The Kadzis Family | Tallahassee’s Extreme Makeover Home Edition Revisited
February 22, 2011 | Filed Under events | 11 Comments
Back in April 2009, I got to be a part of the Home Makeover of the Kadzis family here in our very own town along with Mary Beth Tyson Photography. It was a life changing experience for me to meet all of these amazing kids and to see the passion, strength, and unstoppability of Barbara Kadzis. If you missed it, you can see some images from “door knock day” here.
Barbara recently contacted me about a speaking engagement she is doing as part of the “Dignity of Life Speaker Series”. I wanted to share the brochure with you; it features one of the pictures from her family shoot at St. Teresa Beach. I think it looks lovely and reading their story still brings tears to my eyes.
Cupcake Decadence | Lucy & Leo’s Cupcakery | Tallahassee, FL
February 21, 2011 | Filed Under editorial | 2 Comments
We did a photo shoot that made my entire studio smell heavily of sugar. It was hard not to eat the subjects. Alas, I resisted and am a better (i mean, thinner) person for it!
Lucy & Leo’s Cupcakery is everything a person could hope for in a sweets factory. Personality, congeniality, charm, indulgent sweetness and bliss. You know you want some!
Oh and if you are wanting to work off the calories, you can use ‘em up by wandering around in Textures (in back of the cupcakery) and checking out all of their A. MA. ZING. hand made MUST haves!
10 tips to help your photographer get amazing wedding day pictures.
February 15, 2011 | Filed Under events, wedding planning, weddings | 2 Comments
There are many elements that influence the beauty and elegance of your wedding day images. Of course, your choice of photographer is of the utmost importance but also your choice of venue, the weather, your details etc…
When you hire a professional photographer, they have the experience and skill to capture all of the special moments throughout your wedding day with the talent and creativity that you have seen in their portfolios. They are there to document your story.
Below are 10 simple things that you can do that will really help your photographer maximize their time on your wedding day…
Declutter: The getting ready room is often chaotic and can become quite messy. Before your wedding day appoint someone to maintain this space by clearing out unnecessary clutter and trash. You do not want all of that in your pictures.
Natural lighting: When planning your wedding, remember that natural light always makes for the best wedding images. Consider the lighting in the your getting ready room, the ceremony location and keep in mind ceremony time. If you are tying the knot at sunset…you may want to do all of the formal portraits beforehand while there is still light.
Timing: A shorter, casual wedding day is one thing but trying to pack 9 hours worth of activity into a 6 hour time schedule will not allow you to cherish every moment. A realistic pace to your wedding day will reduce stress greatly and in turn show the true joy of your day in your photographs.
Consider the weather: Your dress choices are important for your wedding season. A full tux for groom and a traditional Ball Gown for bride are probably not the best choices for a wedding in August in Florida. Heavy perspiring and unwillingness to go outside can greatly reduce many photo opportunities.
The beginning: At the time your photographer is due to arrive…do not be “ready to go do photos”. You want to document the getting ready part too: final touches on the makeup, the putting on of the dress, your mother helping you with your necklace etc… these things also tell your story!
Breathe: When you are concentrating and talking, do you scowl or furrow your brow and frown? Remember to relax. You have spent a lot of time and energy to plan this day…now enjoy it. It will show in your photographs.
Your 3rd cousin twice removed? The more posed formal shots that you request, the more time your photographer is spending lining people up instead of capturing the true story of your day. Formals are very important but it’s best to keep it simple.
Candid shots are often the best images but it is a great idea to be aware of your photographer’s whereabouts. If you persistently turn your back to their camera when they come around, you’ll inevitable have a few more pictures of your back side than front.
No missed opportunities: If there is food provided for your photographer (which is customary for longer wedding hours) the best time for your photographer to eat is when all of your guests begin. No one wants their picture taken while shoveling food in their mouths and this ensures everyones finishes at the same time so that no photo opportunities are missed.
Communicate with your fiancé and family about the photography. Often photography is more important to one half of the couple and if everyone is aware how you feel, it can encourage your loved ones be more involved for enthusiastic and fun images.
Weddings are emotional, beautiful and fun and it can show in your photographs with a bit of planning!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
February 14, 2011 | Filed Under holiday | 1 Comment
Here’s a little valentine’s love for you all…
Tallahassee, Florida | Landscape Photography
February 3, 2011 | Filed Under landscape | 5 Comments
I am running around getting photographs of a few Tallahassee landmarks to be hung as art in a local restaurant called the Marinated Mushroom. The restaurant and catering business has changed ownership and Lia Chisar is the one who is now making it all happen! She is an amazing woman with the vision to add some interesting new twists to an already excellent menu.
For your viewing pleasure, here are a couple of candidates in the pursuit of art to grace the walls of the Marinated Mushroom…
Old St. Augustine Road
Lake Ella 
Lichgate Park 
Baby Colgan | Tallahassee Children’s Photography| Babyplan | Session 2
January 26, 2011 | Filed Under babyplan, portraits | Leave a Comment
I know that Mom’s must get tired of hearing how much their babies look like the Dad’s BUT, i cannot resist saying that this boy is a such an exact tiny replica of his Daddy! It’s amazing really.
This is Colgan’s second session in his baby plan. I love baby plans so much because I get to see these little ones throughout a year and watch them grow and change and develop their little personalities. It’s just another perk of my fabulous job! 
The Cordell Kids | Tallahassee Children Photography
January 25, 2011 | Filed Under personal, portraits, studio portraits | 3 Comments
I am not sure how many of you know but my father passed right before Thanksgiving this past year and although this is a terribly sad thing, I was fortunate to reconnect with some long lost family through it all. Look at these cutie pies; they are my second cousins. Or something like that…I think?! I can never keep all that relations lingo straight.
We got to spend some fun, quality, play time and I am thrilled to have finally met them.
Lucy & Leo’s Cupcakery | Cupcake Wars Viewing
January 21, 2011 | Filed Under events | 2 Comments
From the sweet streets of Tallahassee, our Jean Bates and Paula Lucas of Lucy & Leo’s Cupcakery got to participate in the Food Network’s Cupcake Wars that aired on Jan 11, 2011.
It was a close call and even though I may be partial…I think we all know who should have won that war!
Here are few photos from the party and viewing held at the 5th Ave Tap Room:
I think I’ll leave you with it and go get myself a cupcake!
Valentines Special | Studio Session and print | $50
January 19, 2011 | Filed Under holiday, portraits, studio portraits | 2 Comments
What S dot O dot wouldn’t just love to see you looking hot and sassy!? Bring yourself some skimpy-wear and lets play. The special is this…a mini-portrait session and an 8×10 print for your sweetheart is $50.
Sessions are being scheduled now, space is limited. You know you want to!
The Williams Family | Portrait Session | Tallahassee Portrait Photography
January 10, 2011 | Filed Under babyplan, portraits, studio portraits | 1 Comment
Get ready… there’s a happy, sweet, fun, cutie below. Oh and check out that finch hat. I think I need one of those for myself!!
