Laureen Burke Photography

A Rainbow Swirl and A Birthday Girl

noreply@blogger.com (Mom2Isabel) — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 05:16:00 +0000

Do you remember the original Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory? The one with Gene Wilder? It was one of my favorite movies as a child. Wonderful music. Great visuals. Fun storyline. For me, the most magical part is when the children first enter that door into the factory with Mr. Wonka. I always wished that I could be there with them. They walk into an enormous magical room with edible tea cup daffodils, marshmallow-filled globes, giant lollipops and who could ever forget that chocolate waterfall?

The movie was a visual and musical smorgasboard... one I figured I would never encounter in the real world. That is, until this past weekend's birthday party for a two-year-old. It was held in an old Victorian house that was converted into a Candy Store called Sweet Pete's. The owner is the son of the famous chocolatier family who created Peterbrooke Chocolates. He comes to the business with a wealth of knowledge and not lacking at all in the area of whimsy. From the moment you enter the door, you are embraced with color. Rainbows of color. On the walls. On the bannister. On the ceiling. On the chandeliers. It is every child's fantasy come true.

The ground floor is the Candy Store itself and the second story is the venue for parties. Picture a huge room running the length of the house. Hardwood floors. Rainbow-striped curtains. Colorful decorated fireplace. Add some balloons, homemade candy and custom cupcakes, friends, family and lots of fun and you have everything needed to make the perfect toddler's birthday. It was every bit as fun as was had by the children entering the factory with Mr. Wonka.

Pictures of the birthday girl and friends are coming soon.

Until then here are some images of the venue.

From Oh Boy! to Oh, Man!

noreply@blogger.com (Mom2Isabel) — Wed, 30 May 2012 02:38:00 +0000

Ten years ago, I decided to volunteer at my church a couple of Sundays a month. I ran the Power Point slides for the sermon for one of the morning services. One day, this curly-haired little boy climbed up into the balcony where I was and stood beside the man running the sound system next to me. This little guy watched every move the man made. He was bright, focused and mature for his eight years. He caught my attention.

Fast forward a decade and that little boy is now a man getting ready to graduate from high school this weekend. He is still bright, focused and mature for his age. In fact, he recently enlisted in the Marines. And he still catches my attention.

His mom first contacted me last fall to do a photo session. We had the date all set and then a couple of days before we were scheduled to meet, I got a call from her saying he had buzzed off all his hair. Needless to say, we postponed our time together. We tried a couple more times but it didn't work out for one reason or another. Two weeks ago, we were finally able to make it happen.

Now, the light (and heat) in Florida during the fall is much different than the summer. As such, we needed to meet at (the ungodly hour for teenagers of) 7:15 in the morning. Any later and it would be too humid and hot for comfort. I inwardly cringed when I mentioned the hour of the shoot, knowing how much nicer it would be for a teen to sleep in on a Saturday morning. Turns out I had nothing to fear. This guy was such a trooper. He actually arrived early and was ready to go when I got there. He was great.

Thank you, Patrick. That same integrity, character and commitment I saw in you as an eight-year-old boy continues to shine in the eighteen-year-old man that you are today. I pray God's blessings upon you as you begin your new life in service to our country.

Living a Childhood Dream

noreply@blogger.com (Mom2Isabel) — Sun, 27 May 2012 01:58:00 +0000

When I was little, growing up in New England, my two favorite books were Robert McCloskey"s Make Way For Ducklings and Blueberries For Sal. I bought the first one for my daughter even before she was born. The latter we recently checked out of our local library. We love the description of the blueberries hitting the bottom of the metal pail that Sal is holding.

"Plink. Plink. Plink."

Until this afternoon, it was just a story. But today, it became a reality when the two of us went blueberry picking for the first time. We ended up picking 3.5 lbs and will be freezing most of them for summer smoothies. At a time where most of us are so removed from where our food actually comes from, it was almost mystical to pick a berry, warm from the sun, right off the branch and pop its sweet goodness into your mouth.

No plastic packaging. No preservatives.
No traveling across the country to get to the produce department.
Just traveling 10 miles up the road. With a metal bucket. And an excited little girl.

As I heard the first "Plink. Plink. Plink." I smiled.

Because now that story lives on in the another generation of readers
not only on the pages of a book, but in the blue-stained fingers of a mother and daughter.

Babies are such a nice way to start people

noreply@blogger.com (Mom2Isabel) — Thu, 17 May 2012 02:01:00 +0000

Almost two weeks late and exactly on time, Baby Abe was born.

