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Stacey Woods Photography Blog bio picture

So glad you stopped by!

Hello.   I'm Stacey Woods, and I'm a natural-light childrens photographer in Tampa Bay.  Welcome to my photography blog!  This is where I will share my recent work - and my heart - with you.  Client sneak peeks, scheduling announcements and updates, beautiful new offerings and products, and the occasional (okay, frequent) story (or two) about my crazy (but sweet) life with two kids.  ;)  Complete with Southern drawl and pronunciations, no less!  My hope is that you'll grab a glass of sweet tea (or maybe a Venti Peppermint Mocha?), settle in nice and comfy, and visit often.  I'm so glad you're here.

*image courtesy of my dear friend Jennifer Griffin



the superheroes | part one

Monday, February 8, 2010 Posted in Custom Photography, Kiddos, Portraits

I recently got to hang out with two young superheroes-in-training.  Both of these oh-so-cute brothers were celebrating their birthdays, and I got to play with them for a little while before their celebration took place at the Hall of Justice.  ;)

First, we practiced our Lurking.  A superhero always has to be stealthy, on the lookout for villians… and, ahem, photographers.  Just ask Spiderman!  I was certainly happy to play the role of Peter Parker this day!

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Next, we must practice our Web-Slinging and Hulk-Smashing.  “THWIP!”  “POW!”  “KA-BOOM!”  “WOP!”

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And we must search for the perfect fence to try out our Wall-Crawling. A good superfriend must always be ready to climb, scale, and leap over tall buildings (and wooden fences) in a single bound.

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And if that isn’t enough superhero training, why, then we just wait until the REAL Batman and Spidey show up to take over.  :)

…..to be continued!

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by Stacey

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oh, to have as much time on my hands as the hackers seem to.

Friday, February 5, 2010 Posted in Portraits

I suppose it wouldn’t be a Friday unless I had to fight off hackers, spammers, spoofers and otherwise technology-compromising idiots. It seems that my email account has been hacked somehow, and also my Contact Page from the main website is not sending my inquiries to me.   If you have contacted me recently and I have not returned your call or email, please contact me right away at 727.698.0344.  I assure you I want to hear from you! :)  Also, if you’ve received any kind of funky email from an address similar to mine, you can go ahead and delete that too, as I probably didn’t write it in the first place.

It goes against my Southern/Country upbringing to just ignore someone who is talking to you.  And it kills me to have people think I’m doing just that!  Cyber-ignoring you.  Ha!  Hopefully today it will be resolved, but I don’t know if I’ll ever find out which emails I’ve missed.  *sigh*

It amazes me what people will do with their precious time.  Where are the internet police?!

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to find my superhero cape again and do some rear-kicking. I will return! And with lots of sneak peeks too ~ so don’t go away!

ETA: my incoming and outgoing email seems to be back on track for the moment… and I think we’ve fixed the Contact Form on my website going forward.  What’s gone seems to be gone, however.  In that vein, I would like to apologize for the dozens of interested clients who must have had no other choice but to think I was being unfriendly and unresponsive to their email inquiry.  Oh my heart sank when I was able to weed through the error messages and spam/spoof attempts to find so many email true errors and bouncebacks!  Lost inquiries for months and months!  I would love to contact you back, but I don’t have a single phone number, last name, or email address to go on.  I do have a few partial messages from those of you who elaborated in the message box, but I’ve no way of contacting you back without phone numbers or email addresses.  My host is working on getting those details for me (if there IS any way possible), but for now I guess I just look like a big jerk.  *sigh*  Technology at its finest, right?  :(  Mercy, what a long night this will be!

by Stacey

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my “resignation” of sorts

Monday, February 1, 2010 Posted in Portraits

Today my 2010 begins anew.  Forget January and all its mess.  Today I begin again, and on the right foot this time.  Many changes are taking effect today, including my resignation of Manager of the Universe.  ;)  Apparently, I had taken that title on all by myself, without thinking to ask Him for it in the first place.  And what I found out (the hard way), what this:  that particular job was never mine, nor was the position ever open to begin with.  It was already filled, thankfully, by Someone much more clever and wise than I am, or ever thought I was.

