Today is World Photography Day. So many times we take photographs for granted. We don’t take the time to appreciate them enough. How many times have you made an excuse not to get your photo taken? What was that excuse?

• I’m having a bad hair day
• I need to lose these last 10 pounds
• I need to get my teeth whitened
• My hairdresser didn’t have an opening
• Portraits are soooooo expensive
• Pictures just aren’t in our budget
• We always get the school photos
• My family never cooperates
• We’re not photogenic
• We don’t have time

I’m sure we’ve all used one of these or another one sometime during our lives.

Should we really be making these excuses? What should photographs be? They should be a means to capture the moment. Once in a Lifetime moments that we can only relive in our memories. Precious moments that should and can be shared only by stories and pictures. They shouldn’t be cookie-cutter portraits that look cold. They should reflect our inner beauty, our essence, our personalities. They evoke emotions when viewed or shared. A picture should be worth a thousand words. Remember how special a photograph should be. You never know the importance of ANY photograph being taken.

Deb Schwedhelm had a great post Is There a Perfect Time with some beautiful photos. I encourage you to stop by and read the entry and really think about photos and what they mean.

Happy World Photography Day!

As always, comments are welcome.

It’s been a busy summer. Now it’s back to school and getting back into the groove of having a schedule. Munchkin spent time on the ranch with her horse and her Paw-Paw. Now we’ve got to get bedtime back into the flow with only a week to go. Work has been busy, and life has been busy.

We want to give a little back. We’re wanting to give someone their Time to Shine. Do you have that someone who is always there for you? A person who gives more than they take? Someone who is the true definition of a humanitarian? Someone who you admire for their strength to overcome adversity? Is there someone who’s story you would like to share with others while giving them a great gift of capturing their moment?

If you answered yes to any of the above, then you need to consider nominating that person for our Time to Shine contest. Nominations will be accepted from August 15th-September 25th. Nominations will be reviewed by a panel and one nominee will be selected to receive a free photosession and free basic print package. Details of the contest and ways to nominate can be found HERE. Please be sure to read thoroughly as there is a time-frame in which the session must be completed.

I hope everyone has had a great summer! Welcome back to school!!!!

Don’t forget to take advantage of our Spring Special. This weekend is the last weekend! The weather forecast calls for beautiful weather! Who would want to miss this opportunity? 40% off regular session price (a savings of $50). Perfect for if you want to get those last minute photos before summer.

Book your session now!

Definitely stay tuned to the blog for some more announcements in the coming weeks!

I had another busy weekend. Of course my weekends are full of work, work, work, but when I get to go out and photograph people I have the best weekends! This weekend was one of those weekends. Miss C had prom this weekend. While I do not know how prom turned out, I do know that she was FIERCE for these pictures. They turned out FABULOUS. We couldn’t have asked for better weather. The only issue was other people, but we worked around it. Can anyone please tell me why when someone sees someone else with a camera, they have to walk right between you and your subject? OR they have to walk right into the background of your pictures. There was this one guy who just could not wait 30 seconds for me to snap the picture. He walked right behind C & her date. Then he bent down and fiddled with the ground. Really? Really, Mister? C was a trooper and such a beauty to photograph. To her Momma: the gallery should be up tonight or tomorrow because I know you are dying to see them. **And thank you for being my light!** Here’s your sneak peek for now.

Simply gorgeous.

Well, I’m in the process of working out the schedule for shoots this weekend. We’re going out to the ranch, so Saturday is definitely out of the question. I’m also booking next weekend, but Saturday looks like a rainfest (60% chance). Sunday has 10%, but I wish the weekends would stay nice. Especially since everything is starting to bloom and turn green. Keep those inquiries coming in about sessions.

I’m going to leave you today with a picture to honor the passing of the season. I do have some of winter snow, but here’s one for Fall.

Life has been so busy. We’ve had chores, haircuts, parties, work and much more rolled all into one. I’ve been behind on editing, and I apologize to those who are waiting or have waited so patiently. Hopefully, this week will be a little slower and I can take time to breathe. ADSR5 has just begun, though, so not much slowing down because it is a fast-paced activity. I have completed Challenge 1 and am on Challenge 2, but it is a challenge.

I’ve been trying to work on my creative side while editing. I leave you today with 2 photos from my recent band session with Struck. Comments are welcome.

This weekend I had my Valentine Mini Sessions. I trekked down to the park. This lady decided to be a trooper and join me. The weather was beautiful except for the wind. It was like the Big Bad Wolf - huffin’ and puffin’ and trying to blow our shoot down. We weathered it out. We laughed as her hair swirled around her head, waiting for the perfect moment that the wind decided to die down to snap the shot. I’m not done editing, but thought I would share a quick sneak peek to thank her for sharing her day with me. Thank you, Miss L!

The results of our Fresh Faces contest are in. First I would like to thank all of the entrants and everyone who voted. Everyone gets discounts. Entrants, please check your email for specifics.

Long awaited! Here they are:

New Fresh Faces

Child Category

Teen Category

Adult Category

Stay tuned in the coming months to see photos from the sessions with these winners!

Congratulations to our New Fresh Faces and thank you again to all who participated.

I want to thank Amy. She braved 34 degree weather and cold water and tall grass because she trusted my visions. I can’t wait for the shoot we’re going to do with big brother and then when baby W arrives!!! The excitement is building.

So we have this contest at work. I’m thinking about entering. It’s a photography contest. The topic is where I like to learn. My cube-mate and I scoured over my blog and chose a photo. I can submit up to 4 photos, but this particular one struck both of us. There are rules I have to follow. So, before I divulge which pic I chose (maybe more, who knows), I’m going to read over the rules one more time.

More news at 11. (Or whenever your local station provides it)