Here are some more images from Baby Archer’s newborn session a few weeks ago that were selected by mom.  His newborn announcements should be arriving in the mail today and I can’t wait!  Archer’s mom and I designed one from scratch together and it was such a fun experience!  It’s only been a few weeks but I can tell from photos on Facebook that little Archer has changed SO much already.  Makes me so happy that we were able to capture these images because they just change too quickly. ;)

There was one more image that mom purchased but I will not be sharing since it is a breastfeeding shot.  They turned out amazing in my opinion and I SO wish I had a couple of my son and I while nursing.  I was so glad that my client was comfortable enough to ask me to capture some of those most intimate moments between her and Archer.  I know she will cherish those images forever!

Hello again Baby Mack!  Not so much a baby anymore but still just as adorable as the day I first met him at 9 days old!!  You can see Baby Mack’s Newborn Session here:  http://www.melissabergphotography.com/baby-mack-sneak-peak/

I was so excited to hang with Mack again in my home studio for his 8 month photos!  I am riding the wave of adorable babies (big and small!) with gorgeous pouty lips!!  How did I get so lucky?!? ;)

Pregnant women are just so beautiful.  I miss my preggo belly and I so wish I had the guts to have had my maternity photos done when I had the chance.  But my inner insecurities prevented me from getting in front of the camera (besides my monthly obligatory “selfie” iphone photo in the mirror!! boo on me!).

Ayanna was just GLOWING when she entered my home studio a few weeks ago.  She was wearing the most gorgeous purple color that just complimented her so well and really accented that beautiful baby bump that she soon will miss too.  Ayanna and Adib will be welcoming their first bundle of joy next month and I couldn’t be happier for them!  Such great people and I am honored to be photographing this most memorable time in their lives.

Oh and if you think dad looks awfully familiar, his twin Thomas just celebrated the arrival of Benjamin not too long ago!  How awesome to have cousins only 2 or 3 months apart!!!

Here are your Melissa Berg Photography 1K Fan Giveaway WINNERS!!!

MAIN GIVEAWAY PRIZE PACKAGE #1

ONE WINNER

***Tami Thomson!!!***

Love By CC

Facebook / Website

Petti Romper of choice – ($18-$23 value!)

Stellar Stitches

Facebook / Website

Newborn Caramel Woodlyn Wooly – ($31 value!)

Sew Whimsey

Facebook / Website

$25 Gift Certificate

(Headband by Sew Whimsey)

Robin’s Nest Boutique

Facebook / Website

Satin Rosette Flower With Feather Headband – ($9.50 value!)

(winners choice of size and color)

Hoo Loves You Baby, LLC

Facebook / Website

Newborn Upcycled Pink Button Sack Hat – ($18 value!)

Jewelry and Baby Bling By Dara

Facebook / Website

Lace Bloomer – ($18 value!)

(Winners choice of size and color!)

Golden Invites

Facebook / Website

$50 Gift Certificate

Son Kissed Knits and Props

Facebook / Website

Bonnet from the Earthy Collection – ($28 value!)

Handspun Pixie

Facebook / Website

Pink & Brown or Blue & Brown Striped Pixie Hat sized 0-3 months – ($26.50 value!)

Use code “mbship” for free shipping during the duration of the giveaway!!

Phire Sky Photography

Facebook / Website

High Resolution Autumn Texture Collection – ($9.99 value!)

Crystal Brown – Thirty-One Independent Director

Facebook / Website

Thermal Tote In Print Of Choice – ($15 value!)

Stuff So Simple

Facebook / Website

Winners Choice of any 7 Ft 6 Flag Double sided Banner – ($20 value!)

RALEIGH AREA GIVEAWAY PRIZE PACKAGE #2

ONE WINNER

***Karmann Mills***

Even if you are not located in the Triangle or Raleigh area, please support these local NC businesses by visiting their websites!!

Many of them ship across the U.S.

Melissa Berg Photography

Facebook

Raleigh, NC

Classic or Newborn Studio Session with 3 High Resolution Digital Image Files

Classic Session may be on location (within 15 miles of zip code 27613)

Bonus to all local entrants: $20 off your session fee booked during the giveaway! (session can take place max. 6 months from end of giveaway)

($250-$300 A La Carte Value!)

LouLouBean

Facebook / Website

Raleigh, NC

‘Birdie Blue’ Peasent Dress – ($38 value!)

