Autumn 2009

Last year I was able to photograph many of the canyons at their autumn peak - Mill Creek, Big and Little Cottonwood, American Fork, and Parley's. This year has been rather hectic, so I did not make it past Red Butte. However, I was satisfied with appreciating what was right in front of my eyes this year (okay, a five minute drive), and visited Red Butte several times in a two-week period of time. I enjoyed witnessing the unfolding of autumn in one particular area instead of spreading myself thin over many areas in order to capture as much as possible. This is a perspective I am not accustomed to taking, and it got me thinking rather deeply about my approach to life in general. Am I trying to embrace a little bit of everything most of the time, instead of stopping in one place long enough to really experience it and let it become a part of me?

Just a thought from a pensive photographer . . .

Another Wonderful Family

This family had an amazing yard, and these boys have exceptional eyes. I hope to get the opportunity to photograph them again. I really wish I had more time to take pictures. Life demands that I cut down on it, but my passion demands the opposite!

Update

I thought I better post this on my blog, since I continue to get inquiries about taking photos for people. I've had so many opportunities to shoot recently, that my camera is in need of some minor repairs. The other problem is that I have so few available times to take pictures - every other weekend essentially - since I work, go to school full time, and have kids! I long for the day when I have more time for photography, but I just take what I can get for now. I am hoping to schedule a few family sessions over the winter holidays, so I will keep you all posted about the times I will have available. I may even post a schedule of photo session slots once my camera is happy again and my finals are over . . .

Thank you for your patience, and for visiting my blog. Stop by again soon - I will be posting some new photos in the next couple of weeks.

Family A . . .

A . . . meaning: the first family brave enough to take advantage of my Summer/Fall special. I really enjoyed capturing this family together, which shouldn't come as a surprise to you when you view these photos.

Discovery of the Ginny Gowns

Yesterday an important discovery was made in our garage. Olivia noticed the bin with the "Ginny Gowns" in them. To be more accurate, my mother found them in her garage a few weeks ago, and passed them on to me. They were specially made and purchased back in the late 1980's from the Virginia Tanner dance studio for my sisters and me (see above photo - yes, I was in Junior High and mine still fits!)

Olivia could not get enough of Aunt Susan's beautiful blue gown, however hot it was on a summer day. She finally convinced Grace to put on Aunt Jill's pink one and join her. Once they began dancing, it went on for hours. The photos I couldn't resist taking were totally spontaneous, even though I have plans to do an outdoor photo shoot with the Ginny gowns at some point. I think I like these though - at home, some with Isaac looking on in kind of a confused wonder. They are so real and so unrehearsed. They are what dance means to me in so many ways.
Not pictured or recorded anywhere except the memories of Olivia and me are the few minutes that we danced together in the gowns. How grateful I am that she convinced me to stop what I was doing and just dance.

Tasty Subjects

From Best Tomatoes

My brother-in-law has been working hard for months on his tomatoes, and the result is as delicious as it is aesthetically pleasing. When my sister asked me to come down and shoot these beauties, I was honored.

Taking Business to a New Level . . .

So I've finally decided to take my photography business online. You would think after 15 years of serious photo-taking, I would have something more official. The truth is, I've avoided being official so that I could simply enjoy my little hobby. However, the time has come for me to step it up and be online. Eventually I will have a website, but I have to start somewhere!


Let me explain what I do, since I'm not your "typical" photographer in many ways. First of all, there are two parts to my business:


1) Photo Greeting Cards - see post here




2) Professional photography for
events, groups, and individuals

Here is why you should ask me to be your photographer:

• I began my professional instruction over 15 years ago with a mother who knows how to take pictures, and a camera that was fully manual. I finally began using a small digital camera in 2003, but it wasn't until 2008 that I truly made the switch to a digital SLR camera!
  
• I have taken classes in basic photography (developing and printing my own photos) and nature photography. I have also traveled to many parts of the world with my camera.
• I enjoy using natural light whenever possible. However, I have experience using a flash for events where the lighting is low.
• I have photographed over one hundred events for the University of Utah and other organizations; including dance concerts, golf tournaments, galas, receptions, and other fundraisers.
• My photos have been used for many publications; including newspapers, magazines, brochures, and websites. You may view samples of my work in publications by making an appointment with me.
• I used to give people all of the negatives when I took their pictures. Now that I use a digital camera, I include a CD with as many high resolution images as the individual or group would like. I just want people to be able to enjoy as many of their photos as possible.
• For the amount of experience I have, my rate is extremely reasonable.

Photo Cards

Please note that photos with an * in front of the number were taken by Anne Stewart and have her watermark signature. All other photos are by Mary Anne Stewart.


Photo Cards can be ordered by the number next to the caption (1-40). For example, if you order #40, I know exactly what you want. If you try to order by the caption name, there may be several with that name since they are named by location! You may mix and match images however you like. Please note that the watermark signature protecting our photographs online will not appear on the final product. We assemble each card and personally sign each photo after placing it on the card. Prints are also available to order - please contact me for pricing.

*To place an order, please contact Mary Anne:

Email: mspo26@yahoo.com

*Please be sure to include your phone number or email in your message.

Updated Albums . . .

I have updated and divided these albums into these two categories:

Celebrating Life



Children