Pete and Tanner: May 2009

Reagan in Red... May 7, 2009

>> 2009-05-30 – Reagan- the one and only

Aven Tiller {newborn session April 30, 2009}

This family called for me to take newborn/family pics, and I was thrilled with the session.

They were a DREAM to work with... Mike, Audra, big sister Mia and their new beautiful baby Aven. We met at Riverwalk, my favorite, and they were so cooperative, laid back (obviously not new parents) and open for anything.

We had a PERFECT day and were able to turn out alot of great images.

Thanks Audra! Congrats!

Anna's graduation... April 29, 2009

The Family Business...Dogs! D'Tails & Paradise

>> 2009-05-17 – D'Tails Ladies, PawPaw's Paradise

I was thinking the other day, how proud I am of my parents. My parents built a FA-nominal business together, back before I was born, that still continues to be one of the largest kennels in Augusta. They truly had a vision, and so gracefully completed a dream that I will forever look up to them for fulfilling. 'Paradise' reminds me of what our family accomplished together, and I am so thankful for the sacrifices they made for us kids.

I love you Mom and Dad.

Paradise: House on left, Kennel entrance on right

Paradise: Kennel entrance

Back yard view from 3rd floor (barn in background)

My parents met in Arizona, married, and moved to Augusta to start their business. Dad started it all with one little tub and grooming table in a little shop named "It's a Dog's Life." He was actually living in the back of his little shop while he and Mom were dating, and decided to expand. They moved back to Augusta, and bought the land behind Grandma's house were Dad grew up. One wing at a time, they began constructing this monstrosity of a business with full bathing, boarding, grooming, and retail space. Dad currently has the kennel, (my parents separated way back @ 15 years ago) and Mom went on to start her little grooming shop, D'Tails.

Paradise: East Kennel

Paradise: North Kennel (for cats)

Paradise Kennels is around 25,000 square feet, and can house around 300+ dogs. I recently realized how truly enormous the kennel is when I went to take pictures for an advertisement for Dad. It was so normal to me growing up, but stepping back, WOW! It's huge! While MOST kids play hide-and-seek in their living room... we used and entire kennel and could play for hours. MOST kids ride their bikes in a tiny driveway, maybe on the street... we had an entire parking lot. MOST kids have a pet or two... we always had our pick of oh, say, ALOT of dogs and cats to play with, just a walk through the backyard.

D'Tails Pet Grooming:

When Mom left the kennel, she started up her own quaint little shop. She and Tracey (her best friend) have built their shop more for grooming, and not so much a kennel. It's around 4,000 square feet, and are about to expand their outdoor play-yard. They let the dogs roam during the day, and have a wonderful clientele base that love the small family enviorment.

'D'Tails Grooming'

D'Tails Staff April 2009

D'Tails Day-Care

Mom and Tracey

The best baby...

>> 2009-05-11 – Just Us

Well, I don't know what's average for babies when it comes to sleeping, but I think Reagan is close to perfect. I am SO thankful I tried getting her on a schedule when she was about 3 months old, because she is just about set to the clock. She takes 2 naps everyday (3 hours total) and sleeps from @8:45 pm STRAIGHT THROUGH till 8 am.

She's been on this schedule for the last few months and it has made her a much happier baby

(and a much happier mommy with uninterrupted sleep.)

Everytime I look at her it amazes me that I could love her anymore, and I continue everyday.

Breaking out... Finally! April 2009

>> 2009-05-06 – Photography

Well, I think everyone knows how much I enjoy photography. Other than my husband and Reagan, it truly is what I'm most passionate about. I am thrilled to announce that I have finally decided to start a little business. It all started when Mom gave me the Canon Rebel for Christmas in 1997, and I have had a camera on my hip ever since.

The last year especially I've been busy shooting weddings and things for family and friends, and have had inquiries from people wanting to 'book' me, and wondered why not? Camera in hand is where I'm most comfortable, and I have created my own style and way of working over the years that has me excited to take on this challenge. Experience working with people, and learning my own self worth is what has helped me become confident behind the lens. Of course I have learned from working at the studio all those years, but really, I don't plan on doing anything the same. I love being thrown into a new environment, forcing myself to create new compositions and see beauty in any given situation. Weather it be the relationship between a groom and his bride, or a mother and her newborn, I love putting emotions on paper without using any words. For me, priority is having someone remember the feeling and mood of an event instead of just 'who was there.' I look forward to the flexible hours I can work around, since I still plan on being a 'stay-at-home-mommy' for my Reagan. My family's support in this decision has meant everything to me, thank you.

Check it out! http://www.vivaphotos.blogspot.com/