Jennifer & Kevin - swinging & kissin & life is Good!

Jennifer and Kevin got married three weeks ago. I am finishing up their photos to deliver and thought these were some of my favorites. Of course you may argue that you cannot make a bad photo of this fine looking couple. Yes Kevin is wearing that too cool, brown tux. Yes Jennifer is a total babe-alicious bride. Yes a 300mm f2.8 super tele does give a fabulous compression and short depth of field. You could say all that - but not in one breath.

These are made after they drove away from the GGCC at the end of the reception - then they returned for a few pics on the golf course. My specialty. The wonderful Avie ladies helped arrange this getaway & secretive return so we could make late afternoon, environmental, illustrative art. Avie ladies actually helped plan & manage the whole day - but this happens to be my favorite part of the day.

I am not sure which photo I like the best. Kissin' is good. Swingin' and rapture is good. The funny/cool part is I am so far away when I took these that they cannot hear me. I yell at Susan to relay - "swing her around - kiss a bit - love your wife - repeat".
Actually men - this is good advice for your whole life.
I do have the best job and the best clients - Stewart

Keri & Frankie - guest book

The wedding is in October and we just finished the guest signature book for Keri & Frankie. Our designer "Elise" took her cute pill when she made this. It is adorable and the featured couple are great looking and we cannot wait to photograph their wedding. It will be huge fun!!!
Later - Stewart & Susan

Amy & Devin

Amy & Devin came in last week to select their photos for their guest book. They are certainly a fabulous great couple - Susan and I really love them. These are two of the garden photos that I put together for fun. I knew Amy would like this simple composite. It is a good illustration of how these two feel about each other. True Love Rocks!

Stewart

IMO the best "back view of a bride in her dress" photo of 2008 - by Susan Powers

Yes Kelly - this is you last Saturday!
OK - one nice photo - now please go below and read about
LETS EAT CAKE!

Let's Eat Eat Eat Cake!!!!!

Let’s Eat Cake!! Is this a pleasant command, a covert signal to extra-terrestrials bent of pastry domination or a fun competition to raise money to help cure cancer – with actual wedding cake. Let’s go direct to the source - the lovely Melissa Margarita-DiStefano of MasterPiece Weddings.

Tell me more about this event? Are aliens involved in a sponsoring role?

It’s going to be such a fun event, but it is limited to earthlings. Truthfully, who doesn’t love cake! So, we are inviting cake bakers from all over the Southern US to basically (duke it out) and create culinary confections of wedding cakes! We have a Professional Baker category, an Amateur Baker category, and we are even doing a cake auction! And then we’ll have judges there to judge the cakes on appearance and taste. Because wedding cake should look amazing and taste amazing!

How did you come up with this concept? Perhaps an alien visitation?

Oh, this is a great story. I literally had a dream – sans alien visitors. I had a dream about this competition, when I woke up it was as vivid as I had planned it and this competition had come to fruition. Crazy! But true.

What is your goal?

Our goal is to cure cancer. Or at least help cure cancer. The money raised will be used by St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. As a cancer survivor I wanted to help; I wanted to do something especially for kids. Kids haven’t had a chance to dream and live a life. St. Jude’s helps kids and their families do just that. So our goal is raise money – I am going to raise $50,000 with this fund raiser to help cure cancer………… with cake!

How can we help?

Gosh, there are so many ways to help, if you can bake, call me! If you can donate money, call me! If you can donate prizes, call me! If you can volunteer for the event, call me! 352-317-3222.

Or you can email me at melissa@masterpieceweddings.net

Visit the Lets Eat Cake! blog - http://letseatcakefundraiser.blogspot.com/

When - February 17th, 2009

Where - The Paramount Plaza in Gainesville, Fl.

Stewart - your roving reporter

Dana, Brandon & beautiful baby Neko

Select the best answer - indicate with a #2 pencil. Start!
If Life is indeed a Merry Go Round - your parents would be...
A. Happy beyond measure with the arrival of their little bundle of poopy joy.
B. Practicing professional surfer photography in Costa Rica.
C. Excited at the high ISO performance of the Nikon D3.
D. All of the above.

