Sometimes....

as a photographer...ok most of the time when you work with kids you NEVER know what they are going to do, what expressions you'll catch, how they will react - the kids usually run the show. This has to be one of the funniest shots I've caught. Even funnier that at the time I didn't even realize I had taken this shot. Imagine my laughter when I came across it after the session. It still makes me laugh out loud when I see it.

See what I have to work with!!!

Shelby donned her famous face for me again. So I had to embrace it and ask for "funny faces"! They were a hoot! She absolutely cracks me up. Tonight I realized that the letter "K" must have been popular in the last few years...I have been inundated with "K" names as of late...numerous ones Kyler, Kelzi, Kizmi, Kaelyn, Kaden, Kaylyn, Kaedance, Kellen, Kole, Kenzli, Kady, Kelsie, Kelsey, ...what's up with the "K"?
The new website is up and going, but I'll be ironing out the wrinkles over the next couple of months. So if you run into any problems just let me know so I can fix it asap!!

Is Santa bringing you a new Digital Camera for Christmas?

If Santa is bringing you or you "think" Santa might be bringing you a new digital camera for Christmas - something to consider.
I am going to be teaching a digital photography class for beginners after the new year. I announced this awhile back and the first class has been filled, but I am now opening up for a second class. I'm still ironing out all the details, but if you are interested please contact me.

Recognize this cutie? This is my little "helper" I often have with me during shoots. Doesn't she look all grown up? She is soooooooo ready for Santa to come this year. A couple of weeks ago she was so sure she was going to march up to Santa and TELL HIM WHAT SHE WANTED...she ended up burying her head in her daddy's arms to HIDE from him. All she wants for Christmas is a Christmas Baby Doll. Do you know you CAN'T find a Christmas baby doll when you are trying? I know I've had my eyes on them before, they escape me this year. So Santa's had to get creative and REALLY make one in his shop!!! Hope you are enjoying the Christmas season!

17 Days!!!!!!!!

17 days left! I have made progress...I've made a list. I'm working diligently on Christmas orders. I also have an announcement. A brand new website will be launching soon! It's almost done so keep your eyes on the blog to find out when it's live!

23 Shopping Days left!

and I haven't even started...oh my oh my am i going to be upset when the stores are out of what the kiddos want. Wonder if they'd notice that we didn't have Christmas this year? hmmmm...something to ponder I guess.
i wanted to do the 12 faces of Christmas (you know 12 days of christmas) but i don't know if I can remember to do that...so thought i'd share another Christmas cutie!

26 Shopping Days Left!!!

After visiting with a friend last weekend...it made me feel pretty inadequate as a holiday shopper. She has completed (entirely) her Christmas shopping. Wow - I still have not even humored making list. Maybe this is the year my children not only hear the true story of Christmas, but really live it. You think that'd fly? Ok...wipe the coffee off your monitor... you are probably right...probably won't fly. I ordered some new Christmas decorations...does that count? My husband and daughter..well the boys as well are totally enjoying the new Christmas train that blows real smoke as it rounds the tracks under the tree. It seems to be the most popular new decoration. I also picked up a lighted moose wreath..pretty corny...but then again i'm a corny kinda gal! Then I bought a new lighted decoration for outdoors. Unfortunately it wasn't what I thought I was getting...(downfall to online buying). Hubby was already outside last night trying to figure out what to do with it. I drank hot coffee and ate Christmas candy and supervised. I'm a bad supervisor...after the chilled air cooled my coffee down I opted for us to return inside and tackle it another day. Santa has made his return in our house this year. The last couple of years my daughter has been almost irrepairably frightened by the talking, moving 5ft creation. This year? The girl is karaoke'ing with him, dancing with him...that big red button is just dying to be pushed again and again and again...I've listened to the tune of Winter Wonderland about as many times as I can gut it and it's still November. (keep in mind it's been up since before Thanksgiving) So if you call my home and you can't hear me over the tune of a pre-recorded digital voice of Santa singing...my apologies now. The button MUST be pushed repeatedly throughout the day - ooops saved by the train...it's the new kid in town.
Today's MUG - Ashlynn - all dressed up for Christmas. How do I get so lucky to get so many cute subjects to photograph? Isn't she a ham?

