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Head On Over....

2009-04-17T11:08:00.004-04:00

Hey guys. The new blog and site will be a work in progress, but I'll be posting all my new work there from here on out. So.....goodbye blogspot!

I know I've been a slacker lately, but it will be better on the new blog. PROMISE! :0 )

So head on over to: hannahgray.net/blog

Save it as a favorite and stop by really often to check in!!!!

Movie Night

2009-03-20T12:44:00.004-04:00

Growing up, my parents would never just let me hop to whoever's house I desired; they were very protective about what enviroments and friends I spent time around. This became more of a problem as I grew into my personality, you could say that I've always loved being around all sorts of people from an early age. :) {I often got in BIG trouble for prompting my friends and their parents to have me over, seriously.} I still clearly remember, my 8-year-old friend busting out "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" for a group of us to watch. A clear, PG-13, rule breaker! -Oh no she didn't!- And...to my shame...I took part.

Tonight, I plan to watch a movie with a bunch of good friends from my small group (#1). I'm grateful for a group of friends who share my beliefs & values & love me for me. I doubt we will watch good ole' Buffy, but I'm excited none the less.

Off the subject, I'm making a cheesecake that is better than _____________ {whatever you can think of to put in the blank} :)

2009-03-18T13:58:00.002-04:00

I promise when I get my new blog up and running, I will be all about some blogging. For now, I am way to much of a perfectionist to overlook the things that annoy me on this page. :) Once the blog arrives, you will go all Han-Qui-Qui on me, and be like "Oh Shute...." If you don't get this video, google bon-qui-qui from mad tv.

lOOOOves & yUUUUcks!

2009-03-14T11:13:00.002-04:00

Loooove:
~My house being somewhat clean! No dishes in the sink, one load of laundry
left, no dirty diapers around, and even a clean bathroom. What, what???!!
~My new business handouts are in with my new logo stuff! :) I also have a new
gifts in the works for my new brides from a southern photographer gal! :)
~The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. I'm pumped about my frugile future.
~My baby girl. It is so amazing to listen to her talk and watch her explore
the world around her. I could eat her up with a spork.
~Gone to Greenville! Come on people. Get on the train.
~Jesus. Praying really hard for Him to speak to me very clear about
some things. Can't wait!

Yuuuuuck:
~This stupid weather. How can I wear shorts one day and have to wear a winter
coat the next?
~This stupid cold. I'm so ready to be able to sleep w/o having to turn from
side to side in order to transfer my snot.
~The Total Money Makeover...This is going to suck and be very hard.
~Driving. Thankful for it, but I'm going to be doing a lot of it in the near
future.
~Worrying about my husband's test and next year's assignment. :/

Come and Get It!!!!!!

uh, no!

2009-03-11T09:45:00.002-04:00

So in college, my roomate and I were asked to sing in chapel. (Brief: I went to a Christian college, and you had to attend a certain number for a grade. Some were good, some were not.) We were stoked and sang our little hearts out to the tune of "His Eye is On the Sparrow". My roomate, Stephanie (Holla!), has an AMAZING voice. I'm just ok. Any-who, we finished the song, the harmonies completed perfectly, and I have to say I was feeling pre--tty good about myself. That was until I got comfey in my seat and realized that my zipper had been down the entire time. I kid you not. It was like God was saying, "You think you have it all together and all figured out. Uh, NO! That would be my job!"

Scenerios like this come up quite frequently in this ole gal! And each time I thank Jesus that He has it all figured out for me. :)

Here are some more pictures from Jonathan & Melissa's wedding this past Christmas!

It was OK

2009-03-03T16:16:00.002-05:00

You know how you love a movie so much, you talk it up to all of your friends. You tell them how amazingly awesome it was. How you cried, laughed, sighed, and loved it so much you'd watch it 100 more times.... Then, you watch it with your friend. You keep glancing at their face to make sure that they are feeling the awesomeness you felt the first time you watched it. You're distracted the entire movie, because you want them to love it as much as you do. Halfway through you are wondering why in the heck aren't they melting into a puddle of tears, and they definitely must have been spacing out when they didn't laugh at the funniest scene ever put in a movie. The movie ends, and your waiting on them to get on their hands and feet and thank you and Jesus that they were allowed to experience this greatness. Instead, they say, "It was ok".

And in the back of your mind, you can't help but wonder if you built the movie up too much before they had the chance to soak it in for themselves.

This is EXACTLY how I'm feeling about my website. I'm so stinkin excited I can't stand it. I hope it is A-mazing. But I worry that as much as I've been talking about it, you're going to get there and say, "It's ok". Problem is there is no stopping me from continuing to talk about it. :)

About Me

2009-02-27T14:46:00.004-05:00

When it comes to my family, it just doesn't get much better. I've been working on my website and my about me portion, and I realize how much my family has influenced who I am today.

I am sort of like a female version of my dad's brain. I like to analyze things and organize my thoughts before they are heard. I am VERY competitive. I like to win and be the best at whatever I'm doing. I tend to also have a very critical spirit, and do not like for people to disappoint me. (Sorry dad, it's true!) From my mom, I inherited my mom's keen eye and artistic vision. She can see things in her mind how she wants them and then sketch them out to match. My mom is easy going. I could call her at 9:30 pm and ask her to go see a movie and she would and has on many occasions. My parents together taught me to love, to have faith in the things I believe in, to put Jesus before anything, and to be head strong and have confidence in who I am.

Having so many brothers and sisters only fuels the "about me" fire. I get along with pretty much anyone, because you learn to adjust in a house with seven people who are different from you. I can sleep just about anywhere and anytime, because I was used to sleeping through crying, yelling, playing, and kids crawling over me. I learned an unselfish love at an early age because my love for my brothers and sisters is a lot like the love I feel for Gray. There's nothing they could ever do to lose it.

Just a few of the things about me.

Check out a new video project, working on some new things to get ready for my new site and blog! I think you will like it. Fun colors, a journalistic feel, and lots of images.

A Little Polish Please

2009-02-25T00:25:00.003-05:00

When I was in high school, I swear to you that I painted my toenails to match my outfit almost everyday. Then, college came along, and I tried to make sure that my legs were at least shaved every week. Then came teaching, and I made sure by spring my legs were shaved and my toenails were decent enough to wear open-toe shoes (I didn't want to feel sorry for the kids who sat at my feet!) Then, came this past year. So far, it has trumped all of my "do not care" episodes in the past. If I'm not doing one thing, it's something else. If I have a little free time, I'm using it to find a way to make something better. I'm convinced my feet have joined forces and refuse to become silky smooth until I give them the undivided attention that they oh so deserve. :) In short, I need a pedicure.

Chicken Nuggets

2009-02-19T12:14:00.002-05:00

I hope you are excited as I am about my new web presence coming up. In the process of trying to figure out a way to explain my type of photography in the "about me", I keep coming back to chicken nuggets. Huh?? (I can hear your thoughts.) Let me explain.

I willingly admit that I am a sauceaholic. Whatever I am eating must be the opposite of dry. I like my cheeseburgers, tacos, and nuggets to be dripping in sauces (a variety of them). Although I order tons of sauces everywhere I go, there are some places that scream one certain sauce. Zaxby's = Zax, McDonalds = Hot Mustard, Fatz = Buffalo & Ranch, etc.

I see my photography much of the same way. Each shoot, each image screams something unique to me. Some clean and crisp. Some raw and dirty. Some in between. Some all three. It just depends on the nugget, I mean client. :)

Every photography book I read tells me that I have to find my style, what I do best, the image that screams "this is hannah gray photography". From the description above, you might now understand the difficulty of this decision.

But why can't my style scream "variety". I don't want to edit my images the exact same way every time for the rest of my photog life. So, I'm sticking with the chicken nugget principle. Variety. That is my style.

Gray-Bay-Bay

2009-02-13T12:07:00.007-05:00

My little girl is the cutest thing in the world to me. :) She blesses me in ways that I just can't put into words, but I'll give it my best shot. I could kiss her face off, could sit all day and just watch and listen to her, and do cry when I think about how much I love her.

I try to have photo shoots around the holidays to document, and to make sure I never forget what that sweet face looked like at every age. I have to tell you the shoots get a little more difficult everytime. Partly because she does not like to sit still anymore.

This is the new fish face. :)

If Only He Still Wrote on Walls

2009-02-09T16:08:00.004-05:00

You know when I took the year off, I took for granted that the year would last a lifetime. However, what you knew and what I was ignoring has reared it's ugly head. Decision time?! I've been sincerely seeking with my whole heart, and all the arteries and veins that surround it, the answer to the hardest question that I've ever had to answer?! Be at home with the best little girl in the world and sacrifice ...... or go to work and provide extra financial comfort for my family. I know when you put it like this it seems like I should be able to choose the obvious answer, but I love both. I love what I've been able to do this year, but I really do promise that I love to teach! :) At the end of the decision day, I really want to do exactly what God tells me to do. If only He still wrote on walls.

I have pictures to post, but I'm working my little booty off making sure that I can stand the sight of my house through the rest of the week! :)

Staci & Brandon: The Bling

2009-02-06T23:50:00.004-05:00

I've sort of been avoiding this blog like shaking hands with someone who has the flu. Why? Because I don't like it's look, and I'm so excited for the blog to come. But I had to post some of Staci and Brandon' pics, because they rocked it out. I had this idea of a field with a guitar. I was thrilled when he said that he played. Here are some of my faves. :)

This is my fave! The light was IN-SANE!

