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journal making classes in march!

Sunday, February 7, 2010

I am so excited to share my love for journal making! When I was studying abroad with a group of talented artists, I decided to make journaling a priority in my life. For me, processing on a page is enormously helpful, but it’s when I go back and re-read what I have written in weeks, months, and years gone by that I benefit the most.

Early on in my little “committed-journaler” lifestyle, I discovered that when the pages aren’t pretty, I don’t really have any desire to look at them again! (Silly, I know, but it’s true!) On the other hand, if they’re aesthetically pleasing, I love to spend time browsing the pages of the past, each one whispering to me a taste of what that season of life held. It’s refreshing. Humbling. Convicting. Insightful.

My journals have become such a part of my life that when I was working on brand development for my new business, I turned to them for inspiration. I noticed all the different shades of brown and almond throughout them, and the treasured leaves I had collected and included in the pages. Eventually, in my pages and pages of brainstorming names, “Almond Leaf Studios” stuck … and I haven’t regretted it for one moment.

And now I get to teach classes about what I love!

In March, I will be teaching journal making and painting at Implexus! I can hardly wait to share the craft of handmade journals and the art of investing time, energy, and beauty in something that feeds the heart and soul.

If you live in the Charlotte area and are interested in learning journal-making and/or painting, contact Deanna at Implexus to sign up! There’s a limited number of spaces (only 6!) in each class and registration will close a week before classes begin, so sign up quick and help spread the word! Be sure to check out Deanna’s amazing work, too! She’s talented!

A little taste of my journaling life …

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Posted in personal | Tags | art, bookbinding, charlotte, classes, deanna, handmade, implexus, journals, noda, painting

by eliz

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Almond Leaf Studios has a birthday!

Friday, February 5, 2010

It’s official! Almond Leaf Studios is one year old! We officially passed our 1 yr anniversary of the day we officially became a registered LLC at the end of January. Happy Birthday, Almond Leaf!

To celebrate and to say thanks to all of our blog followers and amazing clients that have made the first year a success, we have a little game to play. Interested?

Here’s the deal.

1. Tell 10 friends about us and ask them to subscribe to the almond leaf blog or join our facebook page. (Email ‘em, call ‘em, facebook ‘em, tweet it to ‘em, or whatever floats your boat.) If at least 5 do, you’ll be entered to win. Talk about odds being in your favor!

2. Leave a comment telling us how you’ve done it (email, facebook, etc.) and at least one of your favorite almond leaf images from this last year. That’s it!

What will you win? Good question! We’re giving away a free entry, all expenses paid, to our first workshop later this year! That’s right … we said FREE!

You’ll learn the art of finding and noticing the best natural light possible, how to use your camera, and a hands on experience with a model! Wait. It gets better! The winner is also invited to bring a friend or family member at 1/2 price! Now that’s a steal of a deal!

So, com’on and celebrate with us! Winner will be announced by February 11th, so get your entries in right away and tell your friends so they can enter, too!

Happy Birthday!

1yr_cupcake p.s. for the record, yes, i totally enjoyed the cupcake after shooting it. It was delicious!

Posted in contests, sales/promotions | Tags | 1 year, birthday, contest, cupcake

by eliz

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busy as a bee

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

I’ve been busy scheming up all kinds of good things that I’m so excited to share! There are lots of little announcements to be made within the next couple of days about all that I’ve been up to, but the biggest news is that I’m headed back to India next week! I’m honored to work for Silent Images and all the planning and coordinating for this project in Kolkata (Calcutta), India has keep me as busy as a bee!

More details to come, but in the meantime, be sure to stay tuned via twitter and facebook for all the latest. Seriously … so many fun things I get to announce in the next few days!

On an international note, I’ve been going through some photos from the past (for one of my “secret” projects) and came across some images from my one day of sightseeing in Thailand. Since they never got any web lovin’, here’s a few of my favs to wet your appetite.

4047_thailand I got to do a little cave climbing and exploring … in my chacos, with camera gear in hand! It wasn’t all very graceful, but it was beautiful and so worth it. My little tour guide friend (below) climbed up ahead of me and it made for a great shot!

