Footprints Photography

Hayley~ Senior 2011

2011-04-16T10:59:00.000-05:00

I haven't updated this blog in forever. I just can't resist adding some of my niece's senior pictures that I took in March. This child is so cooperative~ because she loves attention and getting her pictures made. It was really fun to do these. The first thing she said when we finished was, "Did I make the blog?" LOL :)

My niece, Hayley, at one of the local antebellum homes

at Memorial Park. I love the fountain there!

Just for fun! :)

Soon I'll be adding some I just took of a friend's daughter~ also a Senior and a pretty girl, too. :)

Ainslee--- 3 Weeks

2010-06-25T10:25:00.006-05:00

About time I updated this blog. I started teaching at a new school last August. Not only was I too busy to update--- I was also too busy to take any pictures. So here are the first professional pictures I have taken in a year! I hate that, because I really love doing these.

Anyway, here's Ainslee. We didn't do very many different poses and no costume changes. Ainslee's clavicle was broken during delivery and her mom was really careful not to put pressure on it or aggravate it. In spite of all of that, her pictures are still adorable. :)

I love baby yawns.

I love the tongue sticking out. ha

And who doesn't love baby toes, especially if they're painted red. ;)

She finally fell asleep.

Love the way newborns sleep froggy style.

Ainslee is so pretty--- just like her siblings. Their pictures are HERE and HERE. Their parents make the most beautiful babies. :)

Rebecca- 8 years & Lauren- 4 1/2 years

2009-08-09T14:22:00.004-05:00

These are some of Debbie's girls from last week while they were visiting from Arkansas. Their mom wanted me to try to get some good shots of them. With 5 and 6 of the grands here all week, the last day I had them was the only chance I got to take some. Besides, it rained/stormed every day they were here! The heat and humidity was also extremely high. That last Friday evening a friend, Mrs. Betty, let me take them swimming in her pool. I put their clothes on over their bathing suits and snapped these on Mrs. Betty's porch before they dove in. I think they're cute for a last minute session.

Lauren

Rebecca (Becca)

It looks like they're sharing secrets!

My fave!

They are really cooperative when it comes to posing! Sweet girls! I enjoyed my week with them and wish we could see them more often! Five hours away is too far.

Jayla- 2 months

2009-07-19T20:22:00.005-05:00

I took Jayla's portraits Saturday. She was so sweet and happy. The first picture was one of my favorites. Isn't she a doll?!

Don't you just want to pinch (ok, kiss) those cheeks???

You gotta love dimples! The eyelashes are to die for, too!

And this post would not be complete without pictures of a sleeping angel.

Then we got a few with her mommy and daddy.

Jayla is such a sweet baby and just as happy as these pictures portray. =)

Kaitlyn 4 Months

2009-06-12T11:33:00.004-05:00

I'd only had my camera a couple of weeks when I went to see my cousin's first grandbaby, so don't expect these to look real professional. They're still some of my favorites, anyway. Some of her expressions were so cute, I decided to post a few. (If you're noticing her "v" on her forehead, I didn't have Photoshop then, but wouldn't have erased her stork bite, anyway.)

Is it just me, or does everybody love chubby cheeked babies?

This is what happened when her Poppa came through the door. Isn't that precious? I love it!

I'm crazy about pensive, serious expressions! There's something so "old soul" about this next one!
There's a sweet story about the blanket behind her. Kaitlyn was going to be my Nan's first great-great grandchild. For years Nannie had made sweet, pretty blankets for the great-grandchildren (including Kaitlyn's mommy) and wanted Kaitlyn to have one, too. Since Nan was now legally blind, she asked my mom to make it for her and told her exactly what she wanted it to look like (the color, type of lace, etc.). This project began a few months before the baby was due and my mom couldn't get it made fast enough to suit Nannie. When Mom finished it, Nannie then instructed her to add 3 tiny pink roses to one corner. Then she told Momma to tell my cousin and her daughter that the roses stood for "I-love-you." One month before Kaitlyn was born, my Nan died in her sleep. We wonder if she sensed she wouldn't be here in person to welcome this little one.

I love this one because I'm a sucker for all things generational. Kaitlyn's grandma (my cousin) is on the left and her great-grandma (my aunt) is on the right. What a sweet sandwich!

Sister, Sister

2009-06-10T14:34:00.008-05:00

I took these of Skylar and Kenzy almost two years ago. This was the second photoshoot I did, outside of my family. Skylar was 5 and Kenzy was 3 back then. Sky was in my kindergarten class. I was taking a photography class and our assignment for the week was individual and family portraits. Since my grandchildren were out of town, I would need to "borrow" somebody's children. That morning when Skylar's mom dropped her off for school, she looked at some pictures I'd taken of my grandsons and asked me if I would take some of her girls. Perfect! My photography class teacher was impressed when I showed her these. I hope you are, too.

