Mary Ann Halpin Fine Art Portrait Photography

I Fearlessly Love You Couples Retreat

2011-01-19T13:01:00.000-08:00

ONLY TWO MORE SPACES!!!

I FEARLESSLY LOVE YOU
VALENTINE'S WEEKEND
EXCLUSIVE MOUNTAIN RETREAT...
PINE MOUNTAIN, CA
FEBRUARY 11-13, 2011

Roses are red and violets are blue...
it's a Valentine's weekend
and I fearlessly love you!
If you are looking for a very unique Valentine's weekend, look no further.
This exclusive couples retreat, located only 76 miles north of Los Angeles is nestled in the Los Padres National Forest.
This retreat includes Tantric yoga, mountain hikes, sensual couples massage or sound healing, sumptuous meals prepared
by Chef Joe Croyle and a signed copy of "Soulmate Secret" by Arielle Ford.

Copyright Mary Ann Halpin
Valentine's Day is traditionally celebrated each year to honor love and romance. We have created a weekend exclusively for three couples with the intention to celebrate this love holiday in a very special weekend. Charged with spirituality, healing and sensuality our goal is to infuse your relationship with a unique mountain experience. At this couples weekend, you will be taken care of by Mary Ann Halpin and Chef Joe Croyle.

Mary Ann and Joe appreciate commitment to love as they have been married for 26 years. Together they will facilitate a truly memorable romantic weekend in their beautiful log home aptly named Log Haven.

Take the romantic fearless leap and join two other adventurous couples or bring two of your favorite couple friends for an unforgettable mountain retreat.

RETREAT INCLUDES:
-TANTRIC YOGA
-MOUNTAIN HIKES
-SENSUAL COUPLES MASSAGE
OR SOUND HEALING
-SUMPTUOUS MEALS
PREPARED BY CHEF JOE
-SIGNED COPY OF "SOULMATE SECRET"
BY ARIELLE FORD

AVAILABLE BUT NOT INCLUDED:
A COUPLES PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHED BY MARY ANN HALPIN IN THE HEART OF PINE MOUNTAIN WOODS

COST PER COUPLE: $1,411
50% DEPOSIT
DUE AT BOOKING

REMAINING BALANCE
DUE FEBRUARY 5, 2011

TO RESERVE YOUR SPACE
EMAIL US AT:
MARYANNHALPIN@AOL.COM
OR CALL US AT: 323-874-8500

I look forward to hearing from you!

Fearlessly Yours,

Mary Ann Halpin
maryannhalpin.com
maryannhalpin@aol.com
323-874-8500

Treat Yourself by Retreating...

2010-11-05T11:29:00.000-07:00

Copyright Mary Ann Halpin.

Special Guest Speakers, Workshops and Accommodations
(Included in your retreat):
Jean Carpenter-Backus: CPA, CFP, author of "The Naked Accountant asks: Who's Standing on Your Financial Hose?" Jean will lead a money workshop and offer "hiking money coaching" sessions. http://www.thenakedaccountant.com/, www.carplang.com

Paul and Sarah Edwards: Residents of Pine Mountain, Paul and Sarah are best known for their book, "Working from Home." Creating over 14 books on business, they will lecture on how to turn your books into profitable
E-Books.http://www.9lives4yourbook.com/about/:

Sarah-Jane, aka SunJay: www.powwowlodge.com. She will provide yoga each day in her beautiful home studio (optional). Sunjay will be available for sound healing (for an additional charge). She will lead us in drum circle ceremonies in the woods called "The Circle of Gratitude."

Pamela Jansen: Motivational Speaker, Actress, Writer, Author of "How I Became a Fearless Women" also featured in Mary Ann's book, "Fearless Women, Midlife Portraits" Pamela will speak about her own extraordinary journey to becoming a Fearless Women!

We will hike to the "Seven Sisters" and make prayer tie/intention offerings in the circle of trees with a medicine wheel built within.

Some of you will stay in our log home and others will stay at very nice mountain homes we will rent.

Sumptuous meals will be prepared by Chef Joe!

Included in Price:
Workshops
Yoga
Yummy food
Lovely Accommodations
and much more...

Available but not Included in Price:
Relaxing Massages
Sound Healing
Airfare and transportation are additional.

Cost:
$1595.00, A non-refundable deposit of $500 is required on or before
November 5, 2010, to hold your reservation and balance due by
December 5, 2010
***Bring a friend and receive a $400 discount***

Payment Plan:
Cost: $1695, A non-refundable deposit of $500 required
on or before November 5,2010
1st payment, $597.50 by December 5, 2010
2nd payment, $597.50 by January 5, 2010

Payment Type: Check, MC, Visa

The Fearless Women Mountain Retreat is limited to 15 women. It will be an intimate and powerful experience
that will transform the way you will create 2011.

