Yeeeeees!  I love to travel!  I was fortunate enough (thanks, Mom and Memommmer!) to travel to Rome for one of my teaching clinicals in college.  There, on the cobblestone streets of ancient cities in Italy, a love was born.  When my husband first bought me my camera, I used it mostly for site-seeing.  We traveled to a lake for my birthday. Snap! Snap!  We spent our honeymoon in Cancun. Click! We backpacked across Europe over the summer.  (I've run out of sounds.)  We all want to capture these special moments when traveling.  I mean, why else would Tourist Day in high school include a fannypack and a CAMERA?

I come from a family of football coaches.  It's impossible to be a Boyd (maiden name) and not have a deep love of football.  Deep, y'all.  Think Hayden Panettiere's character in Remember the Titans.  Football is also a staple in my home town.  When you come from a small, southern town, football is life.  Why do you think the SEC is always to talented?  The south loves them some football.  So I decided to put my love of football and my new love, my camera, together into a creative recipe to bake up some fresh football (and baseball) portraits for my little town in South Carolina.

I guess nephews can't really be a hobby, right?  The proper title should be Spending Time with My Nephews.  Anyway, they are perfect, fun creatures that I couldn't live without and they are my absolute FAVORITE subjects to shoot.  How can you not have great photos with these sweet faces?  
**Side note:  The brown-eyed goofs are my nephews.  They blue-eyed babes are my best friends' kids, so they also get me as an aunt. 

The most recent addition to the list of favorite things is photography.  Not only a hobby, but now a business.  It has become my passion.  Thank you, Elegant Exposures clients and followers, for supporting my passion.  Without you, it would simply be another hobby to add to the list, not a dream I get to live out each day!

I never wake up and feel like I "have" to go to work today.  I once felt that way, but not since choosing the camera as my lifestyle.  It has become my passion and dream job I had never once considered.  However, it takes a lot of this so-called "work" and it can be financially frustrating.  I have always struggled with the business side of things, which is how one actually makes a living out of a dream.  What motivates me to keep pushing in my business even when I'm struggling to make ends meet?

See, I am always taking classes or watching tutorials or doing anything I can to learn more about photography and the editing process.  When I see the outcome of a beautiful photo, it's the validation I lust. 

Some people are born with the analytical gene and some are born with the creative gene.  I have always thrived in situations where I was allowed to be creative.  Oh how my world has come alive since pursuing photography full-time.  My stress levels have decreased significantly and my health is improving.  I have had people tell me that I actually look younger since leaving my former life and committing to this life of creativity.  Photography feeds my creative hunger pangs in more ways than you can imagine:  the costuming, the setting, the staging, the props, the camera settings, editing styles, photography genres, the whole editing process...honestly, I could go on.  

I love photographing families.  As an photographer in Indianapolis, IN, I get to meet people with different visions, which helps keep my creativity alive and well.  But what should you, the client, consider when choosing the best photographer to meet your family's needs?

Dark & Moody.  Dark and moody photography is the contrast between dark and light.  Think dark backgrounds with sharp, brighter subjects to give the photos a dramatic, romantic look.

​Light & Airy.  Light and airy photos are all about the light.  This editing styles mutes colors to give a more soft, bright look.

Matte.  The matte effect is just how is sounds...the colors and light are matted to give photos are more muted, hazy feel.  This editing style is a popular trend today.

Black & White.  And, of course, we have to remember the classic, black and white photos.  Be clear with your photographer on if you want black and white photos included in your gallery.  

We must consider our wallets, right?  This is where you'll have to do some shopping.  Not all photographers post their investment plans on their webpages.  It may take a little work, but your family memories are worth it!  Find the photographer that will fit your budget, but don't compromise on the quality of work.  You want the best portraits for your home.  Remember, these photos will be with you for a lifetime.

Communication is key in all aspects of life.  Look for photographers who keep your needs in mind from beginning to end.  These photographers are well-organized and prompt.  They will be quick in their responses and usually have a survey and/or contract ready at booking.  Surveys help photographers best serve you and your family.  We want to make sure we are meeting your vision for the photoshoot.  Contracts make sure that all expectations are clearly communicated.

Family portraits are an important tradition and must be treated with care.  Keep these 5 tips in mind when choosing your next family photographer and watch your vision come alive!

Brittany Hamilton
Elegant Exposures, Owner
​Indianpolis, IN
elegantexposures.org

She's a beauty!  But, ouch!  Look at that price tag! 

This lens has been on my wish list for quite some time.  Now that I feel more experienced and comfortable with my camera, I am ready for this baby...the Sony 70-200mm f/2.8.   I shoot with a Sony ar7II and I know she will handle this lens perfectly.  I have been on the lookout for a pre-owned baby, but haven't been able to find the right one just yet.  Help a sister out and let me know if you find one!

