Snap Happy Photography by Bobbie Lyons: Winter weather is beautiful for photography!

Snap Happy Photography by Bobbie Lyons: Winter weather is beautiful for photography!

Winter weather is beautiful for photography!

Don't let that powder out there scare you away from some great family photos! This beautiful winter we have up here is perfect for some unique photography! If you want a family photo or self-portrait that not only speaks a lot about who you, but also where you are from, then this time of year is great!

Just for kicks and giggles, let's make this post a little more fun:

The first person to reply to this post, who has not had their photo taken by me in the last 12 months,and is in the Spokane area, will receive a free $50 credit toward the photo session of their choice!

TaDa!!!

Here is another teaser... I love the senior shoots I have done this year! What fun!!

Crazy week!

So this week has been crazy! I wasn't sure how it was going to turn out because of the weather, but I was able to get in a great graduation shoot Tuesday, a family shoot today and another graduation shoot tomorrow... I guess this week wasn't as bad as I thought it would be! I am looking forward to a shoot that I will be doing soon for a model... it's going to be SUPERB! Stunning, elegant and fresh! I can't wait to do the shoot and share it with you all here!

So, from Tuesday and today here are my favorites.... I will post more after tomorrows shoot! Have a great weekend everyone!

Class of 2011 "L"

Just a quick post of one I did this evening for a senior.... Fun shoot! I had a blast, she was such a great model!

Remember that old saying "A picture is worth a thousand words"?

Over the years I have come to appreciate that saying for what it's worth. I have photo's that really do "speak" to me. I can look at certain pictures and really see the beauty, the life and the story held within. It can be really moving actually. If you have ever taken the time to really absorb a photograph, you can really discern the depth behind it.

For example, I took this picture of a horse over the summer. I really feel this has depth to it unlike a lot of the pictures I have taken. I mean, I have lots of pictures of animals, but this one, it just feels different to me. I get caught up in it for some reason. I really can't explain it, all I know is, this picture touches my heart, and I love it.

He was such a beautiful creature anyways. When I was taking his picture he would come closer and closer to me. He was so sweet and wanted to be pet and played with. We had a good time together! He even took off and ran a little bit then came back to me, like he wanted me to run with him, it was very sweet! His owners say that he has quite the personality, and I certainly could see it that day!

So, I hope you enjoy it. I find him captivating!

Balancing act - it's called "life"

I have decided that life is just like a high wire balancing act. If you are a mom, you know exactly what I mean! Even if you don't have kids, balancing life can be a challenge. Sometimes we forget to step back and look at the chaos around us and find the humor in it. So, the laundry didn't get done, so you didn't make a five course all organic meal for dinner tonight, it's OK! To balance my life and my sanity I have to constantly step back and look at what is funny, what is beautiful, and what is good that is going on. If I focused on everything I haven't finished, everything I didn't get to, and everything that didn't go as planned, I would loose my balance and I'm sure I would go insane!

You may be asking, what in the world inspired this chatter? Well, my son did.

Now that my son is a full blown toddler, walking, running, trying to talk, climbing into and onto things,  like the dog, opening things, like my purse, the toilet lid, the jar of toddler treats, sprinkling them all across the floor, opening the baggy full of toddler yogurt bites, spreading them across the floor, then stomping on them for good measure, opening a bag of Oreo cookies that someone left on the table in the living room at his height, then hiding in a corner eating them as fast as he can, grabbing his cracker bag out the diaper bag, stuffing them into the cushions of the couch, closing things, unfolding things, throwing things in the garbage can, in the tub, in my shoe, in my purse, in the dogs water bowl, dumping out his toy box, his diaper basket, the wipes container, my purse, dragging things off into other rooms like the rugs, remotes to the wii, my purse... (notice a pattern?), I have found out that balancing a toddler, housework, and two businesses is a HUGE Challenge! - Mind you, this was just yesterday! Who knows what today will bring! Perhaps a ripped up check book, a flushed set of keys, a missing remote...

