Pets and other family members

As you know, I photograph a lot of horses and horse shows, but I photograph all kinds of other animals too.
Clients are sometimes surprised that I enjoy including their pets in the family photo. Aren't they part of the family? Of course!

There is a family that I have photographed for about 9 years, starting with the parent's wedding, now them with their children. For several years in a row, I asked if they would like their small dog to be in the portrait. Each year the answer was no-the dog needed groomed, they didn't want her to shed on their outfits, etc. Last time that I photographed the family, the parents confided that they were so sorry that they didn't add their dog to their portrait the previous year, as the little dog died over the summer. How sad!
In October I set a personal record for the number of dogs, five, in a portrait--all cooperating and with ears perked up. Thought I would share a few recent family portraits-furry family members included!

Christmas time is family time

What do people try to save on their way out of a house fire? After making sure family members get out, they want family portraits. What are people thrilled to find in the wreckage after a tornado? Family portraits. Why do we treasure those pictures? They remind us of shared love-memories evoked when we see that wedding photo of our grandparents, or we smile seeing ourselves in that young, awkward stage.

When all of your loved ones are gathered in your home, or you in theirs this holiday season, make sure to take photos. They are proof of moments shared in the company of those we treasure, to remind us of that bond when we are later separated-by distance, by death.

(On a practical note: when you are taking down the Christmas decorations, take an extra few minutes to download those photos from your camera. Email them to family members, print your favorites and put them in an album, burn them to a CD and then store the CD in your safe deposit box, or upload the images to your Cloud account, or somewhere else to ensure that you have an off-site copy.)

My vocation as a professional photographer gives me the wonderful blessing of photographing many families this time of year. I take this responsibility seriously, as I photograph not only for those here today, but for those yet to come.

.

Thank you notes

It seems each day is busier than the one before. That's why I try to take the time to thank friends and family who go the extra mile, with a handwritten note-so they can slow down for a moment and know that they are appreciated.

When I get a thank you note from someone, I treasure it. Recently I received the following from clients. I share these, not to give myself a "pat on the back", but to let you know how seriously I take my job as a professional wedding photographer.

Edye, I wanted to let you know how much I appreciated your work at the wedding of Lindsay and Ronnie. You helped make everything run on schedule and you did it so effortlessly. You were so behind the scenes that it was like you weren't there, but all the while you were documenting all that went on. As I look at the pictures, I feel as if you are walking me through the wedding all over again. I am so glad we chose you as our photographer. You did a wonderful job. Thank you again. Carolyn S. (mother of the bride)

Edye, Thanks so much for doing such a good job for us. The pictures were all fantastic!

You did a wonderful job, and we are very happy with your work. Again, thank you so much!

John and Marcy (bride and groom)