The prettiest smiles.
The bluest eyes.
The most fun.
The best giggles.
The sweetest love.
Thank you, Schemery family, for being in front of my lens while you were in town, and for sharing your evening with me.
xo,
-Stacey
Our Visit with Momaw
The kids and I have been on a little road trip. We had intended on visiting Kentucky later on this month, but this sweet little lady here wasn't feeling very well... so we moved our mini-vacation forward at the last minute. Literally, we decided to leave one night and left the next afternoon. The trip was 930 miles one way, and it took us 15 hours to drive it, not counting stops and one overnight stay in Georgia. And yes, it was just the kids and me. Daddy had to work. But it was truly better than I expected! My kids were such great travelers, and were so helpful to each other and to me. When we arrived at the hospital, Momaw was still in ICU. She was moved to a regular room later that afternoon, and last week she improved enough to go home! She is on dialysis 3 times a week now, and once on the weekend when needed, to reduce the fluid buildup around her heart. She has suffered from diabetes and congestive heart failure for years, among other health issues, but they seem to be double-teaming her as of late. She's literally been in the hospital more days than she has been home, since February. I hope that we are blessed enough to be able to visit her again. She tells wonderful stories. I have so many amazing childhood memories that were largely because of her and my Popaw.
She was so excited to see us! Dad and Popaw think her rather quick recovery from this week's trouble was helped along by her knowledge that we were coming in. Melts my heart to know that.
My sweet Popaw is her strength. He does everything for her. Brings her a toothbrush and a cup, helps get her dressed, organizes and distributes her many medications, monitors her weight, blood sugar, fluid levels, helps her into her wheelchair and down the ramp at their back porch... he even carries her purse while the nurses transfer her from one room to another. He just completely takes wonderful care of her. They are so blessed to have each other.
Watching them has always been so inspiring. The way they never minded us dragging out all of their books and shoes to play library and shoe store when we were kids.... (and always said, "ahh, we'll clean it up later!") The way they let us help plant wrinkled pink seeds of Silver Queen in the garden, then help the crop grow to harvest and then to prep and freezing -- and eating! (As long as I live, I will never forget the taste of their fresh garden corn every year.) I cherish the fact that Popaw always waited to cut his grass until after Easter, so we would have something to hide eggs in. I like the sweet way he calls her Maw and tells little inside jokes and chuckles alongside her. The way she depends on him and trusts him wholly. It's been so encouraging to watch them and be shaped by their example through the years.
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I'll come back to share more posts and photographs from our trip. As timing would have it, we spent Father's Day and Lila's birthday there as well. As much as I will cherish this particular visit, it sure is good to be home this morning.
Featured! A Session Share on the NAPCP Blog Today | Tampa Family Photographer
Today I have the honor of being featured on the National Association of Professional Child Photographers (NAPCP) Parent's Blog! They contacted me recently about highlighting a particular family session that I photographed back in the late Fall, and I was thrilled to be able to contribute. This was a super fun family to work with, and I had a blast collaborating with them on this shoot. Click on the photo below for the full story!
Thank you Kristen and the entire team over at the NAPCP, and congratulations to the sweet Zurman family for being the star session today!
The Only Little Girl in the Park | Tampa Kids Photographer
I got a phone call when I was just two or three minutes from the park. I could hear the disappointment in Brittany's voice. My clients had already arrived at our location, and they were calling me in dismay. It seems that there was an outdoor concert getting ready to start at the park that they had chosen to hold their family photo session... and there were crowds of people forming already. I said a quick prayer and then headed on over, hoping that we could beat the crowds. My clients had a brick engraved with their family's names on it, placed down by the riverwalk. They took their little girl to this park often, and it was very special to them. And if you know me, I love to incorporate familiar and meaningful places into my family photo sessions, and I certainly didn't want to disappoint them by having to move to another park instead. I was hopeful. So I pulled out my trusty 85mm lens, and we stayed toward the edges of the crowds. Thankfully, the concert-goers were all gathering in the sunniest spots on the lawn, which I wanted to avoid anyway. I assured Jack and Brittany that all would be well, that we could stay after all, and we began shooting.
I am excited to share these images with you, not only because I adore this family (this is my fourth session with them), but because I'm excited to show them the results of our session amidst a crowd of a hundred plus people, in the middle of downtown Tampa.
Doesn't she look like she's the only little girl in the entire park? There was a line of concert-goers walking behind her, camera left, just outside the frame.
