Happy Anniversary, Roger & Lynn!

Today we visited with Kellie's uncle and aunt, Roger & Lynn, at their 25th Anniversary Celebration. Here's a couple of shots we did today (click to enlarge).

Eyes, Smiles, & Boogers

Each photographer has their own style. Something that makes them unique. Something that makes them… well, “them”! Really, that is how a consumer should select a photographer – by their style. It isn’t fair for the consumer or the photographer when the consumer expects the photographer to alter their style, yet continue to yield results like what they have become accustomed to, while all the while trying to mimic the work of another photographer. But this happens to all of us from time to time.
For me – it’s the eyes verses smiles thing. My “style” and my favorite captures in children’s photography are those in which the child’s eyes are the stars of the show. It has been said that the eyes are the windows of the soul; and I couldn’t agree more. And how better to capture those sparkly blues, browns, or greens, than in their most beautiful form – the gaze of wonderment! I love the look of surprise and wonder in a child’s eyes. I love bewilderment in a child’s expression. For me, that’s what makes a children’s portrait great. As an artist, that’s what childhood represents to me – curiosity, wonder, and innocence.
Many moms, on the other hand are interested in one thing and one thing only – smiles. Don’t get me wrong, I love to see a happy, smiley child, and yeah, I’ve got to admit, I do like to capture a few of those during each session; but smiles, in most cases, are the enemy of my own agenda – those beautiful eyes! I’ll trade smiles for eyes any day of the week. Why can’t you have both? Anatomy. Few people (none that I can think of) can have those big ole smiles and big ole eyes at the same time. My kids are like me – when I smile, my eyes disappear altogether!
But for those of you who love smiles, consider this little bit of advice. “Cheese” is a dirty word at my house. Not when talking about sandwich; but when provoking a smile, the worst thing in the world you can do is train your child to say “cheese” when you’re ready to snap a picture. That’s not a smile you’re getting. It’s a stretched out mouth as the child tries to annunciate the word. The best way to get a genuine smile out of a child is to talk about something that THEY think is funny (which may be something that YOU think is gross). One of my favorite methods to employ is to discuss boogers. Ha, ha. Children love to talk about boogers. A lot of times, they’ll laugh when you just say the word! Nothing is going to make a two year old smile any bigger than when you tell them you’re going to come get the boogers out of their nose!
So anyhow, I normally don’t do a whole lot of journalism on my Blog; but I wanted to throw this out here for you to think about. Remember, when you bring little Johnny or Sallie Jo to see me, I’m gonna be focused on them eyes. And if you want to see a smile, remember that “cheese” is a dirty word, and I’m gonna be talking about boogers! Ha, ha – so just be prepared! J

Come see me!
-BYRD

(Pictured here are Mackenzie's disappearing eyes, Makayla's "cheesy" grin, and Alanah's beautiful, sparkly, wide-open, crystal-blue eyes. Click on the pictures to enlarge.)

Logo Winner!

Congratulations to Stacey Martin of Big Cove, Alabama! She wins a free session! Stacey is married to my first cousin, Brad; and I have photographed them and their little boy, Mason, a couple of years ago, when I first made the switch to digital photography. I'm looking forward to photographing them again sometime soon!!!!

-BYRD

Congrats, April & Joey!

Last night, Kellie and I photographed the wedding of April Campbell and Joey Law. It was held at the Club House at Cherokee Ridge, a BEAUTIFUL golf resort in Union Grove, Alabama (pretty much the middle of nowhere, who would've figured?). April's mother and my mother are first cousins. The ceremony was beautiful; and I can't wait to show the family all of the great moments we captured! Here are a couple of previews (click to enlarge):

New Logo!

I'm been wanting a logo for a long time. A year or so ago, I hired a designer to come up with one. Didn't quite like what she ended up with; and so it was a waste of $250! I've been playing with it again lately; and I've come up with THE logo that I'm going to use to brand my work now. Here it is by itself, and also on this proof to show you how the new proof borders will look. Let me know what you think! To celebrate, the first person to email me with the word "Logo" in the subject line wins a prize!!!!

Baby Steps...

I have a couple of slots open for Baby Steps Members if anyone out there is interested in joining. I've had a few babies finish the program lately, so a couple of slots have become available. This is on a very limited basis, so act now! If you have any questions about the program, shoot me an email; and we'll talk!

-BYRD

The Bridge

Friday afternoon, my mother-in-law, kids, Kellie, and I went riding around after supper. We drove down close to Scottsboro, AL, to Mud Creek BBQ; and afterwards, came back to Stevenson and traveled north on AL 117 toward Sewanee, TN. Here, we stopped by the "Natural Bridge" - a spot on the side of the road that most people probably just pass by without stopping. It's AMAZING! Kellie and I had been before; but we wanted to show the others. She just happened to have her little point & shoot camera with her, so I made a couple of snapshots. It is so pretty!

Mahaylie & McKenna

These two sisters came to see me this afternoon; and they did GREAT! Mahaylie and McKenna are the first cousins of little Nataleigh Jo that I photographed last weekend. They go to church with us and are sweet little youngins! I was so proud of them today!

-BYRD

Jacob

There comes a time in a child's life when their natural curiousity, combined with their new found mobility, makes them kind of like popping the top on a freshly shaken Coke - something's gonna explode - ha, ha, ha! Jacob was in today; and he is still one of the prettiest little boys I've ever seen! He's crawling now and is on the go! Mommy and Aunt Patty got their workouts today chasing him around the studio. He was a lot of fun; and we got some great shots in his summer outfits! Be sure to click on the images to view the enlarged version!

-BYRD

School Days...

Well, Kellie and I are entering a new phase of our lives... we're now the parents of a kindergartener! Mackenzie started school this morning; and she's so excited about it! Kellie and I were probably a little more apprehensive. We didn't cry... much! :) Here's a few shots from this morning before we left.

Nataleigh

Nataleigh did SO good for her three month session today! Here's a few samples (click to enlarge).