Love, Constance Photography

NEW NAME - NEW WEBSITE... {TAMPA AREA PHOTOGRAPHER}

noreply@blogger.com (Love, Constance Photography) — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 18:14:00 +0000

Hey Everyone.. as with any business occasionally you have to refresh and renew. Since I am changing lots of things including the website I felt this would be a great time to rename my business. I wanted it to reflect how I feel about my photography and how I feel every time I do a session for you so what better way then showing my Love. Hence Love, Constance photography.
Every time I do a session.. and because I love creating these memories and moments for you I feel like it's a love letter to my clients.
So go check out the new website.. I will be adding stuff as I go along. Like pull back photos, videos and an about me page. so enjoy and feel free to comment.
Hope to see you soon..
Love, Constance

Love, Constance Photography go check it out.. love to all.

My Personal Photography Challenge for the year and beyond!! {TAMPA AREA PHOTOGRAPHER}

noreply@blogger.com (Love, Constance Photography) — Sat, 16 Jan 2016 00:13:00 +0000

Hey Everyone.. hope you are having a great year so far.. I can’t believe that January is already half way over. And Valentine’s Day is just around the corner.

As a full time professional photographer I get wrapped up in taking client photos and editing and Marketing and Social Media and thinking of new ways to get my brand out there and so on and so on. So when I have a few minutes, or need to take a few minutes for myself, I hang out with my pets or redecorate something in my house ( I think I am a closet interior decorator) and I find that I am pulling out my phone to take photos of those things.. my pets.. my little projects – etc. and I am always getting ticked because I was missing certain shots or didn’t like the way it looked in the photo and then it hit me.. HELLO.. Professional Photographer here.. what are you doing?

SOOOOO I thought about it. I AM A PROFESSIONAL AWARD WINNING PHOTOGRAPHER. Why am I not utilizing my talent.. My God given gift. I wanted to give myself a palm plant to my forehead. But I realized that would hurt, so I decided to CHALLENGE myself… just for me.. no one else. So here’s what I came up with..

TO USE MY PROFESSIONAL CAMERA MORE AND MY PHONE LESS!!! yup that simple.

Don’t get me wrong sometimes I love the shots I get with my phone.. and those quick easy little effects.. sometimes they really rock. But.. I get lazy. I don’t challenge myself with lighting sometimes. Or my settings in my camera. ( I do everything manually) Or learning and experimenting with some new technique or looking at something differently. Some days I am a really good ‘out of the box’ thinker. Some days-not so much.

I am so adamant about getting the best shot for my clients that I forget that I am important too. And by that I mean.. my everyday life is important. My day in day out.. It’s what makes me .. well ME!!!

My house is filled with crazy most of the time.. I mean my kiddos are grown and live on their own.. but I have all these pets and all this STUFF! My girls swear I have hoarding tendencies but I think they are imagining it. ..

OH WAIT.. is that a chair on the side of the road.. gotta turn around. I could paint that and use it as a prop!!!
Okay so maybe just maybe I have a slight hoarding problem.. HA! Anyway..

So back to my challenge.. I am leaving my big professional camera out on my table in the dining room all the time. The same stuff I use for my clients during sessions. So when the dog looks super cute looking at me a certain way or the cat makes a crazy face I can be camera ready and actually get the action. Or if I set up a little display and I love how it looks.. I can get a true photo of the set up.

I can experiment with the lighting or the settings or take shots from different angles. No constraints on time or the mood of the 2 year old (haha) or the weather or the sun. Or making sure it’s just perfect. These are the times I can mess up. TRY NEW WAYS.. Just doing it.. and then trying out new editing ideas or watching a video on how to do something I didn’t know how to do before. I mean the sky is the limit.

So that is my CHALLENGE to myself.. and although it’s a challenge.. it’s not a constraint. There are no rules.. It’s for ME.. when I have or need a few minutes for MYSELF.

So I am inviting you to walk on this photo journey with me. Not sure how regular these types of post will be.. because remember.. NO CONSTRAINTS!! I hope you enjoy this little self aware journey with me..

It should be a HOOT!!! Check out a few from the first couple of weeks. SO MUCH FUN!!

Beauty and Glamour Day for you - Great gift for yourself or someone special {TAMPA AREA PHOTOGRAPHER}

noreply@blogger.com (Love, Constance Photography) — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 20:00:00 +0000

THIS SPECIAL CAN ONLY BE PURCHASED TILL
JANUARY 10TH.

SHOOTS WILL BE SCHEDULED BETWEEN NOW AND JANUARY 29TH.

(to allow time for editing and ordering)

FEEL FREE TO CALL ME WITH ANY QUESTIONS.. 813-600-8152

as I expect I will get lots of calls please leave a message so that I can return your call.

A different kind of weight loss story.. {tampa area photographer}

noreply@blogger.com (Love, Constance Photography) — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 17:20:00 +0000

I know this has nothing to do with photography but in a way it does because it’s about me.. a photographer.

So many people have asked me.. how am I losing the weight.. what am I doing and why can’t I be happy with who I am?

Yes all three of those questions have been presented to me. And I am a pretty private person when it comes to the things that have happened to me. I feel very passionate about a lot of the things in the news these days but those issues although I could talk about them would affect others close to me. But this – this one thing.. the weight loss and the reason why is mine. It is my issue alone and yet not alone.

I have been very hesitant to talk about it because as I said when it comes to my life issues I am pretty private.

But here goes.. a year ago this week after a routine visit to my doctor I got a call telling me I had DIABETES. And being this is Diabetes Awareness Month.. I thought I would share my experience.

