Photography by Tina

Life As Art ...

2013-01-11T22:28:00.001-06:00

For a photographer like myself, I see life as art. And that is no more apparent than when I create an artistic portrait of a woman who is expecting a child, or a man and woman holding their newborn child, or a newborn baby. The circle of life is a beautiful gift. A child in utero is a gift waiting to be unwrapped ... to be born of love ... to be introduced to this world. A newborn child is love in its purist form. The love parents have for a child ... both before it is born and after ... is an expression of that love in its purist form.

Images like these repeat themselves with each passing generation, becoming new again, and at the same time, eternal. That's one of the reasons I love to photograph timeless maternity, newborn, and new family portraits in black and white. It just seems right. It is a good fit artistically. It is art. It is pure.

I was honored to be asked to photograph Mariah this last weekend, to create artistic images of her and her unborn baby girl as she nears the end of her pregnancy.

It was extra special because I created Mariah's senior portraits for her several years ago, and it is always a cherished gift when a client returns to me to create images that will commemorate the next stage in their life.

Now Mariah is an incredible young lady about to give birth to a little girl of her own, and Mariah will be back in a few short weeks for newborn images of little Olivia. I cannot wait!

The journey is just beginning! A journey that will last a lifetime!

Always remember to look for the blessings in life!

Tina

One Story of Hope ... Gold Hope ... with Shatara

2012-12-31T12:38:00.000-06:00

The Gold Hope Project

About a month ago, I became involved with a wonderful new organization called The Gold Hope Project. You should definitely check out their website (http://www.goldhopeproject.com) and look for them on Facebook, too. The Gold Hope Project is an international group of photographers who have banded together with a common mission: to increase awareness of childhood cancers in the hope that this will lead to increased funding toward finding better treatments and cures AND to support the families and give them HOPE during a difficult time in the life of their child—by gifting them with portrait sessions for children who have (fighters!) or have had (survivors!) childhood cancer.

Any child up to age 21 who is a fighter or survivor is eligible and can apply on the group’s website to receive a complimentary Gold Hope session from a participating photographer. The group will soon be a recognized non-profit entity, and all of the photographers and others involved with this cause are volunteers. I am the coordinator for the northcentral/northeastern Wisconsin area, so if you know of other photographers who interested in getting involved, please, please have them contact me. And if you know of a child anywhere who is battling cancer or has survived a childhood cancer, definitely send them to The Gold Hope website to apply for a Gold Hope session!

Meet Shatara

I was absolutely excited to find out the first Gold Hope session I was asked to do was for a beautiful young lady I already knew and loved. I got to know Shatara when she was in junior high school and became a friend of my daughter. Later, when she was 17, I did her senior portraits. And now, this past Saturday, I photographed Shatara for a very special Gold Hope session!

Shatara is a 20-year-old inspiration! Two and a half years ago, on July 6, 2010, a month after graduating from high school and just two days before her 18th birthday, Shatara went to see her doctor because she still hadn’t started menstruating. Doctors were very concerned and, while it was a difficult decision to make for one so young, Shatara was scheduled for surgery to remove both ovaries, rendering her unable to have children of her own. Later tests revealed both ovaries were cancerous—filled with a rare and dangerous form of cancer. While doctors were hopeful that they had caught all of the cancer by removing the ovaries, they weren’t taking any chances with Shatara’s life, and she was scheduled for aggressive chemotherapy to begin August 1.

During her three rounds of chemo, one of the most difficult things for Shatara was losing her hair. Prior to her diagnosis, she had long shining locks that framed her face beautifully. When Shatara realized she would lose her hair, she had it cut into a shoulder length bob. But when it started falling out in clumps, she faced the inevitable, and her step-mom helped her shave her head. So far she had been so strong. But that’s when she broke down and cried. Shatara started wearing a wig. She wasn’t giving up or giving in to cancer!

At the conclusion of her chemo treatments, near the end of October 2010, Shatara was declared cancer free! By then she had already enrolled in college and decided on her career goal: to become a nurse. Today she continues to attend college and also works in the Intensive Care Unit at a local hospital as a certified nursing assistant. Her hair has grown back, and she wears it just past shoulder length where it once again shines and sets off her beautiful face.

When she is not working or studying, Shatara loves to play sports, spend time with her friends and family, and ride her horse, Chessie. She says a perfect day for her would be riding horse on the beach with her family with, of course, her hair flying behind her in the wind!

Shatara has a fun-loving personality and can brighten your day with just a smile. Throughout her battle with cancer, Shatara’s smile rarely dimmed. Rather than focus on what could have been, Shatara focused on what is and how she could help others. She is still doing that today, in her daily life and in making her decision to become a nurse.

Hope and Inspiration

Shatara decided to be photographed for The Gold Hope Project to be an inspiration to others and to remind them that there is always HOPE. Shatara wanted to include a tiny bit of the color aqua into her session (in addition to the gold representing HOPE) because aqua is the color of the ribbon for ovarian cancer, so she brought bracelets in both gold and aqua to be included in some of her images.

We had so much fun, laughing and talking and capturing Shatara's beautiful smile and personality and just catching up on all the things that have been going on in her life. At the end of her session, I proposed yet another idea--outside images of her making a snow angel. She absolutely loved the idea and said she remembered making snow angels with her sister all the time when they were growing up. So out into the snow we went for more laughter and photographs and then back in for a cup of hot chocolate in my symbolic Gold Hope mug. What an awesome way to spend an afternoon!

