When it’s all said and done I’ll have beautiful canvases set up in my home of these beauties, and it can never be said that MY god kids don’t have more than enough great quality pictures from their childhood. You shouldn’t get in the habit of taking pictures strictly to post on social networks. I made the mistake of posting pics from MJ’s younger days on my myspace and never printing or backing them up. They’re GONE :(. I’ve also lost memory cards…and left social networks forgetting to grab pics. Sometimes even when you do take pics from these sites the quality of the pics are shattered because they’re lower resolution. People, take your kids to get pics or find a photographer…print & back up your images. If you’re working with me you should order prints, and I always always put your edited images on a disc or flash drive! 😉 Now I print, back up on external hard drive & an online external drive (in case of loss, fire, or theft). I am completely covered!

I guess I can spare you the long drawn out post where I gush about how much I love these three and how my life is so much better because of them. I don’t really need to tell you that no matter how tired I am because of other sessions or school…that I ALWAYS make time to pull my camera out and chase these kids around. I knoooow I don’t have to tell you that I get super excited and more often than not emotional by the time I’m done editing because the kids are growing up way too fast. Yeah, I am pretty sure you know them well by now and how much they mean to me so I’ll just let you see the pics from their latest (fall 2012) pics.

Here’s another personal post. This isn’t my photography nor is it about that. In my “about me” section I said that I would also use this blog to give snapshots of my personal life. I was told I should separate the 2, but I disagree. I have no problem with being open & sincere about who I am and things that matter to me…with anyone that cares to listen/look. Perhaps something will inspire you. Either way enjoy this “behind the scenes” post about a 25th birthday and a decade of friendship.

Excuse any typos, it came directly from my heart with tears in my eyes.

Wow. 10 years ago I had no idea that I’d met a friend that would be a part of my life forever. In fact, I don’t think I knew what it took to even be a friend. Outside of my mom, I don’t even think I’d ever had a friend before you. I just used the term loosely as many ppl do. We’ve always said we want to find spouses that are truly friends like we’ve been to one another. You’ve set the bar pretty dang high! They say if you’re lucky you’ll meet 3 people in your lifetime that will sincerely be friends. Welp, I know I’ve been blessed with at least 1.

Through the years people have come and gone, and I’m sure that’ll continue, but one thing that will be constant is our friendship. I’ll never ever say I don’t “need” you because I do. I’ve heard people say that we’re still so young and that life is only beginning. The one thing I know about life is that it’s unpredictable and unfair at times. You can be on top one day and hit rock bottom the next. We’ll someday have families and whoooo knows what trials will come with that. What I’m trying to say is…. We’re definitely going to need each other along the road we call life. Count on me.

I know that you’re having a tough birthday, but you shouldn’t be. You’ve come a long way… pretty much by yourself…never expecting a handout, credit, or recognition. I admire that about you. You’re so determined. You said you’d get a car on your own and you worked your butt off to get it and paid it off. You said you’d make a career for yourself without going to college and you have your own store now. Your drive and focus is solid and God is opening doors for you…be thankful for that today, Stace. You don’t have a negative bone in your body and people can sense that about you…that’s why you’re soooo loved by so many people. To be honest, many ppl said that we’d grow a part because we were so different and traveling down separate roads…booooy were they wrong. Sometimes I even believed it because we are very different, but what ppl wouldn’t know from the outside looking in is that we’re also a lot alike. I think it’s our spirit & how hard we love.

It has been such a pleasure laughing, crying, partying, venting, shopping, celebrating, road tripping, threatening each other’s guy, freaking out, praying, CRYING …with you over the years, my dearest friend. I know that I can be tough with my advice and opinion but thanks for always valuing my voice and coming to me. Know that it’s never been or going to be judgement. I’m in your corner and I’m going to keep encouraging and even pushing you to do what’s necessary to WIN.

For anyone reading this that may think it’s too mushy. We’ve heard the gay jokes for YEARS. We’ve also heard “Dang. You two are the true definition of best friends!” People aren’t super loyal (especially females) anymore so I understand the ignorance now. I just can’t see myself waiting until tragedy strikes to tell a person of importance how much I love and appreciate them.

& I’m looking forward to your next 25! Chin up, Stace Face. I love you with all my heart.

You are my Cici Bloom ( Beaches reference for those that don’t know)!!!

Love,
Farrahn

I’ve been away from my blog because my computer has been away from me. It was an awful month without her. Yes, it’s a her. I’ve had these greeeeat images just sitting. I finished up a tough summer school semester, and I had nothing but free time for two weeks. TWO WEEKS that I could have been pouring over photography blogs and editing until the sun comes up. I was so miserable without it that I got an Ipad…I actually bought it a week before I put my laptop in the shop because I knew I’d need something. It’s pretty sad, eh? I think I’m a little too attached so I’m going to work on implementing some type of strict schedule for myself once school ends. I’m in desperate need of stability. I’ll come back later to talk about that and monthly goals that I’m going to start working on.

I joined clickin moms, and I’ve been learning SOOO much from that site. It’s unbelievable. I’m not a mom, but it’s a community for women that are in various areas of photographer. I think it was founded by a mom just wanting to document her kids’ lives. It’s funny though because a lot of the women in the forums are actually moms and they practice on their kids…I’ve had to tell a few people that my practice “subjects” aren’t actually MY biological kids, but my god kids. I mean…how could I NOT use them for practice? All 3 of them are good lookin’!

