This and That... More or Less.

I have started many a blog entry recently, only to save it to drafts and never finish it... then I'd come back and restart a new post... save that one to draft, etc.  And guess how many I've actually published?  ;)  I think I've gotten a little bogged down with various projects and different things, birthday parties and company, Spring Break (oh my word that one crept up on me while I wasn't looking!).  And as is the case with most of us creative-types, it becomes hard to focus sometimes.  Do you ever feel that way?  The last few weeks have seemed to transform from all-the-time-in-the-world to not-a-minute-left-for-this-or-that instead.  And that has left me a little wispy I think. So tonight's blog post is going to be a mish-mash of things until I can properly put my head on straight and write from the heart the way I like to.  Which I hope will be before the end of this week!  Whew.

-----

April is almost over, and I've only got a few more dates in May left open for sessions.  Most of the weekends are booked up already, but I do have some weekday sessions available if you'd like to go that route.  With the days beginning earlier (or rather, with the sun coming up earlier in the mornings), I typically start my sessions around 8am or so if we're going to be outdoors, to take advantage of the soft, pleasing "golden hour" of course.  This longer day also means that I am able to shoot later in the evening and catch this beautiful light softly glowing around you.  I realize that this might not work so well for a few toddlers, but it should be perfect for seniors and most family sessions ~ yes, those of you whose children do not melt down between the "witching hours" of 4pm and 6pm like my own kiddos do.  ;)  Some days, there isn't enough Starbucks in the world to help get me through those two hours with the miniature drama queen in my house.

-----

I will be out of the office beginning Wednesday, May 5, and returning Monday, May 10.  I'll be attending An Extraordinary Workshop, because I firmly believe in constantly furthering one's education, no matter what career path you've chosen.  There is always, always, something to be learned in a creative field (and in any business, I feel).  To be honest, I am going to love spending some time with a few fellow photographers and especially my sweet friend Joyce!

Attending the workshop also means that I'm leaving my children (overnight!) for two nights in a row.  *Gasp.*  I've left Parker with Chris, for a couple of nights, just once.  But I was pregnant with Lila then so it really wasn't all that hard for him to handle.  I do feel a bit sorry for Chris now though, since has to watch Parker AND Lila this time, and for two nights and three days...  School drop off.  School pickup.  Daycare dropoff.  Daycare pickup.  Breakfasts, lunches, dinners.  Bedtimes.  Potty-trips.  Boo-boos.  Tantrums.  Morning rush.  Bless his heart...  I'm sure he'd appreciate it greatly if you sent up a prayer or two for him, and maybe moreso if you actually dropped off a cold beverage (or four) by the house while I'm gone.  ;)

This little fella turned six last week, as you know.  My heart is reeling, but so proud of the big boy he's becoming.  We got some AMAZINGLY EXCITING NEWS this afternoon in the mail that made us want to jump up and down and call every family member we have.  Which we practically did!  He's been evaluated twice now for the Gifted Program, and so far has blown through the tests, and we're beyond impressed and amazed at his IQ and his level altogether.  It was such a blessing for me to sit and talk to the district's psychologist this evening, about Parker's intelligence and his learning methods, and to actually think "Wow, my kid really IS as smart as I think he is."  Of course, we, as parents, tend to think that our children are the smartest, the best, the prettiest, the sweetest, the funniest, the best in sports, etc.  But to actually hear some of the same phrases you've said to yourself over the years, come from the mouth of a "Professional"... well, it's just an honor to be given the privilege of raising an exceptional child like this.  Parker got to choose the restaurant this afternoon (ahem, Skyline Chili of course), because he "passed his test" or so he put it.  I told him that he had gotten some pretty great scores on a test, and that it meant that he could be anything he dreamed of being when he grew up.  An astronaut, a doctor, a scientist, a surgeon....  He asked me what exactly a surgeon was, and I told him that it was a kind of doctor who could open up a heart, for example, and put it back together the right way, so that the person would be healed, and be healthy again.  And do you have any idea what he said?  "So, I can fix Momaw."  (My grandma has congestive heart failure, among numerous other health issues, and Parker always remembers her being on oxygen when we visit her in Kentucky.  My other grandma had breast cancer a few years ago, and although she's thankfully cancer-free now, Parker told me that he wanted to "fix her too".)

I thought I was proud of Parker for his gift of intelligence, but truly, the gift that I'm proudest of is his kind, caring heart.  I could not have been more proud of him at that moment. My heart nearly burst.

-----

And finally, a quick share from a recent session with the always-delightful Lena and her amazing parents.  I promise to devote a full post to this family a bit later, but I know that her parents are just dying to see a preview of our playdate together!

