BUNNIES IN THE STUDIO

Had so much fun photographing these 4 bunnies in my studio a while back.

Meet Lily, Merlin, Jojo & Lucy 

(L to R in top photo)

these cuties are all rescues and their Mom & Dad brought them in to capture their fun personalities. 

It was really cute to see how different they all were.  

Hope you enjoy these photos as much as I enjoyed photographing them. 

ROCKY WHEATON AND LUCY SHOW {TAMPA AREA PET PHOTOGRAPHER}

OKAY SO I WROTE THIS LAST WEEK AND I REALLY WANTED IT TO BE THIS HAPPY GO LUCKY POST.  THEN THE REALITY HIT ME..  so 'fair warning' it's kind of sad but REAL with a good message..


Hey everyone..  wanted to write an update on these three crazies currently residing in my house. And to talk a little about Rescues.
 They have their own Instagram acct and they are starting to get a few followers so follow them there to see weekly photos I post of their crazy antics.  https://www.instagram.com/rockywheatonandlucyshow/

THE THREE AMIGOS (or crazies or goof balls) 

Before the history and update on these three let me tell you how this all started.

Listen.. I didn't always take on animals that others didn't want, or couldn't handle or just simply abandoned. I always got purebreds and had raised purebreds myself for a very short time. I didn't know then what I know now. And then by accident really or maybe by God's design that all changed with a search for a job.
It changed when I applied for a job at Hillsborough County Animal Services.
Naively I was thinking I could go in and make difference and not be affected.  WOW was I wrong.

When you go for an interview they tell you all about what you will be doing. How the whole operation works.  Ask you about yourself and why you are applying and so on. BUT toward the end of the interview they take you on a tour.  The first thing is they show you all the animals up for adoption.  then the medical area.  then you come by these rooms filled with animals.  Cats. Dogs. Exotics. Each door was labeled by each day of the week. ( I swear after all these years it still makes me cry to think about it) I remember turning to the person taking me on the tour and asking "what do the days mean?"  She looked at me for a second and then turned away as she looked into the room marked Wednesday (it was Tuesday BTW) and she says, "this is the day they will be put down" WHAT??!!!
I wanted to run right then, but she took me to the final stop on the tour. The euthanasia room.  If I live to be a million years old I will NEVER get those images out of my mind.  I won't go into detail but trust me, it was horrific.  I was screaming inside.  I was about to have a complete and utter meltdown and this woman was watching me to see my reaction.  A mere few minutes went by - IT SEEMED LIKE ETERNITY - and I finally said "Please can I go."  So back I went to finish the interview.  The sweet woman who interviewed me asked how I was.  Of course I was a hot mess.  I told her so. I told her that I wanted to be a light in pets lives before something bad happened to them. But even as I was saying it I knew I would never EVER be able to be that large of a light for so many.
She starts throwing statistics and numbers at me.  It was staggering.  in the slow months of winter, 75 to 125 are euthanized EVERY SINGLE DAY!! 7 days a week.  In summer.. the busy months.  125 to 250 EVERY SINGLE DAY!!!   I just remember thinking how crazy this was.  How can this be?  How did I not know this info.  How had I been so completely unaware.  WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN!
I went home from this interview, curled up in bed and cried for what seemed like days.  I couldn't stop crying.  I couldn't get out of bed.  And when she called two weeks later to offer me the job.. I started bawling the minute she told me who she was and I told her I couldn't do it.  To forgive me for being a coward and not taking it but that I knew it would ruin me inside.  She started crying and said "it's not a job for the kindest and most compassionate hearts.  Don't ever apologize for that."

So I started researching and reading how bad of an epidemic this was across the country. And I decided right then and there I will not buy another purebred dog.  Listen I want to sometimes.  I want to get another lab puppy or get a baby boxer or maybe try out a little dog.. you know something I picked out and raised and made my own. But I don't think that is something I will ever be able to consciously do again.  Do I think that there is a place for pure bred in society? Maybe.  Just not in my house unless they are no longer wanted by someone else.

