Kaylee's Maternity Session

Kaylee's Maternity Session

 Those last couple of months of pregnancy are so precious - something you can not go back to. These sessions are so sweet and personal. All of the images shown here are only by permission of the beautiful women in the images. Each one was willing to share the images they were so proud of.
This session was even more special. I have known Kaylee for a long time, and was so honored to be able to capture this image for her forever. Not long after, beautiful baby Reagan was born.

Claire

Do you know we offer gift certificates?  Most of the ones we sell are for The Baby Steps program, and are usually given at a baby shower. One of my wonderful clients called me and ordered a Baby Steps gift certificate for her nephew (Jarod) and his wife (Sarah) - but I didn't recognize the last name.
To my wonderful surprise, I have known Sarah for many years. For a while when I was volunteering at Needy Paws Animal Shelter, we had a youth program where I taught young people to train dogs. Sarah, her sister, and cousin came every Monday with their precious Grandma, who I knew from my dog grooming business. Sarah was always very intuitive with working with the dogs.  So it did not surprise me, that she is such a good mommy. I loved watching her with Claire. But I think I loved seeing Jarod with Claire even more - there is just something so special and unique about Daddies that are totally in love with their babies. I think we expect it from Mommies, but it still gets me all emotional to see it with good men.
I love that Sarah brought the quilt her Grandma had made for photos. I was sad to find out that she had passed away last year. I am sure she would have loved playing with Claire.
So I am so exited to see this little family grow over the next year!  I can't wait till the later sessions when we can incorporate their sweet Airdale Terrier into the photos.

Lil Sweethearts February 7 & 8

Lil Sweethearts
 

February 7 & 8

 

Vintage style portraits for Valentine's Day. Session fee only $15!  and portrait packages start at only $59. We supply all the clothing and props for a sweet photo.

 

 

479-885-3835

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!

Awards from Capture 2012

Each year, the Professional Photographers Association of Arkansas holds a print competition and continued education convention for all it's members. A lot of work goes into organizing, advertising, and just doing what all it takes to make sure it is beneficial to the members, and in the end to the clients that choose APPA members. I have been a part of APPA since before I became a photographer for the public. Mark had joined years before, and the people were so nice and caring, of course it was only natural for me to be a part of it.

Earlier this week, I was honored to have 3 prints deserve a merit. I had the highest individual score ever for me, and also the highest average for me too. I was thrilled with that as my own personal accomplishment, but when my name was announced for "First Place Portrait" in my division, I was shocked and very excited. Most of the work I do is portraits - not candids, weddings, or commercial work - but beautifully lit portraits. It was nice to get a first place and affirmation of skills.

After I sat down and started on my coffee, my name was called again. This one was even more special - the Delores Schrader award for the best Black and White image in competition. This award was set up in memory of Mrs. Delores Schrader by her husband, G.J. "Buddy" Schrader who was an APPA president from 1948-1949. There are so many photographers that have gone before us that were dedicated to education in this industry. Thank You to all of them.

My model for the winning image is Mr. Robert Larsen. I met Robert at church and not by his looks, but my our discussions of life, I knew he would be great for this project I already had in my mind. One of the print judges comment was "You can just see that he is honestly in prayer". The judges discussed and discussed it, gave it a score, and then called it back up to discuss again and raised the score again.  My chest was pounding and I could not stay seated. I thought I was going to have to leave the room. I plan to send this, and the other prints on to national competition, with the hopes of them doing as well there as they did at Capture 2012.