Enjoy Saving Lives {Montgomery, AL Event Photography}

Sav-A-Life of Montgomery Inc. is a non-denominational Christian ministry promoting a culture of life, health, and morality. It is a ministry that has been near and dear to my heart for many years. I remember when it was formed approximately 25 years ago. What an honor to be asked to photograph this year's annual fund-raising banquet.

The speaker was Dr. Bruce Wilkinson. Nine of the board members were able to be present for the photo session prior to the event. Sadly, we couldn't get together the staff members because they were all so busy at the registration table.

Guin Nance, serving as the Board's Chairperson, opened the evening events. Susan Decker Bunce, Executive Director, introduced the speaker.

Dr. Wilkinson issued an amazing challenge ... give back to the Lord one child for every child He'd given you. He quoted research that found the average cost to a crisis pregnancy center to save one child from abortion is $1200. Yet, if I'm not mistaken, Sav-A-Life of Montgomery only had $2000 available for advertising last year. If each of us could pledge $1200 for each of our children and grandchildren, we could equip Sav-A-Life to save many more lives. The Lord used his words to open the hearts of many who were present. My prayer is that they will in turn share this challenge to friends who could not be present. What a work the Lord could do in Montgomery if all of us who say we believe in the sanctity of life would prayerfully consider supporting this wonderful ministry.

Many, many thanks to Sue Sizemore, Southern Exposures, and Diana Bunch for helping me photograph this event. Also a big "thank you" to my hubby who helped carry lights and bags.

Enjoy Sara {Newborn Photography Montgomery, AL}

Sara was born today at 7:32 A.M. She weighed in at a petite 6 lbs. 8 oz. and 20in. After announcing her appearance with gusto she has been a calm, sweet girl all day.




Big Brother Elijah came to the hospital to visit. Mom & Dad have been using a doll at home to teach Elijah how to be a good big brother, so when asked where Baby Sara was he replied, "At home." I said, "No, Baby Sara is over there." Elijah insisted, "Baby Sara is at home." Then we pointed to Mimi holding Baby Sara and a stunned Elijah met his little sister for the first time. And you just can't plan for a reaction like this!! Please enjoy this serendipitous moment.

Enjoy Downtown {Montgomery, AL Photographer}

I was downtown one evening this week waiting for a very special appointment. Not being one to sit and wait, I grabbed my camera and started looking at the little details we sometimes miss. I love looking for reflections, so grabbed a few of those.





Then I started thinking of different ways to capture the much-photographed fountain. I don't know if I stretched my imagination enough, but this was my favorite.



I also focused on these two details that I have loved - but not photographed - since I first started thinking about opening a studio downtown.




Here's a little teaser about the reason for the evening appointment downtown. Maybe more details will follow soon. ... but maybe not. We'll see :)

Enjoy Evenings {Montgomery, AL Photography}

I made myself get away from the "to do" list last night and join the local Photo Club for a night photography outing. I love night photography. Here are three of my favorites from the field trip. Now, back to the "to do" list :)

Enjoy Vintage Jewelry

I can't begin to describe how excited I was when I was recently received this little box with the familiar Ex Voto sticker on the front:



Because I knew something special was inside!






Montgomery's very own Elizabeth Adams is the creative force behind the Ex Voto brand. According to her website:

Ex Voto jewelry takes pieces discarded, left behind, and forgotten and revamps them, elevating them into one-of-a-kind jewelry statements.

A note from her blog:

Ex Voto is: -a tangible, hand-made, expression of gratitude to God. -one-of-a-kind jewelry composed of antique and vintage elements on gold-plated and silver-plated chains and toggles all made in the US and lead-free. -an eclectic mix of vintage and contemporary jewelry by Elizabeth Adams. -a celebration of history, art, and the Redeemer who has the power to make beauty from ashes.

A portion of proceeds from Ex Voto jewelry goes to The Cure Starts Now Foundation for Pediatric Brain Cancer Research.



Many thanks go to the givers of this special Ex Voto gift. They will always be thought of as I wear and enjoy it!

Please visit the Ex Voto site by clicking here.

Enjoy her blog by clicking here.

Enjoy Splashpads

Here are children enjoying the wonderful splashpad in downtown Montgomery:




Here are children who had to get off the splashpad shortly after they arrived because the pool company decided to show up for maintenance.




A trip to Taco Bell and a couple of ice cream bars (each) helped ease the disappointment.

Enjoy Next Steps {Montgomery, AL Photography}

This is year 4 of a 5-year business plan I began, well, 4 years ago. I have tried to take each step cautiously and have been so blessed by this adventure called "being a photographer." I've checked off one of the big goals this year: passing the Professional Photographic Certification Commission requirements to be a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP).

Now, it's time for the next step.

Since April 16th plans have quickly been falling into place to open a studio. Today I signed a lease for a suite of offices in the Historic Bell Building in Downtown Montgomery. This is the main studio room, with beautiful natural lighting:



as proven by this picture taken earlier this week with no flash, no studio lights, and no color correction.



While I will continue to offer location photography, the studio will offer much needed space for rainy day (or 105-degree day) relocation as well as traditional studio photography. The suite offers additional space that will be dedicated to low-key photography, consultations, and a changing room. There will also be a seating area. And I have two wonderful associates who will be with me in this venture. When the vision comes together, it will be a lovely place to visit.

The location of the Historic Bell Building is within walking distance of beautiful locations for photography at the Riverfront Park, Alley Station area, and Union Station.

I'm very excited about the possibilities. I'm looking forward to posting samples of studio sessions in the next couple of weeks and really getting some hot summer introductory collections together for you :)

Enjoy Nashville

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Nashville, Tennessee. I stayed locked in my hotel room most of the time preparing for the professional photographer's certification test. After I got that behind me I enjoyed a couple of Nashville's beautiful parks. These are a few snaps from the Bicentennial Capitol Mall.

I couldn't resist a self-portrait in the 18,000 lb granite globe floating on 1/8 inch of water. It is part of the WWII Memorial. The lines from Tennessee show the mileage to different places connected to the war. Please note: the roundness of the globe makes me look larger than I really am ;)



This is a detail from the River Walk. There are 31 water fountains - one for each of the main waterways in Tennessee - and the granite wall with inscriptions about the waterways.



Old columns from Tennessee State Capitol:





And the most delightful part of the visit ... the 95-bell carillon representing Tennessee's musical heritage. I was walking around the park and suddenly heard them ring out "Love Me Tender." It was beautiful. I tried to ask a tour guide how often that happened and he said only at 10:00. Not sure he understood my question. He was definitely not from Tennessee!





If I lived in Nashville I'd definitely be tempted to schedule a few portrait sessions here.