NEW! NEW! NEW!

2009-02-04T09:27:00.004-05:00

To those faithful readers.....As you can see I've played around with how this blog looks for too, too long! In the works is a brand new blog, a brand new website, and many, many more great things to come. They are going to be awesome! :)

Forgive me....Site is under works.

2009-01-25T01:55:00.000-05:00

Are you serious?

2009-01-24T14:41:00.002-05:00

What am I doing? Thinking and working on my photography brand!!!! New look, old look, same look. I will not rest until I have it all figured out. WHat do you think? What has been your favorite logo, color, etc??? Help me out people! I'm open to suggestions.....

Content 1 here.

Content 2 here.

Content 3 here.

2009-01-21T17:50:00.003-05:00

This is a mass email I sent to almost everyone in my email book. Just by chance, you don't email me a lot, I'm posting it on my blog as well. And...what post would be complete without a picture. Check the bottom for a couple of ring shots from Jonathan and Melissa's Christmas wedding! ;) On to the email:

Hey Guys!

This time last year, I was on my way back to work for the first time since having my baby girl, Gray. It wasn't long until I really felt the Lord laying on my heart that I was supposed to step away from teaching and stay at home with Gray. Kevin, thought that I had lost my mind, and I couldn't blame him nor argue the point. I didn't know how we would be able to do it, but for some reason I had such peace that we would be taken care of....

I would have never in a million years thought that Jesus would help take care of us through a photography business. I have always loved art in every form (painting, drawing, building, decorating, dressing, graphics, crafting...), but never considered it could be a career. I am so excited to see where this business takes me, and to be honest, I sit and think over it...A LOT!

2008 picture season was A-mazing, thanks to a lot of you guys. Who would have thought that in four and 1/2 months I would have shot 28 sessions and 4 weddings??? NOT ME! I look back at the pictures in the beginning and know that if I could go back and shoot them now, they'd be so much better. (It's a perfectionist's blessing and curse.) But seriously, I feel like in such a short time, I have learned SO MUCH! And I hope that never-eva stops. :)

2009 picture season is going to be great as well! I have a lot of faith that God will again use me and a camera to provide for my family. It's scary and exciting at the same time. Some things I have already changed and others are in the process.

-One biggie is that I've redone my pricing handout. The prices have changed, the look is different, and after a lot of research and thought...I feel good about it. I'm attaching it to give you guys a preview.

-Another Change: Instead of doing one shoot a weekend, I'm trying to be smarter with my time and use one Saturday where I shoot a lot! I had a lot of requests from the upstate for some shoots, so you guys will have a Saturday to abuse as well!!! Holla. :) Take a look at the fliers I have attached and send it out to anyone you might think would be interested. Hopefully, (Thanks to Adrian & Steven) I can have it ran in the Horry Independent (local newspaper) as well! Best case scenario, I'll have to schedule more than one Saturday!

There are more changes that I'm looking forward to and praying over as well. There is no way I can advertise and give everyone the best impression of my images all alone, so join with me in sharing and praying for the year ahead. I've made a commitment to pray over each person I'm allowed to photograph this year. My dream in this business would be to do so well, that I can give back like a mad-crazy woman.

Thank you again for being the best clients and friends a photographer girl can have!

Hannah Gray

It's Happening. Let's Start Booking.

2009-01-19T22:52:00.003-05:00

What? You said you want a portrait session?

2009-01-16T18:13:00.002-05:00

I don't blame you. Check out some more H-O-T-T! Portraits!

Bunch: The Leach's Family

2009-01-16T17:58:00.008-05:00

Meet the Leach bunch. Amanda Leach Powley, was one of my lifesavers during my first three years of teaching. She is mild, kind, caring, a hard-worker, a great listener, and an even better friend. I don't see nearly enough of her. :) Amanda recommended me to her mom for some family portrait re-do's. Did I mention that she must have good taste!? ;) Anyway, I snapped the night away and could not quit laughing "with" the Leach family. I especially enjoyed editing the images where they are wearing mustaches, rubbing Grandpa's tummy, picking through Grandma's hair-do, and laughing their undies off (ha, ha!)! Amanda, Jane, and the whole Leach family....Thank you!

Here's the whole bunch. Click the title to see a few more pics.

The Big Day: Nelson & Jane

2009-01-11T14:07:00.007-05:00

Linda, Jane's mom, contacted me about photographing her daughter's wedding. She told me they were planning to marry in Hawaii!!! "What?! What?!" Too bad they were only looking for a photographer for the rockin' reception that awaited them back here in South Ca-ca-lac-ee (Carolina). :)

During the reception, they had the video of their Hawaii ceremony playing on the big screen for everyone to watch. After it finished, Nelson and Jane, decked out in their wedding attire, were announced as the Mr. & Mrs. for the evening and got the party started with their first dance. The night continued with dancing (good dancing), eating, and even some karaoke!

Nelson & Jane, congratulations to you both. Hope you will always be as happy as you are now!!!!

This picture was my symbolic one for the evening. Nelson is from Venezuela, and Jane is an all American girl!

Jane's dad had a cowbell, engraved, and complete with lock and key. Nelson took it like a newlywed and had it ringing all evening.

The first dance....

I can't even begin to explain the smooth moves on display that night.

I love this picture. Everybody having a blast, but notice Jane & Nelson all wrapped up in each other.

Love this one as well. Nelson and his mom were too sweet. She is such a beautiful lady.

And one of my faves. I took pictures of the screen as the video of their wedding played. Each came out with such awesomely different colors. What a cool piece of art!

Nobody got into the karaoke....siiiikke!

I'll have the slide show up before long. Something is up with the site! :) If you haven't read yesterdays post..........READ IT!

Senior Pictures

2009-01-11T01:08:00.003-05:00

Jostens, Smotens. Boring senior pictures are a thing of the past. Of course you have to have the one for the yearbook, but those others....with the cheeky poses, um...yeah. Why not have senior portraits that scream you, instead of scream "I love me some blue-gray backdrops????" If your interested in having senior pics made with me, shoot me an e-mail or leave me a comment. I'll be booking for the next month.

My sister, Evan, now a freshman, had the "boring" senior pictures, so we took a very short trip and had a senior re-shoot. They are turning out great, of course she does have my genes, so I didn't except anything but perfection..... :) Kidding, but seriously, she rocks in these pictures!

P.S. Just because you're not a senior, doesn't mean you don't know a senior. :) You might just get yourself a little reward if you send me one.

P.S.S Just because you're not a senior, doesn't mean that you can't have an "Anytime" shoot with me. For business or just because. You like yourself that much don't you.

Ok. I'm done!

Almost Time 4 Detox

2008-12-28T23:08:00.002-05:00

Gray's first pigtail attempt. What....what, what?
Opening some stocking stuff from the Grands.

I made Ian be the Christmas Elf. He took it off after this picture.

My mom is hot. Showing off her magnification mirror.

This was my favorite. Evan wanted a tattoo gift certificate. My mom just told her she could have her next tattoo instead of getting the certificate. Evan fake pouted, so my mom ran and ripped off a piece of wrapping paper and scribbled:

"To: Evan, From: Santa, Good for one cool tattoo, Not to exceed......ehhh?"

Then balled it up, ran back in the room, and said:

"Look what I found, it's for Evan!"

Story Follow-Up: We went Friday and she got her second tattoo. I had my first touched up!

On to the blog:

No, I am not an alcoholic. I'm a foodoholic. I love it with every ounce of my being. I like to snack. I like to eat meals. I like to plan meals. I like to stay home for meals. I like to go out for meals. I like to go to the grocery store to buy food for meals. I'm telling you...IT- IS-BAD! In January, I'll start to put myself through detox. It's not fun. I get crabby. I get sad when I see someone else having what I can't. I tell my husband to help me but fuss at him when he follows through. It's horrible, but it's got to be done!

Enjoy some of my favorite pictures from this Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-22T23:48:00.003-05:00

I bought my first Christmas present on Saturday, took Sunday off, went at it again today, and only have a couple presents left to get. I work well under pressure!!! Tomorrow, we are off to Charleston for Gray's surgery! We will be up at 4 am, leave at 5 am, check in at 7 am, operation starts at 8 am, possibly out of there by 11 am. Thank you for your sweet comments, prayers, emails, and texts. I'll be sure to blog and post some pictures of her last surgery!!!! Merry Christmas!

The Robertsons

2008-12-20T00:34:00.003-05:00

I've gotten to meet and get to know the Robertsons through our mygroup. They are such a sweet and special family, and Adrian did not pay me to say that! :) We finally got together for some quick Christmas pics. The ducks were way more intersting than me!!!

Is this just not the cutest pic, and she posed herself, go figure!

The Stokes

2008-12-20T00:28:00.003-05:00

I am a sucker for red shoes!

And....big blue eyes!

I got to go backstage with the Stokes family as they gathered to celebrate Christmas! They are a very sweet family, full of beautiful people!

