dc portraits & imaging

Bad Blogger, Bad Blogger!

2008-01-16T22:57:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I stink at blogging over here lately. But, well, it happens. No excuses.

I just wanted to pop in tonight and leave some sneek peeks for some senior girls I've done recently. First up we have beautiful Becky . . .

Next up is radiant Ramie . . .

Aren't they both stunning? I really enjoyed working with both of these delightful young ladies. They are both beautiful . . . and completely different. Although both of them were a little shy in front of the camera, I think they both did a fabulous job! Thanks girls!

Till next time,

Merry Elfin' Christmas!!

2007-12-07T20:56:00.000-07:00

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1232138873

You gotta watch this Christmas video of me and my family. From us to you!!!

da

Senior Sneak Peeks!

2007-10-29T23:47:00.000-06:00

Ok, I'm right in the middle of my favorite time of year! Senior Portrait Time!! I've been so busy, this is the first time I've been able to blog about any of them! I'm starting off with this gorgeous girlie, who was so much fun to shoot! She had so many beautiful images, I had a hard time choosing which ones to sneak peek for her! Well, just take a look for yourself . . . you'll see what I mean!

I just love that red on that white door!

Doesn't she have an incredible smile???

Love this sweet, almost pouty look. Her complexion was like silk . . . just beautiful!

I couldn't decide . . black & white, or color. I love both!

Look at that smile . . . and those dimples!!

Look at those gorgeous brown eyes! B, you are so gorgeous! I had so much fun working with you to make your senior portraits! There are plenty more to come! But here is your sneek peek for now!! I hope you like them!

New JV Album Templates

2007-08-14T08:53:00.000-06:00

Hi all! I know, I know. It's been a long time since I've posted here! I'm going to do better, I promise!!

I've got some coupons coming up soon for Senior Portrait sessions! So stay tuned for that!

I am also so happy to be offering some beautiful new Albums that were designed by my friend Jessica McCollam. She is just incredibly talented, and you can view more of her work at her site JV Borders & More.

Let me show you some beautiful samples . . . this is the Brushed Album.

Next up is the beautiful Colors Album. This is just sampling of some of the different colors and papers that can be used in this album. It's completely customizable!

This one is extra special to me, because Jessica created it using my Mr. & Mrs. Digi Scrap Papers and Elements!! So I'm really fond of this one!

Well, that's all for today. I promise to be back soon with some more fun wedding pictures from Matt & Channa's wedding, and some sweet baby pictures of the darling little Kaliegh!

Thanks for stopping by! See ya soon!
da

And a few more . .

2007-06-14T11:55:00.000-06:00

More pix

2007-06-14T11:54:00.000-06:00

Pix of Channa

2007-06-14T11:53:00.000-06:00

Isn't she stunning?

More of Channa's Pix

2007-06-14T11:52:00.000-06:00

More of Channa's Pics

2007-06-14T11:51:00.000-06:00

Chana's Pictures

2007-06-14T11:49:00.000-06:00

February BetterPhoto FInalist: Whitney

2007-03-22T22:18:00.000-06:00

I'm so excited! I just found out I had another portrait chosen as a Finalist at www.betterphoto.com. That is so thrilling! Maybe this is the one to go all the way for me?

Here she is, this is from Whitney's senior portrait "studio" shoot!

She is so beautiful, and a natural model. I am so thrilled that one of hers was chosen! Best of luck to you, Whitney!!

In other news, we have had a new addition to our family. Yes, we have a new baby. Her name is Sushi. That's right, Sushi. She is the cutest little Chinese Pug ever!! Here are couple scrap layouts I did of her.

This kit is called Missy Ann, and it's by Kimberly Giarrusso, and is available at www.thedigichick.com.

The kit for this layout is called All Things New, and its' a complilation kit by the designers at www.thedigichick.com.

And here's just a really cute shot of her. It looks like to me she's thinking, "Do I look like I'm kidding? LOL. Isn't she just the cutest???? She's my buddy! She follows me everywhere I go, and sleeps at my feet under my desk all day long!

I'm also excited to tell you that I'm going to be selling my Digital ScrapBook designs at a new store starting next week! It's a secret for now, but stay tuned for that unveiling!!!

Well, the kids are out on spring break. So mom gave us some money and let me take them to the movies this afternoon. We went and saw, "Night at the Museum." If you haven't seen it yet, you gotta! It's really a great movie, very fun and full of energy! The kids just loved it!

I guess that's all for now. I promise, I'm going to start doing a better job blogging. I've been trying to get my digi scrap business going, and I've neglected my portrait blog! I've got some great new engagement pix to share, and two weddings coming up! So that will bring lots of new pictures!

Stay tuned for some contests and prizes too! Lots of exciting things coming! Thanks for reading, I'm glad you decided to!

It's all good,
da

January Finalist: Unexpected

2007-02-25T12:09:00.000-07:00

I was so excited yesterday, to find out one of my bridal portraits were chosen as a Finalist at www.BetterPhoto.com. I haven't even entered that much there lately, too busy, so I was amazed to have one be recognized!

The image is of Allie Sisco, and it's called, "Unexpected."

I titled it Unexpected, because I didn't notice her bracelets until afterwards when I was editing the pictures. I know a lot of brides probably would have taken them off. But I found it charming, and a bit unexpected that she opted to leave them on. They are a part of who she is. I also really liked how she had her hands. She was an original bride, and I am thankful to have captured this beautiful moment.

Thanks for looking,

da

Just a Couple Scrap Pages

2007-02-22T10:59:00.000-07:00

Hi there! I have been so busy adding to my design blog, I have neglected this one. So how in the world are ya? Not much going on here. Just working!!

I just wanted to post a couple of recent scrap pages. I haven't gotten to scrap in almost three weeks now!! Too busy! But here are some recent favorites of the kids!

I think these three are some of my very favorite pages I've done. The kit is Always With You by Maria LaFrance, and is available at www.digitalfreebies.com or www.digiscrapdivas.com. By the way, you can click on the pages and they will get bigger so you can see them better!

I know, both of their eyes are closed . . .but they were feeling the snow fall on their faces. It was snowing like crazy! It was beautiful, and we don't get much of it, so we enjoyed every minute of it! I loved seeing the snowflakes on their eye lashes!

These are some older pics of Jackson, but they are some of my favorites of him. The list is his list of favorite things now, as a 9 year old. The kit I used for this I think is Fiesta by Kelly McDonald. I can't remember.

My little pumpkin pie learned how to tie her shoes IN ONE AFTERNOON!! She rocks, this girl has it together! She was so excited she was jumping for joy! Believe me, so was I!

And finnally, another old picture of Jackson. I think he was 7 here. He had just lost his two front teeth. A favorite of mine. I took this while we were in Tulsa at a park one afternoon. This was done for a Quote Challenge at HODS (www.hookedondigiscrap.com) and the kit I used is the February Mega kit put together by all of us designers over there. I made the charms and the charm bracelet hanging across the top, and the Be Still My Heart word art sticker on the picture.

I tell you what, we have got some very talented and undiscovered talent over at HODS. You should come check us out. If you've never scrapped before, you should give it a try. It's so much fun! I love being keeper of the memories! And using scrapping to tell the rest of the story that my photographs are telling.

Well, better go. Got some serious house keeping to do today. I've been neglecting it all week. So you can imagine what I have waiting for me. Uggh.

Talk to you later! It's all good,

Today's The DAY!!!

2007-01-26T13:50:00.000-07:00

It's here, it's finally here!! Today is the day that the digital scrapbook store I am a designer at, www.HookedOnDigiScrap.com, is having our Grand Re-Opening!! The store has been totally revamped, a whole new crew (including yours truly) and a bunch of new, never before seen kits!!!

If you've not gotten into digital scrapbooking yet, you are missing out on all the fun! We are not only offering tons of new kits, but there are albums and quick pages too! That means all the work has been done for you, all you have to do is pop in your pictures, and print your album!!

I currently have two kits available, and my NEWEST kit is DEBUTING today! It's called, "Cowgirls Rock!" This kit was inspired by my little beauty, Camryn! It has all my favorite colors, and some really great elements! There is a charm bracelet, with lots of cute charms, including a sparkly cowgirl!! There are ribbons and papers galore! Here is a preview of what you get!

