Six Feet Apart | The Novotny Family

Meet your neighbors, the Novotny Family!

All portraits were captured in March of 2020, using the safety guidelines of the CDC. Portraits were also taken from over 12 feet or more using a zoom 70mm-300mm lens and portraits were also cropped in post production.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF THIS CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC ARE YOU EXPERIENCING NOW? 

It’s difficult for young children to understand why they can’t play with their friends. When a mood disorder requires significant physical activity for behavioral management, things get a little interesting! 

WHAT IS THE MOST POSITIVE THING YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED DURING THIS TIME?

Slowing down to enjoy each other more - both quantitatively and qualitatively.

WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR CHILDREN/FAMILY TO MOST REMEMBER ABOUT DURING THIS TIME?

The snuggles, the laughter, the family games, and the love.

Currently, we are no longer shooting sessions on-site as we prepare the studio to re-open in just a few weeks. However, we would still love to keep an online journal and share portraits you are taking yourselves to continue to the project. If you would like to still participate in our project, CLICK HERE to learn more about how to participate!

With our studio currently being shut down to the public, we would like to invite you to support us in other ways…

1. Like and follow our two main social media pages: Facebook & Instagram and if you enjoy our message and content we would love for you to share it.

2. If you have the means, and you’re looking for a new way to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or special occasion, snag a GIFT CARD.

3. Take our online photography class and learn how to use your smartphone to document your family in under one hour!

Six Feet Apart | The Kassner Family

Meet the Kassner Family!

All portraits were captured in March of 2020, using the safety guidelines of the CDC. Portraits were also taken from over 12 feet or more using a zoom 70mm-300mm lens and portraits were also cropped in post production.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF THIS CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC ARE YOU EXPERIENCING NOW? 

Finding a balance between work and life. I own a business and have worked from home for 3 years. My husband now works from home and our daughter is also home due to day care closing. It’s been a challenge to still be productive while giving her attention!

WHAT IS THE MOST POSITIVE THING YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED DURING THIS TIME?

A lot more quality family time! We’re always on the go with plans constantly so this has forced us to slow down and enjoy just each other!

WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR CHILDREN/FAMILY TO MOST REMEMBER ABOUT DURING THIS TIME?

Quality family time

Currently, we are no longer shooting sessions on-site with the #saferathome order. However, we would still love to keep an online journal and share portraits you are taking to continue to the project. If you would like to still participate in our project, CLICK HERE to learn more about how to participate!

With our studio currently being shut down to the public, we would like to invite you to support us in other ways…

1. Like and follow our two main social media pages: Facebook & Instagram and if you enjoy our message and content we would love for you to share it.

2. If you have the means, and you’re looking for a new way to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or special occasion, snag a GIFT CARD.

3. Take our online photography class and learn how to use your smartphone to document your family in under one hour!

Six Feet Apart | The Cornish Family

Meet the Cornish Family

All portraits were captured in March of 2020, using the safety guidelines of the CDC. Portraits were also taken from over 12 feet or more using a zoom 70mm-300mm lens and portraits were also cropped in post production.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF THIS CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC ARE YOU EXPERIENCING NOW? 

Our schedules have completely changed. With four children, schedules are a big deal and we feel things have been thrown off. The unknown is also challenging. We run a family business, and so navigating next steps has been challenging. 

WHAT IS THE MOST POSITIVE THING YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED DURING THIS TIME?

We have been so blessed with the extra family time, and a slower pace of life. Our faith is being strengthened, and we are grateful for this time to cling to God even more. 

WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR CHILDREN/FAMILY TO MOST REMEMBER ABOUT DURING THIS TIME?

We want our children to remember that we came together as a family and made beautiful, special memories at home together. Although there might be chaos and fears in the world around us, we created a space of peace and joy in our home.

Currently, we are no longer shooting sessions on-site with the #saferathome order. However, we would still love to keep an online journal and share portraits you are taking to continue to the project. If you would like to still participate in our project, CLICK HERE to learn more about how to participate!

With our studio currently being shut down to the public, we would like to invite you to support us in other ways…

1. Like and follow our two main social media pages: Facebook & Instagram and if you enjoy our message and content we would love for you to share it.

2. If you have the means, and you’re looking for a new way to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or special occasion, snag a GIFT CARD.

3. Take our online photography class and learn how to use your smartphone to document your family in under one hour!

Six Feet Apart | The Schubring Family

Meet The Schubring Family

All portraits were captured in March of 2020, using the safety guidelines of the CDC. Portraits were also taken from over 12 feet or more using a zoom 70mm-300mm lens and portraits were also cropped in post production.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF THIS CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC ARE YOU EXPERIENCING NOW? 

