What does 50 years of marriage bring?

A closeness that most of us have not yet enjoyed, an understanding about life that only experience can bring. It gives you the wisdom and the patience to know what to worry about and what to let go.... It gives you confidence in our world----despite how distressful it apprears. It gives you a sense of pride as you watch your offspring move forward and create their own history. After 50 years of marrriage, you know, everything will work out....it gives you, a calmness.

Helping busy moms gather precious memories

Children's May special: lifestyle location session and dvd for only $300.00! Session only, $150.00.

Photo Play with Kim

Recently, my good friend and awesome photographer, Kim McCormick and I went on a photo play day in historic Melbourne. Surprised? Many professional photographers know each other and we love to hang out. Professional photographers belong to the same organizations, we go to school together, guild meetings together, conventions, and workshops....we share a lot! (Sometimes we share clients.) Now how cool is it to go and search for inspiration in order to enhance your creativity? What did we look for? What did we find? Here are just a few, right out of the camera:

We looked for interesting buildings and angles and intersection of lines...

WOW! This is a cool shot, I bet my sister, Kendra, would love to paint this!

We looked for texture and color and defining space...

We use texture in creating our cards, albums and custom storyboards; something like this makes us very excited when we find it!

We looked for composition...

And in simplicity discovered true beauty.

We looked for leading lines...

After we played downtown, we walked to the riverside and shot many angles of the railroad bridge......seeking sun flares... We found a Birdman, the marina, lovers under a bridge, an old man sitting peacefully on a park bench, two other photographers out on excursion and lots of seagulls and pigeons, as well!

Our next trip will be to St Augustine and maybe we can get Yvette and Martha and Pat to come along!

Are You Going Somewhere?

Spring Break is just around the corner! For us, anyway. Maybe you have already experienced your "time". Like many families, we like to do something----spend quality time---with our girls. It's not so easy to halt everything and take off, but it's well worth it and we (well, me & Scott) enjoy it. Sierra is 13 and, sometimes, the things we might want to do as a family just isn't cool----that is, unless a friend of hers can come along and help ease the blow of having to hang out with your family. But she is more of a silent complainer and doesn't make too much of a fuss---unlike her sister, Stormy. This year, we are all in agreement where to go---Atlanta! Or, as my mother-in-law, Elaine, calls it, HOT-lanta! We are going to the Aquarium----of course! And I am still trying to talk the kids into the Atlanta Art Museum. Can you imagine, they find it boring! Oh, well, maybe they will drop me off and I can have "Mommy Time". Who am I fooling? Scott won't let me out of 'the family obligation' that easy! Maybe I can barter with the girls, something like, "I'll take you to Stone Mountain if you..." but I'll be sure and have us go to the museum first! HA HA HA! Insert evil Mommy laughter!

Eva!

Eva is now 9 months old! I have been blessed to watch her grow and change throughout her first year as I documented her Milestone Months. Thank you to Eva and her parents, for sharing such precious time with me and allowing me to capture, forever, sweet Eva in portraiture.

Mother's Day Contest for Female Soldiers in Iraq

Tell all your friends! We are sponsoring a Mother's Day Contest for female soldiers who will not be able to be home with their children for Mother's Day. We will accept letters from family members and friends explaining why they should receive a free studio portrait session, a 24 Image Album and a DVD Slideshow to send to their mother's who will be in Iraq for Mother's Day. Letters are being accepted from now through Friday, April 6th. We will select 2 winners to have their children photographed in studio and a care package containing portraits, DVD and other items from home to be delivered in Iraq by Mother's Day.

Letters should be mailed to PhotoArtWorks 827 Trailwood Ave., Titusville, Florida 32796 or emailed to photoartworks@cfl.rr.com. Entrants should include entrant name, phone number, address, email, soldier's name, rank, mailing information, number of children and ages along with a story or explination as to why they think their mother should win a care package from PhotoArtWorks.

Children of winners must be over 18 years of age or have a legal guardian present during portrait session. Entrants must be able to schedule portrait session between April 11th and April 20th.