On a final note, though she is healthy now, when you look at her images, you may notice that Shatara bears two scars, one on her chest and the other near her neck, as a result of her chemotherapy treatments. We didn't try to hide them or cover them up during her session. She didn't want to cover them and selected some dresses that even seemed to highlight them. Those scars aren't blemishes. They are reminders--that she fought cancer and survived, and Shatara wears them with pride. She is a fighter, a survivor, and a true inspiration!

And There Is Love ...

2012-12-12T12:54:00.001-06:00

If I asked you what kind of photographer captures images of love, chances are you'd think of a wedding photographer. Undoubtedly, wedding photographers do capture lots of great images of love in the course of their work. But to me, some of the most beautiful images that speak to me of love are about the kind of pure and innocent, unconditional and blessed kind of love ... the love of a parent for their child!

Creating newborn images is a personal joy and delight for me. I get to cuddle precious little bundles of joy and photograph the most adorable and newest little blessings in this world! I tend to lose all track of time, living totally in the moment ... and I love every minute of it.

Watching the parents interact with their newborn baby is absolute joy for me! I never have to tell a parent how to smile when they are looking down at or holding their infant. The love and joy positively radiates from their faces as they stare at their newborn baby. That infant in their arms is the most important thing in their world, and it shows. It is a reflection of the miraculous moment in time when their baby came into this world. They are absolutely and completely in love in a way that defies description until you experience it for yourself.

And these images ... capturing these priceless moments for all eternity ... this is why I do what I do!

Here are a few of my favorite images from a recent session with Abigail and her parents. A picture is indeed worth a thousand words ... and immeasurable emotions, as well.

Tina

Art On The Edge!

2012-11-16T13:39:00.002-06:00

As a photographer, I never stop learning! I am always taking classes, webinars, and seminars or reading books about photography, running a business, or the various tools I use to create my art.

I'm also always looking for ways to be even more creative and to push the envelope just a little bit. That involves some experimenting and playing with portraiture and techniques, and sometimes things just come together and click. That's what happened recently ... and it's launched a whole new product line for the studio.

I'm calling it "Art on the Edge" ... and this piece typifies the style that these artistic portrait interpretations will embody. All of the "Art on the Edge" pieces will be custom pieces, presented as large canvas gallery wraps. They're designed to be shown large and to make a high impact.

Obviously sports images are ideal for "Art on the Edge," but it's not just for sports. In the coming months, I'll share more samples of "Art on the Edge" that reach out of the box to show just how "On the Edge" we can get when portraits, art, and creativity are let loose!

I'd love to hear what you think of "Art on the Edge!"

Tina

Baby Love ...

2012-10-09T11:03:00.004-05:00

Today I thought I would share more of my favorite images from a recent newborn session.

Maybe you've wondered what a newborn portrait session is like ... So I will also explain a little bit about what happens before, after, and during to create a successful newborn session. At Photography by Tina, a newborn baby session is a big deal! I spend a lot of time preparing for each session, usually after a consultation with the Mom before the big day ... a consultation that may take place during a maternity session or maybe even by phone after she has delivered the baby. We talk about the kind of newborn images the parents would like to see and then I get creative.

I will often suggest meaningful props the family may have to bring along. Sometimes I will even shop for or handcraft special props for a newborn session.

I get props and sets and backgrounds set up before the parents arrive or while they are settling in. The room is nice and toasty warm. I have Mom undress the baby and feed the little one so he or she is content, and then Mom gets to take a little R&R for herself. She can enjoy a cup of coffee and put her feet up, read a book or magazine, or even take a little nap at the studio.

Or she can look on and watch me do my thing with her little one. She is never too far away. But many Moms really enjoy the time for a quick little nap. It's quiet and cozy and conducive to a little snooze in the studio ... for both Mom and baby.

During the session, I cuddle baby in between sets and keep him or her snuggled and toasty warm. Everything moves along pretty quickly, and most babies sleep through most of the session.

Occasionally, babies wake up and we take time out for feedings. I allow several hours or more for every newborn session, so this is never a problem. We're on baby's schedule for the day!

Sometimes new Moms are horrified when babies make a mess, as naked little newborns are apt to do, but I've got it all covered with plenty of clean up materials and hand sanitizer within easy reach. And yes, after every newborn session, I always have a couple of loads of laundry to do, because naked babies make all the little messes you can imagine they might! :) But it's all good. I expect it and use props and backdrops accordingly.

Newborn sessions are some of my all-time favorite sessions to do! It is such a wonder to look at those tiny faces and hands and feet and to capture those fleeting moments for parents to treasure forever!

If you know of an expectant Mom ... or next time you are invited to a baby shower ... consider gifting a newborn baby portrait session to the new Mom, or as a gift at the hospital when you visit the new arrival. It's a gift that will last a lifetime and be enjoyed just as long!

To arrange a newborn session, new moms should call me while they are still pregnant or as soon as possible after baby is born. We will want to schedule the newborn session before the baby is a week old if at all possible, because newborns change so very quickly during their first few weeks of life! The window of opportunity for true newborn portraits is very narrow!

But not to worry! I will shuffle my schedule to be sure we can capture your newborn within that timeframe, even if it means doing an evening or weekend session. These sessions are that important!!!

Tina

New Addition to the Family Session

2012-10-06T20:36:00.001-05:00

When a new baby is born, the family dynamics change. If it is a first child, it is a magical time as Mommy and Daddy learn all about life with a newborn in the house. If it is a second or subsequent child, everyone's place in the family changes as the other children become big brothers and big sisters and welcome the new arrival. It really is a big deal, this new addition to the family! Everyone takes on a new role in some way and makes adjustments. Everyone learns about this new little person and his or her emerging personality.