Aren't those just super fun? Now rush on over to the store at www.hookedondigiscrap.com, and look up my store page here. For the next couple of weeks, there are lots of grand opening specials going on! So get over there! What are you waiting for?

Here is a page I did of Camryn using it!

Until next time,

Jessica Hughes Charming Jewelry Collection

2007-01-24T23:55:00.000-07:00

DC Portraits & Imaging is proud and very pleased to offer something a little extra special to my portrait clients. As of now, we are offering the most exquisite line of photo jewelry on the market today. These beautiful pieces are lovingly designed and put together by my friend, photographer & designer, Jessica Hughes.

From beautiful bracelets to gorgeous necklaces, you can find that something special you've been looking for right here. Jessica has used beautiful fresh water pearls, sterling silver, Swarovski crystals, and more to create these exquisite pieces.

And, to make them even more special, they will be adorned with images you select from your recent/upcoming photo session. These little beauties would make the most wonderful Valentine gifts ever . . . so be sure and forward this message on to the hubby, so he can get in on this!!

I'm featuring two of my favorites here just to wet your appetite, but you'll have to go to my site to see the rest. And believe me, you don't want to miss them!

First is the Mommy & Me braclelet set. This is just the sweetest thing! You get two bracelets, one for mommy and one for your little angel. Mommy's bracelet will have a photo tile, with the image of your choice from your session (past or future) and the little one's bracelet comes with a bead with their name and birthdate engraved on it! How sweet is that?

Next we have the elegant Freshwater Pearl Twist necklace. This necklace is just charming from the get go! This necklace measures 18". It is made with beautiful freshwater pearls, sterling silver beads, and sterling wire. It is completed with a sterling heart toggle. It also will feature a two sided tile or frame, with the image of your choice on it.

Now that I have your attention, here is the exciting part! YES, THERE'S MORE!! (I know, it makes the mind reel!) From today, until February 3rd, I am offering a 20% discount on these pieces, just so you can be sure and get one for Valentine's Day!

You can view the rest of Jessica's beautiful treasures on my website, here. So hurry now, and get those orders in so that you can have your lovely treasures in time for V-Day!

So, until next time!
da

God is Good!

2007-01-21T20:43:00.000-07:00

I just have to share something that happened to me this week. I had taken pictures at the wedding of the son of some very good friends of ours. I had been kind of slow getting to them, and just pulled them up on Thursday to start working on them. When I put the cd rom in it was BLANK. No pictures. I had deleted them from my harddrive too . . . thinking they were safely archived on my cd. No such luck.

Well, I was just devastated. I cried, I prayed . . . I cried some more. Every time I thought about calling my friends to tell them I cried. It was just an awful feeling. To make it worse, my kids were the ring bearer and flower girl. It was Camryn's only opportunity to be a flower girl. She looked so beautiful, we had gone and had her hair done at a salon and everything. And of course Jackson was his usual debonaire self. They did such a wonderful job coming down the isle . . . and I had lost these precious memories forever.

I did two things. I prayed like crazy. And I posted my dilema on my portrait 101 group. I really just posted there to get some pity. Someone to tell me it wasn't my fault, to understand how traumatic this was for me. I knew they would get it.

They did send me love, hugs and comforting words. But more than that, they went into action. Many of them PRAYED HARD for me. Some of them had ideas for things I could try to recover them. I'm particulary thankful to some software recommended by Nicole Kessel. I can't think of the name of it now, will get that and post it here, but I downloaded it. Tried it out, and it pulled up about 400 pictures off my memory card. 100 or so of those were from the wedding!! I didn't get any of the ceremony, or before stuff, but I got the bridal portraits, the pix of the couple, and the family shots, and the reception! So, miraculously I have something to give the happy couple.

I tell you what prayer and networking make things happen! So, a special thanks to the Lord God for helping me out, and for blessing me with these wonderful friends who are full of knowledge and know how. The combination made my miracle happen!

So now . . . I thought I'd show you a couple of the miracle pictures.

Thanks for looking!
da

Layout of the Day #3

2007-01-16T10:25:00.000-07:00

Well, I can't hardly believe it. I just had another layout be chosen for Layout of the Day!! This time at www.DigiScrapDivas.com. I'm right there on their home page!! Just fabulous!!!

Here it is for your viewing!

I also posted two other layouts with this same kit, called "Brownie Mud Pie." It's by my friend, Angela Sharrow. I am blessed to be on Angela's Creative Team, and I just wanted to give this kit some love. I hope it feels extra loved now!!! Here are the other two companion pages.

These two cute little guys are the children of my Grandma's Pastor in Kansas City. I had the opportunity of taking their portraits about a year and a half ago. I pulled them out for this LO and because I knew they would look great with this kit.

Thanks for looking, and you can purchase Angela's kit at: www.digitalfreebies.com.

da

Has It Been That Long, Really???

2007-01-11T08:20:00.000-07:00

Happy New Year!!
I'm so sorry. I can't believe it's been so long since I last posted. I better get my booty in gear! Well, not much to write about I guess. Except this, I have officially been accepted onto 4 Creative Teams! That's for Digital Scrapbooking, for those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about! What that means is I create pages and other stuff for some great designers, and help promote their stuff! It's great fun! I am currently scrapping for: Maria LaFrance, Digital Freebies & DigiScrapDivas; Angela Sharrow, Digital Freebies, Scrapdish, ScrapOutsideThe Box; The Scrap2Basics Store; and Claudia Cochran of HookedOnDigiScrap.

I am also designing for www.hoookedondigiscrap.com!!! I have my first kit up there, but the store is closed down until the last week of January! So be sure to go check them out, the first of February! We have a great Valentine mega kit coming out, that I was able to design some of the stuff in it! Here's a preview of my first kit, Classic Christmas.

That my girlie, Camryn in the middle, with her cousins, Alina and Miranda! They were all dressed up for Grandpa and Grandma Cubbage's marriage renewal ceremony ofver New Year's weekend! Check back later, I will post more pictures of the ceremony taken from the balcony of the church.

In other news, I also had another layout chosen as Layout of the Day!! It was another page I did of Logan, here it is :

Isn't he a cutie?? I was thrilled to have another page chosen at a different site!! The kit used is White Winter by Maria LaFrance, and you can purchase it at www.digitalfreebies.com.

I also am happy to announce I had another finalist place at www.betterphoto.com. It was the image of Christina called, "Stunning." You can see it in my gallery at BetterPhoto. The link to my gallery is over on the left under "Best Clicks on the Web."

Well, that's it for now. I'll catch up soon, I promise!
da

Happy News!

2006-12-26T15:47:00.000-07:00

Howdy all! I hope this post finds you basking in the glow of a very Merry Christmas! We had a lovely time with my family down for the big celebration! The kids were blessed, both by family and Santa Claus! It was just a terrific time!!

I wanted to share some happy news with you! I got an email today from Digitals scrapping site, and one of my layouts was chose as Layout Of The Day!! How excited am I??? Out of the thousands of layouts they looked over, to have one of mine stand out from the crowd was truly exciting! See the layout below! Or you can go to www.digitalscrapbookpages.com and see my layout in the Layout of the Day forum!

This page was created by me, using a kit by Amanda Thorderson, called "Christmas Comfort." I loved this kit, and was able to create 7 quick pages that will be given to several of Digital's members! Very exciting to get my name out there!!

The picture is of Logan, my friend Becky's foster child. Isn't he a cutie? Becky let me take some pictures of him, and this was one of my favorites!

Well, I've still got wrapping paper to throw away, and toys to organize . . and dishes to wash! So I'd better get going! Hope to talk to you soon!

Happy New Year!
da

Christmas Orders by December 15th!!

2006-12-14T00:09:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to let you know, if you're planning on getting any portraits back before Christmas, I must have your order and payment no later than this Friday, December 15th! Any later than that, and I cannot get them back by Christmas!!

I hope you're all well, and I promise to catch up soon! I've been swamped with Christmas card orders, and I still have two senior sessions left to proof and four family sessions! It's been a busy season!

I hope to hear from you all soon, and wish you the Merriest Christmas of all!

da

12 Days of Christmas Celebration Special!!

2006-11-25T00:31:00.000-07:00

Ok, folks. It's almost here. Only 30 more shopping days left till Christmas!!! So, have I got a deal for you! At dc portraits & imaging, we're celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas with a SALE!!

special thanks to www.theshabbyprincess.com and www.atomiccupcake.com for the products used to create this ad!

