Carla Blankenship Photography

NEW BLOG!!!!

2008-07-18T06:39:00.000-07:00

It's ready. It's finally ready. So, head on over and check it out (and yes, I know it's not 100% ready as I have someone special helping me out on a few technical things I have dreamed up).

http://www.carlabphotography.com/theblog

This also means it's time to update any bookmarks you may have to it. :)

Moving the blog

2008-07-17T10:20:00.001-07:00

I'm in the process of moving the blog, and have a few minor things to "tweak" for it's grand debut! It's not that I'm ignoring this blog, but in a way I am to get the new and improved one ready. Bigger photos, easier to navigate, prettier design, and hopefully easier to keep up with (well, doubt that really, but I can hope!).

I got to go to a Tea Party!

2008-07-07T20:18:00.000-07:00

This little girl shared her new tea set with me, and we had a great time until a spider crashed the party. If we both had not been quickly moving out of the way I would have had a great storyboard - "Little Miss Muffet sat on her tuffet, eating her curds and whey. Along came a spider and sat down beside her, scaring Miss Muffet away."

It was a harmless grass spider, but they do look rather large and alarming at first.

Quick proofing break...

2008-07-06T20:14:00.000-07:00

to show you some images of Katie that I took during a recent playdate at the Gardens. When I mention to everyone that Katie does NOT like participating in a session, please remember THESE images. Thanks!

Laughing at me because she knew I did not want her in full sun (harsh shadows on the face)

Running from me when I tried to get her to go back to the shade.

Looking at the fish (but hey, it's one I like!)

Instant motion as soon as she turned around...*sigh*

She's either thinking "Take that photo and I'm putting this rock in my mouth" or "Take that photo and I'm throwing this rock at the camera."

OH a CUTE one...too bad she was running away, turned to look, and I wasn't fast enough for perfect focus.

Pretty smile, will work well for a "head shot" portrait for the Grandparents...unfortunately I wanted the full length for the wall.

This one, she didn't run away, she looked at me (though did not smile), and gave me the full length I wanted...knowing she had her sippy cup and I was NOT going to allow it to be in anything but her scrapbook.

Yes, these are the BEST ones I got of her.

Such beautiful children

2008-07-03T19:56:00.000-07:00

...blue tongue and all!

Seriously, could these kids be any more beautiful?

What is even better is that they are truly more beautiful on the inside. They are the sweetest kids.

She reminds me of my favorite movie

2008-07-02T19:36:00.000-07:00

Well one of my favorites...The Sound of Music. See, this little girl reminds me of Gretl sitting on the stairs singing the song "So Long, Farewell."

She also gives me some of the best silly faces ever!

BBWSOD

2008-06-29T16:11:00.000-07:00

What's that? BlackBerry White Screen of Death, otherwise known as JVM Error 102 - Reset, which the kind technical support people told me means that basically there is nothing they can do except replace my cell phone. I will be getting it Tuesday morning, so until then, I will have to check voicemail remotely and log into my email to get those messages!

I am feeling quite lost right now, but have so many GORGEOUS images from the wedding I shot yesterday. Luckily the cell phone died after all my sessions and the wedding were done!

Out of office times

2008-06-27T20:17:00.000-07:00

I am once again traveling out of state (sessions and a wedding). I will be looking at emails and such, but may be slow to respond. I am out until July 1st, then gone from July 3rd evening until July 8th. July 9th I should be back to normal/regular business hours.

I have sneak peeks and sessions ready to showcase! I'm so excited on many of these sessions. I have photography many beautiful families and siblings and children these last few weeks!

Thinking of Christmas already!

2008-06-21T21:50:00.001-07:00

No, this is NOT a post about Christmas sessions and scheduling them soon. Rather, it's about a little online store that my family loves. As we live in "Pocket Protector" capital (well at least of Alabama), I thought I would share just in case any of you have a special "enginerd" on your list this year.

Think Geek

To be perfectly honest, my 9 year old stole the catalog as soon as it came the mail and I've not seen it since. ;)

Be on the lookout for some truly wonderful sessions that are previewed/sneak peeked/showcased here. I have so many favorites from recent sessions. Oh, if you really are thinking of Christmas sessions already, please let me know as I am starting to think of them as well!

When the computer tells me it is time for bed!

2008-06-17T22:29:00.000-07:00

I hardly ever talk about my nights, but this was a lesson I truly need to share with you. See, I do my best intense computer work after the kids (namely the little Princess) is in bed. Tonight I was innocently enough editing photos on my computer (it has some pretty good RAM and processor speed in it) while having my email open as well. I also, in my infinite wisdom, had an internet browser (or two hundred) open as well. Photoshop, chose that one moment where I was mid-edit of a long edited photo to flash the ever so lovely sign "(not responding)" on the title bar.

My heart sank. My stomach dropped to the floor. I quickly switched to an internet window to see if I could ignore it and it would go away. It didn't.

CTRL-ALT-DEL brought up Task Manager, and as this seems to happen frequently in my life (I do have Vista) I have learned which processes are normal and which are not, which I can kill and which I can not. This time, oh this time, I clicked the "show all users" and got to even MORE! Yippee!!!

I ended this one and that one, and JOYFUL noise sounded (in my head) when I saw that Photoshop was once again working. Instead of quickly going and SAVING that long edited photo like any self-respecting computer tinkering person, what did I do? Oh I went and blithely ended other fun sounding processes. I clicked one, and I promise it sounded innocently enough. How was I to know it would completely kill my entire session and REBOOT my computer?

After my cry of dismay, my dear husband said to me "Perhaps the computer is telling you to go to bed."

Perhaps it was, but I really do need to get these edits done as I know tomorrow will be busy with making sure my little sweet Princess keeps toys out of the toilet, keeps itty bitty "big boy" toys out of her mouth, and doesn't unload the clean laundry baskets by putting those clothes in the trashcan. Yes, I really should get those important edits done tonight because I know I won't have much time tomorrow. I'm off to edit again, but this time, I think instead of my two thousand internet windows, I'll turn on some music instead. Something nice, uplifting, and not at all lullaby like. ;)

Treat yourself to a Frosty from Wendy's this weekend!

2008-06-12T18:03:00.000-07:00

Wendy's is donating 50 cents from every Frosty product sold on June 14th and 15th to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.

