Archive for September, 2007

What Do We See?

As parents we see endless emotions in our children. We know their quiet look. We know their mischievous look. We know that smile that says, “Momma, I wanna marry you.” Who better to take their photos then us.

One of my favorite parts of my week is getting emails from moms and dads. I may not be able to respond as much or as quickly as I want, but I love seeing what you are all shooting of your little ones. It’s amazing to hear that after watching DVD 1, Refuse to Say Cheese or attending a workshop “this” is what you caught. And then some of you connect with the blog, and I’m so honored that you share your most treasured images with me.

Simply put, your images move me.

I opened this image from a wonderful woman, mom and former workshop attendee, and I teared up. I’ve never seen an image express such quietness before. You can almost hear the child quiet breathing. Look at those soft, long eyelashes.

Then Kari sent me this image, and I busted up laughing! Kari is also one of the Running On Empty winners. Doesn’t this image make you smile! Look at Ty’s face! Love it!

And this image says something totally different than the first two. Jessica caught a moment with her son that will forever be with both of them. I love how her toning work by changing it to black and white accentuates the emotion and thoughtfulness of her little guy.

We’re all busy here at the studio, gearing up for our Mom’s Workshop this Saturday. And as we’re putting the final details in place, I look at these photos and think, wow, what better thing can you spend your time on then documenting your little ones life.

Update on DVD 2, Beyond the Green Box:

For those of you who have loved the first DVD, Refuse to Say Cheese, we want to thank you again and again, and also update you on DVD 2, Beyond the Green Box.

I found out yesterday that I’m supposed to be getting the final copy this week to review before it’s manufactured. It’s been held up way longer than I had ever planned, and this process has almost broke me. But we are making it through, and DVD 2 is coming to us. But when? Can I keep you updated as we go on a week by week basis? I feel like so much of the process is out of my hands, but I know many of you want to know the updates, so I’ll be sure to post something every week on the blog over the next couple weeks.

It’s not so much the wait that has bothered me as wanting to respect your belief and support in this project. We haven’t released a national campaign for this series, so you are our first customers–most treasured customers of all. We want to honor you more than you’d ever know.

I’m a people pleaser to a horrible fault, so when I called a mom in CA to tell her why DVD 2 hadn’t shipped yet, I felt horrible. She was so gracious on the phone and encouraged me to hang in there and keep going. (Annette, you have no idea how much you gave to my soul this week.)

But not everyone may feel this way, and it’s totally fine. If you are wanting your money back until DVD 2, Beyond the Green Box, is shipping, please email us and let us know. We would totally understand! If you are okay hanging in there, man, what can we say. You are amazing.

We’ve decided to not allow any more sales on DVD 2 or the Set until the manufacturers are done, and the product is shipping. Only DVD 1 will be available for the next couple weeks. Also, our shipping procedures are totally changing, and in the next couple months customers will have tracking numbers and all that other good stuff so you know what’s happening at any given moment. Such the learning curve. Your basically our guinea pigs, and hopefully your not feeling skewered in the process!

All that to say, we are planning a big Release Party for both DVD’s–thinking November. Anyone interested in coming? :) When this project is over and available, we need to have a SERIOUS, SERIOUS, SERIOUS celebration! :)

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Back from the Cabin!

We just got back last night from a fun time with the kids. And you guessed, it we had fun Ride4Us photos that Steve shot at the race this last weekend. Had to share! :)

Brian ready to go, and Yuriy and I laughing in the background!

Group shot with Steve!

Getting ready to head off the ferry! (before Brian ditched me :) )

Brian later trying to make up for ditching me! :)

The awesome Me Ra Koh Photography Cycling Team!!!

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Race Results!

Saturday was one of the most AMAZING experiences I’ve ever had! Talk about the rush you get from meeting your goal, not to mention ALL the laughs! Here’s the elevation map of the many hills we climbed–you got to love the Pacific Northwest!