For me, every decision I make feels like a wrong decision. It’s exhausting. To stay home goes against my values. So it feels like conflict all the time. 

WHAT IS THE MOST POSITIVE THING YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED DURING THIS TIME?

Not taking things for granted.

WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR CHILDREN/FAMILY TO MOST REMEMBER ABOUT DURING THIS TIME?

Love

Currently, we are no longer shooting sessions on-site with the #saferathome order. However, we would still love to keep an online journal and share portraits you are taking to continue to the project. If you would like to still participate in our project, CLICK HERE to learn more about how to participate!

With our studio currently being shut down to the public, we would like to invite you to support us in other ways…

1. Like and follow our two main social media pages: Facebook & Instagram and if you enjoy our message and content we would love for you to share it.

2. If you have the means, and you’re looking for a new way to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or special occasion, snag a GIFT CARD.

3. Take our online photography class and learn how to use your smartphone to document your family in under one hour!

Six Feet Apart | The Sladky Family

Meet the Sladky’s

All portraits were captured in March of 2020, using the safety guidelines of the CDC. Portraits were also taken from over 12 feet or more using a zoom 70mm-300mm lens and portraits were also cropped in post production.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF THIS CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC ARE YOU EXPERIENCING NOW? 

Not being able to work has been a challenge and adjusting to one income in our household. I’m a hairstylist so I’ve been forced to close until further notice. 

WHAT IS THE MOST POSITIVE THING YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED DURING THIS TIME?

I do have to say that this is made me find more positive than negative. Since I am unable to work, not even at home, it forced me to be creative. Do things around the house that I have been pushing aside, read books, walk the dogs, etc.. Life is a rush, for everyone, and being able to slow down and ask, “what am I going to do today to better myself?” Has been very refreshing. There have been many FaceTime calls playing games with friends and my nephew and we never did that before. I think this is a reset for everyone! 

WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR CHILDREN/FAMILY TO MOST REMEMBER ABOUT DURING THIS TIME?

I want my family to remember the memories we made and all the laughs along the way. I want them to remember that we didn’t live in fear, we made the best of what we had during this time.. we have played more games this week than we have in a year and I will remember that more than the shows we binged.

Currently, we are no longer shooting sessions on-site with the #saferathome order. However, we would still love to keep an online journal and share portraits you are taking to continue to the project. If you would like to still participate in our project, CLICK HERE to learn more about how to participate!

With our studio currently being shut down to the public, we would like to invite you to support us in other ways…

1. Like and follow our two main social media pages: Facebook & Instagram and if you enjoy our message and content we would love for you to share it.

2. If you have the means, and you’re looking for a new way to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or special occasion, snag a GIFT CARD.

3. Take our online photography class and learn how to use your smartphone to document your family in under one hour!

Six Feet Apart | The Henklemann Family

Meet the Henklemann’s!

All portraits were captured in March of 2020, using the safety guidelines of the CDC. Portraits were also taken from over 12 feet or more using a zoom 70mm-300mm lens and portraits were also cropped in post production.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF THIS CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC ARE YOU EXPERIENCING NOW? 

We are doing okay, just being more mindful of not just running to the grocery store.. more planning ahead. But overall, enjoying a slower pace.

WHAT IS THE MOST POSITIVE THING YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED DURING THIS TIME?

Slower pace. More interaction with loved ones. Remembering what is most important. 

WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR CHILDREN/FAMILY TO MOST REMEMBER ABOUT DURING THIS TIME?

It’s going to be okay. The Lord Jesus loves you so much. He will always care for all your needs.

Currently, we are no longer shooting sessions on-site with the #saferathome order. However, we would still love to keep an online journal and share portraits you are taking to continue to the project. If you would like to still participate in our project, CLICK HERE to learn more about how to participate!

With our studio currently being shut down to the public, we would like to invite you to support us in other ways…

1. Like and follow our two main social media pages: Facebook & Instagram and if you enjoy our message and content we would love for you to share it.

2. If you have the means, and you’re looking for a new way to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or special occasion, snag a GIFT CARD.

3. Take our online photography class and learn how to use your smartphone to document your family in under one hour!

Six Feet Apart | The Jensky Family

Meet the Jensky’s

All portraits were captured in March of 2020, using the safety guidelines of the CDC. Portraits were also taken from over 12 feet or more using a zoom 70mm-300mm lens and portraits were also cropped in post production.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF THIS CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC ARE YOU EXPERIENCING NOW? 

Fear of my parents who are older, being affected. 

Making sure my children continue to learn and stay challenged and engaged. 

