Photographic Expressions

I blinked several times, hard, looking in the rear view mirror double checking that I really saw a 1939 Oldsmobile pull up behind me. Jade popped out of the back of the Olds (the car had suicide doors!!) and with Logan not far behind we managed to slip in an awesome photo shoot in between down pours of rain.

I suggested the downtown strip of Ball Ground after hearing of Jade’s interest in something outside the box. As if trapped in a time warp, Ball Ground still has its share of abandoned buildings filled with an array of marble and rocks plus a faded Coca-Cola sign painted on the side.

Up for anything, friends Jade and Logan introduced me to a sweet new spot with an old warehouse that is on the verge of being swallowed whole by Georgia’s finest kudzu.

J&L, thanks so much for a fun, a bit humid, Saturday night. So glad you had fun at prom!!

~C

The Hunt Family is expanding and Tristan will be a big brother this month! This family is set for a fun adventure if this little one pops out with as much spunk, personality, and cuteness that Tristan has to offer. Case in point: as his mom was putting on her shoes Tristan informed her that her that she was a ‘hot chick!’ No doubt that dad was behind his pickup lines but he’s one that you just want to clone and take home.

Can’t wait to get the news that your little one is here! You all are just the cutest family and it was such a fun time catching up and spending time with you all.
~C

My photo software was on a momentary fritz from overload. Still working on this fun, family shoot but here is a quick sneak peek at cutie Tristan snuggling with his mom who is expecting his brother this month!

~C

She has become a recognizable image of my company. In all her glory on the back of my business card dressed in her wedding gown, standing in the doorway of an antebellum house overlooking the sites of Macon. Stunning, beautiful, and one of my best friends.

Fast forward to earlier this year, Krista morphed me into sheer shock/joy/happy tears when she told me that she was pregnant. I’m always rooting for Team Pink whenever I hear that one of my friends is pregnant, because girls are fantastic, but it was different for Krista. If judging from her wedding images, you would never believe me, but back in the day Krista was more comfortable around camo than Gucci. Plus she is just plain goofy, see last picture as proof : )  So Team Boy all the way! What would she do with a girl and all their ruffles, ribbons and bows?

Well she is about to find out because Caroline will be making her debut early November. I can’t help but sing the ’sweet Caroline, ba da dum’ song in my head every time I talk to Krista to get weekly baby updates. I truly can’t wait to meet her. Judging from all the fun, pink and polka dot infused clothes, blankets, etc from her baby showers, I will be in love!!

K, I hate that distance doesn’t allow us to see each other often enough. I just absolutely love you and your Caroline bump. I can’t wait to come see all three of you in November! Thank you Joel for your patience when I know you would much rather catch up on sleep that the Army doesn’t allow you to get

Team Pink!
~C

Bryce was welcomed into the world two weeks ago. Last week I was able to stop by and see how he was adjusting into this big new world and of course his new siblings, Stafford and Isabelle, who enjoy sniffing out their new brother. With the cutest nose, soft skin and curious gazes around the room, Bryce couldn’t be more content.

I know Britt and Lauren have waited so long for this little one to come around and I’m so happy for you guys. Bryce is beyond precious and certainly worth the wait.

~C

They said it couldn’t happen. They said that it wasn’t possible to have a baby. All signs pointed to searching out other options and search they did. Britt and Lauren looked into adopting a little one; they attended the required classes, bonded with other couples on the same journey and had begun to make peace with their new path in life.

But things suddenly changed when Lauren realized that she, yes she, was pregnant!  Britt and Lauren are so deserving of bringing a little one to the world to love on, have their own little UGA football player or Braves player in the making, and maybe a future firefighter.

L&B, Congratulations!!! I can’t wait to meet Bryce in the next few weeks! 

~C

I had a fabulous lunch with baby Hudson, little man Causey and their momma Amanda the other day. I met them at their house where Amanda showed up just moments later. Helping Hudson out of the car seat I then hoisted him on my hip when he turned, seemed to recognize me or realize that I was definitely a friend, and he gave me the biggest hug. Ohmygoodness it just warms my heart.

Here is blue eyed, baby Hudson just the other week for his impromptu session. Isn’t he gorgeous? Here he is at 3 months and here is his brother, can you see a family resemble?

~C

Sometimes prints were just meant to be….well, BIG! As an admirer of Ansel Adams for so many years I loved the large format cameras that landscape photographers use. Underneath the cover and looking at the glass the details would pop like you wouldn’t believe. The negatives were big, the camera was huge and the weight of the whole darn thing, well it’s heavy enough to make you second guess trekking across a mountain with it. (but that didn’t stop Ansel)

Years ago I attended a Nature Photography Convention, NANPA, and met some of my idols in the industry but stopped in my tracks when I spotted the master of large prints, Clyde Butcher. Claimed the ‘Ansel Adams of the swamps’ Butcher treks out in the thick of the swamps with his large format cameras (read: heavy) and captures the most beautiful and breathtaking images. What instantly impressed me was the size of his prints. We are talking 4×7 FEET and definitely bigger! Now that is how photographs should be printed  : )  

So I have always longed for the large images that command your attention when walking in a room. I have been putting off ordering large prints and canvases for some time so in preparation for a gallery showing I ordered three images to be enlarged, printed on canvas, and then stretched over the wooden frame. I love canvas in that it’s solely the image, no frames to match the household furniture, just the image printed on canvas that is smooth as ‘butta.’ I squealed with excitement, I think I scared the FedEx gal, when I got my box and promptly tore into into it. With a bit more care I slowly unwrapped each package and held my breath as I took it all in. You can not stand directly in front of a large, canvas print; there is too much beauty to take in at one. So I placed them all around the room and sat on the couch with my dogs and danced with giddy joy over the fantastic outcome. 

I highly recommend ordering canvas prints, the quality is amazing but I suggest if you are going to do it, go large. The impact is too jaw dropping to pass up. Plus it’s smooth as ‘butta.’

~C

Florida Gators scoring a touchdown, unexpected surprises and birthdays are always fun and exciting. So what happens when you mix two together? You get an early birthday present named Ella Shoshanah! Miss Ella was a bit early and unexpected but a welcome surprise on the eve of her mother’s birthday. Born March 21, this little one was only 13 days old when I stopped by to photograph her. From her tiny feet to her dark hair, she is absolutely beautiful.  

It was so great to see you again Shelly and Tom. Congrats on your new little Gator! 

~C

Tiny. Tiny in the sense that he was perfectly content cradled in his daddy’s arms feeding from a bottle. Tiny in the way only 19 days old are with their itty bitty fingers, the teeny tiny toes and soft round bellies can be. Tiny in that his parents lovingly call him “Peanut.”  

 When I first came to the house I was met by Mulligan who was in charge of alerting everyone of my presence. He was the first of the Dugas team. I loved watching this family as they were so connected and close, doing everything for Grant as a team. Socks, outfit consulting, diaper changes, even Mulligan stood close by and monitored. The love and adoration of this new little one in the household, this ‘Peanut,’ was beautiful to witness. 

Thank you so much for welcoming me into your home, it was wonderful to spend time with you and meet little Grant. 

~C