I’ve realized, finally, that I do not have to “do it all myself” for my work to be valid and important.  I do not have to be all things to all people, nor do folks probably even expect that of me.  I am allowed to have help in raising my children (in addition to my husband, I mean!).  It’s okay that Lila has a wonderful, loving babysitter throughout the day or goes to a trustworthy, enriching in-home daycare instead of being attached to my hip all day long.  (Although I do think she was learning Photoshop from all the time she spent on my lap here in front of my monitor!)  She will learn from her new experiences and most likely have a blast with the other kids in the meantime.  And that is certainly more valuable than having a stressed-out mama who is trying to stretch herself to the limit and do it all for her.

I’m allowed to have help in running my business.  I can delegate and teach someone else to do some of the things I do, and my business might just blossom from the extra freedom (and time!) I will have to be more creative.  It’s okay for me to let go of my need for control and let other people assist with certain things.  I do not need to do it all alone in order to be a wonderful Mama, the perfect wife, an amazing photographer or ideal sister/daughter/granddaughter/friend.

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So if you think that I’m less of a photographer if your prints are ultimately matted and wrapped by an assistant instead of by me personally, or that my husband (God love him) delivers your print order to your home (or takes it to the post office for me)… or if you think that I’m not as dedicated of a mother if my 5-year-old is in Kindergarten and I still don’t have my 19-month old here at home with me every day (truthfully, I’m getting a lot more accomplished while she’s off learning and playing, and I still have some sanity left when the “witching hour” rolls around).  If you think I must be a terrible wife if my husband regularly eats take-out for dinner rather than a home-cooked meal every night, well, then, that’s okay with me.  Really, it is.  Because miraculously, that man of mine still loves me, take-out boxes and all.  My two children still think I hung the moon (until they become teenagers, perhaps?), and my imagery might even get better now that a little more of my creative spirit is being rejuvenated.  I may continually have to battle my old self-reliant ways, or in Lila’s words, my ache to proudly say, “I do dat!  I deed eet!”  All by myself.

Today, I begin again.  I am immediately demoting myself to the position of simply “a super woman”.  But not necessarily “Super Woman”.  And I’m okay with that.  There is no decrease in benefits, I’ve discovered ~ only more of them.

Whew!  That felt good.  :)

I know I’m not alone in this place in my life.  Maybe just a little behind ~ or ahead of ~ some of you.  Have any of you mothers, photographers, wives, friends out there ever felt the way I’m feeling now?  What did you do to create less stress on your family, and yourself, to make everything balance out?  I’d love to hear your tips and tricks in the comments section!  xo

ETA:  Even if you don’t have tips and tricks, you’re certainly welcome to add your thoughts here!  Even commiserate if you need to!  I have loved reading every one of your comments ~ so many of you have touched my heart and made me tear up while reading your sweet uplifting words.  Thank you so very much for validating my feelings and letting me know that I was not alone in this crazy way of thinking.  You’ve all certainly blessed my day!  xoxo, Stacey

by Stacey

18 comments

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February 1, 2010 - 4:27 pm Johanna - I promise you aren't the only one!! I've been a wife for 5 yrs, only been a mother for nine months and branching out in my photography for five. But what you have written resonates deep within my soul. To grasp solely that its okay to not be it all, do it all, and have it all - all together all the time! Being a pastor's wife man I feel the burden to be "Super Woman" but realizing the need to step back, delegate duties, and weigh what really is important. That is the means to survival and more than that, its the means to a fulfilled life. My husband is madly in love with me and I complete my sons world and neither care if I spent the day in my jamas! Thank you for your words and your example.

February 1, 2010 - 5:32 pm Sue Benson - Beautifully said!

February 1, 2010 - 6:01 pm stacy k - Wow Stacey. What a beautiful post. Perfect timing. I also have a 19 month old daughter who I get to be with 24/7. Thankfully here in Illinois we photographers get a break this time of year, and I am so greatful for the down time. But it makes me stop and think about whats coming along with the warmer weather: crazy, stressed-out, stretched-too-thin mommy. And she is no fun. I'm definitely not at a place where I am able to (or need to probably) hire help with the business, but letting our daughter go to day care is something we're considering. I've been beating myself up thinking that I should be able to do it all...I mean, she naps right? lol. But I just love the confidence and strength that comes across in this post. You are an amazing person and I can't wait to see where your genious photography goes from here! Best of luck! xo