Beginning on December 1st through the 12th, we are offering you some great specials to help you with your Christmas shopping! Avoid the malls, long lines, and crazed shoppers, do your shopping from the comfort of your own home!!! Portraits make the most wonderful Christmas gifts, and they are so personal!

Here are the deals:

16 wallets for $12 (SAVE $8)
Limit of 80 wallets please
up to 5 poses!

2 5x7 desk portraits for $12 (SAVE $8)
Limit of 10 5x7s please
up to 5 poses!

1 10x13 wall portrait for only $23!! (SAVE 1/2 OFF!)
Limit 3 10x13s please
one pose!

Order by December 12th, and have your portraits in time for Christmas gift exchanges!!

Don't miss out on these great specials, only available for 12 days, from December 1st through December 12th!!

Thanks for looking,
da

More Scrappin'

2006-11-19T00:02:00.000-07:00

I love digital scrap booking. Can you tell? It's like the perfect companion to my photography. And . . . it's so fun, and relaxing. It's my new hobby. Since photography is now my "work," my fun is scrapping. I love that I can integrate two of my favorite things to share with you.

Here are two new pages I did using a kit from my friend, Claudia Cochran, of www.hookedondigiscrap.com. Claudia is a great designer, and I appreciate her great style! The photo is of a the little guy I posted of recently. He's such a DOLL!! I could look at him all day! I also used a chipwood action from www.atomiccupcake.com on the letter A in the block. Thanks to Claudia and Atomic Cupcake for their great products.

This second page is from Whitney's second senior portrait shoot. This was the studio shoot, and we got some great stuff! This layout is a digital template that I got FREE from Christine Smith, a designer for www.thedigichick.com. You can visit Christine's blog to pick up this layout free at: www.christinesmithdigital.blogspot.com. Tell her I sent ya!

Enjoy, and thanks for looking!

da

I Believe In Angels

2006-11-15T22:31:00.000-07:00

This is a new digi scrap mega kit I got at www.distresseddiva.com. It is a compilation of several of their designers, including my friend Claudia! I couldn't wait to get this out and start scrapping with it!

When I saw the colors they used, I immediately thought of these pictures I took a couple of years ago of Camryn and her little friend, Morgan. Aren't they just the cutest little angels ever??

Thanks for www.distresseddiva.com and www.atomiccupcake.com for their super cool products!

I believe in angels, do you?

da

Little Man

2006-11-14T22:06:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun yesterday! I got to make portraits of the cutest little man!! Take a sneek peek at his session!

Cheesing it up for Elmo!!

Running from the camera . . .

I think he was trying to get rid of me! Bye bye nice lady.

da

The Cubbage's and Fall Festival

2006-11-12T22:54:00.000-07:00

Ok, I needed a break from proofing . . . and ran straight for my digi scrap cd's! I think I have a problem!!! Are there support groups for this?

This is a layout I created using Christine Smith's "Fall Festival," kit. You can purchase Christine's kits exclusively at www.thedigichick.com. (I will post the actual link later, for some reason the site is down and I can't get the link.)

I have used portraits I made of my brother-in-law and his sweet family last year. Aren't those kiddos just the cutest?

Thanks for looking! Back to my proofs!

Senior Proofs Galore!!

2006-11-10T23:05:00.000-07:00

Well, it's that time of year, and I'm up to my eyeballs in senior portrait proofs!! But I LOVE every minute of it. This has been my most successful year to date with senior portraits, and I'm so happy that it's mostly been word of mouth from the seniors themselves that has gotten my name out there!

In fact, in our high school here in town, I hear that there are several classes who are logging into my BetterPhoto gallery every morning to check out who the post of the day is! Unfortunately, they can't access this blog at school, but I'm getting ready to launch my dedicated website soon, so they can find all my goodies in one place!!

This is the brilliant and beautiful Summer. Probably the sweetest person I've ever met. This one's got it all, beauty and brains.

This is the gorgeous, and talented Whitney. We shot these out in an open field. She danced around and played in the wind, and it made me feel like I was shooting a cover for a magazine or something. I think her modeling experience paid off!!

Ah, Amy. We had a BLAST! Ok, climbing the tree was my idea, but she actually did it! I held my hands out and hoisted her up and she climbed right up in this huge tree!!! I was in awe! She's much braver than I am!

Here she is again, with beautiful leaves she brought from her own yard!!! The leaves at the park we were at were really dry and brown, and she whips out this bag of beautiful leaves, and voila! Perfection!!

Now, this was all her idea! She wanted shots in the water. It's November. But like I said, she's brave. Brave and beautiful! I told her that her daddy was going to hate these pictures!

You can't tell she's freezing, can you? And if you must know, I was right there in the water with her. I wasn't laying in it though. I think it was worth it, I think these turned out just great. And the setting sun actualy made it look warmer than it was!

And a couple more of the lovely Summer.

Doesn't she look so sweet??? She's just as sweet as she looks! I really enjoyed our day together. We talked and talked about just anything that we could think of.

Well, I need to get back to my proofing! These girls are waiting on their pictures! I just couldn't resist sharing a few of my favorites with you.

Thanks for looking,

Catching Snowflakes!

2006-11-08T12:48:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share my latest digital scrap creation! This is my lovely daughter last winter, during the only snowfall we got all year. She was trying to catch snowflakes on her tongue . . . but it wasn't snowing! It was her first experience with snow, so she didn't realize it had to be actually snowing in order to catch them on your tongue! Isn't that just the sweetest?? You gotta love 4 year olds!

This kit is available at www.hookedondigiscrap.com, it is called Frosty The Snowman, and it was created by my friend, Claudia C. The fonts I used are Franciscan, which I used Atomic Cupcake's chipwood action on. A special thanks to Atomic Cupcake and Claudia C for their wonderful products! I also used LoveLetters font which I got from www.dafonts.com.

I hope you enjoy my little trip down memory lane today! Got to get back to proofing!!

da

Oh Those Eyes!

2006-11-06T17:37:00.000-07:00

Still busy proofing away, and I have another senior session tomorrow! But wanted to pop in and post an image that I proofed today!! Check out those eyes!

da

Ooooh La La

2006-11-04T07:57:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm off again on yet another senior portrait session! But before I go, I have to post one from my session yesterday with Whitney! I think this turned out so cute! And there are so many more great shots of her, but wanted to post this one, as it's one of my favorites from the day!

Whitney, I had so much fun on your shoot yesterday, you were so easy to photograph! I felt like I was photographing for a magazine!! Thanks for choosing DC Portraits & Imaging!

Favorites

2006-11-01T13:58:00.000-07:00

I finnally finished Christina's proofs. Here are a fe more of my favorite poses from her.

The book and glasses were her idea. Doesn't she look cute? I found it interesting that the book was, "Little Women," a favorite and classic!

Loved this one, once I cropped it at an angle and gave it a grungy urban look.

Thanks for looking!
da

Stunning Christina

2006-10-31T16:28:00.000-07:00

Ok, I've been proofing images like crazy, trying to catch up. And I came across this one image of Christina that originally I had thought would end up on in the trash folder. But when I looked at it again, something about it grabbed my attention. I converted it to black & white using a chocolate syrup action, and WHOA! It just came alive! Now, I cannot decide between the full image, or the cropped image. What do you think?

Isn't she stunning??? For the rest of you waiting on your sneak peek of your proofs, they are coming! I'm working as fast as I can!!

da

My Princess and More . . .

2006-10-29T23:00:00.000-07:00

I have been so busy with shoots the last two weeks, I think I got a little burned out on proofing images! So this weekend, I've taken time off to just create more scrap pages. Tomorrow it's back to proofing, as I have three (that's right, 3!!) to get proofed and out to my clients!

But for tonight, I want to share some more of my fun scrap pages. I will list all the designers who I have used their works to create these three new pages.

This is a fun little Christmas page I created from Christine Smith's SuperStar Sampler kit.

This is a FREE kit you can get from Christine where she sells her work. www.thedigichick.com This kit isn't a Christmas kit, but I thought the red paper background looked like poinsettias, so I went for something different with it than expected. The pictures are of my kids, and my grandma last Christmas. The one of my son opening his gift is called, "Pure Joy," and it was a Finalist last year at BetterPhoto.com.

