Still Transitioning

Thanks for your patience! Colten and I are aggressively working on getting our new site updated with all our latest work, and we thank you for your patience with us during this transition. For those looking for the old proofing galleries that seem to have disappeared, you can now find the link on our new website (www.GalerieD.com) among the other navigation links on the bottom. Or, for fast access, just click here. For all future sessions, we’ll switch to the new proofing system. But for all sessions before October 1, 2008, please use this link.

Also, since I’ve been so behind in getting the blog updated with our most recent sessions, feel free to check out our recent work via the online proofing galleries! We hope you enjoy!

p.s. Don’t forget to book your holiday session soon!! Dates are limited!

Mandy Roberts Photography is now…Galerie | D !!

Hello, friends!! As you probably noticed, it has been a insanely long time since my last post. THAT would be due to the overloaded schedule over the summer and just plain neglect of my blog. Shame on me. HOWEVER, I HAVE been busy on something very important… <drumroll>

After many months of agonizing over names and logos, we’ve finally made our choice and are ready to go live with our new logo and brand…Galerie | D!! When Colten and I married in March, I knew it would require a business name change since I would no longer be Mandy Roberts. For so long, I dreaded the transition, but I’m excited now that we have everything ready to go! And in case you’re wondering, yes my new last name starts with a D.

In case you haven’t seen our new site, check it out!! www.galeried.com Lots of new photos to see and our pricing structure is a little different. Hope you enjoy!

Be sure to contact us ASAP if you’re interested in a fall/holiday session! Almost every weekend in October is already booked, so act fast if you want a November weekend or any weekday afternoon in October or November. I’ll be posting soon about holiday card options, so check back soon.

I’ve Been Tagged!

Yea! This is a first for me, and I’m a willing participant! My wedding photographer-turned-friend, Robin DePaula, just tagged me on her fancy-schmancy new blog! After your read my post, check out her site for some fantastic images!

TAG gaming rules…
1. The rules of the game get posted at the beginning.
2. Each player answers the questions about themselves.
3. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

What I was doing 10 years ago:
Ten years ago I was 16-going-on-30. I was finishing up my junior year of high school, just breaking out of my shell, and starting to realize I could do anything I could dream of. There was college planning, class ring ceremonies, and pep rallies, youth camps, and choir tours. I remember it as the beginning of the best days of my life. It was also at this time that I REALLY started pursuing one of my two greatest passions…music. I has always been musically connected, but at about 16-yrs-old, I started co-directing the Denham Springs Youth Choir at my church (aka DSYC),…and ten years later, I still am!! I’ve moved into co-directing the adult choir as well, but those young people are my heart and I’m glad to still be part of them.

Five things on my To Do List today:
I LOVE lists! Altho I don’t have a tangible one today, if I close my eyes, I can see it.
- Go home to hubby (we’re finally in the same house!)
- Get MRP invoices done and ready to mail
- Get blog updated!!
- Download images on camera from Alex’s FINE bridal shoot in New Orleans this past weekend
- Try to be in bed before my usual 1am

Things I would do if I were a billionaire:
First and foremost, quit my job and chase photography!! I’d pay Jessica Claire, Mark Eric, and the Weibners to let me study under them for a while. Then of course, buy an island in the Caribbean for a private getaway for family and friends (and a personal jet and yacht to get us there!), get a fantastic house and ride, and update my wardrobe… Yea! That’s the fun stuff at least. The responsible stuff I’d do would be pay my tithes, wipe out any familial debt, set up trust funds, and invest. Oh, and make all the wacky inventions that are in my head become realities.

Three of my bad habits:
- Procrastinating
- Putting off
- Waiting til the last minute
…wait…those are all the same thing…

Five places I’ve lived:
- Wichita Falls, TX (birthplace)
- Spring, TX (Houston)
- DeRidder, LA
- Mesquite, TX (Dallas)
- Denham Springs, LA

Five jobs I’ve had:
- Administrative Assistant
- Sales Rep
- Graphic Designer
- Marketing Guru
- Photographer

People I want to know more about (a nice way of saying TAG!):
- Mark Eric
- Jessica Claire
- The Weibners
- Ryan Austin Dean
- Ross Frazier

Honeymooners Are We

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I’m a newlywed!! I’d like you to meet my new husband, Colten Ducote-Roberts. Don’t worry, I’M taking HIS name, altho I have a pretty good argument as to why it should be reversed (hint: see my biz name). Until further notice though, I’ll still be Mandy Roberts Photography. That may change one day, but for now it still works.