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Meet mr. “tour guide friend” who kept me laughing and was really kind to me. He’s even sportin’ my bag (left), totally posin’ for the camera! 4082_4213_thailand

This was a sweet fisherman’s “village” that floated on the water. While I have a good feeling it was more of tourist attraction than it was a functioning business, the idea was pretty cool and I got to see all kinds of crazy fish. The coolest part, in my opinion, was that the whole thing floated! 4123_thailand

Posted in personal, travel | Tags | charlotte, elizabeth, india, silent images, thailand, travel

by eliz

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boys will be boys

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

There’s not much that needs to be said about this beautiful, fun family … except that Stacey has her hands full with two little ones that are all boy! We didn’t even have to go far to find some great light and scenery. These were all shot in and around their house … mostly in their kid-heaven, photographer-lovin’, full-o’-awesome backyard!

There’s nothin’ like good ‘ol cowboy boots, sticks, leaves, lollipops, hats, red wagons and even some bubbles to make any shoot loads of fun. Here’s to birthday boys and brotherly love!

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Bubbles make everything better. 315_340_earley

Of course, with a face like this, I’m not sure it gets much better!

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Aren’t they sweet?

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There’s something about this next one that just melts my heart.

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Look at that big brother-ness in action!

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I suppose I should say bubbles AND cowboy boots make everything better. 278_earley

If these boys don’t have eyes that’ll melt a girl’s heart, I’m not sure who does. 119-2_161_earley

This one might be one of my new all-time favs! What an fun family portrait! 102_earley

… and then there’s the traditional that you just gotta get.

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… but sittin’ still doesn’t last for long! 224_232_earley

What a sweet momma. 10-11_earley

I am pretty much in love with this next one (ok, ok … all of them, really!) Just LOOK at his eyes! … And, oh, that baby drool. It’s too much! 294_earley

Is he the little model or what?! I love it! 541-2_earley

I just love his curls! (What can I say … I’m a bit biased.)

515_516_earley And, to end things, we took the birthday boy back inside to grab a few shots in his room. Isn’t he the cutest thing?! Ooh, I just want to take him home and keep him!

*Don’t worry, moms, even though I might want to steal your cute kiddos, I promise to never leave a photo shoot with your child stuffed in my camera bag. *whew* … It’s ok. You can breathe now.

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Posted in family, kiddos | Tags | boys, charlotte, earley

by eliz

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the fun and amazing toni turns 30 {oklahoma}

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

You know those people that bring out the best in you and light up your life? My friend, Toni, is one of those. She’s been through a lot with me. She’s loved me through it all and has patiently waited for me to work through seasons of sadness and loss, which makes our time together even sweeter. Sadly, I don’t get to see her often, but when I do, it’s loads of fun!

She is comfortable and confident, which makes being around her (and even living with her) so peaceful. To top that off, she’s got this great laugh and she lets it out often … this is a girl who knows how to laugh at life and enjoy the little things! In a moment’s notice, she can go from laughing to tear-filled eyes, and more often than not, they’re tears of joy and thankfulness. It’s a beautiful thing.

Toni just had her 30th birthday, and to celebrate it, we did a really quick little photo shoot as I was leaving her place in Oklahoma City.

Thanks, Toni, for an super-fun stay with you out in good ‘ol OKC … and, once more, Happy Birthday, friend!

P.S. Did I mention she’s stunningly beautiful?

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Even though she can totally rock the serious model face, this (below) is the real Toni. I mean, who wouldn’t want to be her friend? We decided that this is what 30 should look like.

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*If you or someone you know is turning 30 soon (female preferred), contact me: info@almondleafstudios.com … I’ve got a special offer!

Posted in personal | Tags | 30, birthday, oklahoma, toni

by eliz

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one of my favorite families

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

I had the privilege of visiting Oklahoma City last week, where I lived for a year after graduating from college. I’m a mountains, backpacking, kayaking, trail-running kind of girl and sadly OKC didn’t have much of that to offer … one reason why my living there didn’t last too long.

While I love being back in good ‘ol NC, there are still a lot of friends that I love deeply who live in Oklahoma. The Smithers family are among them. Lucretcia, the mom, has played such a significant role in my life that to say “thanks” doesn’t even begin to cover it. She’s taught me so much and I truly believe that if it wasn’t for her intentionality and perspective in my life, I would not be who I am today. I just love her to pieces!

