Grant ~ def.:"Great."

I agree.
With the meaning of his name, that is.
He is truly a wonderful, and great individual, with much talent and a blessed family! Enjoy these images of Grant's Senior photo session!

Introducing... Carla!

I so love her sweet, sweet smile, and deep brown eyes. She places great value on her family heritage, and the things that matter most in life. And well, quite frankly, any girl who loves Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, and actually brings a copy of this book to her senior photoshoot, is a girl after my own heart.      

I try very hard to make sure every photo session is different. Different locations, poses, props, etc... but one thing is for sure:  whether I try hard or not, every photo session has it's own set of challenges. This particular evening, we started shooting with lots of sun in the the sky, and just a few fluffy white clouds. Within minutes, though, ONE cloud crept in, and it rained. And we waited. and it rained some more. You know - it was one of those sun shining while it's coming down kind of rains. So, we did headshots on the porch... & found a fun umbrella and did this...

Gotta be flexible, people. Sometimes things just don't go the way you plan, and you have to come up with something else - and I just LOVE the way that something else turned out!

Rarely does this girl not smile... but I do love this one very thoughtful expression...

I hope you enjoyed a peek at Carla's photos! And please, if you are needing your family photos or senior or baby/child session done this Fall, please contact me ASAP. Time slots are filling up FAST! 

Survivor Photo Shoot ~ "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer"

I want to write while this is all still fresh on my heart. This particular evening was a tremendous blessing to me, on several levels. Let me explain.

This was a photo shoot designed to capture the beauty of 5 lovely ladies who have battled, or are still battling breast cancer. Not too long ago, Kim, from Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, emailed me and asked if I could help out with this. I must admit, I did hesitate... I am busy these days. And the turn around for the photos is super fast - but I said yes. You see, I lost my Daddy to brain cancer almost 12 years ago in August, and although I have wanted to do something to get involved, I just haven't  - till now. And I know that taking pictures last night does not help brain cancer fighters, but it's CANCER... I don't care what part of the body it invades. It's bad, it must be fought, and it must be overcome. Sadly, my Dad didn't get to fight his cancer for very long. From diagnosis to his final going home was only about 4 weeks. I don't know why we didn't have to opportunity to really go to war against this invader, but according to a plan already laid out by God, our family had a short journey in our battle.
Getting involved to help others is about the only thing I can do now.  So, when I was approached to do this, I just had to say, "YES!"

We had very enjoyable time getting to know each other on this hot, July evening. We decided to do pretty, outdoor, summery photos for this fabulous group of 5 women.  When the ladies began to arrive, I had my kitchen filled with refreshments and snacks (thanks Mom!!)...   they each needed a little time to share a bit about who they are, and where they came from. Val, Debra, Gail, Melanie, and Tina. Each with an individual journey. Each with a story of survival to share. It even turned out that Val was a student of Gail's ~ way back when...
There were only a couple of tears, but lots of laughter in the works for this evening. There is a matter-of-fact spirit that I noticed, each just shared openly  - "this is how I dealt with it, this is where I am now.." all that good stuff. But the overwhelming thing about each lady was a positive spirit. Evidence, that a merry heart does make good like a medicine! (Proverbs 17:22)

I can't say enough, how wonderful and inspiring this photo project was for me to do. I am reminded that, cancer or no cancer, we have been given the gift of a certain number of days on this Earth. Are we using them wisely? Are we loving on our family? Are we enjoying what we do for a living? Are we making a difference in someone else's day? Are we laughing?? I'm all for that last one... There may be dark valleys along the way & I've been through some of those myself, in different ways. My precious Momma has fought a different health battle, but she is a survivor too. So, I guess I've been reminded of something here:  we don't just survive to get through it - we survive for a reason:  to inspire and bless others... kinda like these ladies just did for me.

Abby Stuck ~ Class of 2014

Watch her video...

Abby Stuck ~ Class of 2014

 I totally enjoyed spending time with this jewel of a Senior... She is talented, joyful, giving of her time and energies, & she is a runner, too! Amazing & wonderful. I'm so thankful she is a good friend to my girl, too! Enjoy your photos, Abby!

