And just like the last several years, Beyond Photography is thrilled to be catching Santa as he makes a quick visit to Arkansas. And as far as I know, this will be his last visit for last minute Christmas wishes. If your child has an emergency request, meet us at the Motley Christmas Tree Farm:

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3rd through SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6th, 2011.

In all of our years of shooting portraits with Santa, we’re thrilled to be shooting outdoors for the first time!  Motley’s Farm has been superbly kind to us–they’re opening the Farm to our clients before they are open for the season!  If you’re also looking for a live Christmas tree, you’ll have the first look.

If you have questions about the process, you’re in the right place.  Following are the most common questions I hear . . . .

*I love the idea, but what if my kids don’t like Santa?

1.  If you know that you don’t want photos with Mr. Kringle, we’re happy to photograph your kids and/or family without him.  Please let me know when you schedule your session.

2.  Kids love the IDEA of Santa, but meeting him in person is often intimidating.  Kids also love dinosaurs, but meeting one in real life wouldn’t be so great, either.  If your child doesn’t like Santa, never fear.  By the time Santa arrives in the session for photos, we’ve already captured several great images of your kid(s) on the Christmas scene.  Santa then peeks into the scene, in the background, while I keep your child’s attention away from him.  After this, we then introduce the Man in Red.  If spotting Santa is the end of your session [which isn't totally uncommon], we’ve already captured a great session, and you’ll have ample images for your Christmas photo selection.  Santa is extremely sensitive to a child’s reaction to him, and proceeds slowly with those who aren’t sure of him.

*Do you charge extra to have more than one of my kids in the session?

No.  In fact, we encourage Mom and Dad to come prepared for a few images of the immediate family.

*What clothes should we wear?

Every year, our scene is markedly different from any other scene we’ve created.  We always plan our Christmas scenes with “variety” in mind.  Even though we’re shooting outdoors, don’t be afraid of formal clothes.  Santa will have his elegant sleigh on site, and formalwear will look great.  More than in years past, I think that “dressy casual” will work wonderful this year:  Nice jeans with a dressy sweater, gloves, scarves, etc.

*Can I get Christmas cards?  Do you sell images for printing my own cards?

Not only can you get Christmas cards, you can get a card that will WOW! your friends.  We offer several styles, and we’ll have some examples to show.  We carefully oversee the quality of all of our products–which is why we do not sell images for printing elsewhere.  Please understand that your retainer applies to the purchase of photographs.  We’re glad to also offer Christmas cards, but only after your portrait purchase.

*What is the difference between a “Quick Pic” and a full session?  Why would I choose one over the other?

We’re shooting both types of sessions for Christmas.  Here’s the difference:

FULL SESSIONS

• will allow me much more time to capture much more variety–usually around 80-120 images to view.  I’ll reserve more time for you, and shoot for approximately 45 minutes.  This will give me plenty of time to create a volume of work.
• you’ll have the luxury of returning the following week to view your images.  You’ll see a beautiful slideshow, and we’ll walk with you through the ordering process as you choose your portraits/albums/cards/etc.
• we ask that all full sessions invest in a 20″ print or larger.  If you might like an album, you’ll certainly need a full session.
• your kids will have much more time to chat and play with Santa!
• our Santa Reservation Fee is $500 ($50 Santa Fee & $450 Portrait credit).  This fee is required in order to reserve your time.  Because of our limited sessions, we do not hold appointments without our reservation fee.  If you would prefer to call with your credit card info, feel free — 501.766.5671.  Our Saturday date, November 5th, is reserved for full sessions only.
• our standard price list applies to full session [click here to see our prices].
• understand that the Reservation secures Mr. Bill’s time just for you!  Therefore Santa Reservation Fees are non-refundable.  If you call within 72 hours to reschedule your session, we will do our best to accommodate your request.  If you have a friend that would like to take your appointment, we’ll be happy to assist you.  Otherwise, we cannot refund your deposit.
  