So here I am now.. with three dogs for different reasons.  And three cats for different reasons and 2 rats for a different reason.  They all have their issues when they come into my life and yes some days I look at them and think "what the hell am I doing?" I get overwhelmed taking on someone else's issues manifested in these animals. And honestly..not gonna lie... the first few months are pure HELL!! You are trying to convince these animals that don't know you at all, that you - YOU aren't going to hurt them.  That they are safe with you finally.  Do I get ticked at my pets. Yes!! Do I scream some days because they just pooped all over the floor or chewed up my fav pair of boots or ate a whole chicken off the counter when I walked outside for 1 minute.  YES!! But what I am really learning is patience.  Compassion.  Empathy.

It tears me up when a dog I have hears something or sees something that reminds them of their past. Like a child or a child's laughter.  A baby doll or a baby's cry.  An angry voice.  All of these little things remnants of the life they use to have.  It breaks me on those rare days that I may yell at them for some offense and I see a certain look in their eye.  And I am immediately remorseful and I hug them and reassure them that they are safe.
I have learned so much from these previously unwanted now members of my family in there forever home.  I have learned about longing and loss.  But mainly I have learned about LOVE.  Unconditional, unbridled LOVE.  They love me no matter what.  If I am having a bad day I can watch them play or see them do something silly and immediately my day is better. If  I cry they comfort me. If I dance... they join in.  If I am sitting on the sofa.. they come and lay next to me. Heck.. if I take a pee and forget to shut the door all the way.. they join me there too.
THEY ARE MY LIFE!!
I can't imagine never having these animals that need me.  And there is always another one waiting. But for now.. this is what I have.  This is what I can handle. This is what I am hopefully giving back to the universe.

Here is a brief story of each of the dogs I have now.

Rocky we have had for almost three years now.  He is a full blooded boxer. He came through a friend of a friend.  He was living in a crate 12 hours a day and they just didn't have time for him. It was hard for him at first.  I think he kept waiting for them to come get him.  BUT now - He is my baby although he is the eldest.  He is never NOT by my side. His on going issue is he is terrified of loud noises.  Thunder, fireworks.. you name it.  It's very challenging.. but we are working on it.
He is the sweetest soul ever.  And his hop.. well it's something to see.

ROCKY OR AS I CALL HIM RO-RO

Wheaton, a mixed breed, we got after our first rescued boxer Sadie passed away suddenly almost two years now.  Rocky was so lonely so I went to animal services 2 years ago this coming December.  Wheaton was on limited time there.  He had already been returned twice I think she said.  When I brought him home he and Rocky were best buds immediately.  I imagine Wheaton came from a home with a baby.  Although he was found running the streets I am pretty sure it was a situation of -new baby in, out goes the dog. We love him.  He is reserved but funny.  Standoffish but then so loving. Quiet but vocal.  His ongoing issue is his eye problem.  Nothing life threatening just uncomfortable. A very expensive surgery might be in his future. But according to my vet it is not going to hurt his eye permanently.. it's just uncomfortable.  He has medicine for that.  His fav thing to do is lay in the sun.  And when he wants to love on me.. he lays on me completely.  He weighs 100 lbs

WHEATON - every single worker at Animal Services took selfies with him as we were leaving. One of them even said "thanks for saving his life."

And last but not least our third and newest addition is Lucy.  She is a Bull Mastiff and we have only had her since the end of February.  She has been a super big challenge for me.  She is BULL headed as most mastiffs are. BUT she is learning.  I will admit. There was a lot of OH MY GOSH WHAT HAVE YOU DONE NOW?  going on when I first got her.  She LOVES the boys though.  They play so well together.  She plays a little rough and there have been some mild dog fights that I have had to intervene on.  But that is settling down and her other issues, which were quite disgusting, are working themselves out. I realized that once I calmed down and dealt with her on an individual basis and watched and listened to what she was telling me.. things started working out better.  She spent a long period out of the crate today while I was gone.  almost two hours.  Nothing destroyed and no poop or pee. This is good. (she's never in the crate when someone is home)    I looked at her today and realized how much I love her. She's 115 lbs. Her ongoing issue is- She's stubborn as heck. But she is sweet and gentle and kind and when I walk her she LOVES everyone.  She especially loves little kids.  She came from that.  I can tell every once in awhile she misses them.  But it's still early in her life with us.  When I took her to the vet the other day she whined all the way home and bolted to the door.  She missed the boys. And they were right there licking her and smelling her and they were all genuinely glad to see each other.  It made my heart happy.

