EARLY CHRISTMAS . . .

Between snowstorms, we managed to venture out and deliver Trevor's iPod to him. Here he is (looking very happy):



If you need a great gift for Christmas, Apple has the coolest packaging available when you order online. You even get an Apple gift card printed with your message! (FYI: The bow isn't included - that was my "touch"!)





(Special thanks to Kevin for providing the photography!)

WE HAVE A WINNER . . .

Today ends the 2008 iPod contest for seniors who had their picture taken from July - November.

TREVOR H. was chosen in a random drawing to receive the new iPod Nano with video capabilities (pictured above). Because of the snowstorm, we haven't been able to take a picture of him yet, but I promise we will - stay tuned! In the meantime, we want to say: CONGRATULATIONS!!

MELTING POT . . .

Part of what makes America great is the "melting pot" of people. We were privileged to meet Belma and her mom who moved here a few years ago from Bosnia. Because we didn't know much about Bosnia, we checked it out on the internet (don't you LOVE it?!?) and found out it's called "the heart-shaped land"!

Because it was raining/sleeting, we took Belma's pictures inside. Thankfully, she brought several clothing changes that complemented her dark eyes and dark hair. Her mom offered suggestions in Bosnian, and even though we had no idea what she was saying, she must be a good "coach" because Belma's pictures are striking!

HAZARDOUS TO YOUR HEALTH . . .

Sometimes photography can be hazardous. Rarely do you capture it on film--but when you do, it's amazing!

Josh's senior pictures were different from the start (BTW-we love different!) We started off by the RR tracks where Josh wore his sunglasses (too cool). Then he brought his snowboard and googles out (remember: there's no snow...) and struck a pose.

When we went to the country club where he works, things took a turn for the worst. (Before I go on, you should know I have a fear of bees. Some say it's irrational--I say it's realistic.) Josh was so busy focusing on his swing and Jerry was so busy focusing on Josh, they didn't even realize that a bee was around. Imagine my horror when we looked at the pictures and saw one right on Josh. I've included the picture as evidence, but we'll be sure to photoshop the nasty creature out. Wouldn't it be great if we could do that in real life?!

THE AGE-OLD QUESTION . . .

Even though we met at 10:00, it was cold--really cold--and we asked the age old question once again, "WHY DO WE LIVE IN MICHIGAN?!?" Thankfully, the sun was out to heat up a small patch of sidewalk where we could huddle. More importantly, Jess brought a coat (smart girl) which turned out to be great for her pictures. The hood showed off her amazing eyes and framed her face perfectly.

When we went downtown to the walking bridge, it was warm enough for short sleeves (insert smiling faces). Even though all the benches had been removed, we were happy to have the entire area to ourselves--perfect for senior pictures. Best of all, there was not a snowflake in sight. Sarah Palin can have Alaska!!

WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD . . .

I didn't see it coming. As soon as I started the slideshow, it hit me...

I cried--not just the "tear, sniffle, sniffle" kind, but the "restart it again because I can't see the screen" kind! Maybe it was the song, "What a Wonderful World" playing in the background... Maybe it was the amazing sweetness in Maddie's face... I'm guessing it was the powerful combination of the two.

A special thanks goes out to Maddie's mom who was willing to bring her over for Jerry to photograph. He loves working with children, but this was extra special. Now he's sure he'd like to photograph more kids in the future!

Maddie is ADORABLE! Here's some of my favorites...

(Caution: Do not play "What a Wonderful World" while viewing these images!!)

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE BACKGROUNDS . . .

You can feel it the minute you meet him; there's something special about Tim. Not only is he unbelievably kind and gracious, but he has a quiet strength. Even his pictures reflect it. We were thrilled when Tim told us about his dream of becoming a neonatologist. Our son was born 7 weeks premature, so we could relate. Tim would be PERFECT!!

I think the word that best describes Tim's pictures is "distinguished." If he was nervous, you would never know... He looked right into the camera, and smiled perfectly. Matter of fact, towards the end, we joked that Jerry wasn't even watching him anymore--it was all about the backgrounds (poor Tim)!

THE LINE BETWEEN THE TWO . . .

Sometimes the line between "senior pictures" and "fashion session" can get a little blurry. Thankfully, Taylor had the "senior pictures" taken first. She moved around confidently and even seemed very relaxed while we captured several shots that work perfectly for her senior pictures.

Then she came to the studio...

We started off shooting some normal portrait close ups, but it quickly became obvious that Taylor's "inner model" had emerged. She is amazingly comfortable in front of the camera, and she gave Jerry the green light to try some fun, fashion shots. Although they may not work for her senior pictures, Taylor's studio shots are amazing - she is a natural!

GATORADE, RAISINS, AND DONUTS . . .

When you're a 2nd grade soccer player, you are focused. You arrive at the game early to scope out the audience, making sure the designated parent with the bag is there. You determine where you should stand to be closest when the whistle blows at half time. And you play hard with one goal in mind -- the treats! (The tunnel at the end runs a close second, though!)

We cheered for our nephew, Troy, this weekend as he played his soccer game like a varsity player and scored two goals for his team! We were impressed to see his talent, and can't wait to watch his progress through the years. Go Troy!