Budget your time.

Are you overwhelmed? 

When I set out for 2018 I wanted to make sure that this year I focused on staying balanced. 2017 was a great year for me, and the first time I actually made a profit in my business but the one thing that I needed to improve on was time management. I wanted to find some new strategies to help me gain a bit more control over my crazy schedule. I headed to the book store to grab a book for a friend and ended up walking past a book called “Listful Thinking.” So today’s audio blog is all about some tips I learned and my little epiphany about how we should be treating time like a paycheck, budgeting it out to a zero balance so we are no longer wasting a second more of it.  

 CLICK HERE TO LISTEN! 

I’m not scared of dying...

Let’s talk about fear... 

“Nothing has a stronger influence psychologically on their children than the un-lived life of the parent.”

-Carl Jung

As I am prepping and preparing for all the goodness that is heading your way for 2018 I can’t help but to reflect on where I came from, and what it has taken to get me here. My journey of life in general has not been easy and as successful my business has been, it hasn’t been rainbows and unicorns. There has been pain. And today I want to share with you on why death doesn’t scare me,  regret does and it is the driving force behind my passion for my career and why I do what I do. Take a listen to my podcast by clicking the LISTEN NOW button below and feel free to check out my previous episodes!

Listen to "I’m not scared of dying, I’m scared of not trying" on Spreaker.

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2018 Women In Business

January Feature | Green Bay Women In Business | Hedsand & Associates. 

One of my 2018 goals for myself is to get out into the community more and build relationships with women who run their own businesses. My intention is to not only build relationships but to shed some light on these fabulous women I have been meeting in my journey of being a business owner myself. My hope is that you will learn a little something new each month  and enjoy my cackle laughs on my audio blogs with these wonderful women I am meeting and getting to know better. 

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Meet Renee Hedsand

I am not sure if it's just me or if all my creatives feel me when it comes to book keeping. I HATE IT! Nothing makes me want to vomit more than nit picking through my books and giving myself a headache. I had been pushing through 2017 like a boss but I hadn't been keeping up with my books and was backed WAY up! (whoops is not something you want to say when it comes to the IRS).  Back in October I was given a word of mouth referral to Renee to help me with my bookkeeping. What I can say to those of you who run your own digs. GET AN ACCOUNTANT! They are PRICELESS! Renee sat with me today showing me the ins and outs of how to manage my own book keeping and helping me reconcile and it actually wasn't a drag. One of my "words" for 2018 is balance. You guys, nothing says balance more than keeping your books reconciled and in order. There is literally a huge peace and burden that is lifted off your shoulders when you add an accountant to your team! I know, it's sick the way they study tax reform and who knows what else but boy do they save your tushy! 

Take a listen to the interview that I did with Renee today while I was at her office! Then check out her video tour of her working #BTS in her space! 

Take a quick video tour of Renee working #BTS at her office here in Green Bay, WI! Be sure to VISIT HER WEBSITE + LIKE her FACEBOOK PAGE! 

Are you a woman in business? I would LOVE to feature you and your business on my blog and create this special feature just for you! I do have limited spots and they are going QUICK so be sure to MESSAGE ME NOW if your interested! And if you are not in a networking group yet or you would like to expand your networking JOIN ME on Monday, January 8th, 2018 @TheVillageGrille @6:00pm-7:30pm for the launch of WINN-Green Bay (Women helping women WINN). Come hungry, bring $5 bucks to get in and LOTS of business cards to hand out! I want to meet you! RSVP and get the deets HERE!

Photography Blog | Mary Breuer Photos | Green Bay Photographer RSS

Best of 2017

Can you believe it? 2017 will soon be over and I still can't comprehend that it's over! 

I wanted to take a moment to simply thank YOU! My clients and supporters, you all mean everything to me. 2017 has been my best year yet and with 2018 right around the corner I am chomping at the bit to get started! I just finished my last photo session of the season yesterday so NOW I can finally share my favorites from 2017! Be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom because I have a special gift just for you! 

From January. The beautiful JoHanna.

From February, the beautiful Tatiana.

From March-The Gorgeous Thao Family. My first three generation photo shoot!

From April, the gorgeous Lehana who celebrated her 10th birthday at the studio!

Also from April- Miss Rosie who celebrated her first birthday!

From May- The Martin's who enjoyed untraditional wedding portraits in the studio!

From June- Katelyn, the urban ballerina!

From July - Kacie, one of the winners from the LETS GO MOMMY giveaway!

From August- The image that received a bronze metal from the Portrait Masters!

From September- The Faulkner's three generation portrait!

From October- The sibling love!

From November- Portrait Alyssa.

From December- The launch of a great partnership with Belleza Hair and Makeup and Boudoir Boutique located in DePere, WI.

Also from December- A portrait of six year old Harmony.

I honestly cannot thank you all enough for taking the time out of your busy lives to read and admire what I put out into the world. To my clients, I hope that all of you felt loved and cared for while you were here in my space. My prayer and goal is that every image I print for you sparks a conversation and leads to quality time with the person who asked about it. I can already picture your great, great grandchildren holding on to that very portrait in admiration the same way I do with my own grandmother's portrait. I want you to remember the day, the smell and hear the laughter that was had during your photo shoot when you look at your images, that is my intention, that is my drive and my passion. Your legacy, on paper. 

Now before I sign off, I wanted to give you something special! I have been working on a wardrobe styling guide to give out to just my clients. But for the next month I am giving away this wardrobe guide to anyone who wants one! Whether or not you are looking to find something to wear for a photo shoot with me or simply just want to dress yourself for your body shape, this guide is SUPER helpful! GET YOUR FREE COPY HERE! Also be sure to tune into my Facebook page on January 1, 2018 @ 1:00pm CST as I will be celebrating my 30th birthday with YOU by giving away a $1000.00 gift card to use towards a photo shoot! 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BOOKING A SESSION BE SURE TO FILL OUT THE FORM BELOW TO GET FULL PRICING INFO! ALSO, CHECK OUT OUR FAQ'S FOR ANSWERS TO OUR TOP QUESTIONS!