Univ. Of Florida Cheer Team 2008

OK - we have BIG NEWS!!!
The 2008 U of Fl. Cheer Team have a new photographer.
Guess who that may be?
growl - Stewart & Susan

Rachel Part Two - Still Beautiful - but there is Always Time for Silly

View below for the start of this post - the lovely portraits of Rachel.

Here are the silly ones. All kids have this much fun at the photographer's studio - yes? Thanks for a great session - Susan & Stewart

This Is What We Did Thursday - A Session with Rachel / Four Years Old and Beautiful

Rachel is like family. I have photographed her all her life. Her grandmother is one of my favorite people. She taught me an important point about photographing children. You see she did not always want the perfect kid photo. She liked it when her grandkids acted like kids – and did the silly things. So she taught me to keep ready and click away when the un-expected happens.

It happened a lot today.

Rachel is simply beautiful. This is her play bridal gown – and I feel she makes a lovely four year old (pretend) bride. She certainly had a great time. She acted, danced, and sang and along the way we took some photos. At one point she told me to stop dancing. It was the Bee Gees – I couldn’t help it.
A quick change to a summer dress and we were golden.

Part one is the good ones. Somewhere close by is another blog about the “edits”. They are more likely the real kid.
Stewart

Mission Possible - International Grand Kids Perform and then Fly to Ireland

Warning – do not attempt this at home. We are trained professionals. Cookies fear us - we eat jello raw. I have successfully dialed an international phone number.

The phone rings Tuesday. “Your mission is to photography five grand kids (all cousins) for a loving g-mom before four of them depart for Ireland – today. (Thursday)

“You have one day. Plus arrange to edit and project the photos to our trained international operatives (moms) so they may place an order for photos before the plane departs.”

Do not forget you have two other portrait sessions already scheduled.

Sure – why not. I’m in Olympic form this week.

Meet the bestest international kids I know. From left to right – Ellie, baby Joshua, Laura, baby Sedona, & Amy.

At 12:30pm today we gathered at the studio for some fun and photos. These young ladies were the models of sincere cooperation, grace and beauty. First we have the gang. Then big sister Ellie has a moment with her 8 month old brother Joshua. Then we got a great moment with 8 month old Sedona flying solo. The fact is that only Sedona is a Gainesville resident. Her cousins will be on the plane flying home to Ireland this evening. We wish them and their parents a safe flight home. Thanks for visiting. Stewart & Susan

ALERT -"the Merry Go Round is Blogged"

Tali the beautiful over at Solutions Bridal has today posted some comments and photos pertaining to Powers Photography.
Thanks so much - we are honored!!
Susan & Stewart
View at the Solutions blog spot - The Bridal Closet http://www.thebridalcloset.blogspot.com/

How to make the sun come out on a rainy day!

You know they always say that grand kids are lots more fun than your kids. MaryLou has a beautiful family, and she loves her kids….but nothing makes the sun come out like her granddaughter, Dani! Dani thinks her Grammy is a jungle gym! These are portraits that will bring smiles to Grammy for years now, to mommy a few years later, and years from now to Dani as she grows into a beautiful woman and has a family of her own! We love making generations portraits. Every one becomes a treasure. Mary Lou, Caitie, and Dani, thank you for choosing us to create your treasures! Hugs, Susan

On a Journey - Recent Best Images - pt. 4

I was FAITHFULLY finishing up some work and put on iTunes with Journey’s Greatest Hits. I will NOT STOP BELIEVIN’ in Steve Perrys voice. He makes me want to call Susan and SEND HER MY LOVE. I realized in a flash that we all go with OPEN ARMS on a journey in life – and we all have what amounts to greatest hits of some sort. For a photographer it would be moments & images. ANY WAY YOU WANT IT, there is a metaphor lurking here if you just ASK THE LONELY on a whim.
I went to Jamaica on a whim once - but a jet is faster.
I had to help Susan put together an article on our photography business recently. A bit like finding our GREATEST HITS. We had to select some of out favorite images of babies, families & weddings. Man - we have some fantastic & good lookin’ clients. They make us look good. Our journey's greatest hits.
This is the last of this four part series of some of our “best” images. These are all client photos. Our clients just look this good! Enjoy - if you have the time post your thoughts. Thanks. Stewart

HAPPY 8-08-2008 !!!

