Erica M Photography

Taking a breather

Erica M — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 19:28:42 +0000

I am not taking any more sessions until July.

My dear friend and fellow photographer Cristy Cross is on maternity leave for the rest of the month of March but will be taking sessions starting in April.

And here’s a little something for you to look at…Our little family in Utah over Thanksgiving, 3 months ago. I still haven’t gone through the photos from this trip! This one is only ready to go because it was our Christmas card ;)

Kylie, 7 days old: Clovis NM Newborn Photography

Erica M — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 14:00:51 +0000

Baby Kylie was my third ever newborn to photograph and I’m very happy with the progress I’ve made and the amount that I’ve learned thus far. Erica M Photography newborn sessions are a mix of three things: nursery details, family photos, and, of course, baby photos! I love shooting in clients’ homes because it is easiest and most comfortable for new parents. When I shoot in homes I’m also able to capture the details parents-to-be have prepared for their little one’s arrival. While baby is taking a break to feed, I get the detail shots in the nursery. Kylie’s pink and green nursery was very festive with paper pom poms and a whimsical butterfly mobile. Kylie herself is a doll with a full head of dark hair. It’s evident just how head over heels in love Chris and Leslie are for her :) The images that follow truly make my heart melt.

Leslie’s Mini Maternity Shoot: Clovis NM Maternity Photographer

Erica M — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 21:22:11 +0000

My dear friend Leslie and I ventured out to Ned Houk Park a couple weeks ago to do a mini maternity session at sunset. It is my absolute favorite time of day, I love love love the golden light. New Mexico is a bit deceptive though. Just because it’s sunny, doesn’t mean it’s warm! So thanks Leslie for braving this slightly chilly afternoon with me, I’m really happy with what we got during this 30 minute mini session. Is Leslie not one gorgeous mamma-to-be?!

Will, 4 weeks old: Clovis New Mexico Newborn Photographer

Erica M — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:31:41 +0000

Remember the Dixon’s from their snowy maternity shoot before Christmas? Their baby boy wasn’t due until February 3rd but he decided to make his debut a little early, 6.5 weeks early to be exact! It is for this very reason that I strongly encourage doing your maternity session at 8 months. I also typically do newborn shoots as soon as possible after birth, 5-10 days is best while baby is still nice and sleepy :) Since baby Will came so early he had to spend a few weeks in Lubbock before he could come home, so we ended up doing his shoot on his 4 week birthday! I loved photographing this handsome little guy. And I always love photographing in the Dixon’s home, Brittney does an amazing job decorating and Baby Will’s travel themed nursery is no exception!

Adalae, 8 Days Old: Clovis NM Newborn Photographer

Erica M — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 06:50:50 +0000

This week was one of firsts for me. I shot my first ever maternity shoot and newborn shoot, both in Clovis New Mexico. I am so thrilled to be embarking on this new journey in my business! Friends in Clovis, please spread the word that I am looking to shoot more maternity, newborns, and families. I am also offering a baby plan package to capture your child’s first year of life! They grow so fast, it’s so important to capture all the phases: anticipating their arrival, them new to this world, them sitting up and developing their personality at 6 months, and them on the go and becoming a toddler at one year! Send me an email at erica@ericamphotography.com to get more information on these sessions!

To me, one of the most amazing things about newborns are the immense possibilities. When I photographed Adalae on Friday she was 8 days new to this world. I couldn’t help but think about what she would grow to look like, what her personality would be, who she would become. She was a very sleepy girl for most of our shoot but when those beautiful blue eyes opened and searched around, it was so incredible to watch!

I also designed the baby announcement below which is included complimentary with a newborn session! I designed it to coordinate with Adalae’s crib bumper which was made from a fun Urban Outfitters duvet cover. Love it!

