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Stacey Woods is a Professional Lifestyle Photographer specializing in Modern Maternity, Newborn, Baby, Children and Family Lifestyle Photography for the Tampa Area. Stacey is an on-location, in-home natural light child photographer with a documentary approach, serving the Greater Tampa Florida area including Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, Gulfport, Indian Rocks Beach, Belleair Beach, Madeira Beach, Oldsmar, Palm Harbor, Tarpon Springs, Odessa, Keystone, Tampa, Largo, Dunedin, Safety Harbor and St. Petersburg, Florida.
I'm preparing this sweet family's gallery to go up, but I have to stop and share one of my favorites with you.
We were losing daylight quickly, and maybe that's what grabs me the most about this image... that tender almost-kiss in the almost-dark. Makes me swoon every time.
-Stacey
Hello friends. I'm so looking forward to Friday!! It's been a hectic week for us here in the Woods household. Charlotte has been sick all week, school was closed Monday for Parker and Lila, we are still getting used to our new routines... so I'm extremely late in contributing to the lifestyle project circle. Oh well. Better late than never, right? Here's to a good night's sleep, some good news at the doctor's office this afternoon, and another cup of coffee for me! ///
I am blessed to be able to join eight extremely talented photographers in our continuing project: What _____ Looks Like. It's a wonderful way for us to deliberately make time to photograph our own families, and not just clients. To become memory-keepers as well as memory-makers.
I'm so grateful to know that years from now, I will be able to flip back through our photo albums and see what it looked like when my kids helped me bake cookies, or what it looked like to have a newborn in the house, or what it looked like when she dressed up in all her princess costumes when she was three.
However, when planning my own lifestyle photo sessions, I try to ask my clients what they want their session to FEEL like, instead. That emotion is what drives the session. So this month, I thought it would be more appropriate to show you, What August Feels Like...
Well, it feels like a whirlwind, to be honest. So much happening, so many places and so many emotions at once. A lot of these photographs were captured with my D700, but quite a few were just taken with my iPhone and Instagram.
We began our August with an overnight, nonstop road trip from central Florida to North Carolina, with three young kids packed tightly among pillows and luggage. Oh my... there are so many "feelings" associated with this one! Actually the kids handled it beautifully, since we left at bedtime and drove straight through the night. They slept through most of it. Chris and I split the driving hours almost in half, thanks to some Red Bull (for him) and sweet tea and chocolate (for me). We felt exhausted, sleepy, anxious, nervous, confident, tired, caffeinated, slap-happy, and relieved to finally arrive the next morning. Thank goodness for a nap, and grandparents, aunts and uncles who were happy to watch our children while we caught up on a little sleep.
Charlotte's first introductions to -- and our reunion with -- some very special family members... elated. Joyful. Grateful. Whole. Complete.
Adventurous. Carefree. Realizing that this entire North Carolina field was his own personal golfing range that evening.
Peaceful. Warm. Content...
And ticklish. ;)
Loved, and surrounded by love.
An early first birthday celebration for a tiny girl... denial. How can she be almost a year old?! This isn't possible!! I've prayed for this day, for this "difficult first year" to be over with. And then, when it was actually, truly, really creeping up on me, I pushed it aside and refused to deal with it. Her birthday is not here yet. I'll accept it later, when it's time. And I did... I think.
But this day, her party was so very beautiful and special. It deserves its own post, really, so I won't go into all of it here. But I promise to share it all soon!
We allowed Parker to stay on in North Carolina for a few days to spend some more time with his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Chris's brother's family was heading to Florida to visit us the next week, so they agreed to let Parker fly with them. Driving away and seeing our son standing there in his grandparents' driveway, waving to us all... just about killed me. My heart broke, my throat closed, and I cried hot, silent tears as we passed him by and honked the horn. I could feel Chris looking over at me so pitifully, but I couldn't hold back the tears. My boy and I have a special mother-son bond. Even though I knew that it would only be a few days until we saw Parker again, I still felt like I'd left a part of my heart back there in that driveway. Missing a piece of my family.
Nostalgic. Sentimental. On our road trip, we drove through Charlotte, NC. The city where Chris and I met. "Our" first home. The namesake of our baby girl. I'd taken this exit more times than I could count... and yet it seemed so unfamiliar when we passed by it. Thirteen years is a long time, I guess. And true to our Southern roots, we had to stop in Georgia at a roadside produce stand. Tables laden with freshly-picked peaches, jarred preserves, and bags of soft pecans and hot boiled peanuts. It lifted my spirits a bit seeing Charlotte biting right into that peach! I knew Lila would love hers. She's my best eater.
There was plenty of playtime for the kids this month, and I feel so proud of their imaginations. From trampoline-jumping with cousins, building dojos and rockets and vehicles with legos, to dressing up as Jedi knights to defend little sisters princesses. And in the case of Charlotte above, I let Lila choose her baby sister's outfit this day.... she picked out a Cinderella costume, of course. That, for me, was yet another lesson in choosing my battles. I did not choose this battle, and the baby wore the Cinderella dress to the grocery store that day.
