connection | tampa florida lifestyle photographer

From time to time I'm lucky enough to turn my lens on old friends.  This post is for Bill and his sweet daughter Noelle.  Bill has been a friend of ours since 1999, and he and his daughter recently visited us from Philadelphia.  It was funny to see our kids playing together on the beach ~ because when Chris and I met Bill more than ten years ago, we were living in PA and complaining about the snow and cold weather.  :)  Real friendships last through new jobs, cross-country moves, relationships, marriages and the births of children.  And they are some of the most loyal and blessed friendships you can ever hope to have. I took just a few minutes one morning to grab a few images of their close daddy-daughter bond, and I couldn't help but smile behind the camera as I was watching them together.  I simply asked them to play together for a few minutes, and this is what I had the good fortune of seeing from behind my lens...

And maybe my favorite image of the day....

Just melts my heart.  He's so good with her, and she obviously adores him in return.  Bill and Noelle, thank you for flying in to see us for Chris' birthday.  It made his day, and ours.  Miss you all!!

~S

growing up | st petersburg baby photographer

I really wonder sometimes why I am so lucky.  I have the honor of documenting so many babies' first weeks of life. . .  and again when they're a little older as they crawl throughout their home and discover so many new things.  Then again when they're walking, talking, growing up.  It's been such a pleasure working with my clients over and over again, and by the time their baby is a year or so, it's just like visiting with family. This family is no exception.  It has been such a pleasure working with them over the past year.  Just over a year ago, when their babies were a week old, I was able to witness their bond because any time we'd lie them down together, they'd immediately find each other and snuggle right up, arm in arm.  It was precious to watch.

I've had the privilege of watching them marvel at their first Christmas lights together, listening to their babbles and coos. Crawling, laughing, smiling, enjoying the beauty around them (and watching their parents acting silly behind me and my camera).  ;)

And recently I was invited to join in their first birthday celebration,to see them walking around as the full-fledged toddlers that they have become.  It was a perfect, lovely afternoon in their backyard, and I'm so happy that I was able to be in attendance.

I loved the vintage theme of the party.  Some of the toys reminded me of my own childhood (Fisher-Price movie viewer, anyone?).

Happy 1st Birthday, sweet babies.  You will change the world someday.  You are already so amazing, and I feel blessed to know you.  Much love.

Thank you, Chris and Monique, for letting me come along on this sweet ride with your family.  I've enjoyed every moment, and I look forward to watching your "babies" grow.

~S

sweet baby | tampa newborn photography

I dearly love photographing newborns.  It's a thrill to meet such a fresh, tiny little person in their first few days of life.  And watching the overjoyed parents with their newly created bundle of sweetness is just as much of a heart-melter for me.  Today I'm introducing you to baby Jake, who charmed me on the spot and was one of the sleepiest babies I've met, to date.

Isn't he just precious?  I can't wait to watch him as he grows.  Congrats, Laura and Zack!

_____

While you're here, go ahead on over to The Creative Mama today.  My article on stylishly displaying family photographs in your home is featured today, and you won't want to miss it!  Lots of inspiration and resources, DIY instructions and how-to's, even a few links for downloadable gallery templates to get your wheels turning!  Don't forget to leave some blog love (a comment) and link up ~ show me your walls!

ella's baby sister

Remember sweet Ella from my post below?

Well, she's learning how to be a big sister!  I got to spend the morning with Ella, baby Anna, and their sweet parents recently to photograph them again... only this time, as a brand new family of four.

Aren't they cute snuggled up in the bassinet together??  Ella has the honor of helping to take care of and love on her new little sister for the rest of her life.  Anna is so blessed to have entered this family.

She is just beyond precious.

We were even able to capture a few of Miss Emilia, Anna's new friend and "part-time sister" who was very curious about these little feet all bundled up.

I'll have lots more for you soon!  Thanks for waiting so patiently for the sneak peek, Damian, Jill, and all the anxious Somers Salon and Spa family!!  Oh, and psst, Lauren, you can stop hitting "refresh" now.  ;)  *mwahh!*

into open arms | tampa bay newborn photographer

I have no doubt that Joshua entered this world into anxious, joyful arms.  That he is surrounded by love and admiration, and is adored by many.  I had the pleasure of photographing him at the ripe old age of three weeks.  :)  With two parents who obviously are very much in love, I wonder where Joshua's favorite place to be is??

In his parents' arms, of course.  And I don't think you'll hear them complaining.  ;)

Loved the sweet curve of his back, and the way the light fell across it.

Can you get over this peace sign he's throwing me here?  Ha!

Megan and John, I hope you enjoy your gallery.  It was my honor to photograph your baby boy for you.

waiting for anna | tampa maternity photography

I always love turning my lens on these gorgeous girls.  Jill's maternity shoot was not just directed toward herself and her beautiful tummy, but it was also very much about Ella, who is going to make for one fine big sister.  This is the third time I've photographed this family, and I can't wait to meet baby Anna in a few weeks.

Oh, and did I mention that there is also a supercute and hilarious terrier snuggled up in that tickle fight?  I am pretty certain that right beside his "girls" is exactly where he wanted to be.  :)

Well, maybe except for that moment....  or this one...  ;)

But they are an adorable bunch, no?

Told ya...  he was snuggled up to his girls the entire shoot.

Jill, I can't wait to meet your new baby girl!  Thank you for having me over to play once more.  I had such a great time, as always.  See you soon!

~S

the superheroes | part one

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!

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

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.

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!

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

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 pains me to have people assume I'm doing just that ~ cyber-ignoring you.  ;)  Hopefully today it will be resolved, however I don't know if I will ever gain access to the contact details contained within the 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 once again (the one I shoved into the closet) 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 or unresponsive to their email inquiry during that time.  Oh, how my heart sank when I was able to weed through the error messages and spam/spoof attempts to find so many garbled emails and bouncebacks.  And not a stitch of return contact info.  :(  Tomorrow is a new day!

my "resignation" of sorts

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.

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

the beauty of carrying a child | clearwater maternity photography

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.