Here on Earth Photography

Giving Back {Emily Bowman Home Makeover}

2013-07-01T16:04:00.002-04:00

If you are familiar with Sunshine on a Ranney Day, you already know what an awesome organization it is and of the hugely positive impact that Pete and Holly Ranney are making in the lives of families affected by tragedy. I recently had the opportunity to be selected as the volunteer photographer to take the "after" photos for Emily Bowman's homecoming on June 27th following a four-month hospitalization resulting from injuries she sustained in a hit-and-run incident in Athens, Georgia.

So that Emily's family could stay in their home and take care of her around the clock, SOARD stepped in to facilitate renovations that would make this possible. The project included, but was not limited to, building a wheelchair accessible ramp leading to the front door of the home, converting a half bath and linen closet into a wheelchair accessible bathroom and transforming an adjoining living room and dining room into adjoining bedrooms for Emily and her mother.

It was truly a blessing and a pleasure to meet Emily, her family, Pete and Holly Ranney and all the wonderful volunteers involved in the project. I am honored to have been chosen to take part in the telling of Emily's story. It is an experience I will always remember and treasure for a lifetime. To read more of Emily's story and see the "before" pictures of the Bowman home as well as Emily's homecoming and the reveal, visit www.sunshineonaranneyday.com.

For information about volunteering or to make a donation, please visit

www.sunshineonaranneyday.com

Class of 2013 {Shadi}

2013-05-12T18:16:00.001-04:00

This beautiful, bright high school senior is the daughter of a dear friend of mine. She was just ten years old when I met her! A little girl no longer, she has grown into such an exceptional young woman. I was honored when her family asked me to take her senior portraits. Shadi, I know you have so many great things ahead of you. Congratulations on all you have accomplished!

Beautiful Boy {Joseph Andrew}

2013-04-21T10:41:00.000-04:00

Bowens Family {Starrs Mill}

2013-04-01T12:50:00.002-04:00

Fresh air, blue skies, flowing water, towering pines, children laughing, parents smiling, warm embraces, precious faces, white porch, red door, loving family to the core, blue jeans, down-to-earth, cowboy boots- no doubt, one of my favorite shoots! ♥

Baby Makes...Five! {Lisa and Dave}

2013-03-22T11:59:00.000-04:00

Lisa and I met a little more than twelve years ago when we taught preschool in neighboring classrooms in Athens, Georgia. It didn't take long to realize that we had a great deal in common and we became fast friends. She and Dave were dating seriously at the time. Here we are all of these years later and they are expecting baby number three! It has been such a joy to see them get married, welcome their first child, Nicholas, and also little sister (soon to be big sister), Marisa. As with their first two, this baby's sex will be revealed when he or she arrives. While we anxiously wait to find out if this little one will wear pink or blue, it is clear that this baby will be loved more than he or she will ever know!

Snow Much Fun! {Bert and Quinn}

2013-03-14T19:01:00.000-04:00

If there is a Prince William and Prince Harry of the canine world, these handsome brothers are it. Bert (William) and Quinn (Harry), are the furry, four-legged sons of my sister-in-law and brother-in-law. We were all together in Lonaconing, Maryland for a visit at Nanny and Pappy's house (my sweet parents-in-law) and enjoyed hours of sledding and playing in the snow (their house sits on a hill that is perfect for sledding). Bert and Quinn played right along with us as all good and loyal dogs do. A day of fun in the snow turned into a session capturing these young chaps at play. Who can resist a dog that retrieves snowballs? I hope you enjoy these two as much as I do! ♥

My Funny Valentine {Photo Booth}

2013-02-14T07:11:00.000-05:00

For Valentine's this year, I wanted to take some really fun pictures of my kids and have a session that they would really enjoy. It seems lately, when I ask to take their pictures, one can hear eyes rolling from a mile away. Oh, the lot of being of photographer's child!
I became a mama on a mission. I set up a little photo booth in my home office. With a few props, minimal direction from me and some of their favorite music blasting in the background, we had what turned into a photo session/dance party. They had so much fun (as did I)! Even better, I came away with some images that reflect their little personalities now, at ages four and nine, which to me, is the best gift a mama can receive. :)