After the portrait part of the session, Mom and the girls changed into their jeans and had a little family fun. I love this part. =)

Brayden Layne 3 months

2009-06-09T06:00:00.000-05:00

Brayden's mom, Toni, asked Shelbi to babysit Sunday afternoon. Since Toni's been wanting me to take his pictures, I took these quickly and surprised her when she picked him up. Toni was one of the Seniors I photographed last year.

He won't sleep on his stomach, so we just threw the bow on top of him anyway. He's three months old, but is still wearing newborn clothes. So tiny!

Brayden has some of the most perfect features and skin. I didn't have to touch up anything.

His mommy loved the one with the paci in. I was just checking the lighting when I took this one. He was so sleepy and fighting it big time.

My Sweet Smiling Leon 3 months

2009-06-08T20:16:00.004-05:00

All of Leon's pictures end up being taken during really rushed mini-session here and there. He lives 3 hours away from me (Mimi). =(
I kept him Memorial Day weekend, but he slept for hours on end. When he was awake I was busy with feeding, changing, and bathing him so I never got around to getting any quality pictures.
Anyway, we went to Sarah's on the 2nd and I snapped these on the floor. He was in the sweetest mood, as you can tell! I really don't want his babyhood to fly by any faster than it already is, but part of me can't wait till he's big enough to sit up and get some outside shots. =)

I had to include at least one in color. Check out his pretty eyes!

This was just for Shelbi. She brought him this shirt in Florida and wanted a picture in it. She's the one that got him really laughing. He is soooo ticklish! Aren't big, wide-mouthed, gummy grins the cutest thing you could ever see?!

Elizabeth 8 weeks & Micah 4 Years

2009-06-08T12:40:00.000-05:00

Elizabeth is such a pretty baby girl and so dainty. She was also very alert for a two month old. This first picture is my favorite.

There is something so precious about a baby in their daddy's hands. To me, it makes them seem so fragile and vulnerable. I love all of these with her daddy holding her. Her mommie said Elizabeth is a daddy's girl. So sweet!

She did peek over sweetly at her mommie, though.

This smile was the biggest one we got out of her. Well, I say "we," but this smile came courtesy of her big brother, Micah. All he had to do was look at her and she cracked up!

I love these next two. I especially love the last one. I felt like I was interrupting a private conversation! They look like two little conspirators, don't they? Micah has the most gorgeous, thick, curly eyelashes! Why are they always on boys?! =)

Talon 4 Weeks

2009-06-08T11:50:00.006-05:00

My niece, Kelsea, just made me a great-aunt recently. (For some reason, I think great-aunt even sounds older than grandma. Thanks a lot, Kels. lol)
I took Talon's pictures in April when he was 4 weeks old. The first picture is just one of the many sweet family shots of Kelsea, Paul, and Talon.

I adore the next ones of Talon. He is a doll and I love his head full of dark hair!

Can you tell from these next ones that somebody loves this little one?

Mommy's hands

In Momma's arms

Daddy's hand

Kisses from Daddy and Mommy

This next one is my favorite family shot.

Then, of course, Nannie (aka my sister, Becky) and Poppa had to get one with their first grandbaby. =)

If you're wondering why so many of these are B&W, it's because the poor baby had eczema so badly, his little cheeks looked raw. I hear he's over it now, so his next pics we can do in color. =)

Sydnee 7 Years

2009-06-06T20:26:00.008-05:00

Sydnee, is Brayden's sister! (See Brayden in my previous post.) While their Daddy rocked Brayden to sleep for the sleeping poses, Sydnee had a mini-session of her own. Her mom got in on some of them and I love their relationship shots. It was good for Sydnee, who was almost 7, and the only child, when brother came along.

Doesn't Sydnee have gorgeous eyes?! Her mom does, too. =)

I forgot to mention in my previous posts that I do not have a studio. These were all taken in their home or their yard.

Brayden Tucker 4 Weeks

2009-06-06T18:17:00.013-05:00

*** Warning: Picture Overload***
I know this is WAY TOO many pictures on one post, but since this blog is new and most of you have never seen my photographs (other than on my family blog) I wanted to give you a lot to look at. Besides, Brayden and his family had too many beautiful images to only post a couple. After I get established, I promise to try and limit my posts to fewer pictures. =)
Brayden's feet are the ones featured on my header, too.

My next post will probably be the ones I took of his sister, Sydnee.

A Special Senior 2009

2009-06-06T10:15:00.001-05:00

Jordan was my Kindergarten aide this year. At our small school, seniors can get credit for an aide as an elective. Typically they run off copies, sort papers, and those kinds of things. Jordan did all of that and more. He was great with the kids and gave them a lot of one on one help. They loved him and while we were all happy to see him graduate, we were also sad to see him leave. He is a very polite, sweet young man.

His Mom found out from a friend that I take pictures and asked me to do his Senior portraits. I already knew Jordan was a lot of fun, but I found out that his Mom is, too. We met up at a state park that includes an antebellum house. Jordan is probably the most cooperative teenage guy you could ever photograph! =)

I love this first picture.