I wasn’t pre-diabetic.. I was full blown type 2 Diabetes. I WAS DEVASTATED. Because although it wasn’t a diagnosis of Cancer or HIV or MS or Lupus or anything else equally as horrible, it was and is a LIFE CHANGING DISEASE. I cried off and on for a full week.. because honestly, I didn’t know how I was going to be able to change anything. And after reading about the long term effects Diabetes has on your body and the ravages it can do to you and the meds and their side effects and the pricking of the finger to take my blood and the horrible way I felt and still feel some days, I was sure I was doomed and it felt hopeless.

So I wallowed in self pity for about a week. I gave myself that. I was entitled. Especially RIGHT BEFORE THANKSGIVING. The diabetic’s worse enemy. Starches and sweets and fat and carbs and oh my Lord, please how am I going to get through this. And then Christmas right around the corner, with sweets and carbs and fats and starches. UUUGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH!!!! And suddenly, those holidays were even more daunting because now I can’t eat all the butter I want on that sweet roll fresh from the oven, wait I am not even suppose to have the sweet roll. Okay so my famous mashed potatoes. Those! I can eat those! WAIT.. no you can’t diabetic Connie. Okay so I can have stuffing.. with GRAVY!! Yes gravy! WAIT - NO I CAN’T. So these were my thoughts. Seriously.. I was torturing myself.

So then my next thought was, And my beloved Pepsi , Starbucks, hot dogs and I am not afraid to admit it I love McDonald’s filet o fish and Taco Bell’s burrito and pintos and cheese and Chik fil a Waffle fries. NO.. I will not give those things up.

I was really ticked.. so then it was - SCREW IT.. I AM EATING WHATEVER I WANT – THAT IS WHAT THE MEDS ARE FOR!! That’s the famous rebellious me telling myself it didn’t matter. I have the meds. But the more I researched, the more I realized the meds only do part of the job. If I want to keep my limbs down the road or be able to be as active as I want or feel like a human being I HAVE TO CHANGE EVERYTHING ABOUT THE WAY I EAT AND LIVE.

I love all those things I mentioned before! I was raised on meat and potatoes and lots of gravy and homemade pancakes with homemade syrup and my grandma’s chocolate pie. And lots and lots of starches. My mom’s homemade candies at Christmas. Her famous Strawberry Cheesecake. HOW WILL I EVER CHANGE MY MIND ABOUT EATING THESE THINGS.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! I DON’T WANT TO!

These are the irrational crazy thoughts that went through my head.

I hate you diabetes. You suck diabetes.

So I was really determined to be angry about this.

For about a week.

Then I went to http://www.diabetes.org/ And suddenly it didn’t seem so hopeless. They have menus broken down to daily calorie intake and visuals to help you. I realized I can eat ALMOST anything I mentioned before but that moderation and portion control was the real key. And that I should have more veggies then anything. And not the other way around. I learned that with type 2 diabetes you can control it to a degree. And bring your numbers down. And that you can be fairly healthy with diabetes if you do the things you should. So I did.. I gave up my Pepsi and hotdogs and yes even the fast food. Do I cheat every once in awhile.. OF COURSE! I am human after all. But after I started changing my diet and losing weight and feeling great I decided to start exercising. So I do yoga some days and I walk pretty much EVERY SINGLE DAY. I have started small weight training for my upper body. And I am getting ready to start riding my bike a couple of times a week.

And guess what? I AM ENJOYING IT. Go figure.

I mean when I was single I worked out everyday. So why did I change that? I got lazy. I became a couch potato. I was buying size 14 no big deal except that I am only 5 feet tall. But I was happy with who I was. I was accepting it as an age progression thing. And then Diabetes came to my door and it has decided to stay. The doctor tells me that I might be able to eventually get off the meds. But family history does have something to do with it.

So here I am .. almost 30 lbs lighter.. from size 14 to size 6. I have brought my AC1 number down 1.5 points.. still not enough but much better than the other direction. So I carry candy in my purse or on my person. So I check my blood a couple of times a day. So I take medicine everyday. So i have to be mindful of what I eat every single time I think of eating. So what! I am better. I feel better for the most part. And better then I have felt in a long time. Don't feel sorry for me.. this post isn't about that.. it's about awareness. Because everyday people are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and I am here to tell you it's not the end of the world. You can do it.

And I know people and kids with Type 1 diabetes. I have a client whose son has Type 1 and this young sweet child has to have an insulin pump ALL THE TIME. It is part of his life but he is happy and vivacious and full of life and then my diabetes gets put into perspective. I can potentially change mine. He has it forever. He is dependent on that insulin and that makes me realize what a whiny butt I am being sometimes. He is kind of my hero now. And he doesn’t even know it.

So this is why I am losing weight. Not because I am unhappy with who I am or vain about it. But because I want to live a full life.. and be the best I can be for myself and those that love me.

So if you want to lose weight, change the way you eat and get up and move. As if your life depends on it. Because ultimately it really does.

hugs, love and peace everyone..

http://www.diabetes.org/

Thanks for reading. I have attached a video link that describes everything to a T for me except for the shots. I am on pills right now. I have also linked the diabetes.org website above.

http://blog.thediabetessite.com/things-diabetics-say/?utm_source=dbs-dbsaware&utm_medium=social-fb&utm_term=110415&utm_content=link&utm_campaign=things-diabetics-say&origin=fb_dbs_0.4166666667_social_things-diabetics-say_dbsaware_link

MY MARKETING VIDEO.. CHECK IT OUT! {TAMPA AREA PHOTOGRAPHER}

noreply@blogger.com (Love, Constance Photography) — Wed, 05 Aug 2015 22:02:00 +0000

DESPITE MY FEARS

noreply@blogger.com (Love, Constance Photography) — Thu, 08 Jan 2015 14:54:00 +0000

Totally unrelated to photography.. but then again maybe not.. the photography business is changing daily it seems.. and I am constantly working to keep myself current and push myself. I am a pretty driven person most of the time.. but sometimes.. not so much!!

