Every so often, a brilliant opportunity drops right in your lap.
Or at least that’s what I thought nearly a year ago when I received a phone call from Sally Hogshead.
Having previously worked in the advertising industry, I knew exactly who she was.
She was legendary. A trailblazer. An award winner.
So you can imagine my surprise when she phones me up to say she loves my work.
That it is unlike any other photography in Jacksonville. It has a west coast feel.
(wow. did Sally Hogshead just say that to me?)
She continued on about a new book she was in the final stages of writing
and said she would love for me to shoot her author photo. (She dug me!)
Within a month I was shooting her publicity photos.
She (of course) was great. Full of energy and spunk. She had a vibrancy that was palpable.
As we went through the images after the shoot, she playfully said
“When Vanity Fair does a story on me about my new book, will you photograph it?”
Without hesitation, I said yes.
After all, it’s all about dreaming big, isn’t it?
You will never achieve that which you do not already believe!
Her book is called Fascinate and it is finally ready. It will be in stores on Feb. 9 and the build up to it has been astounding. But who could expect anything less from Miss Sally. She is a brilliant marketer.
She even created an online test for readers to figure out what their fascination triggers are.
If you have a few minutes, you should try it out.
But be warned, you will come away from it wanting to buy that book!
It’s interesting the way life works. The way we happen upon random opportunities, that seemingly fall into our laps.
And we eventually come to realize that life is what you make it and it’s all about what you do when opportunity comes calling.
Love, Tif
Their’s was a slow building love that began 8 years ago. They went to school together, became best friends, and eventually fell in love. You can feel their easiness with each other. That soft, deeply caring adoration. The kind you just know will carry them into forever-more, together.
This day began at their house, and I just have to say, when I walked into the backyard the only word that came to mind was WOW. I felt like I had just walked into some hidden paradise that only they know.
Water, sunsets, brush, trees. The perfect place to begin their next chapter.
Their sweet dog Gus joined us for a bit, supervising the shoot.
Elizabeth had the most adorable ampersand that she wanted to incorporate into the photos to help tell the story.
When Marshall proposed, he went into the backyard and put together a picnic in the ultimate romantic setting under their favorite tree, complete with table and chairs and strung up lights. Now every time they walk into the backyard, that incredible memory will fill their hearts. Perfection.
One of their favorite things to do is take the canoes out on the water as the sun goes down, so
Marshall wanted to capture them together in the water as part of this shoot.
A brilliant idea that made their story even more personal and unique.
Next we made our way to downtown St. Augustine. It’s the time of year when the city decorates the downtown area with a million lights and leaves them up for two months. It’s called the Night of Lights and it is oh so romantic if you’ve never been.
The thing I love most about photographing couples is getting to see the love in their eyes when they look at each other. That non-verbal communication is the best!
Elizabeth was rocking some phenomenal red shoes!
This is my favorite shot. It has such a whimsical fairy tale feel to it. I’d say it sums it up nicely…
Elizabeth and Marshall are in love.
It’s true, there are a million and one wonderful things about New York, but sitting up near the top of any list should be New York in the fall. Rich colors, brisk weather, the sun shining down to warm your skin ever so slightly. There is just something special about walking through Central Park, hand in hand with someone you love. Snuggling up tight as a swift breeze moves through, carrying on it crimson, orange and yellow leaves. It’s poetic really, like that soundtrack that plays in your head automatically when something cool is happening.
It was definitely a busy trip with non-stop meetings Thursday and Friday. But Saturday was all ours (that boy and I). A day for exploring, enjoying, relaxing. The one thing we didn’t plan on was the rain. A gentle, continuous misting all day long and into the night. But as night fell, something beautiful happened. I saw NY in a whole new light. As a reflection of itself. Bright vibrant colors painting the streets, sidewalks and puddles.
The softer side of that hard New York edge.
I usually travel to NY once a year and always seem to find something new to love.
But this time was different. A tranquility was found in the streets of NY, and that is not something you find every day.
I LOVE NY.
Love, Tif
My sweet little girl is 9. The time has flown by so fast. Now when I slip into her room to wake her in the morning, I am in awe at how quickly she is growing up. Her legs are a little longer, her eyes are a little wider, and her smile still brightens my day, every time I see it.
The pictures of a person’s life serve to remind us of the wonderful memories and moments we shared together.
So you can imagine how much I enjoy seizing her moments. And lucky for me, she loves the camera. She never really had a choice… it was documenting her life, minute by minute, from the day of her birth. She may have even called it momma once or twice because it is a part of me, just as she is.
She is herself in front of my lens, therefore, I capture her soul with each click of the shutter.
This is my love, Madison, on her birthday.
I enjoyed a Lemon Drop cupcake (incredible!) while Madison had a pumpkin cupcake at Cami Cakes!
At Memorial Park we met up for a special “Where The Wild Things Are” photo shoot
with an amazing photographer and friend, Leigh Ann Sullivan. Can’t wait to see those photos!
Madison’s friend Sydney joined us for a little silly face time and some Al’s Pizza.
And one last shot of my girl. Happy Birthday Madison!