February 1, 2010 - 7:00 pm Janet Long / Kookie Krums - Oh Stace, you said what every woman needs to hear, and in such a beautiful manner. Who could argue with that?! I should read this to myself every morning before I get out of bed, and then again when my toes hit the carpet!! You are so right, and for some reason we just feel like we need to do it all. You've given me a lot to think about, and as always, I love your heart. Janet

February 1, 2010 - 7:57 pm Trish - I couldn't have said it better. I am in the process of demoting myself as well, and I'm actually looking forward to some alone time. I'm sure my child will love more interaction with kids her age, and I will feel rested from not being wooled until my skin hurts. Hang in there, Mama. You're doing a great job! ;)

February 1, 2010 - 10:19 pm Angie - I think you know my stance on this :) How refreshing it was to read this today! Such a fabulous reminder to me as well. We are a work in progress - and that's okay! xoxo my friend!

February 1, 2010 - 10:52 pm andrea - So well said and as you can see you're far from alone. Balance my friend it's all in finding balance.

February 1, 2010 - 11:39 pm aileen - stacey, you're giving voice to what all working moms at home feel. beautifully written. i completely relate. i'd love to meet you for coffee sometime. we'll be down in the tampa area possibly in the spring break time frame and again over the summer and again and again (my inlaws close on a house there in 3 weeks!). peace sister. it's hard needing other people sometimes. ultimately though it (they) make it all easier. it gets you though in the letting go, relinquishing control. letting go is the hardest. but you know what? "you do dat! you deed eet!" ALL BY YOURSELF. :) You're letting go. Congratulations. truly. :) xo A

February 2, 2010 - 12:00 am tamsen - ahh. good for you. kids need play time anyway. it's good for them and for us. hope 2010 is awesome and rejuvenates you completely. :) i've been there, probably will be for several more years before i can afford the help...but I am learning family first, me second, work, it can always wait a little longer.

February 2, 2010 - 5:09 am Cathy Cline - Stacey, so well said my dear!! As you well know, I'm old enough to be your mother, and I have yet to accomplish what you are doing with your life and priorities. I'm working night shift now (6pm - 2:30am) and see the family very little; but the time I have with them, I still find myself trying to take everyone under my wing. The letting go and allowing someone else to do in my absence is the hard thing for me. I still want to be there for everyone and make all their troubles and heartaches go away. Maybe someday I'll be able to let go (just a little) and not feel guilty about not being there as much as I want to be. Your words have touched many of us. Thank you!!

February 2, 2010 - 12:46 pm Amy - I promise you aren't alone. I've often wondered how you get it all done, and now I see you are human like the rest of us moms. I have a new found respect for you Stacey. I'm sure your business and family will be the better for the "resignation" that you have given.

February 2, 2010 - 1:14 pm Karyn - Amen. Apparently SOMEONE is trying to tell me something. First Julia Cameron...and now you. Thank you.

February 2, 2010 - 1:36 pm Kristin - Stacy~ What wonderfully articulated reminder. As women we try to be all things to all people and in the mean time we lose ourselves and what bring us joy. I admire you for your new start :).

February 2, 2010 - 1:53 pm Erin - I didn't initially comment since I'm not a member of the Mommy Club, or the Wife Club, or a photographer, so I wondered if my opinion was important. ;) Then I decided that I am, however, the child of two working parents who I couldn't possibly love any more than I already do. Dad worked at least 11 hours a day when he still owned the dealership, and mom worked two jobs most of the time I was in Jr High/High School. As a young child, I went to two different baby sitters (and I still love them both!) And while there were times when I got older that I was home while my parents were working, I never EVER doubted how much they loved me. And neither will Parker or Lila. Good for you for giving yourself a break. I am certain everyone will benefit from it.

February 2, 2010 - 2:33 pm Jennifer - Oh, P-L-E-A-S-E! What took you so long to figure it out??? The right way is the way that makes everybody in the family happy, and it sounds like you're on the right path (Momma counts too, remember!). There is no rulebook - you do what works for you and your family, NOT what works for the Jones'. Just stay flexible, and it will all work out. Love your photography!

February 2, 2010 - 2:37 pm tracie - hello! i just couldn't pass up the opportunity to be a part of your very raw and resonating post. i used to be the owner of a stationery store, but decided to sell it about a 1 1/2 ago. because it finally dawned on me that i can't be superwoman. i can't be all and do all. and my family was more important. http://broadwaypaper.blogspot.com/2008/12/parting-is-such-sweet-sorrow.html i'm now a photographer, but doing it on my own terms {i'm blessed to be able to do that financially}. but the important thing for all of us to remember is that it's okay to ask for help. we were designed to carry it all, to do it all. our children and families will be much better off if we can admit this to ourselves and go ahead and seek the help or make the changes we need to. love this post ... love the reminder ... love the rawness of it ... we all feel it. blessings to you!!