At nine days new, I got to capture some images of him

and his new mom and dad.

The light was beautiful.

The baby alert

The parents' love abounding.

It is times like these that I most love being a photographer.

It's All In The Details....

noreply@blogger.com (Mom2Isabel) — Mon, 07 May 2012 19:43:00 +0000

Picture a lush lawn starting at a stone patio adorned with paper lanterns and ending alongside a quiet river. Now, envision a two-foot wide path of rose petals imported from South America leading to three rows of elegant white chairs. In front of them, swaying gently in the early evening breeze are three poles upon which are hanging two swaths of deep rose-colored fabric.

On the left side of the lawn, in front of intoxicatingly fragrant gardenia bushes, three tables are set with linen tablecloths silver, china and crystal. Running down the center of each table are white candles, ranging from pillars to votives, twinkling among a scattering of rose petals.

It was elegant simplicity.

Saturday evening, I was honored to photograph the garden wedding of two friends and colleagues. We have worked together for years and it was with much excitement that I looked forward to this wedding. There are more images coming soon but until then, enjoy the beauty of this venue.

His Eye Is On the Sparrow

noreply@blogger.com (Mom2Isabel) — Sat, 05 May 2012 16:08:00 +0000

Most of you know that I am an adoptive mom. I believe strongly is adoption and am passionate about helping others in their adoption journey. There is a wonderful organization called Sparrow Fund. They are committed to helping adoptive families prepare through education, counseling and grants.

One of their biggest fund-raisers is through a cool thing they do called Feather the Nest. Each May, several businesses throughout the country partner with them to help reach their goal. Last year there were 33 businesses.

Here's the cool part.. you know, where you and I come into play. ♥

I have been asked to be one of this year's business partners.

As such, I am committing to donate to The Sparrow Fund

10% of my total sales during the month of May.

Can't think of a Mother's Day Gift?

(And it's right around the corner, folks!)

Buy a gift certificate for her.. you know when... in May!

If you are even considering having a family portrait session, do it! And schedule it for May.

Are you (or do you know of) a rising senior in need of photos? Schedule a session in May!

Folks, I am so excited to be able to give back. Help me help the dream of other prospective adoptive families become a reality.

Can't wait to see what amazing things will be done!

Dar La Luz

noreply@blogger.com (Mom2Isabel) — Fri, 04 May 2012 21:15:00 +0000

This morning, at 2:35, a beautiful baby came into this world. I just love how the Spanish language conveys giving birth. It is dar la luz… to give the light. Don't you just love it? It's so much more descriptive than English. To give the light.

I have been waiting for this little light since last December, when his aunt contacted me about doing newborn photography as a baby shower gift to her sister-in-law. I just loved the idea and have been as excited for his arrival as his family…especially with him being ten days over due! Next week, I will at last be able to photograph this new life, this sweet baby, this light. I can hardly wait!

Until then, here are some long awaited photos from the wedding at the zoo. Talk about light! Yummy light. Soft, creamy light. Golden light. That, with an amazing venue and a stunning bride and groom, well… it doesn't get much better than that!

At least, until I find out that they, too, are going to dar la luz. : )

Coming up for air... {soon}

noreply@blogger.com (Mom2Isabel) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 14:38:00 +0000

The wings of Time are black and white,
Pied with morning and with night.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Do you ever stop and wonder where times goes? Have you ever had a month where everything seems to come at you at once? Well, this past one has been that way for me: quarter exams, photo sessions, annual work evaluations, three weddings, editing, designing a new website and, of course, taxes. Phew!

By this weekend, I will be done with all but the editing. I am so excited to share images from the last few sessions, especially those from the wedding at the zoo last month. Until then, I thank you for your understanding and patience.

How about you? What do you do when life piles up?

~Laureen

New Beginning

noreply@blogger.com (Mom2Isabel) — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 00:57:00 +0000

Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end.

~Seneca (Roman philosopher, mid-1st century AD)

There are certain rites of passage in life that we come to expect: the first day of kindergarten, high school and college graduation, that first real job, the wedding you’ve dreamed about your whole life and of course, becoming a parent with the birth of your first child.

And then...the cycle begins again.

I started off on a fairly traditional route: high school graduation, followed by college. However, after graduation I meandered for a while. And by a while, I mean 15 years. Yikes! After I got my degree, I found myself overwhelmed with fear and a profoundly paralyzing lack of self worth. I spent ten years working at menial jobs that reflected not the wealth of my educational background, but the dearth of confidence in who I was. While my friends were getting married and having babies, I continued to look to others for validation. I fell into the ubiquitous trap of believing that what others thought of me determined who I was.

