Kelleen Hite Photography, on-location, studio custom portrait artist in Jacksonville, Flor

Hello World

2008-02-28T13:59:00.002-05:00

Well, I am finishing up the new site and all the goodies. But, I have finished the new blog. This is the last post to this one...so for the new blog:

Kelleen Hite Photography Blog

This one will stay up indefinitely, but will have no new posts. I have thoughrly enjoyed using blogger, but wanted to embed the new blog in my site and it had some features that I thought would help navigate the blog. See you there!

Happy Valentine's Day

2008-02-14T13:14:00.007-05:00

I know, I have been a blog slacker! I promise to all of you recent clients out there, I will post a few for you, but today, its all about love and chocolate! My wonderful hubby got me some roses and chocolates so I had to photograph both. I got this fabulous new lens {lesnsbaby-yes thats the name} on my PPA trip, and could not wait to use it! I bought it for weddings, so getting to try it out was so much fun. The chocolates are from a company called voasges, they make the most decadent chocolates with the oddest centers. Go check them out! http://www.vosgeschocolate.com/

Sneak Peak

2008-01-24T08:13:00.000-05:00

How cute is this little one? Meet Baby "K", she is baby number 4 to the most adorable family! And I will tell you, she was amazing the day I did her session, she even feel asleep! Is there anything more precious than those new baby toes? UGH! It almost makes me want another...Don't worry, I said ALMOST! Congratulations to the "T" Family on this beautiful little girl!

In Memory

2008-01-22T09:01:00.000-05:00

You guys all know how much I love the hand photos, but these two are extra special to me. Last week, I flew up to see my grandmother in the hospital. My only hope was to give her the rosary my husband had gotten in St Augustine, and had blessed, and get photographs of her hand, my fathers hand, and mine, three generations. By the time I got there, she had slipped into a coma. She woke up only briefly during my trip and said my name. It seems so silly, pictures of her hand with mine, but in its simplicity you see three generations of Wagner's, three generations of love. I was lucky to see her one last time, she passed away at 5:53 yesterday, in the comfort of my Dad and Shelly's home. She lived to 85, would have been 86 on February 5th. I cant help but think of all the changes she saw in those 85 years!

Thank you to all of my wonderful clients and for friends for your prayers and thoughts over the last two weeks. Days like this remind me how precious life and memories are, and even more, how important you guys all are! Take a moment and be thankful for today...

I have the Greatest Clients!

2008-01-09T16:09:00.000-05:00

As some of you already know I was at PPA Convention (professional photographers of America)this past week. An incredible education seminar and the largest photography expo in the world. Can you imagine me in that??? My husband begged me not to take the business credit card!

Anywho...my first night there, I get a call from one of my cleints, they had just picked up there images after having them framed. The two of them were so excited and I have to admit, it was contagious! I asked them to send me pictures of what they looked like, I had to see! Needless to say, they look gorgeous...the frames that is {Ok, the portrait is pretty stinkin' great too}. I just love seeing what wonderful things you guys do, and even more than that, I love to know you are enjoying the art, and cherishing it! I think thats what I love most about photography, as our familes change, kids get older, portraits document all of that. I think if you asked anyone over the age of 70 what there most valuable possessions are, they would say photographs! {Yes, grandma, yours are in the mail, I promise!}

Anyways, thank you to the "G" family for sharing this with me, and reminding me what I love about my job...and for doing it right before a conference! What a rush...

UPDATE! UPDATE!

2008-01-09T16:01:00.000-05:00

Hello out there...is anyone out there?? I have been off blogger for a month and a half, the holiday season was so busy! I have so many sessions to share with you guys, so over the next few days I will be blogging like crazy! I am also planning a new site, and loads of new additions to the product line up. I also have some great announcements to make and of course a reprint sale! I hope that all of you guys had a wonderful holiday and are looking forward to a great 2008! Stay Tuned...

Isn't she beautiful?

