Memory Box Sample

I love getting new samples in! And, because I finally did a full session with Eva a couple weeks ago, I thought it would be great to make a new sample of something using her images. So I figured, what would be better than a memory box? I've been carrying memory boxes for several months but I was looking for something a little larger with a more secure type of closure. I finally found exactly what I was looking for! My new memory boxes are sized at 5.25" x 7.5" x 2.75", perfect for protecting prints or to serve as a cherished box for holding memorabilia from a pet that has made the journey over Rainbow Bridge. The new boxes come complete with an elastic closure and an internal satin ribbon for easy removal of contents.

These are available now to past and future clients. The box can be purchased alone or as part of a memory box gift set. Gift sets include 50, 5x7 prints and a CD of either low-resolution or high-resolution images from our session. Please contact me for more information.

Neo-Classic Album Sample

I love checking the front door when I'm awaiting a package and Monday was no exception - especially knowing that my sample was finally in of my Neo-Classic Coffee Table Book. This album was not cheap and it took forever to design so I couldn't wait to see the final product! Thankfully, I was not disappointed.

Upon opening the box and digging through the peanuts, I finally saw the finished product. I carefully unwrapped it from the bubble wrap and laid my eyes on the gorgeous presentation case. This custom-designed case holds the book in a slide-out compartment and protects it from damage and dust. It has a glossy finish which allows for easy cleaning.

Once the book is removed from it's compartment, you will find the built-in CD slot...

Finally I got to open the book and feel how genuinely timeless it really is. The book is 10"x10" with 20 flush mount pages that are all custom-designed using your favorite images from your session. Each page is printed in exquisite 6-color and finished with a matte laminate.

As a side note: I highly recommend albums to all of my clients. Why? Well, they are always there for instant viewing - no stumbling around on the computer looking for a specific folder, no crowding around a tiny laptop. Plus, its nice to actually hold the images and have something you can pass down to future generations. In 30 years, your album will still be on your bookshelf or even on your childrens' bookshelf. With ever-changing technology, who knows where your CD and computer will be! An album is something that becomes a family heirloom cherished for many generations.

Coordinating designs make the presentation box and Neo-Classic Book a great pair...I love the thick, flush-mount pages and lay-flat design of the book. Plus, the pillowed hardcover adds an extra touch of luxury.This book is available to all clients - past and present. The Neo-Classic is available at A la Carte pricing or at a discounted rate in a Package. Please contact me for more information. Here is the layout of this particular book. Each book is fully customized using your favorite images. Click on the green button to view in full screen...

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Refer-a-Friend Cards

Starting today, all print and product orders will include a customized sheet of 8 wallet-sized "Refer a Friend" Cards. These awesome little prints will be personalized using an image from our session together. Hand these cards out to family, friends, and even strangers...basically anyone interested in a photo shoot! If your referrals book a session using your personalized card, you will receive a FREE 8"x10" gift print from your photo shoot! Just my little way of saying thanks to my fabulous customers!

My new home - I wish!!!

Last week I traveled down to the Charleston, SC area to photograph a couple properties. While I was there, I completely fell in love with this condo on Folly Beach. This place was AMAZING! It was right on the beach and had the most incredible views. Too bad it is way out of my price range because I would be all over this place!

The views from the rooftop deck...

The inside was just as impressive...

Yeah, I could wake up to this every day...

Maharishi Sthapatya Veda

Anytime I photograph a house, I learn something new. It could be a new technique, about a new location, or about something architectural. My shoot in Boone, NC earlier this week was no exception. During this shoot I learned about Maharishi Sthapatya Veda - Architecture in Accord with Natural Law. Maharishi Sthapatya Veda is a type of architecture that takes into account the influences of the sun, moon, stars, and planets with reference to north and south poles and the equator. This is to connect the occupants of the building with Cosmic Life creating peace, prosperity, and good health.

There are 3 main principles to Maharishi Sthapatya Veda architecture. They are:

1) Right direction - The entrance should face East

2) Right placement - Each room should be placed so that the activities in that room correspond to the different energies of the sun as it moves from east to west.

3) Special elements - a) the Brahmasthan is the silent core at the center of the building. b) A Vastu fence around the house. c) A Kalash installed on the roof of the building. d) The use of non-toxic building materials. e) The site and topography of the land.

In the photo below, you can see the Vastu fence around the house as well as the Kalash on the highest point of the roof...

This is the Brahmasthan. This is to be a place of no activity that simply acts as the core of the building...

There were some gorgeous details.

And the land was absolutely gorgeous...very peaceful.

A gorgeous day on Lake Wylie

Last week I posted a sneak peek of the house that I was photographing on Lake Wylie. Well...here are some more pics!!! This home was so warm and inviting - I wish it was staged just to show how easily this house could become a home. We had the doors and windows open enjoying the breezes coming off the lake and I really didn't want to leave! It was a beautiful day perfect for shooting a beautiful home! Believe it or not, this is the first empty home that I have ever shot. I thought for sure that it would be a walk in the park...boy, was I wrong. I had no hiding places for my little accent flashes and it is incredibly hard to make the rooms look welcoming and not too sterile. Fortunately, I had some awesome views to work with!

As seen in the stairwell, the moulding in this home was so simple, yet so gorgeous. The study won "Best Room Design" in the 2009 Parade of Homes.

Man, I could spend all summer on that balcony!

I love white, shaker-style cabinets! 'nuff said!

I loved the Master Suite! I am a total sucker for coffered ceilings and the blue walls were perfect for a bedroom overlooking the lake. What I declared the "girls" room, was to die for! I could totally see a little girl decorating this pretty room in pink with a delicate chandelier hanging from the octagon-shaped trey ceiling.

This house was built with a family in mind. The second-level play room is perfect for the kids to gather and store their toys, while the entertainer's basement just begs for a pool table!

These view shots were re-taken a week later than the rest. I'm glad we did that because the trees just started to pop but were still thin enough to see the through them. The views were amazing. I think I'll let them speak for themselves...

Sneak Peak - Lake Wylie House

Today ended up being a gorgeous day with the prettiest sky I have seen in a long time! Fortunately, I was previewing a house that I am photographing on Friday when the sun decided to peak through. I decided to sneak a couple early shots and got lucky with the bluest sky...a great compliment to this beautiful home. Can't wait to photograph the rest of this house - the craftsmanship is absolutely stunning...