As a photographer, it is a blessing to capture those first moments as family members fall in love with that new baby! That's why I love doing "New Addition to the Family Sessions" that include all of the members of the baby's immediate family.

There is nothing quite so beautiful as an image of a mother holding her newborn child close to her breast in an eternal embrace or staring at the face of the little one she has carried and nurtured within her.

There is nothing quite so enchanting as an image of a daddy falling for this new little person who has entered into and will change his life forever, staring at that child's sleeping face, or kissing that baby tenderly.

There is nothing quite so joyful and endearing as seeing Mommy and Daddy interact with their newborn baby together ... a newly created family unit ... the bond that will forever tie them together ... the little one who has made them complete and given them the title "Family."

This is a blessed and magical time ... one that passes all too quickly. I am so blessed that families invite me into their lives during this precious time to create images that will allow them to treasure these memories forever!

Many of us know and value the importance of pictures in our lives. But images like these are more than just photographs. They are our history ... our beginnings, our milestones, our treasures ... all wrapped up in our memories ... the treasures we hold in our hearts. And they are a gift ... I am so blessed to have been given the gift of my ability to create images like these, because I know they will live on long beyond my lifetime, in the lives of the people they will touch. The people in them, of course, but also the people who will see them now and in future years and be touched by them, perhaps some of whom may even be distant descendants of the people in the images. They are the testimony to a life. And a life is an incredible gift ... a gift of love.

Tina

Awesome Senior Sessions!

2012-10-03T13:24:00.000-05:00

As the senior portrait season winds down to a close for the Class of 2013, I'm finally able to take a bit of a breather to SHARE some of my favorite images from these sessions.

(Although for whatever reason, this year's senior season is running later than past years. I am still photographing seniors for Merrill High School ... this week and next week ... even though the deadline for getting images to the yearbooks is getting closer. Guess lots of Merrill seniors love autumn like I do and wanted to take advantage of the opportunity for fall portraits!)

Erin is a senior from Athens High School who came to me because she wanted something "different from what all my friends were getting" and I was thrilled to oblige! I really love making senior sessions a collaborative effort with the senior and the parent, too, so that we can create some incredible images that capture the senior's personality, make mom and dad happy, and make me happy creatively, too. And for me, part of that creativity is doing things that are different ... trying to find some way to make each senior's session unique from all the other seniors I've photographed before.

It might be trying out a new pose or photographing in a brand new location ... or using an unusual prop ... or using different lighting. I really love it when seniors are open to trying new things and both the senior and their parents say, "Hey, you're the professional. Get creative and do whatever you want!" That is a photographer's dream!

During Erin's pre-portrait consultation, we talked about what kinds of portraits would be most meaningful for Erin and her parents. There were several things they really wanted to be sure I captured ... her involvement in her sports, especially basketball and track ... her involvement in band ... her red Mustang ... and her gorgeous blue prom dress with cowboy boots just to name a few!

Her Mom wanted a few things that would coordinate with images they'd had created for their older kids (like a shot with her instrument), and then they wanted things that would just be creatively different and set Erin's images apart ... and, of course, capture her unique personality.

We had so much fun during her session! We traveled to multiple locations in and around Merrill to do her outdoor images, and then did studio images, as well.

These are some of my and Erin's personal favorites from her session!

Tina

P.S. Hope to share more favorite images from other sessions soon, as well--as orders are fulfilled and I can take a breather to blog more! :)

Who Loves Autumn Leaves and Babies?

2012-10-02T09:14:00.000-05:00

Who loves autumn leaves and babies? I do!!! Put them both together, and you're pretty much guaranteed a great image.

Here's a sneak peek at a sweetie I photographed months ago (though it seems like just a few weeks ago!) when she was a newborn. Now look at her sitting up all by herself and beaming that great big smile!! And loving those leaves!!

And isn't her outfit just Halloween adorable??

NOW is the perfect time to get autumn portraits! I can do indoor or outdoor sessions with your little ones! Or maybe both! Let's take them to a pumpkin patch or let them play in the leaves and capture them having fun!!! Call me (715.212.0767) to schedule a session for your cute kiddos before this beautiful autumn weather is gone!

Tina

Beautiful Baby Bump

2012-09-24T11:53:00.001-05:00

The love of a mother cannot be measured ... but it can be seen. I think these images are just a tiny glimpse into the love of one mother for her unborn child ... and a hint at the infinite love that is yet to come after she first holds that precious little blessing in her arms for the first time.

Babies are such a blessing ... and beautiful baby bump portraits are a priceless way to capture the images of motherhood at its earliest stages ... images that will be cherished for years to come.

It is my honor to photograph expectant mothers and to capture a small part of their joy as they look forward to the arrival of their little miracles.

And in this case, I am doubly privileged to have photographed this mother-to-be, because the little mama you see in these images is my daughter, Katarina!

Soon we will have a new addition to the family, and what a joyous day that will be!!

Tina

The Making of an Album

2012-09-23T18:17:00.000-05:00

A good friend of mine is a Christian recording artist. She's been singing and recording her own music for years, but now she's hoping to take that next giant leap into the land of national contracts and airtime on radio stations and broader recognition for her God-given talent. Next month she will go to Nashville to record the final two tracks on her album/CD, On Heaven's Wings ... which she hopes will be released in November. It's a really exciting time!

