Archives: 2010

Hubby is heading to Haiti - Deep thoughts today... February 25th, 2010 . uncategorized

This is Tim.

He's my husband, and my love - truly a soulmate. He has me thinking deep thoughts today as he heads out on a mission trip to Haiti. Now, I know that most likely he will be just fine, even though some folks are a little negative about the trip. We are very aware that things are not totally safe in Haiti right now, but the work they are setting out to do is important and I am a woman of faith. We all know, however, how easy it is to say the words, but how hard it can be to FEEL it when it involves the love of your life... the father of your children. Let's just say it hits home.

I won't bore you all with all of the thoughts my mind is asking today, but I did want to share one small thing with you. Being the photographer I am, I can't help but document my family's lives. It's just what I do. It is even why I offer lifestyle photography sessions where I go and spend a good part of any given day taking pictures of whatever my clients do. Life is not meant to be documented only on special occasions, in your best outfit with your hair and makeup just so. I'm very much a believer in catching life as it passes.... the little day-to-day things. They can mean so much in the future.

Comment on this image

Comment on this image

I was working on an album design today and thinking how much this couple is going to LOVE sharing these pictures with their kids someday. (And those of us with kids can attest just how fast that 'someday' will get here! ;) This put me in mind to take a peak at some of the pictures I have of Tim that I love looking at.... not necessarily the BEST pictures I have, but the ones that speak to me on a personal level.

So I did, and you know what? It helps. To have pictures of him with the kids, doing the day-to-day stuff in life, it helps calm me. I feel more at peace with the trip and I know that, if my worst nightmare came true and he didn't return to us for any reason, it would be good to have these pictures. They would insure that the kids would have wonderful memories of their dad.

I told you, deep thoughts.

Now, some of you may cringe at the idea of talking about the potential death of a loved one, but I have seen it happen over and over in my years as a photographer... life is never a sure thing. We never know when it will be our 'time' and it soothes me to know that I have wonderful images of him - the pictures would be something I would cling to. I've had clients who have lost loved ones and have come back later and thanked me for my small part in capturing their loved ones for them. It makes what I do seem very rewarding. It's good to have reminders of what is really important in life sometimes.

Nowadays in our advertising-intensive world, the marketing of memories may make us all a little cynical at times, but please don't let it keep you from realizing how important photography can be. Lately I've had a few brides-to-be share with me that their dress cost several thousands of dollars so they can't afford to spend $2,000 on photography. I can't help but roll my eyes internally sometimes when I hear someone say something like "pictures shouldn't cost so much, they aren't THAT important". You have to know that someone who does what I do for a living would value photography highly, but that aside - I'm not just a photographer. I'm a mom, a wife, a daughter and I wouldn't take anything for the pictures of my friends and family. I know most folks are on a budget and have to make decisions about their priorities, but it doesn't mean that pictures are not important... it just means that something else may be more important. :)

I'm getting sidetracked here, something I don't want to do. I will write on this kind of thing in future blogs, but just take this away from today's post. Take pictures of your loved ones. Often. Resist the temptation to make them dress up or brush their hair. Catch them exactly as they are, doing things they love. THOSE are the very best pictures a person can have.

Thanks for listening.

add a comment link to this post share with a friend

Looking for a few new ideas for your Save the Date Cards or Programs? February 03rd, 2010 . uncategorized

wedding program ideas

I came across a blurb in this month's issue of Real Simple that I thought some of you may find helpful, especially if you are looking for a few ideas on your save the date cards or programs. The one above, shaped like a bell when closed, opens up to make a fan. A great idea if you happen to be planning a summer wedding in Highlands. Many of our local wedding venues are outdoors or have no air conditioning.... the Summer Chapel comes to mind. Something like this would be nice. There are many ideas, just hop over to this link to see some others. Links to individual designers' sites are right next to each image featured.... so even MORE ideas! Have fun. Hope you find the perfect thing!

add a comment link to this post share with a friend