Halloween at Hardgrave Photography

Halloween at Hardgrave Photography

Bring the kids in costume for a free photograph
No purchase required - this is our treat to the
kids in our community
No appointments - first come , first photographed
Thursday Night 5-7 p m 

SANTA is Coming! November 16 ONLY Give your kiddo the best Santa experience - no standing in line at the mall, hoping to get to see Santa. When Santa comes to Hardgrave Photography, he knows names, he eats cookies, and he is very patient. Not to mention the wonderful priceless photos with Santa... Our special "Santa Art" is included in your portrait packages. Sessions are limited to only one day - so call and reserve your prepaid session today to get your spot. After all the appointments are filled, we will start a waiting list.  Sessions are only $15.

Landon A friend of a friend of a neighbor of an old acquaintance's granddaughter's child Ok, so maybe the description is a bit convoluted, but seriously, I have known Landon's family since before his mom was ever thought of. And every year for the past several years I have photographed kids and grandkids in this family.  And every 4th of July I enjoy their fireworks that can be seen over the trees behind my house.  Another thing we have in common is our love for dogs - and the fact I used to be a dog groomer. Shelly (Landon's mom) is the third generation in this profession.

Model call - BRIDES

I need 2 models for Bridal Portraits! 

The model must be engaged to be married within the next 6 months or have had their wedding within the last 6 months.
She has to have her own dress - preferably a long wedding dress.
We must be able to take the dress outdoors.
The model should be somewhat adventuresome.
She will need to arrange for her hair to be done if she so desires.
In return, she will receive a beautiful artist's portrait printed on a 100% Cotton, Limited Edition Hahnemúhle Art paper. ($275 value)

Call the studio if this sounds like YOU!

!Necesito dos modelos para retratos de novias!

La modelo debe estar próxima a casarse en  6 meses o  haberse casado dentro los 6 ultimos meses.
Ella tiene que tener su propio vestido de boda - prefiero un vestido largo.
Debemos poder llevar el vestido afuera a aire libre.
La modelo debe ser aventurera.
Ella puede reservar una cita en un salón de belleza, si ella lo desea.

Por eso, ella recibirá una retrato artistico y hermoso, que será impreso de la tela de algodón 100%, edición limitada de la marca Hahnemúhle. ($275 vale).

¡Llama el studio, si esto suena como TU!

Teddy Bear Photographer in Training

Kids love technology! I have been photographing Willow since she was a tiny baby, and she has always been a little bit camera shy. Grand plans of using a cute little pink pedal cars was no good... time for  MY Plan B - Tea Party.... MY Plan C Tea Party with Teddy Bears. Then it was time for WILLOW's Plan - Iphone photo party with Teddy Bears. Hey - whatever works!




¡A los niños les encanta la tecnología! He estado fotografiando a Willow desde  que ella era bebé pequeñita, y siempre, ella ha estado  tímida en frente de la cámara. Yo tenía planes grandes para usar un coche rojillo, pero a ella no le gustó la idea....Era el momento para MI Plan B - Fiesta de Té....entonces MI Plan C - Fiesta de Té con ositos. Luego era el momento para WILLOS's plan - Fiesta de Iphone fotos con ositos. !El plan DE WILLOW ha sido el que ha funcionado!

Drew - Sr. 2014

It is funny what I can remember about past sessions, but not remember to do the most simplest things. When Drew's mom, Angie called I knew exactly who I was talking to. It has been 4 years since

Drew's brother was here.
Drew was a true joy to photograph. He did not complain about the heat, changing clothes, spending two hours in front of the camera, or even about chigger bites he got when he was in the tall grass. But the best thing was that you could tell that he really appreciated his mom and respected her ideas and requests. All this and he was a great model too!

Awards from Arkansas Professional Photographer's Association

Last month, I attended the APPA print competition and educational event "Capture '13". The theme this year was "A Celebration of Excellence", and I am so proud to be a part of this organization and this event.

