Memories of Holidays Past and Thoughts of the Future

© Spellbound Images by Wendy - All Rights Reserved

As I sit here eating left over lasagna and listening to some soft tunes on my media player with new speakers (one of my best Christmas gifts this year), my mind wanders from Holidays past to the most present. Some have been great... while other have been tough to say the least. Although I'm more of “the glass is half full” kinda girl, I cant help but think there were holidays that we're more on the empty side.

Even though this years holidays have been filled with love, gathering, and gifts, there always seems to be more that I want to do. The past couple of weeks have been filled with thoughts of parents, siblings, and children. Even though most of my children are grown there are so many things I wish I could do for them, and at times it saddens me to know that right now there just isn't anything I can do. I try to concentrate on the small children this time of year... the ones who still believe... the ones who rely on the rest of us to create a happy, healthy environment.

I remember growing up and never wanting for anything. I know it was a much simpler time, but the holidays were always filled with the warmth of family and giving. I have memories of building snow men, snow ball fights, and sledding... I don't know how we dealt with the cold, but back then... the cold didn't matter. We were young, and life was about fun! I think children grow up too fast these days. I think children should be enjoying friendships, and playing out doors... like we did. I remember I never heard my parents fight when I was a child... that's one thing I don't think children should have to deal with. It's so easy for couples to just terminate their relationships these days and children walk around confused and sometimes blaming themselves for their parents problems. Some things are just better kept behind closed doors. Even though when I was a young child I only saw my dad on the weekends (he worked away from home during the week), I knew he worked hard and provided everything we needed. On the weekends he spent 90% of his time with us kids. We did fun things right at home... we watched chicks be born, we bathed the dog in a wash tub, he built play houses out of refrigerator boxes for us, and bathed us so my mom could have a break. I remember once when I was probably 11 or 12 we had a big storm with snow drifting to the second story of our apartment complex (which my daddy was building for some big wig), and dad and I dug tunnels through the snow, then strung Christmas lights throughout the tunnels. When it was all done and said we just sat there in our giant igloo with colorful lights and enjoyed the peace around us. My children have endured many ups and downs in their life time, and I only wish they will have memories like I do.

These days I only speak to two of my four siblings. I'm not one to kiss anyone's ass, or at least kiss it several times. They know what they have done and therefor will not get the time of day from me... I have more important things to spend my time on... like my children, my business, and happiness for those who deserve it. It's rather sad actually that some people just turn out the way they do.

Most of my children and I spent a wonderful Christmas eve together... great food, good conversation, and the exchange of gifts. A couple children couldn't be here as they live in NY now with their families, but everyone who could be here was here. Almost everyone listened to me this year and we did concentrate on only the little ones when it came to the gift exchange. With as many children as I have it's just too much to try to do for everyone... and if your under 18, then you are still a child in this family. Even my 16 year old did his best to purchase gifts for his younger sister and nieces and nephews. He's leaning the spirit of giving. I started making lasagna when I was 21... my dad loved my lasagna and prompted me to make it every year we were together. So we have made it a tradition to gather on Christmas eve, exchange gifts, and celebrate my dad by having lasagna.

I have a new honey in my life (2.5 years new), and this year we decided that we would also stick with his holiday tradition of a Christmas ham... and we celebrated his Mama at the same time! He contacted his sister and got the recipe' for his mothers scalloped potatoes... they were most excellent! Even though he has a hard time with our tradition, From now on we will follow both customs and enjoy the holiday combined.

My thoughts have also been running forward and going back to college... of course when books start showing up at the door you realize that this is the real deal, and you should be getting prepared. I think that most of my classes will be a breeze as I've taken some of them before (why I have to take them again I don't know), however... Public Speaking will be a definite chore for me! I do not speak in a loud voice, and even hate the thought of raising my voice. Hopefully it will teach me to speak eloquently to the public, and to my clients. That would be the goal anyway. I'm sure my Art classes will be the most interesting and fun for me. I've also had thoughts of traveling as a student during the summer, but I'm afraid that just isn't in my budget right now. In any case I am trying to mentally prepare for the change my life is about to take. Wish me luck!

