Maegan Dougherty Photography » NJ Birth and Family Photographer

Jack is almost four and can count to ten (well, way past it actually) forward and backward, in English and Spanish. He told me his favorite colors, which I have already forgotten because there were so many, that he likes to hug his mom, and that Lily and Sam are twins. And while I was at his house today, he was helpful and loving with his parents, brother and sister, and as you can see, he was happy and fun and super cute!

Jack

Mom

Lily and Sam are two. As much as I try to avoid gender stereotyping, I just can’t help but describe them this way: Lily is such a girl (quiet and gentle and a little bit shy) and Sam is such a boy (active and adventurous, with no fear). Not that boys can’t be gentle and girls can’t be adventurous, of course!

Both are smart and sweet and totally precious. Lily looks like a tiny version of her mom and Sam looks just like his dad. And Jack is the perfect combination of both!

Lily

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Sam

My favorite from today…
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As I’m writing , I’m realizing that I had a shoot with a four year old and two year old twins and there were no tantrums or fighting or crying other than a few tears from bumped heads during “Ring Around the Rosy.” We read and played and tickled and laughed and they couldn’t have been better. Mom and Dad – You must be doing something right to have such happy kids!

Three

Starr - January 9, 2010 - 11:56 pm

Stunningly beautiful kids.

No trantrums? What!?! Sorry, but we can't expect that in Kalispell:)

Maegan - January 10, 2010 - 5:48 am

Starr – I didn't realize it until I was looking at the pictures last night, but Sam reminds me a lot of Graham! I think the trick for tantrum-free shoots is to totally let the kids be the bosses for those 90 minutes or so. The less direction they get during the shoot, the better. SO excited to see you guys!

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Emily Wilson - December 26, 2009 - 8:34 pm

cute jammies!!

Danielle - December 27, 2009 - 8:00 pm

love the photo – he is growing up so quick!

Alicia - December 28, 2009 - 11:07 am

sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo cute!

Anonymous - January 6, 2010 - 3:57 pm

Your blog keeps getting better and better! Your older articles are not as good as newer ones you have a lot more creativity and originality now keep it up!

…Ava!!!

I’ve had the pleasure of photographing this little beauty for the past three years. Not only is she adorable and photogenic and the perfect little subject, her parents are wonderful and super cute, and her grandparents are welcoming and fun and offer to make me breakfast! I can’t wait for my next shoot with Ava, when she will be a BIG SISTER! Here are some pictures of Ava over the years…

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Congratulations to Ava and her family! I can’t wait to send your album to you!

We still have more winners!

Second place goes to Maxyne!

Maxyne had such a big lead for several days that when I checked the results just after the poll closed last night at 7:00, I was surprised to see that Ava had won by ONE vote! Maxyne was SO close! I don’t think her mama will be too disappointed, though. Not only does she get the prize for second place – she is the winner of the free mini session!!! A HUGE thank you to all the people who left comments on my blog. They were really fun to read.

Congratulations also to Spencer and Grandpa and Sweet Baby James for third and fourth place!

Thank you all for participating, getting excited and working those Facebook pages and e-mails. To my top four, boxes of surprise goodies will arrive in the mail for you in the next few weeks!

Crowd pleaser Maxyne and her apples are maintaining a good lead!

Cuties James, Ava and Baby Brett are in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th places, within only 10 votes of each other.

Everyone’s favorite sibling shot, Rainy Day Story Time, along with Yay?, and Under my Umbrella are not far from 4th place, and just behind those are Tilley, Phoebe and Spencer.

It’s still anyone’s race! I’ve thought of some fun prizes for the runners up, so make sure your family and friends have voted. Voting is open until Sunday at 7pm and Facebook posts work wonders!

Remember: A free mini session is up for grabs for one lucky person who leaves a comment on my blog!!! All commenters are eligible!

And now, here’s Xander eating a carrot! 🙂

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It’s time for this year’s blog contest! Because I slowed down a bit this year to spend time with my new favorite photography subject, I was able to fit all of my 2009 families into this contest! (Okay, maybe 18 entries is a bit much, but all of these pictures were just too memorable to me to be left out!)