This cute layout of Katie on her 6th birthday was also created using papers and embellishments from Christine's SuperStar kit. I wanted to use the stuff in two different ways to show how versatile these things can be. You can do so much with one kit!

Now this page came about because my daughter saw me creating all these other pages and wanted to know when I was gonna make her a page!! So of course, here you go baby girl. I used a ton of different stuff on this one. So here is the list:

Papers, Rose stamp, Stick Pin & alpha letters from the Shabby Princess's Vintage Floral kit, you can find her designs at her site: www.theshabbyprincess.com. The brads holding images are from Laura Alpuche's September Sun kit, found on www.thedigichick.com. The torn border is from Lori Imel's Sampler @ www.Digitals.com The brown tag is from a free Skateboard Kit, but I cannot remember where I got it. (Sorry!) The bow is from Myszka's Free sampler at www.digitals.com The brown rimmed velum tag (round) is from Michelle Malia's free sampler at www.digitals.com. The Scroll Stamp is from Lauren Grier's Skippy DooDa kit, which can be found at www.digitalfreebies.com. The 2 Ivory flowers are from Dana Frantz's SouthHampton sampler at www.digitals.com. The notebook paper is from a sampler kit for Back To School, cannot remember where I got it either. The fonts I used are Teletype and Brenden's Hand.

Please visit any of these sites, if you're interested in purchasing these items. They are great fun for digital scrappin as you can see!

Thanks for stopping by,

Love Birds

2006-10-28T02:45:00.000-06:00

I just got some new digital scrapping materials, and of course stayed up till almost 3 am creating a layout with them! I'm just crazy for this stuff!

Here is Casey and Jason, in one of their portraits, featuring a kit by Lauren Grier from www.digitalfreebies.com. This is Lauren's "Hibiscus," kit. When I saw it, I knew it would match the clothes they were wearing perfectly!

I hope you like it!

da

Another Lovely Lady

2006-10-27T00:06:00.000-06:00

Ok, I'm not done with Christina's pictures yet, but I took Casey's senior portraits today, and I couldn't resist working on a couple to post here for her.

Believe it or not, this lovely lady is married! This is her and her dear husband on the road right in front of their farm. I just loved this image!

This one was taken out in their field behind their house. Love the drama created by the black & white here.

Casey & Jason it was so fun working with you guys! I really enjoyed it! And tell your puppy that my kids found paw prints on my back! So I told them the story and they got a big kick out of it! He was so cute! Tell him I said hi!

Till next time!
da

More of Christina

2006-10-24T14:55:00.000-06:00

Ok, I'm having a blast using some digital scrap book elements to create beautiful displays of my portraits!! I think I'm addicted!

Here's a couple I did of Christina!

The artists who created the things I used are: Amy Jo Smith, Andrea Burns, Amy Knepper, Mari K, and Christine Smith. All of their designs can be viewed and purchased through www.thedigichick.com Also, I would like to mention that I created the brown & pink polka dot ribbon myself!!

Ok, I'm off to do more playing!
da

I've Been Tagged!

2006-10-21T23:54:00.000-06:00

Ok, thanks Jessica! Now I've been tagged. Ugggh. Now, I have to come up with five weird things about myself. Hmmm, perhaps I should ask my family?

Ok, here goes.

1) I hate to wear shoes. It really irritates me to have to put shoes on to leave the house. I am just so much more comfy barefoot. And, if I have to wear shoes, I prefer flip flops. This doesn't bode so well with being on the platform at church. I've been known to bring flip flops to change after I come down from the platform.

2) When I eat a Three Musketeers bar, I eat all the chocolate layer off first. Then I eat the creamy nougaty inside. I like the taste of it by itself. If I could buy just that stuff, I would.

3) I hate to use bodywash. Uggh. For some strange reason if I have showered and I still feel any moisture in my skin . . . then I am not clean. So using bodywash, makes me all soft and moisterized. Uh uh. Not clean. Can't do it. Give me a good ol' bar of Safeguard anyday.

4) Ok, this is really weird. When I'm a passenger in a car, I have this thing where I clinch my teeth on the side of the road where there is no grass. Like driveways, and such. Or, I will clinch my teeth on the side of the road where there is a dotted line. I "clinch," on the part where there is no yellow. I have no idea why I do this, but I've always done it as long as I can remember. And after awhile, my jaw gets really sore. LOL. Plus, it's bad for conversation with the driver, because I totally space off sometimes when I'm doing it.

How weird is that??

5) I don't think I can beat that last one. Oh, I got one. Ok, I am 38, and I have gray hair, zits, and arthritis all at the same time. I have to go to the store and buy Clearasil and Hair Color both. I don't know if that's weird, but it's certainly not fair. It just confirms to me that God does have a great sense of humor.

Ok, I'm tagging Sandy Landon, Melanie White, Alisha Ekstrom and Christy Long. Tag, you're it.

da

It Ain't Easy Being Cute!

2006-10-21T15:07:00.000-06:00

I wanted to post a picture of this little cutie that I met yesterday while doing her big sister's senior portraits. This little lady was full of spunk and personality. I was really blessed to catch this one, as she was sitting on the ground under me while I was shooting. I just happened to look down, call her name, and wow, did I catch a great smile or what?? She was adorable!

I have also used some fun elements to create this digital scrapbook, and I want to give credit to all the designers who I used to create it. First of all, I used my own Spotty Dotty storyboard template to for the background page. I also have created the brown & pink spotted ribbon used. The rest of the embellishments came from different designers at thedigichick.com. Their names are: Christina Smith, Amber Clegg, Amy Knepper and Sarah Jones. You can view and purchase all of their unique and fun designs at www.thedigichick.com! I also used a border created by my friend Jessica McCollam. Her designs can be viewed and purchased at http://jvbordersnmore.blogspot.com/.

To little Jami and her family, thanks for sharing the day with me!

Smile,

The Lovely Christina

2006-10-21T00:14:00.000-06:00

I just love shooting senior portraits!! And I've been so blessed this year to have such a lovely aray of young ladies to photograph! Today's senior was no different, she is just beautiful!

She has this gorgeous blonde hair, that is naturally curly! It's so beautiful! And gorgeous blue eyes . . . and what a smile!

But wait, that's not all. She's also smart and sweet. While visiting with her, I learned that she is going to college to study law. This girl's got the whole package!

She took me to a new place to shoot portraits. It was this really cool historical home with beautiful grounds and lots of different places to take her pictures. We ended up with quite a variety!

I told her I would probably go through and pull some of my favorites to post here tonight, to give her a sneak peek!

And I just can't resist using these darling borders from Jessica McCollam. Aren't they great?

Christina, thanks so much for choosing me to do your senior portraits. It was a real pleasure working with you, and meeting your family. I hope you had fun, and that you enjoy this little sneak peek!

da

More Finalists and a Fun Collage

2006-10-19T15:16:00.000-06:00

Hi all! Today I wanted to feature a few more of my BetterPhoto.com finalists from the past. Again, these have all been enhanced featuring photo borders created by my friend Jessica McCollam. You can find the link to her site in the "Click Here," section in the sidebar of my blog.

This one is my very first finalist that I ever received at BetterPhoto. The title of this image is ,"Sweetness." Of course, it's my little girl, when she was about two.

This is one my favorites of my son. This was taken right after I got my new D70, and I was practicing on him! He gave me some really cute poses, and it was the day before Valentine's Day, so we had a little fun. I always hoped to make a Valentine card out of this.

This was one of my earlier winners too. It's called, "Walking On Sunshine." This is my sun taken about three years ago. He is walking down a driveway that leads to a Vet clinic in a town near us. Every spring it is in bloom with these gorgeous daffodils.

This is one of my all time favorites of Camryn, she was dressed up like a fairy. She was just sitting on the porch posing for me, and I caught this sweet moment. I used some selective coloring and other effects to get a vintage feel to it. I just love this image. It also won a finalist medal.

One more fun thing I wanted to post today. This is a collage I made using one of my Spotty Dotty templates. I also used some new typewrite alpha style letters from the collections of Christine Smith, digital scrapbook designer. You can visit her blog at: http://christinesmithdigital.blogspot.com/

Click on any image above to view it larger!