Abby Stuck ~ Class of 2014

8 Weeks to Fitness!

This blog is obviously not entirely about photography, it is also very personal. Dig back through the archives and you'll see what I mean. So, once again,  I am going to be transparent here and totally open up to what's going on in my head these days. You may just discover that you can relate...

The GOAL is set. Incentive is chosen. Now is the time to put action to this plan. I may choose to share the details of this goal later in my fitness journey, but for you that really doesn't matter. We each are different. We have different health needs, different schedules, and different strengths & weaknesses. What matters is that I take action and do something. And I must succeed. Whether or not I achieve my goals is entirely based on consistency and accountability - thus I blog. I know the good habits that need to be embraced. I've read the books, watched the news, & started countless times.  Why will this time be different?  I want it badly enough. Plus the incentive is pretty nice.
    In case you are wondering what I'll actually be doing, here is my plan for July 7th - Sept 1...

#1 ~ God is always concerned most with our hearts... so I'll start there ~ Get in the WORD. The first & most important part of total body fitness is what's going on inside the heart. If this doesn't work right, many negative issues will develop.  If you disagree with this, it's OK, feel free to skip ahead. But please, hear me out. I plan to read, memorize, & pray daily. Truth is, I am so dependent on God that I don't want to skip an opportunity to spend time with Him. He is real, and He is good.  I believe in him and I believe He has something to say.  I find that in the Bible, and it does apply to me, to all of us, today.  So  #1 in this plan, GET IN THE WORD & get to know more of God.

#2 ~ Exercise every day. Often 2x per day. Record all my activities in Runkeeper.
          Cardio: walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, etc...
          Strength training: Ab work, push ups, & free weights. Also I do love yoga!

#3 ~ Nutrition:  1200 calories (or less) a day.  {this is hard for me!}
                         Record everything in the app My Fitness Pal -
                         Utilize the rules in Jumpstart To Skinny by Bob Harper for 3 weeks.
                         Go with organic & whole foods as much as possible.
                         Limit carbs to things like fruits, nuts, quinoa, & oatmeal.
                         Take a good multi vitamin.
                          Drink LOTS of water daily!

Now, for my own little pep talk  ~ this is an 8 week plan! This is the best time of the year to get healthy, work out in the wonderful warm weather, and eat the wonderful fruits and veggies of the season! I can do this. Every time I want to be lazy or indulge in wedding cake, I will think of my prize that is waiting.  
     That prize is both tangible, as well as sentimental. But even if there was no carrot dangling before me, the benefits of accomplishing these goals are personal.  Good health is a GIFT. Every breath I have is made possible by my Father in Heaven. I want to be able to do great things for Him well into my old age.  So I need to be taking care of this body and this mind now.  My soul is sustained and fed by Him & only through Him can I accomplish anything at all in this life.

      Walk with me on this journey? Pick your plan, set your goals, and do it today! 

                       

Rocky's Italian Restaurant Branson, MO

Dining Review:
While enjoying a day in Branson yesterday, my husband and I stumbled into Rocky's Italian Restaurant right by the Branson Landing, to try a new place in Branson for our anniversary - only to discover that they have been there for 32 years (longer than we've been married:)! They must be doing something right...  I loved the atmosphere, not fancy, but not too Branson Redneck. We visited on a Saturday evening at 5:30pm, were seated easily, and the service was excellent. Bread was soft and warm, with olive oil and vinegar already on the table (thank you!). The house salad was so good I wish I could have 2 of them, just wonderful! I chose the Chicken Scallopini, and my husband went with the Chicken Picatta, both were $14.95 which included a pasta side, the bread and salad. As far as the main entree is concerned, we both loved it, but noticed they were almost identical in flavor. Both sauces were great, but could've had more kick. The fettucini was creamy thick, and the linguini with marinara was just perfect. Great food, for a great price, I highly recommend trying out this time tested restaurant in the heart of Branson, right next to the Branson Landing. I will most certainly visit again soon.

