H.S. Seniors ...that get creative

This photo was taken last October. We had a beautiful day...as you can clearly see! The colors are so vibrant. Here is a little lesson... colors are vibrant because it was a cloudy day. The "subject" does not squint and the tonal values of the image stay close together. Thus, it creates very rich and vibrant colors.

The little "embellishments" on the photos are something new that I picked up at the National convention... my RIGHT (creative) brain was working overtime!! It was so awesome and overwhelming...I have many ideas.

Valerie

3 weeks & 1 day into the world....

Today I got the chance to create portraits for a 3 week old baby girl, so sweet, so loved, so fortunate... and SO adorable! She has a wonderful, loving family that are all close by. Mom & Dad told me she loves to eat...2 small bottles in 45 minutes and we had trouble getting to stop looking at us, she kept sneaking peaks ....fighting the little nap we were hoping for. LOL!! That made me laugh, what can you do. 3 weeks old and we can only follow where she led us... i managed to get one of her sleeping in her car seat. Check out those teeny, tiny toes-how CUTE!!!!

Valerie

It was warm in Arizona

Hi to ALL, it was so nice and warm...this was me leaving Karen & Jim's house on our way to dinner. We went to this very authentic "cowboy" place in the desert with horse stalls out back. They had a fire pit in the middle of the restaurant and we all had fun. More photos to follow.

Valerie

Exploring is fun

Today reached a high of 78, while at home it was 9 degrees during the dinner hour. I am pretty suprised that it is so cold yet so warm here. The jet stream deeps low right beside where I am at. Doris drove me me up into the mountains in Arizona and we explored a canyon... that was fun. Got some great shots... heard about a "teddy bear" cactus that can shoot out it's needle at you if you get too close. oooookkkay. Then we headed to a mission, it is currently being restored and actually has been photographed by a very famous photographer. That was cool to see the work and the photos.

Then I had a chance to breathe in....relax, breath out-sit in the sun on Karen's patio with an amazing view of the mountains.   We chatted and then went to dinner...we drove...and drove, down some dirt roads and into a very local, cowboy restaurant (that was a great margarita made of patron) that had this thin (paper grilled) pizza and all the meats and burgers were cooked over fresh mesquite pit that in the center in the room. The restroom was on the outside of the bathroom and here were rows of horse stalls. I visited the horses.

Tomorrow we are going to park next to the Mexican border...walk across, shop and photograph and head back to Green Valley, AZ. Then i guess we are going to a local "country band" and have dinner. OK...i am exhausted, heading to bed. This vacation and conference have been busy.

Valerie

Old friends.

Well...today I am off to see my elementary friend's Dad. I have not seen him for about 25 or so years. That should be a great adventure. I will be sure to post some of those photos after I get back home. Have to run since the car is coming to pick me up so that I can get a rental car. Yes, it is going to be 72 today and I am watching how ridiculously freezing it is in the north. yikes!!!
Valerie

New goodies!

Hi ALL!
Sorry no photos with this blog. I am currently in Phoenix, AZ enjoying the warm and sun. Ya, I know that makes you want to click off this blog, ha,ha. BUT seriously, I am researching all kinds of new ideas and products to bring back to my wonderful clients. I found some cute whimsical hats for babies, some fun new products and got some ideas for next years holiday cards. Phew, that is allot of pressure-LOL!!

I also learned today that we are the first group (PPA) to be using the brand new Phoenix convention center. It is very modern, bright and eco-friendly. I also had to stand in line to get tickets to see Anne Geddes...yes, the Anne Geddes. So I am off to continue to work....well, time for a little schmoozing now.

Valerie

The weather can change....

Just wanted to post post these 2 little guys, they are so cute and all "American" looking. We picked the date but wouldn't you know...completely freezing outside. The sepia and B&W hide the red noses! LOL!! They did a great job and really smiled and fun.

Valerie

old sweaters..donate them!

Happy New Year to ALL!!!! To kick off the New Year I decided to put a photo of me wearing some adorable, whimsical mitts (& the scarf) up. I found these mitts (thanks to Kay) at a shop in North Conway, NH. They are hand made by a lady in Maine who donates part of the proceeds to different places. For example the local library (local to her in Maine). I always like when I find items that help local charities at "home".

These mitts are wool on the outside, cute old buttons and fleece lined. I have 4 people stop me ask about them. I contacted the lady who creates them and she uses all kinds of items. If anyone has wool, flannel, or blended sweaters that have stains, rips or are too small now (kids out grown them)!! She only uses portions of them-please let me know or drop off at my studio on the steps. She uses flannel on the inside and any and all buttons that you may have laying around. You know when you purchase new items, they give you extra buttons...well, I have probably 100 of those and I am going to give them to her. Most of the clothes they below to are looooonnng gone.