QUICK PICS

• obviously, are much faster.  Our session will last no longer than 15 minutes.  I’ll still shoot with and without Santa, but have much less variety–about 10-20 images to view.
• you’ll select your portraits immediately after your session.  [Sorry, we won't have time to prepare a slideshow.  Images will show straight from the camera--no cropping, color correcting, retouching, etc--all of that work will apply to the prints that you order, you simply won't see it during the preview session.] Prices are listed below.
• our Saturday date is reserved for full sessions only–no Quick Pics that day.
• our Santa Quick Pic Reservation is $216.75 ($50 Santa Fee & $162.56 Portrait credit–all taxes included).
• due to the quick nature of shooting, and ordering in a large volume, Quick Pics are slightly discounted  [see below].  We do allow you to order more than one package!
• we do ask that you purchase a wall portrait [16×20 or larger] OR at least one portrait package when you order.
• we will have many beautiful custom-designed Christmas cards — we do ask for a minimum $269 portrait purchase in order to purchase cards.
• understand that the Reservation secures Mr. Bill’s time just for you!!  Therefore Santa Quick Pic Reservation Fees are non-refundable.  If you call within 72 hours to reschedule your session, we will do our best to accommodate your request.  If you have a friend that would like to take your appointment, we’ll be happy to assist you.  Otherwise, your deposit will not be refunded.

*How do I schedule an appointment?

Please call or email.  We’ll spend some time listening to your “Christmas list,” then schedule you for either a full session or a Quick Pic.  When we set your appointment time, we’ll ask for your retainer.  We can send an invoice via Paypal, or take a credit card number over the phone.  We do not reserve slots without your deposit.  Email us at beyondphotography1@gmail.com, or call 501.766.5671.

If you have any other questions, please post them in the comments section below.  I’ll then know better how to answer the questions that everyone is asking.

Hooray for an AMAZING holiday season!  I’ll look forward to hearing from you soon.  Thanks!

-mr. bill

Really?

We always politely answer, “No, we really don’t.  It really is wonderful.  We’re really blessed.”

In my mind, though, I’m thinking:  “Are you out of your asparagus-loving mind?!  HECK NO!  How could someone get tired of this place?!”

3 months of portraits in beautiful Florida.  It’s been pretty fantastic.  Thank you, all of you who met us here!  It’s easily, hands-down, far-and-away the busiest summer we’ve ever experienced.  When I finish this blog, I’ll pack up my gear and stroll out to the final session of the summer.  Sigh.

So where is a guy to go next?

You may be asking:  “Is there anywhere in Arkansas that is as picturesque, as breathtaking as the beach?”

In my mind, I’m thinking:  “Are you out of your lentil-loving mind?!  You need to see more of Arkansas!”

In your mission to see the uber-mag-splend-ificent locales of Arkansas, you have to see Ponca.  Like I’ve said dozens of times:

“If you’ve seen a postcard from Arkansas, I’ll wager that the photo was taken within a 15 mile radius of Ponca.” If you don’t know, Ponca is near Jasper & Harrison, AR.  It sits on the spectacular Buffalo River–our nation’s first National River.

So where does Beyond Photography go next?  We’re back to Ponca.  I love that place.  As much as I really love the beach . . . if I was FORCED to choose the beach versus Ponca . . . where I’d spend the rest of my days . . . I’d be back in Ponca.  It’s that incredible.  Ponca is truly unique.

So escape with your family for an amazing weekend.  The water level on the Buffalo [near Ponca] will be too low for floating in October, but the hiking will be SPECTACULAR!  If you need an easy trek, or a jaunt to really get your blood pumping, the area has it all.  What if you have young kids?  When I mention “Ponca” to my kids [ages 5, 7, & 9], they giggle and clap and cheer.  Show the kids the splendor in their own back yard!  And while you’re there, let’s remember it forever–with a portrait of your family.

MEET ME IN PONCA, AR, OCTOBER 14-16th, 2012.

I say this every time, but it’s true:  If I’m going to create the best portraits possible, I have to shoot during the best-possible light . . . which drastically limits when I can shoot!  Call or email quickly, and we’ll get your appointment scheduled. As always, if you want to check out some of our work, or see our pricelist, visit the website:  www.beyond-photography.com.  And what about a place to stay while you’re there?  You have several options, but check out my friends at the Buffalo Outdoor Center.  If you mention my name, they might even charge you an extra 10%.  [Not true.  They won't charge you EXTRA, but you won't get a discount.  But the cabins are great; that's where I always stay.]