Love, Mary

Let's Talk About Sex | Green Bay Boudoir Photographer | Mary Breuer Photos

Most married people have sex...

I know, its pretty shocking but it's true. And if you are married and your not doing it, uhh... there is an issue. 

I went back and forth on if I wanted to offer boudoir photography at my studio. And to be honest, part of me felt a bit shameful. I didn't grow up in a household with two parents, it was just my mom and I, and she never re-married, therefore this topic wasn't discussed often and when it was it was extremely UNCOMFORTABLE. I also felt shame because I was always told that sex was taboo and DON'T DO IT until you're married. 

If you are reading this I want to tell you that is not true. Sex was created for us to enjoy with our spouses to keep us connected and attached. In-fact, its vital to a marriage and if its not happening  that is usually a huge sign that there is a disconnect. Being married for almost six years myself, I know how important it is and also how much value it adds to the relationship. I also know that if there is one way to win my husband over it would be this! ;) 

When I opened my studio a year ago, I finally felt a peace with creating a safe, judge free zone for women to let their guard down and enjoy being a woman! I didn't want to attach my main page with my boudoir work not only out of respect to my clients but also to respect the men who follow my main page. They only need to be looking at their main squeeze, not anyone else. I created a separate BLACK LABEL EXCLUSIVE facebook group that is only open to women. And that is where I have been sharing most of my work that I have permission to share. 

However, next Saturday myself and a bunch of other businesses and local models are teaming up to build up this body of work and body image! I am so excited to be working with real women of all ages, body types, ages and ethnicity all local to Green Bay! My hope is that you will see yourself in one of them. That you too can feel comfortable to take the leap. 

Ladies, your husbands need to see your body. You need to love your body and how it is serving and providing for you. Your body is a beautiful vessel that can carry life, feed humans and take you to new places every day. It's time that you take the time to pour into yourself, your marriage and have a little fun while you're at it! 

Every session that is offered includes hair and makeup, styling and a reveal session. If you still are hesitant, bring your spouse along! Perhaps you have been married awhile and its time to update your photos together and why not celebrate the MAIN thing that literally "keeps you together?" 

No more shame, no more taboo. Sex, when acted out in the appropriate setting is actually extremely healthy. Let's spice things up a bit! It sure is getting cold outside which means more snuggling anyway! 

Be sure to check out BLACK LABEL EXCLUSIVE! 

Here's to you! 

Mary Breuer

Desiree | Senior Photos

Desiree | Senior Photos | Green Bay East High School

How I met Desiree is not the "standard" way that I usually meet my seniors for portraiture. You see, typically the moms call me and thats where it all begins. However, the process was much different this time. 

Part of being a small business owner is not only providing excellent goods and services to your community for profit, but giving back to your community is absolutely vital. I understand that what I offer is a luxury brand and service and I wanted to gift this experience and my products to a younger generation as the senior photo extravaganza was beginning back in April. I wanted to hand select a senior model that not only represented my brand well, but it needed to be someone who was making a difference in our community. 

I reached out to Heather Faulkner, the new Green Bay area director of YoungLife for help. "YoungLife is all about inviting kids to follow Christ, care for them regardless of their response, and change lives in the process through relationships. YoungLife leaders in Green Bay go where kids are at, have a party with a purpose called Club and have small group Bible studies called Campaigners. Each summer leaders also have the opportunity to take kids to Young Life Camp, aka the best week of their lives. YoungLife also has a one on one mentoring program as well to help kids grow emotionally, spiritually and academically." - Heather Faulkner.  I knew that Heather would be the best resource for me to find the most appropriate candidate for my project and boy did she deliver! 

Meet Desiree

Heather and I met in February/March to go talk about what type of "face" I wanted to represent here in Green Bay and I wanted it to be a kid who was making an impact. Shortly after Heather replied to me that Desiree was a great fit! Today she describes Desiree as, "an amazing girl who has been a part of Young Life since her freshman year of high school. She is a leader among her peers and is always pushing herself to grow and recently enlisted in the National Guard. As Desi's Young Life leader it has been an honor and privilege to walk alongside of her in the hard stuff and the good stuff of life as a teenager. She is so beautiful inside and out and I am so proud of her. Her future is so bright and we are so excited for her."

And after meeting her and getting to know her myself I couldn't agree more!

Her session began the way we always do for each session I offer here! Professional hair and makeup was done by one of my favorite hair and makeup artists Angela Marie Makeup Artistry! 

After hair and makeup we began shooting inside the studio with some beautiful natural light! 

We then took advantage of going out into the downtown area, which happens to be right outside of the studio to get some textured backgrounds! 

Our last stop was right at East High School to capture some shots of her in uniform! 

Desiree has already accomplished so many things. She cares about others and wants to make a difference in herself and those who are around her. She is passionate, radiant and frankly one of the coolest girls I have ever met. 

I want to express how important it is for us to reach out to one another and help one another. I feel absolutely honored and grateful for being able to share my gift with with world and help shine some spotlight on young women just like Desiree. We as people often take for granted the impact we can make on one another just by showing up having some compassion and pouring love onto one another regardless of who they are or what their situation might be. I truly beam with thankfulness knowing that I was able to provide Desiree and her family with a memory that will forever be documented in her journey of life. A gift that she can be proud of and blessed by and look back on and say, "I am pretty awesome if I do say so myself!" 

The Faulkner Family

The Faulkner Family + Tugger 

To say I am ecstatic to share this blog with you is simply an understatement! I had the pleasure of meeting Heather and her family last year just one month after opening my studio doors last year! I approached her one day to ask her if she and her family would like to be in my portfolio as I was rebranding at the time. What I didn't realize is that this family would become lifers with me! I wanted to ensure that Heather, her mom and daughter were able to get the full experience this time around. When they came last year, I hadn't hired a professional makeup artist yet! 

