Happy Birthday and Happy New Year

Just wanted to wish Steve a Happy Birthday- he's not an old man yet according to our daughter he has another year! LOL!!!! Also wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year! I hope your year is AMAZING!!!! Hope to see you for wedding pictures, family pictures, senior pictures, baby pictures, or just for fun pictures- or let's go to dinner and just have fun. Thank you to everyone who made this year one of the best so far!

New Seniors MySpace Page

Hey everyone, we have a Seniors MySpace. We are in the process of launching it, and really need friends! Check it out... http://www.myspace.com/magekseniors and become our friend!

Senior Pictures!!!

Well, it is that time of year again. Senior pictures!!!! Not the senior pictures that the school does, but the really cool senior pictures that you have done for family and friends. Our Senior Ambassador in Baytown recently did her first set of pictures (yes, I said first, because on Monday, we are going to another location!!!). Below is a glimpse of some of my favorites...

Favorite locations

If you are looking for an AMAZING venue, you have to check out Centurion Palace (located in Dickinson) and their sister site, Ella's Garden (located in Tomball). They are BEAUTIFUL locations, and they photograph well because the folks that run it really put some thought into where things should be. The two ladies are absolutely amazing!!!! They will help you with everything. You don't need a wedding coordinator on the day of your wedding, because they will do it for you. The food is good, the cake is great, the DJ gets people up and moving, and the ambience is stunning! Here are a few of my favorite pictures from Centurion Palace. I will post a slide show from Ellas soon:)

Merry Christmas

We wanted to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas! I hope everyone had an AMAZING day:)

Bay Area Wedding Professionals

We recently attended the Bay Area Wedding Professionals monthly meeting, and annual Christmas lunch. It is a great way to meet other folks in the wedding industry. There are several folks that we have met along the way, that we had no idea they were even part of the BAWP. Here were some of our favorite folks (and we have seen their portfolios or have worked with them before)...

Butler's Courtyard- a GORGEOUS LOCATION!!!! We are planning on attending their open house on January 18th- come out and see us. We have never attended an open house or bridal extravaganza before, so this is new to us. www.butlerscourtyard.com

Theresa Rocabado- Make-up Artist- WOW! Her portfolio is AMAZING!!! She will go to your house or location to do the make-up. Her website is www.mymakeuprocks.com and her email is theresa@mymakeuprocks.com Phone: 832-689-4858

Want to rent a really cool car or a limo- Jan Jordan of Jordan Limousines is the lady to call. Her phone number is 713-301-5523 and her email is jljordan0715@aol.com The website is http://jordanlimousines.com/

Need a minister, well Weddings Performed does weddings anywhere, anytime!!! Lynn Turner and Brian Engle are the two we have met. The website is www.weddingsperformed.com and the phone number is 281-478-6126.

Family pictures

Well, here are the family pictures. This is the Burk and Miller families!!!!

Family stuff....

Hello everyone. Thought I would update you on all of our family stuff. We recently took family pictures- Steve and I, along with our four kids, and Kim and Dwayne, and their daughter. We had a great time. Got some great pictures on Sunday!!!! Pictures will be here shortly.

On Monday, on our way to school, the kids and I were in an accident. An oncoming vehicle towing a trailer lost the trailer, which hit us, sending us spinning. We spent Monday evening at the Emergency Room. Everyone is okay. No major injuries- LOTS of aches and pains though. I spoke to several folks over the next couple of days, so I thought I would show you the pictures.

This is my door panel- my daughter thinks it says Kill on it!!!

A sneak peak at Steve and LaGinna's pictures....

While we aren't done editing all of the pictures from the wedding, I was so excited about the wedding I wanted to get a few of my favorites up. Steve and LaGinna are studing for finals and getting ready for their honeymoon, so I thought they might want to take a quick break and just sneak a peak!!! All the pictures will be posted on the wedding pictures page soon, but here are just a few of my favorites.

What a busy week!!!

What a busy week we have had- we have done a couple of engagement pictures, a set of bridal pictures, and a wedding!!!! The engagement pictures were downtown and Hermann Park, but the bridal pictures were at Northgate in the Woodlands. I can't show you those because I am waiting for to get married in January. The wedding was in Fredericksburg- the day after snow!!!! There was no snow there, but it was still very cool. They got married at the Nimitz Museum. They were amazing. They did all of their pictures before the wedding- and let me tell you, their family is FAST!!! We gave ourselves a couple of hours before the wedding to get everything done, and they were done in about an hour! We got some great pictures!!! We even got some outside with the Christmas lights after dark- very cool!! They are going to Disneyland for their honeymoon- all expenses paid thanks to Expedia!!! LaGinna entered a contest everyday for 2 weeks and won one of the first prizes!!!!

Here's a glimpse at Kara and Manny's pictures!!!



and a glimpse at Wyatt and Vanessa's pictures....

Inspiration....

As some of you may know, I have an inspiration board. I surf the net, puruse the bridal magazines, and read as many photography books as I can to find really cool pictures and ideas. Then, I post them on my inspiration board- right next to the computer. I have pictures from sessions we have done on it, as well as pictures from other photographers. I also have a few quotes on it. They are there to remind me to always strive to be better than the day before. Here are a couple of quotes that inspire us to do the best and reach for the stars.

Coach Carter: Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. It's not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others. (Thanks to my son, Jacob- keep shining!!!)

Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

And, one of my favorites.. 212Degrees. Here's a link to the 2 minute movie....

http://www.212movie.com/

MySpace and FaceBook....

Hey everyone, we have been updating our MySpace and Facebook. If you have an account, add us as a friend and we will send you some pics to put on your profile. To find us, search for Magek Photography!!!!

