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And the Winners Are…

06.30.09 2:58 pm Posted in Promotions

Oh my. This was so very hard to decide. I should have just made the entire contest random, because I had such a difficult time choosing which love statement I liked the most! All of the entries were great. I had some funny ones, some great personal stories, lines from songs and even a poem written just for me. (Thanks, Lynsey!) Just as a reminder, the statement that I liked the most won the grand prize, which was the chance to choose any of the 5 prizes that the contestant wanted. The other 4 prizes were given away randomly. Here are the winners:

(drumroll, please)

The grand prize goes to Barbara Sue who submitted the quote, “In dreams and in love there are no impossibilities.” Janos Arnay. While I truly loved all of the submissions, I thought this simple statement was powerful and hopeful. Barbara Sue chose the free portrait session as her prize!

 

The Lacy Aqua Bead Earrings go to Alicia

The YellowButton onesie/shirt goes to Michelle

The Jewelry Tree goes to Shelley

The Free Lovebirds Session goes to Meagan

 

There were 21 comments to go through. I think that’s a new record for amount of comments on one blog post! Thank you so much to all of you who entered and helped me celebrate the launch of the new blog. If you didn’t win, don’t worry. I’m planning on doing more fun promotions in the future :)

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Stephanie Dunn - So…I didn’t enter the contest because I figured I’d give someone else a chance-lol. Now that the prizes have been dispersed, I’ll give some love to my BFF and her talent. I love the new website and logo. You have come so far in the past few years and I can’t wait to see where you take your creativity and passion for photography in the future. No limits girl! I will always be one of your biggest fans and forever one of your best friends!July 1, 2009 – 8:04 am

Janice Barham - That is a beautiful quote! We just moved, and I was thinking of putting a short, but amazing quote on our bedroom wall. That would be perfect!!June 30, 2009 – 3:18 pm

Ashley and Grant: Anniversary

06.29.09 3:03 pm Posted in Weddings

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Last week was Ashley and Grant’s 1 year anniversary. I’ll never forget my first time meeting Ashley. It was my 24th birthday, and I had just started a new business. While sitting with Ashley and her mom talking about her wedding, I realized something. She was confident in me. She wanted me specifically to be her wedding photographer. It was exactly what I needed at that point early in my career, and I’ll always be thankful to Ashley for that confidence.

Ashley and Grant had an absolutely gorgeous wedding at the fantastic Casa Feliz in Winter Park. It’s one of the most beautiful and unique venues for weddings and engagement sessions in Central Florida. 

Ashley and Grant, Happy Anniversary! I hope your first year has been amazing, but I hope all the years to come will be even better.

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heidimitchell - You’re the best, Ashley :)June 30, 2009 – 3:03 am

Ashley Powell - Oh, Heidi, thank you so much! Our first year has gone by so fast – it almost seems like the anniversary came too soon.

It’s nice to hear I’ll be forever in your memories. Haha! In all seriousness though, I still recommend you to everyone. You made my wedding so much easier for me because I knew I didn’t have to worry about whether or not we’d have good photos to look back on. Even though I didn’t know you at the time, I can still tell you why I had that confidence in you. You were professional, your portfolio was beautiful, and you truly listened to me and what I wanted for my wedding. That meant the world to me. So, you’re very welcome! You deserved it. :)June 30, 2009 – 12:33 am

The Other Side of the Camera: Personal

06.27.09 7:27 pm Posted in Personal

It’s a well-known fact that photographers do not like to be photographed. I certainly fit into this category as the kind of person who practically breaks out into a cold sweat at the thought of having professional pictures taken. After a few years of hearing my mother-in-law’s statements that we didn’t have any family pictures since the weddings, I broke down and scheduled a portrait session for the Mitchells. I called one of my good friends and talented photographer, Ashley, and asked her if she was up to the task. 

I suppose that it’s good for me to experience what my clients experience. I felt the panic when trying to decide what 6 people should wear in a group picture. I heard myself repeating some of the same things that I silently chuckle at when I hear my clients say them to their families. “Mike, please behave.”  “Mike, please don’t make that face.”  “My hair looks terrible. Stupid Florida humidity.” Somehow, we survived the experience and ended up with some nice portraits that are recent and don’t involve big wedding gowns and tuxedos.

While we were at it, I asked Ashley to take a few shots of me by myself so I could use them on my website, blog, etc. It was funny when I was going through the files on my computer. I’ve been told my whole life that I look just like my mom. I’ve never thought so, but recently I have started to see the resemblance. The very last photo in this post kind of scared me. I thought, “I am officially my mother.” Thankfully, I have a beautiful mom, so I take it as a compliment when people compare me to her, but it’s strange to see myself start to look more and more like her!

