It's definitely fall

So yes that is me at a faculty meeting. I was just simply posing for the camera-some people were not amused.

Currently, besides being awesome, I am back in the state of Tennessee working in Big Orange Country in the School of Music. It's kind of like a recruiter but also a retainer (no not from your orthodontist) but trying to keep kids here. One of the best perks of the job is wearing orange almost 90 % of the time. Unlike the outfit in the photo, I do wear orange most days.

In addition to my job, my boss found out that I do some photography. Well that's all I've been doing that past two weeks.

 

Alright that's enough for today.
Peace yo!

It's SPRINGTIME!!! (kinda)

So I thought I would start my blog with one of my most recent shoots! Saying that, photography is coming along. Now that it is getting warmer, more people want their pictures taken, so that is fun for me. I also had a shoot in Memphis with a friend I met in the band at UT. It went really well. If you were to look at the entire session we did, you wouldn't think it took place in Memphis because of the beautiful fields and fences.

  Well that's all for today folks! It's a short post, but I will update you again soon!

........

    So far, things in 2013 are going well. I have been playing a ton of tennis (at least 3x a week), started taking a photography class, and really getting involved in our church.
    Through tennis, I have made some great friends-one of which I have a lunch date with tomorrow. It's nice that through this sport, I have access to this community of ladies that have the same interest as I do. Some of these ladies want me to set up a time to do their family portrait. So word is spreading about LTB photography but it is a slow process being out in Arkansas.
     Speaking of photography, Chad and I went to a bridal fair two weeks ago just to check out the photography booths. We got some good ideas of what to do and what not to do-decor wise and handout wise. Looking at the pictures these photographers had done, made me realize that I could have set up a booth there-if I had a better portfolio of brides. Maybe next year!
     In regards to our church, things are going well. I go to a ladies small group and Chad and I go to a newly weds small group. Next Sunday we are supposed to eat lunch with the pastoral staff after church-so that will be good. It really helps to go the extra mile and get involved, otherwise you won't ever meet people. If all you do is walk into church right as it is starting and leave as soon as it's over you won't ever make RELATIONSHIPS. Although it is hard being a new person to the church, it is worth all the time you put into it. Now Chad and I are building a spiritual community-which as a Christian, is something we desperately needed.

Kicking off 2013!!!

Happy New Year!!! I hope everyone had a great holiday with their family. I know I did. Chad and I traveled back to Tennessee and spent about 9 days with friends and family. Christmas was awesome. This year I had the privilege of spending the holidays not only with my family, but with Chad's as well. Somehow we managed to get to everyone's event-aka, we did a lot of driving, but it was well worth it.

We also brought our newest addition to the family home with us to Tennessee-our Dachshund named Peanut. She did fantastic! It takes 12 hours to get from our home in Arkansas to our parents homes in Tennessee and she slept 85% of the car ride. When we did get to our parents homes, she smelled the place out and then showed her true colors-which is a cuddle bunny. She is now referred to by our parents as their "granddog."

As far the photography business is going, I had four amazing shoots while I was in Tennessee. One was a family Christmas shoot, another was an engagement session at The University of Tennessee, a kid session on the playground and finally, a senior portrait in the country. I have already edited two of the four and put them up on Facebook. I am pleased with how the business is doing. I'm planning on coming to Tennessee again in February and already have four shoots booked (and I haven't even advertised yet).

Below are a few of the pictures from a few sessions:

Meet Peanut Butter Brown

We got a dog! We were going to wait until after the holidays because we travel so much, but once we found her, we knew. As Chad and I were looking at the Bella Vista Animal Shelter, we saw this door that said, "employees only." Underneath the door, was this little snout. After asking the front desk about this door, we went in and saw her-a purebred Dachshund. When she snuggled with us for about an hour, we knew this was our dog, not because we chose her but she chose us. Her name is Peanut. Her full name is Peaunt Butter Brown. We have had her for about a week and she really is a wonderful dog!

In other news, I'm almost done with my Christmas shopping. For the first time, I did most of it online. What a difference! I may have just been transformed from a Black Friday shopper to a Cyber Monday one! The final gift I still have to get is the hubbys. His birthday was just a couple of weeks ago, so I feel like I have used all my good ideas already.

As far as the photography business is going, it is doing great! I'm doing an engagement shoot, a family session and a senior session at home over Christmas break! Although I am excited about taking and editing these pictures, I'm more excited that my general portfolio is getting bigger. I will keep you updated!

I hope everyone has a great holiday! Merry Christmas!

Pictures, pictures and more pictures!

For those of you wondering how my photography business is going, great is an understatement. I have done several 'couple' sessions, senior sessions, kid sessions and most recent, a bridal session. I love it! Here are just a few shots that are my favorite.
 Cady

Christen and Andy

 

The next thing on my list is to do a wedding. I am so excited about this adventure in my life. Starting in January, I am taking a photography class at the local community college, just for fun. If anything I will meet some people who have the same interest I do.

Just a few snapshots!

I went home this past week mainly for Nana's birthday but also to do some photo shoots! There is no better place than the beautiful mountains of East Tennessee to have as your background  with the leaves changing. First up was the amazing Sandra Swafford. We meet close to her home in Riceville, TN. The camera loved her, so she made my job easy.

There were so many great ones of Sandra, these are just a few. 

 

Love her laugh!

 

 Next up were the Keylon kids. They had almost had as much fun as I did taking their picture! Meet Seth, Jordan and Elijah.

Seth

Jordan

Elijah

I look forward to doing more shoots!