Treat yourself and Book NOW!!!

To book your reservations or for more information:
maryannhalpin@aol.com
micheleatstudio@aol.com
323-874-8500

Family Holiday's

2010-09-17T16:39:00.000-07:00

Fearless Activism

2010-04-28T13:41:00.000-07:00

Copyright Mary Ann Halpin.
It thrills me when my portrait photography helps a charity. My friends, Leeza Gibbons and Nancy Alspaugh asked me to do a Fearless Women Portrait for the luncheon they are hosting together on Monday, May 3, 2010. It's a Mother/Daughter luncheon to celebrate Mother's Day but also to fundraise of ACT Today for Autism and Leeza Gibbon's Memory Foundation and Leeza's Place which helps families living with Alzheimer's.

I am happy to be bringing my mom to the luncheon. I am grateful and blessed that at age 87 she is healthy, with a mind as sharp as a tack. My grandmother died due to complications from Alzheimer's. So Leeza's organization comes close to home for me.

So many children have been diagnosed with Autism. It has become an epidemic. So it is interesting that Leeza and Nancy teamed up to create a fundraising luncheon to help the young and the old. It touches us all.

If you are interested in attending go to the website: Act-today.org or call Laura Marroquin at 818-705-1625.

Here's to the Fearless Woman or Man in all of us!

Bark Avenue Foundation

2010-02-19T11:36:00.000-08:00

Last week we participated in a fundraiser, Barking for Bedding, at Villa Firenze, a wonderful home decor store in Studio City. The evening benefited The Bark Avenue Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to ending pet overpopulation through spay and neuter, humane education and community outreach.

It was a fun gathering of people and pets all mingling, playing and making new friends. Lisa Laporta was there from HGTV, love her! I watch her show, "Design to Sell". Bark Avenue brought many little rescue dogs there and some were adopted that night. I wanted to take them all home but alas, I couldn't.

We were there promoting our photography fundraiser, "I Fearlessly Love You Fido" portraits, 2 Saturdays only March 20th & April 17th, sitting fee, $39.95 plus a 30 pound bag of dog food. All of the sitting fee going to Bark Avenue. It should be fun times in the studio! Call the studio to set up a portrait session with your Fido or Fifi and let us create a beautiful portrait for you to treasure forever! 323-874-8500

I Fearlessly Love You Fido!

2010-02-11T13:18:00.000-08:00

Copyright Mary Ann Halpin.
I Fearlessly Love You Fido!
Special Fine Art Pet Portraits
By Photographer Mary Ann Halpin

Benefiting The Bark Avenue Foundtaion
Sitting Fee: $39.95 (100% going to Bark Avenue Foudation)
Included: Pet/family photographic session,
viewing/ordering session immediately following and (1) 5x7 gift portrait.
Additional portrait sizes and packages available.
Bring a 30 pound bag of dog food

Bring your favorite Fido or Fifi to capture a beautiful fine art portrait you will treasure forever...

Two Saturdays Only~March 20th & April 17th, 2010, 10am-5pm
Mary Ann Halpin Studio (Located near Universal Studios)
By appointment only~Space is limited!
www.maryannhalpin.com
323-874-8500

Fearless Woman of the Week

2010-02-09T13:08:00.000-08:00

Becky Henry
Copyright Mary Ann Halpin.

Becky Henry became an “unwilling expert” when her daughter’s eating disorder took over the family in 2000. During those times of fear, trauma and drama, and extreme uncertainly about their daughter’s health and safety, Becky was often tempted to curl up in a ball and rock forever–but she refused to let the eating disorder win. How does a parent live through the terror of watching her child being consumed like that? Becky learned how to take care of herself so she could take care of her daughter and rest of the family. She educated herself about the disorder and soon became an advocate for other families. For several years she has conducted workshops for parents and professionals, giving them language to promote health. She learned to take the most terrifying experience and use it to rise above her circumstances and live her life with passion, and now coaches family members how to live fearlessly with this scary and demanding illness that is an eating disorder. From more than 40 family interviews, Becky has written a collection of their stories in Just Tell Her to Stop: Stories of Families Coping with Eating Disorders.
www.hopenetwork.info
www.movingmountains4health.com

Fearless Woman of the Week

2010-02-01T21:26:00.000-08:00

Copyright Mary Ann Halpin.
We enjoyed seeing Cher's show in Vegas last month. We were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to meet Cher after her show. She came straight to the green room to greet us, in costume after her finale. I sent a sword back stage to her before the show. It had "Fearless Goddess Cher" engraved on the blade. When she greeted us she told me how much she loved the sword. I gave her a sword necklace which she is wearing in this photo.
I am a great admirer of her. She has always fearlessly blazed her own trail with her extraordinary style and music. At 62, she looks amazing, dances like she's thirty something and sings better than I've ever heard her. She follows a spiritual path as a Buddist. Whatever your feeling about Cher, you got to admit, she's one fearless legand!