I made a commitment to myself after I became a Certified Professional Photographer, to continue to find ways to push myself to improve and learn my craft. Although becoming a CPP, or participating in print competitions are not required to be a photographer, it is just not enough for me to be stagnant in learning. So... I enter print competitions (sometimes reluctantly, sometimes with doubt, sometimes at the last minute...)
This year it paid off for me. Four of my prints received merits from APPA. Two received ribbons for Judges Favorite, and one won the Ben Red award for Photo Décor.  My favorite image - Sugar Daddy

 
 

- is one that is dear to my heart, so when it received a judges ribbon from a judge that I have a great amount of respect for - I was thrilled. It is pictured below. This was taken in Tanzania last year while we were delivering water purification filters up a mountain. The gentleman was on his way down the mountain to sell his sugar cane. I cannot even imagine climbing up and down that mountain every day.
The a few of the other prints are going to be entered at yet another print competition in November, so I cannot share them with you yet... even though I am dying to show them off.



En el mes pesado, asistí al concurso de fotografía y evento  educativo llamado "Capture '13".  El
tema este año fué " Una Celebración de Excelencia', y estoy tan orgullosa de ser  parte de esta
organización y esta evento.
Después de lograr el estatus de Certificación Profesional en fotografía, me  comprometí a
continuar buscando formas en las cuales seguir  esforzándome, mejorar y aprender mi arte.
Aunque tener el estatus de CPP, o participar en concursos de fotografía no es obligatorio, ser una
fotógrafa para mí no es suficiente, ser inactiva sobre aprender.  Así... participo en concursos de
fotografía ( a veces de mala gana, a veces con dudas, a veces al último minuto...)
Este año valió la pena. Cuatro de mis fotos recibieron méritos de APPA. Dos recibieron cintas de
la concesión por favoritas de los jueces, y uno ganó el premio de Ben Red - Photo Décor.  Mi foto
favorita- Azúcar Papi - es una que está cerca de mi corazón. Cuando recibo  una cinta de una jueza
por la cual tengo mucho respeto, me sentí muy emocionada.  Esta foto fue tomada  en Tanzania,
el año pasado mientras estuvimos entregando filtros de agua purificada sobre una montaña. El
hombre estuvo caminando bajo la montaña, para vender su caña de azúcar. No puedo imaginar
caminar arriba y bajo esa montaña cada día.
Unas pocas de las otras fotos estarán en un otro concurso de fotografía en  noviembre, así no
puedo mostrarlos todavía... aunque estoy muriendo de ganas demostrarlos.

Kids and Dogs

A few weeks ago, thanks to some really great kids, parents, and especially the dogs....I had a great opportunity to have some fun with two things that I love - kids and dogs.
It was fun to get video clips of some of the sessions so I could share a little bit of that day with you.

Hace unas pocos semanas, gracias a algunas niños maravillosos, y padres, y los perros especialmente ....tuve un oportunidad me divirtí con dos sujetos que me encantan - niños y perros.
Lo fue divertido grabar piezas de las sesiones así yo podría compartir un poco de eso día con ustedes.

Featured Senior - Callie

I love my studio. I love the log cabin look. I remember my builder, Perry Cox, a friend of our family coming by with his cute little red haired  ponytailed girl one day. So when Perry called to make an appointment for Callie, my first image in my mind was that sweet little girl that I had not seen in a long time.  WOW, Callie has grown up into a beautiful, soulful, and intelligent young woman.  I loved visiting with her about her mission trips, her faith, and her plans for the future. She still has the red hair, and it is in a  ponytail sometimes.

Mateo - Dulce Bebé

Mateo is one of the babies that is part of our "Welcome Back Baby" program.  I had the privilege of photographing his big sister Mia during her first 14 months and getting to know her parents, Fatima and Lud.  With the WBB program, all babies born in 2013, that have had an older sibling in the Baby Steps Plan before, get a free Baby Steps program.
I was excited to have this little family back again for several reasons. First, they are so sweet to work with. They are great parents and very kind and patient with their children. Mia is growing up completely bilingual and at only 2 1/2 knows which words are English and which are Spanish, and can change between the two languages without even thinking about it. Plus,  they are so kind and patient with me when I practice Spanish.