-Available in size 12mo – 12girls / -Free shipping to the winner

For Cake’s Sake

Facebook / Website

Garner, NC

$25 Gift Certificate

Bonus to all local entrants: 15% off for the duration of the giveaway!

GreenPea Baby

Facebook / Website

Apex, NC

Basketball Hat by Mud Pie – ($14.99 value!)

AND

Lavender Cotton Flower Cap by Mud Pie – ($14.99 value!)

KIDS EVERYWEAR

Facebook / Website

Join us for our Spring Sale February 25^th-March 5^th

Register to Volunteer, Consign, Shop or all three by using our website link above!

Morrisville, NC

Regular Volunteer Shopping Pass – ($25 value!)

Chasing Mermaids

Facebook

Raleigh, NC

$25 Gift Certificate

Handspun Pixie

Facebook / Website

Apex, NC

Custom Hand Knitted Pixie Hat or Bear Hat – ($30 value!)

Use code “mbship” for free shipping during the duration of the giveaway!!

Happily Ever After - Handmade Goodies

Facebook / Website

Holly Springs, NC

Teal Satin Ribbon Rose Headband – ($6 value!)

Fits size 0-3 Months

Congrats to the winners!!

Please contact each vendor/business to claim your prize within 48 hours of this blog post!  After 48 hours, if the winner’s prize(s) are unclaimed, a second drawing will take place.

A big thank you to everyone that participated!!  I especially want to thank the amazingly talented and generous artists/vendors/businesses that donated their time, effort and products to the giveaway.  Thank you for supporting my business and I hope I get to work with you all in the future. :)

THE GIVEAWAY CLOSED ON FEBRUARY 7TH!!  THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO PARTICIPATED. :)

I am so happy and excited to finally announce the details of my 1K Fan Giveaway!!
Thank you so much for your support and helping me reach 1000 fans on Facebook!

There will be TWO big winners.

The first MAIN GIVEAWAY is open to anyone in the U.S.  The second is a RALEIGH AREA GIVEAWAY for those located in the Triangle/Raleigh, NC area.  There are two chances to win for each entrant!  Total prizes donated are estimated at over $700!!

Please see Official Rules at the bottom of this post.

Without further ado, here are your amazing prize packages that you may enter for a chance to win!!  Information on how to enter is listed after the prizes!!  Good luck!!

MAIN GIVEAWAY PRIZE PACKAGE #1

ONE WINNER

Love By CC

Facebook / Website

Petti Romper of choice – ($18-$23 value!)

Stellar Stitches

Facebook / Website

Newborn Caramel Woodlyn Wooly – ($31 value!)

Sew Whimsey

Facebook / Website

$25 Gift Certificate

(Headband by Sew Whimsey)

Robin’s Nest Boutique

Facebook / Website

Satin Rosette Flower With Feather Headband – ($9.50 value!)

(winners choice of size and color)

Hoo Loves You Baby, LLC

Facebook / Website

Newborn Upcycled Pink Button Sack Hat – ($18 value!)

Jewelry and Baby Bling By Dara

Facebook / Website

Lace Bloomer – ($18 value!)

(Winners choice of size and color!)

Golden Invites

Facebook / Website

$50 Gift Certificate

Son Kissed Knits and Props

Facebook / Website

Bonnet from the Earthy Collection – ($28 value!)

Handspun Pixie

Facebook / Website

Pink & Brown or Blue & Brown Striped Pixie Hat sized 0-3 months – ($26.50 value!)

Use code “mbship” for free shipping during the duration of the giveaway!!

Phire Sky Photography

Facebook / Website

High Resolution Autumn Texture Collection – ($9.99 value!)

Crystal Brown – Thirty-One Independent Director

Facebook / Website

Thermal Tote In Print Of Choice – ($15 value!)

Stuff So Simple

Facebook / Website

Winners Choice of any 7 Ft 6 Flag Double sided Banner – ($20 value!)

RALEIGH AREA GIVEAWAY PRIZE PACKAGE #2

ONE WINNER

Even if you are not located in the Triangle or Raleigh area, please support these local NC businesses by visiting their websites!!

Many of them ship across the U.S.

Melissa Berg Photography

Facebook

Raleigh, NC

Classic or Newborn Studio Session with 3 High Resolution Digital Image Files

Classic Session may be on location (within 15 miles of zip code 27613)

Bonus to all local entrants: $20 off your session fee booked during the giveaway! (session can take place max. 6 months from end of giveaway)

($250-$300 A La Carte Value!)

