Where has the time gone? At the end of each year we do a complete evaluation of our business and practices and make tweaks for the new year to improve what's working and fix what's not. This year we have updated and repaired our equipment and streamlined some of our procedures so we are prepared for future success.

We have upgraded our computer systems and improved the security of our critical image-storage systems. We have re-verified our automatic backup systems and insure we are protected from the loss of customer images. When we photograph at your event we immediately have 4 copies of each image on 2 different high-speed flash drives. When we get back to the office (typically the same day as your event) we copy a 5th & 6th backup of each image to an additional hard drive. Within 24 hours we make a 7th & 8th backup copy on a redundant RAID drive.

During our editing process (over the 2-weeks after your event) We make copy number 9 and backup number 10 of your edited images and then we upload the high-resolution copy number 11 to our website where it will remain stored in the cloud for many years. During the first 30-days after your event we make copy number 12 of your images to an offline hard drive that is stored in a fire-proof safe. Within 3 months of your event we delete copies #1-4. A year after your event we delete copy #5. We keep copies #6-12 indefinitely.

We currently have 5-years worth of images online that can be accessed immediately. We have 15 years worth of images offline that we can access within 30 minutes if needed. This elaborate and sophisticated system is just one additional reason why so many people trust us with their precious memories. (if you order a print from us from your own digital file, that file goes into this same system and we end up with at least 6 backup copies of your image).

COVID has forced a lot of changes and made things difficult for everyone. We have lost vendors & staff. We have overcome the majority of those setbacks. (thanks for your patience during the unexpected delays). A lot of our business is event coverage and even this month we continue to have events cancel or be postponed. We do the best we can at our facility to stay healthy and maintain a germ-free environment. Our staff has voluntarily chosen to get all the CDC recommended vaccinations and stay up-to-date with local and national requirements. We follow the guidelines at your specific location (whatever is required) and will do our best to accommodate your needs.

We expect 2022 will continue to be "two steps forward then one step back." We will just keep on keeping on! Most ALL of our supply items have increased in price, we will hold-off on a price increase as long as possible. We have seen the biggest jump in prices on paper products (just like any other wood product). May you and your family all have a safe and prosperous 2022! We look forward to working with you.

Because we are not always in the office (due to limited staff hours and on-site photoshoots) we ask our customers to reserve a time on our calendar. To make this easier, we have added online scheduling to our website so you can review our availability and choose the best time to come in.

Currently online scheduling is only available for; headshots, passports, consultations, pickup & deliveries during regular business hours. After-hour appointments & weekend events would still be scheduled VIA e-mail, text or a phone call.

A lot of new photographers are creating 'stylized' wedding photography shoots to create pictures for their website or promotional purposes. They call a bunch of their 'wedding vendor' friends and get them to bring props, do hair and makeup, donate a dress, etc. and spend an afternoon shooting 'models' for promotional purposes.

These type of commercial photography shoots may be good practise for the photographer when they have a similar corporate assignment. We recently did a shoot similar to what I mention here except it was a legitimate commercial client needing photos to publish in a bridal magazine.

I am happy to share these photos as a representation of what I can do on a commercial photo shoot with professional models, makeup, hair, etc. What I won't do is mis-represent these type photos as 'wedding-day photography'. Photography on your wedding day is much more challenging and is in a less controlled situation.

Long and drawn out 'modeling photo sessions' on your wedding day can often ruin the wedding-day timeline and create a bad experience for your family and guests. (ever been standing around starving at a wedding because the photographer kidnapped the bride and groom and nobody knows when they will return or when any food will be provided?)

We shoot our weddings in a photojournalistic style, (more candids than posed photos), and stylize them in a 'true-to-life' manner (crisp and clear) so they represent your colors correctly and will preserve your REAL memories classically (rather than faked ones) for multiple generations.

These types of stylized photo shoots are very appropriate for vendors who sell tangible products as it allows them to get good-quality images for their promotional purposes of the items they have available in unique and beautiful surroundings.

Don't be misled; if you see 'modeling and stylized' photos on a photographer's website be sure to ask the hard questions so you get a real understand of what you will really be getting on your wedding day.

Just like any well planned and long anticipated event, you have lots of expectations for your wedding day and some things will work out just as planned and others may not. One thing is for certain, your special day will be uniquely yours!

The same is true for your wedding photography plans. Long and drawn out wedding-day modeling photo sessions are often cut short due to the time restraints of the live event.

We often tell brides that you can do a 'setup modeling photo session' any day of any week, but your wedding is a 'once-in-a-lifetime' event that won't be repeated. We try to focus on the important storytelling images that accurately capture the whole day.

We have photographed hundreds of weddings and have seen a common pattern develop. Weddings move fast and most brides agree (after the event) that it goes by too quickly and a lot of what you fret about may not have been worth all the worry. If you don't slow yourself down and take it all in, it will just be a big blur.

Our storytelling images help you recall just what happened and solidify your best memories! Your Heirloom PhotoArt® Storybook Wedding album will help you share those special moments with your loved ones and future generations that couldn't attend the event.

Many brides (and photographers) obsess about the 'getting ready' photos that ultimately will NOT be your favorite photos from your wedding day. Sure it may be a fun time to bond with your girls and 'hang-out' before the wedding, but after all is said and done, it won't be the most cherished part of your wedding day.

Some wedding photographers sell themselves as the 7th bridesmaid that will be fun to 'hang-out with' and will take a ton of pre-ceremony, getting-ready photos. But most brides find, after the wedding, that they did not 'look their best' in the getting-ready photos (pre hair and makeup?) and the best part of the wedding day wasn't in the bridal room!

Do we really need a photo of the wedding dress hanging on a hanger? As wedding photographers we all take this obligatory shot, but doesn't the wedding dress ALWAYS look better with the bride in it?

Call me crazy for stating the facts and talking about the obvious, but you will be glad we got tons of photos of your ceremony, reception and more of what really happened and less of you getting ready!

Rain or shine, hot or hotter, Florida weddings are in full swing! We love unique, individualized weddings that are nicely planned and executed! Trying to have a 'perfect' wedding will only stress you out and make you crazy. Best for the bride to plan a romantic and fun wedding that will create good times for your family and friends and lifelong memories. No matter your wedding-day plans, we will insure every part of it is captured in the best way possible. Our wedding photography expertise will insure you will enjoy your event and not worry about the photos. When your family, friends, and ancestors view your incredible Heirloom® album they will be able to enjoy your awesome wedding day even if they were unable to attend.