HollyzWorld Holly McMullen Photography - Newborn baby, Infant Child Children Photographer

It's her birthday

2012-01-13T14:45:00.000-05:00

In all the excitement that leads up to Christmas, a person who celebrates their birthday around that time can sometimes get overlooked. Each year her birthday sneaks up on me, and I tend to plan SAM's party at the last minute. This year we were forced to hold her party on a Sunday evening, which I knew was not going to please parents... I was busy working on friends Christmas cards when it hit me that we needed to get working on SAM's invites. Because we were going to have her party at a trampoline place I got the idea to get images of her jumping. She was on board with my idea - what kid wouldn't want to go jump on their bed?!? So off to her room we went, tripod set up ~ jump away sweet girl! We got lots of fun kooky shots. This is the one we went with. After some photoshop magic her image went from girl jumping on her bed to the final product. What fun!

Christmas eve

2012-01-13T14:05:00.000-05:00

My sister and nephew joined us this year. What a treat.
There was so much excitement in the air! Would Santa be bringing me that hamster? (No...) How about the sewing machine? (Probably!)
George made an attempt at having you think this was last year's photo (or the year before that too) by wearing his very same favorite sweater. Hopefully he got enough new clothes that next year he will wear something different. The big surprise of the evening was his new teeth. Looks like a new man!

"Mom, Friendship never ends..."

2012-01-13T11:27:00.000-05:00

Why when I am so behind on posting do I take the time to post about BFF's? Because these two girls rock my world. Blow me out of the water. Make my heart melt. SAM has known her BFF since birth. They share an amazing bond. They plan to go to college together. They are going to have bunk beds they tell me. Currently the plan is to decorate their college room like an American Girl Doll Palace.
When they got separated in school this year, I asked SAM if she was going to be ok. She looked at me ever so seriously, and quoted me the song lyrics "...friendship never ends".
When I am feeling down about the struggles SAM has, K always melts them away ~ she's got her back. I'm so happy these two have each other ~ especially for SAM. I LOVE you girls!

Our Christmas Card 2011

2012-01-13T10:41:00.000-05:00

I went a little different with our card this year. I tried to make it fun and playful, and not TONS of images of my girls... Boo did not behave this year, thus she only made it into one picture, and that was on the back of the card... I got lots of comments on TW's outfit - did she make it herself? As soon as she put it on, I knew it wasn't "her" so we kept the tags on, and it went right back to the store after the shoot. Thankfully she cooperated with me, and at the time she didn't know it was a bad choice. Ah well, I was busy, and did not have any other options at the time!

Emily ann - newborn shots

2011-11-17T18:11:00.001-05:00

Zoe ~ Future STAR of Film, TV or Broadway

2011-11-17T17:54:00.000-05:00

Kendall Olivia

2011-11-17T17:38:00.001-05:00

Grant & Ivory

2011-11-17T17:25:00.002-05:00

Senior Portraits

2011-11-17T17:17:00.002-05:00

10 Years and Still Going Strong!

2011-09-29T14:51:00.000-04:00

I love our Love Story.
I was a flight attendant. He was a military consultant.
The first time we met was on a 747-100 bound for Washington D.C. I was working in the belly of the aircraft - back in the day when this great plane had the galley below deck. Coming up the cart shaft in a dress (via ladder) for takeoff he says the first thing he saw of me was a long leg climbing out of a little door. Two more unplanned meetings in random locations happened in the next 6 months. I was smitten. My Mom told me I needed to explore this, and find out why he kept popping up in my life. Our first real date was in Hawaii. Me on a layover, he on a business trip. Chaperoned by one of his co-workers. The rest is history... 2+ years of dating - me in SF he in DC. Thank goodness for a job that made this possible. Lots of speed bumps along the way, but we made it work. He was my destiny.
Ten years ago today we were married in Carmel at the Highlands Inn. I'd do it all again.

2011-09-09T13:11:00.001-04:00

Summer Recap - The End

2011-09-09T12:43:00.001-04:00

Our final day was upon us, and we knew what we came here to do. Send an old cowboy home. We do a really good job of ignoring this fact in the days leading up to it.
Over to Turtle Rock we climbed. My sister, as the new head of our "house" had some great things to say. We all took part, and celebrated my Dad's final send off.
Woods Lake = Heaven on Earth.
Love you Dad!

Summer Recap Part 3

2011-09-09T12:38:00.002-04:00

We cousins have been coming to Woods Lake since birth. It is a great place to reconnect. It is also a place of great sorrow, as we've spread too many family members ashes here to count. But the beauty of it all is that when we come here (even on these sad occasions) it is so peaceful. I feel so fortunate that we have such a special spot. This year there was record snowfall in the Sierras. Driving up there in our caravan with our cars packed to the gills, we were not even sure if the campsite would be open. The campsite was infact opened just 5 days prior to our arrival - and this was AUGUST! Trying to obey the laws of 6 campers max per site, we were able to find 3 sites close together, there were 21 of us all together. Two were used for sleeping, and the third was for eating and campfire camaraderie. Our central focus was the lush swamp that bordered each site (you can see it in the background of the photo of Bill & Max). I guess that explains the mosquitos. This year we had plenty of dirt burglers, and I was thankful that SAM wasn't going to be the only one. Everyone of these cousin-children love coming here as much as their parents, and this tradition will continue to live on. We know that our parents, who have already been spread in the lake, watch us with pride.