Episcopal Children's Services

As you know, I am frequently involved in charitable events for children and Wednesday I had the opportunity to volunteer my photographic skills for the Episcopal Children's Services (ECS) in Jacksonville. Founded in 1966, Episcopal Children's Services, has become the largest not-for-profit child services organization (for children birth to five) in Northeast Florida. Starting out as one small child care center, they now provide high quality services to more than 14,000 young children in Duval, Clay, Nassau, Baker, Bradford, Union, Putnam and St. Johns counties.
Each year at the Children's Champion luncheon, Episcopal Children's Services recognizes someone from their community who has dedicated their time and resources to improving the lives of children in Northeast Florida. This year, they were proud to honor Delores Barr Weaver for her work and dedication in addressing the needs of children and their families. Mrs. Weaver is co-owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars and Chair/CEO of the Jaguars Foundation. Under her direction, the foundation has awarded over $9.5 million to dozens of nonprofit organizations in Northeast Florida that serve economically and socially disadvantaged children and families. The luncheon was a tremendous success with over 500 attendees.

It was my pleasure and honor to meet with the exceptional staff of ECS and their Board Members as well as Delores Barr Weaver. To often, our lives are filled with news of terror, disaster, horror and sadness.............but I am here to remind you, there are Angels among us..............................I spent Wednesday with them.

Entertainment provided by the children.

Children's Champion Award recipients Delores Barr Weaver with Mayor Peyton of Jacksonville

For more information on Episcopal Children's Services please go to

www. ecs4kids.org

WE ROCKED!!

We cleaned house at the Atlantic Professional Photographer's Association Print Competition, taking home a bundle of ribbons! I've included a little history of each image. Take a look to see if you are one of the stars that made our awards possible; if you are, we will give you a complimentary 8x10 of the award winning image! Just contact us to let us know you read this blog!

"Peeking In On Mother"

Portraiture 3rd Place

This extraordinary print was captured while the mother calmed and soothed her baby for us to continue their Fine Art Session. As I sat there waiting and watching this most intimate time between mother and child, I was moved and captivated at the beauty of both of them and knew I could not let this precious moment slip by. This is, by far, one of my most beloved prints of all time.

"No Luck Today"
Portraiture 2nd Place
Caught on the fly, running after this delightful 2 year old and---WOW! Did we ever capture incredible images of Nick! Michelle stood by with a reflector and an outstretched hand ready to catch him if he leaned forward a little to far! We knew he was cute but he surprised us with a wide variety of fantastic facial expressions. Just look at this pout! The judges and audience loved it!

"God's Promise"
Portraiture 1st Place
How could we not title this "God's Promise"? For everyone is, and when we saw Mia in this perfect pose as if she were listening to God's whisper from the Heavens, we knew it was perfect. This portrait was praised by the judges as unique in infant portaiture: they were awed and surprised at the use of deep, rich colors and the ability to evoke the art era of Renaissance and Baroque.

Winning Best of Show is quite an honor. A Best of Show print is chosen by the judges as the top print of ALL categories, of ALL prints.

"Earth Goddess"

Best of Show and Art Tech 1st Place

This portrait was captured during a Senior Portfolio Session in Annalise's Sun Room. She is a vibrant and absolutely beautiful young lady who enjoys an active lifestyle as well as the arts. She agreed to do artistic posing and portraiture during her session and we obtained rockin' imagery! This print was altered for competition to be entered into the Art Tech Category. You should see it in person!

Affordable Style: Our Specials

Reorganize, redecorate, revive your home deco with personal art. We have special events of impressive value throughout the year. Be inspired, watch us!

Ongoing through 2007: Awaken slumbering walls with a complimentary 16x20! Your dedication to our business could pay off for you! Refer 5 clients to us who hold a Lifestyle or Fine Art Session this year and you recieve a Canvas Heirloom and a studio portrait session, FREE! (after the completion of all sessions). Go on, talk us up! And if you need business cards, please let me know!