My feeble attempt at writing the above in Spanish....:)

Mateo es un bebé que participa en nuestro programa llamado "Welcome Back Baby". Tuve  el privilegio de fotografiar a su hermana mayor, Mia, cuando tenía 14 meses, y además conocí a los padres, Fatima y Lud. Todos los bebés que participan en el programa WBB han nacido a largo del 2013. Si el bebé tiene un hermano mayor que estuvo antes en nuestro BSP, recibe un programa gratuito.

 Me emocioné mucho al tener a esta pequeña familia otra vez, por varias razones.  En primer lugar, los padres son muy dulces, maravillosos y muy amables con sus hijos. Mia está creciendo completemente bilingüe y, aunque sólo tiene dos años y medio, sabe qué palabras están en inglés y cuáles en español. Además, puede cambiar entre las dos lenguas sin pensarlo.  Todos son muy amables y tienen mucha paciencia conmigo cuando practico español.

Llama Llama spits on Mama

Yes, I live an interesting life sometimes!  Each year I have to shear our llama - Chim. Last year I made a deal with my friend Dian Lyons - if she would help me shear my llama, I would help her shear her two sheep.
This year Dian videoed part of the shearing.
I have to say that normally, Chim is very very sweet, and never spits, but it seems to be a requirement for me to be spit on once a year when he is extremely stressed.
Enjoy!

¡Sí, a veces, yo tengo una vida interesante! Cada año, tengo que cortar la lana de nuestra llama - Chim. El año pasado, llegué a un acuerdo con mi amiga Dian Lyons - que ella me ayudaría cortar la lana de Chim, y yo cortaría la lana de sus dos ovejas.

Este año Dian grabó parte del evento.

Tengo que decir que, normalmente, Chim es muy dulce, y nunca escupe, pero parece ser un requisito ser escupido una vez al año, cuando él está muy estresado.

Disfruta el video.

Model Call!!! Kids and Dogs

Model call:  July 11 only - Dogs with Kids - a free session and a 5x7 from the session. The kiddos must be over 2 years old, but the dogs can be any size or age.  You must call the studio on July 10 to schedule your free session. 479-885-3835.

Photography is a great job, but sometimes every photographer has to assign herself a photography project just for herself.  It is important to stay creative, to keep the mind thinking, and every once in a while, indulge in something that you really love.  For me, I love photographing dogs and kids!  Before becoming a photographer, I was a dog groomer. I trained my dogs to compete in obedience competitions (I know you wouldn't think that when you meet my dogs now), and I just love dogs...

So I am going to put together a new collection of photos for the website, and possibly for print competition.  Can you help me???

Seniors that grow up

Some of the perks of my job is getting to know my clients and forming a relationship with them.  You would think with the seniors it would be different, but I get so excited when I look at my calendar and see one of my past seniors scheduled to come in for engagement, bridal, or baby photos.
Last week, I got to reunite with Ariel, meet her wonderful new husband Willie, and their precious new baby girl Lily. It was great to see Ariel and Willie so much in love, with each other and with the new little life they have brought into this world.  And now, I will get to see Lily grow up in the next 14 months while I photograph her Baby Steps Program sessions.
- Yeah, one more perk!

Acuña Mexico 2013

Five years ago, I went on my first mission trip.  Our church partners with an organization called "Casas por Cristo".  I had no idea what I was getting myself into. As the time to leave came closer, I began to doubt if I should go.  I wondered if I could really make a difference. After all, I did not have building skills, I thought I might just be in the way. I was not in good physical shape - overweight, and not used to extreme heat. I could not speak Spanish, so I had no idea how I would even communicate with the people there.
But I had made a commitment to my church, and to my daughter, so I loaded up and went anyway.