So next time I’m shooting a portrait session, I will remember my fears and feelings during my shoot, and have a little better understanding of how my clients are feeling. Now I just have to schedule another family portrait session for the Salas side….

 

The “kids”.

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The whole crew. Mike’s parents, brother and sister-in-law.

img_06511Brothers :)
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I always wanted a sister growing up. I had to wait 22 years, but I finally have one now.

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heidimitchell - Haha! I knew I loved Kenny!July 7, 2009 – 9:02 pm

Julie Townsend - Heidi, these pictures are beautiful! I love the graduations ones too. I am showing them to Kenny and he keeps saying Heidi so pretty. What can I say the boy has great taste!July 7, 2009 – 8:35 pm

Jessica Rhoads - All these pictures have one thing in common, warmth and love! It’s simple, you all look sincerely happy & loved…in the end that’s all one needs right? Well thats what I think anyhow! Have a wonderful Day!
BTW: For not liking to be photographed, you put on a good front because they turned out very good! :) Ashley did well.June 28, 2009 – 6:47 pm

Ashley McCormick Photography - Hooray! I love them :) I kinda want to use them for my site, can I have them back?? lol

You know I will definitely be there for the Salas side. And I LOVE the last photo, you look beautiful :)June 28, 2009 – 3:49 pm

Heather Bennett-Seitz - I totally agree about the last picture…whoh, you do look like her…good thing she’s beautiful and still looks young!June 28, 2009 – 2:53 am

Stephanie Dunn - These are really good pics-love the one of you laughing. Super good job Ashley!June 27, 2009 – 11:46 pm

Brand New

06.23.09 3:50 pm Posted in Promotions

Welcome to my new blog. Finally! Thanks for your patience. I was supposed to launch yesterday, but there was a slight delay due to an uncontrollable circumstance. That’s the way it goes. Anyway, what do you think? Notice the lovely new logo at the top. I am in love with my new logo! It was created by the fantastic Leslie Vega. Well, a new logo and a new blog call for a celebration. I’ve been promising prizes, so here they are:

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I love these earrings. They are from the Candy’s Art store on Etsy. Check out her other fabulous and affordable jewelry.

 

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Super cute onesies and kid’s clothing from Yellow Button on Etsy. The winner gets to choose any item under $20. Some of the shirts can even be customized with the initial of your little cutie. 

 

treeUmm, someone is winning this because I’ve been wanting one for a long time. So I will be ordering 2 of these adorable jewelry trees from Urban Outfitters. One for you and one for me ;) Such a cute way to store some of your favorite jewelry on your dresser.

 

kidsIf you are the winner of prize #4, I’ll be coming to photograph your newborn, kiddo or family. Your choice! Any portrait session you desire. It’s on me. (A $125 value!)

 

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Getting married, recently married, or not-so-recently married? Well, break out the wedding attire for a creative Lovebird session with your significant other. Location of your choice. (In Central Florida, of course) If your wedding hasn’t happened yet, we can schedule the session for after your wedding date. (These sessions usually cost $200 to add on to my wedding packages. You can win this prize whether your wedding is booked with me or not.)

 

DETAILS:

So, now you’re probably wondering how you can win one of these prizes. It’s very easy. The grand prize winner gets to choose which of the 5 prizes he/she wants to claim. The remaining 4 prizes will be given out randomly to the rest of the people entered. Heidi Mitchell Photography is all about love. Engagements, weddings, newborns, families. So to enter:

1. Leave some blog love (i.e. a comment in the alloted space below).

2. Make sure you type a valid email address when it asks you so I can get a hold of you.

3. Make your blog love comment related to love. This can be a line from a song, poem, movie, book, or just something you heard or made up. It can be serious, hilarious or something in between. It can be short and sweet (a one-liner) or it can be longer. Whichever commenter grabs my attention the most by making me laugh/cry/ponder the hardest, will be declared the winner. This person will choose which of the 5 prizes they want.

4. If you didn’t win the grand prize, your name will still be put in the virtual “hat” to be considered for one of the other prizes.

5. Make sure you leave your comment by Monday, June 29 @ 11:59 pm. The winners will be announced on Tuesday, June 30.

 

Happy Commenting. Hope you like the new blog as much as I do!