That's it for now!  I'm off to bed, before the sun comes up and catches me.  ;)

PEACE | tampa newborn lifestyle photography

I want you to meet the tiniest, sweetest, most peaceful baby girl on earth.  Introducing Lucia Mary, whose arrival was a few days late by some standards, but right on time for the only one that really mattered: hers.  She was so good to me for our session, giving me the brightest eyes and mesmerizing eye contact, and then sweet slumber (and smiles!). A little backstory: I lugged in all my "newborn gear": the beanbag, baskets, furs, blankets, the whole nine yards.  But the mood at Lucia's house was so peaceful and relaxed, and I always try to go with my clients' energy and style as much as I can.  Once I started shooting, I really felt comfortable the way the session was leading, and I felt it was best to shoot as simply as possible.  We shot this session very lifestyle-ish, using very few "props" besides a few blankets and her Mommy.  And I loved how it turned out!!  I edited them a little differently as well, just because I felt the black and whites needed a warmer presence.  Anyhow, enough of my musings.  :)  I've been so anxious to get these posted for Lucia's parents; I know they're looking forward to seeing our results from the day.  (Your entire gallery will be ready very soon, but for now, enjoy your sneak peek!  xo)

Lucia has a very proud big sister, and a very curious cousin!  I love these next two!  Such a sweet trio of girls.

Patty, thank you for your patience, and for being such an amazing person, mom, and friend.  All our love to you, Scott and the girls.

growing up | st petersburg baby photographer

I really wonder sometimes why I am so lucky.  I have the honor of documenting so many babies' first weeks of life. . .  and again when they're a little older as they crawl throughout their home and discover so many new things.  Then again when they're walking, talking, growing up.  It's been such a pleasure working with my clients over and over again, and by the time their baby is a year or so, it's just like visiting with family. This family is no exception.  It has been such a pleasure working with them over the past year.  Just over a year ago, when their babies were a week old, I was able to witness their bond because any time we'd lie them down together, they'd immediately find each other and snuggle right up, arm in arm.  It was precious to watch.

I've had the privilege of watching them marvel at their first Christmas lights together, listening to their babbles and coos. Crawling, laughing, smiling, enjoying the beauty around them (and watching their parents acting silly behind me and my camera).  ;)

And recently I was invited to join in their first birthday celebration,to see them walking around as the full-fledged toddlers that they have become.  It was a perfect, lovely afternoon in their backyard, and I'm so happy that I was able to be in attendance.

I loved the vintage theme of the party.  Some of the toys reminded me of my own childhood (Fisher-Price movie viewer, anyone?).

Happy 1st Birthday, sweet babies.  You will change the world someday.  You are already so amazing, and I feel blessed to know you.  Much love.

Thank you, Chris and Monique, for letting me come along on this sweet ride with your family.  I've enjoyed every moment, and I look forward to watching your "babies" grow.

~S

ella's baby sister

Remember sweet Ella from my post below?

Well, she's learning how to be a big sister!  I got to spend the morning with Ella, baby Anna, and their sweet parents recently to photograph them again... only this time, as a brand new family of four.

Aren't they cute snuggled up in the bassinet together??  Ella has the honor of helping to take care of and love on her new little sister for the rest of her life.  Anna is so blessed to have entered this family.

She is just beyond precious.

We were even able to capture a few of Miss Emilia, Anna's new friend and "part-time sister" who was very curious about these little feet all bundled up.

I'll have lots more for you soon!  Thanks for waiting so patiently for the sneak peek, Damian, Jill, and all the anxious Somers Salon and Spa family!!  Oh, and psst, Lauren, you can stop hitting "refresh" now.  ;)  *mwahh!*

into open arms | tampa bay newborn photographer

I have no doubt that Joshua entered this world into anxious, joyful arms.  That he is surrounded by love and admiration, and is adored by many.  I had the pleasure of photographing him at the ripe old age of three weeks.  :)  With two parents who obviously are very much in love, I wonder where Joshua's favorite place to be is??

In his parents' arms, of course.  And I don't think you'll hear them complaining.  ;)

Loved the sweet curve of his back, and the way the light fell across it.

Can you get over this peace sign he's throwing me here?  Ha!

Megan and John, I hope you enjoy your gallery.  It was my honor to photograph your baby boy for you.

waiting for anna | tampa maternity photography

I always love turning my lens on these gorgeous girls.  Jill's maternity shoot was not just directed toward herself and her beautiful tummy, but it was also very much about Ella, who is going to make for one fine big sister.  This is the third time I've photographed this family, and I can't wait to meet baby Anna in a few weeks.

Oh, and did I mention that there is also a supercute and hilarious terrier snuggled up in that tickle fight?  I am pretty certain that right beside his "girls" is exactly where he wanted to be.  :)

Well, maybe except for that moment....  or this one...  ;)

But they are an adorable bunch, no?

Told ya...  he was snuggled up to his girls the entire shoot.

Jill, I can't wait to meet your new baby girl!  Thank you for having me over to play once more.  I had such a great time, as always.  See you soon!