The Worry Wart

2008-12-19T10:08:00.004-05:00

When I get stressed, I'm talking about real stress, I become the world's hugest worrier. I'm talkin', like if you were to sneak in to my mind for one second during this time, you would take off, running, and screaming. There is NO escaping it! None! I pray, watch a movie, take a shower, take a nap. Nothing helps!

I usually get this way when I start to think about the future. It's not that I'm such a planner, because I do my best thinking and teaching on the fly, seriously! It's that I hate surprises. I want to be in the know. I had a few worry attacks in the past, but this year, especially lately, they are coming on me like... whoa!

One attack came during college. I'm sure everyone has been through the questions: Am I where I'm supposed to be? Majoring in the right thing? Playing the sport I'm supposed to be playing? Dating the guy I'm supposed to be dating? During this time, I prayed for a sign. Just a reminder from God that I am exactly where he wants me at this point in life. My sign would be a yellow flower. (Deep down, I knew I was guaranteed to see some in the landscaping around campus.)

Wouldn't you know that they had decided to change the landscaping the day before and plant new plants. I'm not kidding. I went to dinner that night in the cafeteria and for a good reason left by myself. I on my way back to the dorm, chewing on a straw......worrying. I stopped at an oddly placed trashcan on campus because I was tired of chewing. I opened up the lid to the trashcan and before me were all of the flowers that they had gotten rid of on campus. I kid you not. It felt amazing. I knew I was exactly where God wanted me.

That week is the week I found my life verse as well. Proverbs 3:5-6. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths." It's been my prayer since. Trust Him, know that you don't have to understand what He is doing, acknowledge Him in everything you do, and He will take care of the unknown.

This year, since deciding to quit teaching, starting new adventures, and having a one-year-old along for the ride has given me enough stress to age me by 50 years. This past month especially, because I've been "thinking about the future".

Wednesday, I walked out with Gray to get the mail, and in my bush bed (I don't have any flowers), something caught me eye. It was a single yellow flower, the same as I had seen years ago in my trashcan. It's the only time I had ever seen it there, and the next day it was gone. I used it as a subtle reminder that this year I've trusted God more than EVER, haven't been able to lean on anything but Him, I've given Him credit for everything that I've been able to accomplish, and I'm exactly where He wants me to be doing exactly what I'm supposed to be doing. The rest of the unknown....well, He is taking care of that too.

Check out this A-Mazing sky. I happened to have my camera while driving downtown Conway. I saw this sky and couldn't resist a picture!

Lovin' & Not Lovin'

2008-12-16T21:56:00.005-05:00

What I'm workin' on....

What do you want first? The good or the bad? OK. The good.

10 Things I'm Lovin':
1. Homemade, hot, apple cider! It is so yummy!
2. Christmas tree lights in the corner of my living room.
3. Gray walking around, rocking her baby, and giving me puckered up sugar on the lips.
4. TWILIGHT! I read it in one day. Unashamedly, I could not put it down!!!
5. My Christmas Cards!
6. Proverbs 3:5-6. It seems that this is always the verse I come back to when I get very overwhelmed with life, which is often these days. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths." I wanted to get this tattooed on me, but I chickened out and got the cross with the heart on it.
7. Fa-la-la-la Lifetime. They have some great Christmas movies! I said some not all!
8. Painted fingernails. I paint them, pick the paint, fix it, paint them, pick the paint, fix it......
9. Flats. I wore heels the other day for the first time and the last time for a while. I'm so happy that flats are so in.....
10. Being with my hubby.... :)

5 Things I'm not Lovin'; Two positives for every negative:
1. House Taxes in December. It should be outlawed.
2. Bugs. The flies have been replaced by ants and more earwigs.
3. My short list for Santa that will all go unanswered: A Mac Notebook, A Shootsac
4. Doctor bills. (P.S. Gray's surgery is next Tuesday.)
5. Worrying.

Meet the Rivens

2008-12-13T11:47:00.003-05:00

I love taking pictures, but I've realized no matter what job you have, you still have to nudge yourself to get up, get out the door, and get going. However, when I get to my destination, meet my clients, and get into the creative groove, you couldn't pull me away with a giant crane. Thus was the case when I met the Rivens last Saturday. Tuletia had contacted me a while ago about doing their pictures, but I never got the email. (I learned a very important lesson: Check my spam often.) Despite the miscommunication, we got together just in time to freeze what life looks like for the Rivens this Christmas. Her family is absolutely precious and full of love. I am so happy we got together! :) To see more pics, click here!!!

Happy Holidays from the Bass,Batsons, & WIlliams

2008-12-12T13:08:00.008-05:00

Rain + gray skies + a whole bunch a people on a back porch = Not Ideal for Pictures! But we pulled up our knickers and went to work. The Batson family had gathered to give thanks from 3 different states and this was our one and only chance to capture this moment in time. Enjoy.

To see more pics, click here.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-10T09:16:00.004-05:00

Just in case you are not on my mailing list, which is a lot of you, I wanted to share our Christmas card via the internet. The Christmas card will read:

What will be in your stocking this year??? Merry Christmas! Love: Kevin, Hannah, & Gray

Selena

2008-12-09T11:32:00.009-05:00

I met Selena what seems like forever ago. She is fabulous hair dresser at Carolina Forest Spa & Salon, near Fitness Edge in Carolina Forest. She is my go to when I want to get my hair did. She is obviously awesome, because she puts up with me. I love to shoot people who I know well, so I jumped at the chance to capture her, Zoe & Zeek. After our shoot and editing her pictures, I'm pretty sure that in the winter, black tops, blue jeans, and pops of red are the way to go and my personal favorite. I just wish I could pull off red lipstick. :) If you'd like to see more pics, click here for their slide show.

Meet Raegan

2008-12-09T10:13:00.005-05:00

A couple of Saturdays ago, I met Raegan (and some of her family) to capture "the middle school years". Raegan is a cheerleader for Conway Middle School! Shout Out!

Now, I'm not sure about you, but pictures of myself from those middle school years would definitely not be the pictures I'd be running to show off. I have a very small forehead, go ahead scroll up and look at it, I know you want to. I'll give you a second..........See? Well, I had a lot of ideas for how I could wear my hair, none of which agreed with my forehead or my mother, especially the bang phase and the parting my hair in the middle phase.

However, I think Raegan has such a timeless, natural beauty, that she'll be proud of these pictures for years and years to come. Raegan you're beautiful from the inside out! I hope you like your pictures. :)

Want to see more pictures of this session? Click Here!

Thought for the Day

2008-12-01T15:11:00.003-05:00

If McDonalds really wanted to help America slim down. They would put the grilled chicken sandwich on the dollar menu and charge extra for the double cheeseburger.

2008-11-30T19:23:00.004-05:00

Gray plays in an electrical outlet. I "tap" the top of Gray's hand and say "No!" Gray looks at me like I'm crazy and reaches for the outlet again. I "tap" the top of Gray's hand a little harder and say "No!" Gray looks at me and taps the top of my hand back. I laugh. Couldn't help it.

For those of you who have been keeping up with Gray and the strawberry: The doctor postponed our surgery, because he was attacked by Satan and hates me to the inner core. That's my personal take on the situation. It will now take place on Dec. 23rd, because....well read the sentence above!

The Dorman Bunch

2008-11-29T12:11:00.004-05:00

Dear Internet,

Long time, no write. My deepest apologies. It's all the turkeys fault. It brings out the lazy in me, and it's a lazy that's oh so hard to repress. But I am back, rested, and better than ever. I've brought you a peace offering. The Dorman pictures. They are an awesome family with hearts of a servant, whether to our church or many of them to our country. David, the dad, is so talented and can do anything. I gave him the nickname Martha Villa a long time ago (That would be Martha Stewart and Bob Villa all wrapped up into one hands-on creative genius.). He has put many of his talents to work in his store, Palmetto Farms.

Andrew, the oldest guy, has been married for a couple of years and rocks out on the guitar in our band. His wife, Jenn, is beautiful! Adrianne, the only girl, is marrying Jake sometime..... (She will be deployed to Iraq in February, and there is a chance Jake will follow her there in November about the time she will be leaving.) Devin is SINGLE. That's all you need to know. If you'd like more info. (ladies only, per his request) send me a comment.

I hope you enjoy the pictures internet. Happy Belated Thanksgiving!

***Click the title for more pics.

The Rusbacks: Family

2008-11-24T12:32:00.006-05:00

Meet the Rusbacks: Tom, Michelle, and Maddie. I met Michelle when her family moved to South Carolina last year, and she landed a job at Loris Elementary. She is one of the people I miss getting to see on a regular basis! I had so much fun catching up and shooting her family, especially Maddie. I think I chuckled through the entire shoot, because I could not get over the poses and faces that were coming from this little girl. As we were leaving, Maddie fell down and lost her shoe. Michelle started laughing and told me this happens on a regular basis. She went on to explain that Maddie pretends to be Cinderella leaving a glass slipper behind for her prince, a lot. How cute is that??? Click the title and see more of Maddie's mad posing skills!

