The Long Family...

It's a little after 11:00 p.m.; I just got in from Guntersville, Alabama, where I spent the evening photographing the family of Bob & Betty Long. They have an absolutely beautiful bunch of kids and grand kids; and it was such a pleasure to get to see them and spend a little time with them today. Here are a few previews from our session (CLICK TO ENLARGE); and hopefully I have the rest up in a week or two (I'm really far behind right now)!

Thanks!

-BYRD

It's Like Rain On Your Wedding Day...

Not just "like" rain on your wedding day - it IS! Bummer! Victoria and Ryan were originally scheduled to exchange their vows perched on the brow of Sand Mountain at her parents' beautiful home overlooking Dearhead Cove. It was a BEAUTIFUL setting for a wedding - but it rained us out! So, everybody worked like dogs moving everything over to a local church, where Ryan and Victoria were married in a very lovely ceremony with many of their family and friends there to witness. So, at any rate, congrats to Victoria & Ryan; and thank-you SO much for allowing us to be a part of your special day!!!

(Click on the pic to enlarge)

-BYRD

New Ground...

Today, Kellie and I had the distinguished honor of photographing New Ground, a fantabulous Southern Gospel trio from Scottsboro, Alabama. Dale and Robbie Maxwell have been staples in my life for as long as I can remember. Robbie's parents lived across the street from my parents for my entire life (still do, in fact); and she is also a distant relative of mine (one that I'll actually claim - ha, ha)! Speaking of family, we got there only to find out that New Ground's new drummer, Taylor "Fannie" Guffey, is Kellie's third cousin! Wow - small world! We also were able to meet lead singer, David "Champ" Owens, and pianist, Micky "Prince" Bell. We had a great time and were treated with a verse of "Where Could I Go"! Robbie - I hope you like these quick-edit previews (click on them to enlarge)! I'll have the rest done soon! Great to see you guys and thanks again for allowing me this opportunity!!!

-BYRD

Bro. David Jones

One of the absolute greatest influences in my life, the Rev. David H. Jones, of the Huntsville Holiness Church, went home to be with the Lord last night shortly before midnight. He will be missed by so many people! I didn't make this photo, it's from the '90's; but I wanted to pay tribute to one of the men who helped me be what I am today.

Round Two - Senior Girls

My Class of '09 Senior Models were back in front of the lens this evening for their studio shots. Alyshia and Emily did great jobs striking their poses and working the camera! Both are beautiful girls; and we were so glad to have the opportunity to photograph them for their senior portraits! Here are a few previews from the evening (click to enlarge).

Easter Pics at Simmons Farm

Meet Buddy. Whoever came up with the whole "gentle as a little lamb" never met Buddy, a demon goat from some farm of the the nether regions of Tennessee! Nah, Buddy actually turned out to be alright! Saturday, my friend Marty and I shot some Easter pics on location at the Simmons' farm in Big Cove, Alabama. We had, I think, a total of 22 sittings for the day; and probably between 35 and 40 kids. By the end of the day, Marty, Buddy, and I, were absolutley smashed! Most of the kids really loved interacting with Buddy, of course a lot of them thought he was just a funny looking dog. We did have a few meltdowns; but out of those, almost every one of them recovered enough to have some good times with ole Buddy.

This is me and Buddy taking a break and relaxing in the sun. It was a beautiful day!

This little man was ready! I really thought the lamb would scare most of the little kids; but it never phased this guy!

I can't even remember this little feller's name; but he was so cute. I loved this candid moment I caught of him in deep thought!

Yep, we even had some little bitty babies. Hayden (one of three Hayden's we had for the day) was just under a month old!

One of our few meltdowns. This is Morgan, my cousin's daughter. She didn't think too fondly of Buddy at first; but after a few minutes she loved him too. I just had to share this picture though because I thought it was hilarious!

This little fellow here was so sweet!

And this bright-eyed beauty is Harley! She is Marty's niece and is absolutely adorable!

Katie loved Buddy! She did such a good job for her shoot!

Call Me!

If you need me that is :) I'll be away from the computer for a week or so, so if you need me in the coming week, just pick up the phone and call me. My cell number is 423.802.9314.

Virus :(

Everybody else has been sick, so I guess my computer might as well be too... it has it's first virus! So if you have jobs pending with me, they might be a little extra delayed (as if I wasn't already behind). Holler at me with any questions!

shannon@byrdprophoto.com

-BYRD

Easter Pics

I don't think I'm going to have time to do a full day of mini-sessions at the studio this year (again)! But if you're interested in booking a mini-session similar to the V-day shoot, let me know; and we'll try to set-up maybe a couple of evenings specifically for this. BUT, for those of you in Madison County (or those willing to travel to Madison County), my friend, Marty, and I are going to be doing an Easter mini-session day on Saturday, March 21, at a farm in Big Cove. The shoot will feature a live lamb!!! Marty says I'm in charge of it; but I beg to differ!!!. MARTY had a little lamb, not Shannon! :) I've never worked with live animals (besides kids); and so I'm anxious to see how this goes! We've already booked 20 sessions; and it was only announced yesterday! Yikes! If you want more information regarding these mini-sessions, just shoot me an email!

