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Mandi McDougall Lifestyle Photography | Children, Family, Maternity, Senior and Newborn Portraits | Centralia and Olympia Washington bio picture

Have a look around...

...here you will find my life. I have found that the wonderful thing about a blog is that it has become a place for me to document my own life, while I document your's. 

My name is Mandi, and it is my passion to capture life's moments. From the cry of a newly born baby, to the happy tears of an adoption story, all the way to senior portraits that won't go out of style. Behind the camera, I prefer to capture the moments and not create them. I will offer suggestions and be available to you along the way so that you get the most out of your custom portrait experience. On the other side of the lens, I simply love life. I have an amazing family, wonderful friends, and can often be seen reading or crocheting (yep, I have a little old lady down deep in my soul!)

Take a few minutes to check out my blogsite, catch up on the goings-on of a photographer from little ol' Centralia, and look at some pictures. If you are interested in a portrait session, all the necessary information can be found at the top or the bottom of the page. Contact me via the form, at info@mandimcdougallphotography.com, or at 206.450.2354 anytime.

Real. Life. Captivating.

new offering: Deluxe Mini Sessions {with Digital Images}

Monday, November 30, 2009

As the end of the year approaches, I always start to look back on the last year and make some tweaks to improve my business. Sometimes that means changing packages, raising prices or finding awesome new products to offer my clients. This year I am making one change a little earlier (the rest will debut in January).

I am adding Deluxe Mini Sessions to my year-round session offerings. A Deluxe Mini Session includes a 25 minute session for up to 4 people, 8-10 edited proofs presented in a password protected online gallery, and all of your proofs on CD with reprint release (sized to print up to 11×14). Deluxe Mini Sessions are perfect for getting new Christmas card images, an update of your children’s yearly portraits, or a quick senior session. Deluxe Mini Sessions are $250 plus tax, can be booked on any open date, must be done in the Centralia area, include no outfit changes and cannot be booked for newborns.

To book a session, please contact me (above) or give me a call!

Posted in Promotions

by mandirae

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Sneak Peak: Desiree {SENIOR}

Saturday, November 21, 2009

I have known Desiree for a long time…first we went to church together, and I used to babysit her and her brother what seems like many moons ago, and for the last few years our brothers have played baseball together. It was COLD out during our quick session this morning…it was only 50 degrees, but the wind killed! And even though it was an uber short session, Desi did awesome (she is a pretty big deal, after all) and we got some great shots!

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As long as I can remember, Desi always wears her hair up…not today! And I love it.

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This is a favorite of mine, look at the girl’s gorgeous eyes!

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This picture looks right out of an early 90’s grunge scene…

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Another favorite! This wall rocks my socks off, every time without fail!

Desi, I hope you enjoy! I can’t wait to get together again on a slightly less chilly day and shoot some more!

Be sure and add a comment below to help Desiree win a free 8×10!

If you are interested in booking a session with Mandi McDougall Photography, e-mail me at info@mandimcdougallphotography.com. If you are a friend of Desiree’s and mention that when you book, you both receive a $20 print credit.

 

Posted in Seniors

by mandirae

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Sneak Peek: Taylor {SENIOR}

Friday, November 13, 2009

I love the connections I am able to make through my photography. Taylor’s mom knew me as a little girl; she was a good friend of my aunt, waaay back (smile) in high school. Through the magic of facebook, she connected with me and came down for her son’s senior session. I didn’t know much about Taylor going in, but I can happily say now that he’s a laid back guy, with a good sense of humor and a great sense of style!

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I love this one! His mom liked the train track pictures from past sessions, and I hope she loves the ones we got!

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Usually senior guys give me a run for my money, but Taylor even cooperated and smiled without complaint!

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I <3 this one!

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A little different, but this picture is totally my style!

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Taylor and Larisa, thanks SO much for coming down and choosing me to do Taylor’s senior pictures! I can’t wait to show you the rest!

Be sure and add a comment below to help Taylor win a free 8×10!

If you are interested in booking a session with Mandi McDougall Photography, e-mail me at info@mandimcdougallphotography.com. If you are a friend of Taylor’s and mention that when you book, you both receive a $20 print credit.