Dads rock. And so does a Frosty over Father’s weekend (June 14-15). Why? Well, participating Wendy’s ® stores will be donating 50¢ of every Frosty product sold to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. The funds are vital to helping us find permanent, loving families for children in foster care. So how about surprising your dad with a frosty and enjoy a good treat for a good cause?

Two gorgeous dancers

2008-06-10T20:06:00.000-07:00

I love dancers. They are so graceful, and always beautiful. When I was a really little girl, I took ballet for a short period, and loved it. I do not believe I was just awesomely great at it, but I loved it. These two girls are much better than I could have ever hoped to be, and the love they have for dance shines through.

When it comes time for Katie to start dancing, I hope she enjoys it as much as they do. The oldest is going to celebrate her 10 years of dancing soon, and I really think that is awesome!

As I work through the images I will probably post more here because I have so many good ones!

Sneak Peek of Little Miss Adorable

2008-06-09T19:16:00.000-07:00

I do have images without the lollipop, and will show those in a few...but...

First the Lollipop...

"Daddy, the lollipop is great! Can you believe I got a BIG pink lollipop? I love it!"

Sometimes I love photos in color:

Sometimes I also love them with "selective color":

Then, sometimes, you must follow them to get some really cute images!

Without the lollipop (in the beginning) and singing a song to her mother.

She wanted to go through the gate and show me the fish in the neighbor's yard.

A few of her favorite things...

2008-06-08T19:00:00.000-07:00

This little girl has a special place in my heart as she was one of my first baby planners and having seen her grow up before my lens has been incredible. I'm working on the sneak peek for her parents, and I saw this one image. To me, it reminds me of her favorite things...her backyard, lollipops, dirt, and not smiling at me. ;) Seriously, this little girl gives me the best images, but this one just grabs my heartstrings. I have quite a few from our little mini-session, and I do not envy her parents the decisions they will be making!

ABC's of Me

2008-06-05T19:56:00.001-07:00

I came across this fun little post on my friend (and extraordinary photographer) Shannon’s blog, so I joined in the game of tag.

A is for age:
32, but sometimes I feel ever so much older

B is for burger of choice:
Veggie Burger in Disney World!

C is for what kind of car you drive:
Honda Odyssey.

D is for your dog’s name:
I don't have one.

E is for essential item you use everyday:
my computer

F is for favorite TV show at the moment:
Battlestar Galactica

G is for favorite game:
Big Brain Academy

H is for Hometown:
*too personal for the internet*

I is for instruments you play:
Piano and French Horn

J is for favorite juice:
Pineapple Orange

K is for whose butt you’d like to kick:
No one at the moment

L is for last restaurant you ate at?
Moe's

M is for your favorite Muppet:
Kermit - it's not easy being green

N is for Number of Piercing:
2 - one in each ear if they've not grown back already

O is for overnight hospital stays:
2 - childbirth stays

P is for people you were with today:
My hubby and kids, the people at karate, the people at therapy, the people at Starbucks, the people at Moe's, the people at Gamestop, and the people at Target. Just a normal day! ;)

Q is for what you do with your quiet time:
Read

R is for biggest regret:
It's too hard to choose.

S is for status:
Married.

T is for time you woke up today:
8:15. Had to be at therapy by 9:30, I overslept.

U is for what you consider unique:
Unique about me? or just Unique?

V is for vegetable you love:
Oh...ummm...all of them? Yes, including brussel sprouts

W is for worst habit:
over analyzing situations.

X is for x-rays you’ve had:
1 that I remember.

Y is for yummy food you ate today:
My Starbucks drink - a true treat!

Z is for zodiac sign:
Aries

Tag to anyone who wants to play!

From my blog reading

2008-06-04T18:05:00.000-07:00

As we've been going through speech therapy evaluations (among other medical appointments), I was sent to this blog by a friend. I found it very interesting to actually hear what a "mild" hearing loss sounds like and what it can do. See, I have been putting off having Katie's hearing tested because she was learning English so well. But she's stalled, and a friend mentioned that perhaps she has fluid in her ears and it's causing some hearing issues.

I thought to myself, "well it will clear up and I can wait until I see the pediatrician, and her ears are not infected so what's the big deal?"

THIS is a big deal!

This author has links to sound files that show what my friend was talking about. I found it so important that I wanted to share with everyone!

She melts my heart

2008-05-30T22:28:00.000-07:00

As I'm going through our vacation photos, I found this one. Katie melts my heart. She's trying to become so independent lately, and she's testing those 2 year old limits and boundaries well. However, that smile she gives me reminds me how very much I love her. It also serves to get her out of trouble quite a bit as well.

2008-05-28T12:27:00.000-07:00

We barely got done with the outdoor photos before the rain! They were troopers to the end. I had so much fun with these kids, singing, acting silly, and playing. Their backyard is so pretty, and I know my own kids would love that tire swing!

She has such a good singing posture, and she loves to sing. What are her favorite songs? "If your happy and you know it," "The Barney Song," and "Row, Row, Row your Boat."

She was singing and doing the hand motions for one of the songs. I just loved all her facial expressions. So lively, so animated, so incredibly adorable!

But her brother had the very best silly poses and faces!

Back from vacation!

2008-05-27T23:01:00.000-07:00

I'm still going through my emails, my messages, and looking at my calendar to remember where I am and what I've promised. Thanks for your understanding as my standard response time is somewhat slower at the moment. I will definitely share some of my favorite images from our trip. They are total snapshots, but this photographer was a Mommy on vacation!

Yes, that memory just about sums up our trip!

June 1st - Price Increase

2008-05-22T19:46:00.000-07:00

I know we all hate it when prices go up, but believe me when I say this it necessary! As gas has gone up, my expenses for traveling to sessions, traveling to deliver prints, and meeting for ordering sessions have increased. In addition, shipping costs for prints and other items for the business have increased raising the cost for those items. Then, like they have each year, the lab has increased prices of the actual prints as well! I tried to wait as long as I could, but looking ahead at ever increasing prices for gas I thought it was time.

Effective June 1st, a new price book will be in effect. This will ONLY apply those of you booking a session on June 1st or later! All sessions booked prior to June 1st will be on the "old prices" and "old session fees." It's only fair as they have been waiting for their session time to come up.

