My Best Gift

As I am typing this post I am looking at a Christmas gift my little man picked out for me and bought with his own money. He knows that I love dolphins, and he found a little dolphin statue at his school's holiday shop. He was sooo very excited to give me his present, and has reminded me numerous times of the dollar amount that he spent. Now that dolphin is sitting by my computer so that I can look at it every day. It reminds me how blessed I am to have such a wonderful kid, husband and family, (including the cat) and every Christmas I'm so thankful that I have them to share the holidays with. They are the best gift I could ask for.

Biscuit thinks she is the best present under the tree. 

Ayden, Jackson & Dixie

I have photographed these brothers for 2 Christmases in a row, and boy did they change over the past year. They are so sweet with each other. Jackson did not want his big brother to try to hang on to him though- we pretty much just had to let him go and try to keep up! Ayden commented to his mother that it was just too hard to chase Jackson down and keep up with him for the pictures, and I said "Imagine how I feel!" It wore me out!

A December Afternoon with Allison

We were so fortunate last weekend to have mild temperatures and a beautiful sunny day. Not unusual for a December day in Charlotte! Here are more pictures from my session with Allison....

Sneak Peek- Allison

I had the pleasure of photographing a lovely young lady this weekend named Allison. I had her sitting in a field, crossing a creek, and climbing a fallen tree right over the water to take her picture. She was willing to do it all with no complaints.

Allison was telling me that I could let her know when to smile, and I told her I would rather not tell my subjects to smile if I can help it. I would rather capture a smile or laugh during our conversation, so that it looks more natural. Right at the end of our session something was said that brought lots of giggles and smiles. What were we talking about to bring on the grin in this picture? Guys, of course!

I really enjoyed it, Allison.... and thank you!

The Holidays Are Here

I can't believe Thanksgiving has past and the Christmas season is already here. It comes around amazingly fast. We are beginning the process of hauling the tree and decorations out of the garage. This Christmas will seem strange because it will be the first one in 17 years without Dottie. We found some of her hairs on the tree and it made me feel so sad. We have always had to position the tree to allow for her to pass around it by the window without knocking several ornaments off. Every Christmas morning she would barge through the room while we opened presents, getting in the way of the video camera and stepping on the boxes. It is funny how the little things your pets do that annoy you are the very things you miss when they are gone.

This will always be one of my favorite pictures.

Brandon and Stephanie

When I set the date to photograph Brandon and Stephanie at the park I was afraid the the autumn leaves would be turning brown and sparse. But, we got lucky because the day was beautiful and the leaves were still in gorgeous color. They were such a nice couple to spend the afternoon with and so cute together!

Trick or Treat

When I was a kid the Trick-or-Treaters came for hours. They would start right after dark and continue coming till 10:00 pm or so. I don't know how my Mom managed to give out so much candy. Now we have have to be more careful because there are more things to fear in today's world. The kids only come for about 2 hours and then it starts slowing down. It is still a good time and my little man loves getting all the candy, of course. We kind of threw together a Nerd outfit this year, but it turned out great. He is so funny and loves being a big goofball, so he really got into character. He has wires in his mouth for a face bow so those come in handy for making bizarre faces. I could not have bought a better costume!

25 Things

My sister reads the gossip magazines and gives them to me when she is finished. One of them always has an article where a movie or tv star lists 25 random things about themselves that people may not know. It got me thinking about what 25 things I would say about myself in such an article. So, just for fun, here is goes:

1) I am scared to death of going upside down and would never, ever, ever ride any ride that flips me upside down!
2) Both of my thumbs are double-jointed.
3) I'm not a fan of high heeled shoes because I can't walk in them and they hurt my feet.
4) When I was a kid we had a Capuchin monkey named Jigger as a pet for about 3 years.
5) One of my favorite trips was to the Grand Canyon and Sedona, AZ and I can't wait to go back out west.
6) I'm addicted to caramel candy.
7) I have always been a dog lover, but since taking in a stray cat I have become a cat lover as well.
8) My favorite scent is the smell of a Mimosa tree flower, (honeysuckle comes in a close second).
9) I love Krispy Creme chocolate iced donuts.
10) I love the ocean and being at the beach but I don't go far out into the water.
11) I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and it really stinks.
12) I use to be really good at pen & ink drawing, painting and pencil drawing, but I have gotten out of practice and don't have the skills I use to.
13) I can't do a forward roll.
14) My favorite way to exercise is walking.
15) I love watching decorating, remodeling and cooking shows.
16) I do not like horror movies and I have never even been to see one at a theater.
17) I am a fairly good cook and I love Mexican & Italian food.
18) I'm the middle child of 3 girls.
19) My son is sweet, smart and hilarious. He is an awesome kid.
20) My relationship with my (equally awesome) husband actually began as an office romance.
21) I have a very dry sense of humor.
22) If I was not a photographer and graphic designer I would like to have worked with dolphins in some way, like training them or studying their behavior.
23) I would love to retire and live in a cottage in a small coastal town one day.
24) I enjoy traveling and there are so many places I want to visit.
25) I love the Lord and I'm so thankful for all that He has given me.

True Colors

During winter, there is not enough light or water for trees to make food, so they rest, and live off the food they stored during the summer. That is why the chlorophyll disappears from the leaves and they change colors. What an amazing thing nature is, that what sounds like such a simple thing can bring such a beautiful change.

I LOVE the fall. I wish the colors could stay around longer. I was talking to my son in the car the other day about the leaves changing and how the sunlight looks different now as the sun lowers in the afternoon, because the season is changing. He was just like "Ok, whatever Mom!" I know he thinks I'm a weirdo but those changes fascinate me. Life is too short not to take it all in!