I Fearlessly Love You Portraits

2010-01-25T18:29:00.000-08:00

Copyright Mary Ann Halpin.
Portrait of the handsome, Carlos Bernard (from the show 24) and beautiful Sherisse Baker Bernard

Unique Valentine's Saturday Special, February 13th Only:
I fearlessly Love You Portraits

Gift yourself, your loved one, family, or even your pet to a "I Fearlessly Love You Portrait" for only $99.99. The package includes one 5x7 gift portrait (valued at $150) a heart box of chocolates with a sword on it, a viewing/ordering session and a fabulous and fun portrait session that you will never forget as a Valentine's Gift.
Call the studio to book your appointment. Space is limited!
323-874-8500

Fearless Woman of the Week

2010-01-23T01:35:00.000-08:00

Over the last two years, I have captured Fearless Women in a photographic portrait, holding a sword as a symbol of their courage. Each woman that I met conveyed to me amazing fearless stories that I will never forget. Honoring the over 150 women that I photographed, I want to attempt to feature many of them, one by one, in a "Fearless Women of the Week".

I photographed Rose Pagonis at the eWomenNetwork Conference in 2008 creating a "Fearless Portrait" for her. Coming to this country as an immigrant, Rose Pagonis married young and got divorced years later. As a single mom of three teenage children, she ignored her fears of being broke and did not accept going on welfare. Instead, she chose to make a difference by giving her kids the life they deserved. Today, she enjoys a fantastic life and a terrific real estate career in difficult economic times. She is a full time caregiver to her Mom who has Alzheimer's and is very active in the Alzheimer's Association. She started the George & Dimitra Vlahos Memory Foundation as a way to honor her parents and help others realize their dreams.
I honor Rose and her courage as "The Fearless Woman of the Week".

Westlake Magazine Cover

2010-01-12T14:18:00.000-08:00

Fearless Family Event in Minneapolis

2009-10-29T15:41:00.000-07:00

I will be participating in the Fearless Family Event in Minneapolis and photographing Fearless Families at the Mall of America, November 7-8, 2009. We are donating part of the session fee to charities helping our troops and their families and local charities in the Minneapolis area.

Fearless Family Events celebrates the warrior within that conquers those difficulties every day.

Photographing a Hero

2009-10-08T22:32:00.000-07:00

Greg Grunberg is a very interesting guy. I recently photographed him for this cover. He's a father, a drummer in "The Band From TV" an actor on "Heros" and a businessman. He started an app for your iphone called "Yowza" where you can get discounts at certain stores. Where does he find the time?

Speaking at Texas Professional Photographers' Association

2009-09-16T14:27:00.000-07:00

This week, I will be making a speaking appearance on the main stage at Texas PPA on Friday September 16th. For more information or to get your tickets visit the TEXAS PPA website.

eWomen Network & Homes for Troops

2009-09-03T17:03:00.000-07:00

This year I photographed "Fearless Women Portraits" at the eWomen Network convention in Dallas, Texas again. I had an amazing time mingling and getting to know a whole group of new faces and catch up with old friends from attendees who came to the same event last year.

This year at the conference, I became involved with a great organization called "Homes for Troops." Their mission is to build specially adapted homes for our severely injured veterans.

Photographing Children

2009-09-03T16:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I photographed an adorable group of children, two sets of children actually, who were cousins. The idea of the shoot was to get something unique and special for the "grandma who has everything." The background setup was a classic black to compliment the children's fair skin, hair, and white little outfits. We got comfortable and started to play... after a few moments we were lucky to get this amazing shot that really captured their personalities!

Porter Family Portraits

2009-06-05T17:14:00.001-07:00

Speaking Appearances and Workshops 2009

2009-06-05T10:07:00.000-07:00

Portraits with a Purpose

2009-05-12T13:43:00.000-07:00

My book Pregnant Goddesshood A Celebration of Life, was released in 1996. It blazed the trail for women documenting the beauty of pregnancy in a portrait. At that time there wasn't the technology of today to show videos on the Internet with ease. So now you can view the many TV shows that featured stories and interviews about my book. At the end of the video you can see a slide show of images from Pregnant Goddesshood with music by a wonderful band called Incendio. Enjoy the video and my many hair styles over the years!

