S Keys Photography

New Blog & Website

2009-10-04T20:38:00.002-04:00

I have a brand new blogsite! It is a blog and website combined. You can find it here:

http://www.skeysphotography.com/

This blog will remain open so you can feel free to come back and look at old posts, but I will no longer be posting new entries here.

Miss Em - High School Senior Photographer, Newton, NC

2009-10-03T17:52:00.003-04:00

Sneezing, watery eyes, box of tissue in hand .... you'd never know by looking at these pics that Miss Em is suffering from a cold. She looks gorgeous!!! She squeezed herself in amoungst the flowers and sneezy plants without a complaint. What a trooper!

I sympathize with her as I've been ill for the past few days myself, but with something completely different. But, hey, the show must go on!! Senior pictures must get done! And I'm so glad we went today. The weather couldn't have been more beautiful. The backgrounds were spectacular - even though we got run out of the first location we went to! lol

I'm exhausted ... one of the pitfalls of the particular bug I have, but wanted to get a couple pics up for Miss Em today. I absolutely love, love, love these two. Look at those beautiful brown eyes. So pretty. Feel better soon, Em. More sneak peeks in a day or two.

Two - Children's Portrait Photographer, Newton, NC

2009-10-02T08:40:00.003-04:00

Little Miss C. Isn't she a cutie? This is the 4th time I've taken her pictures, but the first time since she turned two! I was so excited to see her, but I'm not sure she felt the same about me. lol She really didn't want to have anything to do with me, but my feelings weren't hurt. Afterall, I'm the mom of three myself and I remember what it was like when THEY were two.

We spent an hour and a half trying to cajole a smile out of Miss C ... we did everything but stand on our heads! I did manage to catch a few cute shots and even one or two of her actually looking at me! Hot-diggity-dog!!!

Don't worry "G". I think I managed to catch quite a few really good shots! Will have more to show you soon.

How Bout a Little Attitude - Newton, NC Family Portrait Photographer

2009-09-30T08:10:00.004-04:00

at-ti-tude -(noun): position or posture of the body appropriate to or expressive of an action, emotion, etc.

How bout this attitude? :) And may I just say that this old knarled beauty (no, not you Mr. C (wink, wink) ... well it just melts my heart. Those of you know me, know that I absolutely, positively ♥♥♥ things like this. Just look at how gorgeous this old tree is in this photo! Such character and texture. Now imagine the same photo minus the tree. yaaaaaaawn..... :) Course, the humans aren't bad either. ♥ you guys!

For Mrs. C - Newton, NC Family Portrait Photographer

2009-09-29T07:57:00.006-04:00

Sometimes you just know when a picture is going to be perfect before you ever click the shutter. Momma C knew it. She exclaimed "There! That's her! That's "Baby C"

I love it when I can capture the real personality, the real essence of someone. Momma C, I hope I captured through my lens what you were seeing with your eyes. :)
Look at that beautiful sweet face. It so reminds me of the sweet little face of the 2 year old I met 10 years ago. ♥

Sneak Peeks for the C Family - Newton, NC Family Portrait Photographer

2009-09-27T21:18:00.005-04:00

I have known this family since we moved to North Carolina 10 years ago. As a matter of fact, Mr. C was the very first person I met. He took us on little tours around the town when we came up here house hunting on weekends. Young Miss C was only 2 at the time! She was the cutest little thing you ever did see. Itty bitty, with Shirley Temple ringlets and a great big voice. Look at her now. What a beautiful young lady she has become.

I had such a good time with them last night, despite Mr. C grumbling about having to miss his football game. :) These are some of my all time favorite photos. I have so many favorites I couldn't choose, so there's quite a few sneak peeks!

Mr. & Mrs. C trying to be romantic. ;}

I spotted this old log on the other side of their pond and wanted to use it in our photos. To get there we had to hike through the goat pen and across a little creek with a board over it, and through weeds that Mr. C assured me had no poison in them .... what I'll do for the perfect shot. I think it was definitely worth it!

What can I say. She's just naturally gorgeous!

These next three are just WOW for me. I absolutely love them. Beautiful♥

Hey Peeps!!!

2009-09-25T15:05:00.002-04:00

Yes, I'm still alive. This has been a strange week. So much outside activity. Not so much computer time. I just wanted to reassure everyone that I'm still alive and kickin'. Now if I could just make this rain go away. I'm afraid tomorrow's session at the lake is going to be a washout. I'm praying that Sunday's family session will be a go! AND that the weather will be a might cooler. Can you say SUMMER?? Ack! Hate the humidity!

I promise (cross my heart) to have some new pics up early next week. Pinky swear. :)

Have a great weekend!

Unsuspecting ....

2009-09-18T07:24:00.003-04:00

As he lay soaking up a little patch of sunlight on the steps, I snuck up very quietly to snap a picture or two.

Look how peaceful he looks ... to him there's nothing better than a nice little square of sun.

Uh-Oh! Caught!

Booking for November

2009-09-16T15:42:00.001-04:00

Just a quick note to let everyone know that I am booked through the end of October, unless I have a cancellation. I am now booking for November.

Looking forward to all my upcoming sessions! :)

My Comfort Zone ~ Newton, NC Portrait Photographer - Seniors

2009-09-16T08:51:00.003-04:00

A couple more from my senior session this past weekend. I am constantly reading, learning and exploring the world of portrait photography. There's so much to learn. And you just don't know if something will work unless you try it.

I've always been afraid of shooting in full sun, opting for the shade instead. But when I saw this gorgeous early evening light streaming in through the trees, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and give it a shot. And I'm so glad I did! I love how these photos turned out! They're bright, fun and happy. I particularly like the way her hair glows around her face. And look at Miss "K's" beautiful blue eyes.... I will definitely be shooting in this type of light again.

L ♥ O ♥ V ♥ E

2009-09-15T14:22:00.003-04:00

un♥cond♥i♥tional, true♥blue, un♥dying ... puppy ♥ love

Gidget, happy to have her beloved human home from college for the weekend. I think the feeling's mutual. ♥

Another Fabulous Senior! (Newton, NC Senior Portrait Photographer)

2009-09-14T10:18:00.002-04:00

Last night I met the lovely "Miss K" and her wonderful family. We met at Burke Christian Tours in Maiden, NC. What a beautiful place as you can see! It's the perfect place for pictures. Miss K came all the way from Raleigh for me to do her senior pictures. 3 hours away! I am completely flattered that they chose me for such a special event. We had such a good time... and I've got so many favorite images, I had trouble choosing for the blog ... here's just a few.

You look absolutely beautiful "K"! Should have the rest of your pics up in a gallery soon!

Portrait of Gidget

2009-09-12T10:14:00.002-04:00

Meet Gidget. She's my daughter's 4-something-ish baby. She becomes my 4-something-ish baby while Stephanie is away at college. She's (Gidget, that is) a handful. Part Jack Russell. I actually captured her here in a rare quiet moment. Pretty cute. ♥

Remembering 9-11

2009-09-11T05:03:00.002-04:00

Eight years ago, today. Do you remember where you were? Do you remember where your kids were? I do. I remember it like it was yesterday. It's a day I will never forget.

My prayers go out to all those who lost their lives and to all those who lost someone they loved on that day eight years ago.

My heartfelt thank you goes out to all those you fought and contine to fight to keep my America safe and secure. Your sacrifice does not go unnoticed in our home.

I will take a moment today to remember 9-11, say a prayer, and be grateful for all that I have.

May God Bless America.

A Few More Peeks for "Oma" ~ Portrait Photographer, Newton, NC

2009-09-09T07:47:00.005-04:00

I wanted to post just a few more from my session with my girlfriend, her kids, and their "Oma", which means Grandma in German. I love all these shots. We had such a good time setting these up. Oma rocks! :)

Meet MJ ~ Maiden, NC Portrait Photographer

2009-09-05T06:53:00.002-04:00

Meet MJ. Some of you already know him. For those of you who don't, let me tell you a little about him. He's an awesome young man. I've known him since he was in the
1st grade. And he was just as cute then, as he is now! My go-to word to describe MJ has always been "charming". He's just that. Charming. And sweet. He looks for the good in just about everyone he comes across.

Some of you have seen or heard of him lately in association with Maiden High School football. He is this year's starting quarterback. He's a sophomore. And he's moving and shaking the MHS football team. If you haven't seen him yet, you will. He's already been in the paper several times and won two local awards last week.

The Maiden Blue Devils had a tough loss last night against local rival, Lincolnton.
MJ played both sides, offense and defense. He plays with his heart and soul. He never gives up. He plays for the love of the game. And although losing's tough, he'll pick himself up and be ready for next week's game. I've no doubt.

So, if you haven't already, go to a Blue Devils football game this fall. See MJ and all his fellow teammates in action. And if they should lose, be sure and show your support for the heart and soul that they leave out on that football field every Friday night.

Good job, MJ and all the Maiden Blue Devils! We loved watching you play. xoxo S

THANK GOODNESS!!!!

2009-09-03T07:35:00.001-04:00

I was beginning to wonder if I was EVER going to have pretty paper again. An hour and a half later, I've finally figured out how to get it back on!!!! I'm so happy. White is so boring. Whew ... I'm exhausted.

OOOOPS!

2009-09-03T06:14:00.001-04:00

Well now I've done it. I went and messed with the HTML and lost my pretty paper background. May take me awhile to figure out how to get it back ... so we'll have to look at this ugly white ... yack!

Coming Along....

2009-09-03T05:58:00.003-04:00

As you can see, I've finally got the new blog up. I really like the the fresh, light feel of the new design. The website is coming along as well. I hope to have it ready in just another couple of weeks. It will be jam packed with all new images and some of my favorite oldies as well. Can't wait for you to see it!!

Tea Stained ~ Child Portrait Photographer, Newton, NC

2009-09-02T13:57:00.003-04:00

Been sitting here for hours editing .... thought I'd take a little break and play with one of my favorite images. I took this photo last year and I knew it was a beauty as soon as I snapped the shutter.