Summer Recap Part 2

2011-09-09T11:58:00.001-04:00

For those who follow HollyzWorld, you know that my Dad passed away in May. In August it was time for the entire family to come together and take him to his final resting place. Before getting down to the depressing, we all take part in our family tradition of camping at our special lake. We lounge, we hike, and this year fend off mosquitos the size of horse flies. On this date in particular it was time for our traditional 5+ mile hike at 8,000 feet elevation. We start off on the Lost Cabin Mine Trail, and merge onto the Lake Winnemucca Trail. Due to the enormous snow fall this year in the California Sierra's there was still LOTS of snow on the ground. It made this years hike all the more fun... and yes, that is snow you see in these images.
What a special treat to be hiking alongside my (youngest & cutest) cousin Max. He recently received word that his very rare and very dangerous form of sinus cancer was in remission. Having gone through an incredibly tough year of chemo and radiation, to have him there with us was incredible. With this horrible gene pool my family suffers from, it just makes you appreciate each moment you have... And I can't think of anywhere else we would want to share these moments.

Summer Recap Part 1

2011-09-09T11:21:00.000-04:00

Summer vacation started with our annual trip to Hawaii. This year was so special because Bill's sister and most of her family were able to join us. It was a real treat that we could share our special place with them - with my 21 year old nephew taking his first flight (and what a long flight to have as your first flight...) Even though my sister-in-law is not in focus (sorry Kath!!), you can tell from her smile that she just lights up a room!
Every opportunity I get to share with my brothers is also something I treasure. Together we have endured such heart break, and it only makes our bond that much stronger. Besides the obvious (Bill & my girls), I am most proud of these two. They married amazing women, have beautiful children and have great careers... and they always make time to be with me! Lucky.

The First Day of School

2011-09-09T10:53:00.000-04:00

Like all years thus far, my girls cannot contain their excitement when it comes to the first day of school. I think after a summer of wearing anything they want, they just can't wait to get back into that plaid... NOT! But this year, once I was ready to leave, they already had their backpacks strapped on, and refused to take them off. SAM was especially excited about the coming year, as you can tell how she couldn't stop hamming for the camera.

Landen - 6 months

2011-07-01T11:31:00.000-04:00

How cute is this little guy?!?!?

2011-06-20T19:23:00.000-04:00

All Stars!

2011-06-20T19:20:00.002-04:00

This weekend TW and her Red U8 All Star Team took part in the Fairfax All Star Tournament. It was such a thrill to watch. I am one of those insane soccer Mom's. I just LOVE the sport, and would give anything to dust off my cleats and go out there and play too. I'm fortunate that Tess has found the love of the game - because I'm not sure who is more into it, me or her... And I'm embarrassed to say, I might be one of "those" parents who drives the rest of the crowd nuts... I played through my senior year in high school, and it was the one real thing that my Dad and I were able to bond over. Fitting that on Father's Day she played about as much soccer as a person could take. I know my Dad was looking down on her with such pride.
OK... great example of how insane I am... these pictures are not taken by me (the lady who loves her camera), but by the Great Jen. There is no way I could take my eyes off the game long enough to capture a shot with my camera. Thanks Jen for sharing, and thank Jen for still sitting next to me after all these years - and all my Red Bulls. My new rule going forward is to just cheer during great plays. Right.

Rest in Peace Daddy

2011-06-13T16:18:00.000-04:00

On May 21st, my Dad passed away in his sleep. While it came as a bit of a surprise, it was not totally unexpected. My Dad first had prostrate cancer (that he neglected to tell my sisters and I about until he was cancer free) while my Mom was losing her second battle with breast cancer. He then was diagnosed with colon cancer, and while cancer free for a bit, metastasized to his lungs. He never complained, and tried to keep any negativity from the family. In fact, two days before he died he drove to my nephews 8th grade graduation, two hours away. He spent the night at my sisters, drove home, went to the grocery store... The rest is a mystery. My sister and nephew arrived at his house Saturday afternoon, and found him peacefully in bed. If there is a bright side to any of this, he never had to suffer through those final stages of cancer, AND he is with my Mom again -
HIS ONE TRUE LOVE.
My sisters and I LOVE this picture above. It was taken on a camping trip in the mid 70's. We were at our special lake in the high Sierras... the same one we will take him back to in August. He was surrounded by a bunch of crazy liberal hippies (my family). They must have drove him NUTS. He fancied himself a cowboy. John Wayne.

This is a picture of us in better days... After losing my Mom to breast cancer, my Dad joined my sisters and I in the crusade to find a cure. He crewed the Avon Breast Cancer Walks three times. This was taken on his 2nd crew experience and my 5th walk, in Washington D.C.

Spring Break 2011

2011-05-08T10:49:00.001-04:00

This year we took the girls to our very favorite place ~ Cabo San Lucas. I'd never leave this place if I had a choice! We stayed at a beautiful resort. They had lots of activities for the girls. They made lots of friends. They got their braids again this year, and Mom loved them just as much as last year. We ate at all my favorite restaurants. We were delayed a day getting home, as our flight cancelled due to tornados in Dallas... I cannot think of a better place to be stranded an extra day!

I Quit!

2011-05-08T10:43:00.001-04:00

A while back I realized that there was someone following my blog that I really did not want following it. It felt like such an invasion of my privacy. Blogs are public places, and free for anyone to see - so I had to decide if I wanted to make this site private (requiring a password) or continue to make my life (and photos) public. Who would come see me if you needed a password... too difficult! So she gets to continue to see Hollyzworld... and I'm a little more guarded.
I am not going to continue the 365 photo challenge. I quit. I'm usually not a quitter. I will continue blogging, just maybe not as often...

Nighttime Photography

2011-05-08T10:06:00.001-04:00

In mid April I took a two day course on Nighttime Photography. I had so much fun learning something new from my fabulous mentor Jeanette Burkle. For those lucky enough to see a herd of photographers overtake downtown Leesburg with their camera's and tripods - it was a sight! I'm posting a sampling of some of my favorites. Keep in mind it was DARK. No flashes were used in any of these pictures... Amazing!

