I had the honor of photographing a very special holiday homecoming today. After being deployed for 8 months, Ben was finally home to see his wife of nearly two years, Ashley. Thanks to you both, and to your family, for allowing me to be a part of this special moment. It was an emotional reunion - Ashley could barely contain herself and ran past security, who were quite displeased to say the least! Get out your hankies and click play.
Normal business hours will resume January 5, but in the meantime, Happy Holidays!
Friday, December 26, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Giving is Awesome: And the winner is...
It was so, SO hard to choose a winner, but I'm pleased to share this very touching story send it by Ashley C. with you.
I would love to nominate my parents... they have been through so much together and have been married for 26 years and have always been there for me. About a year and a half ago my mom got really sick. It hit all of a sudden, out of no where. She couldn't remember who everyone was, where she was, and what is going on. I would call her on the phone and talk to her, and most of the time she didn't even know who I was and what we talked about. She would say things that didn't make sense, and whenever she stood up, she got really dizzy . It took the doctors about 5 months to figure out what was going on. They told us she was having silent seizures in her brain, and it was a side effect from one of her medications that she has been taking for years. We don't know what triggered it, but thankfully they figured out what it was. Those 5 months were some of the roughest times. It was about 5 or 6 months after my husband and I got married and moved away, and at that time she only had my dad there to help her with everything. He was trying so hard to take care of my mom, taking her to the doctors, trying to figure out what was wrong with her, and while he was doing that, he was stressed with work. At the time, my husband and I were living paycheck to paycheck, i was working a fast food job, and to this day I am kicking myself for not being able to fly down and help. When my dad finally called me and told me that they finally found out what was wrong, I was so thankful and happy that this wass over! That was one of the longest 5 months my family has ever been through.
My dad works so hard for his job and a lot of the time they don't even like to pay him over time... In the past three months he worked a total of 123 unpaid hours, 323 overtime hours! When he came home one night and he told me that one of the people he works with only worked 6 overtime hours, I was in shock! He works to hard and I worry about him. Every day he gets up at 5 am and goes to the gym for an hour, then showers there, and then leaves for work about 645 and most of the time works until 9-10 pm. He works Monday-Saturday EVERY week. When he comes home, he tries to eat before falling asleep. There have been a few times where he has fallen asleep while eating his food. It makes me want to cry when I see him like that.
This deployment [Ashley's husband] has been also hard on me and everyone in my family. My mother flew down in April to be there for me and help me with my husbands deployment. She helped me move across country from El Paso, TX to Kissimmee, FL. Along the way, we came across some hard times with my truck acting up, and not having the money to fix it, having my truck being broken in to and having some of the most precious items stolen from me, and also moving my sister from Huntsville, AL back to Kissimmee, FL. When my truck broke down, I didn't have the money for fixing it. I was upset and scared because I didn't know how I was gonna get it fixed. My parents told me not to worry, that they would help me. I am currently still paying them back for my truck. Having my husband be thousands of miles away in a dangerous place, and not knowing what is going on or having any way to reach him in case of an emergency is horrible. Also having him worry about my mom and I traveling cross country with our 2 dogs, was very stressful for him. I didn't want him to have any distractions away from his work.
Recently, my mom has been very sick. We have taken her in to do tests, and they can't figure out whats wrong with her. They think its her gallbladder, but they don't see anything that would be aggravating it. She just wants to sleep all day, her side hurts her so bad that she cries, and its so hard to be strong when I see my mom like that. My dad is ALWAYS there for her, and it hurts him so much to see her upset and sick..
This is why I would love to nominate my parents, Kurt and Peggy M. They have been through so much and I think they deserve it. They haven't had a photoshoot in about 15 years. I would love to give them this very special gift to tell them how much I love them and how thankful I am to have them in my life.
Thank you so much for reading and listening to my reasons on why I think my parents deserve it!
Thank You,
Ashley C
Congrats Ashley, Kurt and Peggy! Kurt & Peggy will receive a complimentary photo shoot, a 10 page 8x8 album, and their digital files. For nominating them, Ashley will receive a complimentary photo shoot and a $100 print credit!
I'm so looking forward to photographing both sessions. It's a small thing that I can give, considering all you've been through, but I hope that the images I create will hold a special place in your heart.