LouLouBean

Facebook / Website

Raleigh, NC

‘Birdie Blue’ Peasent Dress – ($38 value!)

-Available in size 12mo – 12girls / -Free shipping to the winner

For Cake’s Sake

Facebook / Website

Garner, NC

$25 Gift Certificate

Bonus to all local entrants: 15% off for the duration of the giveaway!

GreenPea Baby

Facebook / Website

Apex, NC

Basketball Hat by Mud Pie – ($14.99 value!)

AND

Lavender Cotton Flower Cap by Mud Pie – ($14.99 value!)

KIDS EVERYWEAR

Facebook / Website

Join us for our Spring Sale February 25^th-March 5^th

Register to Volunteer, Consign, Shop or all three by using our website link above!

Morrisville, NC

Regular Volunteer Shopping Pass – ($25 value!)

Chasing Mermaids

Facebook

Raleigh, NC

$25 Gift Certificate

Handspun Pixie

Facebook / Website

Apex, NC

Custom Hand Knitted Pixie Hat or Bear Hat – ($30 value!)

Use code “mbship” for free shipping during the duration of the giveaway!!

Happily Ever After - Handmade Goodies

Facebook / Website

Holly Springs, NC

Teal Satin Ribbon Rose Headband – ($6 value!)

Fits size 0-3 Months

HOW TO ENTER:

1st Entry:

Step 1: You must “like” or “join” ALL of the Facebook business pages listed below from your PERSONAL Facebook profile page (not your business page! – The “likes” will NOT count).  It helps to leave a little comment love on the business pages to pace your “likes” (*not required).

Participating Vendor “Like/Join” Link List

(each link will open in a new page)

Melissa Berg Photography

Love By CC

Stellar Stitches

Sew Whimsey

Robin’s Nest Boutique

Hoo Loves You Baby, LLC

Jewelry and Baby Bling By Dara

Golden Invites

Son Kissed Knits and Props

Handspun Pixie

Phire Sky Photography

Crystal Brown – Thirty-One Independent Director

Stuff So Simple

LouLouBean

For Cake’s Sake

GreenPea Baby

Kids Everywear

Chasing Mermaids

Happily Ever After – Handmade Goodies

Step 2: Complete either:

Option A for the Main Giveaway Prize Package #1

OR

Option B for the Raleigh Area Giveaway Prize Package #2.

A)  If you are entering for the MAIN PRIZE PACKAGE #1, post a status message from your personal or business Facebook page stating (no quotes):

“I just entered @Melissa Berg Photography ‘s 1K Fan Giveaway.  Go to www.melissabergphotography.com/giveaway to enter!”

(make sure Melissa Berg Photography’s business page is tagged and the link is clickable!)

B) If you are located in the Raleigh/Triangle area and entering for the RALEIGH AREA PRIZE PACKAGE #2, post a status message from your personal Facebook page stating (no quotes):

“I just entered @Melissa Berg Photography ‘s 1K Fan Giveaway!  Go to www.melissabergphotography.com/giveaway to enter to win prizes from these local Raleigh area vendors:  @LouLouBean, @For Cake’s Sake, @GreenPea Baby, @Kids EveryWear Consignment Sale, @Chasing Mermaids, @Handspun Pixie, @Happily Ever After – Handmade Goodies.”

Please make sure that each local business is properly tagged in your status message!! (you may have to retype each business name with the @ symbol in front to be able to choose the business page from the drop down list.  Before you post, check to see that the names are highlighted to ensure they are tagged correctly.  If a business page will not tag for you, please leave a comment below your status with the link to the business page.  Facebook allows ONE link per comment.)

Step 3:  When you’ve completed Steps 1 and 2A or 2B above, come back here and post a blog comment stating “MAIN ENTRY”  or “RALEIGH ENTRY” depending on which prize package you are entering to win.

BONUS ENTRY!!!

For an extra chance to win, you must have submitted your 1st entry and then follow the steps below carefully:

1. Follow Melissa_Berg on Twitter.
2. Tweet (no quotes): “I just entered Melissa Berg Photography’s 1K Fan Giveaway.  Go to www.melissabergphotography.com/giveaway to enter! @Melissa_Berg”
3. Come back here and post a second blog comment stating “MAIN BONUS ENTRY” or “RALEIGH BONUS ENTRY” depending on where you want your bonus entry to count (where eligible)!

You may only choose a Raleigh Bonus Entry if you’ve already done step 2B as described above!

