PHOTOGRAPHY-KEVIN SIMMONS

The BB&T Atlanta Tennis Open took place recently at Atlantic Station.  One of our attorneys has a giant Wilson tennis ball in his office that I’ve had my eye on for quite some time, and I have periodically pondered how I could use it in a picture.  Easier said than done without a tripod and remote.  I have short arms!  

As I am trying to hold the ball and line up my shot so a BB&T Open sign is not only in the picture but in good focus along with the large tennis ball in the palm of my left hand, I hear soft laughing coming up behind me.  Yep.  Enter Kevin Simmons.  And he is watching what I am doing and loving the large tennis ball.  So, I asked him if he would help me get the shot, and he was very glad to help me.  And I then got another shot for him, which is below.  

I certainly wasn’t thinking of Faces in a Flash when I went down there.  I was thinking of my 365 Project. 

Kevin and I didn’t have much time to say very much to each other during this quick encounter.  But it was obvious that he was a guy with a great sense of humor, a fantastic personality, and a caring spirit, as evidenced not only by his presence, but also by his t-shirt.

Turns out Kevin is the Sales Director of the parent group of Sage Foundation.  Sage Foundation is committed to taking action to build sustainable social, economic and entrepreneurial opportunities in local communities.  Sage Foundation provides time, resources, and technology so non-profit organizations can help more people reach their true potential.  To learn more about The Sage Foundation, you can visit www.sage.com/company/sage_foundation. 

Thanks, Kevin, for helping me get my shot.  Keep doing the great work you do.  It was great connecting with you for a little while.  

PHOTOGRAPHY-SANDRA WAKEFIELD

     My second Face in a Flash came to me on the same day that my first one did.  Again, I wasn't trying to find her … but when she appeared in front of me, I KNEW she had to be photographed for this series.

      I was outside with a group of friends waiting to be seated at a restaurant in Grapevine, Texas. We were in front of a local shop, and out she walked.  She was striking, and I smiled just to see her.  I told her that I loved her dress.  She lit up, and her glowing presence became instantly obvious.

      We talked for a little while.  I learned that she is a Christian author, and she was on her way to a book signing for her latest book at the local coffee shop, Holy Grounds.  Cute name for a coffee shop, huh?

      Her name is Sandra Wakefield, and she is an amazing woman.  Not only is she an author, but she is a conference speaker and an award winning actress and vocalist.  She truly walks her talk, and she is a force to contend with.

      Thank you so much, Sandra, for agreeing to be one of my Faces in a Flash.  I am so happy that our paths crossed and to have spent a moment getting to know you a bit.

      You can learn more about Sandra at www.sandrawakefieldministries.com. 

PHOTOGRAPHY-KAYE AND MINDY

A couple of weekends ago, I was in Texas working with some fellow photographer friends on off-camera flash.  We scheduled three sessions, two senior sessions and a maternity session.  

I was taking a break and enjoying our venue, the Grapevine Botanical Gardens, when I spotted this beautiful lady enjoying the day and walking her dog.  I knew in an instant that my first subject for a series I have been tossing around in my mind for a few months had just presented herself to me.  

I asked Kaye if I could photograph her and her sweet little Mindy, and she was more than happy to pose for me.  I explained that she was my very first subject for my new series, which I am calling "Faces in a Flash."  She was absolutely thrilled.  She lived in Savannah, Georgia for 20 years and had recently moved to Grapevine.  She is an active volunteer at The Rec there, where she helps with programs for the senior citizens.  

She has a contagious zest for life.  Her shirt (which I didn't notice until I was working on this post) absolutely reflects who she is.  She was thrilled to learn that I was visiting from Georgia, and that my husband had been born and raised in Savannah.  What a small world.  I think there was a reason that she became my first Face in a Flash.    

Thank you, Kaye and Mindy.  My day became brighter because of our brief connection.