Hot Days and Hurricanes

September 3rd, 2010

It’s that time of the summer again – at least for Floridians.  Storms quickly form and fly across the Atlantic leaving us guessing as to their path and strength.  This week we had Hurricane Earl – not that we actually had him, thank heaven.  He came just close enough to give the surfers a reason to skip class or call in sick at work.  I’m sorry for the folks who will suffer the damage from this latest hurricane, but like a magnet, I am pulled to watch his wrath as he sends his roaring waves upon our beaches.  So, on Thursday I grabbed my camera and headed to the St. Augustine Pier.  With the tide coming in fast, I shot a few images of the waves as they crashed upon the pilings and the rocks.  

Dramatic weather fascinates me – I admit it.  Snowy blizzards, hurricanes, big thunderstorms – as long as I’m out of harm’s way surely there’s a picture to be taken.

Stay dry and safe east coasters….Robin

Summer Love

August 25th, 2010

Summer afternoon – Summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language. — Henry James

Here in Florida, summer seems to go on nearly forever; the temperatures are still soaring, the humidity is still high, and the flowers are still blooming.  But here in my mind, summer is yawning and ready for sleep.  Fall - glorious and colorful is justing beginning to stir.  As Labor Day approaches I look back on the whirlwind of my summer; thinking of all the wonderful clients that I’ve met, the hundreds of images that I’ve taken, the gratitude that I’ve felt in doing a job that I dearly love. 

With thoughts of turning leaves, deeply hued mums, and homemade soup, I’m revisiting some of the summer images (and clients) that I’ve loved.  There was much to celebrate this summer – family; growing and loving – weddings; joyous and colorful – children; excited and fresh faced – travel; relaxing and wonderful.  To the new friends I made along the way – thank you for trusting me with your treasured photos.   And to the summer I’ve thoroughly enjoyed – thanks, I had a great time.

Enjoy….Robin

Engagements – the beginning of a new life – one that says “we” instead of “I.”

Weddings – intoxicating, fun, loving, and filled with the warmest wishes of family and friends.

Family - the celebration of all the best that life has to offer.

Loved ones – those that bring joy, kindness, and, tenderness to our lives.   They bring us the feeling that our hearts will burst with love.

Impressions – those lovely pictures that we all grab along the way…these said summer to me.

Love, Happiness, and Triplets

August 17th, 2010

I tiptoed in with small quiet steps.  I held my breath and only spoke in whispers.  I stared, I teared up, I said a prayer, and then I smiled – really smiled – big and joyous, relieved and so happy.  I was in the NICU in a Washington, D.C. hospital with my daughter, Casey, and her husband, John.   There before us were their triplet daughters; Carson Estelle, Beatrice Lee, and Ellis Casey.  As they slept peacefully in their incubators, I marveled at these three tiny angels. 

Beyond the babies I saw my daughter’s radiant smile, and her husband’s tender heart.  I saw unbelievably dedicated nurses, brilliant doctors, and state-of-the-art equipment.  I saw the miracle of three beautiful girls born at 29 weeks and the amazing NICU that was keeping them stable.  And I saw the birth of a new and powerful love in the eyes of Casey and John - a love that can only come from seeing the birth of their daughters.

The following images are the tiniest sample of the many pictures I took.  In the interest of privacy and delicacy, I’ve only shown a few discreet images of the girls as per their parents’ request.  In the next few months or so they will be off their ventilators, and free of the tubes and wires.  In the meantime, enjoy the images of a mother’s love, a father’s pride, and a few sweet teasers of the girls.

Thankful and blessed….Robin

Tiny hands, tiny toes, and a grandmother’s hand gripped by tiny fingers.

A gift and flowers to Casey from John…a loving husband with three more ladies to shower his affections on.