It’s not hard to believe that her children are also amazing, much less her gifted and kind-hearted husband, David. It’s such a joy to have these guys as a part of my life, and to catch little moments over the years into each of theirs. There’s just nothing on earth like these kind of life-long friendships!

David (dad) wasn’t feelin’ the greatest (or maybe his hair just wasn’t done … we’re not sure which it actually was). While he opted out of our brief photo shoot in the overcast, drizzly afternoon, it still brightens my day to see each of this awesome family so full of kindness, love, and fun! I, personally, think that Oklahoma is a much cooler place because of the Smithers. Let me show you why …

A fun, sweet group hug of the siblings goes from this ….

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… to this …

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… to this!

148_smithers Here’s Amber, the oldest. She’s a very talented artist and has excellent taste in all things vintage, artsy, and beautiful (all three words that are descriptive of her as well!)

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I think she could easily be a model, too. She does it with such grace and ease.

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And Justice (below) is a huge part of the reason she’s so model-ish. Justice is a talented photographer who just loves film and all the old school ways of doing things (I can’t blame him!) Chatting with him about the classes he’s taking makes me miss my darkroom days, and hearing stories about the sweet old cameras he comes across at the trendy thrift store he works at makes me want to go find some old Polaroids, too!

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Christian (below) is a skater, and quite good from what I hear! I’ve always been impressed that the “boys” of the family (Christian, dad, and Evan especially) are often seeking out skate parks all throughout the country as they travel. Christian is sitting on the beginnings of their own personal skate ramp that they are building together in their backyard. How cool is that?!

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Evan (also a skater) is one of the easiest guys to be around. He’s just phenomenally gifted at making people feel comfortable and at ease … and he has been that way ever since I’ve known him (even when he was really young). He’s the kind of person you can put into any situation and not only will his presence ease any potential awkwardness, he’ll help others to laugh and leave you feeling like you just got a shower of kindness. The best part? I don’t think he has any idea he’s doing it! It’s just who he is, which is what’s so awesome about it!

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Sweet little Cherish (who we affectionately call, “Cherry”) has one of the most gentle hearts I know. She’s also becoming quite the talented dancer, too!

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There’s just something about sisters … and these two sure know how to bring out the best in each other. Look at how sweet they both are!

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Sweet and gentle, but these girls still know how to have a whole lot of fun!

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… and one “family” shot, minus dad.

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Posted in family | Tags | Amber, Cherish, Christian, david, Evan, Justice, lucretcia, oklahoma city, smithers

by eliz

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2009 reflections

Friday, January 8, 2010

I’m still thinkin’ about all that’s been accomplished in 2009, and all that’s changed in my life personally and with Almond Leaf and Silent Images … and so I’ve decided to share a bit about it.

2009 brought the official start of my own business (Almond Leaf Studios), which I only dreamed of happening late in life. It has brought so many new friends that have changed my life for the better, as well as so much personal growth that comes with all the challenge of diving in way over my head when I formed an LLC! I’ve moved twice (all still within the Charlotte area) and have gotten a dog. 2009 was also the year that I started working with Silent Images, who I will now be continuing to travel abroad with throughout the years to come.

So, before I get carried away writing about all the good things that this past year has held for me, I figured I’d give you a taste of some of my personal favs with all the images I’ve shot. So, here’s a little visual walkthrough (not in any particular order) of what 2009 was like for me.

Sweet little baby Asher was born:

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I had the privilege of attending one of the most beautiful weddings (on more levels than just the aesthetics):

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I got to play with cute little kids so full of joy you can hardly stand it like Ian:

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… And let them get messy

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Beautiful engagements with the infamous David Johnson who I’m so blessed to work with:

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… And pretty pink tutu’s to make every girl’s heart smile.

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Beautiful mommies-to-be, who have waited a long time for such a gift:

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Catching my partners in crime in action:

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And, one of my favorite little girls in the world having a birthday:

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… And trying on mom’s glasses.

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Lots of gorgeous families:

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… so full of joy!