Session fee is going to a flat $75, travel outside a specific radius (30 miles) from my home will incur a set fee per mile past the 30 mile radius. Mileage will be determined based on Mapquest miles stated.

Anyone who books a session prior to that date will have their choice of "old" prices or "new" prices if their session is after June 1st. I am creating some new packages based on things clients have asked for in the past.

I can not believe it is summer already!

2008-05-20T19:40:00.000-07:00

Where has the time gone? Wasn't it just yesterday we were shivering in the snow flurries and battling illnesses like the flu? It seems we blinked, and it's time for swimming, hiking, camping, vacations, summer camps, playing with friends, and having fun.

I've opened my summer months for sessions, and June is almost completely full, July is filling up quickly, and not so many people are asking for August outdoor sessions at the moment. If you were wanting a session during this time of sunshine, outdoors fun, childhood fun days, you need to talk with me soon!

I do have some great ideas for sessions during the summer, so if you just know you want portraits taken then talk to me about those ideas. Perhaps we'll come up with something that strikes a chord in your heart strings, that will make you remember these summer days spent with your children!

Now, for those of you who like to really plan ahead, I'm taking names for those who are interested in fall sessions and will contact those people first when I open the months up for sessions! If you have a particular date in mind, or just know you want those brilliant fall leaves, then please let me know that as well.

A day later than promised, but hopefully worth the wait!

2008-05-13T10:30:00.000-07:00

Such gorgeous children, and so precious! I loved every minute of our session together, the playing, the posing, the smiles, the laughter, and funny faces!

What funny faces you might want to know? These! I love them!

I'm late with this Sneak Peek!

2008-05-12T20:44:00.000-07:00

I told them Monday. Well, it's LATE Monday. Boy am I embarrassed, but I blame the storms Saturday night.

So, Mom & Dad, I'm working on it....

These children will melt your heart!

2008-05-11T18:34:00.000-07:00

I feel like she's asking her brother how much she is supposed to smile at that silly woman with the black box to her face.

These two children love each other so much. He would hug her, she would hug him back. They played ring-a-round the rosie, and they imitated each other. I know the parents got a work out (keeping active little ones from the water), but I hope they feel it is all worth it!

See, she did warm up to me. OK, she was more interested in what her brother was shaking that made noise.

Isn't her dress beautiful? I loved it!

Her brother's outfit was gorgeous too, isn't it?

Happy Mother's Day!!

2008-05-11T18:33:00.001-07:00

I wanted to wish my friends and clients a very Happy Mother's Day! I hope you all had a wonderful day. The storms last night put a halt to my working late, then from the moment I got up this morning my day was filled with kids, laughter, love, and memories.

Rewarding myself

2008-05-09T20:45:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had things to do you kept procrastinating on? I did this week. I also had this session that I was anxious to download and edit, but I knew, if I started I would keep going until I was done. I was that excited about the photos! I made a promise to myself, fold the laundry then I could play!

Wasn't it worth it? I have plenty of time to finish up proofing this session now.

I have so many favorites from this session, and I should have them ready for the family soon. I hope these few can tide you over, if not, let me know and I will post a few more.

About me - I've been tagged!

2008-05-06T13:31:00.000-07:00

My blog has been tagged, by Jenny Thrasher (of Jenny Thrasher Photography in Oregon). I'm not that interesting of a person, honestly, but here goes nothing!

The rules are:

1. The rules of the game get posted at the beginning.
2. Each player answer the questions about themselves.
3. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know they've been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

here goes.....

10 years ago I was newly arrived in Huntsville, AL with a 4 month old child and interviewing for my first job after graduating from college with my degree. I ended up getting a job working at Intergraph Corporation. I enjoyed my time there, but would not say I loved it as I missed my baby!

5 things on my to do list today...
~Proof 2 sessions
~Karate & Piano Lessons for Kids (I'm the chauffeur)
~Clean house and gather things for thrift store donation
~Contact clients
~Homeschool Parent meeting

If I were a billionaire the first thing I would do is pretty boring. I'd tithe the 10%, then gift the church with extra. I'd pay off our existing debt, fund $300K into each child's college fund, gift each of my nephews (and future nieces or nephews) with college funds. What is left? Oh wow...ummm...WAY too much. I'd invest for a great retirement, then I'd start giving. I'd give to Love Without Boundaries, A Child's Right, Half the Sky, Autism Speaks, Make a Wish Foundation, and Orphan's Ticket Home. Oh and Shoahannah's Hope. Actually, I would probably create a fund for people who are adopting. OH there is so much I would do. Of course we would go to Disney World, DisneyLand, Tokyo Disney, Disney Hong Kong, Disney in France, and I think that is all the locations for now. :)

My bad habits include drinking Dr. Pepper, reading fluffy romance novels, and chatting online for hours at night.

5 places I've lived...Tucson, East Tennessee, Middle Tennessee, Western North Carolina, and HERE!

I'm too lazy to actually TAG 5 other people. So, if you are reading this, consider yourself TAGGED and then let me know you posted the info on your blog. (I guess that is another bad habit of mine.)

Beautiful 2 year old

2008-05-05T20:51:00.000-07:00

I've had the distinct pleasure of watching this young lady grow up to be a wonderful 2 year old (and yes she IS wonderful).

She played a little shy with me (but notice those beautiful eyes peeking out from sniffing the flower).

She had her special friend with her, and I love taking images with the special friends. I had one growing up, and I wish I had a photo of me as a child with that bear (and my fuzzy blanket). I know her parents will treasure the photos of that lamb with their daughter in years to come.

She had a good time with her parents more than she did with me (remember she was a little shy with me). She pointed out the trees, the flowers, and the water. It was so cute.

Then her attention was captured, she turned her back and sat down...

What so so intriguing to her you wonder?

Dirt! Her parents told me that she loves playing in dirt. I love girls who aren't afraid to get a little dirty.

Session from the previous post

2008-05-02T11:33:00.000-07:00

Such sweet sweet kids, and we did have fun looking for bunny rabbits, watching my camera blink, and eating giant lollipops!

I couldn't wait

2008-04-30T19:59:00.000-07:00

I saw this as I was downloading this session and laughed out loud! She is clearly going for her brother's lollipop. Isn't that cute? I remember this part, and he did let her taste his lollipop. Isn't he a GREAT big brother?

