Kids being kids...

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

is really what this day was about! On President's Day, my son's baseball club came out to the baseball park to meet up with a group of kids from Community Connections, located in Jacksonville.  Initially I thought that this might be a day when our kids learn about those less-fortunate.  As it turned out, they didn't.  There was no distinction between these kids except that the boys from the baseball club played baseball a little bit better.  I can tell you that my heart warmed watching them interact. I can tell you that many of the kids learned that fortune or misfortune is as diverse as all of the children who were there. What a great day to be a kid!

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I'm itchng...

Sunday, February 14, 2010

to do some serious photographing today.  Sitting in my husband's truck in a parking lot, using my daughter's laptop to blog my day when I'd rather be shooting is a little boring. So I sat here with my 35mm prime lens, snapping pics of my husband playing on his phone, my son drinking his Gatorade and anything else that was 1/2 interesting while I wait for my son's team to play their game. Why am I not out shooting your family's photo? Today, we're spending some family time together at a baseball field in Leesburg. Lots of opportunity to grab some action shots.  I love that! So, instead of your family's photos, I am shooting my family's photos. It's all good.

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Oh the weather outside is FRIGHTFUL...

Thursday, February 11, 2010

and this is Florida?  It has barely gotten out of the 40s today and I can't believe how cold it has been! I suppose I should be glad that I'm not up north where my friends are housebound because of the snowblizzards.  I just wish it was warm enough to get outside and do some photosessions. I admit that I am allergic to the cold. Not really, but after 10+ years in Germany, I traded the beauty of Europe for palm trees and the Sunshine State...I hope it warms up soon!

In the meantime, here's a sneak peek from my session on a mildly cold day. The guys were, as Mom said when she met me at the park, "not happy about being here to do this" but I promised it would be painless. I think Mom will be pretty happy with the results! Stay Warm! 

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"But I get MORE photos for $35.00..

Friday, February 5, 2010

from the kids' school picture package". I know. I've done the research and I've seen the school packages offered.  Sure you get more photos of one pose for less money, but does that photo really reflect your child's personality? Is that photographer personally and professionally invested in capturing this moment in time and focusing on the features that make your child both unique and beautiful? I had this conversation with a friend last night when I was talking to her about my growing business. She said "We always order the school packages because every year we pop the new photo in front of the old photo and they're all there in the frame. We get a kick out of looking back through the years and seeing how much the kids have grown."  Well, I understand that. So I ask: If you want to see what they look like throughout the years, why not infuse that photo with personality-something that says "This is me, today"? So I gave her an example: Her oldest daughter is a thespian. I asked how cool it would be if she had the playbook in her hand as she studies her lines or if she was photographed on a set? Now that would not only be a portrait of 'what she looks like' today, but also reflects WHO she is today.
Custom photographers are not interested in just 'taking a picture'. We want to get to know you and your personality and your photographic needs, bundle them up together, create a piece of art, add a bow and present the custom photo that truly says "this is me". We are personally committed to each client and their needs and providing QUALITY portraits.
So, when you're thinking of photographs and shocked about the cost of custom photography, I urge you to think of this as more than a picture. The time we make to educate, train, practice and grow to become a photographer with our unique style, apply our knowledge behind the camera, and commit to getting to know you so it is truly captured on camera is what we like to call your INVESTMENT.

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Every day is a learning experience...

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

It seems that on this new journey, I am learning something new every day. I don't quite know HOW this makes me feel---ignorant? overwhelmed? excited?  There is so much to grasp in this world of being a business owner---sales, marketing, my trade, the vast and crazy world of the internet with blogs and twitter, e-commerce, websites...And then today, that I really DO have something to offer others, despite my lack of  knowledge of the business world. Today, I taught a fellow photgrapher how to work some magic with her images.  To share my knowledge with someone else...it's a great feeling.
There are so many places that I seek to enhance myself in this business of photography. I just like to take pictures. I just do. I want perfect, sharp, artistic and unique photos every single time I process them.  Each day I strive to become better at my trade so that I can give you a cherished moment.  I listen to the advice and knowledge of my fellow photographers and continue to grow as a photographer.
The internet is both my bain and my brawn.  It opens a world of knowledge to me and also exposes that I have so much more to learn.
I urge you to take a moment...think of something you've "wondered about"... stick it in a search engine and learn about it. Stay excited about it.
I can tell you that, every day that I learn something, I also find that there is more to be discovered! This, I hope, will help me continue to give you the photos you are seeking and enhance my creative ability.

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Precious Family Moments...

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

are sometimes difficult to capture on film.  Here's an example of a moment I caught this weekend at the baseball field. It was random and luck that I was able to get this photo on a day when the park was packed with people. One of my friends was standing there with her adorable daughter, bundled from the cold while watching 1 of her sons playing baseball.  Behind her are the Grandparents who also braved the elements to take time to watch their Grandsons' opening day on the field. It's a moment that I was lucky enough to freeze in time.
~Take a moment and think of the last time you got some great, natural photos that reflected your lifestyle and personalities.  Do you even have a photo like this?  If not, I'd love the opportunity to provide you with some that will reflect the unique traits and personalities that make each of us beautiful! Take a look at my website gallery for examples of other portraits I have taken, then be sure to make your appointment to capture that precious moment!

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Pursuing a dream...

Monday, February 1, 2010

It's what I am doing today. I want to become your personal photographer! 
Are you looking for an updated family portrait? 
Did you miss out on the perfect shot of your child's game-winning catch or goal?
Were you looking for something other than those posed yearbook shots for your child's annual portrait? 
It's my dream to continue to affordably provide you with photos to freeze these special moments in time.

So, why am I talking about pursuing dreams today?  This young lady is pursuing her dream to become a model. She took a modelling course last summer and needed photos for her portfolio. The sacrifice she made for the day was to pose outdoors in sub-50 degree temperatures for almost 2 hours. I had a great time working with her and look forward to future sessions to help her achieve her goal to become a model! She's already proven that she has the stamina to be out in the elements! Follow your dreams...

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