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The best Christmas present on the earth:

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… and super sweet moments:

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The marriage of these two amazingly-talented artists:

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… And a shoot with some new clients that led to a beautiful friendship …

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166_170_sorello 517_sorello Sweet little simple things that made me smile on a rainy day …

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2625_rainydaylove … And the wedding of a friend and former co-worker.

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My first shot at tackling a successful photo shoot of more than one baby at a time …

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… and cute little boys who would melt any girl’s heart.

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Beautiful brides just never get old:

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… And new friends that have made my life so much richer.

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One of the most beautiful (AND amazing!) mothers I know and am blessed to know … 683_694_shaw

999_shaw … And a little fun for everyone …

741_shaw My parent’s new puppy (who my dad named Diesel … so silly!)

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… and my new “puppy” (he’s the love of my life!)

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(See how much I love him?!)

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To say that I have been blessed is a severe understatement. I am so thankful for all the good things that 2009 has brought in my life, and all the challenge, too!

Posted in personal

by eliz

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The Chalfants {a beautiful Charlotte family}

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Paxson and Gracie Myers are some of the cutest kids I know (Ok, let’s be honest, I pretty much fall in love with every kid I meet … I just can’t help it!) I had the privilege of photographing Gracie Myers and Paxson when Almond Leaf was just starting (almost a year ago!), and we had a blast. Sweet little Gracie Myers ended up climbing on top of me while I was laying in the grass photographing her brother running around like a crazy little man full of energy. They were so much fun!

So, when Erin called to ask if we could squeeze in a quick little family portrait session just before Christmas, I couldn’t resist. Their family has some beautiful land right in a prime location of Charlotte and it’s been in the family for years. The coolest part? They’ve got this killer red barn that Erin remembers playing in as a little girl. I just love the history, and the awesome barn!

Here’s some of the images of their lovely family that have yet to get some blog lovin’ … enjoy!

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Mom and dad know how to make everything better (even the cold weather during our shoot.) Look how fun they are! … And that gorgeous sunlight makes even the coldest days more bearable. So pretty!

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Talk about a beautiful family! Look at these eye-catchers!

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Be prepared to fall in love with these two cuties …

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… And Paxon’s eyes will steal your heart away. He’s all boy, too, with his rocks and sticks (and I love it!) 267_276_chalfant_xmas

Even without feeling very well, sweet little Gracie Myers still wins a cuteness award.

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Dad breaks out the secret ingredient to a good photo shoot with kids … SUGAR!!! (Skittles in this case.) 299_312_chalfant_xmas

It works every time!

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Posted in kiddos

by eliz

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roof with a view

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Congrats to the lovely Rosemary and her new husband, Tripp, who were married tonight! Here’s a shot of the amazing view from their reception at Roof With A View. More of the lovely couple and their wedding to come soon!

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Posted in wedding | Tags | charlotte, photographer, rosemary, tripp, wedding

by eliz

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New Year’s Eve chocolate

Thursday, December 31, 2009

Last year I made this crazy decision to commit 2009 to being a year of no desserts or sweets (other than the occasional latte or hot cocoa, which turned into more of a frequent treat as the year went on). You’re probably thinking, “Why would anyone do that?!” Good question.

There’s a variety of reasons, but one of the biggest was the challenge of it all. Sweets and desserts are my favorite, which means they’re also my downfall. I can pass by pizza, salty chips, or a basket of fries pretty easily, but when it comes to a piece of dark chocolate or rich cheesecake … oh man, I’m done. Self control goes out the window. I knew some drastic discipline was needed to get my choc-a-holic tendencies in line, so I decided that an entire year of no sweets was the biggest (yet still manageable) challenge I could think up. After months of debate and mental preparation, I decided that from New Year’s Eve to New Year’s Eve I’d give up all desserts, chocolate, candies, etc. … And … *drumroll please* … the year is over!

2009 has been a great year, and I can’t help but wonder with sweet anticipation what 2010 will bring. As I celebrate and bring in the New Year, you better believe that there will be chocolate involved! Here’s to a new year, new beginnings, and all the goodness in life that this coming year will bring in each of our lives! Cheers!

Oh man, I can hardly wait to sink my teeth into these little delights from a friend!!! Counting the hours …

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