While this blog, and this session, is not about ME, it  is somewhat of a milemarker in my own journey.  Soon after opening the doors of our studio, Jessica and her Mom came through.  Jess needed Senior photos.  She was one of my first 2 Seniors from Bauxite, and her session was so much fun!  If I recall, we spent about 3 hours shooting, and I burned through [gasp!] 2 rolls of 220 film, and 2 rolls of 120 B&W film!  Insanity! I’d spent twice the time and twice the film that I normally did.

Fast forward several years,  Jess and her Mom came through the door of my home, looking for a Photographer to capture the wedding day.  How could she already be getting married?!  She looked exactly the same [except for a few different hairstyles and tatoos ] . . . had it really been that long since High School?  Well, it had been long enough to finish her schooling, live on her own, and start into her career.  Wow.  Here stood Jess, writing the next chapter in her life–and a new milemarker in my own journey.

I’ve made it no secret:  I LOVE SHOOTING BRIDAL PORTRAITS!  I was really fortunate to have my buddy, and extremely accomplished Photographer, Walter Eagleton, assisting on Jessica’s session.  Enjoy a few images from her bridal session at Trapnall Hall [and get ready to see more of her from her engagement session, and wedding day].

Congrats, Jess!  I love you,

-mr. bill

If you follow my blog [God bless you!], you last read about the duck that went awry.   [If you haven't read it, skip down and first read the entry right below this one.]   Normally, we have to gently break the news to a certain duck that he/she isn’t up to our standards.  Last time, though, the Fowl walked out on us!  If you missed it–he walked out with big steps!

OBX

He terrorized our great land from Arkansas to the Outer Banks, and we last saw him swimming east.  Soon thereafter we’d learn that he actually went to the Far East.  Perfect! He swam right into my plan to stop him.  Foolish bird.

My mind reeled as I stood on the sands of the Atlantic Ocean, watching our creature escape to foreign lands.  How could I stop him?!  Deep inside, I knew the truth . . . there was no way I could stop him. I’m just one man.  Fortunately, though, I was just one man with a cell phone.  Scrolling through the phone log, I spotted the name between “Get Help Now!” and “Grannie, Get Your Gun!”  Whose name, you ask?  Maybe you’ve heard of him . . . he has extensive experience fighting abnormally large, destructive creatures:

don't mess with the zilla-god

Obviously, I wasn’t present to watch the great Duck versus Lizard battle.  I would love to show you photos from Godzilla’s smackdown, but most governments of the world have denied the existence of our Supra-Duck.  This “information embargo” actually makes it perilous for me to speak of these affairs.  Let me conclude with the tidbits I DO know.

2 facts assure me that the Great Lizard valiantly subdued the duck:

1.  Have you seen reports of a monstrous, heartless duck terrorizing our world?  “But,” you argue, “I haven’t seen reports of Godzilla, either!” That’s a no-brainer:  Godzilla always keeps a low profile, and he lives in the ocean.  duh.

2.  I have seen one critical piece of evidence, forever recording the great showdown.  See for yourself:

unequivocal proof

Debate solved, disaster averted.  Bless you, Godzilla.

****************************

Now you know the story of the first duck that failed the Beyond Photography Portrait Eligibility Test.  Stay tuned for more stories.  If you subscribe to the blog, you’ll be notified of the next post.

Now that you know the great care we take with our ducks, I hope that you’ll trust us to take great care of your kids!  Call or email Beyond Photography to schedule your appointment.  501-519-7524.  Find dates and pricing information on our website or on the blog.

Bella Grace, Destin 2008

Obviously, our daughter, Bella Grace is pictured above.  She is one who enjoys dressing up, even if it’s as a shark (fits her surroundings as well as her brothers–if you can’t beat them then join them).  You’re probably wondering “why in the world would Sheree post such a picture?”…  Primarily because this happens to be one of my favorite snapshots from last summer & also as  a reminder to see us in Destin or Gatlinburg this summer.

We have been privileged to capture the stories of families for 9 years and are looking forward to our 6th annual trip to the beach.  During those 6 years we’ve met dozens of families and children on the sand, and we’ve been proud to create images of High School Seniors and maternity sessions as well.  To see more of our work, visit our website at www.beyond-photography.com and click on the “Vacation Memories” tab.   Also, after a wonderful trip to Gatlinburg, last year, we thought there would be a great deal of interest in heading to the mountains too.  It would be our pleasure to help tell your family’s story in Florida and Tennessee this year!