Elisabeth and Matt, thank you for allowing me the honor of documenting your beautiful Adalae! Much love, Erica

Dixon Family: Clovis New Mexico Maternity Photographer

Erica M — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 20:18:49 +0000

I am SO excited to share my first ever maternity session with you! What makes it even more special are the subjects, my dear friends the Dixons! I’m so glad my friends here in Clovis New Mexico have started to ask me to do maternity and newborn photo shoots. While I love photographing weddings, I am craving to focus on doing more local family shoots in Clovis. I am so thankful for the doors that are being opened up to me!

We started the shoot in the Dixons beautiful home. Brittney has major talent in the interior decorating department, I’m way jealous! I’m so excited to see her put the finishing touches on Baby Will’s nursery!

I looove this time of year! Not only do the Dixon’s have the anticipation of Christmas but also of Baby William :) We celebrated the season with hot chocolate and a chubby bunny contest…

…It was a tie ;)

Then we ventured into the cold for some beautiful photos in the snow! Thank you two for being so brave. I am SO thrilled with how these came out. You both are beautiful inside and out. Will is going to be blessed to have you as his parents.

Brittney and Patrick, thank you so much for allowing me the honor of documenting this incredibly special time in your lives! I can’t wait to meet Baby Will!

Annapolis Maryland Naval Academy Wedding: Susie & Jordan

Erica M — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 00:15:54 +0000

This Thanksgiving one thing I reflected on was how thankful I am for my job. To do something that brings me joy AND brings joy to others. I just don’t know how you can beat that. The weekend before Thanksgiving I traveled to Maryland to photograph Susie and Jordan’s wedding. I loved it for so many reasons. Susie’s cousin Kim, whom I went to college with, referred Susie to me and I am so thankful! It was such a beautiful day with such beautiful people.

Susie started off the day getting ready at The Maryland Inn in Annapolis. LOVED her dress! Also loved that there were plenty of champagne corks to do pretty ring shots on ;)

Susie and Jordan decided to do a first look so that they had plenty of time to do photos outside before the ceremony. This makes me so very happy :)

The day before the wedding I went location scouting and didn’t stop until I found the last remaining trees with beautiful fall foliage!

The groom and groomsmen are all Marines, I am so grateful to you all for your service! Also love the girl’s plum dresses, I might be biased since it was my wedding color too ;)

A dashing Marine and his beautiful bride, full of laughter :)

While we were taking photos, an adorable older couple came out of their house and gave Susie & Jordan a bottle of Processco to celebrate with. How sweet is that?!

Gorgeous couple. Gorgeous flowers.

This is my favorite of the whole day. Love is the most beautiful thing in the world.

The ceremony was held at Sacred Heart of Jesus in Baltimore, such a beautiful church.

Love this shot of Susie’s dad! I have no idea what was so funny, but I love his laugh!

Husband and Wife!!!

Susie & Jordan, it was such a pleasure to photograph your wedding day. Thank you for allowing me the honor to get to know you and to document the love you have for each other. Congratulations!!!

Prallsville Mill Stockton New Jersey Wedding: Penny & Michael

Erica M — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 14:59:08 +0000

You guys, I’m so excited to share this beautiful wedding. It holds a special little place in my heart. A few weeks ago I traveled to Stockton New Jersey to photograph Penny and Michael’s wedding at the Prallsville Mill. The very same mill where Fred and I were married last August :) I love the mill’s space – it’s character, it’s charm. The mill is such a unique venue, I think there is definitely something to be said about the couples that choose to be married there. Penny and Michael are no exception. They are so warm and welcoming. Meegan and I met them for the first time the day before the wedding and it was like hanging out with our super relaxed friends. While taking photographs of them every other second of course ;)

We started out the day at the Inn at Lambertville Station, shooting Penny’s beautiful Allure dress on a custom hanger with her new last name!

Penny is a graphic designer so naturally she designed their letter pressed wedding invitations, love them!

And check out her killer heals!

It’s great to be a bride with such creative and talented friends, one did hair and one did make-up. Both did a phenomenal job!

Enter the dashing groom, Michael!

This one on the left is my FAV from the day. Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous! As is Penny’s Preston Bailey bouquet!