45/365 There's Nothing like a good grape soda

2011-04-08T11:19:00.000-04:00

So as I said in my previous post, the weather in Virginia has been rather chilly. Yesterday it was decent enough to play outside... Sophie found this Strawberry Crush soda in the garage. Rather than ask me permission to drink it, she had snuck behind the dumpster parked in my driveway to take a swig... Normally soda is too "spicy" (carbonated) for this little girl.
I was compelled to buy every flavor that I could find of the Crush soda's (grape, orange & strawberry) because the very thought of them brought me back to my childhood and then to a very funny memory not so long ago. Prior to moving back East, my roommates and I were sailing in the San Francisco Bay. I'm sure that we had lots of fun (who didn't on one of Joe's beautiful sailboats) and I'm sure that there had been some drinking involved (who didn't on one of Joe's beautiful sailboats). Evening was upon us, the party was over, and we were headed back to the marina. Unfortunately no one thought to check the tidal charts for that day, and about half a mile out of the marina we got ourselves stuck on a sand bar. We were there for hours. We could see land, yet we were not moving towards it. We had already eaten all the food brought on board - and drinks too for that matter. While eventually we knew the tide would come back in, and no longer be stranded, at the time a few of us foolishly thought we might starve or dehydrate out there. Somehow my southern, blue-blooded roomie, Rosalind, found a single can of GENERIC grape Crush. Thinking we might die of dehydration that can got passed around to each and everyone of us. I'll never forget my uppity roommate saying "Nothing beats a good grape soda", and so each time I see Crush, I think of that line (and speak it aloud).

44/365 Spring is here

2011-04-08T10:55:00.000-04:00

The one thing I love about Spring in Virginia is the arrival of the Cherry Blossom blooms. I'm not thrilled about our weather. It's been cold and rainy... Half of my trees and bushes have yet to get the memo that Spring has sprung, so in my yard it's a mixture of beautiful blooming Cherry trees, and half sticky dead looking trees. Couldn't we just skip right to summer? You will not hear me complaining about being hot. I'll take it over this any day!

43/365 Phineas Mae McMullen is a model...

2011-04-05T15:32:00.000-04:00

We'd heard it from lots of people, but didn't listen. "Don't get another dog!!!" We were so sure that Boo would love a sibling. We were so sure that that sibling would be just as great as Boo... Boy were we wrong, and yes, in hindsight, maybe we should have listened. Although this little guy is cute (and my husband and girls do like him in spite of his bad habits), he just drives me nuts! He's got food aggression. He climbs on the kitchen table if chairs are not pushed in. He's eaten the legs on my kitchen table and chairs. He has eaten countless pillows and blankets that are used in his bed fit for a king (that he loves otherwise). He hates to be left alone. He's coming up on his first birthday.
He's cute though, isn't he? Thanks mister for being my model...

42/365 Excitement is building...

2011-04-05T15:21:00.000-04:00

I'm way behind on my posting... as the carriage house now has walls and a roof... but this was an exciting day at our house. You could see the crane from the highway.

41/365 Portrait Studio Lighting

2011-03-24T14:49:00.000-04:00

In my photography class this week, we learned about portrait photography, and what tools go into studio lighting. I think I'll stick to being a natural light photographer, as the equipment needed to do it properly is mind boggling. We were focusing on close up pictures, but had to chuckle when the "model" appeared in the dirty jeans and Sketchers... Must be what the local modeling agency has to offer.

40/365 It's framed...

2011-03-24T14:42:00.000-04:00

For those of you interested in progress of the construction project at my house (and I know there is at least one), the framing was completed earlier this week. The walls followed quickly after, and today there is a crane parked in my driveway, and they are working on the roof framing.

39/365 Fun in the woods

2011-03-21T19:05:00.000-04:00

Ok... did you notice that I'm counting pictures taken on one day in my 365 challenge count? If I don't, I'll be in a nursing home before I complete it!
The girls and their BFF's. Tromping in the mud, climbing trees, walking through a creek, sun shining on the face. Does it get any better than this?

38/365 The Art of a Hug between besties...

2011-03-21T19:01:00.000-04:00

Look at these two... So beautiful. TW's girlfriend should be modeling...

37/365 The Beginning and the End of a Great Day

2011-03-21T18:42:00.000-04:00

The great thing about loving to take pictures is that when your friends find a great location, they call you to tell you about it! My neighbor called to tell me about the woods behind her house. Usually unaccessable due to the brush, my girlfriend showed us a new location in the neighborhood for great pictures. We happened to have a house full of willing girls, so off we went on our adventure. I got AMAZING pictures, that I'll post next. The afternoon started out great. SAM had her crazy hat on (as well as a crazy outfit of her creating). Great for a photo op... In the end she found herself surrounded by sticker bushes. She got cut. She bled profusely. We almost had to go to the ER. Not really, but in her mind it was awful!

36/365 Update on the Carriage House

2011-03-20T10:09:00.000-04:00

The foundation is poured and now we wait on framing...

35/365 Whooo Loves Ya?

2011-03-20T10:06:00.000-04:00

Sophie came down in one of her classic outfits this morning... Whooo Whooo!

34/365 Finding Beauty in the Ugly

2011-03-09T13:16:00.000-05:00

I am just not super inspired right now. Yesterday I felt like going out and trying to make the porta-potty in my driveway look pretty. I even opened up the door. Couldn't do it. So I went around looking at the mess in my yard, and tried to find some beauty in all the ugliness. I found that in the right light, even a dumpster could look kind of pretty... Sure wish my kids were more interested in having their pictures taken...
On a happier note, I want to give a big shout out to my #1 Fan in Laurel, Maryland. So happy to have you following Hollyzworld! The powers of Google are amazing. I learn that every day!

33/365 A Work in Progress

2011-03-02T17:53:00.000-05:00

My husband and I have both wanted a carriage house, but for very different reasons. Behind my back he went about making plans for his dream ~~lodge~~ carriage house. As he is running out of space in the basement with our African animals, he knew he would need to find a new space to house the North American animals he hopes to begin hunting... We had to reach a compromise with it, as I WAS NOT happy with what is about to be built. Ahh well, how can I not allow him something that he wants so badly? At least I get to decorate...
So here is day 1. They are working to move the gas and other utility lines that currently run underneath. Porta-ptty delivered. Giant ditch dug for parameter of the building. I plan to document the progress, easy excuse to capture images for my photo challenge. The carriage house/~~lodge~~ is being built by www.apexcustomhomes.com. Check them out, they build amazing homes!