Just as your trip to the beach and mountains is a unique experience, so your destination portraits are a once-in-a-lifetime addition to your home.  Trust your family’s memories to the experience of  full-time professional portrait artists–US!

We’ll be in Destin, Florida, for 7 weeks –  June 1st through July 17th — then in the Smokey Mountains in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, from July 19th through July 25th.

• We require a $750 reservation in order to schedule your appointment ($650 of which is applied towards your portrait purchase & $100 location fee).  Larger family groups can easily be accommodated:  for groups 9-15, we ask for a $1250 reservation fee ($150 location fee & $1100 portrait credit); for groups larger than 16 persons, please call us for a quote. Reservation fees can be paid in several installments ($375 initial installment), but must be paid in FULL 2 weeks before your session.
  
• After reserving your session, we will send you our Beach Packet that will provide all pertinent information regarding your session (ie, map to locale, clothing suggestions, etc.).
  
• Because of the nature of landscape photography, we request a minimum 24″ portrait purchase with your session.
  
• Please note that locations do require some walking, nothing too strenuous, just know not to wear stiletto heels as we are on rough terrain/sand.
• For our clients who cannot order while in Florida or who are not local to the Central Arkansas area, we will have no problem accommodating your ordering appointment.   When you set up your session, we will gladly discuss the options that will best suit your needs/vacation plans.
  

Email me & Bill at beyondphotography1@gmail.com or call the studio line at 501.519.7524 or 501.847.7899. We have already begun scheduling appointments and it will be here before we blink!

Make your vacation last forever with us. . .  all that’s missing is you. We hope to see you soon.

–Sheree (and mr. bill too)

P.S. Just a reminder, if you need a place to stay, we’d be glad to be your neighbor! We always stay at Destin Gulfgate Condos, and they are fabulous. Find a condo at www.destingulfgate.com.

It’s the slogan on Beyond Photography’s brochures, and it really does capture our philosophy.  As our work has matured over the last 90 months, so has our understanding of portrait work.  When someone calls the studio, I now spend more time listening.  Great portraits are more than a representation of what we looked like–the work should capture something of that phase in life . . . they should “tell your story.”

The change in our thinking, I suspect, is simply a matter of age.  On July 1st, Mr. Bill will be 8 years old!  [His twin brother, simply known as "Bill," will be 36 in February, but Mr. Bill will eternally be a kid.] 8 years of business has allowed us to see some beautiful changes in our friends’ lives.  Let me introduce you to Vanessa.

I’m not sure how long we’d been open [help me here, V] when Vanessa arrived for Senior photos.  I think that she was one of the first three Seniors I’d met from Bauxite.  She’s a natural with the camera, and her session went swimmingly.

Vanessa–My favorite shot of yours was a black and white, seated on a bench, looking over your shoulder at me–there’s just a hint of light on the background.  I liked it enought to still remember it!

Fast forward a few years, and her sister kindly hires me as her wedding photographer [and what an awesome wedding!!!!!].

Another few years, and then the next call comes from Mom:  “We need to talk to you about Vanessa’s wedding.” Hooray!

It’s no secret that I love, love, love, love, love shooting Bridal Portraits.  Some sessions, though, are extra sentimental.  When Beyond Photography tells its story, it includes our long-time friends like sweet Vanessa and her family.  Thank you, V, for including us in your story.

Vanessa reserved Marlsgate for her Bridal portraits and what a beautiful locale!  Preview her slideshow below, or click on our website to see some of her in our “In Love” gallery.

www.beyond-photography.com

Today, as I was scrolling through some of last year’s files, I ran across Lauren Shea’s bridal session.  She was such a delight, I had to post a quick slideshow of her.

God bless you, Lauren and Zeth!

Friends and family who watch this show: Please post a comment! Leave your wish/blessing for the couple, or give a tidbit of advice for the newlyweds.

Every wedding has a beautiful story to tell. Mostly these stories involve how the couple met, etc. One that I thought worth mentioning is pictured below of Lauren’s Grandmom’s hands tucking a handkerchief that belonged to Lauren’s Great-Grandmother into the Bridal bouquet. What a great heritage this one piece of cloth has and now a new story to add to it’s history!

Funny side note: I first met Lauren’s Mom about 10 years ago. In my “previous” life, I worked as a tilesetter. I’ve been to Lauren’s home for two different tile jobs, and have now been able to serve them as a Photographer [add this to the "it's a small world" list].

Thank you, Lauren and Zeth, for inviting us to your wedding . . . it was a delight for us. God bless,

sheree and mr. bill