Digital Age Photography and Designs

My husband and I with our Daughter Gabriella, shortly after she was born.

As with any New Year we all tend to journey into a path of the "unknown." New goals, new outlooks, new set of standards and most importantly an overall evaluation of the year that's passed and embarking upon a "fresh" start.

This year my Greatest quest is to continue to grow my Photography business. However, my growth and expansion comes from a far deeper place in my heart than that of a desire to own and operate a business of my own....quite frankly that just isn't me and quite honestly the reward of being a mother, a stepmother, a wife, a sister, a daughter and best friend and doing it to the best of my ability is of far greater compensation to me than a dollar amount for a business that would take me away and deplete me of my ability and time to devote to these, which matter most to me.

I say this so that each of you understands not only that my Photography business comes from a place deep inside my heart, that grows a little wider, deepens a little more and flourishes with each new family I have the honor of photographing, the pleasure of sharing in the precious moments with and the ability to create an image that tells the story, that will last a lifetime for each family and preserve their memories. THAT is my purpose in this!

So with a New Year, Goals to attain and Desires I want to have met....I've been searching for a way to keep it all grounded, a way in which not only do I keep my heart and business focused on my passion and away from ever reaching a direction I don't intend...I've decided to find a way that I am giving back to You monthly!

My message (as you will see on any one of my business cards, brochures, marketing materials etc.) is...

"A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words; The Story It Can Tell Will Leave You Speechless..." This message has so many meanings to me and it's why I do what I do. So in keeping life, business and all that it entails grounded and about my passion, It is my strong desire to give each of you the opportunity to remember what's of most meaning and inspiration to you.

So let's have a Monthly contest that gives each of you this opportunity!

Here are the details.

1. It is open to ANYONE, you, your friends, neighbors, family, etc. EVERYONE!
2. Each month I will introduce a Theme of Inspiration Here on the blog and on our social media sites. For example the theme of the month will be: Laughter or Motherhood, Marriage etc.
3. With this theme, each of you who wish to enter the contest will email me a Picture of what the month's inspiration means to you! Included with your picture will be your reason for why this Picture is of so much meaning and inspiration to you. This picture does not need to be anything spectacular (from a photographic sense) what so ever, in fact the one image you settle on will most often be that of a candid photo. That's perfect!
4. At the end of the month, my team (my graphics's artist specialist, designer, publisher and me will vote on our most inspirational letter and photography of the month!)
5. Each month's contest winner will receive a FREE photo shoot with me, that will resemble the month's inspiration and your letter and a FREE 10 x 20 print of your favorite proof from our photo shoot!
6. Each month's Theme of Inspiration will be announced on the 1st and all entries must be submitted by the last day of the month, no later than 9am. The winner will be announced by 6pm on the last day of the month.

I am so beyond excited to do this! I love nothing more than being inspired, but most importantly giving you the opportunity to capture and memorialize what inspires You!

*For the contest please send all entries to:
Carrie@digitalage.com
*Title your entries as: Monthly Inspiration: (List the theme)
*Include your contact information (Full Name, Address, Telephone Number and any additional information you see fit)

Last, but Certainly not least this months Inspirational Theme is:

LOVE

Here are a few key questions to get you thinking as you search for your image of inspiration...
What is an image that most represents Love to you? Why does this image sum up love for you? Where does this image take you in your heart, your mind, your emotions? Why is this the most inspirational image of Love in your life right now?

Happy February 1st! I look so forward to reading and hearing from each of you!!!!

Sincerely,

Carrie Michaels
Digital Age Photography

I have truly enjoyed these past two weeks, at home, nesting with my kiddos, taking a little time off to just enjoy the Holidays (aka run around like crazy finishing shopping, baking, cooking, fun activities for kids, family visiting etc.) and there is, to me, no greater time in a year than this.

What I love most about this final week between Christmas and New Years, is the time of reflection. Looking back on this past year of photos, memories, the calendar etc. Seeing how much our children have changed, accomplished, grown...how much love and laughter has filled our home. How many obstacles we have won and overcome (particularly with health this year...THANK YOU LORD!).

I am so excited as to the New Horizon's ahead, for a New Year! For another year of Growth, Life, Love, Happiness and everything in between. Our every day, shapes us, molds us, makes us better, breathes life into us!

This year I am thankful for the New Opportunities that I have accomplished, the many more to come, health and happiness in my marriage, for our children, our home, our family members and even our 5 crazy four legged babies. LOL! Cheers to 2011's final days and WELCOME 2012! xoxo

..... Did you really think I would write a post and NOT include some of my latest photography? You know me better :) And yes, Although I planned to take December off, I sneaked a few sessions in! Here are two AMAZING FAMILIES!!! Enjoy! xo

Sister Trio...These three GORGEOUS sisters were so much fun to photograph! They had it down. I don't think I've laughed this hard and had so much "girly" fun on a shoot yet! xo