Blake & Brooke: The Bling

2008-11-21T11:11:00.006-05:00

Come on girls, we've all done it. You know..in high school, we tend to be overwhelmed with the hunkiness of guys either our age or older. Only in rare cases do we see our-senior-selves pursuing and trying to develop a relationship with a "sophmore" boy. Such was the case for Brooke and Blake. After high school, both went off to college in hopes of finding an education???...NO! True Love, of course. But after failing, ridiculous, underserving men and women had their chance, they might have left with a BA, but left without their MR & MRS. Thankfully, Brooke takes care of her pearly whites, and after a fateful trip to the dentist's office back home, where she ran into Blake's mom, love was about to be in the air. The rest, as they say, is history. After a romatic ride on the ocean in Hilton Head, Blake pledged his love to Brooke and asked her to spend the rest of her life with him. They are beyond perfect together, and I am thrilled that my friend, Brooke, has finally ended up with the right guy at the right time. Thank you again for asking me to document this special time for you and Blake! **** The video is sweet, but the quality.....eeehhh. Click on the title to see more of their pics.

Jenny & Steven: The Big Day

2008-11-21T09:56:00.004-05:00

She was from out of town looking for a new set of friends. He lived in this town but was always open to expanding his circle of friends. Through one message sent via the Internet, the rest is history. You could say, and most of their family does say, that this couple was brought together for a special purpose. This purpose not only being to bring love into each other's lives, but to decide together that it was of the utmost importance to invest their love and lives into following Christ. Jenny & Steven, your wedding was beautiful and perfect. I'm so glad that you are a part of the Rock and happy that you let me capture your very special day!

Saturday Spring Pics; Location: Greenville

2008-11-18T20:07:00.004-05:00

I've had lots of emails and comments from friends in the upstate about taking their pictures. I've been thinking about planning a Saturday of Spring Pics in Greenville, if I can generate enough interest to make it worth my while. If you are around the Greenville Area and are interested in having your pictures done in the Spring, please comment or send me an email. As soon as I get enough, I'll post a where, when, how much kind of thing, and start booking.

I have just a few more session slots before Christmas. Grab your cute pea coats, scarves, tobaggans & gloves and give me a ring!!! I'm off to Charleston tomorrow, but I'll "holla" back tomorrow night! :)

2008-11-17T13:47:00.003-05:00

This picture of Steven & Jenny is one of my faves!
Check out these leaves below. Gorgeous!

My house is clean, my baby is asleep, HGTV and TLC are battling it out for my attention, and I'm working away on some pictures. It's a Monday! For the first time in my entire life...I love them, Mondays that is! I try to make Monday like a Saturday or Sunday, because I'm usually busy on the weekends shooting, doing church stuff, or hanging out with family and friends.

I also got a couple new emails from people who loved their pictures. I love, heart, adore emails, and I love comments just as much!!! Compliments to what I'm doing inspire me, they get me going, they charge my batteries, they make me smile, they are the wind beneath my photographer wings, you get the point. So in short, thank you to clients and potential clients who comment and keep commenting. You freakin' rock! :)

College = A Long Time Ago

2008-11-16T23:08:00.004-05:00

At times college feels like 25 years ago! Today, it felt like just yesterday, because I got to hang out with a friend from my North Greenville days, Brooke. We chatted away about old friends, new marriages, new babies, and old memories. It was fantastic. On top of all that, I got to hear the story of how Blake entered her life for the second time, and what he did to pop the question and hand over her beautiful bling! I'll make sure to share their story when I post all of their pictures.

Blake and Brooke thanks for driving down. I had so much fun! Hope these pictures tide you over until the rest are through!

Just A Saturday....

2008-11-15T22:57:00.004-05:00

So, I had two shoots today but because of the horrible thunderstorms, that never came, we postponed both of them. Sometimes I despise the weather and the weather people. Ok, done with the negative and on to the positive. I did have all day Saturday to chillax at home with my in-laws, husband, and Gray. During the afternoon, we sat around and laughed at Gray, while I edited away on Jenny & Steven's wedding (I'm half way through!!!!). Later, we ventured to the mall. ***Side Note: If I had a life savings, I could spend it on little girls clothing. I love them. Side Note Over**** We ended the night with me cooking dinner! Then, my family, minus one came to hang out. Tomorrow will be a busy day! Church from morning to afternoon, a quick lunch, and then meeting Brooke & Blake, who you will meet on my blog later this week, for an engagement shoot! I'm still looking for some people to finish out my wedding booking season for 2009. If you know anyone who is getting married and is interested, give them my link hannahgray.net ! Word of mouth is the best compliment you can give me. Have a wonderful Sunday!!!

The pics are from Jenny & Steven's wedding. Some random shots that I love. I'll blog more when I'm all done!!!!

The Carter Boys

2008-11-13T23:11:00.003-05:00

Check out these two very handsome young men: Graham and Avery Carter. I asked them during the shoot if they were always "this" nice to each other, and they said no, and upon questioning confirmed that their mom wouldn't want pictures of them being mean! Ha! :) They are two very sweet kids and with these poses could be a future GQ cover! Thanks so much Julie and Patrick for having me take pictures of your boys, and thank you boys for traipsing around Conway and being such great sports. I hope you love all of your pictures! Click here for more photos of the Carter Boys!

*P.S* You can not type in hannahgray.net and get my blog page, so WHEN you tell your friends, it will be easier to pass along! ;)

*P.S.S* Don't forget to check the posts below. There are a lot of new pictures up. Show each post your love and tell which is your favorite.

Melissa: Bride to Be

2008-11-13T00:19:00.003-05:00

Two things crossed my mind as I prepared the pictures for this post. #1 I am a much better photographer since I took engagement pictures of Melissa and her future husband, Jonathan. Not being overtly cocky, but I am growing and I hope to never stop! #2 How thankful I am for Melissa. She is one of the MAIN reasons that I am on this photography journey. Earlier this year, before I stopped teaching, Melissa approached me about shooting her wedding. She knew that I didn't do weddings professionally, but she knew I loved taking pictures and had seen a few shoots I had done for friends. I agreed to do the wedding and started to think about the equipment I would need to do it. I talked with Kevin and before long had purchased my Nikon and lenses. I started reading ferociously about how to operate it, researching wedding websites and photographers, buying books on how to shoot weddings, and so on. One shoot with my new camera and growing passion led to another shoot and led to another shoot and 24 shoots in 2 1/2 months later....here I am. What a whirlwind it has been! Thank you Melissa for helping fan the photography flame inside of me. You probably were just thinking about saving money for your wedding, but God used you to push me into the most unexpected career path. I know your wedding will be fabulousity, just like you!

Click here for Melissa's Slideshow.

P.S. Melissa wanted these pictures posted before her wedding, and she swore to me that Jonathan would never be on this site to see her pictures!!!

Taylor

2008-11-12T00:40:00.006-05:00

I met my friend Taraka my first year of teaching. She was one of the people who helped me keep my sanity, and she knows exactly what I'm talking about! Since that year, she's always been someone who is easy to talk to, thus her job as a therapist. Taylor came into Taraka's life about 2 years ago. She is a gorgeous little girl, as you can tell from her pictures. Taylor wasn't too happy to be dressed in a witch costume with a strange person standing in front of her holding a big black toy that made sounds and kept flashing, but after a while she warmed up and started giving me some grins to document. Thank you Taraka and Taylor for choosing me to take pictures that you will share with others this season. I hope to see you again soon!

To see more pics of Taylor, click here!

The Calhoun Family

2008-11-11T21:06:00.005-05:00

Remember that adorable little pirate I posted a couple of weeks ago? He's back...along with his mom and dad, Mark and Kim. The Calhouns met me down at Myrtle Beach State Park to capture some photos of their family in 2008. In most of the pictures you will pick up on their laid back, care-free, up for whatever mood! You would never guess that they worked their way through millions of sand spurs and avoided bugs in the forest to get some of these pictures. :)

I was happy enough to have another chance to take pictures, but I was even happier to get another opportunity to know the Calhouns a little better. Calhouns, I hope you find some pictures that you love! Click here to see more pictures of the Calhouns.

***Look below to see some of the pictures coming up this week!

2008-11-11T20:58:00.002-05:00

Look for these posts coming soon!!!!

Family Shoot: The Clary Family

2008-11-09T00:36:00.003-05:00

I can remember a long, long time ago, a night that I thought I just might not make it. I, the patient, was lying on the bed, so trusting of the individual that claimed she could make me better in no time at all. I opened up my mouth for my medicine and kept my eyes closed tightly, because I knew I was in good hands. Next thing I know, I have a mouth full of baby powder sucking and squeezing any moisture out my head. I sat up quickly and started heaving. I looked to my left to see Michelle trying not to laugh and telling me that she could have sworn that bottle was closed before she turned it over. This is just one of many, many stupid and ridiculous memories that make Michelle so special to me. I could literally go on for days!!! And I'm quite sure she could too.

There are some people that you have spent so much of your life with, that they are forever engraved in your heart and mind for as long as you live. Michelle is one of those people to me. She married her high school sweetheart, Lawson, and they now have a gorgeous little boy, Hudson Drew, and another baby on the way. She has been patiently waiting on these pictures, so I hope she loves each and every one! :)

Click Here to See More Pics.

Revenge of the Flies

2008-11-07T17:15:00.004-05:00

That's right- you heard (read) me! Flies, I said. Today, they, the flies, were obviously filming a motion picture in my house. They flew, they landed, they teased, they tried to escape, but inevitably the film took a turn for the worst when the nasty, evil human slapped all 25 of them dead in their tracks. At first they were nice slaps, but as time went on.....they became more and more violent! (Evil Laugh)- HAHHAHAHA! Flies, who's ya mama??