Thanks for looking, and I hope you enjoyed my trip down memory lane.
da

BetterPhoto.com Finalists

2006-10-18T16:03:00.000-06:00

I just purchased some new borders from my good friend, Jessica McCollam. They are so fun, and make your images look just a little bit more special! So I decided to showcase some of them on some of my portraits that have won finalist medals at BetterPhoto.com.

If you are a photographer, or digital scrapbooker, you should check out Jessica's designs! Her link is: http://www.jvbordersnmore.blogspot.com/

Enjoy these old, but still favorite portraits from my collections.

da

PLEASE Don't Print Photos

2006-10-16T15:17:00.000-06:00

To my clients, viewers, friends and family:

Just a friendly reminder that printing photos off of my (or anyone else's) blog or website is an infringement of copyright regulations. All images posted on this blog belong solely to DC Portraits & Imaging, and cannot be printed, copied or distributed in any manner without the express written permission of myself (Dale Ann Cubbage), and are protected by federal copyright laws and regulations.

I realize not everyone is aware of these laws, so I just wanted to post a friendly reminder, and ask that you please not print images from the blog. The print quality that you would get from a home computer is not a true and just representation of my work, and I ask that you please refrain from doing so.

Thank you for your understanding in this matter.
Dale Ann Cubbage
DC Portraits & Imaging

Don't Hate Me Because I'm Beautiful

2006-10-14T22:48:00.000-06:00

Ok, I keep proofing, and coming up with more and more beautiful shots of her! This one was kind of a fun one, I left her in color, and went black & white with the background. What do you think?

And this, this is just gorgeous. So, "come hither," you know? That soft setting sun, and her lovely expression. Just gorgeous.

And the piece de resistance . . . wow. She looks like a Covergirl. C, you should get into modeling. I'm so serious, look at that face!!!

Oh, by the way, I am feeling a little better today. Thanks for asking.

da

More Beauty . . .

2006-10-13T23:33:00.000-06:00

I happen to be suffering miserably from the flu at the moment. But it's late, I can't sleep because I cannot breathe, so I'm bored. Sounds like the perfect opportunity to update my blog. So . . . here are more of this young beauty's senior portraits.

The first two were shot in an old hay barn. We had to use a reflector to bounce the sunlight back into the barn to light up her face. It worked like a charm.

My guess is she wont like this one, but I liked the way her hair was kind of messy. Gave her a whole different look I thought.

A new personal favorite of mine. She is just so beautiful. Kind of reminds me of Shania Twain . . but prettier.

The sun was getting ready to go down, so we were getting some really pretty light at the end.

Well, according to the clock, I can take more theraflu, so I'm gonna and hope I can sleep. Until next time, smile!

Natural Beauty

2006-10-05T23:04:00.000-06:00

Have you ever met someone who was just naturally gorgeous?? I did tonight. You know, that girl that no matter how hard she tries, she cannot hide the fact that she is undeniably beautiful. While I think all my clients are beautiful, this girl has something special.

Maybe it's her eyes. Or her gorgeous hair. I'm not sure, but whatever it was, my camera ate it up!!

She picked out this very picturesque scene for the backdrop of some of her poses. Can it get any better than this??

C, thanks so much for choosing me to take your senior portraits. I truly enjoyed working with you. You and your mom were so fun, and sweet . . . well, you just made my job all the more enjoyable!

More to come . . .
da

HomeComing 2006

2006-09-30T17:28:00.000-06:00

Well, last night was homecoming. I got to be there long enough to take some pictures. I took these watching from the bleachers with my zoom lens!

This lovely lady is the senior attendant, right before the coronation began.

Our lovely Homecoming Queen and her escort, before the coronation.

This is the sophomore attendant, riding on her car . . . love the backlighting on her ringlets of blonde hair!

This is the senior attendant riding on her car across the football field.

And the beautiful Homecoming Queen making her entrance across the football field on the back of a convertible.

Thanks for looking . .

Cubbage Invasion

2006-09-18T21:07:00.000-06:00

Well, we are getting ready to have a Cubbage invasion. All of my husband's family is coming down for Bikes, Blues & BBQ, a big bike rally next weekend. I'm really looking forward to their visit. I miss seeing them all! And of course, there will be lots of photo ops!!

I am posting some images of one of my husband's brothers and his family. I had the privilege of taking their portraits last year, and wanted to feature some of them here. Especially since my sister in law is one of my biggest fans!!

These are for you KJ, and thanks for looking!

Aren't they beautiful??

da

My Kids, My Love, My Life

2006-09-15T23:21:00.000-06:00

I had the opportunity to get some new portraits of my kids yesterday. Hard to do sometimes. Rabbit (my husband) had taken us to show me a new little park he found in town that I could use for portrait shoots. It was a lovely spot. Lots of great trees, and wonderful little creek.

Well, I did end up getting a couple really cute shots of the kids. I was so happy with these, because I got their school pictures back this week . . . and they were AWFUL! Cami had that "my mouth is smiling, but not the rest of my face," thing going on. And Jack had the goofiest look on his face I've ever seen. Poor things, they were so proud to show me. But they were just pitiful.

I hope you enjoy these! I know I sure do!

da

My Baby Girl

2006-09-13T22:32:00.000-06:00

Tired today, so this will be short. But I wanted to post these two favorite pictures of my darling daughter. These were taken last spring at a wedding. I love her body language and expressions here. Although she's only 4 in this picture, I can already see the graceful young lady she's going to become.

She's a beautiful girl, and a beautiful person. Full of love, life and energy. She loves Jesus with all her heart, and recently asked Him to come into her heart as her Lord and Saviour. A big moment for me, as I got to lead her in that prayer after she initiated it! She loves to sing, and make up songs for God and Jesus. She's a creative artist, and very funny. She's such a joy to have in my life. I thank the Lord for her, the blessing that she is to me everyday that I know her.

The frame around her portraits is a new storyboard template that is available to my clients for their portraits. This is a sweet piece of wall art that comes in several different color schemes. This particular one is 11x14, and fits two 4x6 images. It is displayed in hot pink, black and white, featuring lots of girly swirls and dots!! This template will also be for sale on my dc designs website soon in various sizes and colors for all my photograpy and digital scrapbooking buddies!

Thanks for looking,
da

More Megan

2006-09-11T17:57:00.000-06:00

Here are more of this lovely young lady's senior portraits. Loved this location! So many different places to use as backgrounds!

Thanks for looking,
da

Homecoming Queen 2006

2006-09-09T23:50:00.000-06:00

Thought I would share some from my recent senior portrait session. This girl was so sweet, and so easy to work with. She also just found out that in two weeks, she will be crowned as our school's 2006 Homecoming Queen! That's pretty exciting! I was so happy for her, I had to share her news here with you.

These shots at the train tracks were done not far from my parent's home. We were kind of nervous, so we kept listening for trains that might be sneaking up on us!

This girl just has the most wholesome look about her, doesn't she? She is so pretty, and has a heart of gold. She was just so sweet, and I really enjoyed working with her.

I think she thought I was nuts when she flipped her hair around, and I yelled, "DON'T MOVE!" It just looked so cute, and it was different than any of the other images!

All of the shots not done on the train tracks were shot at her cousin's house. It was a beautiful place, built on the side of a rocky hill. But they had this great swing, a treehouse, a hammock, lots of different lansdcaping and a great old looking building.

This was the old building, I decided to have her stand in the doorway, with the light coming it, so we could light it better. Love this one in black & white!

Now here's your classic "senior-peeking-around-tree-shot." But I liked it, her smile was so sweet.

This was shot at the creek, where Megan spends a lot of time. There was a beautiful waterfall in the background, and I loved how this shot almost looks like she's out on the edge of a cliff or something. I was standing in water to get this, but I like how it turned out.

This one just looks so glamourous to me. The perfect shot. She just laid back, and the light was great, and I just shot it. Loved her expression too. I think it's so innocent looking, at the same time, a kind of come-hither feeling too.

Thanks for looking and remember to smile!
da

More Wedded Bliss

2006-09-04T23:25:00.000-06:00

Just wanted to share a few more of my favorite shots from the Blossom-Young wedding last Saturday.

This is the beautiful bride, before the wedding, not posing, just looking down at something while her sister laced up her dress. Isn't she gorgeous?