32/365 SAM's prize!

2011-03-02T17:45:00.000-05:00

Wow, I cannot believe how REALLY bad I've been at this 365 challenge!!! It's going to take me years to get the required 365 images. Ah well...
SAM had gotten into the really bad habit of sleeping in my room every night. I was running out of space in my own bed, and my husband was going nuts. We decided to bribe her with a prize. We thought it would be a Barbie. All we required at the time was two consecutive nights in her own room. Bribery works miracles. On the morning that followed night #2, SAM asked if I really thought her Dad would get her a prize. I assured her that he would. She then proceeded to ask me if I thought it would be a big blue inflatable ball - the kind one of our friends had??? Immediately I realized she had been back in the very darkest corners of my closet, looking through my stash of toys...
Oh well, it got inflated this afternoon and she and TW had a blast rolling around in it.

31/365 Leopard Madness!

2011-02-25T12:00:00.002-05:00

We just hosted our annual Safari Party, and this year it was all about leopard. Bill wanted to show off his latest prized possession. I went and ordered all sorts of leopard outfits online, but once they arrived it was just too much leopard. I was back to the drawing board... Enter my sweet husband (who has now been made aware of my ~~new~~ Louboutin obsession), and for Valentines Day bought me these beauties... But enough about the shoes (I promise not to keep posting Louboutin pics). My CRAZY girlfriend ordered me this amazing cake, and delivered it to me today. Crazy she is ~ because a few years ago when I did the DC Avon Breast Cancer Walk she presented me with a boob cake! I love you Karin (splits and all), and keep the cakes coming! For anyone interested in the cake makers services, the cake comes from Cake Bliss by Donna Sateri. www.cakebliss.shutterfly.com I can't wait to eat this tonight with friends!!!

30/365

2011-02-15T18:49:00.001-05:00

Self portrait.
In class today we were given an assignment to make a self portrait, but we were not allowed to turn the lens on ourselves. We could use any thing we had on us as a prop. We were given this small slip of paper with our name on it to use for help. This is one of the ones I came up with. A picture taken of me on my 40th birthday. The fittest than I've ever been, and about one of the happiest people on the planet... I wish I could be in this pictures frame of mind everyday!

29/365 Where you expecting more???

2011-02-14T19:54:00.000-05:00

Happy Valentines... First and foremost!
So here they are. Cute. What you cannot see is that they are completely 3D. Back finished like the front. Lollipop rammed up the middle with a little tail fin glued to it. Tess had a bee that said "Bee Mine" with the lollipop coming out the heiney - like a stinger.
Off to bed. Great Valentines at the McMullen house - but we are all exhausted! Night, night!

28/365 - Eyes Part II

2011-02-13T19:57:00.000-05:00

I've literally spent my entire weekend working on these darn Valentines... I've been silently cursing Aloha all weekend. I saw her post on FB about her darling cards she found on etsy... I'd not given Valentines any thought, and realized I needed to do something. So over to etsy I went. I found these darling cards that could be personalized and printed, what a FUN craft project for the girls... But I didn't want to print them with my printer. I wouldn't have any more ink. Off to Kinko's they flew. Holy cow, these cards involved LOTS of cutting, and LOTS of gluing, and LOTS of glitter glue. 10 for T.W.'s basketball team, 12 for her class. 16 for SAM's class... Shoulda been no problem-o. Two days and countless hours later, they are completed. MINIMAL help from TW, and NO help from SAM. Do you think the kids are going to appreciate all the love, sweat and burns from the glue gun that went into these? Do you think my children appreciate them? Is their Mom TOTALLY NUTS??? The least I could do was have a photoshoot of one of the cards, right???
Lo' and behold, in walks SAM asking for her photo to be taken. Blown me down!!! Camera on the tripod, speedlite plugged in. One shot to make up for yesterdays freaky eye snafu...
Check back tomorrow for the Valentine photo shoot. Too tired to finish it up for tonight. Besides, I've got my required photo of the day...

27/365 Holly McMullen Child Photographer - EYES

2011-02-12T17:20:00.000-05:00

Todays theme? EYES. I'm obsessed with crisp beautiful eyes! I was given the opportunity to take just about 5 shots, so my choices were slim. I'm telling you, I'm going to have to start bribing!!! I ran a fun action on this picture, and it totally freaked the eyes out. I should do something about it, but I've got Valentines to go work on. The challenge wasn't about great eyes - just eyes... Here is how not to make yours look if you are trying for a realistic shot :) Pretty none-the-less.

26/365 ~ DREAMS ~ Will work for Louboutins...

2011-02-11T13:27:00.001-05:00

OK, so I'm not feeling inspired. My kids do not often like to pose for me, and I've committed to attempt this 365 photo a day challenge. What to do, what to do... After blog hopping, and seeing my friend Jenny's blog, I saw that she was doing a Joy of Love challenge. The challenge organizer supplies the participants with daily inspiration, and anyone can join. I've already got my hands full with the 365 challenge, but why not go to that challenge for the daily inspiration... Today the theme is DREAMS. I immediately thought of my dream... I've been wanting a job, something I love doing, and with the money I make, be able to afford all the Christian Louboutin shoes I wanted. Vain, I know. Both those red soles... ohhh! A girl can dream. And as superficial as it sounds, that is my dream...

