Wendy Martin Photography

New Blog!!

2008-07-28T16:53:00.003-04:00

Hey everyone! Come check out my fancy new blog! I'll be posting to that blog from now on- the pictures from this blog will be archived in my new one. This will be tied into my website (which isn't done yet!) so don't click on the website button- but I know you will. That's ok. I don't mind!

Come and check it out!

Click HERE!

Have a great day!

Camp Carpenter

2008-07-21T23:27:00.001-04:00

I had the pleasure of doing a family shoot in Galesburg (I didn't know where it was either!) with my dear neighbor's family. What a fun place! Despite the mosquitos, we got some great shots! Thanks for having me at the compound- here are a few teasers!

Yep. Loving her, big time. What a honey!

I also got a new logo- I'm going to be switching over to a pro photo blog/website soon and needed a logo--- tell me what you think! Courtesy of Miss Carly! I love her stuff- she's so talented!

A wedding post tomorrow!

Up North...

2008-07-19T23:17:00.001-04:00

Here in Michigan, everyone knows what it means to go "Up North"- You go up 75 or 127 and you go up!!

We'll the Martin's took a much needed vacation to the Little Bear Beach Cottage and had a great time- here is a peek of the week...

We learned by day 2 to never let Monkey go down to the beach without a bathing suit "or Baby Suit" as she calls it--- 2 year old + lake= laundry.

This plus this plus this=

Mmmmmmmm... that photo collage was my shout out to PDub---

(The Pioneer Woman- if you haven't read her blog- go now. Do it. Then let me know in 2 days when you have come up for air and look around and realize that 2 days have gone by.)

When you follow the above recipe, you get this:

Yep- Zoe is drooling. And wet. She fetched for 7 straight days. And begged for smores. She's been asleep since we got back. And she smells. Anyone want to dog-sit?

Zoe in action, Daddy in action, I got off my chair long enough to take a pic of the action. Whew. Then I sat back in the chair to relax again.

Bug barely let me take this pic- he was too happy to sit, must have been the 8-12 smores he had. His smores consisted of marshmallows and random pieces of chocolate he stole from me.

My world...

I'll be back soon to blog/post pics of 2 weddings, and a variety of kid/family/senior shoots as well! Thanks for your patience if you are waiting for sneak peeks! I just wanted you to all know that I was still here!

Have a great day!

Abbey + Eric 6-28-08

2008-07-01T00:16:00.001-04:00

Wow. I have to say it again. Wow. What a day! I know I have 2 other weddings to blog, but I had to prepare some images for something special (more later on that secret!) so they were ready and I had to blog them...

Abbey and Eric got married at the historic Gordon Hall in Dexter this past Saturday, this was the first wedding to be held there and to sum it up: amazing. The details that Abbey put into her day were impeccable- it was a photographers dream wedding, the great formula: beautiful location + stunning bride + groom in uniform + beautiful weather= over 2500 pictures taken! Seriously, she was brought in on a horse drawn carriage! The flower girls pulled a wagon that said "just married" , the list goes on and on! I was thrilled to have a second shooter that day, Rachael and we had a blast!

Here are some detail shots...

Rachael and I call this shot "the Dustin" (you know you love it, D!)

They made their own wine for the tables-- of course I had to put the rings on them!

Love this old chair and the colors in her flowers! The small beaded purple flowers were from her great grandmother...

The lush grounds of Gordon Hall were decorated beautifully- mason jars with candles lit up the evening... each detail was amazing... the flowers and decorations were done by Sandi Bostwick of Ruby Slippers Designs, they were simply perfect!

I DID NOT pose this picture!! This is one of the honey flower girls showing a butterfly toy to the ring bearer... so cute I could eat em...

Mom and her girls... mom was having a tough time- from tears to lost contacts to bloody noses! But she got it all together! :) I'd cry too if I had these gorgeous girls for daughters! (I do have 1 gorgeous girl!)

The couple were married on the front porch of the Hall- it was beautiful...

I mean seriously- a photographers dream! They cut the cake with a saber for god's sakes! I need more memory cards... please? Anyone?

Their dance was choreographed by a great guy with real ties to Dancing With The Stars- I'm not kidding!

Both Abbey and Eric graduated from Dexter High and Abbey's mom teaches at the high school so they have many close ties with the Dexter area... we went downtown and had a ball with pictures- Eric was game for anything! It must be the hockey player in him!

I love this pic... the light was yummy!

My urban bride...

can't decide which I like better- what do you think?

Stunning...

