Snapshot Moms

a workshop tailored specifically for moms who want to capture better photos of their children and family.  This is a BASIC workshop to help get you out of AUTO mode.  You don’t have to have any camera knowledge or an “expensive” camera.  You’ll gain TONS of information even if you show up with your point and shoot.

Snapshot Mom workshops are limited to 8 women ensuring you get a personalized experience.  At the end of our time together, you’ll have the opportunity to ask all your questions – pick my brain, so to speak.  Each participant will also go home with a cool new book to help out during the learning process.

Snapshot Moms will be offered a minimum of once a month, until enrollment starts to dwindle.  After that, it’ll be on an as-needed basis.  Every month, I’ll be asking a different mom to host the workshop in her home.  The reward for being a great hostess is FREE enrollment into the workshop itself.  If you’re interested in being a hostess and would like more details, shoot me an email.

At this time, I’m developing a list of moms who would like to attend a Snapshot Moms workshop.  The list is already quite long, so email SOON if you’d like to add your name.  When the first workshop date is decided, you’ll be the first ones notified.

Because Snapshot Moms is limited to 8 people each month, mom’s will have the option to plan an extra workshop by filling 8 spots on their own.  Basically that means, I’d be happy to help out more than once a month, if the need is there and you have 8 friends that want to attend.  If you aren’t able to fill all 8 spots, I’ll fill the remaining spots with gals from MY list.

Let’s say the group thing is not your style. I will be offering PRIVATE one-on-one workshops starting in April that can be scheduled at your convenience for $150 an hour.  Think how much you could learn!

Alright, without further ado, here’s the nitty gritty information…

Yes, I’m starting to feel guilty.

So, here I am.  Posting photos of my crazy sister and her best bud.  I love how they turned out – the photos are so “them”.  They are the silliest gals.  They love to have fun and laugh at themselves.  It makes for fun photos. 

Just getting started…

a little shy…both avoiding the camera

warming up, but trying hard not to laugh – the seriousness is not them…

told you.

working it out…

and then look… so pretty

and it starts again…

which one is longer, we decide the girl on the right – WOWZERS!

I hope you all had an amazing Christmas day and are looking forward to an awesome New Year with your family and friends.  On Thursday night, I’ll be in my comfy sweatpants, eating lots of finger foods, drinking sparkling grape juice (which I happen to love), and popping lots of confetti poppers for my sweet boys….

oh, I might give out a smooch or two, but not saying to who…

[[hugs]]

See you soon.

Bonnie is proof that beauty comes at EVERY age.  She is awesome and inspiring and her smile is magical.  She lit up the alleyways as we did her shoot in Midtown.  The best part, she is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the surface.

Her relationship with her daughter and family reminded me of how LOVE can fill you up so full you think you’ll burst.  They adore her.  She adores them.

So gorgeous.  AND, those blue eyes seemed as though they could bore into your soul.  The way she’d look back at the camera sometimes….

so knowing.

She recognizes the beauty of her life and lives it to the fullest.  She’s not afraid to laugh at herself.  and her smiles…

Her smiles are contagious.

Bonnie – thanks for a perfect session full of laughter, lots of chills (it was COLD!), and tons of fun!  You totally deserve it!

It’s still raining here.  It’s  been raining for two days straight.  Enough already.

I needed someone to brighten my Monday and figured this family had been waiting long enough for their sneak peek.  I did give momma a tiny teaser last week, but now the rest of you get a turn.  Happy Monday!

How lucky is Brent?  I don’t know too many guys who wouldn’t want to be surrounded by 4 beautiful girls!

This one here was feisty!  I wouldn’t be surprised if she models someday – she had all the cool moves down.

Wow, Lexi!  That one takes my breath away.  You are gorgeous!

And then, there’s the one I like to call Little Bit. 

She’s spunky and totally adorable!  Plus, check out those cheeks  – who doesn’t want to pinch them right now?