Please vote for your favorite (only one vote per person). The owner of the picture to receive the most votes will win a beautiful 4×6 album with my 20 favorite images from your session (or sessions, if applicable). If you already have an album, your kids probably have a Grandma or an Aunt who would like one, too!)

The first and second (and maybe third and fourth) runners up with receive special surprises, too, so start spreading the word!

After you vote, leave a comment on my blog to let me know what you like about the picture you voted for. One lucky commenter will receive a free mini session (20 minute session with 10 images on CD, to take place in Maywood, NJ in January, 2010)!!!

Good Luck!

1. Phoebe

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2. Ava Writing her Shopping List

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3. Dressing Miraphora

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4. Sleepy Dean

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5. Nina Wearing Hearts

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6. Under my Umbrella

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7. Justin and his Mama

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8. Maxyne Carrying Apples

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9. Sweet Baby James

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10. Mom and Baby Brett

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11. Gia

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12. Rainy Day Story Time

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13. Happy Anniversary!

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14. Spencer and Grandpa

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15. Family on a Swingset

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16. Tilley and her Daddy

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17. Yay?

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18. Cheese!

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I want to thank all of my wonderful clients who have made this another awesome year for Maegan Dougherty Photography. For those of you have been with me since the beginning, it’s been so much fun getting know you and watching your kids grow over the past three years. And for all of you, including those I met this year, I thank you for welcoming me into your homes and trusting me to capture your memories!

The voting is open until this Sunday, December 13th, at 7:00pm.

Emily Wilson - December 8, 2009 - 8:00 pm

I absolutely adore #12–such a crisp, magazine quality photo! #1's & 11 were close runners up. Great work!

Cherry - December 8, 2009 - 8:11 pm

This is my favorite because I believe you have captured her essence. She's a beauty.

Tina Ryan - December 8, 2009 - 8:21 pm

I voted for Spencer and Grandpa because the relationship in the image is precious. The adoration Spencer feels for his grandpa is so apparent. Love it Maegan!

Sarah Card - December 8, 2009 - 8:39 pm

I love all of them, but I chose #16. Those father/daughter moments are precious and I love how the contrast of the dark wall behind her white dress made her eyes a perfect shade of blue! You are so talented, Meagan! I wish you lived near by so you could photograpgh my family!

Heather - December 8, 2009 - 9:47 pm

Each photo is eyecandy! That's like asking to choose a favorite out of your own children 😉
It was a tough choice between #10, 12, and 16 for me, but I voted for #12 because you captured magic. It's difficult enough to take an incredible photo of one child, let alone 3 at the same time. I love your work Maegan! I hope to be a future client 🙂

Starr - December 9, 2009 - 12:03 am

Maegan it was so hard to pick! But #2 will have me smiling all day. And I love the colors of #16. Baby-daddy love is the best.

Anonymous - December 9, 2009 - 5:58 am

I just want to pinch the cheeks on Photo #17. He is so beautiful!

Alissa - December 9, 2009 - 6:02 am

We love all of Maegan's work and always look forward to a session with her. I'm biased on this, but I chose "Yay?" One reason is because Corey's 2009 wardrobe almost always included these boots! You captured the moment so well, Maegan!

Danielle - December 9, 2009 - 6:49 am

One of my favorites of Maxyne! #8, of course, is my favorite! She was so adorable collecting those apples from your tree!

Danielle - December 9, 2009 - 6:52 am

Well, #8 is my favorite, of course! My little girl with her curls collecting apples from your tree, ADORABLE!

Molly McGoldrick - December 9, 2009 - 7:05 am

#10 does a fantastic job of capturing the unprecedented love and innate comfort between baby and a new, young mother. Not to mention they're my sister and nephew 🙂 They get my vote!

T - December 9, 2009 - 7:43 am

My absolute favorite is #12. This picture is beautiful! There are so many things about it that capture the viewer. It's so colorful and it truly captures the bond / love between brothers and sisters. How adorable it is that the little girl is ready to her siblings. Then, you also notice the rain drops on the windows. What a great way to spend a rainy day inside, curled up on the couch with your siblings, and having fun with a book. This would look great framed on a wall or in a magazine. It's perfect.