Belly Laughs and Mr. Sandman

August 6th, 2010

Clara Louise smiles a lot.   And if you sing the lyrics from the 1954 hit single, Mr. Sandman, she’ll squeal and throw back her head and give you belly laughs.  And, for wee Clara it never gets old!  Her mom, (my daughter, Connor), can sing that song a hundred times and it always works.  So guess what?  When we shot pictures of Clara we sang Mr. Sandman a million a hundred times!

It was worth it since Clara was at that wonderfully photogenic age of 7 months.   She has such an easy disposition that she can cut teeth, sit up, crawl, and try new foods all within two weeks and never miss a beat.   Following her around hour after hour was a joy even if we did sing the same song over and over!

So here’s to Mr. Sandman and the power to make a baby smile.

Enjoy….Robin

Something Wonderful – Vanessa and David’s Wedding

August 2nd, 2010

There’s something wonderful about a bride and groom who want to elope.  That mad, crazy, spontaneous, let’s-do-it-now kind of love is fun and totally romantic.  And – since Ian and I eloped, I get it.   And, there’s also something wonderful about flying from New York City to quaint St. Augustine, booking a fabulous B&B, and letting a perfect day unfold.

I was excited to shoot Vanessa and David’s wedding from the moment I drove up to The Cedar House Inn, a charming Victorian Bed and Breakfast.  Warmly greeted by Cindy, the proprietor, I loved the romance of this perfect wedding venue.   Up in her room, I found Vanessa dressed, ready, and simply gorgeous.  She was calm, poised, and one of the prettiest brides I’ve photographed.  Downstairs, David waited – handsome, smiling, and maybe a tiny bit nervous.

With storm clouds moving away, Vanessa and David were able to have their intimate ceremony in the front garden of roses and old shade trees.  Their eyes filled with tears as they spoke their vows, sliding rings on their fingers, and kissing once, twice, three times.  It was truly something wonderful.  But, for Vanessa and David, something even more wonderful will bless them later this year – a baby!  With their stunning good looks, I can only imagine how beautiful their child will be.

Thank you both for having me as your wedding photographer.  It was a pleasure to be a part of your let’s-do-it-now kind of love.

Enjoy….Robin

Of Love and Slow Dances

July 29th, 2010

  A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.   ~Mignon McLaughlin

Most of the time I blog about something new…the brand new life of a precious newborn…the feisty independence of the newly walking toddler…or those new tender moments of marital love between a husband and a wife on their wedding day.    Freshness, wonder, joy, and the delight in the newness of it all.

Today, I’m celebrating the not so new – but still fresh, wonderful, joyful, and delightful nevertheless.  Yesterday, my parents celebrated 60 years of marriage.  That seems such a long time – and it is.  It’s a long time to love, honor, and cherish the same person.  It’s a long time to know struggle, frustration, anger, and impatience.  But, it’s also a long time to know care, gentleness, kindness, devotion, and patience.   It’s a long time to face challenges, over come obstacles, celebrate victories, and share tears of happiness. It’s a long time to know how to work together, raise children together, plan together, care for illness together, and change together. And it’s a long time to love together for without the love, there is no together.  A long marriage is like a long slow dance – and anyone that knows my parents knows just how well they dance.

This is what 60 years of love looks like.  Enjoy….Robin

Patience

July 27th, 2010

She loves dirt and earthworms, swimming naked in the lake, and the feel of a freshly caught fish as it wiggles in her hands.  She loves all the Disney princesses, My Little Pony, and juicy watermelon.  She loves blueberry picking, french fries, and her little sister.  She loves naming the flowers in her Swedish grandmother’s enormous garden, and the fur of dairy goats and baby cows.  She loves going to camp, reading books, and singing along with Lady Gaga.

Anna loves just about everything life has to offer – with one big exception.  She doesn’t like having her picture taken.  How can that be?  I mean, she’s my granddaughter!  To know me is to know (and love) my camera – right?   So I had always hoped.  Anna has other ideas about photography – like it’s for other people, other siblings, other cousins. 