Most of my images tend to be very color saturated. I love color and find that most of my clients do as well. But it's fun to try something a little different every now and then. These images have a tea-stained, old-fashioned feel to them. Think how beautiful they would be in a bedroom or a sunroom. They would make gorgeous large prints or gallery wraps ... I'm talking 16x20 or even larger! Very soft and subtle. Love them.

{FYI - the first image is the original}

Good Friends ~ Harper House, Hickory, NC

2009-08-30T15:02:00.005-04:00

This morning I photographed my good friend, AJ, her kids and her lovely mom who is visiting from South Carolina. We went to Harper House in Hickory. This gorgeous old house, built in 1887, is on the National Historical Registry. You know me, I love all things old. Older things just have so much more character than today's stuff.

Here's just a couple sneak peeks, cause I know they're peeking!! I got tons of great pics and will try and post some more tomorrow.

Ms. "H" was a little shy at first, saying that she really didn't like having her photo taken, but it wasn't long till she was posing like a diva!!! Beautiful.

Had a great time with you guys, as usual!! Ya'll look fabulous! ")

And In Black & White ~ Newton, NC Portrait Photographer

2009-08-25T14:29:00.001-04:00

I just love a warm black and white...

Engaged ~ Newton, NC Portrait Photographer

2009-08-25T10:20:00.005-04:00

They are the cutest couple. Beautiful both inside and out. Getting ready to start the beginning of the rest of their lives ... together. Matt and Ashlea recently got engaged and threw a wonderful engagement party to celebrate with family and friends.

The party was held outdoors in my neighbor's beautiful backyard. {How convenient for me.} My neighbor just happens to be Ashlea's aunt. There were tables with red checkered cloths, good food, good friends and family ... even Corn Hole. A game which is sort of a cross between a bean bag toss and horse shoes. It was quite the hit. Even a brief downpour did nothing to dampen the spirit of the evening.

This was no fancy, smanshy party. No sirreee! This was a Louisiana style cookout!
I've never seen so many pots a'boilin at one time in my life. And the "cooks" were awesome. They had the whole thing down to a science. Crawfish straight from Louisiana. Blue crab and shrimp. Boiled potatoes, corn and sausage. Bowls of fresh fruit. Beer and other beverages, including something called "German Chocolate Cake shots". They were the hit of the evening. Everyone who had one said they were awesome. I declined, cause I figured one of those and I probably wouldn't be able to work anymore. lol

It was a terrific evening. Ashlea, Matt and their families are the best. I can't wait to take their engagement photos this fall. They will be a blast to work with. I'll leave you with one of my favorite shots of the night. Eating crawfish the "right" way .... yuck!!! :)

Back to School! ~ Catawba County Portrait Photographer

2009-08-25T08:06:00.004-04:00

... and we're off! Both kids were up early and eager to start the first day of school. I wish they were like this every day! This year we've got a college junior, a high school senior and an 8th grader. My, my they are growing up fast.

The big news for me is I am NO LONGER a taxi mom!!! I can't tell you how excited I am not to have to leave my house every day at 7:20 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. It's awesome!

I have now replaced those feelings of "having to watch the clock" with feelings of deep anxiety as we now have another teenager driver to worry about. But I'm thrilled that Ryan finally got his license and is on his way to more independence.

Here they are full of smiles and ready to hit the road. :)

Happy first day to everyone who starts school today!

Saying Goodbye

2009-08-22T07:05:00.002-04:00

Yesterday we had to say goodbye to our beloved dog Elliott. He became very ill on Wednesday and was not able to recover. Yesterday afternoon we had to have him put to sleep. It was one of the hardest things we've ever had to do.

Elliott came to live with us 16 1/2 years ago when Stephanie was only 4, Ryan about 18 months and Kelly wasn't even a twinkle. I just HAD to have a dog. So we went to the Atlanta Humane Society and saw this precious 4 month old puppy hovering in the back of the cage. The place had other dogs that were bright and fun vieing for our attention. But we were drawn to the shy little puppy who was too scared to come to the front, preferring to just hang out in the shadows. We learned that he and his siblings had been dumped along a busy Atlanta highway.

We adopted this little guy, named him Elliott, and took him home where he lived as a member of our family for the past 16 1/2 years. He was a constant companion for our kids, a bed warmer, a crumb picker-upper, a package opener at Christmas and birthdays, a protector.... He was much loved.

We will miss him dearly.

The In-Betweens ~ Portrait Photographer, Newton, NC

2009-08-12T20:38:00.004-04:00

Some of my all time favorite "captures" are of the moments that happen between shots. When everyone is trying to get themselves situated. These often-times turn out to be the most cherished photos. Like this sweet image. ♥!

Bad Blogger

2009-08-11T05:48:00.003-04:00

Wow, has it really been 10 days since I've been here? What have I been doing? Well, let's see ... it's been terribly hot outside which makes me feel like a slug. Like a big pile of goo, actually. But, despite the heat, my hubby and I have been productive. Two weekends ago we started cleaning the garage, which had been taken over by clutter. We don't actually park in our garage as it is the home to a full size pool table. A full size pool table which we never actually played on ... well because the clutter monster moved in. But I'm proud to say that after two exhausting weekends, we have reclaimed the garage! We booted the clutter monster out and now we play pool. The kids love it! Who knew that's all it would take to entice them away from their computers and XBox. Pool. It's a wonderful thing. :)

Then, this past weekend I tackled the shed. The clutter monster's cousin moved in there. But, now it too is clean and organized. I feel so much better when my world is organized. It just makes me happy.

On Friday, the Fed-X man brought me a brand new computer! I desperately needed one. My poor old HP had slowed to a crawl. I spent more time waiting than actually working. Now, I can fly! My new Dell XPS 430 just sings. After a couple of days of getting aquainted with Windows Vista Home Premium, I can finally get some work done. I can't tell you how nice it is to push a button and have my computer respond immediately! It's like Heaven. :)

School is just around the corner. My oldest heads back to college this week and the other two start back to school just two weeks later. Summer is almost over and the busy fall season will be kicking in. I can't wait! I've got several photo sessions already lined up for the fall and I'm eager to get started!

And because I've been such a lame blogger here recently, I thought I'd leave you with a couple pictures. This adorable little guy comes to visit me everyday. Well not me really, but his lady who built her tiny little nest in the flower box right outside my kitchen window.

He's so darn cute. He brings her all sorts of yummy things, like moths, worms and slugs. He flies up, lands on the deck rail, checks me out through the window for a few minutes ....

... then he hops along through the flowers (you can see them wiggling)...

... then he pops his little head up and down a few times to see if I'm still there. He delivers his little gift into the nest for his wife, then flies off for more. He comes and go countless times in a day. I counted at least 3 tiny eggs, which have now turned into three tiny babies. I will try to photograh them, but the nest is positioned in such a way, I just don't know if it's possible. It will be my mission today. I'll see what I can do.

I will sure miss him when his babies all fly away and he doesn't come to visit me anymore. He makes washing dishes downright pleasant. :)

2009-08-01T08:48:00.003-04:00

THE ONE WEEK ONLY SALE!

$25 OFF YOUR SESSION FEE - ONE WEEK ONLY!

Call or email me the week of August 2nd - 8th to schedule your Fall/Christmas photo session and receive $25 off the $75 session fee. You can schedule your actual appointment any time between August 2nd and November 30, 2009, but you must MAKE the appointment during the week of Aug 2-8th, as well as pay the $50 session fee to hold the appointment. Hurry! Slots are limited and are filling up quickly!

Sale good through August 8th, 2009.

Can't wait to see everyone!

Latest Newsletter ...

2009-07-28T16:12:00.003-04:00

For those of you on my email newsletter list, I apologize for the "jumpy" pictures on today's newsletter. Not sure WHAT is going on with them! I promise you they don't really look like that.
I'll have to do a little investigative work to see what I can do to create clear pics for my next newsletter.

I tell ya, every day provides some sort of lesson for me to learn. Think how smart I'll be by the time I'm old and decrepit!!! :)

10 Minutes, Tops (Portrait Photographer, Catawba Cnty, NC)

2009-07-26T12:10:00.004-04:00

"Mom" she said, "I need some new pics for my Facebook page." I said, "Okay lets go take some." "RIGHT NOW?!" she said. "Sure" said I, "It will only take a minute." So we went out to the back deck with the heat and mosquitoes and snapped a few. My little fair-skinned child...

Then he appeared. At the dining room windows (on the inside) making fun of the fair-skinned one outside. So we hauled his butt outside as well.

Even got a couple of them together actually looking like {gasp} they might like eachother!!!

My work here is done.

NEW PRODUCT ~ Senior Rep Card

2009-07-23T08:10:00.002-04:00

Check out my new Senior Rep Cards. These little gems are sure to be a big hit amoung high school seniors and parents alike!

These cards are slightly smaller than a wallet. They are actually the size of a standard business card. The unique thing about them is they are double-sided. The front can be customized with your favorite photo as well as your name, high school and year. The back is a blank slate. The perfect place to list all the sports, clubs, etc. that you participated in at school. Or how about your email address or facebook address? What about your own signature? The possibilites are endless.

These cards are perfect to tuck into your high school graduation announcements. So much more interesting than a standard wallet. What a cool thing to pass out to your friends. And parents, these are more economical than the standard wallet. Senior Rep cards come in packs of 50 and have a beautiful linen finish front and back. Trust me, you're gonna love them!

Senior Portraits - Class of 2010

2009-07-19T09:43:00.004-04:00

Reserve your spot now! Availability is limited!

NOTE: I do not provide the photo that appears in the yearbook. You will need to have this picture made at your school's scheduled senior portrait day.

A Sneak Peek for D & H ~ Portrait Photographer, Catawba Cnty, NC

2009-07-16T16:28:00.003-04:00

I met Miss "H" and Mr "D" last night at a local park for a little shoot. It was sticky and hot. Surely, I lost 10 pounds last night! If it was ONLY that easy, eh??

These two were sooo easy to photograph. So natural with eachother and in front of the camera. They made my job easy. Here's just a few of the many I took last night.

