Apple Day

October 21st is APPLE DAY

 Apple Day is an annual celebration of apples and orchards, held in October. It is celebrated mainly in the United Kingdom. It traditionally falls on October 21, the date of the first such event in 1990, but events are held throughout the month.^[1] It is commonly a weekend event, usually taking place on the Saturday and Sunday closest to 30 October.^{[citation needed]}

Apple Day events can be large or small, from apple games in a garden to large village fairs with cookery demonstrations, games, apple identification, juice and cider, gardening advice, and the sale of many hundreds of apple varieties.

Tonka

I found an interesting article written by  By AARON MILLER Published On 09/03/2015 @aaron_m_miller

on  ThrillestTonka trucks have been the undisputed kings of the sandbox for decades. Built on the notion that “a toy shouldn’t break just because a child plays with it,” they’re sturdy and heavy enough to be used as legitimate weapons if you swing one at someone’s head. Back in the '70s, Tonka even had an elephant stand on one, just to prove their point. But if you've ever held one, you already know how indestructible they were -- learn twelve more things on the Thrillest  site

Feeling GROUCHY??????

Have you done a grouch a favor today? According to the Days of the Year website, find a grouch!

If not then it’s likely that no one told you it was Do a Grouch a Favor Day, as doing a grouch a favor is what the day is all about. We all know a grouch at some point in our lives, and it is very likely that we’ve had phases of being grouchy ourselves. Sometimes another person doing us a favor is the last time, but other days a favor from someone, be they a close friend or a random stranger, is exactly what we need to break us out of our slump.

http://ow.ly/NIb2307ahGl

Ballet Day

History of Ballet Day

 Ballet found its origins during the Renaissance throughout Italy and France, though it had yet to evolve into the form we know it today. There were no tutus, no ballet slippers, and the iconic pointe work of ballet were all things to come in the future. It found its roots in court dances, and thus incorporated the proper dance dress of women at the time, formal gowns that descended to the ankle. Unlike modern performances, the audience would join the dance as it came to a close.http://ow.ly/sjff307agtv

Teaching - A great way to learn

I have been teaching my daughter Jazmín some photography stuff over the past few months. On her Christmas break we spent a lot of time on Photoshop.
I can't tell you how much I learn from teaching others. I have to stop and think about what I am doing and remember the WHY of what I am doing.
I think Jazmín is going to be very good at this!!

The Meanings and Myths of Pearls

I found this cool article about pearls on the website Bellatory

Pearls symbolize wisdom acquired through experience. They are believed to attract wealth and luck as well as offer protection. Known for their calming effect, pearls can balance one's karma, strengthen relationships, and keep children safe. The pearl is also said to symbolize the purity, generosity, integrity, and loyalty of its wearer.



To find out  more, visit the Bellatory website.

Rylee's Newborn session

It is such an honor to get to photograph another baby in this family. First her momma's senior photos, then cousins, now Rylee.

Kyra - 4 months

 Kyra is in the "Baby Steps" program at Hardgrave Photography.

 Her 4 month session was so easy, I almost felt guilty for not taking more photos. She just was in the best mood and very willing to pose, laugh, smile, and talk with me.

 That is why I like to photograph 4 months instead of 3 months. That one month gives them strength to hold up their heads and body on their tummies. They also begin focusing farther away.

 I feel so lucky to be able to photography this sweet baby and work with her sweet parents for 3 more baby sessions.

Shannon and Robby

 It was time for this family to finally add a human child to the pack.

 For the last few years, they have brought their family of dogs to Needy Paws Animal Shelter for the annual fundraiser. But for the human baby, they are ready for the Baby Steps program.

 And of course, Shannon has the perfect little baby bump. That baby bump has accompanied her through several marathons since she became pregnant - she had one after her maternity session.

 I think one of the baby sessions will need to include the running stroller already in place.

Brooks Baby

I have been visiting with Ashley for months about her maternity session. We are both huge animal lovers. Have both been involved with the local animal shelter. Spent a weekend volunteering for a fundraising event for the shelter.

I had photographed her and Cody's engagement session - which was so fun.  I had photographed Cody for his senior portraits.

So we set a date for the maternity session. Then a day or two before, Cody called me and let me know that they wouldn't be coming to the maternity session.

Baby Brooks decided to come on into this world a little early. I watched as updates came in through social media. I was so excited the day they were allowed to bring him home. A few days later, he became the perfect baby model.

Adalyn P

I just LOVE little baby girls, well baby boys too. And when I have a connection with the family, it is even better.  I was Adalyn's momma's senior photographer.

Then, I find out her great grandparents were great friends of my grandparents.

AND I photograph Adalyn's cousins!!! Small town, small world - and I wouldn't have it anyother way!