-BYRD

Online Again...

We're back online now. Visit us at www.byrdprophoto.com.

Thanks!
-BYRD

Website Down

Our website is temporarily unavailable; and I am also unable to receive emails sent to shannon@byrdprophoto.com. Please check back soon or call 423.802.9314 for more info.

Thanks,
-BYRD

Dawson

My little buddy Dawson is six months old now; and he's grown so much since I saw him last! He did great during today's session; and I can't wait to get all of the proofs up for his mommy and daddy to see! Here's a few sneak peeks to tide you over for a little while. Be sure to click to enlarge!

-BYRD

The McAnally's...

Last night I had the priviledge of photographing Bro. Dennis and Sis. Wilda McAnally. Bro. Dennis is a minister at the Big Cove Free Holiness Church, where my parents go and where I used to go when I lived in Big Cove. He and Sis. Wilda are also the parents of one of my best buddies when I was a kid, Duane McAnally. Duane was born two days after me in the same hopsital, so we've been together for a long time! These are some number one good people; and I sure think a lot of them. Big Cove Church is going to hang a portrait of Bro. Dennis in the church; and it was an honor for me to be selected as the photographer! Here's a few samples (click to enlarge)...
-BYRD

More from yesterday's Be Mine Mini Sessions...

Here are just a few more shots of a few of the kids we photographed yesterday, which by the way, was a huge success. Look for more mini-sessions to be announced throughout the year!!!

-BYRD

Valentine Shoot has begun!

We're just about booked up for the day; but I was on a break and wanted to show you these pics of Alec! I LOVE this set! "What's it got to do with Valentine's Day?" you might ask. Nothing really. These shots aren't themed Valentine's... it's a v-day special with special pricing and the Valentine cards are awesome; but you don't HAVE to be wearing a valentine outfit to make this work. In fact, I prefer the black shirt and jeans - just looks cool to me! Be sure to click the picture to enlarge.

-BYRD

Card Templates

Here are a few of the photo templates we're going to be using for our Valentine Card's this year! There's lots to choose from; and don't worry, we'll help you decide!

To see all of the photo card templates, CLICK HERE.

Questions? Just holler!

-BYRD

Be Mine Mini-Sessions!!!

Be Mine Mini-Sessions!
Saturday, January 31, 2009, 9 – 5 EST
at our new studio in Flat Rock!

I know it’s late notice; but Shannon Byrd Photography is offering our very first Be Mine Valentine’s Day sessions; and we want YOU to be there! These are quick, painless, and FREE! You read it right - there are no sitting fee’s for these 15 minute sessions! This is a Limited Edition offer; and session times are VERY limited – so if you want yours, book it TODAY! Because of special portrait pricing, we expect slots will fill up FAST! Packages are dramatically reduced. In fact, we’re only offering ONE package and ONE pose - so you’re not going to have to worry about trying to make decisions! Any clothing choice is appropriate; but of course, Valentine outfits are expected! Blacks, whites, reds, and pinks will be best!

The V-Day package includes:

1 – 8x10
2 – 5x7’s
8 – wallets

All for ONLY $40!!!!

Want Valentine Cards? We’ve got ‘em – and they ROCK! Why should your kids pass out cards featuring Sponge Bob or Cinderella when they COULD be passing out wicked-cool cards featuring THEMSELVES! We have cards that will fit most every budget! And not only can you get the smaller Valentines for the kids to pass out to their classmates; but you can also get customized press printed cards to send to your family and friends. Trust me – they WILL ooooh and ahhhh when they see them!

Here are the sizes offered and the prices. Prices have been drastically slashed for this promotional offer! Most are sold in sets of 24, unless otherwise noted. The first price is for your first set, the second price is for additional sets.

· Mini’s - $20/$15
· Folded Mini’s - $50/$30 (sets of 50)

· 5x5 flat - $40/$20
· 5x5 folded - $50/$30

· 5x7 flat - $40/$20
· 5x7 folded - $55/$35

Cards are only available after purchasing a Valentine Package with your Be Mine Mini-Session.

Not sure what to expect, check out the BLOG this weekend for more details!

Call or email us right away to secure your spot!!! And PLEASE forward this email to ALL of your friends with small children!

-BYRD

Christmas

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas! This is our first Christmas without Kellie's dad, so it was naturally a bittersweet time for us. It's been a long time since I've posted anything to my Blog; and what I have to show you today is not my work, but work of another area artist. We commissioned him to draw a portrait of Alvie (my father-in-law) to give to my mother-in-law for Christmas.

The artist, Bro. Wayne Williams, is what I would call extraordinarily talented! Not only for the beautiful work he does; but also for the incredibly humble man he is.

Bro. Wayne has been disabled in his body for many years; but his spirit and his talent is as "able" as it ever has been.


He and his wife, Sis. Gail, live on Lookout Mountain in Georgia and have been friends of ours and our family for a long time. I was fortunate enough to be able to capture a few shots of Bro. Wayne as he added some final details to Alvie's portrait.

The finished product is breathtaking; and of course, Vicky, my mother-in-law, loves it. It will have a very special place above Alvie's piano.