Lisa Bell Photography

The Hannas-Upstate, SC Family Photographer

2012-01-24T14:56:00.000-05:00

I love them! I was beyond thrilled to photograph this family once more. Okay, yep, Morgan and I are buds, and have been for years (and years). This session was a little more special than usual with them. It's the first session with their youngest. Oh, how we've all waited for her. I think that Morgan and Curt started the adoption process about the time I found out I was pregnant with Ada....who is about 17 months now. That's a long time to wait to meet someone. This past December their youngest little girl finally officially joined the family. I must tell you that watching this process was something awesome. To know that somewhere in Russia their daughter was waiting. Following their journey on the blog...paperwork...lots of paperwork, fundraising...lots of fundraising, hearing how much they longed for her to be home. Then to be able to finally see her face as they visited the first time...my heart filled over with happiness. We watched the videos....Ada loved watching Nastia play with playdoh. The second time they went over, which was when they got to bring her home, there was one video of her playing with Curt saying "silly papa"...we loved that. In fact, Jeff still randomly says "silly papa" in his best Russian accent. I'm so glad she is home with the family God intended for her. She is so loved! Each one of these people are precious to me. I got to say it again....I love them! Without further ado....The Hanna six:

My goodness how time flies. It seems like only a couple of years ago when I was keeping Brooks when he was about three months old. Without my experience with this little guy I don't know if I would've been much good during Ada's infant stage. Brooks is awesome!

Guess what...I babysat this guy too..when he was about Ada's age. He was (is?) a rascal...a wonderful rascal. I said then that I hoped my child would have a personality as big as his...they say be careful what you wish for. Ada reminds me a lot of this fellow. This first picture is just a warning to any boy that tries to date his sisters. Luke is spectacular!

Campbell was my flower girl when she couldn't walk. Part of the ceremony she sat on my dress....and tooted, fine by me. Ada loves her! At the fall festival we went to, Ada was so taken by Campbell. Everything she did, Ada wanted to do. I loved to here her giggle, then Ada do the same. Campbell is sweet!

This is Nastia! Aren't those brown eyes killer? She is darling. She was a great model. I'm so happy that she is doing so well. I'm overjoyed that she is part of the Hanna Family. Praise God! My guess is Ada will be entranced by her as well. I can't wait to get to know her!

I love this look!

Seriously...those brown eyes!

Project 12: Resolution

2012-01-22T13:30:00.000-05:00

Last year I participated in MCP Action's Project 52. I actually did get a picture in for most weeks, but the last several weeks of the year just didn't happen for me. Quite honestly, it became something that I would forget about. This year they are putting a new spin on it....and dubbing it Project 12. Find out more about that here: MCP Actions Blog. There will be one theme a month. Participates can submit one to four images per month...so you could still do a photo a week. There may be some theme that really strike me with a buzz of creativity, and four photos it will be. Who knows, but I'm looking forward to having more time to really think about it.

RESOLUTION is the theme this month. I'm not a huge fan of new year's resolutions, though I see their appeal...a time to start anew. That was not at all my thought when I saw the theme. I thought of putting an end to something. Let me share a little about my (or our) 2011. In many, many respects it was a great year. We got to watch Ada develop from four months to almost seventeen months...at this point. She has grown so much, and is always learning so many new things. She is such a wonderful blessing! Jeff and I are thrilled everyday with her. Of course some days we want to pull our hair out, but she's overall just awesome. Her personality has bloomed this year, and she is a pistol. Oh, this has been a joy! I love my life with Jeff and Ada! However, about this time last year Jeff started noticing his coordination slipping. This is something he has gone through before, about six years ago. Doctors here tested and tested, and couldn't find anything, so he went to the Mayo Clinic, where they tested some more. Nothing showed up there either. The only thing that was slightly off was a marker for a high gluten level. He was tested for celiac, but was negative. Then his mom went to town on Google. Guess what...it was gluten that caused the lack of coordination (ataxia). He went gluten-free, and while didn't gain everything back, was pretty darn good. Doctors weren't recognizing gluten as a cause for it then, now they are. So that's where our minds went. We checked foods like crazy, and couldn't find the source of gluten. That's when we started having him tested again. We have been to the doctor so many times it would make your head spin. He's had two MRIs that were clear, a ton of blood tests that were all normal, a specialized biopsy to test for nerve damage, a gobs of other tests that led no where. Pretty much everything about it has been frustrating. Jeff is frustrated because he runs into stuff. On top of that, he's self conscious because if someone doesn't know he has a medical issue causing him to stumble there are times he looks drunk. He's frustrated because he can't do work outside (or inside for that matter) like he could a few months ago, nor can he help out with Ada as much. Night times are the worst for him, he doesn't want to drop her, or fall with her so it's been all me for Ada's bedtime, or middle of the night stuff. That, of course, has been frustrating for me. It gets extremely tiring being the only one who can do certain things, whether it be for Ada or house stuff. Let me just be completely honest here....as much as I want Jeff to get better, as much as I'd do whatever to help him get better, and as willing as I am to go through it with him...there are times when it just makes me mad that he can't help out. I get mad...and yep, at him. Not that he can help what's happening to him, but still when it's day after day, it does wear on a person....usually after some nights of little sleep combined with days of loads of work. We're frustrated that we can't do the things we want. Even just to two of us going downtown for a walk can be challenging. If Jeff's having one of his worse days he nearly pulls my arms off steadying himself while we're holding hands. We are both frustrated at the fact that at least one doctor basically said "I don't know. Good luck. See you in a year." We frustrated that it takes lots of figuring things out on your own. We know every doctor can't know everything, but if one would just keeping pushing to find something...maybe. Quite frankly, the modern health system is flawed in many ways....it's also wonderful in some ways. He has a pretty darn good physical therapist, and I believe that this has helped him some. We have tried other alternatives to Western medicine. Acupuncture didn't seem to work after several visits. We've tried something called IMT therapy. It's outside of the medical norms, and to explain it to some, they would believe it to be a bunch of hub-bub, but since we did our initial consultation, and have done the therapy at home, Jeff does seem to have improved. We've been reading, watching, listening to a lot of nutritional alternatives. I think everybody should because just as a whole, the way we eat in this country is making us all sick. We have considered juicing. Just on a side note if you've never heard of the Gerson Therapy...look into it, particularly if you or someone you know is suffering from cancer. We're thinking about going vegan....at least for the most part. We're already as organic as we can be. I don't know if the nutrition stuff is more to cure Jeff, or prevent other things....for Ada and I too. Of course, we pray daily for a solution, for answers, a doctor or someone more knowledge about this stuff than us to help us search, and even if we don't get those things for God's will to do done. This Friday he has an appointment with a doctor who ran a lot of in-depth, uncommon blood tests a while back. Next Monday we'll be going to Emory University to see a doctor who specializes in ataxia. Could it be that we are close to something here? The first of this year I saw people post their resolutions on facebook. I posted my hope that 2012 would bring wellness and health to Jeff.....and a RESOLUTION to this illness.

Organic Bloom Frames

2012-01-16T20:29:00.000-05:00

I'm so excited about Organic Bloom frames! If you're a pinner over on pinterest you've probably seen these frames, but you may not know where to get them. They are so fun, let me tell you. The shapes are beautiful, and not typical for frames, and the colors are numerous and divine. At the moment, professional photographers are the only ones who can sell these little gems. I signed up sometime last year, but stored it on a back burner as far as really putting it out there that I'm selling these. I just got my color swatches in, so I thought it was time to share. I'm now in the process of deciding just what I want to order for myself. SO...here's a few things for you to know:

-You do not have to be a photography client to order an Organic Bloom frame. Contact me for pricing, and to submit an order.
-However, if you are a photography client you can receive 20% off these frames when you purchase your prints.
-Organic Bloom is a company that thinks about their environmental impact. The wood for their frames comes from sustainable forests, they recycle much of their packing material, and they recycle their paint cans.
-Now until February 29th (yep, it's leap year) I am offering a 30% discount for all frame orders.

Here's a little sample:

Stay tuned to the blog for some more of this sweet, sweet girl (love her!), and her family (love them too!) very soon.

Here are the shapes:

You can have a single stack, twin stack, or double twin stack

And the colors:

Head on over to the Organic Bloom website to browse their offerings!

Wedding Festival Time!

2012-01-05T19:40:00.000-05:00

This Saturday Jeff and I will be at the Hyatt in downtown Greenville participating in the Wedding Festivals show. These shows are awesome! Think of anything you need for your wedding, and you can find it at Wedding Festivals. You'll get lots of ideas and inspiration too. A few years ago...the week after we got engaged, Jeff and I went to a show to help us start to plan. To be honest these shows can be a little overwhelming. It's understandable...you're a first time bride...you've never planned a wedding...this is supposed to be the most special day of your life....oh...my....goodness! ~BREATHE~ Don't panic! You will get everything done. (We did it in five months, by the way.) If you do come, please stop by our booth and say hello....chat a bit....or...you know...bring me a cake sample. :)

So...BRIDES...here's a little motivation for you....at the door you will get a bag filled with information and goodies. In that bag you'll find a postcard with a special discount from Lisa Bell Photography for 10% off your wedding package. Here's another little tidbit for you...there's a discount code on my facebook page for folks who like my page.

The New Website

2011-12-26T08:26:00.003-05:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful, joyous Christmas.

Now....da, da, da, dum....The website is finally up. It actually was launched Friday. I've been wanting to change things for some time now. I knew that the former website was not compatible with modern technology....iPhones and iPads, in particular because of flash. The new site should be viewable from all devices. Plus, more than that, I was just ready for an update, a fresh look. I started thinking about what I wanted in the summer, and that's when my blog started to take on the look it has now. So I incorporated that look into the site. All of the photos on the new site have been taken since I've moved to Greenville, so all of the former studio photographs are gone. My style has changed over the last couple of years, and hopefully that's mirrored in this site. I hope it's a site that you enjoy.

Happy new year to you!!!

Here's what you see when you first get to the site

Next our new home page.

I can't believe how much my hair has changed since I've had Ada...whoa!

Since Jeff is usually with me for sessions and weddings, he's got a section now so you can get to know him too.

This explains our thoughts on being environmentally conscious.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-19T13:38:00.000-05:00

I just put our Christmas cards in the mail today. I feel so behind, but at least all the shopping is done! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas. If all goes as planned the website will go live before the new year.

Project 52--the past few & Christmas trees

2011-12-15T12:33:00.000-05:00

First off...exciting news....the website is just waiting for me to hit the launch button. I'm going to look over it a few more times, then off it'll go. I'll announce it on my blog of course.

I love Christmas! It's just such a fun, warm, loving, celebratory, awesome, yummy time. I love, love, love Christmas decorations. I hate taking them down....it's so depressing. I have a rule that the Christmas tree must stay up until after my birthday (January 4th). One year I went on a mission trip the day after Christmas, when I got back my parents had taken down the tree. Dude, I was so mad. When I had the studio in CF, I had the fancy picture tree and a tree in the living room. When Jeff and I got married we started looking at the combined stuff we had. The first year (in a smaller house) we used the fancy picture tree for the main tree, and got a mini tree to put all Jeff's Coca-Cola ornaments on, which we had in the office. When we moved here the first year we had those two trees, and inherited a tree from Jeff's parents....they hadn't put it up in a while. We call it Mutti's tree (Jeff's grandma). It has lots of wooden ornaments, some she brought over from Germany. Last year we decided to get Jeff's old tree down too, and dub in the family tree. You know, the one with mis-matched ornaments, and things that Ada will make over the years. This year Ada is using the mini tree as her own, and we got a bigger tree for the Coke tree. So if you are keeping track that's five Christmas trees in our house.....with a 15 month old running around. We didn't know how Ada would react to the trees. The fancy tree has it's home in the playroom, which is supposed to be the dining room. We did gate that one off. She's done quite well though. She's pulled one ornament off, but mostly just goes up to the tree and waves...Hello Christmas tree! That's what Jeff's mom taught her to do at her house, and it works nicely.

On to Project 52. Late of course, though I do have one for this week. Most of the last few have been Christmas themed....so you'll get those, and some of the trees decking our halls.

