What I Did this Summer

Well, I don't have a written down Bucket List, but there's a whole bunch of stuff in my head that I hope to do and experience before I die. I want to ride in a hot air balloon, travel to Amish Country, take my hubby to Four Corners, USA, see the Grand Canyon, eat super fudge chocolate cake and coconut cream pie until I pass out...stuff like that. This summer I was able to fulfil one of those wishes. Ziplining. It was pretty intimidating at first, signing a bunch of waivers, being harnessed up, safety lessons, and of course the sheer terror of jumping off a tall structure praying that a glorified clothes line will hold you up (at my size no less! - see the cake note above) .

Thankfully I have a friend who also had this desire, and we challenged each other to go through with it. We're both named Rhonda, maybe that accounts for our joint lack of good sense. Good for both of us that the first person in our group to fling themselves into the air was a 6 year old child--she was fearless! Us, not so much. ;-) But WE DID IT!

Gone Fishin'

I'm having so much fun photographing our "Gone Fishin'" Limited Edition event! I had a little guy this morning who just kept me laughing, I'd take a couple of photos, and then he would hop off to another spot. I finally decided he was a rabbit, but a sweet one.

If you missed out on this weeks sessions, we have some times open for next Thursday as early as 8:00AM or as late as 7:30PM. You don't want to miss this!

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Celebrate with me...

I just competed the last of the requirements to earn my Photographic Craftsman degree from the Professional Photographers of America. Special thanks to the folks at the Professional Imaging Group of Eastern North Carolina who had me speak for them in New Bern a couple of weeks ago, earning me the final "merit" in my journey. Woo-hoo!

I'll officially gain my new title and more alphabet soup to go behind my name next Spring. If you're having trouble knowing what title to use for me, I'll happily answer to either "Majesty" or "Hey You!"
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Photographic Craftsman, (Cr. Photog.) = One of the highest recognitions for speaking, writing, or mentoring on photography; positions the photographer as an authority in the industry. -Awarded in recognition of service to the profession as an orator, author, or mentor.

He's so sweeeet!

Nothing like a newborn baby to make you understand just how common miracles are. Little Gavin was so much fun to photograph, and this was hands down (some pun intended) my favorite image from the session. His mommy and daddy supplied the antique Coke box, and it was the perfect prop.

In case you don't already know, it does take a little fairy dust to get a pixie sized sleepy-head in this position for a photo. But not much. ;-)

And Baby Makes Three

Ok, you all know I love babies. The cutest thing other than a baby (or a mamma with a baby bump) is those itsy bitsy shoes. I don’t like to put them on the itsy bitsy feet, because those little toes are too cute to cover up, but I DO like the shoes. Cuteness!

This is one of my faves from a recent maternity session. Daddy loves sneakers, can ya tell?

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Some Things Are Free

We hear it a lot, the old saying that goes "Nothing in Life is Free." I've said it plenty of times, haven't you? Well, I got reminded this weekend that sometimes that's not true.

I find myself doing a good bit of volunteer work with organizations that I believe in, and I'll be the first to say that some of it benefits my business. I'm not ashamed of that in the least, particularly since owning my business is what allows me the flexibility to volunteer as much as I do. But many of the things I give my time and energy to have nothing to do with bringing business in the door.

Every year I join a group of other volunteers and photograph "prom" pictures for a group of special needs folks at their annual "No Limits Formal Dance" in Winston-Salem. The attendees come from all over the triad, and they truly have a night to remember. I was told they had about 900 in attendance this year.

So on Friday night, we set up four photography stations, using volunteer photographers, assistants, and check-in staff. The equipment was donated for the night. Some wonderful folks worked for weeks making corsages and boutonnieres to give to the attendees. There were literally hundreds of neckties and bow ties available for the guys--again, free of charge. I don't even know all the other things that were donated to help make this a very special night.

What I do know is this, my co-volunteers and I did it for free. I had a great time, I enjoyed seeing everyone all dressed up and enjoying the evening, I got a lot of hugs and smiles, and I was reminded how blessed I am with my health. So maybe it wasn't free after all, looks like I got paid pretty well.

What a Cutie-Pie!

I introduced you to the youngest member of my family a few months ago, Baby Brooklyn. She's now six months old, and full of personality.

I photographed her for her "Baby Detail's" panel while we were in Virginia for the Easter holidays. We got some great shots while she showed off her wiggling skills, ha-ha. She's as sweet as she is cute, and those chunky little legs are just adorable! Do you see all that hair? At this rate she'll have braided pigtails for her one year portraits.

For this session I used my sisters french door as a soft box light, and used a large footstool that I covered with black fabric to put Brooklyn on. In case you're wondering, yes, most babies do leak when they're naked for more than two minutes. Yes, she was, and yes, she did. Nope, I put plastic down under the black fabric 'cause I knew that would happen and I didn't want my sister upset with me. ;-)