Can't wait to get busy on the rest of these!

The Magic of the Internet - Portrait Photographer, Catawba County, NC

2009-07-15T08:23:00.006-04:00

Saturday we went to Fayetteville to attend my son's gradutation from JROTC Cadet Officer Leadership School. It was a 3.5 drive, one way. Fayetteville State University is located, literally, right next to Ft. Bragg. Friday night my daughter just happened to mention that a friend of ours was stationed at Ft. Bragg. This "friend" happens to be a 20 year old young man that I used to babysit when he was 3 and 4 years old!!! I haven't seen him (except for pics in the annual Christmas card) for 15 years!

So on a whim, I decided to look him up on Facebook and tell him we were coming to town and see if he might be available. Honestly, I thought the chances of him responding were probably slim to none. I mean how many 20 year old men do you know who would respond to someone who they hadn't seen since they were 5! But, not only did he respond almost immediately, he was excited to hear from me and arranged to meet us the next morning!! I was so excited!!!

When I saw him walk up wearing fatigues and the jaunty maroon beret which signifies Airborne, my first thought was "Oh My Gosh, he looks exactly the same, only bigger!"
He hugged us and fell in like he saw us just yesterday. He sat through graduation with us and we all enjoyed lunch together. It was just so wonderful to see him and spend some time with him! I'm very proud of the man he's turned out to be. I know his mom and dad are so proud of him.

He and my oldest daughter, Stephanie are the same age. And although they don't have real memories of the days they spent playing together; the Halloween they dressed up as a lion and a princess and held hands while they went trick-or-treating; riding their big wheels together on the tennis courts at the apartment complex, etc. ; they have relived these memories through pictures over the years. So when they met again 15 years later, they didn't feel like complete strangers. Ryan was 18 months old when he saw "A" last. Boy was he surprised when he looked up to see his family at graduation and there was a uniformed soldier sitting amoung them!!

It was a great day.

then and now ....

15 years later... LOVE IT!!!

Warriors and Winners

2009-07-12T08:53:00.010-04:00

Every summer a select group of warriors comes together to spend a week at COLS. Their average ages are 15-17. They come in every size and every color. Young men and young women. The one thing they all have in common... all are members of Air Force Junior ROTC. For most they come not really knowing what to expect. They come excited, but with a little trepidation. Do they have what it takes to make it to the end? For those that have come before and now come for a second time, they are ready for the challenge. They KNOW what it takes and welcome it.

What is COLS? Cadet Officer Leadership School. For one week these young cadets come together and are placed with complete strangers. They are broken down into Flights and must learn to work together as a team, a unit. There're no individuals here, there's only teamwork. They learn to bond.

COLS is not for the feint of heart. You MUST have heart if you hope to survive. And courage. Discipline. Perserverence. Compassion. It takes the will to take one more step when you think you can't to make it to the end. It takes heart ... it takes soul.

4:00 a.m. reveille. 2 minutes to get outside. 1.5 hours of P.T. 1.5 hours of drill. Then breakfast. Land survival. Water survival. Trips to Ft. Bragg for rapelling from a 65' wall. Obstacle course. Running. Running. Running. Drill. Drill. Drill. Jody's. Inspections. Dirt. Sweat. Deyhradation. Sleeping in the woods without letting your campfire die out. Building rope bridges. Running - 5 miles. Drill. Bug bites. Sunburn. Bruises. Blisters. Cuts. Cramps. Sore muscles. 4:00 a.m. reveille. Bandaides and Ben Gay. Day in, day out. Lights out 9:15 p.m. This is COLS. It ain't for sissys.

If you think I exaggerate, ask any of these fine young cadets. They all survived. They all graduated. They are Warriors and Winners. My son, Ryan, is amoung them. We are so very proud of him. For him, this was a big deal. For him, this did not come easy. And he is beyond proud to have made it to the end. To be able to graduate with this year's COLS class. To have formed a brotherhood that will last for years to come. To have tested himself and pushed himself beyond anything he thought he was capable of. To have finished. He is a far better young man because of COLS. He loved it and will treasure the memories forever.

... I will be adding more to this post shortly so be sure and check back ...

Awesome Pics! ~ Teen Portrait Photographer - Catawba Cnty, NC

2009-07-04T10:13:00.003-04:00

Check out the rest of "D"s pics here!

More For "D" ~ Teen Portrait Photographer, Catawba Cnty, NC

2009-07-01T11:07:00.002-04:00

Posting a few more of my session with "D". Love these! He did such an awesome job and we had so much fun! I can't even choose a favorite ... they're all so cool! :)

And one of "D" with his sweetie. Love how fun and sweet this image is. :)

A Sweet Gift

2009-06-28T07:32:00.002-04:00

Yesterday my hubby and I celebrated our 22nd wedding anniversary! I can remember my wedding day like it was just yesterday, and yet here we are 22 years and 3 kids later. Wow. If I just sit back and let my mind wander through the years, through the memories, I realize just how much we've done in those 22 years, how far we've come. Sometimes when you've been married this long, you start to take things for granted and not put the work into the marriage that you did way back when. My hubby and I have been guilty of this from time to time as well. But the thing with us is we're solid. We love each other through thick and thin and we're in it for the long haul. So today we begin year 23 and I think it's going to be a good one.

We didn't do anything special for our anniversary this year. No "out to dinner", no gift exchange ... after just getting back from our vacation we're really happy to just be at home and chill. We threw some steaks on the grill and just enjoyed propping our feet up in front of the tv. That's what 22 years will do for ya! lol

But my daughter Stephanie had to work yesterday and when she came home she surprised me with this sweet little bouquet of flowers. Let me just say it's really awesome when your kids grow up and start to do things on their own. I am so honored to be their mom. All 3 of my kids are wonderful, wonderful people. They each have their own personalities and strengths. I can't wait to see them all grown with families of their own some day. That will really be something. :)

Thanks Steph for the beautiful flowers. I love them! xoxo M

Forty-Seven - 47

2009-06-26T16:27:00.004-04:00

Do you ever wonder about what fun facts you can come up with about a given number?
Let's look at the number 47.

Did you know that American's eat an average of 47 pounds of chicken each year???

Or that there are 47 species of gulls?? Wow!

Bet you didn't know the average temperature of Troy, NY is 47.8 degrees. Brrrrr!

The first space shuttle flight after the Challenger disaster was STS-47.

For you TV buffs... did you know there are 47 voting members for the Academy Awards??

This is a no-brainer. Of the books sold in the U.S., 47% are romance novels. lol

For you sports fans ... Babe Ruth's career home run record of 714 home runs stood for 47 years until Hank Aron broke it. The last day Ruth's record stood was 4/7/74! How cool is that???

I liked this one cause I come from Ireland (way, way, way back when). The Great Potato Famine in Ireland occured in 1847. There is a commerative beer named Black 47Stout.

Sorta gross ... A cubic foot of human flesh weighs approximately 47 pounds. Okay, really gross!!!
South Carolina has 47 state parks.

For you history buffs ... When Lord Carnavon tragically opened Tut's tomb, 47 people died from the curse.

This one makes my say "WHAAAAT!!" According to "The Book of Facts" by Isaac Asimov, a mosquito has 47 teeth!!!! I didn't even know these little beasts HAD teeth!!! Maybe that's why I had 15 bites behind my knee last week!!!

My personal favorite. 47 years ago today, I entered the world. :) Wow, that was a loong time ago!!!

My kids greeted me this morning with Happy Birthday greetings, hugs, kisses and gifts. Stephanie bought me the cutest wine glass! I am not much of a drinker. But I do like the occasional glass of Sangria. My favorite comes right from the grocery store. If you've been to Hallmark lately, you've probably seen their adorable collection of hand-painted glasses. We always stop and admire them. Stephanie got me the one appropriately called "Sangria". :) So I had to run out to the grocery today to be some so I could try out my new glass!!!

Kelly made me an adorable picture of my name. I LOVE it! She is my crafty kid. She's just like her mom. Always making things, painting things, rearranging things, etc. She'll have an awesome house someday, I just know it.

Ryan, being the boy of the bunch ... he greeted me with a hug, a kiss and a Happy Birthday. What more could a Mom ask for. :) Love them all. xoxo

(I found all the fun facts about the number 47 at http://www.orbitals.com/psiu/47.html)

Home Sweet Home

2009-06-25T08:50:00.003-04:00

Hi Everyone! We're back from vacation. And after a couple days of regrouping, I'm fully back to work.

Our trip to Florida was great! Just the break we all needed. Although, I have to say, we're just NOT Florida people. Way too hot, humid and sticky for us. We're more moderate temp people.

I had an interesting time last week. On the way down to Florida ... an hour and a half from our destination to be exact ... I got BIT BY A DOG!!! Yes! On the leg! By a little pip-squeak of a dog at that! The girls and I were walking into a fast food/convenience store/gas station to use the restroom. On the way up to the door this little dog (on a leash) came running up to me. I thought it was just sniffing my leg. Next thing I knew it was biting me!!! I jumped back and was so shocked I just stood there looking at the dang dog and it's lady, who did and said absolutely NOTHING I might add! I said "YOU'RE DOG JUST BIT ME!!!" No response. Although it was immediately a deep purpley red, I didn't think it had broken the skin so we went inside. However, in a few minutes it was bleeding. We bought a bottle of Hydrogen Peroxide and headed back out. Of course, the woman and her mutt were gone. Can you believe it??? I'm glad it bit me and not one of my kids. A week and half later it's still healing. The two puncture wounds are taking the longest. Thank goodness I didn't end up foaming at the mouth!!!

Then, as if that wasn't enough, I woke up the next day with FIFTEEN (15) mosquito bites behind one knee!!! Obviously, that little pest hung out with me under the covers. And to top it all off I broke out with a massive fever blister on my upper lip about mid week. It was just not my week.

Other than those minor incidents and the heat and humidity, we had a great time. We hit Busch Gardens which is a fun , fun place. We spent one afternoon at the beach, where the girls got some major back sunburn, from which they are now peeling. And we went to the Tampa Aquarium, which was alot of fun. I just love aquariums.

