Six Days New | Mishawaka Newborn Photographer | Traci Shupert Photography

This sweet little guy is one week old as of today. We had a fun time hanging out in his jungle nursery - Lions, and tigers and bear, oh my! It is really truly amazing to think that only one week ago, he was in his mommy's belly. Never experiencing pregnancy and birth myself, I can only imagine how incredible and indescribable it is. Many blessings as your little man continues to grow! (Click here to see his parent's maternity session.)

Photo Book | Traci Shupert Photography

Every client this year will receive a custom designed photo book with each image from the online gallery after their session. Here's an example, from a recent maternity session (Click here to view that session). Their little bundle of joy arrived last week, and I got to spend this afternoon with him. His sneak peek is coming up very soon! :)

Hopping | What to Read | Traci Shupert Photography

My brain is swimming with all kinds of ideas and thoughts on reading today. One of my coworkers let me borrow her Educational Leadership magazine, and it just so happened to be all about reading. Reading a few of the articles reignited my passion for what I believe about reading and the teaching of reading. When I came home, I fired up Google Reader (which if you don't have, you must get), and was greeted by a blog post from one of my friends on reading. Please go check it out before continuing because it will build your background knowledge (or as I like to call it - schema) for what will be coming next. Here's the link: http://keepingoftime.blogspot.com/
Make sure you read Part 1 and Part 2.
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You really should because you might not understand what is coming next.
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OK, so here it goes...I'm completely intrigued by the book Angie talked about - Honey for a Child's Heart by Gladys Hunt. I've decided to buy one for myself and another for one of you. If you'd like a chance at winning this sweet book, here's what you need to do:

*Become a fan of Traci Shupert Photography on Facebook and and then tell your friends..{Come be a fan of Traci Shupert Photography, and you might just win a sweet book!}

*If you're already a fan, post about the giveaway and a link to this blog post in your status...http://www.tracishupertphotography.com/2010/03/hopping-what-to-read-traci-shupert.html

*Post on your blog or spread the word about the giveaway on your favorite forums...just paste the link...http://www.tracishupertphotography.com

Then come back here and leave a comment telling me what you've done to enter the giveaway (feel free to leave any other kind words too!) by Friday, March 5th at 7:00 p.m. (EST). Happy Reading!

Young Love | Michiana Engagement Photographer | Traci Shupert Photography

Love came to me later in life (some may have even considered me an "Old Maid"). But not for these two. Love knocked on their doors in high school. They've officially been together for 3 years, but they've know each other many more years than that. Now in college, they are both looking forward to working towards degrees in the medical field (and getting married of course!). They were back in the area this week for Spring Break, so we got together to play in the snow and take some photos, too. Many blessings for you as you prepare to spend the rest of your lives together!

P.S. Unfortunately, this does not mean I am a wedding photographer. Right now, the plans are to stick with portraits of newbies, kiddos, families, seniors, and the engaged.

All That | Goshen Newborn Photographer | Traci Shupert Photography

Look at all that hair! I didn't have that much hair until I was 2 years old. She is one lucky little girl (in more ways than just her hair)! She's the first little one these proud parents have had, and they are just so happy that she's here. They were kind enough to let me try out some of my goodies, and sweet baby D was the perfect model. Congratulations!

Mon Petites Fleurs |Traci Shupert Photography

Oh what joy to be greeted by a splendid little package this afternoon when I came home! You'll be seeing this sweet little flowers in action soon. Happy Thursday!

Under the Weather | Traci Shupert Photography

I thought I might just make it all winter without getting sick, and well...I almost did. So, my plans for an amazing post for What to Read Wednesday have been spoiled by the bug that has over taken me today. Here's a photo of a sweet little guy that I didn't post from his earlier sneak peek.

Owl Moon | What to Read Wednesday | Traci Shupert Photography

Today was a different sort of a day...school was canceled due to snow. So, I got to catch up on a few things around the house. Mainly cleaning and organizing. Now let's just hope I can keep it up!

I had a feeling that I wasn't going to be at school today, so before I left on Tuesday, I grabbed the book I wanted to highlight on the blog today - Owl Moon by Jane Yolen. Written in Jane's poetic voice, this books is about a father who takes his child owling on a cold, winter night. This book has won many awards, and has been translated into 9 different languages. Grab some hot chocolate, a blanket, and curl up with your child for a memorable winter's read. Happy reading!