Thanks in advance for the donations.

Valerie

Salon & Spa

This salon and spa is a wonderful place for relaxation, a beautiful environment and a welcoming feel. That is always so fabulous when we women want a little "down" time to ourselves. Laurie, the owner has thought of everything... apples, hot coffee and little biscottis (my FAV is the chocolate ones!!).

We took this very fabulous portrait of the staff...who do you recognize??
Valerie

Doggie fun in the SNOW!!

OK...so this is me taking a moment to brag about MY baby!! My husband took this photo while I was out at the studio this morning. How adorable is she, definitely a mountain dog, Akita's are bread to hunt bear in the mountains of Japan.

Valerie

women helping women

Hello to ALL!! Just a quick blog, my busy season has just about come to a close... a few loose ends left to go and some last minute re-ordered cards.

I had the chance to go and celebrate a little holiday cheer and network with my favorite networking group. The WSN.... here is a photo (on a little camera) of all of us who attend at 3 restaurant in Franklin. What a wonderful group of women helping each other in business.

Valerie

an Italy funny

This was just sent to me from one of my fellow travellers.... yes, I am dedicated to my job. Do whatever it takes to get the shot! ha,ha! I love how my husband seems "amused" by me. OH, and the man with the gray shirt...ya, 84 years old and went everywhere we went, walked ALL day! You go BOB!

Valerie

a true spirit of giving

One of my past bridal couples has expanded their families. They decided to adopt and it has been wonderful to watch such an open loving couple add to their family. How fortunate these girls are to have landed in such a wonderful home.

Valerie

Jail chick....help!

I know...I have not been able to post, life is always extremely crazy at this time of year but I agreed to "give back" at the same time. Please if anyone wants to help "bail me out of jail" I would greatly appreciate it....but more so the MDA will! Send any help to my studio address by December 1st.

Thank you in advance.

Valerie

..always lots of fun! LOL!!

All the parents who come in think their kids are the only ones who cry and that they will never get a photo...so not true. This why I can never answer how long it will take to get a photo session completed. They have good days and ...not so good days. It is all good.

This is just so everyone can have a good chuckle, I am sorry that it is taking longer to jump on line and post but it is my busy season. Almost at the holiday deadlines and then i can blog a little more often.

Valerie

siblings

This portrait just makes me smile and laugh... the brother with his head in hands says it all.

Valerie

Passage of time

Amazing how time just slips by... we can not stop it. I know parents would love to but I guess as a parent you have to look into the next phase. I have know this high school senior for many years and she is very intelligent, confident and well rounded adult. Her parents have done a great job, she is ready and able to head to her next phase of life. You go girl!

Valerie

I am 1!

LOL!!! OK, poor Travis, his Mom & I had a great time laughing...oh, I mean choosing his portraits. We gave him a cake for his 1st birthday to tear into. So adorable. So the question is... what is there to really cry about when you have all that sugar at your finger tips! I think I want to have someone push me around in a carriage, cuddle me, feed me, worship me...... 'yawn'-I think I need to go take a nap.

Valerie

Creative high school seniors

So we all graduate from high school...but truly what will you look back on. Your memory becomes very fuzzy even though you think it will not. I truly enjoy my career the most when a young adult reaches (insists?) for something that truly reflects themselves to look back on. My creative juices flow, I love the challenge, to listen to what they are craving and reaching for. The potential of these young adults is only limited by themselves. I believe in encouragement, a failed venture is only a bump, a lesson learned. Keep reaching and growing. I can still recall the few little positive moments that happened in my teens years....you may not think your few words make an impression but they may be remembered for a lifetime. I personaly know they can.
Valerie

...priceless!

I take the time to try to chat with my clients before hand to figure out what type of portrait would be good for that year's visit. This Mom brought brown tops and pumpkins. We talked and I suggested maybe a couple or few pumpkins to add a little "pop". When she arrived at her location and opened the back of the truck I was shocked to see the size of the pumpkins! WOW!! It made me laugh. She is always pulled together and organized, looks great and I am thinking how are we getting those huge pumpkins over to where I want them. She got right on that and she was moving those around and as you can SEE the result is wonderful.

This image is also great for my clients to be able to realize how great brown looks in the fall. You would think it would be too bland but not with some fall colors making it pop all around. I also fully realize how much work allot of my clients put into prepping for these appointments. Finding the right clothes, ironing them, hanging them in the vehicle, toting around pumpkins, mums, wagons, bathing the kids (I am sure some arguments about clothes), getting everyone there, fixing hair and being on time!

Yes......priceless!! Great work to you all!

Valerie