The best part was hangin with family. My Dad and Norma are always so much fun. My hubby and I are now in the process of dropping the extra pounds we gained from all of Norma's cooking!!!

I took tons and tons of pics, as you can imagine. Haven't even downloaded them all yet. But as soon as I do, I promise I'll have some to share. Here's one that the girls and I just couldn't wait to see. This little pair was from Busch Gardens. Aren't they the cutest things you've ever seen!
The girls both want this pic in poster size. lol

On Vacation

2009-06-12T17:47:00.002-04:00

S Keys Photography will be closed until Monday, June 22nd.

All emails and phone calls will be returned at that time.

2009 Startown Stables Charity Fun Show

2009-06-12T09:04:00.011-04:00

If you live around here and travel on Startown Road you know of Startown Stables. It's a wonderful Paso Fino Horse Farm that sits right along Startown Road. You can't miss it. And those of you who travel that road early in the mornings have surely seen Mr. Alvaro Iriarte riding his beautiful Paso Finos along the edge of the pastures, rain or shine. It's truly a wonderful place. I have been blessed to be part of their world for the past couple of years now. They have taken me and my family in and just treat us like part of their family. That's just the kind of people they are. Loving, giving, full of life. This giving nature is what prompts them to host events like this year's Startown Charity Fun Show.

This year's Fun Show was held last Saturday (June 6th) at the Latta Park Equestrian Center in Huntersville, NC. The purpose of the show was to help raise funds and awareness for the Be the Match Foundation - The National (Bone) Marrow Donor Program.

This foundation is very near and dear to the heart's of the Iriarte family. They
lost one of their own last year to leukemia. Juan Carlos Iriarte was on the list to receive a Bone Marrow Transplant but lost his battle with leukemia before he could get the transplant. Since then, the Iriarte family has worked very hard to help spread the word about how important it is to be a Bone Marrow Donor. How you could potentially save another person's life.

They are so pleased to report that 46 new donors were added to the registry on Saturday! A big thank you to all who registered! I'm pleased to say that my daughter and I registered as well. Here's Stephanie going through the sign-up process. So simple! Just swap the inside 4 corners of your cheeks, fill out some paperwork and you're done! You never know who might be out there who needs your help.

Another amazing program participating in this year's event was the Misty Meadows Mitey Riders. Meet Rebecca. This beautiful and courageous young lady has cerebral palsy. You'd never know it by looking at her!!!

Rebecca, led by her cousin Debby, rode around the arena for everyone to see. She just beamed! Debby said she had only had 3 sessions with her prior to her exhibition! She looked just wonderful out there and I know she touched the hearts of everyone in the crowd.

Way to go Rebecca!!

It was just a wonderful day. Can't wait to go again next year!

For more information, please check out the following links:

Startown Stables
Owned by Alvaro Iriarte - Newton, North Carolina
http://www.startownstables.com
828-465-3322

National Marrow Donor Program
Be The Match Foundation
http://www.marrow.org
1(800)MARROW-2

Misty Meadows - The Mitey Riders Therapeutic Riding Program
Waxhaw, North Carolina
http://www.miteyrider.com
704-841-0602

Dancers
Carmen Woschkolup, Director GrupoLatino de RockHill
803-322-2652

Portrait of a Horsewoman ~ Portrait Photographer, Catawba Cnty, NC

2009-06-09T07:09:00.005-04:00

Been working on a big blog post regarding Saturday's Paso Fino event, when I came across this photo. It speaks to me. All dressed in black with her face partially concealed, she has an air of mystery about her. oooh la la! :)

I'm sure I'll come across many more of these gems as I edit.

Eye On The Prize ~ Portrait Photograher, Catawba Cnty, NC

2009-06-08T17:13:00.002-04:00

Miss "A" competing in one of several events throughout the day. She is quite the accomplished little horsewoman!!

This is just a really tiny sneak peek at what my daughter, Stephanie, and I did on Saturday. We spent the entire day around our beloved Paso Fino friends and their beautiful horses. Startown Stables hosted their annual Fun Show at Latta Plantation Equestrian Center in Huntersville. The purpose of the Fun Show was to raise funds and awareness for the National (Bone) Marrow Donor Program.

I took approximately 1500 pictures! I have so many I want to share with you and I have so much I want to tell you about the day. So please check back over the next few days and see what the day was all about.

Mr. S Slideshow ~ Catawba Cnty Portrait Photographer

2009-06-08T08:53:00.004-04:00

Remember this guy??

You can check out his entire photo shoot here.

A Few More From the Wedding ~ Portrait Photographer, Catawba Cnty, NC

2009-06-04T13:57:00.002-04:00

I wanted to post just a few more from the wedding I shot a couple of weeks ago. The bride was just beautiful, as was her groom. :O I'm so glad I talked them into a couple quick shots outside before they left. I just the love the look of these against the beautiful green. I couldn't possibly get a bad shot with these two.

Of course, I had to take a few of my own pretty girl! Stephanie looked just lovely and sooo grown up! It must be the very HIGH hair! She got the biggest "poof" award. That's what naturally curly hair will do for you! haha

This was my first and, probably my last wedding. At least for the time being. It was a real experience and a long day. But I'm so glad that I had the opportunity to capture some really special images for two wonderful young people.

Meet D.S. ~ Teen/Senior Portrait Photographer, Catawba Cnty, NC

2009-06-01T15:57:00.005-04:00

Sometimes the best places can be found when you're just out "hoofin' it". Like the most fantastic alley my friend and I found last night! This alley was chock full of the coolest doors and windows I've ever seen! I was in Heaven. The only bad thing was the sun was really pouring in. I will definitely be back to check out sun angles and I'm sure you haven't seen the last of this awesome alley.

Last night was Mr. "D"s turn for his photo shoot. He's been waiting patiently and last night turned out to be perfect. It's been raining here for days, weeks, months even. I was so glad that Mother Nature gave us a couple of days off!

"D" was awesome to work with. I love it when my subjects really start having fun and get in to it! That's when we really get great pictures like the ones below. I've got so many fantastic ones, it was hard to choose just a few. But these are some of my favorites.

"D" is a very artistically inclined guy. He plays the trombone, sings and acts, so I thought I would add an "artistic look" to his photos. They are highly saturated and some are sporting textures. I love how they came out. The first two look like they could have been taken years and years ago in a back alley ... 'cept for maybe the flip-flops. lol :)

Hope you like them "D"!

AFJROTC ~ Portrait Photographer, Catawba Cnty, NC

2009-06-01T11:53:00.004-04:00

Two of my kids have been proud members of their high school AFJROTC program. Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp. My eldest, Stephanie, was a member for four years and made it all the way to Cadet Colonel as well as Squadron Commander.

Now my son, who just finished his third year and is currently a Cadet Captain, has his eye set on Colonel as well! He'll have to work really hard next year, but I think he'll make it!

Saturday night we had the AFJROTC Awards Banquet. It's always a fun and exciting event. Each year there are several National Awards given out by various veteran organizations. They are beautiful ribbons and medals and each cadet hopes that they might receive one.

This year my son, Ryan, received the top National Award of the year. The Air Force Association Award. It's a beautiful medal and ribbon and he will wear it with pride. He was shocked and pleased that HE was the recipient of such a prestigious award.

AFJROTC has been such a big part of our lives for so long now, 6 years to be exact. My husband and I have always been very patriotic. Me having a Dad who served his country in the US Air Force for 20+ years. And my husband having brothers and nephews serving their country as well. JROTC has given my kids a sense of pride and patriotism that will stick with them their entire lives. They know things about the military and flag etiquette that too many American's nowadays know nothing about. We will never worry about them having a lack of respect for their country or our American troops. And believe me, they know that Freedom Isn't Free.

These two men have dedicated 15+ years to teaching kids at M.H.S. how to be good citizens, good leaders and to respect their flag and country. They are two of the best JROTC instructors I've ever met. We will be forever grateful to them for all that they have taught us and for helping to ensure that our kids are decent, upstanding citizens.

If you have children entering high school and that high school has a JROTC program, I encourage you to highly suggest that they take the class. You will not be sorry.
I wish every high school student in America would take the class. It's a wonderful program.

One Proud Mom ~ Portrait Photographer, Catawba Cnty, NC

2009-05-24T14:05:00.006-04:00

When I look at these three beautiful young people, I can't believe they're all mine! Just look at them. One grown (barely) and the other two not far behind. Where did my babies go?? Stephanie (center) was a bridesmaid in the wedding I photographed yesterday. She looked so beautiful. My other two attended the wedding to see our dear friends, Krystal & Jesse, say I Do.

We are so proud of all three of them. You can just look at them and see what fine young people they are. I know they will all go far in life. And, if I'm lucky, I'll get to photograph their weddings someday!!! I can't wait ... well, maybe for a little while. But, someday .....

I DO ~ Portrait Photographer, Catawba Cnty, NC

2009-05-24T09:47:00.003-04:00

Well they did it. They said I DO. Krystal & Jesse are now hitched!

As you can see, they were a lovely couple. And the wedding was beautiful. I know they will have a long and happy life together. If any two were meant to be together, it's these two!

I will have more pics from their wonderful day soon. But today (after 8+ hours on my feet yesterday), I think I may just sleep ... all day .... yeah right! :)

Have a happy Memorial Day everyone!

The Smile ~ Teen/Senior Portrait Photography, Catawba Cnty, NC

2009-05-23T07:36:00.003-04:00

Ok. Maybe just a shy tad south of authentic. But teeth are showing! And, really, what teenager has an authentic smile at 7:10 a.m.????

I'm off to shoot a wedding today. NO, I am not a wedding photographer so please PRAY for me today! It will probably take me two days to recover. And if I'm not already nervous enough, I'm having a bit of an allergy attack. Like GEEEESH, I really need that today!

Hope everyone has a fab holiday weekend!!!

Mr. G.Q.

