Small Slices

Just One

2008-08-02T07:16:00.003-05:00

Sarah has always been a big fan of the Disney princesses. For a while there she was watching the movies all the time. Right now its Hannah Montana. How did that happen?! I didn't think she even knew who Hannah Montana was. That's a post for another day. =) Anyway. Anna hasn't really gotten into the princess movies yet. But she LOVES all things princess. And her favorite dress-up outfit is Snow White. I just couldn't resist adding the apple. ;)

I'm off to Atlanta for a girls weekend!! I will not have my computer with me, so I will return emails on Monday.

Busy, Busy, Busy

2008-07-26T11:10:00.003-05:00

This summer has been so, so busy! I've really enjoyed meeting new clients, and reconnecting with repeat ones, too. Thank you so much for your support! Can you believe its the end of July and back-to-school is almost here?! I can't get over the fact that I have an almost-first grader.

I only take on a few sessions per month, so July is pretty much booked up now. I'm now booking for August and September, and you're welcome to schedule your holiday session as well. This year I'm planning to do one or two days of mini-sessions for Christmas photos. These mini sessions will also offer a special collection, including Christmas cards. I'm still working on the details and the location, but I'll have more information soon.

END OF SUMMER PROMOTIONS
For the month of August, I am promoting BIG PRINTS! I love, love, love big prints. They make a dramatic impression on your walls. Any prints that you order in size 16x20 and up are 15% off, including standard prints, storyboards, canvas, and framing.

This is a smaller storyboard, but it gives you an idea of what they look like. These gorgeous products are printed and mounted on 3/8" wood substrate, and come ready to hang.

And for both the month of August and September, I am promoting this fabulous line of photo jewelry. The entire line is 30% off! If you'd like to see more samples, email me for a gallery link and a price list.

Here are a couple of samples:

A Quickie Vacation

2008-07-26T10:46:00.003-05:00

Its been such a busy summer, but we finally manged to get away for a few days for some family time. We escaped to the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee earlier this week, to a beautiful log cabin with an incredible view. We spent lots of time exploring Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and the Smoky Mountain National Forest. We even managed to get a hike in up to Grotto Falls. We did some shopping at the fabulous outlet malls, and even took the girls for their first experience with mini-golf. I took tons of photos of course, and it will take me forever to catch up on editing, but I promised the girls we would make a book out of the photos from our trip.

Here are just a few that I've edited so far. The rest will have to wait until I'm done editing a few client sessions. =)

Our log cabin in the mountains ...

Why they call them the Smoky Mountains ...

The view from our deck ...

Just after sunrise from our deck ...

Enjoying the view ...

Before & After

2008-07-22T18:39:00.004-05:00

Have I mentioned how lucky I am? I have some of the best clients E V E R. Not only did this beautiful Mama pose for me tirelessly with her maternity session, and not only did she and her family patiently try everything I asked with the newborn session, but she let me come back for more. I got everything I needed the first time around, but there were just a few little things we ran out of time to try. I've been dying to do a before/after shot, so thank you, Christa, for indulging me!!

And one more, just for fun. =) Have I mentioned how much I love newborns?!

Almost Two

2008-07-21T13:56:00.006-05:00

Remember this little guy? Well he's almost two now! This past weekend we did his two year photos, and I can't get over how much he's grown up. Two year olds are usually tough subjects because they are all over the place, exploring the world around them. I couldn't believe how easy and cooperative this sweet was. I really enjoyed this handsome little guy, and I was so impressed with how well he says please and thank you already!

Enjoy you sneak peek, Robin. =)

Lincoln: Part 2

2008-07-15T10:48:00.003-05:00

And as promised, here is part 2!

What a wonderful big brother Zachary is going to be.

This one is a favorite of mine, so sweet. =)

Check out that cute little tongue.

There's nothing sweeter than a baby in a basket. I just love to use baskets with babies. =)

Lincoln - A Mere 5 Days

2008-07-14T08:32:00.003-05:00

Remember this gorgeous Mama? Well she had her baby Tuesday, and was excited as I was to do baby Lincoln's photo shoot. I loved how his parents were so easy going and willing to try all of my crazy ideas. And big brother, Zachary was sweet as can be to his little brother, too. Thanks for letting me be a part of this special time with your family!!

I captured so many that I'm excited about, that I'll continue with a couple of extras tomorrow. =) Did I mention how much I love newborns?!

She Keeps Growing Up on Me

2008-07-12T23:33:00.002-05:00

Sarah is six. She's been six since April. She just keeps growing up. Lately she seems to be doing growing up so quickly. I keep asking her to stop but she refuses. Sigh. I just love this sweet girl with all of my heart.

Grumpy Guses

2008-07-04T15:35:00.005-05:00

While we were in Pensacola, visiting family, I attempted a mini-shoot with my girls. I have certain ideas in my head as to what I wanted. They had certain ideas in their head about not cooperating. But I had chocolate.

Grumpy pouting ...