Actually, I would let any or all of these three girls move in with me!  They are all spectacular kiddos – someone must be raising them right.

And…I had to share a couple more from Pam’s smokin’ HOT MAMA session so she’ll totally believe me when I say SHE’S BEAUTIFUL!

Pam is another one of my “Beautiful Mama” winners.  Her adorable husband nominated her – you can read the story here.  I’d say she totally rocked her session and put into photos exactly what I was trying to say in words.  THIS is what I meant by doing something for yourself.  Soon, I’ll be announcing a new session type ONLY for moms.  The “special” session will be at a drastically reduced rate and is meant to make women feel beautiful, inside and out.

Pam definitely fits the bill.

The new session will even come with a handful of prints!  COOL!

Thanks to Pam, you’ll finally get the idea of how these sessions are meant to look.  I plan to make you gals sizzle!  So, if you haven’t scheduled your winning session, do so now!  I can’t wait to spend time with another beauty.

By the way, this post is really just a HUGE teaser since I let Pam bring her family along to hop in a bunch of photos.  Those pics and a LOT more of Pam will be coming soon!

Until then, have a sizzling HOT Friday!

You’re looking at 5 generations of beautiful women, folks!  How completely and totally rad is that?

Things just sort of fell into place and made it possible for all these girls to be in the same place at the same time.  I think someone might be watching out for them….

especially this little lady….she was a total last minute surprise!  AND, she rocked the house, er…I mean, the park with her spunk and charm!

I adore her!

She wasn’t too fond of my camera, but she was great at dishing out ornery comments to keep the rest of us in line.  BUT, just look!  Look how gorgeous she is…and nearly 90 to boot!

MAN, please let me be THIS COOL at 90!

Here’s one of Mama and Daughter…

Speaking of momma’s and daughters….there were lots of ‘em hanging around during our shoot!

Had to see it in b/w, too.

Girls, you are rockin’ the camera!  Lookin’ F-I-N-E, fine!

This next one needs to be framed REALLY big and put in “little squirt’s” room so she can see just how much her momma loves her!

I think I may have to steal this one sometime soon for a session ALL HER OWN.  She was a great model – the camera loved her!

and those eyes….man, oh man…

and just for giggles…look how much she’s grown since I saw her last…

Cute then and SUPER cute, now!

HA!  I love that one!

Thanks for making my job so much fun!

I’ve been trying to get a session scheduled with these three ladies for most of the summer.  Something has always gotten in our way, though.  BUT, this past weekend, we finally made it work!  I’m so glad, too, because they were a hoot!  Plus, I think they and their families will treasure these photos for a VERY long time.

This YOUNG lady was the life of our little party.

Just look at her!  She is absolutely beautiful.  What a smile and that spunk….I hope I have spunk like that when I’m her age.

3 generations of gorgeous Goff ladies…

It really doesn’t get any better than this.  Can you imagine all the knowledge and love that’s been passed on between these girls?  I sure can.   How lucky they are to have each other and such a warm, loving relationship….

with plenty of laughter to go around.

I love they chose pink for their “picture-taking” outfits!  It fits so well, doesn’t it….especially, those polka dots!  I told you she was spunky!

This one is definitely a favorite of mine…

We really wanted to get a good shot of all their hands.  We tried many different angles and adjustments and kept peeking at the camera screen to see if we liked them or not.  I love this one even though it wasn’t the one they liked best.  They’ll have to wait to see the other one.  HA!

I had a super time, girls.  I can’t wait to meet up with you, again!

Happy Monday and keep smiling!

This month is a tiny bit different, because I somehow feel closer to the winner.  We met over a year ago when I was lucky enough to photograph her family.  They were so spunky and spirited, and I had so much fun getting to hang with them!  I didn’t even realize back then the many challenges they face.  I now have a deeper respect for them and all they’ve achieved.  It must’ve taken great courage to become the awesome family they are today.