I'm off to celebrate Christmas Eve with my family. Check back after the first of the year for the 2008 year in review slideshow!
xoxo,
Lori
I would love to nominate my parents... they have been through so much together and have been married for 26 years and have always been there for me. About a year and a half ago my mom got really sick. It hit all of a sudden, out of no where. She couldn't remember who everyone was, where she was, and what is going on. I would call her on the phone and talk to her, and most of the time she didn't even know who I was and what we talked about. She would say things that didn't make sense, and whenever she stood up, she got really dizzy . It took the doctors about 5 months to figure out what was going on. They told us she was having silent seizures in her brain, and it was a side effect from one of her medications that she has been taking for years. We don't know what triggered it, but thankfully they figured out what it was. Those 5 months were some of the roughest times. It was about 5 or 6 months after my husband and I got married and moved away, and at that time she only had my dad there to help her with everything. He was trying so hard to take care of my mom, taking her to the doctors, trying to figure out what was wrong with her, and while he was doing that, he was stressed with work. At the time, my husband and I were living paycheck to paycheck, i was working a fast food job, and to this day I am kicking myself for not being able to fly down and help. When my dad finally called me and told me that they finally found out what was wrong, I was so thankful and happy that this wass over! That was one of the longest 5 months my family has ever been through.
My dad works so hard for his job and a lot of the time they don't even like to pay him over time... In the past three months he worked a total of 123 unpaid hours, 323 overtime hours! When he came home one night and he told me that one of the people he works with only worked 6 overtime hours, I was in shock! He works to hard and I worry about him. Every day he gets up at 5 am and goes to the gym for an hour, then showers there, and then leaves for work about 645 and most of the time works until 9-10 pm. He works Monday-Saturday EVERY week. When he comes home, he tries to eat before falling asleep. There have been a few times where he has fallen asleep while eating his food. It makes me want to cry when I see him like that.
This deployment [Ashley's husband] has been also hard on me and everyone in my family. My mother flew down in April to be there for me and help me with my husbands deployment. She helped me move across country from El Paso, TX to Kissimmee, FL. Along the way, we came across some hard times with my truck acting up, and not having the money to fix it, having my truck being broken in to and having some of the most precious items stolen from me, and also moving my sister from Huntsville, AL back to Kissimmee, FL. When my truck broke down, I didn't have the money for fixing it. I was upset and scared because I didn't know how I was gonna get it fixed. My parents told me not to worry, that they would help me. I am currently still paying them back for my truck. Having my husband be thousands of miles away in a dangerous place, and not knowing what is going on or having any way to reach him in case of an emergency is horrible. Also having him worry about my mom and I traveling cross country with our 2 dogs, was very stressful for him. I didn't want him to have any distractions away from his work.
Recently, my mom has been very sick. We have taken her in to do tests, and they can't figure out whats wrong with her. They think its her gallbladder, but they don't see anything that would be aggravating it. She just wants to sleep all day, her side hurts her so bad that she cries, and its so hard to be strong when I see my mom like that. My dad is ALWAYS there for her, and it hurts him so much to see her upset and sick..
This is why I would love to nominate my parents, Kurt and Peggy M. They have been through so much and I think they deserve it. They haven't had a photoshoot in about 15 years. I would love to give them this very special gift to tell them how much I love them and how thankful I am to have them in my life.
Thank you so much for reading and listening to my reasons on why I think my parents deserve it!
Thank You,
Ashley C
Congrats Ashley, Kurt and Peggy! Kurt & Peggy will receive a complimentary photo shoot, a 10 page 8x8 album, and their digital files. For nominating them, Ashley will receive a complimentary photo shoot and a $100 print credit!
I'm so looking forward to photographing both sessions. It's a small thing that I can give, considering all you've been through, but I hope that the images I create will hold a special place in your heart.
I'm off to celebrate Christmas Eve with my family. Check back after the first of the year for the 2008 year in review slideshow!
xoxo,
Lori
Monday, December 22, 2008
Giving is Awesome - deadline is near!
Just a reminder that the Giving is Awesome deadline is near! Entries are due by Christmas Eve, so nominate someone today!
Friday, December 19, 2008
Holiday vacation
From December 24, 2008 - January 4, 2009 I'm taking a little time off! Calls and emails will be returned once I'm back in the office and all orders placed during that time will be fulfilled after January 4, 2009. Thanks for your patience!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Giving is Awesome
Photographers are great people. And I'm not saying this because I'm a photographer. I'm saying this because a group of photographers has banded together to make the holiday seasons of many deserving families just a little bit brighter!
Giving is Awesome is a group of photographers nationwide that are giving the gift of memories to deserving families. I'm so proud to be a part of this holiday mission!
Where do you come in? You know someone who's experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, or is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances. You know someone who can't afford custom photography, but who would cherish it this holiday season. You know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family's spirit, love, and beauty.