2009-05-22T14:03:00.003-04:00

This guys looks like he stepped right out of a magazine! So handsome! Course I am slightly biased due to the fact that he is my son. :) He is a Junior Marshall this year and had to wear the suit to school. He looked so very nice that I had to snap a couple quick pics ... at 7:10 this morning! Once he got to school and had to don the blue and white satin sash he wasn't feelin' quite so cool. LOL

Love You Man! xoxo Mom

Meet Mr. "S" ~ Senior/Teen Portrait Photographer, Catawba Cnty, NC

2009-05-20T10:45:00.002-04:00

Meet "S". We were FINALLY able to get his photo session done! We've been trying to coordinate our schedules for months! He is one ACTIVE teen! And when we had a day or two that worked, it rained! But, I think it was worth the wait. We had a fantastic time and got some really awesome shots. And he was a real pleasure to work with.

"S" is one fantastic drummer and brought his entire drum set to the shoot with him!
I learned that he's particularly fond of his cymbals. So we had to get a shot that spotlights the cymbals. Love how this one turned out!

We risked life and limb to get these awesome shots of him drumming in this big, wide-open field! Well, maybe not life and limb.... but this is the field where my son locked his keys in his car a couple weeks ago ... and we did see a really large snake that day .... Yesterday the only wildlife we saw was two very large wild turkeys!!! And lots of bugs. And I think we might have stepped in a patch of poison ivy. I guess we'll know in a day or two. lol

I think it was all worth it though. I absolutely love these pics!! I knew I loved them even as I looked through the viewfinder. The light was just perfect. The tall grasses were cool. The drums were fantastic! And "S" was so willing to do anything I asked.

One more thing about "S". He's veeeeeery smart! He's this year's Chief Junior Marshall. Perhaps Valedictiorian as well??? I guess we'll know in a week or two. AND he's running for next year's Senior Class President ....

.... against Miss "E"!! Uh-oh!!! Can I vote for both of them????

Please Take My Poll

2009-05-17T16:03:00.003-04:00

I just added a little poll to ask you, my viewers, if the images I post on this blog are too large for you to view comfortably. I like to make my images as large as possible so everyone can see them easily! But, I also know that everyone has different size monitors and it may be that the pictures are too big for you to view easily.

So this poll will run for one week. Please vote! It just takes a second and it's anonymous!

Thanks so much!
Sandy

A Few More ~ Senior/Teen Photographer, Catawba Cnty, NC

2009-05-17T15:31:00.003-04:00

A few more from yesterday ... no time for words right now .... gotta go pick up child number 3, then start dinner, etc., etc., etc. But wanted to get these posted before the day gets away from me!

I LOVE THESE!!! ~ Senior/Teen Photographer, Catawba Cnty, NC

2009-05-16T18:33:00.004-04:00

A sneak peek for two of my favorite people. I've known these two for many years. They're siblings. Miss "E" has been in school with my son since 3rd grade. And next year they'll be seniors. I still can't believe that I'm going to be the mom of a high school senior AGAIN!

We met up today to get some shots of them in their awesome new letter jackets. I am so tickled with how these two images turned out. Very striking. I'll have more in a day or so.

You guys were awesome, as usual! xoxo ~Sandy

This Little Girl .... { Children's Photographer, Catawba Cnty, NC}

2009-05-14T15:27:00.003-04:00

This little girl is sweet, kind and funny. And she recently turned 8 years old! She had a wild and crazy birthday party at her daddy's farm. There was horseback riding, sack races, water balloon tosses, and much more. Little kids EVERYWHERE! What a time they had! I took about 500 pictures - literally! Hanging out with 20+ kids for a few hours was exhausting! I had to come home and take a little nap.

Isn't she a cutie???

Her daddy is a well known and highly respected Paso Fino horse trainer. So, of course, she can ride like nobody's business!!! Check her out! The perfect little horsewoman.

Check out Startown Stables for more information about her daddy's Paso Finos or if you're interested in riding lessons.

Check Out This Ride!

2009-05-12T07:59:00.000-04:00

Got to do something pretty cool yesterday. I got to do a photo shoot with a Nascar truck and driver!!

Meet Brian Ickler, driver of the #15 Samsung Instinct Toyota. Aren't they handsome???

North Carolina happens to be home to many Nascar race teams. I was at Billy Ballew Motorsports in Mooresville, NC. Also home to Kyle Busch, driver of the #51 Miccosukee Resort Toyota Tundra. Awesome raceshop! And everyone was so nice and friendly. If you're a fan of Nascar and have never been in a raceshop, you should if the opportunity presents itself. They're really pretty cool!

Be sure and check out Billy Ballew Motorsports website. It's jam packed with lots of cool info!

Be sure and root for them at this Friday's Lowes Motor Speedway North Carolina Education Lottery 200!! You can watch it this Friday at 7:30 p.m. on the Speed channel.

Happy Monday!

2009-05-11T08:55:00.000-04:00

It's a good day for ducks. 9th straight day of rain. Hard to believe that just a couple years ago we were suffering from a severe drought!

Here's a quick pic to brighten your day!

A Little Change .... Again ....

2009-05-10T07:48:00.000-04:00

Yeah, I know ... I changed the blog design again. I was getting tired of all the black ... gloom and doom ... it's summer time ya know!! Time to lighten and brighten!! I hope you like the knew one. I think I'll let it stay awhile.

The only thing is the links at the veeeeeeerrryy bottom are kinda hard to read. Haven't figured out how to make the background behind them white. BUT, I just ordered "HTML Code for Dummies"! Look-out!!! I just may be dangerous after I read that!!!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL THE MOM'S OUT THERE!
HOPE YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY!

MAIDEN HIGH SCHOOL PRESENTS BEAUTY & THE BEAST

2009-05-08T22:20:00.000-04:00

Just got home from Maiden High School's production of Beauty and the Beast. Let me just say that it was absolutely fantastic! The kids did an awesome job! It was very entertaining.

If you didn't see it tonight, then go tomorrow night. It starts at 7:00 p.m. $8.00 for adults, $5 for kids 12 and under. Money well spent.

I just may go see it a second time!

One of Life's Little Adventures ~ (Teenage Portrait Photographer, Catawba, Cnty, NC)

2009-05-08T07:50:00.000-04:00

Imagine how boring life would be if we didn't have little moments of sheer excitement, jaw dropping awe or moments of utter embarrassment. Think how dull it would be if our lives were always on perfect course with no deviations. What stories would we have to tell our children and our grandchildren?

Well, we (my 17 year old son) and I had one of those little adventures yesterday afternoon. I asked him a couple of days ago if we could take some photos of him and his new car one day this week after school. He said sure. So yesterday I pick him up and tell him we're going to take pics. He was not to keen on the idea. He said he was dirty and sweaty due to a "nature hike" that his JROTC class had taken that day. It's true, he was pretty dirty. But I said "That's okay! It will add to the texture of the photos!!" Spoken like a true photographer, eh?

So we picked our spot ... an off-the-beaten path road that leads absolutely nowhere! My intent was to pull the car into the field and be surrounded by the tall grasses, trees, etc. Cool, right??? Well, on the way down the road we passed a HUGE snake slithering across! That ended the "pull into the field" part! So we settled for just parking on the side of the road and I was on "snake lookout duty".

He really wasn't into it at all. It was a little hot (83 degrees) and humid out. But, dang it, I wanted some pictures! So I took a few. None of the creative, interesting angled photos I had envisioned in my mind. My subject just wasn't willing. But I got a couple nonetheless. Here they are.....

You can see how excited he was about the whole thing .... LOL ..... so I gave in and told him we were done. Then it happened .... he realized he locked the keys in the car. We've had the car for about 10 days ... haven't gotten around to having spare keys made yet .... my purse and cell phone .... in the car ..... out in the middle of nowhere ..... hot and humid ..... very large snake just up the road ..... you get the picture.

What could we do, but walk. Back towards the high school, a couple of miles up the road. So off we go. Thank goodness the snake was nowhere to be seen! We walked about a mile when we finally came to the main road leading to the high school. By this time I thought I was going to die. I don't walk if I can help it!!! hah! Cars went by and we just kept walking, then I saw it.... A police car in the distance coming our way!!! I tell my son "START WAVING YOUR HANDS!!!!! WAAAAAAAAVE YOUR HANDS!!!!!" A sheriff, the high school resource officer to be exact, pulls over and asks us "what's up?" We begged him to help us, which he very kindly did. He gave us a ride back to the car. I graciously rode in the back, so as to save my son further embarrassment. What a good mom I am. :) After several devices and about 10minutes or so, the wonderful officer was able to unlock the door for us! We'll love him forever!

The only possession I had outside the car was my camera and my light meter. Haha! Now you know I wanted to take all kinds of pics of the officer "breaking into the car", my son's face as he watched from afar .... etc., etc., But I refrained. I only took this one photo to document the moment. Afterall, how much embarrassment can one 17 year old boy endure, right???

After we were safely back in the car, I told him that someday he would look back on this and laugh. He scoffed at me. But he will. I know it. I still laugh at the time that I ran into the back of a huge road grader! Early 20's, little yellow volkswagon bug, early morning sun blinding me.... bammm! Right smack into the back of the huge beast! It's a memory I'll treasure forever. :)

So cherish Life's Little Adventures. They're precious memories in the making. And if you happen to have a camera in your hand, by all means, snap a pic or two. :)

A Babe in the Woods ~ (Children's Photographer, Catawba Cnty., NC)

2009-05-05T14:25:00.000-04:00

{ beau-tiful }

Little Jewels

2009-05-05T10:02:00.000-04:00

As you all know, photography is my passion. But what you may not know is that I also love to piddle in the garden. My "backyard" neighbor and I have merging gardens where we can often be found. We start gardening in early spring, raking, planning and planting. We go like gang busters. This usually lasts till about July when we start to get sick of the heat, and mosquitoes, and weeds, and overgrown plants, etc. We reemerge in the fall when the weather turns crisp and cool to rake and trim. We're passionate about it.