I also think about my personal relationship, and how my children feel about it. Lets face it no one is getting any younger. I wonder where it is heading... I wonder if this is the way it should be... or does it go somewhere from here? When you've reached 50 plus years should you just relax and enjoy the ride or do you always push for more? Who says you have to fall in love, get married, and have children? I've already done that a couple times... it didn't seem to work out so well.

The photography business has been good to me this year with things moving forward nicely. Sometimes I get impatient and worry when there are lulls... but I'm extremely happy when the highs hit and I'm busy busy busy! It's okay though... next year I will be more prepared for the lows and find some creative marketing to do during those times!

Through the help of loved ones and hard work I have acquired just about everything I need to run a small photography business. Much like my Dad I don't think I ever want to be “big business.” I don't think I could ever imagine anyone else taking the picture... editing the picture... or adding any creative touches to the picture. If I ever did imagine something like that it would be reserved for my children... well, the ones who are interested anyway... and there are a few. :) I would like to thank each and everyone of you who have helped me reach some outstanding goals this year!

Now we are planning for our New Years Eve Party... time to remember the past year, and look forward to the new one!

From My Family to Yours... We Wish You a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

Love, Laughs, and Photographs,

Wendy

Where's Wendy? Heading for the New Year!

As 2010 comes to a close, and we prepare to bring in the New Year, I would like to thank all my friends, clients, and fans! I would also like to recognize all my clients that have become friends and all my friends that have become clients! What a Great Year we've had here at Spellbound Images! Our Blog, Facebook, and website, (with the help of Google, Bing, Yahoo, Thumbtack, Yelp, and all of our Wedding search sites) have also helped us enjoy a successful year!

We've enjoyed creating our Babies and Bellies Video, Client Calendars and Books, and photo's for our High School Senior Year Books! From Beach Weddings, to Glamour and Boudoir Sessions, to fitness portraits, we've covered a wide variety of photographic tasks. I enjoyed every minute of every session I've shared this year!

As the 2011 comes in, it brings with it new challenges. Starting with going back to school in January, and Weddings already booked for Spring and Autumn. Going back to school is both exciting and scary! I'm looking forward to my degree and nervous about fitting in at the same time. However when all is said and done... it's the learning experience that is most important... and I just cant wait!

For the year ahead I hope to make more new friends, learn new things, and photograph lots of clients, old and new! So as the clock strikes midnight on December 31st be sure to wish your loved ones a Happy New Year and look forward to the beginning of a better tomorrow!

Remember to be safe!

Love, Laughs, and Photographs,

Wendy

Happy Holidays From Spellbound Images by Wendy!

From Our Family to Yours, We Wish You a Wonderful Holiday Season filled with Merry Memories to Warm Your Heart All Through the Year!!

Where's Wendy? Shooting Sexy Ladies!!

© Spellbound Images by Wendy - All Rights Reserved

Since Mid November I've done several Boudoir Sessions. It has come to my attention that as the holidays get nearer the more requests I have for this type of photography. Beautiful women from everywhere... ranging from 20 something to 50 something want to do something different for that special someone in their life. Every woman wants to feel sexy and beautiful no matter what their age is. I consider myself pretty lucky when it comes to Boudoir Sessions most female clients prefer a female photographer for this type of sitting, and have expressed that in their initial phone call, up to the time there prints, albums, calendars, or any other material has been delivered. Remember... DO Not shoot this type of session for anyone under the age of 18, and always get a model release form for this or any type of portrait photography.

this...

became this...

 

Here are a few things you should know about shooting Boudoir Portraits:

When a model or client is changing clothes... and it doesn't matter whether they are putting on, or taking off, they should always be allowed their privacy. Everyone likes to be comfortable in their own space even when it means taking off clothing or wearing very little clothing for their session. So each and every time a garment change takes place they should have a private place to do so.

Always take a couple test shots. At first everyone is a bit stiff or nervous... take some test shots, show them to your client while letting them know what looks good and what they might want to change in their posing, or expression. As you talk to them and show them, they will start to trust you are there to make them look good... and they will become more and more comfortable.

Always compliment your client. While you are shooting your subject you should always express that they are doing a good job with comments like “Good” - “Cute” - “Very Sexy” after each click of the shutter. It will reassure her that she looks good, and that her photographs are going to be awesome!