This is the bride entering the dark church before the wedding, for some bridal portraits. I grabbed this as she entered, hoping it would turn out.

I caught so many candid moments of her just getting ready. I think I was getting on her nerves, because everything she did, I clicked!!

Now this was just too sweet. She had someone go get Darren (groom) so she could talk to him before the wedding through the DOOR!! I took his picture outside the door, and then told her I was coming in and took her picture on the other side while they visited. It was just the cutest thing.

The bride blowing bubbles and taking a few minutes to relax while her sister laced up her gown.

This was taken after the wedding . . . aren't they romantic?

Ok, get a room.

One of Anna's beautiful bridal portraits. She has such an incredible smile!

Just a fun shot of the cake. The pink in the middle is their monogram, B.

Another of her beautiful bridal portraits.

Thanks for looking, hope you enjoyed them!
smile,
da

Wedding Details

2006-09-04T01:40:00.000-06:00

Just wanted to share some of my favorite details captured from this wedding. I love the rings in her bouquet.

A closeup of her lovely fresh flower bouquet . . .

The guest book . . .

A detail shot of her beautiful cake, and the lovely fresh flowers.

And my favorite shot of the wedding party! This one was fun!

Thanks for looking, I hope they made you smile. More to come!

smile,
da

With This Ring . . .

2006-08-30T16:48:00.000-06:00

Just wanted to share some of my favorite shots from the wedding ceremony of the Blossom-Young wedding I shot this past Saturday. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

This is the bride's sister . . .

the groom's sister . . .

and the lovely flower girl.

The handsome groom, waiting for his bride.

The beautiful bride making her entrance. I love that look on her face, as she's making eye contact with her groom. Her eyes say, "Yeah, I'm looking hot!"

Repeating their vows . . .

With this ring . . . I thee wed.

The couple in prayer . . . the Best Man checking his watch!!

The flower girl peeking at ME during the prayer!!

Well, at least someone was praying!! This is the bride's mother and grandparents.

Taking their first steps as husband and wife. It was really cool, they walked out to the sexy crooning of Barry White! I thought that was pretty original. I love the little glance they are giving each other as they take that first step together.

Mr. and Mrs. Darren Blossom, August 26, 2006.

smile,
da

Blossom Young Wedding

2006-08-26T17:19:00.000-06:00

So excited to share the first image from the wedding I shot today. Anna Young made a stunningly beautiful bride, just as I knew she would.

I met Anna when she was just a 7th grader. And today, I had the privilege of capturing her special day for her.

Look for more to come soon!

smile,
da

Senior Portrait Specials

2006-08-15T21:14:00.000-06:00

Click on image above for larger view.

Above you will find the current price schedule for Senior Portraits at DC Portraits & Imaging. Please email me for questions at dc_portraits@sbcglobal.net

smile,

Class of 2007

2006-08-15T16:58:00.000-06:00

Here's to the class of 2007! Congrats on making it to you senior year! You're in a for a fun year full of smiles and tears . . . all of which you will cherish forever.

You'll also be getting your senior portrait done. Now, I have a philosophy on senior portraits. First, they should be fun. I'm all about fun.

Second, they should have style, YOUR STYLE! If you're funny, sassy, sweet or sexy . . . it should show in your senior portraits! And more than likely, you're all of those things. So my job is to let you reveal who you are in front of my lens.

Third, it should be affordable. Enough said.

I have to say that making senior portraits is one of my favorite things about being a photographer. As a youth minister, I really enjoy just being with teenagers. I enjoy their individuality and their personalities.

So making senior portraits is always a lot of fun!! Because I want your individual style to take center stage.

I'm posting some of my favorite senior portraits from years past. I hope when you're deciding where to go for your portraits, you'll think of DC Portraits & Imaging. It's all about you!

smile,
da

Introducing DC Designs

2006-08-14T18:50:00.000-06:00

Hi all! I am posting the link today to my new blog, dedicated to my new line of storyboard templates, birth announcments, and photo greeting card templates!

www.daleanncubbagedesigns.blogspot.com

I am so enjoying this new endeavor, and wanted to have an easy place for my clients and friends to go to view them all!

I have posted the entire series of Spotty Dotty Fresh & Fruity, there are three sets available in this first series.

I am currently working on getting the new Stripey Series up, and ready for viewing. And I'm also working on some special requests. (aka Holiday cards, 10x10 templates, baby stuff!) So keep checking back and checking it out!! I'll be posting new stuff regularly!

Thanks for looking, and smile!
da

New Stripey Storyboard Design

2006-08-14T08:09:00.000-06:00

Today I am posting a sample from my new line of storyboard templates! This line is called "Stripey," and they come in all kinds of fun colors combinations! The one I'm featuring today is Pink2Tone on Brown. It has windows to fit three 5x7 prints (portrait), and one 8x10 print (landscape).

These are the funnest things, and so EASY to use! You just select the template you want to use, and then pop in your images!! It's easy to add any text you wish to them, and they save you so much time!!

These are great for photographers who want to offer cute, quick storyboards to their portrait clients, or for anyone into digital scrapbooking! They can be sized down for use on websites, or in your scrapbook designs!! They fun and fresh!!

I hope you enjoy this one, and look for more designs and sizes soon!

smile,
da

Spotty Dotty Samples

2006-08-11T15:24:00.000-06:00

I thought I would give you a couple of samples of how I would use these new templates I've created.

The first one is from the set already previewed, of an 8x10 board with two 4x6 openings. The second one is a new size I'm working on. It is a 10x20 board with three 5x7 openings. As you can see adding text is simple and easy!

Thanks for looking!
da

Storyboard Templates

2006-08-11T11:10:00.000-06:00

spotty dotty blueberry

Hi all! I have been working on a special project the last couple of days. I have created a set of 6 storyboard templates that can be used for portrait displays, digital scrapbooking, or for web use around your favorite pictures!

spotty dotty cherry

This set of 6 are sized to an 8x10 print, and will easily fit two of your favorite 4x6 prints, or one 4x6 print and text of your choice in the other window. You can also add text across them if wish! The colors can be changed by adjusting the hues and lightened. They are very customizable to fit any room decor, or website theme!

spotty dotty grape

I am posting my first set of six, called the Spotty-Dotty collection in six fresh, fun and fruity colors. BLUEBERRY, CHERRY, GRAPE, LEMON, LIME and TANGERINE. This set sells for the low introductory price of $10.00!

spotty dotty lemon

For my portrait clients, these darling storyboards are now available to put your portraits in before printing!!

spotty dotty lime

I hope you enjoy, and look for more collections to come!!

spotty dotty tangerine

smile,
da

Beautiful Babies

2006-08-02T16:50:00.000-06:00

I have finished with the twins pictures, and have a few more I'd like to share. They were so beautiful, and so easy to work with.

I love taking babies portraits. Capturing their little belly's, their little fists, and bright eyes. Hoping to capture that elusive grin is always thrilling! I love it when you capture just the right moment!

These are all in black & white. I hope you enjoy them.

smile,
da

More Senior Moments

2006-07-30T20:37:00.000-06:00

Here are a few more of Chelise's senior portraits that I wanted to share. There were just so many good ones . . . I'm going to have a hard time narrowing them down for proofs!!

I loved this outfit. Her shoes were so darling!! I had her roll up her pant legs, just so I could see those great shoes! And I'm really into brown right now.

She has such an all american look I think. And when she smiles, her whole face smiles!! She said she hated that about herself . . . but I think she's crazy! She has a beautiful smile and gorgeous eyes. And those sweet dimples . . . she's got the look for sure. Girl, you should love the way you smile, because when you light up, everything around you lights up too!

smile,
da

Senior Portrait Time

2006-07-29T22:40:00.000-06:00

Well, it's that time of year! I've been getting calls, and have already had my first senior portrait session of the year! I have to say, I think shooting senior portraits is one of my favorite jobs!

My husband and I are youth pastors, and I have worked with teenagers in this capacity for about 16 years now. So, of course, I enjoy being around teens!! This business gives me plenty of opportunity to share my talents with them!!

I also love it when people think I'm a teenager!!! That is an inside joke between me and some photographer friends! Thanks guys, you made my week!