See you soon!

-mr. bill

501.766.5671

If you walk the aisles of Home Depot or Lowes, you’ll see all that you need to set tile . . . right?  It must be easy.  Talk to almost anyone in the construction business, and they’ll tell you–“Yeah.  I can lay tile.” In fact, oodles of do-it-yourselfers install tile in their own homes.  [We're skipping the obvious--"Can they do it WELL?"  Some can, some can't.  But that's not the point right now.]

So if you want to find a really seasoned Tilesetter, someone really skilled in the craft, how do you spot him?  Here’s the golden question:

“Can you repair a leaking shower bottom?”

If he gives you a blank look, or stammers over an answer, you’re not talking to a Tilesetter.  You may be talking to a guy who uses some of the same tools, but he’s not a Tileguy.  Likewise–if you found an “accountant” who doesn’t know how to manually balance a checkbook, or a “nurse” who can’t manually [with a stethescope, cuff, and watch] take your blood pressure, you should pause.  There are a few basic skills that a legitimate professional, in any industry, should be able to perform.  Ironically, the shower bottom repair used to be a standard, everyday kind of repair in the world of Tilesetters.  If you couldn’t replace a shower pan, you’d NEVER claim to be a Tileguy.  Yet today, it’s a skill that’s becoming more and more rare–even among those who call themselves “Tilesetters.”  But if he can install/repair a shower bottom, you can be assured that he’s got a strong grip on the other fundamentals.  While the shower bottom is really basic, that doesn’t mean it’s the easiest.

So how do you spot a seasoned Portrait Photographer?  Luckily, you don’t have to ask, you can just LOOK at the work.  Here’s a golden question for Portrait Photographers:

“What can you do with a family?”

Posing a family is one of the cornerstone skills that is eroding from our industry.  For this exercise, ignore other key issues like background, lighting, color harmony, lighting, lens selection, lighting, composition, and lighting.  If you want to know if your Photographer is serious in the craft, look at the work he/she does with families.  Family work is basic work for Photographers, but that doesn’t mean it’s the easiest.

Allow me a quick caveat:  There are thousands amazingly skilled Portrait Photographers who have specialized their work, and just don’t shoot family photos [including  friends in Nashville and Crested Butte, dudes that are FAR beyond my own skill level].  For the purpose of this blog, I’m talking about the John/Jane Doe who has billed themselves as a Photographer who “specializes” in everything.

Browse through the Photographers you know on Facebook.  Check out their galleries.  Right now–before you even look–let me tell you the result.  You’ve seen it, but never noticed:  You see lots of photos of kids, usually alone.  If I’m REALLY getting specific, most of the images are close-up shots.  If you look carefully, you’ll see what I’m driving at:  Most of them have VERY FEW, if any, family photos on display. Why?

Working with a larger group–5 people, 8, 18–requires some skill, or practice, or study.  When I first started in the Portrait business, it scared the crap out of me to work with a large group!  As I’ve studied, it doesn’t scare me anymore, but it still requires some concentrated effort [if it's a really large group, I'll pull out the notebook and sketch a few poses before the session].  Some of my mentors in the business don’t think twice about posing a group of 10 or more.

Am I a master at posing, especially a large group?  No way.  Is it something that I can do?  Absolutely–it just takes some effort on my part.  It’s one of the skills that I’m intently studying right now, something I really want to improve.

Not that you asked, but if I’m creating a work for an extended family, here’s a glimpse of what goes through my mind [this is abridged for brevity]. . .

