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The Worth of a Moment
Posted on February 4, 2010
Greetings, friends! Thanks for stopping by today!
I am often asked by friends and clients, ‘How did you get into photography?’ I usually go into a few lines about how it all started with the family Brownie Twin-Lens Reflex camera that my dad bought while he was in the Army way back during the Korean War. I was just drawn to that camera! It was unique in its appearance, and I was just in awe of how you could push a button, take the film into the drug store, and out came images of whatever happened to be in the viewfinder when you pushed that button! Now I could write 3 or 4 more paragraphs on my progression into the professional realm and how I arrived at this juncture, but that is not the point of this post. It is not about me … it is about what I might be able to inspire you to do within the confines of your own family.
For whatever reason over the last couple of weeks, I have felt the urgent necessity to dig back through old family photos, scan the ones that really speak to me, and share them via Facebook, which really means *EVERYBODY*!! During this process, I have been taken down this wonderful path of my life over the last 30 years or so and I have become quite introspective. As a result, I began to ponder the worth of a moment … captured forever … because someone took the time and had the foresight to think it important … and what a massive understatement that is! It has been said that we do not remember days, we remember moments. Having far fewer days left on earth than I have previously seen, I am certain that old adage is irrefutable. You cannot deny that any person living at this moment has 24 hours less to live (and love) than they did at this exact time yesterday. We are constantly aging … time marches forth like an unstoppable army. Mom and Dad, your children are escaping from your grasp faster than you will ever realize. We do not feel the urgency as we go about our work-a-day lives, but your children will never again be the age that they are today. As one whose children are now adults, I beg you … treasure each tick of the clock while you can. All you need do is look at the images below to see what I mean. In my mind, each photo below was taken ‘yesterday’ … but now those days are gone … forever.
It has never been easier or more economical to own a camera. In this digital age, our only hindrance to documenting our family for future generations is time itself … or rather, the lack of it. But do not be deterred … capture those fleeting moments before they are gone. You are obviously not going to have a pro around like me on a daily basis, so you are going to be the one responsible for recording those special times that happen daily.
But don’t forget … every now and then, commission a pro to capture truly special family portraits for your own memories as well as memories for generations to come. And I can promise you that whenever the family album comes out on those special occasions like Christmases, weddings, and yes, even funerals, someone will inevitably say, ‘I’m so glad that they had these pictures made. They realized the importance of family.’
As you look at these select moments from my family record, know that I speak from experience. There are some in these photos that are no longer with us, but they live on in our photos. Embrace your loved ones today.
Nancy and I as newlyweds, 1984
(photo by Earl Studios)
Our oldest daughter, Angie, seeing her baby sister, Jennie, for the first time.
March 29, 1988
(photo by yours truly)
Angie and Jennie (c. 1989)
Jennie, 1989
(photo by mom with her Kodak)
Angie with her first fish, 1988
(photo by your truly with my Pentax Super Program)
My parents and my siblings (c. 1987)
(I am on the far right.)
Our sweet, lovable Angie (c.1989)
(photo by unknown)
Angie and her Grandaddy Hendrix. He called her ‘Punkin’.
(c.1987)
(photo by yours truly)
Jennie @ Halloween (c. 1992)
(photo by unknown)
Our Christmas Tree, 1986
(photo by yours truly)
Pentax Super Program, Kodachrome 400 w/Cokin 8-point star filter
Nancy and Angie, 1986
(photo by yours truly)
Pentax Super Program w/Cokin diffuser filter
Reese Remixed
Posted on February 3, 2010
Greetings once again , friends! You may remember that little Reece graced these pages back a few weeks before last Christmas. I gotta tell ya, she is really growing!! And such a happy baby! So happy, in fact, that the first shot that you will see below is one of her just a-gigglin’! Even though her eyes are closed, her mother really fell in love with the shot because it seemed to capture Reese’s personality.
Sometimes we all need to be reminded that each and every human being is unique .. and that uniquity is what I seek to capture for generations to come. And thanks to those parents like Reese’s, there will be many photos for Reese’s children and grandchildren to treasure far into the future.
As always, comments and critiques are welcomed.