My first client this year is a young lady from our town who is a cheerleader, and very involved in the community. Not only is she beautiful, but she's just as sweet as can be. Chelise, thanks for choosing me to do your senior portraits! I have chosen some of my favorites from her session to share with you.

I also want to remind my past and future clients that I do offer a referral bonus of 8 free wallets for any of your friends that mention your name and have a session with me! Please email me or call me for pricing and scheduling!

My philosophy on senior portraits: Senior Portraits with Style, Your Style!!

smile,
da

7 Week Old Twins

2006-07-26T22:39:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I had the most fun! I had the opportunity to make portraits of 7 week old twin baby girls!!! They were so sweet, and so beautiful . . . I had a blast!!!

I wanted to share some of my favorites with you. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did!

smile,
da

Wedding Pages

2006-07-21T00:10:00.000-06:00

I recently had the privilege of shooting the wedding of a very good friend of mine. I have been working on her wedding album, which we are doing in story book style, and I wanted to share it here with you. I'd love to hear what you think of it.

I'm adding this story book format to my available products to tell the story of your life. It is a coffee table style book, with incredible photos in it that we make together.

Maybe it's your wedding. Maybe it's the birth of your first child. We begin with a maternity portrait sitting, and then your child as a newborn, then at 3 months, 6 months, 9 months and their first birthday! You can document your child's first year with professional pictures in a story book format. Think of the possibilities!!

This would also be a great way for a graduating senior to tell the story of their high school career.

As you can see, the possibilities are endless! We're only limited to our imaginations! Let me capture the moments that capture your heart, and I'll create a beautiful story book to share with friends and family for a lifetime to come.

smile,
da

The Single Strand

2006-07-18T21:03:00.000-06:00

Not much to write today. Just not feeling well, I guess. But there was one picture of my daughter that I wanted to post from our trip to the pool yesterday. It's kind of different, but I think it's so sweet. It's a part of her that I want to remember. That one single strand, it's so beautiful to me.

Smile,
da

Lazy Hazy Days of Summer

2006-07-18T00:18:00.000-06:00

Took the kids to the pool today. It was like, 103 degrees in the shade!! We were so hot, my dear husband took mercy on us and sent us to the pool. And I remembered to take my camera.

We splashed, and played and had some wet fun, for sure. This is Jackson, trying to figure out how to do flips under water. He eventually got it!

This image is Camryn playing in the sprinkler that they had laid out to keep the sidewalk cool. It was so hot, you couldn't stand on the dry ground for even a second! If you click on it, you can see the sprinkles!

I love the look on her face in this one. I think I'll title it, "All Ashore That's Going Ashore!"

In this one, she just looks so disgusted to see the camera show up! It's like, "Mom, do we have to do this NOW??"

After we swam, we walked around a small park in town to scout out the lighting for a senior portrait shoot I'm doing next week. The kids enjoyed just walking around exploring, all the while my shutter went click, click, click. They enjoyed themselves, and I enjoyed myself.

I just love it when they are getting along. All is right with the world, when my children are smiling.

Of course, we were hot and sweaty when we got done at the park, then we were ready to hit the pool again . . . but it was closed.

Ah, the lazy hazy days of summer, you gotta love 'em.

smile,
da

Summer Savings

2006-07-13T19:28:00.000-06:00

Hi guys! Today I am posting a couple of my summer savings coupons. These are two great ways to get reprints of your favorite images for gifts or for the office!

The first coupon is a Buy One Get One offer! Buy one 8x10 at regular price ($16.00) and get a second 8x10 aboslutely FREE!! Best part is, there's NO LIMIT!

The second one is good for 25% off any large wall print!! And guess what, there's NO LIMIT! So you could create a beautiful wall of your favorite portraits at home or work!

You can't beat these exceptional savings on our print prices!! It's the perfect time to order reprints, don't you think??

smile,

Ta Dah!

2006-07-10T23:40:00.000-06:00

Ok, here it is. This is not the best self portrait . . . as I cannot for the life of me figure out my self timer on my camera. But it will at least give those of you dying to see what I did to my hair, and idea.

Now remember, this is the first time I fixed it by myself too . . . so it could be better. But here it is. Like it or lump it.

da

Lavender Fields Forever

2006-07-10T00:43:00.000-06:00

Tonight I am posting some images of lavender I took a couple of years ago in Stone Bluff, OK. There is a lovely little lavender farm there. I hope you enjoy them. The last one, titled, "Lavender Fields Forever," won second place at BetterPhoto.com.

Ok, I still don't have a picture of my new haircut. But hopefully I can get one tomorrow.

I didn't wash it this morning, I didn't want to risk starting from scratch for church. So it looked okay. I got a lot of compliments.

Tonight, my husband even said, he "thinks" he likes it. Whatever that means.

Till we meet again!
da

What Have I Done???

2006-07-08T22:58:00.000-06:00

Ok, I finnally did it. I cut off all my hair today. It was down the middle of my back, and now . . . it's not. It's very, very short. Hmmm, so short.

I think I like it though. We'll see how it looks in the morning for church. That will be the deciding moment for me.

My husband said, he likes it more than he dislikes it. Hmmm. What does that mean?? He said he doesn't hate it and he wont be embarassed at church tomorrow. I guess that's good.

I'll have to post pictures tomorrow. I already took my makeup off tonight.

What have I done????
da

Babies

2006-07-08T00:58:00.000-06:00

Today, I'm sharing some of my favorite baby images. I love to photograph newborns. I hope to be able to capture the moments of many more newborns to come. Here are a few of my favorite pieces.

A friend of mine and I were talking yesterday about babies. About how we wish we could have another one, but yet didn't. We both decided we were happy with having two children. A boy and a girl to each of us. But I have to admit, sometimes I feel sad that I am "done." You know, people ask you, "are you going to have any more?" and you say, "No way, I am done!" What a ridiculous thing to say. I'm done. Done being a mother? I think not. You never stop being a mother. I don't think there is any higher calling on this earth, than that of a mother. I think a mother is the closest thing to God's heart that we will ever see on this earth.

When a mother holds her newborn child for the first time, it's like, well . . . .magic. There is a bond that is created that will endure the test of time. Nothing can come between a mother and her love for child. Nothing. It's an overwhelming task at times, but so awesome. I mean, you get to help shape and form the mind and personality of another human being. What an incredible responsibilty. We who are mothers should be humbled to think that God trusted us enough to raise any of His precious children while we are on this earth. What an amazing thought.

Thank you Father God, for sharing these two precious angels of Yours with me. If only for a season, You have blessed my life with their presence, their smile, their joy, their person. Thank you so very much. Words are not enough to express how much they mean to me. I pray that You will help me do my very best at raising them to be Godly people, who know You, who will be known by You, and known as Yours.

Amen.
da

Puleeeeeze!

2006-07-06T14:57:00.000-06:00

This is one of my all time favorites of my little one. She was 3 years old. We had been taking some pictures of her in her fairy wings, and I was ready to go in. She wanted to play longer. She looked up with this angelic face, clasped her little hands and said, "Puleeeeeezeee!" Obviously, it melted me. She got to stay out for like another hour.

I added the sidewalk chalk in Photoshop. She had been chalking on the porch, but it didn't show up in the frame. So I added some.

I'm so glad I have so many images of her to remember those moments. Because I remember that day very vividly because of this. It was the first day of school for her brother, in 2nd grade. It was our "last day" together, just us. I started babysitting the next day. So it was a special day, and we made the most of it.

da

Happy 4th of July

2006-07-04T22:50:00.000-06:00

For the last few years, since I have been into photography, I have tried to capture some decent fireworks shots. But so far, unsuccessfully. So this year, I tried again. I took about 400 pictures, and honestly, only about two of them were decent. So, I decided to take those two pictures, and make my firework fantasy shot out of them. I colored each one individually, then applied them in layers to my canvas. I used the eraser to bring the layers through to show what I wanted.

I hope you enjoy my Firework Fantasy! And I hope everyone had a very safe and happy 4th of July, 2006!

da

Adoration

2006-07-02T23:10:00.000-06:00

I adore my children. They make me laugh, cry and feel so proud. They have wonderful personalities and hearts of gold. They make the silliest faces, right when I'm trying to get a nice shot of them. But that's who they are.

I took these today, out at my mom's house after Sunday dinner. My daughter absolutely adores her big brother. But of course, he just wants to torture her all the time. This was a rare moment, of her showing her true feelings and him not trying to fight her OFF! I think you can see the "adoration," in her face here.