25/365 ~ Ten Commandment Boogie

2011-02-10T19:51:00.000-05:00

TW and her class led this weeks chapel service at school. Her teacher came up with the BEST idea, and kept all the other students interest. They started with a cute skit, and then ended with The Ten Commandment Boogie... Sunglasses, dancing, hand motions, etc. Super cute. Get a load of my super tall young lady. Shoulders above the rest of her grade... Sweet thing. (And yes, that's her class size. 12 in all, although her BFF was out sick that day)

Q & A with Tess

2011-02-10T19:33:00.000-05:00

q & a with tess, age 8!

borrowed this from aloha's post:

1. what is something mommy always says to you?

can I take a picture of you?

2. what makes mommy happy?

taking pictures & going shopping...

3. what makes mommy sad?

when we don't allow you to take pictures of us

4. how does mommy make you laugh?

she shows me funny baby pictures

5. what was mommy like as a child?

a kids who liked to play soccer - a tomboy.

6. how old is mommy?

right now? 25. For real?

7. how tall is mommy?

five foot 42 inches

8. what is mommy's favorite thing to do?

go shopping and eat lunch with me - hang out

9. what does mommy do when you're not around?

probably takes pictures of nail polish and cheerios, and shop.

10. if mommy becomes famous, what will it be for?

a photo shoot person

11. what is mommy really good at?

taking pictures (I LOVE this kid!!!)

12. what is mommy not very good at?

Let me just look around... can we skip this one?

13. what does mommy do for her job?

take pictures

14. what is mommy's favorite food?

hot dogs and pasta

15. what makes you proud of mommy?

that she is awesome and likes to buy me stuff

16. if mommy were a cartoon character, who would she be?

Sandy Cheeks

17. what do you and mommy do together?

we work on reports together

18. how are you and mommy the same?

we both like to play soccer

19. how are you and mommy different?

my Mom is pretty and I am cool

20. how do you know mommy loves you?

because she always tells me she loves me to the moon, and to Africa, and back to the moon

21. where is mommy's favorite place to go?

to sleep with me in my room

What an awesome kid. So nice to hear that she thinks so highly of me... <3 <3 <3

24/365 Holly McMullen self portrait

2011-02-09T19:51:00.001-05:00

A self portrait in the Children's Discovery Museum 'Duck In'... A field trip for Sophie's class. Loads of fun had by all!

23/365 ~ OPI Teenage Dreams ~ Katy Perry

2011-02-07T19:02:00.001-05:00

I've been reading about Katy Perry coming out with this great line for OPI. The coveted polish was her "Shatter" overlay... it's a black crackly finish that looked super cool in the ads. Great marketing of a product that was not as cool in real life as it appeared in print... After searching high and low, I finally found a store that had all her new shades (and bought them all). I instantly fell in love with this pink shade - Teenage Dream. It goes on just how it looks - not at all diluted as glitter polish tends to go on (and as her blue shade is). Looks so cool - until you decide to take it off! Half a bottle of nail polish remover and about 30-45 scrubing/scratching minutes later, I finally got the polish off. NEVER AGAIN! Would anyone like my bottle??? I'm that serious!

22/365 ~ Sunday, February 6th, 1:28 P.M.

2011-02-06T18:02:00.001-05:00

I should have believed her when she asked for the bucket, and snuck upstairs for a nap... Poor little girl!

21/365

2011-02-06T11:25:00.000-05:00

I've truly slacked off on this challenge already! A week with no photos or postings! Ahh well... I decided to go outside and do a little ice sledding with the girls this morning. The ground is so icy that you really don't need to use a sled. Is anyone besides me ready for the end of winter???

20/365 ~ Holly McMullen Photographer & Blizzard Casualty

2011-01-26T19:59:00.000-05:00

So my husband and I are set to leave for our annual Safari Convention in Reno, NV in the morning. His idea of a good time ~ not mine... But, I'm not sure we are going to get there. We are having a CRAZY storm which mainly started at 3 o'clock this afternoon. It's almost 8 o'clock now. This photo is of the balcony off my bedroom. Notice the little mushroom cap on the table... that's alot of snow! If I did not need to still pack (I need to at least pretend we are going), I'd be getting my snow clothes on with the girls, and go and sit on those chairs!

19/365

2011-01-25T18:13:00.000-05:00

This was taken today at my photography class. There was also an art class going on in the same building. One of the students was working on painting this. I was supposed to be taking pictures of the artists, but I was drawn instead to this art. So beautifully lit!

18/365

2011-01-25T18:10:00.000-05:00

I got to take pictures of the darling Scarlett, four months old... Check back again for more of her! Precious...

17/365 ~ Holly McMullen Child Photography Leesburg Virginia

2011-01-22T16:24:00.000-05:00

My niece Jorja has been visiting, and allowed me to take some pictures of her! What a beautiful little girl! Such nice eyes, and a pretty smile... We are so sad to see her go!!!

16/365

2011-01-22T16:19:00.000-05:00

Beautiful rising of the moon last night!

15/365 Holly McMullen Portrait Photographer Leesburg Virginia

2011-01-19T16:23:00.000-05:00

Part two of my homework assignment was to take an interior architectural shot. There was just no way I could bring myself to do this in public. My house does not have any real special unique lines, so I tried playing with the arches that lead to my living room and dining room. For people who have not been to my house you get a glimpse of that awesome Alice in Wonderland-esque white chair - the prop/background to so many of my pictures.

14/365

2011-01-19T11:53:00.000-05:00

My sister and niece are visiting from California. Last night Heidi read the girls "Skippyjon Jones". Tess, Pugsley & Jorja seemed to like it. Sophie seemed to like mugging for the camera.

13/365

2011-01-19T11:50:00.000-05:00

Pugsley is a special friend in TW's class. They take turns hosting him for the week, and must do everything with him. On this particular day TW had All Star soccer practice and Pugsley got to participate. What I love about this picture is the expression on her teammates face. Priceless.

