{PORTRAIT} Rain, Rain, Go Away - Arnold Portrait Session

When I left my house to meet up with the Arnold family, the sky was blue and there were SOME clouds in the sky to the East but nothing to worry about. Then, as I turned West and got closer to the shooting location, it looked like this one black rain cloud had decided it would hang out over our shooting location and dump rain. At one point, while I was sitting at the park (where I had arrived early to get set up), it just poured and I couldn't even see through my windshield. I debated about calling the Arnold's and cancelling because who would want pictures in the rain for their Christmas card portraits? I understand rain can make for creative pictures - but not when it's for Christmas card portraits!

I decided to wait it out (and I kept forcing the weather application on my phone to update to ease my concern) and this one black rain cloud FINALLY passed. It was a little gray afterward but there was blue behind it and I thought "I can work with this but will THEY be ok with it?" The ground was wet and this meant wet knees, humid/sticky air (it's Florida) and wet doggies (oh yeah, I didn't mention we also had two dogs, right?).

Luckily, Barbara and Ryan were cool, calm, and collected and the pictures came out fantastically! Not one complaint about the humidity or the wetness and everyone really pulled together to make this a fun session. Once they had a chance to get over the initial excitement of being at the park, Bailey and Emma posed like princesses and never once hesitated to give hugs or kisses. What a great pair!

Now, enough blabbering and enjoy the pictures!

2011 Limited Edition Holiday Mini Session

Christmas is right around the corner and if you were thinking of getting a portrait done of your family (including your fur babies!) for your Christmas cards, now is the time!

The 2011 Limited Edition Holiday Mini Session fee is $50.

The mini session fee is $50 and covers the following:

 

 - Up to one hour of session time

- Post-session custom image preparation with attention to each image.

- Minimum of 10 images presented to you in a private online gallery.

- Download capability for the images in the private online gallery.

E-mail me at AspiringImagesbyRachel@gmail.com to reserve your session.

Once you reserve your session, you will be sent a Holiday Portrait Mini Session agreement. Please note that these are on a first come, first serve basis and the mini-sessions are for one single family unit, up to 6 people (don't forget your pets!).

I will not be available for the weekend of Thanksgiving (unless you live in the Jacksonville area!) or 12/02-12/03. 

 

In the event of rain, the sessions will be rescheduled.

*Mini sessions are not intended for Newborns, Maternity, or Seniors.

Media: Photo Featured as CD Cover for Christian Tamburr

I am very excited to share that Christian Tamburr chose to feature one of my images as the cover for his next CD release, "Places", on sale beginning 11/04/11. He is an incredibly talented jazz musician and I cannot wait to hear the album!

What an honor.

 The original photo is available here.

Media: "Plane Takeoff in Sunset" Ft. On DailyWorth.Com

Exciting News! Check out this article from Daily Worth featuring my "Plane Takeoff in Sunset" photo. 

The article gives advice on getting the best price for airfares this holiday season. If you're not already a fan, check out their website for an excellent community that teaches about finances and money management for women.

 

Walking The Courtyard - Loews Portofino Bay, Orlando FL

 I have been doing a lot of clean up of my photos and trying to see what needs to stay/go and came across this wonderful photo - already watermarked and ready to go! I have no idea how I never shared this before as it really appeals to me. Something about the wonderful golden background, with the patterns up high, contrasting against the shadows in the foreground and the darkness of the gentleman walking up this hallway is enchanting for me.

This was taken at the Loews Portofino Bay hotel in Orlando, FL. They had this lovely interior hallway leading to their restrooms and multiple conference rooms. I loved how they took the time to decorate it like an outdoor Italian courtyard, even though it was entirely inside!

Diamond Island, Maine - Shadows On The Dock

 Recently, hubby and I were honored to be guests at a dream destination wedding in Maine. It was intimate and beautiful - full of everything you see in wedding magazines and the joy of seeing your closest friends getting married and meeting everyone close in their lives. The location provided for a beautiful backdrop. Even the dock while waiting for the ferry made for lovely eye candy! Here's one of my favorite shots from the wedding.

This is the view from Great Diamond Island looking out to Portland, Maine at approximately 11PM.

{Photo} Hollywood Beach - AM/PM

Yup, I disappeared for awhile.

I had to do some thinking, analyze some priorities, relax a bit, started a new job, and now I am back. I promise, I won't do it again.

As my peace offering, I wanted to share my day and night images of Hollywood Beach, Florida. I tried for a sunrise shot as well but the hotel room was so cold it not only fogged my lens for almost 10 minutes but my internal sensor went haywire. I took some shots but later, upon inspection on my computer (and it not being 6AM with me delirious), they were just too hazy to be any good.

On the left is the inter coastal waterway and on the right is the Atlantic Ocean.