And there were three other people frolicking in the fountain nearby. ;)
Sunlight + water = a happy child! (And backlight + a gorgeous little girl playing in a fountain = a very happy photographer!)
What hundred extra people, you say?! Right. It's all about working with what you have, and I'd say we got dealt a beautiful hand, packed concert and all! Thanks so much, Jack, Brittany and Lena, for a lovely night at the park! I truly enjoyed every minute of it (well, except the lovebugs!), and I hope you did too. xo
A Holiday Morning in Tampa
When Chris and I found out we would not be traveling home for Christmas this year, we were both a little heartbroken. But the same day, I got an email from Kimberly asking about a session for her family over the holiday break, and I was immediately uplifted. I would have had to turn her down had we not gotten our news earlier in the day. And Kimberly's family was adorable. The kids have all gone off to college and were home for the holidays, and she was so excited to have everyone all together again. They even brought along the littlest family members (Lily and Ella).
They brightened my cold morning for sure.
Thank you, Rivard Family, for braving super cold temps (and no heat inside UT!), and for overcoming such a tough morning to get to our session in the first place. I had a wonderful time with you and I hope you love your sneak peak.
PS... Go Tigers :)
AN ANSWER TO THE AGE-OLD QUESTION...
I have had the good fortune to meet so many new families this year. It's funny because first-time clients can be a little unsure if I actually "got anything good" during our walking, romping, shooting, laughing, acting silly, being-themselves-and-loving-on-their-children kind of session together. I always smile knowingly, because those types of sessions are always my favorites, and I'm happy to show them their images to reassure them. And probably calm their jitters! Zurman family, I'm pleased to report that I did, indeed, get lots of good things during our time together. I hope you agree!
These kids (and their 3 children) ;) were a blast to photograph. It is obvious that they are a family who shares time, hugs, horseplay, and lots of laughs. What a fun family to be a part of!
I'll be sharing more recent family sessions in the coming days. I must confess, when I get super-busy, I tend to go into hibernation mode... which makes for lots of galleries cranked out and lots of work done... but notsomuch visibility here on the blog. ;) But I'm still working hard, don't worry! Galleries are launching left and right, and holiday card orders are being filled as you read this. Well, after I pour that next cup of coffee, that is.
Enjoy! And Happy December!!
Announcing Holiday Mini-Sessions!
At long last. We're set. This year I'm happily offering my Annual Mini-Sessions on the beach, and I'm thrilled to be able to offer you six five four TWO spots in the evening. Our goal is to get the perfect photo for your holiday cards, Christmas gifts, and little treasures to last all year. I expect these mini-sessions to go quickly, so email or call me as soon as you can to choose your most convenient time. I look forward to hearing from you soon, and seeing your beautiful families and how the kids have grown since last time. If you've never had a session with me, these can be a great way to get a quick session in, and get a feel for how I work with your family Lots of my mini-session clients do turn into "regular session" clients during the course of the next year!
The above design is just a taste of the gorgeous cards I'm offering this season. ;)
Edited to add: There are only TWO mini-sessions left at this time. If you're contemplating booking a mini-session this season, I'd encourage you to either email or call me quickly to reserve your spot! This is the only time during the year that I offer mini-sessions and this year they're booking fast. Thanks so much!! :) All the spaces are filled!! Can't wait to photograph your families this season!
If you're interested in a regular session instead of the Mini Session (generally we spend at least 1 hour to 90 minutes at the location of your choice), I do have two (just two) regular weekend sessions available in October that I just opened up (one is morning, one is evening). Weekdays are filled next, but those are almost full as well. I'm grateful that so many of my clients have taken the early-bird route this year and have gotten their sessions scheduled ahead of time! Can't wait to see you.
SNOW WHITE
I can't begin to tell you how much I enjoyed this session with Tammy, Bryan, Emilia and Auntie Beth. Their family is precious, and I have looked forward to this session for months! Actually, I photographed them just last fall during my holiday mini-sessions, and was so excited to have them book a full session with me this summer! And this time I got to meet and photograph Beth as well. So sweet to watch her with her niece, who she clearly adores.
In the above shot, Tammy and Beth's ancestors painted the watercolor above Emilia's chair. I love incorporating precious things like that into sessions!
And from yesterday's post, by now we've gathered that Snow White didn't like to eat more than a single bite of her apple.... but she LOVED her grapes!