After meandering for a decade, I decided to go to graduate school. And finally did get married, (albeit ten years after most of my friends) to a man in whom I continued to look to for validation. Needless to say, it was not the healthiest of relationships. Throw in my lack of communication skills and you have a poor foundation for a marriage. After 15 years together, we parted ways. Leaving me entering my 40s with the terrifying (and exhilarating) prospect of starting over with my life. With a new beginning.

I love new beginnings. I love fresh starts. New chapters of life. The excitement of what is yet to come. Of possibility. This past week I had the privilege of photographing two of these beginnings. A newborn and a wedding. For two former students. It was surreal. It was amazing. It was an honor.

It was a new beginning.

Grow Where You Are Planted

noreply@blogger.com (Mom2Isabel) — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 12:58:00 +0000

Always do your best.

What you plant now,

you will harvest later.

~Og Mandino

I grew up in the city.

And while one of my favorite smells is that of wet concrete after a rain shower, there has always been a part of me that has longed for some small piece of earth to plant in. Some place where that I could dig my hands into the soil and feel its cool, dark goodness. I remember when I was about ten, buying a pack of Burpee seeds. They were carrot seeds which, in restrospect, were not the best choice given my limited circumstances. Because, you see, my "garden" was nothing more than an old aquarium that had housed our recently departed gerbils.

But I was not hindered. At all. I remember filling that aquarium with dirt and planting my seeds. Watering it and placing it on the railing of my back porch.

And waiting... and waiting... and waiting.

After what seemed like an eternity, tiny green sprouts began to appear. I was ecstatic. I was growing carrots! I protected them, and nurtured them. I watched them grow. Taller and taller. To a height that was seemingly impossible, given the shallow depth of the tank. And then, when the recommended number of days had passed, I excitedly went to the back porch to "harvest" my food. I was so proud of myself. I gently wrapped my hand at the base of the stem and pulled. But...Instead of the carrots coming out rather gently in my hands, I had to actually pull them out at a very strange angle. And as the first one was free of the soil, I saw something totally unexpected. An L-shaped carrot.! L! I was so confused. Until I realized that the confines of the aquarium had hindered the natural growth of the vegetable. I had unknowingly limited its potential by the environment I chose for its growth.

It was a hard but important lesson to learn, and one which I continue to learn from. Like my malformed carrots, I can choose to put myself in places that severely affect the natural growth of who I am as a person. I lived like that for many years. It was only when I chose to leave the confinement that characterized my life at that time, that I was able to fully recognize how much more there was available to me. More space. More light. More life.

The afternoon session of our photography session last week, included a little girl in a garden scene. She had cute little boots on, an apron, a shovel, hoe and gloves. All pink, of course.

Shooting images of her sowing seeds, in such an wide open expanse of land, was in stark contrast to that small porch where I planted my seed so many years ago.

When she later changed into a beautiful silk dress from China for some images in the fields, I couldn't help but think of how the golden grass looked like a harvest of wheat. Of abundance. And space. Of growth. And freedom.

All things that I longed for when I was a child. Things that this child is able to experience. Without unnatural hinderences. Growing where she is planted. In an environment that, while not perfect, affords her the opportunity to explore the potential of everything she was created to be. This little girl. This child. My daughter.

Community

noreply@blogger.com (Mom2Isabel) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 02:16:00 +0000

You give but little when you give your possessions,

it is when you give of yourself that you truly give. - K.Gibran

When I was in college, I took a New Testament Greek course. And while the formation of declensions has long since left my memory, I do remember one word that stood out. It comforted me then and continues to do so now, wrapping itself around me like a wonderful literary quilt. That word was Koinonia.

As with most translations, it is often difficult to precisely convey word meaning across languages, but I’ll try. The word connotes community…and intimacy…sharing…and joint participation. These are the very things that are part of the fabric of who I am. It is a primal need for me. It is what I need, not only to survive, but to thrive.

There have been times in my life when I have been blessed to live in wonderful community. There have also been times when that community has been absent: the former making the latter all the more poignant. You see, I believe we were created to live in community. To learn from each other. To support each other. To come together with a common task or goal. I don’t believe we were created to do this thing called Life alone.