Love, Tif (mommy)
As the year rounds out into our final stretch, I find myself happy and grateful for all of the change that has come my way.
My business is doing well. I have met so many amazing people and made tons of new friends. I have been a part of two art shows, one of which is hanging now until Nov. 6 at the R. Roberts Gallery in Riverside/Avondale.
I am about to head up to NYC for some really important meetings.
Life is good. So in honor of all this goodness, I thought I would reveal a bit about myself here.
1. I love to laugh and I smile all the time. Sometimes my cheeks hurt because of it, but it just makes me smile more.
2. I believe hugs and kisses are the best form of non-verbal communication.
3. My perfect vacation involves journeying to a new place and unlocking all of the mysteries and charm that have existed there for centuries and have been waiting for me to come find them.
4. I live in a state of organized chaos when it comes to my office desk. I like to make mountains out of my piles until I get around to tackling them.
5. When I see something beautiful, I always speak whatever is on my mind. Why keep all that goodness inside? After all, love is meant to be shared!
6. I prefer writing my appointments and shoot dates on a physical calendar, rather than input it electronically. It just feels better to see it in writing.
7. My childhood dream was to be a movie star. I was even voted “Most Likely to Become a Starving Actress” in my senior year. I never actually found out what that meant for sure, but I like to think it is a compliment to my dedication!
8. I make the best egg sandwiches on the planet. Just ask my gorgeous nine year old daughter!
9. Speaking of my daughter, I am insanely in love with that girl. She is the coolest kid I know.
10. I am a softy for a good love story. Yes, I cried this year as I watched “Away We Go” and “The Time Travelers Wife” and “500 Days of Summer”. And forget about the real life love stories that play out in each wedding I shoot!
11. Eleven is my lucky number. Whenever I happen to look at the clock at 11:11, I know that everything is perfect in that moment.
12. I love meeting new people and discovering all of the little things that make them tick.
13. I am a perfectionist, but I believe that helps me in my art. I never want to put out lackluster photos, no matter what I am shooting. So… this means I spend a lot of time working on photos AFTER every shoot!
14. I can tear up a dance floor and do so every chance I get. I love getting lost in the music and allowing every thing to melt away, if only for a few hours.
15. My first kiss happened in 7th grade behind the portables at school. That boy’s name was Ozzie (and no, he was not a head banger).
16. I’ve noticed that people can’t help but be sucked in by my happiness. It’s contagious!
17. I am a good friend to all of the people in my life. I love each and every one of them and wish that magic and wonder would follow them every where they choose to go.
18. I have the most amazing boyfriend/cheerleader/supporter/encourager/snuggler/lover/friend.
19. I get wild ideas sometimes and see pictures in every moment.
20. I have had a few nicknames in my life. Some of them from childhood, some of them from adulthood. A sampling of them: Sunshine, Hollywood, Be-Bop, and Perky.
21. I strive to make photos that I like to look at, because I love looking at beautiful things as often as possible.
OK chickadees. I think that is all for today. Go forth and spread love to all.
Love, Tif
(this is a photo I shot for my current art show at R. Roberts Gallery. It didn’t make it into the show, but I love the feeling I get from it. Model is the lovely Leah MacWilliam)
I love love love this wedding invitation!
It’s all personality with a touch of attitude, and it’s so much fun.
It’s the kind of invitation that makes you want to be at this event.
I have seen LOTS of invites over the years, and the trend has always been a sort of boxed in same ol’ same ol’ style.
But stepping out of the box has been gaining steam! And yay for that.
More and more, couples are forgoing the traditional and allowing their personalities to shine through. And this is a beautiful thing.
Show ‘em what your love is truly made of! Be fabulous!
Love, Tif
And here is a shot from the photobooth after the ceremony.
It’s got that ‘Just got hitched!’ vibe, don’t you think?
What kind of lucky girl am I today? Let me tell you.
First thing yesterday morning (while in the dentist chair about to have a little check up), I suddenly started getting calls and texts from friends letting me know that Lex and Terry from the nationwide Lex and Terry morning show (on more than 350 stations!) were talking about my Evocative site today. In particular, they were talking about one of the girls on my site (Kimber) who used to intern with them. They posted some of her photos on their site, as well as a link to the Evocative site. (And just from that one tiny mention, I had 2400 hits on the site! Woo Hoo!)
As if that weren’t exciting enough, I then drove down to St. Augustine to photograph the most adorable little Boxer pup with a tongue as long as California and an underbite that makes me think vampires, only upside-down! So cute. So sweet. So SHY!
This little darlin’ is Renata’s Reign (of terror). : ) Her nickname is Reni.
And the third amazing thing that happened was having lunch with Ernie Mastroianni. As you all know by now I have an affinity for little old men. My uncle is 74.9 years old and completely adorable. He took me out for sushi and beer at a new restaurant near his house. We had time to catch up with each other, talk a little shiz, but the best part was just soaking him in. So cute. So sweet. Not at all SHY. : ) Love that guy! Here’s a shot of him goofing off with his grandkids in Alaska (photo by Aunt Karen).
xo
Love, Tif
by Tif
no comments
comment on this post link to this post email to a friend