Santa Baby!

Couldn't resist posting one from today. This lil' guy put up with Dad & I arranging and rearranging him. He finally tuckered out...then woke up naked with a hat on his head! It'll be great for blackmail when he is older. Dad can say "remember the time..."

HO HO HO!!

I hope everyone survived Turkey Day. Sure lots to be thankful for this year. It's time to officially kick off the Christmas season and I couldn't resist adding one from today!

Happy Thanksgiving!

As someone else said to me today "I can almost smell the turkey baking!" Thanksgiving is less than 48 hours away - we'll be stuffing our faces soon!
I have almost finishing proofing all of the Christmas sessions. If yours is not up yet, check again later tonight or tomorrow. They all should be up by Thanksgiving. Don't forget the last day to order Christmas pictures is the 30th!
I promise I'm working as fast as I can to get all sessions up for viewing & all of your orders placed. I'm just one person, so please be patient!
I hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving. I'll try to post a few Christmas pics to get everyone in the holiday spirit!!
Update: There are still a few Christmas pics that have not been proofed. So please be patient. I'm hoping to have them up by tomorrow.
If you had a regular session you are waiting on, I will be on it asap!!!

Horses don't fit in the studio....

but Cowgirls do!!! Reese came in today & I found out she loves horses and loves to ride. She had a very large support group today (vbg) and we had a great time. Thanks for coming in!

On a personal note...thanks to all of you who have been concerned about my son. He is doing better & on the mend. The Lord answered our prayers and we praise him for it. Thanks to the ambulance crew for being so kind on our trip to Wichita. You guys were great! A BIG thank you to Dr. Hill for being on her toes and knowing her stuff!

Shhhhh!!!

Don't tell Santa....but I've been pretty ornery this year!!!

Can you believe 43 shopping days left until Christmas. I haven't even started!!! I really cheat a lot when it comes to shopping. The internet has become my mode of purchasing holiday gifts. Then I generally spend one day out looking for stocking stuffers and such. It seems like once Thanksgiving is over, the days fly by and the holiday season is over. This week will keep me busy with the upcoming Children's Christmas special, but then I can start thinking of turkey and all the fixings.... I love the food!!!!

We are the Champions!!!

Chief Football for 2007 NYFL - 5 Wins - 1 Loss took the season Championship!
I'm a bit partial because my kid is on the team....but all the kids are great and work wonderful together! They made a great team on and off the field and what a great way to be rewarded with a wonderful season and taking First Place in the league!!!

First Batch of Halloween Photos are here!

I will be in the studio from 3:30 to 6 this evening for anyone wanting to pick up their pictures. Not all of them have come in, so feel free to call if you are in doubt. I have pictures a giraffe, a monkey (little monkey), Tigger, Bear, Alien & Princess!, Pumpkin, Fairy, Puppy Dog, Pea Pod, Wonder Woman & a Cheerleader...

All American!!!

What can I say? Cute as a button! Okay...cuter than a button...how cute can a button actually be? This little guy was hamming it up and it paid off....looking good!!

Soccer Senior.....

One from today...don't get many soccer kids around here. So was fun to try out a new sport! Thanks Dexter!

Calling all Halloween Parents!!!

Please let me know your final print selections as soon as possible. THANKS!

Happy Halloween!!!!

As promised a few more images from today's trick or treaters!!! A big thank you to everyone who came by...the costumes were all awesome and I enjoyed myself tremendously! All pictures that were requested to be uploaded to the internet are all done. If you have any problems finding them, let me know!

Trick or Treat!!!

I had the funnest day today. The costumes were great! I was due a few good laughs and I got em'! Just a couple from today. I'll try to post more tomorrow!

Queen Tierra & Princess Hannah

Once again a congratulations goes out to Homecoming Queen Tierra Wambsganss & Princess Hannah McCabe. What an exciting time for both of you. Best Wishes & Congrats to both of you.

