CLARISSA'S CORNER

Although my photography business is a part-time endeavor, my goal is to offer full service. However, there are times when my full time job with Ford Brothers Auctioneers – Realtors creates scheduling “challenges”. So I wanted to give my clients a sneak peak into “my other world”.

I have worked with Ford Brothers for over 20 years as a secretary/licensed real estate assistant. This also includes auctions, mostly scheduled on the weekends. Auctions are one of my favorite aspects of the business. Early mornings, not so great directions, hot days, crazy parking situations, sometimes long hours and hard work. But, don’t get me wrong, auctions aren’t all bad! I love meeting new people, visiting new places, seeing unusual items, listening to auctioneer's jokes and singing, hearing the stories, and for a prop junkie, a place to “invest”! Plus my co-workers are a hoot, too!  Lately, I have found some cool treasures and prop projects in old lights, chairs, dishes, trunks, dishes, and at today’s auction: trains and a saddle!  So enjoy a min slide show of Behind the Scenes at an auction!

There are many days when I am very thankful that work in the mobile office and can’t see the items being offered nor hear what is going on under the auction tent. Instead I get to drool over our customer’s purchase and hear the stories of exactly what the piece is called and why they bought it! This is especially true at estate auctions. I am always glad to hear the relief and gladness in bidder’s voices when they tell me this table belonged to my late mother or my grandmother sewed this quilt or stuck in a book of what-not is a faded newspaper article or a telegram from years gone by. Knowing a little bit about the piece, I believe brings even more value. I wonder if my props could talk…what stories would they tell?

A beautiful evening, huge sunny yard, slight breeze, lots of props and add Cutie Pie Casen! Yes, this equals one fun photo session!

If someone arrived at your house with a truckload of toys, wouldn’t you think it was playtime? I believe Casen though he had found the ultimate playmate as we unloaded some very cool items like a John Deere Tractor, A Tricycle, Rocking Horses and more! 

A note to myself for future reference: When photographing a farm boy....


 pull out the John Deere Tractor last; not 1st!

Around and around he goes, nobody

knows where Casen will stop next!

After playing with toy after toy and chasing after Casen all over the property, just when you think that you have done all you can do, sometimes it is the spontaneous moment that wraps up the session nicely.

To capture the essence of childhood for a family is one of my greatest joys. If you would like a “A Child in Motion” Session, contact me for a consultation.

When a couple is expecting, there is such a joyous anticipation as the little life grows and dreams form as the couple transform into a family.

I have known Andy’s family for years and so it was a treat to be chosen to photograph this special session. Andy and Danielle were such a loving and fun young couple. Still in their newlywed months together, sometimes I was difficult to determine just what type of session we were having…Engagement? Post Wedding? Or a Maternity Session?

We met at Renfro Valley, one of my favorite session locations, but this time became one of my most memorable experiences. A hot afternoon, a beautiful green meadow situated by a gently rolling creek, who could blame that big old snake for staking out his spot. He certainly didn’t appreciate this giggly noisemaker (hey, you try walking through the meadow with apple crates, balloons, and all kinds of other props – there is no quiet way to walk when loaded down) trekking this meadow! Thankfully, Andy was paying attention (since I most certainly was not!)

Then there were a free balloon lessons!

First, heat and helium does not mix.

Second, helium and breezes do not mix.

Thirdly, I think someone photoshopped the “perfect” bouquet of balloons for their pictures because it certainly didn’t happen for us!

 

Before you begin to think that this was a Three Stooges kind of session, let me put your fears to rest…we had a wonderful, creative session! And here is proof….

 I will leave you with one of my favorite images from evening as a reminder to rejoice with God's Blessing of New Life!

  But for a photographer, it was paradise awaiting! Hay Bales, Tractors, Old Buildings, Green Fields, Ponds, and even the cows were not exempt!

P.S.  And Then There Were Three!

Andy and Danielle proudly welcomed Luke Bratcher on June 13^th. As I was told by one adoring grandmother, “8 lbs 10 oz of Perfect!” Congratulations and Best Wishes!