Last month Debbie Merkel and I spent the afternoon together shooting images to include on her album/CD liner notes ... she'd already selected an image I created earlier in the year for her cover shot. That one is a really glamorous image, so I suggested she let me get creative and brainstorm for the images for the liner notes ... and that we do something more relaxed ... something that really captures who she is as a person everyday and not just the glamorous Christian recording artist persona, and she agreed.

Here is a sneak peek at a couple of the images from her photo shoot ... incidentally, these two will NOT be included on the CD. I didn't want to steal her album release thunder by showing you images from the actual CD until it makes its debut! But they are two of my personal favorites from our afternoon together!

If you'd like to follow Debbie Merkel and her career or learn more about her music, you can actually listen to her latest song, "On Heaven's Wings," for free by clicking this link: http://www.reverbnation.com/debbiemerkel?utm_campaign=opengraph&utm_content=artist&utm_medium=link&utm_source=facebook

You can also purchase downloads of the songs from her current album here: http://www.debbiemerkel.com/Forms/music.aspx

Please join me in wishing her all the best and great success and blessings on her new album!!!

Tina

Got My New Baby Fix ...

2012-09-19T16:54:00.001-05:00

Many of you already know my daughter is pregnant with her first child, and to say that I am excited to be on the verge of becoming a Grandma it just a little bit of an understatement ... probably the understatement of the year! The baby is due tomorrow, and this Grandma has been very impatiently awaiting the arrival of that cute little baby boy or girl for weeks now. Of course, we know babies very rarely come on their actual due date, so I was hoping the baby might come a little early and initiate me into the New Grandma Club sooner rather than later, but alas it does appear that that will not be the case. Already this little one is reminding me that he or she will do things according to his or her schedule, and a large part of my world will revolve around that, both now and for the foreseeable future! LOL

This week I was privileged to photograph 7-week-old Lucas ... and that did help me get my new baby fix just a bit. At least it bought me renewed patience for a few more days anyway, as I had the chance to cuddle him and snuggle him and help get him to sleep as a part of his photo shoot. I want to thank his mom and dad for sharing him with me! What an adorable blessing he is!!! Such a little sweetie.

This is one of my favorite images of Lucas from his photo session. Isn't he just adorable?

Of course, I have many other favorite images of him, as well ... including quite a few of him smiling the most angelic little smile in his sleep! ... but I have to save some surprises for the viewing and ordering appointment with his mommy and daddy next week. In the meantime, though, as I know they have family out of town, I did want to share this one little sneak peek that they can share with their friends and relatives!

For now, I am back to restlessly watching and waiting for my phone to ring to tell me that sweet little grandbaby of mine is about to make his or her debut into this world!!

Tina

Vote for Pets at the Lincoln County Fair!

2012-07-20T15:22:00.000-05:00

Are you headed down to the Lincoln County Fair to get your annual fair food fix? Ready to savor some Wisconsin deep fried cheese curds, maybe a corn dog or an elephant ear, or grab a gyro or a some fries and a burger at one of your favorite stands to support a local charity? (I highly recommend the St. Francis Snack Shack for fries, burgers, and pie, by the way! :)

While you're there checking out all the sights, enjoying the food, taking the kids through the barns and exhibits, trying your hand at the games, and riding the rides, be sure to look for the Lincoln County Humane Society booth in the exhibit buildings on the northwest side of the fairgrounds and vote for your favorite pets for the Lincoln County Humane Society "Paw-Parazzi" Pet Calendar Contest, too! Remember, for just $1 per vote, you can help some cute canines and your favorite felines earn the honor of being featured in the 2013 Calendar -- and all the money goes to a great cause!

Tina

P.S. Hopefully, the online voting will be available soon, as well. As soon as I hear from the Humane Society that they have that in place, I'll let you all know!!

2012-05-02T06:32:00.002-05:00

Periodically, I host Limited Edition Special Events at the studio. These are portrait sessions only available for a limited time, and I usually offer something really special and maybe some special gift items you can't normally purchase at other times of the year. I am getting ready to kick off one of those special events right now ... and I wanted all of YOU to be the first to know!

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Photography by Tina - It’s Spring! Event

May 5-May 27, 2012

LIMITED AVAILABILITY, so please do not wait if you want to get your child in for one of these sessions!

Session fee: $25* per child - “Flower Planting” Mini Session

Special pricing on portraits. Ask about our “Spring collection” for just $99* (1-8x10, 1-5x7 & 8 wallets of a single pose) or the “Spring Expressions Limited Edition Print” you see pictured here for just $159*! Special pricing on canvas images, too!

And get a gorgeous set of 10 notecards featuring your child’s portrait with the purchase of the “Spring Expressions Limited Edition Print” … absolutely free. It’s my gift to you!

Call 715.212.0767 to schedule your child's session today.

*Plus sales tax

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I hope you and your child or grandchild will join me for the "It's Spring!" Event and have fun planting some flowers and creating some beautiful portrait memories! Mom or Grandma, you can even get in on the portraits with your child or grandchild at no extra charge if you'd like. Wouldn't that make a beautiful memory portrait ... the two of you planting flowers together!

Tina

The Final Four ... No, Not Basketball

2012-05-01T15:19:00.001-05:00

Well, it is down to the final four ... and no, I am not talking about basketball. It is the final four pets to be entered into the professional portrait category of the Lincoln County Humane Society 2013 "Paw-Parazzi" Calendar Contest! Yesterday was the last day for getting pets professionally photographed, and I just finished touching up the images that will be entered into the contest on behalf of Daisy, Miley, Winston, and Mocha.

So let's get right to it! I know their owners are dying to see their images!

