www.lumierephotoartistry.com

So, I'm really excited that as of Monday, my new blog and website will launch...or at least my website hosting creator and hoster says it will launch.

YAY!

Join me there. It's going to look lots cooler - why? Well, because I am no computer programming expert, so I am now paying someone for it to look cooler.

I'll post the new blog link when "they" tell me what it is:-)

The Workshop Workbook!

Photogs - this is such a great tool! The Workshop Workbook is full of tips for posing, shooting, and creating beautiful master pieces! Purchase it at www.theworkshopworkbook.com

Rwanda the Beautiful!

Well, I am back in one piece and I must say, it feels gooooooooood to be home. The soles of my feet were black from trekking the African soil for 10 days, but I took care of that little problem today.

The thing I was most impressed by my trip to Rwanda was the power of the human spirit that so many of the people there possess. We met women who had lost their husbands, all of their children, all of their families, and some men/women were children when the genocide happened who were heading homes because they lost their parents. The genocide in Rwanda wasn't just a tiny little uprising in the country - over one MILLION people were slaughtered over the course of three months. The history is vast when it comes to the genocide, but more prevalent is a nation that is in the process of renewal and revival.

I remember the next to the last day of ministry, heading into the Village of Hope to meet with some widows who were living there. Upon pulling into the village we could hear celebration coming from one of the meeting houses - they were praising God and dancing like they had never had a worry in the world. Yet, when we heard their stories, we heard of loss like nothing else I have ever heard. Their strength is just beautiful to me.

The orphans were also little rays of sunshine within themselves. Literally, all they wanted was love. Now, suckers (or "bombos" as they call them) were a big hit too, as they barely have food, much less candy...but, mostly all they wanted was to be held and to have someone show them attention. We painted faces, made them bracelets, and our main gift to them was a water purification system.

I will absolutely never forget the beauty of the people of Rwanda. From Lake Kivu to the Nyunda Noel Orphange, to Muzanze, and on into the villages of Kigali - there was beauty in the strength of what will someday be a great nation.

POTD - Photo of the Day!

Two - sunny Finley and Braelyn the beautiful!

I miss when my little man was 4 days old!

I shot Rayney when she was 4 days old - she was so good, that I couldn't stop shooting. She is sooooo calm - which is good for her mother, as she is a third child and neither of her brothers are over 2 years old. Brooke gets a medal in my book for being the most amazing mother in the world!

So many Photos, so little time!

Leaving for Africa very soon - for those of you looking at my work that are not facebookers, I wanted to post some additional things on here for you!

I thank everyone for the kind words - I am incredibly blessed to have you as clients, as friends, and many times clients that become friends!

What a Great Weekend of Shooting!

I was given so many great gifts this weekend - several families chose to give me their time and share their beautiful kids with me. I couldn't be more thankful for that privilege...

Some of the pics are surprise gifts for some unnamed peeps, so I cannot post those previews for another few weeks...but I'll attach a few gems that I love!