But my favorite story is from the morning. Brian and I were in the car on our way to the race, and I said “Honey, just so I know…are we riding together today or are you going to get competitive on me and take off.”

Brian, without even hesitating, said “No way am I taking off Me Ra! This is about spending time with you, being with my wife. I’m totally excited to bike with you today. We’re totally riding together!”

We started the race on Vashon Island and before we even docked, Brian took off like the speed of light! :) It was hilarious! He was like #4! I just let him go b/c Brian doesn’t really ride much, and I figured I’d catch up to him on one of the hills. I did. :)

Scenery was amazing! We went through pastures, saw goats, horses, chicken, abandoned barns, even a cattle ranch and rode on the waterfront 50% of the time. And seriously, I couldn’t have made it as far without Yuriy. He was an amazing encourager! Thanks Yuriy!

Check out our homemade video!

What do you think! Want to join our team next year? :)

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Brian and I wanted to give you guys a HUGE thank you!! In less than 48 hours, you have helped us raise a total of $545! That’s AMAZING!!! You guys are so AWESOME!!! By the time most of you read this, we’ll be somewhere on our bikes, and I’m going to be biking with the BIGGEST smile b/c of your support for of us and Ride4Us!

Steve Smith and Paul DeStefano, two great local photographers, are even donating their time to come and shoot some great shots for the organization. This alone blows me away b/c we all know how precious our time is. You guys are rock stars (if you haven’t, check out their sites!). Two of the nicest guys that we’ve had the privilege of meeting through our PUG group.

Jen and Jody, a local husband/wife team, have pledged to sponsor a $1 per mile. Thanks you guys! You are so awesome! If you don’t know these two, check out their site too! Not only do they shoot beautiful weddings, but they also have SEVEN children from 3-14! Yes, I did say seven! :) Their story on their website is great!

We still have $455 before we meet our goal of raising $1000. If you feel inclined to support the Me Ra Koh Photography team (me, Brian, Yuriy, Pascaline, Blaze and my brother, Shaun) you still have time to make your online donation.

Thanks so much you guys! And thanks especially for all the great racing tips in yesterday’s post!!!

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If you don’t already think we are nuts, you will after you read this post. :)

My cycling coach puts on a big fundraiser every year to raise money for ultrasound machines. Diego and his wife are simply amazing! This is their third year, their time is all volunteer, and they already have 550 plus people signed up for Ride4Us.

So I’ve been complaining all summer about how I trained all winter and didn’t get to do one race b/c of our shooting schedule and my surgery. And then look, an opportunity presents itself, and Brian gives me this look of here’s your chance. (gulp! :) ) We had plans to take the kids camping one last time, but at the last minute, and I mean last, we decided to stay for the race and then go camping later that day. Thus, a serious last minute sign up!

Brian has pledged to ride 25 miles. I’m going for the 50 mile length. Mind you, I haven’t ever gone farther than 30 miles in one ride–my poor bottom, but unlike my husband I’m stuck with this over achiever flaw! Oh, and Pascaline is even going to do the 5K with my little brother and Blaze! (yeah Pascaline!)

We start at 7:15am on Saturday, and our goal is to raise $1000 before we start. Yep, that’s right, we’re trying to raise that in 48 hours. :) Don’t we look tough enough to do it!

It’s kind of fun posting this b/c I haven’t asked for sponsors since I was in 4th grade and got a dime for every lap I ran! I’ve asked my family to pledge a dollar for every mile they think we can ride, miles 40-50 being the toughest. :)

And hey, we even formed a team called Me Ra Koh Photography Team. If you’re around you are more than welcome to ride with us! Awesome photographer, Yuriy Manchik, has already signed up. He’s in his twenties and going for the 62 mile length…jerk.

Here’s the link to our team’s pledge page if you’d like to make a donation! Thanks guys! You are AWESOME! If nothing else, say a prayer for me at around 10:30am when I hit the last five mile climb!