First up was Daisy, a Jack Russell terrier and weiner dog mix and the beloved pet of Jose Countryman, owner of Josepha's Salon! Of course, we had to do a diva shot! I mean, you just can't live with a stylist who keeps everyone looking beautiful and not expect a little primping and preening for the portrait for the baby of the house, right? So primp and preen and play, she did, and little miss Daisy modeled several different looks for us. Jose and I had fun playing with her.

Daisy's winning look features a pretty-in-pink flower around her neck and a pair of gorgeous Steve Madden leopard print heels!

Next I photographed, Mocha, whose owner is an avid Brewer's fan, so we incorporated that into her portrait! Mocha's owner, Mike Grunenwald, had Irish setters as pets for more than 25 years, so when he went looking for another dog to become a furever friend, he naturally had an Irish setter in mind. He started looking around, because he really wanted to rescue one from a shelter. It didn't take too long until Mocha came into his life.

Mocha was left at the Lincoln County Humane Society with a note when she was just a pup, because her owner could no longer care for her. Mike adopted her when she was just three months old, and she has become his beloved companion, going for 1 1/2 mile daily walks with him ever since!

Winston is the picture-perfect black cat you see posing here! Winston is also a rescue from a shelter. He came in to the Lincoln County Humane Society as a stray and was caught and brought in via a live trap. When the shelter staff came in the next morning, he had somehow gotten out of the trap, and he was hiding up among the bags of food at the shelter, I am told. Shelter staff said all they could see was his little "snaggle tooth" peering out from amidst the shadows.

Though Winston is a male cat, when a litter of kittens came into the shelter, Winston was always near their cage, reaching through to comfort them, and when they let him into the cage, he went in and snuggled with and "mothered" those kittens! His new owner learned about this and her heart melted, and soon Winston had a new furever home.

And the final pet photographed for the calendar was Miley. Miley is a 2 1/2 year old purebred yellow lab. She loves laser pointers, stuffed animals, licking out empty peanut butter jars, and long walks on the beach. :)

There you have it! The final four entries. Stay tuned for updates around the end of June when I will be posting the link to the page where you can go and vote for your favorite pets to be selected for the calendar!! And thank you to everyone who had their pet professionally photographed for this fundraiser to support the Lincoln County Humane Society! I had so much fun with your beloved pets, and I hope you did, too! And it's all for such a great cause!

Tina

Help Me Decide!

2012-04-29T18:34:00.000-05:00

Can you help me decide which of these images should be the one we enter into the contest for Chev? I love all three of them and just can't make up my mind! Please post your comments below to help me decide!

Chev is the first puppy I photographed for the Lincoln County Humane Society 2013 "Paw-Parazzi" Calendar Contest. He is approximately 11 weeks old, and he came to his furever home the end of March when Jason and Shannon Conley of Rhinelander rescued him from the Forest County Humane Society. They believe his mother is an Australian shepherd and possibly husky mix, but they do not know who or what breed his father was. Chev is one of three surviving pups born to a mother who was left unattended and neglected when she was expecting and was found after the pups had already been born.

Shannon decided to adopt a rescue pup in memory of her dog, Shadow, who got sick and passed away last August. "I saw a thing on Facebook about a dog's last wish ... to give their spot in the family to a shelter dog," Shannon recalls. "So that is why I rescued Chev, in Shadow's memory. It's what she would have wanted."

Because Chev has a beautiful black coat with white markings that resemble a tuxedo coat when he sits upright, Shannon had the idea to put a bowtie on Chev for his portrait and brought along a rose. She envisioned a portrait of Chev sitting upright with the rose in his mouth. I had the bowtie in the studio, and Shannon came equipped with a rose and treats.

We had a lot of puppy energy to harness to try to bring Shannon's vision to fruition! We worked with him outdoors for an hour, playing, chasing down sticks, and giving him treats. At first he was interested in the rose, but that didn't last for long. Suddenly, I had an inspiration! BACON! LOL I headed across the street to First Street Coffee Station where they kindly provided me with two strips of bacon I then proceeded to tie/wrap around the stem of the rose. Ah, success! Chev was now very interested in the rose. Trouble is, he wasn't so very interested in making eye contact with me now that he had discovered BACON! LOL

In the end, while I didn't necessarily get "the shot" Shannon had envisioned, we had a lot of fun and did get some awfully cute images of Chev ... in fact, so many cute ones that, as I mentioned at the beginning of this post, I am having a really hard time deciding which one is the cutest one and should be entered into the contest. Chev also really earned his bacon treat, and he wore himself out being a cute model. Modeling is really hard work, you know! Shannon said he slept all the way home back to Rhinelander.

So ... we come full circle. Now you know the story of Chev, and the story of his photo shoot. Can you help me pick which image to enter into the contest? I'd really appreciate your comments and "votes" here to help me!

Tina

A German Shepherd Named Tank ...

2012-04-28T09:18:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I got to meet a very special German Shepherd named Tank. We had a German Shepherd when I was a small child growing up, one that I recall as energetic and fiercely protective of us kids. He was so fierce, in fact, that he had to be kept chained because there were some people he absolutely did not like (one of my grandpas, for one), and while his bark was probably worse than his bite, he sounded pretty fierce when those people came around. He was gentle as a lamb with us kids, but not so with anyone he perceived as a threat to him or us. So when I met Tank's owner, Julie, at the park for an outdoor portrait session, and with a name like Tank, I was expecting something akin to our childhood dog who was named Spike.