Fearless Women Portraits

It is an amazing experience for me to photograph women embracing the power within created and documented in a "Fearless Woman Portrait". Over the last couple of years, this celebration has become quite popular. So I ask myself often as I ask other women, "What's your fearless?" Women can now book "Fearless Women Portrait Parties" to celebrate sisterhood, milestone birthday's or just to have an unusual gathering for fun. My husband, Chef Joe creates sumptuous food and wine or beverage of choice. My amazing makeup/hair artist, Nicole Bolin will be doing her artistry on each Fearless Woman with a beauty menu of body makeup to tattoo makeup. Each woman will pose with the sword in her version of fearlessness that will mirror who she really is as a courageous Goddess woman. The end result is a beautiful wall portrait, retouched to perfection, that will be a reminder of who the woman truly is inside. We all need that...

This is an ad that will appear in the next issue of Westlake Magazine. I photographed the actor, Greg Grunberg from the TV show Heroes for the cover of the magazine. Speaking of fearless, Greg is just that and more. More on Greg when the issue comes out....

Fearless Women from the Anne Douglas Center

My new "heart project" is photographing women from the Anne Douglas Center at the Los Angeles Mission in a "Fearless Woman Portrait". I proposed the idea to Rev. Tina Babcock, at the Center, to create these portraits for each woman that graduates from the year long program. My goal with these portraits is to honor these inspiring women for their accomplishments but also to inspire the new women entering the program. The portraits will be hung on the walls of the women's center. My hope is that it will be a visual touch stone for those women to say, "Someday I want my portrait up there." The program at the Anne Douglas Center is fear inspiring. It takes these women from the streets of skid row, off of drugs and alcohol and teaches them to reclaim their lives. Most leave with a GED, transitional housing and a new spiritual life.

I photographed several of these women a few weeks ago. We created a video of the portrait seesions with an acknowledgement to Anne Douglas to be presented to her at a luncheon a couple of weeks ago. The women featured here touched my heart with such powerful inspiration. I am honored to have photographed them.

Honoring Anne Douglas

I was fortunate to have the opportunity to present the "Women Helping Women 2009" award to Mrs. Anne Douglas, wife of the legendary actor, Kirk Douglas. We presented the video of the "Fearless Portraits" featuring some of the graduates of the program from the Anne Douglas Center. We presented a group portrait to Mrs. Douglas and then a sword with her name on it. I pulled it out and told her (as I pointed it at her husband) that if Kirk got out of line she could use it on him. As I pointed the sword at him he lifted his cane to fence with me. The audience roared with laughter. Later I realized.....I dueled with Sparticus!

Fearless Women Portraits

2009-03-30T14:09:00.001-07:00

I am so happy to be announcing that I am doing "Fearless Women Portrait Parties". It stems from my book, Fearless Women:Midlife Portraits. Here's how it works. A group of girlfriends create a night where they come to my studio for a fun and empowering night of fun and photography. We provide great food and wine and a sword to be photographed with. We create a portrait that is a symbol of fearlessness and courage in any way that makes you feel empowered and beautiful.

Since I created the images from this book several years ago, the "Fearless Movement" has really taken off with women all over the country. I think there are many reasons for this looking at the world we are in right now...so full of fear. So the fearless message is a powerful one.

What's your fearless?

April is Autism Awareness Month

2009-03-21T12:44:00.000-07:00

With one out of 65 children living with autism, we have a serious problem. Nancy Alspaugh, friend and co-author of my photo/essay book, Fearless Women:Midlife Portraits, and her husband, Read Jackson are living with this challenge. They adopted a beautiful boy, Wyatt who has autism. They are working 24/7 to help Wyatt heal and reverse his condition. I wrote about them in my blog in August 2007. Since then Wyatt has made great progress.

Look for the LA Parent April issue where you will see some images I took of Nancy, Read and Wyatt. It's a "Day in a Life..." piece. It was so interesting and inspiring to spend the afternoon with them seeing how much goes into healing a child with Autism.

Nancy is now executive director of ACT Today for Autism www.act-today.org. Every year she and her husband, Read, host a fundraiser, Denim and Diamonds. ACT Today exists to help families who need assistance in paying for care and treatment.

As part of my commitment to help spread awareness and fundraise for Act Today I am offering an incentive for those who want to have a portrait taken. For the month of April, 25% of my sitting fee will go to ACT Today for Autism. Please check out the ad that appears above. This also will be published in the LA Parent April issue.

