For DVD 2, the title is Beyond the Green Box. I’ve had the working subtitle be Understanding Your Digital SLR.

Just wondering, do you think the term “SLR” is confusing for parents and aspiring photographers who are new to their cameras? If it is I’d rather scrap it.

Would it be better to have the subtitle read Understanding Your Digital Camera?

Thanks!

There is no other word to describe how I feel as your emails arrive with your beautiful photos. I am truly overwhelmed.

When we started working on the dvd project, I really had no idea how people would like it. I hoped and prayed it would connect with parents, but you never know if something is going to fly until you jump.

As you’ve been sending your photos the last 48 hours, I’m also moved by the stories you are emailing. It’s amazing to read about how you’ve connected with a certain chapter on DVD 1, and it inspired you to catch something breathtaking like this. This little guy will have this photo forever, and what an amazing thing that one of his parents spotted it and knew what to capture.

The mom that took the image below said she was experimenting with aperture, and I’m in love with how she blurred the background to add softness to her daughter’s quiet moment.

The hands, the rope swing, the blurred smile are all amazing in composition, detail and aperture. Talk about a breath taking detail shot. This mom nailed it! A lot of people have sent detail images, and it’s fun to see how that specific chapter really connected with so many parents.

There are so many more that are being emailed. Thank you for sharing your stories with me. I treasure each one. You have no idea how encouraging they are to read.

So good news! We’re extending the deadline to send in photos b/c the ones you are sending are way more amazing than we ever imagined. We want to give you the weekend if you’d like to send more or haven’t had a chance to send one yet. Don’t forget to put “DVD 2 photo submission” in the subject line and the title of the exercise or dvd chapter that inspired the idea for your images.

And for those of you who post comments on the daily blog posts, YOU have no idea how much you make our day. Our stats tell us that sometimes 1000 people will hit our blog, but when you only see 1 comment you feel like only 1 visited. It’s hard to visualize another 999 readers behind that comment.

Your comments help me believe that the blog really is leaving my studio and going out to people. Thanks so much for posting, I don’t tell you enough how much it means.

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!

Do any of you ever get hyper focused on something, and then you look at the clock and realize it’s 2:43am!!! I don’t do this very often. That’s usually Brian. But tonight, or should I say this morning, I am the loser b/c my kids are going to totally take advantage of this when they wake up! So that’s why I’m blogging now—because I’m probably going to look and think like a zombie in a few hours!

If you didn’t catch the front page of the Business Section in Friday’s paper, here is the link to our article! It’s titled “Photographers Rise to the Top Gives Message of Hope“. Isn’t that a great title! Especially for the Business Section! A couple details are a little off, but we’ll go with it! I was overwhelmed at what Dan, the editor, decided to focus on. I’ll let you read it for yourself. Since Friday, I have received numerous emails from men and women who have experienced similar experiences that the article highlighted, and it’s been a honor to read their stories.

Here’s some more fun news! On Wednesday this week I’m going to release the dates for fall photography workshops, so be sure to check in and be ready to sign up! I’m so excited at how the last couple details are falling into place! The price is going to be $450. Why more? As much as I loved doing it in our home before, it was a bit rough on the kids. So I’ve found a new location that is perfect! (I apologize for the raise in price due to these extra costs) Also, the workshops have been for women, but if I have enough men (10-12), I would be more than happy to have one just for guys or maybe we could mix one up…not sure…probably to late right now.

So I’m going to stop now because I’m afraid that I don’t know what I’m saying any more with how tired I am! And I need to get a serious nap in because our good friend, Dane Sanders from CA, is here tonight! And then Mike Larson and his beautiful wife come later in the week! It may just be one of those 3am every night type of weeks. Blogs should be interesting if that’s the case. If you want to see a great video, check out what Mike Larson did recently! It’s great!

First off, thanks so much for all the emails, phone calls and posts about our interview yesterday! You guys are so sweet! We hope to get our own copy very soon and post it on the blog for those of you who missed it!

Portrait Update!

If you’re still thinking about signing up for a portrait session, I have a couple spots left for the August Special! If you’re interested, here are the details (click details). Feel free to email me at mera@merakoh.com.

Also, a handful of you asked if I could offer portrait sessions in the months to follow. I want you to know that I’m working the calendar to see what can happen. I’ll keep you updated!