As we were walking down an alley, we came across this metal art sculpture/gate that was a man and a woman holding hands... how perfect! I love the reds in it...

Before we lost the light, I asked Abbey if she wouldn't mind trudging through a field to get a shot- she was

great, replying, "I'm only getting married once!" I love the results!

Thank you Abbey & Eric for letting me capture your day- you two were so much fun! My MVC (most valuable couple! :) ) I could write paragraphs about the wedding but my arms are still in recovery from holding my big camera and taking over 2500 shots.... seriously, I'm amazed my computer didn't cry when I loaded them! If anyone is planning a wedding in the future, you should check this place out- it was a perfect summer wedding--

More soon!

Hey if you are reading, leave me a quick comment- I'd love to know who's out there! Comments are a blogger's payday- we love 'em, and there is a possibility that if we don't get comments, we may be subject to random acts of crying and irrational behavior. More than the usual. :)

Have a great 4th of July! Stay safe!

Where have I been??

2008-06-24T23:01:00.001-04:00

Well.... My goal was to blog one or twice a week, but instead it's been too long! I've been thinking about you, does that count?? Life has been a bit on the busy side. I ended my school year on the 13th and packed up my career for the time being. I'm taking next year off to be a sahm and a photog... guess I'll get my bon bon's ready and my matching workout outfits for each day of the week. Right? Hmm... maybe not. But I'm happy to say that we are finally getting into a routine-- Daddy is home from Europe (a day late... which inadvertently caused me to get stitches in my knuckle... you know if your fault, Mr. Martin... ok, maybe not.) and we are done driving back and forth to Novi each day. Ya-hoo!

I've had lots of fun sessions, kids, family- 2 weddings and I'm doing a huge wedding this weekend which will be big fun. Oh yeah- and 3 shoots on Friday! I'm bringing along a 2nd shooter, Rachael, to my wedding this Saturday , so that will be a ton of fun! A big Dexter wedding with lots of surprises planned! Stay tuned for sneak peeks.

Here is a sampling of what has been keeping me up editing till the wee hours of the morning.... god I love Starbucks. Could they please put one in Dexter?

First off- I did this shoot of some of our neighborhood friends at their grandparents farm in Dexter- such cute kids- I can't stand it... Their Dad is eagerly awaiting the whole session--- tonight for sure!

Then I did another session with one of my favorite teachers from Novi- her little one is so stinking cute--- I know Mommy is eagerly awaiting the rest of the pics... soon!

Then I went to a first birthday party/photoshoot at the Butterfly Gardens at the Detroit Zoo with this little cutie and her super nice family---

I also did 2 weddings which I'll post more teasers of as I continue to edit the massive amount of pics I took! Seriously, can't I control myself? Not when you have gorgeous brides and fun wedding parties like these 2 did!

And if all that wasn't enough fun- I did tons of Miracle League pictures for 2 weekends!

My friend Melissa Mooradian and I do the pics for them- team pictures and such. This is our second year and we just love it- the families really like us- the fact that we are both special education teachers and photographers really puts them at ease, and hey- we take great pictures! :) On one Saturday, Jeremy Bonderman came out to spend some time with the kids and sign autographs. I can't stress enough how wonderful this organization is... check out this link and see how cool it is!

How fun to have Jeremy Bonderman run the bases with you!

He was so great with the kids... they loved him!

So that's my monster post for tonight!

I hope this summer finds you so far with power, dry, happy and enjoying the sun on your face- we sure are!

For Daddy...

2008-06-08T22:43:00.001-04:00

Bug and Monkey's Daddy has been in Europe since June 1st and he doesn't come home until Wednesday... per his request, here are some pics of his kiddos--- I can't guarantee that I didn't make any immature sounds to make them smile! :) We miss you...

Can't wait to see you on Wednesday! cpp...

Got Sleep?

2008-06-08T13:30:00.002-04:00

It's the last week of school for me! For a while!!! (I'm not going back next year, leave of absence, stay at home mom, photographer...etc.) But it's so busy right now, I have a tons of shoots to edit- be patient, they are coming! And I also have to pack up my classroom... oh yeah, Hubby is in Europe until Wednesday! So sleep is in order, maybe I'll have time in July...

Here are some peeks of 2 sessions...

This is a favorite family of mine and Little Man G is the boyfriend of my Monkey... they go to Miss Donna's together and his mom is an such an amazing person! I adore her!

Mom, are you going to be able to say "No" to these eyes?

These guys were so much fun! To my photog friends- doesn't it make you happy when you have such an awesome family to take pictures of???

