Blogography

NEW BLOG

Please come to the New WOH Blog:

http://www.workofheartphoto.com/blog/

There will be no more new posts at this blog - come visit us at the new blog, thank you!

- S

Modeling Opportunity in CA

Spread the word: looking for a child for styled model session for my upcoming photography inspiration book {{ boy or girl / ages 3 - 7 }}. Clothing with be fully styled by myself based on the location and theme of the session.

To be put on the waitlist: please send child's name, age, and snapshot to wohphoto@earthlink.net - You will be compensated for your time with a $250 print credit and session fee is waived. Additional prints may be purchased at regular prices.

Must sign full model release and be able to travel to either Fallbrook, West Covina, or San Juan Capistrano or if you have an interesting piece of property, that is an option. Serious inquires only. Thank you!

Revive Africa

Recently a past Workshop attendee and member of my forum, Crystal DelaHoz, went on a trip to Africa (Sierra Leone) to help at a local Orphanage ---> Please visit the website, and if you feel led, consider sponsoring a child (click on their images to read their stories):

http://reviveafrica.com/index.php

Blessings, Skye

Image by Crystal DelaHoz

Celebrating Five Years

Wow. Five years in business. Funny how it both seems like just yesterday and forever ago that I dropped out of college (Parents were so thrilled, ha) to start my own photography business. I've always wanted to be a photographer, but for some reason, just never thought it was possible. Until one day while I was attending a Purpose Driven Life bible study at someone's home .... they had a darkroom and as soon as I walked in, I knew that is what I was to do. And here I am. Thank you God.

And what good is a party without gifts?

Read THIS POST HERE about my limited-time sale of my Workshop Workbook.

Here's to many more years with Work of Heart Photo!!

Oh, and while I am here ...I may not be posting much on my blog as of late because, well, I am busy, but mostly because I'm so tired of it and need a new design! So, hopefully I will be back real soon with a fresh look!

Snapshots

We all start somewhere. Here are some of the "snapshots" from the earlier years of my son. Looking at them as a photographer I cringe a bit, but as a Mother, I puffy-heart adore them. Today, I need to remember to take the all-important snapshots ... portraits are nice to grace the walls, but it's the snapshots that truly showcase the what and when of someone's life.

Soul Sistas Workshop

Introducing the Soul Sistas Workshop with photographers Skye Hardwick (Work of Heart Photography) and Michelle Huesgen (Untamed Heart Photography).The Workshop will be held this June in St. Louis MO; spaces limited.

This Workshop will be a hands on senior and child photography creative Workshop with attendees photographing both child AND senior models in wicked cool shooting locations.

Now LIVE & open for registration:

http://www.soulsistasworkshop.com/

Ojai

What a great session. Why? First, the location of this session was at a dream location - old trucks, orange groves, peeling paint, old bunkhouse (just lovely!) ... and then, a great set of models; here are a few of the sister.

Note to Mom & Dad, you're going to love these. ;c)

 

 

My Assistant

My fiance Gary is the best assistant; I just lovvvvve him. What he's willing to do to help me on a shoot -- here we are at a shoot in Ojai at a rockin' private orange grove and he's helping by blocking some sunrays . Thanks Gary.

Previews for Mom & Dad coming tomorrow ... we ate at the mexican restaurant that they suggested after the session and now we are full and tired. ;c)

Click image to see larger.

Sunshine

I swear she brought the sunshine with her. Such personality and spunk; had a blast. A few of you may recognize this little sprite. Shot w/ pretty wide open -- clothing styled by me.
 

Preview

Mom asked for a preview, so here she is ...I will post more in a few days. Just loved her and had a blast -- such a spunky lil' thing and has quite a knack for naming things (hee hee).

 

Traffic

Of course this was shot on an empty dead end road, so no worries of  actual traffic - just my attempt at a catchy photo title. ;c)

(Click to see image larger)

Rained Out

Rain rain go away. I thought re-scheduling sessions due to rain was a thing of the past since moving to California; not so after a few storms have hit this area hard. I hear March is the rainy season too. Glorious green hillsides before things "brown up". One thing I know how to do is move around the wet weather. Pennsylvania taught me that.

And a great find for other on location photographers - found this in the newest Garnet Hill catalog. I know I am always lugging stuff around; small and large. At least now I have can have a handy (and stylish) way to carry around all the hats, boots, tutus and what not.

Folding Trolley

2009 Pittsburgh Sessions

I am now booking sessions back in Pittsburgh PA, for past and new clients, in October (...and possibly May, if there is enough interest). Both urban (see below) and country sessions available. To book a session a portrait collection must be pre-purchased; portrait collections start at $1500 and include prints, the popular musical slideshow and leather-bound session album. Inquire for further details. There are limited slots available and they book quickly.