And there is where I learned that "God does not call the equipped, but equips the called". Somehow I learned to hammer in nails... and take out bent nails. I discovered that sheetrock is very heavy, and that you cut it with a box knife. When me and Natalia were asked to wire the house, I was terrified - I couldn't do that - I had never wired anything, but a drill was put into my hands and a box of electrical wire with a few instructions. No one but myself questioned whether or not I could do it. With a lot of smiles and hand gestures, all of us connected with the Mexican family members. Now there is a little house in Juarez Mexico that a family lives in with their children, and they call it home.

Last week my family and I returned to Mexico, but this time in Acuña, to build my third house, (it was my daughter's sixth build). I still don't have many building skills, I am still overweight, and God still equipped me to do His work. The only thing that has changed is my language skills. I have been feverishly studying and practicing Spanish for the past year,  so I could communicate better and learn more about the family that we were building for. This year, my new friends, Raul and Maria, and their 5 month old baby Jerith received a house, not from me, or my group, but from the One that they had prayed to. Raul works hard, and is also the youth pastor and sound engineer at his church. Their pastor came every day to help our group build the house. It was so fun to get to talk to Pastor Roberto - he likes to talk and was very patient with my Spanish skills.

 From that first mission trip, I learned so much, and each time I learn more. I am not afraid to go to Mexico or any other place. I am not afraid I will not be equipped or valuable to the cause. I even bought the Casas por Cristo shirt that says:

This LOVE is not for COWARDS

Featured Senior - Jordan Senior

I remember having such a fun time photographing Jordan last summer! I always love talking to teenagers that know how to hold a conversation with adults. Jordan is smart, beautiful, and really responsible. I have known her family for years, and loved visiting with her and her mom about Jordan's great grandmother's restaurant "Tosh's"  Her grandmother  made the BEST kimchee I have ever had. The funny thing is, I used to go there 2-3 times a week when I was pregnant with my own daughter - the same time Jessica was pregnant with Jordan!
I wish Jordan all the luck in the world, but I have a feeling, she won't need much luck - she will make her own.

Celebrate with Popsicle Palooza!

Celebrate with us at Hardgrave Photography the week of July 4 with a free Popsicle Palooza photo session for your kiddos.
CALL us and set up your photo session and your ordering session. Leave the rest to us.
We suggest clothing in red, white, and or blue, and something that you can remove stains from, or don't care about getting stained from the red, white, and blue popsicles.
Bring an extra set of clothes to change into, just in case...
Photo packages starting at ONLY $59

Featured Senior - Kyla

I would not trade living in a small town for anything! I went to school with Kyla's family, photographed her sister, and could not wait for the opportunity to photograph her senior portraits for her. Besides being beautiful, Kyla is a sweet girl, that really treats her mom with a lot of respect. That always impresses me!  I am sure she will do well in her future endeavors.

Featured Senior - Sarah

I have known Sarah and her twin sister Hannah for a long time now. Another story of living in a small town with good people. Sarah is such a sweet, down to earth person with great musical talents. Her Ultimate Senior Session  was a blast.

Featured Senior - Hannah

Hannah has a twin, but they are very different girls. Both sweet, both beautiful, but each has a different style. Hannah's Ultimate Senior Session at Hardgrave Photography included styles from camo to business dress and all in between.

Featured 2013 Senior - Autumn

I love a challenge, and Autumn challenged me to create images that were not typical "senior pictures".


Autumn's session was very unique in that we did some moving around the county to get the images she wanted. First we made a trip out to Annie's Chapel, an old church that I was married in, and had been used only for community gatherings about once a year, for the past 50 years. This is such a neat old historical building. Then we photographed in a cemetery here in Knoxville, and finally in the studio. Autumn is such an interesting person - and into learning the Asian culture and languages. Autumn's parents Bob and Becky Anderson are proud of her graduating from the Arkansas Math, Science, and Art School in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

No More Ties Please!

No More Ties Please
Double Dollar gift certificates For DAD!
Spend $50, $75 or $100 for the gift certificate, use with any new session that Dad will also be photographed in, between now and August 31st, 2013 to receive double face value.