I hope that you find as much joy as we did creating it. There is nothing more important to me as legacy and book you are currently writing about your life that will someday be in the hands of family you haven't even met yet, or perhaps you never will. I can assure you that as each of these kiddos get older, this video right here... will be worth more than gold. 

I would be honored to create this for you and your family! Click below to get a copy of our 2017 digital magazine that walks you through experience, products and pricing! 

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Your Support Is More Than Money

With Thanksgiving and Small Business Saturday just around the corner I can’t help but feel the love from those who have chosen me as their photographer and that same love goes out to the people that are simply just fans of my work! If you are one of those people, THANK YOU!

As I have been building my brand I have quickly realized that supporting a small business is much more than just spending your money with them. I have found that support can come in a few different ways.

• One of those ways of showing support is by choosing to be part of the tribe. Meaning you choose to follow them on all of their social media platforms. Just a simple like or follow means a lot to us as it shows us that the content we are making is interesting and worth your time to look at and absorb.

• Another way is by SHARING that content on your own pages or even commenting on what we are choosing to put our time into.

• My favorite way that you can show support and the best way to show your support is actually what you say to your friends and family about us and your referrals. I think any business owner would take a word of mouth referral any day over boosting one more Facebook ad! :/

• Lastly, your feedback is crucial. Talk to us! Tell us when you love something or tell us what we can improve on for you. We can only grow from what we know.

Being a small business owner is tough as heck. For me I am a one woman show. I personally take care of all the ins and outs of my business and some days are super tough and super long. Sometimes I don’t even eat because I get so encompassed in my work that I honestly forget to. To say I am infatuated is an understatement. This is my gift and I am honored to do it!

The obvious way you can support a local business is to spend your money with them. I have personally had the opportunity to meet and work with some of the most amazingly driven people and have gotten to know them and their business. I make every effort I can to support them however I can. I want them to know that their hard work, talent and dedication doesn’t go unnoticed even if what they are selling isn’t something I want or need at the time. That doesn’t mean that someone in my network doesn’t!

My clients are everything to me. I want to serve them so well that it seems too good to be true. I want them to know that I genuinely care about them and love them because I do. My clients deserve the upmost respect. They are the ones who are helping to put food on my table, paying for my living expenses, clothing my children and funding their dance and softball lessons. They are the ones who pay for my medical bills and keep a roof over my head. They deserve my complete attention, focus and prompt response and service. They are also giving me the opportunity to do something I am in love with which makes me feel so blessed and fortunate.

The thing about all of us small business owners is that we are here to serve YOU! And your support, reviews, and encouragement are vital. 

Small business Saturday is next Saturday. I challenge you right now to visit some local shops, follow them on Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter. Like their pages on Facebook! And if you have had the chance to use their products or services, give them a review and a quick shout out! It will send them over the moon and smack a smile right on their face!

The most important? SPREAD THE WORD! TELL YOUR FRIENDS! TELL YOUR FAMILY! Your words are powerful.

You have know idea how much this actually helps! We LOVE IT! Now go on, start here ;)

Here is my beautiful family and I. Your support is not for me, it’s to help me take care of these precious little girls. Your support helps to ensure that they are well taken care of so they can worry about bigger and better things in the future.  

THANK YOU!  

Maria's Experience | A photographer's photoshoot.

They say that one who is behind the lens fears being in front of it....

I actually know that is partially if not 100% true. In fact, most of us moms like to duck and hide behind the camera because we are too this or not enough that. However, being a business owner in this day and age is pushing us hermits into the light. 

Meet Maria! 

Maria and I met just over a year ago and quickly became friends after finding out one, we lived so close and two, we shared the same business mentor! It was so refreshing to be able to connect with another photographer for the very first time and come to find out, community over competition is the #truth after all! In fact, Maria just opened her very own studio down in New London, WI just a few weeks ago! And as much as I would love to capture every single person in Wisconsin, that's simply not feasible for my family and I. Be sure to follow her on INSTAGRAM!

Maria has taken my portrait several times and thanks to our friendship and partnership on projects we are able to help each other out when needed. And most importantly I have a loyal and true friend that I just love and adore. It is both an honor and privilege when other creatives, especially photographers come to the studio and choose me to capture them. I probably treat them with even more TLC just because I know they are the ones behind the scenes most of time! 

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My kids won't behave for photos!

My kids never behave for pictures! 

This is a concern that many parents express who have small children. And they have every right for the concern as it is a bit challenging to keep the littles from meltdown central. As you are planning for family photos and what to wear I wanted to give you a few tips that I offer my clients when small kiddos are involved.

1. Timing is huge! 

When I am in a consult and discussing the details of a portrait session I always ask when children wake up in the morning. I find as a mom that my children tend to be the happiest right after waking up in the morning and having some breakfast. I know it's not as fun to get up early  but it could prevent some major headaches. Something to consider as well is getting up before your kids do to get yourself ready. That way you can have some alone time for self care and getting things packed up without the stress of managing the kids as well. 

2. Location. 

It may not seem like it should be a big deal, but sometimes the location of your portrait session could give your children some fear. I always suggest that they bring something along that soothes them. Blanket, stuffed animal or toy. If you are meeting your photographer on location the best thing you can do is to keep them strapped into the car until your photographer is ready to start capturing them.