12/365

2011-01-19T11:47:00.000-05:00

Homework assignment for my photography class... Take an architectural picture. I feel foolish traipsing around town with my big old camera and a tripod. I want to, but am embarrassed to also... So my solution? Pack everyone into the car, and make them come along... This is probably the most photographed church in town with its beautiful stone work and gigantic red doors... I skipped the red doors and chose to find some beauty in it elsewhere.

11/365

2011-01-19T11:42:00.003-05:00

Love this picture of TW at her first basketball game of the season!

10/365

2011-01-15T10:10:00.001-05:00

An attempt at taking a picture of water and oil... I'm definitely going to have to perfect this. But it counts as an image for the day...

9/365 Holly McMullen Child Photographer Leesburg, VA

2011-01-13T12:47:00.001-05:00

Just because I don't post them each day - does not mean I'm not taking pictures each day. I am!!! I just started an advanced photography course in town on Tuesday taught by my fabulous mentor Jeanette Burkle. We covered architectural photography (her passion) that day. I thought boring... but then my eyes were opened to so much I can do with my camera. I rushed out of there, met a girlfriend for lunch, then ran to our local good camera store. I got a new tripod - my last one would occasionally drop my camera. No chance I'm dropping the Canon 1D Mark IV with my Canon 24-70mm 2.8L lens (I'll be a name dropper - but not a camera dropper)! I think my old tripod dropped my previous camera (Canon 50D) because it was CHEAP ~ the tripod not the camera... You get what you pay for! So... I came home and started playing. I shot this bouquet of flowers (my first extravagant purchase that my Mom HATED) in a room with practically no light. I did NOT use my speedlight. I did use my new tripod. My ISO was set to 100, f/22, shutter speed a whopping 30"... (I'm going to have to ask the technical way of writing that last figure) But basically, from the time I pressed the picture button to the time the lens finished snapping, was WAY over 30 seconds. Impossible for a human to hold the camera and get a shot - but enter new tripod - wha~la! SUPER crisp beautiful image. Now to be fair, this image has been altered with a Florabella action... I just could not leave those flower colors alone.

8/365 & The Best Gift Ever!!!

2011-01-10T12:08:00.000-05:00

SAM is a girl of simple pleasures. Give her a Barbie or an American Girl doll, and she can play by herself for hours. For at least a year now she has been begging me for the American Girl doll wheelchair and crutches. Each time the American Girl doll catalogue arrives she circles those two items. I on the other hand thought that was crazy... But when one of SAM's girlfriend's Mom asked me for gift ideas, I did tell her about her strange obsession. Turns out her daughter has the same obsession. And they made her birthday the BEST. Just check out the video of her opening the present. WARNING: turn down your volume. Don't say I did not warn you!

7/365

2011-01-10T11:20:00.000-05:00

I just couldn't bring myself to another Sophie post... So here is her BFF with some fluff on her head. This was at Sophie's birthday party, and they were building their own teddy bears... But before that, we got to have a fluff fight. What fun!

6/365

2011-01-10T11:15:00.000-05:00

It's Sophie's birthday week! She wanted me to bring ice cream to school.
The highlight of her day was getting to wear the birthday crown.

Christmas Eve

2011-01-07T10:36:00.001-05:00

Christmas Eve 2010 looks alot like Christmas Eve 2009. Same cast of characters. This Christmas was amazing for me. Not because of gifts, but just being able to spend it with some of the ones I LOVE. On Christmas Eve we had a great evening with Lynne, Liz (Lynne's significant other), Mark (Yaya's significant other), and our dear friend George Kalouous. George is an honorary member of our family. Having him spend that time with us is so special to me, because I realize how special it is to him. I could not imagine him sitting in his little apartment all alone - with no family around... My step daughter and her girlfriend are really cool chicks. I love every moment that I get to spend with them. We have come a long way, and having them in my life is such a gift! Yaya kindly stepped aside, and let me take the lead with the cooking - and was an amazing sous chef. Without her, both nights could not have come off as they did. I'm sure she was thrilled that my attempts at stepping into the kitchen only happen a few times a year... I can make a mess!!! And dear Mark. He loves him some Yaya. What a saint to be so patient with my girls...
Christmas Day I was too wrapped up in other things to take pictures. Actually GEORGE was the one making me take all the pictures the night before - and there were lots. At every photo worthy opportunity (and some unworthy) he would say with his strong Greek accent - Take a picture!!! Liz and Lynne left us to go to Lynne's Moms, George had been taken home the night before. By noon the Pennsylvania McMullen's arrived. We had so much fun eating, laughing, and holding a concert (maybe I'll figure out how to post video from my iPhone) using Tess's karaoke machine. I also LOVE every moment I get to spend with my sister-in-law Kathleen and now my bro-in-laws girlfriend Shelly...

5/365

2011-01-06T18:20:00.001-05:00

Just playing... Got inspired from someone else's work. Just wanted to see how sharp I could be SOOC. This lens is amazing. I'm used to editing up a storm... I'm not used to pictures coming out this crisp. Love.

4/365 Holly McMullen Child Photographer Leesburg Virginia

2011-01-05T19:16:00.001-05:00

So SAM got her hair fixed up nicely for school... I was asked to come in and take pictures for my children's private school first grade classes. Something to do with Open House boards. Sure does make P365 simpler thus far...
SAM is demonstrating the way they do Spelling Bee in her class. So brilliant. A pointer pointing to the word point (that initially began with a "q"). When is she ever going to learn?

3/365 (Holly McMullen Child Photographer - Loudoun County VA)

2011-01-04T18:54:00.002-05:00

Yes, I actually sent my daughter to school looking like this. I had two choices this morning... work out with a trainer and let Yaya get my girls ready for school or don't work out (and get all lumpy)... Hardly a choice right? I should have known it was a bad call as soon as the Principal opened the car door to let the girls out at carpool. The look of dismay on his face was priceless... But look at the smile on her face - she LOVED it.
Wasn't this the same little girl who on my last post was being bragged about being the next top model? Isn't this the little girl who was not allowed to leave the house without a coordinating bow??? (I did manage to stick a "bow" headband through the mess as we were walking out this morning). I knew it was bad from the start. Today I just did not care.

