Wedding and portraiture photography

02-08-2012

Madison: 4 Years Old

I don’t know where the last four years have gone, but somewhere along the way my sweet little niece has grown up. She’s got a spunky personality, an uncanny wit, and the memory of an elephant. She amazes me every time I see her with how smart she is and the moments when she kisses me on the forehead for no reason, melt my heart. I’ll admit it was a bit challenging taking her pictures. It was the last thing in the world she wanted to do, especially for her “Tia Julie.” All she wanted to do was go to the house to play with Kimbo and Tessa and drink apple juice. The girls knows what she wants and has no problem telling you what it is. Thankfully, “Tio Steve” was there to make her laugh and smile so I was able to get a few shots. But she made sure to give me silly and pouty faces in between.

Madison, I love you with all my heart and I’m so proud to be your tia. You light up my life and I can’t imagine not having you around. You walk into any room and already at the young age of four, can captivate everyone in it with your bubbly personality. I hope that you continue to speak your mind and strive to be the best. I look forward to watching you blossom into a beautiful person inside and out.

We started out with her classic poses….I don’t know where she gets them from. haha

She knows tents are for sleeping when you go camping so that’s what she pretended to do!

Some fun with marshmallows!

Haha….she obviously didn’t find Tio amusing here

Her silly “I don’t want to smile for you Tia” smile

This picture makes me want to give her the world. It’s definitely being framed in my house.

She’s a little sassy….

And when she says done, she’s done. =)

Posted in Family, personal, Portraits

by admin

show hide 3 comments

add a comment

email a friend

02-07-2012

Patty and Renier: Day After Session

Posted in Day After, personal, Portraits

I squinted my eyes, preparing for the bright streak of sunlight peeking through the blinds, but to my surprise it was still rather dark in our bedroom. I thought my internal clock must be off and I woke up early. I lean over to check the time and see that it’s 8:32 am and my heart sank. That could only mean one thing…. a gloomy, overcast, rainy day. I got up and peeked through the blinds and confirmed my suspicions. I tried to think positive and that the heavy winds would have it blow over quickly. I needed the sun to come out for an awesome “day after session” I had planned for later that afternoon with my bestie and her hubby. Our ideas for the shoot included a tall grass field and lots of yummy, golden sunshine. So the rain better take a hike!

I went about my morning and started to get ready to pick up a lens rental when I got a text message from Patty. “Have you seen how windy it is outside?” I knew right away she was beginning to think the shoot wasn’t going to be able to happen. I quickly reassured her and told her not to worry about the wind and that there’s only a 20% chance of rain. Everything will work out! I went to pick up my lens and a few rain drops fell but nothing too bad. Once I got to Patty’s house to help her with her hair and make-up, the weather took a turn for the worse. It was pouring! I just kept saying, “It will be fine. It’s all going to work out.” By the time we were ready to go, the rain had stopped and left us with a cool breeze and a dramatic sky.

We headed to the train tracks and were determined to make the best of it. And by the end of the shoot, the weather had cooperated with us and we had a very successful shoot! I’m so glad we stuck with our plan and I was able to capture some beautiful, passionate, and tender portraits of Patty and Renier. I hope you enjoy them!

After playing around on the tracks a bit, things got a little steamy….

Then we headed to a tall grass field off the side of the road. Patty and I had envisioned a lush field and lots of golden sunlight. I hope these fit those visions!

Apparently, my “oh my gosh I LOVE it! Ugh so awesome!” remarks get an adorable smile out of Renier.

So fierce you two! No they’re not professional models, but seriously they could be!

After successfully not getting bit by a snake in the field, we headed over to an oak ridge to end the day.

And what a way to end the day….in the arms of the one you love with a gorgeous backdrop.

Posted in Day After, personal, Portraits

by admin

show hide 8 comments

add a comment

email a friend

01-05-2012

Academy of Glam: Pin Up

Posted in Fashion, Portraits

I had the great pleasure of working with the ladies at Academy of Glam with their pin-up themed photoshoot. The students learned the fundamentals of creating that classic pin-up look and then got the chance to be creative with their models and put together their own twist on it. The girls styled their models from their hair to their wardrobe and I must say I was impressed with the end results. The gorgeous models were sweethearts and so much fun to work with. You may recognize a few faces as Florida’s Lady Panthers. Please leave the girls some encouraging words to continue on their road to success!

Posted in Fashion, Portraits

by admin

no comments

add a comment

email a friend

01-04-2012

My BFF Family: The Baierlein Family

Posted in Family, personal, Portraits

I’ve known the Baierlein family for a little under a year now and I couldn’t be more grateful to have them in my life. They are truly beautiful people inside and out. They’re always willing to go out of their way to help others, very caring, and have a way of making you feel immediately at ease and like family. I’ve been trying to get them in front of the camera for awhile now and I’m so glad they (mainly Bear) finally obliged. =) The Baierlein’s have a great family dynamic and I hope it shows through the photos.

Cody proudly refers to me as his girlfriend and it melts my heart every time. Isn’t he a cutie?

Bear (Dad) always knows just how to make Cody smile.

I had to snap just a few of Bear and Carla together. They have such a great relationship and always put each other first.

Bear, you are one luck man to have such a beautiful wife.

Bear, Carla, Cody I love you all so much! I’m so glad you’re my BFF family!

Posted in Family, personal, Portraits

by admin

no comments

add a comment

email a friend

01-01-2012

2012 Goals and Resolutions

Posted in personal

Every new year millions of people across the globe make new year resolutions and for most they give up before the end of January. I am one of those people. Every year I make a list of goals and aspirations and every year I throw in the towel straight of the gate. Well this year, I’m making my goals public in hopes to have support from family and friends and encouragement to go beyond my goals.

2012 Goals:

1. Get healthy! -I know this is cliche but I don’t necessarily want to lose weight, I just want to live a healthier lifestyle. Eat better, be more active, and strengthen my body.

2. Be proactive in both my business and personal life. -You make your life what you want it to be. You can’t sit there and expect greatness to come to you. You have to get out there and grab it.

3. Be more social. -Attend networking events and get to know my peers.

4. Stay focused- Stay focused on my business and it’s growth. Don’t get lazy and simply say “I wish I had more business.” Follow through on ideas, projects, advertisements, etc.

5. Give Back- Find a way to give back to the community, person in need, etc. Volunteer, donate services, anything to help

6. Get Organized- Both personally and business wise. Organization helps to keep you on track.

7. Nurture my creativity- All those ideas swarming around in my head. Sit down, write them out, and then write the steps necessary to make it happen. Follow through and make my ideas come to life. Reach out to collaborate, share your vision, and MAKE IT HAPPEN!

8. Learn to say no- Say no when you’ve already taken on too much. Say no when approached with a job that isn’t a good fit. Focus on your strengths and opportunities that will push you forward.

9. Learn to let go- Outsource when it becomes too much and relinquish control. Make time for family.

10. Love deeply- surrounded myself by those I love and who love me. Always share my feelings and show my love and appreciation.

Now that my goals and open to the world, I have no choice put to push forward and reach them. Every month I’ll update you on my progress and the actions I’ve taken to reach them. Thank you for all of you who follow along and encourage me. I truly appreciate all of you.

Since every post is better with a photo, here’s a picture of my love and I on Christmas Eve.

Photos By Jewel Blog

Madison: 4 Years Old

Patty and Renier: Day After Session

Academy of Glam: Pin Up

My BFF Family: The Baierlein Family

2012 Goals and Resolutions