• NO PURCHASE NECESSARY.
• Must be 18 or older.
• U.S. residents only.  Raleigh Area Giveaway entrants must live within the Triangle area and/or be willing to pick up their prizes locally.
• The giveaway starts Wednesday January 1st at the time of this blog post and ends Tuesday February 7th at 11:59 PM.
• The number if eligible entries received determines the odds of winning.
• First and last name and email address must be included in comment to qualify.  If chosen as the winner, you agree to allow Melissa Berg Photography to use your name and likeness for promotional purposes to announce the giveaway winners.
• Melissa Berg Photography will not be held responsible for technical failures or typographical errors or identity disputes related to the winners or entrants.
• Main Prize Package #1:  One Winner with a “MAIN ENTRY” or “MAIN BONUS ENTRY” comment randomly chosen first will receive all of the prizes in the Main Prize Package #1 as stated above.  Total value approximately $274.00
• Raleigh Area Prize Package #2:  One Winner with a “RALEIGH ENTRY” or “BONUS RALEIGH ENTRY” comment randomly chosen first will receive all of the prizes stated in the Raleigh Area Prize Package #2 as stated above.  Total value approximately $464.00.
• Prizes have no cash value.  Prizes are as stated in their description and may not be substituted, returned or exchanged.  Winners may have a choice of color/item if stated in the giveaway details above.
• Entrants will be placed into a numbered excel spreadsheet in the order comments are received.  Two random winners will be selected by random.org using a random number generator.  You are only eligible to win one prize package but may enter for both if you are eligible.
• Winners will be announced via follow up blog post at www.melissabergphotography.com within 48 hours after the entry deadline.
• Winner must prove their identity by emailing info@melissabergphotography.com from the email address on the winning entry.  If you are a winner, you may be required to submit a shipping address to the vendors in order to receive your prizes.
• If potential winners forfeit or do not claim their prize within 48 hours of announcement of winning (via blog post here at www.melissabergphotography.com), prizes will be re-awarded at Melissa Berg Photography’s sole discretion.
• If chosen as a winner, you agree to release all liability from Melissa Berg Photography and the vendors of this giveaway in the event you are negatively effected by the prizes awarded to you.
• You release all liability from Melissa Berg Photography in the event you can not claim a prize due to vendor participation negligence or if a prize takes a longer than expected amount of time to ship.
• Prizes are granted through the vendors donating the prize listed.  Winners are responsible for contacting each vendor to claim and arrange receipt of their prize.  Melissa Berg Photography is not responsible for any non-receipt of prize by another vendor.  Winners of past giveaways via Melissa Berg Photography are not eligible to win the Raleigh Area Prize Package #2.
• This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.
• Entrants are providing information to Melissa Berg Photography and the associated vendors and not Facebook.
• VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW

By entering a comment below, you are agreeing to the official rules of this giveaway as stated above.

In order for your comment to qualify you must :

1. “like” or “join” all of the pages listed for you in this blog post.  This will be checked!
2. Post a status message per the instructions.  Melissa Berg Photography MUST be tagged so that I can track your entry and make sure it’s correct by the notification on FB!
3. Comment here with your FIRST NAME, LAST NAME, EMAIL and whether you are a MAIN ENTRY or RALEIGH ENTRY.

DON’T FORGET – THERE ARE ONLY A MAXIMUM OF TWO ENTRIES.  YOUR 1ST ENTRY AND YOUR BONUS ENTRY.  ALL ENTRIES THAT ARE NOT VALID WILL BE DELETED.

Thank you for participating and GOOD LUCK!!!! :)

THE GIVEAWAY CLOSED ON FEBRUARY 7TH!!  THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO PARTICIPATED. :)

I normally don’t post many sneak peeks until the images are purchased, but baby Archer’s session happened a week later than planned due to a reschedule that was out of his parents hands. At 7 weeks old, he slept like a champ this morning!! Baby Archer’s mom knew that there was a large possibility that I would be unable to create my standard newborn style images due to his age, but Archer surprised us both by being super cooperative!! I am so thrilled with the images that I was able to capture for his family. I had gone into the session with the mindset that we were going to get all awake shots, so I was prepared for that. Archer had other plans though and decided he liked me enough to sleep through two blanket changes and a few knitted hats. I have to say, I really love the image where he is super alert and looking right at the camera. What a connection!!