LUCY BUT I CALL HER LULU BELLE

So this is my life.  I love it.. some days it's completely overwhelming.  But what I get out of it is LOVE.  They never judge me. They never expect anything from me really.  they just want to be loved and fed.  I may sacrifice other stuff to have them but really?  What sacrifice gets this kind of love and loyalty in return.  Rescued animals will always be the way at my house.  I will ALWAYS rescue animals.  I can't see that ever changing.

Hugs, love and WOOF everyone.
Love Constance

and a side note  -  I am not JUDGING anyone who buys a dog wherever they buy it.  All I ask is that if you are shopping for a dog give a rescue a chance.  No matter what pet you get..   PLEASE keep it till it naturally has no LOVE and life left to give you.  Make it a member of your family not just a possession. Be there holding it when it passes on.
Love it like your family because in reality.. it is your family.

here are some links to some rescues locally.  I am not affiliated with any of these rescues in any way.

http://www.petango.com/pinellas
http://www.petango.com/hillsboroughcounty
http://heidislegacydogrescue.com/
http://humanesocietytampa.org/
http://spcatampabay.org/
http://flbr.org/

EASTER MINI SESSIONS {TAMPA AREA PHOTOGRAPHER}

Hey Everyone..
Guess what?
It's Easter Mini Sessions time..
LIMITED TIMES AVAILABLE..
The great thing is you don't have to use these for Easter only. 
You can by it now and redeem it by the end of April.
We are offering it for these three locations only.
Riverview Studio.. always a fav.
Lowry Park in Tampa across from the zoo. 
Philippe Park in Safety Harbor.. for you Pinellas or new Tampa folks.
I MAY add a beach location depending on the demand. 

PAY NOW BY USING THIS BUTTON..   ***

AND THEN CALL OR EMAIL TO SCHEDULE YOUR FUN EASTER/(or other)  SESSION..
CAN'T WAIT TO SEE EVERYONE..
Love, Constance

***this special is good for up to 6 people/pets.  Additional fee for over 6.
Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer and can not be combined.
must be used before April 30th

My Personal Photography Challenge for the year and beyond!! {TAMPA AREA PHOTOGRAPHER}

Hey Everyone.. hope you are having a great year so far.. I can’t believe that January is already half way over. And Valentine’s Day is just around the corner.

As a full time professional photographer I get wrapped up in taking client photos and editing and Marketing and Social Media and thinking of new ways to get my brand out there and so on and so on.  So when I have a few minutes, or need to take a few minutes for myself,  I hang out with my pets or redecorate something in my house ( I think I am a closet interior decorator) and I find that I am pulling out my phone to take photos of those things.. my pets.. my little projects – etc.  and I am always getting ticked because I was missing certain shots or didn’t like the way it looked in the photo and then it hit me.. HELLO.. Professional Photographer here.. what are you doing?

SOOOOO I thought about it.  I AM A PROFESSIONAL AWARD WINNING PHOTOGRAPHER.  Why am I not utilizing my talent.. My God given gift.  I wanted to give myself a palm plant to my forehead.  But I realized that would hurt, so I decided to CHALLENGE  myself…  just for me.. no one else.  So here’s what I came up with..  

TO USE MY PROFESSIONAL CAMERA MORE AND MY PHONE LESS!!!  yup that simple.

Don’t get me wrong sometimes I love the shots I get with my phone.. and those quick easy little effects.. sometimes they really rock.  But.. I get lazy.  I don’t challenge myself with lighting sometimes. Or my settings in my camera. ( I do everything manually) Or learning and experimenting with some new technique or looking at something differently.  Some days I am a really good ‘out of the box’ thinker.  Some days-not so much.

I am so adamant about getting the best shot for my clients that I forget that I am important too.  And by that I mean.. my everyday life is important. My day in day out..  It’s what makes me .. well ME!!! 

My house is filled with crazy most of the time.. I mean my kiddos are grown and live on their own.. but I have all these pets and all this STUFF! My girls swear I have hoarding tendencies but I think they are imagining it. ..

OH WAIT.. is that a chair on the side of the road.. gotta turn around. I could paint that and use it as a prop!!! 
Okay so maybe just maybe I have a slight hoarding problem.. HA!  Anyway..

So back to my challenge.. I am leaving my big professional camera out on my table in the dining room all the time. The same stuff I use for my clients during sessions.  So when the dog looks super cute looking at me a certain way or the cat makes a crazy face I can be camera ready and actually get the action.  Or if I set up a little display and I love how it looks.. I can get a true photo of the set up.

