Laura & Billy are expecting...

...and here are a couple images from Laura's maternity session. What an adorable couple! I can't wait to see how gorgeous little Grant is going to be.

FIVE TROPHIES!!!

It was very exciting to win big again at Triangle's winter meeting. I took first place in the individual folio catagory with images of Chelsea (high school senior), first place in the wedding folio category with images of Malissa & John, and Julie and I took first, second, and third place in the multi-maker wedding album category with wedding albums of Talia & Kenny, Janelle & Shaun and Kristen & Craig.

Bridal Show at the Jaffa

Today was the 2008 Wedding Extravaganza at the Jaffa Mosque in Altoona. Julie and I had a great time meeting lots of brides and other vendors. Here are a few images of our booth...

A little more Nashville...

One of our favorite parts of the TN tour was the Opryland Hotel in Nashville.

Nashville will never be the same...

The folks in Nashville gave us a very warm reception. I love this southern hospitality! A few of them even took us out for dessert after our program. Here are some images from the Nashville leg of our TN tour...

We ran into a super nice group of bikers who are members of the Patriot Guard Riders. They were going to the airport to welcome home a soldier. What a beautiful mission these folks do. It was an honor to meet them.

Fun time tonight in Memphis...

Tamar and I enjoyed speaking to the Memphis guild of the TN professsional photographers. A special thanks to Benne and David for taking us down to Beale Street afterwards to hear an awesome and at the Rum Boogie Cafe.

More images from Tampa....

We visited the Tampa Aquarium where I got to play with my new camera (point and shoot).

2007 INTERNATIONAL PRINT COMPETITION

I was so honored to have my print "Madeline" go loan at the PPA International Print Competition. When a print goes loan that means it has been selected from all the merited prints in the competition to be published in The Loan Collection book. It was exciting to see it hanging with other loan prints at the Image Expo in Tampa this week. It's a very special image to me because the subject is Madeline, my assistant Julie Buck's adorable little girl. This is me standing beside the image - and no, the print of the car is not mine.

Imaging USA Tampa, FL

I just got home today from Imaging USA . I had such a good time reuniting with some of my "old" photographer friends and making new ones. One of my favorite things about my life is the opportunities I have to meet new people. I had so much fun in Tampa that I want to share some of the photos of my friends and maybe later I'll share some images I took of the beautiful city of Tampa.

First Session of 2008!

Paul and Nicole were such a fun-loving couple. They braved the freezing cold and blustery wind for this January engagement session. Thanks guys!

Merry Christmas!

On this eve of Christmas Eve, I wanted to take a moment and wish all who visit here a very Merry Christmas. I wish you peace and good health in the new year. May you find beauty in every area of your life.

Thank you to every client who chose Ambience Photography to serve your portrait needs. The biggest pleasure of my business is meeting wonderful people, and I have met so many this year. I wouldn't be where I am without you, so thanks!

To all the photographers I have crossed paths with this year, thank you for the encouragement and inspiration. I have made many new photographer friends this year, I couldn't begin to name them all. But each of you have made my life sweeter and more beautiful.

I'm excited about 2008 and all the new adventures in store for me! I hope it's as great as 2007 has been. I'll keep you posted as the events unfold here on my blog. Thanks for visiting.

Six Rottweilers!!!

This was a fun session. One of my favorite client families asked me to do a very special holiday portrait for them. My subjects were surprisingly cooperative and sweet. Must run in the family.

Last wedding of 2007

Congrats to Tom and Brenda!

Stephanie and Brad

Julie

This is my assistant Julie and her beautiful family. I had the pleasure of taking these pictures today and I have to admit, I love them! Not only are they beautiful people, Julie and Adam are two of the most talented graphic artists I know.

Simple Pleasures...

Finally, things are slowing down enough that I have time to actually think. And I've been doing a LOT of thinking. And relaxing. While I have been thinking and relaxing, I've been considering the simple pleasures in my life. Things that make me happy. Thought I'd share a few:

• a steaming hot cup of fresh coffee in my favorite mug
• my pink converse sneakers
• my dog greeting me when I come home
• an unexpected phone call from a friend "just because"
• Godiva chocolate
• really soft socks
• Christmas Wreath scented Yankee candles
• hearing my fav song on the radio, twice in one day
• having a good hair day
• the smell of fall in the air

Featured Photographer

I'm honored to be the featured photographer at Photographic Production Services, Inc. Click here to see the great article they wrote about me.

Chris Helsel

Winding up the senior season with a chilly session downtown...

Eleven days old...

Cutie Pie Mason...