Easter Portraits are fast approaching for Beyond Photography.  If you haven’t seen the dates, places, or package information, click here.  Since this is one of the biggest events of our year, it’s vital that I only work with the finest animals possible.  We tried photos with all sorts of animals:  the Red Snapper [difficult to keep alive out of water], a Snapping Turtle [that is one belligerent turtle!], camels [they really do spit a lot], and crickets [easy to find, easy to pose, but just not that cute].  Finally we settled on baby ducklings.   They’re good-natured, soft, uber-cute, and easy to handle [although they do poop frequently].  Not content with just any duckling, we’ve been interviewing flocks of ducks.  How tough am I?  Think Donald Trump/the Apprentice . . . with less hair, and more attitude.  I won’t tolerate slackers.

During my last duck interview, I met a fowl who called himself “Dee-Uck.”  Again–I’m not one to judge on outside appearances, but remember that I AM looking for photo models.  In the case of Dee-Uck, his tattoos did hurt his chances of getting the job.  We interviewed, and while he was a little rough around the edges, he seemed okay.  But then I contacted his references.  Yikes.  It turns out that Dee-Uck has a rather colorful past.

Here’s a shot of Dee-Uck in his last residence:

Alcatraz duck

It seems that this cute little guy ran into some sort of trouble with the Law . . . something about a pack of guineas, a knife, and a Judge looking to make an example of someone.  Too bad.  What would lead a simple little duck into such a rough life?  You probably guessed it–his friends and the music they listened to.  Let this be a lesson to teens everywhere!  Choose your friends and your music wisely.  Dee-Uck fell into a rough crowd, and actually had a short foray into the music biz.  Here’s an album cover that you’ve probably already seen:

Gangsta Duck

If you’re regularly reading the blog, you know that only 1 duck has been approved thus far.  Good news!!  In the next blog, you’ll see some of the other super-ducks that have made the cut.

Our ad in Kid’s Directory just hit the shelves, so our phone has gotten hot!  If you’ve been thinking about scheduling, call or email immediately.  We’ve already booked over 25 sessions, and we’re just now getting busy on the phone.  We’ll do all we can to accomodate everyone who calls, but the optimal times book up fast.  We hope to hear from you soon!  501-519-7524.  beyondphotography1@gmail.com.

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.

My how things have changed so quickly!  This is the chance to capture your vacation memories with us.  We’ll be shooting beach portraits in beautiful Destin, Florida, June 1st – July 17th. The combination of ocean, sky, sand and relaxation makes for incredible images.  Don’t miss out on this wonderful experience with your family.

Click here for complete beach information.

Call today to reserve one of these popular sessions.  We hope to see you there!

Sheree (& Mr. Bill too)

[p.s.  the lighthouse photo is from OBX, NC, last year.  It's our favorite family photo, so we wanted to share]

www.beyond-photography.com

P.S. 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.

She and Erin [aforementioned BFF] kept me and the Moms laughing throughout their session. They even braved the pondwater! Since they were so bold, we even snapped some images of them in the “rain” [thanks to Mom and a hose].

Thanks, Morgan, for a great session, and for being such a joy. Don’t forget: “Boys are no good!”

[It's a message I always preach to young ladies, but has yet to get through. I'm so glad that my own baby girl will never like boys.]

Faithful readers of the blog: Please do a favor for Erin and me. Post your tidbit of advice for a young lady soon to graduate High School [trust me, Erin--it feels like FOREVER right now, but it's coming quickly!!!]. I’m working on a website specific to High School Seniors, and and looking to compile a list of advice.

What’s my advice, Erin? You’ve already heard my “Boys are no good” speech . . . so what else is there to say?!

You’ll hear more that you want to hear from me on the new site [as if you haven't already heard too much in person], but here’s my 2 cents . . .

“Invest your life in people.“

___________________

Click below to see a great slideshow of Erin’s session!

Senior sessions are a blast to shoot, but sometimes they’re really, really fun: let me introduce you to Rachel!

Rachel

I first met Rachel 3 years ago when I created the Senior portraits for her sister. Since then, I’ve watched her coach my oldest boy in gymnastics, and I’ve been fortunate to shoot a few images of her with her Cheerleading squad.

As I expected, she was an awesome model! I did have one problem with Rachel during her session: it’s nearly impossible to capture a serious pose; the girl won’t stop smiling!

Not only is she an athlete, and a fabulous model, Rachel is brilliant, too! We’re excited to see great things from her as she attends Texas A&M, pursuing a degree in Chemical Engineering.

Rachel: Please remember all of us, the little people, when you’re rich and famous. Godspeed–mr. bill

Caitlin

What a natural! Caitlin and her older sister met me at this fabulous location, and then Caitlin knocked our socks off! She is a natural with the camera, and lots of fun to photograph [not to mention her great hair!].

Yes, she’s a great model, and this girl is uber-tough! Here she pleasantly sits, enjoying the sunset, with her body planted in a patch of those really painful-prickly-grass-thingies. She casually mentioned them as she sat down. Then, when her overweight photographer sat in them too, he howled like a baby!