Back to photography, I'm finished with the Clary's pics, but I've got to make some more space on my laptop before publishing. Here's another one up top, just because this is a photography site and you probably want to see a picture! I'm still working on the new stuff for my photography brand. KIT! :) Happy Friday!

Making Some Changes

2008-11-05T12:27:00.010-05:00

Along with my 30 day changes, I'm trying to work on some business changes as well. I have changed my business name after much thought and spelling my last name 100x for people. For those of you who don't know, Gray is my middle name, as well as my daughters. I thought the new name of my business (hannah gray photography) was completely appropriate, because Gray (my daughter) is the sole reason that I have quit teaching and get to pursue this dream. My domain later this week will be hannahgray.net; I'll let you know when it's working! I'm also working on enhancing other things on my blog. Check out these bigger and better pictures! Know some one who is getting married? I'm booking for the 2009 wedding season. Send them my info before prices go up in January!

Check out this show!

Day 1 of 30

2008-11-03T16:46:00.004-05:00

I decided to start my 30 days on Monday instead of this weekend. (I had Gray's party, and what kind of host would I have been if I didn't partake in the delicious hor' d'oeuvres.) I was out of sync today with going to Georgetown, so I ordered a grilled chicken sandwich combo from McDonalds with fries. About 1/2 way through, I remembered I wasn't going to eat them all month. Oh well! Now it will be on the forefront of my brain for the rest of November. I did, however, face Little Debbie Honeybuns and Swissrolls in the face ALL DAY and did not enjoy even the tiniest bite. YAY! I'm headed to my Monday mygroup (ha) with some great people tonight!

2008-11-02T22:03:00.003-05:00

This weekend was crazy amazing. All of my friends and family were under one roof partying, well not all... but still, it was awesome! We all gathered to celebrate Gray being in our lives for one whole year. I still cannot believe that I am a wife, yet alone the mother of a one year old! Can any of you relate? I still look at Kevin and ask: Can you believe that you're married? Can you belive that you have a one-year old? Can you believe that we (and the bank) have our own house? Sometime it's just mind-blowing how fast time has flown by me. I feel so blessed!!! No, I am not rich. Yes, I still want for other things in life. But, God has been so good to Kevin and me!!!

This week shall be another fabulously busy week! Tomorrow, I am heading off to Georgetown to meet with some wonderful teachers about Everyday Math. I will be preparing for a fun time Friday with the Rock 4th & 5th graders for our November "Rock Away". Feel free to come and hang out at my house with the best 10 & 11 year olds in Conway! Saturday, my friends, Jenny & Steven, are tying the knot, and I get to capture it with my rockin camera! This week is also the beginning of 30 days.

I still have lots of editing work ahead of me this week, and I hope to be finished with everybody's pictures by Friday! YAY! Here a couple more picture of Melissa who is getting married in December, but still says she wants her bridal portraits posted before her wedding. :) I don't mind, because I think she looks ab-so-lutely GORGEOUS!!! Doesn't she look like she should be a country rock sensation! :)

The Hermans

2008-10-31T09:45:00.004-04:00

You know those people you have such history with, that when you get to see each other it seems that no time has passed since you were last together. That is exactly how I feel about the Hermans. I have known them for just about all of my life. I have so many memories with them, that they are just part of who I am. They now live in Liberty, SC, and are part of an awesome church plant 5 Point Fellowship. Since they are in Easley, I get to see them often for which I am glad! Hermans- I hope you like your first pictures from me and hope there will be plenty more to come!!!! :) Click HERE to see more pictures!

Busy Bee

2008-10-30T12:42:00.003-04:00

Lots to accomplish today.

-Clean my house! It seems like I'm doing this everyday I know.

-Go to the grocery store to get everything for this weekend.

-Portrait shoot @ 5.

-Matthew & Megan are coming late tonight.

**All the while still editing away on the Hermans and Clarys. I promise I'm working hard on them!

30 days

2008-10-29T11:04:00.003-04:00

I think it's ok to mention this. It's only been in our (Beth and I) minds and hearts, but hasn't really been spoken or shared. I guess, two weeks ago, Beth and I were feeling this contagious excitement for what God is going to do through the Rock soon. Neither of us could explain it to you, it was just there! After we talked, it seemed that everybody around us (including us) has taken a beating over the head. Whether money, family, personal, you name it.. We were talking about what else we could do to lift up the leaders in our church, to keep people in the Rock from Satan, to pray for the needs of our good friends. What we decided is quite simple, but
ferocious at the same time. We will pray. Before church, 8:30 a.m. . Get some of our friends together and beg God to protect us, bring on more excitement, etc. I think this 30 days series is the perfect time to start. If you'd like to join Beth and I, just let us know. Here are some of the challenges that I will face in the month of November.

1. No sweets for a month. Including Thanksgiving Day. ;/
2. Exercise everyday. EVERYDAY.
3. No Burgers & Fries at all. No exception.
4. Spend Quality -Quiet- Alone Time with Kevin at least once a week. (With a baby and football, this is a lot, I promise.)
5. Spend an interrupted hour in prayer every week.
6. Spend a day each week with NO TV or computer.

These are all I have so far? What have you decided to do for 30 days? Do you know what 30 days is about? This is what the church website says about the series:
30Days. OK, 29 if you start on Sunday. OK, 28 if you skip Thanksgiving Day. But "30 Days" sounds much cooler. It can be "the month your life changed." How many of us need to be shoved out of our comfort zones? How many desperately need a spiritual kick in the pants to dislodge us from our medium-heat mediocrity? Get ready for 30 Days of SPIRITUAL I-DARE-YOU's that cover ever area in your life: your soul, your body, your mind, your stuff, your time, your relationships. If you are a spiritual coward or so set in your ways that you refuse every new challenge, well, go visit another church for the month of November. We're about to turn the heat WAY up @ The ROCK. You probably can't take it.

Movin' on up!

2008-10-28T12:57:00.002-04:00

My stress level is on the downard slope. I feel myself making my way through the trenches and crawling out of the valley. I'm looking foward to what is ahead, instead of sitting in a pool of worry and stress. Life ...............is getting better. :)

I'm stoked for Gray's birthday party this weekend. We have friends and family coming to watch her dig in her little cake. I cannot wait!!!

I enjoyed my weekend and got to shoot some special people. What do you think of Hayes the pirate? Is he not adorable?? And, how gorgeous is Melissa! I told her I was sad that I couldn't share all of her pictures with you guys until after her wedding in December, and she said she wanted them posted now!! So you'll be able to enjoy them later.

I'm still clicking away on the Clarys and Hermans. (You can't take a computer into a pool, so I didn't get as much done last week as I wanted. :( But do not lose hope, they will be up soon.)

Back to getting my house in order, so I don't lose my husband. JK :)

Bab-tiz-um @ the ROCK

2008-10-26T00:08:00.003-04:00

What could be better than gathering on the sand, singing along with a few guitars, and watching people walk into the freezing cold Atlantic because they are pumped about making a statement of faith??? A Bloomin' Onion & a Thunder from Down Under from Outback come very close, but the answer is nothing!!!! I know it doesn't really matter the body or pool or tank of water you are baptized in, but there is such a rawness to having it done in an ocean that God himself formed. AND... if you thought you held your breath when people walked down the steps to the "baptisimal".....you've got to watch people try to avoid being knocked down by enormous waves. It's great! :) I'm so happy and feel so honored to be a part of what's goin' on at the ROCK. The experience, the worship, the people, the teaching, the challenges, the laughter, the crying, the outreach, the future.........

Click HERE to see more pics.

Another Family Editing Session Bites the Dust....

2008-10-24T22:42:00.005-04:00

the boots....ROCK!
They have a lot of energy. JK..I asked them to do this.

Love this pic of every single person.

H-O-T-T..

This is one of my faves. It's in black and white in the slideshow too. I'm not sure which one I like more.

Here are the Middleton pics. Curtis, Karen, Katie, Hannah, & Becca have been my family's friends for really as long as I can remember. We date all the way back to the good ole' Sea of Green. They now live in the upstate, so I get to see them once in a while when we visit Five Point Fellowship. I was so glad they jumped on the picture train on our most recent trip to Easley. When I saw they were wearing COWBOY boots, I was so stoked. (The location was beckoning for a family in cowboy boots! Don't ya think?) I hope I did all of them justice; they are a beautiful family inside and out. Show the Middleton family some love, blog readers, and let them know which is your favorite!!!! To see all of their pictures click here.

P.S. My comments record is 6! My goal is to have a 25'er before the new year, And they cannot all be my husband.....hear that K-Lock! Look for the Hermans and Clarys coming soon!

Yummy Video...

2008-10-24T00:37:00.002-04:00

Did you know I also do make-up? Check out this Rock commercial. Pay special attention to the last 10 seconds.

The State of Yuckness....