But, I have also found, that he makes great photo opportunities for me!!! And, I wouldn't have it any other way! My life was so boring before he came along! Just what did I do with all that spare time? :)

Today, I was just reflecting on how much my life has changed in the last year and a half, and I have come to the conclusion that it is great! I moved to a new town, made some great new friends, had a wonderful little boy, I've been able to get closer to my sister, Shari, and the whole time I've been able to take some pretty amazing photo's for my scrapbook! Granted, they are not all very pretty! But, they are all very special to me.

I think it is so important to preserve your memories as best as you can. Because, you never know when you want to look back on them and remember what it was like back then, when you were walking your high wire, figuring out your balancing act! It may have been scary at the time and you weren't sure what your next move should be, but, boy was it a great time!!!

Dreamy new photo shoot ideas...

Why is it when you are dreaming and you have a great idea while you are dreaming, then when you wake up you can't remember what that great idea was??? I had a great dream last night about my wonderful profession... in that dream I had some great ideas for new shoots and props and creative poses, and, yep, you guessed it, I can't remember them! I remember a couple but not all of them. How extremely frustrating!

Regardless of the 'lost' dreamy ideas, I do have a few new ones that I did remember and I will be imposing upon my beautiful niece and handsome nephew to practice on! :) I'm sure they won't mind!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Winter Wonders Give-away!

Yay, it's finally time to start taking entries for my Winter Wonders Give-away! Win a free portrait session just for you! The session will take place sometime in January. Plus you will get a free 8X10 print of the photographers favorite from the shoot, PLUS you will get 10 High-res photos on dvd! Wow!

All you have to do is email me with a great reason as to why you think you deserve this shoot, or, better yet, email me with a nomination for a friend and if you win, you can surprise them with this great gift!

To qualify:

1. You must be at least 18 years old.
2. You have not won a contest from us in the last 12 months
3. You must be able to be at the shoot location in January of 2011 - Spokane, Washington
4. You may enter yourself only once and/or nominate a friend only once.

It's that easy! So, hurry up get your entry in now! Entries will be accepted until December 1st! The winner will be announced shortly after that!

Baby Bump Love

Tonight I had the privilege of taking maternity shots for a great young couple! I had a great time, and they were so much fun! I can't wait to see how the rest of the pictures turn out, but for now, here are a few just to share! Maternity sessions are some of my favorites to do! I love the way the mommy-to-be glows and the way the daddy-to-be is so gentle and sweet. Both are so excited, and just so cute! Warms my heart.

Here's a blast from the past...

Found these the other day.... just had to share it, it's fun to see old photos, especially when you aren't expecting to stumble upon them! I know I will get some great feedback from these! Too funny!

Oh and on a professional note: I have a shoot tomorrow and will be posting from that asap!!!

Sisters...

I was thinking about my sisters today, and since we haven't had a picture of all of us together since I was a baby... I know, SHOCKING, I thought I'd post a photo of two sisters that really touched my heart. It was taken a while back, but I think of them often, they called me "Aunt Bobbie"... I loved that shoot!!!

Sisters are very special... no matter how close you are or are not in age, how close you are now or used to be, they have and always will be your built in best friend! I should know, I have 3 wonderful sisters, all of whom I love with my whole heart, plus I have 4 sisters-in-law that I love just as much!! I feel honored to be able to say that I am related to such powerful, strong, intelligent, beautiful women. To all 7 of you: You have taught me something individually that I will always cherish, you all have helped me in numerous ways and I only hope that I can absorb all of the best attributes of all of you and be, at least a little bit, like you! xoxoxoxox

If you have a sister. or sisters, that have inspired you in anyway, call me to set up a special "Heartstrings" session, dedicated to all things Sister! Call for more details and to reserve your session!

Cake update....

I had leftover buttercreme, so I used it up on the rest of the cake. Now it's polka dotted and stringy!!! hahaha! just had to share my silly little adventure! Don't mind the fuzzy photo please, the camera phone is not so very good...