I can experiment with the lighting or the settings or take shots from different angles.  No constraints on time or the mood of the 2 year old (haha) or the weather or the sun.  Or making sure it’s just perfect.  These are the times I can mess up. TRY NEW WAYS.. Just doing it.. and then trying out new editing ideas or watching a video on how to do something I didn’t know how to do before.  I mean the sky is the limit.  

So that is my CHALLENGE to myself.. and although it’s a challenge.. it’s not a constraint. There are no rules..   It’s for ME.. when I have or need a few minutes for MYSELF.

So I am inviting you to walk on this photo journey with me.  Not sure how regular these types of post will be.. because remember.. NO CONSTRAINTS!!  I hope you enjoy this little self aware journey with me..

It should be a HOOT!!!      Check out a few from the first couple of weeks.  SO MUCH FUN!!

WAITING FOR YOU! - A STORY ABOUT ADOPTING {TAMPA AREA PHOTOGRAPHER}

Okay so initially I was going to do this as a sneak peek but decided it would be a sweet short post that really

deserved a little more then just a sneak peek.

 

I had a woman contact me and she wanted to do a photo shoot. 

As we discussed this she informs me that they

needed photos of themselves as they were starting their adoption process. 

This couple tried for many years to have a baby but it just wasn't happening.

So they decided to start an adoption journey.  I love that she refers to as a 'journey'.  

They needed photos for their portfolio to help match them with a birth mom

and they wanted some good family pics.  

"That' she says "is where I come in!"  

I have had other clients who are either foster parents or have adopted and

I know how much time, money and

heart go into this process. 

So I always admire people who decide to take this journey.

 

We talked and came up with some ideas about what she wanted.. she gave me an idea and I took one of her ideas and made it my own little version..

 they were so thrilled and thus the photo that you see was born.

 

Braddock (the one with the sign) and Moe are part of their family.. so we had to include them in this shoot.  They were so good and so patient and it was pretty hot this morning even though we started out pretty early.  But we did it and although the rest of the photos won't be ready for a little bit..

I had to immediately share this with everyone.  

As most of you know .. I have this heart for dogs and animals of all types.  I try to advocate animal safety and rights.  So I am especially thrilled when families want to include ALL the family members..  it shows me that they truly respect them and want them in their lives as part of the family and not just some object. 

And what better way to show prospective birth moms the type of love they will have for a child when they go to the trouble of loving and sharing their spotlight with their current 'babies'.

 

THOSE ARE MY KIND OF PARENTS RIGHT THERE. 

 

So good luck to you two. I will keep you in my prayers while you are on your journey. Anyone would be lucky to have you as parents and have 'brothers' such as Braddock and Moe. 

I can't wait to be part of this growing family in the future. 

hugs!!!

MOTHERS INTUITION - A MOM'S STORY {TAMPA AREA PHOTOGRAPHER}

This blog post is a special post for Mother's Day. 

This a special story about a Mom and a little life that almost wasn't.   
But I am getting a head of myself here. 
Let's go back a little over 6 months and let me introduce you to Kelly.  She is pregnant and expecting to have a peaceful tub birth and do it naturally without drugs.  Why not?  her first two pregnancies  were uneventful and this little one was soooo active.  Waking Mommy up every morning with the sweet little tap tap tap at 6:30 am.  Like an internal alarm clock.   This morning was like the others.  tap-tap-tap!   Today though she is a little more tired than usual but still heads out for work.   Around 10 am this normally active baby wasn't quite as active and mom was also feeling a little edgy and not feeling quite right.  So she goes home early that day and puts the other young ones to bed early so she can relax and feel better.  She slept.  She wakes up the next morning at 7:45 what? wait..  her little internal alarm didn't go off along with her bedside alarm.  She rushes around to get everyone to school and work and heads off to some appts.   As she is sitting waiting for her appt she realizes that the baby wasn't really kicking but when she rubbed her belly the baby shifted a little.  All day this normally active baby hasn't really moved or kicked.  She tries everything.. she eats.. no kicking or movement.  She drinks a coke.. no kicking or movement.  She takes a warm bath, something that baby loves.. nothing.    Trying not to stress and in the midst of picking up children she calls her birthing center and tells them something is not right.  They tell her to come right in.  They hook her up to a non-stress heart monitor.  As soon as they turn it on she hears the heartbeat.  She lays back and for the first time all day she relaxes.  This only lasts about 5 minutes.  the midwife comes in and tells her  to be calm but that the heartbeat is not normal and that she needs to immediately go to the hospital.  Her heart sinks.. she goes into auto-mode and keeps telling herself that the heart is beating.. the heart is beating.   So tests start and things seem okay.  Ultra sound good.  Then they do a Doppler on the blood flow of the umbilical cord.  One of the arteries is blocked in the umbilical cord..  Suddenly.. a lot of people are in her room..  doctors and nurses and they are prepping her for surgery and she was starting to go into labor and every time she did the heartbeat would go way down.  The baby was in distress..  After testing to make sure mom would be okay through surgery they do a C-section right away.   At 7:18pm, Connor John was born. He weighed 4lb 13oz and was 17 in long. He let out a little squawk and was instantly worked on by the Neonatology team.  When they wheeled her to see the baby in the NICU all she could do was touch his toe.  Connor spent seven days there without any ill effects.  While Connor was in the NICU, he was visited by nurses and the mid wife who was there when mom was admitted. They all wanted to see the "miracle baby." They all said the same thing, most of the time these babies don't make it.