I will do the rest of the sneak peek later this week, but Mom, I did get some great images of them.

31 cent night at Baskin Robbins

2008-04-29T17:24:00.000-07:00

When I was pregnant with my oldest son I ate a scoop of Baskin Robbins Ice Cream (BRIC) nightly. It could be why I gained 64 pounds. World Class Chocolate was (and still is my favorite). Or Triple Chocolate something or other is my favorite. Mississippi Mud Pie is also good. Perhaps we should say "anything chocolate" is my favorite!

So, when I saw this online I knew that I needed to share this with EVERYONE! I sent it to my husband, and his response was no fun..."Do you realize how crowded it will be?" Well, crowded or not, YUM! Then, if you have the ability to donate to the fallen firefighter's fund, that's just a bonus don't you think?

Actually, I have not called to verify that our Baskin Robbins is participating, so you might want to do that if you are driving a long distance.

Sweet Baby Toes!

2008-04-28T13:41:00.000-07:00

Bare feet in grass, I do not think there could be anything cuter!

Okay, this little girl is!

I think she's thinking "Hmmm, I wonder how Mom will react if I pull on this bow?"

"Ah! I like that reaction!"

This little girl and her parents braved a Prom Night at Hampton Cove! They were troopers though and we ended up with some amazing captures.

Isn't she beautiful?

2008-04-27T08:57:00.000-07:00

I was recently contacted by this lovely young woman to do a Senior session. After a few tries to get this scheduled and a location picked out, we succeeded and it was so incredibly worth it. She's absolutely gorgeous (and she's just as pretty on the inside).

I love doing High School Seniors because they are always bursting with life and dreams. They have so much to look forward to, and I have such a good time discussing their future plans with them.

I was mesmerized by her eyes, especially when I would have her look up at me and the sky really helped to pop the blue and brighten them.

Oh LOOK who snuck in for a portrait during the session! She had a little sister there who was a great help to me.

I love the youth and joy in this photo. I saw the dandelions in the grass, and one of my favorite childhood memories was picking them, making a wish, and blowing them. I had an idea of a juxtaposition of this young lady on to verge of adulthood with that quintessential childhood act. The reality of facial expressions while blowing a dandelion turned out to not always be the most flattering. ;) But she was willing to try, and that is always a bonus. This image, though, was a pleasant "bonus" from trying to get that shot in my vision.

Baseball 2008

2008-04-25T19:29:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again. The time of year that finds our family spending half of our weeknights at the ballfield. Okay, this year, it seems like more than half are spent there as we have 2 playing. Saturdays are full days of sessions and ballgames. Sundays are wonderful days of rest (unless a session is scheduled). Weather, as always, throws a kink in every plan.

Anyone calling me these days might hear baseball game noise, or hear me in mid-sentence to tell Katie NOT to put that in her mouth...promptly followed by a groan. I love baseball being played by kids, I really do. However, I'm looking forward to June when my personal life slows down just a little bit.

I am in the midst of all my client proofing, prepping for orders, and getting the ball teams ordered. I have seen some truly spectacular kids this spring and am looking forward to the next few months. So many new faces, so many new friends. If you are interested in a session for this summer, I am booking July and August now. Email me at carla@carlabphotography.com!

We are going to Disney!

2008-04-23T19:22:00.000-07:00

yes we are! Yes AGAIN! It's not for 290 more days though.

In our beginning to plan mode, I did try for a fall vacation to Disney. It was quickly vetoed as we are going to DC this year as well. I even tried for a long weekend trip, but that was a no go. Not even with the "Free Dining" that is offered in September. If you have been wanting to go to Disney, I will HIGHLY recommend the "Free Dining" offer for August and September (select dates). If you have any questions about it, please feel free to contact me. I love talking about all things Disney.

I am excited to be planning our next trip though, even if it seems like it is a long way off. I've even started scouting out new outfits for Katie to wear, and trying my hand at making a few as well. We will see how far I actually get with that venture. This is my first attempt, and I will freely admit I did not make this at all. I watched it be made. I helped plan it. I know how to make it. Does that count?

I just love this little boy!

2008-04-22T10:02:00.000-07:00

I do not often have sessions where I have such serious little ones, but I love those serious looks. I love smiles, but the big wide eyed faces of serious little ones are really special to me. This little boy, who was not too sure of me at first and would not look at me, is especially close to my heart.

We spent some time petting the dog...

a little bit of time playing around with his big brother...

...some more time smelling flowers and in the end, it all paid off with eye contact, serious looks, and yes a tiny little smile or two.

Okay, it might have been that gleeful ride down the driveway on the tricycle with big brother! Those two do share a special bond. I just love capturing their moments through my lens.

Has it really been that long?

2008-04-21T21:57:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's been since April 2nd that I updated this blog. I guess I've just been too busy, and I had a few clients who requested no photos on the blog. My life has also been busy with all that Katie has brought to us as well. One thing we have battled this spring is that someone in our family has been sick just about every week since January. I want to PUBLICLY thank all my clients who have graciously re-scheduled due to my own illnesses, and that of my children (especially when we had the flu). I am hopeful that things are just about to turn the corner here, and we'll be really enjoying that spring and summer weather!

Crazy Canvas Sale!

2008-04-01T08:06:00.000-07:00

It's a slightly crazy season in my life, and I thought I would celebrate it with a Canvas Sale from April 1-20th!

It celebrates my birthday month! It celebrates how crazy busy my family is, and how busy the business is. It celebrates Tax Day. Ah yes, taxes are our friend. It celebrates that spring is HERE, and hopefully the various illnesses we have suffered this winter are going to be gone.

It's good for 25% off the purchase of a canvas from any session completed in the last 12 months (so from roughly April 2007 until now). Orders MUST be completed and paid for by midnight CST on April 20th.

Any Questions?

A recent Easter session

2008-03-27T21:19:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun with this happy little girl. We giggled, we played, we twirled, we looked at ladybugs, and we even played with some Easter eggs. She showed me how she can do a perfect catcher's squat, and we even looked at yard animals.

I'm looking forward to another session with her in late June. I know I will have more silly faces, sweet smiles, and hopefully I will be able to get a great family photo at the same time!

Sweet little "almost 2" year old!

