I have not been blogging much this week, but am excited about why!  As the list of editing that I need to do gets longer, it’s not from being away from my computer.  I have literally been glued to the keyboard into the wee hours of the night because I am ALMOST READY to launch my NEW WEBSITE!  Yippee!  For those of you that I owe images, please forgive me, I promise they will be ready very soon – I am just so close to going live that I have to get this done!

In addition to many of my favorite images, the site will also have an updated availability calendar so at a glance you’ll be able to see which days I have sessions available.  Since I am starting to get busy with holiday bookings, this will be a great way to ensure that you get the date that you want!  The site also features a client proofing section, where you can view all of the proofed images from your session, AND select your favorites, AND place you order online!  Can you tell I am excited?

I can’t wait to announce that the site is live and ready for viewing!

Enjoy the fab weather (I wish I was!)
Here’s a sneak peek at what’s to come…

When I think about what I enjoy most about photographing people,
especially children, I’m not necessarily looking for the final result
to be "the perfect image" of my subject.  It’s not about their hair
being perfectly done, what they are wearing, or the setting where I’ve
taken the picture.  It is very simply about capturing their spirit; if
I can do this, I consider it a success.

On Saturday, John and I were guests of our close friends, attending a
party to raise awareness about a non-profit group close to them – Ubuntu .  Ubuntu
is about exactly that – the spirit of people – who believe in the
philosophy of a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity. 
Jacob Lief, the founder of Ubuntu,
and Nomatola Mangqase, explained that using this philosophy, the group’s goal is to create
programs within a community that provide knowledge and resources to see
and reach their potential, and participate in the global community.
Through specific areas of focus – literacy, technolog, and health -
they work towards larger goals of making free South Africa a prosperous
nation, providing equal opportunities for all.

I would encourage you to visit their website, if only to be touched by
the spirit of the children, and their desire to learn and grow, even in
the challenging conditions that they face. You may also consider contributing to Ubunutu; doing so will make a world of difference.

www.ubuntufund.org

Ok, I wasn’t about to put the "real" score up there because if I did it would be something like Mommy 1, sweet Caroline 150 300 500, you get the idea. I have been trying for weeks to take her photo and most of the shots I have gotten are of the back of her head as she is running away from me, NOT remotely looking at me or the camera.  (Kind of reminds me of my "former life" and taking pictures of fish swimming away from me). A toddler on the move is a crafty little creature and keeping up can be quite the challenge!  Not this time though – GOTCHA!  (btw, she held this position for approximately .0007 seconds)

Anyway, I feel like she has monopolized the blog a little bit, but I COULD NOT resist posting this because of the sheer feeling of success that I had when I "GOT HER" (admittedly, I did peek at the screen and do a little dance – I  knew I had it).

So, for all of you out there who always say "I bet you have so many beautiful pictures of your daughter," I can actually say, yes, and here’s one to prove it!

And Grandma, thank you for the hot pink personalized chair – she clearly loves it!

the hardest part of this photo session was deciding which of the images
to post on the blog.  I could seriously post ALL of them if I only had
the room!  Not only is this little fella adorable, but I had a ball
with his M & D as well.  What a beautiful family!

After seeing some of the holiday card images I posted earlier, I have received a few emails about custom cards for announcements, invitations, etc. and YES, I DO offer them.  This is one of the choices that I presented to a Mom, from a recent session.

a couple more from our vacation… it became very apparent to us that we have a little water baby on our hands, which I don’t think comes as a surprise to anyone   I can only imagine the look on that little face (of course the camera and I were on the wrong side of her) because I am sure that it is one of serious determination.  Determined to do what, I don’t know, but as usual, she is ready for action.

Yep. Believe it or not they will be here before you know it.  I am so sorry if this hadn’t dawned on you yet, but I consider it a bit of a public service announcement.  If you’re like me, you think to yourself (about this time of year), self, "I am going to get my shopping done early, everything wrapped and put away, my cards out on time, my holiday menu planned and organized well in advance, and of course the tree decorated weeks before the 25th actually arrives."  My how this sounds so good in theory, but don’t we all know what happens when reality sets in?

While I am in no way offering to do your shopping or your wrapping for you, I can help in the holiday card and gift category.  Many of us struggle with trying to take the "perfect shot" of our child, family, etc (frequently on family vacation) to no avail.  Rather than dwell on your unsuccessful mission(s), let me do it for you.

I am currently working on my fall schedule, and will soon be offering holiday "mini-sessions".  Included will be a 30 minute session, (1) 8×10 (buy a frame and grandma is taken care of), (2) 5 x7’s (uncle larry & aunt edna, check) and 50 holiday cards (envelopes are included, but I can assure you that my handwriting will make you glad that I will not be doing the addressing).  Cards will be printed on beautiful linen cardstock, and I have numerous designs to choose from.  Two samples are below.

Please email me asap (link on the left) if you’d like to schedule a mini, or full session in time for the holidays. My calendar is already filling with folks who are getting a jump start on the season.  This year, after all, "WILL be different", right?

two of the happiest girls I know.  big sister frequently sports a princess dress, a very large bow and "fast shoes" and baby sister, who is becoming quite a big girl, has a smile that (clearly) lights up a room.  it is truly a joy to watch them grow up.

elmo made an appearance in more ways than one to this little fellas birthday!  I can’t believe he’s one – I feel like his mommy and I were just comparing our big bellies yesterday?  We were so happy to celebrate with some of our favorite people –

and my very favorite  (and I think Mom’s too) …..