Seitz Photography

Before they were stars…

bseitz — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 16:49:40 +0000

When you find a new actor you like on TV or in a movie, do you ever wonder as I do – Where did they come from? How did they make it to this show? This movie? What are they like as a person? Are they doing the kind of work they hoped to do?

Ebony and I went to downtown Norcross last Saturday for a photo session. She likes comedy – even talked about liking “That’s So Raven.” She hopes to start in commercials and work her way to acting in roles that suit her. She is lovely – quiet and sweet. She is quick to smile and is confident. She is kind – as she was leaving the session she was heading to have brunch with teen girls who need the influence of someone to look up to.

That is who she is now. It will be a joy to follow her career – to see who she is in a year… in 5 … in 10 years. To see where her career takes and to wish for her that she enjoys each new opportunity that comes her way. Who knows? Maybe I will see her face on the Small screen soon! How cool would that be?

Happiness rolled up in a ball of Joy…

bseitz — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 14:05:35 +0000

James is HAPPY. Some babies are content… some are fussy… some are loud… James is fun. He was ready to play when he arrived for his 6 months photo shoot and loved that his dad played behind me – making him grin. Everything was new and exciting, from wiggling in a blanket inside to exploring pine straw and cones outside.

You’ll fly away…

bseitz — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 19:57:03 +0000

There is a song I have come to love called “The One Who Knows” by Dar Williams. The story told within the lyrics is of a parent’s love and care for their child – how we know that our babies will grow and leave us one day – and that we understand our job is to give them the wings to fly away.

As I photographed the baptism of Hanna Ryan Cramer, I thought of that song. Karen and Ryan created a beautiful ceremony in their home designed to bring their close friends and family together for Hanna’s baptism. Ryan’s Uncle David spoke of the love that brought this life into the world and asked all present to pledge to support this new family as he baptized Hanna. Each word spoken was with the thought of raising a child in a community and with intent. For Karen and Ryan the amazing journey of parenthood has begun – and they have given Hanna a great start on growing wings to fly!

Love in Piedmont Park…

bseitz — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 21:15:05 +0000

High School sweethearts, they fell in love all over again a few years after graduation. Amanda and Daryl light up when they see each other. Laughing and enjoying each other during their engagement shoot at Piedmont Park – the perfect backdrop for love!

“whatever…”

bseitz — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 20:06:54 +0000

This week I had time to spend with Iris. Jaime has a phrase that fits her to a T – “ whatever” – not capitalized … because that would be louder than it should be stated. Quiet – calm – serene – with peacefulness she meets whatever comes her way!

She was asleep when I came to watch her for the morning – woke up with a small cry – just enough to be heard and, when she sees me – not her mom, looks as if to say – “Oh you’re here today – whatever”

We walk downstairs … Would you like a bottle Iris? “Yeah- that’s cool”

What about getting dressed for the day? “Sure – sounds good”

Want to play with your toys? -“ok”

And so the morning went with “whatever” … toys … exersaucer… cereal… teething ring … her sweet smile rewarding me whenever she looked over as if to say – isn’t life fun??

Isabella is 1!

bseitz — Sat, 29 May 2010 14:16:44 +0000

Cedar Plantation: Travis & Melissa

bseitz — Sun, 23 May 2010 18:15:19 +0000

They marched through the pillars more like they were on their way to a party rather than a solemn affair… and a party it was. A ceremony filled with laughter as Travis and Melissa were married outdoors in a miracle of an evening filled with the sun that we all had prayed for during the early part of the day when the heavens opened up and it poured! A quick service with words of love and promise between two people who have spent so many years already living them.

And on to the celebration. Thanks to the beautiful lyrics from Greg Allman, their reception started with Travis and Melissa dancing to the song which bears her name… “Sweet Melissa.” Surrounded by so many friends and family, it was a joy to be invited to document their wedding day.

I wish you the sweetness of your special day to last for years to come!

The woman who knows…

bseitz — Thu, 20 May 2010 16:37:18 +0000

I photographed a woman who knows recently… she knows what she wants, she knows what she likes, she knows who she is… all that and she is not yet 2! Gianna is a powerhouse of a baby who cruises through her life with determination. As her mom and I watched the pictures I took of her through my studio slideshow, we laughed often when we saw the “Gianna look” – loving that she already shows when she is set on something. It’s a “Katie bar the door” look.

Her gown was the same one her dad wore when he was a baby so the pictures were doubly special.

Gianna – so happy to know you as a strong young woman – it will be a joy to watch you grow!

The thought of what’s to come…

bseitz — Tue, 18 May 2010 02:22:50 +0000

High School Seniors are wonderful to photograph. They usually are at my studio because their mom didn’t like the school photographer. Happy to be there but don’t often have much expectation for anything cool and different – or even anything at all.

The fun is in getting them to talk … about who they are and who they may become – their future -what they are looking forward to in college – what they will study – what lies ahead of them. Slowly you can see them open up …smiles relax… they talk about their life and you can see a little of their dreams.

And then along the way you can capture a glint in their eye – see a joy of life – they are no longer giving plastic smiles but having a good time. How great to photograph this promise – this possibility right before they go off to build a new chapter in their story!

We Are Family

bseitz — Sat, 08 May 2010 13:57:15 +0000

What’s in a name? Mom – the name we all know because we all have or had one. Who are our moms – these women we see everyday – who come in all shapes and sizes – who love us for years and years and years? They all have their own story but, because they are our moms, we don’t always stop to think of them as individuals – their thoughts, their dreams – who they are when they are not a mom. And we don’t tell them enough how they are loved and appreciated.

I am writing this because tomorrow is Mother’s Day. Because, even though I am a mom and now a grandmom, I still need my mom as much as ever. Because my mom is always there – steady, encouraging, loving. Who was she – you know – before she was my mom? A graduate from Douglas College with a degree in Bacteriology no less – when most women did not go to college … first generation born in America … one of only 2 surviving siblings in her family… a beautiful young woman who found the love of her life at a friend of her mother’s house.

Then she became a mom – and that became her life. Babies came quickly – six in all. With each baby my mom’s heart just grew. She loved us all and then loved all of our spouses – and then all of our children – and now all of our grandchildren. Proverbs 31 describes my mom so well: “Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future. The teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She fears the Lord, and she shall be praised.”

Thank you, Mom for the love you have given – for the joy you showered on all of us – and for the example of a great woman!