Images for a cure

Many of you have probably heard me mention or read somewhere about images for a cure. And maybe you have came across it and you aren't really sure what it is exactly. So, I am here now to explain everything! Yay!
Images for a Cure was founded by Kristen Weaver, she is a fabulous photographer based out of Orlando, Florida, but works internationally. And she says it best with this little excerpt from the images for a cure website (http://www.imagesforacure.com/about-us/)
Quote:
Images for a Cure was started in August of 2009 as a small idea by Orlando based wedding and fashion photographer, Kristen Weaver. A small brainchild turned in to an international event of large proportion, joining 239 photographers across 3 countries to raise money for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Thanks to the contribution of these photographers, all donating 100% of their session fees for one day, along with the support of 21 industry sponsors, Images for a Cure raised $12,900 at the conclusion of their 2009 event.
2010 proved to be a challenging and transitional year for Images for a Cure. Legally incorporated, with new logos, branding and a new website, the company had dedicated itself more than ever to reaching life-changing goals for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. A team of photographers based in Orlando have joined together to tirelessly promote the participation of photographers and sponsors. New tier-based participation levels has been introduced, and the commitment of our photographers has been inspiring. Our goal to form a united group of photographers actively supporting a single cause has been realized, and as a unit, we were stronger than ever! The introduction of our first workshop in Spring 2011 encouraged us to promote the event year-round and new, exciting opportunities for partnerships with our sponsors promote unity and support among the industry.
Thanks to the contribution of 255 photographers, along with the support of countless industry sponsors, Images for a Cure raised $15,343 at the conclusion of their 2010 event; bringing our grand total to $28,243!

End quote.

So, I am very excited to announce that Unobstructed Studios is on board for the 2011 Images for a cure. Most of you faithful followers are well aware that I personally have been impacted by cancer in my life recently. I had a very good best friend and a family member diagnosed with two different types of cancer on the same day. And it through both of them that I truly learned what it is like to survive.
We all go through our day to day routines and we complain and we think that we going through alot, whether it be stress, a bad job, whatever, but we truly do not know what it like to go through something like cancer unless we have been there. And cancer is not a thing you can fight alone. You need your back up, you need your family and friends to be there for you and it does start to take a toll on them too. Hilary Clinton was wrong, it doesn't take a village to raise a child, it takes a village to fight cancer.
One of the main reasons I wanted to participate in the Images for a cure is because I see my good best friend go through such hard times with having such a painful illness and it is heartbreaking, but I also see her get up everyday and still go to work, and see her laugh and I see her cry. She lives a normal life, and she doesn't want anyone to treat her like a victim. She knows the importance when smiling when it is the hardest to smile.
It is very important to me to be a part of Images for a Cure, and it is important to make sure that come time for the event, it is fun. Everyone has a great time, we raise alot of money for an amazing cause and we all enjoy ourselves as much as possible.
If you would like to receive more information on participating with Unobstructed Studios or if you would like the information needed to book a session, once the date is set, most likely in November, email us! We would happy to put you on the list! And we will give you all the information you will need, contact@unobstructedstudios.com

I really hope to see a huge turn out and I hope that we can send a big ole donation to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

It's my party

So, I am a little behind on the blog, again. But, for good reasons, we have been very busy this month with alot of exciting new projects! In July Unobstructed Studios held is first ever Portrait Party! A portrait party for those who may not know, is when you hold several small sessions at once at the same location for one fee. It is a really great idea for parties, events and other type occasions. Our first ever was actually organized by Unobstructed Studios, which traditionally, they are not, they are requested at events but we thought it would fun and a great idea to get the word out about them.

So, we had one! And it was alot of fun! It was on July 31st and yes it did in fact rain! However, it did clear up in time for us to still have a great time, minus the after rain humidity!! Portrait parties are a really good idea for children's birthdays and events similar to that and they sometimes have a theme and sometimes are pretty random in theme. It is all up to the client and what they want to do. Since our first ever portrait party was organized by us, I picked them theme! And it was fabulous, we had a spring time lemonade them. Lemonade signs and all. It was alot of fun, even in the planning stages it was alot of fun. My assistant made a wonderful sign for the lemonade and we put the Unobstructed Studios logo on it. It turned out awesome! We went with yellow and pinks because they are pretty and I wanted them! Most portrait parties are on location at events and parties, but very soon , we will be offering portrait parties in our new studio! That is sure to be alot of fun with all the props and such to play with! This first one, was also alot of fun! It was a great turn out and everyone had fun, there was lemonade and cookies to go along with the theme. I will admit, I forgot to put sugar in the lemonade and honestly, it wasn't the best tasting lemonade I have ever had.  It did, however photograph well, very photogenic lemonade!

Girls just wanna have fun

Some of my favorite people!! A session that was scheduled and shot solely for these girls to have fun, it doesn't get much better than that! Jennifer and Kristen, on the ends in the above image, have been loyal clients of mine for awhile now and these other two lovely ladies are their nieces and they are just as sweet! They are both heading off to college!! When I was contacted about this shoot I knew that I had to do something to make this extra special for them. Especially since Jennifer's husband was very nice and helped me with some car trouble recently and saved me a ton of money!

