In that same blog, I promised to introduce you to the REAL TILEGUY . . . here is the Sohlman with his beautiful bride, Kim.

Kim & the Sohlman

In a remarkable act of courage, or lapse in judgement, Steve Sohl hired a dumb college grad–me.  When I heard “ceramic tile,” I didn’t know exactly what that was.  Glass Blocks?  Travertine?  Huh?  Conversely, I had become INTIMATELY familiar with the words “unemployed for the last several months.”  I quickly proved myself as a guy really good at picking up stuff and carrying it to somewhere else.  It was October of 1995, and it began one of the absolute best seasons in my life.  I learned more in the few years AFTER college than I could have ever imagined!  While teaching me the trade that he’d learned from his Dad and Grandfather, Steve and I became great friends.  Steve and Kim also introduced me to a strange and mysterious place:  the world of the small business owner.

So now, 16 years later, Steve and I are still close friends.  And I’m excited to introduce you to his newest baby–HIS BRAND-SPANKIN’-NEW WEBSITE!  If you can look past the lackluster photography, you’ll see some really spectacular work from a few of Steve’s homes.  [Steve found a really cheap Photographer that agreed to spend a day shooting in exchange for Izzy's tamales and a brew.]

If you’d like to turn your home into a work of art, give Steve a call.  If you tell him exactly what you’d like, he and his guys will create something great for you.  If you bring Steve in, and ask for his input on your new home/remodel, you’ll get something astounding! [Sohlman has been in this business all of his life.  VERY FEW folks have seen the wonderful stone creations that he has.]

Click on www.sohltile.com and see the work of a real artisan.  And if you tell him that mr. bill sent you . . . he might even charge you an extra 12%.

“What do your Christmas cards look like?”

Here’s a preview of the designs that Sheree has baked up for this year.  If you haven’t scheduled your appointment yet, THE TIME IS NOW!  Our fliers are hitting mailboxes today and tomorrow, so the phone is getting hot.  Remember that we’re scheduling full sessions and Quick Pics with and without Santa.  We’ll be in Chenal Downs November 5-8; and in Pine Bluff November 20-21.

I was finishing a session this morning [you'll see some of those images later tonight], accompanied by Sheree and the other woman in my life.  As Sheree directed the family, my Bella demanded, “Dad!  Take a picture of me!”

My session this morning was fantastic!  Honestly–not every session is a home run, but my last two surely have been.  As great as the family looked this morning . . . this is my favorite from the day.  This is my other woman.  She couldn’t be any better . . . .

dad's little love

The food was delicious [good enough that I stopped to eat . . . I RARELY eat when I'm working a wedding], the flowers were amazing, the venue was perfect, great music . . . it was quite an affair!  Only one thing tried to dampen the day . . . the rain.

Everytime Sheree and I shoot a wedding, we can’t help but think back to our own wedding day.  Seeing a young couple about to start a new phase in life is exciting, nostalgic, fun . . . .   Sheree and I always laugh at ourselves.  On one hand, it seems like a few weeks ago when we wed, but moreso, it feels like we’ve always been together [March 2010 will be 10 years].  I’m sure if you ask Sheree, it feels like AN ETERNITY that she’s been with me. 

I guess that I am getting older, because weddings are starting to have another meaning to me.  Not only do I look back to my own wedding, now I look to the future to 3 other weddings–my own kids’.  I laugh to think about my goofy boys in tuxedos, sweating and nervous as their groomsmen heckle.  I wonder where the venue will be, and pray that I totally love the girls about to enter the family.  Maybe I’m old-fashioned, or sexist, or whatever,

. . . but I don’t laugh when I think about Bella’s wedding. That, for whatever reason, seems like a terrible day to me.  I hate to think of the day when I ask her, “Who’s your number 1 fan?!” and she doesn’t answer “Daddy!!!” Yet I still hope that someone else is her number 1 fan [though I'll always be the original fan, and the first man to hold her].

With every wedding, there is always one or two things that stand out in my mind, and with Jessica’s, it was obvious to me.  I’ve known Jess and her parents for several years now.  She’s the only child.  While we were shooting, one of those beautiful, tender [heart-breaking for me!] moments unfolded.  If there’s one photo that captures the wedding for me, a dad who’ll one day have to give his daughter’s hand away, this was the one.