The Coke tree

Week 47: Water...or Jeff's water

Mutti's tree

Week 49: Holiday Traditions

The fancy tree...gated

Ada's tree....next year colored lights?

The family tree....complete with puppy dogs

This is a new ornament this year. We chose it to represent Ada for the year.

Our gift to ourselves this year was adding uplights and path lights to the house/yard.

Week 48: twinkle, twinkle

Week 50: Festive colors. I feel this is kind of blah, it's not even that pretty of an ornament, but it does fit the theme. So in the effort of at least having one for the week I'm in....

Whew!

2011-12-08T19:45:00.001-05:00

It's been a long time (or so it seems) since I've blogged. I got to tell you, I'm one tired mommy. Seems like Ada's energy is growing everyday, and it's so hard to break away from the have to do's to blog. Besides Ada I've been busy with working on wedding festival stuff, and still working on the website. I love blogging, so hopefully I can break away and do it a little more often!

The Davis Family-Upstate, SC Family Photographer

2011-11-23T16:24:00.001-05:00

Jeff introduced me to these folks not long after we were engaged. The patriarch of the family, Don, was the pastor of the church Jeff attended in Travelers Rest years ago. They are seriously the sweetest family! I was so excited when Terri asked me to do a picture of the two of them with all their grandchildren....seven of them, all six or under in age. Let's just be honest, photographing children is sometimes lots of work...my own is the hardest by far. I knew that there might be a few issues to pop up, but you know, these kiddos were really good. Sure, we had a few moments, but look how cute they all are! We did the group photos first, and then let the grandchildren play, while I took their individual shots. It was so awesome to see all the cousins together having such a ball! This is seriously a fun group!

You know I'm a sucker for red shoes, but these little boots...bestill my heart!

I loved this picture of her twirling around....my Ada is quite a twirler herself, don't you know.

Project 52-catching up

2011-11-21T19:27:00.001-05:00

I really hate that this project 52 seems to be just fizzling out so close to the end....or rather I am. I'm VERY close to launching the redesigned website, and am excited to get it up so you can see it. I still have more than plenty to do to get the booth ready for the January 7th Wedding Festivals at the Hyatt in downtown Greenville. It will be thrilling to move beyond working on the website to concentrate on that. Can you believe it's almost Christmas time?! It is nuts how quickly this year has gone. I think Ada might have something to do with that. For us personally, we've been busy trying to get Jeff figured out. His autoimmune problems have thrown us for a doozy this year. So please continue praying that something will get figured out with that whole can of worms.
As far as Project 52, I haven't submitted anything the past couple of weeks. Both times I intended to, but the week got away from me. Week 45 was themed 'book title', and it just so happens a week before I'd snapped one that made me giggle that fit perfectly with the theme. Ada is a book lover. We read a LOT. She also likes to look at books on her own. I caught her trying to find the answers to those medical questions we don't want to ask.

The theme for week 46 was 'over the top'. I had several thoughts, but not a clue how to get them to fruition....or time to do it anyway. I did get this one of Ada on top of the coffee table. She's a climber! Oh yeah, she can get into big people chairs and she's really working on the gate at the bottom of the stairs. We're in trouble with that one. She keeps it interesting at least.

For those of you who may not know, but occasionally read the blog, you may remember my friends Morgan and Curt Hanna who are adopting a little girl from Russia. I've mentioned them on the blog a few times, and their family fill my gallery. Well, they are in Russia right now, and in just a couple of hours will have their court date. Please pray for them, that everything goes smoothly with the process. Pray that their beautiful little girl will have an easy transition into a new life filled with love. Pray for their three children here at home who are no doubt missing their parents, and are ready to meet their sister. I can't wait to meet her, and am looking forward to having her portrait gracing my gallery.

Project 53...week 44?

2011-11-05T08:54:00.002-04:00

Oh...my. These last weeks of the year are going quickly, and things are growing increasing crazy in this house. I've been working on a new website for what seems like years. It's slow going. On normal days I have Ada's nap time to work on it, but nap time is also a time to get ready, clean, do any other work. My parents come once a week, and I usually spend that day working on the website, and doing projects around the house. Those days go by quick, let me tell you. Jeff's parents will take Ada for an afternoon occasionally too so I can work. Boy, I sure am ready to have that website done! Besides that there's just normal to-dos to get done, and those seem to multiply as the year closes. Project 52 is honestly not high on the priority list. So last weeks got forgotten. The theme was shadows, and I actually had my shot planned. It was going to be a picture of the shadow of Jeff and I holding hands, but I never got to it. This past Tuesday marked our third anniversary, so I thought that would've been an appropriate one for the approaching week. I still want to do it, so when I do I'll try to remember to post it. This week's theme was muted tones. I could've been clever and thought of a play on words, but I didn't. I just muted one of Ada's Halloween pictures. Here's a few of the ones from Halloween. We went back and forth on a costume, but ended up with Dorothy...cause Ada could carry a arf (dog). As you can see in these photos, Ada never stops. Always on the go! The first is the for Project 52.

Project 52 - week 42: true beauty

2011-10-22T09:29:00.003-04:00

Okay, you caught me I forgot this week to actually focus on the theme. Here's one that is truly beautiful to me....Jeff and Ada having some fun together.

Project 52: week 41-Architecture

2011-10-19T19:51:00.001-04:00

I took this one literal. I enjoy architectural photography, and it's been too long since I've done any. Friday we ventured downtown for an afternoon stroll, and to split an appetizer at Overlook Grille, and I took my camera. I was thinking about taking a shot of the new addition in the works at the Peace Center, but just couldn't find the one I was hoping for. Then I saw the sun trying it's best to peak around the corner at Michelin on Main, and voila....

The Corders-Upstate SC Family Photographer

2011-10-11T14:09:00.000-04:00

This is one of the sweetest families you could meet. I met them years ago at Lake Russell Baptist Church, my home church. I think their oldest son, Andy, was not much older than Ada at the time. You may recall I did portraits of Andy last year. I mentioned in that blog post how awesome he is, and his brothers are no different. That's because they've had some good raising! Let me just tell you...Jim and Sonya are talented folks. They have their own business designing monuments. I'm amazed every time I see their work. I went on a mission trip with Sonya a few years ago, and we were designing a flyer for a party we were having at the church, and she drew a spot on picture of the church in what seemed like minutes. Jim makes these awesome bird houses made from found materials. On top of being great parents, and quite artistic they are athletic too. Yep, Jim has won several frisbee golf championships, and Sonya could out walk anybody! Oh, and Sonya is opening a store soon (November 25th) called Dessie B's Country Store. We did this session at the John Dela Howe barn in McCormick County. We got to see some farm animals while we were there....some little chicks, and a massive pig. Andy's little boy came along to the session, and had me laughing at the end of the session. After seeing the pig, he smiled as he said 'pig poop' for each photo....so much funnier than cheese!

Project 52-week 40: A Taste for Vintage (Bonus-week 39 too)

2011-10-07T20:20:00.000-04:00

Okay....so I'm a little behind here. It's been madness in this household these last few weeks....or at least it feels like it. We've been neck deep in doctor appointments for Jeff. He's finally starting to feel better, and I'm certainly thankful! It's been difficult to do everything almost alone because he's too dizzy and nauseous to move.
Let's move on to Project 52. Last week the theme was Man vs. Nature. I just didn't have time to set down and really think about it. I thought of taking a picture of round-up, but never got to it. Last week was the first week I've strayed from the theme, which is technically allowed. My photo was Puppies, Puppies Everywhere. I don't know why Ada loves dogs so much. We don't have one, she's not around one, but she latches onto anything canine. Her favorite is Cleo the purple poodle, but pretty much any doggy will get a hug. When she does come in contact with real dogs she's cautious (for which I'm glad), but she has a big grin on her face. I couldn't help but to snap this when I saw it last week....my girl surrounded by her puppy dogs.

This week's theme was a Taste for Vintage. I would've really loved to go outside of my house, but again...time constraints wouldn't allow for that. This one features Ada in my mom's little red rocking chair from her childhood. I think she probably has had this since she was at least Ada's age, which would put it at 70 years old. Before we had Ada I used it as a photography prop. When I kept my best friend's son, Luke, he staked claim to it as he propped his feet on the window seal and watched the road crew widen highway 72. Now it's Ada's. The little straw seat was in bad shape, and my grandmother covered it in matching red fabric. I've thought about having the seat redone....I've also thought about covering it in a fun fabric and repainting it....but I'm torn as to which to do. Oh....just so you know...Ada truly does have a taste for vintage...she's chewed on the back of the chair a little bit.

Judy & Matt - Greenville, SC Wedding Photographer

2011-09-29T15:49:00.000-04:00

Okay, let's put it out there...Judy and Matt aren't the typical age of most of the wedding couples that I have. (Just so you know, they aren't the oldest couple who's wedding I've photographed.) They prove age is just a number. Truthfully, this was one of the sweetest weddings I've been to. I had a feeling it would be from the moment I first talked to Judy (this is her first marriage by the way). These two have been so close to meeting so many times, but it wasn't meant to be then. They grew up less than a mile apart in New York, went to the same elementary school, and on and on. I loved hearing her enthusiasm for Matt. I loved seeing how excited she got when she talked about being his wife. I couldn't help but to be happy for them...hearing her made my heart smile. Jeff and I met Judy at the Commerce Club in Greenville several weeks ago to get a feel of the venue, and he saw the same happiness I did. My poor hubby was/is sick so he didn't get to second shoot with me, but I had my awesome friend, Regan from Fototales help me out.

Their ceremony was so touching. Regan and I both got lumps in our throats. Judy and Matt had the most fun first dance I can remember. Their song, Sweet Caroline. Everybody sang along..."Where it began, I can't begin to know when/But then I know it's growing strong/Oh, wasn't the spring, whooo/And spring became the summer/Who'd believe you'd come along" The toasts were tender, funny, and heart-felt. They have a wonderful group of family and friends, who really love and care about them. To end the evening, Judy had us cracking up with her last comment, right after their last dance she said "I feel like a Kardashian." Good times never seemed so good.

Each of the tables had a story of Judy and Matt and how close they'd been over the years.

(I loved this idea!)

Project 52: It's in the eyes-week 38

2011-09-23T14:00:00.001-04:00

The picture of what I ended up with was sort of my initial thought. I knew a lot of the participants would submit photos of incredible sparkling eyes...with beautiful catchlights and very sharp focus on the eyes. I wanted something a little different. So I thought of those with impaired vision....and how wonderful it is that we have ways to help them see. Then last night I had the idea of going to the Apple store, and taking a shot of all the iThings. I'm a big fan of those...I use an iMac, iPod, iPad....and the only reason I don't have an iPhone is because my carrier doesn't offer them, but oh, how I wish they did. A trip to mall did not fit in my day, so here's the original thought....brought to you with a pair of Jeff's old glasses. Don't you love how the nose piece is broken?

Laura & Brandon: Engaged - Upstate SC Engagement Photographer

2011-09-22T13:20:00.000-04:00

I met Laura at her brother's wedding, which I photographed in April. I was thrilled to get an email from her asking if I could be her wedding photographer. We met this past June...exactly a year before her big day. We had no idea when the engagement session would happen since her finance was in Iraq at the time, and then when he was back would be stationed in Texas. So when he got to visit this month I was excited to meet him, and do this session. Since Laura and Brandon are from Greenwood we decided to venture down to my old stomping grounds of Calhoun Falls to do this session....actually it was done in the pasture beside the house my old studio was in. These guys are fun together! I must tell you of the animal adventures we encountered that day...The whole time we heard cows mooing quite loudly the in adjacent pasture. As we were taking pictures at the car we saw a rabbit jumping away quite fiercely, then we were very still as a skunk wandered by....yikes! As I was leaving four cows were wandering along Highway 72 (the same ones that were seen all over Calhoun Falls the next morning). Whew!

So, Laura and Brandon, I hope you enjoy these photos as much as I enjoyed taking them!

