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www.christymurray.com/blog

I am no longer publishing on this blog - please bookmark the new site and visit often!

Kim & Chad - NYC Engagement Session & Love Story

I had the pleasure of driving down to NYC this past weekend to do an engagement session with two simply fabulous people - Kim & Chad. It was instant chemistry when I met these two - their passion for not only each other, but life, is contagious. Their passion - coupled with their laid-back, fun loving personalities - make these two a great match and so much fun to work with.


Kim and Chad's road to engagement was not a simple one - it could be strait out of a romance novel. Over the years their lives both had many twists and turns - but ultimately they ended up right where they needed to be. With each other.

Kim and Chad first met at Hofstra University in 1991 where they became friends, but didn't date. After college their lives went in separate directions. It was a little over a decade later that Chad and Kim's paths crossed again at a holiday party. Kim tells me, "Chad made a toast to friends... he looked at me in a way I hadn't noticed before and I think that is the first time I think I really saw this amazing, loving, giving guy." They started dating for a few months, but then as Kim puts it, "Chad told me he wanted to take it slow." What Kim heard was he wasn't so sure about her. This miscommunication cost them years apart. Both heartbroken, Chad moved to California to move on and Kim stayed in NY.

Despite the geographical distance that separated them they stayed in touch over the years and eventually realized, against all odds, that they were meant to be together. In February 2008 Chad proposed in Flushing Meadow Park in what Kim calls "A total surprise!" Such a great story for two truly great people.

Our engagement session started out in Queens and ended up, appropriately, at Flushing Meadows Park. Here are a few of my favorites followed by a slide show.






Click on the play button to start the slide show. This slide show is a little larger than my others - but it is worth the wait! Hope you enjoy! :)

Erin's First Year - 3 Month Session

Erin recently turned three months - here are a few of my favorites from their house in New Hampshire. Ethan - now just a few months shy of 3 years old, was very eager to participate. We have done so many sessions together - the second I show up he starts hamming it up for the camera. I think he is still a little shocked that the sessions aren't ALL about him anymore - ah, learning how to be a big brother! :) I couldn't ask for better kids to work with - these two just make me look good every time I work with them!

Ethan, helping me check the light... and showing off some of his moves. Future yogi, perhaps?



Erin's baby blues, up close and personal...



Even worked in a few shots for a holiday card...


Here is a slideshow with a bunch of my other favorite shots - click the play button for the slideshow with music, or simply scroll through the images...

Kelly's Maternity Session

I met Kelly and Brendon at their house in Simsbury, CT a few weeks ago for their prenatal photo session. We had a great time - it was relaxed, casual, and fun. Brendon was busy painting the baby's nursery when I arrived - he was such a great sport cleaning up to hop in a few of the photos with Kelly! Here are a few of my favorites...


Kelly and Brendon expect the arrival of their first child just before Christmas. Congratulations, guys! I can't wait to meet the little one! :)

All Holiday Card Proceeds Donated to Charity!

It is hard to believe, but the holidays are right around the corner. As the temperatures start to drop and I start getting ready for the holiday season I can't help but be grateful for all I have in my life. A loving husband and family, a job I am crazy about, a baby on the way... These thoughts of gratitude make me want to give back to those who really need a helping hand.

Last year I ran my first annual fundraiser for the Portrait House to benefit Habitat for Humanity during the holiday season. This year I am still donating 50% of the portrait session fee to Habitat during the holidays, but I want to do more. Donating 100% of holiday card proceeds seemed like the next logical step.

So, this year 100% of holiday card proceeds (yep, that's all of it!) will be donated to the Portrait House to benefit Habitat for Humanity. Not bad - you get fantastic holiday cards, professionally printed on fine art paper to send to friends and family - and Habitat gets a much needed donation during the holidays. It is a win-win for everyone!

Below you will find the holiday card templates available this season through Pictage. Click on the image for a larger view...



Cards are available in three sizes: 4.25 x 5.5, 5.5 x 5.5, and 5 x 7

Choose one of the pre-written greetings for the inside or create your own custom greeting with up to 14 lines of text.

You may order the cards directly through Pictage or contact me and I'll be happy to walk you through the holiday card ordering process. :) You can check out the details and pricing by clicking here.

Portrait House Fundraiser 2008

Interested in participating in a discounted portrait session where 50% of the session fee goes directly to families in need? Join me in my efforts to raise money for Habitat for Humanity through the Portrait House, a nationwide organization of photographers offering their services in exchange for a direct donation to Habitat. Click on the graphic below or scroll down for more details!


Last year I raised over $1000 for Habitat for Humanity - let's try to blow that number away! The fundraiser only takes place once a year and is perfect for holiday cards and gifts.

The Details:
When: Now until Thanksgiving 2008.
Cost: $200 (A $300 value) $100 goes directly to Habitat.
Includes: One hour portrait session at location of your choice, a password protected, online gallery to share with friends and family, and a medium resolution CD containing all final images.
All proceeds from holiday cards will also be donated to Habitat for Humanity. Could it get any better?

Ready to sign up? Spaces are limited - contact me at pics@christymurray.com to reserve your time today!

Liz & Baris' Wedding - Tappan Hill

Liz and Baris were married recently at Tappan Hill in Tarrytown, NY. I am still not quite done with the final edits, but here are a few of my favorites so far...