In some ways Tank did remind me of Spike. He was soft and gentle to me, with thick fur and eyes that could melt your heart. But in other ways, he was not at all like my childhood pet. You see, Tank did not have any of that fierceness. He never barked. He never jumped. And poor Tank did not have any of that energy that our Spike had.

I learned that about 14 1/2 months ago, Tank had a blood clot near his spine and had to have surgery. He was in intensive care, but did recover from that fearful condition. However, he has never quite been the same since. Tank's back legs do not function properly and are very weak. He cannot jump up at all, and his back legs can barely support him. He had great difficulty walking, and I thought my heart would break just watching him try.

He did give it his best though, and for that I am grateful. It gave me the chance to get a few images of him out on the grass in the sunshine.

Before long, however, he was just too tired to continue his photo shoot, and we decided it would be best for him to return to his resting place in the car. This, too, was done with great difficulty on his part. I watched as his owner and her mother used a ramp to help Tank get back into the vehicle. It is something they do with him regularly, as he is too heavy to lift and he cannot get into the car without it. This was clearly a moment of great concern, and I remember thinking how blessed Tank is to have Julie, an owner who loves and cares for him so much and continues to help him, literally every step of the way, in his life. Many other pet owners might have given up on him long ago, but Julie never did. Tank relies on her, and his soft sad eyes reveal his love for and devotion to her in return.

Julie thought perhaps the idea of doing a portrait of Tank had been a bad one and said as much, indicating he "just couldn't do it." But I assured Julie that where there is a will, there is a way, and I definitely had the will. Using a few tricks of the trade, I allowed Tank to rest in his favorite place on one of his favorite polka dot blankets and proceeded to capture images of him that I know will make a wonderful contribution to any calendar, and I dearly hope his image is one of those selected as a winner to grace the pages of the Lincoln County Humane Society 2013 "Paw-Parazzi" Calendar. But I know that, even if his portrait isn't selected as a winner, it will mean the world to Julie and her family to have this portrait of Tank to treasure forever.

They say the eyes are the windows to the soul, and I really do believe that. Every day I get to look into the eyes of beautiful people and pets--who are beautiful both inside and out--and it is a tremendous privilege to do so. I am blessed to do what I love to do, and I am blessed to interact with so many people--and animals--who reach out and touch my heart. Tank is one of those special subjects who left his mark on my heart. I love this portrait of him. It really does seem to capture the essence of his gentle soul.

I hope you will vote for his portrait when the voting begins on July 1 ...

Tina

P.S. Several people have asked me, Would I come out to their home, farm, or wherever to create a special portrait for them? The answer is a most definite, Yes! I have a studio which is absolutely wonderful, but I do many, many portraits on location. It may be because a person or pet is unable to navigate the stairs to my studio or is not very mobile at all, or perhaps because the person or pet has a handicap. It may simply be because a certain place or location has special meaning to you. Whatever the reason, I love doing portraits on location. I will gladly travel to get the perfect portrait for you!

Pets With Personality!

2012-04-27T17:03:00.000-05:00

You know your pet better than anyone, right? And while you might have an idea of what you'd like your pet's portraits to look like, more than anything, you want a portrait that will capture your pet's personality! That's one of the reasons my approach to photographing pets is a lot like photographing people. I want each portrait to be a real reflection of who your pet is, so that the image will be one that you'll treasure. And when creating images that will be entered into a contest like this one ... the Lincoln County Humane Society 2013 "Paw-Parazzi" Pet Calendar Contest ... it's more important than ever that each image be different from the rest, so that it stands out in a crowd and really "POPS!" Because you want your pet's portrait to capture attention and get the votes, right? You want your pet to win!

The four pet portraits here ... which are these pets' entries into the contest ... capture each pet's unique personality and looks distinctly different from other images I created for the contest. I'm trying to make it really, really hard for the people voting to make a decision! That way they'll vote for lots of cute pets and generate more funds for the Lincoln County Humane Society in this fundraiser. It also guarantees the finished calendar will be incredible! A beautiful product every pet lover will want to own! (Keep the calendars in mind for Christmas gifts come December!!! The calendar will be released in late October.)

Here's a sneak peek at some recent pet sessions and the story behind these pet portraits.

Tucker, the black mastiff, is looking trying hard to look tough, but his gentle personality is still edging into his portrait. No matter how hard he tries, he just can't look too fierce!

Baby is hamming it up and puttin' on the ritz in jewelry and an elegant hat. She's ready to head out on the town, and in fact, you've probably seen her out and about in Merrill, because she travels around with her owner quite often!

Blizzard is lounging in his log bed in front of the fireplace in his pjs. He's an easygoing sweet dog who knows he is loved and spoiled and enjoys every minute of it!

Finally, Ava is outside enjoying the fresh air and taking time to stop and smell the flowers. She's also looking pretty and showing off her feminine side on her walk in the park.

What do you think? Did each pet's personality come shining through in their portraits? I think so!!!

More pet portraits to come soon as we wrap up portrait sessions in these final days of shooting for the contest ...

Tina

5th Annual Ladies Lifestyle Expo

2012-04-25T17:10:00.001-05:00

The Smith Center at the Merrill Area Recreation Complex (MARC) in Merrill was the place to be last evening. Hundreds of women came out for the 5th Annual Ladies Lifestyle Expo to meet vendors, watch the fashion show, enjoy great food, and see the winner of this year's complete makeover, Elaine Kurtzweil.

As an added surprise, teams from the high school also modeled original fashions they designed and made created from anything but fabric! The dresses were incredible--so creative, and I actually wish I knew the girls personally because I'd love to do a high fashion, America's Next Top Model style photo shoot with all of them wearing those designs. That would totally rock.