 

Posted in Seniors

by mandirae

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Larisa - Amanda, I am so happy that you were able to capture Taylor's personality perfectly. He had a great time and I think he was pleasantly surprised that 'Mom' could make a good choice when it came to a photographer. I can't wait to see the rest. Thanks again.November 14, 2009 - 10:39 am

Sneak Peek: Ava {LITTLE WONDER}

Sunday, November 1, 2009

This is the second time I have photographed Ava. The first time last fall she was just a little thing, with the cutest spiky hair I’d ever seen! Talk about a cutie (who obivously has a well-stocked closet!) She has such a sweet demeanor for her age, talks a bunch and is all about double high-fives.

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This time Ava brought along her grandparents for a few pictures (and perhaps one for Grandma’s wall)

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Will you look at this adorable-ness? I adore her outfit, Katie!

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This is her smile, I love the mischevious look in her eyes!

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Outfit #2, about as perfect for fall photos as could be!

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Peek-A-Boo!

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And we finished the session downtown, capturing the very last of the fading light…perfect!

 Katie, Jim and Ava, thanks for coming down for such a fun (and cold) session! Your little girl is growing up so fast, and she is SO cute! I can’t wait to show you the rest!

Be sure and add a comment below to help Ava’s family win a free 8×10!

If you are interested in booking a session with Mandi McDougall Photography, e-mail me at info@mandimcdougallphotography.com. If you are a friend of the Montante Family and mention that when you book, you both receive a $20 print credit.

Posted in Little Wonders

by mandirae

11 comments

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Kayla Renckly - She is so adorable! Love the outfit and how great to have pictures with grandparents!November 1, 2009 - 11:39 pm

Josie O'Brien - Beautiful photos of a beautiful little girl.November 2, 2009 - 6:21 am

Melissa Marroquin - She is a beautiful little girl! Your pictures are fantastic.November 2, 2009 - 7:27 am

Auntie Beth - Ava, you are stunning, as usual! The pictures are beautiful! I love the orange dress! Can't wait to see the rest! We love the one w/Tom and Kathleen on the tracks, it is very unique!November 2, 2009 - 7:47 am

Kala Kaminsky - She is so beautiful and the photography is great! Gorgeous, gorgeous shots! She is growing so fast!November 2, 2009 - 8:29 am

Jill Taylor - Great pictures. She is just adorable and growing up so fast!November 2, 2009 - 11:44 am

Tom@woodlandtrade.co - We are so proud of Jim and Katy they are such loving and caring parents it's no wonder that Ava is so happy she has the best and these pictures bring it out wellNovember 2, 2009 - 7:31 pm

Grandma Kathleen - I love how Mandy worked with Ava to capture her natural adorable-ness.November 2, 2009 - 7:35 pm

Carol Stafford - She is beautiful and the pictures are precious!November 2, 2009 - 9:26 pm

Nikki Doyle - LOVE LOVE LOVE those pigtails....super cute!November 3, 2009 - 3:22 am

Dionne Bossart - LOVE the one where she's sitting on the rail. the lighting is amazing!November 12, 2009 - 6:58 pm

Giving is Awesome {2010}

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Last year I had the pleasure of participating in a world-wide photography giveaway, dubbed Giving is Awesome. I had so much fun reading the stories that came in, and ultimately giving away $1000 worth of photography to a deserving family!

So, welcome to 2010 Giving is Awesome!

You know someone. You know someone who’s experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, or is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances. You know someone who can’t afford custom photography, but who would cherish it this holiday season. You know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family’s spirit, love, and beauty.

You know someone. I guarantee it.

I want to know who they are, and I want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography – $1300 worth, to be exact. Whether it’s canvas or albums, prints for Grandma, or a slideshow to watch over and over, it’s in your power to give them the artwork they deserve this holiday season.

Oh, and the best part? The person who nominates the winner receives a $250 print credit. What better reason to show some love could there possibly be, people?

The rules:

* You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services. (Being unable to make mortgage payments for a two-million-dollar-vacation-home in Paris does not qualify as sincere financial need.)