3. Snacks & bathrooms & expectations. 

I don't know about you but it's seems that my kids turn into bottomless pits as soon as they wake. Wherever they go they always need something to eat and something to drink. Be sure to pack clean & easy snacks to bring along to help keep them happy. When you are meeting on location it's always a good idea to know if there will be bathrooms close by and to make sure they go before leaving. As fall approaches many restrooms at parks are closed so picking a location that has facilities close by is always helpful! Expectations. Your expectations may have to be adjusted. Kids are unpredictable and sometimes they just do what they please, despite all the tricks us photographers have up our sleeves. We sure do give it all we have to keep them engaged and happy. Energy is  paramount. Staying calm and collected is important. Kids are able to feel it if you are stressed or frustrated so remaining positive even when things don't go the way you planned them too. As parents, especially mom's, we put so much pressure on ourselves to have events turn out exactly as we see them in our minds. Just remember that even if your kiddos are having a bad day or they are not cooperating during a photoshoot it's best to "reset." That may mean taking a little walk and moving around a bit or maybe letting them do something they want to for a bit. Feel free to bring along some rewards for good behavior and be sure to encourage that, those rewards could be anything you see fit. I keep a special prize box with dum dum's and non-sugar prizes that I entice with for good listening skills!

Now take a deep breath and know that it will all work out!

tune in next week for some great ideas in what to do with your photos after you take them!  

One transformational year in the books!

I wanted to take a moment and reflect on this past year. And I wanted to share my reflections with you! I also thought it would be fun to share some photos I took of the process along the way! 

Should I stay or should I go?  

Last year in June I was at a crossroads. I had started my career in photography in Madison and then we relocated to Green Bay about four years ago where I had to start building a new clientele. I was finding myself being restricted with on location only and also really struggling with this idea that in order for my career to be successful I had to shoot weddings. I had just had my third and final baby and the last thing I wanted to do was spend every weekend away from my family. Weddings also come with a lot of time & pressure that I just didn't want to do anymore. 

So here I was with this dilemma, so do I stay at my hospital job working 12 hour days, nights, weekends, holidays and call hours so I can just "punch in and out?" Or do I finally invest into a mentor and try to find a way to make what I truly love to do become a reality? After I did two more weddings and feeling my body just yearning for normal sleeping hours I knew that I had to at least try. So my research began and I found my mentor(s), fell in love with her education and got the empowerment I needed to face the challenge head on! I dove in right away with finding a place to move everything out of my house and gain some sanity! 

Here I am double strapping with two cameras shooting a one of my m last weddings in 2016!

The studio

When I first started my career in photography I always told myself I would never have a studio. I always hated how cheesy and unnatural people looked. And don't get me started on the backdrops (I still hate the fake backgrounds). When I found my mentor I was actually in love with her style of shooting because she used mostly natural light and any artificial light she used, she would make it look like natural light. I was also intrigued by how she was able to make curvy women look thinner in photographs without shooting from the sky! I decided that I wanted to find a space that would give me tons of natural light and after looking at several places I found the perfect place! And it's located right in the heart of the Arts district of our community! I want to take you through the timeline items if the year in photos! 

The rear entry way to the elevator...

The future consulting/viewing session room.  

Storage space and changing room

Studio/shooting space  

The ability to bring my kids with me to work if needed is priceless to me. Here is my youngest supervisor.

Starting to build my portfolio!

Having family and friends helping me launch this new genre was absolutely vital!

And having friends in the industry to help me get started was perfect!

And then finding the perfect hair and makeup artist was like striking gold! Follow her on Facebook and Instagram!

My handy husband helping his wife's dreams come true!

I flew to LA in March to meet my mentor in person! It was INCREDIBLE!

Then I can back and wanted to refine my portfolio even more!

I was falling in love with transformation and timeless photographs and finally being able to guide my clients in ways that flattered them without making them look cheesy or unnatural!

Being able to try new ground was key!

I continued to be blown away by transformations!

Finding incredible products from Ireland to sell!

Again having the ability to have my oldest kiddo stay with me is absolutely worth it!

New flooring being put in!

The big transformation 

When I say that I have poured myself into this studio I mean it with my everything. My husband bless his soul had been so helpful with helping more with our children and house chores that thank you just isn't enough. One day soon I hope to have him working alongside me full time and utilizing his incredible musical talents. It's hard for me to believe that this is where I started. I can't say thank you enough to everyone who had been an encouragement or had helped support me. You guys have truly given me the job I don't ever want a vacation from. You have given me the opportunity to be a mama first and the flexibility to raise my family around my family. You have given me the ability to help provide for my family. Please know that I am so thankful for each and everyone of you reading this blog! It's been an incredible journey! I can't wait to see what this next year brings!  

Thank you all so so so so much! Be sure to watch this video for a chance to enter into my birthday contest for a $1000.00 gift card!!! You are amazing!! 

What do I wear for family photo sessions...?

You have booked your session with your photographer and now comes the hard part. What to wear! 

There are many pieces to put into place before your actual photoshoot and what to wear is a big one. So I am going to give you some of the tips I give to my clients when they book in with me during their styling session. I have broken these tips into three of the biggies for you. BUT before I dig in, it's very important that you have chosen your photographer before even beginning to look for what to wear. Cross one road at time friend. You can catch up by reading last weeks blog! 

1. The lady of the house comes first. 

Let's face it, if it wasn't for us mom's or women in general I am pretty certain that most of our family legacy would be passed down via urban myth verses the hard evidence that your 👶🏻 indeed colored on ALL the walls. 

I start with mom for a couple of reasons. One, she is most likely to be the toughest on herself. Women, especially those of us who have born children have had our bodies transformed and it takes time to get used to that new season. It's important to me that she looks and feels best. Because if mom is happy and feeling confident she radiates that energy to her entire family. Two, she made this appointment and has been the one stressing about it, so she deserves the opportunity to feel good about being in front of the camera. Once mom has an outfit everyone else falls into line. 

2. Your home.  

We often forget that after we have our photos taken to print them out and hang them up! 70% of people don't print their photos 70%!! 😳 It's important to print your photos and put them around your home. It's a great way to enjoy them daily without having to be "plugged in." With that said you want to think about the tones of your home. Are your tones warmer or cooler? Are your walls white, gray or brown? Depending on what you plan to do with your photos will navigate you. If you plan to hang some, make sure to choose clothing that is the same tone. If you plan to do a coffee table album, you will have more flexibility.  