So today my post is about FEAR.. I have to tell ya.. I have taken on things and faced my fears many times throughout my life. I have made life changing decisions... sometimes good sometimes bad.. and there have been a few times from my past that I have truly been afraid. Usually because someone else tried to enforce that. It was a long time before I realized that I am truly in charge of my destiny.

I have been fearful.. I go through days of that 'old' thinking and recently I went through a bit of that. But each day is new.. full of opportunity and wonder. I forget that sometimes and have to be reminded. Today I was reminded.. by something simple. A simple quote and I don't know why.. but it hit me true today. I know for me.. it is God reaching me through the simplest of things.. So I am sharing it with you. Hope it brings a sense of power to you. May all your fears never keep you from your true calling.. hugs and love to you all!!

GREAT AMERICAN TEACH IN - AT CLARK ELEMENTARY

noreply@blogger.com (Love, Constance Photography) — Fri, 21 Nov 2014 02:20:00 +0000

So I was asked about a month ago from a good client of mine if I would come to this class and do the Great American Teach In. I had no idea what she was talking about so she explained that you come to the class and talk about what you do for a living..
I was like sure no problem..
but this isn't your typical class of children.. This is the Full Time ASD Class at Clark Elementary (autism spectrum disorder). I know this because I have photographed this client and her children for a while now and one of her sons is in this class. So when I agreed.. she almost cried.. because RARELY does anyone come and talk to this class because the kids react to things differently then other kids.
Although there is structure sometimes you really just kind of go with the flow.. and what will be will be.. but let me tell you they did great.. and the teacher and the assistants, AMAZING!! They stay calm when someone is upset and screaming or just not coping well. They just step in and calm them down. they hug them or talk to them or both. But what I really found amazing is that they actually teach and the kids well they eat it up. They love anything that stimulates them. And how they express it is as individual as they are.

So this day wasn't really about teaching them the ins and outs of photography.. this was about them having fun.. putting on a hat and letting me show them how it looks. Taking their photo and giving them a print to take home. It's about how art touches everyone. And that their hearts are there waiting for you to see it. It's about watching each and every child react to me in their own way. Some hugged me.. one kissed me on the cheek.. a couple wouldn't let me even get close but they smiled.. and I got a few high fives.. and then at the end of the day.. I got THANK YOU cards that each child did. I have to tell you..it brought a tear to my eye. It completely wrapped the day up beautifully.
I don't know if the kids will remember this time.. or if I made any difference in their lives.. but I do know this.. it made a difference in mine.
thanks Miss Brooke's class for the honor of being part of your world today!
And kudos to you kids.. and kudos to you teacher and assistants and kudos to parents! As my client said to me.. "it takes a village" indeed it does!
HUGS, KISSES & HIGH FIVES TO YOU ALL!!! (btw they had face painting today... hahaha)

life changes so fast... the importance of photos for your family {tampa area photographer}

noreply@blogger.com (Love, Constance Photography) — Sun, 22 Jun 2014 19:01:00 +0000

Although this will not be my most cheerful happy blog post I felt compelled to share this with you.
I hope you will understand after reading this.. how truly important it is to get your professional photos done.

Recently I did an engagement session for this sweet beautiful couple. As we were doing the session we talked and of course I got to hear their sweet story of how they met doing something the both love.
They talked about this whirlwind romance and how much the were looking forward to their up and coming nuptials.

We had a really good time and I was really loving the way their photos turned out. They were so sweet.

So I did my usual thing. I went on with my photographers life and within the specified time period got their photos edited. They loved them.. but they were struggling with what to pick out.

So recently.. and I mean just about 5 days ago - I get another communication from bride to be and she is struggling. She is having an issue. She is not understanding. We are talking and she seems confused and out of sorts about what she wants. I really don't think too much about it. But in the back of my mind I am thinking.. 'it's really not that hard'. Honestly.. this is a smart young woman and I am perplexed by her confusion. BUT - We eventually get it figured out and she orders her photos and she apologizes for being so uncertain. I tell her not to think anything of it.. I knew we would get it worked out and we both go on our way.

So yesterday.. while doing a shoot someone calls and leaves me a VM. When all is done and I am back at my desk I listen to the message. It is from some stranger that I have never met and she is upset and asking me about this couples photos from their engagement session. Telling me that a terrible tragedy has taken place. Would I please call her. I call her. She proceeds to tell me that the bride to be has suddenly passed away from a fall where she hit her head. 3 weeks prior. She was under a doctors care and although she seemed outwardly fine she did seem confused and out of sorts.
And then had a brain aneurysm. She died the previous day. WHAT?!!
This person I have never met wants to know if I have any photos of the bride to be that they could use for her memorial service. I tell her that she has ordered photos that she has not yet received and would they like them. I verify that this is legit and get the woman's info so that I can help her in this situation. I also provide her with some additional photos to use at the service. She tells me the bride to be's family (who all live in out of state) and fiancé realize that they had little or no recent photos of her by herself. The fiancé gave her my phone number so that she could contact me. They are pleading with me to help them honor her through ANY recent photos I might have. So here I am.. and I know some of you might think.. hopefully you charged them for the extras. the answer is NO - I didn't. Does that make me a good business person.. probably not.. does that make me a compassionate human being.. I hope so.
This is all I can do for this family that I don't know.. but you know what.. it's the most important thing to them right now. They are grasping for any glimpse into this beautiful bride to be's life that they have missed. They are clinging to her memory. They are DEVASTATED! Even this stranger that called me is in shock and disbelief. She is so emotional but I can tell she is trying to keep it together. She tells me that they were to have dinner that night together as she hasn't seen her in a couple of weeks. She still can not grasp the reality that she will never see her again.

