Just over three years ago, my somewhat bland life got kicked in the rear when I was hired on to Paula Deen Enterprises. My job title is “Online Community Manager,” but my job duties take about 2 pages typed out in MS Word. One of the more fun parts of my job is photographing Paula and sons at various events, particularly their booksignings. These events bring hundreds of people, all incredibly excited for their moment to share their stories and give hugs. At our last book signing in February, I had just told Paula about some photos I had done for a friend’s 30th anniversary wedding where I had the dad put their sons in headlocks. I told her that I love those spontaneous moments where photos show the loving fun between family members. Leave it to Paula to give me something full of personality to...
Learn More
There are few people in this world who would do anything they could to try to help you. It’s no big secret that I had a rough delivery and post-partum with my son, made all the more difficult by having no freakin’ clue what I was supposed to be doing. But a long-time friend who is a pediatric nurse came to my rescue, and got me through the first few months. So, when her husband told me that they were going to have a wedding to celebrate their 30th anniversary (since they didn’t have one when they married), I couldn’t wait to help. I have not shot a wedding since college, and I only shot outdoors as indoor light and I don’t seem to ever get along. But I was willing to do my absolute best, and arrived at the church at 7:45 on a Saturday morning, pretending that I was a morning person and hadn’t missed my breakfast. The setting brought some challenges, primarily poor lighting including the two rows of pink skylights that lined the church and zero lights in the reception hall. But I shot on, trying to get as many different takes of every special moment. I figured I was bound to like at least a few of the 500+ images. So, while it will probably be another 12 years before I shoot a wedding again, I’m very happy to have had a small part in such a wonderful couple’s special day. To Jeff and Debbie, thank you for being such an inspiration. I look forward to the 60th...
Learn More
On Friday, February 3rd, I had the honor to spend the morning with an old friend, Jeff Taylor. I’ve known Jeff and his family almost 12 years now. He is an-all around wonderful guy. This guy never meets a stranger! I’m so happy to be celebrating his 30th wedding anniversary with him and his wonderful wife, Debbie, next weekend, but also wanted to congratulate him on 25 years on the Savannah radio...
Learn More
I am never slow to remember what a blessed woman I am, and I count among my blessings the amazing people I have had the privilege to meet. This past Friday, I continued my birthday tradition with a show at The Savannah Theatre. I consider this one of Savannah’s best-kept secrets as I know too few people who have been. Until my son was born, I had never missed a run of any show there, which is why my birthday trip means so much. I decided this would be a great opportunity to try out my zoom lens on my camera as I had a great seat in the balcony (which also reclined and has more leg room than those on the floor). I did not discover until I got home that my camera actually had a “stage lighting” setting. While the photos aren’t poster-worthy, I hope they still convey the entertainment and encourage you to check out a show sometime. Special thanks to Michelle Meece and Shannon Zaller for making my birthday special. You ladies are incredibly talented and beautiful, and I am honored to call you...
Learn More
There’s nothing I love more than introducing my son to new locations. Having lived in this area since I was 8, I sometimes forget all that there is to see. One of my favorite places has always been Fort Pulaski. Growing up on Tybee, my mom used to take a couple friends of mine and me over to the Fort and leave us until it was closing time. We would entertain ourselves climbing the battery, running around the grounds, and hiding in the bunkers in the tunnels and try to scare tourists (many of them did not have lights in them back then). So I was real excited to take Ian and his friend, Carter (who was born 6 days before my little Doodle) and Carter’s mom, Stacy, for an afternoon of mommy and son time. We love hiking the trails around the Fort, and with two little ones, decided to head over to the battery that doesn’t get quite the amount of traffic as the Fort. It’s a great place for two toddlers to terrorize without disturbing too much peace. Ian and Carter immediately took to climbing everything they could, first the steps then the mound. My little precious bundle saw fit to throw a tantrum anytime I tried to stop his high climbing efforts. I threatened to photograph it for his future girlfriend, and since he didn’t believe me, I fired two shots with the Pentax. He was off the ground shortly after that. After a nice run of the battery, we headed into the Fort, toddlers secured so there would be no moat diving. Turns out, it was cannon firing day. Ian, of course, had no interest in the cannons but thought it was fun to run in and out of the open rooms to see just how many tourists he could trip. However, his bravery was brought to a halt with the first cannon firing. After that, mom had to learn how to shoot her camera in one hand while holding the tot with the other arm. If you haven’t been to Fort Pulaski in awhile, I highly recommend you go visit. It’s just $5 per adult, and the admission is good for the next 6 days. Not only that,...
Learn More
