Meghan: Tampa Bay Portrait Photographer

I took a few quick shots of my friend Meghan this afternoon after our religious meeting. It is soo cold down here in ("sunny") Florida! But she looks so cute doesn't she? I'm excited because tomorrow we're throwing our tea party...new pics to come soon :)

Quinceanera: St. Petersburg Event Photographer

I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know a little bit about Nyarid and some of her family this night! I've known her mom for quite a few years (she was my middle school Spanish teacher, turned colleague after 7 years loL) anywho, Nyarid is such a beautiful young woman and sooo personable! I didn't know anything about Quinceanera's but I now understand it is a public declaration of the young "girl" transforming into a young "woman" and as far as I am concerned, this young woman is quite mature for her age. I wish her much happiness in her life. I am so happy I was able to get to know her a little better :) 

To view a full slide show click ----> here <----

Tea Time: Day 1

My mom and aunt are hosting an afternoon tea party next week! I wanted to decorate the dessert buffet ( I think while I'm at it, I'll make a tea buffet too). For the next few days I'll post pictures and links so you can be inspired to throw your own themed party. Oh, and just keepin it real - this is a good 'ol, down home, southern hospitality house (tea) party. Just a few close friends coming to our home :)

I hope mom doesn't think I'm trying to take over loL but she bought all these really cool (but very different) tea pots. Some are oriental, some are country styled, some are classic, and some are Victorian. I was thinking if we come up with a color scheme we'll be able to incorporate everything she bought so far. What do you guys think of Lavender, Green and Yellow? Mom loves lavender and we have a bunch of soft green and yellow candles and decor already (keepin it real and cost effective ;-) )

Inspirations:

I Used To Love Him

A few weeks ago I ran into my 10th grade English teacher, Ms. Hansen. We spoke briefly and then went on our way. As I walked away I remember how life altering her class was for me. I know that sounds so much bigger than it should doesn't it, "life altering"? Really Nina? It was just a sophomore English Honors course. Yes it was LIFE ALTERING for me. She made us write journals. The last time I had written in a journal was, I want to say at 10 yrs old and then I threw it away because it wasn't "cool to have a diary"! We read "Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom and after reading the story we had to write in these journals. I had no choice but to do the weekly assignment because we were being graded on it!

I had no idea what to write about in my first entry so I wrote a few class notes (loL) I confessed my love for the two guys I liked at the time (wow loL!!!) and finally about how hungry I was getting and ready for the lunch bell to ring! I got so used to writing x amount of pages per week that once we finished the assignment at the end of the semester, I just continued to write - about more significant things now (but still confessing my love for crushes loL)! It was such an outlet for me, I enjoyed it. I would sit in my room for hours, literally, and write in my journal. I would continually go to walmart and buy 2 or 3 composition notebooks at a time so if ran out of space in one I would just continue in the next. I continued writing regularly throughout high school and my first year of college (I believe I have about 14 or 15 volumes).

Starting my second year of college I didn't write as often, partly because I didn't have the time and when I did I just didn't feel like spending my free time writing the other reason was because I didn't need a journal to be my outlet anymore. I had someone in my life who was there for me. To listen to me. Someone other than my family members. Someone I cared for deeply. I expressed my thoughts and feelings through my voice, not my pen anymore. The problem with that is, all that time is lost. The lessons I learned, the adventures I faced, the things said...all are gone. I don't remember all of them and neither does that person. When I write things down I have a record, something I can come back to and see my improvements (or lack of improvements, I can see what I need to work on). I also realize that "person" whoever that person my be at the time for me...or you! may not always be there. Whether it be on purpose or accidental - I think I want to start writing again. I miss writing. It was healthy for me. 

Good night all.

DJ: Tampa Portrait Photographer

Let me introduce you to my best friend, Derrick! Isn't he cute?! loL {I have to admit, I have a little bit of a crush on him ;-) } Just look at that smile! Ok, ok seriously...he called me a few weeks back asking for a portrait session, mainly because he wanted to support me and my photography endeavors but he also wanted some up to date pictures of himself. We went downtown and had a little fun. He was pretty relaxed infront of the camera and a great model to work with. I just wanted to share a few pics...

Have a great rest of the week ya'll (and stay warm!)

Angelia and Dee: Tampa Bay Engagement Photographer

It was 6 years ago when I met Angelia, this red head with braces. She was pretty quiet - only for the first week of class - but really nice. It was freshmen year and we were in the same Arts Magnet program, PCCA for Musical Theater. We didn't really click until Junior year, but we'd been friends ever since we met. She'd met Dee freshmen year and they hit it off fairly quickly. They both were newbies to Florida. She, moving with her family from Pennsylvania and he, coming back to the states from Vietnam. He was a year ahead of us and had the prettiest hair I'd ever seen on a guy, long and wavy!  (he since cut it)

Today they celebrate being together and in love for 6 years...Angel is a model (well, duh! Look at her, Fabulous and Fierce) and will soon be working in Paris, France! I'm so excited for her, I wanted to shoot with she and Dee before she left. We had a lot of fun laughing and catching up while I observed a different kind of love. They are so sweet - they truly love one another - I hope they see it as much as these pictures show it! Love you guys :)

College Days

So I know this is a Photography blog, but it is also MY blog and I can write what I want loL. I'm sitting at home right now, preparing for my orientation (I will be transferring to the University of South Florida) I am in my 3rd year majoring in Computer Science. I'm going a little crazy right now because I feel there is so much I need to get done, but in reality there isn't that much that needs to be done. Honestly, I just need to be better organized. So much is going on with school - registration, class schedules, joining organizations, fees, etc. - n~grace photography - every weekend for the past 6 weeks I have had a photo shoot, which I LOVE but because I'm not as organized as I should or could be, pictures seem to be piling up right now, so many pictures to edit in so little time. I want to edit and get the CDs out to my clients in a timely manner but I will not rush because, in my opinion, I would be sacrificing quality for time. Of course this is me editing each picture which omg! what the heck is wrong with  me?! I really need to look into "lightroom" and/or an editor (out sourcing) ugh! Or should I? Is it worth the money and effort? Does anyone reading this know about either lightroom or some editor, like "Photographer's Edit"?

Anyway! loL There are so many blog posts I'd like to write but simply don't have the time at the moment. I'm excited for the winter break coming soon because I have a lot I want to share...In the meantime, here is a sneak peek for future posts :)

 ~Couples: Angel and Dee

 ~Weddings: Amanda and Dan

 ~Portraits: Derrick

  ~Events: Christine and Craig

Sneak Peek: DJ Anytime

I really wish I could write more, but this is just a sneak peek of pictures I took of my best friend DJ. More to come in the next week or two

Sneak Peek

Here is a sneak peek of what's to come in a future post :)