So why am I writing this post? Because sometimes.. it's hard being a photographer in this day and age. It's hard to convince people of the worth of a photo. The importance of a professional print to put on your wall or desk. I am a professional. I love my job. But like all jobs some days I wonder .. does anyone really care about what I am doing and how much time and effort I am putting forth to be the best I can be. Well guess what? This family that I have never met.. they think I am pretty darn important right now. They are turning to me to help comfort them. I am not trying to sound egotistical in any way.. I realize once again.. personally.. right now.. just how important my job really is. Look I barely know them and I was shocked and devastated - so can you imagine how this family feels! How her fiance' feels just a few months before their wedding? I am sure I can't even begin to understand.
so people.. please please please.. DON'T WAIT TO GET YOUR PROFESSIONAL PHOTOS DONE. life changes so fast.

WAITING FOR YOU! - A STORY ABOUT ADOPTING {TAMPA AREA PHOTOGRAPHER}

noreply@blogger.com (Love, Constance Photography) — Sat, 24 May 2014 19:23:00 +0000

Okay so initially I was going to do this as a sneak peek but decided it would be a sweet short post that really

deserved a little more then just a sneak peek.

I had a woman contact me and she wanted to do a photo shoot.

As we discussed this she informs me that they

needed photos of themselves as they were starting their adoption process.

This couple tried for many years to have a baby but it just wasn't happening.

So they decided to start an adoption journey. I love that she refers to as a 'journey'.

They needed photos for their portfolio to help match them with a birth mom

and they wanted some good family pics.

"That' she says "is where I come in!"

I have had other clients who are either foster parents or have adopted and

I know how much time, money and

heart go into this process.

So I always admire people who decide to take this journey.

We talked and came up with some ideas about what she wanted.. she gave me an idea and I took one of her ideas and made it my own little version..

they were so thrilled and thus the photo that you see was born.

Braddock (the one with the sign) and Moe are part of their family.. so we had to include them in this shoot. They were so good and so patient and it was pretty hot this morning even though we started out pretty early. But we did it and although the rest of the photos won't be ready for a little bit..

I had to immediately share this with everyone.

As most of you know .. I have this heart for dogs and animals of all types. I try to advocate animal safety and rights. So I am especially thrilled when families want to include ALL the family members.. it shows me that they truly respect them and want them in their lives as part of the family and not just some object.

And what better way to show prospective birth moms the type of love they will have for a child when they go to the trouble of loving and sharing their spotlight with their current 'babies'.

THOSE ARE MY KIND OF PARENTS RIGHT THERE.

So good luck to you two. I will keep you in my prayers while you are on your journey. Anyone would be lucky to have you as parents and have 'brothers' such as Braddock and Moe.

I can't wait to be part of this growing family in the future.

hugs!!!

MOTHERS INTUITION - A MOM'S STORY {TAMPA AREA PHOTOGRAPHER}

noreply@blogger.com (Love, Constance Photography) — Fri, 09 May 2014 02:34:00 +0000

This blog post is a special post for Mother's Day.

This a special story about a Mom and a little life that almost wasn't.
But I am getting a head of myself here.
Let's go back a little over 6 months and let me introduce you to Kelly. She is pregnant and expecting to have a peaceful tub birth and do it naturally without drugs. Why not? her first two pregnancies were uneventful and this little one was soooo active. Waking Mommy up every morning with the sweet little tap tap tap at 6:30 am. Like an internal alarm clock. This morning was like the others. tap-tap-tap! Today though she is a little more tired than usual but still heads out for work. Around 10 am this normally active baby wasn't quite as active and mom was also feeling a little edgy and not feeling quite right. So she goes home early that day and puts the other young ones to bed early so she can relax and feel better. She slept. She wakes up the next morning at 7:45 what? wait.. her little internal alarm didn't go off along with her bedside alarm. She rushes around to get everyone to school and work and heads off to some appts. As she is sitting waiting for her appt she realizes that the baby wasn't really kicking but when she rubbed her belly the baby shifted a little. All day this normally active baby hasn't really moved or kicked. She tries everything.. she eats.. no kicking or movement. She drinks a coke.. no kicking or movement. She takes a warm bath, something that baby loves.. nothing. Trying not to stress and in the midst of picking up children she calls her birthing center and tells them something is not right. They tell her to come right in. They hook her up to a non-stress heart monitor. As soon as they turn it on she hears the heartbeat. She lays back and for the first time all day she relaxes. This only lasts about 5 minutes. the midwife comes in and tells her to be calm but that the heartbeat is not normal and that she needs to immediately go to the hospital. Her heart sinks.. she goes into auto-mode and keeps telling herself that the heart is beating.. the heart is beating. So tests start and things seem okay. Ultra sound good. Then they do a Doppler on the blood flow of the umbilical cord. One of the arteries is blocked in the umbilical cord.. Suddenly.. a lot of people are in her room.. doctors and nurses and they are prepping her for surgery and she was starting to go into labor and every time she did the heartbeat would go way down. The baby was in distress.. After testing to make sure mom would be okay through surgery they do a C-section right away. At 7:18pm, Connor John was born. He weighed 4lb 13oz and was 17 in long. He let out a little squawk and was instantly worked on by the Neonatology team. When they wheeled her to see the baby in the NICU all she could do was touch his toe. Connor spent seven days there without any ill effects. While Connor was in the NICU, he was visited by nurses and the mid wife who was there when mom was admitted. They all wanted to see the "miracle baby." They all said the same thing, most of the time these babies don't make it.