Workshop Update!

I’m also working out final details for a Seattle, one day workshop, to happen in October! More on that soon!

Yesterday’s Interview Update!

If you tuned into yesterday’s Northwest Afternoon show and have now discovered our blog–WELCOME!! For more info and ordering details on Refuse to Say Cheese, click on the title! And feel free to browse the tips for moms/parents! Glad you found us!

Brian and I just got home late last night after being in LA for three days! It was a packed trip!

On Friday we had a couples dessert with some wonderful friends (and AMAZING photographers, Mike and Dane), on Saturday we had dinner with a new friend and inspiring woman, the handbag designer Gina Alexander (more fun stuff to share on Gina later that you moms will especially like!), and on Sunday we shot a beautiful wedding surrounded by citrus groves–the scent of the oranges was incredible!

AND, I just caught wind of the confirmed time for our first live interview on Refuse to Say Cheese!

If you’re in the northwest, tune in at 3pm TODAY on channel 4 (Komo/ABC) to Northwest Afternoon as we talk about our new dvd series! (You’ll die when you see Blaze! He had his Superman shirt with his blue blazer over the top–super cute!)

It’s been a little over a week since the first big shipment of DVD 1 went out to people! I have to share some of the responses we’ve been getting! It’s so exciting!

Pam from the Midwest wrote;

LOVE LOVE LOVE Refuse to Say Cheese!!!!!

Me Ra,

You are incredible! I got home after a long day of running errands with both of my grandchildren in tow to find the DVD in my mailbox. Got them settled and sat to watch.

The presentation, materials, outline, ideas, even the music is on-target perfect!!!!!!

Half way thru my grandson, who is eight, asked me if he could get my camera. I’ve been letting him take pictures with my cameras since he was old enough to understand to put the strap around his neck.

Tammy from the Northwest wrote;

last night instead of renting a movie we spent time together watching your BEAUTIFUL family. James and I had a BLAST and we were laughing and smiling the whole time! IT was so helpful and fun to watch. You have inspired me to remember to capture more than I had already been doing. Just the other day prior to this, I had driven up to my driveway and there was Ellyanah with a bright hot pink skirt on, no shirt, sitting next to her 11 yr old brother where they were both fully enjoying a popsicle together sitting on the base of our basketball hoop. I quickly ran into the house to grab my camera to capture the sweet moment with popsicle streams dripping down her tummy and her red hair an absolute mess hanging in her eyes. I love this!!

I am definitely going to order the next DVD, when is it available? OH ya, I forgot to mention that we watched every single part of that dvd and we were laughing so hard at the part where you and Brian answer all the questions. What fun it is to laugh!

Dori from Northern CA wrote;

Me Ra and Brian, Y’all ROCK. Thanks for all the writing, effort, sweat and life that went into making the DVDs. Looking forward to the next one. (It arrived today and I actually squealed with glee!) Just finished watching the chapters - eager to watch the bloopers and interview stuff next.

It was so fun for me to finally get to hear your voice on screen; I feel like I know you from the blog and exercises; you have taught me so, so much already! Just wanted to say thanks from a Mom down in Nor Cal - I am grateful you’re helping me capture little Pete while he’s still little (just turned 2).

I am definitely beating down a path to your door for a workshop as soon as I can stand to leave him overnight.

Rebecca from TN wrote:

I LOVE the DVD that I got in the mail on Saturday!  I started a photography business just under 2 years ago, and I learn so much by reading and following people like you who are so willing to share.  The DVD was awesome because it just made sense.  It wasn’t about rules and jargon, it was about capturing the personality of our children…I am excited to watch it again and put some of this into practice!!!

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR EMAILING US!!!!!  You have no idea how much it means to get your feedback!  The week we started shipping I couldn’t sleep at night.  It’s so scary when you put your heart and soul into something.  You just pray people are going to connect with your message.  Your many emails are showing Brian and I that you are more than connecting!  You are totally catching the message behind Refuse to Say Cheese!  I’m on the edge of my seat for us to finish up DVD 2, Beyond the Green Box! 

And FYI, Brian and I spent some time this weekend mapping out the upcoming year.  It looks like we’ll be doing another SEVEN workshops for moms!!  Email me if you’re interested!  

