Life is good.

Today when I got home, my boys and I went on a ride out to the hay field after dinner. Brandon's grandparents own about 30 acres here where we live. They own this beautiful field. I've taken some photos there previously (very convenient I must say) and plan to take more before BomBom Jack mows it. I just love this field this time of the year. The contrast between the grass, hay and sky is so beautiful.

After our ride on the Gator out to the field, we also decided to take a ride in the Caddy. Caught a fun snap shot of Ariston enjoying the ride :)

"Dramatic B & W" I Heart Faces Photo Challenge

A friend of mine, Renee Francis (BLOG: http://reneefrancis.blogspot.com/) told me about I Heart Faces. Thanks Renee!!

This is my first time entering the challenge. I thought this would be a fun way to connect with other photographers and get some feedback :) This week's challenge is "Dramatic B & W." They asked us to focus on a more gloomy and "out of the box" feel that was, well... DRAMATIC. I thought this photo was fitting.

Check out the other's entires at http://iheartfaces.blogspot.com/

{ baby } EMRY

Another great experience, what can I say :) Not only did I get to hang out with my buddy, I also got to photograph her new addition: Emry Alonzo. The 2 words that come to mind when I started editing these photos were, Wow- he is "picture perfect." He is just a doll. We did have a time keeping him happy though ;) He did not appreciate us messing with him while he was sleeping. All in all, we ended the shoot quite successfully. I <3 Emry.

Clay + Mary: Part II

Clay + Mary = my first wedding shoot

So how do I even begin to blog about my very first wedding shoot? I don't know!!! Haha. Let's just say it was all I had expected plus sooo much more. The first thing I can think of to compare it to is a sporting event. Normally, you go to an event and you're a spectator... just enjoying watching everyone do their thing. Whether it be coordinating the event or actually participating, you're just on the side lines watching. Previously, that's what weddings have been for me, an event where I'm a spectator (which I've ALWAYS enjoyed). Not this time- I was in the game. The adrenaline was out of this world. It was a constant challenge to stay calm, cool & collected. Nerves were haywire. At one point I paniced because I thought I didn't have enough batteries (after spending $80 so it wouldn't happen, which it didn't) and at another point I thought I didn't have enough memory. I got so caught up in the moment that I had completely forgotten that I brought my external hard drive and lap top for that very reason; to upload the pictures once my card was full. (BTW, I took about 1,500 pix- never expected that). It was almost like my natural reasoning abilities had escaped me. I had a notepad of multiple shots I wanted to get. Did that happen? NOPE, not even enough time to think about 1/2 of them. I was thankful to have been given the experience. I am continuing to learn so much about photography. It truly inspires me. So, at the end of the day I was beyond exhausted... my feet were hurting... BUT I felt like I won the game, and it was fun. Isn't that what life is all about? THE GAME!

dressU Photo shoot

 

          

  

A friend of mine, Jenna, opened her own clothing boutique [dressU, http://www.shopdressu.com] 1 year ago. How inspiring that she pursued her dream! Jenna emailed me asking if I would be interested in photographing a few models for the front of her website. I was STOKED... "Um, YES!!" ...but of course there are always obstacles involved in everything we do :) She needed me at 4 o'clock last Friday, the same exact time as a rehearsal and rehearsal dinner I had already committed to. What's a girl to do, right? Well, I couldn't let this opportunity pass me by so I swung it... I had Jenna back her models up an hour and told the bride I would be 20 min. late. I pulled it off! So, although the day was hectic (I'm also a teacher) I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I feel like that day taught me a lot as a wanna-be photographer. The models were amazing, and the setting was fabulous. Jenna's store just so happens to be next door to an antique warehouse so we borrowed a few props and ended up in the antique junk yard. The sun was shining and so was my <3.

ps- A fun litte tid-bit I learned from one of the models: The old vintage couch was stuffed with hay, which is what they did in the old days... hence, "Don't let the bed bugs bite!"

Fishing for the reflection.

This is an oldie but goodie. I took this photograph last summer. This is my dad (Grandpa Moore) fishing with Ariston on the bank of the river down on his farm. To me, this picture is worth a thousand words.

drum roll please....

We have a WINNER! The vote is over and the poll has been closed. Thanks for all those who voted :) Favorite ring photo is...

Hoping I can take even better ring photos this weekend at the wedding I'm shooting :) I'm a little nervous about the experience, but equally excited! I came home from work today with a few surprises from my beau. He surprised me with a new flash and lens hood. He even had it all set up for me to practice as soon as I walked in the door. He knows how much I've been wanting to invest in some more equipment for my camera. Now that I have a pro battery grip (I splurged a little, oops), flash & lens hood I feel a lot more equipped for the event. Brandon, thank you for always supporting me. Without you, I would not be able to pursue this dream <3

Sneak Peek: Senior Portraits

Giving you guys a glimpse of what's to come for the Seniors! This is my brother, Connor. Isn't he handsome? He's grown up a LOT in the past couple years, it's unbelievable. Although he's only a Sophomore I thought he would be perfect to use for practice- I'm good at pretending. This is only a preview of what's to come with Connor: more coming soon. I've convinced him to model for me (I didn't even have to twist his arm, surprisingly). Hey, at least he'll have some cool pictures for his Facebook & scrapbook. I think that's a pretty good trade off if you ask me. Also, as you can see he plays guitar = PERFECT PROP! Thoroughly enjoyed doing this shoot- we had a lot of fun. I taught him how to put his "model face" on... he can use that later with the ladies. Well, maybe not ;)

A & B

Who else better to photograph than the men in my life? Having 2 good looking hunks like these hanging around the house makes photography a lot more convenient ;) I'm one lucky gal if I don't say so myself.

Life long love.

There is nothing I love more than those unexpected opportunities of catching that "moment" with my camera. Allow me to elaborate :) Sunday I had planned on going to my friend's house to photograph her newborn baby (Emry, who has made a previous appearance on my blog) and her family. Unfortunately, Jamie was sick so we had to reschedule. Due to the change of plans Ariston and I decided to take a trip next door to see his great grandparents (my g.parents-in-law). I love them dearly. Quite honestly, despite the age difference, I thoroughly enjoy hanging out with them. They are so inspiring and full of life. There is something about age and wisdom that has always intrigued me. I simply adore them. Ok, I'm rambling- SO, as we were spending time out in the beautiful weather soaking up the sun an 'unexpected opportunity' arose. Initially that day I had set out to photograph a brand new life... but as we all know, things don't always go as we plan (these are the moments we should embrace). Instead, I was presented with the opportunity of capturing moments of two souls much further along in years. Souls that truly depict life long love.