Photo Safaris (portrait specials)

Senior guys clothing and prop ideas (for fall)

Fall colors provide a great backdrop for any portraits. I'm only focusing (yes, pun) on seniors here but family, kiddos, and pets look so wonderful with natures amazingness around them! We have some specials coming up in the next couple of months so check our website for dates and locations. You'll be seeing samples of them soon too. This season will be spring's beautiful backdrop!

Check out the guys' ideas for simple outfits and props. They worked out handsomely!


www.buellphoto.com

Valentine's Day

Why we don't celebrate Valentine's Day: First of all, I don't mean to criticize those of you who do celebrate this wonderful day. No, it is not a religious standpoint that keeps us from honoring this day. It is simply that we care and lift each other up EVERY DAY. I can't explain to anyone who has never felt the quickening of a heart at thinking of her beloved but that is what happens to me every time I think of my husband.

It's not easy to put yourself second when you want to do something and your spouse wants to do something else. But it is always worth it. My life is so easy because he works so hard!

It wasn't always so wonderful. Raising kids is a wonderful time in a marriage with lots of hard work and laughter and bonding. But, it was hard on our relationship as a couple. Our time, talent, energy, everything was spent on the kids. There wasn't much left for the two of us. It is easier now that our youngest is driving and we are a little more able to spend time together, just the two of us. So we decided a few years ago that because life is short, we would make it great for each other! We started by walking together to get back into shape and while we walked, we talked. About. Everything. It was a time of great growth. Not always pretty, but so necessary. Honesty.Transparency. Did we really think we could hide stuff from each other? We've been together since high school for goodness sake. We are soul mates. In the heat of battle we never forgot that we were meant to be together. We still walk (and run but not well) together and talk all the time and our workouts have morphed into some pretty grueling weight training separately. But the reason is that we want to have as healthy a life as possible going forward so that neither of us should be a burden to the other. That may not be possible as accidents can happen, surely. But we take care of ourselves now.

A surprising and fun thing that happened along the way is that we now can laugh at ourselves and gently at each other.

We see so many marriages dissolving around us and feel it is important to share our story. Hang in there and make a commitment to each other while it still is possible. Forgive. Be Honest. Move forward on a new track. Laugh. Get in shape. See the world. Travel. Make memories.

With God and family sweetly supporting us as a couple we continue to learn and grow how to be good to each other and the world around us.

Thank you, sweetie! Have a great day!

And to the rest of you, Happy Valentine's Day!

New York, Baby!

Oh my goodness!
What a wonderful time we had working in New York City
last month!
I didn't think it was on my "bucket list" until we got there!
We did all the touristy things that one must do: Empire State Building,
Statue of Liberty, Carnegie Deli, Times Square.
We left a few things undone so that we can go back with
the kids and visit some more attractions.

The highlight of my trip was getting to shoot portraits
right in Rockefeller Center! The place was transformed in minutes
from a sidewalk cafe to an amazing banquet venue and back
again with no trouble at all. Wow, the staff was amazing and
so quick!

We headed to a Yankees game and seriously didn't know
how I could cheer for a team that I've always disliked.
But, I did! If I can change after so many years, anyone can.

Another big change for me, and if you know me, you know how
much I hate shopping. Well, I have to admit that it was pretty
amazing getting to shop and buy stuff on 5th Avenue! Again,
what a transformation!

If you've never been there, you must go at least once.
It is the city that never sleeps and we didn't either. I noticed
that I sort of quit taking pictures once jet lag caught up with
us. The bags under our eyes just couldn't be retouched!
It was so worth it!

Families this holiday

We hesitate to post clients' images immediately after a session because we may be "letting the cat out of the bag" when the images are intended as gifts for their families. Here are some from a super fun family that lives in our neighborhood. Such a wonderful bunch of folks!!

25 years!

So in a couple of hours, my sweet hubby and I will be celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary. Wow! Time flies! I still feel like we are newly-weds. When he walks in the door from work, my heart skips a beat. When he drives behind me, it makes me nervous. When I see his picture, I want him to be close to me right then. The night before we got married was like Christmas Eve and I hardly slept a wink, I was so excited. Not one bit scared. When people tell me they are scared right before their wedding, I secretly think that might be a bad sign. I keep it to myself. I hope and pray for my kids that they find the same sort of soul-mate connection with their spouse. Don't get me wrong, it takes work. Like putting your selfishness away every day for a little while to make your special someone feel special. I forget stuff like why we were fighting. This is bad because that same fight might happen again. But when it comes to forgiving and forgetting, I got that covered. He treats me like a princess every day and tells me that I'm beautiful even when I don't feel pretty. I couldn't imagine a more wonderful life. We are two people with similar goals for a happy future and a singular purpose; to keep the other one cared for in the way that they most appreciate. If you haven't yet, read Love Languages. It will help you in all your relationships, especially with your spouse. Just thought I'd mention how much I love that handsome guy and Happy Anniversary, Baby!

Awesome Seniors

Cory is such a sweetie! It's amazing to see him all grown up since he and his mom have been coming to Buell Photography since he was a little kid. Congrats, Cory!