Oh, and let's not forget the prizes! Five lucky grand prize winners won awesome prizes ranging from a huge gift basket to a trip to Wisconsin Dells to a $500 photography package from Photography by Tina.

My intern and assistant, Heidi Dampier, took a ton of photos throughout the evening, many of which will be shared on the MARC's website. I'm sharing a few of her shots here to give you a peek at our evening.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by my booth to visit, check out some of the images, register for the drawing, and just say "Hi!" You made my evening!! :)

Tina

P.S. And thanks, Heidi, for taking all these cool photos!

A Handsome Prince ...

2012-04-23T10:40:00.000-05:00

Meet Prince ... actually Prince III I am told. Isn't he handsome? Prince is a gorgeous ... I mean, handsome ... golden retriever! He was photographed on Saturday in between doing images of all of the other princes and princesses for Merrill Prom 2012! They all looked like royalty, but Prince really is. That's his name! :)

And Prince may very soon become quite famous if he wins one of the 12 slots for professional portraits to be included in the Lincoln County Humane Society 2013 "Paw-Parazzi" Calendar. This image of Prince will be entered into the Contest!

Voting for the contest will begin online (the link will be at the Lincoln County Humane Society's website ... www.furrypets.com) on July 1 and at all of the LCHS events throughout the summer, so be sure to vote for him!

If you would like to get your pet professionally photographed and entered into the contest, call soon, because all portraits must be completed no later than April 30! :)

Tina

P.S. Just call 715.212.0767 to schedule an appointment for either indoor or outdoor portraits of your pet. Complete details on the contest are at www.furrypets.com in the forms section.

Meow Meow Meow Ruff Ruff

2012-04-20T20:20:00.000-05:00

Five furry critters came into the studio to be photographed today for the Lincoln County Humane Society's 2013 "Paw-Parazzi" Calendar Contest, and more cuties are scheduled for tomorrow and next week. Just a reminder ... April 30 is the last day to be photographed for the contest.

Meet Sullivan, a long haired white cat with beautiful blue eyes. Isn't she gorgeous? She is 18 years old and very photogenic.

Next came Zoey, a white French bulldog. When I started photographing her, I was actually shocked. I looked at her and asked Natasha, her owner: "Is she smiling?" And she replied, "Yep." That totally cracked me up! I'd never seen a bulldog really smile before, but she most definitely is smiling!!

Her friend, Zelda, another white French bulldog with some subtle gray spots, was equally well-behaved and photogenic, but much more somber. Natasha assured me that was her personality. So I created a portrait of each of the dogs that really captured their individual personalities! Just like photographing people! It was a very good session!

Next came two kitties from the same home ... one a kitten and the other a full-grown cat. While one would normally expect the kitten to be so rambuctious as to be a challenge to photograph, Gibson was a piece of cake! We had his "winning" image in just a few shots!

Foster posed a little less for the camera, but even though he was less likely to be voted model of the year, his close-up is definitely adorable! And to his credit, he was kind of distracted, because Gibson was a little perturbed at being put back into her kitty carrier, I think, so she was calling for his attention! :)

All-in-all it was an excellent day for pet portraiture. As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words ... and these five could write a novel!

Tina

PROM 2012 ... What's Hot For This Year?

2012-04-19T17:26:00.000-05:00

Photo courtesy of Satins Plus Silks by Janelle

With all the excitement this week as we approach Merrill's Junior Prom to be held this Saturday, April 21, I was curious about what was hot ... or not ... for Prom 2012. I asked Karmelle Gross of Satins Plus Silks here in Merrill if she could give me a little insight since she stays abreast of what is going on in the marketplace for proms and weddings, since that is her passion and her business!

Karmelle says when it comes to gown styles and the line and cut of gowns this year, there's a lot of variety. "Poufy, straight and sleek, long, short ... anything goes (this year) ... but manufacturers are leaning toward the more straight gowns."

"Brights are BIG!" Karmelle says. So colorwise, go wild! Bright blues and greens are popular, "And the citrus colors are HOT! Yellows, oranges, and fuscias!"

"And prints are still going strong, as well," Karmelle adds.

Having been in the store recently and having noticed all the great dress designs and detailing, I asked Karmelle to elaborate on some of the dress details for Prom 2012.

"Clusters of large chunky stones decorating the gowns are big this year ... Trends seem to be a lighter touch on the decorations," she says. "But there are still dresses that are sequins and beads from head to toe."

What are the girls buying locally? I asked Karmelle.

For the most part, "Girls in our area are still leaning toward the poufy long ball gowns," Karmelle says.

"But girls south, even as close as Wausau, have been leaning more toward the straighter gowns."

But one thing they all have in common, she says. "They all want some glitz!"

So glitz it is for Prom 2012! Bring it on!

Wishing you all a very happy Prom 2012 ... whatever high school you attend! :)

Tina

P.S. Merrill promgoers can still schedule an appointment at the studio for professional portraits on Saturday afternoon by calling 715.212.0767. Remember, we don't take walk-ins, so you do need an appointment.

"Kisses" from Izzy ...

2012-04-16T20:40:00.000-05:00

I just got "kisses" from a new client .... Izzy! She is a trained therapy dog who came in to be photographed so her professional portrait could be entered into the Lincoln County Humane Society's 2013 "Paw-Parazzi" Calendar Contest! :)

Her owners wanted us to capture a portrait of her with both ears up, because that's a photo they just haven't been able to get of her themselves. It took a little bit of patience, but we got the image they wanted!