This next picture is the one his Mom chose to put in his invitations. She said his whole family insisted on it, saying that this picture "is Jordan."

His cap and gown were not in when we took the first pictures, so we met again a couple of weeks later to do those. I thought since we live on the Mississippi River, that would be the perfect background-- and I think I made an excellent choice! The river looks like a painting behind him and I ended up LOVING these. Again, he was extremely cooperative.

I mentioned that Jordan is FUN and the following pictures are proof. See what I mean? Eighteen is the perfect age-- you're an adult, but you're still young enough to act like a kid and get away with it! Maybe that's why he was so great as a kindergarten aide! ;)

He cracked me and his Mom up when he peeked from behind the tree. He really looks like a playful, little boy, doesn't he?

He called this his "studious pose." Hope that helps in college. =)

He really did make this session more fun than work for me. =)

Jordan, it was a pleasure to get to know you this year and a privilege to take your pictures. Congratulations and I wish you all the best that the future has to offer.

Jeremiah 29:11-13.

Senior 2008 Portraits

2009-06-06T00:18:00.001-05:00

I decided to start my new blog with some of my first "real" sessions.

My very first Senior portrait session was not the average session. You may notice that Collin is in a tuxedo in every shot. His mom, my cousin Ellena, wanted me to take senior pics of Collin, but they live over five hours from me. She had already asked me to take her daughter's (aka Collin's sister) wedding pictures and I didn't have time to make the trip twice... so, we killed two birds with one stone (and one tuxedo, lol). While the bride was getting ready, Collin and I stepped outside of the church and snapped a few pictures his Mom could use for his invitations. Totally impromptu not withstanding, I still think these turned out well. Collin is as sweet as he is handsome.

Roger's mom was the first outside of my family to ask me to take portraits. And the first one to pay me to do so. Yay! ;) Roger was really cooperative, even though he had a fever. You can tell he felt badly if you look closely at his eyes. Even so, he still looked nice in his tux.

This next one was Roger's favorite, according to his mom.

His only request was to get one of him and his truck. The reason for that request touched my heart. His grandfather had recently passed away and left Roger that truck. You gotta love kids that love their grandparents!

Toni was my second paying gig. This young lady came into my life as one of my youngest daughter's best friends. Months later, we found out that she and Shelbi are distant cousins. I should have known-- my husband's family is famous for those adorable dimples! Toni's great-grandfather and Shelbi's great-grandmother were brother and sister. How cool is that?! Further proof of how small our community is.
The first picture is Toni's favorite. It's the one that was published in the newspaper by her coworkers. I couldn't pick one favorite. Toni was really sweet, playful, and totally easy to work with. =)

After all of the usual posing, we headed to the park for a little fun. That's the best part-- watching them have fun with it!

Toni just had her first baby, Brayden Layne, three months ago. He's the one named after Shelbi. I hope to take some of him soon and post those. =)

Better Late Than Never

2009-06-05T23:18:00.004-05:00

Welcome to my new blog. After I posted some of my pictures on my family blog, someone suggested I create a separate blog for my photography hobby, which is turning into a part time job. In April, I promised I would do one in few weeks. With the school year ending, a few weeks turned into eight weeks. Oh well, better late than never, right?

I've always been fascinated with photography, but I originally bought my SLR camera just to take pictures of our daughters, grandchildren, friends, and extended family. I took a photography class at the local college just to learn about operating a digital camera and tips to improve the quality of my pictures. The more I showed my pictures to others, the more I would get asked if I would make myself available to take their child's portraits. I'll admit the idea made me nervous. Everyone knows that when you get paid for a hobby, things can change. I LOVE photography, but was afraid if it became a "job" my passion for it would decrease. I was also reluctant to take something personal to me, share it, and open myself up to criticism. I chose to step out and try it anyway. At first, I just took pictures for family and close friends. In the last year, I've done some for other people. They seemed pleased and I continue to get more comfortable behind the lens. Not that I don't get nervous or that I don't get frustrated when I don't get "the" image that I want, I do. But it hasn't changed the fact that I LOVE it. I love chasing that illusive "perfect shot."
There are a lot of highly talented professional photographers in this area and they provide a variety of services. I believe every parent desires to have quality pictures of their child, but not everyone can afford a professional photographer. That's why I feel lead to treat this endeavor as a ministry of sorts. There are some single parents, unemployed parents, paycheck to paycheck parents, and some parents that are just frugal. That's the void I hope to fill.
I charge a reasonable flat rate for taking and editing the pictures and then burn them onto a CD. That way the parents don't have to choose just one to four poses. They will own all the pictures and can download them, share them, e-mail them, use them on their blogs, and develop them wherever and whenever they want. That way customers never have to buy reprints from me, either.
I'm willing to cover occasions that professionals don't/can't cover. This could include birthday parties, family reunions, anniversary celebrations, etc. Just use your imagination.
To contact me, please leave a comment or e-mail me at plcraft@bellsouth.net.