2007-11-26T12:42:00.001-05:00

This little one was so cute, and when she smiled, you just wanted to pinch her cheeks. I just love when they start to get all those baby squishy parts! I hope you guys enjoy your sneak peak!

A few to catch up on...

2007-11-26T12:29:00.000-05:00

It has been so busy, I have been neglecting the Ol' blog! So, here are a few from some recent family sessions to catch up on! Hope everyone enjoyed Turkey day!

My Other Red heads

2007-11-19T11:15:00.000-05:00

You guys may remember these two I have been photographing this family since I started, and even in that short amount of time it amazes me how much children change! Even Ms. A, she went from a young teenager to a knock out over night! And Mr. R, he is one of my favorites! I love when I get to see him, his smile just lights up! I hope you guys enjoy your images!

An adorable Family

2007-11-19T10:03:00.001-05:00

Once again, I get the absolute cutest kids! This little boy has so much spunk and the bluest eyes you have ever seen! This couple had just moved into their house, and were so excited to capture some images there. The parents were so laid back! I love families like this...

Two little beauties

2007-11-19T09:57:00.000-05:00

Its that time of year, holidays and families! I love when families make it easy, and this group did. The girls were perfect! Hope you guys enjoy your images!

Another Cutie

2007-11-19T09:51:00.000-05:00

This little guy is from one of my holiday mini sessions, how gorgeous are those baby blues! I hope you guys enjoy your pictures!!

Baby G

2007-11-19T09:43:00.000-05:00

This little guy is so stinkin' cute, and his parents are two of my favorites, you might remember their gorgeous maternity shots two months ago! They were so much fun! Congratulations on your little man! I hope you enjoy your sneak peak!

Holiday Times

2007-11-19T09:41:00.000-05:00

I am so sorry I have been a blog slacker...its one of my new years resolutions! So many things to do in January!! Anyways, I have been crazy busy these last few weeks with new babies, families and maternity clients, so I am taking this time to catch up and show some shots! I hope you guys enjoy!

2007-11-11T13:56:00.000-05:00

How stinkin' cute are these two? This little little duo was so much fun! Miss F, who is 4 months old, had the cutest personality! She was a natural in front of the camera. Mr. T, he was so smitten with his sister, and had the cutest little dimples! I had such a wonderful time with these two and their mom! I hope you guys enjoy your sneak peak!

Happy halloween!

2007-11-02T11:33:00.000-05:00

What a night! I am not sure who had more fun, the kids, or Mark and I. We started at a Halloween get together down the street! It was so much fun getting to see everyone all in one place. We let the kids start at about 7 and YES Miss H made it till 8:00, she did awesome! Wonder Woman went much longer, the top picture is after we finished the night, I think she could have gone another hour! Now, what are we going to do with all this candy???

Bellies and more Bellies

2007-10-31T15:57:00.000-05:00

I had another recent maternity, and once again, she was just gorgeous! I would have killed to look like that 4 days (thats right) before I was due! I have so much fun doing these sessions, but this one was really great! Have you ever met someone that you are so much like, you wonder if you were separated at birth?? Well, this session was just like that! The new mom and I had so much in common, we kept asking ourselves that very question! I had such a great time with her, we laughed and completely enjoyed ourselves! I cant wait till she gets to feeling better so I can take her to dinner~ Pear mojito's! Mrs. R, I hope you enjoy your sneak peak! Take care of yourself!

2007-10-26T13:40:00.000-05:00

I love my job, I do! And I love it even more when I have a family like this one! The mom was my maternity client, but we did some family shots as well. The boys were adorable, so polite! And the parents were as wonderful as can be. Mom and I had so much fun together and she was up for all my crazy poses~I just love clients like that! Thank you guys for allowing me to capture your family! I hope you enjoy your sneak peak!

What a Family!

2007-10-24T11:11:00.000-05:00

This was such a wonderful family to photograph! The parents were wonderful, and the children has so much personality, so different from each other. I had so much fun capturing this family, between the balloons, the cake, and the gorgeous weather- everyone was so full of energy, it was just contagious! I hope you guys enjoy your sneak peak!