- Bobby
Donate to Haiti
Posted on February 3, 2010
You are all well-aware by now of the devastation caused by the Haitian earthquake. In an effort to be sure that I diligently searched for an organization that would not pocket much of my donation for administrative fees, I found this organization:
http://haiti.heartofgodinternational.com/Default.aspx?tabid=2479
Not only do they not deduct any admin fees, your donation is matched dollar-for-dollar by Young and Company (http://youngandcompany.net/). I would like to ask that you [prayerfully consider giving to this worthwhile organization as they struggle to provide for those entrusted to their care.
Just click the ‘Donate to Haiti’ link in the menu above. God bless you!
Thank you!
- Bobby
Hellooooooooooooooo, Renita!
Posted on February 1, 2010
Say hello to Renita, a truly modern mom. But here is the surprise … Renita is a mom-to-be, even though you wouldn’t know just looking at her headshot! She looks like a fashion model! But her precious Caroline Elizabeth is due on the 25th of this month! It would be hard to argue that expectant motherhood never looked so good! Renita is a true renaissance woman!
- Bobby
They grow up so very, very quickly …
Posted on January 26, 2010
This is either Avery’s fourth or fifth time to grace these pages … to be honest I’ve lost count. By now you know the story. I met her mother and father, Jennifer and Ryan, for the first time back in the summer of 2007 … a young, engaged couple looking for a wedding photographer. I remember meeting them at McAlister’s in Northport, but aside from that and the fact that I probably ordered an iced tea, I don’t remember much of anything else.
As the story goes, I got the job (not hard to figure out, huh), shot their engagement photos later that year, shot the bridals in spring of 2008, and shot the wedding on May 31, 2008. In practically no time, Jennifer was expecting this little bundle of joy. Not long after her birth in June of 2009, Jennifer was calling requesting that I take some photos of little Avery. I had dabbled in children’s photography, but had not seriously considered taking it on alongside my wedding business. But as you all know, God had different plans … it has taken off with a vengeance in the wake of Avery’s first shoot when she was 2 months old.
So now, she’s crawling and sitting up … and tomorrow, she will have her first prom date. I only hope that God will let me live long enough to put that moment on this web site. Until then, enjoy Avery at 6 months!
-Bobby
Comments
1 Comment so far-
February 2, 2010 at 7:31 am -
She’s beautiful and the photos are captivating, Bobby! I’d think at the very least, you’ll be Uncle Bobby after that tie-in!
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Mom – 2 – B!
Posted on January 26, 2010
Hiya, gang! Well, it’s been a while, hasn’t it? I gotta tell ya, folks .. these cold snaps down south don’t help the old energy. I’ve been hibernating for a few weeks now, but it’s time to get back in the swing of things!
I’ve been wanting to do some maternity photos for a little while now, but the truth is that it is not the easiest thing to find a young, Southern lady to show you her baby bump for all of the world to see. But I did find one lass courageous enough to proudly show hers to the world. Thank you, Katie!! You allowed me to get my feet wet in the wonderful world of maternity shoots! You were a real trooper and I salute you! Thanks also go out to Chris and Riley for their willingness to ‘ham it up’ for yours truly! (Maybe we’ll see some baby pics in a couple of months!!! I hope so!!!)
- Bobby
My Last Shoot of 2009
Posted on December 31, 2009
What a year 2009 has been! I must say that it was a slow start, with my first wedding not taking place until late March. I was grateful for whatever came my way given that economic conditions across the country were not good. But I forged ahead, shooting weddings and a class reunion in late July.
But everything changed on June 24th when little Avery Fuqua was born to Jennifer and Ryan. I had shot their wedding back in May of 2008 and had developed a nice relationship with them along the way. So when Avery was born, Jennifer asked me to shoot some baby portraits for her. I will admit to the world at this moment that the thought of shooting baby pics terrified me. Never had I given it a thought … I wanted to be a wedding photographer, nothing more. But we just never know the plans that God has for us, do we?
After I had shot Avery’s pics, they got posted to Facebook … and suddenly, I was a baby photographer. The inquiries came fast and furious … more than I could have ever imagined. I posted pics to my Facebook Fan Page, and my email box begin to overflow … people became fans … the phone was ringing … and I couldn’t have been happier! Mothers were trusting me to capture those special moments of their children’s young lives.
The bookings are already coming in for 2010 at a nice pace, including several weddings already on the books with several more consultations planned for after the first of the year. So I have every reason to be optimistic for the new year.
