And the winner is …

Posted on June 21, 2013 by Sweeney Photography

I want to start by sharing a story. Not too long ago I was sifting through my mail and came upon an envelope from a local publication – Madison Magazine. I opened it and then my jaw hit the desk. “Madison Magazine wishes to congratulate Sweeney Photography as the Gold Winner in the BEST Photographer category for 2013!” (Okay, just typing that got me a bit choked up.) My first thought was – wow that’s so wonderful!!! Followed by – I wonder who the big winner is? I quickly went to their website and realized that the big winner was indeed me. A smile formed, a tear fell and a silent WOOHOO rang out. Why silent? I had to keep this fabulous and truly unexpected news to myself until today.

Today I finally get to share it and say THANK YOU Madison Magazine! THANK YOU Madison Magazine Readers and Voters! THANK YOU Family and Friends for your support the past 11 years! And above all – THANK YOU to the Brides and High School Seniors and Families and Babies and Professionals that have allowed me to share their special moments, days and events!

http://www.madisonmagazine.com/Madison-Magazine/July-2013/Best-of-Madison-2013/Best-of-Madison-2013-Arts-Entertainment/

Kids and Families in Madison WI

Posted on March 11, 2013 by Sweeney Photography

Monday is: share kids and family portraits day.

I really enjoyed spending a couple of hours with this cool little family unit. It was a very laid back, go with the flow kind of session – as you can see by the photos. This was one of those “ah ha” moments (as a photographer) that helped me see family portraits should be less about “posing” and more about laughing. I realize that in a few areas there is some blurriness due to motion but I accept that. These photos tell me the story of this family – the fun, the spontaneity and the love.

These are the days of our lives …

Posted on February 27, 2013 by Sweeney Photography

I’m kind of tired of trying to market my business.

Okay, five minutes just passed as I stared at that statement. I’m feeling equal measures of panic and peace. As a small business owner, a part of every day for the last 11 years has been spent trying to let the world (meaning Madison WI) know I’m here and to attract new clients. I have the best web site designer who has created this beautiful site and I feel like I’m not using it to it’s full potential. That ends right now.

Today marks the first day of the new blog here at sweeneysphotography.com. I will no longer be trying to sell or market anything on the blog section of the site. There are hundreds of portrait samples in the Galleries. If you want to know services, prices or specials – please click on the tabs above. There is a ton of information throughout the site and if it’s not – then send me an email or give me a call. I would love to talk to you!! Better yet, stop by and we’ll chat over some of my fabulous coffee or tea – I may even have some Chex Mix to share.

So here’s how the blog is going to look from here on out. Each weekday I will be sharing my photographs. Not just wedding or kids pictures, I will be sharing it all – even personal photos. I will share a bit of the story behind the photographs and in the case of my “Art” – I may even be showing you all a bit of the process by way of video (but only if it’s a good hair day).

Wednesday is now: Share Random Photographs From The Past

These were taken backstage while the stylists prepared their models for a fashion/hair show in Milwaukee WI at the Art Museum.

Photographer in Madison WI – Art

Posted on February 19, 2013 by Sweeney Photography

I have a friend who (among other many titles and designations) is a counselor in a Wellness Center at a college. She has posted many interesting articles on the subject on various social media sites. Often times the subject matter makes me pause and think about how well I’m really living. Today she shared an article on the subject of “where do you go to relax?” Some suggestions were yoga class, a hike in the woods – a dark room to meditate. All being great places but none that I could say I practiced. So I’ve spent a few moments throughout the day trying to think where I go or what I do to relax. Honestly, I was stumped. I enjoy many activities but I couldn’t honestly say I did anything for the purpose of relaxation.

Tonight I decided to work a bit on what I call my art. I sometimes have images randomly appear in my brain that just swirl about until I’m ready to let them come out. *Side note to self – I may need to chat with my friend about these visions …. Anyway, as I was working I began to feel a bit calmer and somewhat detached from my surroundings. I wasn’t thinking about work or home or the tension knot in my neck – it was just me and the art.

So, I guess where I go to relax is in Art. In a about 30 minutes – I will find it in a bag of chocolate chip cookies. 😉