2008-03-27T21:12:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of photographing this little girl recently, and while she was a little apprehensive at first, she warmed right up and gave me this sweet shy smile.

I snuck in a session of Katie over Easter

2008-03-25T21:32:00.000-07:00

I am here to say, for the record, that she is officially my hardest "client" to date. I am truly about to call in for the reinforcements and have others do her portraits.

Schedule Update

2008-03-20T13:32:00.000-07:00

Wow! I do not believe I have ever had to announce that my sessions for a particular season or few months were almost gone. I have come close in the past, but I'm here now. If you were wanting a session before July, please contact me as soon as possible as I am quickly filling up the schedule.

Action photos and baseball team photos are being scheduled as well. Those time slots are mostly during the week.

Happy Easter!

2008-03-17T20:34:00.001-07:00

I had the pleasure of photographing these two cuties this past weekend. Both were not quite sure what to make of me with my camera and lights and backdrop, but they warmed up quickly. We had fun playing with the Easter Eggs, dancing around, and playing with Thomas trains.

This little girl just turned 1 not too long ago. Isn't she darling?

But this image, is one of my favorites. Yes, I know you can't see their faces, but this one I can read her thoughts. Can't you?

"Why does he have all of those eggs? I need more." Then, "How can I get them away from him?"

Aren't siblings great?! Honestly, he did share them with her very well and this was taken during a quick gather up to restock the eggs around them. We were playing a little bit by this point.

Spring is HERE!

2008-03-14T21:14:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it? Spring is here. I'm so excited to finally have warmer days, but not so excited about the pollen and resultant allergies. We've had a sick household for the past month. It was not a constant state of hosting pestilence and disease, but rather off and on with a wide variety of illnesses. We finished off with a bang though...the dreaded flu!

Thank you to all my clients who so graciously allowed me to reschedule their session while the flu was in our home. I really appreciate it!

On that note, if you emailed me in the last week and did not get a response (or called), please let me know! I think I managed to stay on top of all the inquiries and questions.

Wonderful young woman with beautiful green eyes!

2008-03-05T12:08:00.000-08:00

I love photographing Seniors, they are always so poised, so full of life, and every single one of them have been wonderful. This young woman will be graduating soon, and I know her parents are extremely proud of her. I am so glad I was honored with the job of capturing her at this point in her life.

I have so many favorites from her session, that I've had a hard time narrowing it down for her sneak peek!

My how fast they grow!

2008-03-03T17:48:00.001-08:00

Is is not amazing how quickly these little babies grow? How much they develop in one year? From the little tiny newborn to a walking and talking (well jabbering) little person.

Going to School

2008-02-21T22:21:00.001-08:00

Well, not really, but I am taking a class this weekend on business related things. Things that will hopefully make me a better business owner, and in turn do better in taking care of all my great clients! I am not supposed to have my cell phone on during class, so all phone calls will need to be returned in the evenings and my response time to emails may be a little slower than my normal.

I hope all of you are staying healthy! If you need anything, please let me know.

366 Photos

2008-02-14T20:34:00.000-08:00

I decided that my 366 project photos were overwhelming this blog! So, in a moment of insanity I made a 3rd blog. If you want to follow along in my 366 photos and life, then please follow the link on the right.

I met 2 of the coolest kids this week!

2008-02-13T22:45:00.001-08:00

Is it still okay to say "coolest" or am I showing how old I am?

I did manage to make it over 30 years without seeing a single hockey game, but last year we took our kids to see Huntsville Havoc. I loved it. You can imagine how excited I was to get to photograph this young man who loves the sport. Seeing him skate on his driveway, doing things that I could never do, was amazing. I hope that he will go as far as I think he will.

Despite what it shows here, I did get some of him looking at the camera. I loved these though. This last one though, well, it really spoke to me. I love the profile shots of kids.

He has a little sister that he obviously adores. After meeting her I quickly understood why, she is so cute. Her personality just shines through even on a cloudy (but warm) day. She had just watched one of my favorite movies of all time, Annie. One time and she was singing Tomorrow for us. This little one sang, swung in her swing, rode her tricycle, had a pillow fight, cooked, dressed up like Cinderella, and fed her baby dolls while I was there. Was that a playdate or a photosession? I don't know, but I had a wonderful time with her.

I do believe that lollipop was larger than her face! I wonder if she ever finished it all?

The Girls

2008-02-04T22:19:00.001-08:00

I love this of the two girls in color.

But this one just needed to be in selective color! The largest lollipop those eyes have probably seen. I just love how big those eyes are, like she can't believe it's hers.

I just love her eyes, so pretty! She is just so sweet, and that little smile that says to me "I'm not going to smile for you, no I'm not...okay maybe just a little."

These sisters are what parents dream of when they dream of having 2 girls, I know I do. Tea parties together, secret whisperings, and lots of love for each other. That is what I saw through my lens.

Starting back up!

2008-02-04T20:29:00.000-08:00

This is just the first of many I have from this session, and these kids were the best with which to start back after a break! So well behaved, so polite, and truly fun to be around. They have high ambitions, outgoing personalities, and the best hugs!

366 photos

2008-02-04T13:05:00.000-08:00

From days 32, 33, 34, AND 35

If you have not been to Pioneer Woman Cooks, she has some really yummy recipes that are easy to make with her directions!

Be watching for more of this little girl and her siblings...they were phenomenal! This is obviously an outtake from the session.

I actually think she is rather cute, but it was what a friend said her daughter called it and I guess the name stuck.

day 30

2008-01-30T18:03:00.000-08:00

My "baby leave" is almost up, February starts my first month back shooting sessions! I'm excited to be starting back up. While I've not taken a complete break from the business, I did keep the sessions and ordering appointments out of my schedule (unless it was a baby planner or someone from the fall needing something). Thank you all for so much understanding, and for all the love you have shown our family.

Have you seen it?

2008-01-29T19:32:00.000-08:00

Have you been to http://www.carlabphotography.com lately?

I updated the site...FINALLY! There are some sessions not in there right now that I intend to put on the site, but someone got a little "archive" happy and I am looking for those archived images.

I have some tiny things to change, but it's viewable by everyone now. It's about time I updated as well since there have been so many wonderful sessions this past year!

Playing catchup - 366 photos

2008-01-29T19:23:00.000-08:00

I'm getting the images taken...but failing the posting part!