Football is everything in this small town of less than 1,000 people. The whole community of Lamar, SC works together to raise young men of solid character and good work ethic, with the backbone being these women...the moms. A mother is a teacher, maid, cook, nurse, peacekeeper, fighter, protector, nourisher, and hero. Thank you, moms, for sacrificing yourselves so your kids can be great.

Proverbs 31:25 "She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future."

On most days I have to find motivation to keep fighting because life is tough, y’all!  Lucky for me, people like Mason Mulligan prance into my life to remind me why I must keep fighting, to laugh at silly jokes, and to stop and get your feet rubbed every now and then.  Mason has had to battle with health issues, speech, academics, other delays, “the system,” and the list goes on from the time he was born, but, let me tell ya, Mason’s social game is ON POINT.  I don’t know a single person who has met Mason who’s life hasn’t been changed. He brings permanent joy into the lives of those around him. I may not get to see him as much as I used to, but when I reminisce on our time together, that same joy comes flooding back.  

Currently, Mason’s bladder isn’t working properly.  He has been in and out of the hospital in recent years and now has to self catheter for the rest of his life.  He also has developed high blood pressure and has an overactive pancreas that produces too much insulin. Most of this would be overwhelming for an average teenage boy, but Mason is above average.  In his words, “I just have to ‘man-up!’” Mason and his family have used Mason’s struggles as a platform for their testimonies. According to his mom, in her experience many mothers of down syndrome children are single mothers. Tansi has been able to witness to many women she may have never had the opportunity to meet because before a family of a down syndrome child leaves the hospital, they are put in contact with another family in a similar situation.  This has opened many opportunities to share how God has revealed Himself to her through Mason. These women build relationships with each other and with Christ all because of an extra chromosome and a little struggle.

Mason, too, allows God to give him courage and strength to face these difficulties!  He takes his medication with no fuss and he’s really stepped up by learning to catheter himself!  He, quite impressively, changed his diet and lost 15 pounds since he started in winter! Y’all! This kid loves his food.  He would eat breakfast at home, come to school and eat breakfast, bring lunch from home, AND eat a school lunch. He had all kinds of homemade lunches and snacks in his lunchbox each day.  When I say that this change has been impressive, I mean it! Mason’s schedule seems to stay quite busy with doctor’s visits and therapists, as well. He has “floppiness” (ligament issues in his feet) that  affects his ability with activities, such as running and walking! He sees an orthopedist every 6 months to keep updated x-rays on his feet, knees and hips! He’s nearsighted and has developed a stigmatism and, begrudgingly, has to year glasses.  Tansi reiterated how thankful she was that Mason is as blessed as he is despite these issues. “We’re also blessed that he did not have heart or intestinal issues which is common among Downs children!”

I was fortunate enough to be Mason’s sixth grade social studies teacher four years ago.  He was and is incredibly academically independent and smart and amazed me daily. My favorite part about Mason wasn’t that he constantly made the honor roll.  My favorite part about Mason wasn’t even that he was well behaved during class. My favorite part about Mason is that he made me laugh every. single. day. Each day he asked me, “What are you eating for lunch, cat soup?” Then would fall over laughing, which was contagious.  He would ask a million times a day, “Hey, Ms. Boyd, wanna rub my feet?” with a huge, goofy grin on his face and it always made my day. I will never forget sitting beside him on the way home from a field trip and he was pretending to be asleep and snoring because he knew it would make me laugh.  We loved picking on each other about our favorite college teams, but he, obviously, chose the wrong one. When spending time with Mason today, I asked if he, the die-hard tiger fan, planned on attending Clemson when he graduated. He said he thought Clemson might be too far away from home so, as of now, he plans on attending Florence Darlington Tech for carpentry, one of his passions.  This is Mason. He is looking forward to getting his driver’s permit and attending college. He fights daily. He’s a witness for Jesus. These are my favorite things about Mason...because that *is* Mason - joy. Thank you, Mason, for bringing us joy. Thank you for inspiring us to fight, to ‘man-up.’ Hey, Mason, wanna rub my feet?

​

Our 2018 model call was a success thanks to these beautiful ladies!  I met many different personalities and each shared them with me gleefully.  I hope each of them look back on their portraits and see their beauty and worth.  

​Remember ladies, you are "fearfully and wonderfully made." Psalm 139:14

Olivia - Confident. Outgoing. Smart. Beautiful.

“God is within her, she will not fall.”  Psalm 46:5

Shelby - Unique. Glamorous. Zealous. Beautiful.

“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.”  Proverbs 31:25

Gabby - Sweet. Gently. Happy. Beautiful.

“Let all that you do be done in love.”  1 Corinthians 16:14

Brianna - Sparkling. Lively. Silly. Beautiful.

“By the grace of God, I am what I am.”  1 Corinthians 15:10

Ty - Gifted. Easygoing. Witty. Beautiful.