 Call 479-885-3835
to schedule your appointment.
Not for use with any other special, coupon, or gift card. You must pay at least 50% of your invoice at your first scheduled order appointment. In some cases a prepaid session fee may be required.
May be redeemed after August 31, 2013 for face value
http://www.hardgravephoto.com/p233849481

Lillian & Special Things

One thing I love, is when babies and children come with special props - things that are hand made just for them are the best. Lillian's Great Grandpa built her this cedar changing table top before she was even born, so we wanted to incorporate it into her photos.
Lillian is so lucky to have a big family that adores her and loves her. If every child had this much love, wouldn't we have a perfect world?

Liam - Welcome Back Baby at Hardgrave Photography

We love babies at Hardgrave Photography. What is even greater than photographing babies their first year is seeing them grow up, seeing their families grow and change, and seeing young parents become so much wiser than I think I ever was.  We decided to welcome all of our past Baby Steps Program participants that are having new babies in 2013 back with a free Baby Plan on us.  This way, we get to see our past babies too.
I was so excited when I realized Liam, was the baby brother of two of the cutest babies I had photographed before, and the son of one of the sweetest mommas I have worked with.  I am looking forward to seeing this little boy grow this next year!

Dale & Beth's Family at Hardgrave Photography

I love photographing families when they are just starting to grow, and seeing their family grow too. I had the privilege of photographing this family when Maddie and Ethan were little, then visited their home for family photos when Kate was tiny. A few years ago, along came Lilly. I adore Lilly - she looks almost exactly like me in one of my photos when I was her age. All four kids are great and interesting, not too shy, not too wild.  It was great to see them a few weeks ago for our family spring special.

Bryson Down by the Creek at Hardgrave Photography

One of our favorite scenes outdoors at Hardgrave Photography is the little creek that runs behind the studio. It is the perfect size and depth during late April to have kids come and play. Bryson was one of our Baby Steps program graduates a few years ago, so we were so excited to see him again. He is at the perfect age of 3, the age of imagination and stories galore. His grandma is very crafty and made him his own fish to catch in the stream. By the time we were done playing, both Bryson, and Miss Becky were muddy!
Hardgrave Photography is in Knoxville, Arkansas. Becky Hardgrave is a Certified Professional Photographer.

Brianna Graduates from Baby Plan

Brianna has completed the Baby Steps Programs at Hardgrave Photography in Knoxville, AR with Certified Professional Photographer - Becky Hardgrave.

 

Brianna has been a joy to work with, as well has her parents and brother. I loved the session where they honored her namesake - Rose- her grandmother that had passed away a few years ago from pancreatic cancer. This is such a lovely family for Brianna Rose to grow up in.

Haden Graduates "Baby Steps Program"

Congratulations to Haden! It has been a wonderful year working with him and his parents Jeff and Aimee Freeman.  I first met Aimee when we photographed her senior portraits. She is just as sweet and beautiful now, and has a great husband and beautiful son. I want to thank them for the opportunity to see Haden grow up and change this first year.

Featured Senior - Ashely Watson

Congratulations Ashley! - Senior 2013

 

Ashley will be graduating soon from Lamar High School. Here are some of her images from her Ulitmate Senior Session at Hardgrave Photography.

Featured Senior - Lindsey Cross

 

Congratulations Lindsey! - Senior 2013

 

 

Lindsey will be graduating soon from Clarksville High School. Here are some of her images from her Ulitmate Senior Session at Hardgrave Photography.

Lydia wins the 2013 Scholarship from Hardgrave Photography

Congratulations Lydia Tucker!!
Education is such an important part of our own success at Hardgrave Photography, we decided to give away a $1000 scholarship again this year to one of our senior clients. Each Senior was entered into a drawing and Lydia's name was drawn.