You’re probably wondering how in the world I could’ve learned so much about a family in just a year, especially since I haven’t even seen them since then.  It’s a phenomenon called Facebook.  You’ve heard of it, right?  Isn’t it great!  This awesome mother of 4 befriended me on Facebook and in doing so allowed me to keep up with her daily life and family.  I recently learned of the struggle she’s facing with one of her daughters.  So, as I was reading the nominations this month, her’s stood out among all the others.

Here is the nomination letter from her husband, written back in April:

Good Evening Shannon,
Isn’t Facebook a wonderful format for communication?

I would like to nominate my wife Pamela Fox.  She has been nothing but a blessing to our children as well as me.  In case you may have forgotten, we have four daughters.  Ashley 15, Alexis 13, Adison 7 and Alyvia 5.  Alexis is a survivor of congestive heart failure shortly after birth.  And Alyvia was born with no right hand.

Pam has been one of the most wonderful sources of encouragement to the children and this old man.  She has never let the children look down or get away with saying “they can’t” do something.   Because of her attitude and drive she has instilled in our children a sense of confidence and happiness.

Pam is constantly taking our children after her job at ****** Elementary to soccer, dance or any other school activity that might take place in the evening.  She misses out on so many things she would love to do because of the children.  I want to cry for her at times as she shows an attitude of selflessness.  Even if she gets a nail appointment she makes sure some of the girls get to go and get their nails done with her.

It would mean so much to us as a family, but most of all for Pam to have a session for herself.

Oh, perhaps the strongest reason is she puts up with BRENT FOX, daily.

Isn’t he sweet?  He has a sense of humor, too!

As you read, their daughter Alexis has some heart complications and is currently preparing for heart surgery.  Please keep her in your prayers.  I know that soon I will be able to update you by sharing some gorgeous photos of mom and daughter, post surgery, to prove how wonderfully Alexis is recovering.  Until then, congratulations go out to our July “beautiful momma” winner….

PAM FOX

I can’t wait to celebrate your wonderful life and family once again!

I know I’ve said it before, but I’ve fallen in love with the music of John Mayer.  I’m not sure why I’m just now discovering him (I knew who he was, but never really listened to his music)…maybe I’ve lived in a bubble for the past few years…who knows.  BUT, now that I’ve listened, I’m inspired.

As I was proofing the night away this week, a song poked it’s way into my head via the cool headphones I was wearing (80’s style…outside of my ears – I hate the ones that go in.  They give me a headache!).  I recently purchased an album on iTunes but apparently hadn’t listened all the way through because I was hearing a song for the first time.  I stopped what I was doing to listen – I didn’t want to miss any of it by being distracted!  It’s not like I had work to do or anything.  Afterward, I had to Google it to read the lyrics.

I was inspired.  I was smiling.  I love music that does that…

I shared this song with everyone on Facebook instantly.  I had to.  It was the right thing to do – I’m pretty sure I sent it to EVERY friend, which is probably WAY too many.  Now, I’m sharing it with you.  Take a look…

and after you listen to it once, listen again and again.  Then go buy it… you’ll feel all bubbly and happy inside.  Guaranteed!

AND be sure to read the lyrics below.

How can you argue with a song like that?  In a time when everyone seems so pessimistic…it takes courage to be believe in the positive.

The Heart of Life by John Mayer

I hate to see you cry
Lying there in that position
There’s things you need to hear
So turn off your tears and listen

I know it’s good

I hope your Tuesday is filled to the brim with happiness, smiles, and lots of sunshine.  I know mine will be!

REMINDER!!!

I’m still accepting nominations for BEAUTIFUL WOMEN sessions.  If you have no idea what I’m referring to, you can read more about it here.  I’m no longer limiting it to just “moms”.   The next winner will be announced THIS FRIDAY!!!  So, nominate a beautiful woman you know…

I can’t wait to meet them all!