2010 Christmas Cards - Holly McMullen Photography Leesburg VA

2011-01-04T10:34:00.000-05:00

So this years cards look very similar to last years cards... A 5x5 trifold filled with LOTS of pictures of my kids... When will I ever be able to edit?!?!?!? Now that I have my fancy schmancy camera, who knows what I'll produce... In all years past, we have used pictures taken in the fall. Never during times of suntans and warmth. This year, while in Hawaii, I actually made a point of getting my girls cleaned up, and out on a photo shoot. Cousins and a sister joined in. We came up with some really cute pictures of my girls, as well as my sister and her son.
I instantly fell in love with the image of Tess with Diamond Head in the background. Obsessed. The thought of having to "sit" on this image, and not be able to share was agonizing. Then, when I could not figure out how to use it in a card I nearly lost it! It's not every day you get such a beautiful picture of your then 7 year old (TW - looking about 13). It's a little more common with your then 6 year old (SAM)- she is the aspiring model or photographer (have not figured out which yet)...
And no, to those who asked, Boo is not dead. It was just totally impossible to get the four of them in a picture this year... That's why she got her own panel on the back of the card...

2/365

2011-01-03T17:34:00.000-05:00

Boring flowers... but not quite! My Canon Speedlite 580 EXII just arrived today. I popped the thing on, and this was the first picture I took. It was dusk. I was impressed! Can't wait to see all that is opened to me now that I have this speedlite! Woo Woo!

365 Challenge...

2011-01-02T18:52:00.000-05:00

It's the start of a new year... I just got an amazing camera. I'm going to join the 365 challenge. Let's see how well I do... Not so good, considering today is the 2nd. Oh well, maybe I'll join the 52 challenge. A picture a week - rather than a picture a day.
So I ave this totally amazing camera and lens as stated above. The only problem is that it is frigid outside, and I got too scared to spend anymore $$ on a speedlite. Decided after a few days that that was pure foolishness, and the speedlite should be delivered tomorrow. Nothing is going to hold me back...
Today was a day spent taking down all the Christmas decorations. I was able to get the girls to help a bit, but mostly they just turned the helping into playing. Oh what fun to be allowed to actually touch the ornaments! Look Mom, kissing frogs! Take a picture. (Gross wart removed, otherwise SOOC)
You don't have to ask me twice!

Baby you can drive my Carr...

2010-11-14T09:07:00.000-05:00

OMG... What a beautiful family. I had so much fun with these guys... Kylie, Michael, Sam and MOLLY - that hair, those eyes. Ohhhh. Grandpa even got in on the action. LOVE!

It's all about the EYES...

2010-11-04T14:40:00.000-04:00

Happy Halloween!!! This year, although the costumes were varied, it all came down to fabulous eyes... Sophie was a lovely dark princess, TW was a happy witch and Kiki was a cute kitty. We had a blast at the town parade, and then trick-o-treating in the neighborhood.

This kid is killing me...

2010-10-25T16:03:00.000-04:00

Kendall came back to see me for her 6 month old pictures...

I was lucky enough to take pictures of her the first time on the day she came home from the hospital, just after she was born.

Yesterday she came to me full of the cutest expressions... What a doll!!!

The Ferocious Grasshopper Hunter

2010-10-25T13:16:00.000-04:00

Phineas is a really tough little dude...

He loves to hunt for grasshoppers. I lucked out today and was able to capture this poor little fellas demise...

Get Me Outta Here!!!

2010-10-20T08:48:00.000-04:00

Lauren came back to see me for her 6 month pictures. We thought it would be a great idea to get some pictures of her in her christening gown... and she was not having any of that! She was so upset, and only could be consoled in her Mom's arms. Regardless, she looked adorably miserable! Once we got the dress off of her she was back to her happy darling self!

Pretty Girls

2010-10-20T08:30:00.001-04:00

What a great weekend we had playing with friends, winning soccer games, cheering for the Clemson Tigers and enjoying the nice fall weather. It thrills me that when I get the camera out my girls and their friends run through the house looking for appropriate clothes and props...

Back to School

2010-09-07T10:15:00.000-04:00

The day has arrived... and we are finally back to school. My girls woke up this morning with so much excitement and anticipation. Tess is starting 2nd grade, and Sophie is in 1st. I took them in to class this morning so that I could help carry all the school supplies. It was such a treat to see Sophie sitting proudly at her desk. This is the BIG TIME for her having a desk, and she could not wait to get organized!

I love this picture of the girls kissing... I wish they acted like this more often!

Now I can't wait to pick them up today to hear how the first day was...

Phineas's First Photo Shoot

2010-08-08T11:01:00.000-04:00

After what seemed like forever, we got Phineas this week. As soon as we returned from Hawaii, I flew to Lexington, Kentucky to pick up our new little boy. He is about as cute as they come! Our travels home were filled with all the speed bumps that air travel has to offer, but eventually we made it home, and our Phineas was a super trooper.
Does Boo like Phineas? No... But we also know that one day, once Phineas calms down and stops the constant "hula" on all parts of Boo (we've told the girls that that horny humpy boy stuff is the dog actually doing the hula), Boo will forgive us.
Are the girls crazy about Phineas? Yes... Insane. Me too.
Here is his first official photo shoot.

Makena's 2nd Birthday Party

2010-07-30T02:33:00.000-04:00

Lovin' our Cousins

2010-07-29T22:15:00.000-04:00

The best part of being in Hawaii is playing with our cousins! Justin got to come along with us this year too, so he was also able to enjoy the Hawaiians! Stay tuned for pictures of Makena and her 2nd birthday party... In these pictures Nanea and Justin are working on their castle building skills...

We have a PADDLER in the family

2010-07-29T22:07:00.000-04:00

SAM has found her niche. She is an awesome paddler. She's got great balance. Next year we will get her out there surfing!!!