And she loved to read. And call Mommy "Ariel" (she has beautiful auburn hair) as she read through her princess storybook.
After we read a little, snacked a little, and twirled a little..... we set off for the library to return a few books.
This is why I LOVE being an on-location photographer. We're not limited to a studio with the same-old backgrounds and props... rather, we can meet at your home, play with your children's special and meaningful things, document your home and the way it looks while your children's belongings fill the rooms and line the walls (because they won't always), and then take off and enjoy a typical morning doing the things your child loves most. And for me, it's so refreshing!! And it keeps the kids moving, too, which is especially great for the two-and-under crowd. ;)
And then we decided, why not just break ALL of the rules and have an ice cream sundae before lunch??
Of course, after the ice cream and strawberries, we certainly needed a bath. ;)
I really hated to leave. I could have stayed there all day long if I didn't have a sweet couple of kiddos waiting for me at home. (And I treated them to ice cream next!) I have said it before, and I feel it goes without saying, but again: I LOVE MY JOB. :) Thank you to the sweet families of Tampa Bay who open their homes and hearts to me and trust me with photographing their children over and over. I SO appreciate you!!
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I'm starting to fill up for fall sessions, so if you'd like to have me photograph your family this autumn for Christmas and Holiday cards or for those special gifts, definitely give me a call soon to reserve your most convenient date. I'm booking into October and November, and have a few September dates still open for those who need sessions right away. Talk to you soon!
SACRIFICES AND BLESSINGS
I've had this post on my mind for several days now. Trying to find the right words. Thinking of the importance of this session, and really, of every session I am commissioned to shoot. I will tell you that immediately upon meeting them, I could tell that this darling baby girl is loved beyond her wildest dreams, and by so many people. Her Daddy is undoubtedly thinking of her while he's overseas fighting for our country and protecting our freedoms, his daughter's freedoms, on a daily basis. Her Mama has strength like I've never seen, and she is to be thanked for her many sacrifices as well. I know it isn't easy. But I will say that there aren't many things in this life more recognizable and powerful than a parent's love for his/her child. It's a beautiful thing to see. And let me tell you, this child is loved. Truly adored.
We met at a natural spring in this area, and the entire park was beautiful. I plan on going back just as soon as I can. The fields were beautiful and the light was delicious. Backlight is my soft spot, you know. ;) And so are snuggles with Mommy. Watching them together was mesmerizing. And I must confess that I just kept shooting, and smiling behind my camera, long after I'd gotten the images I'd intended on getting... they were just too sweet together and their connection was so obvious, their adoration so mutual. It really was precious and hard to turn my eye away from. Every child should be this blessed!
Daddy was only in for a short while, in fact he was leaving the next morning and would soon be on his way back overseas. But watching him interact with his daughter was touching. You see, he hadn't seen since she was just a few weeks old, and she had just turned one a few days before our session. I imagine he'd had to get to know his daughter all over again as a toddler. And that made me realize how lucky my children are to be able to see their Daddy at home every day. It also reminded me to be extremely thankful for those who sacrifice that very precious thing for our sakes. I don't think we could ever thank our servicemen and women enough.
Ami, Frank, I'm grateful that you were so willing to be in front of my lens. Your daughter has such a sweet smile and personality. You're doing a great job with her, and you are both such an inspiration of strength to me. Thank you!
I have so many more images that I'd love to share, but I have to save some lovely surprises for their gallery. Thank you everyone for stopping by the blog. I appreciate you being here! And I'll be back with more sessions to share soon.
xo,
Stacey
THE COMFORTS OF HOME
I had the chance to spend the morning with a really lovely family this past week. They were warm, relaxed, comfortable, and made me feel right at home too. I love when sessions just play out this way. It means that they seem to forget a little bit that I'm there, and we capture their true connections to each other. All those little moments in between that makes their family so unique and amazing.
Gorgeous mama, and gorgeous girls.
Her bed was fabulous, and so was the gorgeous handmade piece hanging above it. "DREAM" really does suit her space, that's for sure. Although I'm not so sure she gets a lot of actual sleep ~ judging from all the books and flashlights hidden down inside her covers! ;)
She had such subtle differences in expression that I loved.
I have so many favorite images from this session. . . but of course I have to save some surprises for their gallery! ~Thanks so much for welcoming me into your home this week. I hope you love your sneak peek, and I look forward to seeing you again soon.