25

2008-01-25T17:21:00.001-08:00

Katie wondered what this was today. She just stared at it with a questioning look in her eyes.

24 - Cute!

2008-01-24T17:05:00.000-08:00

day 23 - my desk

2008-01-23T18:24:00.000-08:00

I can't believe I'm posting this. I really can't. This is my desk, where I do all the processing, where I read your emails. Don't worry, all client files are safely stored in another area that is NICELY organized. My in-box for my email looks similar.

I've heard that a messy desk is a sign of a creative mind. I know I saw that somewhere...probably on a coffee mug! LOL

"Take a photo of your desk" was the theme for today. I have a feeling that the photo theme of the day later this week (or next) will be take another photo of your desk AFTER it's been cleaned! I think I'll clean it soon.

day 22 - a sad day

2008-01-23T18:22:00.000-08:00

We found out on Tuesday 1/22 that our cat of 12 years was very terminally ill. Our choice was let him wake up from surgery, bring him home to die. Or let the vet just not let him wake up from the surgery. There was nothing left to do to help him get better.

Our first "baby" our "furbaby" is no longer with us. The cat food bowls are needed no more.

Days 19 and 21

2008-01-21T18:22:00.000-08:00

Yes, that means I missed day 18 and day 20. I just forgot to take a photo. We were traveling, busy, and I forgot. I am thinking I need to do something to make sure that I make the attempt, or at least hopefully ensure I do not forget again!

Day 19 and 21 are just snapshots from the point and shoot. I'm not feeling very creative right now, but hopefully this week of slower activities will help refuel me and recharge me!

There was a theme for day 21 - DREAM in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. While a dream about our daughter isn't in the same league as the dream of MLK, it was a dream. It is a dream that is now realized. I had to quickly come up with an image as Katie is soon to go to bed for the night. On short notice (I read the theme and remembered I was supposed to post a photo today about 30 minutes ago) this was the best idea I could come up with.

I hope you all had a wonderful Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend! I also hope you stayed warm in the freezing temps!!!

17

2008-01-17T18:50:00.000-08:00

16th day

2008-01-16T20:48:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I feel like there is nothing worthwhile to shoot around me. This is our flatware drawer, particularly the knives. Even the most mundane objects have a kind of beauty when looked at through the lens.

In just about 2 weeks....

2008-01-15T18:15:00.000-08:00

My new site will be launched, just in time for me to come off of the Adoption Leave. I'm getting opinions, critiques, and praises on it now. I'm tweaking things left and right, and I hope you love it as much as I do!

This one WILL have my phone number on it! Promise. Until then though, my number is 256.426.9661

Day 15

2008-01-15T18:11:00.000-08:00

Bedtime rituals here include a story. This is Samuel's current story, so far he likes it.

What are some of your bedtime rituals?

Day 14 - posted 1 day late

2008-01-15T18:07:00.000-08:00

I did take the photo on January 14th, but after 7.5 hours of on the road and in doctor's appointments with the kids, I was not alert enough to post a photo.

Read that as "I fell asleep as soon I got home and handed the kids to my husband!" ;)

This is a photo of the bottom of Katie's shoe at the doctor's appointment, and it is always amazing what lens distortion can do to your perception of the size of things...such as feet.

13-366

2008-01-13T23:34:00.000-08:00

I did this earlier today, just forgot to post it!

12-366

2008-01-12T20:01:00.000-08:00

For all my clients. I feel your pain. I know what you are thinking when I leave a session with your 12-18 month old who is ACTIVE and moving. This pretty much sums up my own attempt at 1 year portraits for Katie. I managed to pull a few off, but she was not interested in participating. It was a long, tough session for me. Probably the hardest ever. Of course, it was my own child.

I had all these visions of how I wanted it to go, but alas I was not able to get them since she wanted to see MY face not the camera. Since my husband could not read my mind and figure out what I had in mind. The boys were wanting to help. It was time for dinner by the time we ended.

I am just so glad that all of my sessions with people other than my own family go MUCH better than this one did with Katie.

11-366

2008-01-11T12:49:00.000-08:00

She's a photographer's child already! Only smiling when we are all done with the session, and only on HER terms. Taking portraits of your own kids is much harder than taking portraits of other children. I will showcase some of the others in a few days.

10-366

2008-01-10T17:18:00.001-08:00

I hope you all survived the storms today and managed to stay dry!

7 Random Facts about Me

2008-01-09T22:54:00.000-08:00

1. I was a very shy child. Extremely shy.
2. I took piano lessons for 9 years, and still love to play the piano today.
3. I have a B.S. degree in Math (minored in Computer Science)
4. My husband and I want to visit every Major League baseball park stadium - together. We've made it to 2.
5. I love to read historical romance novels to relax. A great place to do so is at baseball parks. ;)
6. Snow skiing terrifies me, but I love doing it even if I am only capable of the green easy slopes.
7. I held my first camera when I was 8 years old. Oddly enough the same year I started playing piano.

9-366

2008-01-09T09:34:00.000-08:00

8-366

2008-01-08T21:15:00.001-08:00

Flowers from my Sunday School teacher. It's nice to be loved.

Working on a New Site!!

2008-01-07T17:07:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited, finally, months after purchasing it I am going to get my new site launched! I'm slow sometimes, and admittedly this fall was a wee bit busy! Working on gathering all the photos from past years I liked, and photos from this year I liked. I am looking for those archived sessions that people inquired about, and enjoying revisiting images from all of you!

I will say it again, your kids and families are PRECIOUS! So many happy memories!!

Day 7

2008-01-07T17:06:00.000-08:00

6-366

2008-01-06T12:29:00.001-08:00

Day 5

2008-01-05T23:09:00.000-08:00

I couldn't decide.

Days 3 and 4

2008-01-04T18:18:00.001-08:00

Snapshots are good sometimes too. In fact, the way my January 3rd went it was a good thing they are okay! LOL

I made her cry. How? I put her down for a few minutes today. She was rather clingy and wanting to be held 24/7.

2-366

2008-01-02T18:20:00.001-08:00

I'm a day late starting, so I've missed one day. But a 366 Challenge is that you take a photo, process it, and post it DAILY for a year. I encourage you to join me, and if you do, please send me your blog and I'll check it out!!!