Busted in Buckeye!

2009-03-09T23:33:00.000-07:00

My husband, Joe, and I enjoy road trips. In our new, slightly used Highlander that we purchased last September, we set out on our first long ride to Phoenix to attend Imaging USA, a big photography convention. Driving through the desert is always so beautiful and peaceful. There is stillness in the vast cactus land that is like no other. With music playing as our soundtrack, we cruised down the highway effortless.

We crossed over the Arizona boarder past the town of Quartzsite, viewing this amazing sea of RV’s dotting the desert landscape. Quartzsite is like Burning Man for the elderly. Snow birds converge on this area for the winter in their elaborate RV’s and set up shop to sell to each other or to the tourists passing through.

We blazed the I-10 trail at a pretty good speed only to be pulled over by the highway patrol 35 miles outside of Phoenix. We thought we were being stopped for speeding but found out from the officer that our registration had expired and we did not know it. He wrote us up a citation and told Joe to call the court house in Buckeye in a week to take care of the matter after we paid our delinquent registration.

Investigating the problem of not receiving the notice to renew, Joe found that it was sent to our physical address in Pine Mountain and not our PO Box. The renewal notice was returned and we were never notified. Joe called the clerk in Buckeye and explained the situation. She told him to call the judge the following week. Now who would think you can just call up and talk to the judge? Anyway, this judge tells him that in Arizona it is a criminal offence, a misdemeanor, with up to $750 fine and or 4 months in jail. He asks him "How do you plea?” Joe was shocked and told him he didn't understand! The judge says, "Didn't you go to college?" So he said, "Well, it was a mistake. I am not guilty". So the judge told him that he would have to come to court on February 26th in Buckeye.

Buckeye is located 35 minutes west of Phoenix but it seems like it is in the middle of the Wild West desert. With as much preparation as possible and conferring with two attorneys in Phoenix, we set off on our journey on Wednesday to stay over so we could be fresh in front of the judge the next morning.

I decided to make lemonade out of lemons. As a photographer, I thought it would make it much more fun to document our trip and see what this Wild West town was about and write a story about it. So I did. I took photos of the town and Joe in front of the brick court house, which is situated in the middle of a cow pasture. Down the street is the Buckeye Meat slaughtering plant.

I must say our imaginations did run wild as to what could happen. We had visions of this judge (who did have on his mean face in the courtroom) sentencing Joe to jail just because he is from California. We checked in at the courthouse office and were told to enter the courtroom. The woman with a gun on her hip signed in Joe and told us to sit down and he would be called to talk to the prosecuting attorney. His name was Nick, a nice young man that was willing to work out a plea agreement. Joe was fined $300 by saying "I am responsible" when he stood before the judge. We ran out yelling, "We're free!"

We ran around town taking pictures. I stopped into the Buckeye Chamber of Commerce and met Deanna, a really nice lady who ran the joint. She confessed that she went to traffic court once and realized that everyone there was passing through at one time. Thus, passing through Buckeye is a major speed trap and of course other things. We have told this story to several people who all shared that they have gotten tickets driving through Arizona. So be very careful!

The lesson for all of us people in a mountain community is to make sure that you have all your important papers with your PO Box on it. Otherwise, who knows what could happen to you! It was a costly mistake with all the fines, hotel and gas but at least Joe is not in jail in Buckeye. I like lemonade… but not that much!

Motel across from the Buckeye Courthouse.

Sunset in the Buckeye farmland....

Across from the farm this road sign was lit by the sunset. On the otherside of the roadblock are plans for hundreds of new homes. Below, Old Town at night.

The Buckeye Elks were meeting that night. I asked one of the Elks for a photo of him but he objected and bolted into the lodge.

Below, Hobo Joe basks in the sunshine located in front of the Buckeye Meat company. The iconic statue originally stood in front of the Bobo Joe Coffee shops. Sculpted by Jim Casey, this particular statue is the last surviving 25 footer.

Found Art:

On the way back to Los Angeles, we stopped in the desert community of Quartzsite where snowbirds stay for the winter.

Windmills of Palm Springs...

For more information on Buckeye visit: www.buckeyevalleychamber.org

Holidays with Babies...What a celebration!

2008-12-18T10:29:00.000-08:00

A couple of photo sessions celebrating new life and Christmas. These two little ones were amazing to work with.
Danielle is a little gift to the world!

Little Ben celebrates with anticipation the birth of his brother and sister. His Mom just birthed the twins the other night. What a Christmas present!

