Impromtu Shoot

One of the things I am trying most to work on with my personal shooting is when I see somthing worth photographing- photographing it. Too often I see something beautiful driving down the road and I don't stop because of time or mostly just feeling weird about walking around on the side of the road- I know that sounds goofy, but it is true.... But I realize that I am missing a lot of really great things that someday someone somewhere might really want to see. Maybe it's a long shot, but something to think about.

Anyway.... while coming home the other day I saw a great opportunity along some pretty quiet railroad tracks near our house and the lighting was beautiful so Ayden and I stopped and had a little fun. Let me know what you think.

~S.

Hannah & Sam Part II

Sarah- Thanks again for allowing me to spend time with your beautiful family! I think we came out with some really beautiful images that you will love! Hope to see you all again in the near future.

~S.

An Early Christmas Present

So I have to say that I am still a pretty cool mom..(well, sometimes at least!)I surprised Bailey with Toby Mac tickets.. Anyway, the girls got together for some MUCH needed and LONG overdue good old fashioned fun! I actually danced and jumped around like a teenager- except I was feeling it in my ankles later.. not gonna lie! We went to see 4 amazing bands at the Winter Wonder Slam tour- Toby Mac being mine and Bailey's favorite together... but we enjoyed every band... and more importantly was the time spent with a couple of my dearest girlfriends Cheryl and Kimberly.... There are still bets on about whether Kimberly is having a girl or a boy... so I guess at this point we will have to draw straws... Care to wager mon Cher? (yl)

Kisses Girls and I will have more to come.
S.

The Ayres Family

Well, I have to say that I had all types of shoots this weekend... Even for me, I was really busy- but to be honest, I am one of those people who work best under pressure.. In other words, I don't want to have too much time to think about how I am going to do something because then I over think it.. So if I can "Just do it".. I am fine... and case in point was this weekend. I had an engagement session "Gwen and Matt" and then we had the twins "Hannah and Sam" then we had Linda's family session ... You really can't have a favorite type of session because truthfully- each shoot brings about a new set of challenges or different view points. So each shoot is always a lot of fun for me when they do provide something that makes me think a little outside of the box...

And this shoot was no exception- we set out early on Sunday a.m. but the sun beat us to the beach... So everyone was playing the "squint or have a disgruntled look on their faces" game... But they managed to pull it off quite nicely I might say! (With DOGS!) Even the dogs were a lot of fun to work with! I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Linda and her family and hope you guys will enjoy the images... and hope to see you guys again soon.

Hannah & Sam

Children are certainly a gift from God... (and so is the patience He gives us to raise them.) So when He gives us twins... He must really trust that we will do an incredible job. To watch Sarah with Hannah and Sam there is just no question as to what a remarkable mom she is! One can easily see how much she adores them just by seeing how she looks at them so sweetly. And as amazing as they are so is she.

This particular shoot was a lot of fun and a little tricky as we were running against a sea fog that literally rolled up unexpectantly and to say the least the kids were facinated with everything around them. But to me, that is what makes children utterly brilliant. The way that everything is new and exciting to a child simply astounds me. Something as simple as sand is to us, just captivated them for quite some time. And I truly believe that that is what is meant when you hear the phrase, "to remain child like". We always talk about the energy of a child and how "if we could only bottle just an ounce of their energy"... Well, I think what we need to try is to be excited about life as a child is. I would guess to a child everyday is like going on a vacation to some place we have never before been. Do you notice how on vacation we wake up early with a new found energy? Just something to think about.

Anyway, Sarah thanks so much for the opportunity to capture this stage of your children's lives. They are beautiful and I can only hope to portray that essence of them! And many many thanks to your dad for helping to keep them smiling... Oh, and by the way- I think every girl should own a tu-tu like this one- I love it!

~S.