Before I turned my laptop in, I took these pictures of my Pey Bear (yep, she’s no longer Pey Baby…she’s going to be my size at 4 or 5 so I figured I might as well switch my nickname for her now, 😉 ) She was SOOO patient with me while I tweaked settings. She laughed easily, she sat still, she didn’t both the ridiculous headband I insisted she wear. She was just a dream. In fact, she was so well behaved that it was scary. She made me pay for it that night though!

I just can’t believe she wasn’t trying to run away. She just sat there like she knew she what time it was! LOL!

She was 6 months on this pic…Standing up by herself and looking out the window for soooo long. Def not your avg. 6 mo. old.

“I mean, can I take a bath in peace?!” 

She wouldn’t be Pey if she didn’t deliver tears before the day ended. 

MJ at 6 was fun! In fact, all of the years have been fun. Brit didn’t ask me to be MJ’s God mom because we’re best friends. Actually we weren’t best friends when she asked. Idk. I guess she knew…or God knew that I needed to be a part of this little girl’s life and she needed to be a part of mine. I know everyone calls their child an angel, but MJ rrrreally has been such a light in our lives. Let me be honest and elaborate a little. I had a little struggle with depression and at one point NO ONE…I mean NO ONE  could stop the tears from falling, but this child. That’s powerful, right?! I asked Brit if I could pick her up because I knew she would be able to do so. Ah, just thinking about that makes my eyes water.  I’ll never forget her saying “What’s wrong Meme?!” as she hugged me and wiped my tears. I told her I didn’t really know & that I just felt sad. She said “That’s ok Meme. I know what will cheer you up…maybe we can take pictures?! It’s going to be ok.” She was right.  She’s got the sweetest spirit and I pray that she never loses that. I think she gets that from her grandmother. In fact, I got a little aggravated with her teacher earlier this year because when I picked her up she ran back to her class because she forgot to say see you later and give her teacher and friends hugs. Her teacher looked at me and said “She is always like this.” and kind of aggressively said “Alright. Goodbye, Ma’nay.” I told her, “I KNOW SHE IS ALWAYS LIKE THAT…and I love that about her.”

I’m not looking forward to the day that she stops running to the door screaming “Memeeee!” with so much excitement or doesn’t want to come spend the night with me because she’s got plans with her friends. *sigh*

Today my princess turns 7 *pulls out box of Kleenex*.  We did a princess themed shoot the last time I had her…and I can’t take the credit for this one. It was ALL her idea. After running around with me for Roman’s cake smash she said “You know, I have a birthday coming up too. Why can’t I have balloons and a cake…and take pictures?!” I had nothing to say, but….”YOU’RE RIGHT, babygirl. The next time I come in town we can do a photo shoot for YOUR birthday.” When I came back in town and called to ask what color balloons she wanted I heard her completely light up.

One thing I realized from this shoot was that I absolutely have to learn how to make videos with my camera. We listened to music during this shoot and maaan was her singing and dancing HILARIOUS! I wish I had that to share, but …enjoy the pictures that I do have.

This was early in the morning and man do these capture HER.

After 3 outfit changes she was exhausted

Cake smashes seem to be THE latest and hottest thing for child photography these days. Actually, I’m not sure if it’s new or not, but I like itttt. I’d love to look back at pictures of myself indulging in my first cake to celebrate my first birthday, but unfortunately I don’t  think photographers were quite as cool a few decades ago. Again, I’m thankful for my God kid’s mom, Brit,  for allowing me to test this out with her our baby. I’m sure I’ll have several other ideas and I guess it’s a win for her as well because she gets awesome and memorable documentation of her favorite little people. Ah, it seems like just yesterday we were watching him get his first bath and telling MJ it was finally…BIG SISTER DAAAAY!!!

Never mind how rough she’s looking…it was a loooong night for us all & this was her FIRST time ever holding our Romester! *melts*  I will never ever ever forget this day.

So I can honestly say I haven’t been this ecstatic about a photo shoot since…since…forever! Don’t get me wrong…I get little butterflies in my stomach RIGHT before every single shoot, but I just knew THIS one would be loads of fun. I knew that my little Romester would be a handful to shoot, but I also knew that I’d get great images because he’s got more personality than any kid I’ve ever been around…well, since my little brother. My baby is now ONE today! Although, the end result was quite messy I’m thrilled with these pictures. I enjoyed searching Etsy for the perfect colors for him with Brit and running around Augusta looking for a cake stand and balloons with MJ and Stace (my best friend). We made a great team!

I’m looking forward to more cake smashes and if you’ve got a kid that’ll be celebrating a birthday, what are you waiting for to schedule their cake smash session?! 🙂 Here are the pictures if you need a little more convincing…

Staying true to his age group, he gave me tears and a tantrum to end it! 

MJ was such a big help with this. She even volunteered to hop in the tub to clean the cake off Roman…so of course I let her make a guest appearance in the photos 😉 

Out of them all, these two are my favorites from their session. They’re the most loving kids and they’re SO close and it shows. & YES, Brit came up stairs and said “Where’s Meme?!” & MJ says “She’s in the tub with us!” I just hopped in FULLY dressed to get the shot on the right when I saw Roman hugging her…It was the most “in the moment” thing I’ve ever done…LOL! 

 Thanks for looking at my beautiful little loves. <3 MJ’s Princess Themed bday shoot will be up NEXT!