Magazine Covers

2008-12-04T15:01:00.000-08:00

It was fun to create these magazine covers two for the holidays. The Glow Magazine is a new magazine. I photographed the CEO of eWomenNetwork with the sword as a "Fearless Woman" portrait. I have done several covers for LA Parent this year. I particularly liked shooting the Holiday issue. The article inside was about teaching your kids how to give back. We also videotaped the photo shoot and will have the "making of an LA Parent Cover Shoot" up on our website sometime soon.

I have photographed two covers this year for Westlake Magazine. The first issue featured the ex-bachelor, Andrew Firestone and his beautiful bride Ivana. We had so much fun shooting all over the historic Corral Casino in Santa Barbara, right on the beach. What a gorgeous couple and extremely gracious and down to earth.The most recent Westlake Magazine Cover of Leeza Gibbons and her children was from a family portrait session we did last year. The article about Leeza honored her Mother who recently passed away from Alzheimer's. You can learn more about Leeza's dedication to her mother and foundation at www.leezasplace.org.

Fearless Women Panel at eWomen Conference in Dallas

2008-09-26T21:29:00.000-07:00

At the eWomen International Business Conference, I was on a Fearless Women Panel. Here is a photo of the moment I pulled out my Fearless Women book with CEO Sandra Yancey's fearless image as a book cover. She had just explained how she was not good in front of the camera and then I surprised her with her own image on the cover. That was really fun!

eWomenNetwork Fearless Portrait and Emmy Winners

2008-09-21T20:09:00.000-07:00

Michelle Peavy and Adryenn Ashley are the silent auction winners for a Fearless Women Portrait and Emmy package. They bid a lovely sum of money that went to the eWomenNetwork foundation. For information you can go to the link above. We had such fun this morning giving them the red carpet treatment at our studio. We had the fabulous makeup artist, Donna Gast, creating amazing makeup and hair for these two beauties. My husband, Chef Joe, put out a spread of food to nourish our Goddess bodies. We also video taped this event which will be on eWomenNetwork website in the next few weeks.

So I photographed Michelle and Adryenn seperately and together. Their enthusiasm lit up the studio. In this town of Hollywood, I experience so many people that are blase about going to awards shows and ho hum about life. It is so refreshing to photograph two women that are truly exited to walk the red carpet.

Michelle is a wonderful singer and will break into song at any moment. She will be on Jimmy Kimmel Live tomorrow night. She told us that she was in the audience the other night and Jimmy asked if anyone had any talent in the audience. Michelle immediately raised her hand and was brought on to the stage. She sang a number and said the band kicked in the accompany her. What courage she has to just let her talent out like that with complete joy.

Adryenn blogged on Twitter.com/Adryenn, as she walked the red carpet. She reported being interviewed on the red carpet by Extra! and the Armed Forces radio. I look forward to hearing more about their adventure.

Fearless eWomen Network Women

2008-09-07T13:41:00.000-07:00

I had the most extraordinary experience this past July. I was invited to be on a Fearless Women panel at the eWomen International Business Conference. They graciously honored my book, "Fearless Women: Midlife Portraits" with this panel and brought in Sherry Williams and Andrea Ridout, two extraordinary fearless women featured in the book. It was thrilling to have the video of the making of the book viewed by 3,000 women and then be on this esteemed panel of women moderated by the fearless and fabulous, Sandra Yancey, CEO of eWoman.

A portrait studio was set up for me to photograph women at the confere

nce that desired a "Fearless Portrait". They scheduled me two days for the portraits sessions. I thought I would perhaps photograph 20-40 women. Half way through the first day, we were told that the requests for portraits were overwhelming and they asked if I could I stay for an extra day. It's hard to believe that I could possibly photograph 90 women in three days but that was what happened. It was as if time was suspended to allow me the time to spend with each woman, hear their stories and photograph them. You must know that this was a business conference. I have been at many women's conferences but never experienced a conference that had so many women with such open hearts. It is an experience I will never forget.

With each woman that stepped forward to hold the sword for their session, I would hand it to them and most often emotion ran over them like a waterfall. They all felt the energy of the women that had held that sword from the book. It made me realize how profound that symbol of courage is for us all. What a gift of learning for me to meet and experience all these fearless women. So let me share just a few photos with some stories and emails from them. There are so many to share and perhaps I will share more at a later blog.

With a purchase of a 20x24 canvas each woman received a book jacket that fits my "Fearless Women" book. Here's the fearless Mom and daughter, Mary Jo and Rachel.