“Grandma and Grandpa need to be the focal pointPut them in the centerGrandpa needs to be seated comfortably, I don’t have alot of time to work with himMake this fast!Grandma & Grandpa have 3 grown kidsStart with one of the kids’ immediate families to the right–Dad, Mom, 2 kidsMake Mom look good!Always make Mom look goodDad needs to be standing, he mentioned his bad knees, I can’t sit him on the groundCrap–the ground isn’t really wet, but I’ve heard a few family members complain that it is; can’t sit them on the ground”Mom, snuggle up to your husband”Oops, looks like they don’t normally snugggleBring in their oldest child to hold hands with Mom, let’s wait until the end to bring in the 3 year old; he won’t stand still while I pose the restSymmetry!Flow!How do I make this flow with the odd number?”Alright, Mary” [the 2nd child, mother of 3, married]Wait–was her name really Mary?”MARTHA!I’m sorry, Martha, I’m not too brightMartha, can I bring you in next to your Dad/Grandpa?”Make Martha look good, always make Mom look good!Pose her slightly behind her seated Dad, flatter her figureRemind the group [Martha] to stand straight, shoulders backFlatter her figureNow bring in Martha’s husbandI can tell he doesn’t want to be hereHave him hold hands with his wifeBring in their teenage daughterGod bless her, she LOVES being in front of the camera!Seat her on the ground, demonstrate the lady-like pose I want from her, family laughs at my feminine poseSit her younger brother next to herNow the middle child next to DadStep back, survey the group, assure them that they’re doing great, and that the hardest pose is nearly overHurry, Bill, remember that Grandparents need to be done soon”Can I move?I don’t like this side of me facing the camera”says Mom #1″OF COURSE!  I want you to look your best” I assure herQuickly go to her, turn her the other directionNow the 3rd child, a Dad with 1 child”Dad, could I have you on the end here, take a knee?”Glad that he’s  a good sportBring his 5 year old next to him, lean the child into himSnag the 3 year old from the first family, stand child in front of his Dad, holding hands with seated GrandmaLook at the group, no, not quite right, bring the 3 year old to hold hands with the sibling on the end, makes a better flow in the photoDash back to the tripod, glad that I’ve already composed and focused and set the flash properlyCheck the viewfinder to make sure the camera is still set properlyHow does ANYONE shoot without a tripod?!!”All right, everyone, great posture!”Yes, that helped Martha [and the rest]Go fast, Bill, grab the kids’ attentionBalance the shoe on my head, kids temporarily freezeSnap the shutter as the shoe falls, kids loosen upAgain with the shoe trick, now the kids are laughing”Right here on me, adults, your kids are doing great!”So far I’ve snapped about 7 photos, and I’ve got great expressions from kids”Mom, can you flip the hair away from your eye?  I don’t want any of your face covered up”Always make Mom look goodShe doesShe’s really prettyParents keep looking down at their kids, can’t get them to look at me! . . . the kids are doing great!Grandma keeps talking, giving instructions to the Grandchildren, like she always doesJust like my own Grandma, always talking during the photosGuess she doesn’t get the luxury of a few moments of not corralling kidsNow it’s about 12 frames down, I’ve got everyone I want, except for GrandmaGrandma is ALWAYS the most difficult person in a photoChuckle to myself, think of my own GrandmaI need to call herIf I can get Grandma smiling at me, I’ll have the shot and NOT HAVE TO DO ANY HEADSWAPS!And there she is, looking at me with a grin!  All right, family–you did it!”      Now we’ll shoot a simple standing pose at another spot, then another variation of a standing pose in a third location.  No–I’ve pushed Grandpa enough.  Only one standing pose.

What say you?  Please chime in with your input about finding a skilled Photographer.  I know there are plenty of other indicators, the Family Posing is just one that I’ve been thinking about recently.

And speaking of Family Poses, 2 quick notes:  1.  Our Springtime photo events are April 15-17th, and also April 21-23rd.  It’s a beautiful time of year to renew your home decor.  2.  We’d love to see you at the Beach!  If you’re anywhere near Destin, Florida, this summer, let’s create something superb!  We’ll be there May 23rd-August 31.

And finally:  If your potential Photographer is REALLY amazing, he/she can also repair a shower bottom!  Not that I’m bragging, I’m just pointing out that I am the only Photographer, that I personally know, that can.  But that’s not really a vital skill for a Photographer, so you can overlook this gap in others.  [losers]

Welcome to today’s educational blog.  You are blessed to be here, for today I am in the mood to freely impart my brilliance.  Yes, today the Big-Shot Photographer [that's me, if you didn't know], will demonstrate 2 elements for a great Beach portrait. And since I’m being so generous, I’ll also tell YOU how to recreate a great Beach Portrait.  You’re welcome.