I am thankful that, for the present, I have community in the important areas of my life. At my school, I have close friends with whom I have taught for years. At my church, I am part of a small group of folks who amaze me with their acceptance, support and willingness to be vulnerable. It was only in the area of photography that I felt a sense of aloneness.

That all changed last October when, after attending a workshop with a local photographer, I was added as a member of a Facebook photography group. It is there...in the virtual world of the Internet, that I have felt a sense of community and support that, at times, overwhelms me. It is everything that a community should be: a free exchange of ideas, a generous offering of support, a safe place to vent. It is humbling to be part of such a generous group of women from across the United States.

This past January, several on us from Jacksonville got together for lunch and were finally able to meet each other in person. Then, this past month, someone suggested getting together for a weekend photography marathon of photo sessions and editing. Well, that wonderful idea became a reality this past weekend.

We met at the home of one of the women who had (and generously offered) a house and land that was large enough to accommodate us. The morning was filled with several newborn sessions ...

as well as baby sessions. In the afternoon, we had both a child session with a little six–year-old girl and a family session. It was, indeed, a marathon… of photographing and editing.

But…

...what stands out most to me...more than all that I learned (and I learned a LOT!)...was the sense of community. The living room was filled with various stations set up for the different sessions. There was a sharing of blankets and wraps, of headbands and props, of beanbag chairs and painted wooden planks, of pizza and Coke, of suggestions and experience. I loved it.

It was intimacy. It was sharing. It was participation. It was a giving of self. It was community at its best.

It was koinonia.

Here comes the Bride.... (and Groom)

noreply@blogger.com (Mom2Isabel) — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 20:03:00 +0000

A week before St. Patrick's Day I will have the privilege of photographing the wedding of one of my former students. The venue is the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. Is that going to be fun or what?

The guests are arriving on a train, the ceremony is going to be in a plaza next to the river, and the reception.... wait for it....wait.... in the Range of the Jaguar. The animals areas will be open to visit. Live peacocks roaming about. Celebrating under the stars and pretty white lights. I can't wait.

I wanted to have cards available for guests to know the web address of the gallery with the wedding pictures. And so, on an overcast morning yesterday, the couple and I headed to a local park to get some images. These folks are both so nice and laid back. I love seeing how comfortable they are with each other. What a fantastic wedding they are going to have, followed by a wonderful life together.

Less than three weeks, Katy and Grant. Can't wait!

Sisters

noreply@blogger.com (Mom2Isabel) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:46:00 +0000

A sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, a golden thread to the meaning of life.

~ Isadora James

Over Thanksgiving, two sisters

(one in college, one in high school) were reunited for a couple of days.

And I had the privilege of capturing not only their beauty, but their love for one another as well.

As we had planned, we met at Starbucks the day before Thanksgiving, only to discover the sky becoming darker by the minute. It was not unlike a family session I did in September when a thunderstorm blew in out of nowhere. Like that time, I took a chance that we could drive through the torrential downpour to a dry location.

Which we did. And which we found.

Well, it wasn't exactly dry.

But at least it was no longer raining.

The overcast sky created some amazing light.

The wetness on the leaves was lush.

And then the sun broke through...

Right before it set

as stunning in its beauty...

as the two young ladies who were bathed in its light.

Past(or) Present

noreply@blogger.com (Mom2Isabel) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:14:00 +0000

Religion.

The word can evoke warmth or fear.

(Religion is never a neutral topic.)

At least in my experience.

Each of us comes to the table with a lifetime of experience with faith. Some good. Some neutral. Some not so good. For most of us, faith tends to reflect our life at the time. My journey of faith has varied according to the different seasons of my life. There was the It's-Cool-To-Be-An-Agnostic stage of adolescence, the I-Know-It-All stage of college, the Is-This-For-Real? stage of my 20s. the Where-Are-You-God? of my 30s, the I-Feel-So-Alone stage of my divorce, and the current Thank-You-Lord stage of motherhood.

Faith, for it to be worth anything, must be authentic. It must be lived. Daily. In a real world. With real people. And real problems. As St. Francis of Assisi is quoted: Preach the Gospel and if necessary, use words. But that’s not an easy task. For anyone. Much less for clergy. Even less if that clergy are female.

Last August I was contacted by a former college classmate with whom I had taken several theology courses in the early 80s but had since lost touch. I was pleasantly surprised to hear that she has gone into the ministry. She shared that she was part of a group of local female pastors who was culminating a year-long study on brokenness with a five-day retreat… and wanted me to photograph their last evening together.