The newest sessions.... not your grandma's photo sessions.

Day After, Trash the Dress, and Bridal Boudoir sessions are the newest trends in wedding photography. Day After sessions are when the bride and groom both put on their wedding clothes, or at least the bride wears her dress and the groom wears nice clothes at a minimum. Then, we go to a great location where we can get have a great time getting romantic and sexy shots of the two of them after the actual wedding day. It is a much more relaxed atmosphere compared to the wedding day, and can be a lot of fun!!! When these sessions are thought of in advance of the wedding, it makes the wedding day go much smoother. While we still want to get great shots of the two of you on your wedding day, we know we are going to get amazing shots later as well. Sessions can be done one week, one month or even one year after your wedding.

Trash the Dress sessions can include the groom, but always include the bride in her dress. The idea does not have to be that the dress is "trashed" but that there are no worries about the dress getting dirty. They typically happen at a location that is not the "typical" bridal session location- like the beach, or walking around downtown, or in an alley. It can be anywhere!!! We have taken pictures where the bride walks out into the ocean, where the bride has jumped into a fountain, and where the bride walked all over the Strand in Galveston. Sessions can be done whenever you want after the wedding day.

Bridal Boudoir sessions are typically done before the wedding as a gift for the groom- usually given to him on the honeymoon. These are done at the bride's house or at a hotel, and are very tasteful sexy pictures of the bride. Our style is artistically sexy. You don't have to be nude, you can wear that sexy lingerie or othe sexy clothing. You don't have to have the perfect body eihter. Every bride is beautiful!

Ask us about doing a session for you!!!! They are some of our favorite:)

Amazing Engagement Session!!!!

WOW!!!! Words will never describe the the engagement session tonight- you will have to see it to believe it. We took pictures downtown, which is not that out of the ordinary. We have done that before. But, this time we went into the Downtown Aquarium, and went up to the helicopter pad. OMG!!!! AMAZING!!!! It definitely pays to know people in high places- thank you Chris!!!!! Here are the pictures....



By the way, if you are trying to come up with a place for your next party, wedding reception, etc., be sure to keep the Downtown Aquarium in mind. The banquet hall is exquisite!! I was shocked at the price as well- they will work with you and make it worth your while to at least consider them. Check out their website: http://www.aquariumrestaurants.com/downtownaquariumhouston/flash_content/index.html

Aaron's brothers coupon

I don't normally pass this kind of information along, but Aaron's brothers frames has a coupon for 40% off any one item, so if you are looking for a frame, this might be an inexpensive way to get what you want. Here is the link: http://www.aaronbrothers.com/coupon/

Blog Coupon

Looking for great Christmas presents.... How about pictures!!! And to our loyal blog readers, here is a coupon!!!! Just enter the coupon code at checkout to receive 40% off prints. The coupon is only good until December 12, 2008, but you can use it as many times as you want- tell a friend! All payments must be received by the 19th of December.

Other things....

Oops, I totally forgot to mention a few things...

First, if you know a senior who is in need of senior pictures, we are looking for Senior Ambassadors for this school year, as well as starting to look for them for next school year. It is a great way to get your senior pictures for FREE!!! The senior ambassadors have the ability to get a flush mount album of their pictures as well as loose prints to give out, all for free!!! They simply have to refer their friends to us for their pictures!

Second, we are updating our MySpace and Facebook. If you have an account, please add us as a friend and we will send you some pictures to put on your page!!!

Okay, that's it for now, but keep watching, there will be more!!!!

Gearing up for the holidays

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. We were able to visit with all of our family- my sister and her husband came in from Austria, my brother and his girlfriend, as well as my parents came in from Arkansas, and my grandmother came from New York. We also got to visit with Steve's brother and his three girls. It was a lot of fun. I even ventured out on Black Friday to Wal-Mart to get the 4th book of the Twilight series- I quickly left and went to Barnes and Noble- much better!!! Kim and her family stayed at home and visited with local family.

Anyway, back to the busy photography business. I know people say we are in a recession, but I will say we are very busy! We already have more weddings booked for next year than we did last year. We are very excited!!! We have even gotten to the point of having weekly business meetings so we can keep up with what we have as well as build our business. They are a lot of fun!!!

From the labs, we have several albums we are waiting to come in and a lot of pictures that we are waiting on. We have a couple of ideas that we are working on that will hopefully benefit all of our customers. Keep an eye on the blog in the next week!!!

Happy Thanksgiving

I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. We have been busy trying to get all the weddings posted, but are taking a few days off. Edwin and Melissa's wedding is one that hasn't been posted yet, but below is a snipet of what is yet to come!!!

Dale and Kara at Butler's Courtyard

As promised, here is a glimpse of Dale and Kara's wedding! Their wedding was at Butler's Courtyard

Richard and Laurie's wedding

We recently did a wedding at the Price Tower in Oklahoma for a very dear friend, Richard and Laurie. She has been dying to see a glimpse of the pictures, so here they are....

Amazing Wedding

This last Sunday we did a wedding at Butler's Courtyard! It was amazing!!!!! Dale and Kara did a Hawaiian Luau themed wedding- all the way to the pig roast and the lei's. They had a Hawaiian dancer and a Fire Dancer- truly a unique wedding. One of the most unique weddings I have ever seen. A great couple and a great location- which always make for great pictures! Once again, the guests were also the nicest group of people. They were truly good friends with Kara and Dale, and both Kara and Dale felt blessed to have such close friends. I promise to post some pics very soon!!!

I have to brag a bit on us- which is something I don't usually do, but....

