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Stacey Woods is a Professional Lifestyle Photographer specializing in Modern Maternity, Newborn, Baby, Children and Family Lifestyle Photography for the Tampa Area. Stacey is an on-location, in-home natural light child photographer with a documentary approach, serving the Greater Tampa Florida area including Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, Gulfport, Indian Rocks Beach, Belleair Beach, Madeira Beach, Oldsmar, Palm Harbor, Tarpon Springs, Odessa, Keystone, Tampa, Largo, Dunedin, Safety Harbor and St. Petersburg, Florida.
...just because I love her. And because I miss her while she's in daycare. We are most definitely a two-income family, and while I'm thankful that she's in the most loving arms possible (besides ours), it's still hard not to ache for her sweet smile and twisty hair. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to get back to editing so that when they come home, my time can belong to my sweet babies again.
Have a wonderful day, friends!!
So, I'm not a wedding photographer. And I tried to convince Angela of this. I think I tried to talk her out of it, if you want to know the honest truth. ;) But Angela has been a long-time friend to Chris and me, such a wonderful supporter of my little photography business, and Parker just adores her son Zach. How could I say no to her? Well, at least without giving her fair warning that I truly wasn't a wedding photographer and is she absolutely sure she wants ME?! Still, despite my fear and my apprehensiveness, she trusted me. She had faith in me and confidence that I would document their day in my unique perspective, with my own eye. And guess what? I love her for it. I loved the entire experience and had a wonderful time. Angela and Michael were naturals in front of the camera (of course, since they own a film production company), and made my job that day feel almost easy. (Not to mention that she is stunningly beautiful and they are both extremely photogenic.) I am honored that I was able to be there not only to photograph her marriage to Michael on 10.10.10, but to witness my sweet friend marry her best friend. And I'm more than grateful for that.
They were married at the beautiful Cafe Alma in downtown St. Petersburg, FL. The atmosphere was intimate, warm, inviting, elegant, and amazing. Such a gorgeous venue, and the staff was fabulous from beginning to end. Lindsey Matacchiero made Angela look even more stunning with hair and makeup.
Their two sons were by their side during the ceremony. These little guys couldn't look more different on the outside... but inside their hearts, they've been brothers for a long time now.
After the ceremony, we took to the streets of St. Petersburg to play in the setting sun. You know me and my beloved backlight... especially at sunset! ;) These are some of my favorites from the entire evening, so forgive me if I share more than a few! There was very little editing done on the color images here... the light was just warm, gorgeous, and perfect.
I wish I could post the whole wedding! There are so many more that I'd love to share here. Michael and Angela, thank you so very much for entrusting me with your amazing, most perfect wedding day! Sweet wishes and congratulations your way.
And dare I say.... I think I could get used to shooting weddings. :)
xo,
Stacey
This morning on The Creative Mama, Angie Warren is sharing a heart-wrenching story of a woman... a mama... a wife... and a good friend... who was diagnosed with cancer just last week. I can't imagine her pain, her anxiety, her fears. If you would, please take just a minute to visit The Creative Mama today and read Chele Chestnut's story. Then, take two more minutes and leave her an encouraging note or comment, whisper a heartfelt prayer for her, and/or simply donate $5 or more if you're able. (I know I could easily spend $5 on a latte, and goodness knows I could forgo a day ~ or five ~ and use that money for good.) Every little bit helps, and greatly helps to ease this mama's fears of how she will pay for testing, treatment, and surgery. At this time, Chele's husband is unemployed, they are without insurance, and Medicaid is not an option for them. My heart breaks for her and her family right now.
