1.  You should probably go potty first

2.  Grab some mouthwash on your way out of the bathroom

3.  You have been missing out on a magnificent Spring in Arkansas!

Old-timers talk with some odd authority about the better-or-worseness of this season compared to those past, and I’ve officially joined the ranks.  I just can’t remember a Spring as great as this one.

[. . . and another sign that I'm old:  As I write, iTunes just pulled up Carolina in My Mind by James Taylor.  Luckily, the next song in line is from Nickelback.]

Back When I Was A Kid (says the old man), portraits of kids or families were created in a studio.  We dressed in our Sunday best, and posed for the local Photographer.  Nowadays [another favorite word of old men], most of our family portrait work is outdoors.  So, in a bold move to combine the two generations of photography, we’re . . . combining them.  Melding?  Infusing?  Grafting?  Sorry, I just can’t think of the proper diction to convey the magnitude of the . . . magnitude-ness.  Whew.  I’m struggling today.

Sheree and I have purchased some superbly fantastic furniture over the last year.  Our living room showcases nice, but practical furniture [remember--3 people under 9-years-old live in my home.  And me].  Ironically, though, our garage is home to some fabulous antique couches and chairs!  You know how some folks have the “guest linens” for the bathroom, or they have the “good silverware” for entertaining?  We don’t.  However, we have the “guest furniture.”  Not that I’m bragging or anything, but who else does?  I’m writing this blog to invite you to be our guest.  We’ll roll out the “good furniture.”  We’ll actually roll it out at a marvelous location for portraits–2 old barns, a pond, spacious fields, Canada geese,etc.

As soon as Springtime in Arkansas ends, we do, too.  Not forever–we simply pack up and shoot in Destin, FL, all summer [and we've already bought more amazing antique furniture for our beach sessions].  I’ll also be attending a week of Photographer’s training soon, which further limits my time in the next month.

So capture this time in your family’s history with a fresh portrait, during one of the greatest Springtimes this old man can recall. Call or email for our remaining appointments between APRIL 22nd through MAY 1st.  Since I’ll only shoot at the beginning or end of the day, our times are further limited.  [Not that you're asking, but 3 of those 10 sunset sessions are already booked.]  While this isn’t a Quick Pic, we have lowered our minimum order to $350.

You can email me at beyondphotography1@gmail.com, or call the studio:  501.766.5671.  I’ll look forward to seeing you soon.

Yours,

-mr. bill

P.S.  I know you’ve been dying to know, so I’ll tell you.  During the writing of this blog, I’ve also heard John Mayer, The Beatles, L.L. Cool J, Jon Gibson, Margaret Becker, Michelle Branch, Michael Buble, and I’m ending with Pachelbel–Canon in D [ironic that I think of this song when I used to shoot weddings, and I also shoot with a Canon.  And it's a 7D.]

Also:  No Canadian Geese were harmed in the writing of this blog.   I respect all things Canadian, especially their delicious bacon.

As the holidays approach [where did summer go?!!], my mind turns toward family gatherings.  If you’re like me, your holiday memories range from the sweetest moments of childhood to gatherings that even Clark Grizwold would find odd.  Whatever the case, I hope that this year’s holidays are your best yet.  Personally, I can’t wait to see Sheree’s elated Christmas joy when she opens her brand-spankin’-new vacuum!  Last year’s gift–a fresh ironing board and new iron–didn’t elicit the adoration that I’d hoped.  While I might not be too smart, I can learn from my mistakes.  I think she was disappointed that I didn’t spend more money on a finer household appliance.  So . . . if she’s not overwhelmed with this year’s gift, I suppose I’ll be buying her a new dryer [our washing machine is only about 3 years old].  That girl sure has it good.

Anyway–

Holidays remind us of what matters most–our Connections to God, family and friends.  Let me invite you to immortalize this season in your family’s life.  Portraits add warmth to your home, and yes, they make fabulous Christmas gifts.  However, I’d like you to schedule for a different reason [other than sending my own kids to college one day ].