2008-10-23T23:22:00.003-04:00

It seems that Gray and I are connected even further than the fact that she lived inside me for 9 very, very, very long months; we just have to be connected in a deeper sort of way!!! These past couple of days, she is showing on the outside what I feel on the inside....SICKNESS! Her's is physical; mine is mental. She has slept, whined, and cried, and I have just let myself go at it with her. If you know us, this state of mind and being is rare.... so if you have an extra second in the day whisper a little prayer for Gray and me. We need a little extra help this next week, and both of us need to be better by Gray's birthday party next Saturday.

***Isn't Gray's dress beautiful? Megan & Matthew picked this up on their honeymoon to Mexico. She wore it one day is September, and I had to snap some pictures of her for them. I hope she made that seamstress and her Uncle Matthew & Aunt Megan proud!

Coming Soon.....The Clarys....

2008-10-22T15:29:00.004-04:00

Here are some of the Clary pictures, followed by two other blogs of Herman & Middleton samples. Hope these wet your appetites, but keep you a little full. Until later......

***Don't forget to check out the Prosser slideshow and tell Stacey which pic is your fav.

Coming Soon....The Hermans...

2008-10-22T15:26:00.004-04:00

Here are a few pictures from the Hermans Photo Shoot. More to come in the weeks ahead.

Coming Soon...The Middletons.

2008-10-22T15:19:00.003-04:00

Check out the Middleton family pics I'm working on.......I love, love, love the first one.

The Prosser Kids

2008-10-22T15:00:00.006-04:00

By far, my favorite. It's so different than any other.

Love the jump pictures, and the fountain....love it!!!
I really wanted to get the turquoise bar in the picture.

Strong, sensitive, full of life, spirit, and personality. Bri takes care of her other two siblings and keeps them in line. Ethan is a modest strong and seems to take care of his sisters without having to prove it. Haley is the baby and living in a world of her own, a world that makes you wish you were dwelling there. Yes, they're kids, but great ones! I had too much fun traipsing around Conway capturing these kids as are they in this moment in time. I'm in love with some of their pictures, and I hope they are too. Prosser family....Thank you! :) To see more of the Prosser kids, click the title to see a slide show.

Carnival of Thoughts......WIDE OPEN!

2008-10-21T18:16:00.006-04:00

I hunched over and stared out of the window, pondering all the things that I have coming up in life. Thoughts in my mind are like a carnival ride that goes round and round and round. Each thought and worry has its own seat. I get done thinking and stressing about it and then before you know it, here it comes again. I look over to my husband, who is looking quite content with life and start to express my worries and explain to him over and over how stressed I am up about everything coming up. His calm repsonse, "Baby, if there is anybody who can handle it all and do it well, it's you!" Nice statement, I know, but still....it didn't help. There's only one way to deal with these worries and stresses. Pray, Face them head on, and Take them out....one by one.

***Thanks to everyone who called, texted, and emailed about Evan, my favorite sister. She had her appendix taken out, rather quickly, and she is still in the hospital recovering. She's a toughie and I love her lots! :)

***Look for a lot of picture posts this week. I have the Prosser, Clary, Herman, and Middleton Families on the "editing burner". I'll write more about each family later.

All About Me; The Daves Faves!

2008-10-16T01:08:00.003-04:00

These are the Daves' Faves! Hope you liked. ***There is no link to a slide show for all of you, mom, who say that you can't get to see more pictures. :)

All About Me ?......

1. When was the last time you cried.

I cry all of the time now. The most random things bring tears to my eyes. The WORST was one night I was up watching ABC's Extreme Home Makeover. Family after family, I sobbed and sobbed!

2. Have you ever been in a car accident?

Yes, I ended up in a pasture of cows. LONG STORY!

3. What is your perfect pizza?

If you ask my husband, I either have my mind made up, bound and determined, or I can't make a decision at all! Pizza falls in the "can't make a decision" category, and it totally depends on where you get it from...Papa Johns (Thin crust pineapple) Pizza Hut (pepp. & mushroom) Bellacinos (Chicken Alfredo) California Pizza (Buffalo Chicken or

Veggie)......See...Told Ya!

4. What was your most recent dream?

That while my mom and dad were babysitting Gray, they let her get bitten by another child. Then, I was paranoid she had aids. Weird, I know.

5. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In five years, I see myself as a mom to more than just Gray. I see myself having discovered the job where I can use each & every gift that God has given me. I see myself more in love with my husband. I see myself being a better friend. I see myself in a small self.centered crisis because I'll be 30. I see myself serving people through the Rock. I see myself looking at hundreds of people's pictures I have captured. ;)

***Ya like the new layout???

Cheerleader Sketch

2008-10-13T15:57:00.005-04:00

Here is my claim to fame.

Some things you need to know:

1. Yes, this was performed during church. My church rocks. (rockc3.com)
2. Mygroup is ...I guess the modern approach to Sunday School, but we meet during the week at people's homes. I heart mygroup.
3. If I look fat, the camera adds 20 not 10 pounds, and I'm working on it. So hush! :O
4. If you think TJ does not have rhythm, you should have seen him when we started. (Sorry T!) I can honestly say that I laughed as hard as I have in years when we were practicing.
5. We made our own costumes, so don't hate.
6. There are a lot of inside jokes hidden inside the sketch. Jerimiah is semi-short (You're welcome for the semi-), and has a really cool I-phone.

That's about it. Hope you enjoyed. There are more videos on youtube. Type in rockc3 and up they will come.....

I told you I liked to have fun! ;)

The Book; Grayson & Emily

2008-10-13T13:30:00.008-04:00

Reading is a rarity in my life these days. Between planning for church stuff, shooting on the weekends, editing during the week, keeping two babies on Th. and Fr., doing the mom and wife stuff, there's not much time to go sit on the screened-in porch, lay out in a hammock, sip a cold Diet Pepsi, and lose myself in a good book. However, I did break down and order a book that came highly recommended, Fast Track Photography. I got it Saturday night, stayed up late, got up early, took it to the bathroom (You know you do it too!), finished it last night, closed the book and felt completely overwhelmed. I'm reading about photographers who have gone on before me who have made their business ultra successful in ONE year. The book is not a "how-to be a photographer" book, but all about soul-searching, finding out who you are as a photographer, and marketing yourself instead of a photo that somebody else in the world is just as capable of capturing. Along with the soul searching, it gives you a LLLLLOOOOONNNGGG list of things to prepare for....which I have not yet done. So in the middle of my stressing, I went to my blog and was reminded that I've been at the business side of photography for about 2 months. TWO MONTHS! My stressing immediately turned to feeling so blessed. In my attempt to begin the soul searching, I've changed my "about me" column to the right. There might be more changes in the works. Stay Tuned. :)

The photos at the top are some shots from yesterday of Grayson and Emily. Kid shoots are always interesting, but we got some great shots. I was feeling some black and white while editing. For a complete slide show click here!

da....da.da.da.doooonnnneee....

2008-10-11T15:25:00.005-04:00

I love this picture. The colors, the poses, the looks, the angle. Doesn't Jess look gorgeous!

Ha.Ha. They said this represents their relationship, better than the holding of hands.

Old Buggy + Good Sports = Fun Picture

Love It! Another of my fave's!

I am home on a Saturday because of the icky weather. I hate that I didn't get to do my shoots today, but it allowed for some work time since Daddy is home. I've been editing away and watching Texas vs. Oklahoma; Texas is about to win!!! Tonight we are off to play Pictionary, and I am stoked. I love games, but I am WAY too competitive. "She get her from her Daddy."

Here are the Partins' pictures from last weekend. Help Sherrie, the mom, out by leaving a comment declaring your love for your favorite photo! I'll post some of my mine, besides the one below that I heart! Cick on the title to see even more!

***Can you find me in one of the pictures??? If you can find me, Sherrie gets a free picture! :) Help her out!! This means you have to leave a COOOMMMEENNTT! Do it! For Sherrie! (Sherrie you cannot play...sorry :( !)

Happy Weekend!

Mollie & Hayes Slideshow

2008-10-08T11:26:00.002-04:00

These are about 2/3 of Mollie & Hayes. Their pictures turned out beautiful! This has to be one of my favorites. I have one other that I love just as much. Can you guess which one? That would mean you have to leave a comment!!??!! Hope you're having a great Wednesday! G-Ray and I are hanging out doing more chores. The work never ends! :)

The Day; Jess & Lucas

2008-10-06T17:05:00.004-04:00

I'm perched in my corner of the couch, enjoying the snores of Baby Gray and the voice of Barefoot Contessa. I was supposed to be in Georgetown all day today with some great teachers, but plans changed for I'm sure great reasons. I've been picking up here and there all day today trying to clean my house. I am a bit of a perfectionist. Don't let the word fool you, it is a curse! My perfectionism means that I don't do well with straightening and picking up, thus usually resulting in a dirty house. Then when I clean, I am stuck in corners, closets, drawers, & storage bins trying to organize every detail. So today, I only accomplished going through ALL of Gray's clothes. There were several "awww" moments, as I pulled out the the little toboggan the ladies made for her at the hospital, her first Christmas outfit, etc. I've been working on pictures off and on all day. This is one of my favorite pics of Jess & Lucas Partin. We had a great time exploring all of downtown Conway. Both are super kids and up for just about whatever! The background is just phenomenal and in their bright blue shirts......shear perfection! We even got a model face from Lucas! As for me, editing and cleaning seem to be two things in life that I can't get away from....