As funny as it may seem now, in college I had planned on becoming a missionary in Latin America. Unforeseen circumstances prevented that from coming to fruition and led me, ultimately to the field of education…which I adore and for which I am most thankful. That being said, there will always be a part of me that misses the intimacy, transparency and vulnerability that existed back in those college classes. It was an amazing time. A transformative time in my life.

A time that I was transported back to,
as I photographed this group of women.
Authentic women.
Women of faith.

Learn Your Lessons Well

noreply@blogger.com (Mom2Isabel) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 08:23:00 +0000

While we try to teach our children all about life,

Our children teach us what life is all about.

~Angela Schwindt

I think one of the many advantages of becoming a mother later in life than most is the awareness of how quickly The Immediate can rob us of The Important. I watch as young parents rush their children from one activity to another, while forgetting that really all a child wants is to be with you. It's easy to buy into the pressure from society. Throw in the insecurities of parenthood and soon you can find yourself rushing from one place to another, exhausting yourself... and your child.

At least, that has been my experience. When I first got home from China with my daughter, I looked outward for both guidance and confirmation. (I think most new moms do this.) Unfortunately, the advice of one often contradicted that of another. I felt like no matter what I did, I could never measure up. Two years ago I had an Aha! moment. It was as if I stepped outside of myself and was able to see the absurdity of the life I had chosen to live. It was a moment of grace.

I chose that day to take drastic measures and pretty much cut out all the busyness and just be. In doing so, I was able to free up our schedule for spontaneous visits to the park… or the library…or the beach. It was freeing. For both of us.

Being around young children reminds us of the important things in life:

Of laughter...

And being silly...

And goofy...

Of sisters.

And grandparents.

Of family.

Missing In Action

noreply@blogger.com (Mom2Isabel) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 04:02:00 +0000

Missing in Action.

I can think of no better way to describe the absence of any posts these last two months. Suffice to say, it has been an amazing whirlwind of a journey, the likes of which I could not even imagine.

Shortly after the newborn workshop I attended, I was honored to photograph my first autumn wedding. It took place at a historic church in a quaint town on the St. Johns River. The bride and groom, along with their family, were so warm and genuine that I felt like I had known them for years. It is the wedding that I would have had, had I known then what I know now.

Then next week, I shot a session with five female pastors who were concluding a five-day retreat. The session was held in the fourth story Widow's Walk of an incredible mansion in Saint Augustine that was built in the late 1800s. The view, the architecture, the women… all combined to transport me to another time and place… where genuine faith is lived out on a daily basis.

The next week, I had so much fun photographing three family sessions with young children. I love getting them laughing and being able to see their little personalities. In addition, I had a session with two sisters, one a high school senior and another who was home from college for Thanksgiving. Have you ever just looked at someone and think, "I would LOVE to get you in front of my lens?" Well, I did… and I DID. These two young ladies are stunning. And even more wonderful, their beauty comes from within.

And that just was November!

December brought more sessions: a fun family with teenagers, a three generation family shoot, and a mom and daughter. The month (and year) ended with two more sessions that were given to mothers as Christmas gifts. One was another family shoot (this time with all adults) taken on a breezy afternoon at the beach. The other… my final for the year… was of a business woman wanting images for her upcoming website. (I was also able to get in some of her with her daughter as well.)

And so… yes I was Missing in (plenty of ) Action. But I am back. Thank you for understanding. I look forward to sharing images from these last two months with you in the weeks ahead.

It has been an amazing year. So filled with growth, gratitude and grace.

I look forward to this new year and invite you to come along with me on the journey.

Warmly,

Laureen

Oh, Baby!

noreply@blogger.com (Mom2Isabel) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 10:46:00 +0000

I am at a point in my life where I realize that everything happens for a reason. Though I may not necessarily understand it fully at the time, I have learned that there is purpose in all things and that I am simply called to trust... even if (and especially when) I find myself wrestling with questions of why. In that moment I have two choices: I can fight for understanding, or I can stop and rest in the knowledge that all is well.

The summer before last, I attended a photography workshop up in Bethlehem, PA. It was wonderful, not only for the wealth of information I gained, but more importantly, for the great friendships that were formed that weekend. For three days, 15 women from across The States and Canada gathered together around our common passion for photography. We learned from each other, we fellowshipped with each other and we were encouraged by each other.

It was a wonderful experience with most of us keeping in touch since then through email or Facebook. So it was with great excitement that I learned last January that the presenter was offering an advanced photography workshop in the summer. I signed up immediately, looking forward to a reunion with the fun, talented group of women I had first met the summer before.