The cake boss IS the boss!

So, do any of you watch "Cake Boss"?  I do and I love that show. I have been wanting to try making a cake with Fondant and sugar flowers for a long time now, so I gave it whirl this morning. I made a small whimsy cake. I love the whimsical looking cakes, they make me smile. I have to say. working with Fondant is NOT as easy as it looks! I enjoyed it yes, but it's actually pretty hard. I ran out of fondant for my lace edge,  I didn't make the kind of flowers I originally wanted to, but, you can blame that on my son, he wasn't being very cooperative today, so I rushed the flowers. Right now, as I type, he is behind my desk chair turning over all my papers and files that I worked on yesterday! Hahaha!! I think it's his goal, you know.... to make my life a constant cleaning, constant diaper changing, constant food preparing, constant feeding, constant chasing kind of life!

Back to the cake, I definately want to try to make another cake, and maybe even make a bigger whismy cake, like a topsy cake or something like that. Or maybe even a realistic cake. It definately releases my creative energy that I spoke about! But in all honesty, my cake is quite horrible, you would look at it and think a child made it!! (I think I will stick with photography, cake decorating is not a profession I was made for!)

At any rate, after today, I have new respect for Buddy, the boss. He is an artist and I believe that all cake decorators who do work like him are under-appreciated!

Paperwork today.....

YUCK, it's Monday..... paperwork today, the part I hate! Business is fun, to an extent. There is always the dreaded paperwork that goes along with your own business! I may throw in a little photo editing this afternoon, just to give me a little pick-me up!!! Why can't I just snap my fingers and have it all done, ya know like they do in the movies... oh wait, that's not real, hhhmmmmppphhh!! Oh well, I guess I better get started, (can you tell I'm stalling?!) I will organize all my papers today, for both businesses, mine and my husbands, and then I will balance the check books, then I will send off all needed papers and reports, and then...... aahhh who am I kidding? I'll be doing good if get to the checkbook at all today!!! :) I'd rather be taking pictures!!!!!

Sweet sunday afternoon

Blogger: Blogger Mobile

Blogger: Blogger Mobile

Creative energy bubbling over!

Sooo.... as you know I am a photographer. I love, love, LOVE photography! I take so many pictures all the time it's crazy! But, I have been wanting to expand my creativity lately, so.... I bought a sewing machine! Hahahaha, bet you thought that I was going to buy something that had to do with photography huh?? :) Well, I used to sew when I was younger, but, then I didn't have a sewing machine after I got married and got away from it. Since my in-laws are visiting, yesterday my mother-in-law and I went to town, shopped all day, had a blast! I ended up buying material for two blankets, one for my husband and one for me. When we got home we made both the blankets together, they aren't large, more like a large throw. His has a football print on it, obviously he's a huge football fan! Mine has a very bright retro print. They turned out great! We had so much fun making them together too! But, the funny thing is..... they were tie blankets - NO SEWING! Hahahahahaha!

So my creative energy was satisfied, but not exactly in the way I thought it would be!

Excited about getting back to blogging...

I am so happy I made the choice to keep blogging. I find it to be relaxing... :) I will be posting a few new photos soon, so that's exciting too. I will miss the fun on Facebook, but I really do enjoy blogging. Please do keep my email in mind if you need to contact me after Monday. I look foward to expanding my blogging 'skills' hehehehe... Enjoy your Wednesday evening!!

Time to simplify my time management.... bye bye facebook

Oh how time escapes me when I am having so much fun on facebook... but, I can still keep in contact with all my fans, clients and friends via my blog!! So... if you are not currently a follower of my blog, please start following me now, because by Monday of next week I will no longer be on Facebook. So sorry to all you Facebook fans... but, I am so busy now that I don't have time to keep up on all my communications, so I decided I must simplify and organize my time a little bit better, therefore, Blogging will be my main news and updating vehicle after Monday.