Project 52: Momentous Moments-week 37

2011-09-14T13:41:00.000-04:00

This one was easy! Ada's first birthday party. Boy, what fun...lots of work for mommy and daddy, but fun. We had an alphabet theme. So Ada had a birthday outfit to match the theme. The cupcakes had little abc blocks made out of sugar cubes....well, except that I put them on the day before and the dye blurred (it only took almost three hours for me to stamp all those boogers :( oh, well!) Ada had a really good time. She loved all the kids running around, she loved the cake, and loved each and every one of her gifts.

Love that crazy hair!

Our friend Brady

This my Project 52 photo of the week.

Project 52: Thirst for Knowledge: week 36

2011-09-14T12:53:00.001-04:00

Well, I didn't really do one for this week. We were way too busy with birthday celebrations. Here is one that I did snap this week that put me in mind of a thirst for knowledge. Ada and another baby checking each other out. It's funny how little kids are curious about each other. If there are two little ones around, especially if they are new to each other, they always have to check out the other one.

A Wonderful Year!!!

2011-09-02T20:52:00.000-04:00

At this exact moment last year I was in the hospital. The next day our Ada was born. It's hard to comprehend that she's one year old. Boy, what a year! My friend Carrie recently blogged about how your life changes when you become a parent....not just the no time, can't do what you want to stuff, but the things you don't realize fully until you're a parent. Yep, there's those cliches about how your going to be exhausted, how schedules change, you won't sleep....they are cliches for a reason. We've had sleepless nights, in those early days we've had no time to eat, we're home before 7pm most nights, the house is messier than it used to be, we don't have time to devote to our hobbies or work near as much, and on I could go. Let me tell you though, it's SO worth it! Ada is so, so, so awesome! She's funny, she loves books, she loves funny noises, she likes to dance, she thinks clapping is so exciting, she loves clothes on the hanger, she hasn't sit down since she learned to walk (9.5 months for first steps--proud mama!), she gives the best hugs, she thinks her daddy is funny, she is a mommy's girl, she loves okra and watermelon, her laugh is the best sound in the world...I could go on and on! I'm obsessed with her. This year has been full. Ada fills us with joy. We just love, love, LOVE her!!! I am so proud to be her mommy. We've learned a lot about being parents (much more to learn). It's been very exciting to see her grow this year, to see her accomplish new things, to get to know her and see her personality develop. I'm nervously anxious about her growing up...there are so many things in this world that I don't want her to witness. I pray everyday that we are the parents God wants us to be. I'm so very blessed to have Ada as my daughter. Happy birthday to my beautiful girl!!!

More one year pictures to come later.

Project 52: week 35-Lazy

2011-09-02T20:19:00.002-04:00

Yeah, right! I wish I had time to be lazy. If you visit our house you may think laziness abounds....as if we haven't bothered picking up in quite sometime....but well, we do....everyday....there's just a very, very good reason why we are far busier than ever before, and why we devote time to other things besides keeping house.

Project 52-week 34: Connections

2011-08-27T09:07:00.000-04:00

This weeks photo is taken from snapshots from the week. I didn't really take a photo specifically for the theme, but this seemed to fit.
It's probably kind of odd that both Jeff and I work from home. However, my job is much more flexible than Jeff's. Sure he can leave the house in the middle of the day to make a Lowe's run...or whatever, but still his job is basically from the time he gets up until he goes to sleep, everyday of the year. Yep, everyday...Christmas-yep, Sundays-yep, our wedding day-yep, the day Ada was born-yep. In fact, there's been about two days he's had off since he started....and those involved him having major surgery. Still, his boss is understanding about certain days, and helps with the work load on special days. There are times of year that work is pretty light...and that's nice! Then there are times of year that Jeff seems to have a laptop connected to him....like this time of year. It's kind of hard for Jeff to break away, particularly in the middle of the day when we're at home. That makes it hard for him to really have much time to hang out with Ada. We're trying to set some times where he can disconnect a little bit, and get some time with the cutest little girl in the world. Ada is definitely a mommy's girl, and I do love it, but I love love to see how my girl adores her daddy.

Project 52-week 33: Slow down and look back

2011-08-19T10:42:00.000-04:00

Well, if this isn't an appropriate topic for this week. I remember as a kid adults would always talk about how time passed so quickly...and ugh...I was SO tired of hearing how not to rush things. As cliched as it is, in my 20s I realized it was true. I think each year seems to pass more quickly now. This week school started for so many. I watched Wednesday as countless first day photos were being posted on facebook. Many of the kids I remember as babies. My two best friends have sons who started third grade this year. WHAT?! I was there when they were born....and it doesn't seem like eight years has gone by. These two precious boys should still be walking around in john-johns and be into Thomas the train.
This time last year I was pregnant, and anxiously awaiting Ada's arrival. Here I am two weeks from my sweet girl's first birthday. I've always thought it was silly for mamas to get so emotional when their children's birthday came around, but I totally understand now. I love, love, love watching Ada grow, and learn new things. It's crazy exciting to see her to accomplish something. Too, it's my baby....and she's never going to be this age again. I wish I could freeze time. I wish we had cameras all over the house recording her every move, so when she's 30 I can sit down and get a chance to watch her take her first steps again. She's so awesome! I try to take in as much of her as I can. Sure, sometimes mommy needs time to do non-Ada things, and yes, I do get frustrated sometimes when she pulls at me every second of the day, but man, do I love my girl. I miss those evenings when I can't rock her to sleep myself....because I know when she's 14 she probably won't let me do that. This year with her has been challenging, crazy, and tiring, but joy-filled, fun, and full of love. I hope that even in years to come, as life gets busier, and things more hectic, that we can always take time to slow down, enjoy the moment that we're in, soak it in, so when we do take time to look back we have as many wonderful moments as we can.

Project 52-week 32: Favorite time of the Day

2011-08-12T09:27:00.000-04:00

I love so many parts of the day. I get to spend most of my days with my two favorite people, Jeff and Ada. Ada's smile greeting me each morning is a favorite moment. Jeff usually sleeps about 30 minutes longer than Ada and I, and she loves to wake her daddy up...she claps and marches back and forth with excited babble, and that's a favorite moment for us. Getting to be silly, dorky, and laugh constantly with Jeff throughout the day contains many favorite moments. Holding Ada before her afternoon nap is a favorite time...sometimes I even fall asleep with her. Laughing with Ada in the bathtub is a favorite time, which goes right into another favorite, rocking her to sleep at night. Then comes a favorite time, which is pictured below....Jeff and I get to watch TV. Earlier this year we started using the little nook in our bedroom to watch television. We sit there with our snacks, and watch whatever is the current series we're going through on netflix (at the moment it's Jericho). A little bit of a time lapse thing here.

Wesley is six months-Greenville Baby Photographer

2011-08-10T21:52:00.000-04:00

Isn't this little guy a super cute six month old?! And, boy, does he ever have some good expressions. Wesley is also the first baby with cloth diapers (besides Ada) I've been able to photograph...I think they're so much cuter than disposable. This was Wesley's first time in the grass....so far so good, right?

Love this laugh!

How you doin'?

He thinks his mommy is the best!

Okay, let me explore this grass thing a little closer.

No, I do NOT like grass!

Thanks, Wesley! You're an fun baby!

Project 52-week 31: Sky

2011-08-06T12:40:00.000-04:00

This was sadly taken with my cell phone. I don't know if you can tell, but about half of the sky is stormy and the other half is sunny and bright.

Project 52-week 30:Letter of the Alphabet

2011-07-29T14:07:00.001-04:00

Finally. So if you saw the last blog you know we were awaiting our Prius....fully expecting it would be later this month or September, we weren't holding our breath we'd get it soon, but we were able to pick it up yesterday. People, you don't know how happy I am about this...my butt is especially happy. You see, as stated before carseats don't do well in Mustangs, so we were left to drive Jeff's truck, which is a Tacoma with an extended cab...not double cab with backseats...extended...like hard barely there seats. We didn't want to have payments for our car, which is why we didn't get a Prius 11 months ago. So since Ada was born I've been sitting in the back of that truck...I had a pillow, but that didn't make it much easier. The carseat in the back meant the passenger seat was basically useless because it had to be pushed up so far. It's been very much a pain in the rear for us to go anywhere as a family...trips out of town were almost nonexistent....shopping for much of anything was hard because we have no where to store items inside. The price of gas makes us thrilled with the 50 mpg this gets...if you work it you can push out of a gallon...google it (something called pulse and glide). I could probably tell you more about it, but maybe another day. Plus, one of the incentives for buying now...they threw in an iPad 2.

Praise the Lord...the Prius is here!

For Sale: 1997 Mustang (the end of an era)

2011-07-26T14:32:00.000-04:00

Well, the time has come to say goodbye to my car. Last week we bought a Prius...sort of...could be as late as September before we actually get it. With that the Mustang must go. We have used it very little the past 11 or so months because well, car seats and Mustangs don't mix well. I'm excited for the new car, but sad to see this one go. I've had this car since I was eighteen. I remember shortly before graduating high school seeing a new blue Mustang and thinking how awesome it would be if I could drive one. Well, we looked for a nice used one...blue, had to be blue...but couldn't find one. So come September 1997 we ended up buying a new one. This car has taken me to college (the first time for the business degree and the second for the photography), rode me and my friends around, carried my shopping purchases, carried photography gear, brought me back and forth many times while dating Jeff....I'm going to miss it. It really is a good car. Here's a few facts about it you might want to know:

-1997 Mustang Coupe 3.8L V6
-One owner....one three people has ever driven it.
-Excellent condition
-Extremely clean (if you know my dad, you know why)
-133,000 miles
-Automatic
-Power driver seat
-Power windows
-Power door locks
-15" polished cast alum wheels
-Remote keyless entry
-Cruise control
-AM/FM Cassette
-Rear window defroster
-Rear spoiler
-Good tires
-Recent brakes front/back
-Recent belt, hoses, filter
-New thermostat
-Fresh antifreeze
-New battery

$4100

Stephanie & Jason: Expecting - Greenville, SC Maternity Photographer

2011-07-25T20:44:00.000-04:00

Oh, YAY! I was so excited to hear the news that Stephanie and Jason would be parents. It's been a long time coming, and they are going to be awesome parents. This little girl was so incredibly loved long before that precious little heart ever started beating. I was thrilled when Stephanie asked me to do their maternity photos. I also knew that a photo session in July is not the most comfortable for a pregnant lady...cause hot and pregnant do not mix well. Stephanie...I totally relate (I was in her shoes last year...almost to the date)...but you look fabulous! I can't wait to meet little miss Avery!

The bear has a recording of Avery's heartbeat.

Avery kicks during her nightly Bible story read by her daddy.

Harley shoes from her proud grandpa

Project 52-week 29: Get in Close

2011-07-24T14:31:00.000-04:00

This theme almost called for an up close shot of a flower. I did take some great shots of bees buzzing on our sunflowers this week, but that just seemed too easy. So I thought about closeness that we share with other. A nice shot of Ada with one of us would've been great...or even her favorite stuffed animal, Cleo the purple poodle. This was way funnier, though. My girl loves wind in her face....she's like a puppy dog that way. If you have an air vent she will find it. A couple of years ago we bought an air conditioner for our office, with all the computers it just gets way hotter than the rest of the house, so instead of freezing the whole house we just turn that on if it's too miserable as we work. It was on Friday...Ada loved it! Bliss.

Elephantshoe revisited-Flaming tree

2011-07-19T15:48:00.000-04:00

I haven't done an elephantshoe image in a while, so I thought it was time. This one was done in Savannah. It was November and cool. I love the burst color that the red maple brings in the midst of a cemetery. Quite frankly because of this heat spending more than 30 seconds outside makes feel like I'm about to join the residents of this photo.

Hope you're staying cool!!