You should never touch your client unless they ask you to. If and when she does ask, you should always try to be helpful with things like garter straps, buttons, stocking hooks, bra straps and shoe straps. In fact it would be even more helpful if you had an assistant, or suggest beforehand that she bring along a friend to help her out with such things. Which brings me to my next hint...

Boudoir sessions are fun in groups! It can be a bit tiresome for the photographer, but when you get a group of girl friends together for the same purpose they usually jump right in and have a wonderful time! They help each other with clothing, with posing, with expressions, and usually break out the wine and munchies to make it all a great experience!

Before you try to succeed in Boudoir Sessions be sure you have honed a few Photoshop skills. When all is said and done no one is perfect, but with a little blemish removal, skin softening, eye brightening and sharpening you can bring out the true beauty in anyone. I do not remove anything that isn't requested. Some women like their freckles... some don't. They will let you know. I do however remove stretch marks, and scars, unless they tell me otherwise (some women are proud of their stretch marks, although I haven't found many).

There you have it! Follow my advice for a successful Boudoir session and you'll not only get some great photographs but you'll have bunches of fun... and so will your clients!

 

Love, Laughs, and Photographs,

Wendy

 

All images captured with the Olympus E500 on Lexar Digital Media.

Where's Wendy? Here, There, and Everywhere!

© Spellbound Images by Wendy - All Rights Reserved



The past week has been pretty busy in “Wendy Land.” So much so that I haven't had time to even sit and write a blog. From camping on the Hillsborough River, to Thanksgiving celebrations with the family, to Clearwater Beach Portrait Sessions, and Boudoir Sessions in Clearwater and Lakeland, I've hardly stopped to check email... let alone write anything valuable. So today I will just let the images speak for themselves....

The over cast sky was perfect for reflection shots on the Hillsborough River.

We did see a bit of Fall color... Autumn comes so late in Florida.  The weather here is still beautiful with temps in the 80°s!

A client in Clearwater wanted Boudoir shots for her husband for Christmas and ordered a beautiful photo book as a holiday gift.

Three other clients decided they wanted to do calendars as Holiday gifts for their husbands...

I gotta tell ya... eBay shopping at 4 am can be great fun at great prices.  I found the polka dot dress in the image above on eBay... What a great deal!  Perfect for this type of session!

Having a completely mobile studio makes it easy for me to photograph my clients in the comfort of their own home... and when you can get a group together for this kind of session it makes it all the more fun!

I carry several pieces of lingerie, as well as some shoes (depending on your size), and all basic post editing (smoothing, blemish removal) is included in the price of your package!

 

Clearwater Beach Portraits are also popular this time of year... there are so many visitors to the beach over the holidays and Beach Portrait Sessions are a great way to create memories for years to come!

The jumping pose is by far one of the most favorite among my clients... and of course I always suggest it as soon as we head towards the water.  :)

I love it when the parents give me the go ahead to do natural, un-posed shots of their family... especially on the beach!  Kids love to wander around in the sand and play in the water, and I love to create dreamy spontaneous images that will last a life time!

When I have more time I will separate this post out and give you more in site on the facts and fun of all of these sessions... in the mean time... it's back to work for me!

Here's hoping everyone had as Great a Holiday as I did!

Love, Laughs, and Photographs,

Wendy

All images captured with the Olympus E500 on Lexar digital media.

Happy Thanksgiving!

© Spellbound Images by Wendy - All Rights Reserved

With the Thanksgiving Holiday behind us I would like to share a few things that I'm Thankful for...

I'm thankful that I have beautiful children who try to understand all my faults, all my quirks, and all my anal tendencies.  Together we have survived a lot.  Whether I'm right or whether I'm wrong they stand beside me, encourage me, and always have my back.  They are wonderful in every way possible... even with all their diversities.

I am thankful for the man in my life... even though some people may not understand, and even though every moment hasn't been easy... he has allowed me to be "what I wanted to be when I grew up", he has faith in me, and even though we are completely and totally different in so many ways he listens to me, excepts me, and opens his mind to things that have been unusual in his upbringing.  He is and always has been my biggest fan.   

