Autumn, Family Portraits, and FOOTBALL!

My son, James, started football this year.  I was apprehensive as he's 7, in second grade, and it's tackle.  I didn't think I'd be one of those overly protective moms, but you can't help but worry when they run around with the helmets and pads that make them look like little bobble-head dolls.  Smashed fingers, bruises, broken ankles are all part of the game.  But then I got out of my own way (something I should be doing more of) and watched them play.  Our coaches are wonderful in encouraging the spirit of the game and developing the skills necessary for them to be safe. And he's doing a great job, when he's not doing somersaults or handstands between drills.

My other son, Jeb, started kindergarten this year.  He is adapting beautifully!  I chalk it up to having great pre-K teachers and the personality of a politician.  I am sure this year is going to fly by for him, and me as well. 

Both of these milestones are even more apparent to me in their meaning as I have been helping a lot of parents with their high school student's senior ad for their yearbook. There are pictures of them as babies, on their first day of kindergarten, in middle school, and then suddenly they look like a young adult. I am ever mindful that the time with my own children is precious and fleeting.

In light of that, I will be doing family portrait specials throughout September, October and November.  It is the perfect time with the summer heat finally easing into cooler temperatures.  If you want the Fall color, call soon!  People are already filling-up those precious weekends.

In the meantime, I am off to a week of continuing education that I take every year up in Clarksville.  This year, I am taking  “High End Weddings and Portraits" from Thomas & Mario Munoz.  The wonderful thing about this class is that it applies to how I approach my high school senior photography.  Weddings are about capturing the story of a day and the essence of the relationship, one moment at a time.  When photographing my seniors, I try to capture the full range of personality that makes them unique.  I look forward to learning alot not only from two of the indstry's top wedding photographers, but from all of my classmates and friends as well.  For those not familiar with my own wedding photography, here's a sneak peek!

Don't Blink...

Wow.  It's graduation day today.  Not sure what happened to April! Between taking a much-needed break with the family over spring break, and trying to keep up with my seniors before graduation, it's been nuts.

To all of the 2011 graduates, my favorite Irish Blessing: May the Lord keep you in His hand, and never close His fist too tight.


Jeb, Lilly and Jack. We need to teach
Jeb how to loosen-up!



Speaking of graduation, my youngest, Jeb, just graduated from pre-school. I had to share what he chose to wear the the luau - keeping in mind his class award was for "King of Debate".

My other son just lost his upper front tooth yesterday, too.  It's pretty cute. Can't wait for both to go, then I will be able to do my Christmas card (and for all of you with "All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth" stuck in your head now, I apologize!).

So as with the last post, I find myself looking at new beginnings.  Both of my boys will be in the same grade school in the Fall.  This amazing group of 2011 graduates will be going away and the 2012 graduates are already stepping-up to make their own mark. I have been meeting a lot of new babies, too!  They are precious and tiny and growing so fast. It is a privilege to help document their first year.  The year is already half over and I'm not sure where the first part went!

With everything moving at the pace it does, I hope all of you (and me, too!) get a chance to enjoy a few slow, summer days. Of course, it's a great time to get the family together for that portrait you've been putting-off for so long, too!  Stay tuned for the adventure that was my family's portrait at the beach...



New Ideas, New Chapters, and New Season

I just returned from SEPPA (South Eastern Professional Photographers Association) and I am so motivated and inspired.   I am reminded at every turn that our most valuable asset is time and the way we spend it is critical, both in our business and personal lives.  I wish I were 4 people so I could impliment all the ideas I have after a week of learning.  I have narrowed it down and will be using a few starting now to continue to improve both my skill and service so I can make my client's experience even better.

I am proud to report that the images I entered in print competition did well on our state level, with all four receiving merits.  I look forward to posting them after they enter national, but as some of the judges are friends I don't want to ruin my chances before then by letting them see (they are not allowed to judge if they know the maker).

On another note, it's always interesting to me when April fast approaches and suddenly graduation is around the corner.  Some of the seniors I have gotten to know will be moving on to their next chapter in leaving home for college soon.  Every time it seems like the year has flown by, and this year is no exception.  This group of 2011 graduates continually amaze me with their involvement, work ethic, academic excellence, service and tallent.  I cannot wait to hear how they do in their next venture and have high expectations for their future success in all they put their minds to achieving.

And it comes at a time when there are new beginings all around us.  I love Spring in the south.  The dogwoods are creating an artistic canvas in the forests and the azelas are all showing the beginning of color.  My son, James, was born in April and these images always bring me back to the time when I started my new beginning as a mom. 

Now we have our annual charity event with bunnies.  This year our session proceeds will be donated to the Teacher Grant program created by the Junior League of Forsyth.  They are helping teachers to create programs that will support learning in the classroom.  There are studio and outdoor sessions available, just call to schedule.

I am sure I will see the students who benefit from this program when they are seniors, and will be just as proud of the adults they will become. 

Getting Ready...

The end of the year is always crazy busy for most photographers and I was no exception.  After some much-needed downtime in January, a trip to a national photography convention for inspiration and to test for my Certification (I passed the test, now submitting images for review - I'll let you know!), and creating a marketing plan for the year, I finally feel ready for the year.  Well, almost.

I look forward to print competition in March where I will be able to see my images rated and critiqued by my peers.  This is always a nerve-wracking experience, but well-worth the investment.  I have some strong images this year.  They either will do very well, or get critiqued enough to go re-work them.  Either way it is a great experience. 

I am getting my reps for the class of 2012 scheduled.  If you know of a rising junior who is interested, just let me know.  We have charity events with our Easter bunnies and Santa at Wakoola Water Gardens again.  I am already scheduled to volunteer at a few events and look forward to lending more support as opportunities arise. I am working on fundraisers and promotions and contests.  I'm creating family portrait promotions and am starting to take more pictures of babies - I love the newborns! 

There is always so much to do.  It seems no matter how prepared you are, there is always more.  I am trying to do a better job of turning out the lights and spending more evenings with the family.  The eternal struggle for balance is ever-present in my home. 

I leave for a business seminar next week with one of the - no, THE top trainer in the industry.  It is an honor to be accepted into this class given my business has only been going for 2 years as of March. I am hoping to be fully prepared for all that comes my way this year.  Looking forward to growth, taking lots more pictures, and meeting the people I get to call my clients.