Seriously sad pouting ...

Tragic pouting ... check out that bottom lip ... I was afraid she might trip over it.

Look at that, a *hint* of a smile ...

Oooh, a little sass now ...

Sort of what I was going for ...

At last, a sweet and genuine smile. =) It was worth the effort.

Family Love

2008-06-30T21:37:00.005-05:00

When my cousin and his wife asked if they could hire me to take their family photos this year I was thrilled! Our kids have grown up together, and since moving from Tampa two years ago we miss them terribly. Kelli and Monty have been two of my biggest supporters, both personally and professionally. While we were living in Tampa there were times that I don't know what I would have done without them. Nothing beats family.

They chose a beautiful location, with plenty of sentimental value -- the butterfly garden at the church where they were married, and where the boys were christened. After a cloudy, rainy day, the sun decided to make an unexpected appearance, bring with it the typical hot and humid FL temps to make us all sweaty. But you know what ... I think it made the perfect spot to capture this family's love and affection for one another.

Enjoy your sneak peek.

Off for Vacation!!

2008-06-18T00:17:00.003-05:00

Woohoo! The girls and I are off for vacation, so I will be unavailable until about July 1st. I will be checking emails periodically, but otherwise will return all communication once we get back. Think of me while I'm soaking up the sun and surf. =)

And just so I don't leave you empty-handed (photo-wise), here's one more from GORGEOUS Mama Christa's maternity session.

Hot Mama

2008-06-05T10:58:00.003-05:00

Yesterday I had the opportunity to photograph this beautiful mom, who's pregnant with her second child. She was such an amazing sport, up for trying whatever I had in mind. Oh that I could have looked this fabulous pregnant!! And she's every bit as sweet and generous of heart as she is beautiful.

Here's your sneak peek, Christa. Enjoy!

Dreaming about baby ...

And I managed to get a few snaps of Christa's beloved Australian Shepard, Chevy, who was so perfectly behaved during the whole photo shoot. Doesn't he have the most gorgeous eyes?!

Is She Trying to Tell Me Something?

2008-05-30T23:09:00.002-05:00

I've been working on proofing sweet little Zoey's session this evening, and came across this adorable shot. Look at that cute face, those big, beautiful eyes. Could you ask for anything more? Wait. Look closer. Towards the bottom of the photo. All the way. Yep. Do you see it? Hm. Is that what I think it is!? =) I think she was trying to tell me something!

Sweet Z - Part Two

2008-05-25T23:11:00.004-05:00

After a nice long nap, Miss Z was so alert and happy for me. We worked hard to get some photos. And then she took a well deserved break. =) I love all the babies I work with, but this little girl is just extra special. I could sit and smooch on her all day!

Isn't it cute the way she spreads her whole hand across her face when she sleeps?! =)

Click on this one to see it larger. =)

Remember This Little Guy?

2008-05-23T23:24:00.005-05:00

Remember this little guy from last September? Well he's a big brother now! His pretty little sister just turned four months old. This week we did part one of his sister's session.

Here he is, pre-big brother.

Sharing a smile with baby sister. =)

A little closer crop ...

And because I couldn't decide between color and black/white ...

Tooth Fairy Drama: A Tooth Lost (Literally) & Recovered

2008-05-14T20:52:00.003-05:00

Sarah has been absolutely *dying* (in 6 year old typical dramatics) to have a loose tooth. Several of her classmates at school and her best friend have all lost one or more teeth. She has been devastated that she has not lost a tooth. FINALLY a few weeks ago she discovered one of her bottom center teeth was loose, and the the other bottom center tooth became loose shortly there after. Well today it finally happened ... the first tooth came out. It has been so loose I can't believe its lasted this long! It happened at school, and her teacher sent her to the nurse, who cleaned up her mouth and gave her a little baggie for her tooth. Sarah was positively bubbling over with excitement when she came home from school. Naturally the first thing we did when we got home was take a few photos. =)

She has been carrying the tooth with her everywhere this afternoon. I kept telling her to leave it in the baggie or she would end up dropping it and losing it (you see where this is going, don't you?). She even begged to bring it when we went out to dinner tonight (we told her she had to leave it in the baggie, in her backpack, and not bring it out at the restaurant ... I mean come on, people are eating!).

Where does the drama come in you ask? Tonight after we were back home she had the tooth out of the baggie (again) and managed to drop it on the floor. She was in absolute hysterics that she would "NEVER EVER find her tooth again, EVER!" 30-some drama-filled minutes later and we found the tooth down in the rug. Crisis resolved. =)

And here's the cute part. She is so excited about her first tooth and can't bear to part with it yet. She's decided to wait a while before leaving it under her pillow for the Tooth Fairy.

Want it Framed?

2008-05-13T16:21:00.009-05:00

By popular request, you can now order your frames when you order your prints! I'm so excited to introduce these gorgeous wood frames to you from The Saratoga Frame Company. They are hand-made, hand-painted, and hand-distressed, and come in a variety of sizes and colors. You can view the different styles on their website at http://www.thesaratogaframeco.typepad.com/.