After the wedding, Nancy, a co-owner of Butler's Courtyard, was so nice. She told us how wonderful we were and that we should do more weddings there!!! We always try hard to please the wedding couple, and, if we can, develop relationships with other wedding professionals, but the bride and groom always come first, so when a wedding professional pays us such a great compliment, it is always nice. We are meeting with Nancy this week to show her some pictures and talk about becoming a preferred vendor for Butler's Courtyard!!!!

Lance and Jennifer's wedding

Here is a sneak peak at a wedding we did recently.... Lance and Jennifer!!

Chris and LaTisha!!!

Wow, what an amazing wedding!!!! Chris and LaTisha Bader. We had a great time and they are truly an amazing couple. They live out of town and their wedding had to be moved because the original location was damaged by the hurricane. They did it so gracefully! You would have never known that the location changed!!!

The rehearsal dinner was right near us at Joes Bar-B-Que in Alvin, Texas!!! We met the group there, and then off to the church. They had charted the bus so everyone could ride together- what a great idea.

The wedding was at Sacred Heart Church downtown. It is a beautiful location. The Deacon was so nice and let us get some great shots (he wasn't as strict about where we could be!!!)

Between the wedding and the reception, Chris and LaTisha did the best thing I have ever seen- they ate in the limo. What a great idea. Then, when they arrived, they could immediately start greeting their guests while the guests ate. They both go to eat, and no one had to wait to eat. Best idea ever!!!!

The reception was at the Marriott on Westheimer and they were so nice. Everyone had a great time- Chris and LaTisha were so thoughtful- they reserved a room and hired babysitters for the kids. The kids had a great time, and so did the parents. The Bader/Braddock clan sure know how to throw a party, and have a great time. I have to put in a plug for the cake folks- Norma's Cakes and Cookies in Alvin- OMG!!!! It was amazing, and the cake balls were to die for!!!! LaTisha, thanks for letting me try those- I have already been there and introduced my kids to them:) If you have never been- you have to go there!

We shot with McKnight Video, who we absolutely love.( www.mcknightvideo.com ) We spent all day Friday and Saturday with the Bader/Braddock family and the videographers were right there with us. Their wedding is going to take a bit to get online because we took over 3500 pictures between the two days!!!!! It was definitely an amazing wedding though:)

The Aftermath....

Well, as many of you know, Hurricane IKE visited us and all of the Houston, Galveston, and surrounding areas. We evacuated to Magnolia, but were still affected even out there. No power for several days (15 I think), and when we returned home, we had some minor damage- a lot of down trees, some broken windows, and some roof damage. The worst part was no power. It is really hard to operate your business with no power, but having 4 kids and no power is really hard also!!!

We are back up and running. We have had some issues with the lab we use since we returned, but I think that is fixed now. Just playing catch up at this point.

We had a wedding scheduled on Galveston the weekend of the hurricane, and obviously that did not happen- they ended up getting married in Ft. Worth. We have also had some weddings rescheduled due to location issues, but overall, not too bad. The parks are getting cleaned up, so engagement and bridal sessions are going again. All is well!!!!

An update....

Wow, I can't believe how long it has been since I last blogged!!! Here's an update..

Our decision to advertise on The Knot was the best decision we have made in a long time. The exposure is absolutely incredible. I wanted to thank the couples that have given us great recommendations on The Knot. We have booked lots weddings since starting with them!

We have been very busy this month with weddings! Congratulations Erin and Eddie, Frankie and Shera, Sharon and Eric, and Mercy and Mark. I am working on getting a slideshow up for those weddings so you can see them. They were all very unique and absolutely amazing!!! I am sure every photographer says they work with the best couples, but I know we do! Every couple we have worked with this month was truly amazing. Thank you for allowing us to photograph your special day.

We have also done several engagement sessions this month, but a special congratulations goes out to Megan and Colter! They just got engaged- like 3 weeks ago- and we did their engagement pictures just his last weekend.

We have also been traveling a bit- went to my daughter's favorite university- Texas A&M for a bridal session. Tamara was so beautiful!!!! I can't show you any of her pictures until she is married, but they are worth waiting to see!

I promise to get pictures up this weekend!

On a personal note- we have a busy weekend of soccer- my son's soccer tournament in Deer Park is all weekend! I love watching him play soccer! My daughter is on a volleyball team which keeps us busy as well. They just had a game a couple of days ago and they were great! The girls were amazing!!! Our younger two want to start softball and cheerleading!!!

Revitalized!!!

What an absolutely amazing vacation! We went to Lake Conroe for a few days, and it was absolutely amazing!!! Best vacation we have ever taken (except Portland). We stayed at a condo on the lake and went tubing everyday. I promise to post pictures!!!!

Anyway, we have been busy since then. As many of you know, we started advertising on The Knot and have been thrilled with the success! Feel free to check us out- you can leave a review- not sure how it works though, just know that you can. You can also submit your "real wedding" on the Knot, again, I'm not sure how, but if you would like to, let me know and I will send in the pictures!!!!

An update- Shera and Frankie got married last night- what a sweet couple!!! I updated our featured love story to Nieves and Michael. You can view all their engagement pictures- just click on engagement pictures from our main page on the website. Those were just her favorites - and only some of those at that! We posted a few new weddings, Chuck and Natalie, Adrienne and Tyler (you saw some of my favorites in an earlier slideshow), and Kim and Pete. I am in the process of making the Kim and Pete slideshow!!! Below is Chuck and Natalies.....

A much needed vacation....