“You are altogether beautiful, my darling, beautiful in every way.”  Song of Solomon 4:7

GraceAnna - Affectionate. Compassionate. Talented. Beautiful.

“You are loved more than you will ever know by someone who died to know you.”  Romans 5:6

Erin - Loving. Kind. Sincere. Beautiful. 

“Blessed is she who believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her.”  Luke 1:45

Ashton - Athletic. Adventurous. Certain. Beautiful.

“It is not fancy hair, gold jewelry, or fine clothes that should make you beautiful. No, your beauty should come from inside you –the beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit. That beauty will never disappear and it is worth very much to God.”  1 Peter 3:3-4

Marleigh - Assured. Exuberant. Gregarious. Beautiful.

“Declare over yourself: ‘God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.'”  2 Tim 1:7

Aubrey - Poised. Ambitious. Persistent. Beautiful.

“Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”  Proverbs 31:30

Annsley - Amiable. Considerate. Servant. Beautiful.

“Whenever you feel unloved, unimportant, or insecure, remember to whom you belong.”  Ephesians 2:19-22

Find the rest at ​http://bit.ly/MacroAtoZ . 

13 Reasons Why Not


Trust me, I get it. My life has been full of pain...physical pain, emotional pain, psychological pain. I. Get. It. Sometimes it seems so much easier to simply give up than go on. Well, it *is* easier. But who says it's better? When life is hard and the pain is too heavy, make a list of reasons "why not." Read them. Read them again. Read them over and over to remind yourself why you must go on despite the pain. My reasons are below and I'm sharing to show you that I, too, struggle with those scary thoughts. But these reasons alway have and always will help me survive. I'm not challenging you to share your list (unless you want to), but I am challenging you to make one. And read it. Read it again.


1. Mom
- Mom is first because she has endured so much. Not that anyone else's pain will be less than hers, but because she has experienced so much pain in her life, I don't want to be the cause of more. Sometimes I think it would be easier to leave because of all the heartache and headaches I've caused her by living. But I know from experience that leaving her would cause infinite more pain than living ever could.
2. Tim
- TJ had never really experienced much pain before he met me. When I walked into his life, I came dragging a huge, heavy bag of ache with me. I struggle with thinking his life would be much brighter without all my baggage. Why is he a reason why not? He hasn't had to experience loss yet. Do I want to be the one to show him the darkness of grief? Heck naw!
3. Dad
- I saw what losing a child did to him. I saw what almost losing me did to him. I don't remember much from my accident three years ago, but I remember the tears and fear in my dad's eyes as he was telling me to keep looking at him. Keep fighting. I never want to see that fear again.
4. Tyler
- He's my baby boy. Tyler was always the happy one. He rarely got angry and was always even-tempered when he was upset. He has brought so much joy to my life...especially when it snowed! When Clint left us, his brightness dimmed and has struggled to shine as bright ever since. If I leave, who's to say that light won't go out completely?
5. Daniel
- I often feel like Daniel's life wouldn't change much if I left because we don't talk much anymore. Those thoughts are straight from the devil's lips to my ears. He uses my insecurity about our relationship to bring the poison of depression into my body. None of us have been the same since one sibling left. How could I ever make it two siblings? Daniel loves me, devil! Get behind me!
6. Students
- While my students' day-to-day lives may not change, my influence over them would. I have always been an advocate for perseverance and hard work. I have always tried to be a witness for overcoming adversity. If I were to do the unthinkable, all of my testimony to them would be destroyed. It would have all been for nothing.
7. Andrew
- I feel like William and Easton are young enough that they wouldn't remember what the loss of a family member would feel like. But because of Andrew's age and inquisitive nature, he would. Never will I EVER intentionally be the cause of pain on those boys. Neva!
8. God's purpose
- I have had cancer, a staph infection, and a 25 foot fall. If God's will in my life was over, I'd be gone. I still have more to do.
9. Anna
- Not that I think that any of my other friends would hurt less than Anna, but I know Anna naturally feels things more intensely than others. She loves deeper than most and hurts deeper than most. I also think that she would carry guilt. Even though it would not be her fault, I could never be the reason to hurt her like that.
10. Family
- While they will go on, they will also hurt.
11. Friends
- Same goes for my friends.
12. Brees
Jax follows every step I take. I don't do anything in my home without Jax, so I think he'd come with me. But Brees? Brees would wonder where I was. He would mourn the loss. He isn't your average pup. He's quite human. He remembers. He'd grieve.
13. Clint
- How can Clint be a reason why not? He's actually the #1 reason because... I felt it. I felt the loss, the grief. I felt complete darkness and loneliness. My life forever changed and will never go back to how it was before. I would never wish that hurt on anyone, so I vow not to be.


Make your list. Read it. Read it again.