 

 

 

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Monique - Okay, I love the site. I am always peeking on your site anyways to see what you’ve done next. You inspire me bigtime.
Love the idea of the contest, and since I have been waiting til I can afford you to come out, I am going for it ;)
Here is a quote I like…
“You know it’s love when you want to keep holding hands even after you’re sweaty.” – AnonomousJune 30, 2009 – 12:56 am

Michelle - I’ve been trying to think of a clever, funny story to write…but decided instead to tell of the “small” moments in life that mean the most. I treasure the snuck-in kisses with my husband in the kitchen when the kids aren’t looking; the times that I am hugging their daddy and a little one wiggles in between to break us apart. I love when my baby boy takes my face in his hands and kisses my nose. I love when I can hear the contagious laughter of three tiny voices telling each other secrets. I love when my husband calls home from work just to say “I love you.” I love feeling each baby move inside me, and then meeting them for the first time as they come into the world. It is the little moments as well as the big moments that make love special and create the best memories. I thank God every day for my family, and am so grateful for His greatest expression of love shown for us on the cross.June 29, 2009 – 10:22 pm

Lynsey Hargraves - so I’m not into the lovey, gushy, kind of stuff, (if you weren’t able to tell by now), so I decided I would share my thoughts about love and your new website in a brief poem:
I love your new logo,
I love your new blog,
I love my husband and son,
I sometimes love my dog.
I think your work is great,
I’d hire you anyday,
I’m not one to talk about love,
So that is all I’m going to say.June 29, 2009 – 9:37 pm

Meagan Sullivan - One of my favorite all time love quotes… I love you, not only for what you are, But for what I am when I am with you.”June 29, 2009 – 7:22 pm

Meagan Sullivan - Wow Heidi! I am really starting to fall in love with your work. I can’t wait to meet you and see even more of your albums! Looking at all this beautiful photography is making me so… excited for my big day, hopefully I will be lucky enough to have you there!June 29, 2009 – 7:09 pm

Kimberly Wise - Hi Heidi! I love the new blog. Thank you again for being a part of our wedding day! The photos are amazing; each one of them really captured a moment of our day. We are having a blast going through them all and reliving it.
I really like that song: “What the world needs now is love, sweet love, It’s the only thing that there’s just too little of..” Such a great song and an inspiration to love others!June 29, 2009 – 1:12 am

Ashley Powell - I love your new logo, Heidi! I’m still recommending you to everyone I know who needs a good photographer. What can I say? I’m a fan! ;) Here’s my bit about love – it’s from a memoir I read called “Come Back.”

“We live by two things – love and fear. Every choice, every thought, every action, stems from one of these, and when your time comes, when you reach out – if you reach out – it’s love that will save you. Love will get you through everything.”June 28, 2009 – 10:34 pm

brianna snell - Hey Heidi! I love your new blog. It’s pretty!! :]
You did an awesome job on my senior pictures & invitations. I got lots of compliments on them. Thanks so much!! My family and I will hopefully be calling soon for a family session.

My boyfriend told me about this Sting song, and I’m going to use lyrics from it for my love reference…

“Love is stronger than justice
Love is thicker than blood
Love is stronger than justice
Love is a big fat river in flood”

-Love Is Stronger Than Justice by Sting

:]June 28, 2009 – 9:44 pm

Shelley Gagne - Hi Heidi! I am so glad that Caimbrin introduced us and it was a pleasure to meet you. Your work is really good and I am definitely interested in it. As far as a love quote goes, I have several favorites….here is one of them: “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.” Good luck with everything and your site is awesome!June 28, 2009 – 4:58 pm

christina hatch knowles - all these pictures on u’r website r so amazing u did a wounderful job. Hopefully when I get some money up I’ll be calling u for my family pictures, in which I have not yet gotten a family pic. with my new husband, not even wedding pic’s. U keep up the great work work.June 25, 2009 – 3:32 am

Caimbrin - Wow!! The new site is awesome! I love it. I can’t wait to see all the cute photo’s the best photographer in FL puts up.June 25, 2009 – 3:12 am

Kylie - “love; life’s single greatest risk.
life’s single greatest reward. love captures
your heart in a second and holds it for eternity.”June 25, 2009 – 2:11 am

Alicia Candelora - Loving the new blog! you go girl…!!!

Here is my ALL TIME favorite love quote:

“If a November night could talk, it would probably boast it invented romance.”

…simply because I LOVe the month of November. Something about the crisp breeze on a November night, the anticipation of Christmas and a New Year…and it seems to be the month i am most inclined to fall in love! I love November!June 24, 2009 – 11:59 pm

Barbra-Sue Nelson - I love your photography Heidi…. can’t wait to work with you! Your new logo is fantastic!
As for my quote… I love this one.
“In dreams and in love there are no impossibilities.”
Janos ArnayJune 24, 2009 – 2:30 am

Stephanie E. - Hey Heidi, I just wanted to tell you that I love your website and your new blog — Everything looks awesome! You have an amazing talent. As far as a love quote, I love this Beatles song, ‘Do you want to know a Secret’ —
“Listen, do you want to know a secret,
Do you promise not to tell, woh, woh, woh,
Closer, let me whisper in your ear,
Say the words you long to hear,
I’m in love with you” haha!June 23, 2009 – 11:41 pm

Ashley McCormick Photography - Hooray! I love the new blog, it looks awesome :) Even though I don’t need to win anything (obviously) here is my favorite little quote about love/relationships: “Sexiness wears thin after a while, and beauty fades, but to be married to a man who makes you laugh every day, ah, now that’s a real treat” – Joanne WoodwardJune 23, 2009 – 8:01 pm

Janice Barham - Heidi – LOVE the new blog & logo!!

