Meredith Rowlen Photography

NEW YEAR NEW BLOG

2009-01-11T10:24:00.000-08:00

Hi All... I have decided to try out a new blog service. Hopefully it works out. :) Please check out my new blog to follow my work!
http://meredithrowlen.com/blog
Thanks again for an amazing year!

Santa Upgraded my Point & Shoot Camera Canon G10

2008-12-21T07:46:00.001-08:00

Nothing is better then an early Christmas present, especially when it arrives in time to use for your child's birthday party and visits with Santa.

I have been struggling with which point-and-shoot camera I wanted to buy. I would love my Nikon's quality photos packed in a WEE little bitty camera but that's not going to happen. :( I tried Nikon's Coolpix and was not happy. I've had my smaller Canon Powershot for over 2 years now, so I went with the PowerShot G10. Here are a few "highlights" - 14.7 megapixels, 3 inch screen, high powered 5x optical zoom with optical image stabilizer, a 28mm wide-angle lens, DIGIC 4 image processor that improves face detection, adds servo AF, face detection self-times and intelligent contrast correction. ISO can be used up to 3200, and you can shoot in raw. Another interesting feature is that this camera has a hot shoe, not that I shoot with a Canon for my work but still an interesting feature. I could go on about the other cool things it does, but I have probably lost 90% of you already. So here are a few of my first shots with my G10.

My little one chatting with Santa about a Wiggles guitar, shot with very low office light.

Breakfast with Santa at the Birmingham Zoo, indoors again low light, it was a muggy day

Outside at the Birmingham Zoo

This one is not a REALLY good example cause I did smooth my skin a little. (Mama needed a little help!) But this was a let's hold the camera out in front of us and take a shot example.

Hoover Alabama Photographer: Couples Portraits

2008-12-18T20:36:00.000-08:00

Here you go Heather! :)

Omaha Steaks Dry Ice Fun

2008-12-15T20:43:00.000-08:00

Who needs steaks when the ice is this fun?

Famous Birmingham Photographer SLASH ...Mom

2008-12-10T23:17:00.000-08:00

My oldest son came home from school and said, "Mom did you know EVERYONE I know, knows that you are a photographer... (dramatic pause) that means you are FAMOUS!!!"

LOL... Cracks me up!! Here's our latest 5 minute session in my parents' driveway.

I LOVE this one

He's about to be SIX!

Mountain Brook Photographer: More Family Portraits

2008-12-07T21:52:00.000-08:00

My favorite first

Look at that Face!!

Clients of mine know I'm not one to shoot in the harsh sun, but I just loved the way this one turned out.

Hoover Family Photographer: One of My Favorite Families

2008-12-07T20:56:00.000-08:00

Mountain Brook Photographer: Beautiful Family Portraits

2008-12-06T14:03:00.000-08:00

This is the second time I have taken this little man's portraits and he stole my heart from the beginning, he is SO adorable and has such a personality! I couldn't help but smile and laugh at his faces throughout the whole session - and look how beautiful his sisters are!

Hoover Family Photographer: Family Portraits to treasure

2008-12-01T14:46:00.000-08:00

Enjoy the peek, Ann...

What beautiful daughters you have! :)

Birmingham Family Photographer: Sweet Military Family

2008-11-28T19:30:00.000-08:00

The cutest Christmas Pajamas Ever!!

Dancing with Daddy
How Sweet is this

I love this shot!

In Daddy's military gear.

The Christmas Elves are BACK IN TOWN

2008-11-27T10:51:00.001-08:00

Ervin & Garland returned and they brought a friend for Anders - Trent... they showed up attached to balloons that were sticking out of the fridge. They also brought cookies.

The boys were VERY excited to see them again.

Can't wait to see what these crazy elves do to the house this year.

MAN these are good...

School Projects Crack Me Up

2008-11-27T10:49:00.001-08:00

Not that we don't thank God for our friend Cooper... but this cracked me up when W's teacher gave this to me.

See Brandy, I told you just to drop Cooper off - he'd fit right in!!

A few Santa Pics

2008-11-25T16:59:00.000-08:00

Isn't he beautiful???

Boys will be Boys

2008-11-24T19:50:00.000-08:00

Laughing at his older brother.