* The nominee must reside in Washington. Tell me who you know, what they’re experiencing, and why they deserve my artwork. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself as well.

* You must e-mail me the full story : mandiraemcdougall@gmail.com or add a comment to this blog post.

All nominations must be in by December 20th, and the winner will be announced on Christmas Eve — get nominating! I can’t wait to read all of your entries!

Open your heart to someone this holiday season — and thanks for giving me the opportunity to open mine.

Posted in Giving Is Awesome

by mandirae

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new edition

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

and it’s mine!

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This is baby Landon James McDougall, who will be making his official debut next spring. We couldn’t be happier, and it was a trip to see him moving around on the ultrasound today!

Posted in My Life

by mandirae

4 comments

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Kayla Renckly - Congratulations! That's so exciting!October 20, 2009 - 11:36 pm

Elena - Are you kidding me? Congratulations! That is too exciting!October 21, 2009 - 8:29 am

Brandi - Oh yay congrats!October 21, 2009 - 8:55 am

Lesley Klenk - Oh, Mandi! I am thrilled for you. Congratulations. I hope you have a terrific pregnancy and you are happy and well. Best wishes, Lesley KlenkOctober 23, 2009 - 8:46 am

Sneak Peek: The Fulkerson Family {CELEBRATING ADOPTION}

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

What is better than a perfect new location? An adorable family, with two of the cutest boys, that I get to photograph in that awesome new location. Heather and her husband are the lucky parents of Michael and Matthew, the two cuties in the pictures below!

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Aren’t they a picture-book perfect family?

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I love this one!

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This is Michael, in the .02 seconds that he held still and actually looked at my camera :)

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And this cutie is Matthew. Look at those eyes!

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I love this shot…no typical smiling kids shots in our session, we have real brotherly interactions!

Be sure and add a comment below to help the Fulkerson family win a free 8×10!

If you are interested in booking a session with Mandi McDougall Photography, e-mail me at info@mandimcdougallphotography.com. If you are a friend of Vanessa and mention that when you book, you both receive a $20 print credit.

Posted in Celebrating Adoption, Family

by mandirae

15 comments

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Jennifer - Heather and Derek! These are wonderful! What a beautiful family you have. I love the b & w one of the kids at your feet - so adorable! How do you pick????October 20, 2009 - 10:49 pm

Colleen Truva - Great photos! My two favorites are the one of the whole family with the beautiful fall colors in the background and the one of Michael- it captures his personality (smiley, happy, but a twinkle of mischief in his eyes).October 21, 2009 - 7:04 am

Liz - What amazing photos! I can't believe how big the boys are...time goes way too fast!October 21, 2009 - 7:28 am

Becky - Thank you for sharing the pictures with me. You are truly a beautiful family inside and out! What fun to see pictures of Michael and Matthew now that they are a little bit bigger!!October 21, 2009 - 8:08 am

Dmitri - Great stuff!!! Love those boys and their parents!October 21, 2009 - 8:22 am

Alysia - Heather, these pictures are gorgeous. Thanks for sending me the preview. The setting is beautiful. The boys are so adorable in them.October 21, 2009 - 8:25 am

Dana Tyack - Oh my!! What great pictures! Where are you?? It looks so beautiful!! I want to climb in the picture and go for a walk! :)October 21, 2009 - 8:51 am

JASON SEARS - Would you consider adopting me? I may end up marring your next photo shoot but would really love to have you both as parents and besides, Mathew & Michael need a big brother like me! :/October 21, 2009 - 8:51 am

Shelley Henderson - Amazing! Gorgeous family! These unique shots are absolutely priceless. Couldn't pick a fav - love them all!October 21, 2009 - 9:13 am

Chris Henderson - Great pictures! You guys have a beautiful family!October 21, 2009 - 9:23 am

Jessi - Beautiful pictures and very natural interactions - really captures your beautiful family! Thanks for sharing!October 21, 2009 - 10:37 am

Cathy Worrell - I saw your posting on FB and came to look at the pictures. What a beautiful family! As you know adoption is very special to me and my family! :) Thank you again Amanda for your beautiful work and what you do to help celebrate adoption!! Blessings- CathyOctober 21, 2009 - 11:08 am