But this story has a happy ending.. Connor did make it and it was all because Mommy's instincts told her that something wasn't right. She listened to that nagging little voice in her head and heart and she acted on it.

Connor is the cutest little guy.. so happy and sweet. When he finally got home and was able to have some newborn photos done mom Kelly brought him to the studio. He was so good and we had such a precious time. And as Kelly was telling me all about how he almost didn't make it.. I knew instantly that I wanted to write about this sweet story of a mother's intuition. So she gave me permission and filled in the details.

Connor came back recently for his 6 month shoot. What a HAM!! and so darn happy.. and smiling.. oh my word. I am so blessed that I got to meet this little guy. And next time I get to meet the whole family.

So I want to say to you mom's out there.. all of you who doubt yourself.. are you doing the right thing? is this okay? are they doing something they shouldn't? is something going on that doesn't feel quite right? TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS! Your instincts are probably right on. Everyone has an opinion about how you should do things for your child.. but trust yourself and know that you know what is the best.

And to all the Moms who work hard at raising these awesome kids (and the furry, feathered and scaly kind) that I love seeing. Taking their photos and sharing your lives is such an honor. I know I say it all the time.. but I truly mean it..

And to my girls and grand children.. I love you all so much and you are always and will always be the best of me.
To my sister who has always been my 'other' mom whether I liked it or not I love ya and thanks for being there.
And to my mom.. thanks for being a strong woman that taught me right from wrong. I love you and wish I could see you more often.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL OF YOU MOMS.. !!

FOR THE LOVE OF A DOG... and a message about the importance of photos! {TAMPA AREA PHOTOGRAPHER}

noreply@blogger.com (Love, Constance Photography) — Fri, 18 Apr 2014 02:49:00 +0000

Back in December I got an inquiry from my website from a prospective client telling me she wants to do a session. A family session she tells me and she wants to bring her dog Mack. She goes on to tell me she hasn't had photos done since her son was two.. he is now 12. I don't think too much about it. I get inquiries all the time about people who haven't done photos for a while or people who want to bring their cherished family pets. I LOVE those session. I love knowing that people want to bring their 'other' children to their sessions. I encourage it.

We both had pretty booked schedules so we ended up doing the session at the end of March. Two days before the shoot she emails me confirming about bringing the dog. And then tells me that they just recently found out he had terminal cancer. they have done all they can to this point and now all they have is maybe a couple of months. WOW! that really sucks.. so sad for them.. been there done that.

So now.. although ALL my sessions are important to me this one takes on more urgency. But guess what it rains the day we are suppose to do the shoot.. UGH!!! but luckily I had the next day open and we pushed it back one day. We are meeting at the University of Tampa.. a beautiful campus - but guess what? we get there and they are doing the annual greenfest that day.. the place is packed. they are breaking down their booths at this time so it's even more chaotic. people everywhere..

but suddenly out of the crowd I look over and see these three people with a HUGE white dog. holy cow.. he is ginormous.. but what I really notice is that he has the sweetest look on his face. he is so happy to be there in all this chaos with his family. I realize instantly.. that all will be well.

I meet everyone.. including beautiful Mack.. the dog wonder. I notice he has shaved patches on each front leg. I know he has been sick but I ask about them.. His mommy tells me - they are from his recent surgery to have his spleen removed. "to buy us a little more time with him" she says. I LOVE THESE PEOPLE INSTANTLY!! She goes on to tell me that the most they give him is two months. And that as soon as they realize he is starting to suffer they will have him put to sleep to spare him the pain of this horrible cancer. It's so hard isn't it.. to outlive these dogs we love who love us unconditionally. I have made this choice too many times and I am instantly saddened for them.. but secretly relieved it is not me this time.

Now let me tell you about Mack.. he is a rockstar. Everywhere we went people would come up to him and want to pet him and talk to him and talk to his parents and dare I say 'big brother' ;) We would get a few shots in and someone else would walk up wanting to see him. It was so cute to see the attention he was getting and he was eating it up.

but what really made Mack a rockstar that day is his interaction with his beloved family. He knew exactly how to be with each one.

With Dad he took on this proud stance of 'WE ARE THE MEN OF THE HOUSE AND WE WILL PROTECT YOU TO THE END'!! They had this love, understanding and respect for each other that you could see.

With his 'brother' - he had fun.. it was this bond of you are my best bud and I will never leave your side. They had grown up together you see and I could tell they had many adventures discovering the world and being - I am sure.. PARTNERS IN CRIME!!

And then there is Mommy.. he was so tender with her.. the looks he gave her were of this deep unconditional love. He comforted her. With a look or a snuggle or just being close to her. His adoration for her was impenetrable. It was precious to watch.

So here I am this outsider.. being let into the world of this family who loved a dog and albeit a brief time.. one that will forever touch me.

And when I emailed Mack's family to tell them that the photos would be ready to view the next day.. only two weeks later .. a month and half after the diagnosis - I got an email back telling me thanks and that they had to put Mack to sleep that night ! WHAT - NOOOO - I immediately started crying.. this brief time had affected me.. Mack was amazing..