Hannah the Christmas Elf making her big debut :)

2008-11-23T22:27:00.000-08:00

You Have to Love Someone who shares a similar Passion.

It's Hannah

I love this one!

But I love this one too.. so I had to share both :)

It's My NEPHEW!!

2008-11-23T18:48:00.001-08:00

I think these are my best shots yet of my nephew!! He looks SOOO big!

This one is My Favorite.. I am such a fan of selective focus nowadays..

This is his GQ look. :)

Awesome Family, Pettis and Sweet Sisters at the Botanical Gardens

2008-11-22T22:14:00.000-08:00

I think this is my favorite Couples shot ever.. Aren't they Fabulous!!!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!!

Madison I am TOTALLY Impressed.. your Jump ROCKS!!!!

Overalls & Pink Ribbons

2008-11-22T18:25:00.000-08:00

Pigtails & Pettis

2008-11-22T18:23:00.000-08:00

Creative Dog Training & Hand in Paw

2008-11-20T21:28:00.000-08:00

Holiday Photos with Santa & Frosty were a HIT already.. we have already raised $200. for Hand in Paw . I am so glad Creative Dog Training asked me to take these photos. (And...Selfishly I wanted to see how the whole "doggie daycare" program works. My puppy could use some training as well) I got to spend one day in Homewood and one day at the Cahaba Heights location.

I was very impressed with the way they treated all those sweet furry babies.. They had toys and treats and hugged and kissed those babies it was incredible to watch. I know you hear the whole cheesy lines "you aren't just another customer your family" WELLLLL... it's true here and talk about fun. Watching the furry kids run around and play in playgroup times and watching some being trained it was awesome. I also got to have a walk-thru in the new section on the Homewood location they are working on. The new training options they are going to have soon in new space is something no other training places around Birmingham have. I can't wait to see the finished project..

What my Baby will eventually look like when she grows up..

And maybe if you are REAL nice.. I will share a few Frosty Photos too...

Think my Little Man Needs his hair cut?

2008-11-10T14:01:00.000-08:00

Mommy and Daughter Session

2008-11-09T21:13:00.000-08:00

I bought some new pettis JUST in time for this session. They were worth EVERY penny, M LOVED them and she looked like the most beautiful Princess!

I LOVE it!! This is my FAVORITE!!!

This one just makes my heart melt

Or maybe this is my favorite..

Another Amazing Senior

2008-11-09T21:07:00.001-08:00

Had Fun today Daniel, it was nice to meet you and your sweet family!

Here's a Sneak Peeeeeeeek...

I can't pick a favorite!!

The Most Amazing Birth Announcements & Holiday Cards....trifolds

2008-11-06T16:59:00.000-08:00

First let me say I am not a product photographer, but these are just too amazing not to share. These 5 photos will make you think twice about trifold holiday cards or announcements!

Everyone wants to have THE card, the one that makes people CALL you after they receive it... the one that STAYS on the fireplace even after the holidays.

Well, trifolds do just that. Let me custom design your card today!!

These are 5x5 trifold Cards, they come with envelopes as well.

the inside spreadthe backThe inside of one of my clients' holiday cards.

Party of Six..... Six Amazing Children!!

2008-11-04T16:43:00.000-08:00

This photo is for Mom & Grandmom - I know you both will get a kick out of this!

It cracks me up!! This is my FAVORITE!!!

Silly Face Time!

I love this one!!

Happy Howloween

2008-10-30T15:54:00.000-07:00

JUST Me & MY Mommy...

2008-10-28T21:04:00.000-07:00

I got to spend one on one time with my middle man at the Pumpkin Patch today. It was so much fun. He was so excited it was "JUST Me & MY Mommy."

Here's my favorite, the guide told us we could pick one piece to keep and Wilson ran SO far back into the fields to find the PERFECT piece. A "rusty" piece..notice he's holding his camera in his right hand...it's my Cotton Picking Boy :)

He's Here He's HERE!!!

2008-10-27T20:29:00.000-07:00

11 pounds 6 oz

4 day old sweet baby

I LOVE IT I LOVE IT I LOVE IT!!!

2008-10-21T12:51:00.000-07:00

I had SOOOOOOO much fun with this awesome family!! Aren't they amazing:

Operation Love Photo Shoot

2008-10-17T20:50:00.000-07:00

I was thrilled to meet this adorable family. Daddy is serving our country overseas and mom has her hands full with these beautiful, active little men here at home. I can't wait for his homecoming in March!