I have really enjoyed chatting with all of you on Facebook and I love all of your comments, updates, news, jokes, pictures, quotes, videos and everything else you've shared with me on there, so please, please continue sharing with me via blog or email. bobbie@bobbielyons.com

So, start following me now!!!!

Facebook is out, again...

Bobbie Lyons
Snap Happy Photography
509-847-9897
http://www.bobbielyons.com/
http://www.snaphappypix.com/


Well, because Facebook is down today, we will have to settle for a mobile upload. Sorry. Maybe it will be up tomorrow! Hopefully you will all have a great evening! We are so excited for the upcoming changes here at Snap Happy Photography and the Operation Smile family photo month! Well, keep checking in for more updates, more photos, news, and great tips and tricks..... find us facebook as bobbie lyons photography or snap happy photography and also on twitter as snap happy pix

Ok so we're working on a new portfolio on our website. We know you'll love it's sleek smooth and fresh new look! It will be up soon, so keep checking!

Oh the frustration of gadgets! Well all we can do is try right? No facebook today it's down again and now we are having blogging issues.... Oh dear what a day!

New phone having trouble linking to blog sorry

New phone having trouble linking to blog sorry

Ho Hum

Sure! I get my phone all ready to post to my blog, and my son drowns my phone in the dog's water bowl!! Hahahahaha, well, new phone for me! I guess there is always a bright side to mishaps! Sorry to all my clients if you have tried calling me or sent me messages! I will be back on track tomorrow when my new phone gets here!

Operation Smile!

We will be participating in the Family Portrait Month, supporting Operation Smile, in the month of October! When you book session in October, half of the session fee will be donated to Operation Smile! Show your support, book a session now for October!

Woohoo! now i can update via my phone! maybe that will help me update my blog more often- hahaha!

Fun with kids!

I had a great time with this little guy! Just a reminder, it's a great time to schedule your family photo's! This is a great time of year for it, plus we have some great specials right now, so give me a call to reserve your date!

http://www.bobbielyons.com/ 

Readers Best CONTEST

So, here it is, finally!

 E-mail me your favorite picture of a loved one that you took, I will then post it here on my blog, other readers will vote for their favorite, I will announce the winner April 1st! It's a great prize, so don't miss out!!!

Voting is easy, simply include the title of your favorite photo in your e-mail to me.

bobbie@bobbielyons.com

Win a free session!

So everyone is so excited about our contest coming up!! I will post more details later, all I can tell you now is.... get YOUR camera's ready!!

Snap Happy Photography!

Here's our BIG announcement:

Snap Happy Photography is now a division of Bobbie Lyons Photography!

Spread the word! We are so excited about our changes and updates soon to come!!


www.snaphappypix.com

www.bobbielyons.com

Camera give-away!

Win a camera!! check out this link for a great offer!

www.haveanepiphenie.com


They make absolutely beautiful bags!! It would be a great addition for anyone who loves to take pictures!!! You must check it out!

Blooms, Blossoms & Buds!

Well, it's that time of year again, when we all start thinking about fresh new photo's, especially soon to be graduates! So, for all you seniors out there, on the brink of starting your new adventures, we have some great session packages for you! Girls.... let's trash that dress!! Boys..... let's talk cars! Interested? Call me for more details!

Believe me, you will be satisfied with the results! Oh, and ALL our senior sessions are ONLY $75! You got it, only $75 and you get unlimited photo's, unlimited outfit changes, on location and studio style if you'd like & you get me personally and you get Anna as a second photographer, plus we've extended the hours just for our special 'blog' fans!

Don't miss out on this one!

2010! Wow, can you believe it?

Another year down, a new one just starting! It goes by so fast when you are having fun! Well, now, as for my specials:

Jan.-Mar. : Family Friendly Photo Session $75 session fee for up to 8 people! That's a great deal! You'll get your photo's on a disc, plus you get your very own online gallery, password protected, that you can share with all your friends and family, PLUS you get a $30 print credit!

Now is the time to book your date with us! You'll be glad you did, I promise!