You know someone. I guarantee it.
I want to know who they are, and I want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography -- $1000 worth, to be exact. The winner will receive a portrait session, a 10 page 8x8 inch album and their high resolution digital images. It's in your power to give them the gift of lasting memories!
Oh, and the best part? The person who nominates the winner receives a complimentary portrait session of their own and a $100 print credit. What better reason to show some love could there possibly be?
The rules:
* You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services. (Being unable to make mortgage payments for a two-million-dollar-vacation-home in Paris does not qualify as sincere financial need.)
* The nominee must reside in Florida. Tell me who you know, what they're experiencing, and why they deserve my artwork. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself as well. {If you wish to nominate someone who's not in Florida, check out Giving is Awesome for participating photographers around the country!}
* You must e-mail me the full story : lb@loribarbelyphotography.com
The winner will be announced on Christmas Eve -- get nominating! I can't wait to read all of your entries!
Open your heart to someone this holiday season -- and thanks for giving me the opportunity to open mine.
Giving is Awesome is a group of photographers nationwide that are giving the gift of memories to deserving families. I'm so proud to be a part of this holiday mission!
Where do you come in? You know someone who's experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, or is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances. You know someone who can't afford custom photography, but who would cherish it this holiday season. You know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family's spirit, love, and beauty.
You know someone. I guarantee it.
I want to know who they are, and I want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography -- $1000 worth, to be exact. The winner will receive a portrait session, a 10 page 8x8 inch album and their high resolution digital images. It's in your power to give them the gift of lasting memories!
Oh, and the best part? The person who nominates the winner receives a complimentary portrait session of their own and a $100 print credit. What better reason to show some love could there possibly be?
The rules:
* You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services. (Being unable to make mortgage payments for a two-million-dollar-vacation-home in Paris does not qualify as sincere financial need.)
* The nominee must reside in Florida. Tell me who you know, what they're experiencing, and why they deserve my artwork. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself as well. {If you wish to nominate someone who's not in Florida, check out Giving is Awesome for participating photographers around the country!}
* You must e-mail me the full story : lb@loribarbelyphotography.com
The winner will be announced on Christmas Eve -- get nominating! I can't wait to read all of your entries!
Open your heart to someone this holiday season -- and thanks for giving me the opportunity to open mine.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
So cute, it should be illegal
I'm in the process of editing images from last night's holiday parade in Sanford and this little cutie just made my heart melt!
I was there taking shots for the folks at Seminole County Animal Services & Paw Partners, who had a float in the parade.
More images - with plenty of other adorable pups! - from the event coming soon!
I was there taking shots for the folks at Seminole County Animal Services & Paw Partners, who had a float in the parade.
More images - with plenty of other adorable pups! - from the event coming soon!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Fully booked for 2008
Hey gang! Just a quick note to let you know I'm fully booked through the end of the year. If we've already spoken and we're in the process of confirming your session or client meeting, no worries, this doesn't include you.
If we haven't yet spoken and you were thinking of contacting me soon please note that all new clients (both sessions and meetings) will be scheduled for 2009. I've got several bookings this month, need to wrap up holiday print orders, and get my personal stuff in order for the holidays.
Speaking of the holidays, I will be closed from December 24, 2008 through January 4, 2009. Yay, vacation time for me! I will be checking messages and email on an extremely limited basis during this time. No print, album, or other product orders will be processed during this time.
If we haven't yet spoken and you were thinking of contacting me soon please note that all new clients (both sessions and meetings) will be scheduled for 2009. I've got several bookings this month, need to wrap up holiday print orders, and get my personal stuff in order for the holidays.
Speaking of the holidays, I will be closed from December 24, 2008 through January 4, 2009. Yay, vacation time for me! I will be checking messages and email on an extremely limited basis during this time. No print, album, or other product orders will be processed during this time.
FAQ
Time for a long overdue update of the FAQ!
Why is it important to meet with a potential photographer before you book them? (I get this a lot when I suggest the importance of scheduling a consultation.)
You spend a ton of time on your wedding day with your photographer. It's important to choose someone who you can relate to and enjoy being around! If you're comfortable with your photographer, you'll be more comfortable in front of the camera and it will show in your photos.
What style of photography do you do?
In addition to the traditional posed portraits I document your wedding day as it unfolds. From the smallest detail to the strongest emotion, I strive to capture it all.
Do you shoot film or digital? What kind of equipment do you use?
I'm a 100% digital girl and shoot with professional grade Canon equipment. Many pros shoot with Nikon equipment and I equate the Canon vs. Nikon debate with the Coke vs. Pepsi debate. Both are good, it's simply a matter of personal preference.