Oh what an amazing day I had over at Bridget and Thomas’ house today in Garner. Baby Benjamin arrived on schedule and him and his family have had a very interesting first 12 days. Today included! Everyone is doing well and we all got together for Baby Benjamin’s highly anticipated newborn session. This was my first on location session with my studio lighting and boy, thank goodness I have an SUV! It seemed like I was practically moving in when I arrived as I made several trips to and from my vehicle before I could even start setting up. Benjamin was preparing for his session by downing his bottle and quickly fell asleep and stayed that way the entire session. I couldn’t have asked for a better newborn to start off 2012!

Benjamin is absolutely gorgeous!! Thick, lush black hair and these huge pouty lips. To DIE for! He curled so perfectly for me that we were actually done at about 2 hours in. We spent the extra time in the nursery and getting mommy and daddy shots with baby (which I’ll post later). Bridget and Thomas are so lucky to have such a mild mannered baby. All he wants is to be held and snuggled and he is content. He even took a short nap in his crib for the first time today. :) Without further ado, meet Benjamin!

With Benjamin due any day now (eeeeh I can’t wait!), I am proud to finally blog about my first maternity session with Bridget & Thomas. In light of my recent post about blogging more as a 2012 goal – this is me catching up. ;)

Bridget was the best first maternity client I could have asked for! Having never done maternity before, I had done my research as far as flattering posing, lighting ideas and the technical side of it, but Bridget took it up a huge notch and was super helpful with the creative aspect of this shoot. The first two “chalk” images were totally her idea. I wish I could take credit but Bridget had perused Pinterest for maternity inspiration for her shoot and really brought her A-game. It also doesn’t hurt that Bridget & Thomas are good friends of ours and that made for a really fun shoot even though it lasted a little longer than planned. Bridget and Thomas were very patient with me getting the posing and lighting just right and I can’t thank them enough for the opportunity to practice capturing this incredibly beautiful and exciting time in their life.

I am extremely happy with my first attempt at not only maternity, but studio lighting in my in-home studio. I love that we did indoors and outdoors because it really created a lot of variety and enabled me to get practice in both types of locations with this particular kind of session.

So here’s to a smooth delivery and a healthy baby Benjamin making his debut sometime this week! I absolutely can not wait to snuggle him in the next couple of weeks for his newborn session.

Baby Camden’s Christmas card has been delivered and I can finally post his adorable images. Just love this little guy!

I just wanted to wish all of my clients and readers a safe, healthy and happy 2012. Lots of big changes coming up for Melissa Berg Photography this year!! Our 2011 Fall season was incredible and I can’t thank everyone enough for your support. I will soon be unveiling my 2012 Spring Pricing Guide which will not have very much of a price increase but, will include new session fee “bundles” including adding Maternity/Newborn combo and Cake Smash package(s). Our 2011 Fall Special was extremely popular and I strive to listen to my clients and their needs. Therefore, I will be extending that same deal until the end of February 2012 (with a new name of course!). Check out the Promotions Page for details!

Some of my business goals for 2012 include:

• Blogging more!  - As per my policy, images aren’t blogged until after an order is placed… which sometimes puts those posts on the back burner since clients have 2 weeks to place an order and it ends up being the final step in my workflow.  I am making it a point this year to finish my workflow to the very end in a timely manner.
• Education – Attending a 2 day newborn workshop in Greensboro NC by the amazingly talented Laura Brett!  I have been shopping around for a workshop and when I heard Laura was coming to NC, I jumped on it!  I can’t wait!
• Focusing on newborns.  Oh how I love those precious little bundles and watching them grow.  My goal is to book at least 2 newborns a month this year or 24 total at the end of 2012.  (sometimes babies like to come in spurts!)
• Finishing my Spring 2012 Pricing Guide.  This is a pretty immediate goal!  Still tweaking and waiting for it to feel “right”.
• Themed/seasonal mini-sessions.  Valentines Day, Easter, Summer, Fall, Halloween, Holiday.  BAM!
• Ordering more studio samples for in person ordering appointments.  I have gotten some fabulous products in that I can’t wait to show my clients.  I hope by the end of the year, my pricing guide will be updated with more images showcasing our product offerings.
• Implementing online session agreements effective immedately.  No more wasting trees!  With an electronic signature, you won’t have to worry about mailing in your form or remembering to bring it to your session.  All of our business policies and important information will be combined into one online form you fill out, electronically sign and submit to me with the click of a button.  Easy peasy!

I may come back and update this list.  2012 literally just started and I’m sure I’ll come up with some more goals!  In the meantime, I’ll get to working on launching my 2012 Pricing Guide so clients can start booking the new bundles!  Take care! :)