Project 52-week 28: Sweet Relief

2011-07-16T09:01:00.000-04:00

Early on this week I was thinking about some luxurious dessert for this photo. Probably up until Thursday I thought that's what it would be. The dessert was not to be found...which is probably better for me. So on to Friday. Jeff and I were out briefly....alone....it was a rainy and actually chilly...the perfect day for a hot drink. We didn't take the time, however, but agreed to it later. We picked up Ada, headed home, had lunch, and put Ada down for a nap. This is MY time in the day....whatever needs to get done, whatever we're working on together...this is the opportune time. I had started in the closet Monday. Cleaned it out, and I'd pretty much finished painting...minus the quart that I'd picked up the day before for some thin spots from running out of paint. So my job was clear, finish painting, and maybe Saturday we could get the shelves back in, and the clothes, which are scattered around three rooms back to their home. I started painting...it started drying....several shades DARKER. Ugh! Well, now you know what's on the agenda for today. What about that latte? Well, Ada's still sleeping. Ordinarily, I'd cheer, but I'm tired. Tired for many reasons...having the closet drag on is the main one at the moment. Joy, she's awake. We loaded up headed for Starbucks and drove around some neighborhoods (something we enjoy from time to time) for a bit. Sweet relief from the day...sweet relief from the norm...sweet relief that it's not 8352 degrees outside, and we actually can comfortably drink a warm drink. This photo was taken with my cell phone....another thing that would easily give sweet relief....a day to sit around, sipping, looking at magazines. Maybe next time.

Fundraiser: Bluegrass Extravaganza

2011-07-11T08:37:00.000-04:00

The Hannas are very close to bringing their little girl home from Russia! Morgan and Curt will be traveling to meet her later this month. All this traveling back and forth to and from Russia is going to be pricey. There's a fundraiser coming up this Saturday...the Bluegrass Extravaganza, and there's also going to be a silent auction (a LBP photo session is one of the items up for bid). They will be selling Krispie Kremes that morning. Morgan is also selling her cello, so if you're looking for a cello or know someone who is check that out. You can keep up with all the happenings on Morgan's blog. Please help bring this little girl home!

Project 52-week 27: Nature's Finest

2011-07-09T10:30:00.000-04:00

Honestly, my goal of really, REALLY participating in Project 52 haven't worked so well here lately. All too often I find myself Friday morning hoping that something I've snapped during the week fits the theme. It's sometimes hard to take time to intentionally look for a great photo opportunity in line with the theme when you have a lot on your plate. What have we been up too? Well, in between the last couple of sentences I took a break from this post and laid the fourth load of pine straw in our backyard. Whew! We started on a backyard project in February, and it's just now finishing up. Hopefully I can blog about that soon. Besides that we've had our veggie garden, little house projects, work stuff, regular life stuff, and a walking baby to deal with. Ada is growing like a weed! She took her first steps and nine and a half months, and now she's going pretty good, into everything, and so much fun. So thinking about nature's finest...well, I posted a picture from our garden last week, and didn't really want to do that again. I thought since there wasn't really anything in our yard that was individually, super duper, stand out in a crowd kinda thing I thought maybe just a picture of Ada in the yard would suffice. So we wondered around the yard, and came up with this. This was taken in the side area of our house (this area has been featured on the blog before: one example). When we moved in a couple of years ago, this was an area that had poor drainage and poor looking grass, so we came up with this idea for this little garden area. Shortly after we finished one of our neighborhood kids told us we had it looking like a paradise...so we call it the paradise. I'm proud to report that Ada did not eat on of the pebbles from the pathway. Isn't my girl fabulous?!

Project 52-week 26: Hidden Objects

2011-07-01T09:05:00.000-04:00

Before we get to this week's photo, I want to point out a something a little obvious if you're a regular visitor....the blog has had a bit of a facelift. I don't know if it's completely where I want it, but we're getting there (The logo was altered four times yesterday). When I finally get it exactly where I want it to be, the website will be getting a fresh coat of newness too. Until then we journey on.

So...hidden objects. This one had me stumped. I saw the theme last Saturday, and thought...oh, yeah...going off the theme this time, but then it hit me (it had been hidden in front of me the whole time...so appropriate for the theme). Cucumbers! I haven't posted about the garden this year, but it's going pretty well. We started from seed, but didn't have quite as much luck...we ended up getting plants for our tomatoes and peppers. We've lost our zucchini plants, which stinks, but everything else is doing well. We planted a new variety of things this year...including swiss chard, beets, potatoes, and okra. I'm about to hop in the kitchen and make some dill pickles because our cucumbers are going like mad. If you've ever had a garden you know that certain things just get lost. You pick all you think you have, then the next day you'll go out and see a cucumber the size of a watermelon...whoops, didn't see that one....all along it was hidden in front of your face.

Project 52-week 25: Crave

2011-06-24T10:19:00.000-04:00

What? Week 25 already! We are almost halfway through another year people...it's nuts! Nuts, I tell ya!

Okay...CRAVE! Oh, so many things do I crave. Honestly, I have a problem with it...we (society as a whole) crave too much stuff. We don't need it, but we want it. The marketers have done their job. I don't NEED to completely re-do my kitchen, but, man, do I WANT to. I know that sometimes my focus is on what I want way more than it should be, and I'm working on it. We should appreciate what we have, and our cravings should be directed on making us more of what we should be. Jeff and I have talked about this a lot over the last year. We recently studied the book of Phillipians in our Sunday School class. We talked about joy in Christ. One major thing that seems to take our focus off our life with Christ is worry. I'm not really a big worrier. I'm certainly not worrying over that one day kitchen remodel that I wrote of earlier. However, focusing on our earthly cravings sort of does the same thing that worry does...puts our focus on things that are worldly. Our countertops do not really matter, but our life in Christ does. So as I try to move my cravings more toward my relationship with Him, I'm still human.
My craving photo this week is of one of my new loves...Pinterest (Thanks, Charlotte, for introducing me to this addiction). It's a sort of online bulletin board where you can "pin" photos/items that you see online. You create boards that you will pin stuff to. A few of mine are: Gardening, Sewing, Ada fun, For the home, random things that strike my fancy. So the things you see that you crave/like/want to make you pin them, and you create a virtual idea board. Honestly, it can be a good tool. So, sure...I know I should probably use my time wiser (see above), but really I crave a quite, rainy afternoon (probably an empty house), a cup of coffee, and a few hours to surf the net to find lovely, craveable things to pin.

Elephantshoe revisited-aloe

2011-06-20T08:07:00.000-04:00

I don't really know if this is a big aloe plant or not. It looks like an aloe plant. Never-the-less, this is a plant that is one of the graveyards in Savannah, and I remember it was huge. You can see a bit in this photo, but people had carved into the plant...sort of like someone would do to a tree trunk, and while it was kind of neat that a plant could sustain someone carving into it, and actually form a scar so it's there indefinitely, I felt a little sad that this gigantic plant was desecrated. I attempted as best I could to get a shot without the marks, which was hard to do.

Project 52-week 24: Make it Tasty

2011-06-18T08:01:00.000-04:00

Good grief...I almost did it again....forgot to blog. This week I actually did take a picture specifically for this, but thought about taking another. I actaully took a similar photo last week, but because the photo must be taken within certain dates for Project 52, I took another. So I thought about taking another subject...and was going to (last night's dinner), but I was away from the house practically all day yesterday, and we didn't eat here (so the planned dinner was out the window). The one I took for this is of something that I look forward to every year. Like last year, we have a garden, and of course have tomatoes. I think every gardener looks forward to the first ripe tomato.

Project 52-week 23: Enchanted

2011-06-11T09:04:00.000-04:00

I didn't take a photography this week specifically for this subject. I was going to, but time passed me by. The whole purpose of me doing Project 52 was to purposefully be creative with the subject. So hopefully I'll be better about it this coming week. However, this photo is enchanting to me. It's the two who enchant me most.

Elephantshoe revisited-The boat

2011-06-07T08:29:00.000-04:00

First, let's start with the photo. This is one of Jeff's that he took in Florida. If kept up, a lot of Jeff's were taken in Florida. He used to vacation there a good bit. This was probably in Ft. Myers. I love the color of the light in this picture...kinda vitagey.

Okay...now...it's June already people! Is that not nuts? In less than three months now Ada will be a year old. WHAT? She's so awesome! She wants to walk so bad. She occasionally has the courage to let go while she's standing. I love it when she's excited, and she says yay yay yay da da da. She tries to share her pacies. She likes to blow raspberries on our legs. Springy door stops are her favorite. She thinks playing in the water is the best. I just love her!!! Time to start planning a party.

Project 52-week 22: Reflections

2011-06-02T13:15:00.000-04:00

As soon as I saw this week's theme I got the idea for my photo. You see it's been three years since Jeff asked me to marry him. We had only dated four months, but knew pretty early on that we were meant to be husband and wife. We's also discussed what we believed to be an appropriate amount of time to date before getting engaged...we said around a year...haha. So one night Jeff out of the blue said....for how long do we have to date before getting engaged and not freaking out our parents (read 'my dad'). I admit that threw me for a bit of a loop. The man I was head over hills with, and had prayed for for so long wanted to marry me. We talked it over, and the next day he bought a ring. June 2nd three years ago Jeff took me downtown to the spot we first met, and asked me to spend the rest of my life with him. This week I'm reflecting on the last wonderful three years...engaged, married, and now with a baby....they have been more grand than I ever could've hoped. I love you, Jeff!

Bummin' it

2011-06-01T21:25:00.000-04:00

I love the names! Bumgenius, Econobum, Flip, Fuzzibunz, Happy Heinys...the list goes on. We're talking cloth diapers, people. They've come a long way over the years. I have several friends that have gone the cloth diaper route, and I wished I had the guts to do it. Soon after Ada joined us we noticed her diapers had a chemical smell, which rubbed us the wrong way. Still, we kept on using the disposable, not wanting to giving up the convenience. A couple of Fridays ago we wandered in the Natural Baby store downtown, and I noticed their cloth diaper display. Curious, we talked to the clerk, who also uses them on her daughter. My biggest worry was the whole laundry thing....I'm not a fan of laundry. After talking it over, and asking a few friends some questions, we decided to get a couple to try it out. Honestly, our reason wasn't so much the environmentally green reasons, but rather the economical green that pushed us over the edge. There are a lot of reasons to give it a go. Disposable diapers generate a lot of waste, some studies show that the gel that absorb the liquid can cause asthma-among other things, diaper rash is less, they are TONS cuter, and they save money....that's only a handful. We decided on the Bumgenius brand, and the one size velcro model...fits 7lbs to 35lbs. The upfront cost can be a little overwhelming, but in the long run you will save money...for the first child, and especially for any after that. After trying out the two for a few days, we decided that cloth diapers were too good to pass up. I tried my hand at getting some on ebay...there are deals to be had, but I was comparing any deals there with the deal that ended yesterday of buy 5 get one free. The auctions that I bid for went for over what I could get new ones for, so back downtown we went. I'm excited about this new way to diaper. Ada wore cloth all day today on that cute little hiney of hers, and so far so good!

Elephantshoe revisited-the pelican

2011-05-30T07:29:00.000-04:00

This is one Jeff took. His dad likes pelicans. He has a few little statuettes, and then of course he has this print as well.
Enjoy your Memorial day, and don't forget to remember those brave men and women who have served our country and those who are serving. I thank them for all they sacrifice!

Project 52-week 21: Need for Speed

2011-05-28T19:09:00.000-04:00

I'm late with this post. Yep, not speedy. I've thought about this all week...need for speed. The speed in which things get done in our house has changed in the last nine months...hence not getting to post until now. Ada is featured this week in my photo. She's quite speedy with her crawling these days. This was taken Thursday night during our six hour power outage. There are a few others I took of her, but she's blurry...cause she's that fast.

Elephantshoe revisited-Pears

2011-05-23T16:54:00.000-04:00

This was a tree in the yard of the house where my studio was in Calhoun Falls. I love pears. Ada love pears too, and as I was making her food this morning (pears and french toast), I was reminded of this photo.

Paxton-Bowman, GA Newborn Photographer

2011-05-19T16:44:00.000-04:00

Let me introduce my friend, Paxton. Oh, he's so cute! He's so perfectly made. I just love him and his family. I don't care how many time I see a newborn, I always forget how teeny they are. This fella weighed about what my Ada did, but it's been over eight months since she was that small. The way this little boy is packing it in he'll be Ada's size faster than we can imagine. We went to Paxton's house to do his portraits, and I took Ada along so she could meet everyone (that's not something I normally do, but it was a little different since we're friends...I also took Jeff). Ada managed to chew about three inches of their coffee table in just under four seconds....yeah, I won't take Ada again until she learns furniture is not a teether.

