Photography by Maggie — Leander

Photography by Maggie — Leander

Written by Kara Vaught Tuesday, 07 August 2007

Photographer captures more than the lens can see.

Maggie Messer caters to her clients, even scheduling around their nap times and breastfeeding schedule.

A professional photographer since 1999, Messer specializes in child, wedding, portrait, maternity and special-event photos.

She will photograph no more than two weddings a month and one per weekend. Only one baby session is allowed per morning or afternoon.

“Babies might take an early or late nap, or they might be cranky and need to take a break. It’s about capturing them at the best time, not about squeezing somebody else in," Messer said.

She offers a variety of final product formats, including fine art canvas, classical canvas, gift portraits and albums. Before the shoot, she counsels her clients on wardrobe and scene choice, and afterward she helps them select a frame to compliment their home décor.

This year, for the first time, Messer entered her work in competitions against other area photographers.

“I’ve been going to [contests] for four years, but I didn’t enter because, looking at the other work, I just wasn’t ready. I’m now slowly getting out there.”

In April, she won the Austin Professional Photography Association’s monthly contest for The Bout, which depicts siblings Brock, Bailey and Mason Bunce in a boxing ring.

“I told them I wanted to do something different and funny and see what we could create,” Messer said. “I love the simplicity of it and the story behind the boys. They were having a blast.”

The photo received second place in the APPA’s annual portrait competition, and will now be entered in the Professional Photography Association’s international print competition.

The entry is important, she said, because it could potentially earn points toward her master of photography designation, one of Messer’s life goals.

“It’s just about proving to myself that other people enjoy my work. I’m pretty critical of myself, so if my print can score well, then I know an amazing photographer said my work was good.”

Photography by Maggie, 834-7860 • www.photographybymaggie.com