Every 21 Seconds by Brian D. Sweeney

Sometime last year a local author came into the studio to have a professional portrait completed for use in his upcoming book. As I have come to know Brian, both from our time together in the studio and now from his book, he is quite a remarkable person. Having worked in hospitals for over 20 years, and having seen and worked with multitudes of various diagnoses, I'm not sure I would have noticed that Brian suffers from a Traumatic Brain Injury. His book is a remarkable tribute to the human spirit, the meaning of family and friends, as well as the perseverance one person can possess when the desire presents itself. If you get a chance, check out his book, recently published by Tate Publishing. Brian, thanks for sharing your story...Carpe diem!

Little Boy's Growing Up

Over time I have learned to really appreciate all the different ways parents celebrate their children. One family celebrates each child as they turn 5 years old. I had the pleasure of meeting this Little Boy's sister last year and yesterday I received the honor of photographing him. It was his turn for the "wall of fame" at home, a prominent place in this family's house that celebrates each of the children in the family, particularly when they turn 5 years old. Thanks so much for the honor! Carpe diem!

A Sister's Secret

A Sister's Secret...Can I tell you a secret? Come near...Can I whisper something to you, something I need you to hear? Just between you and I...a whispered secret. Carpe diem!

My Mind as a Photograph

Earlier this morning, I took an hour to swim at the local high school. This has become my personal time to exercise as well as a way to relax with a very rhythmic, serene type of physical exertion. Most days my senses seem dull while I focus on breathing and pacing myself. Yet today that rhythmic trance was interrupted by an overwhelming mixture of fragrances. The combination included smells of Brute, Old Spice, and a bouquet of flowery perfume like lilac, gardenia, and vanilla...the results of the local exercise group joining me in the pool for their weekly workout session. With each breath I took, the combined fragrances were almost overpowering. But as I continued with my strokes, photographs of smoke images came to mind...paralleling the combination of waves from the pool water and the smells that seemed to be floating through the air. Here is one of the images that came to mind. Carpe diem!

Fairy Princess

Over the weekend, I was graced with the presence of one gorgeous Fairy Princess! From a Tea Party to some funny faces, my Fairy Princess ended our session with a few magic spells cast on the me and the studio! And all of this was in preparation for her big debut come Halloween in a few weeks. Such the precious 2 year old...Carpe diem.

Outdoor Family Portraits

Several months ago a daughter took it upon herself to organize having a family portrait taken...something that her mother and father would cherish for years to come, as would the rest of the family. Fast forward to this past weekend and voila! A beautiful family portrait. So what makes a great family portrait? Things like consistent colors, solid clothing choices, a well planned out background, and a family willing to make it all happen. Enjoy! Carpe diem.

Classic Child Portrait

Early this morning a returning friend graced the studio...someone we haven't seen here in some time...and he is now a big boy at one year old. A child ready to run, kept mom busy in the studio helping to control the drool and the lightning crawl he was able to attain. Here is one that may hang prominently in the families home, a compliment to JH's two sisters that have a similar style portrait. Thanks again JH and mom...Carpe diem.

Body Building 101

I have to give a shout out to Dalena and Alex for making a last minute photo shoot a success! You guys are awesome! Alex is competing on Saturday in a Midwest Competition that hopefully will lead to a top finish and hopes for going to Nationals. Alex was so gracious today to answer all my crazy questions about some of the efforts that go into bringing a body to such chiseled perfection. It is so amazing to have a better handle on the science behind the look. Here is just one of many images we were able to capture today. Best effort on Saturday Alex! Carpe diem.