Fix-it-Friday

Every once on a while I like to take part in Fix-it-Friday on iheartfaces.com. I love editing photos so it gives me a chance to play around with an image and see what I come up with. They had a great image to work with this Friday. This is my Before and After:

Little Beauty Queen

I have had the pleasure of photographing Lillie and her sister Olivia a few times over the past year. We recently went to a farm to photograph Lillie for her entry in a local beauty pageant. Lillie is such a girly-girl. Very sweet and so patient while I am shooting. She giggles at me the whole time, so obviously she knows good humor when she hears it!

Under the Sea

I just love aquariums. Getting the opportunity to look at creatures from the ocean is just the coolest. While we were in Atlanta we went to the Georgia Aquarium, which I think is supposed to be one of the largest. They have one of those tanks that goes over your head and surrounds you, and it has whale sharks in it which are super-huge. The ocean fascinates me because it is so vast and full of so many beautiful, colorful (and scary) creatures. I'm just thankful there are aquariums like this one that ocean lovers like me can visit to get a glimpse of what is out there!

My Baby is Turning Twelve

It seems like yesterday I was holding my baby boy in my arms. I know every mother says that, but it is true. They grow up so fast! I see him becoming a young man, and I keep asking him to slow down but he just won't do it. We went to Stone Mountain G.A. for his birthday this year, which is where these pictures were taken. Happy 12th to my little man!

Autumn is Coming

I really enjoy the summer, but towards the end of the summer I am ready for the heat and humidity to be over. The fall is my favorite time of the year. I love the cool nights and warm days. The sky looks so clear and it seems like the blue is more intense. Of course, my hubby would say it is the best time for BBQ. The best part to me is all of the color. I can't wait for the leaves to start changing!

Looking Up

I am a constant sky observer. I love looking at the clouds, the moon and the sun. You don't have to travel far to capture a beautiful sky. My house faces east so have the perfect view of breathtaking sunrises right across the treetops. All of these sky shots were taken right outside my door.

My Beach Cottage Fantasy

I have an obsession with beach cottages. I love looking at design and renovation magazines, and one of my favorites is Coastal Living Magazine. I flip through the pages looking at all the beautiful homes on the coast, and imagine living in a house like that one day. That will probably never happen, but it is still my "If I won a lottery" dream. Don't we all have those?

I especially love beach cottages. The idea of having a small cottage with lots of light and casual interiors makes me giddy. I have all kinds of ideas in my head of what the style would be, the fixtures, colors, and the artwork. 

The funny thing about my "win a lottery and buy a cottage at the beach" fantasy is - I don't ever buy lottery tickets! I guess if that dream is ever going to have a chance I had better start buying tickets. Oh well, I still have my fantasy...

Home from Coastal Living in Mount Pleasant SC

Do Dogs Rule?

I was never really a "cat person" growing up. I always liked cats but I was a little more fearful of being bitten by a cat than a dog for some reason. I guess because we always had dogs and I was just more comfortable with them. Then a couple of years ago my hubby looked outside the window and told me we were in trouble. I looked out to see our son coming across the street with a little kitten on his heals.

We ended up taking that kitten in, of course, and we named her Biscuit. She has grown into a beautiful cat. She is not a lap cat, or super lovey kind of cat that wants constant petting, but she is sweet and fun to have around. She got along well with our dog, Dottie and cats are really less maintenance in a lot of ways, whether they are indoor cats or go outside.

We lost Dottie back in May, (which was heartbreaking), and now we face the "Do we get another dog?" issue. In many ways I have enjoyed not having to worry about getting home to let a dog out, and it is easier to make travel plans because Biscuit requires less care. But there is just something about a dog and their devotion that is different than a cat. I think we will give it more time and then perhaps get another dog. Biscuit won't be too thrilled, but I know a certain little boy that will be.

Capturing a Crowd

My friend Jill paid me a very nice compliment recently. She told me that the photos I had taken of crowds at the beach reminded her of another photographer named Massimo Vitali. It was so funny that she had said that, because just a few days before I had been admiring Vitali's photographs. He has a series of panoramic Italian beach photos, packed with sunbathers. Of course, my photography skills and knowledge come nowhere close to Vitali's. But I think his photographs are really cool and interesting, so I was very flattered that they reminded my friend of my pictures when she saw them.

As much as I love taking portraits, I also enjoy capturing a crowd. There is so much I can't take in as I take the picture. So, when I open the image up on my computer and look at it, there are all sorts of details to observe. It is fun to be able to look over the crowd and all the interaction that is going on. There is no posing involved... everyone is just doing their own thing!

It's My Thing

We were walking down the boardwalk at the beach one evening and I lagged behind to take a shot of father and son walking together. They had to wait on me to catch up and I told them I was getting a picture of them. My husband said "That is your thing, isn't it?" And I said that yes, it was my thing. When ever we are on vacation and we are walking together as a family I always hang back and try to catch the two of them walking. They are such buds and usually they are talking about something, not paying me any mind. With every year my little boy is growing and changing, and I love to look back at those past images of them together and see how he has grown.

Sand Between My Toes

I love feeling the sand beneath my feet. And I love the sound of the ocean. We try to make it to the beach every summer, and for me, it would not be summer if we didn't. I think my hubby would be willing to go to the mountains instead, but my son loves the water so he is like me when it comes to the beach. I'm not even a big fan of being out in the water, except for wading in it up to my knees. I love to walk along the beach and look for shells, or sit and watch people walk by while I listen to the waves. We don't get to go all that often, but maybe that is for the best. It just makes me look forward to my next visit even more.