Last night, I finished two sessions, got the CDs in the mail today, and even got some prop shopping done!  With all that off my mind, I guess the fog began to lift.  THEN, a little lightbulb moment.  Uhm…HELLO, loser photographer lady….YOU HAVE A CONTEST WINNER TO ANNOUNCE!!!!

Please forgive “loser photographer lady” for not announcing the beautiful mom winner on the day I was supposed to announce her.  I’m over a week late.  I know this.  Since you’ve had to wait so long, I think I’ll also throw in a few FREE prints with this winner’s session.  [**big smile, wink wink**]

Before I announce the winner for this month, please remember I am still accepting nominations for beautiful women you know.  YOU CAN NOMINATE YOURSELF.  The session’s focus will be on the winner, not on her family.  However, if it’s important to her, she can choose to include her family in a few of the shots.  I’m totally okay with that!  I simply want this to be about HER.  To read more about this contest, go HERE.  You may nominate women by emailing me or by messaging me on Facebook.

Here’s the letter I received nominating this beautiful mom winner:

“Just a few reasons why my mom is so special to me…

Having survived Hemangiosarcoma twice, a very rare and deadly cancer, my mother will never be the same. Not only was her strength and unwavering faith in our Lord Jesus Christ revealed, but also her abounding care and compassion for others. On the chemo floor, my mother was enduring 5 days of 24-hour treatment every 21 days for many months. She was one of the favorite patients because of her humor and determination to beat this battle with cancer. During this past year, I have seen my mother grow so much in her faith. Christ has worked through her in so many different ways. If you need something, she is the first to volunteer. If you need prayers, your name is at the top of her list. My mother is my best friend. I can’t say enough about the many different ways I love her! With the 1 year anniversary of her 2nd diagnosis approaching, I can’t help but to reflect on what a miracle it is that she is with us today making a difference in so many lives through her testimony of faith.”

After reading that letter, I was thinking how weak a person I am…How I sometimes complain about random things beyond my control…Or how I gripe about being too busy…etc…etc…

After reading that letter, I started to feel very thankful for my health, my friends, and my family.  I began to feel a bit silly for complaining about such small, mundane things.  I stopped, if only for a few minutes, to breathe in everything that is good in my life.  Because, truly, I have nothing to complain about.

This month’s winner is Bonnie Bower.

Congratulations, Bonnie.  AND, thank you, Lindsay, for nominating such an inspirational woman for this contest.  I can’t wait to meet her and photograph her beautiful smile from the inside out.

See you soon!

BONUS Post!!

More Tee-ball.  Meet Pryce!

You know I can’t write a post without including some sort of photos for your enjoyment, right?  I know you may be tired of all the tee-ball photos, but that’s what my life consists of right now.  It’s June and tee-ball is in full swing.  This time around, though, I wasn’t snapping photos of Ty.  I was snapping photos of this green-eyed cutie!

When Pryce’s mom saw the photos I’d posted of Ty’s tee-ball team and of the Sweet Cleats, she emailed and asked if I’d be willing to shoot some photos of Pryce’s game.  I thought about it for a split second and then figured, why not!  I love me some baseball!

If you are interested in having some action shots taken of your son or daughter during their favorite sport, you can!  Email me and I’ll give you a personal quote based on the sport and location.  Minimum charge is $100 for 45 minutes worth of action. AND, yes, you will receive a disc including print release which allows you to make as many reprints as you’d like for personal use.

Okay, enough about me.  Back to Pryce!

What is it about baseball players and their hat?  I always seem to get this shot.  It’s perfect, though, isn’t it.

Pryce was all business in that green uniform.  It’s obvious, he has “baseball fever” bad.  I can’t wait to see what he looks like on the field in a few more years!

That was so funny!  Every time the ball was hit, he’d bounce in the air just a bit from the exhileration of it all.  Hilarious!

Here he is running the bases after a pretty good hit, himself!

On first base.

Made it to second base!

Headed for third!

Go, Pryce, go!