Its a BOY!

2007-10-24T10:50:00.000-05:00

There is something so wonderful about a newborn baby...the feel of their skin, the soft little feet, the hair on their head (sometimes!LOL). They are so tiny and perfect and so new. I love when I get to photograph a newborn, capturing all the "little parts". Sometimes, as a parent I think we forget how fast babies grow and change and become adorable little people. I hope that you guys are enjoying Mr. "C", and all the new little things about him! Congratulations!

A little beauty

2007-10-19T11:07:00.000-05:00

This was such an adorable family...three beautiful girls with the most beautiful dark hair and curls. As you can imagine with my straight hair, I am extremely envious. The little one is four weeks, and slept the entire time I was there! I am envious of that too! It took Haylee forever to sleep during the day like that! I hop you guys enjoy your sneak peak, and I hope you guys are getting some night sleep.

And the Winner is...

2007-10-18T12:40:00.000-05:00

This is the winning image from last months "lesson" contest, getting closer. On this image, getting close shows the adorable drool from that ever elusive first tooth, one of the biggest moments in that first year! We alos get a nice close up of her eyes and her face, all things we want to remember! Well done!! That gift Certificate is on the way!

Classroom #2

2007-10-18T11:14:00.000-05:00

Class is in session! This is the second in a 10 part series on taking better snapshots of your children, pets anything.

This months concept is "Keep Shooting and stop thinking"

The wonderful thing about digital, is you can shoot and shoot and you can SEE what you have before you spend money to develop! So, given all that freedom, why stop with 2 shots of your son blowing out his candles on his cake, just keep clicking! You will get some great shots, ones that are unanticipated. Rotate the camera, give yourself a new angle! You can peak at it before you develop it, so whats the cost? If you shoot, and enjoy the experience of taking the pictures instead of focusing on forcing the baby to smile, you will capture those "real life" moments. The beauty of photography is capturing your family and friends as who they are, so stop thinking about posing the perfect picture, instead capture this moment, as it is!

As you take the pictures, also focus on what you see that you like, and use lasts months lesson, GET CLOSER. These two techniques will change the way you photograph almost instantly!

Lesson- get your kids or pets outside, and try and take 20 pictures, just snap away, do you notice a difference? I would love to hear from you guys on this lesson too!

Baby Fever

2007-10-18T10:50:00.000-05:00

It seems that something must be in the water, because there are babies popping up everywhere! This is one of my dearest friends from highschool, pregnant with her second girl. She is married to a man that I have known since he was still in the "girls have cooties" stage, so as you can imagine photographing this family was pretty incredible. Mrs. C and I used to dress up when we were in High school and take pictures of each other, I guess not much has changed...well I think the pictures have! Congratulations to both of you and the big sissy! I can't wait to meet Miss M!

It's Amore!

2007-10-06T11:41:00.000-05:00

You know, in this line of work you get to photograph all sorts of different people, couples, children, babies, births. I love it all! But, this couple, they were one of those that just WOW you. They radiated love, as they await their first child. I had so much fun with them! They allowed me to do whatever I wanted, which is always so much fun! I cant wait to take baby G's pictures when he enters this world! Congratulations to both of you! Thank you so much for being beautiful subjects!

Oh My Gosh!!!

2007-09-20T17:12:00.000-05:00

Ok, thats not mine! LOL! My best friend just found out today she is expecting a baby!!! I am so excited for her and her hubby, and hope that the next nine months is morning-sickness free, and nothing but wonderful! It truly is the beginning of the rest of your life!! Enjoy this, every single moment!! Congratulations Korkki and Mike!!! (picture by The new mom!!!- thats right k, i said mom!!!) Now, I have to go wipe my tears I am crying like a fool!

The Classroom #1

2007-09-20T14:33:00.000-05:00

Class is in session! This is the first in a 10 part series on taking better snapshots of your children, pets anything. {hint: CONTEST BELOW! CONTEST BELOW!}

Ok...and we are off!
This weeks lesson is about getting closer....