After her photo session, Izzy got treats, and I got my face licked. Everybody was happy! :)

Stay tuned for more cute pet portraits! But remember, if you want to get your pet photographed for the contest, you'll need to get scheduled at the studio before April 30! Only two weeks left! You can reach me at the studio at 715.212.0767. Don't wait!

Tina

P.S. This is one of Izzy's family's favorite images of her, and it is the one we will enter into the calendar contest!

Kitty In Need of Companion

2012-04-13T17:39:00.000-05:00

I know a kitty in need of a companion. Are you a companion in need of a kitty? Mama Louise, as this cute kitty has come to be called, is the perfect kitty for you!

Mama Louise is currently in foster kitty care through the Lincoln County Humane Society, but she is looking for a furever home. I got to meet her this week, and she is a sweetie! While full grown, she is petite and dainty and very friendly, too. She loves to be petted and have her tummy rubbed, and isn't she just a beautiful cat?

So why hasn't she found a home of her own yet? Well, it's a little complicated, as the story goes, but it doesn't have to be that complicated at all.

Mama Louise came to the Lincoln County Humane Society shelter last November as an expectant mama kitty (hence the name). She was tested as all shelter arrivals are, and all seemed well. Nothing was unusual. So off she went to Connie's house (a kitty foster home) to await the arrival of her kittens. She gave birth to three beautiful kittens on January 11, 2012, Connie reports.

A family was interested in Mama Louise and her kittens. But alas, upon retesting, Mama Louise tested positive for a kitty condition known as FIV. (This is similar to HIV in humans, only this is the feline version. It is not contagious to humans and is only transmitted to other cats via deep bite wounds or mating contact ... trying not to use the "S" word in my post. LOL) So the family kept the kittens (who tested negative for FIV) but no longer wanted the Mama kitty.

Mama Louise has co-existed nicely with Connie's six or so other cats since arriving and none of them have had any FIV-related health problems. Connie says Mama Louise "has always been healthy and is a really great cat. FIV sounds very scary, but with credible info, a cat who tests positive can still live a normal healthy life."

Connie adds, "Mama is very friendly and social. She loves to be held, kissed on top of her head, and bell rubs. She is a talker, and when I call 'Mama," she meows back."

"She would make an awesome companion for someone," Connie says. "She was a great mom to her kittens, and now it is her time to shine and be a great addition to someone's home."

Cats are such wonderful pets! (We have two of our own, and Connie has her six or so; otherwise, she'd adopt Mama Louise herself!)

They are remarkably self-sufficient, don't need to be walked, and can bring great joy to your life. An affectionate pet can help reduce stress and lower your blood pressure. And kitties are cuddly and entertaining, and they can pre-warm your bed for you before you crawl into it. (Mine does, cause she lays on my spot when I'm not in the bed! LOL) If you know someone who is in need of a wonderful companion--or if you can find it in your heart to offer Mama Louise a place in your family and a furever home--she would love to give you her unconditional love and affection!

Just call the Lincoln County Humane Society and tell them you want to give Mama Louise a home! You can reach them at 715.536.3459.

Tina

It's Not Everyday Your Clients Try to Lick Your Face ...

2012-04-13T13:02:00.000-05:00

LOL. No, it is not everyday your clients try to lick your face ... but yesterday I had not one, but three clients try to lick my face ... and all succeeded to one extent or another. I felt very loved!

You see, three of yesterday's clients were big dogs for the Lincoln County Humane Society's 2013 "Paw-Parazzi" Calendar Contest ... and they were being photographed to get them entered. The 12 pets whose professional portraits get the most votes later this summer will be featured in the 2013 "Paw-Parazzi" Calendar!

Marley was my first canine of the day. We did an indoor photo shoot with her. She's a big mastiff, so I was a little nervous about photographing her ... that is, until I met her! What a wonderful big baby! :) She won my heart! She looks waayy tougher than she is!

Take a look at her contest entry above.

Then came Cudo and Aries. Cudo is the blonde colored golden retriever, and Aries is the more traditional golden color. Both had tons of energy, and their "parents" wanted to photograph them outdoors, so we headed out to the park. Guess who wanted to play more than be photographed? LOL That was okay, though, because we did both!

I love the close up image of Cudo I selected for his contest entry ... and the the contest entry of Aries really captures the essence of the moment playing in the park.

Haven't had your pet professionally photographed for the contest yet? There's still time, but not for long! So don't wait! Last day to be photographed for the calendar contest is April 30!

Tina

Another Beautiful Bride ...

2012-04-12T19:39:00.001-05:00

This gorgeous bridal gown ... being modeled by the equally gorgeous Patrice ... is an original design from Satins Plus Silks in Merrill, Wisconsin. That means you can't buy it anywhere else but here. How cool is that?!! If you are a bride-to-be and seeing all the beautiful images of this dress don't send you running straight to Satins Plus Silks to do your dress shopping, I don't know what else will.

Satins Plus Silks has a wonderful selection of beautiful bridal wear ... and also prom dresses, tuxes, headpieces, and lots more. (And their prices are incredible!) It's worth a trip to Merrill! But I digress ...

Back to the modeling thing ... Thank you, Patrice, for driving all the way up from Milwaukee, your first foray into the Northwoods, to model this gown for me. You did an incredible job and you look fabulous! And thanks to the wonderful and talented Vanexa Yang of Beauty by V and Alyssa Brubaker, the makeup artist and hair stylist, respectively, who created Patrice's beautiful look!

What a team! :)

Tina

P.S. More bridal images still to come in the week ahead! Stay tuned!!