Neon lights, Bud Lights, Miller Lites

City lights are so pretty some times. This little street side bar in New Orleans was pretty cool.

This was another find in digging through old files, backing up stuff to the cloud.

Jordan Daniel | I Know a God | Live Acoustic Version

Nothing of my own work today, just wanted to share one of the gems found on Youtube.

Life changes so fast, it is important to me to Know A God that does not change. We get so wrapped up in business, commitments, and ourselves. I love the simplicity of this song and Jordan Daniel's beautiful voice.

https://www.facebook.com/jordandanielmusic

Boen 10 month Baby Steps Session

Boen is one of our Welcome Back Babies! I have loved photographing his family with his older sister and brother.
Hardgrave Photography is located in Knoxville, Arkansas, only 15 minutes from Clarksville or Russellville. Photographer Rebecca Hardgrave is a Certified Professional Photographer. You can contact her at 479-885-3835 and check out her latest work at www.hardgravephoto.com. Follow HardgravePhoto on Pinterest, Facebook, and Google+

Christina & George Prom video

I have known Christina's mom since before Christina was born. When she called to set up this prom session, it gave me a chance to catch up, reconnect, and see what a beautiful young woman Christina has become. We had fun at her Prom Session.
Hardgrave Photography is located in Knoxville, Arkansas, only 15 minutes from Clarksville or Russellville. Photographer Rebecca Hardgrave is a Certified Professional Photographer. You can contact her at 479-885-3835 and check out her latest work at www.hardgravephoto.com.  Follow HardgravePhoto on Pinterest, Facebook, and Google+

A Horse Person Wannabe

I am one of those "horse people wannabe". What I mean, is that I love the idea of having horses. I love the smell of horses, the feel of their strong bodies, the flicks of their ears. I enjoy sitting high on a saddle, the rhythm of the ride. I love the feel of their soft noses, and the sounds they make.

I grew up having a horse, and spent one glorious summer riding every day with my cousin before she moved back to Washington. I was feeling nostalgic about my horses one day and asked a friend in Clarksville if I could come and photograph her two horses. They are beautiful, and I love the images I got.

Back to the "wannabe".... I know that I don't have the time dedication to train and ride a horse the way they need. I don't like going out in the cold, or when it is really hot. Pulling a trailer scares the fire out of me. I no longer have the confidence my 14 year old self had to handle a horse.

I will just be content to feed the neighbor's horses some carrots from time to time to get a whiff of that wonderful smell, and maybe climb on the back of one every great once in a while.

Cora

When I photographed Cora, I had a special request from the Animal Care Specialist from Needy Paws Animal Shelter.  She wanted to know if they could get the pic ASAP. You see, only a few hours before coming for her photo session, Cora had been diagnosed with heart worms. Heart worms prevention is relatively easy with a monthly pill, but treatment is costly. And for a girl like Cora living without her very own loving human - it could be a death sentence.
NPAS is so good to find homes, but this girl would need someone ready to take on a vet bill right from the beginning. Someone that loved Samoyeds deeply and knew she had a sweet personality and that she would be well worth the treatment. In that case, they needed to cast the net wider in a search for her human - through the internet.
Is Cora lucky or unlucky? Well definitely unlucky to have contracted heart worms - which are very common in Arkansas. But lucky to find herself at Needy Paws in Clarksville, so she could be diagnosed, adopted, and treated.

Happy 3 years Hazel!

Sweet Hazel, it has only been 3 years ago that you first visited me for newborn photos. My, how you have grown into a smart, funny, and independent little girl and big sister. I love that I get to see you when you come with your baby brother to his Baby Steps sessions at the studio. Your mom and dad are so proud of you, and it is wonderful to see them be the parents they are.

 

Lamar Senior Video - Samantha

With all the Graduation Ceremonies going on , I have been looking back a through senior videos from the past. I loved this session with Samantha, who graduated from Lamar High School. three years ago. I can't wait to get started on the Senior 2016 Class.

Glücklicher Hunde = Happy Dog

This sweet German Shepherd was the easiest dog to photograph. He climbed right up into place, then jumped down, then climbed right up into place for another shot. This handsome guy was at Needy Paws Animal Shelter in Clarksville, Arkansas. His ears reminded me of a time when I was into showing dogs, and my friends with German Shepherds fretted over how there ears were developing. You see German Shepherd pups go through some strange ear changes.
I can't imagine what circumstances brought this boy to the shelter, but I do know that it was the best place to be sure he would find his forever home with a family that will treasure him dearly.

