A Fun Little Getaway I Owasso Photographer

This past weekend we went to a little town called Gore and cabin camped. My husband thinks I'm silly when I say we are camping when we're staying in a cabin, but we're doing all the things you do on a camping trip, but with climate control and a bed. I camped a lot as a kid in a tent and it was fun and all, but I have to say I like cabin camping much better.  I'm sure one of these days we'll take our daughter good ol' tent camping, but for now she's 3 and her and I both like warm cozy beds. 

The place we stayed is called Marval Resort. "Where families create memories" is there logo and that is just what we did. What a perfect logo especially for a photographers family! :) This is was our second time to go to Marval and we had just as much fun this time as we did the first time. It's so peaceful, the fishing is good and there's a family center where you can do activiites and rent bikes. There is just so much to do there.

I recommend this place to any family that just wants to get away for a peaceful relaxing weekend. 

Here are some fun images of our weekend. 

Pond fishing

 Exploring

 Golf cart rentals

 sand art, painting, tshirt making and so much more at the activity center

 Had to add a picture of me wearing the boots my husband got me in the river. My feet did not get wet at all.  Hunter boots are amazing!

 Playing and fishing in the river

 Playground

 Fun exploring on the golf cart

Beautiful and peaceful

I recommend this little getaway spot to anyone. 

<3 Ashley 

I ADVANCED

So, I've been a little MIA lately on my blog. I've been gearing up for a busy season of shooting people and getting pumped up for a photography workshop.

Last weekend I attended a workshop called Advance.The name really says it all. If you want to advance in any profession you're in you've got to put in the effort and work hard to advance yourself and your business.
Just like doctors, therapists or hair stylists and really so many more professions we photographers must go through training seminars or workshops to continue our growth in the field we love. I believe there's truly no way to advance if you don't put the effort in and continue to learn and make yourself better. In an over saturated field like photography, where people are so competitive you have to stand out. Why be average when you can be great?!

The photographers that lead this workshop hold nothing back.They teach every aspect of their business and give all their secrets to help us get better and thrive. Session demonstrations, go to props, live editing and so much more.  I feel like for me attending advance was a no brainer. Learn from highly skilled photographers how to make my business better. YES, please! The amount of information you get is really priceless.

Here are some images I took from the workshop.

If you're a photographer and ready to ADVANCE click here 

 http://www.madisonviningphotography.com/advance/ or here

http://www.tgphotographyunedited.com/2013/07/advance-workshop-tulsa-photography.html

You won't regret it!

<3 Ashley

VALUE

I've often wondered if I'm doing what I'm meant to do in life. Am I suppose to be a photographer or should I should I just focus completely on Jesus and my family. Instead of dividing my time between it all.  I know I love photography and capturing special moments in people's lives, but am I doing God's will for me? I believe when in doubt, PRAY! I pray all the time for guidance and just to know when something is right to stay and when it's wrong to go.

 Today, while editing I got an overwhelming sense that I was right where I needed to be. I am capturing moments for people that they will never get back, but my job allows you to relive it through a photograph everyday. That's pretty amazing if you ask me. These photographs are family heirlooms. Your children and their children are going to enjoy these for decades to come.  These photographs should be valued in your home more than any other possession. Display them and be proud of them. This is your precious family and you are so blessed to have them!

Recently, we suffered the loss of our family pet. It was very sudden and heartbreaking for us.  It really made me start thinking about the value of photographs. Every day we wish we could have her back. Just to see and hold her again, but we can't. That's the funny thing about life, it doesn't always go the way we planned or expect. Looking at photos of her have really helped us get through this hard time. My daughter is almost 3 and our precious Edie and her were the best of friends. My daughter probably won't remember her when she gets older, which breaks my heart, but we do have photos to show her and keep her memory alive in our home. I'm so glad I took a lot of photos and I value them so very much.

You never know when the end of this life will come. Life is short. Cherish your loved ones and value your photos, because those will be around a lot longer than any of us.

In loving memory of Edie.


Ashley

Happy birthday sweet baby E!

This was my first ever birth photography experience and I sure hope it won't be my last.  The B family are good friends of ours, so that made it even more special. 

This is the only birth I've ever experienced other than my own daughter being born and it's so neat to see it from a different perspective. Lindsey was so calm and stayed strong throughout the whole process. Truly inspirational. 

Here are a few images of sweet E's birthday. 

 

Until next time,

Ashley

The Johnson's are expecting

When the Johnson family asked me to take their photos to announce their pregnancy, I was so excited! 

They are such an amazing family and sweet Hannah just can not wait to be a big sister!

 Are they not just the cutest......

I am so very happy for them and can't wait to meet their sweet little Mr. or Miss. 

xoxo, 

Ashley

Calling all Seniors

Class of 2014, it's not to late to book your Senior Portrait session! I am also currently booking 2015 Seniors.

Spring is the perfect time to have Senior Portraits taken, so don't wait. Space is limited.

Contact me today at Ashsmith7@sbcglobal.net to book your session.

Happy Monday!


xoxo,

Ashley

The B family

I had the pleasure of photographing this adorable mother and daughter a few weeks ago.  Aren't they just stunning?!

Julie is a massage therapist and today she's giving away a one hour massage of choice. Check it out on Fb. 

https://www.facebook.com/BGracefulPhotography and go like her  https://www.facebook.com/JulieBarronCMT.

Julie has been a certified massage therapist for eight years and a certified Ashiatsu deep feet bar therapist for seven years.  She specializes in deep tissue work and Ashiatsu, which is known as the deepest and most luxurious massage on the planet. 

Valentines is just around the corner, so call her today to schedule your massage.

I know what I want for Valentines day!

xoxo,

Ashley