A splash of color adds instant style when you bathe your walls with hand tinted portraits of your child. Be sure to watch for our specials! Our Signature Children's Portrait Packages begin at $145., or try our new Single Pose Packages that begin at $49.00. These packages are exclusive offers only during Special Events!

Looking to add a little glow to your relationship? Well, watch out, this leads to blinding brilliance! Call for your Intimate Portraiture Session and recieve a free 8x10 during the month of March. We promise to make you feel good, look good and give you distinctive images that will light up your life! Just watch them smile!

The Milestone Sessions

The Milestones Sessions is $350 and includes 3 sessions documenting your baby's first year of life. Sessions take place at 4 months, 8 months, and 12 months. Our plan covers the first 2 sessions in studio and the 12 month session on location at home.
You receive access to exclusive Milestones Collections, and 10% off any a la carte prints and a
10x20 Panel with an image from each session at the conclusion of your plan.
Want to add another studio session during the year to include siblings or grandparents? You can add extra studio sessions throughout the year for just $55 !

4 months: this is a really fun time since your baby is most likely to starting to smile, Has lots of great eye contact, and has probably found his/her toes! For this session, a simple outfit will be nice but we'll also photograph your baby in just his/her diaper.

8 months: by this session your baby should be sitting up on his own very well. Bring several outfits for different looks. Consider having your baby in just their diaper again. I have a few "props" to help contain babies who are great crawlers!

12 months: your baby will be standing and most likely walking by this session. We'll definitely get a good workout chasing them around! Your home is a perfect location because your toddler is most comfortable in their enviornment! We can change outfits for different looks, play with all their favorite toys,or consider a small cake for the end of the session and let them dig in!

Once your Milestones Collection has been completed we highly recommend annual professional portraits of your children. You will be thrilled that you captured natural and artistic imagery of your child on location each year of their life as they change and grow. Collect our priceless DVD's and Albums annually---we promise you will be forever grateful that you did!

The Location Session

Our Lifestyle Sessions are the hallmark of PhotoArtWorks. Family Sessions are$250.00 and a Child's Session is $150.00. These inviting sessions are relaxed and fun; where everyone can be their true selves. Here is where the intimate interaction of love, laughter and play is captured .......where memories are made.

Locations are chosen to portray the story of you best! We are glad to assist you in decision making during your consultation session. Consultation sessions are where we will discuss clothing options, as well as location settings, things to do or bring during your photo session and suggestions for the best possible outcome.

In-Home Portraiture creates the true family heirloom: we bring our studio lights to you while you remain relaxed and comfortable in your personal environment. Home is where the heart is , and creating a family heirloom within your home will be a pricless treasure to you, forever.

Materity and Newborns

Having a baby is such a big decision and forever changes your life. Having a maternity session is a great way to document this special time in your life. Whether it's your first pregnancy or your fourth, each time is different and very special and having portraits is a great way to remember how it was.

The first step is to decide what to wear but, more importantly, what not to wear. After arising the morning of your session, do not put on any underware, pants or items that will leave an impression (indentation) on your belly. If you're wonderingif certain clothing will work, just bring it and we will figure out what works best! most often clients choose to use the beautiful wraps here in the studio. I work to each persons level of comfort from partial to complete nudity. Look through pregnancy portraits and magazines: if there is a pose or a look you would like to try, please bring it! Beautiful jewelry can enhance your portraits but do not wear a watch. Wear make-up and make sure your fingernails and toenails are well manicured.

Your baby changes so much in the first few weeks of life that you will forget how he of she looked after those first few days. Although getting out and having portraits made is probably the last thing you want to do, you will be forever grateful that you did! A pre-session consultation is required before any Newborn Sessions. I recommend Newborn Sessions be conducted within the first 10 days of life. Because my work is in high demand, it is best to arrange your pre-session consultation appointment before birth. The Newborn Session may take from 1-3 hours. Newborns are photographed in just their diaper and /or without their diaper (with all important parts covered!). It is important to wear solid color clothing, preferably black.