I knew that loss.. and I worried that seeing the photos so soon would hurt more than it would help.. I was scared.. I didn't want to make them suffer any more.. I was afraid to put them up for viewing. but reluctantly I did.. I feared that I hadn't done them justice.. capturing these last days with their beloved Mack.. I suddenly and completely felt the weight of the responsibility I had. but I trudged forward letting them know how to view them.

and generously... this is the email I received immediately..

They r AMAZING! And we were all in tears..want them all. You captured everything we were looking for Connie! Thank you so much!! We couldn't have received these at a better time!

I am so lucky and blessed. I truly love doing this business. I truly love being a history keeper. A moment recorder.. a memory maker.. A PHOTOGRAPHER.

There are many aspects to this story that mean something.. mainly it's about the unconditional love that a dog (who was huge and furry and all white who had a heck of a sweet tooth from what I have been told) had for his family. And the unconditional love they had for him in keeping him as long as they could but not more then he could handle.

It's about how amazing animals are.. and especially dogs.. how they love us so much.. and we don't always deserve it..

but it's also a story about the importance of getting your family photos done.. about not waiting.. about not being afraid to be in photos because you may not think you look great.. you have to do it.. you need to do it.. you need to have those moments.. those memories.. because you never know what might change.

Life is precious.. life is short.. don't wait..

thanks Mack for reminding all of us!

EASTER MINI SESSIONS AT THE STUDIO {TAMPA AREA PHOTOGRAPHER}

noreply@blogger.com (Love, Constance Photography) — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 14:12:00 +0000

Hey everyone.. I posted this on FB but wanted to post it here too just in case you don't do FB. if you do make sure you go and like my page.
So I am doing Easter Mini Sessions My fav holiday. I love the colors and the spring feel to it.
the sessions will be at the Studio in Riverview on March 30th. For the first three people who sign up they get a special gift. So don't hesitate as there will be limited number of spots available.

I have also had some inquiries about live baby animals and do I do those.. my straight forward answer is ABSOLUTELY NOT!! for many reasons like liability.. safety.. etc etc.. but the main reason is this simple. It's really really bad for the baby animals. I have a blog post about it from last year the Humane Society of the United States actually used. here is the link to that older post. http://constanceavellinophotos.blogspot.com/2013/03/plush-stuffed-wind-up-tampa-area.html

So I am really looking forward to these mini sessions. like I said my FAVORITE holiday.
have a great day.. and look for the next blog post.. hahahaha whenever that will be. ;)

VALENTINE MINI SESSIONS - THIS SATURDAY IN HILLSBOROUGH AND SUNDAY IN PINELLAS {TAMPA AREA PHOTOGRAPHER}

noreply@blogger.com (Love, Constance Photography) — Mon, 20 Jan 2014 00:00:00 +0000

JUST WANTED TO GIVE A REMINDER TO ANYONE STILL INTERESTED IN THESE.

I HAVE 4 SPOTS LEFT FOR HILLSBOROUGH ON SATURDAY AND

2 SPOTS LEFT FOR PINELLAS ON SUNDAY

IF YOU WANT MORE INFO EMAIL ME.. SUPER EXCITED.

ME@CONSTANCEAVELLINOPHOTOS.COM

OKAY - WOW - WHAT A BUSY HOLIDAY SEASON.. BUT I LOVE IT!! {TAMPA AREA PHOTOGRAPHER}

noreply@blogger.com (Love, Constance Photography) — Sat, 28 Dec 2013 18:55:00 +0000

Hey Everyone.. I know I haven't posted lately but what can I say.. it's been an amazing and crazy holiday season for me.. the busiest one yet.. so I am not complaining :)

I will be posting a December video of all my shoots during that time - as soon as December is over.. but here are the videos of September/October and the one for November.. minus a few foster children ones and some events I covered..
I have had a great time.. and finally slowing 'slightly' so that I have time to breath and post!!

In case I don't make it back on here to post before the new year..have a great time and see you soon.

SEP/OCT

NOVEMBER

HAPPY NEW YEAR.. CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU ALL IN 2014.

Also.. side note.. two big things coming up.. I will probably do a Valentine Mini Session Day.. if I get enough interest. So let me know if you are.. I already have all these GREAT ideas for it. AND I will be running a special for all my past clients towards the beginning of March. Be on the look out for more info about it.

THROW BACK THURSDAY - DALLAS & KEELIE - CHRISTMAS SHOOT {TAMPA AREA PHOTOGRAPHER}

noreply@blogger.com (Love, Constance Photography) — Fri, 11 Oct 2013 03:18:00 +0000

So in keeping with my Throw Back Thursday theme.. I wanted to share these photos from about 5 years ago.

after my job at bed bath and beyond.. I worked at Bright house.

These girls are the daughters of one of my 'peeps' there at BHN.

A lot of the people that I met there are still good friends and clients. And I really value those friendships!

Some of my sweetest relationships have come from that place.

I remember this session like it was yesterday.. they were SO SILLY that day. Little sis Keelie did everything her big sis Dallas did.. these are my fav three shots from the session. Still some of my all time favs too. Thanks girls.. can't wait for you to get back to the studio!! :)

btw - they are the girls in the ballerina costumes in the slideshow at the top of my blog that was a couple of years later.. but still just as silly!

THROW BACK THURSDAY - THIS ONE IS PERSONAL! {TAMPA AREA PHOTOGRAPHER}

noreply@blogger.com (Love, Constance Photography) — Sat, 28 Sep 2013 04:16:00 +0000

So I know I am a day late.. but I wanted to do one that has a special place in my heart. My grandbabies.