But this story has a happy ending.. Connor did make it and it was all because Mommy's instincts told her that something wasn't right.   She listened to that nagging little voice in her head and heart and she acted on it.  

Connor is the cutest little guy.. so happy and sweet.  When he finally got home and was able to have some newborn photos done mom Kelly brought him to the studio.  He was so good and we had such a precious time.  And as Kelly was telling me all about how he almost didn't make it.. I knew instantly that I wanted to write about this sweet story of a mother's intuition.  So she gave me permission and filled in the details.

 Connor came back recently for his 6 month shoot.  What a HAM!! and so darn happy.. and smiling.. oh my word.  I am so blessed that I got to meet this little guy.  And next time I get to meet the whole family. 

So I want to say to you mom's out there.. all of you who doubt yourself.. are you doing the right thing?  is this okay?  are they doing something they shouldn't?  is something going on that doesn't feel quite right?  TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS!  Your instincts are probably right on.   Everyone has an opinion about how you should do things for your child.. but trust yourself and know that you know what is the best. 

And to all the Moms who work hard at raising these awesome kids (and the furry, feathered and scaly kind) that I love seeing.  Taking their photos and sharing your lives is such an honor.  I know I say it all the time.. but I truly mean it.. 

And to my girls and grand children.. I love you all so much and you are always and will always be the best of me. 
To my sister who has always been my 'other' mom whether I liked it or not I love ya and thanks for being there.
And to my mom.. thanks for being a strong woman that taught me right from wrong.  I love you and wish I could see you more often.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL OF YOU MOMS.. !!

FOR THE LOVE OF A DOG... and a message about the importance of photos! {TAMPA AREA PHOTOGRAPHER}

Back in December I got an inquiry from my website  from a prospective client telling me she wants to do a session.  A family session she tells me and she wants to bring her dog Mack.  She goes on to tell me she hasn't had photos done since her son was two.. he is now 12.   I don't think too much about it.  I get inquiries all the time about people who haven't done photos for a while or people who want to bring their cherished family pets.  I LOVE those session.  I love knowing that people want to bring their 'other' children to their sessions.  I encourage it.  

We both had pretty booked schedules so we ended up doing the session at the end of March.   Two days before the shoot she emails me confirming about bringing the dog.  And then tells me that they just recently found out he had terminal cancer.  they have done all they can to this point and now all they have is maybe a couple of months.   WOW!  that really sucks.. so sad for them.. been there done that. 

So now.. although ALL my sessions are important to me this one takes on more urgency.   But guess what it rains the day we are suppose to do the shoot.. UGH!!! but luckily I had the next day open and we pushed it back one day.  We are meeting at the University of Tampa.. a beautiful campus - but guess what? we get there and they are doing the annual greenfest that day.. the place is packed.  they are breaking down their booths at this time so it's even more chaotic.  people everywhere..

but suddenly out of the crowd I look over and see these three people with a HUGE white dog.  holy cow.. he is ginormous..  but what I really notice is that he has the sweetest look on his face.  he is so happy to be there in all this chaos with his family.  I realize instantly.. that all will be well. 

