[Seniors] Lovely | Brighton Tennessee Senior Photographer

Once in a while you come across someone like Sara. Smart, intelligent and a hidden beauty.

When her mom contacted me in May to book her daughter's 2011 senior session, I felt happy because it was early. But then when I found out she lives over an hour away, I felt honored that they admired my work so much to travel to me for a shoot.

So, when I met Sara, she seemed shy. I'm sure in real life(read: away from adults) she's anything but. However, once we traipsed off to shoot some images, she warmed up to me and then I found we had a lot in common. She's a smart cookie, and we talked shop about college and high school life. My goodness, how I don't miss the never-ending idiosyncrasies of high school.

The location I chose had a old car on the property, and although my initial idea was just to use that particular piece of the property, I later found that there were so many robust ideas flowing in my mind. So we stayed there.

The rustic, old pieces of metal, the tall grass, the glorious sunlight. They all helped in exposing the rather lovely beauty that is Sara. She joked about her pale skin, but when on film, there's such an aesthetic beauty that is matched by no other. When I worked on the images, I was just blown away at how lovely she looked, how soft and dreamy. And how the model in her came out so fiercely.

We ended the session in a location between buidlings and I finally coaxed her boyfriend to join the shoot. He obliged only after I promised he'd look cool. You know, 'cause guys have to be cool and stuff.

Sara, Mom and Boyfriend, I thoroughly enjoyed our session together. You were such a sweet and intelligent young woman and I know you'll have a wonder career in the medical field. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to capture this special time in your life and best wishes for your very bright future!

[Contest] Rockin' | Southeast Missouri Photographer

Don't kill me. Just kick me, I can handle that.

These days, I don't know whether I'm coming or going. That's good, right? Well, if you were a participant in the 1,000 Rockin' Fans Contest on my Facebook Business Page, then you're probably anxious that it's taken me two weeks to blog the winners of the $50 gift certificates. Well, I'm here to tell ya, kick me, but don't kick me in my ovaries or my hands. For obvious reasons.

This was such a fun contest and so many "likers" came out to vote for this image amongst all of the them:

Isn't she a doll baby? In all, there were 48 people that voted for her image by leaving a comment. My client will receive a beautiful 12x18 Float wrap of this winning image. Thank you to each and every one of you for taking the time to vote.

So, now onto the winners. I used Random.org to randomly select the winners. As you can see, the winner of the first $50 gift certiciate is #2 (Julie Cude) and the winner of the second $50 gift certicate is #41 (Cynthia Connelly). Both of you, please email me so that we can discuss your winning options.

On a sidenote, I'm working very hard on some sa-weeeet ideas for Stephanie Greenwell Photography. I'm so very excited about the direction my business is heading and I can't wait to share with you all what I have in store. And just a reminder, Christmas Mini-sessions bookings are underway, only a few more openings are left.

Congrats to the winners of the 1,000 Rockin' Fans Contest and thank you all for participating!

[Newborns] Fresh | Hayti Missouri Newborn Photographer

Their smell. Their hair. Soft skin. Tiny ears, fingers, and toes.

Their freshness.

I make it no secret how much I love babies. Love them. Dearly. And since I don't get to have very many sessions with newborns, I was very excited to not only get to shoot this little one's momma's beautiful maternity session, but I also got to spend a couple of hours with this handsome, wide-awake little fella.

Mom had a little bit of a rough time bringing him into this world, but all that pain and sacrifice can never compare to holding him in her arms. Nothing. And although I consider myself a seasoned veteran of holding babies, there's something about those small bodies and new, fresh smell that makes my ovaries do flips. Like a NCA cheerleader.

We had completely different plans of what do with his session, incorporating some ideas from mom's maternity session. But the weather had been so dang hot, even early in the morning, that we just didn't want him to be exposed. So we went to his sweet little nursery in blue.

He spent most of our time together awake, I mean, he wasn't down with missing all of the action. Who could blame him? He'd been couped up for almost 9 months, he had to check it all out. And he certainly didn't like being naked, hence the swaddling. He gave me plenty of eyes-wide-open looks and I couldn't asked for more. Those eyes, just so full of wonder.

Mom and Dad, thank you for allowing me be part of this special time in your lives. Your little man is just so very precious and enjoy every sweet moment you can. He'll be big before you know it. And my ovaries are thankful, too.

[Children] Super Heroes | Portageville Missouri Children's Photographer

Boys. I love little boys.

They love to get dirty. Play in mudholes. Strip down when it's hot. Or cold. Love on their mommas. They can pee outside and they don't care who's watchin'.

And they all want to be super heroes.

These boys encompassed all of the above, except for the whole using the bathroom thing. They were sweet, a little shy, playful and ever so into the dirt. Just good ol' country boys. (Dad is a farmer.)

The day was hot one, even for early morning time. But thank goodness, fun can always be had with mud, dirt, bare feet, and costumes. Mom suggested bringing these, and since I'm always up for something different and fun, so I let the hero-ness ensue! Mom also wanted a different and fun family photo, and that we did--see image #2, crazy boys in the front, oblivious Mom and Dad enjoying themselves in the back! I loved it!

We finally headed out to a field. By this time, the boys were ready to pull the shirts off and, well, be boys. The finishing touch was the adorable red wagon.

Warren Family, thank you. Thank you for the fun boy time, the awesome planning, the faith you put in me to capture your sweet family. I had a great time and I look forward to working together again!