Okay here is my tidbit about love – When my husband and I met he was singing karaoke at a restaurant in The Villages. As we dated, we would go there frequently for him to sing and his favorite songs were love songs. He also loved to walk around the room, and sing to the older women, who just LOVED that he would sing to them.

But he saved a very special song for the day that we got married. We had always said that we would finish our reception and then pop into this restaurant in all of our wedding attire to surprise the regulars. When he went up to sing, he picked a song I wasn’t familiar with. It was Kenny Chesney’s “Me And You.” It is a very simple song. There are not many words to it at all. But it is full of emotion and shows the depth of love that my husband had on that day, and every day since. I still cry every time I hear it.

To finish the story from our wedding day, when he went up to sing the song… and “The Villagers” realized that he was finally singing one to me, rather than to all of the older ladies… they made me go up on stage with him so he could serenade me. It was very sweet and touching, and a memory I will cherish always.

What I have learned most in all of my lessons of love, is best summed up by this quote – Immature love says “I love you because I need you.” Mature love says “I need you because I love you.” (Erich Fromm)June 23, 2009 – 7:42 pm

Audrey - Yay! Love the new blog! I’ve been patiently awaiting it’s arrival. :) This may be cheesy, but it’s my favorite line from my favorite movie, When Harry met Sally. It’s a great explaination of true love. :)

“I love that you get cold when it’s 71 degrees out. I love that it takes you an hour and a half to order a sandwich. I love that you get a little crinkle above your nose when you’re looking at me like I’m nuts. I love that after I spend the day with you, I can still smell your perfume on my clothes. And I love that you are the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep at night. And it’s not because I’m lonely, and it’s not because it’s New Year’s Eve. I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.”June 23, 2009 – 5:32 pm

Adeline - I love the new website as well :)
———————
There’s a funny thing about love. It makes you laugh and it makes you cry. It makes you think about how you’d want to share it with the rest of the world and how much you want to show the world how much your love means to you. Love comes in so many different shapes and/or forms. It comes in the form of a child latching on to his mother, the love between two people that will never be able to shatter, or bend and chip but always mended; hurt but not broken. It can be funny and witty and charming. It can be brutal and honest, raw and emotional. The love you give is an image of who you are and how you’re willing to share it shows wealth that has no monetary value.

After four years of emotional hardships and layers of wall brought up, right before my eyes every guard I had put up was broken down. That’s the very moment my now fiancé, my best friend walked into my life. It’s the moment I opened up my heart. It’s the moment I won’t ever forget because just like his love has changed me, my love for him has done wonders for him. We’ve laughed together, we’ve cried together and we’ve had our stubborn moments. Although flawed, our love is immaculate, undecipherable, and impenetrable. It is quiet and shy; reserved, if you will. It is boisterous and fun. It is something to be shared with the world.
Never be afraid, only curious and brave. Your love is stronger than you think.
—–

Thank you, :)June 23, 2009 – 5:30 pm

Annette - What a great new look. I am excited for you. It really reflects your personality.June 23, 2009 – 5:14 pm

Kylie - I LOVE your new logo! Love the colors and the way it looks!

Will come back to do the contest!June 23, 2009 – 4:19 pm

Emily & Daniel: Anniversary

06.16.09 2:18 pm Posted in Weddings

It’s hard to believe that last week was Emily and Daniel’s 1 year anniversary. This couple is amazingly sweet, and they hold a special place in my heart for a very special reason. Their wedding was the first one that I photographed as Heidi Mitchell, Owner of Heidi Mitchell Photography. I had photographed plenty of weddings before, but always for someone else’s company. Just 6 months before meeting Emily and Daniel, I had decided to take a giant leap of faith and start my business. I am not much of a risk-taker, so it was a big deal to finally make that decision after years of debating whether or not I was ready. After my first year of photographing 3 weddings, I am so incredibly blessed to be photographing 12 weddings in 2009.

I could not have asked for a better experience with my first couple. Emily and Daniel are kind, funny and have a relationship that can inspire you to love your spouse more. I am happy to report that they are also expecting their first baby. Emily and I have already been making plans to get together again to photograph this new addition.

Emily and Daniel, Happy Anniversary. Thanks for believing in me as a photographer. You guys are amazing, and I cannot wait to photograph the new baby :)