]]> http://blog.beyond-photography.com/jessica-and-jake-are-married/feed/ 1 http://blog.beyond-photography.com/vacation-memories-first-trip-to-the-ocean/ http://blog.beyond-photography.com/vacation-memories-first-trip-to-the-ocean/#comments Tue, 28 Apr 2009 20:01:07 +0000 Mr. Bill http://blog.beyond-photography.com/?p=421 As time passes, the memory for us 39-and-some-change-somethings tends to show signs of wear-and-tear, but some of my fondest memories are that of the surf, the sand and the sun (oh yeah, and the burn!). On our last trip to Florida, my husband (Don), daughter (Grace) and I enjoyed Sand Destin (one of my favorite places). Of course, my then four-year-old loved the sand, but was terrified of the water. I think I am still suffering a slight hearing loss in my left ear from her louder than usual screams of “No, Mamma, No!” However, it did not scar her from making her regular request of “I want to go to Florida.” The food is incredible – Harbor Docks, Pompano Joe’s and that place Bill and Sheree recommended of which the name escapes me, but it was something like Bay Steamer– wonderful food. Our highlight of course, was not just being in Florida, but when we were able to see the awesome photos Bill captured while we were in Florida.

As usual, Bill Ramsey, photographer-extradordinaire (sp?), captured the very essence of our family. Especially our daughter, Grace, who thinks “Mr. Bill” and “Ms. Sheree” hung the moon and the stars! Every time I look at that photo hanging in our living room, I will remember just how special that trip was. Not just because it was Florida, but it was also a first for Grace. The first time she felt the salt on her lips, made a sand castle, was buried in the sand, and yes, got in the ocean (drama and all). For Grace is our most treasured gift from God and you only experience a “first” once. Thanks, Bill.

For us the most memorable part of our trip to Destin was just some of the most simple things, i don’t think i’ll ever forget walking into our hotel after the long drive from Arkansas and being met with the smell of the salt water and sand and the sight of everyone already in “vacation mode” walking around the lobby in their bathing suits, it was like “instant relaxation”.

But one of the most special memories we have is actually so small but it was just sitting on our beachfront balcony every day, there was such a sense of peace and tranquliity as we sat on our balcony to eat lunch or dinner, to relax after being on the beach or while our daughter took her nap. Even now when i’m feeling stressed or anxious i close my eyes and imagine that i’m on our balcony watching the crystal blue waves rolling onto the sand and hearing the gentle swish, swish, swish of the ocean.

And without a doubt having our portraits done on the beach was so incredible, everytime i look at our huge family portrait on my wall i go back to that day and how much fun it was and how special i felt to be having my pictures taken in such a gorgeous place with such nice people.

I remember a storm was brewing so there was a risk of lightning strikes but the sky was such a gorgeous shade of gray blue and we didn’t mind the risk because the shots we were getting were so pretty.

I can’t wait to go back to Destin and have our portraits done again especially now that we’ve added another member to our family since our last trip! –christina

I’m angry!  Facebook is so overtly gender-biased, I cannot believe more people aren’t rioting!  There should be an angry mob somewhere, right now, hurriedly snatching pitchforks and torches, yelling unintelligibly as they storm towards a locked castle.  The creators of Facebook have obviously tampered with the “photo” feature.  It must be some sort of Photoshop filter.

I’ve reconnected with several faces from my past, and I’ve noticed the same thing.  The young ladies I used to know in HS and College are now beautiful, elegant ladies.  They look great!!  The young dudes that I used to know way back when . . . Well . . . . They all tend to look . . . .

Like me.

Birthdays aren’t kind to us all.

For years now, I’ve been firmly convinced:  “Tall, Dark, and Handsome” is going by the wayside.  The beautiful, elegant ladies of today, I know, are much more smitten with “Bald, Pasty, Pudgy.”  Granted, I haven’t seen any real evidence of my theory, but I know within my overweight heart that it’s true.

For those of you unconvinced, let me offer proof!  I recently created some photos of a guy, celebrating his birthday, and he gladly took off his shirt.  Yeah–he’s got some pudge, but he knows there’s no shame there.  He inspired me.  True–he’s not exactly bald [especially compared to some of us], and he’s not that pasty, but he’s proud of the pudge.  He’s a leader among men.  Click the video link below to see about 30 seconds of this handsome fellow.

By the way . . . If I haven’t seen you there, find me on www.facebook.com.  Search for Bill Ramsey.