Quick questions…has anyone else done a ride of this length? Any advice on what to eat the night before or morning of? Someone said bring power bars with you and lots of Gatorade. Do you concur?

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We are so excited to finally make this announcement! I was ready to make it Monday and of course our systems go down. Doesn’t it seem like resistance always comes when you’re right on the brink of something good? But here we are!

I asked a handful of beautiful women (who are also moms) to be the judges of the “Running on Empty” contest–too hard for me! They are; Tami Sanders (the better half of Dane Sanders :) and amazing mom to FOUR kids), Carey of Barefoot Memories (beautiful mom of two and phenomenal portrait photographer), Davina Fear (inspiring mom of FOUR and incredible wedding photographer–I got lost in her blog the other night–such beautiful work), and last but most incredible, my mom, Cherri, (mom of 3, plus grandma, plus unending giver, and encourager, and I could go on and on).

Wait till you hear what these ladies and Brian and I came up with!

FYI, Pascaline, my 6 year old, filmed this for me so enjoy! And most of all, I hope you all feel celebrated and treasured b/c wow, each of the 13 nominees are amazing women!

If you are one of the 13 moms nominated, please send us your snail mail asap! You can email it to mera@merakoh.com, and put “13 Nominees” in the subject header!

Thanks so much! And may you each feel loved and not so alone.

Love, Me Ra and Brian

Special thanks to all the awesome judges, to our two anonymous donors, to the Villa, and most of all, YOU!

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Ready to see the rest of this amazing wedding?!

Katie and Mike have been SUPER patient. Our normal turn around time was extended a couple weeks when we realized we took TRIPLE the images we normally do at a wedding. BUT, when you watch the slideshow you’ll know why we couldn’t stop shooting! :) The wedding day was like being on a movie set at the elegant Clark House with an 18 piece band and all.

And even though I usually show a few photos from the day on the blog, I’m going to save it ALL for the slideshow. (It’s a few hours later, and I’ve changed my mind. :) I’ve got to show a couple in this post. If you can’t see the slideshow, you have to see a favorite shot of Katie!)

Every thing about this weekend seemed perfect. On Friday night the rehearsal dinner was a cruise around the lake, and even the sunset blew us away.

But nothing was more stunning than Katie. There was this amazing, magical feel to all the photos we did of her.

I especially can’t wait for you to see what Katie wore for a veil, with her mom and designer, Luly Yang’s help, the veil made this dress breath taking!

But my favorite-funny story from the our whole summer of shooting happened at this wedding (I’m not sure if Katie and her mom Nancy even know this story :) ).

Before the ceremony I had one of the drivers drop me off at the tent to take post shots as they were setting up. When 20 minutes had passed I started wondering when my ride back was going to show up. It got down to 7 minutes before the ceremony start time, and I started to panic. So I hitched a ride off some nice lady in the parking lot and tried to walk in completely composed to not stress Katie out–if by chance she didn’t know that I’d been left at the tent site. :) Unreal! I don’t think she ever knew. And thank God for randing women in parking lots with nothing better to do than give stray photographers a ride! :)

Congrats Katie and Mike! We’re dying to know what you think of the slideshow! We adore you both!!

***Click Here to See Katie and Mike’s Slideshow*** FYI, I found a song I really liked for their slideshow, so if you have volume, enjoy!

And seriously, prepare yourself to see so many more! :)

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That would pretty much sum up our weekend. As of now, I want to throw all our laptops, hard drives, keyboards, you name it, out the window! We did some upgrades and now nothing is working–expect for this little laptop that is staying open long enough to write this blog. But if this posts midway through a sentence you can bet it crashed like every thing else has this weekend. Ever have one of these weekends? It’s unreal how much of our business runs on computers!

We’ve been working on the mom’s Running on Empty contest since last week and have the coolest surprise, and I was so excited to announce the winner first thing this morning. But can you hang in there with me while we try to get things up and running? (Thank God we have every thing backed up in two, three, even four places!)