On a Journey - Recent Best Images - pt. 3

I was FAITHFULLY finishing up some work and put on iTunes with Journey’s Greatest Hits. I will NOT STOP BELIEVIN’ in Steve Perrys voice. He makes me want to call Susan and SEND HER MY LOVE. I realized in a flash that we all go with OPEN ARMS on a journey in life – and we all have what amounts to greatest hits of some sort. For a photographer it would be moments & images. ANY WAY YOU WANT IT, there is a metaphor lurking here if you just ASK THE LONELY on a whim.
I went to Jamaica on a whim once - but a jet is faster.
I had to help Susan put together an article on our photography business recently. A bit like finding our GREATEST HITS. We had to select some of out favorite images of babies, families & weddings. Man - we have some fantastic & good lookin’ clients. They make us look good. Our journey's greatest hits.
It is my plan this week to post four sets of some of our “best” images. These are all client photos. Our clients just look this good! Enjoy - if you have the time post your thoughts.
Stewart

On a Journey - Recent Best Images - pt. 2

I was FAITHFULLY finishing up some work and put on iTunes with Journey’s Greatest Hits. I will NOT STOP BELIEVIN’ in Steve Perrys voice. He makes me want to call Susan and SEND HER MY LOVE. I realized in a flash that we all go with OPEN ARMS on a journey in life – and we all have what amounts to greatest hits of some sort. For a photographer it would be moments & images. ANY WAY YOU WANT IT, there is a metaphor lurking here if you just ASK THE LONELY on a whim.
I went to Jamaica on a whim once - but a jet is faster.
I had to help Susan put together an article on our photography business recently. A bit like finding our GREATEST HITS. We had to select some of out favorite images of babies, families & weddings. Man - we have some fantastic & good lookin’ clients. They make us look good. Our journey's greatest hits.
It is my plan this week to post four sets of some of our “best” images. These are all client photos. Our clients just look this good! Enjoy - if you have the time post your thoughts.
Stewart

On a Journey - Recent Best Images - pt. 1

I was FAITHFULLY finishing up some work and put on iTunes with Journey’s Greatest Hits. I will NOT STOP BELIEVIN’ in Steve Perrys voice. He makes me want to call Susan and SEND HER MY LOVE. You know SHE'S JUST A SMALL TOWN GIRL. I realized in a flash that we all go with OPEN ARMS on a journey in life – and we all have what amounts to greatest hits of some sort. For a photographer it would be moments & images. ANY WAY YOU WANT IT, there is a metaphor lurking here if you just  ASK THE LONELY on a whim.

I went to Jamaica on a whim once - but a jet is faster.

I had to help Susan put together an article on our photography business recently. A bit like finding our GREATEST HITS. We had to select some of out favorite images of babies, families & weddings. Man - we have some fantastic & good lookin’ clients. They make us look good. Our journey's greatest hits.

It is my plan this week to post four sets of some of our “best” images. These are all client photos. Our clients just look this good! Enjoy - if you have the time post your thoughts.

Stewart

Lauren & John- Pt. 2

1.  
2. My personal best butterfly release photo - I have 15 butterflies in the air.
3. 

Lauren & John's tropical theme wedding - First Glance Pt. 1

These images are a preview (Pt.2 on Monday) of the wedding of Lauren & John over in Lake Butler. Susan and I ventured over for this fun and colorful event less than two weeks ago. They are a wonderful couple with great friends & family and all of them were a lot of fun to photograph. It was a traditional coverage in that Lauren wanted to thrill John with her entrance at the ceremony - and she did. He just about melted. All the photos before the ceremony feature the bride and her brides-babes including flower girl Princess Mia and also John and his entourage; plus all the special parent and family member photos. It was about 6000 degrees outside so we worked in the church. Nice and cool.