A mini update: Thank you to those of you who have called, come by or emailed about my family situation. The Lord has been very gracious to us this week and has blessed me by keeping me calm and collected. Not to mention He grabbed the steering wheel out of my hand last Tuesday night and kept my cousin and I from a car accident. The Lord is Amazing! The week has been kind of a blur. We lost my husbands Aunt Tammy, my grandmother was lifeflighted out and ended up having a triple bypass, and a couple of other family members had surgery or emergency services provided to them. Maybe it was just our week to support the medical community. Whatever the reasons we have been blessed through it all.

A reminder: Halloween Costume Pictures will be available on a walk in basis Tuesday (1 pm to 6pm) and Wednesday (1pm to 3pm)
The Christmas Children's Portrait Promotion is November 16th & 17th.

...children are a gift from the Lord....

Psalms 127:3 ...children are a gift from the Lord. Isn't God awesome! A healthy baby girl added to the family this week. She is absolutely beautiful!!! I couldn't resist adding another picture....

SHE'S HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jayci Rose made her way into the world today at 1:21 p.m. She weighed in at a healthy 6 lbs. 15 oz & 21 1/4 inches long. She is absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!!! Mom & Baby are doing great. Thank you Lord for all the miracles you've blessed us with today!!!

Cutie Pie!!!

Ever wanted to see what a "real" cutie pie is? Well check this doll out!!! I couldn't resist posting her mug.

Time is flying by........

I've been so busy lately that I haven't been posting much. Congratulations to last week's Queen - Tierra Wambsganss & Princess Hannah McCabe!! The fall brings in cooler weather and lots of activities. My kids both play football and so we are constantly on the run to practices, games and more. Makes for a really busy time, but I love watching my boys play ball!!! We even missed out on most of Homecoming b/c the lil' guy had a youth league game out of town. I thought I should post some more pics...so I'll try to get a few more up for viewing. Thanks to all of you who have been so patient. Local Chiefs Fans Max & Britney!

Musically gifted......

I always wanted to be able to read music, sing, play an instrument....it is just not the route God wanted me to take. As much as I LOVE music...it's just not my gift. 08' Senior Tyler apparently was granted a bit more talent than I. Best of Luck to you Tyler. I hope you have a wonderful year!

Turning 8!

Celebrating a birthday is always great...especially when you are "8"!!! Sheridan came into celebrate her 8th birthday. We had a great time...the prop room with all the "frilly" things was very popular! It's just mandatory that you be treated like a Princess...right? Sheridan was definitely the center of attention, but when you are 3 you have to be part of all the attention too...so Shaley and Ian took a moment to snagged some of that attention too!

SEEING DOUBLE!

Nah! Just the onriest twins in this hemisphere!! Ok...maybe not...I do know for a fact they got a couple good laughs in at my expense during their session. : ) Tis' ok...I suppose it was funny to them!

Children's Christmas Portraits!!!! HO HO HO!!!

Hey for everyone who has been wondering...the Children's Christmas Portrait Promotion will be in November tentatively scheduled for the 16th & 17th. I've also had a few inquire about why the Children's promotion is less expensive. Here is the answer!!! There are no clothing changes, no scene changes and I spend between 15-30 minutes per session. Less time, less pictures...you get the idea. Please don't hesitate to call and book your appointment early. At this time it's only planned to be a 2 day event!!!
REMINDER!!! Halloween and the day before you can come in for a couple of quick shots of your Tot in their costume. No appointment necessary. If you need exact times I'll be in the studio...just give me a buzz!!!

A Dolly and her doll...

I am alive. A few days down with the stomach flu (my children were so kind to share) and now a fresh start with a head and chest cold. I'm feeling like a million bucks. NOT! I am at least back amongst the living and back to work. My apologies to anyone who has been waiting on me. I'm back at it as of today. Just a little more behind than I was a week ago! But before I get back at it....a sneak peek for Emily and Marcus of their precious doll. Isn't she beautiful??? I'd almost bet she is spoiled...I mean who could resist that face???