I love his hands.

Sleepy.

Paxton's mommy is so talented (his nanny too)....they created this nursery.

My guess is big brother Nate helped with this decorative piece.

Isn't Nate a great looking boy? Boy, does he have energy to spare.

Sorry that Ada tortured you, and tried to get into your stuff, Nate...get used to it buddy.

Paxton has a beautiful mommy too!

Project 52: week 20-Spring Fever

2011-05-19T15:30:00.000-04:00

This week's theme almost seems too late for this part of the country. Although we've had a little cooler weather lately, we're breaking into summer weather now. Buds have given way to larger plants for the most part in our yard. The pansies are barely hanging on. My official pick for this week is the first one...new growth.

Some pansies that popped up out of the pots...nice weeds, huh?

I love hydrangeas! I finally got an opportunity to plant one in our yard...yay!

The Spring Festival 5k

2011-05-16T08:49:00.000-04:00

I've been talking about this event for months, and if you weren't there you missed some fun! This was the run to benefit my friends for the adoption of their little girl from Russia. They had 123 that registered, and raised over $3300---YAY! Let me just say again how much I love this family, and how blessed this little girl is, who we don't even know yet, but are so excited to meet. The Milde household got up early that morning--a little before 5am....partly because that's the time we had to get up and partly because teething issues woke us about 15 minutes too early. We got to Abbeville a little before the race, and got to hang out with our friends a bit. I didn't know how I was going to do. When I first heard about this event, I wanted to finish in under 30 minutes (no problem back in my regular running days). I didn't really start consistently running until about 3 weeks before...other things would hinder some weeks. So I was quite happily surprised when I finished in 27:38...not too bad for the training I did. Still, I'm more excited about how well this 5k went overall. I do know that there's a bluegrass event coming up sometime to raise money for the Hannas too.....I'll be letting you know about that. In the meantime check out Morgan's blog: Confessions of a Church Planter's Wife. There you can buy t-shirts, coffee, or just donate for their cause.

Morgan and the lovely Campbell

Jeff not being into running was amazed at the top finishers time...a bit more that 17 minutes.

There's April (in pink)...one of the wonderful aunts of the Hanna babies.

Gosh...not the best look...but I'm looking at my Ada sitting in her stroller hanging out with daddy during the race.

My friend pushed this during the 5k...whoa buddy....she's brave!

My Jeff....tired after an early morning and a long drive.

Elephantshoe revisited-Downtown

2011-05-16T08:17:00.000-04:00

Jeff took this long before I was in the picture (sorry for the pun). The Liberty Bridge in downtown Greenville.

Project 52: week 19-Window Light

2011-05-14T08:00:00.000-04:00

Good grief...I so meant to post this already! I've got a post about last week's 5k in my mind too. So much to blog, so little time.
Well, let's start after the 5k...we spent the day in Calhoun Falls with my parents. Then headed home, I made dinner, and as we were eating the doorbell rung, and flowers were delivered. Hmmm...I knew right away who they were from. My wonderful sister-in-law Liz....well, and Jeff's brother and nephew...but we all know who really sent them. They were for my first official Mother's Day. I'm going to be honest...I was a little worried about having a sister-in-law....I have friends with not so great stories about theirs. The first time I met Liz I realized I didn't have a thing to worry about. Jeff took me to their house shortly after we were engaged (I'd already met Mike and Daniel when they were up in Greenville one day). Liz was out when we first got there, but when she came home she greeted me with a beautiful bouquet of flowers, and welcomed me to the family. I'm so grateful to have a caring sister-in-law...(who also happens to be a redhead.)
When I got these I knew they would be lovely in the window light...so voila.

The Clardy family - Greenville Family Photographer

2011-05-10T08:39:00.000-04:00

This is the family that won the Trees for Troops auction back in December. I think Michelle called me sometime in January to set up a time, and decided to wait until Spring. I was anxious to meet these guys! We met last Sunday at the Rock Quarry Garden at Cleveland Park in downtown Greenville for their session. They were so nice! The boys were super. Ball of energy is how I would explain one. Boy, he was fun! Plus, I don't know if I've ever met a better behaved and sweet teenager. I loved to see their interaction with each other. Here are a few of my favorites from the session.

What a good looking family, right?!

Katie & Brandon - Upstate SC Wedding Photographer

2011-05-09T13:11:00.001-04:00

These two are so cute! When I met with Katie to talk about her wedding she was dressed in colors to match her wedding...don't think it was planned, but I loved it! When they first started dating she lived in Charleston, he lived in Greenwood...yep, that's a drive people. They stuck with it, and one day the romantic Brandon popped the question in New York City (I'm wearing my I <3 NY shirt right now). When they were deciding where to get married Katie was thinking Charleston, and Brandon wanted somewhere close to home. They settled on the Hill House in Abbeville, SC....it's the perfect compromise.

The lace was from her mom's wedding gown.

LOVE these shoes!

So pretty! Katie's makeup was done by Elisse Sorrow...check out her facebook page

Pockets...I'm telling you people...awesome!

A few details from the house

Cute kiddos from the day

Brandon rocking the white socks...oh, yeah!

Our animal friends

We don't have these suckers in Greenville. As soon as we stepped out of the car that buzz was in the air....cicadas. Jeff had never experienced them...I remember the plague from when I was five. I was so so fearful of these as a child. Not a huge fan now...aren't they creepy?

Elephantshoe revisited-the train

2011-05-09T12:08:00.001-04:00

Gosh...I have a few blogs to get done...among other things...that this one is going to be quick. This is from the railroad museum in Savannah. I'm putting this one up because I feel like I'm being run down with a train....my to-do list is maddening.

Coming soon...Katie and Brandon's wedding and a few from the 5k.

Project 52: week 18-First thing in the morning

2011-05-06T16:58:00.000-04:00

In the last three weeks Ada has cut four teeth on the top....fun....loads of fun. Our worst night was last Friday...we had severe screaming for an hour and a half. For the past teeth I usually give her tylenol or ibuprofen hold her a bit and she's out. This hasn't worked for the last week. She just hasn't done well the last half of the night this week. In order for her to sleep and me to possibly sleep is for she and I to camp out in the floor of her room. Ugh...not very comfortable for mommy. I do get to sleep a little...it's better than the chair in her room. I'm praying that this won't be my bed tonight...or any other night for that matter. I'm so so sleepy, and my back hurts, and my brain isn't functioning normally (make your jokes now about how my brain never functions normally now)....and tomorrow morning I have to get up super early head to Abbeville and run the 5k fundraiser I've mentioned a few times (Can you say slow?)

New Referral Program

2011-05-05T09:59:00.000-04:00

There's a new referral program starting for Lisa Bell Photography clients. It's really simple. When you receive your prints from your session, you'll also get a referral packet, which includes customized referral cards with a picture from your session. You give it to someone you think might have an interest in having a session with me. When they book a session you get stuff, and they get 10% off their session. See...simple.

Elephantshoe revisited-the coast

2011-05-03T11:23:00.000-04:00

So I missed posting this yesterday. We've had a busy, busy weekend, which was followed by a busy Monday.
This is one of Jeff's. I don't know when it was taken. My best guess as to where it was taken would be Sanibel Island, but I'm not certain. (If Jeff wasn't out of the house right now I'd ask....he'd at least know the where). Anyway, I'm not really a beach kind of girl....I blame that on the curly hair and fair skin. I suppose I wouldn't mind a beach at certain times of the year. Still, when I think of vacation the vision of the beach pops in my mind (why is that?). I wouldn't mind a vacation right about now, but with no plans in the works, and more than plenty to do around here, home is where I remain (and that's not bad either).

Project 52: week 17-Princess for a Day

2011-04-29T10:22:00.000-04:00

In honor...or rather honour of the royal wedding this week, the theme was Princess for a Day. When I saw the theme it reminded me of my wedding day. Our sweet little nephew, who was three at the time, was our ring bearer. During our group photos he looked up at me and asked, "Are you a princess?" It was not prompted at all...totally his idea. Boy, he knows how to make a girl feel good about herself! Of course, it was a special day, and I did feel a little stately in my big ol' white dress. I hope all brides do feel special on their wedding day. I don't have a bride portrait to share, though. I have my own little princess now. This is a photo that Jeff did of Ada and I on Easter. She's my little sweetheart!!

Come Run with Me!!!

2011-04-28T20:59:00.001-04:00

I posted about this a while back, and it's time for a reminder. One of my favorite families...it doesn't hurt that they are lifelong friends...is raising money to bring their little girl home from Russia. They felt led to expand their family by adopting, and Russia is where the Lord led them. Morgan and Curt are phenomenal parents of some of the most awesome kids ever (I love them!), and this little girl (who they've yet to meet) is a blessed one. There are several ways to help them raise money....t-shirts, coffee, just donating, or the 5k. The 5k will be held in Abbeville, SC - May 7th - 8:10 a.m. You don't have to run, you can walk, you can skip, you can do cartwheels, or you can register and just get the t-shirt (you'd be a slacker, but a good hearted one). I'll be there!

To register go to: http://www.abbevillespringfestival.com/5k-runwalk.html

I can't wait to see another little girl added to this bunch!

Now let's talk about running. I used to be a runner...at one point over 30 miles a week. My day was built around the run. I loved it, but then I met Jeff and I loved him more...way more. So my time was spent with him, planning a wedding. We married, and I slowly got a new running routine...not as much running, but at least I was running. Then I was sick (chest congestion that I couldn't shake), but that passed and I started running again. Then we bought a house, which we painted, did yard work, changed fixtures, and spent a good chunk of a summer on, and time for running vanished. Fall came, and with that the treadmill and I got reacquainted (yeah, I'm the odd one that would rather run on a treadmill). I started working myself up to where I had once been. Then I got pregnant, and morning sickness hit me like a brick in the face...all day long. Walking wasn't always a good idea...and I'm not talking about exercise walking...I'm talking from the couch to the fridge....yeah bad. Then after that faded, I did walk a bit, but side stitches were killer. Running is something that I enjoy. I don't always want to do it, there are moments during a run that make me question why I bother, but at the finish I feel renewed and clearer. It's my way to burn stress, to think, to daydream, to plan, to listen to my music (not the ABC song). After Ada was born, I picked a little bit of running back up around the end of October. Then when Morgan told me about the 5k, I knew it was my opportunity (and excuse) to make it habit again. Jeff has always been a huge supporter to me running...he knows it makes me less crazy. So he encouraged me from the get-go (even got my subscription to Runner's World going again)...and he gets to hang out with the super cute Ada while I run. I had a schedule going, but I still had the problem of side stitches occasionally (hardly had them before the pregnancy). Things were going good, and then we were bombarded with doctors' appointments for about a month (Jeff had a suspicious swollen lymph node that turned out to be nothing-Praise the Lord!). Then all of a sudden I realized the 5k was a month away. I had to get down to business. When the race was announced I had a goal time in mind. I've never been what I consider a fast runner. At my 30 miles a week peak my 5k was around 24 minutes, but had settled for a few minutes more than that when I was last in the swing of regular running (early 2008). My goal for this race was for my time to be under 30 minutes....not fast, not out of the question, but something which because of my time away would be challenging. I've since backed away from that simply because I don't want to disappoint myself. I believe if I could have stayed consistent I would be there, but with the run a week away, and side stitches still being a stitch in my side (ha ha), I don't know if it's probable at all. I have to run slow so my side won't stop me. I look forward to the race. To have it in front of me brings the runner out in me a bit. My goal now is not necessarily for the race, but for the here on out...to run again...consistently.

Plus, I really hope my friends raise loads of money from the race. I can't wait to meet the newest Hanna!