Can I view an entire wedding’s gallery or two?
Absolutely! I think that this is critical when selecting your wedding photographer. Viewing an entire wedding from beginning to end gives you a sense of what I present to my couples. Shoot me an email and I'll send you the access code for some complete galleries.
You do a lot of travel, how does that affect your weddings?
The short answer: it doesn't! The long answer: If I have a wedding booked, I'll turn down a travel job if it occurs during the same time (been there, done that, never regretted it!) Airplanes are great for editing, so I'll take a set of images with me to edit on the road (leaving several backup copies at home, of course!) Lastly, I may not always have the best phone service or email access when I travel, but I return all messages as soon as I can while I'm on the road (and I've always got an auto-reply and a blog post so you know when I'll be back).
When are payments due?
A signed contract and a retainer are required to reserve your date. The balance is due 30 days prior to your wedding.
How do I pay?
Credit card, personal check, and cash are accepted.
It seems to be a lot of money for some photographs.
Long after the flowers wilt and the food is eaten, photos are the one tangible reminder of your wedding day. In addition to the 6-10 hours I spend photographing your wedding day, I spend numerous hours after the wedding editing through the images I shoot and then color correcting and retouching them as needed. There's a lot more that goes into photographing a wedding than most people realize.
Are you insured?
Absolutely! This is an important one. If your photographer inadvertently causes damage at your wedding venue, s/he ought to have liability insurance to take care of things. In fact, your wedding venue may require liability insurance of any outside vendor that you hire.
Do you have back-up equipment?
Another very important question! I bring back-up equipment with me to each wedding. If, in the unlikely event that my camera were to stop working, I have a spare with me at all times. The same goes for all of my equipment.
What if something happens and you can’t be at my wedding for some reason?
This has never happened (knock wood!) but should something happen to me, I'd do everything in my power to find a suitable replacement photographer (I have a great network of local photographer friends) who would then be approved by the couple. My contract states that there is the option to refuse the new photographer and be granted a 100% refund of all monies paid.
What if I require services not included in the options?
Just ask! In most cases your request can be accommodated.
Will you be the actual photographer on my wedding day?
Yes! I do not subcontract my weddings out to other photographers. If you book your wedding with me, I will be there photographing your day. For all weddings, I also utilize a secondary photographer to provide complete coverage.
How do we know exactly what to expect from you?
You can expect professionalism mixed with fun! I'm hard working, yet easy going and I give it my all to capture the beauty of your wedding day. The images you see on my web site and my blog are a representation of the style of images you can expect to see.
What area do you cover? Do you charge travel fees?
Have camera, will travel! I'm based in central Florida, but will gladly travel anywhere! Please inquire for specific pricing regarding Destination Weddings.
How many photographs will you take?
A lot. Honestly, there is no easy answer to this one, it really depends! After the wedding, I edit the images down and show you the best which tell the story of your wedding day.
Do you retouch the photographs?
Each image I present to you is inspected, color corrected, and exposure balanced if needed. Images that are ordered (either as prints or in an album) will be treated to basic retouching. Specific retouching requests can also be made.
Can we request specific shots?
Absolutely. I even provide you with a list of suggested shots to get your brain working. It's also very important to have a specific list of formal family portraits that you would like taken on the wedding day. This helps the photography process and really the whole day, flow much more smoothly!
Are there extra fees for multiple locations?
No. You book me for a fixed length of time and we can cover as many (or as few) locations as you like during that time!
How soon will the photographs be ready?
I try to get a few teaser images on my blog within 48 hours of the wedding. Your online viewing gallery will be available within 4 weeks from your wedding. Prints take 2-3 weeks and album creation takes 6-10 weeks.
Can you provide black and white images?
Yes, black and white and sepia toned images are available.
What do you wear to the wedding?
Generally I wear a black pants and a dressy black blouse, but this depends somewhat on the wedding. If you're having a black tie affair, just let me know and I'm happy to dress accordingly!
Got questions you don't see answered here? I'm but an email (or a phone call) away!
Why is it important to meet with a potential photographer before you book them? (I get this a lot when I suggest the importance of scheduling a consultation.)
You spend a ton of time on your wedding day with your photographer. It's important to choose someone who you can relate to and enjoy being around! If you're comfortable with your photographer, you'll be more comfortable in front of the camera and it will show in your photos.
What style of photography do you do?
In addition to the traditional posed portraits I document your wedding day as it unfolds. From the smallest detail to the strongest emotion, I strive to capture it all.