~S

her name was Belva Charlene.

She was tall, strong, brave, and kind.  She was a wife, a sister, an aunt, a mother, a grandmother, a great-grandmother and even a great-great-grandmother.  She was a Christian, and she loved her family with all her heart.  She was one of the most giving, selfless, gentle women I've ever known.  She made the most delicious pecan pies and cream candy, and I looked forward to her treats every holiday.  She always laughed at the antics of my sisters when we were little.  "That Trish," she'd say, shaking her head.  She celebrated her 94th birthday in June.  I hope she remembered it ~ Alzheimer's had taken so many of her memories by then.  But she always knew my dad when he went to visit her.  "Why, hello, Pat!" she'd say with a smile and a twinkle of her clear blue eyes.  Such a sweet woman.  Her name was Belva Charlene Holbrook.  She was my Nanny, my great-grandmother.  And with a heavy heart, I am glad to know that she suffers no more here on this earth. I miss you already, Nanny, but I'm so grateful for growing up under your influence of kindness and constant grace.  You were a treasure to know, and I'm so glad we got to borrow you here on this earth for awhile.  I hope you're dancing in Heaven right now.  You deserve the largest mansion with the biggest field of flowers to enjoy, and children to surround you there just as they did here.  We love you, and are comforted in knowing that we'll see you again one day.  Welcome Home, Nanny.  xox

This photograph was taken December 2008 of my great-grandmother, my dad, and my son.  She always folded her slim hands that graceful way, and I adore her smiling eyes here.

holiday schedule, and a few more images too!

Just wanted to give you a little update now that we're fully into December and the holidays are almost HERE!!!  :)  This is my absolute favorite time of year, but WOW at the busy-ness!  My labs are working overtime and crazy hours to get all the prints, canvases, albums and image boxes back in time for Christmas delivery, and I'm pulling lots of late nights getting everyone's orders in and put together, shipped out, blogged HA!, and delivered!  I even have a few new sessions to share before we close up for 2009 and await the New Year! That said, my holiday schedule will continue through December 17.  Stacey Woods Photography will be closed from Friday, December 18 until Monday, January 11.  (Excepting newborn and maternity clients, which must be photographed during all-important, fleeting, very specific timeframes to ensure the best images possible!).  If you're already on my books for the first week of January, have no fear.  You're still in!  :)  I am starting to book up January now so definitely place a call or send over an email if you'd like to get on the schedule for January or February.  And if you have an order outstanding, please wait just a little longer!  It's coming shortly, I promise!

Now, to share a few images from some recent sessions.  I've been almost afraid to post some of these for fear that I'm spoiling someone's Christmas card or present!  ;)  But I think I'm safe to share these, so here we go!

This is a lovely family that I met at the last Baby Loves Disco event in Tampa.  They looked me up again this year for a Christmas session, and I'm so glad they did!  Little A was so funny and so spirited the entire shoot!  He made me work for it!  :)

Preschoolers go their own way, that's for certain... right into Daddy's arms.  Ahhh, sweetness.

And how I love this sweet still moment with Mama.  He had the most gorgeous lashes, really.

And I know you can't see it in this black and white photo above, but Mom had on some KILLER red pumps.  :)  Loved them, and loved the energy of this family.  Can't wait until next time, sweet S family!  Hope you have a wonderful holiday.

just right

Sweet faces, sweet people, sweet light.  I could not have asked for more in a session!

M family, I'll have your gallery online for you soon!  Thank you so much for a perfect evening.  I'm so glad Tammy sent you my way!  xo

a little change of plans

...sometimes turns out to be a blessing.  I photographed the adorable T. family on a rainy Saturday evening at their beautiful home.  I just loved this session, and this family, weather and all!  And since I'm so behind on the sneak peeks over here, I'm going to do a big share on the blog, just for Alison.  Thanks for your patience!!  :)

Loved this moment with Daddy and his little girl.  I am realizing more and more each day how very much Daddies adore their baby girls.  Although I know it well with my own father (who is still so loving and affectionate, and would do anything for his three "little girls" to this very day), it's something else entirely when you actually have your own husband and your own daughter who share the same bond.  Makes me smile ~ and tear up a bit too ~ when I see it in my clients' eyes.  :)

Little man.  :)  He was so good to me and my camera, despite it being almost dinner and night-night time.  What a darling trooper he was!  Just look at that sweet smile.  (And that new tooth about to make its debut!!)

And his gorgeous Mama.  I was so drawn to the next image... little thing had gotten hurt and Mama was holding her, consoling her, and making it all better.  Hey, that's what we're known for, right?  "Disappearing" all the hurts away.  Her tears didn't last long, I assure you.  :)

Thank you for a wonderful evening with your family, Alison.  Thank you for opening up your home to me and allowing me to record these moments for you.  I hope to do it again soon!