Without question, there is one person in the world that I respect and admire more than anyone–my Grandfather, Billie Ramsey.  As a kid [only 17 years old] he helped liberate Europe during the Second World War.  After spending 14 months as a guest in POW camps, he narrowly survived a freezing march, when he and some buddies escaped [his first escape attempt, 2 days after capture, nearly cost him his life, and he still wears the stab wounds].  Upon returning, he married, graduated college, became a Teacher, then traveled the world in his career with Electric Cooperatives.  There’s much more to his resume than this, but I digress.

My grandparents lived a few years in Wisconsin when I was very young, and living in Arkansas [I think--maybe we were living in Iowa at the time].  My Grandparents always delighted in Christmas, showering their 2 kids and 4 grandkids with love, food, and gifts.  One particular year, I excitedly opened my gifts–next to the Christmas tree, snuggled in my long-sleeved pajamas.    The excitement of the day soon caught up with me, and I finally crashed into a nap.  Notably, I fell asleep in Grandpa’s lap, in the recliner, next to the tree.  Grandpa looked down at my sleeping face.  It’s the face that everyone compared to his, and now my oldest boy has the exact face of me, my dad, and Grandpa.  Grandpa chewed his unlit pipe–like he did most of my life.   As Grandpa and I both get older, there is something in each of us that will live in that moment forever.   That connection is one of the most profound connections of my life.

But it’s a connection that I don’t remember.

I have very few memories of that stage in life–I was really young.  The only reason that I “remember” that particular Christmas is because . . . you guessed it . . . my Dad snapped photos.  Thanks to my Dad, I have that connection for the rest of my life.  Truly–photographs profoundly tell the story of our lives.  They actually help to define who we are, and where we “fit” into our own lives.

So as you snap photos of your own, and as you commission a professional Photographer, remember the generational impact.  Not only are you celebrating your Connections today, you are honoring the connections growing in your kids’ lives.

I especially like tender, interactive Family Portraits in Black and White.  I like the timeless look.  So . . .

We’ll be shooting black and white portraits at Lads and Ladybugs Children’s Boutique, on JFK in North Little Rock.  [click here for directions and for a peek inside the store] We’ll be shooting 10 appointments [all the available time for one day] on September 26th.  2 of our appointments are already filled, so if you’d like to schedule, do it quickly.  Our standard Photo prices apply, this is not a Quick Pic, but we have reduced the minimum order to $250.  As always, if you would like to check out our prices, or see more of our work, check out our website:  www.beyond-photography.com.  Or you can do things the old-fashioned way:  give me a call:  501.519.7524.

Finally, if you’d like a little inspiration, and see the connections that others have commemorated, click below for a fabulous slideshow that Sheree whipped up.  I’ll look forward to talking soon.

Yours,

mr. bill

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.

One of the great joys at Beyond Photography is the pleasure of creating maternity portraits.  Those who know me will tell you:  “Mr. Bill loves pregnancy!”

Like most men, I’m delightfully mystified by the wonder of femininity.  When I see an expecting mother, though, my child-like wonder turns to speechless awe.  I believe that God crowned the beauty of creation with the female form. He really outdid Himself! As if that were not enough–

the elegant beauty of pregnancy . . . I think that’s God’s way of showing off.

Kathryn and Heath recently invited me to share in their joy.  It was my pleasure to create a maternity album for them.  The album features the highlights of their session . . . and what a session it was!  They’re such a fun couple, and great with a camera.  We had a great time talking about their dreams of bringing home their first baby, and I loved recalling some of the joys that Sheree and I shared with our new babies.

As of this writing, the happy couple is now the happy trio!  They brought home a dashingly handsome pair of puffy cheeks, attached to a crazy-handsome little boy, Kale.  When Sheree and I delivered their album and portraits, Kathryn asked me the most foolish of questions . . .

“Do you want to hold him?”

OF COURSE I DO!!!!!!!!!!!

What a sweet little boy.  God outdoes Himself again.