Alas, I don't have near the time I used to to to go outside and play. These days I'm pretty much limited to just keeping up with my flower beds, edging, pulling weeds, planting, etc. But in years past I used to take great pleasure in "lumberjacking" out in our woods! I worked very hard at trying to get them cleared of scrub and poison ivy ... all with my little flip-open 13" handsaw. I was making good progress till last year ... when S. Keys Photography took over my life. LOL Now my woods have pretty much reverted back to the wild.

Here's just a couple pics I took the other day from my yard and a couple from my neighbor's yard as well. There's just nothing like beautiful flowers to brighten up you day.

Mother Nature is helping out today, by "watering" my yard! A nice steady rain ... perfect. :)

Saying Goodbye ... (Family Photographer, Catawba Cnty, NC)

2009-04-30T12:49:00.000-04:00

I have known this family for many, many years. They actually moved here about the same time we did, from the same place we did! It was wild when we realized that! I've seen their kids grow from little tots to these amazing young teens. How time flies!!

When we scheduled thier family photos it was just an ordinary photo shoot. But then when they realized they were moving to Colorado in a couple of short months, the photoshooot took on new meaning. The family wanted momentos of the place they've called home for the past several years ... the swing set, the weeping willow tree that the kid's climbed in the back yard, the azaleas ... and, of course, the house. Although they are very excited about the new adventure they are about to embark on, they are a little sad too, at what they're leaving behind. I'm so glad that I was able to capture a few precious memories for them to take with them to their new home.

Had a wonderful time with you guys! Will have the rest of the photos for you soon!
Hugs!

This + That ...

2009-04-29T14:03:00.000-04:00

This ...

Plus ....

This ...

... just might turn me completely gray. One teenager and one 20 year old in cars. It stretches my mommy nerves as far as they'll go. Add in the fact that teenager #2 will be driving teenager #3 to school next year - cardiac arrest in the making.

We purchased a 1996 Ford Thunderbird for our 17 year old son this week. He LOVES it! My husband LOVES it! It's a guy car. It needs a little bit of work, but otherwise is in very good shape. Will post more pics, with my son, after we get it spiffed up a bit more.

Pray for me. LOL

Texture ~ Catawba County Child/Teen Photographer

2009-04-26T09:14:00.000-04:00

Just a quickie .... played with some awesome textures on this one. I like what it did for the surrounding house and plants.

Got lots of work done outside yesterday. My flower beds are all coming along. I feel much better mentally today. Allergies still causing me grief. Have a fun family photo shoot tonight. Looking forward to it!

Happy Sunday!

It's Saturday ~ Catawba County Children's Photographer

2009-04-25T08:08:00.000-04:00

It's Saturday and I'm so glad. It's been a long week and I've been dragging. I think it's allergies ... or maybe I'm just getting old. Whatever, it's just drained me and I've been in a funk ... hence, slack on the blogging. But, today I'm going outside to douse myself in sunshine and gardening! I love to garden. It's one of my favorite pastimes. One in which I don't get to do near as much as I'd like to these days. But, today, it's my priority. And tomorrow I hope to be in a better frame of mind. Thanks for being patient with me! Maybe I'll have some spectactular garden and flower photos to share soon!

Have a happy weekend!

What I Know For Sure

2009-04-20T16:47:00.000-04:00

This crazy, silly image will probably be a favorite for these two when they are all grown up. They probably won't remember the day, but they'll be captured by what they were wearing, WHY they were wearing it and the sheer joy of being silly on their faces. Don't you love sifting through old photos and finding images like this of yourselves? Sure, we all have the perfectly groomed, perfectly dressed images, but these ... these are real life images. They speak to us and tell us a little bit about who we really were at that exact time in our lives. A tote of dress up clothes and these girls transformed right before our eyes and had the time of their lives doing it.

Although the image in color is a little "too much" if you can imagine, I positively adore it in classic black and white. Add a little old timey overlay and it's pretty near perfect.

It's A Crazy Monday

2009-04-20T10:46:00.000-04:00

... yes, I'm still alive and kickin'! I know I've not posted lately ... so much work ... so little time ... and kids home for the past week on Spring Break ...

Hope to have more to share soon! Have a great Monday!!!

A Personal Favorite

2009-04-10T15:03:00.000-04:00

I absolutely love this picture. It's just so beautiful ... the scenery, the serene pose ... the colors ... the softness of the image ... it's perfect. This would make a breathtaking large print - either matted and framed or as a gallery wrap. It's the type of image that makes people stop and take notice. I get a secret thrill when I'm able to capture little moments like this ... beautiful...

More With Miss "K"

2009-04-10T14:54:00.000-04:00

So many pretty images ... it's hard for me to pick a favorite ... I think I just love them all! When I spotted these awesome blue gates, I knew we had to use them. They had to have been about 12 feet tall. You really can't even see them here, but, trust me, they were so cool!

So pretty....

I thought this image was suited for black and white. Love it!

A Photographer's Dream

2009-04-09T10:06:00.000-04:00

Last night I had the great pleasure of photographing the lovely Miss "K" at the most gorgeous Italian style home. The owner of the home, who was gracious enough to let us use his positively beautiful yard, built his home after houses he had seen and admired while in Italy. All I could say was "wow". It was really something. I could shoot there every day and never tire of it.

Miss "K" was just a natural in front of the camera. She made my job so easy! We took lots and lots of shots with several clothing changes. I can't wait to get them all finished! I just wanted to share a couple today. I'll have more later!

One More....

2009-04-06T06:02:00.000-04:00

Here's another pose from Saturday's Military Ball. We offered everyone two poses, one a little on the formal side and one a little more casual. Love 'em both! :)

Outside of My Box

2009-04-05T09:56:00.000-04:00

Last night I did something completely outside of my comfort zone. I was the photographer for my son's high school's Military Ball. This was a first for me! I shoot outdoors using natural light. I don't have big lights for indoor shots. So I was a little nervous about how it would work. But I'm so pleased with how the pictures turned out! The kids were terrific to work with and the whole experience was a good one! Huge, huge thanks to my dear friend who came to assist me! She's an awesome "poser" and did a terrific job with everyone. We were exhausted by the end of the night!

Here's just one photo (the only one I've edited so far - LOL) of my son and his lovely, long-time friend, Miss "E". They look so grown up!!

To all the cadets ... thanks for coming to see me! I hope to have your photos to you in a couple of weeks!

1st Place Routine! (Click Here)

2009-03-31T12:29:00.000-04:00

Ok. I'm a dweeb. I can't figure out how to make a direct link to the slideshow I created for you .... so just cut and paste (soooorrrry!) this link

http://skeysphotography.myshowit.com/sandersondrillmeet to view it!

If anyone knows how to insert a link here please share with me so I don't have to look like a dweeb anymore. :)

This is the winning routine at the AFJROTC drill meet last weekend. This is the Innovative Element Unarmed. Still working on getting some video ... ENJOY!

OKAY! Somehow I linked the post title to the slideshow, so just click on the title and it will take you there!!!

CONGRATS TO M.H.S. BLUE ACES !!

2009-03-30T10:50:00.000-04:00

We spent a wild weekend in Raleigh at my son's AFJROTC Unit's drill meet. It was a long drive and the weather was less than ideal, but boy are we glad we went! This group of kids did such an awesome job at the meet! We are so proud of them!

They placed 1st - F I R S T !!!!! - in the Flight Innovative (otherwise known as Flight Fancy). Let me just say this is a tough event to win. And, not only did they win, I think they won hands down! The judges were even smiling during their routine! They spent many, many hours working on this routine and they ROCKED!! It actually brought a tear to many a parent's eye, including my own.

The color guard team took 3rd - T H I R D !!!! - I think it's been about 4 years or so since they've placed in color guard, so they were thrilled!

Why are they looking so, well sloppy and dirty, you ask? This drill meet had an athletic competition after the drill routines were complete. It was very exciting!! Many of our cadets competed and did great ... then the rain came and turned the competition into mud! I ran for cover before the rain hit so I missed the end.

I am working on a slide show of the day that I hope to have done and posted in a day or two. I took about 800+ pics, so be patient with me! :)

CONGRATS NC-938!!! WE COULDN'T BE MORE PROUD OF YOU!

A Secret Thrill

2009-03-25T08:42:00.000-04:00

As some of you know, on occassion, I get the opportunity to photograph one of God's most beautiful creatures ... the horse. I've always admired horses from afar - in a pasture, on t.v., etc., but other than that, have no experience with them. Then about a year and a half ago I was introduced to the beautiful Paso Fino and my love of horses was transformed into a tangible thing. I've had the most awesome opportunity to spend time with and photograph these gorgeous creatures many times now and I never tire of it. I just adore them. I admit to being a little nervous around them at first. They are, after-all, much bigger than me! But I've learned to read their body language and now feel much more comfortable around them. I never pass up an opportunity to try and capture their beauty on film.

I met this little lady on Saturday. Her name is Canteleta and she was sooo sweet!

My girls usually tag along any chance they get. Miss "K" got such a thrill when Lisa asked if she could hold Canteleta for a moment. Just look at her face! I think it's so awesome that they have had the opportunity to spend time with these gorgeous animals as well. We'll probably never own a horse. So this is the next best thing!!!

Beautiful Custom Albums

2009-03-23T11:07:00.000-04:00

In my Spring Special one of the packages mentioned a "Custom Album". Here are some sample photos for you to look at!

These albums are absolutely beautiful! A real step up from any brag book you can buy at the store! Each album is custom made - you select the cover, page color and page quantity. They come in an array of covers - well over 20 different colors, textures and fabrics. Covers range from gorgeous silks to environmentally friendly animal skins. The heavy stock pages are very substantial and will withstand the test of the time. You select the number of pages you'd like as well ... 5, 10, 15 and more.

Each album is customized for you and you only. What a wonderful way to show off your child or family! The album offered in the Spring Special, is a 5"x5", 5 page album with a fresh moss colored textured cover. Each book contains 10 sides of gorgeous images, of your choosing, from your session.

These little gems are absolutely delightful! Mother's Day is right around the corner. Why not surprise Mom with a custom album filled with memories of her grandkids and maybe even YOU! Hop into a photo with your kids and make a memory to be cherished forever.