Well, Steve and I have never taken a vacation since the start of Magek Photography. We are however, going to now (kind of...). We will actually be a little out of pocket for the next few days. We are taking the kids to Lake Conroe for a little R&R. I will have my phone with me- 832-794-8616 and we are going to try to check email while we are there- sburk@magekphoto.com if you need to reach us. I'm not sure how well the email will work, since I don't know if we have internet access. My phone does have the ability to connect to the internet serve as a modem to the laptop, but if you need to reach us- I would suggest calling:) Kim is going to mind the store while we are gone, so to speak. We are taking the cameras with us- of course- so there will be pictures!!!!

Michael and Nieves

Today we did an engagement session for Michael and Nieves. We had a great time walking around downtown, and took some amazing pictures!!!!! Since we just got home, I don't have any to post yet. I will post some tomorrow for sure!


Okay, I snagged one from Steve as he was loading them into the computer!!!! More to come though....

Jeremy and Amanda

Jeremy and Amanda got married at the Raisin L Ranch, near Victoria, TX. It was a beautiful wedding, and here are a few of my favorites....



To view all of their pictures, go to our website, http://www.maekphoto.com/ and click on wedding pictures. They are near the top of the list.

Hannah Mae

Today we are attending a memorial for dear Hannah Mae. Hannah was a friend of our family, and of my children. She went to heaven last year, at only 8 years old. God Bless her family and friends. Caren, her mother, is an amazing woman. I am sure that today will be a day of joy, rather than of tears. Please put the Greer/ Hoffman family in your prayers. I will upload pictures when we get back!

Mark and Christa

Here is a peak at Mark and Christa's wedding. Their entire wedding is posted under wedding pictures. They had a great wedding. It was at the Hilton on Nasa Rd 1.

Adrienne and Tyler's wedding

Here is a sneak peak at Adrienne and Tyler's wedding. The wedding took place at St. Michael's church and the reception was at Rockefeller Hall in the Heights. Awesome wedding, and Tyler and Adrienne were amazing!!!!!!

Nathan and Jennifer

Here are some of my favorites from Nathan and Jennifer's wedding. Their wedding was absolutely amazing, very simple and elegant, and two very in love people!!!! As you will see from my favorites, they really took time to take pictures of the two of them! They set aside time before the wedding for the two of them, and the results were beautiful:) Nathan even wrote a song which he sang and played on the piano during the wedding to Jennifer.

Slideshow from a recent wedding

Here is a slideshow from a recent wedding.

Slideshows....

As you can see from our website, we have included slideshows. We really do want to hear from you which pictures we should include in the slideshow. I am working on doing a Featured Love Story each week, and adding a new page for the ones we have created. Please let us know what you think and any techinical difficulties you might have viewing them! We usually use Kim's internet as a test because hers is so slow, but please let us know.


Here's a peek at what we have been up to....

For the guys!!!

Okay gentlemen, typically we photograph the ladies getting ready on their wedding day- make-up, hair done, etc.... The guys, well, they often just "get ready." Mom or some other female helps them put on their cuff links, fix their ties, etc. Nothing out of the ordinary. Well, gentleman, if you haven't been to Roosters, you should go. This is definitely an out of the ordinary experience, at least that is what all 5 guys said when we photographed them getting a shave! It is by no means a typical shave, or least nothing I have ever seen (mind you I am female, so this may not be anything extraordinary to the guys out there). When the professionals at Roosters shaves you, they do a full facial massage. Ladies, I know what you are thinking, maybe we should go- not for the shave, but for the massage. However, it is definitely not a place for girls. You can get a pedicure and a manicure, but you will have to endure while watching cartoons or ESPN, and drinking a beer. Yes, I did say, drinking a beer. Even though it was early, they offered the guys beer- and of course they took them up on the offer. It was an amazing place- for guys! So, gentlemen, when your wife/bride/girlfriend says she is going to get her nails done, go to Roosters and get a shave. I'm sure you deserve it!!!! We visited the one on Fairmont Parkway in Pasadena, TX- ask for Mary! Their website is http://www.roostershouston.com/ Here are some pics!

MySpace and Facebook...

If you have a MySpace or Facebook, drop us an email. If we have taken pictures for you, if you will link your MySpace or Facebook to us and add us as a friend, I will send you some photos to put on your profile. Let us know- sburk@magekphoto.com

Webpage Redesign and Update

Steve, Kim and I are in the process of doing a total web page redesign. We are going to add a slide show with a lot more pictures that are readily visible. I am hoping to add a slide show to the blog!!! It will make it a lot easier to add pictures for everyone to see. If you have a favorite picture you would like us to feature, email us at sburk@magekphoto.com and let us know. I am sure April will give me a few- Maggie, how about you?

An update, well, let's see... we have been to the beach in the morning again for engagement pictures. Wow it was windy!!! However, as usual, very dynamic! LaGinna and Steve were great sports! They drove in from San Antonio and got up early to take pictures!!! Then, they were off to Schlitterbaun for the day. It was a beautiful day! Kim fell in the water- which, I of course laughed at- she wasn't as amused!!! We have been downtown with a bride- that is a first. Usually we do engagement pictures, but Adrienne wanted to go downtown for bridal pictures. They look great! Crystal had an amazing wedding with an antique Rolls Royce and a leave by way of boat!!!! We had another wedding that was on the lake with close family and friends, and an amazing ceremony. The minister did a great job! The couple actually saw each other before the ceremony so we could take pictures of the two of them together without any time constraints. It was great! Thank you! A couple of other engagement pictures- one where we trekked all over and got great pictures, and one where we stayed close to home and got wonderful pictures. Christa and Mark were great sports! Despite her distaste for slimy things, she climbed out on the rocks at Victory Lakes! Amazing pictures!!!!!!