And then... it was cancelled. And I was disappointed.

Not only because I would miss learning more about photography... but also because I wouldn't be spending time with these women. You see, I am an extrovert. I just love being around people.

I ended up taking a couple of photography courses this summer. I learned a ton but... I still yearned to spend some time together with fellow women photographers. That's when I stumbled upon a local photographer's Facebook business page. In her photo section, I saw beautiful shots with references to another local photographer's workshop.

Long story short... I contacted the first gal, asked her about the workshop, contacted the presenter and was able to get the last spot for her October workshop. Which was this past weekend. With three newborns. And a lovely young family. And nine other local photographers of varying backgrounds.

No egos. Just a common desire to improve our photography. It was just what I needed. And not at all what I would have even considered... had that first workshop not been cancelled.

I learned that the key to photographing newborns is to get them within the first ten days because all they are doing is eating and sleeping. (OK... they are pooping, too!) But they are totally relaxed, content and oblivious to their surroundings. They know intuitively that they are loved... and protected... and cared for.

I need to know that, too. I need to remember to live in the present, content with all that I have and all that I am. And there are moments in my life when that happens. And like those newborns, I can just let go and know that all is well and that everything has a purpose. Though I may not necessarily understand it fully at the time, I have learned that in all things, I am simply called to trust.

What about you? How have you recently been called to trust when the understanding (and purpose) is not yet clear?

Lessons for the Teacher

noreply@blogger.com (Mom2Isabel) — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 23:33:00 +0000

When I was a beginning teacher, I shadowed a veteran teacher to observe her in action. I loved her classroom management, her enthusiasm, her knowledge of subject matter. I wanted to be just like her. Within a short time, I found myself modeling myself after her. Which is a good thing. But I was forgetting that I was NOT her. Which is a bad thing. I tried to mold myself not only after her teaching, but her personality as well. Needless to say I was not happy. I was trying to be someone I was not created to be, instead of just being content to be me.

Fast forward almost two decades and I found myself in almost the same situation. This time the setting wasn't a classroom but a photography session. I had scheduled a shoot with a wonderful family who wanted to include their dog. I knew just the place where I wanted to photograph them... a beautiful park along the river, wide open grass areas for the dog, fun wooden walkways along the cypress-filled water's edge. In fact, I went the night before just so that I could envision what I wanted to shoot in what location. All was well.

Until the next morning. When we arrived at the park's parking lot. Which was packed. And photographers were standing all over the place waiting for clients. And we rounded the path to the farm house and saw what I can only describe as a photo frenzy. There were photographers who had sets. I mean SETS! Elaborate sets. Including velvet sofas (velvet!) and antique baby strollers. Old wooden doors hinged together and oriental rugs. The whole scene was overwhelming to me, both visually and emotionally. I started comparing myself to them and momentarily losing myself in the process. For a little while there, I forgot who I was. Just like I did all those years ago in the classroom.

As a teacher, I spend my days during the week surrounded my young people. Their adolescent angst can be somewhat amusing from the perspective of an adult. Most of the time. But at times like this photo session, it's sobering to realize that the very things we struggle through as teenagers can continue to visit as adults. Comparing ourself to others. Failing to see that we are fine and whole just as we are. If I am not careful, I can forget that.

I am very clear on the vision I have for my business. And it does not include props. Not that there is anything wrong with that. It's just not who I am, nor is it my style. I seek to create images that reflect simple classic beauty. And though I was sidetracked for a bit there that morning, I am so thankful that I was able to regroup and go forward as the photographer I am, embracing rather than forgetting the person behind that photographer.

Going With the Flow

noreply@blogger.com (Mom2Isabel) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 04:38:00 +0000

I grew up in New England… where each season’s weather was fairly predictable: hot and sticky in the summer, cool and breezy in the fall, freezing cold in the winter and miserably rainy in the spring. The rain in particular, which began in March and pretty much hung around until May, was predictable. The sky would gradually start to darken one day, and then the rains would begin and last for days. I was used to the weather staying pretty consistent. So you can imagine my surprise when, after moving to Florida for college, I was introduced to the daily 30-minute summer afternoon rain shower. It was amazing to me. Sun one minute, rain the next. Though it took a while for my northern brain to get used to the southern weather, I have come to expect that weather changes here often .. and quickly.