Also, I am increasing my prices and now is the time to secure your session, whether in California or Pittsburgh, at the 2008 rates.

Booking South Carolina

I am booking children's sessions in historic Charleston South Carolina on Monday April 29th 2009. Limited slots available, please inquire for more information. Thank you!

Location, Location

I am often asked what the secret is to finding my great shooting locations. Honestly, there is no secret, just a matter of keeping your eyes open for new opportunities and getting out and trying new things. I love old buildings and peeling paint. I am always trying to incorporate interesting textures as you can see from the images below. I love the way they add a bit of depth without overpowering the image, for I want my subject to be the main focus of my images.

 

You never know where you'll find a good shooting location. This shoot was at an old pecan grove and we weren't allowed to bring in balloons (they could get caught in their pecan trees) so I took them to the back of the dusty parking lot -- on the other side of the fence is a junkyard with horses, old cars, etc.
 

♥♥♥ On Marriage ♥♥♥

Gary and I are taking a great marriage class at church and I must recommend the book: How We Love. The authors are local to my area and we hope to see them in person soon. In the book is an amazing and heartbreaking poem on Marriage. Far too long to post here, so I will link it here: The Wall. A second class we recently finished and that I also recommend, Love & Respect. 

Oh the Hair

Such gorgeous long hair this one had ... and it was a windy day. (Wind is one of my favorite props....) I'm envious of her long locks - I swear my hair has stopped growing! Those familiar with "Samantha" from Blu will know this little beauty.

Knitting 101

So, in my accidental quest to become more and more domesticated (I blame Martha) ----> I've gotten into knitting ... and feeling out of the loop. (lol, pun intended) I'm absolutely in yarn heaven on Etsy, but now that I have the yarn and some basic skills, now what?

Any fellow knitters care to share some ultra-cool knitting websites, shops, books ...anything to help a girl out? Thank you!!! 

And then this image ... sigh. Lovely.

All In the Family

My little brother - isn't he handsome? Yes, we are 21 years apart in age. Funny though, there are times when visiting my Mom's house (we used to live a mile apart back in PA....) that we'd tattle on one another and the usual brother-sister antics. "Mom! He won't stop buggin' me!!" *wink*

And a capture of "the boys" (my brother and my son; they are a year and a half apart in age...) from my last trip back to Pittsburgh. We were at a local apple orchard at sunset.

Lastly, I usually get tired of my older images quickly, however, I love this one of the boys from two years back - my first "shoot" with a digital camera (I was all film the first two years of my business). I plan on getting a mega-canvas of these two shots of them together.

I {Heart} Redheads

I think it started with my very first cabbage patch doll at age five; Louise was the name she came with and it stuck. She wore cowboy boots and had some shocking red yarn hair. I've loved red hair ever since. I've recently realized that in over four years of business, I've never photographed a child with no-sense-in-denying-it red hair! I hope to change that.

So, I am offering a complimentary session with a $200 print credit for a child with bright red hair (freckles are always a bonus!). Must be able to travel to me in the Orange County CA and send a snapshot beforehand. I'll be sure to cook up a fab session idea to showcase their red hair. Thank you!

New Website

A new website with a new look.

But first, to the Photographers readers; please do not not not copy my bio (or any text on my website) and re-work the wording for your own website. Besides being illegal it is dreadfully uncool. The internet is not as small as one would think and it is amazing how quickly (and often) other Photographers will turn you in.

That said ... enjoy!

Work of Heart Photography

The Hat

As a children's photographer, there is nothing like a good hat. I must have a million hats (and umbrellas, aprons and pairs of rain boots) in my prop basket ("basket" is an understatement, ha). 

Favorites of 2008

Time once again for my favorite things of the year. Hey, why should Oprah have all the fun? *wink*  Do you have favorites to share? Leave a comment - would love to hear from you!

- The best place for those funny vintage 80's tees; especially the Junk Food brand!
- Brookestone's NAP Blankets are so dreamy!
- Love love Jill-E Camera Bags! (Mine's pink!)
- My fave book on Marriage: Love & Respect!
- My fave makeup product - ever! Best Mascara too!
- My Signature Perfume -- Fem w/o being overly girly.
- They don't call this The Wonder Mitt for no reason!
- Famous Dylan's Candy Bar now does lotions in their sig yummy scents - totally lovin' "Birthday Cake"!
- Homemade jewelry @ South Street Designs!
- French-inspired goods at Maison Reve - oooh-lala!
- Have the kiddos design their own Monster!

