Mandy saw one of my business cards at a business in Troy – and gave me a call to schedule her family session!
We met in Troy in early August and got some great shots!
Isn’t she so cute!
I’m glad we were able to fit you guys in! Thanks so much!!
*M* is pretty much my favorite kiddo on the planet. She is my best friend’s daughter – and she is a riot!
I LOVE HER!
SO SWEET!!!
She was tuckered out after our session!
She is the sweetest thing – EVER!
I met Peggy while I was taking the *O* family photos – and we set up a session for her sweet family!
We share a LOVE for purple!
I love those shots!!
I am so glad you guys drove over for our appointment! Thanks again!!!
I hate waiting. I really don’t know of anyone who enjoys waiting – except maybe my mother-in-law but she is a crazy exception!
I like to read the end of books before I start them. I would much rather go into a movie knowing the end first. It’s just the type of person I am – and have always been.
I have waited 6 years for barden photography to be what it is today. Here is a little history of the beginnings of barden photography.
In 2003 – my college friend Jeremiah asked me to photograph his wedding. To this day I still haven’t seen the photos. they bought the rolls, I took the pictures, and gave the rolls back to them. It was my first wedding and the only pictures I took for other people that year.
In 2004 – Dave Fitzgerald asked me to photograph his family for Christmas. I gave them the rolls and have only ever seen a few of those photos! It was the only pictures I took for other people that year.
In 2005 – I photographed 2 weddings – both were on film and both were for friends. James & Laura were married in October and I am so thankful they trusted me enough to allow me to capture their day. I made mistakes. I put people out in direct sunlight without thinking about shadows. Belinda & Nate were married in December at the same church and the same reception hall as James & Laura – so it was a little easier! It was a beautiful Christmas wedding! I also took photos for a family for their Christmas cards!
In 2006 – I photographed 6 weddings – most of them were for friends and were for experience. I had 1 engagement session, 1 senior session, and 1 portrait session.
In 2007 – word spread a little more and I photographed 6 weddings. I had 1 engagement session, 7 seniors, and 15 portrait sessions.
In 2008 – it started to get a little crazy. I photographed 10 weddings, 3 engagement sessions, 7 seniors, 26 portrait sessions, and sold 2 of my nature prints. In November of 2008 I started to realize that this could be my full-time job. This could really happen! I prayed and prayed that I would be able to get 24 weddings for 2009 and I would be able to quit my job as a secretary. I would be able to live my dream job!
In 2009 – I had my first BRIDAL EXPO in January and it was INCREDIBLE! I gave a 10 week notice at my job to leave on March 31st of 2009. During those 10 weeks – our friend Dave Fitzgerald called us and wanted to speak to the whole family – Jared, me, Mom and Dad B – he had a word for us. He told me specifically that God had revealed to him that barden photography was going to grow. It was going to get to a point where I would be overwhelmed with inquiries and work. To just wait – and see. For the first year of barden photography – officially – I had 24 weddings, 1 after the wedding session, 14 engagements, 32 seniors, 73 portrait sessions, 10 promotional jobs, 5 sports sessions, sold 1 nature print, and sold 6 gift certificates for family sessions. It wasn’t overwhelming. I didn’t think anything of the conversation we had with Dave earlier in the year.
8 months into 2010 – I’ve had 20 weddings, 1 after session, 2 bridal sessions, 12 engagements, 12 seniors, 78 portrait sessions, 3 promotional jobs, sold 1 nature print and sold 1 gift certificate. I am overwhelmed with inquiries for sessions. I am looking at how many I have scheduled for the rest of the year – and it’s amazing to me! Impossible!
2003. 1 wedding.
2004. 1 session.
2005. 2 weddings. 1 session.
2006. 6 weddings. 3 sessions.
2007. 6 weddings. 23 sessions.
2008. 10 weddings. 38 sessions.
2009. 24 weddings. 142 sessions.
8 months into 2010. 20 weddings. 110 sessions.
I am so thankful for all that God has given me through barden photography over the years – from the very beginning when a friend had faith in me to capture his wedding to the moments right now and the moments many years down the road.
Now we wait again. We wait for a child. I have known from the moment I can remember that I’ve wanted to be a mother. That I was meant to be a mother. 2009 was a year for change. I quit my job – started a new one – we got a puppy – and found out we were going to be parents. We waited for our first appointment and waited more when the image I knew I was supposed to see wasn’t there. We waited for our baby to miscarry – waited to start trying again. Here we are – a year and a half later – still waiting for a miracle. Praying for a baby – our baby.
On March 28th of this year – Jared’s mom was given a word in church. That our children would rise up like mighty oaks. Our children.
On April 11th of this year – Dave called us again with a word for us. We would have children. Lots of them – running around in our yard – jumping on trampolines – and they would be our biological children – they would all look like Jared.
On August 15th of this year – we met with our Pastor – because I am angry, tired, sad, and weary. He told us that God has children for us – our biological children. But first we must open our hearts to the notion of taking in a child that is not ours – biologically.
So we wait and pray.
Because we are all waiting – for something.
For a new job – a spouse – a baby – a moment alone – a day without worrying about your weight – a friend – and for Jesus to come back.
Shannon and Terry work with Jared – and are the sweetest people!
They had their miracle in early June and I got to photograph her at 6 weeks – so sweet!
I love those two!!
COUSIN LOVE!
I can’t wait to capture *M* as she grows – thank you again guys!!!
Katie and I knew each other in high school – she graduated with my sister!
She put together a session for her family a month ago and we met on a HOT, sticky day!
Katie is the one in the purple!
I had a GREAT time with you guys!!!
The *W* family is one of the largest groups I’ve been asked to photograph – and we had a great time!
I hope you LOVE your photos and can’t wait to get together again!
This is the third time I’ve taken pictures for Jessica & Nate – I LOVE lifetime clients – and these guys are so awesome!
*B* is so sweet!
Jessica’s little brother wanted in on some shots too!
I love those two shots!
Can’t wait for our next session – you guys are the best!
I met Shaylee through … FACEBOOK – how I love FACEBOOK sometimes!!
Her family is so VERY cute!
You guys were so much fun!!! Thank you!!!
*H* was a MOVER and a SHAKER for sure – we managed to get some great shots though!!!
Thanks again guys – he is too cute and those eyes will break some hearts for sure!!!