And So It Came | Traci Shupert Photography

And so it came...the snow. We dismissed school early today due to the arrival of the snow and wind, so I had some bonus time to spend with my camera when I got home. I think my neighbors might believe I'm that crazy lady who is always bringing random things outside, laying on the ground, and taking pictures. I guess that's what happens when you don't have any children to take outside for photo ops. Winter is not my favorite season, but I would have to concede that it sure is beautiful as those crystal flakes shimmer down to earth.

Brave | Mishawaka Maternity Photographer | Traci Shupert Photography

Sunday I got to spend the afternoon with this super fun couple who will soon be first time parents. They willingly braved the cold temperatures of Indiana's winter. Thankfully, the sun was there to remind us that this cold will pass in due time. She is a teacher and he is the manager of one of my fav-or-ite stores (here's a hint: bullseye). I always enjoy getting together with teachers from other schools. I enjoy hearing different perspectives on education. If my husband and I ever decide to be brave and start our family, I want to look as cute as this momma-to-be. Best wishes as you begin the next chapter in your lives together!

This photo doesn't really scream, "We're expecting!" BUT look at her eyes. Gorgeous!

Sunshine | Goshen Child Photographer | Traci Shupert Photography

My next of the woods was blessed with some gorgeous light this weekend. We definitely deserve it after all the gray days we endure during the winter. Saturday morning I got to catch up with this fun family. You may recognize them from this past summer. These boys are blessed with some gorgeous eyes and eyelashes. I wonder if they would donate some of their eyelashes to me. We could be the first eyelash transplant patients. :)

Crazy Silly | Goshen Child Photographer | Traci Shupert Photography

This cutie is the brother of that sweet little baby from a few days ago, and he just happens to be my nephew. Full of expression and spunk, he enjoys playing with his matchbox cars, trucks, and planes. Lucky for us, he was willing to take a break from the fun in order for me to get a few photos. He's a crazy silly little guy!

Walk On | What to Read Wednesday | Traci Shupert Photography

I was in a local toy store this weekend, and ran across the book, Walk On by Marla Frazee. Several years ago, I was at a workshop about teaching reading, and the presenter read this gem of a book to us. To borrow the words of Publisher's Weekly, "It's a pep talk for those ready to leave crawling behind (and for those who may need a refresher). " I love the simplicity of this book. Whenever we face obstacles and challenges, it really is about putting one foot in front of the other no matter our age.





Have you heard about Reading Rockets? It's a great website for nearly everything reading under the sun. I ran across several interviews with author Marla Frazee on their website. In this interview, she talks about her long road into the publishing industry. She had to do a lot of walking before she made it!

Kinda Sorta What to Read | Traci Shupert Photography

I'm taking a stretch here on What to Read Wednesday, but I could not stand waiting any longer to share something I think is pretty cool. So, I'm calling this blog post my recommended reading for the week. (Shameless, I know!) :)

Let me take you on a journey back to my childhood. My parents had these friends they would get together with nearly every weekend to play cards. On one particular Sunday when I was probably around the age of 8, I was playing a game by myself in an adjacent room to where the adults were playing cards. My parents and their friends were unaware of my close proximity. I don't recall exactly what was said, but the words that entered my ears and mind were completely inappropriate for someone of my age to be hearing. 99.9% of the time as I child, I was a rule follower (and still am today). I knew that my parents should be alerted to my presence in the next room, and that I had heard every word. With my eight year old indignant voice, I said, "THERE'S KIDS IN HERE!" The words are now infamous, and will often come up in conversation when we're reflecting on my childhood.

What is the point of this little story? It's serves as background knowledge into my extraordinary ability to overhear conversations.

Fall 2009. I'm waiting in line at the post office which had recently been remodeled, but somehow is still unable to hold more than 10 people at a time. That bothers me. I digress. Back to the story. I've reached the front of the line, when I hear a conversation begin several people behind me. My radar ears immediately picked up on it. Here's how it went:

"You've got a lot of things you're mailing."
"Yes, I knit hats for newborns to sell."

Ding, ding, ding! I have got to talk to this lady, but it is now my turn to present myself to the postal worker to send my package on it's merry way. The postal worker asks the standard questions, "Is there anything hazardous, yada, yada, yada, in this package." But I'm not really paying attention because I'd much rather talk to the lady who knits hats for babies. As I'm paying for my postage, I gather up some boldness, turn around, and begin speaking to the knitter (I think I may have made up that name, but is there a technical name for people who knit? Let me know if you know.)