Mothers' Day Out Graduates

Congratulations to these little graduates too!! The Mother's Day Out program at FUMC in Clarksville is one of my favorite places to photograph. I love seeing these kids grow and change from semester to semester. Many of them were in my Baby Steps Program as newborns - now they will be going to Kindergarten, and I may not see them again until they are seniors graduating High School.

Senior Video - Lindsey

Katariina - Lamar Prom

Lamar High School has been very fortunate over the past few years to have foreign exchange students. This year, Katariina came from Finland to get the "American" experience, and one of the last things she got to do was prom - just like in the movies.
"Prom" is definitely an American thing. I don't know of any other country that has this particular tradition. Katariina was excited to have such a lovely green dress - her favorite color, and the cutest silver clutch with a ring hole holder. She was precious.

Fly Away Baby

Arianah's 9 month Baby Steps session was so cute! Mom selected a feather headband from the huge selection I keep for my babies and little girls. You never know when you will need to match a bow to an outfit.

Just like Big Sister

Welcome Back Baby!  This little guy looks almost identical to his big sister when I photographed her Baby Steps sessions 4 years ago. Hunter is bigger, but those eyes and expressions are the same.

Welcome Back Baby Program = If you have completed our baby plan with at least one previous child, become pregnant or give birth in 2015 , and have either maternity or newborn shots before the year is complete, we will gift you our ever popular 14 month Baby Steps Program.

St. Louis Cathedral New Orleans

Every once in a while, I go back through old files and find images that interest me more now than when I took them.
These were from a trip to New Orleans, Louisiana. I was there at Imaging USA, a huge educational event put on by Professional Photographers of America. To go to Imaging and our local Capture photography events is a great opportunity to learn more and perfect our craft. It doesn't hurt that we get to take advantage of some beautiful historic places sometimes.

The Duke of Yorkie

Every time I get to photograph animals from Needy Paws Animal Shelter, I am surprised. I never know what kind of dogs will be coming on that day - which is pretty cool. Many times it is mixed breeds - a lot of Labrador mixes. But you would be surprised how many pure bred dogs are available for adoption at animal shelters.
I once had someone justify breeding their dogs by saying that if someone would pay $200 for a puppy, they are going to take care of it, and keep it for life. I don't care how much money you pay for a dog - if you don't put in the training time after a while that money is forgotten and the dog's behavior problems outweigh the $$$. Being a breeder gives you the responsibility to check out new homes, ask questions about their family, lifestyle, how they intend to exercise and train their new family member. Make sure they live where pets are allowed, and that everyone in the family is in agreement on getting a new pet. Then offering a recourse if the new family does not work out.
I have worked with Needy Paws in Clarksville, Arkansas  for over 20 years and have heard every reason possible that people chose, or were forced to give up their pets - purebred or not.

Little Girl Tutus

Analee 's mom always has the cutest, pinkest outfits for her. This little tutu was perfect for her 9 month photo session. She could stand up enough to show of her new standing skill and her outfit.
Who knows? Analee may become a famous ballerina, or refuse to wear a dress at all when she is 5. Every child is different, goes through different likes and dislikes. One thing for sure, no matter what this little girl decides she likes, her brothers and parents will be right there encouraging her.

Tyler and Tusk

Tyler and his family are big Arkansas Razorback fans. The actual name of the mascot is Tusk. The current Tusk lives on a farm in Dardanelle, Arkansas.
Tyler may never get to play with the real Tusk, but I know he will always be surrounded by things with the Razorback emblem on it. At the studio (in Knoxville, Arkansas), I keep plenty of red, white, and Razorback because there are so many fans.  I have newborn photography sessions with Razorback theme, seniors with their favorite Razorback  shirts, families dressed in red and white to represent their favorite team, and even when I photograph at the senior citizen center in Clarksville - there is usually at least one guy with a Razorback hat.

TJ and Peytan - Prom 2015

TJ used to always be around the ball field way back when my daughter was playing ball because his oldest sister, Libby, graduated with my daughter.  He was the cute baby brother, that I would not have recognized had I not known he was coming. As a Lamar High School senior, he has grown into a very handsome young man. PLUS he was very polite, but not shy to have a conversation with me. It was wonderful seeing him.
I kept thinking Peyton looked familiar and now I know why! I knew her momma and she looks so much like her!