So, I called in the lovely Leeann Soxx from MakeUp Your Destiny!!! I had arranged for her to meet these four beautiful ladies before their session and do their make up for them. Enhancing the fun of the shoot! I will say not only am I lucky to have the best clients, but the best vendors as well. Leeann did an amazing job and these ladies only looked more beautiful and they got to spend a few extra hours together.

By the time they got to their location, they were all smiles and giggles! That makes my job alot easier! The bond that they all have, is amazing. It is not often to see such a strong bond between aunts and nieces, but this is a very strong and close family. And these girls are all about having some fun.

One of these lovelies is going to college to study nursing, and the other is still undecided but is going to attend Southern Christian, I hope I have that name correct!! They are a great family and fun people! All the best to these to two girls as they start their journey. And all the thanks in the World to leeann soxx of make up your destiny! What a lovely lady and an amazing job she does with make up!

If you like the make up on these women, you can add make up services to any session, even half sessions! If you would like more information on either booking a session or make up services, please contact us! We would love to here from you! Email contact@unobstructedstudios.com to reach unobstructed studios and makeupyourdestiny@gmail.com to reach leeann soxx with makeup your destiny!

We would be happy to fit you in and soon as possible!!

So, in honor of back to school day being today for the majority of the viewing area, I thought I would share with everyone these two lovely ladies, their family and the fun they had!

The bigger the family....

...the more love and presents for all. To my faithful blog readers, this family should look very familiar to you. The Simmons family! One of my favorites, I worked with them in the spring at the beach and I just adore them all. Melissa, the leader of the pack, is quite possibly one of the kindest people I have ever met. When I first met Melissa back in the spring, I was going through some not so happy things and she was so kind and helpful to me. She really could relate to my current happenings and she was always there to talk to. Come time for her session we spent days trying to coordinate her, her husband and their four kids together for two locations. And, she did an amazing job as everyone looked awesome! There session was alot of fun, alot of chaos, and alot of great pictures.

After their session we continued to communicate and further transition from professional relationship to friend. So, I was over joyed to get the call from Melissa that she was ready for another shoot!!





Seems as though she had two kids coming up on birthdays, and she knows the importance of great memories and capturing family moments. So, we played around with a few dates and settled on the 29th, I find this odd because her last session was also on the 29th.

The Simmons are such a great family and they are all very kind to everyone. It was one of those extra humid days and it had just finished raining when we started shooting, so it was a sweaty day by far one of the worst!!

When everyone was changing in to their second outfit, the sweetest thing happened. Jonathon, or Dad, was with two of the boys and giving them capri suns to cool them down and one of the boys asked for another one after he had already gotten his, and hid Dad asked him why as he is handing it him, and this sweet little boy took the extra drink and gave it me. I just thought that was the sweetest thing ever.

So, as you look at their images from their session, keep in mind you are looking at some of the kindest people in a jaded society full of selfish motives and antics.



Thank you for my delicious Capri Sun!



Having kids these days I am sure is not easy, let alone four of them. Yet, Melissa and Jonathon have four beautiful children and not only that, they have four polite and kind children. Being around this family is very renewing to ones spirit, two people that love each other so much it cushions their children's falls, craps and cuts. There is no denying that Jonathon and Melissa are very much in love and you can see it in their eyes and you can see it in there kids.



Everyone should get to enjoy their cake on their birthday!



Mr and Mrs Simmons. Super cool parents to 4 lucky kids.



Melissa is another one of those clients I have that have genuinely cared about my own personal trials and battles in the last year. I am thankful for them and I am certain they were supposed to be in my life. I do love the sessions that are scheduled because of some upcoming special occasion in someones life, like celebrating a birthday and you realize after the session is done and over, once you being the processing of the photos, that its more than celebrating a birthday or whatever the occasion may be. It's about celebrating life. And even more I love that I have those types of clients that celebrate life, and understand life, and appreciate every single day of it.

The Simmons family are like that, as are many of my clients, and I thank my lucky stars for that everyday. I love watching their kids grow, and I am tickled to pieces that I am the person chosen to do that for them.



If you are viewing the Simmons families session and you enjoy the images, please feel free to contact Unobstructed Studios at any time to receive information on booking a session for yourself or your family. There are many options to chose from, and we will find the right package for you and your family. For more details email contact@unobstructedstudios.com.









