I have really stopped posting to my blog lately because of facebook.  It just seems that everyone finds me on there, so it’s the most logical place to keep up, and share my latest stuff.  However, SOME people just can’t get with the program, so just because I love them ever so much, I’m going to post here too.  ;p  I’ve been trying to figure out how to get some sort of plug-in that would let me update facebook, twitter, and my blog simultaneously, but so far no luck with that.  If I ever get  few spare moments, I’ll come back here and post more about what I’ve been up to, but until then, find me on facebook.  And now, here’s a sneak peek from the session I had recently with the McDonald & Spaw family:

It’s disgraceful how neglected my blog and website have been since I discovered the fun of facebook!  It just seems like everyone is on there and a good place to post photos from sessions so that everyone can “tag” themselves and share with friends.  But I realized that actually everyone is NOT on facebook (if you’re not - you should do it - it’s FUN) so I really should do a better job of keeping this blog up to date.  To catch everyone up, I’ll post a bunch of stuff so that you can see what I’ve been up to.  I’ll probably need to break it up into a few posts to cover everything, but for now, I’ll share some of my recent favorite B&W personal photos.  It’s quite an eclectic mix; daisies, architecture, and even my boys and one of their good friends (during a recent trip to the lake).  Stay tuned for some upcoming color shots:

I’ve never been the best at keeping my blog up to date - which kind of defeats the purpose of a blog, don’t ya think?  I love the idea of a blog, but the reality of maintaining one, not so much.  I’d rather be looking through a lens, I guess.  ;)  Recently, lots of friends and clients have been keeping in touch with me on facebook.  I get lots of requests for me to post images from their sessions (both recent and past) so that they can share with their friends and family.  I love some of the cool features of facebook, like mobile access and uploads - and can really see what a great way this will be to catch up with everyone.  If you’re on facebook, add me!  Check it out at www.facebook.com. 

Well, Keith is my last senior for 2009 anyway.  He has such a great sense of humor!  (Not to mention, one VERY nice guitar.)  We had a fun session and I enjoyed visiting with his mom, too.  Here’s a few previews from Keith’s session:

You’d never know how windy and cold it was on the day of Jessica’s session.  At one point we even got in the car and turned on the heater to get warm before finishing with the last few shots.  She still managed to look great, though!  You were awesome to work with, Jessica - thanks!  Here’s a few of my picks from the day:

Last week the weather for Amber’s session was a windy, but beautiful day.  We even managed to make that wind work for us in a few shots!  Amber, here’s your sneak peek at a few of them:

It’s time to dust off this blog and post something more recent.  I’ve had a few senior sessions lately, so check back to see some of my favorites that I’ll be sharing here.  Graduation is just around the corner, so if you haven’t ordered your prints or if you need more wallets for your graduation announcements - give me a call soon to place your order.  You can even order directly from your online proof gallery.  Be sure to check out some of the great NEW gift items! 

Last weekend was a BUSY one for senior sessions.  These girls are so fun to work with, we decided they needed 2 sessions.  They had a session back in the summer when the heat index was over 100 degrees!  Although you certainly couldn’t tell from their photos; they both stayed looking great even with the high temp!  But now that things have cooled off a bit - we were ready to roll again.  Besides, now they’ll have even more to choose from.  :)  Thanks, Kalie & Hannah!  Here a couple of shots from that day:

I’ve been so busy with 2009 Seniors that I’m behind on my blog posting. Sorry you had to wait a couple extra days for these, Mitchell. The weather last Saturday was perfect - a little cool in the shady areas, but just great for a fall day. I’ve got lots more to come, but for now, here are some shots from Mitchell’s session:

Last Friday was a beautiful fall day, and perfect weather for Miles’ senior session. He brought the most awesome truck with him and we also managed to sneak in a couple of shots of him with his brothers. Thanks for a great session, guys! Here are a few of my favorite shots:

On another note, I’ve been busy revamping and redesigning things around here. I’ve heard from lots of you that it’s hard to remember my website address, and I’ve wanted to simplify things for a while. I’ll keep the old address and sites for awhile, but gradually you’ll see everything change over to www.michellruff.com. What’s easier than just my name? Another recent change going forward is that I’ll be limiting sessions to senior photography only. I’ve really enjoyed everyone I’ve met and all the fun sessions I’ve had over the past few years, but unfortunately, time is just in such short supply. I think the decision to focus my attention in the senior market will be a great thing for my clients, and will give me more time to pursue some of my personal photographic interests and charities. (One that I’m very proud to work with now is www.nilmdts.org.) I’m excited to see what the future holds!