1) Focus test: Take 4 pictures of your babies eyes, one at 8 feet, 6 feet, 4 feet and 2 feet and see how they look. Doing this will give you an idea of how your camera focuses and how close you can get to your subject. You have to get to know your camera and its strengths and weaknesses! Up close pictures are tricky, but practice makes perfect!

2) Get Close to your subject. Start by cutting the distance between you and your subject in half, then maybe even closer. Yes, the tree behind fido is beautiful, but is your picture of Fido or of the tree? The most important thing you can learn from all this is the distance between you and your subject is very important. Photograph with your heart and soul, fill the viewfinder with what you love!

3) Now...get CLOSER! Find something on your subject you adore, the mouth full of teeth, the little hand, a fuzzy paw, heck a fuzzy paw and a little hand! There are so many "parts" once you get started, you will find its hard to choose. Those of you with new babies, do this with someone else, and take a pic of babies hand in someone else's hand (dad, grandma, heck your own if your camera will take that close) and do that each month. You will be amazed at how that little hand grows!

4) Loosen up and have fun, your subjects know if it stresses you (TRUST ME) and you want them to be relaxed!

5) And the most important tip of the month, find some flattering light. A window, the garage (with the door open - incredible light), below a shaded tree, sunset and get close to that light with your subject. Flattering light creates shadows and what is called "modeling" it gives your subject some dimension. High noon is not flattering! Squinty eyes do not look good on anyone! Those of you that have had outdoor sessions know this (and yes, I will give my tip for that, but thats another month).

PS send me an UP CLOSE image and the best one gets a $25 gift card to target (best- did you follow the directions??). We all could use some Target money!! Send those images over to my email address!{ kelly@khitephotography.com } I am excited to see what you guys do with your camera. This runs till the next issue of "the Classroom" is up (don't worry you will get a newsletter).

Ok! off you go, take some pictures, capture Life's sweetest moments before they are gone! Stay Tuned for October's classroom series which will have some tips for Halloween pictures and an INCREDIBLE contest!!

Happy Shooting!

The Diamond Girls

2007-09-14T10:00:00.000-05:00

October begins Breast Cancer Awareness month, a charity close to my heart. In college I was a Zeta Tau Alpha, one of the primary sponosrs of The Susan G Komen Foundation. I have a grandmother who was a survivor, one of my best friends mother's, a survivor. It has touched every single one of us, affecting our mothers, our sisters, our friends, our grandmothers. I wish you sat here reading this today and could honestly say "I do not know anyone who has been affected by the disease". But, unfortunately, that's not the case. Breast cancer effects 1 in 7 women, an astounding statistic.October is Breast Cancer awareness month and the beginning of the Diamond Girls.

If you got the newsletter, you know all about this (if not, get to my website and subscribe). The Diamond Girls, was started by Andi Diamond, a photographer in Tampa. Her mother and sister in law are both survivors, as is my Grandmother. Andi started the Diamond Girls as both a fundraiser and an awareness campaign. Her goal, to raise money for breast cancer research while giving hope to the women (and men) currently battling breast cancer. Once Andi told me about this, I knew I wanted to continue the concept up here in Jacksonville. Our goal - to photograph Breast Cancer Survivors, the scars, the stories, the pain as well as the triumph. At the end of all of this, we hope to put together a book of stories and images about surviving Cancer, a book that gives both hope and empowerment to all the women currently diagnosed with breast cancer, and sadly enough, the ones who will be diagnosed in the future. These women are our daughters, our sisters, our friends, hundreds of thousands of them diagnosed each year.

