Meet My Neighbors...

Since we moved on this end of Harper Road, we realized we were living among many of the Harper family members. We've even kept the "Harper" door knocker on the front door because it reminds us of the family that built and lived in this house before we came along. We have been told of the big family and friend gatherings that took place here over the years. Seems that Irene Harper was accustomed to feeding the whole family on holidays, special occasions and even the choir from their church. Sometimes, I just imagine the activity that might have taken place in our kitchen, in the woods around the house, in the living room where we watch TV...

Now here's the cool part...two of Irene and Andrew's sons that grew up in our house now live in the 2 houses across the street from us (the other son lives in Kernersville). One of the "boys", Richard and his wife Lynette are celebrating their 50th anniversary this month. Right after they got married they lived here with Richard's parents (and his little brothers) for several months and then...5o years later they are coming here to have their portraits made in honor of their 5oth anniversary! Honestly, I've seen their wedding photos and Richard and Lynnette still look a LOT like they did then. They haven't changed as much as Harper Road has...it was a dirt country road back then...what a difference 5o years can make.

A VIsit With Santa

We will be at Emma Jane's Childrens' Specialty Shoppe located at 324 W. Mountain Street in Kernersville on Saturday, November 17 from 12PM-4PM with SANTA... I hope you can come!

Family Portrait Month Sessions

Here's a couple of the families who made donations to Operation Smile through Family Portrait Month...Thank You!

Operation Smile

We are finishing up our 3rd Annual Family Portrait Month event. Instead of the standard creation fee, we asked for a donation to Operation Smile, a organization dedicated to treating children around the world for cleft plate and other facial deformities. Family Portrait Month is a nationwide campaign set in motion by Professional Photographers Of America (PPA) to benefit Operation Smile. Last year, PPA gave $40,000 to Operation Smile ...that is a lot of smiles since the surgery is only about $250 for each smile! This inspiring video illustrates it well.

Class of 2008

It's almost October and so far the Class of 2008 is FANTASTIC! These photos represent seniors from West Forsyth, Reagan, Calvary Baptist, Bishop McGuiness, Forbush and North Davidson.

Taking a break to make a cake!

I came to the realization that I don't have to post photos with EVERY post so I thought I could mix things up by sharing a great summer recipe I got from a friend. She didn't give me a name for it, so if you want to make up a name for it and yours is chosen, you will receive a FREE 8x10 at your next session! Just click on the Comments link at the bottom of this post.

First Step:
1 Yellow cake mix (not the "pudding" cake mix)
Add: 4 eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 small can Mandarin oranges w/ juice
Beat all together and put in greased 9x13 pan. Bake @ 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes. Let cool.

Second step:
Blend the following-
1 8 oz. Regular (not Light or fat free) Cool Whip
1 large package instant vanilla pudding
1 can crushed pineapple w/ juice
Frost cake with Cool Whip mixture and cover. Will keep in fridge for 1 week (but you'll probably eat it all before then!)

Sitting inside, watching the cold wind blow, it's hard to believe that just a few days ago we were taking a break from our portrait session fishing for tadpoles and running barefoot in the grass!

Oh, Brother!

I had a group of pretty sisters on the last post, but these brothers are very photogenic, too! Once again, like the sisters I posted, they are all so different in looks and personality, but similar in that they are a bunch of fun, yet well behaved guys. Our country is in good hands with kids like this in the next generation of leaders!

Sisters!

Isn't it funny how 3 sisters can look so different, but somehow you can still tell they are sisters? These girls really know how to move for the camera. After seeing the results of the session, the oldest girl told her mom, "Tell Anne I am available on Tuesdays at 6 if she needs a model" and another one of the girls said, "These are the best photos we've ever had!" I loved hearing that because it tells me they had a good time. Also, it is just awesome to think about the confidence these young girls have...I hope it lasts a lifetime!

Still Dancing...

More dancers!

I am starting to get in some of the other photographers ballerina photos. I hope you are enjoying seeing them as much we enjoyed creating the images!

Here's the older girls...

Ballerinas!

The theme for our state photography organization this year is Maximum Exposure. This means to expose ourselves to try new things, learn as much as we can and find ways to stretch our creativity and serve our clients better.
This past year, I have attended multiple workshops on painting classes,children portraiture and marketing, but yesterday I held a workshop in our studio and part of the day was to do a little creative exercise photographing ballet dancers.
We have been doing portraits for one of the girls for a while, but her mother arranged for some her classmates from Advance Dance http://www.angelfire.com/nc3/advancedance/competitiveteams.html to participate in our workshop.
They must teach respect and goodwill to others at the dance studio because the girls all got along so well even though they were different ages. They were fun, silly, sweet, BEAUTIFUL and all the photographers were so impressed with their poise and said over and over what a BLAST it was just playing with the girls.
This is not necessarily typical of the work I normally do in the studio, but I would love to incorporate something different like this into some our sessions for whoever is interested. A couple of images are shown, but I'll post some more later.

Through The Eyes Of A Child

This little sweetie pie just enjoys experiencing life.

She always brings an "entourage" to her portrait presentation! We fill up the room with parents and grandparents...it's like a party to celebrate her sweet spirit. All the while, she is clapping and talking to her images on the projection screen. Fun!

Happy New Year!

We are enjoying catching our breath after a VERY busy Holiday season, although there are always things happening around here...
We have found that between Christmas and New Year's there are a lot of families getting together, students home from college, etc. and we are blessed to be able to photograph those special times in their lives.


One of our sessions was a couple that wanted their portraits made before the husband is deployed to Iraq in January. We had such a good time- they are a fun couple and so in love!

Please join us in praying for his safe and speedy return.
It is an honor for us to support our troops with a FREE portrait session for anyone in the military being sent overseas to serve and protect our country (before they leave or within a month of their return.)