A Farhat Affair

A Farhat Affair

Let me tell you about my cool new friends, the Farhats. I met Angela through another client and she was interested in getting some information about having her daughter, Emilys, baptism photographed. I immediately adored Angela, she was so happy and excited. We emailed for awhile and then we met up at the place where the event was being held. She was so upbeat and happy, it was infectious. And, I will say I am not sure if she had mentioned it then or not and I overlooked it but she has a million people in her family. Back to our meeting though, we both went into the church seperately, I went in before she got there and I kid you not it was like walking back into time but with out the smell of back in time. This church, St George Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church, to be exact, is literally Byzantine Regilious Art in all its glory. It is gorgeous! It is pretty amazing, and I can describe it all day, but unless you see it, you won't believe how amazing it is. And everyone there is just as nice and welcoming as can be. It is a place you go to and never want to leave. I could go on and on. So, when I met Angela at the church the first time and we went in teogther to talk and see the space, I was aware that the space was rather small compared to the rest of the church, but I didnt worry. I knew I would have somewhere to stand! So, come the day of the event...I arrive at the church while service is still wrapping up so I am standing there when it is let out and watching all the congregation walk by me and smile and leave. I have to say, what an attractive and stylish congregation. I am not even lying. So, after what seems like a million people walk out, I am chatting with Angela and her husband. They are so nice. People that are attending the baptism are starting to trickle in one by one, or rather I should say 20 by 20. Holy big family batman!!! I have never seen so many people! And once again, they are all super, almost hyper-attractive. So, after about 20 minutes I do start to become very concerned for my placement in this rather small area. So, I managed to barter a chair of a memeber of the church and I firmly place it where I want to be. Let me tell you, Emily, the little angel in question here, will have no shortage of care, love, jewelry or Christmas presents. Biggest family ever and they all adore this little girl.

Fast forward to the ceremony, it was beautiful and hot, as there are more people in this room than live in North Dakota.

So, the cermony, was wonderful, but let me tell you, there were so many people that the actual pews of the church were filled and most of the folks may not have actually witnessed the ceremony until after the actual baby dunking! I couldnt imagine knowing that many people, their Christmas card list must be insane.

After a wonderful ceremony there was a reception, a wonderful recpetion at the Deercreek Country Club, I am going to feel terrible if I have that incorrect, but I am almost certain that its right. The farhats were so kind and generous to all their guests, they had a delicious lunch serveed and a beautiful cake courtesy of Edgewood Bakery.

When we first met adn started working out details of Emily's baptism, Angela was so kind and sweet, and I remember her asking me if I would have lunch with them afterwards and of course I was tickled. As a photographer, when you shoot an event such as this or a wedding, the client is usually very kind and makes sure to feed the photographer. What tickled me to pieces was that Angela and her husband made sue I had a seat at a table, normally the photographer would eat away from the other guests, in down time. Not the case here, I was sat at the amily table with Angela, her husband, her sister and her family and her parents. I was very touched. And, I sat next to her mom, who is a incredible women. She has a very infectious spirit and was an absolute joy to be round. All in all, this blig has take me about three days to write, solely because this was such a great event, I felt like I was missing details.

I adore the Farhats and every single person in their family. Every  guest was kind to me as I photo stalked around the room. The ceremony and following reception were put together will such class and style. I could not be happier with the resulting images or all my new friends, all several hundred of them!! There is always a place at Unobstructed Studios for all of them.

What's the best gift you've ever given?

I give people their memories. Can't beat that.

Ask me anything

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August 2011

Unobstructed Studios is launching a new campaign to promote optimism in a dismal society. So, we are focusing on alot of new ideas and concepts that promote the things in life that we are or should be happy and thankful for. And with that I present to you the August 2011 and very first client of the month:
Mandy Hayes!!!
Mandy has been a Unobstructed Studios fan and supporter for some time now and we never could get a shoot arrange for one reason or another. So, when we launched the cutest kid contest I made sure that Mandy had a spot for Cameron, her son, is two years old and adorable. I met Mandy and her mother in law Connie for their session at the Starbucks in riverside on a drab and dreary day. Rain was threatening and we were pressed with time because of that but being such a trooper Mandy decided to go with it and we never ended up getting rained on but maybe a few drops.
Cameron did great at his session and looked adorable in his cool yellow attire. After Mandy's session through speaking with her, I realized how much this lady has one her plate. See, Cameron has seizures and up until that point he had been doing fine, seizure free, for about 9 months. About a month after their session Cameron had 2 seizures, one bad enough to land him in the hospital for a few days. I cannot imagine what Mandy and her family must have gone through during that time. But, I can say she is a strong a fighter as her son is. She keep herself positive and even when we talked, she always asked how I was doing and how things were with me. Through all that she was going through she was still aware of the World outside that hospital room. That is the type of person that we need more of. Someone kind hearted and caring. Cameron is doing well now and he is a strong little man. When I approached Mandy to see if she would represent Unobstructed Studios as the August Client of the Month, she was thrilled and we set a date to meet up and get some pictures taken.
As luck would have it, we met up on another drab and dreary day that was threatening rain again. But, the images came out great and Cameron did even better this time around! I couldn't be happier with the resulting images or that Cameron is doing better. It takes a strong person to step outside of themselves and put others before themselves. And that is why Mandy is our client of the month. I hope that she and her family will enjoy the images that were shot as an acknowledgement of her kindness and good spirit.
Have a look below at some highlights from the day. And if you know someone that you would like to nominate for the client of the month, please feel free to, we are always looking to hear peoples stories. Simply email a brief description of the person you are nominating to contact@unobstructedstudios.com.