Do you shoot film or digital? What kind of equipment do you use?
I'm a 100% digital girl and shoot with professional grade Canon equipment. Many pros shoot with Nikon equipment and I equate the Canon vs. Nikon debate with the Coke vs. Pepsi debate. Both are good, it's simply a matter of personal preference.
Can I view an entire wedding’s gallery or two?
Absolutely! I think that this is critical when selecting your wedding photographer. Viewing an entire wedding from beginning to end gives you a sense of what I present to my couples. Shoot me an email and I'll send you the access code for some complete galleries.
You do a lot of travel, how does that affect your weddings?
The short answer: it doesn't! The long answer: If I have a wedding booked, I'll turn down a travel job if it occurs during the same time (been there, done that, never regretted it!) Airplanes are great for editing, so I'll take a set of images with me to edit on the road (leaving several backup copies at home, of course!) Lastly, I may not always have the best phone service or email access when I travel, but I return all messages as soon as I can while I'm on the road (and I've always got an auto-reply and a blog post so you know when I'll be back).
When are payments due?
A signed contract and a retainer are required to reserve your date. The balance is due 30 days prior to your wedding.
How do I pay?
Credit card, personal check, and cash are accepted.
It seems to be a lot of money for some photographs.
Long after the flowers wilt and the food is eaten, photos are the one tangible reminder of your wedding day. In addition to the 6-10 hours I spend photographing your wedding day, I spend numerous hours after the wedding editing through the images I shoot and then color correcting and retouching them as needed. There's a lot more that goes into photographing a wedding than most people realize.
Are you insured?
Absolutely! This is an important one. If your photographer inadvertently causes damage at your wedding venue, s/he ought to have liability insurance to take care of things. In fact, your wedding venue may require liability insurance of any outside vendor that you hire.
Do you have back-up equipment?
Another very important question! I bring back-up equipment with me to each wedding. If, in the unlikely event that my camera were to stop working, I have a spare with me at all times. The same goes for all of my equipment.
What if something happens and you can’t be at my wedding for some reason?
This has never happened (knock wood!) but should something happen to me, I'd do everything in my power to find a suitable replacement photographer (I have a great network of local photographer friends) who would then be approved by the couple. My contract states that there is the option to refuse the new photographer and be granted a 100% refund of all monies paid.
What if I require services not included in the options?
Just ask! In most cases your request can be accommodated.
Will you be the actual photographer on my wedding day?
Yes! I do not subcontract my weddings out to other photographers. If you book your wedding with me, I will be there photographing your day. For all weddings, I also utilize a secondary photographer to provide complete coverage.
How do we know exactly what to expect from you?
You can expect professionalism mixed with fun! I'm hard working, yet easy going and I give it my all to capture the beauty of your wedding day. The images you see on my web site and my blog are a representation of the style of images you can expect to see.
What area do you cover? Do you charge travel fees?
Have camera, will travel! I'm based in central Florida, but will gladly travel anywhere! Please inquire for specific pricing regarding Destination Weddings.
How many photographs will you take?
A lot. Honestly, there is no easy answer to this one, it really depends! After the wedding, I edit the images down and show you the best which tell the story of your wedding day.
Do you retouch the photographs?
Each image I present to you is inspected, color corrected, and exposure balanced if needed. Images that are ordered (either as prints or in an album) will be treated to basic retouching. Specific retouching requests can also be made.
Can we request specific shots?
Absolutely. I even provide you with a list of suggested shots to get your brain working. It's also very important to have a specific list of formal family portraits that you would like taken on the wedding day. This helps the photography process and really the whole day, flow much more smoothly!
Are there extra fees for multiple locations?
No. You book me for a fixed length of time and we can cover as many (or as few) locations as you like during that time!
How soon will the photographs be ready?
I try to get a few teaser images on my blog within 48 hours of the wedding. Your online viewing gallery will be available within 4 weeks from your wedding. Prints take 2-3 weeks and album creation takes 6-10 weeks.
Can you provide black and white images?
Yes, black and white and sepia toned images are available.
What do you wear to the wedding?
Generally I wear a black pants and a dressy black blouse, but this depends somewhat on the wedding. If you're having a black tie affair, just let me know and I'm happy to dress accordingly!
Got questions you don't see answered here? I'm but an email (or a phone call) away!
Friday, November 28, 2008
Thankful
Hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving (and a great Black Friday)! Ours was wonderful and I'm so thankful for all my amazing friends and family (including the furry, four-footed members!) and all of my wonderful clients. It's been an amazing year and I've been so blessed with so many wonderful opportunities - I just can't imagine life getting better than this!