I meet everyone.. including beautiful Mack.. the dog wonder. I notice he has shaved patches on each front  leg.  I know he has been sick but I ask about them.. His mommy tells me -  they are from his recent surgery to have his spleen removed.  "to buy us a little more time with him"  she says.  I LOVE THESE PEOPLE INSTANTLY!!   She goes on to tell me that the most they give him is two months.  And that as soon as they realize he is starting to suffer they will have him put to sleep to spare him the pain of this horrible cancer.   It's so hard isn't it.. to outlive these dogs we love who love us unconditionally.  I have made this choice too many times and I am instantly saddened for them..  but secretly relieved it is not me this time.

Now let me tell you about Mack.. he is a rockstar.  Everywhere we went people would come up to him and want to pet him and talk to him and talk to his parents and dare I say 'big brother'  ;)  We would get a few shots in and someone else would walk up wanting to see him.  It was so cute to see the attention he was getting and he was eating it up. 

but what really made Mack a rockstar that day is his interaction with his beloved family.  He knew exactly how to be with each one. 

With Dad he took on this proud stance of 'WE ARE THE MEN OF THE HOUSE AND WE WILL PROTECT YOU TO THE END'!!  They had this love, understanding and respect for each other that you could see. 

With his 'brother' - he had fun.. it was this bond of you are my best bud and I will never leave your side.  They had grown up together you see and I could tell they had many adventures discovering the world and being -  I am sure.. PARTNERS IN CRIME!! 

And then there is Mommy.. he was so tender with her.. the looks he gave her were of this deep unconditional love. He comforted her.  With a look or a snuggle or just being close to her.  His adoration for her was impenetrable.   It was precious to watch.

So here I am this outsider.. being let into the world of this family who loved a dog and albeit a brief time.. one that will forever touch me. 

And when I emailed Mack's family to tell them that the photos would be ready to view the next day.. only two weeks later .. a month and half after the diagnosis -   I got an email back telling me thanks and that they had to put Mack to sleep that night !  WHAT - NOOOO   - I immediately started crying..  this brief time had affected me.. Mack was amazing..

I knew that loss.. and I worried that seeing the photos so soon would hurt more than it would help..  I was scared.. I didn't want to make them suffer any more..  I was afraid to put them up for viewing. but reluctantly I did..  I feared that I hadn't done them justice.. capturing these last days with their beloved Mack..  I suddenly and completely felt the weight of the responsibility I had.  but I trudged forward letting them know how to view them.   

and generously... this is the email I received immediately..

They r AMAZING! And we were all in tears..want them all. You captured everything we were looking for Connie! Thank you so much!! We couldn't have received these at a better time!

I am so lucky and blessed.   I truly love doing this business.  I truly love being a history keeper.  A moment recorder..   a memory maker..  A PHOTOGRAPHER.

There are many aspects to this story that mean something.. mainly it's about the unconditional love that a dog (who was huge and furry and all white who had a heck of a sweet tooth from what I have been told) had for his family.  And the unconditional love they had for him in keeping him as long as they could but not more then he could handle.   

It's about how amazing animals are.. and especially dogs.. how they love us so much.. and we don't always deserve it.. 

but it's also a story about the importance of getting your family photos done..  about not waiting.. about not being afraid to be in photos because you may not think you look great..  you have to do it.. you need to do it.. you need to have those moments.. those memories.. because you never know what might change.   

Life is precious.. life is short.. don't wait..

thanks Mack for reminding all of us! 

 

EASTER MINI SESSIONS AT THE STUDIO {TAMPA AREA PHOTOGRAPHER}

Hey everyone.. I posted this on FB but wanted to post it here too just in case you don't do FB.  if you do make sure you go and like my page.
So I am doing Easter Mini Sessions  My fav holiday.  I love the colors and the spring feel to it.
the sessions will be at the Studio in Riverview on March 30th.  For the first three people who sign up they get a special gift.  So don't hesitate as there will be limited number of spots available.