I am thankful for my friends, new and old.  During the past year I've made some new friends, and more importantly have found some old ones who came missing after an ugly employment situation.  We have picked up where we left off and for some us have become closer than ever before.  I have also found high school friends that I had lost touch with, honest to goodness people who haven't changed a bit over the years, and I only wish we hadn't lost so much time between then and now.

I am also thankful for the clients I have met over the past year... the local ones and the ones who come from far and wide to visit Clearwater Beach, and who have contacted me to photograph their families and loved ones.  Photography around here can be a tourist industry, so I'm also thankful that this is my home.

I have so many things to be thankful for that I could go on for ever, but alas the day has been as long as it has been wonderful, and now it is time to rest.

Here's hoping you enjoyed your Thanksgiving Holiday and celebrated with good food, good cheer, and with loved ones that you are Thankful for every day of the year!

Love, Laughs, and Photographs,

Wendy

How much is Enough?

© Spellbound Images by Wendy - All Rights Reserved

While I was reading a blog post from Scott Bourne this morning (I always read his stuff because he offers great information) I got to thinking... The post was titled “Slimming Down” and talked about how much gear he had and how much gear he carries around. He discusses having too much and what a distraction it can become. Go read his post and then come back here and finish this one....

As a portrait and wedding photographer I always want the latest gadgets, best camera, lighting equipment, and prettiest backdrops. Of course the perfect moment would be nice too... but that's another story and something we are always fighting for as a photographer. However, I understand where Scott is coming from on this... and I think it's because I have so many kids. I learned early that when you travel with kids (even if it's just to the grocery store), they need stuff! Lots of stuff! Diapers, bottles, wipes, toys, etc. It makes you tired having to carry all that gear around with you every where you go... not to mention, the kid, the car seat and the stroller. Plus you have to have your own belongings; purse or wallet, sunglasses, and any womanly essentials that may be necessary. So by the time my second son came along I was done with carrying all this extra baggage. I threw aside the diaper bag and opted for one purse large enough to hold all my stuff and all babies stuff (only what I absolutely needed for any particular situation). After my 4th child was born a friend of mine asked me if I would ever be able to walk around without a diaper in my purse? Little did he know there were 5 more children to follow.

So now that I'm a full time photographer I have acquired a bit of equipment, a couple DSLR cameras, a couple external flash units, extra batteries and flash (memory) cards, 4 different lenses, lens hoods, filters, etc. so I carry one camera bag, that also holds all my personal stuff like wallet, biz cards, and glasses. I'm also a completely mobile photographer, so I carry around my lighting equipment, backdrops, tripods, props, etc. in my van all the time (I know there isn't a sports car anywhere in my future). I never get bogged down with too much equipment, I keep it simple and only take what I need to each shoot. I always take a back up camera, a back up flash, and back up batteries and flash cards, but that's it! That's enough! If you've been doing this long enough there is no reason why you can't assess the situation, and figure out what you need ahead of time (along with back up... because you never know when something is going to bite the dust in the technology world)! 

Remember... Lighten Up!

Love, Laughs, and Photographs,

Wendy

All images captured with the Olympus E500 on Lexar digital media.

Where's Wendy? Hillsboro River!!

© Spellbound Images by Wendy - All Rights Reserved

On Monday we took a ride in search of a place to have our next camping extravaganza! After some online research we found ourselves heading north to the Hillsboro River State Park! We are looking for in state places where we can enjoy some camping during this beautiful season in Florida... before it gets too cold! I know you northerners are laughing right now, thinking we don't know what cold is in Florida, but believe me... it does get cold for us... especially when our bodies are so used to the tropical climate! So... this is the time of year when we can really get out and enjoy ourselves!

Of course we had to stop at the front gate and pay our entrance fee (all state parks are like that, I assume), so we inquired about camping and received a map with prices and attributes. We drove into the park with it's native Florida landscape, reading signs and searching the map while deciding our best course of action. We looked at the slow hiking trail, and the fast (shorter) hiking trail to see which one would suit us for the afternoon... we decided on the shorter one for time reasons. I wanted to see the rapids (class 2), and I wanted to check out the bridges. Hillboro River State Park has 2 bridges, and one is a suspension bridge... even though I hate height's and get ill from motion very easily, I wanted to see what this was all about. It wasn't at all what I expected. I thought it would be a bridge that was suspended across the river by ropes and would be very scary... as it turned out this bridge was suspended from cables and wasn't very bouncy at all.

