The D Family {Pensacola Family Photographer}

I was pretty excited about shooting the D family.  I've taken photos of the children before but now to get to capture a photo for their family, was just making me giddy!

The location I choose, I had never shot there before!  How tricky.  I had driven by this part of a local park before and I loved the way the hills rolled up in the background, but could never figure out how to incorporate that into a photo.  Earlier in the year I had come across this bench.  It is pretty large, but light weight.  I never had a reason to use it, but then a light bulb went off!  Perfect!  I can place the family on the bench and shoot from an angle to capture the hills behind them.

Just off camera is a little set up of a summer picnic.   I set this up for the children, to capture them just being silly, but alas, plans are made to be broken, right?  :)  Ms. L gave me a great big smile on the blanket, but other then that, they wanted nothing to do with sitting down!  oh and the ants didn't help either.....

We walked over to a part of the park I have shot before.  I think these little hidden steps are wonderful.  They add such texture and depth to the picture.

The park also has this amazing blue ummmm restroom.  haha  Yes, this blue wall is that of the facilities on the park, but I love how it really made their yellow outfits pop!

One last walk back to the car and I really wanted to get a photo of the two children together.  This is way harder then it sounds.  I had to snap quickly but I was able to get ONE shot of them together.

Custom 20*10 Collages were requested from this session.  I work with the family to create a layout per their design.  Totally love doing this!

Heidi {Pensacola Model Photographer}

A few months ago, I get the chance to shoot with some amazing local talent in Pensacola.  I have shot Ms. HeidiJo before, in a gown length tutu on some train tracks, and I knew from that experience that any session with Ms. Heidi would be nothing less then extraordinary.    You can check out her facebook fan page HERE!

The session was styled by Heidi herself but with some wonderful accessories by Eliza George.  

Eliza was also responsible for the amazing colorful makeup.   Add her business page on Facebook here!

Birds of Paradise was the "theme" for the shoot.  Wild, nest-like hair was styled by the amazing Kelly Michelle.  Her fan page can be found here.

The goal was to submit some images for publication in the start up magazine called SnapMatter   

Snap Matter is a magazine dedicated to photographers, designers, models, and make up artist. 

I was very excited to see our shoot DID make it into the magazine!  Here is a page from the magazine where we were featured.

Enjoy some additional shots from this amazing styled and designed session.

Mom and Baby {Pensacola Family Photographer}

A daughter may outgrow your lap, but she will never outgrow your heart.  ~Author Unknown

You might remember the newborn session of Miss P here.  She was such a dream and when her mother won a little contest I posted on my facebook fan page I was overjoyed to try some mother/daughter poses.

Miss P and her mom arrived on time, all ready to go!  We had some set backs that go along with every naked baby session, but I feel I did get a few good images for the family to enjoy forever!

Nags Head, NC {Personal}

In May, I had the wonderful opportunity to go on a vacation with only the women in my family.  Twelve lovely ladies joined together for a fabulous weekend in Nags Head, NC.  This is a yearly vacation spot for our family.  I've been going to Nags Head since before I can remember.  Some of the best memories from my childhood are from this annual trip.  Not only do we go to he same location, but we've been congregating in the same cottage as well.  Over the years, the decor has changed, flat screen televisions replaced the older tube type (except in the upstairs master bedroom, there is a still an old tube TV upon a stand) but the memories remain the same.  I can close my eyes and walk through that cottage, a memory I hope I never forget.


Before the days of the DS, Wii, smart phones, facebook (even blogger) my cousins joined together and created games to keep us busy (now that I'm older, I'm sure the adults had a hand in some of the more quiet, calm, concentrated games)  We would play Rock Teacher up the 3 story steps, underneath relax in the hammock, play in the sand.  It is here were I learned to play a few card games, Blitz being my favorite!

As I am military, I do not have the opportunity to take this vacation as often as I'd like.  I'm a good 17 hours away now, and while I hope to go again in the future, this little trip brought back so many memories that were hidden beneath the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Here are some photos from the trip!

All of the wonderful women!

Crabby and a View

The two gadgets of the week!

My beautiful Aunt Teresa and Mom

Put Mom in some posing!

Me, doing the posing!

My gorgeous Mom and Grandmother!

More posing tips!  haha

Sisters!

Happy Birthday {Pensacola Child Photographer}

Happy Birthday Kyleigh!

A One-year-old child is so many things --
A tiny discoverer of butterfly wings,
A hugger of Teddies,
A sweet sleepyhead,
And someone to dream for in bright years ahead...

CrystalBelle Photography {Pensacola Newborn Photographer}

Mister L and his family come into my home studio a few weeks ago.  He was such a dream!  After a few minutes of fussing, we had him sleeping like a the doll he was!  I was also able to get in a few photos of the mom and dad, something I never usually try but I am going to begin with all newborn sessions.  These few days of true newborness (is that a word??) are to be cherished and remembered!

I also made a custom birth announcement for the family!  * Personal information removed for privacy!

CrystalBelle Photography {Pensacola Senior Photographer}

Do not follow where the path may lead.  

Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail. 

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Us photographers like to celebrate our firsts, first newborn session, first wedding, first engagement, first time with new camera, lens.... you get the point.  Well Miss K was my first Senior and I feel in love.  I like the control and direction an adult can take.  You can direct instead of lead, and hope the small child follows.  :)

Congrats Miss K!  and the class of 2011!