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!