Unexpectedly our fast hike turned into a long one! We found both bridges and decided to make our way across the suspension bridge. On the other side there was a definite hiking trail but that wasn't the one I wanted to take. Along side of the river there was another primitive trail that looked as though it wasn't traveled by many, but I'm sure the ones who did take it, and probably helped make it had a camera in their hands. We tracked through the brush, stepping over tree roots, climbing the bank at points and pushed palm fronds out of our way. I stopped and looked at every clearing finding the best places to shoot the river, the bridges, and the rapids. I think we actually walked 3 or 4 miles by the time we made it back to the van.

We saw turtles, fish, and birds... and even though there were signs about gators we never came across any, even walking the trail closest to the water. When our hike was done we sat and observed the beauty of the river, took more photo's of the water scape, and each other. I'm sure we've found the spot for our next camping journey! The kids are going to love it! We plan to take our peddle boat, and canoe. The park has canoe rentals also, as well as bike rentals, and life jacket rentals. It offers a concession stand, that serves breakfast and lunch, and has a store for essentials you may have forgotten to take with you (such as food, sweatshirts, soaps, firewood etc.). We drove through the camp site area and have already picked out the spot where we would like to set up camp (right near the canoe launch, campfire circle, and best of all... over looking the river)!

We also visited the contact station, which was once the place to purchase tickets to enter the park. Now a-days it is a small interpretive center which holds artifacts from the Seminole Indians and the Second Seminole war. Some of the artifacts were quite interesting... a bone toothbrush, what was left of hand made dishes and bowls, and crafted candle holders). There was many more, but I'll leave that for you to check out for yourself! The historic building reminded me of homes from when I was a child in upstate NY, and I couldn't help but get a shot of it from several angles.

So here is another adventure for you... If you haven't been there, and you enjoy camping... check out the Hillsboro River State Park, and take in some relaxation time with canoeing, hiking, fishing, and certainly do some photographing!

Love, Laughs, and Photographs,

Wendy

All images captured with the Olympus E500 on Lexar digital media. Post enhanced in Photoshop CS4 using Onone, and Tapaz adjust plugins.

Where's Wendy? Getting Ready for the Holidays!

© Spellbound Images by Wendy - All Rights Reserved

A few months ago I posted information about Holiday Portraits, and here we are just a week and half away from Thanksgiving! Time does fly when you're caught up in life! This time of year, photographers are busy, and printing companies are even busier! However, now that we are down to the wire I have had several phone calls for Holiday Portraits! That is just how life works these days... everyone lives on last minute decisions.

Our printing companies (yes we use different ones for different projects), are working overtime and weekends to get all your portraits done in time for the Holidays. They are even working Sundays and late into the night! Be warned though... anything ordered after December 18th will not get to you in time for Christmas, and even that is cutting it close. Remember there is a process that your images go through when I capture them... Every image I create is inspected, sharpened, and sometimes processed before it goes off to the printer. The busier I get the longer it may take to make your photo's perfect! Also keep in mind... I'm not the only photographer who uses these printers... they have thousands of customers to make happy this time of year!

This is just a reminder that my cut off date for Holiday Portraits is December 13th. Not that I wont still create portraits for the holidays, just that you most likely wont get them in time to share on the 25th! So if it's important that you have them before the 25th, get on the phone... get me an email... or send me a message through Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, etc. I would like to make your Holidays special!

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Love, Laughs, and Photographs,

Wendy

All images captured with the Olympus E500 on Lexar digital media. All post editing is done with Photoshop CS4, Lightroom 2, using Onone and Topaz adjust plugins. New background papers compliments of Ashe Design.

Where's Wendy? Heading Back to School!

© Spellbound Images by Wendy - All Rights Reserved

“When you stop learning, you stop living.” I'm not sure where I heard this or even how long it has been, but it is one of my favorite quotes.