I had some very wonderful emails from many of the women that were photographed. After receiving her portrait in the mail, Suzanne Mulet said: "I just received my portrait and I am at a loss for words. When I looked at the photo, it brought back all the emotions and feelings that I had tapped into while out in Dallas for the eWomenetwork conference. My daughter, Alex very much loves the portrait as well and helped me find a place in the house to place it. I have it on the wall just outside my bedroom door so that I can see it on my way in when going to bed and on my way out in the morning. The photo I ended up choosing inspired me to have a sub-line on my book in progress; 'Weighty Wisdom-Finding Strength from Within'. Thank you so much for being a conduit for the strength that I do have fro within; I now have a physical reminder of what I often forget about."

Adrienne McGill sent me this email before she received her 30x40 portrait of herself in bra and panties. Adrienne owns a lingerie boutique outside of Chicago. When she came to me for her fearless portrait she told me that her mission was to support and encourage women to love their bodies as they are. She said that if she didn't pose with the sword and show her body, she wouldn't be walking her talk. Here's what she wrote: "I have to confess to you-I am not feeling very fearless. Doubt keeps trying to rear it's ugly head. What have I done? Will it be too big? Will I look too fat? Will I scare my customers? What will they think? Will I look like a narcissist? I thought I slayed the beast of self-doubt with that sword. What the heck? Does it not die? I am anxious, excited, proud and inspired. What a combination! Patiently and (almost) fearlessly waiting, Adrienne."

I picked up the phone to call her and caught her at her store. We had the most wonderful conversation about fearlessness and courage. By the end of the call we were both energized and inspired. Adrienne is planning a "Fearlessly Love Your Body: Honoring Breast Cancer Awareness" at her store Adrienne Clarisse in Libertyville, Illinois, for the month of October. Isn't it amazing what we can do when we walk through our fear and embrace courage?

Sami Douglass emailed:
"The rose petals created the perfect feeling for my portrait. How creative we were. Holding the sword, suddenly became something I had to do, in my body I felt that it would be a validation that I was in fact a fearless women. I knew that in my heart, but the sword, the experience seemed to capture externally what I was feeling internally.

After a year of a business partner taking 150k dollars from me. A fiance that turned out to be looking for a meal ticket, and the unexpected passing of my best friend, I turned from fear and sought fearlessness, trusting in the Universe that all things are for a higher purpose.

I can know look at myself standing bravely in the center of Love, knowing that's the only place to stand.

Maryann, thank you for staying over, and working to accommodate so many. I know you were exhausted, and I appreciated your time."

Meeting Kimberly Tilton was inspiring on many levels. After confiding that she is a recent breast cancer survivor, she decided to celebrate her fearless recovery by posing topless with the sword. She writes:
"Having the sword as a symbol of my fight against cancer, that warrior spirit that exists in each of us, was very powerful. The shoot also made me feel beautiful in a way I really hadn't since the surgery."

Carla Deniz said:
"I just got the picture (YAY) --PERFECT timing. I was desperately trying to get out of a small pit of self-doubt and pity I found myself in since yesterday afternoon--ugh, I HATE that!--the picture picked me right up and made me feel confident and powerful. THANK YOU! My husband saw it, smiled, and said 'Now that's what you look like on the inside--that's why I married you--you have a light that shines and an inner strength that's beautiful.' I'm going to cry! Thank you so much for your time and joy and fearlessness. I will always treasure this." It made me cry.

These are but a few stories of inspiration and appreciation for the Fearless Portraits. It fills my heart with such gratitude to know that my book and the fearless message is inspiring so many. I feel so satisfied and fulfilled and a real sense of peace...a knowingness.

A big thank you to all the women who have trusted me and revealed themselves in front of my camera. What an honor for me.

I continue to walk my fearless journey every day knowing on the other side of fear is courage, love, joy and sometimes even pure bliss!"

Fearless Families Exhibit-April 15- August 31, 2008

2008-07-01T19:55:00.000-07:00

I am proud to feature these amazing families in an exhibit at the Westfield Fashion Square Mall in Sherman Oaks. I am honored to have been commissioned to take their portraits. They all are contributing their vision, passion and energy in the most positive ways to create balance in this world.

Thanks to:

The Grossman Family

The Grossman Burn Foundation

www.grossmanburnfoundation.org

Nancy and Read and Wyatt Jackson

www.act-today.org

The Gerber Family

www.jiggywiggits.walkmssocal.org

Nanci Chritopher and Joshua

American Liver Foundation

Leeza Gibbons and Family

www.leezasplace.org

Babies, Babies, Babies

2008-05-09T17:09:00.000-07:00

The playfulness of an 8 month old is amazing. Of course, put a cute hat on them and fuzzy booties and how can you go wrong....adorable.