I've been up to my ears in cookie dough today (pictures coming after they're decorated) and am looking forward to second shooting a wedding for a friend of mine tomorrow. Sunday is cookie decorating day. What a perfect weekend!
I've been up to my ears in cookie dough today (pictures coming after they're decorated) and am looking forward to second shooting a wedding for a friend of mine tomorrow. Sunday is cookie decorating day. What a perfect weekend!
Reminder: last day to order holiday prints
A quick reminder that the last day to order holiday prints is Monday, December 1, 2008!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Black Friday Sale!
If you're like me, you love a good sale! And what better day for a sale than Black Friday?
So on Friday only, enter code BF10 at check out to receive 10% off your order of $100 or more! Or, for more savings, spend $200 or more and enter code BF20 to receive 20% off your order. Visit the boutique on Friday to take advantage of this great offer and have your images in time for the holidays!
May not be combined with any other coupon codes or offers. May not be applied to previous purchases. Does not apply to session fees, wedding packages, or gift certificates.
So on Friday only, enter code BF10 at check out to receive 10% off your order of $100 or more! Or, for more savings, spend $200 or more and enter code BF20 to receive 20% off your order. Visit the boutique on Friday to take advantage of this great offer and have your images in time for the holidays!
May not be combined with any other coupon codes or offers. May not be applied to previous purchases. Does not apply to session fees, wedding packages, or gift certificates.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Give the gift of great memories
Just a reminder that I offer gift certificates which can be used for a variety of different things: towards your session fee or wedding collection or towards prints and albums.
To purchase a gift certificate please visit the boutique. For Christmas delivery please order by December 18. Cards are mailed to you or to the recipient of your choice in our unique packaging.
To purchase a gift certificate please visit the boutique. For Christmas delivery please order by December 18. Cards are mailed to you or to the recipient of your choice in our unique packaging.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
On travel photography and breaking and entering*
Back in May when I was on Hawaii's Big Island, I was tasked with shooting a locally owned farm. I called the owner and set up an appointment to visit the farm on a Sunday - a day when they are traditionally closed. Due to some confusion, the owner was a no show at the scheduled time and unreachable by phone (worth noting was that I had to drive 2 hours each way to get to the farm). This was my last day on the island and I needed to get the shot, what to do? Figuring that I had the owner's permission to shoot and be there - sort of - I engaged in a little breaking and entering*.
Ever wander a 600 acre farm alone? Completely alone? Talk about creepy! The farm was nestled on the slope of a mountain on the east side of the Big Island (past Hilo) and aside from the occasional rustling of wind, the silence was incredible. The neighboring land was all either farms or countryside, so there was truly nobody around! It was beautiful, but I kept waiting for someone to show up and either bust me or scare the heck out of me.
Eventually someone did show up (and I managed not to have a heart attack!) It was the farm manager who was coming to check a finicky water pump on his day off. He saw my car at the foot of the drive and called the owner on his home number (which I didn't have) and they figured out what was going on. The manager found me wandering the farm and gladly helped me get the shots that I needed.
Entertainingly, the magazine ran only one small shot in the story. Such is life, right? Check out the December 2008 issue of ISLANDS Magazine to see the shot!
---
*This involved ducking under a swing arm gate at the head of a drive way and pretending I didn't see the huge "No Trespassing" sign. I didn't enter any buildings, merely wandered the grounds, taking photos. I did have my editor on speed-dial and a promise that he'd bail me out, should I get hauled away to the pokey.**
**Yes, I said pokey. Jail, prison, the clink, whatever you want to call it.***
***But honestly, if you're gonna be in jail somewhere, there are probably worse places than Hawaii.
Ever wander a 600 acre farm alone? Completely alone? Talk about creepy! The farm was nestled on the slope of a mountain on the east side of the Big Island (past Hilo) and aside from the occasional rustling of wind, the silence was incredible. The neighboring land was all either farms or countryside, so there was truly nobody around! It was beautiful, but I kept waiting for someone to show up and either bust me or scare the heck out of me.
Eventually someone did show up (and I managed not to have a heart attack!) It was the farm manager who was coming to check a finicky water pump on his day off. He saw my car at the foot of the drive and called the owner on his home number (which I didn't have) and they figured out what was going on. The manager found me wandering the farm and gladly helped me get the shots that I needed.
Entertainingly, the magazine ran only one small shot in the story. Such is life, right? Check out the December 2008 issue of ISLANDS Magazine to see the shot!