Little Baby A was so serious... but what a honey! Her mommy was the recipient of a gift certificate from some of her friends... what a good idea for a baby shower! :)

Have a great week and stay tuned for even more sneak peeks!

Prom...

2008-05-29T22:50:00.002-04:00

On the way home from a very cool photoshoot tonight, my little brother called. Assuming I was in the middle of the bedtime/bath/kid rodeo he said, "Do you have time for a quick question?". Because my darling husband was home doing the rodeo for me, I said I had time for a long question. He asked (thinking he was being funny...) "What's the meaning of life?" I told him.

I was asked by our dear friends Kay and Bill to come and take pictures of their son J and his friends before prom. J is a senior at Franklin High School in Livonia, Michigan and tonight was the big night... Prom! J is part of the "FTP" Franklin Transition Program at Franklin High and this is a special education program. They were having about 20 kids meet at the home of one of the seniors to do pictures and take a limo to prom. Being a special education teacher--- I of course said "Heck yeah!" when Kay asked. I'm pretty sure that I had way more fun--- how lucky was I--- to get to take pictures of great kids- unbridled joy- excitement- pure fun. These are a bit more posed than what I normally do-- but how cute are these guys! I just can't stand it.

Um... love her!! What a honey!

So to answer your question Little Brother... the meaning of life for today, is to take the time... to watch the smiles, catch the energy, see the positive in it all and to dance your heart out...

Baby Ryan

2008-05-19T21:29:00.001-04:00

My dear friend, college roommate and fellow dancer of 80's tunes, Cathy, had a beautiful baby boy on Friday- I am smitten! He is such a little man--- it was so much fun to meet him today. His big brother (and one of Bug's best friends) is so proud! The little man was over 9 pounds so I have nominated his mommy for an award. I'm not sure what award it would be, but she deserves it. It's a joy to watch her handle/parent/love her two boys with such a natural style of parenting- she's a great mom!

Here is a sneak peek from hanging out today--- I have so much editing to do, but I can't stop playing with these images- he's too cute!!

This little puppy was picked out by Big Brother-- how cute is that...

Have a great night everyone!

Makes me smile...

2008-05-14T22:52:00.003-04:00

How can this not make you smile?? This is my littlest one- I affectionately call her Monkey- so that's how will refer to her on this blog- she's 2 1/2 and sassy as ever- but when Daddy is tossing you in the air- life is great!

So cute I can't stand it.

My big boy Bug (I've called him that since he was a little June Bug) had a soccer game this past weekend and it's so fun to watch 4 year olds play- lots of reminders of which way to run and a big emphasis on fun---

Here is Bug in action!

With Daddy is Europe, and these 2 to corral- I'm a bit behind on my editing- so be patient! Look for more teasers soon! I'm wrapping up my school year- 19 days to be exact-- scary craziness. But I'm stoked to be home and be able to be creative and get the sleep a mommy/teacher/photographer/dog feeder deserves. It's only fair, right?

Stay tuned for some senior pictures specials--- a fund raiser shoot to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma society- for some crazyass reason, I've decided to train for a 1/2 marathon in October! I'll tell you all more about it later, but click here to donate to my cause!

And to my dear friend Margaret....

The kids and I went to Seattle over February break and I prepped them for the plane ride, and where we were going, and thought I covered everything. On the plane, Bug asked when we were going to see Addle. "What??" I replied, slightly confused.

"When are we going to see Addle?" Bug stated again.

Then I got it--- I've been saying for weeks- "We are going to Seattle soon!" get it--- "see" "addle". So my ever so thoughtful friend Margaret showed my son Addle. When we got to Pike Street Market, she took a detour to show us Addle. Here he is!

She cracked herself up.

But here you are--- officially on my blog, so stop your whining already! I'm busy and you don't pay me! :) :)

Hey- make sure to leave me a comment if you are reading! I'd love to hear from you-- a popular blog thing is to do giveaways! Maybe someday.....

Have a great night!

Bear with me...

2008-05-09T22:44:00.001-04:00

Another test!

TESTING!

2008-05-09T22:39:00.000-04:00

Testing another site!

Testing!

2008-05-09T22:20:00.002-04:00

Checking out how to post other pics! Here is one of my favorite people- H.D.

Tricia + Jake

2008-05-05T22:15:00.006-04:00

"I'm so gonna blog that!"
Tricia would be disappointed if I didn't say that!!