Chele is the founder of Gather Inspirit and the voice behind The Bona Fide Life, in case you'd like to follow her online. I know she covets your prayers and encouragement through this difficult time. And I certainly appreciate it.
xo,
Stacey
Our darling baby girl turned two last week. We celebrated. We sang. We clapped. I cried, as everyone expected. And if you've been reading this blog for more than a minute, then you know that my crying over my children was never a question in the first place. So whether I want her to be or not, she is two. :) She is fiercely independent with bouts of "holdjuuu" mixed in. She can carry on a conversation with an adult and they can understand almost every word. She speaks in full, detailed sentences. She blows us all away on a daily basis. Intelligent beyond my wildest dreams (just watch her navigate an iPhone). She's compassionate already, and so sweet to others. Snuggly. Loves her big brother. Loves babies, whether they are real ones, "her" babies, or the children on my computer screen while I'm editing ("cuuuute bebee!"). She has the best laugh when she's tickled in just the right spot. She loves music. (Especially Justin Bieber. Seriously.) Loves to color, and always hands me the crayon and then asks me to "dwah a hawht." (translation: draw a heart. Or a silly face.) She is full of light. My Lila.
This isn't the birthday photo I'd envisioned including in this post. In fact, we haven't even done her two year photos yet. Those are planned for next week. However, when I came across this image in my folder it would not let me leave it alone. I decided that it is perfect to convey my feelings about her turning two. About my secret wish to smooth right over her birthday and pretend it didn't happen. That she's not growing up this fast. That the past two years have not been such a blur. Although I've hung onto every moment possible, there are some that still slipped through my fingers. Things that I missed, laughs I didn't hear, naps I didn't see her take. But that's alright. She runs into my arms every afternoon. She snuggles with me every night, and wakes up to me every morning. She is joyful, and amazing, and perfect. And now I can choose to wipe aside those tears that burn my throat and make my sight blurry, and recognize the raw beauty that lies within her.
My sweet girl. I love you so. xxoo ~Mama
I'm not very good at making time for myself. I know I should. It's not healthy to always give and go and never take time out to rest your body, feed your soul, nourish your spirit. I'm not good at carving out those moments for myself (except for my all-too-frequent ADD episodes of getting lost on the internet for just a quick sec endless minutes at a time. But that doesn't count!). So I'm making a conscious effort in the next month to take more time out for ME. And I hope it catches on permanently! Just a few minutes a day, a few hours a week, to simply go somewhere quiet and breathe. Take a walk, a run, a drive, and just be alone with my thoughts. Maybe I'll wake up earlier than the kids on Monday mornings (God help me with that one) and enjoy my coffee on the lanai, instead of via the drive-thru at Starbucks. Maybe I'll begin journaling again, whether it be in one of my beloved Moleskine notebooks or a private blog just for me. My soul needs it. My mind craves the solitude and the restoration of sanity (especially come 5 - 6:00 pm each evening when Lila is clinging to my feet, begging "holdjuuuuu, Mommy" while I try and wrangle cups and plates, and Parker is nowhere to be found because he knows supper is about to start). My body craves the rest, the peace. I need to do this.
And I'd love for you to take some time for yourself too. If you want to read what else I have planned, head on over to The Creative Mama and read the article that I posted, HERE. I'd love for you to comment and let me know how YOU take time for just yourself, or how you manage to work in those precious few minutes each day. How you balance. How you manage to stay sane come 6:00 pm. ;) Feel free to comment here as well, wherever you feel most comfortable. I'd love to hear your ideas! (And I just might use them myself!!)
xo,
Stacey
And their Daddy's too. I was out of town last weekend, the first time I'd ever left my babies for more than a single night. I can't tell you how wonderful it was to see their sweet (funny) faces again when I returned!! I could just kiss his cheeks off. :)
I missed this sweet face too. . . cowboy disguise and all. Shh, don't tell her that you can still recognize that pouty face as hers. Let's not spoil it for her, okay? ;)
I'll have details of my trip shortly. Don't go too far away. . . hope you all had a fantastic Mother's Day!!
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
This 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.
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. :)
Enjoy your Wednesday!
"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
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?
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
...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. ;)
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.
It'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.