Mollie & Hayes

2008-10-05T16:33:00.003-04:00

You might remember Hayes from his first birthday pics. His mom, Leslie, asked if I would capture some shots of both of her kids, and of course I jumped at the chance! Leslie informed me that she regularly checks the blog! I told her that means so much to me, so much that I count them when people tell me. I think I'm up to 15 people! Yes. There could be more of you out there. Holla at a girl!

I'm sure you can imagine that a shoot with a one year old on the move is always exciting; however, it works well for me because I don't like posey photography (It's just not my taste.) We managed to get some great shots, and Mollie was a big help! This picture is def. the opposite of "posey," but I think it's precious. Mollie just went with the flow. Thanks guys for letting me take your pictures, again. I'll have a slideshow up of some more this week.

Sur-Ga-gRay

2008-10-02T16:42:00.003-04:00

I had so many friends ask about Gray Tuesday. Thank you so much! Every single call, text, and email mean A LOT! I always dread the drive down to Charleston, but on the flip side I'm thankful for the uninterrupted talk time I get to have with my husband, although I'm not sure that he enjoys it as much as me . ;) This seventh Charleston trip was to talk with Dr. Hochman about Gray's next surgery. He has decided to wait until December for surgery to give the skin even longer to stretch out. In December, he plans to remove the rest of it. After surgery in December, there might be a little red place around the scar left that will be treated with a laser next year. I'll keep you all posted about the progress of the Strawberry! Thank you guys again! I have great friends! :)

Riley Carolina Coming Soon!

2008-10-01T19:10:00.004-04:00

Nicki and Will's (I mean TJ's) maternity pics are finished. They look gorgeous. Nicki and T...I hope you love them! :) This is one of my fav. pics! Ya like???

Larry and Christine

2008-09-30T18:54:00.002-04:00

Click on the title to see all of Larry and Christine's Pics.

A New Woman

2008-09-30T14:59:00.002-04:00

It's quite ironic how having someone take sharp scissors, a razor and bleach to your head makes you feel beautifully brand new! Selena cut my hair off even shorter, and I am loving it. :) I'm pretty easy to please these days, but my favorite cuts are imperfect- meets edgy- meets modern-meets southern- meets chic...I think that means eclectic hair is my fav.??? She does a great job of listening to my blubber and creates a great cut everytime. Next time, I might even go shorter...good-bye long hair, maybe for good??? (I would post a picture of myself, but if you haven't noticed I enjoy being BEHIND the camera. Stay tuned though, I just might suprise you!)

I'm finally finished with the wedding pics and now I am starting on Nicki and T's maternity shoot. Check out this awesome slideshow of Larry and Christine's Pics. These are just a few of my favs.

P.S. *** The toasts came after the wedding, but for some reason it uploaded them before. Go figure. I'm still working on them, but I wanted everybody to see my new videos. :)

More of Larry & Christine

2008-09-29T01:58:00.005-04:00

So, I'm about 2/3 of the way through and really working hard! Larry and Christine are from PA, and they are flying out Tuesday at noon. I want to make sure they get to see the pictures with her mom and dad before they leave. I am feeling the pressure, but having the best time going through all the pictures. You just can't ask for a better backdrop than the beach. This time I'll give you some bride and groom photos! How precious is their little girl???

Off tomorrow morning for Gray's visit in Charleston. Hopefully we will be setting up her LAST surgery! I'll keep you updated on the next post. Sleep tight! I know I will!

A Beautiful Beach Wedding

2008-09-27T20:11:00.002-04:00

I met some great people today and got to take pictures at a gorgeous beachside wedding. I've already started editing and love them! I'm only posting pics of some of the details for now. Come back and see some more! This chica has had a LONG WONDERFUL DAY! :)

A Riley Carolina Tease

2008-09-27T12:04:00.002-04:00

This morning, I got to have a photo shoot with TJ, Nicki, and Riley Carolina (in the belly). We had a lot of fun, and the pics are GREAT! I'll upload more later. Off to a wedding on the beach! Have a great Saturday!

Thank the Lord! I'm Busy!

2008-09-26T14:05:00.004-04:00

Thank you Jesus! I'm running around like a chicken with my head cut off, and I LOVE IT! I was telling Kevin the other night, if I could work with my kids at church and take pictures the rest of my life, I would be loving me some life. There are going to be some "postages" all over this blog so stay tuned. I have three weddings, one maternity, one bridal, and ten families in the next seven weeks. I wish you could see the silly-little-childish grin that comes across my face as I type just typed that sentence. Thanks so, so, SO much to you guys who have been booked, been shot, been talkin' , and been believin' in my art. Word of mouth is 1,000 times better than handing out busy-ness cards. You guys are amazingly awesome! :) Have a wonderful weekend. New wedding pics will be up soon.

Random Thoughts

2008-09-25T12:34:00.004-04:00

#1 If I put as much energy into getting fit as I do my photography, I would be competing in body building competitions on the side by now.

#2 Has anybody besides me realized that that the word DIE is in DIET, and the word EX is in EXERCISE. Both having negative connotations. I'm just saying.

#3 If healthy, no calorie, no fat food were a third as delicious as a Gina Lowes' blueberry cake (which I've had two days in a row), I would be 99 lbs.

#4 I say to myself, "If I had a treadmill, I would run more." That is a bald-faced lie.

#5 Having a baby DOES NOT make you fatter for life. Sitting on your butt eating after having a baby makes you fatter for life.

That's all.

Gearing Up!

2008-09-24T12:15:00.004-04:00

I wanted to sleep in SO BAD this morning, but between random slaps in the face, a finger up my nose, the pinching of my neck fat, and a gosh awful smell when Gray decided to use my face for a seat cushion.....I got over it, quick! It wasn't two hours later that my precious little girl went back to sleep. :) I was jealous. I am feeling that hurry feeling inside from all of the things I'm gearing up for: a wedding Saturday, cleaning my house, EDM visit to Georgetown, Rock-It Power, Gray's Birthday par-tay! All the while trying to enjoy life, family, and friends. I told my small group Monday, that I have just this overwhelming feeling of excitement for something in the future. I don't know exactly what it is: business stuff, church stuff, family stuff. No idea. I just can't get it out of my head and heart!

The Hardee Gals are Finished!!!!

2008-09-23T20:37:00.003-04:00

I just partook in a little piece of heaven, called El Cerro. I also had just a bite of a peanut butter-fudge Sunday from Sonic, and I'm watching a movie with my little family. Life is good! To make it an extra special night, I just finished the Hardee Gals photos, and I love all of them. I'm telling you between The Williams' Gals and The Hardee Gals, they are making my kid shoots WAY TOO easy! :) Hope you enjoy. Click the title to see more.

How to Post a Comment.

2008-09-22T11:53:00.002-04:00

This is for everyone who sends me emails saying they would post a comment but can't figure out how, or it won't let them.

#1 Click on the word comments.
#2 Write your comment, where it says "write your comment"
#3 Instead of entering your google information. Click the button that says you would like to leave your name. Then type in your name and if you have a URL, leave that too.
#4 Then you have to do that letter/number thing.
#5 Click the publish my comment button and you should be done.

NO MORE EXCUSES!!! :) For real, comments make my day.

The Hardee Gals

2008-09-21T23:31:00.004-04:00

This afternoon, I had the pleasure of shooting the Hardee Gals! They are both beautiful inside & out! They were so easy to take pictures of and both L-O-V-E the camera. Their pictures turned out awesome. Here are just a few to get you excited. The slideshow should be up within a couple of days! Hope all of you had a fabulous Sunday. This cheerleader (wink) is tired! :)

P.S. This is a new logo look. I'm liking it really simple.

A LONG WEEK!

2008-09-21T00:35:00.002-04:00

After a full week, I am utterly exhausted. For those people who have their picture already painted of a stay at home, I am here to tell you.......there is not a lot of peace, rest, and serenity. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE IT! I think some of my exhaustion has a lot of to do with not having Daddy around. He is at football every night until dinner. Monday is mygroup. Either Tuesdays or Wednesdays, he is playing softball. Thursdays and Fridays are game days, a lot of them far away. Saturday is my big workday. Sunday, we might as well hang it up, because we are sleeping.

The other reason for operation wear down is probably because I am just as busy, but with a baby on my hip. Each job comes with a different love and passion, some (like coaching) I have had to put by the way side for now. Currently: I love to do Rock_It Power, my church's kid ministry. I have a passion for those kids and want to have the best program around!!! I love being able to once a month help teachers figure out how to best teach the Everyday Math Program. I love, love, love photography and all the jobs and people coming my way! I love being a mom! I love being a wife! I have always described myself as a jack all trades and master of none. :)

P.S. Check out another logo tryout, let me know what you think.
P.S.S. I am going to bed!

NEW LOGO

2008-09-19T01:15:00.002-04:00

Shoot me some love and tell me if you are feeling my new logo. Evan- (If you ever read this..) You'll be back. Beth- You happened to be the practice pic with the logo. Lucky, lucky girl. Are you getting excited as you read this...are ya, are ya??? :)

Fall is Coming...