I had the privilege of photographing Tricia and Jake's reception at the beautiful Fox Hills Golf Club last Friday in Plymouth, Michigan. The rain stopped just in time for us to head outside and take some shots-it turned out to be a gorgeous evening. They were married in the Riviera Maya on April 26th. I had offered to go and take pictures there but apparently they have photographers down there... bummer!

She was a stunning bride and you can tell these two are so much in love- it was so much fun to get to know them- a great laid back couple who have a long happy life in front of them!

Aren't they so in love! :)

Caught this image just as the sun went down- pretty cool, huh?Bride gettin' her groove on...

A serious work photo. I won't say where they work. They work very, very hard. :)

Thanks for letting me share your day, Tricia and Jake!

Baby Reece...

2008-04-24T23:02:00.006-04:00

My dear friend, fellow photographer, team teacher.... welcomed her beautiful baby boy into the world yesterday- you may recall the maternity pics I did of her, scroll below to see the "before"! Mom and Dad are so in love with this little man... there are no words to describe how happy they are! I had the pleasure of meeting the little guy today and he's gorgeous- with a ton of hair, long monkey toes and these long fingers... he's perfect and I'm smitten!! Congrats Mom and Dad! I'm so proud!!! Enjoy the pics! I posted way too many... couldn't help it!

I'm so stinkin' happy for her, I can't even stand it. You rock, M!

Senior Pics

2008-04-21T22:08:00.004-04:00

Here are some pics of a senior at Novi High--- I'm proud to say that I'm the first person to take pictures of him-- ever... He's proof that you can rise up from anything...What a gentleman- so polite and thankful. He did tell me I was goofy- but I told him that's what makes me a good photographer- I can get real smiles, and let's be honest... I am goofy. Doesn't his smile light you up? Best of luck to him at Western next year! Oh--- he told me when he's famous, I'm going to be his official photographer. Sweet.

He wanted a "tough" pose--- I still like his smile better! :)

Enjoy the spring weather!

Editing...

2008-04-18T22:33:00.005-04:00

Hi there- some people have asked what software I use to edit my pictures- I have Photoshop CS3, and I use Photoshop Lightroom as a digital workflow tool- I love both! I just got done with a photoshop CS3 class and learned so much- I highly recommend taking a class if you are interested in taking your photography to the next level--- There is a great new freebie software out there, while I've always been a fan of Picassa, Photoshop just came out with a new free editing/software program called Photoshop Express, it's received great reviews and as my hubby says, "Hey, it's Photoshop for Dummies!" To quote Dustin, "It cost free dollars and free cents". The more you play the better you get!
I'll post more pics this weekend-I have editing to do, senior pictures and more wedding photos-- enjoy the beautiful weather!

I'm still here!

2008-04-14T22:00:00.004-04:00

Sorry I haven't posted if there are folks checking in! Been busy back to work, having a daughter who won't sleep and attempting the daunting task of getting into shape and dropping a large amount of pounds!! More on that adventure later...

One of my favorite blog sites The Pioneer Woman recently gave away some free actions (a series of editing instruction) in her photography section of her blog and they are big fun! Here is a shot with some "lovely and ethereal" and a "quick edge burn"-- Love it!! Also love the beautiful eyes and smile...

Hope all is well-- I'll post more pics soon-- and if anyone knows how to get an opinionated, stubborn 2 1/2 year old to sleep, I welcome all suggestions. And Tylenol PM samples. Kidding!

Kristen + Jason

2008-03-30T21:47:00.006-04:00

I had the privilege of photographing Kristen & Jason's wedding in Northville, what a beautiful venue, beautiful day and stunning couple to photograph! We started the day at the home of the mother of the bride, the home was welcoming and beautiful and had tasty light! :) My friend Dustin came along to be my second shooter and I learned a ton! Here are some pics from the beautiful day!

Isn't she stunning??? Those eyes are gorgeous!

An absolutely beautiful wedding party...

Mr. & Mrs....

Daddy daughter dances always get me...

Thanks so much Kristen & Jason for letting me share your day!

M

2008-03-27T15:55:00.004-04:00

My dear friend, fellow photographer and team teacher let me take some maternity pics of her- her sweet baby boy is due on May 8th and I can't be more excited! She's a gorgeous preggo chick so taking the pics was an absolute blast!

This one is my favorite I think! I'm sure Mr. M will think so as well!

I can't wait to meet little Mr............... come on, geez, just tell me already! :)

Have a fantastic day!

Babies...

2008-03-26T22:05:00.004-04:00

A few more peeks at Miss N...
Her Daddy proposed to her Mommy using this giant stuffed dog- so it was only fitting that we get a pic with Little N...