And you grown kids out there ... your Mom would love to see photographs of you as well! No matter how old you get, you're always somebody's baby.

Due to the custom, hand-crafted nature of these gorgeous albums, there is a 3-4 week turnaround, so plan your sessions accordingly if you're planning on giving one as a gift.

I will have samples of these albums at your photo session for you to see and touch.
Trust me, you'll LOVE them!

Prices for these albums can be found on my website within the week.
www.skeysphotography.com

A Dose Of My Own Medicine

2009-03-19T08:54:00.000-04:00

Yep, this is me folks ... I needed a photo for a publication that I am going to be in. So, my 13 year old dear daughter, Miss "K" took these for me. She's an awesome little photographer. And, boy, is she picky! Always tweaking my hair, or telling me how to stand and tilt my head, etc.

Geeesh, I wonder where she gets that from!

Boy, it's tough getting in front of the camera. Why is it that we're always so critical of ourselves? All we see are the wrinkles, gray hairs, weight gain, etc. I'm no different. I did, however, tell Miss "K" to downplay the things that really bother me about myself and she did an excellent job! I actually kind of like these photos. And I'm glad that when I'm really old and downright decrepit, my kids will have these photos to remember me at this time in my life.

Perhaps I'll get on this side of the camera more often ... maybe ...

Thanks, K.K. Love You!!!

I Love Tin Grins!

2009-03-14T05:52:00.000-04:00

My baby got braces this week! Compliments of Dr. Hass, Family Orthodontics. Aren't they cute! I love kids in braces. I just think they look so "All-American" when they've got them on ... if that makes any sense. LOL

She's only got uppers on right now. Lowers don't go on for several more months. Can't wait to see her beautiful smile when she's all done!

"A smile is the prettiest thing you can wear."

~ Dr. Ron Sain, Orthodontist

2009-03-13T10:07:00.000-04:00

TuTu Mania

2009-03-08T08:47:00.000-04:00

I am sooo looking forward to spring! I can't hardly stand the wait! I absolutely love it when all the trees bud out and my beautiful perennials start coming to life.
It's almost here!

To pass the time, I've been getting things ready for my Spring Special! Including making tutus for all the cute little girls out there! I've got 5 made so far and just ordered a whole slew of materials to make several more. I'll have just about every color under the sun!

I didn't happen to have a little girl handy the day I decided to take these pics, so this nice tree had to stand in for me. I embellished a little bit, so you'd get the picture! :) Imagine your cute little girl here instead: simple white tee, bare feet, laughing as she skips across the yard, hair blowing in the wind.... TOO CUTE!

And if you happen to have a little boy, don't worry! I've got them covered too! Cute stuff for them as well!!!

The Spring Special is coming out this week, so be sure and check back! You won't want to miss out on the fun!

March 5, 1989 ~ A Very Special Day

2009-03-04T16:01:00.000-05:00

Do you remember where you were 20 years ago today? Wow .... 20 years ago. That's a long time, isn't it? Well let me tell you where I was 20 years ago today. I was in the hospital, hooked up to various machines and contraptions. I had nurses coming and going and a doctor who popped in periodically to check on me. But I wasn't sick, or injured ....

20 years ago today ... my husband and I became parents. 20 years ago today, we were blessed with a beautiful baby girl we named Stephanie. She was tiny, pink and wrinkly with a big cone head with a bruise on top and a slightly battered face. We adored her. She brought such changes to our lives. Just like that we went from a couple to a family and everything we had known changed. It's amazing what such a tiny little bundle can teach you. You learn that you are capable of a degree of love, caring, patience and responsibility far beyond anything you could have imagined.

One week old

The power of a picture. I confess to not having the best memory in the world. But through these pictures I can remember everything about her childhood. As I look at these all the memories come flooding back and it feels like just yesterday that she was this small.

And look who else was young (no, not me!)... Elliott! He was just a puppy here. Look at all that beautiful black fur! He'll be celebrating a birthday soon as well. 16 next month! Do you think my glasses could have been any bigger! hah!

Had to slip this one in cause I just love it! So cute! Stephanie and her brother played together pretty well. Till they got a little older anyway... haha!

Stephanie was an active child. She liked to participate in many things. Over the years we spent lots of time at dance recitals, school events, handbells, basketball, softball, JROTC, and more. My behind spent many hours on assorted bleachers over the years... perhaps that's why it's so much bigger now!

Yep, these are all mine. All three. I miss the days when they were so willing to sit for me and get their photos taken. Those days are long gone now. Except for Stephanie. She's almost always willing to be my model when I need to try out something new, or just need to "shoot" something.

I can't believe that 20 years has flown by. In just a blink of an eye. It's so hard for me to grasp. It seems like just yesterday that this precious little girl was bouncing around our house and now she's a young woman in college and well on her way to spreading her wings to fly.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEPHANIE!
You are such a wonderful young woman with a good head on your shoulders and such a sweet personality. You mean so much to so many... and we are so very proud of you and know that you will go far in life.

Even though you can't be home with us today, I hope you know how very much we all love you and wish you the very happiest of days !

And may I just say that after looking back at all these photos, I realize how very much my photography skills have improved in 20 years as well!!! Thank goodness for Photoshop and Noiseware!!! LOL

Snow Traditions

2009-03-04T08:44:00.000-05:00

It's so funny posting all these snow pictures when I'm trying to "spring up" my blog in anticipation of all the beautiful spring photos that will be appearing soon! LOL

Anyway, here's some more of our fun in the snow. No snow would be complete without the traditional snowman. Here's the creation my daughter and hubby came up. My contribution was his hair. :)

Just look at these two. I swear they're like two peas in a pod! And neither of them are very good for the camera - it's like pulling teeth to get them to give me a nice smile .... see .... hubby looks like he just might bite!! LOL

Oh, and the eyebrows were my idea as well! Isn't he cute?!

Miss "K"s attempt at a snow angel. She did more giggling than anything else! And was completely soaked by the time she got up! It wasn't good light to get a pic of the finished product, so you'll just have to use your imagination. :)

Hubby using our super-super, and coloful, snow shovel to clear the driveway. Temps were due to fall into the teens that night so we wanted to get it cleared while it was still somewhat soft.

I had to share this "Snow Fan" with you! This is the creation of my girlfriend's kids. He's an ASU Snow Fan! Isn't he cool! Not your average snowman. Real creativity at work here. Good job guys!!

So Pretty

2009-03-02T13:45:00.000-05:00

We finally got our snow. And isn't it beautiful! 3" total. Plenty, considering it's March. I was out as soon as the sun came up this morning - 28 degrees and all!
Here's just a few for now ... more to come. :)

2009-03-02T06:02:00.001-05:00

It's B E A U T I F U L outside!!

Well it snowed alright! Started last night around 7:00 p.m. and kept on through most of the night. This is the most snow we've had in about 3-4 years. I can't wait to get outside and take pics! It's a might chilly out though - 28 frosty degrees! brrrrrrrrrrrrrrr... I'm sure we'll have a full size snowperson this time! LOL

Check back later for pics!

I'm soooooooo excited!

Update ....

2009-03-01T14:05:00.001-05:00

It's 2:00 and the ground is turning white - not because of snow but because of the sleet that's been falling for the last 1/2 hour of so.... looks like snow's right around the corner ....

The weather channel says it's supposed to start snowing anytime and continue on until tomorrow morning at 8:00. That means no school for the kiddies. They'll be thrilled!

... I'm still feeling a little skeptical ....

2009-03-01T08:05:00.000-05:00

S N O W !?!?!?

Can you believe we are in a Winter Storm WARNING here?

All winter long we prayed for snow, and aside from that little scant amount we had last month, we got nothing. But now that the bulbs are coming up and the trees are starting to bud, and I'm planning my gardens and all the wonderful things I want to do in my yard for taking awesome photos .... Mother Nature decides to give us some SNOW!!! Quite a bit too, from what they're saying!

So, I've got my camera charged and you'll be seeing pics if in fact we actually get some of the fluffy white stuff. Now let me go find those snow boots ....

Stay tuned!

GIFTS ... For Me!!!

2009-02-27T08:21:00.000-05:00

My neighbor just got home from Mardi Gras and look what she brought me! Beads!! Lots and lots of beads! She says if she never sees another parade, it will be too soon! LOL

Kids will love these. They're so bright and colorful! They'll be great additions to photos. "M" told me she brought back 50 pounds of beads!!! WOW!

Thanks "M"!!! I love them!

Food For Thought ....

2009-02-22T15:40:00.000-05:00

After being in business a little over a year and getting a feel for what people like and what they tend to buy, I've come to some conclusions. I realize that almost everyone wants all, or almost all of their images! And in an effort to purchase all, or almost all, of their images they are limited to buying very small prints, usually 4x6s. This makes me sad.

Believe me when I say I completely understand! I remember when my first born was a tiny baby and I would take dozens of photos of her in the same position. Then I would send these all to my mom (who lived in another state). She would say "Are these all the same???", to which I'd reply "NO! She has a different expression in each one!" Well let me tell you, looking back now, they were basically all the same!

I've learned something over the years. Out of a batch of photos I generally have 2-3 images which are my favorites. And alot of the ones that I thought I just had to have, I actually don't really like now!

I'm like alot of you. I line all my tabletops and, yes, even my walls with framed prints. The largest being an 8x10. They are taking over my house! And the ones that don't make it into frames, well, they just live in a cardboard box. But then last year I splurged and bought my first large print, a 24x30 gallery wrap! It was an image of my three kids to hang over my fireplace. I LOVED IT! It was so ... WOW! So, WOW, in fact, that when my Dad and Stepmom came to vist last fall they stole it and took it home with them, leaving a blank space over my fireplace once again. So, of course, I had to purchase a new one. This time I filled that space with a framed gallery wrap, even bigger this time ... a whopping 24x36! This new image is of all 5 of us and it looks fantastic up there. The bigger size was even better ... a better fit. Now when I look back at the wall over my couch which has a large collection of small frames, mostly 5x7s and 8x10s, it looks cluttered. So, I've come to a conclusion. I am going to spend this year redoing some of my all time favorite images of my family ... BIG! Now they may not all be 24x36! But there will be nothing smaller than a 16x20. I can't tell you how much more enjoyable a photo is when you can see it across a room. It just draws you in and fills you with emotion. Something a tiny little print just can't do.