They don't always play well together, I will be the first to admit... but when they do, it's bliss. They discover that his lego tree house and fort can back right up to her pink lego house and all of the mini-figures can hang out. (That's a pink tutu bathing suit Lila has on -- her favorite. She wears it all the time around the house, and I never want to forget it.)
Parker got a hamster this month. Meet Coral. She's kind of a grumpy thing. She's escaped from her cage two or three times, spends all day tucked into her tunnels, and she bites our fingers every time we get close to her. I think she wants to be owner-free, don't you?
The third week in August was more than emotional. Parker began 3rd grade on Monday, Lila started Pre-K on Tuesday, and Charlotte turned a year old on Wednesday. Every day another kid took a step forward, and it was so bittersweet. My babies are growing up! But on the flip side, it was pretty nice to have a bit of order back to our schedule again, and some much-needed routine to our days. Calm amidst the chaos. Centered. Focused. On track.
I'm so proud of this boy.
Someone was really really super duper excited to start preschool... ;)
And, if I'm being honest, I am really enjoying that block of quiet time alone with my baby girl. Charlotte is pretty amazing.
///
Now introducing my sweet friend, Deb Schwedhelm | Tampa Child Photographer. Can't wait to see what she photographed this month.
I have had the good fortune to meet so many new families this year. It's funny because first-time clients can be a little unsure if I actually "got anything good" during our walking, romping, shooting, laughing, acting silly, being-themselves-and-loving-on-their-children kind of session together. I always smile knowingly, because those types of sessions are always my favorites, and I'm happy to show them their images to reassure them. And probably calm their jitters! Zurman family, I'm pleased to report that I did, indeed, get lots of good things during our time together. I hope you agree!
These kids (and their 3 children) ;) were a blast to photograph. It is obvious that they are a family who shares time, hugs, horseplay, and lots of laughs. What a fun family to be a part of!
I'll be sharing more recent family sessions in the coming days. I must confess, when I get super-busy, I tend to go into hibernation mode... which makes for lots of galleries cranked out and lots of work done... but notsomuch visibility here on the blog. ;) But I'm still working hard, don't worry! Galleries are launching left and right, and holiday card orders are being filled as you read this. Well, after I pour that next cup of coffee, that is.
Enjoy! And Happy December!!
This shoot was perhaps one of the most important sessions I've ever done. I have permission from Heather to share her story with you, in hopes that it will inspire other women... mothers, sisters, daughters, grandmothers, friends, to approach whatever challenges come their way with hope, strength, grace and peace. To celebrate your life as it stands today, and to keep hoping. To keep pushing.
Heather was very recently diagnosed with breast cancer. She called me within a few days of receiving the news with an urgency and a desire for a photo session to celebrate her body and respectfully honor it at this time. I was grateful and humbled that she chose me to help create these photographs for her, and my hope is that they will uplift her during this time, and years from now.
I was so proud of her strength and grace throughout the session! We talked about being comfortable with our bodies and the strength within them; how life takes you on a journey and your body is the vehicle that carries you.... you go from being 100 pounds soaking wet when you get married, to pregnancies and births and the changes each milestone brings to your body. You spend months or even years loving and hating the skin you're in, your weight, your shape. But after a while you gain confidence in your body and accept and cherish it for its amazing capabilities to not only carry you through life, but also to perfectly nourish your babies, to help you work and walk and move and do and be. Heather has finally accepted her body, complete with flaws and miracles, however with her diagnosis comes the reality that her body with certainly change again in some way, depending on which treatment option she must undergo. It is my hope that these images will make Heather smile and be hopeful ~ if not today, understandably, then maybe next week, next month, or next year. That's the wonderful thing about photographs. They last forever, even when your life seems to change and evolve and leave those times behind.
In the same vein, I want to make you aware of a very important local event happening here in Tampa tonight, benefiting All Children's Hospital and Moffitt Cancer Center through Cure on Wheels (which has donated more than $50,000 to cancer research in just two years!). The 4th Annual Crack up Cancer Comedy Show will be held at The Improv in Ybor City. Taken directly from The Improv's website:
"The 4th Annual Crack up Cancer Benefit comedy show benefits that innovative research and 100% of the profits made from the event will go directly to that end. The benefactors of this fundraiser will be Cure on Wheels. The 4th Annual Crack up Cancer Benefit will take place on Wednesday June 16th, 2010 @ 7:30pm. The event will feature three local and regional comedians, including Master of Ceremonies, Mike McCarthy (The Comedy Barbarian) and a performance from the BILL OHSE and AL ROMAS. The bar will open at 6pm, and show seating begins at 6:30pm. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 the night of the show."
You can purchase tickets in advance by visiting www.improvtampa.com or you can purchase them at the door. Can't wait to see you there!
While you're at the show, make sure you enter the raffle to win a free session and 8x10 print from Stacey Woods Photography. It's a $415 value, so don't miss out on the opportunity to make some beautiful memories of your own. Several other fine local business and organizations have donated all sorts of amazing items to CUC's raffle as well.