Here's a picture from the balcony of the San Luis Hotel in Galveston, Texas. Be sure to check out Margan's wedding as soon as it is posted for more amazing pictures!

http://www.magekphoto.com/

Choosing a Photographer- Part 2

Your wedding.... if you are like most brides, you have been dreaming of this day for years, and planning for it takes months of time and effort to make sure it all turns out exactly like you dreamed it would be. The wedding day arrives, everyone is hurrying around, and suddenly it is time for everything to start, and the next thing you know, it is over. It flew by, and everything is a blur. Thankfully, you have the pictures to go back and look through over and over and remember all the fun everyone had- you may even see crazy things that your friends and family did when you weren't around.

Choosing a photographer for your wedding is one of the most important things you will do. When the wedding is over, you will have few things left other than the pictures. Be sure you take the time to choose the right photographer for such an important occasion, and don't let cost be the only factor. When you start to choose your photographer, here are a couple of things to keep in mind....

1. Make sure the photographer has the skills to photograph your wedding. Look at images from an entire wedding, not just the highlights. Anyone can take a great picture from time to time, especially if they are with you for the entire day, but can they take great pictures all day.

2. Make sure you like the photographer. The photographer has to have a great personality and be able to get along with everyone, even Aunt Sue who thinks she should be photographing your wedding because she got a new camera that she has been dying to use. You want to make sure the photographer isn't going to order you around all day, making you feel rushed and as if you missed the wedding because you were taking pictures. As I said before, no one wants to spend time with a grouchy person, or someone they don't like. Make sure you like the photographer.

3. Meet with the photographer and see prints. Prints are different than what you see on the monitor. Prints are what your pictures are going to look like. No photographer has any idea what your monitor settings are, they only control their monitors. Their monitors are set to the lab so what they see is what you get. Sometimes, the images on your monitor look great, but the prints don't look so great, and sometimes the images on your monitor look dull, but the prints look almost 3D. Take the time to look at the prints. If you can't meet with the photographer in person, ask them to send you some prints. Compare what you see on the monitor to what the prints look like.

4. Cost or Investment, they are both the same. How much is going to cost you to get what you want. There are a lot of variables, and usually time is the biggest factor. Some photographers are less expensive, but you give up the time they will spend with you. Keep in mind, wedding receptions typically never go exactly as they are scheduled. Everyone is dancing and having a great time, so the cake cutting gets pushed back, or dinner took longer than expected, lots of things happen. Make sure you aren't rushed by a photographer who is on a schedule. The photographer should be on your schedule! You do not need the added stress of the photographer saying, "My time is up, thank you," when you haven't done all the things you wanted to do, and have pictures of them. Who wants to miss pictures of the ladies diving for the bouquet, or grandma doing the YMCA and Chicken Dance? If you don't mind being prepared to pay extra on the wedding day, then time isn't a concern, but if you are on a budget, make sure you have the photographer for enough time for things to run a little behind schedule.

5. Reorder prices. Usually brides don't think about how much it is going to cost to get additional pictures that aren't in the package. Most brides think they will have enough in the package and they won't want anymore. Remember family members may want to purchase pictures, and you may end up wanting additional pictures. Always at least look at what it would cost for additional prints.

6. Hidden fees. I know that sounds crazy, but a lot of times there are additional fees for things you thought would be covered in the package. A few of the biggies are edits, time, and travel. If you want to go to Galveston to take pictures on the beach, is there a fee for the travel? What if it rains and you need to reschedule, is there a fee? If the ceremony is a the church, and the reception is at a different location across town, is there a fee for multiple locations? The wedding coordinator is standing at the back of the church in every picture of your father walking you down the aisle, is there a fee to edit her out? Make sure you ask what those fees will be, if there are any fees for those things.

Photography is important on your wedding day, make sure you take the time to pick the photographer that is going to be right for your wedding. Don't let cost be the only factor you consider.

http://www.magekphoto.com/

Choosing a Photographer

We have been talking a lot lately about our website, how we want to change it, etc.... A few gurus in the business tell us that we should not have as much text, that it is "stuffing." Kim and I both think highlighting more pictures is a big change we need to make, Steve agrees, but is a little slower at making the change than we are. I also think it is important to know the photographers that you are working with. What we write on our website is not "stuffing" it is what we believe. I think photography skills are important, but the personality of the photographer is just as important. No one wants to work with a grouchy photographer who orders them around. You want to work with someone who will take amazing pictures, and remember that this is one of the most important days of your life! So, even if you don't choose Magek Photography, make sure you work with a photographer who has an amazing personality!

The Importance of a Good DJ

We have said long said that a DJ is very important. He (or she) can make or break your reception. They can encourage guests to get up and fun, or leave early. A good DJ helps us as well. No one wants pictures of their guests just sitting around doing nothing. They want pictures of their guests having a great time celebrating their wedding!

I typically don't recommend folks on this blog, but I was so impressed with the DJ on Sunday that I feel I must do this. PRP Entertainment, specifically Damon P Pamplina, was AMAZING!!!! He got the guests moving. They had an awesome time, the bride and groom had an awesome time, and we have awesome pictures to show it! So, if you are looking for a DJ- check our their website, http://www.prpentertainment.com/ or give them a call- 281-486-7788, be sure to ask for Damon!

Amazing!!!

This last week we have been working with Adeel and Laura to get all of their pictures taken before their ceremony, which was yesterday. Adeel broke his leg, so taking the engagement pictures had to wait until he could walk again. So, last week, we did the engagement pictures on the beach at 5:45 in the morning:) We had done Laura's bridal pictures the week before. Last night was the first night of the wedding, tonight is the reception. The wedding was absolutely gorgeous. Very colorful and ornate. Cant' wait to show the pictures.