Malinda - What a beautiful family. Where is the picture of Derek in a bucket of leaves?October 21, 2009 - 5:05 pm

Myrna Hennessy - Great pictures!!! You have a beautiful family!! You are so blessed.October 21, 2009 - 9:06 pm

Lisa - Beautiful in pictures.......beautiful in Spirit. What a darling family. Luv you guys!October 22, 2009 - 8:03 pm

Sneak Peek: Chelsea {SENIOR}

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Boy, did we luck out today! All day yesterday and this morning as it rained, I was just sure we were going to have to delay this session because of the typical Washington rain. Jokingly, this morning when I was moaning about the rain messin’ with my senior session, my husband said…nah, it will be sunny by then. The funny thing? It was! Not much, but it certainly didn’t rain on us!

Chelsea, I hope you really love these pictures! You are a beautiful girl, and picked an equally beautiful place to do your senior pictures!

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Work it girl! For someone who doesn’t like having her picture taken, you did awesome!

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Sometimes, serious is best.

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I love this one! I asked her for some sass, and man, did I get it!!

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I also happen to really like her glasses…cute glasses are the only reason I wish I hadn’t gotten Lasik.

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Again, sometimes serious is really good. Chelsea said she wasn’t much of a smiler, and I told her to be herself, cause at the end of the day…isn’t that what you want from senior pictures?

Be sure and add a comment below to help Chelsea win a free 8×10!

If you are interested in booking a session with Mandi McDougall Photography, e-mail me at info@mandimcdougallphotography.com. If you are a friend of Chelsea’s and mention that when you book, you both receive a $20 print credit.

Posted in Seniors

by mandirae

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Kayla Renckly - Chelsea looks beautiful! I love the location too!October 14, 2009 - 11:52 pm

Sneak Peek: Vanessa {SENIOR}

Monday, October 12, 2009

Tumwater Falls is beautiful this year, and it was the perfect backdrop for Vanessa’s senior session. I had a blast photographing Vanessa today. Even though it was a bit cold, she was such a trooper!

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Of all of the great places to photograph at Tumwater Falls Park, this little bridge is my favorite. You rocked it out Vanessa.

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I love her jeans! This senior has style.

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So pretty!

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Again with the bridge, and my almost favorite shot of the session…

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Until I saw this one! I love the color and feel of this shot!

Be sure and add a comment below to help Vanessa win a free 8×10!

If you are interested in booking a session with Mandi McDougall Photography, e-mail me at info@mandimcdougallphotography.com. If you are a friend of Vanessa and mention that when you book, you both receive a $20 print credit.

Posted in Seniors

by mandirae

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Sneak Peek: Jenica and Crew {FAMILY}

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Some time back, I joined a forum for photographers called the Phaunt Forum. The awesome thing that about Phaunt, unlike a few other forums I belonged to, was that there were several Longview photogs thats I was able to meet. One of them is the very talented Jenica of Lemondrops Photography. Two years in a row, we’ve called up Jenica to do our family pictures, and this year I got to return the favor! Last night we did pictures of Jenica, her husband and adorable kiddos, plus her brother and his wife.

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Aren’t they a good-looking family?

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Jenica’s kiddos are so cute, but let me tell you, them boys will give you a run for your money! (poor Isaac was not feeling great, so he actually cooperated pretty well…)

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This was a shot that Jenica requested…how cute! I love it!

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Too cute (and so them!)

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This little guy was always on the run, picking up sticks, digging in the dirt and throwing sand! He’s a boy’s boy.

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And this little girly is so well trained by her momma, that she is a perfect little model!

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Jenica, you have an adorable little family! Thank you for choosing me to capture all the fun!

Posted in Family

by mandirae

2 comments

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Renee Whiting - Amanda you did a great job and Jenica, your family is beautiful!! I love Jenica's pose and the last one! They are both scream fun!October 10, 2009 - 2:51 pm

Kayla Renckly - Jenica you have such a gorgeous family! Love them all Amanda!October 12, 2009 - 8:30 am