- Create some Ambiance w/o lighting candles.

- Sunset Mag: Celebrating West Coast Living

- Teri Fode's Inspirations Blog!

- Joy Whitlock's CD: God & a Girl!

- Amercian Eagle's new Clothes for kids!

And some recent fave images.

 

Happy Thanksgiving

Enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday everyone! This is my first Thanksgiving away from my family, but looking forward to doing some cooking and making new traditions with my new family here in California!

Here's a shot of my work framed! Images I did for Vanessa Diel down in Louisiana.

California Wildfires

In just moving to southern California from Pittsburgh a few months ago, the wildfires are a new experience for me. As many know, this past week has been quite frightening to thousands of Californians due to the fires that ravaged homes. Thankfully, my family and friends were all out of harms reach, but now there is the aftermath of loss and rebuilding.

 

Peace

The shirt says it all. 

Blog Contest / Two

When I look at my blog stats I'm always amazed to see all the blogs linking to mine. Fun reads! For the month of November, I'd like to thank you!

Here's the deal.... The blogger who sends the most hits to my blog from theirs, wins a $75 gift card from Sephora. { Ooooh, Sephora! } Or, for the guys, a $75 gift card from I-tunes.*wink*
If you haven't already, link my blog
{ www.workofheart.typepad.com } to your blog in some way, shape or form ... the more hits I get from your blog, the chances are you'll win the prize!

WINNER: Elizabeth Pellette / http://epellette.typepad.com/

Booking Sessions / Orange County

Now booking sessions limited number of sessions in the Orange County area. Please visit the website for information or inquire via email or phone. www.workofheartphoto.com

Getting ready to move from the Los Angeles County area down to the Orange County area -- near the beach ... Beautiful. Very excited about our new home, not so thrilled at the prospect of moving and packing once again after my last move. But hey, at least it is not across the country this time!

 

Classy

I puffy heart freckles. (Have I said that already?) She has some great ones! The first shot is one of my favorite images taken as of late - love her soulful eyes & freckles combo. Such a classy lady.

And Happy 8th Birthday to my Iz!!!


 

The Photographer's Prayer

Oh God, as I bring my subject into focus and prepare to make each portrait, nerver let me forget that I'm creating treasures for some family, a keepsake for loved ones. Make me sensitive to the qualities and virtues of others, that I may draw out into the light the beautiful radiant belongings of their hearts.

Help me to be an artist, collecting the beauty of every soul, the glow of youth, the gentleness, the laughter or tears of each life that is precious in Thy sight. Deeper than a means of livelihood, give me the perspective to see my photographer's art as a service to others, making life richer and more memorable.

And, dear Lord, between the lights and shadows, the ups and downs and the rolling years, keep me from getting out of focus or off center, so that my life and work may be framed with dignity and colored with contentment ...

AMEN
Author Unknown

De-Lovely

Well, I offically started my Christmas shopping; feels good! I figured out that the holidays are less stressful when I start shopping early. Now, wrapping ... that's another issue!

What do I want for Christmas? These Boots!

As for images ....
Isn't she lovely? So eager to have her picture taken. Gotta love that.

Stylish

Doesn't this little guy look like he just stepped out of a Mini Boden catalog? Too cute. Mr. Stylish.

Sweetness

She totally melted my heart and gave me a raging case of baby fever. Sigh.

Back in California; will post about my trip back to beautiful Pittsburgh soon. Also, working on a new website for Work of Heart ... get ready for a whole new look!

Pittsburgh Visit

I'm getting ready to fly back to Pittsburgh to do a week of sessions and to teach a Workshop. Living in California now I feel like I'm in a state of endless summer so it will be nice to see all the beautiful fall colors and especially to see my family ... oh, and I get to wear some of my cute sweaters finally, yay! ;c)

And check out this little beauty. I have total hair envy!

Fireproof

A movie suggestion for those who are married or hope to be one day.Created by the same folks of "Facing the Giants" (tearjerker!) - a must see movie! And plus, those of us who once swooned over Kirk Cameron (you know who you are!), he's the lead in this one.

Click the link to watch the trailer.

Fireproof: the Movie

Thirty

So, I recently turned the big 3-0. Gulp. They say 30 is now the new 20, but I don't care to be 20 again (I was a bit of a dolt at 20). Turning 30 in conjunction with living in {very} sunny California has sparked an even stronger desire to take care of my skin. Actually, I'm sporting a bit of a "new to California" tan, but usually I'm of the Snow White variety completion-wise.

So ladies, any beauty products to recommend? I know for my eyes I puffy-heart love La Mer.

