The Gilmore family contacted us in late winter to schedule their beach session during a visit to Rena’s sister.  It was an action-packed adventure snagging moments of Ryan’s 3 years of energy!  He told us all about his boogie board attempts, crunching live crabs with his feet and digging and burying with shells.  He was a typical non-stop talk little fellow.  We truly love being chosen to share these beach memories with this trio.  We wish them a safe trip back to Tennessee and hope to see them in future visits.

It was good to have the Mitchum family back with us.  Several years ago, we created awesome images of Chris for his senior portraits, and this year it’s Chad’s turn.  Ft. Dorchester has been the proud “home” of these two guys for quite some time.  We’re honored to capture the legacy that they’ve created.  Chad is a little more reserved and studious-at least in our presence, yet we still snagged his personality and especially the love of his car.  We left Mom at home during the session so he could completely relax and “work” for the camera!  However, we had a family gathering for the presentation, of course, as this is a tight-knit family (so good to see!)!  (We enjoyed catching up with Chris during this time as well.)

Congratulations, Chad!  We know you’ll do awesome at College of Charleston!!

Here’s the link to Chad’s super cool senior show

The Florencio family welcomed us into their lovely Summerville home to capture images of their family-at least of Melanie, who’s the only one left in the  ”nest.”  (She’s actually in college-a senior in art design school in Savannah-so she’s not home for much longer.)  The other family members are due for their updated portraits so that may be displayed up the stairs of Mom and Dad’s foyer as well.

Mom is an artist also-a painter-as we noticed many beautiful pieces along their walls.  She art teaches at Spann Elem. so those kids are learning from a pro!

This trio actually won our services (studio or location session) by bidding at the SPCA’s auction to which we donate annually.  (Last year, the Bordiuks were the happy “winners.”)  What a blessing it is to know families like these are so generous with their gifts to such well-deserved charities.

We photographed Carol’s headshot for the staff wall at Dr Martin’s office.  Carol was very easy to work with and I am sure a wonderful addition to the already great staff !!

A fun, Folly experience for us and the Veals…

We learned lots of exciting things about this couple…especially interesting was the way they celebrated their 25^th anniversary ski-diving!  WOW!  They’re far braver than we are!  They are also the proud grandparents of their fourth grandchild…a little girl born just a few weeks ago.

This cheerful couple has been married for 31 years, and this is the first professional portraits since their wedding day!  They figured it was time to have memories captured for their children.  We feel privileged.

What a joy it was for me to finally assist with Sophia’s session.  She was a ball of fun in her pink birthday tutu.  This energetic and very mobile little princess will be one at the end of April.  This was Sophia’s fourth session with us.  Her parents received a “Baby Steps” gift certificate from Paul’s high school buddy Andrea (who also brought her “babies”…Spaniels…in for their portraits a couple of  years ago). 

We look forward to watching Sophia grow up and any little siblings she may gain along the way are always welcome.  J

Tyler is becoming a regular for us to photograph, yet this time he welcomed Mom and Dad to be part of the memories.  Mepkin Abbey was a beautiful backdrop for their family portrait session—though the hours create a little extra work for the photographer who wants perfect lighting.  (Heather wisely stopped by our Flowertown Festival display to save with our session special!)  Even though at times Tyler expressed his dismay with the warmth, bugs, and even GRASS, we captured some precious images of his personality.  We also were patient with the busload of students who managed to appear in our background every time we found a new spot.  And, the alligators sunning on the banks of the pond amused Tyler and me for a limited time.       

Our first 2008 Festival family…thanks for inquiring into our photography and honoring us with your newest addition to your family, baby Evelyn.  This newborn, already over 9 lbs, played with her big sister Calla and brother Max, as well as nestling into Mom and Dad in her first photo shoot. This sweet little girl had Dad wrapped around her little finger, knowing just how to “work” him into giving her a paci; she’s learning early…just wait til she can drive!

What a tiny little fellow!  Kinley brought smiles and laughter to us as we captured the innocence of this newborn.  He’s actually several weeks old but because he was premature, he’s smaller than usual for that age.  We welcomed Mom and Dad to cuddle and coo with Kinsley as Paul snagged the tidbits—hands, feet, ears.  We even witnessed the “christening” of Dad as he snuggled up to the diaper-less infant…not once, but twice!!! We’re so honored to be part of this new family, capturing and sharing in their little blessings.  (Oh, and on another note, Julie had a reminder of her age as “Papa” Chris mentioned that she taught at Middleton HS back when he went there.  Great.)   

Thank you again to those who came out to support us at the 2008 Flowertown Festival.  We enjoyed seeing how families have grown, and we always welcome meeting new potential clients.  This year we had a new display that we worked at for many months and are pleased it turned out so nicely.  We had a new 10×20 white tent with large photographic banners and a flag-style sign with enlarged images on each side.  Thank you to those clients who eagerly agreed to be “famous” for the weekend by using their images. 

We also had a new way of providing the ½ off session fee special; those who signed up and pre-paid the session fee and then booked the session by May 31st were able to take advantage of this savings!  This was quite a success so I’m sure we’ll go this route again next year. 

We also had a sign up for the first 25 rising h.s. seniors to receive a free session!!!  (This was a no-brainer.) We had to fight for our same spot which we hope won’t happen next year.  And, we only had one day of uncertain weather when we shut down an hour early, but that’s not bad considering what they predicted.  (I’m so glad meteorologists aren’t very accurate!)

Each year we learn how to improve so we’re nearing perfection. J