I know I know- you’re all bummed because you read Mystic and thought “yes!  This will be the photography convention where the attendees break out their elf ears and carry on in a manner that is half way between renfest and comicon!” but no.  Mystic is an amazing little convention that takes place in Mystic, Connecticut where very normal and charming (not that renfest and comicon attendees aren’t charming) people from around the globe gather to learn and share.

For this coming year, Sean and I are honored to have been asked to speak and seeing the incredible lineup of speakers, it’s clear that we have really got to bring our A-game!  We’ve been working hard to put together a talk that is jam-packed with things that you can use right away to start improving the overall body of work you provide for your clients.  We’ve tried it out on a few Pictage User Groups around the country and received great reviews and now it has been tweaked, updated, and jam-packed some more to get ready for all of you at Mystic!

McLellan Style Seminar Description:

Shooting with Purpose, Shooting with Style

Sean and Mel decided several years back that there would be no excuses. No excuses for not being able to succeed, for not being able to get the clients they wanted, and for not being able to deliver above and beyond in every situation.

Failure is not an option.  It may just be one day of less-than-exceptional photos for you but those photos will be with your client for the rest of their lives. We all know what it’s like to not be feeling your best, to be handed a schedule with no time for photography, or to find yourself in less than desirable locations; but not being on top of your game for a couple’s wedding day just doesn’t cut it.  Please join us for real content, practical tips, and advice that will prove applicable no matter where you find your business!

We hope you’ll join us for what is sure to be an incredible few days!  For more details and to sign up, please visit the Mystic Seminars webpage.  See you there!

This year for Thanksgiving we made it back down to our traditional Thanksgiving stomping grounds in Orange Beach, Alabama.  Sean and I started making the trip with his grandparents and whoever else wanted to join us several years ago and we just love it!  I cook every Thanksgiving dish known to man while we listen to the sound of the waves from the open patio doors and then we stuff ourselves while enjoying the warm breeze.  Cornbread dressing, corn pudding, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, sweet potato casserole….mmmmmmmm….the perfect Southern Thanksgiving.  It is bliss.  This year was especially blissful as it was Seven’s first Thanksgiving and to have him here with us, alive and well, is the ultimate thing we are thankful for.  Our little man has been to Iceland and China, but never to the beach so we enjoyed sticking his toes in the sand and letting the waves lap up on his feet.  I’m not exactly sure what you would call his reaction – let’s just say, as you can see from the photo below, that he was very intently interested. :0)

We hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving with those you love!  What are your Thanksgiving traditions?  Is there something amazing we’re missing out on and really must try adding to our family traditions roster?  If you’ve not tried Thanksgiving at the beach, I’ve gotta tell ya, you might want to try it on for size!

Happy Holidays Everyone!

These boys are the cutest, sweetest, most aiming-to-please kids I’ve ever had the pleasure to photograph.  I think I’ll be camping out at their mother’s house to figure out how to make Seven just like them! ;0)  Mary – you get the Mother of the Year Award in my book!  Thanks for having me photograph your kids!