{The Happiest Time of The Year}

Just returned from a fabulous trip to Orlando, Fl with my family! My oldest son and his Pop Warner team, earned a trip to Florida to play in the 53rd Super Bowl. Although they finished 3rd, we couldn't be more proud of the way our son played and represented his team and county. What an incredible ride it has been and an unforgettable experience for us all.

This is my last post of 2009. I need to deck the halls and get to some shopping in before Christmas. I will be back online after the 1st of the year with new things to share. A new website and a new blog should be up and running in 2010. This is something I have been working on for a while now and I'm so excited to share it with all of you. Should be booking photo appointments mid January but I will be sure to keep all my clients posted about all of this in my next newsletter so be on the look out for it!

I also want to take this post to thank all my clients for their business this year. Without your positive encouragement and belief in my work, I would not be living out this great dream of mine. I am most appreciative of all the incredible referrals too. Such a privilege to have met some of the best and cutest darn little families in S.C. county!

Christmas time is the happiest time of the year for me and my family. Wishing you all a very merry Christmas and a prosperous new year!

Much love,

Tonya

{Double Take}

This may be my last photo session post until next year as I prepare for the holidays with my family. I never gave this family a proper sneak peek and upon editing, I found some real sweet ones to share. I also have to thank the mommy of these two 18 month old twins. The first time they came to visit me, my studio was so dark that we had to reschedule midway thru the session. Thank goodness the lighting was much better the second time around. Those of you who have toddlers know that it is no easy feat to get them to sit still let alone take a picture of them smiling into the camera. When you add the twin factor and the age of these two lil ones, it all ends up being a roll of the dice. You get one looking one way and one looking the other...it's kind of comical! I am so thankful that their mommy was kind enough to understand this and to also remind me that sometimes you get what you get with this age. There was some real candid and playful ones here that express their unique personalities and it is always my intention to express that in my work.

{Lucky Family}

After a very crazy week of 6 sessions and deadlines, I was so relieved to end my last family portrait session of 2009 with this great bunch. This Mommy and family, happen to be great friends of mine and I was thrilled to get to try out some new tricks! She picked out the perfect colors for them all and I love, love, love it!!! Doesn't hurt that the lighting was PERFECT TOO...lucky family. I don't think I'm going to ruin any Christmas card surprise with these photos I'm sharing but I just wanted to share these because they are just plain funny and spontaneous and they make me want to smile! So lucky are they to have so many great pictures to cherish and to choose from for their family and friends to enjoy this holiday. Thanks for sharing some family time with me, guys! I really had a fun time with you all! Luv, T

{Lot's and Lot's of Smiles}

Haven't been around to do my usual sneak peek posting. With 6 sessions this week, plus an unexpected trip to Florida in the wings, I just haven't had time. I'm oh so grateful for understanding clients. You guys are the best! Thank you!

These three families just got their pictures. Here are some out-takes from the more posed pictures families want me to take but

they can sometimes be the ones parents treasure the most.

A silly look,

a funny hug,

eyes covered,

a single smooch,

giggles,

holding hands

and smiles...

lot's and lot's of smiles!

My favorite!

{Family Sunset Pics}

It's always a pleasure photographing beautiful families. Such a treat to get to spend some time down at the beach at sunset too. This is one of my favorite spots to shoot this time of the year. The sunsets are spectacular and it was crystal clear due to a recent rain storm. Loved the color tones used in this family's wardrobe choice. The backdrops matched them perfectly. Enjoy your sneak peek, H Family!

{Two Adorable Twins}

Meet Mr. M. & Miss S. Two adorable 9 month twins. You may remember them from their baptism a few months back. They have grown so much and I really got a kick at how much personality came out during our time. Miss S. was so chatty and and expressive. Mr. M. always grinning and loving my camera. They were so much fun and with so many great moments, I'm posting more than my norm. Here is a snippet of our time together.

This one kind of sums up thier personalities...I love it!!!!!

Check out Miss S.'s grin. I love how she has her hand on his arm.

Love the holiday outfits mom picked out....so vintage and stylish!

This one is my absolute favorite of the session. Love the color and the lip thing she is doing was just cracks me up! Mom says she has been doing that lately. I would totally blow this one up on a canvas if I were mommy and daddy. Such a character ...so sweet!

I'm still grinning...are you?

Happy Wednesday!

{6 Month Cutie & Sibling}

I'm such a sucker for blue eyed boys. This lil man's amazing blue eyes have captured my attention ever since he was a newborn. They are such a striking feature. I just want to eat him up, he's so darn cute! His older brother is equally as handsome and we had a little fun today playing with cars and counting starfish.

My favorite...love his smile here.

Love the feel of this one too.

Thank you for coming by and spending some time with me today. C, your little guys added a little more sunshine to my day! Luv, T