Fear of the unknown and what still could come. 

WHAT IS THE MOST POSITIVE THING YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED DURING THIS TIME?

Time with our family in our home where we feel safe. We are drawing, making cards, cooking, taking social distancing walks and trying to make the best of this! Things we don’t always get to do, we are now doing! It’s nice to take a break from “busy”!

WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR CHILDREN/FAMILY TO MOST REMEMBER ABOUT DURING THIS TIME?

While it was a scary time, we looked for the silver lining. That’s a great life lesson. 

The effects of all of this are unknown but I hope my kids will be inspired to do their part to help with wherever things land and wherever the needs fall.

Currently, we are no longer shooting sessions on-site with the #saferathome order. However, we would still love to keep an online journal and share portraits you are taking to continue to the project. If you would like to still participate in our project, CLICK HERE to learn more about how to participate!

With our studio currently being shut down to the public, we would like to invite you to support us in other ways…

1. Like and follow our two main social media pages: Facebook & Instagram and if you enjoy our message and content we would love for you to share it.

2. If you have the means, and you’re looking for a new way to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or special occasion, snag a GIFT CARD.

3. Take our online photography class and learn how to use your smartphone to document your family in under one hour!

Six Feet Apart | The Krueger Family

Meet the Krueger Family.

The Six Feet Apart is a project is a voluntary and essential photojournalism project to document how Green Bay, WI families are handling the new normal of #saferfromhome and to create an archive of stories, photographs and videos of these unprecedented times. Mary Breuer is a professional photographer and all images and videos were taken while complying with the CDC recommendations of social distancing of at least six feet apart by using a long focal lens and post production of cropping images.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF THIS CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC ARE YOU EXPERIENCING NOW? 

Our kids are extremely social, they miss their friends. They also LOVE school. It’s a hard concept to explain to them and without a solid timeline of when it’s done it leaves them feeling anxious. 

For Ty and I our own personal gym we own has been difficult since we don’t have enough equipment to give each member a home gym set up. We have a great business mentor who has been helping us through it.

WHAT IS THE MOST POSITIVE THING YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED DURING THIS TIME?

Family dinners every night 6 day streak going and counting! 

Callan our youngest loves having all 5 of us home to play with. 

We have been streaming in home gym class for kids everyday and now have 200+ kids watching/attending. 

My love language is quality time spent together... so as you might guess my cup is overflowing :) 

We have been able to hyper focus on our online course. 

WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR CHILDREN/FAMILY TO MOST REMEMBER ABOUT DURING THIS TIME?

That out of adversity comes resilience. 

The main thing is life is love- I hope our kids realize this. Nothing else matters. We love them with our entire beings and will do whatever it takes to make them feel loved and safe!

Watch the BTS video below!

Six Feet Apart | The Shagosh's

Meet the Shagosh Family

The Six Feet Apart is a project is a voluntary and essential photojournalism project to document how Green Bay, WI families are handling the new normal of #saferfromhome and to create an archive of stories, photographs and videos of these unprecedented times. Mary Breuer is a professional photographer and all images and videos were taken while complying with the CDC recommendations of social distancing of at least six feet apart by using a long focal lens and post production of cropping images.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF THIS CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC ARE YOU EXPERIENCING NOW? 

The most challenging part has been finding our new groove with working from home, limiting outings, and finding new ways to communicate with our friends and friends. We live hours away from many of the people we love, so phone calls and FaceTime are somewhat normal for us; however, it feels different now worrying about their health and safety as they go to work. We also looked forward to the birth of our niece/nephew, weddings of cousins and friends, and trips to visit people who live across the country. It’s sad to know we might not get to be part of those moments in person or at all.

WHAT IS THE MOST POSITIVE THING YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED DURING THIS TIME?

It’s been nice to spend time at home as a couple. We’ve been married for just six months, and this pandemic has given us a chance to spend more time together than we have in a long time. Our pets also love that we’re around more during the day!

WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR CHILDREN/FAMILY TO MOST REMEMBER ABOUT DURING THIS TIME? *

We’re going to get through this together. Even though it can feel lonely in isolation, people around the world are doing their part to stop the spread of COVID-19. This pandemic has shown that regardless of our differences we are all humans with a common goal, and that unity is a beautiful thing that sometimes gets lost in the hustle of daily life. If we can remember to come together like this after the pandemic ends, the world will be a better place.

Watch the behind the scenes of this series here.