 And keep the feedback coming! Stay tuned for a couple cool things this week!  One is a funny, funny photography exercise to do with your kids!  You’ll get a kick out of this one!  Two, a fun announcement that some of you moms having been waiting a couple years for!  (do I have your interest peaked? :)) 

p.s. please excuse the crazy formatting today!  I can underline and then I can’t…the font sizes are crazy…I have no idea what the problem is…must be monday! 

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To learn more about me visit About Me Ra.

For information on Me Ra’s popular photography workshops visit “Documenting a Child’s Life.”

To see our day job, visit our website.

As of yesterday, DVD 1 is in the mail and shipping is underway! It’s so exciting to see the orders pick up each day! I can’t wait for you to get your copy and try some fun stuff with your little ones!

In the midst of this, what a crazy few days! We had a beautiful 10 hour wedding on Friday, and then we turned around and did it all over again Saturday. Brian and I never shoot back to back days, but our Associates just had a baby, so we thought we’d cover for them and surprise the bride. Surprising the bride was super fun! She was so excited!

Brian and I crashed on Sunday, and I think I’m still in crash mode! But I’m happy to say that the shipping still moved forward, and we even got our first bit of feedback!…

Erin and I just finished watching your DVD and all of the bonus features!

You guys nailed it! The dialog, examples, your delivery are all spot on.

It holds your interest, is fun to watch and I think it is going to make a huge impact in the market. I don’t think it is possible for parents watching it to not learn TONS about capturing their little ones. What I loved most is that you don’t limit it to a be another “how to”, but rather you explain WHY you might want to develop these new skills. I could go on and on, but the main thing I wanted to convey was that I honestly couldn’t imagine how you could have created a better DVD. You deserve to sell millions of copies.

Congratulations!!!!!!!

Brian and I can’t imagine much better feedback! Is it all downhill from here? (Thanks David! You made our day!)

Check back for a beautiful wedding slideshow of John and Lauren in LA. I’m working out the bugs and hope to have it live today or tomorrow morning at the latest.

Quick question, would a post on taking photos of fireworks be helpful for tomorrow’s festivities? Post your thoughts and let me know. If so, I’ll try and post some quick tips tomorrow morning!

I’m freaking out and pinching myself all at the same time! DVD 1 is actually here and ready for parents to order!!!!

The DVD turned out better than Brian and I even imagined! The cover art and layout are beautiful! The printing of the images is AWESOME (and I’m super, super picky!!) The booklet of exercises that I included is so fun to read, and I’ve read through it a million times! I’m dying! I can’t wait for you to get yours! Brian and I sat and went through the whole DVD to make sure all the menu items worked, the Special Features are all in place, the music is so cool! I seriously can’t believe it’s here and this beautiful! And wait till you see the trailer for upcoming workshops! So excited!!!

Just so you know, we have a team working on them today and tomorrow, getting them addressed, packaged and ready to ship. I’ll let you know when the first one ships!

If you haven’t ordered your copy yet, we’ve got them in stock! YEAH!!!

**Click Here** to order your own copy of Refuse to Say Cheese and Capture the Story, a DVD for parents to learn how to document their children’s lives with the camera!

To see the cover click here, to see the text and layout of the back cover, click here! For the trailer, click here!

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To learn more about me visit About Me Ra.

For information on Me Ra’s popular photography workshops visit “Documenting a Child’s Life.”

To see our day job, visit our website.

Are you going to kill me? I have three cool blog posts today! Yes, THREE! I could probably spread them out, but I can’t wait for you to see these! The first is the back of the DVD Cover! I tried making it as big as possible so you could read it w/o it taking forever to view. If it’s small, you can click on the cover and the size will get bigger!

**Click Here** to see the back cover! Let me know what you think! I’m so excited for how it turned out!

Blog 2-coming in the next couple hours is Pascaline’s speech that she wanted to make after graduating from Kindergarten yesterday. You’re going to die when you see this video!

Blog 3-is a mom I talked with yesterday and how she used her camera to capture a life changing experience her 6 year old daughter went through. It’s the most moving photos I’ve seen in a long time, and she said I could totally share!

So buckle up! It’s a BIG BLOG day for WEDNESDAY!