Keeping Up With Christmas

2012-12-27T21:33:00.000-05:00

I hope this post finds you and yours happy, healthy and enjoying this holiday season. We celebrated Christmas this year as we always do at our house. The days leading up to the twenty-fifth were spent attending a preschool holiday performance (little man was a rabbit), a school holiday lunch with a third grader and enjoying the antics of our mischievous elf, Elf-alfa. On Christmas Eve, we discovered he had raided the pantry and seeing he was craving cookies, we obliged. The evening's festivities consisted of decorating our cookies, driving (in fog) to look at Christmas lights, watching one of our all time favorite movies, "A Christmas Story", eating pot stickers, General Tso's chicken (not duck, but still inspired by the movie) and pumpkin pie, loving on our dogs, Brooklyn and Annie, and opening ONE present. Whew! Before we knew it, it was time to hit the sack and wait for the "big guy" to arrive. Fast forward to Christmas morning. I'll let the pictures do the talking. I wish you all the best in the new year! -Emily

A Joyous Union {Dan and April}

2012-12-18T05:24:00.000-05:00

Last month, I had the opportunity to help celebrate this beautiful couple and photograph their wedding. It was my first time photographing a wedding and I did not realize how much FUN it could be! To be a part of something so special and in-the-moment was truly inspiring. Thank you, Dan and April, for the opportunity to document this momentous occasion and for allowing me to be a part of your special day!

Shooting Starr's

2012-11-06T16:13:00.000-05:00

I have always been intrigued by things that are old. It probably stems from my childhood living in Germany and family trips taken visiting European castles and ruins.

My passion for things old met my passion for photography on a recent road trip to Brooks, Georgia. There, just off of Highway 85, stands a Georgia gem called Starr's Mill. It is a turn of the century structure and one of several mills in the state that still stand today. In those days, mills were a place of social gatherings. Grain was ground into meal as adults conversed and children swam in the creeks. In many ways, it was a simpler life. A better life. For a brief moment, I was there. I hope these pictures take you there, too. :)

Sterling on the Lake {a fall session}

2012-10-26T13:41:00.000-04:00

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower. "

-Albert Camus

I had the privilege to photograph this lovely family recently for a session at Sterling on the Lake. They just happen to be good friends, as well as neighbors, of mine. Older brother is a freshman in high school and plays saxophone in the marching band. Younger sister is a first grader and plays shortstop on her softball team. Adorable, right?!

Our goal for this session was to capture some great photographs that not only showcase the love this family has for one another, but also the beauty of nature that is all around us this time of year. I couldn't be more pleased with the results. Great job, Shurek Family!

Washington Farms Fun!

2012-10-21T14:48:00.001-04:00

Recently, we traveled to Washington Farms in Watkinsville, Georgia for some good ol' fall family fun. The evening was magical with so many fun things to see and do. There was a pumpkin patch, corn maze, jumping station, animals, The Vortex (very cool) and hayride just to name a few. We came for a pumpkin and left with much more than that. Some awesome memories were made that night and I do believe we may have stumbled upon a new family tradition. :)

Good Day, Sunshine!

2012-07-29T19:41:00.000-04:00

Two best friends+a lot of enthusiasm+a little help from moms+the help of big and little brothers+ supportive neighbors = one successful little lemonade stand!!!

Lydia is One!

2012-07-24T12:17:00.002-04:00

This little cutie is the daughter of a longtime, dear friend of mine. This session was extra special for me because it was my first time meeting Miss Lydia (isn't she a doll?). She is so inquisitive too! I am in love. :) Happy birthday, baby girl!

A Lake Session

2012-07-09T09:46:00.000-04:00

I had so much fun photographing this beautiful family at Lake Lanier. Their enthusiasm was awesome! Little brother had me laughing the whole time (isn't he so cute?). Big sister is so pretty and sweet that I'm convinced she is made of sugar. :) It was a great time. Thank you S Family!

We {heart} Dad!

2012-06-22T11:45:00.000-04:00

“The heart of a father is the masterpiece of nature.”
― Abbe Prevost

Goodbye Three, Hello Four!

2012-06-21T18:34:00.000-04:00

For little man's fourth birthday, we took him (and big sister) to the most magical place on earth. His favorite ride....The Haunted Mansion. We must have ridden it a dozen times! We can't wait to go back!

Under the Jasmine

2012-06-19T10:06:00.000-04:00

I shot these at our favorite local park. I was thrilled to capture a few moments (they seem rare lately) when my two get along fabulously and enjoy each other's company. My heart sings in these moments! When they are "all grown up", my hope is they will always remain close and one day look back on these pictures and time together with fondness and laughter.

Morning Glory

2012-06-18T12:54:00.000-04:00

When I shot these, my Audrey was halfway through her eighth year. A September baby, she is my morning glory. I know it sounds cliche, but she is getting too big, way too fast. Normally, I have to bribe her to let me take her pictures. What do I keep in my back pocket? Bruester's Icecream. :) On this particular morning, though, she pleasantly surprised me with her enthusiasm. Love this girl!