Daddy Deprived For Your Freedom

Here's the Twins. :)

2008-10-15T14:37:00.001-07:00

For you Traci, I can't believe how much they have grown!

A Handsome Little Man

2008-10-12T22:16:00.000-07:00

I adore this little man, he was such a joy to photograph.

What a Difference a Year Makes!

2008-10-11T16:33:00.000-07:00

Nothing makes me happier than repeat clients! :)

I was THRILLED when this little angel's mom called.

Here she is one year ago...

From today..

ANOTHER Tooth gone...

2008-10-07T20:00:00.000-07:00

Well... Another one fell out. He was SOOO excited it came out at school cause he got the tooth necklace to bring home.

$5 and three packages of MnM's were dropped off by the tooth fairy. :)

A few more for J&J

2008-10-04T21:52:00.000-07:00

Little Pocket full of Sunshine...

2008-10-04T20:12:00.000-07:00

I was thrilled to meet this new family of three this morning. Mom was beautiful, Dad was the coolest playing guitar and this little man made my heart just melt.

Here are a few of my favorites so far...

Some of my new tile styles

2008-10-03T22:13:00.000-07:00

Some of the NEW style photo tiles I am offering this Christmas!

Beautiful Fun Location, Beautiful Boy! :)

2008-10-01T19:00:00.000-07:00

I am such a fan of light. The way it reflects off grass, bushes, flowers, hair. It all really makes me happy. I find myself just smiling and looking at my camera screen then at my subject and the surroundings and just loving what I captured. I know I look crazy when I put people in odd spots or lay on the ground and shoot but I don't care, when I load the pictures up I'm instantly rewarded. SO the next time you see me on the ground just walk on by... unless of course I'm not holding my camera or my face is in the ground - then a little help would be cool :)

Oak Mountain Youth Baseball

2008-09-29T20:38:00.001-07:00

I spent all afternoon at the ballpark.

SO now you have to check out my favorite shots. :)

Amazing Maternity Garden Session

2008-09-25T17:39:00.000-07:00

How Amazing is this sweet mama. She is waiting on the arrival of her 6th child.

I had a great time with you today H! I look forward to photographing your new little man soon!

My Amazing Thoughtful 5 year old Artist

2008-09-23T18:16:00.000-07:00

My sweet 5 year old knows how much his mommy LOVES his art work. It always makes me smile, sometimes even jump up and down and celebrate. He loves when I put it on the fridge or near my computer desk on the wall. Sometimes we even frame his pieces. So my lack of joy at the viewing of his recent artwork struck my child as odd. After all, he got a fork out all by himself as well as a blue crayon and scraped his name in the wood on our kitchen table. Now EVERY meal I will get to see it, why oh WHY would I not be happy about it??

At least the little man has a smile on his face, cause I sure didn't when I saw it.

Sips N Strokes Again

2008-09-23T18:09:00.000-07:00

This is my first landscape piece of artwork. Another Funky Tree! The teacher was young and sweet and really cool. She was the best teacher yet, too bad I didn't get her name. :(

Christmas 2008 Packages Released!!

2008-09-23T14:42:00.001-07:00

It's ALL About Me
This session is JUST for your family. It's a standard session where you will have 1-2 hours of my time to get All the family shots in as well as individual shots, tutu shots, superhero shots, whatever YOU want. You will get 25 free 5x7 flat Christmas cards as well as two free handmade Christmas ornaments! All other images will be in your online client album and you can pick and choose what sizes you'd like to order.
These sessions MUST be booked within October 25th-December 13th; $100 session fee required at time of booking.
Photo tiles will be discounted for this package to $20 per tile!! These make EXCELLENT Christmas gifts.

It's ALL about US
This Session is for you and a friend. You will both get 1 hour of my time. I will capture all the shots you want - family shots as well as individual shots, whatever you can cram into your hour. As long as both friends/families show up for the session you will both get 25 free flat 5x7 Christmas cards. You will have at least 30 photos in each online viewing album.
These sessions MUST be booked within October 25th-December 13th; each family's $65 session fee is required at time of booking.