Gwen & Matt

How much fun did we have on Saturday? We could not have asked for more perfect weather than what we had. We were on location at the ever "enchanting" Ribault Club on Fort George Island. And if you haven't had time to visit it, you absolutely must make time! Built in the early 1920's, it holds all of the charm and beauty that you could imagine for spending a day on the grounds. But to the important part of my story... Gwen and Matt are getting married in Feb 2008 in Ocho Rios, Jamaica and we have been blessed in the fact that we will be joining in all of the festivties aboard Carnival Cruise Imagination! (What a way to spend Super Bowl Weekend I might say!! & couldn't be more perfect for two of the biggest football fans I know!) We are just so excited for them, but as you can see they are a gorgeous couple and they made my work look really easy!

Meet the Bailey's

An afternoon with Don, Amber and Lily always proves to be nothing short of a lot of laughter! And this day was no different. You know Ayden is your typical 3 yr old boy with too many emotions and not enough intellect to control them yet- mix that with our little hummingbird Lily and you have a recipe for the Wild, Wild West meets Coco Channel! Ayden and Lily together are so awesome to just watch- if that is all you have to do mind you! They have the best love-hate relationship that I am sure will carry on for many years to come! Enter Amber- she simply amazes me with all she has to do while maintaining such a fun, bubbly and great attitude... And like any wonderful husband- Don is probably chuckling at the thought of what really goes on behind closed doors. (I know mine would be!) I am sure the coaxing part of Don's participation on Sat wasn't an easy one- but we got it done and quite beautifully I might say! I just hope the treat was worth it... :o) Many Thanks to their friend Lori for hanging out with us and patiently grabbing the attention of little bit for many of the shots! I hope you love the images as much as I did!

A Season of Thankfullness...

As we finish up the leftover turkey and check our shopping lists twice, I wonder do we really stop to think what we are really doing it for. I have found myself getting tangled up into making a list of everyone I think I should "buy" for, friends, co-workers, relatives... And you know, looking back, I can't really remember half of those people on my list let alone what I bought them or worse what their reactions to those "well thought out gifts" were. We run from this party to that spreading cheer and holiday spirit but what is the reason? What mark will we leave on each other this holiday season? Will we be remembered for that remarkable cheese board we bought or more importantly, will we choose to touch the very soul of those closest to us. I challenge each of us this year to look beyond our shopping lists and and embark on a lifetime journey of touching each other.

Twenty years from now are visions not yet ready to be revealed, but in the mean time, I have a lot of practicing to do. I want to practice showing my children more love and a better example. I want them to think of me as a great mom. Twenty years from now I want to have touched people's lives just by being myself and not in a way that would allow me boasting rights. I just want to change the world around me, not the whole world. Twenty years from now, what do you want to be remembered for?

Our Pumpkins are Turning 3!

Wow! 3 years! It seems so fast most days, unless like me you have experienced the melt down of a 3 yr old. I have been told by more than one person (on too many occasions to count) that boys are easier. HA! But then again, I have never been one to follow a crowd- I have to do everything the more difficult way. Ohhh, so that is where he gets it from... I see it so clealy now. Builds character or something like that??

So this year best buddies Lily (Oct 27) and Ayden (Oct 26) will be celebrating their 3rd birthday with friends and family at a local Pumpkin Patch. We are so excited about this mile stone in their life that we decided to do a mini session with just the kids before the party. (We aren't even going to entertain the idea of trying this the day of the party...) Short story long, as I often warn people, there was a lot of sugar involved this afternoon... So we ask the question, "Did this help or merely add fuel to the ever push-each-other-off-the-pumpkin fire?" Either way, it was worth every moment!

So here is to another incredible year with two amazing kids

Mr. & Mrs. Chris Pace

I had the absolute honor and privilage to be able to be part of this very special day for Chris and Stacy. I have to say that I did not know Stacy before literally just showing up in her dressing area on the morning of their wedding. However, I was immediately welcomed and instantly knew that Chris was very lucky (as is she) to have found someone so sweet and genuine. Many thanks to the other photographers for allowing me to step in with you at the last minute. I send many blessings to you both and sincerely hope that you enjoy this, my very first slide show on my very first blog...

Be blessed!
~S.