So what about all the images that you just can't say no to? I've decided to offer a proof book. This will be a small 4x6 spiral bound book containing 15 of your favorite proofs. These will be offered at a very economical price (that I will be posting soon) so that you will have some money leftover to purchase yourself some wall art, if you so choose! Trust me, once you try it, you'll never go back!

The images above are a few of my faves from 2008 that I played around with this morning. I added some Venetian paper mats and frames so that they can be popped right into a wall frame and really make a beautiful piece of art! All three are sized to 16x20. I'm going to play around with several more of my faves over the next couple of weeks and see what other creations I can come up with. I've decided to do up a couple of these for each photo gallery for 2009. They will be in a section called S. Keys' Originals. If you have a photo from a past session that you'd like to see turned into an S. Keys' Original, just send me an email and let me know which photo you'd like to see. No purchase necessary. Because these pieces are meant to be art for your walls, I will design no images smaller than a 16x20. If you'd like to see something larger, then by all means, say so! Email: skeysphoto@yahoo.com

These pieces will be beautiful framed or as gallery wraps, where the image is printed on a fine art canvas and wrapped around the sides of the frame. Gallery wraps require no framing and have a clean, modern look.

As I add to my new collection at home, I will photograph the different styles for everyone to see. Also, you will be welcome to come to my home and see them in person, so you can get a feel for size, style and just what a large print looks like in a home setting. Course, I've got a long way to go! But I'll get there! I ordered my first one today. A large print of my youngest daughter and our beloved 15 1/2 year old dog, Elliott, from two years ago. It's always been one of my absolute fave pics. It will hang in our dining room. I can't wait to get it!

Please feel free to comment on these ideas. I'm always interested to hear what ya'll think or what you'd like to see!

2009-02-18T11:57:00.000-05:00

WANTED: TWEENS & TEENS

I'm looking for a few tweens & teens to do some modeling for me. I need 3 boys and 3 girls, between the ages of 10 and 18 to help me test out some new locations and equipment. All shapes and sizes welcome!

All I ask is that models are willing to follow directions, be adventurous and try new things and, above all, have fun!!

All models MUST have a model release signed by their parents so that their photos may be used on S Keys Photography websites and marketing materials.

Each model will receive 3 complimentary 4x6 prints of their choosing, as well as 20% off any additional purchases.

Please email me at skeysphoto@yahoo.com if you are interested or need more information.

HURRY! I anticipate these slots will fill up fast!

The Cutest Little Brag Book!

2009-02-16T09:02:00.000-05:00

These babies are the cutest little books you ever saw! Just 3"x3", they are the perfect size to tuck into you purse or your pocket and share with all your family and friends!

Each book holds 10 of your favorite images which folds up into a pocket-sized square. How cool is that? One of the kids pictured here said that it was like carrying his photo gallery around with him. Love that!

There are several cover options - many colors to choose from. You can also get a cover with a photo on it. I'm in the process of creating one of these and will post it for ya'll to see soon. I did these in royal blue to match these kids' high school colors.

The Accordian Wallet Books are available to order at $15 each. (There is a minimum order of 3 required. It's the lab's rule, not mine.) But what a fun and unique little gift to surprise a loved one with! So keep these in mind the next time you place an order!

Just One For Now...

2009-02-14T16:08:00.000-05:00

This is "Precious Baby's" mom. Isn't she something?! I don't know what it is about this particular photo, but it just calls to me. I absolutely love it. Probably one of my all time favorite horse pics. I think it's the way she's standing so patiently while her little guy gets a drink. Or the way she's got her brow furrowed just so. Or perhaps the way she's silhouetted against that beautiful blue sky ... I can't say what it is exactly. I just know that I love it, and I may have to order myself a large print of it!

Another Precious Baby!

2009-02-13T08:30:00.000-05:00

I know, you're thinking "She's a portrait photographer" so what are all these animals doing on her blog??" Right? Well, being an outdoor portrait photographer there are a couple of months, namely January and February, when business is pretty slow, or even non-existent. People just don't want to go outside when it's freezing and get their portraits made! LOL But, animals, well they're always available! I love them and will never pass up an opportunity to capture them on film! So why not share them with YOU! I hope you enjoy seeing them. :)

This little beauty is my friend, Lisa's, second baby in just a couple of months! At just two weeks old, he is the cuuuuutest thing I've ever seen! He came running out with mom just a'talkin' to everyone and everything! He was so curious and really not very skiddish at all. I got some adorable photos of him and will be sharing them with you soon. This is just a sneak peek of what's to come! And check out his beautiful blue eyes!

Portrait of a Squirrel

2009-02-11T05:36:00.000-05:00

This little guy was camped out on my deck railing having a sip of water (that I did not put out for him, but for the birds) when I spied him. So I ran and got my camera, popped on my long lens and "shot" him through my kitchen window.

I know, you're thinking "awwwwwww, how cute!" I used to think that, too. But no more! These cute little critters with their sparkly eyes, tiny little ears and button noses are one of my greatest nemesis!

They eat every bit of bird seed that I put out. They eat my neighbor's bird seed, too! They eat our house!!! The siding! Just nibble at it and leave these ugly bare marks! They eat my neighbor's house, too!

I have to confess that when they run out in front of my car, I sometimes have evil thoughts. But you'll be happy to know that the angel in me usually comes out to save the little pests. :)

And this last one, well he's just mocking me here. Knowing that I'm inside and he's outside. And that by the time I could get around to the door he would be long gone up in the tree laughing down at me.

Their only saving grace. They are cute! And very photogenic! :)

I Feel Kinda Famous!

2009-02-06T12:39:00.000-05:00

Last fall I was asked to take some photos of some local town "flavor" to hang in a brand new Family Practice Clinic in Lincolnton, NC. I had a blast trying to capture interesting architecture and scenery that I thought might look good hanging in their beautiful new clinic. To my surprise and delight, they chose 12 large prints to adorn their new walls!

I finally got to see the prints hanging in their new home a few weeks ago. Wow! I can't tell you how cool it is to walk through a large building and see your artwork everywhere you turn! BIG, too! It's just ... well .... really, really COOL! Makes me feel like I have my own little art gallery. :)

The Doctors of Family Medicine Associates, Dr. Dan Koch and Dr. Mark Kiefer are as nice as they come. Dr. Dan and his wife, Kelley, have become dear freinds of mine. I just adore them. There will be another doctor joining them in a few months as well. Dr. Tom Hatten.

I didn't do a very good job of getting a nice pic of the good doctors to share with you ... but here's Dr. Dan and that little glossy head, that's Dr. Mark. :) I think he was hiding from me! Can't say that I blame him. I can be a bit of a pest with my camera sometimes. LOL

Their new clinic is just lovely, inside and out. I love the colors that they chose. They're so warm and inviting. Just like being in your own living room. I'm sure their patients will be very comfortable.

This next one is my personal fave shot of the day! I just love the happy little skeleton with his sporty knit cap. He just makes me smile! Kelley told me this was Dr. Dan's contribution. Having photographed Dr. Dan and his beautiful family and being exposed to his quirky sense of humor, this didn't surprise me one bit!

Thank you everyone at Family Medicine Associates for letting me be a part of your beautiful new clinic! It was a real pleasure and an absolute thrill to see my artwork hanging on your walls! I wish you great success in your new space! ~ Sandy

A Dose of Inspiration

2009-01-30T13:52:00.000-05:00

Do you ever have days where things just aren't going right, or you're feeling a little sorry for yourself? We all do. Especially at this very scary time in our lives when we're so worried about what tomorrow will bring.

Let me introduce you to someone who epitomizes faith, hope, strength, perseverance and love.
Her name is Stephanie Nielson. Stephanie and her husband Christian were in a near fatal small plane crash over five months ago. They were both severely burned, Stephanie more than her beloved, Mr. Nielson, as she calls him.

I stumbled upon her blog somewhere along the way and have been following it ever since. Stephanie and Christian have 4 beautiful children. After the crash their families stepped in taking the children and just pulling together to try and keep the family going while Stephanie and Christian lay in hospitals fighting for their lives. Stephanie was in a drug induced coma for several months as her body tried to heal itself and accept the many, many skin grafts that were required.

Through it all Stephanie's sister kept us all up to date on her blog as well as re posting old posts of Stephanie.

After just visiting Stephanie's blog http://www.nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/ I discovered that she is back to blogging! She's been released from the hospital and, although she's got a long way to go, she's home with her husband, kids and other loved ones and well on her way to recovery.

If you ever need a little inspiration go check out her blog. It will help you to believe that we truly can overcome just about anything, with a little faith.

It's All About The Shoes Baby!!

2009-01-26T09:21:00.000-05:00

Chuck Taylors that is! Miss "K" has been wanting a pair of Chuck Taylors for awhile now. Seems that every time we try them on they either don't have her size or don't have the style she wants ... BUT, she finally got a pair on Saturday! She was so excited! I saw it as an opportunity! I used my exceptional Mommy Prowess and told her that I'd buy her a pair IF she'd pose for some pics for me in her new Chucks. (Hey! Whatever it takes!) Well, of course, she agreed! I mean what kid wouldn't agree to anything to get what they want, right?

What you might notice about these pics is something seems to be missing. In every single one! When it came right down to actually taking some pics, she wasn't really in the moooooood. Imagine that. So we came to a compromise. Feet and legs only. That way no "beautifying" required. LOL I rather like the way these came out. :)

Now she'd like a pair in every color! :)

An Officer and a Gentleman

2009-01-24T07:51:00.000-05:00

My 17 year old son has been a proud member of his high school Air Force JROTC Unit for 3 years now. This week he became an officer - First Lieutenant. And a Flight Commander. He's pretty excited and we're very proud of him!

There's just nothing like a man in a uniform!