Six Feet Apart | The Faulkner's

Welcome to a personal project that may some day live in your grandchildren’s history books. While we continue to do all we can to stay updated on this current COVID-19, I was intrigued to what life looked like inside peoples homes right now. I wanted to see what people were doing, and ask them about what challenges they face, the positivity they have found and what they want to remember. Today, I share with you the second installment of my portrait project, “Six-Feet-Apart” with the Faulkner Family. Please note that this is 100% voluntary on both parties taking part of this project. All photos were taken while maintaining the CDC guidelines for social distancing.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF THIS CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC ARE YOU EXPERIENCING NOW? 

Physically- All of us working from home and schooling from home and trying to get all of it done with all of us together 
Emotionally- not being able to be there for Young Life kids and others and not being able to hug people! Trying to lead well from home is hard and overwhelming. And knowing this is effecting so many breaks my heart! 
Mentally- staying in good head space and knowing this isn’t going to be over soon but not knowing when is hard.

WHAT IS THE MOST POSITIVE THING YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED DURING THIS TIME?

Family time! Dinners together! Morning devotions and worship together. Church from home together! Just feel so blessed to be with my family all together. So basically TOGETHERness! Also watching others creatively figure out how to continue doing their work and watching the church live and love in a radical way!

WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR CHILDREN/FAMILY TO MOST REMEMBER ABOUT DURING THIS TIME?

The memories of being together and being a team that will last a lifetime of relationship. Most of all I want them to look back and see this as a time that God was faithful, his presence was known and felt and He was our strength. That they look back and see this is where as a family and as an individuals deep roots of faith and live were grown!

This session was taken with the CDC standards of social distancing. If you are interested in having me come to your home here are some things to consider.

• You have to live on the first floor and have access to a window

• You must live in the Green Bay, WI area

• Sign Up HERE for more information.

“Sleeping feels like only break I can get from this madness."

Today is March 17, 2020 but time seems to be standing still nowadays.

I was laying in bed Sunday afternoon unable to contain my tears anymore. I was weeping for so many reasons. The unforeseen future of my friends in the hospitals and what their life may be like, my friends who are unable to work due to their kids being home from school and not having enough savings to get by. I wept for my grandfather who is not able to see his wife who has dementia in the nursing home and she doesn’t understand why he can’t be there, so she is refusing to eat much of anything. I wept because seniors in high school and college won’t even be able to finish out what they worked so hard for and spend time hanging out with their friends. I wept because so many businesses and my friends are going to be hurting financially and not only that, the overwhelming presence of everything you worked so hard for is coming apart at the seams. I wept because I LOVE people. I love embracing them, connecting to them and I also wept because now, I have to deal with everything that I have been using work as an excuse to not deal with. My husband came in to check on me because frankly, I rarely get “depressed” or super “sad.” And when I do, it usually doesn’t last an entire twenty-four hours. I remember turning to him and saying, “Sleeping feels like only break I can get from this madness, because every time I wake up, I realize that this nightmare is still happening and I just can’t escape it.”

Being a workaholic is a coping mechanism for me. One that I get a little embarrassed to admit, but work and school have always been outlets for me to not have to worry about the “small stuff or to deal with trauma I have been through.” Now please, don’t get mad at me, but this whole COVID-19 is kinda my fault. You see, I have a prayer journal and in it I kept asking God to help me be okay with resting, with sitting still and sitting in silence long enough that I can actually hear Him. I had been feeling distant from my husband ever since we got back from our trip from New York and my patience with my kids was always on thin ice as I was trying to get caught up from the holidays. So I kept saying, “Lord give me the opportunity to really focus on where you need me.” I thought everything was finally going well, we had started a routine with our youngest in daycare and me getting to help my kids off to school and be home with them every night. I even started to set up some nice boundaries and started to say no a few times. (super hard for me to do that by the way). I guess God was like, “yeah um, the only way you are going to “stop” is if I shut down the world.” Whoops…. Be careful what you pray for?

This past weekend I had to go through a few stages of grief. Because to me, even if it is for the better of everyone, and probably the very thing that will make my family and marriage stronger, and it is an answered prayer when I truly look at it, it still feels like a loss for me. It feels like part of me is dying a bit as what once was will now be different for a while and perhaps maybe even indefinitely, who knows, only time can truly tell.

Now that I have had the time to go through some stages of grief; shock, denial, anger, bargaining and depression I am now into the stage of testing and acceptance, or finding realistic solutions and finding my way forward. I am choosing to embrace this with every ounce of me and doing everything I can to protect and save others around me by social distancing and working outside of my home only when necessary.

Yesterday, my husband and I packed up tons of my essentials from the studio and I got choked up as I turned off the lights and closed the doors, knowing I wouldn’t be able to come back until next month and maybe not even then, and I would now have to work from home. But I pushed forward, set up my space and today, I got the opportunity to connect with some of my clients and take a look at some photos we captured this weekend.

