Thomas is ONE!

Last year, I had the pleasure to meet little Thomas M. He was an adorable, cuddly newborn then. Imagine my surprise when I got a chance to see him recently. WOW! He has grown into an adorable toddler. He was the perfect angel during our shoot, and was very laid-back. I even got a few pictures of him with his big brother Parker! Here are a few shots from the session.

Summer Promotion!

Senior Photography Session only $125 when booked during May, June or July! Includes three location and wardrobe changes during session. Also receive 8 senior wallets with personalization!

The joy of volunteering...

I was recently honored with the opportunity of photographing the "Historian of the Year 2009" banquet honoring C.J. (Pete) Silas, and his wife Theo. It was a lovely event, with many prominent citizens of Bartlesville and Dewey present.

During the presentations, it was amazing how much the Silas' did for our community. The most inspiring part of the evening for me was when Theo gave her speech. She said she got great enjoyment out of being a volunteer, and recommended that others do the same. She said a life volunteering, is a life well lived. So true! It was amazing how much these two individuals accomplished with sheer determination, and a 'can do' spirit. It is a great lesson for us all.

Innocent Angel

Oh how I love baby sessions! I was honored to take pictures recently, of sweet Preslee. At 4 months, she is the epitome of innocence! On a cold afternoon, I captured some precious moments. I also took some images with Preslee and her lovely mommy Brooke. Priceless! Here are a couple pictures from that session.

A Family Session

Families are made up in many different ways . There is the traditional family - Dad, mom and children, or single moms and dads, Grandparents as parents, aunts and uncle taking on nieces and nephews, even adoptive and foster families. The list could go on! No matter how your family is put together, there are ways to show the love and affection you have for each other in a photography session.

Recently, I did a session with Laura and her son David. It was a beautiful evening, and the lighting was fantastic. Here are a couple of my favorite poses from this session!

I still believe in Santa Claus...

Growing up in my family, my parents thought it was important that I knew the 'truth' in the holidays. To them, that meant understanding that the Easter bunny, Tooth Fairy and even Santa Claus weren't "real". The funny thing was, although I 'knew' he wasn't real, I still believed that he was around - alive - helping kids, and delivering gifts around the world. Every Christmas eve, I would lie awake and wonder if it was Santa Claus that was making the sounds in the living room or down the street.

What that illustrates to me is that children are born with the ability to have faith in something that may not be real, even though they are told otherwise. What an amazing gift! As we grow older, cynicism sinks and we as adults tend to see the negative in life. Little hope for things being better, and the inability to believe in what could be. How sad!

With that in mind, I choose to see the good in life and believe in magic and the unseen! At Christmas time - I see Santa Claus in all of us, and let my children - be children. I want them to experience the joy and wonder of Christmas and I want them to believe in Santa Claus, for as long as they can.

Recently, my Belle Claire work brought me to an amazing man - one who lives what I believe. He brings happiness to kids (and some adults that allow it) in our area. Here is a picture from that session! Ron - Keep up the good work!!

Need Couple for Holiday Shoot - FREE session for volunteering!

Belle Claire Graphic Designs is looking for an adventurous couple to photograph! Holiday themed shoot, and FREE session for "modeling"!! Contact info@belleclairedesigns.com. Please pass this on to anyone who may be interested.