I would like to give these survivors a complimentary private "survivor session" where she has the opportunity to show her brave "battle wounds", physically and emotionally, in an artistic, tasteful, beautiful, and empowering manner. I want these women's stories to encourage other women going through similar experiences. Each woman will have access to a web gallery to view her images. At the end of the month, I plan on hosting a party to showcase the images we created together while raising funds for Susan G. Koman Breast Cancer Foundation (www.komen.org). I am anticipating alot of interest in this endeavor, so if you have a friend or family member who you think might be interested, please have her contact me ASAP as space will be limited. Thanks in advance for your interest and support!

Beach Family

2007-09-12T17:09:00.000-05:00

This past Friday I got to photograph the most beautiful family! The parents have been married for 40 years, what an amazing accomplishment! And together they have the most beautiful family, 4 children, 3 daughters-in-law and 2 beautiful grandchildren. I had so much fun with them and we had the most fabulous evening (ok, so a little windy)! For the first time in 3 months, it was pleasant outside! The baby was so sweet, and even woke up for a few shots. And the Miss "S", who is learning to walk was adorable, and had some great nicknames! I hope you guys enjoy your sneak peak and the rest of your vacation!

First Tooth!

2007-09-06T08:24:00.000-05:00

Its gone! The first tooth is gone. Ash is just shy of her 5th birthday and she has lost her very first baby tooth. Of course, the tooth fairy came, and Mark and I immediately noticed that there has been 500% inflation from when we were kids! She got the tooth out by biting into Laffy Taffy~ hey, you have to do what works! The Sprout is growing up (can you hear my crying???). Of course, the first thing she did was check it out in the mirror! Congratulations Ash!

I've been Tagged...

2007-09-06T04:42:00.000-05:00

I have been tagged by one of my photog friends and so I have to say 8 random things about myself:

1) I am addicted to email, I love it! I cant go a day without checking it, much less an hour!

2) I love products: lotions, makeup, etc, and my girls do too!

3) I love watching a Baby Story, watch it every day! (its no wonder I photograph pregnant women and newborns)

4) I have been married for 2 years to the most supportive and wonderful man, we have 3 stepchildren, and one beautiful daughter together.

5) I LOVE Christmas, decorating for it, planning for it, cooking for it! All of it! Its an addiction, and my husband is as bad as me!

6) I love wine, and I love chocolate! Well, all desserts, really!

7) I used to work in film and television, and have been on the sets of movies, commercials and music videos.

8) I LOVE to watch college football, especially the Gators!!

Well, thats it! Me in 8 little facts. Now, I am off to tag someone else!

Happy Birthday!

2007-09-04T09:04:00.000-05:00

The Fabulous Miss O turned 1! What an exciting day! I photographed Miss O when she was 7 months old, and she has just gotten cuter (who thought it was possible). She was a bit nervous to start, but no girl can resist jewelery! She did so wonderful and has some adorable pics to prove it- I could not decide what to show! Happy Birthday to a beautiful little girl!!

Another maternity..

2007-09-04T09:00:00.000-05:00

It must be baby season! This session was done in studio, and I had more fun! M and her son both came to get maternity pictures taken before the little one made her entry. Here is a sneak peak of her session, I cant wait to meet her! Congratulations!!

Beautiful belly

2007-09-03T16:43:00.000-05:00

I had another wonderful maternity session at the beach. I swear there is nothing more beautiful then watching the sunrise and photographing that with a new mom to be. There is so much hope, so much joy and anticipation, its just perfect! Thank you for allowing me to capture this beautiful time for you!

A whole Month!

2007-08-20T08:51:00.000-05:00

I have been so busy editing and working on the new site, that I have not posted any pictures to the blog. I hope to get some up in the next week, I promise! The new site is almost done, and looking so great, I am so excited! Here is a sneak peak...

Christmas in July

2007-07-25T17:49:00.000-05:00

Ok, so its been 90 degrees and HUMID, but here at Kelleen Hite Photography we are already thinking about the short, cold days of Winter! I know its hard to believe, but the holidays are just around the corner-ok, I know so many of you just want to get the kids back in school! I know someone out there has probably already finished there holiday shopping! The new website should be up mid-august and it will have an entire section dedicated to the holidays including some INCREDIBLE Holiday cards. Keep checking the blog, I will be posting some awesome examples of the 2007 Holiday Card Collection.