Miranda & Brady

2011-04-26T09:03:00.000-04:00

Remember this little guy? It's Ada's friend, Brady. Oh my goodness! I was so excited for this session. I couldn't wait to see Brady again. Ada was excited too, but unfortunately fell asleep at Grandma and Grandpa's house for her afternoon nap right as Brady woke up early from his. I really wanted to get a picture of Brady and Ada together...maybe next time. Jeff and I met up with Brady and his beautiful sister at the Burt-Stark house. I don't know if it was the short nap, or the fact he got all dressed up, and Ada didn't show, but Brady wouldn't give me many smiles. Miranda did some smiling for me, though.

Love those chunky baby arms!

He was giving me the evil eye.

A nap would be great.

Looking very stately here.

I think this was an unhappy moment, but it sort of looks like a laugh.

Mmmm....hands.

So Pretty!!!

I'm envious of those eyelashes.

Burt-Stark

2011-04-25T21:46:00.000-04:00

This is a house that I passed by quite a bit when I lived in Abbeville County-The Burt-Stark Mansion. I toured it when I was in eighth grade, and remember some of the history. In case you didn't know, it's said that Abbeville was the birth and death place of the civil war. It was in this house where the Confederate president, Jefferson Davis, admitted defeat. It's quite a beautiful house, and it's been a while since I've really payed any attention to it. I had a photo session on the grounds Saturday, and took a little extra time to take a few photos of my surroundings. Jeff and I didn't have time to tour, but I have to admit visiting this house with a camera in my hand really made me want to visit Savannah again, but I guess we could always make a day trip to Abbeville.

Jeff did over hear part of the tour, and learned this is called a speaking porch.

Love these doors.

I peaked in the dining room window for this one.

Elephantshoe revisited-the nest

2011-04-25T10:45:00.000-04:00

When I lived in Calhoun Falls, I had a bird problem. Barn-swallows took over the front porch, and other birds took over the carport. The birds tried really hard to protect their homes. They would swoop down at my head, the head of the UPS guys, people who came to get their portraits made, and generally anyone/thing with a head. It was an adventure just getting into my house at times. This nest got pulled down after we realized that mama bird had abandoned it.
Jeff and I have a large print of this hanging over the sofa in our bedroom...it goes with the brown and blue stuff in there. At our last house (we've been here two years next week) it hung in our master bath.

Publish Post

Project 52: week 16-furry friends

2011-04-22T19:40:00.000-04:00

We don't have any pets, we aren't close to anyone else's pets around, so this one had me stumped. I started to use a picture of Ada because her hair is coming in more everyday, but no. Then earlier this week we had a snake (a baby one) in our yard, which got introduced to a shovel by Jeff, so I started to use a picture of him as the opposite of a furry friend. Then I started thinking about Ada's toys....three in particular that have come in handy in our bathroom. Often Ada will go with me while I'm getting ready, and I snatched the little stuffed animals off the pack and play mobile (which never even adorned the thing) to entertain her. They are a giraffe, an elephant, and a monkey. Also, something you much note about me, since having our girl at least 50% of what comes out of my mouth is in the form of a song. It doesn't have to be a good song, and is often made up on the fly....yeah....so usually they are pretty bad. So I made up a song about our furry friends from the mobile. See...they have fabric tabs that velcroed on the mobile, which are in the pattern of fruit stripes gum (remember that?)...so this trio (in my mind) are the best of friends who are all in a band called the Fruit Stripes Band. I don't know what tune it is...I know it's not original...but I can't think of where it came from. Anyway here are the lyrics to this song, which is actually sort of catchy when sung to the tune (catchy for a made up, on the spot, nonsensical song for a baby):
"Giraffe, Elephant, and Monkey...they play the music that's funky...Giraffe, Elephant, and Monkey...in the Fruit Stripes Band. Giraffe he plays the banjo, Elephant plays the keyboards, and Monkey's banging the drums in the Fruit Stripes Band...ba-dum-dum."
I know it's sad, but that little ditty gets stuck in my head sometime....ahh...the joy.
Here's our furry friends after what seems like a crazy party....(you know how band members can be). And yes, our bathroom has carpet....yes, it's nuts...it wasn't our choice, and we hope to replace it one day.

Going Green

2011-04-19T21:07:00.001-04:00

So in a couple of days it will be earth day.....so lets talk green...such a trendy term now days. So it may not be that unique to say but I'm becoming a little bit more like Elphaba (Wicked fans anyone?). Yep, Lisa Bell Photography is going green. First, let me tell you what I'm doing to "go green." The new lab that I am using is environmentally conscience. The lab's energy use is “neutral”. All greenhouse gases produced to power the facility will be offset by forestry programs, livestock manure management, and landfill gas management to remove their carbon footprint. They offer green paper in the press printed products...some of which is 100% recycled and 100% wind generated. I will use the green paper choice whenever possible. I will still use my current lab for products not offered by the new one....such as acrylic prints and metal prints. The packaging I will be using also contains recycled content. The album company that I will begin using also has similar policies. All of the paper that will be used for my business has recycled content...and the plan is I'll be using less of it too. Paper that comes into the office is recycled. Some things go along with what Jeff and I do normally anyway...the recycling, using environmentally friendly products (household too), being conscience about our energy usage, and understanding the where, how, whats of how the products (food is a biggie) were produced/grown. We're even planning on a Prius for our next vehicle....as long as it's not filled with radiation....don't get me started on the nuclear crisis.
There is a growing market for green businesses. Some brides have green weddings, some folks look for places that will give them the choice of a green option. At this time I'm not green certified, and I don't know if I'll ever go that route. I will make every effort possible to choose the option that first, is best for the client's needs, and second, that is the best for the environment.
Now for you naysayers....I understand that some people think that being green is a waste....I get that not everyone believes that our planet is in crisis. This is what I think: Whether or not you believe in global warming, one thing is clear, humans have damaged this planet....I'm sure the industrial revolution was the big turning point. We create a lot of waste, we pumped toxic stuff into the air, into the water, into the ground. We use, and use, and use, and don't give back. We take down areas full of nature to build yet another strip mall. The way we farm the land is destroying the dirt, which causes the food to be inferior, and causes us to be sick. It's very easy to live our lives, not think about it, and bask in the convenience of it all. The truth is it not only damages the environment of the earth, but it is also damaging us. I am not a "mother earth" person. I am a Christian. I believe that God created this planet we live on (along with everything else). I believe we are not being good stewards of the earth He created. I want to do what I can to take care what we are supposed to take care of.
I know it's not always an easy road to take, nor is it a cheap one. However, if everyone decided to do what was truly good for the earth, they would also do something that would eventually be good for humans. There are a few movies/documentaries out there that are great to watch to start learning a little bit more about our impact on the planet. I will say that most of them are centered on food....but that, to me, is extremely important because we put it in our bodies, do we really want to consume bad things? Also, take any evolutionary, mother earthy stuff with a grain of salt....I told you what I believe....don't know what you believe, but I want to make it clear that just because someone doesn't believe the same as you or I doesn't make every point they make invalid. Here are some great movies to watch: Food Matters....food can heal us....if it's the right food. Dirt!....this shows what industrial farming is doing to the earth, and shows some things that can be done to help. No Impact Man....this is about a writer and his family who decided to try live extremely green for a year....like no electricity (a little solar), no transportation that wasn't powered by them, even no toilet paper. Now I don't believe I want to go to those extremes, but still there are some good tips....like eating for the seasons. So watch them...I hope you get something out of them.

Elephantshoe revisited-tiles

2011-04-18T09:28:00.000-04:00

April 19, 1995...Does that date ring a bell? Perhaps it does...maybe you know what happened that day right away, maybe it takes a few minutes, or it becomes obvious as soon as you hear it, or maybe you have absolutely no idea. That was the day the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City was bombed. Before September 11th it was the most destructive act of terrorism on American soil. The image of the firefighter carrying the baby sticks in my mind from that event. The summer of 2002 (I think that year), I went on a mission trip with the team from Lake Russell to the Navajo Nation. As we traveled across the country we rarely stopped, and the OKC memorial was one of the places we stopped. It really is a nicely done memorial. There are so many elements that make up the memorial. This tile wall is a small piece. The wall makes up part of the Children's area. The tiles were painted by children and sent to Oklahoma City in 1995. In front of the wall is an area with bucket of sidewalk chalk so kids who visit can continue to share their feelings.

Project 52: week 15-what people think of you

2011-04-16T09:48:00.000-04:00

What an odd topic, and one that makes you think. I don't know what everyone thinks of me. I'm blessed enough to have some fabulous folks in my life that think I'm pretty great, I think they're great for seeing past all my imperfections to think that. I'm sure there are people out there who think I'm crazy, think I'm annoying, think I'm just awful...and just generally can't stand me. That stinks, but that's life...not everyone is going to like you.
Jeff and I officially begin our relationship January 25th...that's when he asked if I would just date him. Umm...yeah....I don't see anyone else lined up to date me anyway, so buddy you're it. That date was pretty close to the holy grail of dating dates...Valentine's day. There was a dilemma...how big of a deal do we make out of this. After all we'd only been together a short while. We actually both ended up getting tickets for something...I got him Third Day tickets, he got me tickets to see To Kill A Mockingbird (my fav). BUT the best thing was this list....now I'm going to be honest...Jeff and I really hit it off pretty quickly...if you take out the first couple of times we met and I thought I'd never see him again...it was obvious to both of us early on that us together was an awesome thing. Still, it was early on, and even though I felt confident that this guy liked me, he had to go a be sweet and make a this list. Partially because I love lists (which he didn't know at the time), but mainly because it kind of surprised me. Five minutes earlier I'd just gotten to his house, We had just given our gifts, he said "but wait" walked into the office came out holding this little piece of paper, and told me that he really liked me, and that he couldn't stop thinking about me, and that here were some of the reasons why.... More than three years later (married with a beautiful baby) I hope he's added more reasons why he likes me...and by now the cloud of wonder when you first begin a relationship is gone...so there are things I do that annoy him too (let's keep that list to yourself Jeffrey ;) ). But guess what...I still want to only date him....and I don't care who's lined up.

Brenna & Westleigh - Greenville Wedding Photographer

2011-04-15T21:00:00.000-04:00

Okay, this couple is awesome sauce! Let's start with their names...uncommon and wonderful. They are both runners (thanks for the tips, Westleigh!). Brenna loves old movies (because they're the best). Westleigh has superb glasses. Brenna has the greatest hair. Besides those things (and more), they picked Paris as their honeymoon destination. See...awesome! Their wedding was to be a big, beautiful wedding...then the bright and super idea hit....let's ditch the big affair, get married surround by family, and then go to Paris. The bride got ready in the house her great grandfather built, and grandmother was born in. Jeff and I loved the house, they could seriously charge admission because it could be a museum. The church was where her grandparents got married. I loved hearing here grandmother mention her wedding that took place years ago.

The flowers were beautiful and by Renee Burroughs Design

Not only was Brenna touched by the words, but she was also amazed that Westleigh typed on the card.

I love Katharine Hepburn...so this photo is as much for me as anybody.

The dress was gorgeous, and....wait for it....it had pockets!!! I think every dress should have pockets. The Perfect Dress really did have the perfect dress (yep, cheesy little line there, but it's true!)

Brenna is beyond lovely!!! Gosh, I really love her hair!

This is Blair, her sister....also beautiful!

Blair gave Brenna fun stuff for Brenna to watch/read while on the plane...complete with cute post-it messages.

Westleigh impressed Jeff with his knowledge of suits and their evolution.

During the ceremony Westleigh couldn't stop telling Brenna how pretty she was...

...isn't that sweet (and true)?!

We had a friend tag along.

Such a handsome and dapper gentleman

No little Sebastian to be found (any Parks and Recreation fans?)

When I met with Brenna the first time, she was so excited to just be married...she's still excited!

All the Parisian details were perfect. She walked into the ceremony to La Vie en Rose.

This was my first wedding since Ada. Before being a mom the part of the wedding that always got me was the father giving the bride away (I'm a daddy's girl). This time this got me...I got misty thinking one day Ada will get married and leave me. Not that I don't want her to find a wonderful husband (like her daddy)...still that's my baby!