This tone rule also applies to your outfits. You don't always have to be "matchy matchy." For instance, my family will be wearing army green, maroon and cream this year! My home is warmer toned so fall photos look great in my home. If your home is cooler you could definitely do family photos in spring/summer! Or just come to my studio whenever you see fit ;). 

Don't be afraid to look on Pinterest for ideas, and don't be afraid to ask your photographer to help you decide. It's our job to help you look amazing.  

3.Fitted clothing 

So, I totally get that flowing long tunics and other shirts are totally in. (Thank goodness right?) but something to consider is that those flowy clothes can actually make you appear larger in photos. I always advise my clients to choose tops that are more fitted because of that very reason. I know it can be scary, but if you choose a good photographer there is nothing to worry about. Again, it's our job to make you look your very best! if you find that you have to have flow clothing just bring a hair clip to clip your shirt back when needed. (Side shots). 

Now that we have you booked and an outfit picked out we will dive into my some of my favorite tips to getting kids to behave during a photoshoot! 

In the meantime feel free to check our website if you feel that you could use some more information about being photographed by me!  

And if you like all these tips and want to learn more be sure join our Facebook Group ! 

We are also super social so feel free to like us on Facebook and follow us on instagram 

next week: how to get kids to behave during photoshoots  

How To Pick The Right Photographer for YOU!

Believe it or not, but there are some excellent things to consider when choosing your photographer.

Some of those deciding factors may not have even crossed your mind until now. I am going to give you some great tips on how to find and decide on how to choose a photographer that will suite your needs, your style and desired product. 

1.) Your style... 

You may be thinking "I know what I want!" That's great! Or you maybe thinking... style? What style? A photo is a photo isn't it? The answer to that question is both yes and no. 

When you are weighing your options its best to take a look at photographs of others and see what you are drawn to. Do you like the really bright ones with lots of color? Or are you more of a person who likes photos a bit darker and moodier. Each photographer has their very unique style of post processing so even though the photo is a photo on the camera the way we all use light is completely different. 

Do you prefer storytelling or something more posed and directed? Storytelling and candid photos are a little different. For example, storytelling would be an event you want covered. For example maybe a day in the life with your family at home just doing you. Or it would even be a wedding where your photographer is there but "not there." Candid photos in my opinion are when you get someone's body language to look and feel "believable." For instance, when you are standing with your lover you don't stand hip to hip, you are typically more connected front to front and touching each other and laughing genuinely. 

2.) Your needs...

Whenever I am doing a consult with a possible client my first question is what do you need these for? My second question is, what would you like to do with them? Most clients of mine have not even thought that far ahead and that my friends is why portraits sit on devices and not on the wall or in a coffee table book to be viewed. 

Are you looking to update your family photo for Christmas cards? Are you looking to update your family photo for your wall? Or would you prefer both?  Deciding on what you would like to do with your photos ahead of time will help you prepare for talking with your photographer about what products they provide beyond just taking the photos. 

What do you get for the price? Something I strongly urge you to do is ask your possible photographer what is included with the price. Does the price include retouching, digitals, prints or both? Does the price include any special services like a styling consult to help you pick your wardrobe, and the location you would like to be photographed. Does the price include multiple family members?  

I personally come from a place of service and want my clients to look and feel amazing in their portraits which can only happen when there is a relationship and rapport between myself and my clients. I am quick to move from emails and texts and call you as soon as I can because I know that the more connected we are, the more I can get to know you and the better your photos will be. 

If I had a dollar for every time someone told me they were not photogenic I would not be in my career anymore. The fact is that there is no such thing as "photogenic." The description of photogenic should not be how good you look in front of the camera it should be defined with how comfortable you are in front of the camera. 

3.) When to book...

 Once you have found a photographer that you like, have spoken with and have checked out their portfolio to ensure that their style and and photographs are consistent you should decide on a date! The sooner your book in the better chances of you getting a date that works best for your family and yourself. Something to consider is booking during the week if possible, and taking a half day from work! That way your weekend is still open and you are free to relax and enjoy it. I look at portrait photographer's schedules just like I look at doctors offices and dentists. They are necessary and most of those places are not open on the weekends so you may have to pull your kiddos from school or take some time off of work to get them taken care of. I view portrait photography with the same regard. It's absolutely necessary because you are in charge of leaving a legacy for your children. They will look to you for photos of themselves and will want to see them for years to come. 

Thanks for taking the time to read this and if you are looking for a photographer for your next family photos be sure to check me out! marybreuerphotos.com

STAY TUNED! Next weeks blog: "what to wear!"

Women are like houses...

When I meet a new mom or woman I often look through her. I picture her in beautiful clothing that accentuates & flatters her figure, the wind blowing her hair just perfectly with a genuine relaxed smile and soft eyes. At this point you a probably super freaked out because if you and I have ever met, I have imagined you just like this. #busted #mysecretsareout

Everyone is obsessed with transformation, and I happen to be one of those "everyone." The idea of taking an everyday person and transforming them into being model like in front of the camera absolutely infatuates me. I have always LOVED telling stories and I actually still do, but the problem I was finding with lifestyle and story telling was that most people don't actually have naturally flattering positions when they are "candid" or "comfortable" for that matter. For example, the way you throw your head back with a deep cackle laugh when you're with your girlfriends isn't actually very flattering if you were to play that over in slow-motion. Most of us have double chins when we do this which is fine because people don't notice because we are actively moving in and out of that awkward position quickly. But when you have someone "freeze frame" that moment, you pray and hope it doesn't become a meme and no one ever sees it. 