To me, this entire situation is an incredible gift of time. Time to reflect, time to embrace, time to finally take care of myself, my mental and spiritual health and create just for the heck of it.

Part of me is writing this blog to remember. To look back one day and just remember what I got through, the same way I always have. Today I feel calm and optimistic, because I know who is really in control, which actually relieves so much of the burden.

So what now you ask? I keep serving. Things look different, and I am choosing to focus on what I do have and not on what I don’t. I have my health, my husband, my daughters, my friends, my clients and my family and they are depending on me to keep showing up. My mission doesn’t change, my mission is to impact and inspire as many people as I can with my time here on earth. And I refuse to let this virus take away my joy.

So today, let me leave with some comfort. Let me share with you what I lean on, my personal life coach and therapist JC says this:

Matthew 11:28-30 

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Stay safe, stay healthy and stay sane!

xoxoxo,

Mary B

Dear grandmas, don't give up, get help!

Technology is moving at the speed of light and if you feel like you can’t keep up, don’t give up, get help.

It all started after I hung up with my mother-in-law. She had called looking to figure out how to upload something to social media and couldn’t figure it out. I was used to getting all things photography and technology/social media from her, and frankly I loved how she lit up with excitement when she figured it out. She had made a comment on one of our calls about how she wished there was a class for grandmas to learn how to do “all this stuff,” and that is when the idea hit me.

She was right, those in her generation love to learn in-person. You can’t just direct them to more technology (YouTube) to learn about more technology. I also noticed how she loved taking photos of my kids when she had her special time with them and how much joy it brought her to share those experiences with her friends on Facebook.

After thinking on it for some time, last summer I launched the first ever, Grannytog in-person Photography Workshop! I wanted to keep my student number small so I could spend one on one time with each of my students to really help. I held four one hour classes in my studio to help them not only learn photography basics but we also broke down some of the most common social media platforms and how to navigate them.

Not only did my mother’s generation long to learn new skills, they longed to stay connected to their loved ones and staying up to speed on social media is crucial to having the 411 on what is going on in their children and grandchildren lives.

The class was an astounding success, and it also helped me realize more gaps that needed closing.

My students LOVED to practice. They had so much fun on our lab day where they got to go to different stations and play with light, angles and apply everything they learned during their class time. It was so fun to watch them create and have some fun while doing that. We also took a short field trip outside to photograph buildings and murals located in the downtown area too!

Take a look at the 2019 Grannytog Graduates!

I learned last year that it’s not just grandmas that want to learn how to be better photographers, but many people would love to learn how to utilize their smartphone camera better and learn some easy photography basics. Which is why this grannytog is not just for grandmas! To me a grannytog is someone who loves to learn in a specific way: hands on, visual, likes in-person coaching with others, instant results, and not to be committed to something for weeks on end.

Our next grannytog event will have the following:

1.) It will be held for one day April 18th, 2020 at The Nest to allow more space and comfy seating.

2.) We will have 50 spots open instead of 5.

3.) Out of the 6 hour workshop I will only be instructing (talking at you) for 2 hours and the rest will be filled with shooting bays with live models and social media stations for one to one help.

4.) Lunch will be provided for 20 VIP attendees which equals more time to practice and more time to pick the brain of an expert.

5.) We will have over middle school and high school kids volunteering to help you at each shooting bay and station!

6.) Each ticket sold will have a percentage donated to Younglife Green Bay

7.) We will have prizes to give away!

8.) Special vendors +more

Green Bay has yet to see a hands on workshop like this!

Tickets go on sale March 1, 2020. Be sure to sign up for an email notification below and also join our Tips + Tricks from a protog Facebook group to get first dibs before they sell out!

Black Beauties of the Bay | Welcome to the Movement

"I was built this way for a reason, so I’m going to use it."

-Simone Biles

It’s a new year, which means it’s time to launch some new ideas that I have been brainstorming for months.

I want to introduce you to a new movement I am creating called “Black Beauties of the Bay.” This movement is personally inspired by my daughter. Moving to Green Bay was indeed a cultural shift. We moved from a neighborhood that was well diverse and a school where there was a big mixture of kids of all ethnic backgrounds to here, where I could count how many diverse kids are in my daughters class on one hand. Lehana is biracial and I am currently watching her process through it. We all struggle to a degree with our identities and are on the journey of blossoming into ourselves, but for a biracial kid it can get a little confusing and sometimes painful. I will never forget the car ride that my baby girl wept in the back seat at just five years old. She couldn’t understand why she was “different” then the rest of her immediate family. She gets, “are you adopted, why is your family all white?” Now that she is older and settling in to being not black, not white but Lehana, I want to continue to surround her with other women she can relate to on levels I can’t. For example, her hair… it’s a process we are still learning and in the picture below we figured out a great combo of products that worked well! It only took three hours this time too! It’s important for girls of color to have other’s they can talk to about, and just as important for their moms to have those resources too.