---
*This involved ducking under a swing arm gate at the head of a drive way and pretending I didn't see the huge "No Trespassing" sign. I didn't enter any buildings, merely wandered the grounds, taking photos. I did have my editor on speed-dial and a promise that he'd bail me out, should I get hauled away to the pokey.**
**Yes, I said pokey. Jail, prison, the clink, whatever you want to call it.***
***But honestly, if you're gonna be in jail somewhere, there are probably worse places than Hawaii.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Reminder: last day to order holiday cards
A quick reminder that the last day to order holiday cards is Monday, November 24!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
November 22 - Soft and Waggy Tails and Hawgs n' Dogs!
Swing by Seminole Harley on Saturday November 22 for Soft and Waggy Tails and Hawgs n' Dogs! From 10am - 3pm Seminole Harley teams up with Seminole County Animal Services to promote awareness and raise funds for the adoption of animals. There will be some fantastic vendors and an awesome pet fashion show! Come check it out! And, if you're feeling saucy while you're there, it's also a Harley Demo Day, so take a test ride!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Bonnie & Scott are getting married!
I had so much fun photographing Bonnie & Scott last night! It was a little on the cool side (for Florida) but they were troopers and we had an absolute blast. Here's their sneak peek!
Mmm...flare
Mmm...flare
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Veronica & Ryan's Grand Bohemian wedding
I had a blast second shooting Veronica & Ryan's wedding for my good friend Jaime Smith of Couture Weddings. Stacy of SLN Studios was also on hand to help out! We had a great crew and honestly, you can't ask for a more gorgeous venue than the Grand Bohemian!
I caught Jaime's flash in this shot and I adore the added bit of drama it gives to this ceremony shot!
Organized Jungle did a fantastic job with the flowers!
YUM!
A perfect end to a beautiful day!
Jaime took a group shot of her, Stacy, and I at the end of the night - I can't wait to see how worn out we look! LOL
I caught Jaime's flash in this shot and I adore the added bit of drama it gives to this ceremony shot!
Organized Jungle did a fantastic job with the flowers!
YUM!
A perfect end to a beautiful day!
Jaime took a group shot of her, Stacy, and I at the end of the night - I can't wait to see how worn out we look! LOL
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Guess who I saw today?
Yep, Santa! He took a few hours out of his super busy schedule to swing by Embarq's first annual Canine Cancer Awareness Pet Fair today at Doctor's Dog Park in Apopka. We sold plenty of adorable pet photos, like this one, with the proceeds going to the American Cancer Society. Thanks to Embarq for a fantastic event and for the volunteers that handled the on-site printing for me!
Friday, November 7, 2008
Fondue: $50
Celebrating your 6th Anniversary in the company of Big Al the Moose?: Priceless
Last night the hubby and I went to Colorado Fondue Company to celebrate our anniversary (which is actually today). We ate. And ate. I'm sure feeling the fondue hangover today.
6 years feels like the blink of an eye and a lifetime, all at the same time. Love ya babe!
Celebrating your 6th Anniversary in the company of Big Al the Moose?: Priceless
Last night the hubby and I went to Colorado Fondue Company to celebrate our anniversary (which is actually today). We ate. And ate. I'm sure feeling the fondue hangover today.
6 years feels like the blink of an eye and a lifetime, all at the same time. Love ya babe!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Get your pet's photo taken with Santa!
For a small donation to the American Cancer Society, you can get your pet's photo taken with Santa at the Canine Cancer Awareness Fair! I'll be there snapping away for this great cause. Other events include a pet costume contest, vendor booths, and a veterinarian discussion on the warning signs of cancer.
Saturday November 8, 2008 from 10am-1pm at the Doctor's Dog Park, 21 N Highland Ave, Apopka. Admission is free and dogs must be leashed!
Saturday November 8, 2008 from 10am-1pm at the Doctor's Dog Park, 21 N Highland Ave, Apopka. Admission is free and dogs must be leashed!
Monday, November 3, 2008
In Print: ISLANDS Magazine November 2008
Memories of Maui! A story and shot from my recent Maui trip was just published in the November 2008 issue of ISLANDS Magazine. We had a blast at the Surfing Goat Dairy and it was such a fun story to do!
Also, a small story about my trip to Hampton Island ran in the same issue.
The shot at the bottom is mine. The thumbnail at the top is by another photographer, Bob Krist
And an image and story of the gorgeous Cayo Espanto from my tropical storm trip to Belize.
The shot on the left is mine. The shot on the right of 9 Beaches is by another photographer, Gary Bogdon.
Also, a small story about my trip to Hampton Island ran in the same issue.
