I did an assignment for Reynolds Plantation yesterday that was right up my alley: I got to roam through the woods! Georgia Department of Natural Resources Botanist Greg Krakow led members of Reynolds on a "wildflower walk" along a trail off Lake Oconee. We didn't see many in bloom, but I wanted to share a few favorites because nature makes me so happy. So peaceful, so calming. : )
All photos courtesy Reynolds Plantation.
Let me let y'all in on a little secret: public speaking isn't one of my most favorite things to do. My heart beats a little faster. My palms get a little more sweaty. My brain works a million more times a second... you get the picture. : ) So, when one of my friends (who is also a school counselor) asked me to speak at Auburn Elementary's Career Day to over 100 second graders about why I love my job, my first thought was: "Oh goodness...no!" Then I placed aside my panic to remember my mantra (borrowed from my yoga instructor), which is currently: "let go, fear less and love more." With a nod to the "fear less," I told myself that I needed to get out of my comfort zone more (= out from behind my camera). I realized that being able to describe why I love my job to second graders isn't that much different than what I say when I speak to prospective clients. It's pretty simple: I love telling peoples' love stories.
All in all, speaking to the kids at Career Day was extremely rewarding! They were so inquisitive and full of energy. Some had ideas of what they want to be when they grow up (most popular answer: pro athletes), and some didn't. I encouraged them to keep an open mind always and to constantly work hard at everything. I shared some of my favorite photos (set to music by Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift -- crowd favorites!) and even did a demonstration at the end of how to take a good photograph. Hopefully the students got something out of my short time with them. Even if something I shared about my experiences made only a couple of them think about something they hadn't considered before, that's good enough for me. : )
[Since schools are strict about photographing kids, I wasn't able to take photos for my blog... but I did grab this frame the other day and it made me think of how I loved to blow dandelions as a kid!]
I try and do at least one nonprofit shoot a year and this one just screamed to me. I was born a preemie (along with my twin, Heather), and I've never actually visited a NICU before. I had the opportunity and highest privilege to photograph some beautiful preemie babies over the holidays, because Melissa - a past bride of mine - contacted me about photographing at the NICU where she works. She thought it would be great for the families who can't take their babies home from the hospital over the holidays. I think the world of Melissa and what she devotes to her job and these gorgeous children. A direct quote from this superstar woman: One of the many reasons why I love working for the March of Dimes is because I'm surrounded by people who are passionate about seeing a world where every baby is born healthy. Along with the shoot, I'd also like to donate $1 per comment on this post to the March of Dimes (similar to my Cans for Comments last year), so please... comment away! And without further adieu, let me introduce these adorable bundles of light...
***Update: I've had such an overwhelming response of comments, that I need to cap my donation at $50. I really appreciate everyone visiting, and I'm so touched by all the comments. Thank you!!!***
First up, we have Ja Michael, who is "dog gone cute" ... : )
He didn't like it so much when we took his pacifier out. : )
Next, we have Cameron, the "Little Surf Dude." Don't you love that he's already throwing the peace sign?!
The nurses in the NICU are quite extraordinary...
Cameron wasn't at his best health when we visited so we couldn't move him around, but his little legs were kickin' the whole time! Future soccer player? : )
Next we have a preemie who was getting discharged with her mother that evening (and I didn't catch her name):
Such a cute little yawn. I'm dying!!!
And lastly, we have twins - Khalen & Kahlil - who had been in the NICU since September 11th. Their mom was there visiting with them:
So precious.
Thanks again to Melissa for asking me to step into the lives of these beautiful babies!
I've shot some events and done some commercial work for Reynolds Plantation this year, and I wanted to share some of my favorite frames... These are from the kids camp during the summer -- complete with golf, tennis & arts 'n crafts!
A few from the Plantation Clubhouse new menu tasting:
A "wine & cheese" art gallery event:
And fall/holiday decor:
How ADORABLE are these handmade pine cone carolers? I am totally going to make some when I find the time...
... all photos courtesy of Reynolds Plantation.
On one of my recent shoots in Athens, I shot this frame and have been meaning to share it. I thought this was the perfect day. : ) I am so thankful for everything in my life... including my fiance, my family, my friends, my pups... and quiet, serene mornings like this. Little moments like this help me to remember to slow down and take in the beauty and awe of the universe. Yesterday I did yoga for the first time in months, and my teacher shared this meditation about cultivating gratitude. I wanted to pass it along and quote the last phrase of the text by Eckhart: "If the only prayer you said in your whole life was ‘thank you,’ that would suffice."
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