New Orleans Photog Shoot-Out

Wednesday I was blessed to be able to attend my first official "Photog-Shootout". Hosted in New Orleans by a bevy of internationally known photographers, the event featured different classes with intruction on posing, lighting and more. The day wrapped at Mother's restaurant with an open-mic forum for said instructors to answer questions from the 50 or so in attendance as well as discussions on their personal insight regarding everything from web-hosting to optimum software options. While I originally wrestled with attending the event, I am so glad I went! Not only did I learn a few key things to invest into my business but I met a lot of great new people, (including one of my "mentors", Mark Eric) and loved networking with others of like-minded passion in the field that I love. Here are a few of my favorite shots from the day. The models were gorgeous and very brave as they rocked the lens despite recurring cold breezes. I am happy to be able to add them to my portfolio!

Gracelyn Is Three!

Themed "Paris in Pink", Gracelyn Farmer's 3rd birthday party was decorated in just that. Eiffel tower lanterns hung from the ceiling over each place setting, pink poodles adorned the balloons and the most beautiful cake took center stage of the affair - next to the birthday girl of course. Ratatouille played across the widescreen and to top the afternoon off, Gracie's mommy carried out the sweetest miniature schnauzer as a gift for the little princess. I always enjoy photographing these affairs for the Farmer family as they give such a great inside look at how much parents can care for one baby girl. It is astonishing to me how much little "G" (as I sometimes call her), has grown since the first time I shot her just a short 36months ago. Happy birthday Gracelyn Alexis! You are a precious and most gorgeous little girl!

The Sargent Family

This past month I was privileged to escort my husband on one of his consults to sunny southern California. Of course, I had to make known that I would gladly execute a few photo-shoots while on my visit and was so excited when Duana Sargent called me to ask me if her family could be on that list. The Sargents are a great unit of the most unique individuals bundled up together in one big happy family. Darin is the pastor of NorthPoint Church in Escondido as well as a renown motivational speaker and a truly funny guy. Duana is the sole proprietor of Duwop Designs, a company she created that crafts funky hairware for girls. Carson is all boy and quite stylish for his 13years. Ashton has the cliche but beautiful "California girl" looks with white-blonde hair and killer blue eyes. She is a drama queen and plays the sibling role of "big sister" quite well. And then there is baby Averie, an absolute one-of-a-kind. Red hair and a without a care, she never meets a stranger, is abundant with her hugs and has a very contagious laugh. Needless to say, I fell in love with this family and look forward to working with them in the future. Enjoy!!

Anavey McGovern

Anavey's photo-op was sort of "spur of the moment" when we learned we would be headed to Point Loma, CA for an afternoon with the McGovern family during our last trip to southern California. While the whole family was unable to participate in the shoot, I was more than happy to snap this baby girl by herself on the docks off the Point. Anavey is just 2 years old and full of personality and whose tiny little pigtails and twinkly eyes only add to her charm. She's got mommy Monique's smile and daddy David's color and is totally in love with her new baby sister Ambree. Next time, I intend to catch all of the McGovern's in frame but in the meantime - check this one out!

The Goodman's

Jeffrey & Kimberly Goodman are a ridiculously beautiful couple who's personalities only further their charismatic nature. Prior to Christmas, the couple were passing through Columbia and arranged for a photo-op with your's truly. Thrilled at the chance to photograph these two, I immediately said yes and we made an afternoon of it. While Kimberly embraced her inner model with a variety of smokin' poses, Jeffrey more-or-less hung back from each frame but somehow managed to grab the shots right alongside his bride. I am thankful to call these two friends and happy to finally share some of their frames with you. As always, leave me a line and, happy new year!

A Fresh Beginning

Billy and Kathy are an adorable couple who truly deserve all the happiness their future can hold. As you may remember from their engagement shoot story, some very difficult circumstances led these two together. Happily, just shy of a short 2months ago, they were joined in holy matrimony as man and wife bringing a very blended family together. Though the wedding was a small affair, the emotions running throughout the church on their special day were vast as family and friends surrounded this pair with love and well wishes. Following the beautiful service and reception I enjoyed snapping up a variety of shots as these two flirted with each other as well as any two teenagers might. In conclusion, here's a wedding rhyme I found that I feel fits these two: "If you wed in bleak November, only joys will come, remember." I pray them nothing but joy. Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Wesie!

And here are just a few of Mrs. Wesie's bridal portraits... She is simply beautiful!

Adrian Johnson Senior Portraits

Adrian Johnson's senior shoot was quite possibly the longest non-wedding shoot I ever done but it was a lot of fun. With a half dozen wardrobe changes and at least as many different locations, we nailed some incredible photos of this graduate-elect. Mom, big brother and boyfriend accompanied Adrian as she climbed an enormous bridge cross-tie (in heels no less), and braved the frigid temps in just a slip of a dress atop a motorcycle that her sweet boyfriend loaned as a prop for one of her series of shots. Adrian is an incredibly sweet girl with killer gorgeous eyes and really great style which she plans to use in her future plans in cosmotology. Good luck girl! You'll knock em' dead!