A Saturday in the Day of the Life Of Your Photographer

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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?

So, if you are looking for a photographer who is willing to work with you to get the utmost out of the session, even if requires some creative effort, please feel free to contact me to discuss our options! I am never too busy for my photography clients!

Here's Casen!

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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!





A Radio Flyer Wagon transports a boy in style.


A meltdown =













 

it’s time to cool off with some water fun!





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.

The Bratchers....Expecting Luke

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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!



Happy Fathers Day, A Little Belated

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In honor of Father's Day, I thought I would share a few portraits taken with Dad and for Dad. Enjoy!



If you would like to celebrate the relationship of fathers (or a belated mothers' session), contact me for a special on sessions schedule during the month of June!

Oh, and I would be remiss if I didn't wish my own dad and brother a very Happy Father's Day as well!

Down on the Farm

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Danielle had so many wonderful ideas for her maternity sessions that we made it a two-part shoot. Later in the week, I visited the Bratcher Dairy Farm!


 Over the years, I have developed a great appreciate for the farming families throughout our community. I may have a 9 to 5 job but these families certainly do not! It is a sun-up, sundown, seven days a week, all for one and one for all! Vacations? Rarely. Sick Days? No siree! There are always cows to milk and feed, crops to plant, and hay to mow and that isn’t a drop in the bucket.


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





But not even I could anticipate the final touch: God’s masterpiece of a glorious sunset was a final touching setting! I was totally in awe and could just snap, snap, snap!



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

The Heartbeat of A Photographer

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Earlier this week, I was counting my blessings. Among those many blessings, I am priviledged to include many wonderful clients who have become dear friends! The proof is where I find my pictures!

At a recent graduation, I was surprised, astonished, touched and actually, just a wee bit proud, to see some of the Senior Session photos included in the Senior's Video Slideshow of her life! Amanda, you don't know how much that touched my heart.

Then tonight, I noticed on the church bulletin board, a Christmas picture of the "Bus kids" posted as a reminder to pray for our Children.

And, finally, when I got home, checking my facebook updates, another friend had updated her timeline cover with a picture of her children from a fall session! Whether the session was last week or last year, I am always tickled pink when I see folks sharing their portraits with their friends and loved ones! And on Facebook, I see that all the time!

So want to know what makes the heart of a photographer go "pitter patter"? It's Y - O - U!  When you enjoy the moments we captured, that sweet moment in time, then it makes this gal feel like she has done her job and done it well!

Have you and your family put off and put off that family portrait? Does it seem like too much of a hassle? Is the schedule to hectic? Any momentary sacrifice will be worth it ...one day down the road.  Don't delay...contact me today so that we can "create" a unique session just for you and your family!


Joy 2 U!
Clarissa



A Birthday Buffet

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June seems to be the birthday month for my friends! In fact, today two of my friends are celebrating! As a special treat, my friend, Sheryl, and I went out to dinner! Since it was her birthday, I let her chose, after a few qualifications: not a restaurant with a location in Mt. Vernon, not Chinese nor Japanese, not fast food (I mean we are celebrating her birthday!). So we went to Somerset, up and down Hwy 27...so many choices!


To make a long story short, we ended up at Donatos Pizza on Buffet Night! Wow!

Donatos sure knows how to do a pizza buffet: pineapple/pepperoni, chicken bacon ranch (yummy), pepperoni, sausage, veggies, and even a chicken/spinach (yes, this picky girl tried it!)





 And dessert, fresh hot out of the oven - apple streusel and loaded cinnamon! Very delicious!




So finger licking good, this girl had trouble focusing for a picture! :)






 I only wished I had a birthday candle for the birthday girl! :) Happy Birthday Sheryl! 




And for you my dear readers, take a moment to celebrate life's precious moments!
Joy 2 U! 

Clarissa

A Visit to the Valley

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After a week of Bologna sandwiches for lunch (in my process of becoming more financially savvy but that is another post :) ), I had a dinner date which a friend! At the last minute, my friend had to cancel but my heart was already set on some Bar BBQ Chicken! So I called up another good friend, Ginny Jackson, and said "Lady, Whatcha doing?" Ginny is up for nearly anything and readily agreed to meet me at the Back Porch Bar BBQ in Renfro Valley. Being this was my first actual visit to the restaurant, I was a little nervous! I love Barbecue Chicken but I am also a picky eater! But barbecue chicken with potato salad and baked beans plus some homemade banana pudding (to go) was the final decision and a good one I might add.      
        
