Two Sisters

I had the opportunity last weekend to photograph these two really cutie sisters and their mom. Of course, they were cute separately, but not together. I definately need to work on my sibling photography taking skills! The older sister was a dream to work with, she took direction very well and I had a lot of fun posing her. Her little sister took some working with to get her to look at the camera and smile, plus the ultimate bribe in my bag of tricks - the lollipop. We ended up outside for some family shots as well, and had better luck. Overall it was really fun and I hope their mom enjoys the photos as much as I enjoyed taking them!

She looked so much older than her age for some of the photos


Looking more like a kid!


My patented method for getting little kids comfortable - peek a boo!
See her peeking?


a BOO!


what most of the sibling shots ended up looking like


a sweet moment with mom


big smiles


my favorite shot of the day

Baby Boy C - 3 days old

Baby Boy C was born thursday morning, which makes him the youngest newborn I've ever had the pleasure to photograph. He was overdue by over a week, and his mom made the appointment with me hoping to entice him out into the world. I learned a lot during this photoshoot, especially about dealing with a newborn this young. He basically just wanted to nurse the entire time, which was fine, but a little difficult to photograph! Who says that newborns are always just sleepyheads?

Here's his sneak peek, enjoy!

Meet pirate baby, aarrgghh!


Contemplating the outside world


What does big sister think of him?


Sibling love


one with dad. you can't tell he's actually screaming his head off here


big yawn

Miss E - 3.5yo

I've decided that 3.5 year old girls are my favorite subjects to shoot. Not only do they follow direction well, they actually like having their picture taken and give me real smiles for the camera. I've done three 3.5 year old girls recently and they've all been super-fun shoots! I met Miss E and her mom through PEPS which began meeting when my first son was around three months old. Our playgroup has been loosely keeping in touch ever since then, and it's nice to see our kids "grow up" together. Miss E's mom was nice enough to volunteer her daughter to come over and let me photograph her for my Valentine's Day promotion, and here are some other cute shots that I got during that shoot as well.

serious face


big smiles


another great smile


Peek...


A BOO!

First Blog Contest Winners!

My first Alex Nguyen Portraits blog contest has ended. Thank you to everyone who voted, and I hope you had as much fun with the contest as I did! Here are the winners:

In first place, with a whopping 50% of the vote, FAMILY D. Congratulations, they received a $125 gift certificate!


In second place, with 38% of the vote, FAMILY H. Congratulations, they received a $75 gift certificate!


And in third place, we have FAMILY I. Congratulations, they received a $25 gift certificate!


Thank you again to everyone who participated! Please remember to spread the word about my photography and services, and your friends and family too could win my next blog contest!

Valentine's Day Mini-Sessions

I had my first foray into offering mini-sessions, which turned out pretty successful! They were shorter, 30 minute sessions in one location where clients came to me. Since it worked out so well, I may offer more mini-sessions come spring, maybe at a destination such as the tulip fields in Mt. Vernon, or a nearby park. Here are some peeks of the adorable kids I photographed, including a very sleepy but delicious two week old! I was pretty impressed his parents were up and about with him already. Enjoy!

Look at that pout!


He's going to be a heart breaker for sure


She was very very serious


sleepy head


Hey! He woke up!


Fun fun fun!

Valentine's Day Mini Sessions

I'm trying something new and offering mini-sessions just in time for Valentine's Day! This is a GREAT gift for mom and dad from the kids! Set an appointment for just your children, or for a "mommy and me" or "daddy and me" photo session. You'll get some gorgeous pictures to give your loved ones for Valentine's Day. Here are the details:

mini-sessions will be booked for 30 minute slots for Sunday February 1st, 2009

mini-sessions will be booked on a first come, first served basis

all mini-sessions will take place at my home studio

there will be 5-10 images to choose from in your proof gallery

the mini-session includes 3 5x7s and 1 set of wallet Valentine's Day photo cards

you get a 15% discount off any additional prints you purchase from your mini-session

pictures will be back in time for a Valentine's Day gift

the low price of only $65 for the entire Valentine's Mini-Session package!

Hurry and book your session on my website today!

Models Wanted: Military Family

Hello everyone who reads my blog! I am looking for a military family for a FREE photoshoot. In exchange for signing a full model release, I will trade you a full photoshoot (complete with photo gallery of at least 20 different poses) and 2 free 8x10s of your favorite poses from the shoot. I'm looking for a family that fits the following descriptions:

must be a full family with one parent in the military (can be mom or dad) and has military dress for the photoshoot. sorry, I'm looking for families where the parent is not currently serving their tour right now

must have at least one child (more is fine as well)

child must either be very small baby (newborn would be great!) or at least walking well

must be willing to travel to me (although I'm flexible on this condition depending on where you are stationed)

If you fit these terms, or know someone who does and would love a free photoshoot, please let me know! You can contact me through my website or directly at alex@AlexNguyenPortraits.com. Thank you and please spread the word.

and because we can't have a post without pictures:

2008 Recap and welcome to 2009

2008 and the madness of my first busy holiday season has come to an end. I've learned a lot about photography, people, running a business, and the follys of dealing with Mother Nature in the last three months. I wanted to give a shout out and a huge THANK YOU to all my clients who have allowed me into their lives to capture their family memories for them. THANK YOU also goes to my wonderful family and friends who have been so supportive in my endeavors and getting my business off the ground.

I hope that in 2009 my business continues to grow, and I continue to grow as a photographer as well. Please check back for some changes to the blog, and visit my website for its new look and new images in the galleries as well.

Happy 2009 everyone!

And to leave you, a little montage storyboard of my boys from the last year.