How fun! To have ten family members all together for the holidays! Coming from a small family myself, I can only imagine how wonderful it is to have all the kids together for Christmas- especially if you get to hang out on the St. Pete beach! It was a beautiful evening for a beautiful family (too bad half of them are headed back to cold weather.....). Happy new year to you all- and the rest of my clients as well!!
Whew! I finally had a minute to breath, so I figured it was about time I got my own family's Christmas cards done! ha! And then I remembered why I am like the shoe maker who has holes in my own shoes....because it is extremely difficult to photograph your own child! (which is why I do not have more pictures of him! :( sigh.....)
For the second year in a row, my family did the deep fried turkey thing...because we like low fat...ha ha! (Actually I usually do, but is there such thing this time of year?) So we all gathered around the table as Pete and Adam brought in the bird, carved it up, and served it to all 16 of us! And it was YUMMY! Not a belly left my house without being full. And the sides??!!! Heaven! And guess what we had for dinner tonight? and probably for the next 5 nights! Hope yours was wonderful- and calorie rich!
When Peggy called to book her maternity session after finding my website online, we quickly realized that were sorority sisters together at the University of Florida! What a great surprise for us both! And she has not changed- she has only gotten prettier..and her belly a little rounder- ha! Tim was a great model! So good to see you again Peggy! Can't wait to meet that baby girl!!
Move move America's Next Top Model- this is America's next top maternity model...isn't she beautiful??!! Kim, Jeff, and Austin were so fun to photograph. I think "A Pea in the Pod" will be knocking on your door any day, Kim! (For those of you who have never been in that store...think $200 for a maternity tank top! When my husband and I first went in there, they handed him a bottle of water and told him to make himself comfortable...he knew he was in trouble!! Fortunately- I love sales! ha!) Austin did a really great job--- I followed your lead, Austin! I have found that guys tend to be a bit unsure of these pictures- not Jeff! A+ for the whole family!
I know I have done the "math" title already, but it is late, I am tired- and I have run out of witty things to say this late at night (you guys all have me slammed with holiday sessions and orders--and I LOVE it!) ha! So for the third time in 3 weeks, I photographed another couple expecting twins..must be something in the water! Katrina and Danny were so fun to photograph. We played "supermodel" and Katrina was definately super! I am excited to meet the boys!
YIPPEE! My birth book from Trible's birth placed 2nd last night at the Tampa Area Professional Photographer's Association monthly print competition! How exciting! I photographed this little cutie's birth back in June- and next month I will see him for his 6 month shoot already- time sure flies!!
Meet Hannah, the Banana..as she is lovingly referred to by her family! The weather and lighting could not have been more perfect for this shoot. If only there was someone I could talk to about holding the sun in that perfect position in the sky for about an exta hour! That would really help me out! ha! But tonight, the light was on my side..and Pete, Michelle, and Hannah got to reap the rewards. Just wait until you see the rest! Enjoy!
Christmas cannot get here fast enough for Matt, Lauren, Jocelyn, and Kaitlyn- well, at least for Jocelyn and Kaitlyn! ha! Don't they look so Christmasy (is that a real word?) in their pretty red dresses? I hope Santa brings you all you are asking for girls!
Don't let the sweet face and big green eyes fool you- this little lady is a riot! Kendal had me rolling on the ground laughing- she played princess and I was in her royal court. It all started with one of her dresses that reminded her of Star Wars. And how do you deny that face? I can only imagine what she talks her mom and dad into at home! ha! Thanks for the laughs, Kendal! I will see you on TV!
I LOVE maternity sessions! When else does a woman have permission to pose half naked in front of a camera and feel super sexy about showing off all her curves? (unless of course you are a Victoria's Secret model- and well, that's just not reality!) I also love hearing a husband tell his wife how beautiful she looks...it is so sweet! Craig and Yvette are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Marshall- and I know their families are as well! Can't wait to meet him. Enjoy your sneak peak.
It seems like I have had a slew of 2-year-olds lately. Each with thier own personality, ideas, and thought processes...I really find it amazing! Little Miss Lila Bo arrived to our photo shoot looking like the most hip, shabby chic two year though- in her peasant top and cowboy boots! What a doll! And those dimples! Makes me melt! And Lila's mom has her Ph.D in child development....you know I love that!
Lynn and Rod have lots to celebrate....one adorable little 2 year old....and 2 more on the way! This time a boy and a girl- so the boys will still have one up on the girls in the house! ha! This truly is such a beautiful family- and as you can see- they take quite a stunning photograph! Can't wait to meet the rest of the crew!
Tanya won the prize for farthest distance traveled for her Diamond Girls shoot. She came in from California! (OK, so she was coming here for a business trip but she heard about me and the Diamond Girls project through a mutal friend (Jayne) and came a day early for our session!) This girl is HOT! We had so much fun! Jayne brought the champagne (pink, of course) and the flowers in celebration of Tanya's chemo completion and recent mastectomy- and amazing recovery! (She just had surgery 3 weeks ago! What a trouper!) If these images strike a nerve, they are intended to. They are intended to shock you, draw emotion, and appreciate the beauty that lies within all of my Diamond Girls (and other women facing breast cancer). Tanya has so many more incredible images (as do the other Diamond Girls), but you will have to come to our Diamond Girls Gala in February to see them! Tanya, thank you so much for your trust- it was an honor! (Oh, and that shirt---LOVE IT! I am on the hunt for one right now! In case you are interested, here is the link: http://www.savethetatas.com/)
Meet Emma! What a doll! And a Daddy's girl she is (aren't they all??!!) Her dad said something that made me laugh (and nod in total agreement), "Sometimes when I hug her I have to watch myself because I want to squeeze her so tight that her head might pop!" I know exactly what he meant! What an incredible love between parents and their children. It's like nothing else!