Little Packages

2007-07-16T15:51:00.000-05:00

Don't the best things come in small packages?? Well, I know a lot of work comes in these packages! This is baby E, I photographed her family a few weeks before she made her debut, and then I got to photograph her. I know those first few weeks home with a new baby can be so rough and the last thing most parents want is a photographer invading their home. But, these bundles are so tiny, so perfect and fragile...and they will never be this small again! I am always excited when a family asks me to photograph a new baby, I know they are images that will be treasured forever, as the baby grows and grows. Thank you guys for giving me the honor!

Haylee's Baptism

2007-07-16T15:39:00.001-05:00

We finally got it done! Haylee was baptized on June 24th, 2007, and she wore her big sisters dress. Of course, since princess haylee was 5 months older, it had to be altered! The God parents are Kristin Caborn and Bruce Hite, and they both traveled long distances to be here with all of us for the special day, especially Bruce and his family. It was a wonderful service, and if you can believe, Haylee actually did a little princess wave to the crowd as the minister carried her around the church! Oh, we are in trouble! Special thanks to Mike Caborn who took the images at the church.

New beginnings

2007-07-16T15:28:00.000-05:00

I think being pregnant is one of the most amazing times in a woman's life, and it is truly a new beginning. If anyone of you knew me when I was pregnant with Haylee, you know what it takes for me to say that! Beautiful, yes, but morning sickness is another whole ball of wax! So, when I get to photograph happy, pregnant moms it just makes me glow! I love seeing the smiles, the anticipation, and all the excitement that comes with having a baby. This new mom was 38 weeks pregnant and just glowed! I loved every minute of this session. Stay tuned for the little one...

Sweet Sixteen

2007-06-28T18:27:00.000-05:00

I photographed Miss "B" for her sweet sixteen, and boy did she look incredible on camera! I should have looked half this good when I was 16! But, not only is she beautiful, she has an incredible personality to match! Sassy and spunky and a great sense of humor! I hope you enjoy them B!

Another Baby A and her Big Bro

2007-06-20T09:53:00.000-05:00

How stinking cute are these 2? I swear, Baby A gets cuter each time I see her. Her big brother is a heartbreaker in the making! I see BIG trouble in their parents futures!

Super Models

2007-06-20T09:50:00.001-05:00

These are some modeling shots I did for one of my clients. I swear, if my daughters look like this at 14 I am in trouble! And how GQ does the little man look? Oh, to be a kid again!

Do we notice a trend here

2007-06-20T09:42:00.001-05:00

between editing photos, the kids and sessions, it seems the blog takes a BACK seat! I logon and do posts and then nothing for a week. Hmmmm....
Well today is one of those days where I am making myself catch up! So, here we go

Special Delivery

2007-06-07T11:01:00.000-05:00

I know I am a slack! I took these so long ago, and am just now posting them. This is a very special little girl, as I got to see her enter the world. I had taken the maternity photos of her mom, and then, to document the birth, I did a slideshow and images of labor and delivery. This was one of the most incredible experiences I have ever had! To see the birth of a child, from a totally different vantage point was amazing. Well, after that we had two newborn sessions, one with just Ms. A, and the other with her parents and grandparents. Of course, I had to include a hand shot, my favorite!

Hey Grandpa!

2007-05-21T14:24:00.000-05:00

Dr. John came to visit last month, and I am just getting around to playing with some of the images. A few snapshots on the couch...and a little speedlight practice. I cant believe this was only last month, Haylee is growing so fast! She is so close to sitting, and I know she wants to crawl! Watch out world, she is on her way!

The hands...I read a great story once about a man and his father. Each year the father took his son out to have a photograph taken of their hands. Over time, the hands changed, the little boys grew big and strong, and the fathers grew softer and more wrinkled. The last image the son has is of his fathers hand, his own hand, and his new babies' hand. As he looks back over his life, he can see all the changes that he and his father went through by looking at their hands. Something about that story touches me everytime....anyways, take a minute today and look at your kids, whether they are 1 month or grown adults, and think of them and how you have grown with them. We parents are lucky, huh??