My awesome honey is going to stay up while I head to bed so I can wake up early and start the Monday routine (which your comments have so helped!). But when I get back in the studio, and things are up and running, we’ll get that winner announced for you!

In the meantime, here’s a question for you. When your computer(s) have stopped working and the time you had to work has been wasted on trying to fix the ridiculous problem, how do you manage your growing stress? :) (eat chocolate, blame it on your husband, give the kids a time out, call your mom and tell her your quiting your business–folding the whole thing–can’t take it anymore, or take a nap, or have your third latte for the day–please tell all! :) )

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My amazing dad has been working on a product for over two years now. It’s the first- ever WIRELESS home speakers! Check out the Sound On website!

The sound is incredible, and the price is unreal ($599). He’s even got QVC going live with the speakers in the near future. But if you don’t want to wait for QVC, check out Costco. This week they’re doing a trial run in 10 stores around the country!

I’m SUPER proud of my dad! To follow a product from design to retail is such a HUGE endeavor, and he’s done it again!

Here’s the write up;

SoundOn’s WHT-510!

The WHT-510 is the world’s first true 5.1 Channel Wireless Home Theater System, with absolutely no speaker wires. The WHT-510 uses advanced 2.4GHz technology transmitting audio data from one module/transmitter to 6 speakers/receivers (Front Center, Front Left, Front Right, Right Surround, Left Surround, and Sub Woofer). Using Dolby Pro Logic II, the WHT-510 turns any room into a Surround Sound Theater. With the WHT-510 you can enjoy watching movies with Dolby Surround Sound, live concerts just as if you were there, and all other audio with the quality sound you deserve.

  • 6 Speakers (C, FR, FL, SR, SL, SW)
  • 75 ft. Range of Use from Center Speaker/Transmitter
  • 840 Watts
  • 5.1 Channels
  • 2.4GHz
  • Dolby Pro Logic II
  • 1-2-3 Solution (1. Connect Audio, 2. Plug into Power, 3. Power On)
  • Price: $599

If this product is up your alley, you can find them at any of these 10 Costco! If you see them, post a comment! My dad would love it! Bringing a product to retail needs all the encouragement you can get!

1. Seattle, WA
2. Sand City, CA
3. Leesburg, VA
4. Buford, GA
5. Fullerton, CA
6. Gilbert, AZ
7. El Paso, TX
8. Green Oak Township, MI
9. Montclair, CA
10. Tacoma, WA

For those of you who REALLY geek out on this type of product (Makofsky! :) ), here are all the “tech specs”;


Technical Specifications

Model: WHP-210
Wireless Technology: WiStereoâ„¢ for advanced 2-way digital transmission in the 2.4 GHz frequency band
Audio Input Sensitivity (1KHz, 15W) 1V RMS
THD+N <1% (@ 1K, with 10~22K LPF)
SNR >85 dB (@ 1KHz with A-weighted)
Frequency Response 20 Hz ~ 20 KHz (±3dB without EQ)
Crosstalk, (L to R) >75 dB
Input Impedance 12 KΩ
Latency 15mS
Audio Sampling 16 bit per channel, 48 KHz
Audio Compression Non Compression
Radio Frequency 2.400~2.483 GHz (License Free ISM Band)
Modulation CCK (Complementary Code Keying)
Channel Width 22 MHz
Number of Channels 3 RF Channels (Auto switch to stable channel)
P.E.R (Packet Error Rate) 0.05% (@ -85 dBm)
Sensitivity -85 dBm (@ PER<0.1%)
Output Power

17.5 dBm Typical

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Don’t forget! Monday we announce the winner for the “Running on Empty” contest! We’ve got a surprise that will hopefully knock your socks off! :)

Have a great weekend!

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Meet Katie and Charlie!

Here is that end of day pick me up that I promised this morning. :)

To see Charlie and Katie’s slideshow ***CLICK HERE***!!!

Congrats you two!

We love you guys! Me Ra and Brian

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