February 2, 2010 - 8:40 pm Jill - Ahhh.. what a beautiful discovery. You are an amazing woman figuring how to balance. I admire your spirit and beautiful work. When in doubt always go within and figure it out.

February 6, 2010 - 2:55 pm Jolene Bresney - Stacey~ you are not alone! I am a photog, mother of 3, and the juggling act is the hardest part. Slow down, take a breather....enjoy doing what you love and never let the stress of perfection steal the show. Best of luck to you...

the beauty of carrying a child

Tuesday, January 26, 2010 Posted in Custom Photography, Maternity, Portraits

I can’t tell you how much I loved this session.  Thank you, Laura and Zack, for entrusting me to capture these last few days for you.  I can’t wait to meet your little sweetheart.

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by Stacey

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January 26, 2010 - 1:47 pm marta - Gorgeous! Just breathtaking...all of them.

January 26, 2010 - 2:39 pm Aria - I have always wanted to do a maternity bathtub & bubbles shot! You do great! The whole session is just beautiful.

January 26, 2010 - 4:40 pm Angie - The next baby (should there be another) I am flying you out missy! Just breathtaking...

January 26, 2010 - 7:49 pm aTan aHmad - Nice pics.....

January 26, 2010 - 8:43 pm Trish - What an amazingly beautiful session! And what a perfect little tummy! These are all so wonderful...

January 26, 2010 - 10:49 pm tanya warpula - WOW, WOW, WOW these are Amazing!

January 26, 2010 - 10:52 pm Stacey - I really appreciate all of the blog love! Your comments totally made my day! And Angie, it would be my honor to come to CA and photograph you someday. xo Thank you again, all!

January 27, 2010 - 3:29 am Alisha - I recently came accross your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I dont know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often. Alisha http://sketchingdrawing.com

January 27, 2010 - 3:39 am Michele Anderson (Pinkle Toes Photography) - PHENOMENAL!

February 2, 2010 - 11:27 am Yvonne - So beautiful and intimate!

February 3, 2010 - 4:20 am Kristie - speechless... (meaning OMGosh GIRL these are drop dead GORGEOUS, GORGEOUS, GORGEOUS!!!!!! WOW, WOW, WOW!!!!!!!)

her name was Belva Charlene.

Saturday, January 9, 2010 Posted in Family, Life

She was tall, strong, brave, and kind.  She was a wife, a sister, an aunt, a mother, a grandmother, a great-grandmother and even a great-great-grandmother.  She was a Christian, and she loved her family with all her heart.  She was one of the most giving, selfless, gentle women I’ve ever known.  She made the most delicious pecan pies and cream candy, and I looked forward to her treats every holiday.  She always laughed at the antics of my sisters when we were little.  ”That Trish,” she’d say, shaking her head.  She celebrated her 94th birthday in June.  I hope she remembered it ~ Alzheimer’s had taken so many of her memories by then.  But she always knew my dad when he went to visit her.  ”Why, hello, Pat!” she’d say with a smile and a twinkle of her clear blue eyes.  Such a sweet woman.  Her name was Belva Charlene Holbrook.  She was my Nanny, my great-grandmother.  And with a heavy heart, I am glad to know that she suffers no more here on this earth.

I miss you already, Nanny, but I’m so grateful for growing up under your influence of kindness and constant grace.  You were a treasure to know, and I’m so glad we got to borrow you here on this earth for awhile.  I hope you’re dancing in Heaven right now.  You deserve the largest mansion with the biggest field of flowers to enjoy, and children to surround you there just as they did here.  We love you, and are comforted in knowing that we’ll see you again one day.  Welcome Home, Nanny.  xox

3gensThis photograph was taken December 2008 of my great-grandmother, my dad, and my son.  She always folded her slim hands that graceful way, and I adore her smiling eyes here.

by Stacey

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January 9, 2010 - 10:47 pm Priscilla - Stacey I am so sorry for your loss. This was a beautiful entry in honor of her and I know she has to be so proud of you girls right now as she's watching over you. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers love.