TWO ELEMENTS OF A GREAT BEACH PORTRAIT, AS EXPLAINED BY MR BILL THE BRILLIANT:

1.  Be sure that the Lord blows a little on the ocean, giving great texture.

While you’re at it, ask Him to blow in some spectacular clouds, and clear the haze off the horizon so the setting sun really pops the color in the clouds.  If you’re bold, be certain He gives a glimpse of a rainbow [not on this image, but it did happen during this session.  It's happened twice in 8 years of shooting beach photos].

2.  Get the right grandparents in front of your lens.

I’ve known this couple for almost 24 years.  This is Robert and Mary, last year, with their grandkids.  For a grandparent, this is a photo of their legacy.  For me, it’s a photo of a second-generation legacy.  Their sons are close friends of mine, and through High School I spent most of my spare time at their home.  Not only me, but my entire group of closest friends took up second-residence at their place.  Their patience and generosity shaped the lives of their own boys, then me and the others, and now their own grandchildren.

That’s it.  Get a great setting, get the right people, and there you have it–2 elements for a great beach portrait.

We’ll be creating more this summer, and hope to see  you there.  If you’re near Destin, Seaside, Seagrove, etc., let us capture this season in your family’s legacy.  WE’LL BE THERE MAY 23 THROUGH AUGUST 31.  I hope to see you there.

P.S.  If you’d like to know what a great friend I am, and learn a little more about one of their sons, check out the series of 4 Spleen Blogs.  That’s their son, Jeff, we’re mocking.

We’d love to schedule a date with your girlfriends–and their kids.

After nearly 10 years of business, I’m blessed to often hear,

“Yeah–I’ve heard about you from my friends!”

At that point, I modestly prepare myself for what’s next.  I’m certain she’ll elaborate how she’s heard about my arresting good-looks, my laser-sharp wit, or herculean muscles.  Maybe she’ll mention the time in 5th grade when I kicked spelling-bee butts by remembering to capitalize the word “Asia.”

“You’re the guy who balances the shoe on his head.”

Oh well.  Not to be underestimated, I cooly explain,

“Actually, SEVEN shoes is the record.”  Not that I’m bragging.  I’m just saying. If she’s impressed with my famed shoe-trick, the least I can do is . . . put my best foot forward.  [That, friend, was an example of the aforementioned wit.  Lucky Sheree lives with this clever mind EVERYDAY of her life.]   eerehs-  !!!em rof yarp esaelP

So thank you, all who kindly say nice things about Beyond Photography to your friends.  We’d love a chance to actually meet them.  So how about a date?

We understand that your Photographer relationship is more than the pieces of photo paper you take home.  Once you find a Hairdresser you love, you don’t keep bouncing around to others.  Such is our relationship with our clients.  When the phone rings for a session, we normally know the person calling.  Most of our clients are repeat clients.

Now think about the former Hairdressers you’ve hired.  Maybe you weren’t totally THRILLED with his/her work, but you hated to shop for someone new.

Some of your girlfriends are with Photo-dressers that they don’t really love.  Or maybe they don’t have a Photographer at all . . . since it’s tough to find someone she really likes, and is nervous about investing $$ in a photo session where her kids may have a miserable experience!  So here is our idea:

If your girlfriends’ kids are going to hate Mr. Bill [me], make ME pay for the date, BEFORE the photo session!

Call some of your friends, call Beyond Photography, and let’s schedule a date for pizza with Moms and kids.  And it’s our treat!  We’ll spend some time horsing around with the kids, chatting with Mom, and then she’ll see firsthand if we relate well to her kids.  Or that we don’t.  There really isn’t a catch–none of you will pay anything, that day or later, and no one has to schedule anything.  We won’t have sample albums or pricelists or the calendar with us–that sounds too much like work!  I’ll warn you now, though–Sheree and I WILL have our 3 kids with us [they think this idea is a stroke of sheer genius!].  We’re not scheduling certain dates for this:  Consider this a standing invitation, an invitation that you should accept SOON!

If you ask me, it’s about time that some new, contemporary Musicians changed everything.  Why not?  Now everyone has access to a guitar, or a keyboard, or drums, or a hecklephone.  We, the listening public, deserve something fresh.  Personally, I’m weary of the drivel that has been forced upon us.