So why this movement? Because I need my daughter and other daughters to see that our community cares. I want to open up more doors to connection and conversations. I want my work to reflect every woman, in age, in ethnicity and social backgrounds. It was also through my photography I was introduced to Heaven Daniels. We worked together for over an entire year and in that time and developed great friendship. Lehana would come with me to help and it was undeniable, her face would light up, her excitement would rise because not only did Heaven understand her and give incredible insight and encouragement, she also loved makeup, just like her. Heaven pours into others with so much love and encouragement it’s downright infectious and I know there are other women of color in our community that are doing the same thing.

I want to use my gifts to enhance our community and honor my daughter and other young women who follow the studio. Our community is in no shortage of amazing women of color who are movers and shakers, full of wisdom and encouragement and I am ready to meet them.

If you are a woman of color and have a story to share, advice, wisdom or would like to share the impact you are making in our community, I want to invite you to write a letter. This letter is not to me, it’s to the younger you. And I want you to share it with me. My daughter and I will read through it and select the top three letters that align most with this movement. The three selected letters will be published on our social media pages on January 27th with your photo and you will get the opportunity to enjoy the full MBP experience + a professional portrait at the studio on Friday, February 7, 2020.

We will then create a blog series sharing more about you and your perspective and a highlight video of your shoot to celebrate Black History Month!

I wish I would have done this sooner...

A common theme that arises, especially for those of us in the photography industry is that we often are so busy capturing and creating for others that our own families get pushed to the “waiting list.” I can assure that when received my very first DSLR camera back during the Christmas of 2012 I would NEVER ever dream of paying another photographer to take MY family portraits! What a joke. I quickly realized how much of a pain it was, and here I am booking at least 2-3 shoots per year, but with the attitude of gratitude for my fellow togs. We are miracle workers ya know. ;) Make sure to tell your photog how much you love them today!

Another section of our industry is the final product. The portraits and memories that go up on your wall. I was looking for someone local to work with and send my clients to, and that is when I was introduced to Chris Kelley with The Framing Cottage. Her family has been in the print industry for generations, and it was family operated while she was growing up. One could only dream of having that job, or maybe it’s just me. (hehe)

As Chris and I got to know one another, I realized that she too fell into the trap of “when I have time, I will do it.” Instead of me laying out all the details, let me have Chris tell you herself….

What inspired you to book with MBP?

Mary and I were introduced by a mutual friend. In talking with her I immediately felt confident in her abilities. I was long overdue for an update to my professional head shot!

What was the process like for you starting from the style session to the reveal session?

While visiting with Mary during the style session she realized that both my 86 year old mother and my sister lived near by. She wisely suggested that we expand the session to include them. I can't believe that the three of us had never been photographed together. Shame on us - we had been in the photography business. Mary met my mother and I at the door and led us to her makeup artist - my sister joined us a bit later. The worked their magic on us. Mary went to work . She got wonderful shots in all possible combinations. She made certain that I had the professional photos that started the ball rolling and the personal ones that we now all treasure. There are shots of all three of us and even four of us. My boyfriend Paul joined us at the end of the session.  Lots of laughs and a few tears remembering my dad . He would have loved the shots of all of his girls together.

What was your favorite moment from your experience?

There are too many to say that there is one.......................

Why should anyone else book a shoot with MBP?

You should because we all need  to prioritize ourselves and those we love!

If Chris’s story inspired you, then I would love to invite you to consider giving the gift to your loved ones this year. You can rest assure that your loved one will get the full MBP experience when you purchase a gift card for them. What is the MBP experience include?

• Wardrobe + Style consult to help select the perfect outfits and design the perfect package for their photo shoot.

• Hair + Makeup services the day of their shoot

• One hour photo shoot

• Videographer during photo shoot to capture behind the scenes of their shoot

• Ordering appointment one week after to help them select their portraits and design their final package

Our MBP experience comes complimentary when you book a shoot, which means the entire gift card you purchase will be used towards the displays or collections that your loved one chooses!

Hear what Nikki had to say!

It’s time for another client story, meet Nikki!