I was reminded of this recently when I set out to meet a sweet family for a photo session a couple of weeks ago. While driving along in the bright sunshine, my cell phone rang. It was the mother, asking me if we were rescheduling because of the weather. Looking in her direction, I could see that the sky looked pretty black. However, there was a huge patch of bright blue across the river, where we were heading to the southeast. Though I could have played it safe, I decided to go with the flow…quite literally!

We drove a good part of the way under dark and stormy skies, but by the time we arrived at our destination, we were out of the bad weather. In fact, the sun was shining, the temperature had cooled off, the light was perfect, and the family was ready to have fun. What had seemed like a bad situation had actually been a wonderful preparation for a beautiful setting in which to photograph.

I have found in my photography (and my life!) that my best laid plans

are often disrupted by the unexpected.

How I choose to respond makes all the difference in the world.

And for this morning... being able to capture the joy of a family and the genuine love among them...well, I knew I had made the right choice.

Progress Report

noreply@blogger.com (Mom2Isabel) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 03:00:00 +0000

Last Friday, at the end of the day, I received a pink slip of paper. No… not THAT pink slip. Thank God! This one had a little clip art of a schoolhouse on it and above the image were the two words: Progress Report. That's right, folks. My little kindergartener received her first official public school evaluation. After decades of being the one on the issuing end, I was finally the one receiving it. And it was all good. Nothing spectacular. Nothing awful. Her evaluation in the three areas was Satisfactory.

The part about this progress report that most intrigued me, however, was the small section entitled Comments. There, I saw three comments checked:

Has an excellent attitude
Shows improvement
Participates well in class.

What struck me about these specific three was that they were all reflective more of character than aptitude. I like that. As a teacher, I know that I would much rather work with a struggling student who has a great attitude, than with an academically gifted one with less than stellar attitude. I also like the recognition, in the comment "shows improvement", that education, not unlike life, is a process. And finally, I think that enough cannot be said about the importance of taking ownership and doing the work set before you. To recognize that life interactive. That we move, and live amongst others. That we need to be involved and act. But not only to just participate, but to do so well.

I can't help but think of how this all relates to my photography. Reading that first checked comment reminds me of the importance of an excellent attitude. I have always strived to have a good attitude. Do I ever fail? Of course. But… it is my desire to be intentional about my attitude. That I approach both my life and my business with excellence. The second area… improvement… is absolutely necessary for growth to continue. The day I stop endeavoring to improve my photography is the day I will begin to stagnate. There is always something new to learn. There is always room for growth. Finally, we need to reach out to others. To interact in the community. To become involved. As photographers, we should "participate well".

And so. The Progress Report. It speaks to me. Not only as a parent. And a teacher. But perhaps, most importantly, as a photographer.

What about you? What are some areas that you can see progress in your own life?

Love is in the Air

noreply@blogger.com (Mom2Isabel) — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 04:29:00 +0000

“As the ocean is never full of water, so is the heart never full of love”

With the exception of when I studied abroad, I have always lived my life within 30 minutes of the Atlantic Ocean. There is something about the sound of gulls and the smell of the salt on the air that comforts me, embraces me, calms me. The sheer enormity of the ocean helps me put things into perspective. There is a peace that envelopes me; the waves rolling in and out, in and out… they remind me of the cycles of life.

I was there last month, an hour before sunset to shoot an engagement session for a colleague of mine. I seriously couldn't have asked for a more perfect evening. The beach was deserted. The weather was not too hot. There were gorgeous clouds in the sky and the sunset was spectacular. It was a photographer's dream come true.

And that was just the setting.

As D.H. Lawrence put it,

"I am in love - and, my God,

it is the greatest thing that can happen to a man."

Indeed, it would seem to be.

Takin' it to the Streets

noreply@blogger.com (Mom2Isabel) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 03:25:00 +0000

Whether you are exercising at the gym or taking pictures on vacation, it is always important to consider stretching yourself. Leaving your comfort zone, becoming willing to learn more about yourself and your capabilities, and embracing an environment that you may not be all that familiar with… all of these things help us grow as a person.

Whether it be learning how to use new equipment and changing up your normal routine, or taking chances and forcing yourself to stretch beyond previous limits… it all comes down to making a decision...a decision to leave comfort and ease behind, and approach a new environment with confidence and determination.

For me, that recently meant listening to one of my clients describe how he envisioned part of his photography session. This bright, talented young man will be studying musical theater in college next year and wanted some images that were't your average high school senior style. He wanted something that would be edgier, grittier, more urban. I really could envision where he was going with this. But… it was totally out of my realm of comfort.