I've had some kind of camera in my hand for as long as I can remember, or at least since I was a young girl. Now most of my learning has come from trial and error, doing my own research, and applying what I have read, and seen. So just because you aren't in school does not mean you aren't learning. However, I have decided to learn in a more formal setting by going back to school. I want to take my photography to the next level and I feel that in this day and age things are changing rapidly in the photographic industry. I for one want to keep up! So it's off to school I go!

I thought I would be starting school last semester, however things don't always go the way we want, and Albany NY was a little slow in getting my high school transcripts to St. Pete College. My previous college was on top of their game and had my college transcripts here in a matter of 5 days. With the delay, all of the classes I wanted and needed were already taken by the time I could register.

There was also some confusion about a placement test, since it has been 27 years since I've been in school, so that was kind of a run around and time waster for me. Since the last time I went to college I made the deans list the people that run the testing office, sent me away. As it turns out I did not have to take a placement test and I'm finally enrolled in a full time schedule at St. Pete College for the spring! School starts in just a few short months, and this time I will be ready and in class when it does!

So here is my advice to anyone wanting to learn, whether you are going to school or are self taught... study, study, study... apply what you learn, and never stop doing these things over and over again! Times change, styles change, equipment changes, and programs change. You must always be willing to study, apply, and change!!

Love, Laughs, and Photographs,

Wendy

Where's Wendy? Creating Pre-pre School Portraits!

© Spellbound Images by Wendy - All Rights Reserved

Yesterday was my Grandson's 7th birthday... and I always try to celebrate with my children, and grandchildren on their special day. I have 10 grandchildren, some in school and some not. A couple days before the party my daughter messaged me and asked if I could bring along my equipment and take a few pictures of her youngest daughter Lileigh, who is not in school yet. She was looking for something to go along with the older kids school portraits. Even though I'm not a fan of typical school portraits I understood what she was looking for, and why.

My daughter lives in a nice apartment... however it is filled with furniture and kid stuff... not to mention we were having a birthday party! So room was a little bit of a factor. To pull it off we cleared a spot of toys and candy in the living room. I pulled out my blue backdrop from the van, which was about the same color as the other kids portrait backgrounds. Instead of putting up my stands I just had two of the guys hold the backdrop up behind her, about 4 feet away. We used a small table to sit her on, and I brought along my light stand with flash/umbrella bracket. I set this up about 2 feet away from my subject... camera right, and had my daughter hold my silver reflector at a 45% angle to camera left. I captured this one with my wide angle zoom lens.


Now Lileigh may only be 3 years old, but since she's MY grand daughter she knows exactly how to pose... she knows what Nana is looking for, and even though everyone else was running around having a great time, she sat long enough for me to pop off 4 shots, and smiled beautifully!


When I returned home I went to work in the digital dark room to recreate the texture in the background from the other children's portraits, although it's not perfect, it is a pretty good match. I removed some boo-boo's, softened her skin just a tad, brightened her eyes, and did a quick overall sharpen. Wa la! A pre-pre school portrait.


I wasn't sure what to call it at first since she isn't in pre school yet, but my daughter thought pre-pre school was the best name for it. I remember when I was younger, and we did school portraits, my mother was allowed to take my younger sister to the school to have her portrait done... why don't they do that anymore? Something to think about if you're a school portrait photographer.

Love, Laughs, and Photographs,
Wendy

Images captured with the Olympus E500, on Lexar digital media, with the Zuiko 14-54 wide angle zoom lens.

Where's Wendy? Downtown Dunedin!!

© Spellbound Images by Wendy - All Rights Reserved

When I first started doing portraits in the area I didn't always go to Clearwater Beach. Although the beach has a beautiful natural backdrop, sometimes I just want more out of my portraits. I want that urban look that pops colors and textures... and so do some of my clients!

Since I've been in the area, Dunedin has always been a place that appeals to the senses. It's small, comfortable, and you never get the evil eye from venue owners for capturing their establishments as part of your portraits. In fact they welcome it! Seriously I've been to some local cities where they follow you around and want to know what you're doing just because you are taking photo's of their architecture, even if it's is just in the background of a portrait. It leaves a bad taste in your mouth and makes you wonder if you should ever attempt that again.  You can always expect a friendly face in Dunedin!