I was talking with my own brother today about this. My daughter thinks her brother is so swell, that she would like to marry him. Yuck. But of course, she is only 5, and that's the only way she can think of how to express her true love & admiration for him. I looked at my brother, who is 3 years younger than me, and said, "I can't remember EVER wanting to marry you!" And he laughed and said, "yeah, no attraction here!" It was so funny. We never got along as well as my kids do. Don't get me wrong, they have their moments when they fight and tattle, and get on each other's nerves. But for the most part, they really enjoy one another.

I'm glad my brother and I grew up. Because now, I just adore him. But don't tell him, it's a secret. LOL

da

Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head

2006-07-01T22:02:00.000-06:00

Don't have much to write today. Kind of tired. Spent the day with family from out of town. It was a lot of fun, I miss them. Made me miss my Uncle Mike alot.

Decided just to share some of my favorite photos of my daughter taken this summer. She's just like me, she loves the rain! She loves to walk around in it with her umbrella, and splash in the puddles. Reminds me of childhood memories of doing the same. I love her expression in this one.

This is the puddle that forms at the end of our driveway. Kind of looks like a lake, eh? Love her pink crocs too. And that Hello Kitty umbrella. We love Hello Kitty. I want to remember this day forever.

da

My Day

2006-06-30T21:28:00.000-06:00

Yes, yes, I know. I already posted today. But so what, it's my blog. I can do whatever I want with it.

And besides . . . it's my birthday.

I had a fantastic birthday, by the way, since you asked. I got a babysitter (YAY) and my dear, sweet mother, picked me up and took me to have a sea spa pedicure. Can you say, FABULOUS??? I chose a darling shade of pink for my tootsies. They look so cute, I think I should buy new sandals to show them off.

Then, they talked me into getting my eyebrows waxed. Oh dear. I'm glad I did it, I had been thinking of doing it for some time. But no one told me that the process would remove my makeup from the entire area. Over, under and around my very full eyebrows. In between my eyebrows. Picture this, we did this first thing in our day, so I was walking around with this big red M on my forehead. My skin is very sensitive, and it was red and splotchy, and then swelled slightly. If you were to interview my forehead, it would probably say it had been severly assaulted. Not good.

So my mom decided we should go to WalMart to get some makeup since I don' t carry it with me. I guess she didn't want to hang out with me all day with the red M. Wonder why?

So we're walking through WalMart, and I notice people keep looking at me funny. Then I remember, the M. They were staring at the M. Thinking what is wrong with that freak's face??? It really was very scary. I wonder how often I will have to have it done to keep it up.

Next she took me to my favorite restaurant, a Japanese steak house. YUMMY. I thoroughly enjoyed that.

Then we did a little shopping. It was lovely. Then I went home, took a short nap, and then over to my mom's house for dinner. She did steak on the grill, and my family was there.

It was a wonderful day. I'm sad that it's almost over. But it was a great day.

da

Happy Birthday To Me

2006-06-30T02:12:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday to me

Happy Birthday to me
Happy Birthday to myself
Happy Birthday to me!

I love birthdays. My birthday, your birthday. Love them all. Any reason at all to eat cake.

It is now 3:18 a.m. on my 38th birthday. Wow. 38. You know, I feel like that scene in "When Harry Met Sally," when Sally says through her tears, "And I'm going to be 40 . . . " Harry says, "When?" And Sally says, "Some day. It's just out there . . . " Love that scene. Now I'm too close to 40. It's out there, too close.

I'm glad I don't freak out about getting old. I do freak out about having gray hair and zits and arthritis all at the same time. It's got to be some great cosmic joke God is playing on me.

P.S. I love white cake too. Yummmmy. This shot is from the only wedding I ever did.

: )
da

Butterfly Girl

2006-06-29T21:46:00.000-06:00

I just realized I posted the wrong version of my "Butterfly Girl," image. So I'm following up that entry with this one. I'm now posting the black & white version and the correct color version. I hope you enjoy it. This is my brand new favorite picture of her.

da

My Sunshine

2006-06-29T01:01:00.000-06:00

This is my daughter, my sunshine. I love her face. I want to remember her every expression. That is why I love photography. If I forget, I can look back at pictures.

She has such a great smile. Even as a baby, she had a great smile. Her whole face smiles. Her eyes, her mouth, all of it. And when she's angry, she shows it all over face. Of course, I'm totally prejudice, and think she is exquisitely beautiful as well. Her big, shining brown eyes, her cute little button nose. The perfect face really. Accented with just the right amount of freckles.

She's a real girlie girl too. She loves to dress up and wear fancy shoes. She has more shoes than I do. My mother spoils her rotten. But she is a well dressed girl!

These are some of my favorite shots of her. I hope you enjoy!

da

9 Years Ago

2006-06-22T11:00:00.000-06:00

Nine years ago today, I was miserably pregnant, and terrified. I was scheduled the next day to have a c-section. I had no idea what motherhood would bring me. But I wanted to know. I couln't wait to get that little "alien" out of me, and into my arms. It was really weird knowing that you were going to go in and have a baby. It was kind of disappointing, not getting to have the moment that you go into labor. But then again, I didn't have the pain of labor either.

da

Remember Me

2006-06-21T14:27:00.000-06:00

When I die, I hope there is someone who remembers me. Someone who remembers something specific about me. Maybe I helped them in some way. Maybe I made them laugh. Maybe they heard me sing, and remembered the song. I've been feeling so "ineffective," lately. I don't think I'm making much of a mark on the world right now. It's kind of depressing.

I always wanted to change the world when I was younger. I haven't done that. Yet.

I guess I've changed the world in two small ways. I brought two new people into it. That's kind of my mark right now, I guess. Motherhood. It's all consuming. I wouldn't change a day of it though. I would change me. I would like to be a better mother. A more fun, energetic mother. A more creative mother, who can take her children on wild adventures with just some sheets and tin foil. But I'm not that mother. I'm kind of a "how-many-more-times-do-I-have-to-read-this- book???" kind of mother.

I've recently started shutting and locking the bathroom door behind me just so I can have some peace and quiet. I've decided I'm no longer going to share my toileting experience with my whole family. All three of them feel the need, frequently, to join me during my time in there. Sometimes, all three of them at the same time. Now I lock the door. Which results in my 5 year old daughter camping out on the other side of the door till I come out. I can hear her out there, hanging on the door knob. She has slid me pictures and notes under the door, as if she's never going to have contact with me again. She builds monuments of toys outside the door, for me to see when I finally come out. She missed me.

Ah, motherhood. It's an adventure. Even without the sheets and tin foil.

da

The Cheerleader and the Jock

2006-06-20T17:07:00.000-06:00

We had Camryn's friend Caitlyn over today for a play date. The first thing they did was dress up. Camyrn of course went for the cheerleader outfit, and Caitlyn found this outfit of Jackson's that she put together herself. This is so true to life of who they are, Camryn is prissy and the cheerleader, and Caitlyn is the jock. I'm sure as they grow up together they will be the best of friends. But each having their own way of doing things. Caitlyn's mom, Carla and I were great friends growing up. I remember we were at her house when we found out Elvis had died. It was a horrible moment. We were just kids, but we knew it was the end of something wonderful.

We were also "Grease," fanatics. I can't remember how many times we actually saw it, but we knew all the songs by heart, and all the moves. I'm glad our girls are growing up together.

da

All Mine

2006-06-20T15:54:00.000-06:00

I wanted a place to speak my mind. A place where I can say whatever I want, and no one can stop me. Or interupt me.

A place to share the ramblings of my mind. A place to share some of my favorite photos. A place to share the funny thing my kids said or did today. A place to unload. A place to just be me.

I am a stay at home mom, which I wouldn't trade for anything. But sometimes, a mom just needs some time to herself. A time to just let her hair down and be herself. I have a lot to say. I don't get much of a chance to say it though, as the the three people I live with are BIG talkers. Mostly I listen. Sometimes I don't. I'm working on that.

I love my family ferociously. My husband is the man I prayed for. He's my friend, and the one I love. My children are a part of me. A little piece of me morphing into something, someone else. I love watching them grow. They are so smart.

I have a lot to say. Stay tuned, you might be surprised.

da