Kristyn Young ~

A couple of weeks ago, we had a beautiful summer evening session with the incredible Kristyn Young ~  I just finished editing all the pictures and wanted to share a fun little video before the gallery is ready! Just click on her name and ENJOY!

Tea Room Junkie

I must admit, I am addicted. I'd go to a "Tea Room" every day for lunch if I could... And this one still stands as my favorite overall Tea Room anywhere. It's called Spring Creek Tea Room and it's in the heart of Ozark, MO, just off the West side of the square.
 If you have been so blessed as to have eaten there, you know that they are known for their amazing cakes - made fresh every day, and in every imaginable variety. This pic below is my standard fare, and although I have strayed several times for a taste of something else, I keep coming back to this half sandwich with everything on it and the half salad. "Half??" I eat the sandwich first, and then dump my salad on the big plate so I can enjoy it even more! It's no piddly little 1/2 salad, that's for sure. And oh, that raspberry citrus vinaigrette! Yumm... It is the best value around, as far as tea rooms are concerned. (Entree's under $10) A must try here is the Strawberry soup and dessert! Be prepared to wait a bit, but it's located in a huge antique store, so it's easy to pass the time :)

I couldn't find a website, but here is the address:  107 S 3rd St, Ozark – (417) 582-1331

Not too long ago, I visited a really incredible place - no, it's not a Tea Room - it's FRENCH! I will go back, this time armed with my camera, and fill you in on the best kept secret of SW Missouri! Check back here for that one!

Broadening the Blog

I don't seem to blog very often these days, although I have somewhat interesting thoughts and complete articles swimming around in my head constantly... I just don't seem to find the time to write. But the other day I posted something on Facebook that really is where I am: "A good thought, never expressed, no matter how sincere, true, or profound it may be... Holds no bearing on others, brings no change, nor warms a heart. It's time to speak up and get it out there." I do have lots to talk about, and so much to share. It really doesn't bother me if people are reading it or not, but I do hope, that if you are here, you will be glad you came, for whatever reason. Maybe it's to check out my latest favorite shot - shown below - or to get a little information on various topics ranging from photo tips, to travel, God topics, to parenting and life... This blog used to be anything and everything, and while it's interesting to some, and not so much to others, it's like a virtual scrapbook for me. And I'm good with that! So I'm opening it back up - mostly photography, yes, but other stuff, too... Restaurant reviews, places to visit, vacation, what I am learning through Scripture, health, and (gasp) maybe even a recipe once in awhile. It is time to speak up and share more with those around me, virtually and especially literally. One status update or 140 character post doesn't cut it - I am a woman, yes. Typically I don't share my opinion, but maybe this comes with a little age... I am committing to speak the random "ya know, I really do think you're amazing," tell my husband more often how incredible he is to me, and talk about various matters going on inside this brain. So, welcome back to LIFE THRU MY LENS. ~Teri Here is my latest favorite shot - taken just yesterday in Ozark, MO. For more previews of this incredible photo shoot, visit my Facebook Page!

Sam Stiles!

All I can say is... WOW. This girl is just amazing, and so wonderful to work with! I just love the confidence in her eyes, and it especially shows in this first image. Enjoy a little preview of her session this past weekend!

Editing Fun!

OK... I am still using Photoshop CS4- but as of today, I'll have the newest version known to man. So far, that is. I got to photograph this Senior's older sister about 2 1/2 years ago, and at that time I think I edited her entire session with iPhoto. True confessions of a photographer just starting out, huh? I have learned a lot in the last 3 years, I've read everything I can, taken seminars, and scoured the internet for tutorials. I believe I can learn just about anything if I have a good night sleep and the desire to figure it out! So did ya catch the difference in these 2 shots above? A huge shout out to Sam for being brave enough to have me take her picture even when there's a pack of guys just behind her having a splash in the fountains. I guess it'd be worse, though, if they were amazingly cute guys!
Ok, so here is another fun thing... As I mentioned, I took Senior pics for her older sister, and I have used this shot below numerous times to depict how life is a journey, starting that journey, a new chapter, etc... So we did it again! This time it's Sam's turn, and I think we got it about right! The first image below was edited in CS4, and taken just this past weekend... the last shot was from over 2 years ago and totally edited in iPhoto. Tell me what you think!