"I take photos of newborns and babies. Do you have a store in the area or a website I could go to?"


And that's the story of how I met Debi of Debi's Creations. This weekend I had the opportunity to take photos of her adorable work. She has a shop on Etsy (love that place!). Head on over and check it out.

Patience | Middlebury Newborn Photographer | Traci Shupert Photography

Patience definitely pays off. Mom and I worked with Little Miss A for quite awhile to get her into a nice, deep sleep. She was a major trooper throughout the afternoon as she experienced many costume changes. This sweet baby's mom and I go way back - we're talking all the way back to high school. So, it was fun to catch up as we waited for her little girl to enter the world of dreams. Her oldest child was a super helper too! She did everything from running to get the pacifier to holding the blanket so I could get the shot. Thanks for a fun afternoon! :)

The Bible | What to Read Wednesday | Traci Shupert Photography

Come on in for another installment of What to Read Wednesday! At the beginning of the year, one of my church friends started a group on Facebook where we would support one another in reading through the Bible following the One Year Bible Chronological plan. This particular schedule for reading the Bible has scripture arranged as it chronologically happened.

I'm a reading teacher (as you might have already figured out previously), so everything I do is supported by the belief that every child deserves to be a reader. Everything I do is to help them accomplish that goal. If they are able to successfully read and comprehend, they will be able to read and understand the most important book in the history of the world. Happy reading!

Happy Birthday to iheartfaces! | Traci Shupert Photography

The folks over at iheartfaces are celebrating their 1st birthday. This week's photo challenge is "Best Face Photo". As I read the description of the challenge, I immediately knew what photo I wanted to enter. You see...this is my niece, and she can be a silly little girl. After I convinced (i.e. bribed) her to let me take some photos of her this weekend in the cold and snow, she started making all these wacky faces. She told me that this is her face after her teacher has to ask her to refrain from talking. I'm calling it the "Oops! I'll stop talking now!" face. Oh, how I love that girl (even though she talks to much)! :)

10 in 10 | Traci Shupert Photography

Who: Anyone
What: 10 sessions in 2010
Where: Locations throughout the Michiana area
When: February - November, 2010

The last several months, I've been thinking about how I can use what I've been given. The lyrics of a song, Follow You by Leeland, have been on my mind for many days and nights.

You lived among the least of these, the weary and the weak
And it would be a tragedy for me to turn away.

All my needs You have supplied
When I was dead You gave me life
How could I not give it away so freely?

Today, as I was riding to church, I was struck with the idea, 10 in 10. Why not donate 10 sessions in 2010? There are many great charitable organizations (like Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, The Littlest Heroes Project, Think Pink, etc.) that create opportunities for photographer's to donate their time and talent. I've thought about joining each of those organizations (and I still might), but I would like to give 10 in 10 a chance this year.

Here's the 411:
I'm looking for anyone (families, children, newborns, expecting mothers and fathers, high school seniors, engaged couples, military families, etc.) who may not be able to afford custom portrait photography, who are survivors, who have served our country proudly, who have made a difference in the lives of others, who are in the fight for their lives...anyone.

If you know someone or are someone who would like to be considered for one of the 10 in 10 sessions, send your story to: traci@tracishupertphotography.com

Here's what each 10 will receive:
-Up to 2 hours of on location coverage
-Online gallery to view images and share with family & friends
-10 of their favorite images edited and ready to print on a CD
-A 4x6 print of each image in the gallery
-One 8x10 print of their favorite image

I will be taking nominations throughout the entire year. I will announce the first 10 on February 1st, and thereafter on the first of every month through November. Please contact me if you have any further questions.

P.S. I thought today was the perfect day to kick this off since it is 1-10-10! :)

Snow | Mishawaka Child Photographer

The sun greeted me when I awoke this morning, and I knew this would be a great day for photos. I called up my niece, and she agreed to venture out in the cold with me to serve as my model. She's been losing teeth left and right these days, so it's been fun to document her toothless smiles. We literally had to trudge through about a feet of snow to get to the spot. She let me snap away, and when I realized my legs were numb, it was time to escape to some warmth. I would concede that winter may not be the most ideal time to take photos, but as long as we have boots and light, we are good to go!