Thanks, Web Sites and Bridal Shows!

Thank you so much for your prayers for Maggie! She is resting comfortably right now and seems to be improving. Although her little face is white and so pale she did had enough energy today to fight with her siblings -- that's a good sign, right?
I have requested that my new web site go live!!!! YAY!!! I can't wait for you to see the BIG pictures on it! It should be up within 36 hours. I'll let you know when its up so don't have to click so much! ;-)
I think I am ready for my Bridal Show! I'm keeping this very simple and low key, but I will be debuting something new so show up Sunday at the Marriott and see! Its the Elegant Wedding Showcase at the Spartanburg Marriott on January 20 from 11 - 4. Say hi if you see me -- I'm dying to know who reads my blog!
OK, I'm off to keep clicking... I'll let you know when its up!

Oh no!!!

Our little "elf" has the flu! She has been sick since this morning and we just got the news. Maggie (3) feels terrible, so if you could keep her in your prayers we would really appreciate it! We are also praying that the other three children don't get sick. Clint & I both had flu shots but decided not to make the children get one... SO much guilt right now!!! Maggie's pic is a couple of posts below. Thanks so much!!!!

Detra
Matt 19:26

Aheville PUG meeting with Justin & Mary Marantz!!!

Last night Clint and I went to the Asheville PUG (Pictage User's Group) and had a blast! I really thought Clint would be bored but I think he talked more about it on the way home than I did -- and that was a LOT! It was so much fun, and the special guests who came to speak to us all the way from Connecticut were none other than the uber fabulous Justin and Mary Marantz! I was so excited to meet them and they were kind enough to indulge me with a pic for my blog! They actually posted one on their blog as well, and when I saw it this morning I could have died! My children said "Mom you are famous!" LOL Here I am with Justin and Mary -- the nicest people you will EVER meet!

These were taken at the Stoneridge Tavern in Asheville, NC. Its a family owned restaurant and has the most incredible food! I should have taken a picture of how huge my onion rings were but I just dove in instead. If you are ever in the area you have to eat there.
I sat next to Jason Tench of Blue Mountain Photo Works out of Greenville, SC. We had chatted via email prior to the PUG meeting but this was our first face-to-face! Jason is a wonderful photographer and also a very nice person as well. He claims he can make better Starbucks coffee than Starbucks can -- and I'm going to find out! Here is Jason and me:


Regina Holder is our fabulous PUG leader. She kept everything running smoothly and made sure we had a good time! Regina is on the right speaking with Honour Hiers. I was truly overwhelmed meeting all of you -- and can't wait to do it again!
Here is Clint listening to everything everyone said! The very nice guy next to him isn't a photographer either so they had so much to talk about! :-) I caught them in a silent moment but trust me, this was probably the only one!

Justin Marantz and Corey McNabb talking...

Mary Marantz (on the right) and Sophia Jekic', who realized at the wrong moment the camera was pointed at her!


I have always wanted to meet Corey McNabb! He is such an awesome photographer and does workshops and shares with other photographers. Very nice person -- and he has my card!!! I don't actually know that he kept it but I screamed to Clint when we got in the car "Corey McNabb took my card!!!" LOL


It was such a magical night that it began to snow as we were eating! That led for an interesting drive back down the mountain, but we got home safe and sound and everything is all beautiful and white today!

Couldn't leave out a pic with my sweet hubby! Clint was freezing but still posed for this shot of us in the snow! How cool is he?


Thanks for a great time everyone! I can't wait to do it again!!!

Ed Pierce Seminar

Sunday after church I headed out to Columbia, SC for the Ed Pierce tour. It was a great way to start off the New Year! If you are a photographer you have to check out Ed Pierce's Photovision. Here is Ed answering questions during the break.


The very talented Parker Pfister was there as well! We got to see a short video of Parker taking photos on location. Isn't it funny how photographers enjoy being BEHIND the camera???? No one at this seminar wanted their picture taken, LOL.


I had a lot of fun! If you are a photographer wondering whether to go or not go! It wasn't life changing but I learned something and got some great ideas. You should learn something every chance you get.


Edited to add: So many people are finding this through searches that I think it should be edited to add that the DVDs alone are worth going for! Incredible value.

Happy New Year!!!

Wow! Can you believe that it is 2008??? I am still planning for Christmas -- and I can't believe its over. Just like that. Time, it is a flying!
We spent a nice time at home for Christmas. Here is a cute photo of Maggie in her Christmas pjs! Now THAT is a 3 yr old with attitude! LOL She insisted on wearing her pajamas shopping. Better a happy little girl at the mall than a screaming one! I'll choose my battles.
I had the opportunity to capture a beautiful wedding December 22! I love Christmas weddings. Everything is so pretty and sparkly. I'll do a post all by itself of the Bride, Summer. She was absolutely breathtaking!
I have bought a new website that will accommodate larger photos and is really nice looking. Hopefully it will be up soon -- I can't wait!!! I am thinking of switching from dowlingphotography.org to dowlingphotography.com. What do you think? Would it be too confusing? Someone help me decide!!! We are getting ready to grow by leaps and bounds so if we are going to do it now is the time! (But we don't want to lose anyone either!) Leave a comment and tell me what you think!

Collage

I'm trying out some new software before I buy to see if its easy enough for me to use it. (My BIL is horrified that I have had no formal computer training!!!)
This is Riley! Isn't he beautiful??? I'm just wondering if its too busy, and if I blurred the background too much... What do you think?

Kim and Steven

Meet Kim and Steven, a gorgeous couple from Weaverville, NC, located just outside of Asheville. I went up the mountain for their beautiful Wedding Day October 20, 2007 and captured some of these moments of the two of them. You have to check out their slideshow. There were so many pictures I wanted to post here but didn't have enough room to do it! Link is at the end.

They were incredibly photogenic, and the beautiful stone church with the red door had me at first sight!

We hurried through these next pictures! We stepped inside the church to take them and good girl that I am, well, I felt like we were sinning... But they were married! ;-)

Doesn't every woman want to remember being sexy on her wedding day? I love the sparklers! A must for night receptions!!
Good Luck Kim and Steven! (Not that you two will need it!!!) Don't forget to call next time you are in Spartanburg!!!

To view the slideshow go to: http://www.photodex.com/sharing/viewalbum.html?bm=138096

I hope you like it!!