Just Christmas Cards Please
This option is for families who just want better Christmas cards than Wal-Mart this year, but aren't interested in location sessions. November 9th and 23rd I am opening up my home studio! $40 sitting fee for 30 minutes. We can take some photos outside or inside. You can order cards and prints a la carte. Your online album will contain 20-25 photos.

Call me at 296-7943 or email me RowlenPhotos@aol.com and let's get you scheduled!!

The Card Collections:

The Photo Tiles:

Handmade Ornament

My baby is TWO

2008-09-20T22:55:00.000-07:00

My Christmas Cards!!!

2008-09-19T22:34:00.000-07:00

Many of you have asked and HERE they are!!

Book your Christmas Session NOW!! 25 free 5x7 flat cards with each session booked from October 25th-Dec 13th.

Another ROOOOOOOF

2008-09-18T22:58:00.000-07:00

University of Alabama Game Day

2008-09-13T23:14:00.000-07:00

At the Quad on Family Day My amazingly beautiful little sister:
Four of my favorite men:

More uses for a Sakura Bloom :)

2008-09-13T08:11:00.000-07:00

Isn't this ring sling stunning! It's a Sakura Bloom.
Swaddled on fur

Just a few more...

2008-09-11T22:21:00.000-07:00

I had to add a few more.

Meet Lauren, only 13 days old!

2008-09-11T21:26:00.000-07:00

Isn't she beautiful...
Here she is wrapped in her mother's wedding train:

A Little Pea in the Pod
On her mother's fur jacket

Here's Sophie, another miniature Dachshund

2008-09-09T14:35:00.001-07:00

More Pet Photography

2008-09-06T12:11:00.001-07:00

FINE....here are my Roll Tide pictures!

2008-09-06T12:01:00.001-07:00

My mother is constantly screaming "ROLL TIDE!" just to irritate me, she has t-shirts, sweatshirts and all sorts of garbage with Alabama ALL over it (my dad does too). And she wonders why I spent $90 on jerseys?? You have to admit these are stinking cute...

I got them extra big this time so the boys will get a few years out of them. :) Here's my SHAMELESS plug: I got them at The Trunk in Tuscaloosa, 205-345-0407.
(The toddler sizes run small - 03 is a 4t above. The boys sizes are Russell Athletics sizes so they are fine.) The customer service there is AMAZING. I have ordered jerseys from them twice now and both times they were SO helpful on the phone and in person!

I will have to take a picture of their baby jerseys framed in my hallway sometime, they are SO cute!

My New Furry friend - Dog Portraits

2008-09-06T07:23:00.000-07:00

I think this one is my favorite:

Just wanted to let Ralph Lauren know my DIRECT number: 296-7943... cause this is the CUTEST dog EVER in one of your shirts!!!

ok... maybe this one is my favorite:

Alpha Phi at the University of Alabama - Congrats Ladies!

2008-09-06T05:43:00.000-07:00

Checking out the new Phi Girls at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.

Just because I am counting...

2008-09-04T19:28:00.001-07:00

Check out the Wire Haired Dachshund Puppy

2008-09-04T19:08:00.000-07:00

Check out our new family member: No dog was hurt in capturing this photo. :)

This is for my friend Alison. Since 2 out of my 3 boys are in school programs (Pre-K & K) and I was about to be down to one kid during the day she thought I was crazy that I got a dog. She said I must have something written on my head, lol... I looked then took a pic JUST for her, lol.

Just a little of my life

2008-08-28T07:59:00.000-07:00

Wanted to post a few snapshots from our day.

JUMP JUMP

Look at those eyelashes...
Is it just me or are these Star Wars figures made pretty darn cheap for the $6.99 they charge for each one? :( I just do not remember the hand falling off so easily on the ones my brother and I used to have.

It's Fun to Paint on a Rainy Day

2008-08-25T13:20:00.001-07:00

It has been SUCH a nasty rainy day, so I've been playing away "painting" some portraits.

One more cause I can't stand it!

2008-08-21T20:46:00.000-07:00

This is one of those when-you-take-it-you-know-you-love-it portraits...

I just LOVE it!

Sneak Peek For Kate

2008-08-21T20:09:00.000-07:00

Thanks for driving so far just to see me... your little man is precious.

This video cracks me up

2008-08-20T22:17:00.000-07:00

This is what a photographer's child does when she pulls out the camera. :)
The Video

Here's your preview, V!