I have also had some inquiries about live baby animals and do I do those.. my straight forward answer is ABSOLUTELY NOT!!  for many reasons like liability.. safety.. etc etc.. but the main reason is this simple.  It's really really bad for the baby animals.  I have a blog post about it from last year the Humane Society of the United States actually used.  here is the link to that older post.  http://constanceavellinophotos.blogspot.com/2013/03/plush-stuffed-wind-up-tampa-area.html

So I am really looking forward to these mini sessions.  like I said my FAVORITE holiday.
have a great day.. and look for the next blog post.. hahahaha whenever that will be.  ;)

OH MY WORD!!!! I HAVE NOT BLOGGED FOR AWHILE!! {TAMPA AREA PHOTOGRAPHER}

I DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO SAY FOR MYSELF!  UGH!  WHY IS BLOGGING SUCH A CHORE FOR ME...? 
I EVEN PUT THE APP ON MY PHONE SO I COULD AT LEAST DO OR SAY SOMETHING ONCE A WEEK AND I STILL HAVEN'T DONE IT..
What is it that keeps me from doing this.. is it because I am afraid I won't have any 'witty' things to say.. is it because I am lazy.. or am I just too busy to try and do ONE more thing to my already growing list. Do other photographers have this problem..? 
Or maybe it is just that -

I bought this shirt some time ago!  Because the moment I saw it I thought it would make a great BLOG post! So I am always thinking of it.. I have great ideas in my head.. but somehow the execution is just not there.. my problem is when I get the idea.. I fall short somewhere in getting it on the blog... It's so darn frustrating.. BUT contrary to what the shirt says..

I AM GOING TO BE A BLOGGER!!

I am determined.. wish me luck and keep an eye out.. :)

 

WHAT A CRAZY MONTH IT'S BEEN.. BUT YOU KNOW I LOVE IT.... {TAMPA AREA PHOTOGRAPHER}

Hey everyone... hope things are going good for you so far this month.. Mother's day is a few days away and wow did this last month fly by. 
I have been super busy purging some props and stuff to make room for some fresher idea.  YAY!!!  I am telling you.. I definately have some hoarding tendencies.  I look at something and I think about the newborn baby shoot I used that prop in and then I look at a chair and think oh.. I have gotten some cute stuff from that.  ANYWAY - it's been super hard.. but I am determined. So wish me luck all you fellow closet hoarders out there. 

We are also getting ready to REDO the studio in a BIG way.. I am a little nervous as it involves construction and all that.. EEEKKKKK!!!  but in the end it will be AWESOME. 

I have been doing the May Photo a Day on FB so I decided to share what I have so far on here.  I haven't done today's yet.. so that will be in the next batch but here is up through 9!

SOMETHING I BOUGHT!

 so on day one I received a delivery of prints for clients.. how appropriate..

MORNING RITUAL

 I think this speaks for itself.  In left to right order!  hahaha

THIS IS REALLY GOOD!

 I saw this adorable puppy while on a photo shoot.  And I got those client orders out.. YAY!!

IN MY CUP

 WHAT CAN I SAY!!

PAPER!

 When my granddaughter was little she sat and wrote on this pad of paper..

now every time I go to get a piece I am taken back to that day.. I really treasure it.

BROKEN

 I have this long verse about this day of 'broken'  but I will spare you on here.  But it's on FB! 

THING THAT BEGIN WITH - F

 Organic Bloom Frames.. all over my studio and house.

SHAPES

 bird and squirrel feed.  love the difference.



SNACK!

Do I really need to say anything else here! 



I will be doing a special Mothers day post on Sunday..
so check back!!!
 

WOW! APRIL IS OFF TO A GREAT START. {TAMPA AREA PHOTOGRAPHER}

Hey Everyone.. it's already an exciting April.  started the month off with some great April Fool's jokes.. got about 6 people.  haha!! Had a fantastic photo shoot same day that was given to them as a gift certificate from some friends  (GREAT IDEA FOR MOM'S DAY BTW)

and then off to Indiana for my Mom's 80th birthday party.  We had a really good time.. about 50+ people showed up it was so great to see everyone!!
Love my mom so much..

Then a fast trip to Brown County to walk around and just hang out..

 

had a little celebration for my niece Felicia whom I love since her 21st bday was April fool's day.  Isn't she beautiful!

 

met up with some of my friends from high school on Sunday night and then home today.


I designed a book for the guest to sign at the party.  My Mom loved it.
here are the pages.  (before everyone signed of course)

BOOK COVER front and back

 

OPENING PAGE

 

SPREADS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CLOSING PAGE

 thanks to everyone who came and signed the book.. Mom absolutely LOVED IT!!