Being a newlywed has been so fun…and difficult all at once. Unfortunately, we don’t have a typical newlywed situation, so our time together has been limited. Because of an unbelievable job opportunity that arose for Colten in the week surrounding our wedding, we made the difficult decision for me not to move into our brand new apartment with him since we’d be moving him out of it two weeks later when he took this new job. So, until next Friday, Mr. and Mrs. Colten Ducote have two separate addresses….an hour apart. DEFINITELY looking forward to finding a quick resolve to that issue. But at least the end is in sight!!

So, to dwell on good times, here are a couple of fun shots from our honeymoon! We took a 7-day cruise of the Western Caribbean, with stops in Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel. What an amazing time and relaxing vacation! Who wants to go back to work after that?? Here are a couple of our favorite pics…

Our cruise ship and the unbelievable water in Grand Cayman!

Everything is so colorful there. LOVE it!

While we were just typical tourist shooters for most of the trip, we did take some time to have fun with the camera. In playing with lighting and the timer, we got this sassy shot one night on one of the upper decks. I love it!

**I know I’m posting wedding and honeymoon in reverse order, but I’m waiting to post about the wedding when I have my professional photos back. Good friend Robin Depaula and new friend Amanda Meyer did an amazing job, and our families are dying to see photos. But I refuse to be the photographee who starts on you the day after your session…”Are my pictures ready yet? When can I see them? Are they ready yet?” Whew. So, I’m patiently waiting until they are ready, and then the whole world will get to see them!! Check back soon to get a glimpse (or complete photo narrative!!) of our perfect day!

I’m Baaaaack!

I would like to bestow upon myself a big fat blue ribbon and the 1st place trophy for Most Pathetic Blogger. I’m ashamed that I’ve been so lax on updating my blog, especially with the stockpile of photos I have to post. On the optimistic side, I could console myself with the fact that during the most overwhelmingly stressful and busy time in my life while I planned my wedding, I updated it at least once a month, right? Truly, that’s a shame. Well, gone are the days. The wedding is finally behind me (more on that perfect day and our fabulous honeymoon later!), and I’m refreshed and relaxed and ready to hit the ground running! Consider these my new life resolutions…

Since I’m usually terrible about setting unrealistic goals that I can never reach, and since my new husband is working on me to be more practical, here are some bite sized goals for now, which I’ll revise as I acheive.

- I vow to update my blog at least once a week.
- I vow to dedicate myself to a faster turnaround for edited photos.
- I vow to GET MY NEW CAMERA and supporting equipment to step my game up!
- I vow to be more efficient in my client communication.

Thanks for your patience with me as I went into a cacoon and emerged Mrs. Ducote!

Missing Pics

Sooo, there’s kindof a reason why I haven’t posted pics in a while. Depression. Sadly, there are a few sessions that I have not and will not be able to post until further notice due to a damaged hard drive. Long story, but turns out a backup drive sometimes isn’t backup enough. Note to self for future: have backup for backup for backup.  As an optimist though, it is only fitting I find a couple of “at least’s” in the situation: 1) at least no client did not receive their pics…the only session I hadn’t delivered pics for was still on my camera! I did have to completely re-edit, but that was a small price to pay; 2) at least the now-inaccessible 3 years of photographic work is not COMPLETELY lost…for a pretty penny I can have the data retrieved by a very expensive specialist. But pay close attention to the key phrase: “for a pretty penny.” *sigh* I’ll keep you posted… In the meantime, here’s a tribute to my MIA photos:

Emily & Allen Paul Mire’s UnChristmas Pics

DSFPC Youth Christmas Banquet

Goins Family Christmas Pics

Henry Family Christmas Pics

Cotten Boys Christmas Pics

Gonzales Family Christmas Pics

I Am Blessed

I can’t believe I’ve allowed such a huge time gap between blog updates, but I do believe it’s possible. Girls, if you’ve ever had to plan a wedding with your mom 6 hours away, you’ll know where I’m coming from. It’s been a very physically, mentally and emotionally exhausting process, to say the very least. My talented mom does what she can from there, and has been able to break away a few times to come help me with things she can’t do over the phone, but it’s still been tough on both of us. Thanks to all the friends and family who’ve put aside your own schedules to be supportive and helpful in any way possible. I have a hard time doling out tasks to people when I know everyone is just as busy as me, but it means a lot to know that you’re there should I be able to let go of one detail.