The groom and his groomsmen. Yes you read that right ;) I love untraditional wedding parties! She adds a bit of beauty to this motley crew, don’t you think?

Dahlia’s of Pennington did the beautiful florals for the reception. And okay, maybe this one on the right is a tie for favorite :)

I love all the Thai traditions (and clothes!) that were incorporated in the wedding. How cute are the ring bearer and flower girl?!

I think the groomsmen were in just as much awe of Penny as Michael was ;)

Caautie-patootie!

After the American ceremony there was a Thai water ceremony in which friends and family poured water over Penny and Michael’s hand and wished them well.

It was so good go back at the mill and to document Penny and Michael’s love and commitment to each other. Thank you two for allowing me the honor!

Penny’s Bridals: New Jersey Wedding Photographer

Erica M — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 14:08:03 +0000

This weekend in New Jersey reminded me of why I love my job. I love it so much, it doesn’t feel like a job. It feels like fun. And that’s why I love it ;) On Friday I picked up my dear friend Meegan from Newark Airport, we drove to Jersey City and met Penny and Michael at their apartment, which had an amazing view of the skyline. Then they bought us REAL honest-to-goodness pizza for lunch. I was in heaven. If you have been transplanted from the east coast to the middle of nowhere, then you know what I’m talking about ;)

We hung out in the apartment while Penny got dressed and then we headed over to Liberty State Park. Penny had already scouted it out in advance of us getting there and it was an amazing place for photos! We could see the Statue of Liberty and the NYC skyline, but we spent most of our time in this old train station. Loved it!

I know this photo is blown out, it was a test shot and the lighting situation wasn’t working. But I love it anyway :) Penny you are gorgeous!

Skyline photo: Favorite!!!

Penny changed into her traditional Thai wedding dress and we got a few photos at a park near her house. Isn’t she lovely?

Next up, Penny & Michael’s wedding at the Prallsville Mill!

Butternut Squash Soup with Curry and Apple

Erica M — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 13:25:13 +0000

It doesn’t quite feel like fall yet here in New Mexico but I can’t resist making this soup no matter the time of year. I can’t take credit for the recipe though, I got it from a friend who got it from a friend who got it from a cousin, so it’s probably been tweaked a little with each passing. Here’s the way I make it :)

Butternut Squash Soup

2 medium butternut squash
1 apple
4 tbs butter
2 medium onions
1 ½ tsp curry powder
4 tbs flour
Pinch of ground nutmeg
3 tsp better than bouillon paste, or 3 vegetable stock cubes
3 c boiling water
2 c milk
1 ½ tsp salt

Cut the squash in half long ways, scoop out the seeds, and discard them (or you can clean them and bake them with a little salt or seasoning for a snack!). Put the squash cut side down in a 9×13” baking pan with an inch of water and bake at 400º F for about an hour, or until soft enough to scoop out the insides.

Wait a little to start this next part since the squash takes a while to cook. (Insert time-lapse music here…)

Peel, core and chop the apple. Peel the onions and chop roughly. In a large pot on medium heat melt the butter and then sauté the chopped onions. Add the curry powder. Add the apple and cook until apples and onions are soft. Add the flour and nutmeg and fry lightly. After it has cooled or while using an oven mitt, scoop the squash out of its skin and into the pot.

Dissolve the vegetable stock in the boiling water. Add the stock, milk, and salt, to the squash mixture. Once everything is warm, ladle the soup in batches into a blender and purée until smooth. Once the batch is done pour it into a large mixing bowl until everything in the pot has been puréed. Return the soup to the pot to keep it hot.

Serving suggestions: I like to pair this soup with fresh buttered bread, slices of a good cheese like havarti dill, and some apple or pear slices. You can serve a side salad with goat cheese, apple or pear slices, pecans, craisins, and balsamic vinaigrette dressing. Or you can simply sprinkle goat cheese on top of the already creamy soup for added luxury ;) Enjoy!