January 9, 2010 - 11:36 pm Patty - Stacey, my heart is heavy today too...You're nanny certainly was a precious soul. Her memory wil always be with me, I'm glad I knew her. Patty

January 9, 2010 - 11:44 pm Amy C - Stacey, I am very sorry for your loss. I am very close to my grandmother and I can't imagine that day. But I do have such precious memories of her that can't be replaced! Like the hands and eyes you mentioned, you will never forget that!

January 10, 2010 - 12:30 am Pat Holbrook - Stacey, this is priceless! I love the expressions on everyone's faces! I'm so glad Parker got to meet her! I have so many memories of her, far too many to list on here, but she was the sweetest grandmother anyone could ever hope to have! Thanks for sharing this with us! I love you!

January 10, 2010 - 12:37 am Stacey Dawn - Precious... I'm sorry for your loss, Stacey and hope your wonderful memories comfort you.

January 10, 2010 - 1:56 am Margie Robichaux - I am sorry for your loss Stacey. I know what it is like to lose a loved one...my heart goes out to you. Though we have not met, please know you can call on me anytime if you need anything. I love you!

January 10, 2010 - 2:24 am Casey Robichaux - I am for your loss..family is in my prayers!

January 10, 2010 - 3:57 am Peta - She looks like an amazing, sweet woman. This photo is absolutely precious, I am sure it will be forever cherished. Sorry for your loss, Stacey.

January 10, 2010 - 8:10 am tracie @ {tsj} photography - what a beautiful tribute to your nanny. i don't know you, or her ... but it brought tears to my eyes. i'm certain God most certainly has reserved the most beautiful spot in heaven for her. what a gorgeous photo and memory you have of her ... warm prayers for strength and peace for you, your family and everyone she touched.

January 10, 2010 - 11:25 pm tanya warpula - Such a beautiful write up of your nanny. I love the image you posted, it's so real. And what a special capture of your son looking up at her. Precious!

January 11, 2010 - 11:58 am aris wells - stacey, this post really touched my heart. i'm sorry for you lost. you are so fortunate you had someone like her in your life. thanks for sharing her with us, beautiful soul. take care aris

January 11, 2010 - 10:46 pm Shannon Dodd - Sorry for your loss, she sounds like she was an amazing woman.

January 19, 2010 - 4:01 pm Corey Sewell - I'm sorry for your loss, Stacey but so thankful that you have so many fond memories of her. She sounds like an amazing woman and you must be so blessed to have had her in your life!

January 19, 2010 - 11:04 pm stacy larsen - Oh Stacey, I am so sorry to hear about your loss but so glad to know that you got to spend time with her before she passed. We really need to stop and arrange a time to get together. I miss you.

January 22, 2010 - 9:26 pm Pat Ratcliff-Milanese - Dear Stacey: Your great grandmother, Belva (Stamper) Holbrook was my 2nd cousin, once removed. She never knew me but I have her name in my genealogy database with almost 9,000 others after 33 years of researching the Ratcliff family. I even have an original photo of her when she was small with her sister, Nell...left behind with my grandfather's things. You have given me a more recent and beautiful face to place beneath her photo alongside her obituary. I live in CA and am the great-great grand-daughter of Reuben & Hulda Ratcliff of Carter Co., KY. I extend my sincerest condolences to you and your family. I know what it's like to lose someone so dear that you have cared for and loved with Alzheimer's for almost 16 years...my great aunt, Mimi who died in April 2006 at age 102 (on my mother's side). How blessed we are to have had them touch our lives...the memories they leave behind imprinted upon our hearts are God's gifts to us to treasure long after they have passed. I would love to share this childhood photo of her with you if you like. Please e-mail me so I can mail it to you. May God keep her safe forever within His loving arms' embrace A Ratcliff cousin in CA, Pat Ratcliff-Milanese

February 2, 2010 - 11:53 am Amy Parsons - Stacey, seeing Nanny smile brought tears to my eyes. I somehow missed this post. I miss her too... the last time I had gone to see her in the nursing home, I mentioned her pies and how yummy they'd tasted. I told her "I wish you could teach me how to make those pecan pies, Nanny." She grinned really big and chuckled and said, "Well, not today!" I laughed outloud at the tone in her voice. Then she stared at me with those big blue eyes and said, "You're so pretty" I got teary eyes because she'd never told me that before. I said, "I look like you" and she smiled and chuckled again. That's the last time she looked in my eyes. I mean, she really looked at me and knew who I was...I miss her.

a patch of sweet light, and a sweet girl

Wednesday, December 9, 2009 Posted in Kiddos, Life, Portraits

Just had to share this quick one of my girlie… I edited this quickly between client sessions last night.  Looking at this image of her just makes my heart feel so peaceful.   :)


staceywoodsphoto.comEnjoy your Wednesday!