Adaylin, Layla, and Skylar

These kids light my day! Adaylin was the perfect baby model, especially considering that she was away during her whole session. Big Brother Skylar was quite the conversationalist for a six year old. I love the Valentine he drew for me. Big Sister Layla has the sweetest giggle! They both earned a ride in "Miss Becky's Buggy" for being so good and patient while I photographed Adaylin.

Urijah Santa Baby

This little boy is as sweet as Christmas Candy! Urijah was full of smiles for his 4 month Baby Steps session at Hardgrave Photography.
Hardgrave Photography is a full service photography studio located just 15 minutes from Russellville and Clarksville Arkansas. Certified Professional Photographer - Becky Hardgrave, is well known for her work with  babies, children, and pets.

Lily Grace in the Wildflowers

The wildflowers that grow in the field at Hardgrave Photography made the perfect setting for Lily Grace's 10 month Baby Steps Session.

Below is a little bit about our BABY STEPS PROGRAM at Hardgrave Photography.

Your baby's first year is so precious. Our Baby Steps plan is a portrait plan which includes a series of photographs showing your baby's rapid development through their first year. This plan includes 5 sessions designed around the developing stages of your baby. Timing for these appointments is important. We take photos at newborn, 4 months, 7 months, 10 months and 12-14 months. After each session you will receive one gift print. The Maternity session is included - complimentary - for any moms to be that are wanting those special images from a time that is soon to be over.

Newborn
These sessions are taken when your baby is less than a month old. If it is possible, bring mom, dad and any siblings. This will allow us to get some truly unforgettable photos.
For any of your sessions, you may bring a special blanket, silver cup or rattle, anything that is personal to your family.

4 months Old
For this session the baby will lay on their tummy with their head held nice and strong.
You can practice with them at home. Lay the baby on his/her stomach and place their arms in front of chest. Once you have done this place your hand on their hands and the head should pop up. If your baby is not holding its head up well, call us. We will probably need to delay the session. All babies progress at their own pace, just because the calendar says it's time doesn't mean it is.
Two outfits are enough, but you may want to bring several and let us advise you on which one will photograph best.

7 Months Old
Your baby must be sitting up without assistance for this session. The tripod position, where the baby is sitting but leaning forward will not work. We don't want him/her to fall over and get hurt. The baby needs to have a nice straight back and be able to sit on his/her own.
We have the Duckie and Tub set available for this session at your request.

10 Months Old
At this stage your baby will be going through major growth steps. For example they may be experiencing teething or have stranger anxiety. For this stage we want the child to be standing and holding on to things, and hopefully not running'). The week before your appointment watch your baby to see how well he is standing. If your baby's knees buckle and she falls back to the ground -reschedule. Remember we are looking for stages, not ages.
We have a Cowboy/Girl set or a John Deere set available on request at this session if you want something themed. If you would like, bring a small cake for the birthday cake photos that can be used for custom designed birthday invitations.

14 months
In this stage your baby should be standing with no help. If your baby takes their first steps early call and we will schedule your appointment a little sooner. For this session we recommend that you bring both casual and formal clothes.

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+

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.

Welcome Back Baby - Kate

Kate

I have to say, even though I hold all the families that I work with  dear, Kate's family is very special. Her mommy Melissa and I just seemed to connect. She is so laid back, loves to travel and is adventurous. I met Melissa when she came in a little over a year ago for maternity photos for Joe Morgan. That is when I found out her babies were special in a way I had never experienced before. They both have a special connection to Czechoslovakia. Not only did Melissa's father come from there, but now her babies do too. They were helped along with a procedure in Prague to help two amazing parents have the loves of their lives. Now we have baby sister Kate, who is as laid back as her mommy. I am so honored to privilege to know this sweet family.

Joe Morgan

Emma's Birth Announcement

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.

 

Hardgrave Photography (located between Russellville and Clarksville) has become well known in the Arkansas River Valley for beautiful baby portraits.

When my youngest great niece Emma was born in Russellville, I was not able to be in the country. I was in Guatemala.  When we got back to an area where we could log onto the internet, I could see that she was just precious. I couldn't wait to get home and hold her and photograph her.
I created this birth announcement to show off her little cute reds (Razorback fan by birth) and to show her loving family that welcomed her into this big old world.

Skylar's 10 month Baby Steps session

Skylar's 10 month Session

Your baby's first year is so precious. Our Baby Steps plan is a portrait plan which includes a series of photographs showing your baby's rapid development through their first year. This plan includes 5 sessions designed around the developing stages of your baby. Timing for these appointments is important. We take photos at newborn, 4 months, 7 months, 10 months and 12-14 months.