Awesome Contest

So, there are lots of professional photographers I follow on Facebook and the blog sites. I love Kelly Manno, Brooke Kelly, Stephanie Baltz, Jamine Star, and Skye Hardwick. Something about their work inspires me to work harder, learn more, and do better.

So imagine my surprise when I see that Skye Hardwick is having an awesome contest over on her blog. She is giving away tons of great prizes. Prizes, which I might add, could help me take my photography to a higher level. If you have the time, go on over to Skye's blog http://www.soulographer.com/ and enter to win yourself some awesome prizes!

Happy Memorial Day

Today is Memorial Day. A day for celebrating those men and women who have fought for our freedom. One of those men was my father, James Powell. He died seven years ago from cancer, which is believed he got as a result of being in the Vietnam War. He served in the Marines, which is why he raised us with a firm, but loving hand. There aren't many days that go by which I don't think of him. So, this is my tribute to him and his service. I took these pictures of my niece, his first grandchild he never got to see, at the Veterans' Flag Memorial over at the Avenue in Murfreesboro this weekend. I know he was watching her play among the flags in honor of the veterans, like himself, who gave their blood, sweat, tears, time, energy, and lives to protect ours. Miss you Daddy and happy Memorial Day!

Long Overdue Post

Well, it has been over 6 months since my last post. Life has had me so busy during that time too. I stopped taking pictures suring that time as well. My heart wasn't in it. However, I took a private photography lesson about a month ago and learned lots of new things. It also renewed my spirit about photography and I've been taking more pictures.

So, my friend Wendy asked me to take their family portraits again. Last time it did not work out so well. This time, after my private lesson, I felt more successful. One step at a time!

Brownings 2010

Once again, I took pictures of my cousin's family for their Christmas card this year. The girls are both just gorgeous! As usual, I had fun hanging with my family and photographing them at this time in their lives.

She's 6 months!

Well, my beautiful niece Makaiya is now 6 months old. Boy, how time flies! She is trying to crawl, rolling every where, and already has her first tooth. To me, she is the most beautiful little girl EVER. However, she is a lot of work. I was happy to finally able to get some great shots of her, as you will see. Enjoy!

A Nappy Wedding

Well, this weekend I had the pleasure to photograph my cousin Mary's wedding. She married her long time boyfriend, Brian, on a cloudy Sunday afternoon in Louisville, KY. Brian is a member of the rap group Nappy Roots. It was my first wedding and I'm very pleased with the results. I wasn't sure how they would come out, but I have quite a few favorites. Congratulations to Brian, Mary, and their daughter S.

She's Here!

So, a few months ago I took maternity pictures of my little sister. Well, on March 31, our family officially welcomed Makaiya into the world. She has been such a blessing in so many ways, before and after her birth. Now she is 6 weeks old and growing and changing so much every day. I'm definitely loving the auntie role I now have to play.