I’m so very tired of the music I hear–it’s all the same cords, neatly arranged, more notes, then transition into deliberate composition.  So I’ve decided to take matters into my own hands.  Mr. Bill is now performing music.

No, I’ve never studied music [not even General Music in High School].  No, I can’t read music.  No, I can’t find “middle C” on a piano, nor can I strum a G-chord.  Who cares?  I’m convinced that the public wants something unique.  I’m breaking all the rules, grabbing any instrument they sell at Best Buy, and declaring myself a Professional Musician.  No practice, no training, no mentor for me!  Musicians who practice are fools.  The public wants something contemporary!

[I’m thinking about the trumpet, or French Horn, or some other wind instrument . . . I’ll create music that blows.    ]

I’ve seen the trend happen in the Photography industry–haven’t you?  I see it on countless websites or Facebook pages.  Someone with a camera telling us how they hate the “posey/posed” look of those “other Photographers.”  They want “natural” photos, and they specialize in “natural light photos.”  [Insert giggle here.]  Let me translate those phrases:

“I don’t know how to pose a family.  While your child runs like an escaped inmate, on fire, covered with fire ants, I chase him/her with my camera.  I like ‘natural light’ since I don’t own/understand studio lights.”  [Tragically, they normally don’t understand natural light, either.]

Since the complete takeover of the digital revolution, this is the trend in portrait photography.

Let me tell you a dirty secret that might forever change your perception of me, and Beyond Photography:

If you have seen one of my portraits, I’ll wager $9,831 that I posed it.  If it looks totally “natural” or “in the moment,” I’ll bet that I made that moment “accidentally” happen.  Granted–1 out of 500 times, I grabbed the shot as it unfurled without me.  The other 499 times, I expected it–because I planned it.  Please don’t hate me:

I LOVE the “posed look.”

Think about the word “pose.”  Mr. Webster tells me that it is “to assume or cause to assume a posture, usually for artistic purposes.”   Suddenly that doesn’t sound so terrible.

Musicians:  what does the word “posed” sound like to you?  There’s another word you folks use–Composition.  Now that I think about it . . . that’s one of the first words my High School Art teacher taught me.  Hmmmm.  I wonder if Mozart, or DaVinci, or Ansel Adams, would post on his blog, “I hate the posey-posey composition that others do”?

I love some new work being done, and it influences me, but I don’t want to be trendy.  As I grow in my craft, I strive more to be a “classic Photographer.”  For me, the word “classic” translates to “good.”   Before Jesus walked the Earth, the ancient Greeks established the Western “rules” for classic composition–especially posing people!

I study the work of some pretty amazing Photographers.  The work that makes me think, “Holy Smokes!!!” is new, but actually . . . it’s old.

Great composition never goes out of style, because it IS style.

Again, Mr. Webster mentions that “composition” is “arrangement of elements in artistic form.”   Suddenly I’d LOVE to be described as “posey.”

[Ironically, Webster reader, skip past the word “composition.”  2 words later you’ll find the word “compost.”]

Am I anything like Mozart or DaVinci?  &*$! no!  Why don’t I like the “natural” look that most folks talk about?  Frankly–after almost 10 years of business, practice, and thousands of dollars of schooling, I’m not good enough to do it.

Personally, I believe that anyone diligent in their craft goes from Crap, to Compose, to Spontaneous Composition.  I’m in the “Compose” stage.  Maybe, in 30 years, I’ll graduate to the next level.  What do I mean?  You’ll have to tune in later for more explanation.

I’m mr. bill, and I approve this message.

[And look for the Springtime calendar on the website within the next 4.2 days.]

Simple:  I’m listening to Nickelback while drinking Starbucks, and now writing my final blog about Ponca, Arkansas.  Otherwise–I’m not sure.  Let me know if you think of anything.

Yes, this is the final blog of the year about the amazing Postcard Portrait sessions in Ponca, AR.  If you’re just now tuning in, we’ll be shooting [and vacationing] there OCTOBER 21-24th.  Check out a few of the previous blogs to see some of the photos from Lost Valley [the waterfall] and the Buffalo River.  Today we’re showing off Whittaker Point, also known as Hawksbill Crag.  If you’d like to see a few more details of the area, I just stumbled on a great description of some of the local trails:  http://theozarkmountains.com/hiking_trails.htm .