Flowers & design by Elaine Fletcher

Reception at Best Western - Gainesville http://www.bestwesternflorida.com/hotels/best-western-gateway-grand/

Wedding Gown - Jays Bridal http://www.jaysbridal.com/

DeeJay Service - http://www.jaysentertainment.com/

Cake - Posh Pastry http://www.poshpastry.com

Thanks for a great day - Susan & Stewart

Lauren alone before the ceremony - she is so gorgeous!

The dress came from Jay's Bridal in Gainesville.

Lauren is looking out the window to see if people were

arriving for the ceremony.

John alone, with his dudes and then with the lovely bridesbabes.

Then he was hidden away so we could bring Lauren out for photos.

I feel that little flower girl Princess Mia is almost ready to steal the show.

She is so cute. Yes - she is sticking her tongue out at Lauren. Ha!

The bright island theme was carried out with the flowers

and the colors of the wedding.

Check back Monday for Pt. 2 of Lauren & John's wedding photos preview

Musings on a Fine Family Portrait

Where would photographers be without moms? They cajole, plead and plan for a family portrait for years until at last the stars align and the dads say “Fine.” (Poem not intentional) I love the moms of the world.

Shellie brought the troops in and I have to say they are a handsome family. We had a great time making these photos and everyone seemed to have fun. The brother-sister image is classic & made for mom and I know she appreciates it.

Soapbox Time - When a portrait is done well what you will see when you view it is the expressions, love and beautiful eyes. There are no unpleasant distractions, arms or hands pointing out of heads, loud clothing or uncomfortable postures, no dead eyes with raccoon shadows and everyone is on the same page with where they are looking.

We always suggest a portrait planning session when we get a call so we can discuss clothing, location, and get the insight into who is most likely to be a grump at the session. If the portrait is a classic style then we opt for clothing that does not scream for attention – so your eyes are drawn to the expressions and eyes of the portrait subjects. Photo #3 is an example of an illustrative portrait where the subjects are enjoying a stroll and a lively conversation. I hide in a bush when we do these. I feel creative when I hide in small shrubbery.

Lucky for me there were no grumps. I can be tough - I watched the Karate Kid three times.

This setting by the lake is close by – we walk over for an environmental session. These are either the first session of the day (9am) or last one (about 6pm) because of the heat index - recently of 6000 degrees. Gad! You could Bar-B-Q butterflies on my 4Runner

Cool thoughts - Stewart

PS – Moms – give me a call. We can do it this year. 372-9930

Beach Week - Last Call - Children and/or Families

AM sessions available Monday August 4th and Tuesday August 5th.

Schools out -Lets make something incredible.

All I am missing is YOU!

Are you Falling Down or is the Horizon Moving Up?

Ryan plans to walk on the moon at his earliest convenience – so practicing being upside down while I create a few photos is really not a stretch of the imagination. I did have to use my Canon anti-gravity boots to maintain the proper horizon. (Famous quote replicated without permission of the Firesign Theatre)

Sometimes I like to photograph individuals that listen to me – and laugh at my silly jokes. Many of my subjects are under age – under one - and they do not get my witty repartee. Ryan is an excellent portrait subject. He and I laughed until we stopped.

Susan and I have photographed Ryan and his sister for many years. We are pretty good friends – so I can say with all honesty that he is a smart, funny, creative and wonderful young man. As you can see he is handsome in a classic way.
Good times.
Stewart

Amy & Devin - Love Story session

or - How Susan and I spent last Thursday. Having a great time in a downtown engagement session with beautiful Amy and her handsome hunk of Devin - who is also a real sweetheart. These kids are SO IN LOVE!!! We had a blast!
I am blogging this early to surprise Ms. Amy. These are just part of the story. These images will be used in a guest book for their wedding. I have played with them some - I call it digitally mastered - because my camera doesn't really make split toned images, etc. Maybe if I dyed the sensor blue? Thirteen images - wow! - this has to count for Monday & Tuesday blog posts.

I would love to hear some comments. Please post. Thanks - Stewart