2008-09-18T15:52:00.005-04:00

With every blade of grass that moves in the cool wind, I'm reminded that my favorite time of year is on it's way.....FALL! I want to stay outside ALL THE TIME on days like today! I have such wonderful memory connections to this season. It makes me think of special times in college where I would walk to class and take in the beautiful mountain scenery, the fall where I met and started to date Kevin, the fall where he asked me to marry him, the falls I spent with my college volleyball team traveling, playing, and having such a great time,and last fall when I had my beautiful Gray. I can just walk outside during this time and have such an overwhelming special feeling and a rush of amazing memories. It sometimes makes me act out of the ordinary.... Like today, I actually went and got "KEVIN'S dog" out and played around with her in the yard. If you know me well, you now know how this season can so weirdly affect me. I did find out we had something in common...we love cheeseburgers! I hope you enjoyed this day as much as I did.

I am hopefully joining forces with a friend to do a Fall Family Photo Shoot at the Riverwalk October 11. We'll have pumpkins, benches, and other Fall props for you to use or not use. These would make GREAT Christmas cards. Please Email me if you are interested : hannahlockaby@yahoo.com I'll post more info next week.

If you check my blog regularly, say a little prayer for me! I need one. Thanks in advance! :)

I need a LOGO

2008-09-17T00:20:00.003-04:00

The reason I work so hard. Jeez am I blessed!!

Everytime I see that hannah lockaby photography at the top, I just stop and stare at it. For someone who is a FONT NOTZEE like me, it torments me to the bottom of my soul! Bottom Line: I need a logo. Anybody got any cool ideas??? Oh by the way, incase you guys didn't know, you can actually make comments on here. I'm sure none of you knew that, because YOU DON'T! :) JK! Anyway, seriously, if you have any great ideas besides changing my name into something more simple let me know! :)

Evan Taylor Slideshow

2008-09-16T14:05:00.004-04:00

Melanie & Josh....your slideshow is ready. Click on the title to see most of your pics.

More pics

2008-09-16T01:02:00.002-04:00

This weekend, Katalyst, our youth group, went to hear Rachel Joy Scott's father speak. Rachel was killed in the Columbine shooting in CO. It wasn't that his speaking was AMAZING, but it was his message that he came to spread that made it incredible. He challenged people, Christians, to LOVE people no matter their race, background, clothes, ability, etc. He spread Rachel's message about showing Jesus and making an impact through showing small acts of kindness in your everyday life. He told us that by setting goals, we will work harder to achieve our dreams. I was so inspired, especially in the area of photography. I have a goal in this business to be the very best photographer that I can be. Who knows where it might take me one day? I was also deeply convicted that I have a chance to make an impact in areas I am serving now, but take it so lightly. His words were so heavy at times, it felt as if a weight was sitting on my chest. If you ever get the chance to experience his ministry, take the time out of your schedule to make it happen.

These are a couple of pics I've been working on tonight. I've finished Melanie and Josh's photos; I've just got to post them. :) Peace.

Coastal Grand Bridal Fair

2008-09-14T14:04:00.003-04:00

Yesterday, I sat and talked with some great Future Brides at the Coastal Grand Bridal Fair. Thanks to all of you who are stopping by my blog to take a look. :) I am super excited about the chance to work with all of you. Remember the first 10 ten brides that register get an automatic $100 off any package. Also, look below at the contest I have going on for the next month. 50% off any package! WOW!!! Hope to hear from all of you soon. hannahlockaby@yahoo.com

Evan Taylor is Coming Soon!!!

2008-09-13T20:04:00.004-04:00

This morning, I got to photograph my friends, Melanie & Josh Porter. They have only six weeks until Evan Taylor is supposed to enter the world. The pictures are taken at their beautiful new home. Melanie is a nurse practitioner and Josh is great on the guitar, so some of these pics are near and dear!!!! You'll have to check them out. They have been together a LONG time, and if you're ever around them, you know they STILL share something really special. Evan Taylor will be a lucky little girl!! Thanks Josh and Melanie. Here as some pics for teasing purposes only. Their slideshow will be up soon. :)

2008-09-13T02:08:00.000-04:00

Beth, I had to remove you from my top spot, so I thought I'd give you some recent bloggin love! :) It also gives me the chance (mmmmm, mmmm) to announce that this photograph was chosen to be published in a book. Photo Laurettes (sp). Pretty Cool. I entitled it "A Splash to Remember". Gay I know, but an awesome pic none the less. Thanks Beth for representing the blog for a while. You'll be back up there one day!

FREE FREE FREE.......FREE I SAID!!!

2008-09-12T22:06:00.002-04:00

Come one, come all and register for three contests that I have going on right now!!!

Contest 1: Register for a free Baby or Belly Shoot!
Contest 2: Register for a 50% Bridal Package.
Contest 3: Register for a free Family Photo Shoot!

Email me (hannahlockaby@yahoo.com) for more information and to register! Come on People. I said FREE.

I WANT SOME MORE BUSINESS

2008-09-12T21:43:00.003-04:00

HEY GUYS! IF YOU EVER READ MY BLOG, (ONE DAY A LOT OF PEOPLE WILL!) YOU ARE PROBABLY ONE OF MY FRIENDS WHO WANTS BUSINESS FOR ME JUST AS MUCH AS I WANT IT FOR MYSELF. I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE DAY WHERE I HAVE TO TURN PEOPLE DOWN, BECAUSE I AM SO BUSY AND BOOKED. WHAT A GLORIOUS DAY THAT WILL BE!!! I ALREADY FEEL BLESSED TO BE AT HOME WITH BABY GRAY THIS YEAR. I FEEL EXTRA BLESSED TO HAVE THE TIME TO REALLY EXPLORE THE ART OF PHOTOGRAPHY. THERE IS SO MUCH TO LEARN. I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT IT, AND I REALLY CAN'T GET ENOUGH.

I'M SO READY FOR MY BUSINESS TO GROW, BUT I GUESS THAT REQUIRES THE PATIENCE THAT I'VE ALWAYS WANTED. YOU CAN ASK MY FAMILY. I HATE WAITING AND I HATE SUPRISES. I AM THE KID THAT FINDS AND OPENS ALL HER CHRISTMAS PRESENTS BEFORE CHRISTMAS MORNING, OR LEAST TRIED. BUT I NEVER GO AFTER ANYTHING, UNLESS I KNOW I CAN SUCCEED.

I'M NOT SURE AT 25 I'M SUPPOSED TO KNOW WHAT I WANT TO DO WITH MY LIFE, BUT I DO HOPE THAT PHOTOGRAPHY IS IN GOD'S PLAN FOR ME! I DON'T WANT TO BE JUST ANOTHER PHOTOGRAPHER. I WANT TO BE A PHENOMINAL PHOTOGRAPHER. GREAT! AND I'LL WORK MY BUTT AND PRAYERS OFF UNTIL I REACH MY GOAL.

I WILL TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL MY HEART, AND LEAN NOT ON MY OWN UNDERSTANDING, IN ALL MY WAYS I WILL ACKNOWLEDGE HIM AND HE WILL DIRECT MY PATH.

Hayes' 1st Birthday

2008-09-01T18:38:00.005-04:00

Enjoying the Bounce House!
Prepping for his own personal cake!

Happy Birthday Hayes! I got to snap photos of Hayes enjoying his first birthday party Sunday evening. He had a "Down on the Farm" theme, complete with a cake full of chickens, cows, and pigs! He had two great big inflatables in the backyard that every kid seemed to enjoy! Even a rainshower couldn't put a damper on this special day. I enjoyed capturing special moments of these families and friends as everyone celebrated a full year of having Hayes in their lives. :) Thanks you guys for having me! Click on the title to view an online slideshow of the day's events.

P.S. I can't wait for Gray's 1st birthday! I'm so excited now.....

The Strongest Men Ever! :)

2008-08-31T14:54:00.004-04:00

This Saturday, I spent my time watching my husband prove how strong he is (or isn't if you ask him)! Anyway, he was asked, along with our friend Andy, to compete in a National American Strongman competition. It was pretty fun to watch, besides the 1o mos. old and the blazing heat! But it was for a great cause....raising awareness for bone marrow donations. It was an interesting and great day.

Nature

2008-08-29T14:39:00.002-04:00

How awesome are these pics! I entered the one of the fish in a photo contest. It's probably one of my most favorite pics I've ever taken. You'd never think something so disgusting and nasty could make such an abstract piece of art. The flowers are beautiful too. Anyway, forgot these were on my computer, and I had to share them. Keep tuning in, I'll have new pics up next week from a birthday party! :)

Princess Ross and Princess Reese

2008-08-25T01:30:00.003-04:00

So, it's about 1:30 in the morning, and I've been sitting editing pictures for about 7 hours!!! I can't help myself. I so product driven that I want to see the end result finished and posted on my blog. I think I'm becoming an addict. Plus, editing is so much easier when Gray isn't trying to mash the keyboard buttons! :) This afternoon, I went to Tim and Lindy Williams' house to take pictures of two precious little girls, Ross and Reese. We had some obstacles to overcome, but they did fantastic. They wore two cute dresses to start, changed into princess outfits, and finished with an outfit they picked out all on their own. The pictures turned out better than I could have even hoped for, and I hope they love them as much as I do. The slideshow is only about a 1/3 of them. Crazy!!! Click on the title to see more great pics.