Anonymous - December 9, 2009 - 7:51 am

#8 with Maxyne is adorable!!

Melanie - December 9, 2009 - 8:03 am

I voted for Maxyne because I love the colors and the intent little look of her face – what concentration!

Anonymous - December 9, 2009 - 10:09 am

The picture of Maxyne (8. Maxyne Carrying Apples) captures the essence of unassuming pleasure as she is completely absorbed in attending to her apples. The viewer gets a glimpse into the innocent world of a child occupied with the importance of the moment. Very sweet.

Elliot

annie - December 9, 2009 - 10:19 am

I vote for #10!:) Such a proud mommy! I can't believe how small he is in this photo! It is the most amazing feeling in the world when Brett is laying on my chest so peacefully and this captures it perfectly…Oh I love him!!! This picture is priceless!

Anonymous - December 9, 2009 - 12:05 pm

#12 captures a truly special moment between siblings… not easy to do!

Anonymous - December 9, 2009 - 1:03 pm

#12 is precious. I love how you have captured the bond between siblings. There is nothing as wonderful as seeing you children playing together and enjoying one another.

Julia - December 9, 2009 - 1:45 pm

My vote goes to # 6- "under the Umbrella". I love all Brandon's pictures you have taken Maegan since he was born, but this one is so natural and his face is soooo sweet, and peaceful! Love it!

Kirin - December 9, 2009 - 2:03 pm

I loved the picture of Ava because of the INTENSE look of concentration on her face. She must have been writing something extremely important… a Christmas list maybe?

Jenn D - December 9, 2009 - 2:16 pm

I love the picture of Sweet Baby James #9; you have captured the joy and happiness of his mom on his blessed christening day with her beautiful son!!

Maria Sgro - December 9, 2009 - 2:23 pm

I chose #8 (Maxyne with apples) – picture is absolutely adorable and capture the true sweet innocense of a child.

Anonymous - December 9, 2009 - 2:35 pm

I voted for #8 because you cannot beat that curly little-girl hair, or the loving expression on her face.

Julie K.

Anonymous - December 9, 2009 - 2:40 pm

I love #8 Maxyne she just looks so innocent and sweet

Robyn F. - December 9, 2009 - 3:05 pm

voted for # 8 because she is just the cutest and so enthralled with those little green apples. You really captured her innocence.

pamela ann - December 9, 2009 - 3:30 pm

I love #8…maxyne holding the appples…the photo captures the sweetness of a beautiful little girl in a pink dress.
The different shades of green are pleasing to the eye…and bring the center of attention those little hands attempting to carry so many apples…and then up to Maxynes precious face…it's perfect.

Anonymous - December 9, 2009 - 3:43 pm

I voted for number 8 that sweet innocent face nothing better than looking at life through a childs eyes

Rachel - December 9, 2009 - 5:27 pm

I love #8…it's is so sweet!!!

Anonymous - December 9, 2009 - 6:08 pm

#8 is my favorite! So sweet.

Jay - December 9, 2009 - 6:09 pm

I voted for #8 – all the pics are great – just something about that I liked best. That girl is adorable staring down at the apples.

Missy - December 9, 2009 - 6:44 pm

I'm voting for Maxyne since that's such an adorable picture. She's a cutie!

Jonathan - December 9, 2009 - 8:17 pm

I voted for # 8, Maxyne, because she's so adorable!!

Anonymous - December 9, 2009 - 8:23 pm

I voted for Maxyne. She's got that I think I can look on her face!

Anonymous - December 9, 2009 - 8:27 pm

#8, so simple but beautiful!

Eileen - December 9, 2009 - 8:41 pm

I love #8 Maxyne. The light is beautiful, the contrast between colors is great, just a very natural unstaged moment of childhood.