This was the dilemma I was facing about a year ago, along with struggling and stressing over how incredibly overwhelming it is to plan, prep and take family portraits. As a mom and the matriarch of a family myself I know that story all too well. I wanted to change the experience from being daunting to actually being fun and memorable.  

I finally dove in deep and invested in a mentor and have been training under them ever since. I have learned so much in such a short period of time that I sometimes look at my work in disbelief. I sometimes just sit there absolutely breathless that I took that everyday person and made them look and feel like a million bucks. That for once they actually LOVED their images of themselves and felt a since of confidence and positivity. 

The pushback I sometimes encounter is, "she is beautiful without all that makeup and fancy stuff." My answer to that is yes. Yes you are absolutely right! Women, especially moms are like houses. They provide shelter, warmth, a safe place, a way to nourish and provide relaxation for families. Over time those houses need some upkeep. They need a deep clean, a fresh cut lawn and an updated paint job. The house that provides so much for the family that lives in will at some point need TLC. That my friends is what my team and I provide. 

We provide that woman who is busy taking care of everyone else a chance to get some TLC. We connect with her prior to coming in to help her plan what to wear based on her home, her figure and overall what inspires her. We provide the planning to make sure that all she is worried about the night before is taking a long overdue soak in the tub and getting a good nights rest. We provide her with professional hair and makeup because it is relaxing and feels good to not have to worry about doing it herself. We also use that time to connect with her and laugh and have some "girl time." We then spend the next few moments just coaching her on how to position her body and face so she is well prepared before her family arrives. We take images of HER because we know that she doesn't get to have someone else do this for her often. Once her family arrives she is already relaxed, comfortable and ready making the process seamless! She is no longer worried about anything because she trusts us. She knows what to expect, she and her family are being talked through the process the entire time. 

This my friends is how it's done. One of my all time favorite and inspiring photographers is Annie Leibovitz. She intrigues me because she states that she "does her homework" on her subjects. She spends time getting to know who they are before they sit in front of her camera. This portion of my business is vital. It's what stands me out from the rest. The time I invest in my subjects is the only reason I am able to get the connections I do.

So the next time you are looking at a "transformation" portrait know this. I agree, they truly are beautiful just as they are. My job as a portrait photographer and artist is to take something beautiful and make it absolutely breathtaking. 

The Lost Generation...

I hate to say it, but I am guilty of contributing to the lost generation....

No, I am not talking about the WWI lost generation.

The lost generation are those that have been trapped into thinking, "I will print these out sometime later." The "it's on my phone and never leaves your phone." I am part of the problem with this digital age, and its started a little over 10 years ago, before smartphones were the "thing."

Photographers across the globe were loosing hope because everything was delivered "digitally" knocking down the value of what we do best. Is is cheaper? Well yes and no. Yes its cheaper to hand over a CD for 5.99 rather than spending over $500 on cost of goods but the reality is photographers are now seeing the detrimental effects of delivering everything digitally. That devastation is "technical difficulty."

USB's, hard drives, computers, phones and you name it are great ways to store tons of digital photos. But what happens when you loose those little things? What happens when you go to plug in your hard drive and BOOM NOTHING! You guys this has actually happened to me! And thankfully I had insurance that saved me THOUSANDS of dollars to replace what I almost lost. 

Growing up, I didn't have discs. I had film. (I still have undeveloped film). I would take that film and bring into the the lab and it was actually kind of fun & embarrassing to see what would come back. I can still remember the way it smelled. I have photo albums, boxes and boxes of photos that when a family member is looking to celebrate or mourn those boxes are what I dig in first. My children, at least until recently do not have that. They will probably someday be able to gain access to Facebook and see some really great and embarrassing things, but we frankly don't know what the future looks like. But I can tell you this.. physical, printed photographs have already stood the test of time. Some 200+ years of time! Tangible, holdable, framable and huggable photographs are surviving and its because those prints hold value to someone. 

It's pretty hard to value something on a screen. Not to mention, no one wants to come over to your house and sit down in front of your computer and look at photos. They want to look at ones they can hold in their hands, see on the wall all at once, ones they can touch and admire. Ones they can ask, "who is that, where was this and OH WOW! 

I am taking a stand to print out these memories for my kids! They love looking at photos printed out and seeing old ones of their ancestors. I have already lost an entire hard drive of my first borns photographs and all I have are the ones I thankfully printed. I don't want my children to be part of the lost generation. The fact is that 70% of people NEVER print their photos! 70%!!! 

This is why I take the time to create and print beautiful images for you. It's one less thing you have to do and your photos have a 99% better chance of being displayed if I print for you. Don't worry, every print I sell comes with its digital copy (so you can archive it and share it online). I am a photographer who is standing up and saying ENOUGH! No more "just the digitals" YOU GET BOTH! AS YOU SHOULD! 

Do something radical. Make room on a physical wall in your home (not a Facebook one) and hang up some old and new photographs, get your favorites printed out. 

Join the movement and print your photos! #printmovement #lostgeneration 

Where should you print your photos? Try mpix.com! They are speedy and affordable! 

It's never too late...

Today is a very special day. Today marks my mother's 65th birthday! And I say that with such thankfulness. You would think that I would have endless portraits of my mother being a photographer but life gets busy and I could barely get photos taken of my own family.  

But the last year has rocked me. We lost three family members in such a short period of time that it put an impression of urgency to make time even if I didn't have it to capture her more as well as other family members. 

I wanted to give my mom the gift she never had. We have never had a "formal" family portrait with just her and my brother and I. Don't ask me why, but I'm guessing it was what most of us use as our reasons for "not" doing it. You know, "I'm fat, I'm old, It's expensive, I don't have time." I could go on, but what I really want to do is practice what I preach.  