Whittaker Point

Get away for a weekend with your family, enjoy the greatest time of the year, and create some great memories in Ponca.  I hope to see you there.

-mr. bill

501.766.5671    or     email:  beyondphotography1@gmail.com

Enjoy a few more images from a few years ago.  I’d be honored for you to provide me the chance to create some more soon–with your family.

-mr. bill

Log on to snag a great cabin

The Big C at Lost Valley

the other woman in my life

Big C again

If you missed the memo [previous blogs, the website calendar, smoke signals, carrier pigeons], Beyond Photography is creating family/children portraits in Ponca, AR, October 21-24th.  Where is Ponca?  you wonder?  It’s right between “Holy Smokes!” and “I’ve-never-seen-a-place-like-this!”  More specifically, it’s next to the metropolis of Jasper, Arkansas, on the Buffalo River.

I have 2 session times still available.  So if you’re interested, it’s time to invest in a portrait that makes your friends jealous.  Call or email anytime, and we’ll hope to see you soon!  Until next time, enjoy a few shots from previous years in Ponca.  I’ll post another blog tomorrow with more images.  Soon thereafter, I’ll post a blog about Photographers . . . and how so many of us are full of manure.  I started it this morning, but it’ll take me a few days to get this one worded correctly.  Talk to you soon!

-mr. bill

mr. bill's brood

the Big H

FALL!

Quick!  If you haven’t yet, get outside and smell for yourself–Fall is here!

Since several Texan friends follow the blog, let me explain in the best female-vernacular I can muster.

Fall in Arkansas is like . . . going to the class reunion, scanning the room, and knowing that you look better than the girls you hated back in High School.  This is after your lunch that ended with death-by-chocolate ala-mode.  You then went home to dress for the reunion when you realized,

“D**N!  These Spanx are way too big on me!”

So you have to borrow a dress from your babysitter/teen-age daughter.  When the night is through, and you’ve caught your husband eyeing you lustfully, admiringly, all night, he curls with you in bed and whispers eagerly:

“I’m exhausted from cleaning the house, reading to the children, and alphabetizing all of the swell magazines you collect.  Can we just cuddle tonight?” Then he mumbles, until he falls asleep, about all of the husbands at the reunion who just “let themselves go . . . !”

Fall in Arkansas–truly like a dream come true.  [Arkansans:  I learned the awful news a few years ago--Texans don't have a Fall!  They go from Summer to Winter.  Tragic.  It's a good thing they have the best Mexican food, everywhere, or there just wouldn't be a good reason to live there.]  We who live here understand why old people from other states travel to Arkansas in the Fall . . . just to drive around and look at the leaves!  Don’t mock them!  If you’ve ever gathered the kids in the car and driven around “just to look at the Christmas lights . . . .”  Way more sad than those old people.

If you noticed the previous blog, you saw my advice to stay off of www.awkwardfamilyphotos.com.   Schedule a Postcard session with Beyond Photography–the kind of session that looks like an ad from a travel magazine.

This one will be in Ponca, Arkansas, October 21-24th.

I need to pull out an old external drive to pull off some photos to show you.  In the meantime, I asked my Facebook friends [you should be one, if you're not] to tell you about Ponca.  Here are a few of the responses:

Near lots of caves

Go the end of nowhere then make a left. The cabins are nice though.

Heaven! One of our favorite places to hike in the state.

Heaven on earth! Fabulous hikes with beautiful waterfalls (Hemmed-In-Hollow), canoeing the gorgeous Buffallo River, camping sites or cabins, and one of my favorite past times…exploring Bat Cave (just be sure to have extra batteries for your flashlights & about a 40ft ladder)! (:

Absolutely beautiful!!!

Elk in Arkansas????     Yes Elk in Arkansas!!!

If you’re not sold yet, check out the book 1,000 Places to See Before You Die.  Yes–you’ll find it there.

Give a call or email to me or my Superwife, and we’ll schedule a time for your session.  Hope to see you soon!

-mr. bill

501.766.5671    or    beyondphotography1@gmail.com