Murray - December 10, 2009 - 5:34 am

I HAVE LOOKED AT ALL OF YOUR PICTURES AND PICKED MAXINE SCHATTEN (#8) AS THE MOST ILLUSTRATIVE OF BOTH A VERY 'PRETTY' YOUNG LADY AND WHAT IN MY MIND A PHOTOGRAPH OF SUCH A PERSON SHOULD LOOK LIKE.

MOST OF WHAT YOU HAVE PRESENTED, DESPITE THE 'YOUNG AND INNOCENT' APPEARANCE OF YOUR SUBJECTS, IS COMMON KID PHOTOGRAPHY. MAXINE'S PICTURE ON THE OTHER HAND TRANSCENDS THIS GENRE. IT VIBRATES WITH A LIFE AND BEAUTY OF IT'S OWN AND CAN STAND AS AN OBJECT OF ART ON IT'S OWN MERIT.

HOPEFULLY, YOU WILL AGREE WITH MY ASSESSMENT AND RECOGNIZE MAXINE SCHATTEN AS YOUR BEST OF THE BEST. HER PICTURE DOES THIS FOR ME, Maxyne's Grandpa Murray

Anonymous - December 10, 2009 - 9:46 am

J said…. #12 is my absolute favorite it is so colorful and you have captured a special moment between siblings.

Renee - December 10, 2009 - 1:57 pm

Ava (#2) is absolutely adorable. Her facial expression is one beyond her years. She embodies what most females experience when shopping! This photo is priceless and worthy of another photo shoot! I'm curious to see the expressions she'll come up with this time!!!!

Gisela - December 10, 2009 - 6:08 pm

I must say you do great work..they are all great pictures…I voted for #2 I think it is so cute and I love the black and white…it put a smile on my face.

Carla - December 10, 2009 - 10:32 pm

I adore Ava's pic. It's such an adorable face she's making and so perfectly captured!

Nicole - December 11, 2009 - 2:45 pm

I voted for #6..you can just see the happiness and joy in Brandon's face as he gets to hold his umbrella and ultimately play in the rain. And we know little boys LOVE to do that! What a handsome little guy he has turned into!

Amber Wink - December 11, 2009 - 2:46 pm

I really like #14 Spencer and Grandpa. I love the matching business attire and reations to each other.

Anonymous - December 11, 2009 - 4:30 pm

I love picture #2, its captivating and fits just right for the holiday season coming up. When I look at her facial expression in this picture, I think "believe"… Happy Holidays to #2 and I hope you get what you have on that list of yours because your face tells me its going to be good!

Nicole - December 11, 2009 - 6:59 pm

I love Ava making her shopping list…She looks like she is trying super hard.

Rebecca - December 11, 2009 - 10:49 pm

Really tough choice, there is so much beautiful work here. I chose #5, I just loved the natural expression and amazing eye contact. I was also really taken by the sibling shot as a runner up:)

hobokenmum at yahoo dot com

Ruth Vargas - December 12, 2009 - 11:42 am

The picture with baby James is my favorite because it captures the pride in his mother's face while holding her son. It's absolutely breathtaking!

ivy - December 12, 2009 - 1:31 pm

I chose #14 because it gives me great joy to see the relationship between the Grandpa and his adoring grandson.

Victoria - December 12, 2009 - 4:37 pm

Number 14 is so beautiful, it is unbelievably endearing.

geraldine - December 13, 2009 - 1:04 pm

I love#12 because this is a true picture of sharing and caring among the kids even though there is developmental differences.

JN Guru - December 13, 2009 - 7:55 pm

The one of Spencer & his Grandpa is of course my favorite…but I'm a bit biased.

Tara M - December 6, 2010 - 6:41 pm

I voted for Maxyne. I love how she is soo into what she is holding and the coloring is awesome!

Pat Jackson - December 6, 2010 - 7:19 pm

#16 nothing better than a girl & her daddy!
But all of your photographs are great

Tara - December 6, 2010 - 7:36 pm

I love the rainy day story time! It makes me want to cuddle up on the couch in my PJs on a rainy day and read with Marc and Leila. I love how all 3 of them couldn’t be bothered by anything. They clearly love just being together! 🙂

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