What inspired you to book with MBP?
When I was younger, I always loved reading fashion magazines and wondered what it would be like to be photographed in such a glamorous light. I imagined maybe getting that opportunity during senior photos, but I wasn’t able to afford anything more than a basic headshot from a department store studio. I just turned another year older and  overcame many professional and personal challenges. I lost both of my parents in my 30’s and realized you only live one life. I knew it was finally time to treat myself to something that I could cherish for years to come.

What was the process like for you starting from the style session to the reveal session?Mary goes out of her way to make sure you’re photo ready before the shoot with several consultations on things like  wardrobe, hair, make-up, self-care, and even how to give your skin the perfect glow. The consultations are  definitely ones you can take with you far long after the photo shoot. When I arrived at the studio, there was an entire glam team ready to transform me— hair make-up, assistants, even a glass of champagne. I felt like I had to pinch myself for a moment— was this really all for me? I know I’m not the first client to say I felt like a celebrity prepping for her red carpet reveal!  When I saw the photographs during the reveal it was exactly that— my own red carpet moment.

What was your favorite moment from your experience?
It was like Mary could reach deep inside my soul to bring out this part of me I knew existed but was afraid to showcase. It was very empowering to feel this beautiful and she was with me every step of the way. I learned so much during my session. For weeks after the shoot people kept saying something’s different about you, you look great, etc. The afterglow !  It’s not about what others think of you— it’s how you feel about you. If you don’t think a photo shoot can change your life, it absolutely can! Of course, the reveal and the photos last a lifetime that’s a given, but it was so much more than that.

Why should anyone else book a shoot with MBP?
Shooting with Mary isn’t just another photography session. It’s an experience. Everyone should be captured in their best light and walk away with photographs they can love and cherish for a lifetime. Mary takes the time to understand what you’re vision is and capture that through her artistry.

Has Nikki’s testimony sparked something for you? Fill out the form below to get more info on booking an MBP experience for yourself!

Meet Aisha

Have you met Aisha?

It’s time for another client feature, a series I started to feature my clients on the blog and so you can hear first hand what their experience was like here at MBP!

What inspired you to book with MBP?

What inspired me to book with Mary Breuer Photos revolved around wanting to celebrate a big birthday milestone, but also what I felt was a turning point in my life. I followed Mary for at least a year on social media and was always impressed with her detail and professionalism. It was not a surprise to find out Mary would create art and help me see myself in a different way, a way I really needed at the time. 

What was the process like for you starting from the style session to the reveal session?

The style session was fun and exciting. Mary helped me EVERY step of the way. I was nervous and didn't know exactly how to execute what my vision was, but that's Mary's super power. She helps ease any anxiety by taking care of everything, with YOU in mind. The shoot itself was fun. I was a QUEEN for a day, something I've never been able to feel before in any photo shoot. It exceeded my expectations because it was more than just taking photos. It was an experience. The reveal session was the cherry on top of a wonderful experience, overall. I was in awe of the photos and so grateful. 

What was your favorite moment from your experience?

My favorite moment was during the photo shoot - Mary guiding me through the poses, and helping me look my best. The fact that I can say it was 100% stress-free, is such a relief!

Why should anyone else book a shoot with MBP?

Everyone, absolutely everyone should at least meet Mary and talk to her about your vision. You will not only gain an amazing photographer to help you document important moments (personal, professional, family), but you will also gain a super sweet friend and small business owner who truly cares about you.

If Aisha’s story has inspired you, be sure to mention her when you give us a call to get $200 off your sitting fee!

Mixtiles - Are they worth it?

I am at it again!

One fun little perk of being a photographer or liking photography is always getting targeted for the newest photo products. One that kept popping up in my news feeds were Mixtiles.

The concept being that you can create fun wall art from the pictures you take on your phone. They are also sticky so you don’t have to put any holes in your wall and can re-arrange them if you like. Take a moment to watch the video review of the ones I ordered and see if they are a good fit for you!

Have you tried mixtiles? If so, tell us your experience!!

Meet Betsy

I’m starting something a little different around here. I have had so many of my clients share how incredible and life changing their experience was during their time here at MBP. Personally it’s one of my favorite parts of my job to hear how a photo shoot has helped them see things differently. So, I’ve been asking some of my clients to share their experience and today, you’re going to hear from Betsy, a headshot turned Boudoir client of mine. ❤️

What inspired you to book with MBP?

First and foremost, her portfolio of work speaks for itself. More than that though, I was blessed to know Mary on a personal level. Her infectious laugh, genuine personality and the fact that she could “see” exactly how she wanted to portray a person on film instantly drew me towards her.

What was the process like for you starting from the style session to the reveal session?

Honestly, a party. Where I was the honored guest-ooh...maybe like how a birthday party feels when you are five!!!! I felt like a celebrity. I had never been that dolled up before. It was SO much fun. Like playing makeup/dress up with much better results.!