But before we say goodbye to 2009, I must show you my latest little client. Say hello to Addison Kayte. I met her mother and father, Valery and Micah, when I shot his brother’s wedding back in May. They liked what they saw, so they asked me to capture their precious daughter in photos. Thanks, guys .. she’s a beauty!
Happy New Year, everyone!
- Bobby
Charging Towards 2010!
Posted on December 30, 2009
Hi, everyone! I trust that you all had a magical Christmas and are now making preparations for 2010. It has been a remarkable week for me so far. This past Monday, December 28th, I celebrated my 55th birthday! I feel utterly blessed because I have known many people in my lifetime who left this world way too early. And although I am very much looking forward to eternity in Paradise with my Lord, I kinda like things the way they are here on Earth right now. Reminds me of one of my favorite jokes, so indulge me for a few seconds here.
“One Sunday evening as he approached the invitation portion of his sermon, a preacher asked his congregation the following question: ‘Who wants to go to heaven?’ Of course, everyone raised their hands … except one little 5-year old boy. The preacher walks over to the lad, looks down at him with a smile, and asks the little boy, ”Son, don’t you want to go to heaven?’ The little boy looks at the preacher and innocently exclaims, ‘I sure do, preacher! But I thought you were looking to get up a load for tonight!”
Well, I digress … but the point is that I am really excited about what 2010 holds for me, both personally and professionally! There is a Caribbean cruise scheduled for February, our first grandchild (a boy!) is due in April, and yesterday I learned that I have a two-page spread of my photos featured in the 2010 edition of ‘Alabama Weddings’ magazine! I am finally published!!! Gotta love it! Wow, if it gets any better, I don’t know if I can stand it … but I’ll sure try! Here are a couple of photos of the magazine that are pretty self-explanatory. And I have all of you to thank for my success … without you, it would only be a hobby. But because of you, it is quite possible I will never have to ‘work’ another day in my life. For me, photography ain’t work … it just happens to be something that I love to do that I get paid to do. Now that’s almost heaven.
- Bobby
Comments
5 Comments so far-
December 30, 2009 at 8:00 pm -
I am so honored to know a celebrity photographer! Yay for you! Couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy! Here’s wishing you a new year (2010) filled with magic, music and lots of NON-work!
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Christmas Eve 2009
Posted on December 24, 2009
Things are surely different these days. Nancy and I are well into middle-age now. Our children are grown, and one even lives out of state now. The days of a child’s laughter at Christmas are cherished, yet distant memories. Our baby is expecting a baby of her own in April, our first grandchild. But this Christmas it has been just Nancy and I … just as it was our first Christmas together in 1984. It has been quiet, but it has been one of the most special days in recent memory. But tomorrow, on Christmas Day, our daughters and their special ones will bring our home to life. But tonight … it’s quiet and peaceful. So I took my camera and got one of Nancy’s recent acquisitions, and here is the result. My prayer for you is that you know that you are at peace with God … because of Him.
King (and Queen) of the Hill’s
Posted on December 21, 2009
Here are a few photos from yesterday’s session with the Hill family!
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Very good post, Bobby! We take the box out with all the family photos (I know, they should be in albums!) and it’s like I’m living those years all over again. I can feel and smell the entire experience. My mother-in-law is always saying to make the memories while you can because one of these days the memories are all that’s left. Capturing those moments in pictures ensures that they stay with you always. I hope you’ve inspired some folks to take the time.
Daddy, those were beautiful words. (Thanks for ruining my makeup) – You’re so right about the fleeting moments. As time goes by, I get more upset (not the best word, but not too sure what other word to use) by the slipping time. The scariest thing to me – is losing my parents. You guys are my everything. You’ve been with me through absolutely everything. The good, the bad, and the really bad – and have never loved me any less. Unconditional love, I know the meaning of that because I see it in my parents.. every single day. As I get ready to have my own child (it’s still so weird to say that) .. my son.. wow – I know I have the tools I need to be a good parent – because I learned from the best. I pray for you two everyday – your health, your safety – because, without my parents, I would be lost. I love you both so very much and truly do treasure – every phone call, every visit, every bit of time with you. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful relationship with the both of you. I love you so much, Daddy! Thank you for putting all of these precious pictures online – so I can look at them every day. It’s so great.
Thanks, baby girl … through my own tears now … all I can say is ‘I love you, too.’
- Dad
… your photographer 4 life.
Beautiful post – by you AND your daughter! You are truly a blessed man!