Black on Black

Needy Paws Animal Shelter  in Clarksville, Arkansas is always dear to my heart. I have honor (and sometimes challenge) of photographing a few dogs for them every week. I love making beautiful professional portraits that potential adopters can look over to maybe get them to come meet a pet or even arrange an adoption from states away.
I was jokingly warned that this little guy would fly off the platform as soon as he was let go of. Luckily for me, he did stop to react to my cat noise for one second before he flew. He is going to make someone the best dog!

Maddie and CJ - Prom 2015

Isn't Maddie just lovely? I first met this Clarksville High School junior when she came with the  Clarksville Color Guard last fall. She was very graceful then and also in her beautiful formal prom dress that seemed to be made just for her.
I was told that CJ was not comfortable with having photos taken, but he did great! Very handsome in his textured purple vest.

Here Kitty KittySo

 

 

So what do you do when all the dogs at Needy Paws Animal Shelter, in Clarksville, Arkansas have either gone to their new forever homes, or have been spoken for, or are at the vet getting all ready to be up for adoption? You bring me cats to photograph. I was not sure at first how this would turn out. I love cats, but have not had a ton of experience photographing them in the studio.  But they were great. With the patience and help of the staff from  the shelter, we managed to get some good images, and I can't wait to get to photograph more!

 



Announcing.... Kathryn Rose

Kathryn Rose came into this world with a wonderful big sister and two big brothers to dote on her. Not to mention a sweet mommy and daddy. I designed this birth announcement from her precious newborn photos. 

 

Let us design your baby a birth announcement from the newborn session, that will be kept and prized for years to come by the family and friends that you send them too.

No matter what, your kid loves you

On Wednesday, May 6 Hardgrave Photography will be open to give every Mommy an opportunity to have a free 5x7 print of them and their children. We often forget that our kids love us just the way we are. They don't care if you carry a few more pounds than you think you should. They don't worry about  your makeup, nails, hair.

 

So just stop by with your kids - no matter what age they are newborn  to 90.  No appointments needed this day.

Frisky Kittens

So how do you photograph 4 kittens at one time? Very quickly!  Up until recently, I was only photographing dog from Needy Paws Animal Shelter. And although it takes time and patience, I was very comfortable with that. I spent many years as a dog groomer and trainer, so I understand dogs pretty well. But when the shelter told me they were bringing cats this time, I was a little anxious. Cats are usually best photographed in their familiar surroundings. Car rides and new places are sometimes unsettling for them. Then, I find out that 4 of the cats are babies and they wanted a group shot.  It was kind of like a group shot from a day care. Eight little eyes on four adorable faces looking in different directions, and bodies also wanting to go in different directions. The basket definitely helped, and with the wonderful volunteers, we achieved this cute image of some kittens that will soon go to their forever homes to be spoiled rotten.

Mom - YOU are important

On Wednesday, May 6 Hardgrave Photography will be open to give every Mommy an opportunity to have a free 5x7 print of them and their children.
No matter how old your kids are, you want to remember this time in their lives with you, and they will love having pictures years from now of you with them.  As moms, we sometimes are behind that camera too much. We want to document their ball games, proms, birthdays, friends, time with dad and grandparents - but we forget MOM is one of the most important parts of their lives.

Will I see you on Wednesday May 6? not appointment needed, just drop by with your kids - or your mom - or both!

Impromtu Family Portrait

You know what they say about assuming...but this time it actually worked out for me! Matt and Kylia have an incredibly busy life with work and two boys. Sometimes it is hard for either one for either one of them to get any time available to bring Bradly for his Baby Steps Program sessions. And time for the whole family to be together is even more difficult, but this day - they all came to see Bradley take his 10 months photos. They all looked ready for pictures so I assumed it was going to also be a family session. Kylia was beautiful as always, they all had on clothing for a great family photo, but they had no plans for a family picture. After Bradley's photos were finished, I talked them into a couple of family shots. Sometimes, you have to take advantage of a moment when everyone is together.

When was the last time you had a pic with MOM??

When was the last time you had a pic with MOM?? Lindsey took the opportunity in her maternity session to get a wonderful image with her precious little boy before Slade made an appearance - expiring "only childness"


MY MOM Portrait Day is only Wednesday May 6.
Get a FREE 5x7 of Mom and her kid/kids. Bring Grandma and get an extra 5x7 of 3 Generations.

Quick, in studio sessions all day long from 10-6. NO APPOINTMENTS, just drop in, have the photos taken, and schedule a time to come back and choose your Mother's Day gift from Hardgrave Photography.

Additional packages are available, but not purchase is required.