Too early for thoughts of Halloween???

Nah not really when you consider it's just around the corner. In a few weeks Mom's will be making their final selections on costumes. Getting the little ones ready for the "Night of Sugar Highs!" or as it happens at our house..mom and dad raid the kids loot while they sleep. Shh...don't tell them that...they have no idea!!

You might wonder why I mention Halloween this early - well I've been asked about doing Mini shoots around Halloween where parents can bring in their kids for a quick shot in their costumes. I think this a great idea. A great opportunity to catch a shot for the scrapbook. Let me know if you are interested I'll only be doing a handful of these shoots - I have to be available to take my lil' Witch & Ghouls out to get my...ahem...I mean their candy!!!

Pretty in PINK.............

The Lord is just so good to me. He sent me a lil' Angel to photograph. I had soooo much fun with Zoey last night. She has grown up so much in the last few months that I hardly recognized her. Mom and Dad...I gotta tell ya...you are going to have to start touring the country doing motivational speeches on coaching your kids during a photo session. You two crack me UP!!! I'm so thankful you brought her in....you guys are all great. I'm going to clog the blog with extra pictures today...it was just too hard to chose. : )

In JOHN DEERE green.....

I don't know why it is, but some things just go in cycles. John Deere themes seem to be very popular lately. Here is a real cutie pie sportin' his JD colors!!! Ashton came into celebrate his 1st Birthday with cake & balloons. Birthday Bashes are a great way to celebrate your child's 1st Birthday. I generally grab a few "clean" shots and then let em' go at the cake. Ashton took to the cake pretty well....the whole idea of smiling at the camera...well....he gave up a few smiles...but mostly for Mom. Happy Birthday Ashton!

Photographers at Play!

I just returned from a Photography Workshop. Featured here is our own Jessica Hughes...can you tell she is a bit camera shy?

We had a wonderful family that came to be our victims in front of 15 photographers. They were very brave. Their daughter was so sweet. I let her use my remote to take a couple pictures of mom and dad. Here is one of her shots.

Fish Tales!

Well I didn't exactly hear fish stories from this lil' guy, but he sure enjoyed his fishing trip! I had a fun time with this shoot. "J" is full of life and energy...how many two year old boys aren't? and he was ready to get started from the moment he walked in the door. Which is really pretty exciting because many kids run kicking and screaming. It's like they think I'm going to give them a shot or torture them in some fashion. I've been known to make a few cry...wonder if word gets around fast in Toddlerville? I couldn't resist putting up a little sneak peek for Mom. Thanks for coming in - we got some great shots!

Flowers Bloomin' in August!

As parents we do some really, really crazy things to our kids when they are small. Why? Because we know the kids will deal with right now...they will hate us later. So this little gal will probably hate her mother someday or laugh just like we did during the shoot. Hopefully Baby "C" has a great sense of humor like her mother and will laugh about it when she is older. She made a great model and was just a pretty happy little gal. She is a cute little thing with or without the flower head piece!!!

Send those Emails Folks!!!

I guess everyone is afraid to send an email and get a free session. The sessions are still up for grabs. I had someone mention they thought they were too late. Nope not at all. Nobody has emailed about either free session. So don't diddle daddle...send me an email. It's a$50 value - no strings attached! Update: The child session has been given away. The Senior session has also been given away. Congrats to "J" & "M"!!

What a week!!! Let's celebrate!

This has been an insanely busy week for me. Throw a few computer problems in and it makes for a not so fun "busy" week!! Anyone waiting on orders they should be in by next Friday. School starts next week, so my family is taking a last minute mini-vacation before the kids return to the books. We also have a new family pet "Murphy" so far he has been more of a carpet weight than a pet. Occasionally a wagging tail when you walk by, otherwise...he's making sure the carpet doesn't rise. In celebration of the vacation and our new family pet I am offering two FREE (yes I typed FREE) sessions. I will give away one free Senior Session and one free Child session. Here is how to win - email me from my website www.brigittehoagphotography.com and put the word "Murphy" or "Vacation" in the subject line. Please include your name and contact info & which type of session you are vying for in your message. The first one to email me (for their category) wins the free session. Of course the fine print is that the free session may NOT be combined with any other offers. So what are you waiting for? Get that e-mail sent.