PS - there are amazing photos of Sam coming up! She has the most incredible eyes, just like her sweet Momma and older sis...

Carter~Miller Wedding... Hurricane Who??

Congratulations to Molly Carter & Derek Miller!! Meet this incredible couple who just got married last Saturday in the midst of a steady, but much needed rain. "Isaac" was the name... "Hurricane Isaac," that is. And while his arrival finally brought some relief to the devastating drought here in the Ozarks, he was a bit unwelcome at the Carter homestead on the North edge of Springfield. Fortunately, the ceremony was indoor, at the Drury Stone Chapel, but the reception was in a barn and under a tent. Handling all that expensive camera equipment, umbrellas, and soggy shoes was a bit of a challenge, yes, but I'm convinced that nothing could've dampened everyone's spirits! That was truly one of the most fun weddings I have ever been to or photographed. So just enjoy this little peek at the wedding photos... I'm still going through the many, many shots, and my list of favorite images is getting really long! I can post more pictures soon (DANCING!), but this is a little preview of what's to come!
Molly & Derek ~
You are an amazing couple and I'm sure there will be years of blessings ahead for you two. I have loved working with you and getting to know your families. What a crazy group! Seriously, you guys are so blessed. :)

Gauldin Family!

Such a joy to get to know this family over the past year! What a cutie that Easton is! He is a whopping 18 months old now, I met him when he was just a little blonde headed baby with a very proud big sister. I am creating a video slidewhow of our sessions, and will post that here very soon - till then!

"What I Know" ~from Duke

I'm just a dog, yes. But I understand things. Probably more than any of you realise. You see, I can think, feel emotions, and yes, I do feel pain. That's actually what brings my story to this page. I was in lots of pain, and my people, well, they tried their best. But I'd like for them to know, that even though I'm just a dog, I did know. For example, I knew these words:

"Duke" - this is the first word I ever learned. A pretty lady with bright eyes and light hair, she called me this when I was really little and everyone has called me this since. She taught me to be good, and run, and bring her a tennis ball over and over and over again. So, when I hear "Duke!" it always means something good. "Duke!" I get to go somewhere. "Duke!" I run to whoever says this to me and I get a treat, loved on, or my ears scratched. I think they say it is my name.
"Sit" - now this one I know, I put my backend to the ground & get a treat. Nuff said.
"Stay" - oh I'm not so fond of this word, but I do it anyway. I hear it and force myself to obey. And I heard more often, lately, when my people would go on their runs without me. Its ok, though. It really was hard on my old legs.
"Come" - now this words gets me going! Sometimes, I get to jump in the big red truck and go to town and sit under a big desk at the office, sometimes I get to go on a hike, sometimes it just means I get to sleep inside. Oh yes, I like this word...
"Down" - I was taught to be a very mannerly and good lab, so I know to never jump on people or up the couches unless I was first invited. But I was an extra-good dog.

This is not a word, but I know it really well:
THE RED LEASH - I'm going runnin!!!! And before that silly cow hurt my leg, I was really good at this.
MY BOY - they call him "Nathan." He was the first one in my new family to throw a stick for me, he begged for them to adopt me, & then he took care of me. Nathan gave me lots of ear scratches, he let me sleep by his bed every night. He even used my body for a pillow when he and other boys like him would sit in front of a huge glowing screen & laugh and play games. I would do anything for this boy and he would do anything for me. His voice is the last thing I ever heard, his touch was the last thing I felt. I rested my chin on his knee, felt his tears on my head, and went to sleep. And that was all. I think I had the best boy ever.
So you see, I knew things. It was real, and it was good. My mom owner says that God is real too. This God created all living things and there is nothing made that He didn't make. So I'm included in that, too. God made me, a black Labrador Retriever named "Duke," and I was a unique gift, of sorts, to my family back on Earth.

This is when I first became Nathan's friend ~ he was so good to me, right from the start!