I am crazy about photographing babies. After 23 years of photographing actors, it's a great new experience. However, there are some similarities. I suppose to be a great actor one must be in touch with their "inner baby".

Babies are truly in the moment and it's like Sandy Meiser's acting technique of "moment to moment".

When I create a baby portrait, it puts me totally in the m0ment. I have to work very fast, stay in my joy and be very patient. Babies feel everything. They express in the most primal way. They are pure light energy....

This little boy is two weeks old.

Already

he is a little Dude

Goddess Circle for the New Year

2007-11-27T12:26:00.000-08:00

Goddess Circle
Manifesting Miracles and Magic
in the New Year!
January 12, 2008
10am-5pm
Halpin-Croyle Studios

Come join us for the Fourth Annual Goddess Circle. It is a day of reflection on your beauty and power within. It's the beginning of a new year and a great opportunity to open up your heart and manifest miracles and magic in the New Year of 2008. It is time to reflect on your intentions for the year...let go, play, share, network and participate in ceremony. There will be many surprises and many miracles!What to expect that day: Yoga dance, sit in circle with other powerful and fun women to create intention and connect with the reflection of your inner Goddess, creation of your own vision board and network with wonderful creative women.
Guest Intuitive/healers: To be announced.Cost: $88.00 (includes a sumptuous lunch created by Chef Joe and materials)Payable by check, cash or credit card.
Payment in full required to hold your spaceHealers, readers, etc are all optional @ add'l cost

Sorry guys....it's for women only. Please forward this on to your favorite Goddess!

Yours in the Goddesshood,
Mary Ann Halpin

Where & When
Halpin-Croyle Studios
January 12, 2008
10am-5pm
Location: Near Universal Studios
Space is limited
Call for a reservation and information:
323-874-8500
www.maryannhalpin.com

Who is the Goddess?
The Goddess is the embodiment of the Divine Feminine. She is passionate, creative and forthright. Her heart is open and compassionate with a core of inner peace that is unshakeable. The Goddess glows with beauty, spirit and strength. Her magnetic presence draws many to her.
You are the Goddess!

Portraits with a Purpose

2007-08-21T15:05:00.000-07:00

My mission with my photographic work is to make a difference in the world. My hope is that it will inspire others to take action in their lives to create a positive change on the planet.

Recently, I photographed a very inspiring family. I have known Nancy Alspaugh for several years as she is one of the authors of my photo essay book, Fearless Women:Midlife Portraits. Nancy and her husband Read, adopted a baby, Wyatt, now five years old. He is an amazing child with beauty and spirit. Wyatt is also autistic. Nancy and Read have worked diligently with treatment for Wyatt's healing. It's amazing to see his progress in just one year. They are doing their second annual fundraiser for Act Today for Autism, helping children recover from autism. Check out Act Today's web site for more information on the event.

This portrait of Nancy and Wyatt is a wonderful example of their relationship. While taking this image, they were reciting a story that they wrote together.

I love my creative expression called photography!

Celebrate Your Life As Art

2007-07-25T22:03:00.000-07:00

In doing portraits, I have been on a mission to help people "Celebrate Their Life as Art." I think it is a noble cause. I see artistry in every human I meet. That is what makes my job so amazing... I get to photograph the artisty of the human form and emotion. I love it!

And speaking of artistry, I have been photographing my great neices, Tess and Tatum since they were in their Mommies belly. Here are the recent portraits taken recently. I must say, they are really used to the camera. After we were done with the session I asked Tatum who is 5 years old, whatwas her favite part of the day. She said, "having my picture taken". We do have lot's of fun! It's really interesting watching their personalities develop and change over the years. They are so wonderful and so different.

I am posting some portraits that I have taken from a year ago and just recently. Enjoy!

Always Recreating myself

2007-06-25T16:21:00.000-07:00

This is my first entry into my new blog. I am excited about journaling my thoughts about my work. I have been a portrait photographer for over 20 years. Of course, I started when I was 12! I have photographed actors, celebrities, presidential candidates, authors, musicians and extraordinary ordinary people. I have had two portrait books published. I love what I do. Everyone is unique with such interesting stories. I have always been a very curious person. I truly enjoy hearing about someones life.

Making a transition from portraits for the entertainment industry into family and children fine art wall portraits has been a natural progression. It seems that I will still photograph celebrities but in quite a different way. I photographed Leeza Gibbons right after Mother's Day with her three children. She said it was her Mother's Day gift to herself. It was so much fun seeing the playful relationship with her and the kids and the fun the siblings had with each other during the photography session. I know it's a great photo session when there is alot of laughing.