Brenna and Westleigh...you guys are wonderful, and I pray you have beautiful life in rosy hues!

Elephantshoe revisited-the tricyle

2011-04-11T08:35:00.000-04:00

This was in Savannah, at the door of either a toy shop or antique shop....I can't remember. I loved it. The style, the age, the color...I wanted it. I don't have it, but Jeff got this shot of it for me.

From around the yard

2011-04-09T07:00:00.001-04:00

Figs, peaches, blueberries, and asparagus.....yummy!

Project 52: week 14-fusion

2011-04-08T14:28:00.001-04:00

Fusion...hmm...didn't know what really would work for this one. Different thoughts came through my head, but I ended up with this quick shot from this morning. This is something that has always helped me get my day started, but since becoming a mommy it's a definite help. COFFEE....the fusion of beans and water! Plus, it's yummy. I just love coffee. A side note....oddly enough...as much as I love coffee that was one of my pregnancy aversions (along with peanut butter and chocolate...I know...like my three favorite things).

Sometimes size does really matter

2011-04-05T20:01:00.000-04:00

What is a big print to you? If you're like me growing up 8x10 seemed big. Occasionally my parents would get an 11x14, or even 10x13 (Does anyone even make those anymore?). Honestly, I didn't even know other sizes existed until I developed an interest in photography. It's amazing what some inches can do to a print. Let's also be frank about it, larger prints are more expensive....and there's a reason why professional photography is so expensive, and I'll get to that in another post. I understand that not everyone can afford to get lots of huge portraits, and that it can be intimidating to see "investment" as the category name instead of "pricing", but investment is truly what it is. These prints are portraits of your special people, sometimes they mark special events, so they should be considered special themselves....art pieces really. I couldn't afford to have a session of my family done every year and then buy a thousand or more dollars worth of prints. I get that big prints are usually purchased every few years (or more) or so usually. So you may be wondering, as a photographer, do I have larger portraits in my home. Yes. A couple from our engagement session (one of which will hopefully this year be replaced with a family portrait), and we have a large one from my bridal session. We have other large prints too, but they are some of our fine art pieces. I'm hoping to get a larger print of Ada at a year old too.
Money aside, sometimes it's hard for us to think outside our standard....8x10 is just it. When you see a print side by side--one small, one large--you can really grasp the awesomeness of the size difference, and how a print that really fills the space is far superior to an 8x10. I've created a few examples to show you the difference in size, and even a few arrangements of prints as examples. Yes, I used Ada's pictures for some of them...I couldn't resist.
The couch in the examples is 84 inches long...which is a decent average. The pictures are to scale, and all are examples are of print wraps or gallery wraps, which do not require a frame.

The above is an 8x10, the below is a 24x36

This is two 11x14s vs. two 16x20s

Here are a few arrangement ideas

A quad of 20x20s

A triad of 16x24s

A triad of two 12x18s & one 20x30

(I'd love to have this of my Ada)

One 20x30 and four 8x12s

There are so many combinations. I'd be happy assisting you to find something that would fit your home.

Elephantshoe revisited-the door

2011-04-03T21:25:00.000-04:00

This is one of Jeff's. It might be his favorite. If you haven't figured it out yet, Jeff is a technical guy. He likes precision and perfection in his projects. This carries into photography a lot. Ansel Adams Jeff is not, but Mr. Adams was perfect with the technical part of photography...of course this was back in film days when the photographer's mistakes couldn't be "fixed" as easily as today (though, we still strive for as perfect as we can get it straight out of the camera). He was the "expose for shadows develop for highlights", "zone system" guru. White was white, black was black, and every gray in between was clear. Jeff loves that stuff. Except when he's my second shooter, Jeff uses his old medium format Hasselblad film camera. He would love to have a dark room to make sure every image developed would be perfect. On top of the exposure...where the detail can be seen with all the shades of gray, and the white and black....there's the composition. The rule of thirds is a big thing in design. The way an image is more visually appealing when the subject is not in the middle of the frame. This hits it pretty much on the mark.

Project 52: week 13-Just for Fun

2011-03-31T11:08:00.000-04:00

I am not a fashionista. I don't really follow the trends. However, when Jeff and I first started dating he said I didn't dress like a country, small town girl. Apparently he thought we all dressed in overalls and plaid....he realizes that assumption was wrong now. When we got engaged and started thinking about when our stuff would be combined, our closets scared us. We did not need that many clothes. We purged....not a lot, there's still more that can be done two and a half years later, but still we put a good dent in it. We also decided to not buy any clothes until after our wedding, and only then if we really loved something or needed something. We've pretty much stuck to that. Of course I had to buy maternity clothes, and then after maternity clothes (it's not automatically the same girls). If you've never been pregnant and worn maternity clothes let me tell you....stretchy pants spoil you. I can totally see why some moms go into stretchy stuff never to return to a normal waistband. Now I never thought I'd do leggings....seriously never. BUT...after Ada I did. They turned out to look better than I thought on me...and quite frankly there for a while after Ada I just didn't care how I looked so much....plus, stretchy. So lets talk about boots now. For the past few years I've enjoyed them quite a bit...love the look. I was never brave enough to wear them with skinny jeans. This year I thought I'd try it, but the ones I tried weren't skinny enough to fit into my boots properly. So I went where I NEVER thought I would. I laughed at these when they came out, rolled my eyes, thought that anyone who wore them were just trying to be to trendy for their own good. However, I bought jeggings...yep, that's right. I don't really want to repeat myself, but I will...I'm the owner of jeggings. I know, I know....please stop laughing at me. But people come on...they're stretchy, they look like skinny jeans (as long as you don't get them super tight), and they fit into my boots.

I have to include a quote from Betty White on Hot in Cleveland (which is hilarious!): Jane Leeves' character asked: "What's up with old people and track suits?" Betty White's character: "In your 20s you dress for men, in your 40s you dress for career, in your 80s you dress for the bathroom."
Okay, so I'm not dressing for the bathroom yet, but these do make it more convenient.

So here...just for fun...jeggings.

Wheels

2011-03-30T22:21:00.000-04:00

The fab photogs skipped the challenge last week, which is easy to do with everyone getting so busy. Wheels were the theme of the week. I went no further than our unfurnished dining room for this one. Jeff is a man of many projects. He decides he's going to do something and he does it. However, sometimes projects are started out of boredom, and they don't always get completed when more pressing things come up. Remember the snow that made us all stay inside for a week? Well, about that time this project was started. I can't tell you how many videos were watched on this. So...the weather warmed up and here it still sits waiting to be completed. It does slightly work...but here you go...Jeff's magnetic generator.

Elephantshoe revisited-Detail

2011-03-28T13:09:00.000-04:00

A detail from a building (which one, I don't know) in Savannah.

Hayes-Greenville Newborn Photographer

2011-03-25T05:00:00.003-04:00

Oh goodness, how cute! Hayes may already be proving to be a go-getter, it's gonna be my way is THE way little boy. He surprised everyone and showed up four weeks early, he's already rolled over, and he peed on my wall (hilarious!) I was so excited to be able to do his newborn pictures. See his mom and dad are the first of the wedding couples I've photographed to have a baby. His mom is also awesome in all things hair, and used to cut mine when I didn't live in Greenville. I know Michal is already a terrific mommy, and John is a great daddy...I do believe this boy really has his dad in his palm. They are all so sweet together!

Project 52: week 12-From the Jewelry Box

2011-03-24T20:39:00.000-04:00

This was the easiest yet. I knew exactly the piece of jewelry I would photograph....my grandma's high school ring. I never knew her not to wear it. My mom took it off her finger when she was in the nursing home because it got caught on the bed when they were moving her once...better safe than sorry. My grandma....who's name was Etoyle (yep, it's different) was SO proud of what this ring symbolized. She was the oldest of five children, and she had to help quite a bit around the house between the kids and farm. She was the first in her family to finish high school. She told me time after time about the ring...it is made of yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold. There was once a 'B' on top, which stood for Bowman High School, but at some point got knocked off. I believe that my aunt has the 'B'...hopefully I'll be able to get that one day and have it reattached. My grandma graduated in 1936; she died in 2006. The last several years seemed like she was already gone because of her condition. She couldn't talk because of a stroke, and didn't always know us because of Alzheimer's....but I remember so many times before then...how she would have doll parades with me, tell me bedtime stories while she tickled my back, let me play dress up with whatever I found, and give me all the ice cream I wanted. I still miss my grandma...I know she would have absolutely loved Ada, and Ada would've had a super time with her too.

my grandparents: Etoyle and S.T. McGarity

Elephantshoe revisited-hmm...what is it?

2011-03-21T20:39:00.000-04:00

This is one of Jeff's. He took it when he was still in college, where he studied graphic design. For a time he had a bit of a graphic design business, it was small. He hardly ever does work now for folks who's last name isn't Milde. Anyway...it was called Milde Ink, and it had a website that included some of his photography. During one of our online chats we were showing off some of our photography through our websites, and this one stopped me. What was it? It looked like some sort of alien aircraft, but that couldn't be right. Ahh....then it hit me. Do you know what it is?

The answer is: guitar.

Also...just so you know there's an awesome new exclusive discount for my facebook fans....30% off a session. You can only get the code if you like my page (the code is on my exclusive page).

Project 52: week 11-Darks and Lights

2011-03-18T15:19:00.000-04:00

This would've been a good time to do some night photography, which is Jeff's favorite. Instead I'm giving you Jeff, or rather the back of Jeff's head. Right before we met Jeff's hair went through a change (caused by anesthesia during surgery). Before he had darker hair with some white coming through, and a white spot....then surgery and all the dark fell out. He warned me before we met that his hair was "more salt than pepper"....and holy moly was it ever...really white...reminded me of grandma. Anyway, I liked it...it's not everyday you see a guy his age with that hair. Yes, I know...double standard....if it was my hair it would look not distinguished at all...but just old....and I would have to dye it. As time went by his hair went whiter....he lost the spot in the back that's still sort of there, which by the way was in the shape of a heart when we met...then it started darkening up and got thicker. This is what it looks like today:

And here's a couple of our girl, wearing some darks and lights in the form of polka dots:

A few things found outside

2011-03-17T09:17:00.001-04:00

I had to get a shot of our asparagus that's coming up.

Then I saw the peach tree and loropetalum that we just planted blooming.

The fab photogs had the challenge of tree bark this week. This crumpled paper looking tree bark is courtesy of Jeff's parents' yard. Along with the last shot, which I just though was lacy and pretty.

Are you looking for a house?

2011-03-16T20:23:00.000-04:00

Well, I know of one for sale here on the Eastside of Greenville. Jeff's parents started getting investment property years ago. Jeff grew up learning about investment/rental properties, and started himself while in his twenties. One of his parents' properties is up for sale. Here's the official blurb:

Eastside house in Eastgate Village, located on a cul-de-sac with wooded areas on each side make this a very private setting. Within easy walking distance to the Del Norte community pool, several shopping centers and in one of Greenville's best school districts... Brushy Creek Elementary, Greenville Middle Academy and Eastside High.

This 3 bedroom 2 bath home is in excellent condition and features a sunken great room, rock fireplace, cathedral ceiling and sky light providing an abundance of natural lighting. Decorator colors throughout with Mexican tile floors in the kitchen and breakfast room. The kitchen is complete with refrigerator, stove and dish washer. New carpet and window treatments. A large deck provides a view of adjacent wooded areas. Additional storage is included. $123,900

5 Blairhunt Drive, Taylors, SC 29687

For additional information:

Dick or Nancy Milde

864-268-0779

MildeRentals.com

Simone-Trash the Dress

2011-03-15T20:24:00.001-04:00

What is Trash the Dress? Well, basically it's bridals, but way more fun. These sessions are done after the wedding, sometimes the groom poses as well. How trashed does the dress get? That depends on what the wearer of the dress is up for. Could be minimal, sort of like the ones below (However, a little climbing on scaffolding was required). The bottom only gets a little dirty. Could be you go diving in the ocean.
So when my friend, Ping, of Ping Hollifield Photography invited me to this Trash the Dress Session, I couldn't resist!
Let's start with Simone...Gorgeous and Super FIT! Seriously! She could work it too, which is always awesome. Then the light....oh my, the light. I wish I could post every single image. This session was just beyond fun!

