on a sentimental note...

This is what it's really about. Life is not about our homes or cars or stress or the other nonsense we devote way too much of our time to. It is about our relationships...the love we give and take...about how well we treat ourselves and others. I was just so moved by these pictures as I was sitting in front of my computer screen editing them. One of the things I love about my job is the opportunity to capture emotion like this..to be a part of people's lives and to witness and document thier memories. I am so heartened by L & B's love for each other and the love that they are already giving to thier unborn daughter. These images represent hope for our disentegrating society: here are two people that will teach thier child love, respect, and honor; who will appreciate the gift that has been lent to them; and will in turn make the world better.

"If there is righteousness in the heart, there will be beauty in the character.
If there be beauty in the character, there will be harmony in the family home.
If there is harmony in the home, there will be order in the nation.
When there is order in each nation, there will be peace in the world." -- Ancient Chinese Proverb

Gotta love those seniors...

Here is a sampling of some of the seniors we have had recently! I've had such a blast with them! We are REALLY looking forward to the upcoming year--lots of new products and exclusive offers. If you, or someone you know, is interested in applying for Ambassador program, get in touch with me ASAP. There is an application process, but those seniors receive thier senior portraits at cost and are eligible for a cash bonus for every other senior they refer!

Go to hell Ole Miss....

Haha, I had a great time hanging out with one of my couples who are getting married this summer, Daniel and Karen. They are both in grad school at Ole Miss, and being the Tiger girl that I am, I couldn't resist a little ribbing at them! They took it well! You have to learn to accept defeat and humilation if you cheer for the Rebels, right!?
They were a wonderful couple and I am looking forward to spending more time with them. D & K came to us by referral from a 2007 couple (thanks Alissa!), but it turns out we have some other people in common as well. This wedding is definitely going to be the biggest (at least the number in the wedding party!) I have ever photographed. But, if all thier people are as good natured and fun loving as they are, BRING IT! We're going to have a blast!

A few of my favorites: (oh, did I mention we drove all the way to Bush to trespass in this beautiful field next to Dollar General!!!)

Mindy

Well, Mindy, I have to say, you gave me a first: The first time I have ever photographed a bride on a HARLEY! It was awesome! You looked gorgeous and I can't wait till your wedding!

Mirror, mirror

I recently added a very nice mirror to my ever growing collection of props. It wasn't cheap, but it is very heavy duty and safe for the kids to sit on. I had tried mirrored plexiglass, but it just doesnt give the crisp reflection that a real glass mirror gives.
Alex was the first munchkin to try out and the mirror and I must say, ADORABLE! This was the third time I had photographed Alex, and he just keeps getting cuter and cuter. You know that you live in the 21st century when the first thing a baby does with a block is hold it up to his ear like a cellphone! I know my kids hold the remote to thier ear, my ipod, whatever they can find. Perhaps this is a sign that I talk too much on the phone? No, never!
Little Wren also came to sit on the mirror, but she got to wear the snazzy pink tutu I made for my baby girls! What a doll! And what about that cute rear end!?

Baby Ethan

Newborn baby Ethan came to see me at just six days old! His mom, A, called me before they even left the hospital--I encouraged them to come as soon as possible. People are so scared to leave the house with thier little miracles until they are at least a month old, but by that point all the "newness" has worn off of them. They look TOTALLY different and aren't even curled up anymore. The earlier they can come for thier newborn session, the better. They sleep so soundly at first, allowing us to handle them and do all kinds of cool things without irritating them. Remember, I have two little ones..I understand about handwashing and not getting up in your child's face. Get them out and capture those precious first days! Besides, who wants to send birth announcements when they're 3 months old. (unless you're like me and procrastinate like nobody's business)

A & S were great and are so blessed to have such a beautiful baby. I look forward to watching him grow up! What about that little man, so cool already, throwing the peace sign for the camera!?

Will

Will, his mom, A, and cousin, L, and I made the trek to play at the cabin in Angie and commemorate his fourth year in photographs. Will goes to church with me, so I know this little guy pretty well. He is a trip, let me tell you. Will is what I like to call "grownie"--he is a much older and wiser soul than his tiny four year old stature lets on. But, he's not totally grown-up. He has entered the stage in every kid's life where toliet humor reigns supreme. Any mention of the words, "butt", "booger," "poo-poo", etc. send him spiralling down in fits of laughter. Too cute for words! My favorite of this fun session is the one of him bent over laughing his little heiny off. All I had to say was, "I'm going to wipe my booger on your booty!" Yes, folks, that is hilarious.