Leaving Home...

This week I am not going to be shooting any portrait sessions. As you know it's time for school to start and a lot is going on in my life getting kids ready. With the excitement of two of my girls graduating one from Presbyterian College and the other from Byrnes High School they both will be leaving home next weekend. As a mom I'm very saddened, but excited they have made it this far to a new stage in their lives. I will miss the orders given like "can you wash this outfit or what's for supper" I'll miss our jamy parties, long talks, Miss jeans ices, diet talks, fighting over the computer, movie night, and all the little things that daughters and moms share. Though we will talk often, I want be there to protect them and share there everyday experiences.
I know they are excited as they are going in two different directions. I will look forward to our visits and phone calls. I know Ashton and Ridge will enjoy being the only "child's" being they are twins, so they will have to share the only child spot. Please say a little pray for our girls and family as we go through this transition. Girls don't forget to call Mom often!!!!!
I wish them much success on their new journey and I'm so proud of who they have become.
PS: Friends, please make your portrait session soon so it will keep me BUSY!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rachael R.

How do I begin to describe Rachael's Senior Session. Heading towards Greenville I wasn't sure what we were in for. As Rachael and her friend Logan navigated me to the backside of Falls Park we began our session on the rocks in the river. Rachael being the dare devil she is, climbed on rocks, swung from trees and even hopped on a strangers motorcycle. ( Just kidding we asked him if we could barrow it for a pose ) From spray painting brick walls to jumping in ponds we captured
everything about Rachael and her Senior Year. From elegant to biker shots and some in between. Logan was a huge help with using the reflector, carrying towels and being creative. Thanks for coming along Logan.
The antique green car was sitting on the side of the road for sale. Rachael was happy to use it as a prop, because she had told her mom she would love to have it.
Good Luck...
Thanks for a great time and being daring. We captured some wonderful photographs.
I appreciate you selecting me for your portraits.
Good luck and have a GREAT Senior year.

Alicia and Rico's Wedding

One of my favorite places to photograph is Falls Park in downtown Greenville where Alicia and Rico's wedding was held. The setting was simple, but elegant with beautiful greenery as their backdrop. Though the wedding was private there were many onlookers from the park and main street.
I had not met Alicia formally, but talked with her on the phone several times planing the wedding. Her mom "Barbara " met me at the door and was so sweet. The whole family made me feel right at home. Even uncle "Smiley" Fleming. He was the life of the party always having something to smile about. So I named him smiley! Alicia's aunts were a big help in everything flowing smoothly.
It was a beautiful day for a wedding and reception. They made my job easy as they included me in everything. I appreciated their kindness.
I wish you two much happiness together. Thanks for letting me be a part of your beautiful day!

Ryne W.

Another Byrnes Senior makes the Blog. It so much fun for me to photograph Seniors because I never know from the time they walk in my studio where I will be shooting. I love the excitement as to where we may end up. From the studio to downtown we stopped along the way and got some really cool shots. Ryne was a trooper climbing walls, walking through kudzu, spider webs and getting bit by bugs. Through all that, we finished his senior photo session in about 2 hours.
I know he was relieved to be done. I can't believe I didn't get a traffic ticket with all the driving errors I made. It's hard to drive and look for great spots to take pictures all at the same time.
Ryne runs Cross Country and had a race the next morning. I hope you got a good supper after all
your hard work. Good luck this season. When you're out running stop buy the studio and say hi.
I promise not to break out the camera.
I really am sorry for the bug bites!

Jackson

I remember in just a short time taking Justin and Jeanna's engagement pictures at Hatcher's Garden. They are such a sweet couple. Now they have added Jackson to their sweet family.
Jackson being only 3 months old was fascinated by some of the props which kept his attention
while I captured some of his most sweetest moments. We tried to pull a smile from him, but he wasn't willing to share it with us. My favorite shots are Jackson and mom in the chair interacting. These weren't posed shots they were just Jeanna showing her unconditional love for Jackson. She is a wonderful mother. I'm so excited I got to see them since they live out of town. I can't wait until I get to photograph him again sitting up with the outside as a back drop.
He is so adorable and I'm so excited for Becky and Robert. I know they are enjoying him so much. I even hear Robert sings to him. Awww how sweet.
Becky, thanks for your help today with all the sweet songs and smiles trying to keep Jackson happy during the shoot. I loved what we captured.

Meet the Fam.

This week has been a rain out. Even though we haven't had much rain I have canceled all my
Senior shoots due to not so great weather. I thought I would share my pet family with you until I finish my other shoots this week.
As I was out watering the horses Tuesday night I carried my camera out. Of course this isn't
all of our critters, but I did manage to get a few silly shots of these clowns. Out Kitty loves the horses and they kinda of like her. I never new just trying to grab some shots of them would be so funny. The horses were walking on top of me trying to see what my camera was, especailly Pistol. He is like a BIG dog. He is so nosey. Lily is the most loving, where Harley just wants me to throw the ball. He's a Jack Russell. I hope to feature the other critters soon.
Be Kind to Animals !

SCJGA Championship

Wow, who would ever think the game of golf would be fun to watch. I never thought I would be packing a cooler, renting a cart and following my son as he walked 18 holes. I love to ride around like I know what I'm doing and talk the talk, he calls me down when I don't know a rule or a term. I always come back with " let me take you to a horse show and see how much you know" since horses have been my life since I was in high school.
I watched these guys play their hearts out in a 2 day tournament this week in scorching hot weather. As the game started with sporadic shots, no one was very consist ant until the back 9, then the game became intense. Bad shots were replaced by good shots, the adrenalin was pumping between these guys. It was the best competition I had seen since I have been a follower of the game.
At the end of the eighteenth hold the scores were calculated. Our guys were placing in the top numbers until the bomb was dropped. Two of the guys used ranged finders ( this is a tool that
measures distance from you to the hole). They had no idea they were not usable in this tournament. I thought I would tear up after the let down, but I saw 4 great guys conduct themselves like gentlemen. I was so proud of them. Way to go guys for your hard playing and your great sportsmanship during the game.
I loved it! I will continue to be the cooler cart. See ya at the next tournament.