This is one of the Christmas lights still in our front yard.

Happy 2008!!!

2008-01-02T13:23:00.000-08:00

I am slowly trying to get back into the swing of all things photography business related, and ever so slightly I'm getting there!!!

But I wanted to thank all my 2007 clients for a WONDERFUL year!!!! I hope to see you all during 2008 (doesn't have to be for portraits, just running into you at the ballfield, the park, or even in a restaurant makes my day). I hope to meet new friends (also known as clients), and I hope everyone has a wonderful HEALTHY and HAPPY 2008!!!

We're back!

2007-12-27T17:23:00.000-08:00

I'm home from China, and Katie is the most amazing little girl. I am in love, and just slightly overwhelmed with having a toddler in the home again. I am relearning baby gates, bottles, toys, and having to keep those itty bitty legoes up off the floor!

I have a list of items due to you, my wonderful clients. If you are waiting on something and do not hear from me in the next week, please contact me as I might not remember I promised something to you! I am placing an order with the lab this weekend, so if you need something please let me know.

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and are preparing for the best year ever for 2008! I know I am gearing up to make it wonderful (and why wouldn't it be with a new little girl in my life).

Those of you with girls, I appreciate any and all hair advice, shopping for cool clothes advice, and any way to lessen the effect of having Daddy wrapped around her little bitty finger would be nice as well. ;)

Leaving for China!!

2007-12-01T19:00:00.000-08:00

The time is finally here! We are going to China to get our daughter, and as such, we will be closed from Wednesday December 5th through Wednesday December 26, 2007. Your emails and phone calls will be answered as quickly as possible after the 26th of December. Thanks for your understanding during this time!!!

If you would like to follow along on our journey, then follow this link to our family blog.

I hope you have a wonderful holiday season, and a very Merry Christmas!!

For some reason I love this one

2007-11-27T23:52:00.000-08:00

I love how you can see everyones feet, I love that you can see the baby, drinking his milk, and how you can see big brother watching something (obviously not looking at the camera). It's a picture of feet. All on the bed. To me, it's a picture of family.

One of my favorite images from when Samuel was a baby, is my husbands feet, JM's feet, then Samuel's feet. They were sitting together, and the difference in size amazed me.

I'm going through, pulling my favorite images for the website update, and enjoying this chance to see so many favorites again! I know I should be packing, but this is fun too.

Last session for 2007...

2007-11-24T23:40:00.000-08:00

I just finished proofing my last session for 2007*, and wow, what a year it has been! Thank you, all of you, for everything. From trusting me to capture those special moments in your life to caring about my own special moments. I truly appreciate how much each of you care about how our adoption plans are coming along. I have been touched by your sadness that it has taken so long, touched by your willingness to be flexible, and awed by your wanting to know how things are going so badly that you send me emails to ask!

While I won't have sneak peeks of clients until after I am home from China (and recovered from jet lag), I will be posting some of my favorite images from this year, some favorites that were taken just for me, and some of my own family. I will also be working on updating the blog layout, the website, the portfolios, and getting ready for 2008!!

Do not forget that I will post a link to our adoption blog so you may follow along on our journey and see photos of China, and most importantly Miss Katie!

*as always baby planners and newborns who arrive can be worked in

Holiday Deadlines

2007-11-23T06:46:00.000-08:00

It now comes down to this, I really do not like deadlines. I don't like enforcing them. However, my own print lab, the jewelry supplier, the card makers, and the mail all have deadlines in order for me to get things back by Christmas. Which is all well and good, but I still need to then get it you!

So, the deadline for ordering anything for Christmas delivery is due by November 30th.

What about China? Well, we are hoping to travel no later than December 13th. We've had to adjust our schedules more than once during this process, and the latest adjustment puts us leaving either 12/6 or 12/13. Personally I am hoping for 12/6. Since we will be in China for 2 weeks, you can see how close that cuts it for getting prints and special orders delivered. I do have a plan, and it involves you all meeting either some great dear friends OR my amazing brother. Please, though, try to have all orders in quickly as it will help me to get them back to you quickly.

Those with orders already placed, I'm waiting on the rest of deliveries and the Holiday has interfered with normal turnaround times and shipping times!

What are you Thankful for?

2007-11-21T22:34:00.001-08:00

I've been thinking about this for the past week. What am I thankful for? I keep thinking about my children, and the health that we enjoy. God has truly blessed us until our cup overflows.

These two babies were wonderful, and I ended up with many shots that I love. They were supposed to have their session earlier this month, but I caught a cold and I did not want to give it to them! I loved spending time with them for their session, and the parents were so with it for having two newborns in the home. Their big brother is so very proud, and took me immediately in to see them. He pointed out which baby was which, and I could see just how proud he was of his new brothers. I think he's going to be a great big brother!

I hope that all of you reading this blog, and all my clients have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and I truly hope your blessings are overflowing.

This young lady makes it easy!

2007-11-17T20:46:00.000-08:00

I've been so busy and she has been super patient waiting on her sneak peek! This young lady is wonderful to work with, she makes it so easy. It also means that I have a hard time narrowing down the proofs, they are all so good!

Christmas season is fully upon us, and if you have not gotten me your card order, we are in danger of not getting them back in time for you to mail out! Especially as it looks like I will be in China for 2 weeks very soon.

Enjoying fall!

2007-11-06T12:58:00.000-08:00

These two boys met me up on Monte Sano with their parents, and we loved the weather and the fall color, and playing. They have such great fun personalities, and so cooperative.

We even discovered a woodpecker in one of the trees! They climbed trees, climbed play structures, and threw leaves.

Such handsome, polite, fun boys who will grow to be fine young men! I had trouble picking just a few to show off here. I have many great shots from this session (including some where we got to playing and acting silly).

My Boys

2007-11-04T19:44:00.000-08:00

Last week, while waiting to hear from China, I finally decided to take my own children and take their fall portraits. I only force them to have portraits taken twice a year, and I begged them to cooperate.

I have a sneak peek for a Mom to two boys coming up. I hope she loves her images as much as I love these of my boys.

I think he enjoyed the "bribe" don't you?

Tis the season!

2007-10-30T17:03:00.000-07:00

Santa Hats have been making a regular appearance in my sessions lately. Christmas Red has been showing up quite a bit lately. Ornaments? Holiday Card designs? It's all there as well.