This weekend!!!

Wow what a busy weekend! We did a portrait session in Dickinson/ League City, a Trash the Dress- Amazing!- in Galveston, and a wedding in Austin!!! Crazy, but so much fun!

April and Tony agreed to do a trash the dress session a couple of weeks after the wedding. We did the first of two sessions on Sunday. April was amazing. It was hot, and everyone was looking at her, yet she still did everything we asked, and then some!!! We even got some great shots of Tony and Steve- being goofy!!!!

I can't wait for trash the dress in the water with April and Tony!!!! The dress will then, truly be trashed!

Congralutations Robert!!!

On Monday, we did senior pictures for Robert Ruffin. Robert was absolutely a natural! Usually guys always tell us it feels awkward taking pictures- and actually smiling. Not for Robert! He did a fantastic job. We did some really unique things with him, and it was so easy coming up with ideas because he plays basketball and baseball. Remember his name...I am sure you will see him in the future playing professional ball!

Happy Mother's Day

I just wanted to wish all our Mom's out there a Happy and Wonderful Mother's day!!!! I hope you get to rest and have your kids wait on your every whim! You deserve it!!!!

What an amazing week!!!!

This week has been absolutely amazing!!! We have been taking pictures nonstop. And my inspiration board is overflowing!!!



On Monday we did an engagement session in Kemah with a great couple. Carri and Geoff were great. We started in the studio and then went to the boardwalk. We got some great pictures at sunset and the two of them having fun.



Then, on Tuesday we did a bridal session with April. We went to Rice University. Unfortunately, I can't show you her pictures because she isn't married yet, but WOW!!!! We always say great photography has to do with being in the right place, at the right time, and with the right person. April was definitely the right person. She really had fun with it, and her soon to be sister-in-law was so helpful. We got a gorgeous sunset, beautiful architecture, and a great bride! I can't wait for the wedding!!!!!!



Wednesday was family day. We went to our daughter's tennis match. She and her partner won both matches???? I don't know tennis lingo, but they won against 3 different opponents. Yeah!



Thursday, back in the thick of it. Bridal Pictures on the beach! Matagorda beach is beautiful, but Amy was definitley a sport. Most brides aren't brave enough to go to the beach before their wedding, but not Amy! And wow, she has awesome pictures to show for it. We also did a few surprise pictures... can't tell, but thanks to everyone who helped us out! What an awesome crew! Can't wait until she gets married so I can show of her pictures too!



Friday was also amazing! Another set of bridal pictures! We took pictures at the Mosaic, and it was incredible! Crystal told me that her makeup artist was going to be there, but she never warned me how great he was going to be. "Makeup artist Edward Sanchez's clients include Janet Jackson, Paula Abdul, LeAnn Rimes and Houston socialites." He was absolutely amazing!!!!!! Crystal's pictures are going to be absolutely gorgeous! She was an amazing bride! Again, I can't show you the pictures until she gets married, but WOW!



Yesterday, a wedding! Jenna and Marc got married. They are also a lot of fun. He is a police officer, and they really wanted to play off the "good cop, bad girl" theme so we did a funny poster for them to show off at the wedding. Congratulations Jenna and Marc!!!!





What an absolutely fantastic week! Today is our daughter's birthday party. We are having a "studio" party. The girls are going to dress up, take pictures, and just have fun! Future model material!!!!

It's been a while!!!

Wow, it has been a while since I have posted a blog! Since the last post, we have travelled around Texas. We had a wedding at Oakwind, a gorgeous location in Alvin, Texas, as well as a wedding in Poth, Texas- a little bitty town near San Antonio, an engagement session in the Heights, a bridal session here at the studio, and an engagement session in Dallas. We just got back, and now Steve is hard at work editing everything to get it all posted, quickly!!!!

We had an awesome engagement session in the Heights, and this very nice man offered the use of his house. It is absolutely gorgeous!!!! I can't wait for Steve to post Tyler and Adrienne's pictures. They were such a great couple to work with- very playful and a lot of fun! The sky was absolutely gorgeous that evening as well. Here is a picture straight off the camera!!! Definitely going to make it to the inspiration board!

The Knot Search!!!

The Knot is looking for the hottest weddings of 2007. If you submit your weddings, you have a chance to win a trip to Africa! You have to submit 7 photos of your choice. If you are interested, email a list of the photos you want to enter, and I will submit it for you. I think this is really cool. For more details, go to http://realweddingawards.theknot.com/ Typically, Steve and I don't enter our work into contests because we see it as your wedding, and honestly, we don't really see the need to have someone else tell us if they like our work. All that matters is that you, the client, likes our work. However, you have a chance to win a trip to Africa!!!! That is an awesome prize, so enter away! Let us know which pictures- the best 7 images from your 2007 wedding!!!!

Website Redesign Help!!!!

Steve is in the process of redesigning our website, and we need your help. I have a tendency to go on lots of other photographers websites and look at what others have to offer. I really like the "slideshow" websites and the one's with music. I really want to include a slideshow on our website. In order to do that though, we have to pick the pictures for the slideshow. We have so many really great shots. We have had awesome brides and grooms, and fantastic shots from all the weddings, not to mention the bridal and engagement sessions. It is really hard. With that in mind, if you could email us and let us know what your favorite couple of pictures are, that would be great. Also, if you have any suggestions for the website, let us know that as well. Please send it to sburk@magekphoto.com

Thanks so much!!!!