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by Stacey

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December 9, 2009 - 2:28 pm Launa - Sweet Light is right! This is gorgeous!! What a cutie!!

December 28, 2009 - 12:01 am Jenny Rebecca - Oh my...I DREAM of taking portraits like this. BEAUTIFUL.

January 1, 2010 - 2:23 am Stacy - I can surely see why it makes your heart peaceful...she is gorgeous! And that completely content look on her face is just heaven.

January 6, 2010 - 5:23 pm Corey Sewell - She is absolutely adorable!

January 8, 2010 - 10:49 pm Thea - Stacey, she is beyond precious. I would be at peace too looking at this face.

help-portrait: give the portrait, don’t just take it.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009 Posted in Life, Local, Portraits, Projects

“If these pictures have anything important to say to future generations, it’s this — I was here. I existed.

I was young, I was happy, and someone cared enough about me in this world to take my picture.”

~from the movie, One Hour Photo


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During the holiday season, it’s so easy to get busy with to-do lists, shopping lists, school plays and errands, work projects and hopefully those special traditions that you’re working to pass down this time of year.  I’m guilty of it myself!  But today, I’d like for you to just stop a moment.  Stop, relax, let your mind settle.

I’d like for you to think about all the beautiful (and even the blurry!) photographs of your children.  In frames on your desk, in albums on your table and on your shelves.  Those priceless canvases on your walls, your children’s smiling faces on holiday cards and birthday invitations.  School photos, Christmas party photos, vacation memories, the snapshots of when you brought her home from the hospital, of your son learning to ride his bike.  Your old film negatives, polaroids, jump drives, CDs.  We even have mobile phones full of photos!

How do they make you feel?  Loved, cared for?  A part of something special?  Absolutely.  Our history can be preserved on film, on paper, on disc, on canvas for future generations ~ and it’s a privilege to be able to preserve that for future generations.  To tell your story, your family’s story, their story.  I personally feel that I’ve been blessed with one of the most important jobs in the world.

Could you imagine your life without photographs of your loved ones?  I certainly couldn’t!

Now.  Take another moment to think about something else.  About SOMEONE else.  Perhaps a family who has very few photographs to treasure, or none at all.  Someone who needs to pass down their history, their legacy, but who cannot afford custom photography, or the local department store or chain studio, or even a digital camera.  A single mother who is having enough trouble putting food on the table and finding enough time to help with the kids’ homework, much less making that precious time stop on film.  Maybe even a family who has lost all of their family photos to a fire or hurricane, a flood or disaster of some sort.  A sick child, an ill family member, someone who may not get this chance again.  Someone who has had a rough go lately ~ wouldn’t it do your heart good to have a hand in making them feel like the most amazing, most beautiful person in the world?

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I am honored to join the thousands of photographers WORLDWIDE who are participating in an amazing movement called HELP-PORTRAIT.  Help-Portrait’s mission is simple: Find Someone In Need.  Take Their Portrait.  Print Their Portrait.  And Deliver It To Them.   And it’s all happening this Saturday, December 12, 2009.

I know that you know someone who deserves a little time, a kind word, a few minutes to feel special.  Please, please send them our way this weekend!  Tell them about the Help-Portrait event, drive them there if you must, but please spread the word about this fantastic cause!

I also know there are lots of other photographers who read my blog (thank you!!) who would love to help and join Help-Portrait by donating your time, talent, and expertise.  If you’re local to Tampa Bay, you can join us this Saturday, December 12 at 9am at the St. Pete Pier.  We’ll be shooting from 10am until 2pm, but any little bit of time you have to donate would be fantastic and appreciated so much.  I know there are more photographers needed for our local event, so if you want to give me a call (727.698.0344) or send me an email (stacey@staceywoodsphoto.com), I’ll point you in the right direction to get you signed up!  I’d love to see you there!  Also, a local lab has agreed to print all of the portraits from the event at no cost ~ so all we need is YOU!  Let’s give of ourselves this holiday.  Not just of our wallets.