I love these photos because it was just a spontaneous moment and we were just hanging out on the lanai.

I ran and got my camera and these were two of my favorite shots from the day.

Miss them so much everyday.. these are just a couple of the great shots I have to keep in my heart.

THROW BACK THURSDAY - ANDERSON aka Andy :) {TAMPA AREA PHOTOGRAPHER}

noreply@blogger.com (Love, Constance Photography) — Thu, 19 Sep 2013 15:14:00 +0000

So I decided to start doing my TBT posts on my blog instead of FB!

This is my first one - and how could I go wrong with such a cutie pie!

He has grown a little over the past couple of years

but these are still some of my ALL TIME fav shots!

How darn lovable is he?

I have done this family a few times and have been friends with them for about WOW could it be almost 10 years?? I met mom when I worked at BBB (Bed Bath & Beyond) and we have stayed in touch. Some of my best relationships have come from my tenure at BBB!

I wouldn't trade that experience for anything. Love those people!!

You know who you are

I LOVE DOING FAMILIES THAT ARE HERE ON VACATION.. {TAMPA AREA PHOTOGRAPHER}

noreply@blogger.com (Love, Constance Photography) — Tue, 17 Sep 2013 00:59:00 +0000

So I have done a few families this year that were here on vacation. I love doing that.

What a great way to mark a fun time.. so keep that in mind when you are down here.

This family is from Nebraska and we had a great time and

got some great photos even though the storms were moving in fast..

they were so much fun and I really enjoyed spending time with them.

I think they were surprised that I got so many good shots.. since we RUSHED the shoot.

Thanks for the honor of capturing some family moments for you guys.. see you next year!!!

VIVICA - ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE {TAMPA AREA PHOTOGRAPHER}

noreply@blogger.com (Love, Constance Photography) — Fri, 06 Sep 2013 19:46:00 +0000

So I have decided to start highlighting at least one client a week.

So this week it's Vivica with Mommy & Daddy.

She was such a good baby. And very serious at first but she warmed up and I got the

best smiles out of her.

Love this age. Just sitting up and so curious.

Another neat little side note.. Mommy & Daddy met online.. how cool is that!!!

love those romantic stories..

OH MY WORD!!!! I HAVE NOT BLOGGED FOR AWHILE!! {TAMPA AREA PHOTOGRAPHER}

noreply@blogger.com (Love, Constance Photography) — Sat, 24 Aug 2013 20:47:00 +0000

I DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO SAY FOR MYSELF! UGH! WHY IS BLOGGING SUCH A CHORE FOR ME...?
I EVEN PUT THE APP ON MY PHONE SO I COULD AT LEAST DO OR SAY SOMETHING ONCE A WEEK AND I STILL HAVEN'T DONE IT..
What is it that keeps me from doing this.. is it because I am afraid I won't have any 'witty' things to say.. is it because I am lazy.. or am I just too busy to try and do ONE more thing to my already growing list. Do other photographers have this problem..?
Or maybe it is just that -

I bought this shirt some time ago! Because the moment I saw it I thought it would make a great BLOG post! So I am always thinking of it.. I have great ideas in my head.. but somehow the execution is just not there.. my problem is when I get the idea.. I fall short somewhere in getting it on the blog... It's so darn frustrating.. BUT contrary to what the shirt says..

I AM GOING TO BE A BLOGGER!!

I am determined.. wish me luck and keep an eye out.. :)

Happy Monday... {TAMPA AREA PHOTOGRAPHER}

noreply@blogger.com (Love, Constance Photography) — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 19:54:00 +0000

okay so I know Mother's Day has come and gone and I didn't put up the special salute to Mom's here on the blog.. but I did put it up on FB. It took much longer then I anticipated because I had so many beautiful client memories to add. I tried to make sure everyone got included from the day after Mom's day last year to Mom's day this year..If I missed your photo forgive me and see ya next year.
Make sure you watch it all the way to the end..

So here it is:

I will put up the rest of the May photo a day photos in a few days.. it's over.. I always love doing it but always glad when it ends.
talk soon.. :)
and if you haven't checked out my FB page please go take a look at my most current stuff and LIKE my page
https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Constance-Avellino-Photos/126309550738621

WHAT A CRAZY MONTH IT'S BEEN.. BUT YOU KNOW I LOVE IT.... {TAMPA AREA PHOTOGRAPHER}

noreply@blogger.com (Love, Constance Photography) — Fri, 10 May 2013 17:07:00 +0000

Hey everyone... hope things are going good for you so far this month.. Mother's day is a few days away and wow did this last month fly by.
I have been super busy purging some props and stuff to make room for some fresher idea. YAY!!! I am telling you.. I definately have some hoarding tendencies. I look at something and I think about the newborn baby shoot I used that prop in and then I look at a chair and think oh.. I have gotten some cute stuff from that. ANYWAY - it's been super hard.. but I am determined. So wish me luck all you fellow closet hoarders out there.

We are also getting ready to REDO the studio in a BIG way.. I am a little nervous as it involves construction and all that.. EEEKKKKK!!! but in the end it will be AWESOME.

I have been doing the May Photo a Day on FB so I decided to share what I have so far on here. I haven't done today's yet.. so that will be in the next batch but here is up through 9!

SOMETHING I BOUGHT!

so on day one I received a delivery of prints for clients.. how appropriate..

MORNING RITUAL

I think this speaks for itself. In left to right order! hahaha

THIS IS REALLY GOOD!

I saw this adorable puppy while on a photo shoot. And I got those client orders out.. YAY!!

IN MY CUP

WHAT CAN I SAY!!

PAPER!