Because what you don't see when you look at my mother is the fact that I almost lost her, TWICE! And I wanted to take the opportunity to not only give her the portraits she has never had, but also the time we spent as a mother and daughter getting ready just like I offer my clients. I wanted to experience quality time with her. She deserves to be noticed, to be valued, to be cherished and loved. I don't believe having great photographs of yourself is vain. I truly believe that every human desires to be cared about, and seen. They want people to know that they exist and to share their story and connect. Photographs are a universal language that can be spoken worldwide and understood. And when you see a great photograph of a person you love, you typically respond. You start a conversation. 

What I see when I look at this photo of my mother is the kindness in her eyes, the cackle laugh that makes everyone else laugh, her love for her family, her passion to know her heritage and her ability to always somehow be available when someone needs to talk. I see a beautiful woman, whose name is JULIE, and in her, I see me and my children.  

Three generations of incredible women all in one photo!!

Harmony(5) Julie (65) Lehana(10) Mary (29) Rosamae(1)

What I want to say to anyone reading this blog is this. It's never too late. You are never too old to have beautiful portraits of yourself and the people you love the most. If you're too busy, schedule the the time to do it. Please, for the love of God do not let your weight or how you look be what holds you back. If I can get in front of the camera at the heaviest I have ever been in my life, so can you! I've got you covered! 

Let me be honest and frank for a moment. When you or your loved one is no longer here, the first thing your family will look for is photographs. Portraits like these are your heirlooms, they are the tangibles that get passed down from one generation to the next. They tell your family story and one day your great, great grandchildren will hold them in their hands. To me, there is nothing more incredible in this world than that. 

Mom, (if you're reading this, which I know you are 😉) I want to take a moment to tell you thank you, that I love you so much, you're the prettiest hippie I have ever met AND Happy Happy 🎈 !! 

To everyone else I am going to ask you two questions. 

When was the last time you were professionally photographed? Better yet, when was the last time your mom was professionally photographed? If your answer was 5 or more years ago or never, please, give me a call. I want to change that. 920-445-8669!!  

How dare you!

I just need to say this. Most of the entries I have received for the Mother's Day Giveaway have consisted with, "I know I don't deserve this more than any other mom, but..."

I want to tell you mom's that you are so incredibly sweet, and your "such a mom" for putting others  before yourselves! 😊 

I have gained so much knowledge from these entries I have received. The knowledge I have gained is that mom's everywhere are in desperate need of pampering and incredible photographs with themselves and their children. And most of you are ashamed for even nominating yourselves. And you're right, HOW DARE YOU!! 

You're right, you don't deserve this! YOU DESERVE MORE! We mom's seriously are overworked and underpaid when it comes to child rearing. We are not only mom's, we career holders, business owners, taxi drivers, schedule managers, appointment makers and keepers, shower police and if we get a moment to breathe we usually give that breath to our precious husbands.  

AND WE LOVE IT! Because we are insanely, madly and deeply IN LOVE with being MOMS! (And we are all a little CRAZY)! 😁

I strongly believe that every mom deserves to enjoy at least ONE (non-wedding) luxury photo shoot with their family, if not every year! One event that they don't have to plan, one day that they can just show up and be pampered, where someone else can worry about if their kids are looking and smiling. One day that they don't have to worry their double chin showing or if their body looks shaped well. Every mom on this planet deserves to be photographed like this! And there should be ZERO guilt for asking for it!  

You mom's are fiercely beautiful and I want to dust you off. I want to show you the woman who is on the inside. I want to show you what people really see when they look at you. I want to give you a break and serve YOU for a change. Let's face it. Flowers are great, massages super awesome, homemade gifts & cards are irreplaceable, take out for dinner is a bonus BUT all of those things are temporary and will pass quickly. 

Portraits. Professional portraits will outlive you. They are heirlooms you will pass down generation to generation. So why not have those photos be the best ones you have ever seen of yourself and your family? Why not take the extra time to relax and have someone style you and your family from head to toe. Why not have someone else take the time to print your photos, mat them, mount them and even frame them so you can hang them up right away?! AND put all those photos and video clips ina beautiful video slideshow to emotional music so you can 😭 your face off every year! 

I wanted to take this moment to tell you that you have permission. You are allowed to ask for this. It's not vain, it's not being selfish. In fact it's the opposite. Because the reality is, these portraits will be in your grandchildrens hands someday. And when you are no longer here your family is going to search for you.

What photos will they find?

Which ones will be handed down?  

What will they have hanging on their wall? 

DON'T miss out on this incredible opportunity!!  

 👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇

If you missed the news about my MOTHER'S DAY GIVEAWAY, you can still enter up until midnight tomorrow! I am giving away two $500.00 gift cards to two incredible mom's that could use makeover and photo shoot with their family!  

WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUCNED Monday, May 15th!!  

Monthly Client Feature - Sarah & Family

Mother's day is coming and 

I thought that featuring a client who is a mom would be the best pick for this lovely month of May!  

Meet Sarah!

Sarah has officially bridged over from brand new mommy to one year of sleepless nights, sore ta ta's, vomit and poop central! Congrats to her on surviving that first year! I know, some of you are thinking, "how hard is it to take care of one child, I have a million!" My response is this, "we have all been there before, and we can all with 100% certainty say that we have had days that we were happy to just have kept our kids fed and alive!" Or is that just me? Nope. It's not. 

I invited Sarah to answer some questions for me regarding her experience with me as her photographer. After all I have been taking portraits of that handsome little fella since he was 20 weeks in the womb! (I am talking about the guy in the checkered shirt, not the cream one). 

Take a peek for yourself to see what clients have to say!

• Why do you value having your portraits taken?

  We like to take photos to keep memories. I have very few pictures of my childhood because my family did not take pictures. I have always told myself when I start a family of my own there will be too many photos

• What drew you to me as your photographer?

  I admire your passion.

• How did you feel during your portrait session with me?

  We always feel comfortable with you, and you keep our little one engaged.

• If you could pick your favorite image I have taken of you and your family, which one would it be and why?

  Honestly, the picture you took of our dog Bella catching the milk bone treat. That one captures her skills, personality, and love for food all in one photo.