Here's a quick sample:

COMING SOON: New Album Choices
In the coming weeks, look for some new options I'll be offering for your session album. These are beautiful albums and I know you'll love them!

The V Family Fun

2008-05-11T17:36:00.003-05:00

I spent some time with the V. Family yesterday, and let me tell you, this family is lots of fun. What a gorgeous family ... and you can really see the love between then. I really enjoyed my time with them! J took a while to come out and warm up to the idea of doing photos, but once he did, he really got into the fun. And C was just a little bundle of adorableness and every bit as sweet.

Thanks, D & E! Enjoy your sneak peek. =)

Some kisses from Ma Ma ...

Some tickling from Ba Ba ...

And look at these two ... no wonder their kids are so cute!

Awwww....

Spring Has Sprung!

2008-05-10T10:05:00.002-05:00

Don't you just love the gorgeous spring weather we've been having? It reminds me that we how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful place. Anyway, spring is a good time to take stock and say a BIG GIANT THANK YOU to all of my clients. I want you all to know how much I appreciate your business and your support. Without you I'd have no business.

Repeat Clients
As a THANK YOU for your support, I'm running a spring promotion for repeat clients. Book a session for the months of May or June and receive 50% off your session fee and a complimentary 11x14.

MOMS Club (Madison South)
Happy Mother's Day! As a fellow mom and MOMs Club member, you deserve something special, too. When you book a session for the months of May and June receive 50% off your session fee.

AVAILABILITY
I am only available for a limited number of sessions per month. Be sure to book early in order to get the scheduled date you desire. Spring and summer dates fill up quickly!

Heading to the Beach this Summer?
I will be available for a very limited number of beach sessions on the Florida/Alabama Gulf Coast this summer. I am currently booking for mid-late June. Beach sessions may be scheduled at Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Perdido Key, Destin, and Seaside. If you are interested, please contact me for details.

Maternity & Newborns
I still need a few more maternity, newborn, and 2009 high school seniors for some of my current projects. For a limited time, with a signed model release you will receive 50% off your session fee and a complimentary 8x10. Please contact me for more details.

And what's a post without a picture?!

Loving the Sunlight

2008-05-06T22:59:00.002-05:00

I posted a while back that I am taking the follow-up class to Wendy Schultz's workshop. Our first assignment had us exploring some more composition techniques. These next two have been all about light. This latest assignment was so much fun, and really pushed me to do some fun things I don't normally do. Here are a few from both of the last two assignments.

Some sun burst

Some sun burst and some sun flare

Controlled sun glare

Sun burst and sun flare from a different angle

Some warm backlighting and a little bit of rim lighting

The Anderson Kids

2008-05-01T13:56:00.004-05:00

I had so much fun with this crazy group! They were non-stop energy and kept me laughing the whole time. As the mom of two girls, spending time with these three rough and tumble boys (and their sweet, sassy sister) was quite an experience. They kept me on my toes, especially the twins. =) Lets just say I'm glad potty-humor is so effective with boys!

Here's a sneak peek for their mom. Enjoy!

This particular twin was a bit of a challenge! He did not want to take pictures, and he made me work for it. =)

I've got quite a few shots like this one ...

... and this one ...

... and this one ...

BUT, with a little patience, a bit of persistence, and a whole bunch of silliness ...

I also got a few like this one ...

and this one ... Isn't he a cutie?!

And an outtake for fun .... here's what happens when you ask for some silly faces!

BTW, I have not idea why but the web is making my colors FLAT. Grrrr. I'll see if I can fix that later.

Sweet Soulful Eyes

2008-04-25T22:13:00.007-05:00

Little C and big brother J have some of the most beautiful eyes I've seen yet. They were both so patient with me, and I really enjoyed working with these two stunning kiddos. What more could a photographer ask for?! =)

And who can resist a couple of little girls in pettiskirts?! It doesn't get much sweeter than this!

They Seemed Like Pros

2008-04-25T22:06:00.002-05:00

This gorgeous brother and sister were tons of fun to work with. The actually laughed at my goofy faces, silly antics, and lame jokes. And wow, they really knew how to ham it up for me! I hope they had as much fun as I did. Z and K were great sports, and followed directions like they were old pros. Here's a sneak peek for their mom. =)

She's One, She's Fun, and She's Cute!

2008-04-25T21:55:00.003-05:00

Little Miss A just turned one recently. Isn't she adorable?! She's every bit as sweet and happy as she is cute. And she was fun to work with, too.

Working on Composition

2008-04-09T18:32:00.004-05:00

You may remember a while back, I took Wendy Schultz's online workshop. Wendy is an amazing teacher and I learned so much from her class. Naturally when she decided to put together a continuing education class I jumped at the chance to sign up. We just finished up our first assignment and it was a good one!

Here are a few of my favorites ...