'WE GOT THE BLUES"

We just returned from our annual Virginia Professional Photographers Association (VPPA) Convention/Competition in Portsmouth, VA. Brian and I had a combination of 5 blue ribbons and 4 red ribbons plus a "Court of Honor" award. The above photographs are our blue ribbon winners and the "Museum Atrium" won the "Court of Honor" for best architectural photograph.

We are constantly trying to create great images for our clients. To have our photographs judged by our peers and win awards is very satisfying. As our customers we want you to know that we care about what we do and want give you an award winning image as well, because we care about you too.

JOHN & BUSTER

One of the great joys as a photographer is creating a portrait with a special story. John had contacted me about photographing him and his dog Buster. I had John come by the studio to show him samples and to talk about his relationship with his dog. I asked John tell me a little about Buster. John looked at me with tears welling up in his eyes and said "I don't think I can talk about that". After sometime talking about other things like print sizes and frames, John told me that Buster had cancer. He wanted a photograph of them in a field where they go walking at Green Hill Park in Salem. So here are two images we created for John and Buster. This is why we do what we do. It is always the story behind the request that helps us create something very special.

VALENTINE SPECIAL

Want to so something special for you're special someone?

How about a studio portrait of you for the loved one in

your life. Thru the end of January we are offering a

studio session with 2-8x10 & 2-5x7 portraits for the

special price of $149 + sales tax. Orders completed by

January 28th will be ready for February 14th delivery.

Don't wait a second longer, call 982-3680 now to reserve

your appointment. You're Special Someone will be thrilled!

5000 DASH ON THANKSGIVING

Alex and Rebecca Horton

Once again we were fortunate to be part of the Drumstick Dash for the Rescue Mission of Roanoke. We photographed 112 individuals/families participating in the 5k walk/run. Hopefully what we are doing will catch on next year. Since this event has become such a family event, Lee Clarke of the mission approached my son and I and asked us if we could come up with a way to photograph the families so they could have a memento of the day. So we did just that. The photographs we did yesterday were on line while the event was still going on, and the jpeg files of each group can be purchased for a $20 donation to the rescuse mission. So it accomplished a couple of things...extra money raised for the mission and a great photogaphic memory of how cold it was and how much fun you and the family had...If you would like to view the photographs, click out of the blog, click on the website, go to proofing, and enter the password: drumstick. Enjoy!

As in our early post about the Myer Family, there is always a story at any event, there were many stories happening yesterday, but one we had the blessing to be part of. The photo above is of Alex and Rebecca Horton who have been at the Womens Shelter at the Rescue Mission for 3 weeks. They were there doing their part in participating, encouraging and supporting all the runners and walkers as they crossed the finish line....Yes yesterday was Thanksgiving...and I am thankfull for people like Alex and Rebecca. So next year come and share your family story with us.

A FAMILY WITH A SPECIAL STORY

Recently, we were very fortunate to photograph the Myer's family. On a cold Saturday morning, we drove to Hot Springs where we were warmly welcomed by Dr. & Mrs. Myer, their children, Dennis, Diane and Gary. While discussing their family portrait, we learned a few things about the Myers. We learned who they are, where they've been and what their family means to them. We listened to them crack jokes, reminisce, and share stories as we shared stories with them. Not only did their love bring them together but so did the family homestead. Hearing stories about how they migrate from porch to porch during the day, childhood friends coming over, and how certain parts of the house held fond memories each room and porch.

Driving from parts of Virginia and North Carolina , they came together. United.. celebrating the holiday.. celebrating togetherness.. celebrating.. a family. In taking a portrait, it's not just about a photograph. We talk with our clients, we want to learn their story. Whether it's a family that has fond memories of their homestead and being together, or the high school senior that isn't sure where to go or what to do after finishing school, yet remains positive and excited about the future or the cancer survivor and the friend who was by their side thru all the suffering offering encouragement and support.

Stories behind the photographs not only are touching to those that have lived them, but also to us. The Myers were truly a touching story. To see the bond of love they shared inspired us as photographers to create a portrait for them that not only would be another story, but a memory of a very special day.

Helen Keller said " The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched, they must be felt with the heart."

We are very grateful to th Myer's for allowing us to become for a brief time part of their family and letting us feel with our heart.

JOIN US FOR DRUMSTICK DASH

We are proud to once again be sponsors of the Roanoke
Rescue Missions Drumstick Dash.

This year we are doing something new! We will be taking
photographs of the groups, family & friends and publishing
them on a website. For a $20 donation to the Rescue Mission
we will provide you with the jpeg file as a memento for this
annual family get together. The photograph can be purchased
on the website with a credit card or you can mail a check.

We look forward to photographing you and your family.

$99 IN STUDIO CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

If you are looking for a value...Our in studio

Christmas Special is just perfect. It includes

the portrait session, 2-8x10's, 1-5x7 & 4 wallets.

If you want to add more portraits to this special, we

have discounted units to meet any of your needs.

We will take appointments up till December 10th.

Call now to make your special appointment and

get in on this "Great Offer" now.