. . . “What’s Great about America,” John Stossel’s first documentary to air on the Fox News Channel, premiered this past Saturday and Sunday, in celebration of the July 4th holiday.  KT McFarland, Fox News Contributor, was interviewed for the program, and I was asked if an image I had taken of she and her daughter, could be included in the program.  Of course I said YES!  I met the McFarlands during USNA Commissioning Week in 2007, when I photographed their family.  Regardless where you stand on the issues politically, it’s hard to deny that we live in the greatest Country in the world, and Stossel’s show reminds us of that in so many ways.  I am thankful to have been born in the USA, to have been given the gift of opportunity to chase my dreams, and to know the freedoms that so many around the world don’t know.  It’s true that America might not be perfect, but I traveled the world for many years and can tell you that I have yet to find a place where the grass is greener than my own backyard (its current status of being nearly dead from the heat not withstanding).  I love this Country.  I am proud of my grandparents who became US citizens after emigrating from Europe in search of opportunity, and am grateful for all of the men and women serving in our military to protect our freedoms – including the beautiful young woman pictured below.
I hope everyone had a happy and safe July 4th – we had a ball

hc | proud American photographer

. . . her exuberant cheer this morning, not mine, but clearly has quite the underlying message.  On a day when resolutions, promises to return to the gym, and all sorts of other “improvements” are on the tips of everyone’s tongues, leave it to a 2 year old to call it like she sees it.

Hope it’s a great day for you and your family

(yes Mom, I know I posted a Happy New Year message yesterday, and yes it’s obvious to me too that my child desperately needs a haircut, and yes, I can see that this image is terribly slightly out of focus, but I always see perfection in that smile regardless of the imperfection in the image quality, so forgive me)

hc | child photographer

. . . that’s the way I’ve been feeling these days when I show up on location, and meet yet another beautifully dressed, wonderful, warm family!  While I’m focused most on capturing the love and fun between the parents and their children, it’s impossible to notice just how great the results are when they are dressed LIKE THIS!  I have to say that every Mommy (assuming she’s the one doing the shopping) gets an A++ this fall for the wardrobe choices she’s made for her children & family.  It is really so much fun for me, since I love love love to capture color in my photographs.  Now, of course you can see that this little guy is equally cute in black and white, but I do love the way the brilliant fall colors pop off of the page!

And, since I know I will receive at least 4 emails by the end of the day…these are the answers to your two questions:

I do NOT know where Mom’s jacket is from, but hopefully she’ll leave a comment and let us know

And YES, baby’s eyes really do look like THAT in real life

hc | child photographer

. . . Thanks to a couple of USNA parents for reminding me to post these photographs! I ordered and received these samples ages ago, and have been so busy I haven’t had a chance to post pictures. These were taken in haste, on a cloudy day in my house so they aren’t the best product photos, but you get the idea. They are available as 20″ x 24″ as well as 11″ x 14″ individually, or as a set. If you’d like to order for your Middie (or your office, or any other wall in your home that needs something cool hanging on it), please email me and I will send details. Please include your zip code in your message so I can calculate shipping costs for you.

They are mounted on a 3/8″ gallery mount, trimmed in black, which really makes the color (and white uniforms) of the image pop and stand out. The detail in the real thing is far greater than it is here – you can clearly read US Navy on the bellies of the Blue Angels, and even see the logos on the inside of a few of the flying covers! They arrive ready to hang, straight out of the box, so your only challenge is deciding where to put them! Below are the original pics that I posted on the blog – which show the color a bit better than my product pictures.

I am also happy to print these without text, if you would rather have just the image.

Email info@heathercrowder.com for details and to place your order

the original images I posted which are much more representative of true color…

a crop of the Blue Angels from the photo above

hc

. . . is there anything cooler than a brilliant, beautiful, athletic, nice, overachieving woman? Yes. TWO of them. I’m well into preparing this gallery and I just had to share this pic and brag about these two for a second. (I would imagine that their sweet Moms do the same, but hey, it’ll just take a minute

Stunning Navy ENSIGN on the left is the winner of the Vice Admiral Lawrence Sword, which was presented to her for excelling in athletics during her years at USNA on the Varsity Rowing Team. It’s a big deal. You can read all about this prestigious award here. She rowed in the Varsity boat Every. Single. Race. for four years.

Beautiful blue-eyed Marine Corps 2nd Lt. on the right, was awarded the Coaches Award, for the leadership she showed as Captain of the women’s basketball team. Another big deal.

Can you just imagine what their high school transcripts must have looked like? Yikes – talk about the head of the class

I know you have heard me say it time and time again but I am SO LUCKY! It’s not just that I get to spend my time photographing beautiful people, but what means most to me is getting to meet them, know them, and be part of their memories, even if just for a little bit of time.

Congratulations ladies!

. . . 6th company – I am almost finished with your images! Details about your gallery will be forthcoming – hope you are enjoying the start of summer!

hc