What was your favorite moment from your experience?

The moment I decided to stop “trying”. I took a deep breath and tried to soak up all of Mary’s positive love and energy. I truly believe I was able to squash many of the lies that I told myself about my body. I saw myself as a beautiful piece of art God created.

Why should anyone else book a shoot with MBP?

To do something just for yourself. To celebrate YOU.

It was so fun to have Betsy in the studio and it was impeccable timing as I had enough time in between headshot sessions to do an impromptu boudoir session with her. I remember her saying, “I don’t have anything to wear for that.” And I remember telling her she didn’t need anything more then her skin, the best outfit you own.

Stay tuned for more client testimonies and stories!

“I’m never going to have a studio.”

“I’m never going to have a cheesy portrait studio.” 

Those were the words I spoke back in 2012 when I got my first DSLR camera. 

I was only going do photo shoots outside, lifestyle and never be expensive. I would always be super affordable. 

Fast forward to 2016. I was on maternity leave with my third baby, and I was at a crossroads. I had to go back to work, and I was struggling to understand why I couldn’t be a full-time photographer. I couldn’t understand why only wedding photographers could charge more. I was on the verge of quitting, selling everything and settling in for a job that paid very well yet left me drained, uninspired and dreading to show up. 

I found a photographer that I loved, her brand, her message and  had a moment of clarity. I actually hated shooting weddings and giving up my weekends. I actually enjoyed shooting indoors and loved having control over my lighting. I figured out that “affordable” is relative. Even at my lowest rates... I was still too expensive. 

I had to learn how get out of my own way. I had to take a risk, rip off the bandaid and price myself according to my family’s needs and not anyone else’s pricing. I also had to learn discipline and managing money so I could profit more then I spent (still working on that one 😂, I’m a gear + wardrobe junkie). 

When people see my success now, they have no idea the growth and pain I had to endure to get there. The day I was able to quit my uninspiring job, was the day I felt that I made it. Success wasn’t a number for me, it was a choice. To show up, stay up late or get up early to work, sacrifice vacations and trips so I could build my portfolio. Building dreams is a lifelong commitment. In fact, I’m currently spending my Saturday morning at a coffee shop, generating content that I can share with you? Why? Because I LOVE serving people and enriching their lives.

I share this with you, because I want you to know that this dream of mine, did not manifest itself. God made me an incredible gift of connection and I had a wholesome desire to use it creatively, asked God give me the people and opportunities and when he did, I did the work. 

What is something you’re gifted at? What is a wholesome desire you have (the thing you wake up thinking about and go to bed thinking about)? Have you asked God for the opportunity? If so, are taking the time to notice and taking action?

I would love to know your thoughts! Comment below! ❤️

Ordering + Products

Products + Pricing

Today I want to spend some time talking about my beloved products and why I love them so much!

As a full service portrait studio, I offer custom services every step of the way from the consultation, all the way down to the planning and actual printing of your photos.

The story you may be used to hearing is one that reads like this,

You booked a photo shoot, your photographer consulted with you on how to prepare and what to wear, the images are fantastic, they send you all of your images via an online gallery and you show and share them online, just about anywhere and to your friends and family. Heck, you even printed some Christmas cards with those beauties. You tell yourself, “I will figure out what I want to do with them later, after I get them I will be inspired and will print them out!” That thought then leaves your head as soon as it comes in because life got busy, or perhaps you tried to figure it out and the lab you tried using online was too complicated or worse yet, you spent your hard earned money and the photos you printed came back mucky and not at all as they did on the screen. So you huff, and say, I will try it again another time.

Does that sound at all familar to an experience you have had? Listen, not only have I been there, I have BEEN that photographer that literally gives you the digitals and walks away with a, “here are my suggestions for printing.”

Ladies and gents, that’s not me anymore. I realized I could do my better then that after leaving a previous clients house. She had printed her son’s photo at shutterfly and I was absolutely appalled at what it looked like! It was underexposed, he was as red as a lobster and overall the photo, in my humble opinion looked awful. I would follow up with other clients of mine, asking how the printing went and almost all of them would respond, “I just haven’t had the time.” Then, it hit me, it’s my job. It’s my job to help them, I am the expert, I do this everyday for a living. And there I was the expert, expecting my clients to just “figure it out.” It truly was an unrealistic expectation, especially with how busy people are today. Now, I do it for them.

What I offer now is the best of both worlds. Clients get both digitals and a printed product. It’s a happy marriage between “old school and new school.”

Take a look at this video I created to give you a more hands-on look at my products and chat about pricing!