It can only mean one thing! Christmas is almost here!

This adorable little girl with her loving big brother is in for a treat. Her first Christmas. She has a wonderful family, full of loving grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins. It is always a pleasure to do a session for a family who so obviously loves one another.

Just breathtaking

2007-10-28T23:12:00.000-07:00

I had a session this past weekend, and it's gorgeous outdoors this time of year. The trees are starting to turn, and everywhere I looked on the drive to the client's home was a reminder of how much I need to really look at our surroundings more.

I've had a busy couple of months, and with the changing weather I'm looking toward the rest of the calendar year. I'm seeing how busy my own life is going to be, and I think that I really should slow down and appreciate this season. The radio was off, the sun was going down, and I was really having to pay attention to roads and my surroundings. I was forced to see, to actually see the landscape. See the cows, the goats, the fields that have been harvested, and I realized just how much I have become a city girl. My soul needs nature.

I think I'm going to take my kids this week, and we're going to go on a walk (or a hike if I feel industrious). We need to be in nature more. We need to be out in the fresh air.

I am so very thankful for the session this past weekend, the session that made me realize that I had not stopped to appreciate the breathtaking surroundings we have here this time of year.

His smile is contagious

2007-10-24T18:47:00.001-07:00

When he smiles, everyone smiles back at him. It's almost impossible not to smile at him return. Nothing special about this shot, just one that I like. We were sitting in the van, waiting on big brother to finish piano lessons. Just us two, having fun on a rainy day. I can hear his giggle when I see this photo.

Isn't that what it is all about? Remembering, capturing, and celebrating this moment. Nothing special, just an ordinary day.

Wonderful family session this fall

2007-10-21T21:19:00.001-07:00

Such beautiful children, don't you agree?

I like to play

2007-10-21T20:57:00.001-07:00

Sometimes during a session I like to play around with the kids.

When is a session done?

2007-10-21T20:33:00.000-07:00

When the kids go from this:

to this:

I take that cue, which is not hard to miss, that the session is done. Okay, not all sessions end in tears, and honestly, this session did not either but I had to show it because it does give you the feel of how I decide when we are done. It is totally dependent on each child how long we can do a session. Some children love having their photos taken, some do not.

*I can not remember what she was crying about, but it might have been that she had to leave the swing that had entertained her while I took her brother's portraits.*

Adoption update

2007-10-19T12:32:00.000-07:00

So many of you have asked for updates on our adoption, and I really appreciate how excited you all are for me! The emails, the phone calls, and constant remembering when I see you just amazes me.

We are still waiting. It seems like forever, but it has only been 112 days since we sent in our paperwork asking to be Katie's parents. We have been skipped over, but since there is not much we can do about it, we are just waiting. We have checked into things, and nothing appears to be wrong. It's really just a matter of processing paperwork. Lots and lots of red tape!

We had hoped to be traveling next week or the week after. At this point, obviously, we will not be. This also means that we will not have her home by Thanksgiving, which is sad. We are hoping that we will our approval next week, but with our track record of late I am just not sure it will happen. If we were to get it next week, we would then have a chance to travel November 15th. If we get it by Halloween Day, travel could be November 22nd (yes Thanksgiving Day!). If we were to get it by Election day, then travel could be November 29th. Middle of November puts us traveling the first week of December. It just gets more depressing after that!

Many of you have asked how long we will be in China. We will be there for roughly 15 days. I will have limited access to email, but remember China time is 13 hours ahead of us. I am not planning on addressing work issues, but if I see something that needs to be answered I will! :) I doubt I could help myself.

Once we are closer to travel, I will be sending out a link to our family blog. The one we will update as we travel, and show off our beautiful daughter.

Aren't these two girls beautiful?

2007-10-15T16:07:00.000-07:00

I fell in love with their dresses, with their smiles, with their laughter, and their love for each other.

I remember talking to their Mom during our paperchase for adopting Katie, and due to what we talked about I started considering other aspects of China adoption. Mainly Special Needs, and how really what I consider special needs and what is considered special needs in China adoption are totally different things. Thus, that conversation helped to lead us to Katie.

To say I have a soft spot for this family is an understatement. Okay, so I have a soft spot for any family that has ever adopted or is adopting.

Such a graceful young lady

2007-10-10T18:21:00.000-07:00

She's waited too long for her sneak peek!

I think I'm back up!

2007-10-05T22:47:00.000-07:00

After hours of screaming at the computer reliving Computer Science 202 memories, I think I have my online ordering system back online. It's not in the same place (I fixed that small problem while I was at it).

It only took:

1 screaming fit of frustration
2 bouts of tears
3 frantic looking attempts for the foam ax I used in Computer Science 202
4 pleadings with Dh for help
5 phone calls to friends to commiserate over my misfortune
6 hours of updating, uploading, and configurations
7 cheers of happiness that it is working
8 email checks to make sure I answered all the emails asking where the galleries were
9 distractions from the kids
10 big slobbery kisses to Dh for all his help!

By jove, I think we're back in business!

Shopping cart?

2007-10-05T00:12:00.000-07:00

Check!

I got it re-installed, and upgraded. I merrily went in to start re-uploading everyone's galleries and imagine my surprise. I can't re-register it! OOPS!

I have an email in to tech support, and we should be up and running tomorrow so I can start the data entry again. I will hopefully have updated links for everyone by the end of the weekend. If you know you have a gallery out there, and you do not hear from me please contact me and I will make sure you get set back up! I think I know who all I have to re-upload.

What a mess!!!

Don't Panic!

2007-10-04T23:25:00.000-07:00

If you are trying to reach the online ordering gallery, please don't panic. I still have images on my hard drive, but I did accidentally delete the entire ordering gallery. I have all orders that had been placed by 5pm October 4th, so nothing is missing there.

However, I'm going to have to re-upload everything and restore settings. It will take me a few days.

That's what I get for trying to update software at 1am, right? I even broke the cardinal rule my computer science professors drilled into my head:

"Always make a copy of the folder you are working on BEFORE making changes and BEFORE deleting files."

Oops! I know I can fix it, but the time involved is my biggest concern at the moment. If you were working on orders, or had questions, please contact me directly and I will do my best in this situation!