Farmer Tuck!

Farmer Tucker came in a few days ago and what a little cutie. He even told me he loved me before he left. How cool is that? He was so sweet and said "cheeeeeeeeeze" for his pictures. Isn't he a cute lil' farmer?

Summer Days are Wasting Away!!

Can you believe summer is just about over? The heat is still to come, but the kids are headed back in a couple of weeks (yeah!!...did I say that?) My little gal starts pre-school next month. Bittersweet as I realize how fast she is growin' up and how much I'll miss her. But nonetheless a milestone for her and I both. For those of you out there waiting on portraits. Had a few computer problems, but I'm back up and running now. For the most part : ) Hoping to be all caught up by next week. Thanks to all my clients for a wonderful month.

FREE PICTURES - Did somebody say free pictures?

First off today is my oldest sons birthday. He turns 12. Happy Birthday Dalton! It's amazing how fast they grow up. Parents of young children listen up - they GROW UP TOO FAST!! All the more reason to have pictures taken, and often. I had a client the other day say they felt awful because they had rarely had pictures taken of their youngest child. She said "it must be nice being a photographer...I bet you have tons of pictures of your kids". Ironically I don't. Of course the oldest had tons of pictures taken, the middle child...well he has a few, then the baby came along, digital came along...burned up more memory cards the first month with her than I have all year. : ) So plenty of snaps...but I actually am awful about having my kids' portraits done. I try to do them annually but sometimes it doesn't happen. I'm always waiting for the right day to get the all "ready" to do it. That perfect day doesn't always come. As I sit today and realize my child is 12...I realize how many special moments I've probably missed and didn't capture on film (ok memory card). I WISH I would have taken more, even on the days when the house was a mess, or I didn't look so great. I WISH I would have taken more. Days you can't get back, moments that are gone forever. Memories that are faded.

Yesterday I had my first Senior for the Class of 2008. I had soooo much fun. Shhh...don't tell it's my job and your job isn't supposed to be fun right? Well MINE IS!!! It was great. Shooting (ok taking portraits) of Seniors is great. They don't cry, they can hold a pose, I don't have to wear funny hats, or use squeaky toys and bubbles to get them to smile! Instead of diaper changes we do clothing changes. They don't hold out their arms calling "mama". Although I dearly LOVE photographing babies and toddlers, this was a refreshing change of pace for me. Kaylyn is a great subject. She dropped into poses naturally and it made my job even easier! Thanks Kaylyn - I had a really fun evening and we got some great shots!

Now about those FREE pictures - SENIORS - you can get FREE pictures for your facebook, myspace, & bebo pages. Why settle for a snapshot when you can put a professional, great looking shot of yourself up for your friends to see? Call for your appointment and don't forget to request your FREE pic!

get FLASHED at BHP!!!

Steal My Blinkie for your page!

Lots and Lots of Babies This Week....

Seems like I've had a lot of babies lately. Which is one of my favorite things to photograph. This little gal didn't exactly love all the "frilly" things Mom had for her head. But nonetheless gave up a few smiles! As usual towards the end of our session she gave up and went to visit the SandMan!

Beautiful Girls........

and they are growing up fast. Seems like yesterday these two were knee high to a grasshopper. Being silly is a lot of fun & we had A LOT of fun!!!

Showin' Off My Indian Pride!!!

See this BIG SMILE? This little guy gave them up for the entire session, until he just finally fell asleep. He is so precious...look at all of that hair!!! His little face just beams with happiness. Such a sweetie!

Shoot ME NOW!!!

Could I get any luckier??? This little HAM and a HAM he is...came in for his first Birthday pictures. He is absolutely, positively adorable!!! We all had a great time and Trey thoroughly enjoyed his cake too!