Ada felt a little intimidated by the awesomeness of Simone's arms, so she took some time to do some toning. Check her out:

Elephantshoe revisited-Mossy

2011-03-14T08:09:00.000-04:00

This is another on from our Savannah honeymoon. This is the walkway to the Jim Williams house, made famous by Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.

I was reminded of that photo when I took the below photo during a trash the dress session (which was awesome, and I hope to share with you tomorrow).

Project 52: week 10-Childhood Toys

2011-03-11T10:01:00.000-05:00

I would have loved to have a picture of Purple Bear, my trusty friend that went through much of my life with me, but alas Purple Bear is in storage at Calhoun Falls. I remember playing, and playing, and playing when I was little. Toys, toys, toys. Now so many toys seem to be the plug-in variety...ugh! Where's the imagination in that? Ada has just now learned to entertain herself for longer than five minutes. She enjoys her toys, which her main goal is to put in her mouth. Every morning she hangs out in her little activity center, where she can swivel to find a fun sun, a cloud, a twirlly thing, and music buttons. She plays there while mommy makes breakfast and eats. Then after Ada has her breakfast of fruit and formula (she says yuck to cereal), we read books and play on the quilt until time for her morning nap. Fun, fun, fun!

Green

2011-03-10T19:50:00.000-05:00

That was the theme of the fab photog challenge this week. Green....well, there's the color, there's a newness that it describes, and there's the buzz word that is used over and over now days to describe something or someone that is environmentally conscience. While I wouldn't necessarily categorize Jeff and I as 'green', we do try to do things a little wisely in that regard, though not completely for 'green' reasons, but just because organic is better for you, being energy efficient is cheaper (we're looking at the Prius for our next car), etc. That's not really why we have this item. This belongs to lawn obsessed Jeff. I tried to hit as many greens with this as I could. First, it's green. Second, it is energy efficient because it's powered only by the person pushing it. Third, and the reason Jeff owns it, the way it cuts the grass actually keeps your lawn greener. Fourth, it hasn't been used much. Jeff spent about three years getting the grass at our last house in shape and the ground level....he got to use this part of one summer, and then we moved. The leveling of the yard (levelness is essential to using this thing). Green!

Lightbending

2011-03-09T06:00:00.001-05:00

Monday Jeff and I had the opportunity to attend a workshop here in Greenville called Lightbending 411. We learned a lot, and can't wait to put it to use. Also, I just want to say what a wonderful profession I'm in. I'm fortunate to have some photographer friends, but it's also great to meet and network with photographers that you don't know. I don't know what it's like in other industries, but generally photographers are so open with each other. We learn from each other, and it's so great to get advice and tips from other photographers.

When we got to the shooting portion it was getting a little late in the day for a few of us with babies at home, so we didn't get to work with all the models, which I hate. Here's a few from yesterday:

Elephantshoe revisited-The flower

2011-03-08T07:46:00.001-05:00

I made this photo in my parent's yard after I got a macro lens for the first time. This photo serves as a page filler for the Milde Rental website. Heads up if you need a house...the Blairhunt property is about to go up for sale. This house has a fantastic skylight. New photos will be taken soon of the updated look, which will be posted on the website (maybe here, if I get a chance).

Ada at six months

2011-03-03T22:04:00.000-05:00

I find it a little hard to believe that our little girl is six months, it's gone quickly, yet I can barely remember time without her. She's too awesome for words! I decided to do some fun pictures in her room.

She didn't know what to think of her tutu

This expression cracks me up!

So does this one...it's her go-getter look.

Look at that sweet face.

The next two smiles are made possible by Jeff---The girl loves her daddy!

(you can see her little bottom teeth too)

Project 52: week 9-Express Yourself

2011-03-03T21:53:00.000-05:00

If you look down the list on the about me page, you'll find a little tidbit about red shoes. I don't know exactly when I became fascinated with the red shoes. I may have had a pair as a kid, but the first pair I remember were a red Pumas in college, but they've long since have been gone. I had this awesome pair of red Nike running shoes that were run to death...although they may still be somewhere at my parents' house...cause they were the coolest! When I decided to gather all the red shoes I have and take a picture I didn't know there would be so many now...but I still feel I need more. A little something about each: The clogs: now used for outside work, flats: fun, what I wore in my engagement portraits (come to think of it, I'm pretty sure I had them on when Jeff proposed), Keen sandals: comfy, flip-flops: wore them at the reception of my wedding, never wear them now, heels: the shoes I wore for our wedding, I love these, I couldn't wait to show them to Jeff-he laughed, Keen sneakers: comfy (well, they're Keens), I wore them the second time I met Jeff (there were some awkward moments), he said "those are red shoes" (I thought "oh boy, here's a smart one"). I think partly the reason I'm such a sucker for red shoes now was that obvious observation made by my Jeff, which we laugh at now. I can't wait to buy Ada some red shoes...when she keeps shoes...or socks for that matter....on her feet. Ahh...anyone up for a little shoe shopping?

Two weeks of challenges

2011-03-01T19:50:00.001-05:00

The photographers' challenge (by the way from the group below who were portraitized (a new word I just made up)) for the last two weeks have been mailbox and food...respectively.
I begin with food...because it's so yummy! This is a sight that may not surprise you if you know of the venture that Jeff and I began last year. Well, it's not food yet....but it will be. We try to eat all organic food. Food without all the pesticides, fertilizers, chemicals, and hormones are so much better for you. Plus, you really can taste a difference. Problem is it's so expensive. Last year we started our own organic garden. We do raised beds. Last year I started everything from seed, minus a Japanese eggplant and jalapeno pepper. We learned a lot from our first season. We skipped Fall gardening since Ada's arrival was around the start of it. We have two new boxes for this summer, and planning is well under way of what to grow.

Okay, now to step it back a week. Mailbox. Oh, this was a little challenging. Doesn't sound like it would be, does it? Well, I live in an area surrounded by neighborhoods. With that comes many, many monotonous mailboxes. Our neighborhood has a nice scrolly (another new word) mailbox. I happen to like it....however, the scroll is also the support for the box, and well...it's turned out to be not very supportive for us. Our mailbox has fallen off on two different occasions. There's not much we can do about it (no replacement to be found)...the material it is can't be welded. After a couple of attempts at using some stuff that should work but didn't Jeff did what you see in the photo below...screwed in together. It is quite delicate, and although has been together for over a year now, it's very unsteady. I thought if it finally fell, although a pain in the rear, it would be a great shot. It didn't. Here's a shot of it after we brought Ada home....the green and flowers make me ready for the color that summer time brings.

However, it's still standing...so I had to search for an interesting one. I came upon this set. It's from a neighborhood that's likely seen better days....but it does offer interesting mailbox shots.

Elephantshoe revisited-The barn

2011-02-28T13:19:00.001-05:00

When Jeff visited Calhoun Falls for the first time, right at the beginning of our courtship, I told him to bring along his camera. I knew of a spot I'd never photographer, and I thought it would be fun to go. That place was Calhoun Mill. An old abandoned mill that sat at creek in pasture. I didn't know who owned the land, but figured they wouldn't mind if we snapped a few photos. So we pulled up to the fence, and immediately Jeff noticed a no trespassing sign. "Should we really go in there?" I didn't see it as any sort of obstacle, on it we went. We did several there, and as we were about to leave a truck rolled by....and then came back in reverse. uh-oh. Well, it was a deputy from McCormick county. Our cameras out, it was evident what we were doing. He asked if the owners knew we were there....to which we told the truth. Then he told us to be careful...and gave us a couple of other places to check out. Jeff was quickly relieved....he thought we'd be arrested on the spot. Well, this was the side of a barn at the site.

And a few of Ada from yesterday because she's so cute. I couldn't resist taking a few quick ones. Notice she's wearing an elephant.

Project 52: week 8-View from Here

2011-02-26T10:42:00.001-05:00

This week's theme View from Here is quite a good one. It's interesting to see different people's perspective on things. Lots and lots of good shots on the flickr site! My shot is from where we spend too much time. Unfortunately, Jeff has some autoimmune issues. About every two years or so a new thing pops up. Two years ago it was type I diabetes. This year....well, we're still waiting to hear everything, and hoping and praying nothing serious comes from any of the tests. So....my perspective is a shot of the waiting room when he had a CT scan this past Thursday. This was taken with my cell phone, by the way.

Fab Photog Shoot

2011-02-21T22:28:00.000-05:00

A group of photographer friends and I got together Saturday for a little fun with our camera, food, and good conversation. Much needed for this new mommy! Here's some of the photos of us modeling for each other....gorgeous ladies, right?!

Charlotte loves to laugh.

Ping can work it!

Heather rocking that leather jacket....and holding a flash, so I didn't get nearly as many of her.

Love Regan's sassy looks.

Elephantshoe revisited-The Gourd

2011-02-20T20:09:00.000-05:00

This is one of Jeff's. I believe it's from his time in school. It always reminds me of a heart, with all the arteries going to and from the lungs. It is a gourd....and there you go.

Environment

2011-02-18T21:10:00.001-05:00

This week the photographer challenge was environment. This is an environment I so desire to be in....my sewing room. I SO enjoy to create and see the finished product. Time hasn't allowed me to really sew in months. I'm so dying to get my hands on these fabrics! Hope you enjoyed all the puns....I couldn't resist!

Project 52: week 7-Open Your Heart

2011-02-18T21:05:00.000-05:00

I didn't give a thought to this week's project until last night, and that's when I had a thought. My Jeff...Oh, how I love him! If you've read my about me section you may remember we met on Facebook (there's a part of me that still cringes at that). I was so scared to even think about meeting anyone online, which happens all the time. One of my best friends met her husband that way, a cousin met his wife that way...and they are happy, yet it freaked me out a little. So when I received a message from some random guy I thought...oh great, facebook is turning into myspace. For a while I was so hesitant about Jeff, and yet I had prayed for a long time for God to send me someone. God definitely opened up my heart to Jeff...I do so love that boy! So this is what I came up with:

BUT.....that's not my photo this week. After Jeff and I were married we really struggled finding a church. I LOVED my church, Lake Russell Baptist (Elberton, GA)! I can't say enough about the folks there, so I'm not even going to start to explain the love you feel when you are there. We decided that to really be involved in a church an hour and a half a way, we would miss a lot of activity. Especially when we had a child, we wanted them to go to every activity possible, and that sort of drive would make it tough. Jeff had been in the Singles class at Brushy Creek Baptist, and loved that. I had gone with him a couple of times, and they were really awesome! Our status was about to change from single, so we went to a newlywed class, and while we enjoyed the teachers and members, we felt a little out of place since we were a few years older than most. So a few months after we were married we started searching. We went to several churches, and met some great people, but nothing quite had that home feeling. Something was pulling us back to BCBC. We decided to try a different class with members closer to our age, and we found a great one right away. Last year the church did 40 days of community. It's a Rick Warren study that focuses on working together as Christians to do the work set out for us by God, stating with our small groups (Sunday School class), and then within our church. I think this study really helped solidify our class. It's terribly sad, but sometimes within churches there isn't that sense of community there should be, our humanness gets in the way and animosity, competition, anger builds....it's heartbreaking. This year we are doing this study again, it's changed slightly, but it's still the same meaning. It's so great when Christians can open their heart to each other and be better together!

Elephantshoe revisited-Savannah flower pot

2011-02-13T21:17:00.001-05:00

In honor of Valentine's Day, this week's revisited is from our honeymoon. We went to Savannah. Neither of us had been, it was relatively close, and it was a good place to take lots of photos. We had a few of days where we walked around with our cameras, and photographed whatever moved us....it was great!

I love Savannah, but not as much as I love my forever Valentine (Jeff)!

Playing around

2011-02-12T14:28:00.001-05:00

Ada was blessed at birth with a mohawk, which I loved! I couldn't bear to cover that up with any headbands or the like. That first hair is pretty much on it's last days, and so now I have no qualms about adornments. Today we tried out the look.