I am hoping that you took lots of pictures to commemorate the holiday and new year. If you didn’t, it’s never too late to make it your resolution to create lasting memories. Not just for fun, but because you never know when those photos will be your most treasured connection to loved ones.

I am reminded of a story that was circulating the last couple months on the web through social media and numerous blogs about making sure that creating memories through photos is important – especially since you don’t know what the future can hold. This story was from photographer Jeanine Thurston. She received a hand-written letter on her doorstep from a past client who passed away not long after canceling her photo session with Jeanine. The letter reads:

Today I am writing for a couple of reasons.  I have some quiet time at the moment and need to get a couple of things off my mind.  I will leave this for my husband to deliver to you when he is ready.

You photographed my wedding, you photographed my first pregnancy and my first baby.  I contacted you awhile back to photograph my 2nd child and family.  After getting prices and realizing I would want all of the pictures as we love your work – I decided against spending $500+ – which is what I normally spend for portraits and prints with you..  Please know it is not because I don’t value your amazing eye, or how much we love the experience.

That week that I decided to NOT do a session with you, this is how I spent some money.

On Sunday I called and cancelled our session.  Monday I went out and got my hair cut ($39+tip), and colored ($65), Thursday I had my nails done ($24), my family went out to dinner at a somewhat expensive restaurant for no particular reason costing us $79 + tip.  This was just 4 days since canceling our session, already totaling over $200 for un necessary things.  My nails only lasted about 2 weeks, my hair is gone, and seven weeks passed when I got the phone call from our doctor.  It was not something I expected and the cancer has spread very quickly.  I will be leaving my husband, my 6 year old girl and my now 2 year old – not by choice.  It is very hard for me to talk about it which is why I need to write you.

I watch your Facebook page and your posts about the value of a photo and if I could give back all of those things that I purchased this few weeks after I cancelled my session with you, knowing what I know now, and have that session, well… I would do it in a heartbeat.

Now my time is done and there are no more chances for me.  The next time someone cancels a session – my wish is that you forward this letter to them.  Time is fragile, it is gone before you know you had it.  If you charged $200 for one print it wouldn’t be enough for what it is actually worth.  I cringe to think that my priorities were a manicure over a memory to pass onto my babies and husband.

My love and thanks for what you have given us from past photos.  I am so sorry that I did not see it as more than paper until now.

This is definitely a story about more than photos. I wanted to share it because it’s so important to continue taking photos and making memories between your Orange County photography sessions.

As Orange County professional photographers, Montgomery Photography knows that it can take several shots to find the perfect photo. Just click, snap, and tap your way to preserving memories!

And don’t forget to schedule your Orange County Family Photography session! It’s a great time to schedule your first 2012 family photo shoot with Montgomery Photography! Click here to schedule now!

We know that the holidays are a time full of quickly snapped photos on your point and shoot camera or smartphone. Wrapping paper flying here and there, and New Year’s kisses and toasts still await!

It has probably been a busy time for you and your camera may be cast to the side with thousands of photos just sitting on a memory card waiting to be shared with loved ones. Don’t forget to save your photos and share your holiday memories with your friends and family.

Whether you print the photos, text them, email them, post them to Facebook, or create a holiday keepsake CD, don’t let sharing your most treasured 2011 memories make it to your New Year’s resolutions list – do it now and make the season even brighter.

As you watch these last few days of the year fly by, don’t be afraid to capture a bunch of blurry photos in your quest to get the best shots. As Orange County professional photographers, Montgomery Photography knows that it can take several shots to find the perfect photo. Just click, snap, and tap your way to preserving memories and enjoy your holiday!

Remember especially if you haven’t had an Orange County Family Photography session in 2011 that it’s a great time to schedule your 2012 family photo shoot with Montgomery Photography! Click here to schedule now!

Wishing you a Happy Holiday Season and a wonderful New Year!

1-Relax your face-Take breaks when needed, so you don’t look strained and your pictures come out spectacular.

2-Avoid certain makeups-Some makeups with yellow or orange tints like bronzer, get picked up by the camera more than other hues. Choose other color tones for a more natural look.

3-Watch the shine-Wedding photos can be very time consuming. Remember to have some powder on hand and to continually apply it or wipe away oils from your face.

4-Smile with your eyes- Whether you’re doing a super silly or super serious pose, remember that your eyes can say a lot about you.

5-Laughter IS the best medicine-Don’t shy away from the camera if something has tickled your funny bone. Use that joy to make your photos even more special.

Remember these tips when it comes time for you to step in front of the camera and remember, Montgomery Photography for all your Orange County photography needs.  949-337-6225