... So I went for it. I went for it because the only way that I can continue to grow as a photographer is to continue to push myself to find ways to improve my art. And while I might have preferred a more serene garden environment, it turned out that taking it to the street was just what I needed.

Seeing what isn't there

noreply@blogger.com (Mom2Isabel) — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 14:27:00 +0000

You don't take a photograph, you make it. ~Ansel Adams

I have had this Love-Hate relationship with Photoshop for a couple of years now... at times, wishing there was a Rosetta Stone to help understand its foreign language. Layers. Paths. Masks. Filters. Textures. It took me months to grasp the whole concept of it and over a year before I started really feeling confident. Taking a course this summer helped me tremendously in both fine tuning some skills, as well as learning shortcuts.

Of the many things I have learned, the use of textures is, by far, my favorite. I love how they can change the whole mood of a photograph, making it edgy and gritty or soft and elegant. Another very useful way they can be used is to remove unwanted background distractions. Let me give you an example.

While at a meeting this morning, I glanced over and saw this:

There was something about the intense focus that caught my eye. I loved the composition, the angles, the child. But… there were people and books in the background that distracted me from the vision I had in my head of what I wanted for the final photograph.

Enter… TEXTURES.

I used a beautiful texture from Chasing Dreams as an overlay at 100% opacity. The ochre, deep teals and warmth of it meshed with the yellow of the shirt, and the overall "feel" of the picture. By laying this on top of the original background layer, I got rid of the unwanted elements. Unfortunately, it also covered the desired elements as well.

To fix this, I added a mask, which allowed me to remove the texture from the area I wanted to remain and put the focus of the photograph where it should be... on the child.

I then flattened the background and texture layers.
I finished it by adding a final Linen texture from Florabella at a low opacity.

This gave it an oil painting feel. The difference was amazing and turned what would have been an ordinary snap shot into a beautiful photograph.

The last thing I did was to add my logo and flatten the image for the final time.

I encourage you to try using texture on your photographs.
It can make all the difference in the world.

Authenticity

noreply@blogger.com (Mom2Isabel) — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 21:17:00 +0000

I love to photograph people.

I love being able to capture a person's essence.

And while I certainly appreciate beautiful posed shots, they are not my personal style. I would rather be capturing that candid moment that other photographer's would probably overlook.

This past June I attended a beautiful beach wedding.

At one point I looked over and started tearing up at what I saw.

This older women, great-grandmother to the bride… mid 80s… was glancing down at this little flower girl beside her, patting her on the cheek. There was such connection and beauty and genuineness.

That image… it said so much to me:

The intimacy.

This wisdom.

The story of the beginning and the end of a lifetime.

I looked over at the photographer. He was up on a chair trying to get the whole (huge) extended family into one frame. He was doing what he was hired to do. He got all the shots he was supposed to. And they came out lovely. (A little stiff… but lovely.) And yet, I couldn't help but think of that one shot… that one image that could have said so much. That moment that can never be captured again. That moment of connection.

That is what my style is. That is who I am. I look for that moment when there is a connection that I can see both through my lens and with my heart.

It's difficult to describe but there is this awareness that I get when someone is willing to be vulnerable and let me see who they really are. When the guard comes down.. even for a fleeting second… and I capture it.

That, for me, is what being a photographer is all about.

B+W Wednesday: Fasten your seat belts... we are taking off!

noreply@blogger.com (Mom2Isabel) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 07:41:00 +0000

What an exciting summer this has been for me. I took two photography classes, had sessions with an amazing business owner from Fort Lauderdale, a fellow photographer from Miami, three high school seniors, a college graduate and last night, got to photograph a sweet engagement session at the beach. With each person, I was able to realize my vision for this business... to capture images that reveal the simple classic beauty in each of us, a beauty that is both inside and out.

At no other time was that more obvious to me than last night's engagement session. Upon meeting the fiance, he shared with me that he was nervous. He had never had his pictures taken by a professional and felt understandably uncomfortable. When we got to the beach I told him just to relax and that, while I was checking on the lighting, he could kiss his fiance. Which he did... with a tenderness and love for her that was almost tangible.He eventually did end up relaxing and I love that he was willing to be vulnerable enough to let me capture that in images.

Jessica and Ryan, thank you for the honor of photographing your engagement session.

I wish you many years of continued joy together as you discover the simple beauty of each other.

Godspeed.