Dogs and their people

This was a comical session. It started smoothly and the dogs were listening well, so we took the leashes off. Well, the fuzzy one realized he was free and started running through this boardwalk maze. His "mom" and I stayed put while "dad" and Darin went after him, and the yells and noises we heard were quite funny, and increasingly irritated and exhausted. This is a story I think all dog owners can appreciate. Who hasn't had to run down their block in a bath robe with a squeaky toy, or tried to keep up with a lightening fast dog through the park just waiting for them to stop and smell something? Our dog trainer told us he believes dogs have tails so there is something to grab when they decide to bolt. I've used that trick a time or two. Anyway, it all ended well, with time left to capture some sweet moments.

Wedding on Sand Key

This was a rare treat for me. Darin and I photographed our friend's wedding on Sand Key. It, of course, stormed earlier in the day so we were crossing our fingers for the ceremony, but it turned out beautiful, and even left us with some wonderful clouds. But the truly beautiful part was witnessing the love and joy these two were feeling. Thank you, E and P, for allowing us to be such an important part of this day. Many, many happy wishes to the two of you!

Engaged

These two were an absolute riot, especially Reggie (that's not his name, I just like to call him that...long story). ;) They were so cute and willing, and came up with some of their own shots. We had a blast and I've been so anxious to get these edited and share a few, so here they are...

Sentimental Value

The littlest guy in these photos holds a special place in my heart. He was the first "days old" newborn I ever photographed.

This is my favorite photo from that session. When I laid him in this basket and looked through the veiwfinder, it was a pivotal moment for me...I fell in love with newborn photography.

And here he is at a year and 8 months old.
It was so fun to photograph this family again and see how they've grown. Thank you J and C for being my guinea pigs in 2007, and for appreciating the results enough to hire me again. It does my heart good. :)

The wait is over!

I'm so excited to post these photos! These two fantastic people are the owners of the new Arthur Murray Studio in Clearwater. They're young, they're hip, and they're amazing dancers! I've wanted to take ballroom/Latin dance lessons for many years, and when their studio opened so close to me, I couldn't resist...and I'm loving it!! If any of you have considered taking lessons, do it NOW! It's a great workout, it's great for your posture and self-esteem, and it's wonderful for couples who want to spend time together and strengthen their relationship. They are also starting a kids program, and I can say from experience (my mom put me in ballet and jazz classes when I was young) that dancing is wonderful for children. Not only for their self-esteem, but also for coordination and social skills. I can't tell you how thankful I am that my parents stayed committed to sending me to dance class...even when I *claimed* to hate it. ;) Ok, I'm finished with my speech now. If you'd like more information, or want to sign up for your complimentary fist lesson, their phone number is 727-489-9919.

P.S. You'll be seeing the newborn session soon!

PROM

You've seen these faces before. This is my senior "C". We've worked together a lot and I LOVE her! And you've seen him, "A", in a previous post as well. I was excited to photograph them as a couple, and all dolled up! ;)

The Fountain

I've been working on more photos of my senior rep "C". She brought along "A" and they were great together. We got a few shots...then it rained, so we spent some time taking cover, but then we decided to have fun with it and get wet! Thanks, you two, for being such willing models - I love the results.