The shot at the bottom is mine. The thumbnail at the top is by another photographer, Bob Krist
And an image and story of the gorgeous Cayo Espanto from my tropical storm trip to Belize.
The shot on the left is mine. The shot on the right of 9 Beaches is by another photographer, Gary Bogdon.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Castillo de San Marcos
Had to head up to St. Augustine today to take care of some family business, so the hubby and I decided to make a day of it. After we took care of what we had to, we headed over to Castillo de San Marcos and wandered around. I may have become a teeny, tiny bit obsessed with the old cannons! The turquoise color is pretty much straight out of camera (just a slight contrast boost) - it's caused by oxidization of the metal.
I think this one is my favorite
I think this one is my favorite
Friday, October 31, 2008
Office cats are very...helpful
Ok, maybe not, but they're darn cute! (Taken with my nifty G9 point & shoot)
Cooper
Bumper
P.S. Happy Halloween!
Cooper
Bumper
P.S. Happy Halloween!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Gail and Andy are married!
I had a blast second shooting Gail and Andy's wedding for my for my good friend Suzie Seagraves. Their ceremony and reception was at the Tap Room at Dubsdread and the night couldn't have been more perfect!
Party time!
Mmm...cupcake cake!
Congrats you two!
Party time!
Mmm...cupcake cake!
Congrats you two!
Monday, October 27, 2008
Tina and Steve's Disney Wedding
Why did the wedding photographer have the bride and groom get in the photo booth?
A) She was too lazy to take pictures
B) It made for fun photo opportunities
C) It's something she would loved to have done on her wedding day
B, of course! And a little bit of C. A was just a fake answer to throw ya off! :)
Tina and Steve got married Seabreeze Point at the Boardwalk Resort, followed by dinner (and fireworks!) at the Contemporary Resort's California Grill.
cough*hidden*cough*Mickey*cough
Here comes the bride!
Steve was so sweet waiting for Tina to walk down the aisle!
Tina and Steve left plenty of time for portraits between their ceremony and reception so we headed over to Port Orleans French Quarter (where they're staying) to do some fun shots!
A) She was too lazy to take pictures
B) It made for fun photo opportunities
C) It's something she would loved to have done on her wedding day
B, of course! And a little bit of C. A was just a fake answer to throw ya off! :)
Tina and Steve got married Seabreeze Point at the Boardwalk Resort, followed by dinner (and fireworks!) at the Contemporary Resort's California Grill.
cough*hidden*cough*Mickey*cough
Here comes the bride!
Steve was so sweet waiting for Tina to walk down the aisle!
Tina and Steve left plenty of time for portraits between their ceremony and reception so we headed over to Port Orleans French Quarter (where they're staying) to do some fun shots!
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Hiss and Howl-o-ween
Seminole County Animal Services is sponsoring its first annual Hiss and Howl-o-ween even on Saturday October 25 from 10am - 3pm. There will be information booths, food, games, and plenty of dogs & cats available for adoption, so go check it out!
Location
Seminole County Animal Services
232 Bush Blvd., Sanford
I've got a wedding, otherwise I'd be there will bells on!
Location
Seminole County Animal Services
232 Bush Blvd., Sanford
I've got a wedding, otherwise I'd be there will bells on!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Jessica of Designing Dreams: Weddings and Special Events
I recently did some new head shots for wedding planner Jessica Giordano of Designing Dreams: Weddings and Special Events. Jessica's an absolute sweetheart - we met about a year ago and bonded over shoes! How can you not love a girl like that!?
Super quick sneak peek of Tina & Steve's Disney Wedding
More to come, but I just couldn't resist a quick peek. Hope you guys are enjoying your Disney-moon! :)
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
OpLove - the D family
I had entirely too much fun photographing the D family recently! Dad Jeremy is in the army and will be deploying next month, so when mom Rachel called me to schedule an OpLove session I was only too happy to oblige! If you're not familiar with OpLove, it's a great non-profit organization that provides free photo sessions to military families who have a member deploying.
Sweet light and so cute - one of my favorites!
Little Ms. M
Mr. M was a bundle of energy!
We did the session at the beautiful Blue Spring State Park. I'd never been there before and can't wait to go back in the winter and see the manatees!
Thanks so much for a fun session you guys and Jeremy, thanks so much for all that you do for our country!
Sweet light and so cute - one of my favorites!
Little Ms. M
Mr. M was a bundle of energy!
We did the session at the beautiful Blue Spring State Park. I'd never been there before and can't wait to go back in the winter and see the manatees!
Thanks so much for a fun session you guys and Jeremy, thanks so much for all that you do for our country!
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