Sweeter than the unattended Easter basket taunting me from the counter right now.... kids wouldn't notice, would they??

PS Some nice words from Carly-I love being referred to as Fun Wendy!! :)

Babies, Dresses and Candy... Oh My!

2008-03-24T23:50:00.006-04:00

Hope everyone had a Happy Easter! We had a great time- how can you not be happy with a new dress, purse, gloves and sparkle shoes (which were not what I had in mind- but my little L has a mind of her own... no idea where she gets it.)

The little man was also adorable in his Sunday best! Just like Daddy- he wanted to wear the tie all weekend! But these kiddos were adorable if I do say so myself-

I'm winding down on the break I had for surgery- I go back to work on the 31st- looking forward to seeing the kids, not looking forward to the daily rush and grind.

I had a fun session this weekend with N and her boyfriend L- they were great! A great house, great couple with great light- gotta love it! Miss N is only 3 weeks old and it's not easy being 3 weeks old!

She was great!

And her first boyfriend, how can you not fall in love with these eyes????

I only almost got peed on once... The dog's toy basket wasn't so lucky...

This week also brought on a special honor for me, I was accepted as a NILMDTS photographer. Please use caution when viewing the link- it can be heartbreaking--- This is a service I'm honored to volunteer for, I had to submit photographs and be approved. This is an incredible organization that has recently gotten quite a bit of press due to an appearance on the Today Show.
On a lighter note- I hope to launch my website soon! Busy working on that thanks to my little bro!

Happy Post Easter Candy overload week!

Thanks!

2008-03-20T23:45:00.006-04:00

Thank you everyone for the kind comments and words of encouragement! Several of you have asked about the line- my "new adventure"- this past week I made a decision after many months of thought and conversations, but I put my letter in to my director that for this next school year I want to take a leave of absence. J will be in Kindergarten in the fall- which blows my mind- and I can't imagine having him in before and after school care and all day Kindergarten. Can't do it- my mantra has been "I've got to do whats best for my family". I'll share stories soon of the hour long car rides home with an opinionated angry 2 year old. Makes Mommy drink.

So this fall I'll get to be involved in J's school, I've enrolled L in a co-op preschool here in Dexter and I'll get to focus even more on photography. Terrifying-thrilling-all at the same time. The hubby has been incredibly supportive--- I'm very lucky...

Here is another peek at my session from last week- this honey had enough- but check out her expression and her onesie- too funny!

Happy Easter!!

(Which by the way- my daughter thinks the Easter Bunny from the mall is coming to our house- "No Easter Bunny come get me!!" "No Easter Bunny come my house!!" and buries her head. What's a mommy to do?

My new blog!

2008-03-19T22:35:00.007-04:00

I'm excited to lauch my new blog- a place to showcase photos- share stories and capture this whole new adventure of being a soon to be stay at home mom, pro photographer and wife---

Big thanks to Carly for designing this awesome site for me- she's been so much fun to work with!

I'll update photos soon- I have 2 shoots with little ones this weekend-should be fun!

Look Mom!

2008-03-17T20:55:00.002-04:00

I love actions- actions are a series of things photoshop does for you instead of you doing it yourself- call it a shortcut- call it what you will- I call it lifesaving!!

Check it out!

My fav right now is Itty Bitty Actions- they have some very fun stuff...

I'm so excited to launch my new blog soon! Stay tuned!

Sweet Luke

2008-03-14T12:41:00.002-04:00

I had a wonderful session with Danielle and her 3 week of Luke and his adorable big brothers, twins J & B. What a great family to work with! Here is a teaser of our session- I can't wait to play with the other images!

Coming Soon!

2008-03-14T01:08:00.002-04:00

A new blog! I found this great website via my new photography friend Rachel and she is helping me design a blog that will be great for me to post pics and share with others about what's happening in my business and in my life!

How about another...

2008-03-07T11:46:00.001-05:00

Sweet G...

Can I post a pic?

2008-03-07T11:44:00.000-05:00

Here is Sweet E-my niece.

Learning how to blog...

2008-03-07T11:41:00.002-05:00

Please bear with me- I'm trying! I am going to try to post some pics and such.... we'll see how it goes!

Found a link today that has some gorgeous pics of some kiddos with Down Syndrome- so adorable...

The Art of Simplicity: Putting a face to Down Syndrome - Trisomy 21

I'm a blogger.

2008-03-02T00:03:00.001-05:00

I spend countless hours reading other photographers blogs and love to see their new pics- thought this also might be good for me! I am going to jump into the well saturated photographer blog market- here I go!!