MAKE SOMEONE FEEL THAT THEY MATTER TO SOMEONE ELSE IN THIS WORLD.  SHARE YOUR GIFT, AS A GIFT.

If you’re from out of town, look up the local Help-Portrait Team in your area.  This is a widespread event and we’re bound to make a difference in a lot of people’s lives this year.  Spread a little cheer!

If you have a few minutes, please watch the HP video HERE and see if there is something you can do to help.  Thanks again.  xo

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by Stacey

3 comments

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December 9, 2009 - 9:22 am tamsen - Sounds like a wonderful cause! I am not even close to being local (Canada!) but I do hope you get lots of photographers to help you out in this cause! Thanks for remembering to give back! :) Tamsen

December 9, 2009 - 2:04 pm Stacey - Thank you for your support, Tamsen! You know, I think there are Help-Portrait groups in Canada as well if you're interested! It's a worldwide event, not just here in the US! Have a wonderful holiday!

December 20, 2009 - 7:41 am Tiffany - Thanks very much stacy for my family photos ! HAPPY HOLIDAYS !TIFFANY,ROZASHA,ROSHONNA

holiday schedule, and a few more images too!

Tuesday, December 8, 2009 Posted in Family, Kiddos, Portraits

Just wanted to give you a little update now that we’re fully into December and the holidays are almost HERE!!!  :)  This is my absolute favorite time of year, but WOW at the busy-ness!  My labs are working overtime and crazy hours to get all the prints, canvases, albums and image boxes back in time for Christmas delivery, and I’m pulling lots of late nights getting everyone’s orders in and put together, shipped out, blogged HA!, and delivered!  I even have a few new sessions to share before we close up for 2009 and await the New Year!

That said, my holiday schedule will continue through December 17.  Stacey Woods Photography will be closed from Friday, December 18 until Monday, January 11.  (Excepting newborn and maternity clients, which must be photographed during all-important, fleeting, very specific timeframes to ensure the best images possible!).  If you’re already on my books for the first week of January, have no fear.  You’re still in!  :)  I am starting to book up January now so definitely place a call or send over an email if you’d like to get on the schedule for January or February.  And if you have an order outstanding, please wait just a little longer!  It’s coming shortly, I promise!

Now, to share a few images from some recent sessions.  I’ve been almost afraid to post some of these for fear that I’m spoiling someone’s Christmas card or present!  ;)  But I think I’m safe to share these, so here we go!

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This is a lovely family that I met at the last Baby Loves Disco event in Tampa.  They looked me up again this year for a Christmas session, and I’m so glad they did!  Little A was so funny and so spirited the entire shoot!  He made me work for it!  :)

Preschoolers go their own way, that’s for certain… right into Daddy’s arms.  Ahhh, sweetness.

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And how I love this sweet still moment with Mama.  He had the most gorgeous lashes, really.

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And I know you can’t see it in this black and white photo above, but Mom had on some KILLER red pumps.  :)  Loved them, and loved the energy of this family.  Can’t wait until next time, sweet S family!  Hope you have a wonderful holiday.

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by Stacey

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January 6, 2010 - 10:49 pm Sarah Woods - Love Love Love!

just right

Saturday, December 5, 2009 Posted in Custom Photography, Family, Kiddos

Sweet faces, sweet people, sweet light.  I could not have asked for more in a session!

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M family, I’ll have your gallery online for you soon!  Thank you so much for a perfect evening.  I’m so glad Tammy sent you my way!  xo

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by Stacey

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December 8, 2009 - 6:52 am Tammy - These are so pretty! The kids walking through the flowers is just adorable!!! I can't wait to see the rest!!!!