Happy Girls

2010-07-29T22:00:00.000-04:00

TWM and I on the break wall... We'd walked out to check out the surfers and see how the waves were...

Surfer Girl

2010-07-29T21:53:00.000-04:00

Aloha! Greetings from Hawaii... TWM learned to surf this year (with help from our great Aussie friend Tom). Thanks Tom for this great picture!

We get PHINEAS in a little over a week!!!

2010-07-25T16:00:00.000-04:00

Look how cute he is now!!!

Phineas ~ 5 Weeks old on July 5th

2010-07-07T10:31:00.000-04:00

It's Fabulous Being 40!!!

2010-07-01T19:13:00.000-04:00

What an exciting month June was... The first weekend I was kidnapped by 3 girlfriends for a whirlwind birthday trip to Atlantic City. Home to catch my breath, then off to Tucson for a friends wedding celebration. The actual day of my birthday was spent at home with family. The following day I was surprised by 6 girlfriends and an enormous limo for dinner at my favorite restaurant in DC. Two days later we left for Cabo. My husband rented an amazing villa in Palmilla Caleta called Casa Serene Del Mar. The villa was amazing (recent guests include Jennnifer Aniston, Courtney Arquette, Cindy Crawford & Leonardo DiCaprio - if you don't mind me name dropping :})! Just outside our doors was the Sea of Cortez and full view of our favorite resort, One & Only Palmilla. I'm so thankful to my friends and family who were able to join us. The trip was a memorable one, and ranks right up there as one of the best. I can't wait to go back!

He's looking more like a frenchie...

2010-06-21T09:39:00.000-04:00

The wait is going to be tough...

2010-06-15T09:23:00.001-04:00

Phineas Mae McMullen was born on May 31st, and will come home to us in the beginning of August. After we lost Phineas I back in November (to parvo), we were so crushed. We wanted a cream male French Bulldog, and decided to wait until the perfect one was born to replace our first puppy. Happily, Bella and Buddy (Boo's Dad too!) produced this cutie! Check back for updated pictures...

I miss you Mom...

2010-05-09T15:19:00.000-04:00

It is almost 5 years since I lost my Mom to breast cancer, and not a day goes by that I do not think about her and miss her. I feel so cheated. My Mom was an amazing Mom. She taught me so much, and I think most of my positive attributes come from her. My daughters have been robbed! I came to the realization, and told her shortly before she died that I never realized how much she loved me until I had children of my own. What a special gift children are. The love I have for them was unimaginable until they were mine. What an honor it is to be a mother! Thank you Mom for all you have been and continue to be to me!

Mothers Day

2010-05-09T15:02:00.000-04:00

What a great day! I feel so blessed to have such great girls! Both T & S showered me with homemade gifts and cards. They are doing their best to get along today, and leave Mommy out of their arguments. These two cuties have made my life complete.

She wants in on the action!

2010-04-30T10:27:00.000-04:00

Last night a photography related package arrived of a product I made using an image of Sophie. As soon as Tess saw it, she wanted one too. I told her that we would definitely make one with her images, but as of yet I did not have THAT image of her that I wanted to use. Rather than throw a fit, she marched right upstairs, turned on the shower, and went to her closet to find appropriate clothes. (You should have seen some of the outfits!!) Never one to turn down a photo shoot, I helped decide on an outfit, and got her ready. We hoped in the golf cart (thank goodness for a bankrupt golf course in my back yard!!) and away we went. She wanted to shoot at multiple locations, and we had a great time. At the end of our time taking pictures, she asked if she could take some of me. I set my camera on AUTO, and let her click away. Not bad TW!!!

Easter & The Zip Line

2010-04-28T15:00:00.002-04:00

The highlight of our trip was making new friends. Jon, Wendy & Ellie from England were checking in to the hotel at the same time we were. Sophie & Ellie are both six, and bonded immediately. It was a nice treat for us to have a friend for the girls to play with each day. Bill and Jon found some time to golf, and Wendy and I were able to relax in the sun while our girls played in the pool.
Easter morning the hotel had an Easter Egg Hunt for the kids, complete with an Easter Bunny and Tweety Bird.
Daily from 10 - 12 the kids could go to a section of the hotel that had a zip line. All three girls had a blast on this!!!

Oh how I cherish this...

2010-04-22T11:25:00.002-04:00

One of the sweetest things that Sophie has liked to do since birth is to climb up on you after a swim and snuggle down for a nap. There are countless pictures of Sophie at a pool or beach laying on either Bill or me napping. Not only does her little wet body cool you down, but it is such a special moment knowing that this is my little girl. This I cherish! At 6 years of age, I wonder how many more experiences like this we will have... Sniffle.

Braids

2010-04-22T11:19:00.000-04:00

Day TWO. Ladies are doing braids pool-side, and my girls HAVE to have them. They even got to the pool early so that they would be first in line. Mom tried to convince them to do partial braids - NO, the full head was a MUST. And, turns out, Mom LOVED the braids. It was such simple vacation hair...

Mexico Spring Break 2010

2010-04-22T10:02:00.002-04:00

Bill and I took the girls to Cancun for Spring Break. The girls had an incredible time. These pictures are from day one and day two. Due to the time change, we were up early that first morning - in time to get seats at the pool, and to see the magnificent sunrise. Before most people were up and awake we found ourselves wandering on the beach.

Headshots from Savvy Sisterhood Workshop on the Waterfront

2010-04-22T09:07:00.005-04:00

I attended the Savvy Sisterhood Photography Workshop on the Waterfront in
March. I was lucky enough to have well
known photographer Marta Locklear take
some headshots.

A Beautiful Belly...

2010-03-27T11:39:00.000-04:00

She's only 7???

2010-03-07T17:27:00.000-05:00

Flower Child

2010-02-28T08:48:00.000-05:00