I photographed the staff at Dr. Aguiar's office this week- and they sure look good! What less would you expect from a staff that specializes in making you look and feel your best??!! Dr. Aguiar is a board-certified plastic surgeon with compassion and expertise that you can trust. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a member of the prestigious American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He also serves as the Medical Director of Essentials Med Spa. Speaking of which, if you call Essentials Med Spa and tell them I referred you, you will receive a complimentary Visia Complexion Anaylsis (a $75 value). Contact Jennifer at 739-0915 or http://www.essentialsmedspa.com/
Yes, you read that correctly! Pete and Jennifer are not only blessed with two adorable little boys, but they have two (sure to be adorable) little girls on the way! And I thought things in my house were busy! ha! What a beautiful evening out for a location shoot- not to mention having a beautiful backyard really helps! Looking forward to meeting the girls!
Meet Dora...a Diamond Girl- and what a diamond she is! I had so much fun today getting to know Dora- she has some aMAYSing stories (wink, wink...) of faith , courgae, inspiration, and triumph! We actually designed the first image based on a very powerful and spiritual experience she had while on chemo, when she looked at herself in the mirror one day. The second was one of four blocks that she brought with her...and it just speaks "Dora!". I was truly enlightened by you today, Dora- thank you for sharing!
Yesterday may have been a little "blah" outside, but it was a great day for location portraits! (minus the no-see-ums, red ants, and biting flies that is.....I don't make this stuff up! Those pests were bad!) But the weather was great! And Cade and Caia were amazing! They were happy to run and play and just be kids (and doesn't that make the best pictures, anyway? I think so!) These two are so beautiful. Thanks for playing with me!
WOW- how times flies...as I am sure Mike and Colleen are thinking as they get ready to send their oldest daughter, Kay, off to college....tomorrow! I am sure there will not be any tears shed in that house tomorrow......yeah right! So we were lucky enough to be able to capture some family images together before Kay spreads her wings and flies off to New York. Her adorable little sister, Maddy, will miss her so much! Both girls are so beautiful (as is mom- no that is not Kay's sister! ha!) Best of luck to you, Kay!
What an incredible day today was! And since the weather is getting so much cooler out now, many of you are taking our sessions outdoors and going on location (which I LOVE)! The M. family had so much fun out on Indian Rocks Beach today...and these 2 boys are so stinkin' cute! Jack is 4 and Alex is 3 so as you can imagine, they had the most fun running around and chasing the seagulls! But image one has to be my favorite- because when you are 3, it is perfectly acceptable to take off your pants at the beach just beacuse you want to! ha! Here's to many more beautiful weekends!!
Meet the Pink Ladies (Paula, Eileen- aka- my Mom!, and Joy). They all are on a dragon boat team together. The entire team consists of breast cancer survivors! And let me tell you....they will kick your ass in that water any day! If you have never tried this sport, you should. It is actually recommended to breast cancer survivors because of the amazing strength and cardio benefits (not to mention the emotional support.) Tampa is hosting Nationals in April by Channelside so come out and watch!
I have been so honored by all of the women who have jumped at the chance to participate in the Diamond Girls! Joy and her partner, Wendy, drove in from Gainesville yesterday for their photo shoot! (I might add that Wendy was not jumping up and down about getting her picture taken- but she sure was a GREAT sport!! We laughed alot! I am proud of you both!) I LOVE this image for so many reasons. First- make note of those 12 butterfly tattoos all over Joy's chest. AMAZING! She proudly wears those butterflies in place of her breasts, which she chose not to have reconstructed (as many women also chose). Her attitude is so fun, spirited and full of joy. Wendy had us in stiches as well! Second, it reminds me that breast cancer does not just effect the patient- it effects the entire support system. It is my hope that the Diamond Girls project will empower my models, push them just slightly out of their comfort zone (in a fun way), and encourage them to really look at themselves and say, "DAMN! I am beautiful. I am an inspiration. And I am a SURVIVOR!" Thanks so much Joy and Wendy for making the drive to Tampa and sharing your story with me!
Meet Paula! I had the opportunity to photograph Paula yesterday and as I sat and listened to her story, it seemed so familiar. So familiar because all of her struggles were struggles that many women go through, only she to deal with breast cancer on top of it all. She rarely missed work, she pushed through the bad days, and she has come out a stronger, more beautiful, and empowering SURVIVOR! Paula- thanks for trusting me with these images and for taking the leap of faith into the Diamond Girls project with me!
You may recognize this image from my splash page on my website, or from a previous blog entry..but it deserves a re-visit as it won 2nd place for me tonight at the Tampa Area Professional Photographers Association monthly print competition! YEAH! Cole's Mom and Dad deemed this one "Suspended Baby"- and I have had many requests for similar prints since the birth of this one! So excited!!! Keep your eyes peeled for more. I love competition, and I especially love winning!
Yes, you read that correctly! Jenn and Owen are expecting Owen the 5th! (I purposefully typed out 5th because I don't know my roman numerals too well so I figured I can't be the only one...and I wanted you to get the impact of the fifth! ha!) Can't wait to meet Owen- I am sure this little guy is going to have a long legacy to live up to but I bet he is up for the challenge! Great meeting you both!
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