John and Paige

2007-05-21T12:00:00.000-05:00

Anyone who knows my brother, knows he can be a wild and crazy guy. Well, I think he has finally met his match in Paige. I have always heard people say "they make me a better person", well, Paige makes John a better man and I know we are all so thankful for her! She is smart and strong and an absolute pleasure to be around! We only hope he proposes before she figures him out! LOL! I hope you two enjoy...you make it easy with two people who are obviously very much in love!

2007-05-21T11:49:00.000-05:00

Some of our extended family was in town for the weekend, so we met at Barbara Jeans for some cocktails and crabcakes. Candace, my cousin, came in from Georgia, and brought Cindy, Marla and Denise along. We met out at the Lodge, where we all wished we had sweaters (isn't it May??) and then we headed to the restaurant for some of those world famous crabcakes. It was a gorgeous night, and I would say everyone had a wonderful evening! Ashleigh even perfected her debutante smile...thanks Paige!

Fairies

2007-05-15T09:51:00.000-05:00

Any of you with little girls know the fascination with the Disney Princesses, and now they have added fairies to the list! Well, that led me to asking (ok, bribing) Ashleigh to do a fairy picture for me so I could practice some of my Photoshop techniques. Apparently, it must sink in somewhere, she says when she grows up she wants to be a fairy so she can fly wherever she wants to go...oh, to be 4!

The girls

2007-05-15T08:38:00.000-05:00

Since I am trying hard to take photos everyday, Ashleigh and Haylee often find themselves modeling for the camera. This week I am working with Natural light and trying to "find the light" in my house. Its amazing how much light a camera needs to function! Lucky for me, Haylee cant run away from the camera...Ashleigh is a different story!

Happy Mothers Day

2007-05-10T13:32:00.000-05:00

Well, its May, yes I have been a slacker! Its been a busy month, between photography, the kids, the wood floors Mark and I decided to lay! And add The Players to that, which I am taking some time off and heading out to the links for. Wow! listen to that golf lingo! Anyways, in the midst of all that, I just wanted to take a moment to wish my Mom a happy mothers day. Without her there would be so much missing in my daily life! I cant thank her enough for EVERYTHING she does to help me and well, I hope she knows how much I love her.... Thanks mom!!

2007-04-18T08:27:00.000-05:00

What a gorgeous weekend here in Jacksonville! I swear, as I see all that snow and rain up North, I am so thankful I live in the sunshine state. I actually got a sunburn on Saturday! Of course, with all that beautiful weather comes photos outdoors, my favorite! Who can beat that sunshine? As the Kashi commercial says, "natural light kicks fluorescent light any day"! I got to photography my pal Robbie again, with his friend Sydney, who was in town visiting. The two kids were adorable!

10 tiny fingers, 10 tiny toes

2007-04-06T17:44:00.000-05:00

She's here! After almost 9 months of anticipation, Ashlynn Priscilla made her debut on April 5th at 7:34 PM. She weighed 6 pounds, 4 ounces and was absolutely perfect in every way. I photographed her mom about 4 weeks ago, and was lucky enough to be able to capture the entire birth on film. It was one of the most incredible things I have ever been witness too! Thank you so much, Amber and Jake, for allowing me this incredible honor. She is a beautiful girl who is so lucky to be so loved by such amazing parents! Congratulations to all of you and best wishes to the new family!

That beautiful hair!

2007-04-06T16:48:00.000-05:00

As a boring blond, I am always envious of striking hair, and these two children are a perfect example! Anna, the oldest, is such a beauty, and a helper I would kill for with my little ones! Robbie, the youngest, was all smiles and even posed for me while playing! That rarely happens with a three year old! Not only did I get to photograph this gorgeous family, but I got to do it at one of the most beautiful new parks in Jacksonville. Meg, the mother of these two gorgeous children, told me about this spot, and let me just say, when its finished it will be such a great spot for families and artists alike! If you get a chance to take the kids or just go down to relax, the park is Alpine Groves and it has a great play area for the kids and some gorgeous areas down by the river.

