30 things in 30 years that impacted my life...

In honor of my 30th birthday today...here in no particular order (other than the first one) are 30 things in 30 years that impacted my life :)
1. Being born in Colorado - the mountains will always have a piece of my heart.

2. Moving to Tallahassee - my home.
3. Meeting Melissa 20 years ago!

4. Graduating from Leon - where I was a 3rd generation graduate.
5. Graduating from FSU - where I was a 4th generation graduate.
6. Bought a house.
7. Learned to drive from my Dad.
8. My first car...1984 Jeep Wagoneer 5 speed.
9. Getting married...the first time.
10. Getting divorced at 25 :(
11. Moving out of my parents home.
12. Senior Prom - visiting my Dad in the hospital.
13. Getting my first full time job.
14. My Dad's death.
15. Meeting Nelson :)
16. Haylee's birth - 1st kid that made me want to be a Mom :)

17. Getting married to Nelson.

18. Reconnecting with Mandy.

19. Remembering how much I love photography.
20. Starting my own business.

21. Becoming the Mom of four all at once.

22. Every time the kids say I love you...Mom.
23. Buying our first car...that we're still paying for :)
24. The first time I realized what happiness is.
25. Our first Christmas at the beach - bitter sweet.

26. The day Xehn came into my life.
27. Watching Zoe's birth <3 with Kellie.
28. Becoming friends with my Mom.
29. The love of my family.
30. Finding the love I thought only existed in movies :)

2009 Year of Memories <3

I made a collage of "as many as I could fit" memory-making images for me this past year. I look at each of these images with a feeling from that day. It's amazing how much happened last year and how much I feel a part of because of my wonderful friends, family, and clients. Each picture means something special to me. Thank you all for letting me in to your lives...I hope we continue to see more of each other in 2010...And because the New Year is here already, I'll be advertising some Valentine's specials very very soon! love you all! B.

Nathan is C-U-T-E

I just had this picture and had to share. Have a nice Labor Day :)

Freckles

This is completely random but I love freckles and this particular picture of my Lanie shows them off so beautifully.  What do you all think? Freckles - beautiful? Don't forget those gorgeous eyes too! Leave your comments!

Bobby Bowden!

A few weeks back we took our boys to the All Pro-Dad event and the guest speaker was Bobby Bowden.

If you live in Tallahassee then this man does not need an introduction...but for those outside of Tallahassee - Bobby Bowden is the head coach of FSU's football team. GO NOLES! Here are just a few shots during his speech about appreciating your family :)


And this one we'll just say he's predicting where we'll be ranked this year!

BECOME A FOLLOWER IN 2009!

You can receive updates as the Photography by Branch blog is updated if you become a follower! On the right side just click on the become a follower link and you'll be in! Over 3,000 hits in 2008 - my first year as a photographer - just think what this year will bring and you won't want to miss it!

This year I want more feedback from you - please leave comments! I really appreciate the support and constructive criticism - it is encouraging and helps me become a better photographer for you!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

Holiday at the Beach

So this month we've been spending as much time as possible at the beach house we rented this year. Please excuse the excessive about of collages but imagine how many individual images I could possibly have for all the time we have spent here.

First, let me say it has been an unusually warm December and this year our pool is NOT heated yet the boys managed to go swimming a few times.


The boys received their response letters from Santa and were excited to read them out loud to everyone.


My mom's dog, Denver, has been a blast at the beach with my little dogs. He is a St. Bernard mix and absolutely adorable.


My family loves the sunsets we get down here at St. George Island.


And of course Christmas morning a little chaos but still so much fun. The kids had a great Christmas and we did too - my mom is sending us away to a bed & breakfast! I can't wait!


Oh and we can't forget my two favorite foods for Christmas dinner - fried turkey and my mom's mashed potatoes - yummy!


Overall it's been a great December and Christmas. Headed home tomorrow - I'll miss the sounds of the waves when we leave our door open at night but it is always so nice to go home.
b

Christmas Eve Eve

Here is something fun for Christmas Eve Eve...it's called Letters from Santa and it was made on this fun website http://www.wordle.net/ The longer I look at it the more it looks 3-D to me. Enjoy!


Merry Christmas!

Beach House

I love the beach in December! This year we my family rented a brand spankin' new house. Only in my dreams could I really live in a house like this one. Check it...


Happy Holidays Everyone!

Cameron & Flag Football

Cam is my 11 year old. My mom said it best the other day - Cameron takes his football seriously. This was the first year Cam participated in the City Parks & Rec Flag Football program. His team was the Jaguars and they had an awesome undefeated season! I took some shots and ordered some trading cards for him. Here are some of my favorites.

I'm a bad blogger :-(

My life has gone through quite a few changes the past two months and my time to blog has been really really limited. Don't worry - when I have time to blog - I'll have a lot to post...Nick's 10th birthday, Laura & Aaron's wedding, Layton, Terri's SURPRISE 50th birthday/retirement party, and Cam's flag football season. Hopefully, I'll be squeezing in a few more family sessions before the holidays. I've been trying to let everyone know that I won't be in Tallahassee to shoot on the weekends for the month of December - I'll be at St. George Island every weekend if anyone is interested in coming down for some beach family sessions. Just shoot me an email or give me a call if you're interested. photographybybranch@gmail.com

I'll start posting soon - before the end of the month :)

b

The Sky

Happy 4th of July!!!

1500!

In honor of the first 1500 hits on the blog, I've decided to post/repost 15 of my favorite images of the past few months. You may have seen most of these and it was really hard to narrow it down. I have many more favorites but here are 15...















So that was 15, please keep checking back! Please visit www.photographybybranch.com to contact me and schedule a session!