                       

After eating all that delicious food, a walk through the valley was a must! Now, I am no stranger to Renfro Valley as it is one of my favorite all-time photo session locations but I don't often make it to the village shops when I am there by myself. I prefer a picnic with a good book creekside. The flowers are in full bloom outside each shop where antiques, collectibles, souvenirs and knick knacks, bluegrass recordings, framed prints and so much more! On this quiet Thursday evening, most of the shops were closed, except for the grist mill!  How have I missed the ice at the Grist Mill?  Yes, I know...more food?  In the mood to try something new,  I could resist not a good size dip of Orange Pineapple Ice Cream! I believe I may have found a brand new favorite to add to the Ultimate Bucket List!

                          


So we wondered around the store looking at cute signs and figurines: including the hillbilly Ten Commandments.  Then we finished our treats by sitting on a bench and just soaking up the beautiful sunshine and good company.   If you and your family want to enjoy a nice stroll, a good dinner topped off with a yummy dessert, then I highly recommend a visit to the "Valley Where Time Stands Still!"

Oh, and I said all of this just to say "Happy Birthday to my dear friend, Ginny!" What a blessing your friendship is to me!

Joy 2 U!
Clarissa

A Girl's New Best Friend?

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A while back while meeting with some clients, I had the opportunity to admire a friend's "Butler Bag" from Avon. With the pockets for organization, everything seeems to have its very own place! Now I don't know about you, but here it is for this gal, if I am carrying a big bag then everything I need is hidden in the bottom; or if it is a small handbag, money, notes, and camera straps are hanging out! Of course, you also may be aware I am the Queen of Procrastination so I missed the Sale! Bummer! Then out of the blue, I get a call yesterday afternoon, would I like to the proud new owner of a second hand "Butler"! Absolutely Positively!


 



 Today a very excited gal is sporting her new Handbag! I will let you know if it helps "ME" to stay organized and on track! A handbag may seem such a small item in life's grand scale but for a gal in organizational mode right now, I am thinking it will be just one more step to the New Me! What "tool" helps you feel organized or helps you STAY organized? I would love to hear back from you! Oh, and if you are interested in Your Very Own Personal Butler, then visit my good friend, Robin's page: http://rrumsey.avonrepresentative.com/
Joy 2 U!
Clarissa

Hi! Hello! Long Time No Hear but Back Again!

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My dear Readers, Here we are again....! I could apologize for the long delay in posts but life does happen! Settling into a new life, establishing a business from the ground up, and the myriad details of everyday responsibilities can sometimes get a little overwhelming! I have often heard that technology is our friend and that these "tools" assist us in getting the most out of every moment! Maybe for some! But for this gal, I confess it is a chore! For months, YES MONTHS, I (and a friend) have been working on creating a website for my studio, Clarissa's Corner Photography (a.k.a CCP Studios) and every spare minute has went into that project plus work, auctions, holidays, tax season, farm machinery season, photo shoots, church, and travels! It's not that I haven't been a busy gal with lots to share, my tools have just been an "issue". Sometimes I wonder how in the world I can just keep it "Simple"!
However, I said all that just to say....Howdy! Welcome Back! Are you ready for adventure? And Laughter? Then settle in and let's begin.I know this is silly but knowing that I was writing my first post in a while, I couldn't decide where to begin so for a while my posts may seem a little random as we catch up with each other. During my lunch hour, I drove out to Lake Linville, to think things over! and I am so glad I did! In fact, if I ever dedicated a post to anyone...this one would be dedicated to my awesome friend, Deborah, in NC! If there ever was a Geese Fan Award, it would be hers! Maybe she can answer my questions....!!!
I was so thrilled to see all these little families of geese...at least three or four or more. It was hard to tell just who the real parents where in some cases because the older geese were working together to care for their young.
I wonder do grandparent geese help out their young'uns with baby sitting duty? Hmm! :)
As I watched them eat and lay in the sun, I couldn't help but feel at peace. What a perfect world they live in...NOT!
First, there was one little gooseling with a hurt foot! When his parents lead the way for cooling swim, all his little brothers and sisters quickly waddling after them, leaving this little one behind. Right there on the bank was this huge (well, from his point of view) log that was nearly too high for him to get a jump on.
Time after time, back and forth, he tried! I was ready to risk a flogging by his parents to help him over but finally, he made! I nearly Whoo-hooed OUT LOUD for the little one! But, even sweeter, was the momma on guard, not swimming too far until all of her family was together.
Then, there were three big strapping single (lol) geese gliding along strutting their stuff or it could have been some bad mommas.
I say single guys because when they sailed to close to the bank, one of the daddies was flogging their hides! Oh yeah! It was surely something to see!
Nothing nor Nobody was hurting his babies! He had 'ATTITUDE"! Even the blackbirds were getting to close for his comfort! Which makes me wonder...if the blackbird was just eating the grass designated for the Gooselings or if he would really hurt one of them?
I guess this is enough rambling for one post....so get out and enjoy this beautiful weekend! Make a memory and come back and share it with us! I would love hear of your adventures!
!

Joy 2 U!
Clarissa