While visiting family in Vermont last week I had visions of finally getting Anna to look my way, grant me my most fervent wish, and smile.  I stalked her, I bribed her, I begged her, and what did I get?  A chance to really use the delete button on my camera.  But, I perservered.  Each day I  would capture an image or two worth keeping – something that showed her personality if not the perfect soulful gaze I longed for.

Finally, late one evening as I was taking pictures of others, I saw Anna from the corner of my eye.  She was posing – not for me you understand – just striking a perfectly wonderful pose as she watched the other children playing in the garden.  Click – I got her!  And there was my soulful, innocent, expressive Anna. 

Enjoy the beauty of Vermont, the sweetness of a granddaughter, and the reward of patience….Robin

More of the “P” Family on St. Augustine Beach

July 24th, 2010

After a wonderful but way-to-brief family vacation, I’m finally catching up on my editing.  I previewed the “P” family last week – fun and sweet folks from Oklahoma City.  I love when a family works so well together, clearly having fun with their photo shoot.  And check out the fabulous shade of coral that all the girls wore – so bright against the deep blue sky. 

I was truly a pleasure to meet you all – Kaitlyn, Hunter, Olivia, Brian, and Amy – I’m glad you enjoyed your trip to St. Augustine!

Enjoy….Robin

The “P” Family – A St. Augustine Beach Shoot

July 13th, 2010

They drove all the way to St. Augustine from Oklahoma City with three children under 12.  Sadly, the Gulf of Mexico was their planned vacation spot but , you know, with the oil spill and all, plans had to change.  That was certainly my gain as I thoroughly enjoyed meeting and photographing this lovely family.   I have so many more wonderful images to post, but since we’re leaving for a little family time in New England, this one great family shot is the only sneak peek I have time to post.  But, aren’t they beautiful?  Yep, both inside and out. 

Enjoy….Robin

P.S.  The office will be closed until July 22nd so the return of emails will be slow.  I’ll be on my cell phone though, and I’ll return calls when cell service in VT allows.

Sal and Michelle – A St. Augustine Wedding

July 8th, 2010

She stepped from the beautiful Casa Monica Hotel and the last of the rain drops hit the hot steamy pavement.  Excited, nervous, carrying her grandmother’s rosary, and holding back the tears, Michelle began a walk to the historic Lightner Museum Courtyard that would change her life forever.  Waiting for her, and anxious for his own forever, was Sal – confident, strong, handsome, and her husband-to-be. 

In the most intimate of ceremonies, Michelle, Sal, and his two children Joanie and Sebastian, became a family.  And true to the bride I’ve come to know, she never stopped smiling.  True to the groom I’ve come to know, he never stopped staring at his happy wife.  After the ceremony I asked both Sal and Michelle to lend me their rings for a few more photographs. ” Sure,” said Michelle.  “No way,” said Sal.  “This ring is forever and it’s never coming off.”   Sweet, sentimental, and refreshing – gotta love a big hunky man turning into a teddy bear.

It was hot, humid, and the storms were rumbling around us when we finished up the portraits.  As Sal, Michelle, and their sprinkling of family and friends sat down for their fabulous private dinner party, fire alarms screamed, chaos broke out, and the entire hotel evaculated.  But wait, Michelle’s dog was up on the fourth floor in her room!  Racing back into the hotel, Michelle climbed four flights of stairs in her platform shoes and fitted wedding gown, scooped up her Chihuahua, Pepino, and flew back down.  Safe in her arms, eyes wide with excitement, he joined the crowd out in the street as the four firetrucks roared up to the door.  Forty minutes later with the fire extinguised, and with a picture capturing the unexpected memory, a hot and hungry wedding party resumed Sal and Michelle’s forever.

Thank you both for giving me the opportunity to share in your wedding memories.

Enjoy….Robin

Ceremony venue:  The Lightner Museum       Reception Dinner:   Casa Monica Hotel      Wedding Planner:  The Wedding Authority

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