December 8, 2009 - 10:48 pm Lisa - Stacey, I love the "sneak peek" and can not wait to see the rest! Thanks for such a fun session. The kids ask about "Ms. Stacey all of the time".

my blackberry has been stolen and my imac has been taken over…

Wednesday, November 11, 2009 Posted in Itty Bitty Babies, Life

…by a 17-month-old babygirl with blonde pigtails.  She was last seen wearing, um, no shirt… and a Huggies size 3.  My apologies to the random person she accidentally dialed today.  I have since put the keypad on LOCK.  ;)

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She certainly was a feisty one today.  My little blond sweetheart ate 2 crayons, threw a brand new roll of toilet paper into the toilet (yes, while still on the little cardboard roll), dumped an entire container of Yoplait Light on the hardwoods in the living room and then proceeded to spread it around like it was finger paint.  (This is the last time I leave food on her highchair tray after she’s down on the floor… she can reach the tray by herself now and is quite the sneaky little bandit!)  Little Miss here stood up twice in the Target shopping cart seat (while STILL BELTED IN, mind you).  She pulled the cat’s tail and rubbed the leftovers of a biscuit into his fur.  She tried to flush four wooden counting beads (obsessed with the toilet, you see), scratched poor Parker’s arm, and dumped numerous containers of EVERYTHING onto any surface she could find.  She did finally doze off for a whole five minutes, only to wake up as soon as I tried to put her down in her bed.  God forbid she actually miss creating another mini-disaster by napping the day away.

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_dsc3735webIt’s a good thing she’s so darn cute.  And squeezable.  And funny.  And soft.  And smiley.  And chattery.  And incredibly affectionate.  And says “Mah-muh?” in the most darling little voice you’ve ever heard in your life.  Although Chris and I had quite the time out of her today, and neither one of us accomplished a whole heck of a lot workwise, aaaand besides the fact that we had many a mess to clean up this evening, you can certainly bet that I spent an extra few minutes snuggling her in the rocking chair before bedtime.  (Which she didn’t fuss a peep over.  Imagine being so worn out from trouble-making discovering and exploring that you actually want to sleep?!)  I stopped and smiled and breathed in the smell of her wispy hair, and was so very grateful for my healthy, happy, rambunctious, sweet baby girl.  This tiny thing that I could never imagine life without.  Mess and all.

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by Stacey

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November 11, 2009 - 9:44 am Marta - I adore this post...and now I officially want her, mess, trouble and all! She reminds me of someone I know...a little dude that has an iPhone obession, and a lot of the same hobbies! Amazing how all their trouble making can actually make you love them more.

November 11, 2009 - 10:08 am Trish - Reminds me of a toddler I know... ;)

November 11, 2009 - 10:46 am Stacy - Our baby girls are the same age! And apparently they're all in on it...they're stealing our blackberry's and iphones and texting each other to cause mass chaos! :)

November 11, 2009 - 1:02 pm corey - Too cute!!

November 11, 2009 - 3:42 pm jodie - LOVE this post! She's adorable Stacey!

November 11, 2009 - 5:42 pm tanya warpula - That little toot! She sounds like one of mine! ;)

November 13, 2009 - 10:04 pm stacy larsen - Oh my holy graciousness. She is growing way too fast!! WAY TOO FASTt!!! That's it, we are getting together sooner rather than later. I miss her so much and besides, Brody was checking out another baby yesterday at Starbucks and I know it is only because he is forgetting just how perfect his little soulmate really is.

November 16, 2009 - 5:40 pm brooke bowland - love. your work is beautiful. actually found you via [b]school and i am so thrilled to go through your site. stunning!

November 16, 2009 - 10:25 pm Aunt Abby - How PRECIOUS, I just love that blonde hair!

November 20, 2009 - 2:00 am Kristie - If I could only hug her through the computer, I so would!! I can't get over the pigtails--she has to be the cutest, most sweetest thing on earth!!!! xoxoxo to you both!!!!!

November 22, 2009 - 9:45 am Yvonne - Oh....she's SO cute! Love the storytelling here too. ADORABLE!

December 1, 2009 - 12:37 pm sarah wheeler - what a beautiful, heartfelt post stacey. your little girl is precious :)

December 1, 2009 - 1:03 pm Stacey - Thank you all so much for the lovely comments (and commiseration!). It's such a fleeting time in our lives when they're this small and into everything... and while it might frustrate us at the time, we're certainly going to laugh about it later, right?! ;)

December 7, 2009 - 11:00 pm Angel Jones - From one toddler girl mama to another...I feel your pain and your joy. We nearly had an international call made last week. She and her cousin love to give every stuffed animal a wash in the toilet. Then they treat each other to a good hairwashing. Mind you, they stay with my mom the hairdresser every day. I take it as a new role playing. The last one on the right with her texting and looking right at the camera with that sassy hip jutting out, looks like a total grown girl! So cute, so sweet, makes up for her mighty adventures. Best wishes in your happy days to come. Merry Christmas to you all!