2008-08-18T07:57:00.001-07:00

My 100th Post & CRAZY Mud Fun

2008-08-17T22:12:00.001-07:00

Today was CRAZY Fun! One of my clients invited us out to play in the mud. She thought my mud pictures were pretty pathetic and that my boys had NO IDEA what real mud looked like. :) She was right, all FOUR boys (yes my husband included) had a BLAST. Of course I took pictures. More for you later V and thanks again!

How AMAZING is this view!

Star Wars Lightsaber Jedi Smackdown

2008-08-16T21:53:00.000-07:00

I have three boys so not much surprises me, but the Star Wars lightsaber really does leave a mark. My 5 year old was wounded by my 4 year old Jedi Master.

It's like this one: Lightsaber

Skype Video Chatting Online-Internet Chatting

2008-08-16T21:47:00.000-07:00

My sister is away at school and we all really miss her. It's so cool that we can chat with her on the computer and SEE her! We were all sooooo impressed.
Skype

For My Little Sister at the University of AL

2008-08-15T21:55:00.001-07:00

Wilson drew a picture of himself and his Aunt Melissa. He misses her now that she's away at college. He wanted me to take pictures and let him make the silly faces She likes. :)

Just a Few More..

2008-08-12T21:25:00.001-07:00

Preview for Kelly :)

2008-08-10T22:04:00.000-07:00

Told you I had more...

2008-08-08T21:28:00.000-07:00

Preview for Alison

2008-08-08T20:18:00.000-07:00

How Amazing does this Mama to be for the third time around look?It was SO hard to pick my favorites.. I WILL be back with more.

For My Favorite Senior...

2008-08-07T21:57:00.000-07:00

YES I can make Senior Cards, and Yes I can write on your portraits!!

Now Call me! :)

Deeeeep Sigh.. My Baby Went to his first Day of Public School

2008-08-07T06:45:00.001-07:00

And Yes, I did cry.

He got on the bus and sat down and waved and then the bus drove away with MY baby in it.

He's So excited about starting "big boy" school, and I am so excited for him but MAN... it isn't easy. He's still my little baby, and watching someone drive off with him..words can't express what I was feeling.

Shelby County Schools Starting back tomorrow

2008-08-06T19:50:00.000-07:00

To some this is just a school menu calendar, but it's so much more to me. My Baby is going to go to BIG BOY School. :-0 It's a lot to handle! Perhaps that's why I tried to take an "artistic" photo of a calendar, lol.. This is how I feel too...

Beautiful Girls....

2008-08-05T09:05:00.000-07:00

How beautiful are they??

Just a few of Little Man..

2008-08-05T09:00:00.001-07:00

Uncle Eric found a hat at the Car Wash

2008-08-05T06:57:00.000-07:00

Eric found a hat at one of his carwashes and the boys have been Fighting over it.

It's Mr. Pink Shirt. ;)

2008-08-04T20:45:00.000-07:00

I had SO much fun today. I got to hang out with the coolest family and take photos of some Beautiful kids! :)

Ahh to be young and in love...

2008-08-04T15:48:00.000-07:00

What's the Going Rate for the ToothFairy?

2008-08-02T19:56:00.001-07:00

Our ToothFairy brought 5 bucks and three packs of mnms so Jackson could share with his brothers.

Our Baby Lost his First Tooth

2008-08-01T13:16:00.001-07:00

Guess Where I was for Free Portraits off next session

2008-07-29T20:53:00.000-07:00

I drive past this spot a lot do you know what and where it is?? It's worth $30 in prints from your next session if you do! Post here or Email me with the answer RowlenPhotos@aol.com

Contest ends August 7th or whenever someone gets it right! :)

Preview for Stephanie

2008-07-26T20:58:00.001-07:00

A few Outdoor Shots

2008-07-25T19:22:00.000-07:00

My Godson's Precious Hands!

Gotta Love Blue Sand!

Sips N Strokes AGAIN...

2008-07-24T17:46:00.000-07:00

My husband and I went to make Crosses. Mine is the blue one. I am not real pleased how mine turned out. BUT we had fun! :) My husband said he liked it but does not want to go again. I don't think he's too impressed with our $60. worth of artwork, lol.