Spring is in the air!!

As I get ready to head off to a wedding today, I thought I would send out a quick blog. We are in the midst of a busy time of year, not that I can really say there is a time of year that is not busy, but.... the weather is gorgeous so we are taking a lot of pictures outdoors. The flowers are starting to bloom and everyone wants to do their bridal and engagement pictures. It is a very exciting time of year for us. We get to do what we love, a lot:) We have also been meeting with clients who have some really creative ideas- how exciting!!!! I love when the client is creative, because that just encourages us to push the envelope and get even more creative!

I hope you have a fun weekend! Get out and do something fun- and take pictures doing it:)

Busy weekend

Well, this weekend was a whirlwind weekend! We had a wedding Saturday- Ashley and Josh! What a lot of fun, and such a beautiful location- Cypress Chateau, www.cypresschateau.com in Tomball. Ashley and Josh are a great couple. We have really enjoyed getting to know them over the past few months. Congratulations!!!!

Sunday morning we were off to an engagement session with Chris and Latisha. They are currently living in Oklahoma, but Chris is a diehard LSU fan, so we took some pictures of the two of them with Chris in his LSU jersey. Latisha and Steve, my husband, are not morning people, so 6:30 came mighty early. We had a great time downtown though! I have realized that I really must drive in the morning if we are to follow the rules of the road! Steve can drive at night, but from now on, I drive in the morning:) We went all over downtown, and then ventured off to Minute Maid Park, and then finally ending at the graffiti wall. Definitely an adventure, and Chris and Latisha were great sports! Dr. Murphey seemed to enjoy the trip as well.

Then, Sunday afternoon we took pictures with Tony and April, who are boxing fans. We are working on a great poster for the two of them. We took some really neat pictures in the studio, and then were off to the great outodoors. We went to Paul Hopkins Park, and then Victory Lakes- what a great location, and then back to the studio to finish the evening off.

I will have pictures in the next couple of days to post! My computer is not cooperating with the upload at this moment, but I will get them up in the next few days.

Inspiration...

For months, and years, well, actually since I can remember, I have looked at other photographers' work, read other photographers' books and websites, and well, just been inspired by others. Today I came to a realization, it is okay to do that, but the inspiration has to come from within. We went to the "graffiti wall" in Houston- it's at the corner of Elgin and Crawford. I was so excited. I had read a lot about what other's thought of it, and one person stated that I would not be disappointed. Well, I was disappointed. I had imagined in my head what you see on movies or rock videos. It was not that at all. It was some really neat looking graffiti that someone had tagged! How ironic!!! So, the graffiti wall came down off my inspiration board- but it was replaced. It was replaced by my own inspiration. Our own graffiti wall- a graffiti wall that means something to the client! We made our own graffiti on an open wall and then took pictures by it! Well, we didn't actually spray paint the wall, but we used adobe photoshop and using a picture that means something to Chris, we made our own wall of fame! I will post the picture in a couple of days, and maybe you can be inspired by our work- or maybe come up with your own inspiration!

Magek Photography MySpace and FaceBook

We have a MySpace and Facebook account. If you search for either Maggie Burk, or Magek Photography, you should find us. The email for both is sburk@magekphoto.com I'm so new to those that I have my kids helping me. So, if you want to be our friend, just let us know. We would love to have you!!!!

Wedding Day Tips

Steve and I have been busy taking pictures and preparing for wedding, engagement sessions, and bridal sessions. We are loving every minute of it!!!! As we have been doing all of this, we have been talking about a few things that we should tell our brides, and for that matter, all brides. So, I thought I would share it here.

Tip #1- Do not let the photographer add stress to your day!!!! All of our packages are unlimited time on your wedding day. We don't do that because we want to be different, we do that because I believe it through and through, down to the core of my being!!!! I do that because of my sister. We attended my sister's wedding to be a part of the wedding and enjoy everything. Our kids were in the wedding. We were not suppose to take any pictures- our cameras were banned. After the wedding, and about 2 hours into the reception- we had eaten, she had done her first dance, and maybe even the father-daughter dance, the photographer tapped her on the shoulder, bag packed, and said thank you, your wedding was beautiful. Your pictures will be posted in a few weeks. My sister almost started to cry. My mother had to write the photographer a check to get him to stay. As if a wedding is not stressful enough, he added more stress to her day. Totally unprofessional, and just flat wrong!!! We will never do that, ever! All of our packages are unlimited time so you never have to rush or feel stress because of us! Enjoy your day. It is a once in a lifetime experience.

Tip #2- Make a list of pictures that you want to make sure are taken at your wedding, but not a list of the standard pictures. Any photographer who has ever been to a wedding is going to automatically take pictures of the bride with her bridal party, the groom with his party, the entire party, etc.... What the photographer won't know are things like Aunt May and Uncle Bob are coming from California and I want a picture with just them. We do family pictures, and will ask you about any groupings, but if you have a list of those groupings, we can go down the list and don't have to add any stress to you about coming up with those groupings on the spot. We just did a wedding and at the end of the night, the father of the groom said, I wish I had gotten a picture with all of my brothers. That would have been so easy to do, if we had known. There are no "do overs" so if you think about it, and can't decide if we should or not, let us take the picture. It doesn't have to be one you include in your album or in your prints, but you may not have the chance to take it again. Two weeks after the wedding is not the time to say, I wish we had taken.... Let us take it at the wedding or at the reception.