The founders of Crack up Cancer are also some of my very favorite clients. Jack and Brittany Bevilacqua are very passionate about finding a cure for cancer in our lifetime. They strongly believe in everything they're doing to help aid cancer research and awareness. And so do I.
Heather, we're doing this for you too! My prayers are with you this week. Know that you are not alone, and that you have many people pulling for you and believing in you and that we have faith that you can beat this disease. It was an honor to spend the morning with you, and getting to know you a little better. xxoo
I always love turning my lens on these gorgeous girls. Jill's maternity shoot was not just directed toward herself and her beautiful tummy, but it was also very much about Ella, who is going to make for one fine big sister. This is the third time I've photographed this family, and I can't wait to meet baby Anna in a few weeks.
Oh, and did I mention that there is also a supercute and hilarious terrier snuggled up in that tickle fight? I am pretty certain that right beside his "girls" is exactly where he wanted to be. :)
Well, maybe except for that moment.... or this one... ;)
But they are an adorable bunch, no?
Told ya... he was snuggled up to his girls the entire shoot.
Jill, I can't wait to meet your new baby girl! Thank you for having me over to play once more. I had such a great time, as always. See you soon!
~S
No words today. Just her. :)
I love photographing families. I love watching them laugh and smile and tease. I love discovering the resemblances ~ even if I don't fully notice them during the shoot, I'll certainly discover them while processing their images. :) This particular family was a treat to spend the morning with. Although it was blazing hot and unbelievably humid (this was the very last day of July in Florida, keep in mind), this family was so patient and wonderful through the entire shoot. They've had to be even more patient with me as I soldier on through my crazy technical difficulty and blogging/posting issues. So here is their "sneak peek", just a few days before their gallery goes live anyways. ;)
Aren't they a gorgeous family?! And listen to this ~ when I asked mom and daughter to squish up really tightly so I could capture them together, this sweet teenager said "Oh that's okay with me, I love this woman!!" That melted my heart right there on the spot. How many teenage daughters would honestly say that about their Mother these days?! I love to see moms and daughters so close.
Ahem, I won't confess why they're laughing. :) But it's an honest laugh, that's for sure!! Exactly what I was after. And ya know what? This image makes me smile every time I look at it!! I'm having trouble moving on to editing the next image because I keep clicking on this one. LOL! I love when that happens.
Martin Family, I had a wonderful time with you guys ~ thanks so very much for braving the heat and humidity for your outdoor session. Your gallery will be up in just a few days! Can't wait to show you what else we got. ;)
Lately I've been busy-busy, hunkered down behind my desk getting my canvas displays ready, finalizing client albums and prints, having the most fun sessions ever, ordering new marketing pieces with my BRAND NEW LOGO, yay! Anyhow, I haven't had much time to be online lately but I wanted to pop in here and let you know that I'll be posting fun sessions again soon! In the meantime, here is the little one who helps me during the day while Bubby is at preschool. Isn't she precious? How could I possibly get anything done without her? (Wait, let me rephrase that.... How could I possibly get anything done without her sitting on my lap?! lol.)
Or sitting at my feet, standing up beside my legs, reaching up into my lap. ;) And no, I didn't do anything special to her eyes, other than focusing on them at a very wide aperture. They got no special sharpening or dodging or anything like that, I just sharpened the whole image for web. She's just plain beautiful, isn't she?! Bedhead, PJs and all.
I can't imagine my workdays without her!
By the way, can y'all believe that I'm scheduling for the fall already?! August is almost full, and September and October are filling up as well. June still has about two or three session dates available, and July is looking busy so far as well. If you'd like to book a session with me this summer, please go ahead and contact me as soon as you can so I can be sure to get you on my schedule. Typically, my autumn months book up backwards due to Christmas deadlines and such. I plan on announcing my Holiday Mini-Sessions just as soon as I get the dates and locations firmed up. So stay tuned for more news on that! I'll be back soon. :)
I've got a little guy with a fever tonight, so I've a long night ahead. Think I'll try and get some sleep while I can! But I wanted to quickly share just one image from a recent baby session... this little ladybug completely stole my heart.
I'll be back with more from their session tomorrow! Sweet lil' girl. :)
I have met so many wonderful families this season. I always love to photograph sisters, since I have two of my own (with whom I chat on the phone at least every other day!), and it brings back so many sweet memories for me. These two were darling as can be, and were so fun to play with that evening.....
Talk about a heart-melter, huh?!
The sunset over their lake was so beautiful that evening. I loved the reflection of it in the water!
This next one completely reminds me of my sisters and I.... holding hands and running through the garden, from our house to our grandparents' house. We lived next door to them when we were little. The three of us would sit on the back of our gold velvet couch and watch our grandparents' house from the window -- and as soon as we saw Momaw & Popaw step outside to hang up laundry on the line, or mow the grass, we'd wave madly and shout to them and ask to come over and visit. I don't think I can ever remember a time when they didn't say, "Why, sure! If your Mommy and Daddy say it's okay." :) Some of my best memories growing up....
I've got lots more sessions to share. More tomorrow, stay tuned!