The second picture shows our wall and all of my paintings. I wanted them in order but after my husband finally got them up I just couldn't tell him the first two were not in the right order. I will after my next painting. :)

Canon's Customer Service

2008-07-23T17:15:00.000-07:00

I shoot with a Nikon D300 and I am a huge Nikon fan. With that being said my little point and shoot camera is a Canon. A Canon PowerShot SD800 IS to be exact. :) On our last beach trip the camera just stopped working. I read a few suggestions online that said to take your camera and HIT it on a hard surface a few times, desperate I tried it. It started taking pictures again but the shot would only be clear if the lens was at a certain length. :( SO I had to call Canon. They were SO nice, the man said if they could not fix the camera for less then $150 I could get a refurbished one for that price. (part of the Canon loyalty program) That made me HAPPY!! So I shipped the camera off and about 4 days later I get an email with my "ESTIMATE" and it was only $127. to fix it and return it to me! I was SHOCKED. So all I had to do was click on the link and make payment so they would fix it. Then 3 days later I get my camera back. :0 I was totally impressed. The whole front plate was replaced as well as the rear plate. It works Great again.

Summer Fun

2008-07-19T20:06:00.001-07:00

Isn't he amazing

SuperHeroes Rock..

2008-07-17T13:58:00.000-07:00

Sips N Strokes Again

2008-07-16T19:08:00.000-07:00

I think I might actually be getting BETTTTTTTTTTER!! I LOVE this painting. It was so much fun to go with two of my best friends! We went to the Trussville location this time and the instructor was AWESOME!!

I will have that Sips n Strokes punch card filled in no time at the rate I'm going. :)

Sips N Strokes Vestavia With My New SIL

2008-07-14T21:14:00.000-07:00

I went painting again tonight with my new sister-in-law to be. Again it did not fare well. Funky Circles kinda became Funky Swirls for me, lol. I was too busy running my mouth and not listening to instruction! :0 I looked over at Heather's canvas and hers was so pretty (show off). She didn't listen to the instructions of adding NEON colors, lol...so I mixed and made a grayish/white and went to town. And totally killed my funky circles in 5 seconds, lol but I had fun. I didn't get any pics of Heather's painting, or of us there cause my point and shoot camera broke at the beach. :(

Whatcha think?

Vacation is OVER for me.. Time for a Special

2008-07-11T10:45:00.000-07:00

My Vacation is Over, it's Time for a Special. This is an Excellent Opportunity for those of you who have been thinking about booking to Go Ahead and reserve your spot!

The first three sessions booked receive $30.00 print credit & one free photo tile. (That's $55. worth of products)
The next three receive $20.00 print credit.

Prepay your session fee now to receive the discounts, and just schedule your appointment before July of NEXT Year!

New for JUST this month - Refer-a-Friend Offers:
Refer ONE friend and get $25 worth of free products & one photo tile ($50 total value).
Refer TWO friends and get $45 worth of free products & two photo tiles ($70 total value).
Refer THREE friends and get $85 worth of free products & three photo tiles ($110. total value).

(Your friend must book and complete their session, & they must tell me at time of booking who referred them.)

Another Favorite

2008-07-08T22:26:00.001-07:00

How sweet are they...

A Peek For Cindy

2008-07-08T14:52:00.000-07:00

Just a Few From Today

2008-07-05T11:53:00.000-07:00

My Little Man

2008-07-04T19:46:00.000-07:00

Beach Silhouettes

2008-07-03T19:57:00.000-07:00

I went on a cruise...

2008-06-30T19:53:00.000-07:00

And here are a few. I could not resist - I had to take a few on the plane. :)

Summer Fun

2008-06-19T20:39:00.000-07:00

She's Got the Whole World in her Hands....

2008-06-16T23:13:00.000-07:00

It's adorable how this sweet little four-year-old girl has these handsome men wrapped around her finger! I enjoyed this shoot today, family ties make my heart sing!

Thanks for using me again!

This would be her toes smiling. :) Makes me smile!

I got some new equipment!!

2008-06-12T22:23:00.001-07:00

I got some new goodies today. :)

And my 4 yr old was NOT impressed with my new lens. He didn't get the whole 'Let Mommie test it out' thing. Luckily my 20 month old let me catch a few. I can't wait for my next session this weekend!