On to better things! Okay, I am officially blessed! I have always loved the idea behind the phrase, “Pay It Forward”, and have tried to make that a golden rule in my life. Many times it comes back to you ten fold, and sometimes it comes back in the form of that other phrase: “No good deed goes unpunished.” Ha! Well, in this instance, my years of paying it forward worked out in my favor! While “photographer shopping” for my own upcoming wedding, I found a local photographer (altho she’s in no way limited by the “local” part!) who was offering the chance to win free wedding day photography to the winner of a contest she was running. Simply send in a sweet story about you and your sweetheart, it read. So, on a whim, I did! When I should have been working on photos, I sat and quickly typed up the story of my sweetheart’s very personal and well-planned proposal to me. Two weeks later, I received an email from Robin DePaula congratulating me on being the winner of her contest. I was speechless! Surely…wait…no…not really, huh?? I called my mom squealing with excitement. “Should I accept??” I asked slyly. My dad hates for me to be disappointed, so he tried to keep me calm until I confirmed that it was legitimate. Well, guys…it IS legit! I am the proud winner of wedding day photography by the fabulous Robin Depaula! For a complete writeup about the contest, as well as my submission, check out her blog at Robin Depaula Photography. I hope to one day be able to offer someone the same blessing that I received a few weeks ago…the opportunity to have amazing wedding day photography for free! Pay it forward!

I know it’s not Thanksgiving, but I’m just feeling sappy. So here are a few things that I’m thankful for right now:
- My God…without Whom my life would be empty and meaningless.
- My devoted family who I love more than life itself.
- My amazing husband-to-be who I’m excited about marrying! Only 50 days left!!! Run now or forever be stuck.
- My awesome church family. Thanks for the touching display of love at our bridal shower recently!
- My fabulous friends who are always there for me, no matter what time of day. Thanks for being so dependable that I know whenever I call, you’ll answer!

I’ll be back soon with updates from my last 10 shoots. Yes. I said 10. I’m that far behind.

So Far Behind…

It’s crazy how far behind you can get…one minute a time. All you have to do is lose control for a second and…WHAM! You’re done. You get hit with more than you can catch up with. It’s like that slow-motion fall where you can’t get your feet to catch up with your head. Well…that makes sense in Mandy world, at least.

Thanks for your patience with me, all my great friends. I have lots of great excuses…like the full time job, the mom in town with knee surgery, and the like. But the bottom line is, I just got a little overloaded. But finally, there’s light at the end of the tunnel! I’m about to post pics from 3 of my last 7 shoots. (yeah…maybe THAT’s why I’m behind!) Check ‘em out, then check back soon to see more from the rest of the recent shoots!

So I’m A Little Behind…

Wow….feels like I’ve gone underground. I’ve had three shoots now since my last post, but between wedding planning, family reunions, and emergency trips to the ER with my fiance, I haven’t had any spare time to update the blog. But I’m trying to get back in the swing of things. With three shoots this coming weekend, I should have lots to post soon! Check back soon to see what’s new!

Looking For Seniors…

Okay, high school ladies and gents! I’m looking for some junior and senior representatives to be walking advertisements for Mandy Roberts Photography!! If you are a high schooler and need pictures, or if you know of someone who does, let’s get connected!

Must be:

• Juniors and seniors from all Baton Rouge, Denham Springs, Walker, and Hammond area high schools
• Involved in various clubs, organizations, or sports
• Willing to let me shoot you….with my CAMERA, of course!!
• Capable of sending me some more juniors and seniors for photos!

What’s in it for you?

• A hefty discount!
• Free prints!
• More free prints for more referrals!
• Your face all over my website and print materials!
• Happy parents!

I’m looking for one representative from each high school, so hurry and contact me asap! I’ll be interviewing candidates, so be sure and tell me why you’d make the best MRP rep. I look forward to hearing from you!