Chocolate!

2007-04-02T11:28:00.000-05:00

What is better than chocolate?? Champagne and chocolate! My assignment this week for my mentoring class was to photograph "chocolate". So, I used this as the perfect opportunity to first buy a cake and have that with some champagne, mark included of course! And then on Sunday, I made my mother in laws FAMOUS Hot fudge cake. Let me tell you, that cake is heaven. I am serious! When I get to heaven, I hope it is filled with that cake, and ice cream. If so, take me now lord!

2 little cuties

2007-03-25T20:29:00.000-05:00

I got the chance to photograph the two most beautiful children this weekend. The little boy, Sam, is as cute as the day is long, and he has a personality to match! His sister, Abby, is 4 months old, and is so precious, you just want to squeeze her! She is learning all those adorable baby things. The two children were so darn cute! Thank you guys for allowing me to practice on your family!

OUCH Mom!

2007-03-19T16:02:00.000-05:00

Well, we did it! Haylee got her ears peirced last weekend. She was so brave and only cried for about 2 minutes. Now, hopefully, when she wears blue, people will know she is a girl! Daddy wants to add some diamonds to those ears. Isn't she adorable??

Beach Day!

2007-03-14T12:30:00.000-05:00

I had a magnificent photo session on the beach this weekend! The family was wonderful, and as you can see, the little girl was absolutely precious! We met out at Ponte Vedra Beach and had a quick late afternoon photo shoot, lucky for us, the weather was spectacular. The beach in March, who could ask for more? I cant believe there were people swimming!!

Amber and Jake

2007-03-13T14:25:00.000-05:00

This was an expecting couple I photographed last weekend. They were so sweet and so wonderful to shoot, he was as much fun as she was! The two of them looked so happy and in love, it was a pleasure capturing these moments with them. I still cant believe she is 34 weeks! Women like this make it look so easy because of their absolutely beautiful stomachs! Thank you guys for letting me capture the end if this chapter in your lives. Enjoy your last few weeks of quiet....

Are we this old?

2007-03-12T21:40:00.000-05:00

I was lucky enough to get to capture my best friend from high schools two children, while she was visiting from up north. I am still amazed that we are old enough to have pre-schoolers! She and her husband have the two cutest little ones, and lucky for her, a boy and a girl, so no more babies (no more MORNING SICKNESS). Cathy, thank you for the honor! Oh, to be so young again, and time to play with reckless abandon...

And the Oscar goes to.....

2007-03-08T21:12:00.000-05:00

Step back Brad Pitt, Hunter is taking the stage! This was our oldest's acting debut and he was spectacular! He played the farmer in the presentation of "Piggies, Pizza & Praise". I am anxiously awaiting his review in the New York Times! LOL!

I got Tulips!

2007-03-08T21:09:00.000-05:00

I know for a fact I am married to the most romantic man on the planet! My wonderful husband was out of town on business for a few days...always tough with little ones and being alone is never fun! Well, what does he do to remind me how much he loves me?? He sends me a dozen tulips! I know I am the luckiest woman in the world!! I will post some pics here as well...its great practice too. I swear he even picked flowers I told him I want to photograph...what a man!

My First Post

2007-03-08T10:08:00.000-05:00

This is it...I have taken the plunge! I have actually started blogging, the last free hour of the day I have, is now filled! I guess thats the beauty of having a 4 month old around! I am very excited to be sharing this online. I have so many great children and families I get to photograph, and can put so few on my web site! Now, I dont have to choose! I can add more here. So, thats it...this is a blog about photography and me...my family, my clients, my life! Sometimes hectic, sometimes loud, but always full of wonderful moments I cant wait to capture....life's sweetest moments.