Dunedin is the perfect setting for capturing teens, and children... because of it's lively colors and wonderful textures it brings a pop to their portraits that you just cant find in most places. It makes them feel alive, and they love to revel in the promise and wonder of this small towns eclectic style. It certainly provokes curiosity and happiness for client and photographer!

Because of it's historical impression Dunedin also works great for vintage style portraits. From the street lamps to the stage in the center of Main St. this town is the perfect place for photo's with an old time appearance.

Out door stairways, benches with arbors, abstract painted walls, as well as bricks, and stone, make this the perfect spot for photographing those funky Seniors, and spirited Children! And that's not all.... stay tuned for more exciting photo opportunities in Dunedin, Florida!

 

Love, Laughs, and Photographs,

Wendy

All images captured with the Olympus E500 on Lexar digital media. All post editing done with Adobe Photoshop CS4 using Onone and Topaz adjust plug ins.

Where's Wendy? South Beach, Miami, Florida!!

© Spellbound Images by Wendy - All Rights Reserved

The last stop on our mini escape was Miami, I hadn't been there since the 70's and my partner had never been. Of course we stopped off at the Hard Rock Miami, for dinner and a cocktail, before exploring other parts of Miami.  You will find that a lot of my post's will include shots and info about the Hard Rock... I believe it is our goal to visit each and every one!  This particular Hard Rock happened to hold a bar that was a replica of Eddie Van Halen's Frankenstein guitar!  We were seated in a booth surrounded by Elvis (my personal favorite), and our waiter Dave was awesome!  After dinner we browsed the memorabilia of 100's of artist while listening to great music on the Hard Rock music channel.

It was getting late (almost dark) when we left the Hard Rock, and made our way to Ocean Drive, and South Beach. I hadn't visited the Atlantic Ocean in several years, yet the water was just as beautiful and blue as I remembered it in the past!

After a walk and a few shots (photographic, not alcoholic) :) on the beach we made our way down Ocean Drive where the night life is really kickin! If it weren't so late I would have loved to stop and take night shots of all the great restaurants, hotels, motels and clubs. The ambient light was amazing! Rainbows of neon for as far as the eye could see. Beautiful! But Alas, it was late, and we still had a 3 hour drive back home.

I will be heading back to Miami soon to capture all of it's beauty including Ocean Drive... with it's lighted venues, amazing cars, and exciting night life. Spending more time in South Beach is definitely on my schedule!

Love, Laughs, and Photographs,

Wendy

All images captured with the Olympus E500 on Lexar digital media.  Post processing done in Photo Shop CS4 using Onone, and Topaz adjust plugins.

Where's Wendy? The Jupiter Lighthouse!!

© Spellbound Images by Wendy - All Rights Reserved

When I found out we were going to Jupiter, Florida I decided to do a map search to see how far away it just might be. I love Google Maps!! When the map search brought up Jupiter, Florida it also included pictures... and one of those pictures was a Lighthouse!! Well... if you know me... you also know that I have a very high affinity for lighthouses! I don't know why, I just do! Maybe it's the whole nautical thing, and being the daughter of a sailor that makes me go gaga over them, in any case I do love a nice lighthouse! We made it our very first stop when we pulled into Jupiter, as it was Sunday and the lighthouse waterfront museum would not be open on Monday.

Digital Watercolor

We didn't actually get to go up into the lighthouse as it was closed for renovations (a nice new coat of paint I believe), but we did get to take the tour and check out the Tindall home, and the engraved brick walkway, not to mention it got me close enough for some great shots! The lighthouse has been part of the Loxahatchee River history since 1860, which makes it 150 years old this year (the reason for the sprucing up I'm told). They will be celebrating their 150 Light Years on the 20th of November with a fund raiser by the Loxahatchee Historical Society, that will include music, food and drink, and a live auction.

The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse has shined brightly through the civil war, two world wars, and countless hurricanes. It's surrounding property is home for 11 coast guard families, and the Pioneer Tindall home which we were allowed to tour. The Tindall home is filled with some awesome memorabilia from the late 1800's and early 1900's.

If you ever get to the East coast of Florida, this is a must see landmark. Not too far from West Palm Beach, and not to far from Port St. Lucie! I cant wait to go back again!

Love, Laughs, and Photographs,

Wendy

All images captured with the Olympus E500 on Lexar digital media.