When my granddaughter was little she sat and wrote on this pad of paper..

now every time I go to get a piece I am taken back to that day.. I really treasure it.

BROKEN

I have this long verse about this day of 'broken' but I will spare you on here. But it's on FB!

THING THAT BEGIN WITH - F

Organic Bloom Frames.. all over my studio and house.

SHAPES

bird and squirrel feed. love the difference.

SNACK!

Do I really need to say anything else here!

I will be doing a special Mothers day post on Sunday..
so check back!!!

WOW! APRIL IS OFF TO A GREAT START. {TAMPA AREA PHOTOGRAPHER}

noreply@blogger.com (Love, Constance Photography) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 01:04:00 +0000

Hey Everyone.. it's already an exciting April. started the month off with some great April Fool's jokes.. got about 6 people. haha!! Had a fantastic photo shoot same day that was given to them as a gift certificate from some friends (GREAT IDEA FOR MOM'S DAY BTW)

and then off to Indiana for my Mom's 80th birthday party. We had a really good time.. about 50+ people showed up it was so great to see everyone!!
Love my mom so much..

Then a fast trip to Brown County to walk around and just hang out..

had a little celebration for my niece Felicia whom I love since her 21st bday was April fool's day. Isn't she beautiful!

met up with some of my friends from high school on Sunday night and then home today.

I designed a book for the guest to sign at the party. My Mom loved it.
here are the pages. (before everyone signed of course)

BOOK COVER front and back

OPENING PAGE

SPREADS

CLOSING PAGE

thanks to everyone who came and signed the book.. Mom absolutely LOVED IT!!

PLUSH, STUFFED & WIND UP {TAMPA AREA PHOTOGRAPHER}

noreply@blogger.com (Love, Constance Photography) — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 01:31:00 +0000

Plush, Stuffed & Wind up!

I have had several phone calls asking me if I will be doing LIVE baby animal shoots for Easter. I am not and have no intentions of ever doing such events.

Let me tell you why..

I have always been a big animal lover, have always had numerous pets and I was a successful pet sitter for many years - but in the last 15 years I have tried to become an advocate and a voice for those in our world that don’t have one. Trust me when I say.. I didn’t always have this kind of attitude. I was uninformed and therefore ignorant of the issue. But after years of working with and having friends that work daily with the situation I am now more aware than ever.

Don’t get me wrong - I don’t think there is anything cuter then a baby animal. Especially those Chicks, Ducklings and Bunnies. I understand how tempting they can be - But the challenge and question I want to put out to potential clients and even photographers that participate, is this: Is it really worth it?

Let’s talk about babies that are taken from their mothers too young and shipped across the country in crates or boxes. IF they arrive safely unharmed… what then? Are you sure they are free of disease? Are your children or client’s children in the shoots going to be able to hold them without harming them? And after the shoots? What happens to these babies that have no sense of survival? Are they released in the wild as I have heard people do? What do you think their rate of survival is?

I ask you - don’t you think it is safer all the way around if plush or stuffed animals were used? Or some other form of decorations? Wind up chicks or ducks or bunnies even. Children love to cuddle things and what better thing to really cuddle then a sweet, plush stuffed animal? I mean really shouldn’t the photo be about the child, your child or the client’s child?

If you as a photographer really want to do a LIVE animal shoot - Why not contact your local shelter and see if they would be willing to participate with friendly and lovable animals that need homes. Why not have an adoption drive to find responsible loving homes? You would be providing a service and bringing to light an issue of a country already extremely over populated with unwanted or disposable animals.

All anyone need do is go to a local shelter, animal services or any place that takes in unwanted animals to see the impact. Call your local Humane Society or SPCA and find out how you can help.

I know in the county where I live EVERY SINGLE DAY at Animal Services they are forced to put down anywhere from 125 to 250 unwanted animals. EVERYDAY! And that is ONE county in Florida.

Why am I talking about it? Because aren’t we suppose to be the guardians of these creatures that we share this space with? As guardians are we really doing our best?

I love being a photographer and I love animals. I will be happy to take your photo with your own pets or at your farm with your animals. Nothing makes me happier then taking photos of families where they include their furry, feathered or even scaly family members. Animals are a joy and I enjoy seeing the interaction between people and their pets.

I am also writing this post to hopefully educate and open up some communication about an ever growing problem. I hope after reading this you think about it a bit. I hope if you are in the market for a pet that you go to your local animal shelter or county animal services. And really – I just hope that at least one person makes a different decision.

All of my pets, with one exception (and I now have seven remaining) are rescued animals. From various situations. I love them. They always bring a smile to my heart. It is a lot sometimes but it never outweighs the joy they bring me. I am blessed to have them in my life.

And as it’s been said:

‘SOME OF MY BEST FRIENDS HAVE NEVER SAID A WORD TO ME’

Thanks for reading and please share or comment if you like.

www.humanesociety.org/

www.aspca.org/

http://www.spcafl.org/

http://humanesocietytampa.org/

http://www.makeminechocolate.org/mission.php

FEELING INSPIRED SO I ADDED NEW PACKAGES {TAMPA AREA PHOTOGRAPHER}

noreply@blogger.com (Love, Constance Photography) — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 18:35:00 +0000

OKAY - So I have been toying around with this idea for a few years and I have attended two seminars in the last month. As I sat there listening to them I was mentally kicking myself for not having done this sooner. Pretty much everything they were doing I have done, thought of doing or wanted to do. It just goes to show you how you just shouldn't put things off. I hate marketing myself.. but if not me THEN WHO!!! So I came up with these packages. I am super excited about them..
so check them out.