Tip #3- Tell your friends and family members you want them in your pictures. Lots of times they don't know and they leave to go to the reception or wander off. If they know you want them in a picture, it makes the pictures go much faster. We had a bride once give each group a card that had a list of who she wanted in the picture. She made it one person's job to gather all of those people and at the reception, come to us to take the picture. That took the pressure off of her to gather everyone. As the couple went to the tables to greet everyone, the person gathered the group and we took the picture.

Tip #4- Tell us about what makes your wedding special to you. Are you borrowing a necklace or earrings from you grandmother, is your something blue a handkerchief that your mother made, or dad has never worn a tux before... those things that make it YOUR wedding. Share that with us so we can unobtrusively get those pictures.

Tip #5- Never surprise the photographer!!! There was not suppose to be any dancing, but Dad has arranged for a dance with his daughter as a surprise- please let us know. We are always ready to take pictures, but we may be taking pictures of your guests, or the decorations, or out of place somehow, and we miss the surprise on your face when it first happens. We can keep a secret, so please share the surprise moments with us before they happen.

Tip #4- Steve is a fantastic digital editor! He can fix just about anything other than worry on your face. If you look at a picture, and think, oh that would be a great picture if only.... doesn't matter what the if only is, share it with us. Chances are Steve can fix it.

Well, since this post is so long, I will stop for now, but add more tips as time goes along. Feel free to share any tips that you have found to be helpful!

Albums

Flush mount albums are the coolest way to display your wedding pictures!!!! I wish I had one of my wedding. When I pull out my personal wedding pictures to look at them, first I have to get over the fact that I just don't have very many. We got married 19 years ago, we were young, couldn't afford much, and then I didn't take care of the negatives!!! Poor planning on my part, so now I have poor quality pictures. I tease Steve all the time that we should get "remarried" so I can have great pictures! LOL!!!! What I wouldn't give to have digital pictures of my wedding (yes, I know I could scan them, but the quality is poor to start with, so it would take a lot of time and effort which I would rather give to my family and our customers). Anyway, after I get over the fact that the pictures aren't so great, I have to peal them out of the "magnetic" album being ever so careful as to not tear them. My album is just an album. The pictures are there, but it is definitely not something I want to leave on my coffee table to show friends.

The albums that we design now are wonderful. They are a piece of art work, and the best part is that you are the star of the show. It shows off your wedding and all the details that went into it. It's not a picture, or even an album, it's a storybook!

Every album I design is different. I don't use templates because every wedding is different. There is no mass production of a storybook album. Every detail must be done individually with care taken to the details. You have to know the wedding couple and what is important to them, designing the album to showcase those most important moments, and then finally getting it printed and bound by the right company who will take as much care as we do.

Take a look at our albums. Let us know what you think. I have a lot of fun designing them. We have several posted to the wedding albums page, http://www.getmyprints.net/ and several posted on the couples' link to their wedding gallery.

Ashley's bridal session

Yesterday we went to Tomball to do Ashley's bridal session. We had just done Ashley and Josh's engagement session a couple of weeks ago and had a lot of fun, so Steve and I were really looking forward to the bridal session. We took the pictures across the street from her family's house. There was a little dock out onto a small lake. The day was beautiful, and Ashley looked absolutely gorgeous in her wedding dress. Once again, we had a lot of fun. Ashley is a natural!!!! Her pictures are beautiful. Sorry, I can't show them until after their wedding on the 23rd of February!!!! I can't wait for Josh and Ashley's wedding- it is going to be a lot of fun I am sure, which will make for one of a kind amazing pictures!

Here they are!!!!




Here are a few pictures from Josh and Ashley's engagement session. To view the rest of the pictures, go to http://www.magekphoto.com/engagement_sessions.htm

San Antonio

Last weekend we were in San Antonio. We were there to take bridal and engagement pictures. Brian and Jennifer were a great couple, and Brian was a great sport. He is a football fan, and we took engagement pictures on Super Bowl Sunday!!!! He must really love Jennifer! We went to the McNay Museum for both sets of pictures. It is a beautiful location, but it always helps to have the right couple, and Brian and Jennifer were great. Jennifer says Brian doesn't smile much for pictures, but he sure did smile a lot for the engagement pictures. Guess that is another sign that he is truly in love with Jennifer. Steve and I are looking forward to there wedding in Poth, Texas.

We also made it a family trip. All of us went and enjoyed great food and a lot of fun. My kids loved the Alamo, the Riverwalk, and of course all the great food!

I will get a few pictures posted later today so you can see all of our fun!!!!

Welcome to Magek Photography

Hello everyone,

We are really new to the blogs. I have posted blogs before to some of our advertising companies, but never really did it for our own website, so here goes. I am going to try to post at least a couple of times a week so everyone can see what we are doing.

A little about us...
Magek Photography is a family photography passion and business. It is myself, Maggie, and my husband, Steve, along with our four children. Kim also works with us. She is a friend who we like to think of as part of our family. Our kids are still young enough to be home, but a couple of them are old enough to help with the business. You may even see our son or daughter at a wedding with us. They have a great eye!!!!

We are located in Dickinson, Texas, a small community just south of Houston. We travel all over the state of Texas, but also go to Louisianna, Arkansas, and even Oklahoma. We are definitely open to traveling to other locations!!!!

We have been shooting weddings full time for the past 4-5 years, and love every minute of it, which is why I say it is our passion, not just our business. You can view our website, http://www.magekphoto.com/ and see hundreds of examples of our work. We believe in showing you everything, not just the highlights.

We also shoot portrait sessions and events, but our focus to date has really been weddings, bridal sessions, and engagement sessions. We have not promoted our other sessions and really have only done them for referrals or previous customers.

My goal with this blog to post some pictures and let you know what we are doing each week, so check back often.

Have a great weekend!!!

Maggie