That would be this one right here. I took this while she was changing during her maternity shoot!

• What do you plan to do or what have you done with the images you have?

  So far I have printed a few of the images, and gifted to family and friends - a few are hanging out in photo frames at our house as well. I would like to have a calendar or book made, maybe a coffee mug, and more prints!

• What would be the number one reason someone you know or love should choose me as their photographer?

  I would recommend you as a photographer because you are down to earth, make the session fun, and are very talented at what you do.

BEFORE YOU GO! I want you to enjoy this little one year session we did just last month! Sarah and Dustin took advantage of my milestones package and they were able freely choose which milestones they wanted captured! And at the end, they have this little treasure to document the big moments of their little mans year! 

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It's time to have "the talk."

I know what you're thinking. You are thinking of what everyone thinks when we hear the words, "the talk." But I am actually not speaking of the birds and the bees. I am talking about the uncomfortable conversation of telling my husband to take more of me. 

You see, I'm a photographer so I just naturally as if it were instinct (because it is) jump behind the camera and start snapping. So I have on my phone and otherwise all of these great photos of my family and my kids and I am rarely in any of them. And really, deep down, I want to be. I want someone to just do it without me asking. But what I realized is that my husband the one person who witnessed all these little precious moments I would love captured can't read my mind. 

So the night before Easter we were driving home and I asked. I simply said, "I would really love for you to start taking photos of me and the kids doing stuff together too you know." He was honestly a little taken back. And his first response was, "oh, I didn't know you wanted that!" 🙄  

I told him about how I would love to have him capture some everyday things that I do with our kids from time to time. Like helping with their hair, reading stories, snuggling/napping together etc. and after I told him that I was filled with fear... 

now that I asked him to do it I have to like the photos or else he won't do it!!! But thanks to the hours of education I spend on posing (especially curvy bodies like my own) I feel confident that he won't take a bad one if I'm aware of it. Or I just accept that it's me, and he is trying to abide by my wishes. 

after that conversation he got obsessed and wouldn't leave me alone. (He is a weirdo sometimes) but the good thing is I had the talk. I communicated how important it is to me to catch these fleeting moments because photos are so powerful.  

Photos have their own language that have the ability to be understood by every human being, which is why they are so powerful. Photos have a way of pulling old memories you may have forgotten about to the surface. Photos are conversation starters that always begin with, "do you remember when..." they have the ability to bring joy, sadness, fear, love & empathy, photos are our emotions living out loud. Photos are what we save and grab when our houses are burning, when our family is dying. Photos are your storybook, and I my friend would like to exist in my story. 

I want my kids and grandkids to have a laugh, a cry and pass on the story of great grandma Mary and her "crazy shenanegians."   

so please, for the love, ask someone to take a photo of you with your children or sister, husband, wife. Don't let anyone shame you for wanting to exist in your own story. For wanting to look back and feel the way the air smelled that hot summer day. It's not about vanity it's about wanting to freeze time for just a moment and soak it in. So have fun friends! And if you are worried about how you look, do what I did and hire someone who knows how to make you look good 💁🏼. No more excuses. JUST DO IT! 

Here we all are Easter Sunday! And the one holding the baby?? That's me👏👏🙌🙌 I am in this one!  

Personal Branding vs. Head Shot. What's best for you?

What is the difference between personal branding and a head shot?

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Today I would like to talk to you about the very different versions of business portraiture. I want to give you some information on what personal branding is and what a head shot is so that way you can make the best decision on which type of portraiture you would need for you and any employees. 

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Lets start with the basic headshot. 

A basic head shot is usually reserved for businesses that are already established and relatively large or growing quickly. Basic headshots are great if you are only looking for one image, have multiple employees need only one look. Professions that come to mind are, doctors, dentists, therapists or even authors. During consultation would be when we gather if its appropriate for you to wear a suite and tie (CEO or executive) or maybe not so formal. THAT IS IT. A basic head shot is just that. Simply one image to use on several platforms. 

What is personal branding?

Personal branding is your basic head shot but with much more of a twist. I consider personal branding to be more than just one image of just you and your face. I consider personal branding to be you in action and capturing you doing what you love to do. For example, lets say you are a blogger. I would love to not only get a great photograph of you that shows the world your incredible face, but I would love to get you doing some of your blogging and behind the scenes. Maybe that's just you typing on your computer, or maybe a photo of you in front of your office space. Depending on what type of blogger you are I would either dress you up, or dress you down. We would pick clothing that not only fit your body, but your brand from the colors and energy they portray.

Personal branding is just that. It's intimate, it's raw, it's not only what you do but how you do it and who you are. This type of portraiture is great for the creative, the artist, the dreamer and the passionate. This is where we get to talk about your service, product or both and tell your story to the world. Personal branding is the basic head shot evolved. It takes a deeper look and gives your clients and customers a real feel at what it is you do and offer to them. 

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The takeaway...

They say that the first impression you make is your most impactful and can make or break a potential client choosing you or not.

Here is my question for you. Do you value what you serve and produce? Do you want to be taken seriously? Do you consider yourself a professional? 

If you answered yes to any of those questions then it's important to make the time to commit to investing in yourself. You are the face of your business. You decide if you need something basic, or if you need something more. But you MUST decide. No more cellphone selfies on your business page, no more hiding behind products and logos or avatars. People want to see you, they want to make a connection to you. And who knows, they may just choose you over the other guy simply because they liked your photo better. 

If you are already running a business, updating a website or social media accounts, don't forget about YOU! 

My fellow boss mates it's time that we #bossup #acceptthechallenge and #geterdone

If you are ready to talk about your head shots or personal branding or need help deciding which one would be best for you, then please, REACH OUT HERE. Let me know how I can serve you, and lets come together as a team, tell your story and show the world that YOU ARE WORTH IT because YOU SAID SO!