Scorching

I know it isn’t fair to complain about the heat as we get our chance for nice weather most of the year, but boy is it tough for outdoor photo shoots. It was 96° with hardly a cloud in the sky today. The sun was beating down on this sweet little one year old and her parents. We jumped for joy when a little breeze would come through. Despite the heat, the family managed to enjoy their time together on the big southern-style back porch and out back with the Arabians. Afterall, isn’t that what summer is all about?

Trista

 

Keep it up!!

I’m excited to see so many voting for my Maternity Photo contest. If you haven’t done so already, take a minute and share your pick for favorite photo in the comments area of the post.

Thanks!

Trista

Remembering Daddy

As many of you know, I have been shooting for a book coming out in November entitled, “Faces of Life.” It will use photos and words to tell the stories of those who were in Covenant Hospice care or who received bereavement counciling from them.

So yesterday I had a very difficult session. I photographed this six year old boy who lost his daddy to brain cancer last year. Maybe it is because I am a parent of an almost 6 yr old child, but I could physically feel his sad little heart through my lens. No child should have to go through such a tragedy at such a tender age.

The good thing is that he is getting bereavement counciling and is obviously working through the grief stages. As I photographed him, we spoke about his plans to play football, and his awe in finding a snake on his front porch; a typical 6 yr old boy.

At one point, he looked up at the sky and I could fleetingly see the pain squeezing its way out into the open air; he was remembering his daddy.

 

As he climbed aboard his daddy’s Harley, his chest beamed with pride and I could see that he was remembering the days that daddy would drive around the block with him safely in his arms.

As I was just about to leave, I came up behind him and captured this hopeful look in the rearview mirror. It was then I realized, he’s going to be okay. His memories will always be there to sooth him as he cruises on ahead through life.

Trista

2006 Look Who Just Blouin Maternity Photo Contest

Here are the contenders. Pick your favorite, click on “Add comments” below the post, and type in the name of the momma you are voting for. Only one vote/person please. Voting ends next Wed., Aug. 2 and the winner will be announced here the following day.

The winning photo will be used to promote my maternity division over the next year. The winning momma will receive a set of notecards with the winning photo on the front and a $55 gift certificate for a future session as a congratulations.

Thanks for voting!

Trista

Brandy

Carmen

Darlene

Donna

Laura

Misty

Wild Child

On Friday I did a last minute commercial shoot for Wild Child children’s clothing boutique so they could get an ad in by Saturday morning. Yikes! Anyway, they have such fun, trendy clothing. Because of the last minute nature, I used my own daughters as models. I think they did pretty good. What do you think? Here are some samples:

 

Trista

So many moods

This little guy took me on an emotional roller-coaster ride. I got to see so many expressions and facets of his personality emerge.

 

At one point he even threatened to tear me to shreds.

Trista

A long week

I apologize for the 4 day lapse in my blog. I needed to take some time off.

I’m back to share a couple photos from a session this week.

This family was visiting Seagrove (right next to Seaside and Watercolor) from Dallas, TX. As most brothers do, these three had found their own niche on the beach. One liked to play ball, another surf on his boogie board, and the last loved to dig. I photographed them in these activities as well as others. Here is one of all of them. Notice the role of each. Can you see who the “instigator” is?

This young man had the biggest smile, he was such a happy-go-lucky fella.

Can you tell who had the most energy of the bunch?

And finally, this young man was the reflective one of the bunch.

Our beaches on the Emerald Coast are beautiful and I’m so glad others can come and partake in their magic.

Trista

Appreciating life

Today I found out that a colleague and friend of mine lost her baby hours before her scheduled c-section due to a cord accident. This after the family spent 5 years and countless failed infertility procedures to get their precious baby James. I’ve spent the afternoon in tears, trying to come to terms with why this terrible accident occurred. Finally, I picked up my camera and went out to my yard and got down on my belly and started shooting. I needed clarity. Seeing this bee dance around busily from tiny flower to tiny flower made me realize how our lives sometimes get. We hurry along without stopping to “smell the roses” and appreciate the simple beauty in moments and little things. There is no sense in this tragic death, but it has reminded me to never take the little things for granted. I need to make sure to always appreciate all the wonders presented to me in all facets of my life: my husband, my children, my friends, my clients, and the smallest blooming buds in the flower garden.

In loving memory: Baby James, July 14, 2006-July 14, 2006

Summer memories

This family was visiting from out of state and making wonderful memories together. They will always remember their trip to Pensacola in 2006, sand in their mouth notwithstanding, because they will have these portraits to remind them of how much fun it was to run in the surf and play in the sand.

 Trista

Support from family

This is the second occasion in two weeks in which I’ve shown up at a newborn session to find grandparents present. What a gift! There is nothing much worse than being sleep-deprived. I remember it vividly with my two newborns. To have someone there who loves your baby intensely and will help you catch a nap is priceless.

This little guy was a pleasure to photograph. He is lucky to have not only parents but grandparents who treasure him dearly.

Trista