ever. I love how both kids have wonderful expressions and they just look like they are having so much fun and love their dog so much.

Little Puddle Jumpers

2008-06-09T22:26:00.001-04:00

It has rained so much lately, and I mean not just rain but down pours and thunderstorms.
The kids decided that they would make the best of it....

A Little Sneak Peek From Yesterdays Wedding.

2008-06-08T17:13:00.010-04:00

Just a little sneak peek from yesterdays wedding. Oh my goodness it was sooo hot!!! It was quite scorching in the church with no A/C but everyone was so great and such troopers. The wedding was beautiful and the reception was so much fun.
I just love the shots of the groom with his mom. They really touched my heart and you could just see what a great relationship they have and what a close family they were. It is so nice to see a guy show affection toward his mom like that. I can only hope that the day that my little men get married, that the precious moments like these are shared and captured.
Zack and Maggie thanks so much for letting me share in your perfect, beautiful day!!!!
Here are a couple of sneak peek images for you guys!!

Aren't they just adorable!!!!

Groom giving his mom a great big bear hug "pick her up style" after their dance.

My Little Girl Turned 5!!!

2008-05-28T20:22:00.001-04:00

Well Ava's 5th birthday was on Monday (Memorial Day) I really can not believe how fast these past years have gone by. You hear people say how time flies all the time and are like yeah whatever but honestly it is the truth. It seems like just yesterday I had this newborn baby girl with huge blue eyes and now when I look at her I see a little girl......gosh it makes me all emotional and sad. Oh well what can ya do?!?!? You can't freeze them in time and keep them babies forever although I wish I could sometimes.
She here she is a proud 5 year old little girl!

Yes, I Swear I Have A Bit Of OCD....

2008-05-22T16:55:00.006-04:00

I couldn't decide if I liked the color ones better or the texture ones above better so I posted both versions

I swear I have a bit of OCD, when it comes to perfecting something or getting something figured out I'm the type of person that can not rest and does not give up until it is complete or figured out!!! It is so bad sometimes that I either can not go to bed at all and I'm up all hours of the night or when I finally do go to sleep I dream about it!!! I know I'm crazy!
Anyways more beautiful sky pictures from my off camera flash practice.

Some More From Today...

2008-05-18T21:55:00.002-04:00

I had a session this afternoon and while I was outside shooting I once again noticed the beautiful sky that was filed with huge clouds, so after I got home I decided that I would take Chunk out this time to try a few more off camera techniques. The sky was more grey today and like I said just full of big puffy clouds and wind galore boy it was windy in the big open field!! What a great day for some practice though!!

One Busy Day....

2008-05-17T16:05:00.002-04:00

I have had a totally busy day today. We started off with a soccer game this morning and were home long enough to change and then we went to Ava's dance recital, she did so good! It was the cutest thing to watch.
Now Jess is off for a bike show this weekend with Kyle and my sister has to work so I will have all five kids all night and then during the day tomorrow too. Plus I have a semi-pro baseball game that I'm shooting tomorrow afternoon also. Needless to say I needed a little bit of fun free shooting. The sky was so pretty this afternoon so I took Boo out and got some shots using my flash off camera.....I just wish we could have went to the beach and done them now that would have been fun!

Total Cuteness...

2008-05-16T13:39:00.002-04:00

I had so much fun with this family! They were all great! Isn't the little one totally adorable with those big brown eyes, and the older girls WOW! All of them are beauties.
Here are a few from our fun filled session!

Happy Mother's Day!

2008-05-11T19:14:00.001-04:00

I just wanted to take a minute and say "HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY" to all of my gorgeous, amazing, inspiring, wonderful, loving (client) moms!! I hope you all had a wonderful day!!!

It's Live!!!

2008-05-10T15:21:00.003-04:00

Well my new website is now live!! YAY, all of that time finally paid off. I still have some updates to make to it as far as adding more images but at least it is viewable to all of you! My senior/wedding site is still being updated too. I hope to have all updates complete with in the next few days.

Under Construction...

2008-05-08T23:59:00.001-04:00

I just wanted to let everyone know that my website is under construction. I'm in the final process of updating my children's site and switching my senior/wedding site over.
What a lot of work!!! But once complete the 2 sites are going to be GREAT!!
I hope to have things complete with in 48-36 hours!

As I Said....

2008-04-28T14:40:00.002-04:00

I said that I was going to post some shots from some recent sessions and now I finally have a spare moment to do it.....so here are some shots of some GORGEOUS sisters as promised.
Seriously, these girls look wayyy older than they are. Each one of them are beautiful!!

I'm Loving This Awesome Weather...

2008-04-20T20:38:00.002-04:00

Well finally spring has sprung and I couldn't be happier!! I love the warm weather and can not wait for all of the flowers to bloom and for everything to be green again.
I have been pretty busy and it seems like I have been neglecting the blog. I promise I will post some resent sessions soon. It seems like I don't have a free minute between potty-training, dance, soccer, and watching my sister's girls. I did manage to grab my camera this afternoon and get this shot of Ava though....did I mention I love this weather!?!?!?