Sometimes

Sometimes in just talking to a child, they "pose" all on their own -- shielding herself from a gust of wind, I was ready to capture this moment ....

.... and the next moment.

Breakthrough

I picked up this book a few days ago and simply cannot put it down -- an amazing and eye-opening read; hands down. Get the Book

Lady Bug

Capture the little things in life ...

Country Color

{Sigh} Although California is beautiful in it's own way, I was going through some files and found some beautiful country scenes that made me long for home. Good thing I will be doing a week of sessions in Pittsburgh in mid-October to get my country-fix. ;c)

 

In California

Been so behind, but thought I'd update my blog on arriving in California. We arrived just about a week now and it's been non-stop since! Took three days of driving to get there - my fiance, myself, my son ... a cat and a lizard, but we made it safe and sound (though a bit cramped). Driving in the night God gave us some amazing T'storms to view in the distance along with some beautiful sights.

I also just got back from a speaking engagement in San Jose CA for the CPR event for Creaking Keepsakes and had a great time - the ladies were wonderful and so much fun! 

Here's a shot I took out the window of the truck driving through beautiful New Mexico.

Prop-tastic

Hi. My name is Skye and I'm a prop addict. {Snort} Really, this is only part of what I have, just cleaned out the garage and decided to take a picture of some of my props. The wide shot wouldn't fit here, so I'm uploading two images of the set up. And yes, this is stuff I'm a keepin' (for the most part) ... {;-)

Trash or Treasure

Are you sure none of you photographers want to come help me pack things up? Since I have no time (or desire) to ship things and don't want to take it with me ....it's to the trash pile it goes!

EDITED: Okay! I will spare some of it and move with it and sell it once I get settled in California. 'Cause I don't want Alicia on my case! ;c) Now if there's no room in the truck, back to the trash! LOL!

Inspirations

One of the questions I am often asked is .... "Who inspires you?". So, I thought I'd share a few websites of the photographers who have inspired me in some way. Enjoy this visusal treat! {:c)

http://www.marktucker.com/

http://www.photosbykathryn.com/

http://www.michaelbrianphoto.com/

http://www.ericfrick.com/ericfrick_flash.html

And my absolute favorites:

http://www.jeshderox.com/

http://www.toscaradigonda.com/tosca.html

And my Wedding Photographer:

http://www.nicholev.com/

Evolution of a Laugh

I get asked all the time how I manage to get great shots of my son, Iz. Three words: Star Wars Legos. {snort} But then there are days when he's totally game. Going into my 4th hour of packing (I really need to have a "props sale"), I noticed the light in my backyard; it was glorious. Lighting is often my first source of inspiration, so here we are. Saying goodbye to some of our (well, my) favorite spots.

 

And then there is Mr. Serious in our backyard.

Spunk-ness

Is that a word? ha. This one was spunky for sure - loved her personality! I mabe missing from the blog as I move to Cali and all that good stuff. Wow. What a big change! Soon we'll drive my SUV with a hitched trailer across the U.S. (stopping in St. Louis to visit my Photog buds Tarah Craft and Michelle Huesgen) and making our new home in S. California. Phew!

Click to see full images

Aww, Shucks

Today I was nominated (they had over 4K votes) as one of the top 5 child photographers on Blu. Very cool to be nominated and up there with some other fab Photogs like Audrey Woulard & Jinky. {:c)

  

Summertime

{ ... Pant ...} Baby it's hot outside here in Pittsburgh. Granted, I am soon moving to California so I better get used to it, huh?I am still taking clients until September and booking limited fall sessions the week of October 11th.

Here is a preview for Mom - isn't he a cutie pie?

Kiddo

People often assume that I have tons of images of my son since I'm a children's photographer, makes sense, no? Well, I do have some great captures of him (I'm biased), but not enough snapshots. Being a photog I have to force myself to forgo composition, lighting, etc. and just capture the moment. Remembering that I'm not just taking snaps for me, but for him. I'm working on it. Here are some recent non-snaps of my lil' man.

Etsy Finds: Two

More into the world of Etsy ... here is my latest find! A child photographer who in turn makes fun -n- funky "portrait worthy" clothing for all of us!

Arfeiniel's Shop

 

Sunset Tea Party

Tomorrow I head off to Michigan to teach a Workshop; but before I do I wanted to post a few preview images from a recent session. I knew Mom and I would get along great when she said on the phone in booking her session that she "loved my shabby chic style". So I was sure to bring on the pink & shabby for this session. (Those are real cupcakes, yum!) Her girls had gorgeous rich chocolate brown eyes and bubbly personalities that made this session lots of fun!

Note: Typepad is still wonky. Click images to get better view!