 

 

 

 

Lydia will be attending Arkansas Tech University in the fall of 2013. Lydia and her parents, Joe and Renee Tucker have been photographed at Hardgrave Photography several times over the years. We have seen Lydia mature into the beautiful young woman she is now. We wish her all the luck in the world, and know that this $1000 scholarship will come in handy for her education expenses.

 

As mentioned before, education is important to us, and every year we invest in our education through professional organizations like Professional Photographers of America, Arkansas PPA, SWPPA, and Delta School of Professional Photography. Becky has been appointed the Director of Delta School of Professional Photography and serves on the Board of Directores for Arkansas Professional Photographers Association.

 

Some images from Lydia's Ultimate Senior Session



Featured 2013 Senior - Ashley Warren

 

Congratulations to Ashley - Senior 2013

 

Ashley will be graduating soon from Clarksville High School. Here are some of her images from her Ulitmate Senior Session at Hardgrave Photography.

Olivia Graduates!

 

Olivia has graduated from the Baby Steps Program at Hardgrave Photography!!

 

 

 

 

Images from Olivia's Baby Step sessions at Hardgrave Photography

Spring Promotions for Kids, Mommies, and Families

Spring has sprung, and everything is green and beautiful at Hardgrave Photography's outdoor portrait areas. We have several promotions planned:

Down by the Creek

What is more fun than playing in the creek? Behind the studio there is a creek that runs through our property that is fun and picturesque for perfect kids photos. Suggested clothing: denim overalls, or denim jean shorts and a plain t-shirt.  Bring an extra set of dry clothes, because we will be wet and muddy :)
Session fee of $30. Special promotional packaging available.
479-885-3835 to reserve your appointment time.

Mommie & Me Gift Certificates

Mommy & Me  Double Dollar gift certificate
Use with any new session between now and July 31st, 2013 to receive double face value. You can purchase these directly from the website, or call the studio and purchase over the phone.

Not for use with any other special, coupon, or gift card. You must pay at least 50% of your invoice at your first scheduled order appointment. In some cases a prepaid session fee may be required.
May be redeemend after July 31, 2013 for face value.

Spring Family Special

Our Spring Family Special is Saturday, May 4! Save 50% off of any portrait collection. What a huge savings. These sessions are ONLY available on this one day of the year, and we fill them fast, so call today to prepay your session fee and reserve your time.

Youtube Channel updated

I just changed the Hardgravephoto Youtube channel :)  I have a lot of short slideshows from sessions there. Check it out
http://www.youtube.com/user/HardgravePhoto/featured

Easter for a reason 2013

Easter  for a Reason 2013

 

I am never sure that I want to do an Easter Special, just because the meaning of Easter is so special, I don’t want to trivialize it with bunnies and eggs. Last year a need come to our attention that truly was heartwarming and gave us the opportunity to use Easter photos for His work.  From the last year’s Easter sessions, there are families in Tanzania drinking clean purified water that can truly improve their health.

 

I spent the New Year holiday in Guatemala with the people and girls from Shadow of His Wings Orphanage. It was my first trip there, and to tell you the truth, I had an image of “Little Orphan Annie” orphanage in my mind. WOW what a different experience! I learned the meaning of life – truly – from one of the young women that live in Casa Magdalena, the transition home for the girls that have graduated high school and are learning to live an adult life, but still have the structure and guidance of loving people from Shadow. Anyway, she was supposed to practice English with us, so we were joking around and asked her “what is the meaning of life”. Then she told us, she wanted to learn photography so she could share her life and bring more people into HIS kingdom. We all sat there stunned.

 

The young women from Casa Magdalena have so much to share about their journey from abuse to the healing they have experienced through Jesus and the families at Shadow of His Wings.  Because of that, they are working in the local market and making crafts and other jobs to raise money to go on a mission trip to Nicaragua to spread the message to other girls and women that are in the same spiritual place as they once were.  They want to make a difference in this world – like the missionaries they have seen come to help them.

 

So, this year, for the whole week before Easter, every $30  Easter Session fee will be donated to this cause. Help me to help them carry a message of healing – one that we cannot even imagine.