Tammy Belin Photography

Michelle and Tyler

2010-06-16T13:25:00.003-05:00

Where Have I been???

2010-02-11T20:54:00.004-06:00

It's been a long time since I've been here. Many of you know I lost my father August 30 last year. Loosing my Dad was worse that words can describe. I've always been very close to my dad. I grew up going to the farm with him to take care of the cows and all the other things involved in running a farm. I was my Dad's sidekick. In college I lived at home and was in my Dad's office every day---I was a science major and my Dad was Chairman of the Physics department at Henderson---most of my classes were in his building. When I moved back to Arkansas after spending 2 years working and in graduate school in Texas, I saw my parents every week. Most often they came up to Little Rock. I was blessed to have my parents move in next door to me--officially when our home in Arkadelphia sold in November 2008. In April of 2009, Dad was having some symptoms resembling a blockage and after seeing a Cardiologist we learned that he had an aortic anneurism. We were devestated but since the doctor didn't seem to be to concerned we thought things were okay. He just told Dad to take it easy and could walk for exercise a little every day. He went back for another check-up in July. Still the anneurism hadn't changed much and the doctor still didn't express how much danger my Dad was in. Dad was alway working on projects and even with my mom and I continually trying to get him to relax and take it easy it wasn't enough. On August 30, Sunday Morning, my Mom and Dad were getting ready to go to church. They were at my Mom's old homeplace in Prescott. Dad collapsed from the ruptured anneurism. Even with the ambulance only minutes away there was nothing anyone could do.

Words cannot express the pain of loosing a parent---not to mention one that is your Hero. My Dad was an amazing man. At the funeral the young preacher who had known my Dad for 10 of his 30 years talked about what a wonderful man he was. The song leader was a man that was one of my Dad's students and had become part of our family when he was in college at Henderson. Students and friends posted entries on the Funeral Home's website talking about how Dad had been an important part of their lives. I knew what a great man my Dad was, it meant so much to me to hear that others thought so much of him too. Henderson honored him by having a Henderson State Campus Police escort from Arkadelphia to the Cemetary at Pleasant Hill near the Prescott home.

My Dad was, for lack of a better word, an intellectual. He was a Christian but more than that he lived what he believed. I found one of his High School papers---it was titled "Do the Right Thing." That's how he lived. He lived sacrificially giving to those he loved and those he didn't know. He always put other people before him. The day he died I know without a shadow of doubt that there was a celebration in Heaven when one of God's finest came home.

Save the Date Magnets!!!!!

2009-08-12T19:24:00.005-05:00

What a great way to announce the wedding date! Save the Date magnets are the one thing you purchase for your family and friends that will get the greatest response. I know this because my parents still have our cousin from California, Allison's Save the Date magnet from 2 years ago--on the fridge! Here is my most recent design for an upcoming wedding, all of my magnets are 4x5, larger than most you see on-line AND they are photographic paper!

Engagement sessions are a discounted session to all of my wedding clients. We have a lot of fun in these sessions and provide you a variety of poses.

Brooklyn and Richie picked a few faves but the one they chose for the Save the Dates was perfect!

The Summer of Weddings

2009-07-27T23:08:00.007-05:00

I can't believe how long it has been since I posted on this blog! I've been really busy having a great wedding year and children's portraits year too! As for the weddings, something special stands out about every couple so far this year---I've driven all the way to LePanto (I loved the radio station in Jonesboro on that drive), seen the Cathedral of St. Andrew since the restoration has been completed(which by the way is absolutely gorgeous!), revisited Fayetteville for a wedding, enjoyed getting to know my bride from Broadway, as in "on Broadway" from "Mama Mia," had 4 weddings so far this year that were siblings of previous brides, and survived a unexpectedly very hot outdoor wedding in June.

Just a few weeks ago I photographed a bride at the Foster-Robinson House. I was thrilled with the results. They have a pond and fountain which at first I wasn't so excited about. Often water doesn't turn out quite like I would like in portraits because of lighting, reflections, etc. Once they turned the fountain on and it was really perfect for portraits. I look forward to returning and playing with the exposure to create an even dramatic portrait in the future.

I have to add the portraits inside turned out beautifully as well. Overall my client was thrilled with the finished portraits. We captured the different looks that she was looking for.

Spring Cleaning

2009-03-25T23:32:00.007-05:00

I finally upgraded to a new projection system for sales appointments. Now my clients don't have to sit at the computer but can sit comfortably on the couch and enjoy their portrait projected on the screen. I can project portraits and even show them at the sizes available as they are making their selections. I rarely get motivated to clean but getting the system installed inspired me to organize my desk and get things shining. Cleaning is my least favorite thing to do but I'm enjoying it this week.

It's Spring Break and my girls are home for the break. They more interested in playing but they have been helping with the cleaning which has been wonderful. They really enjoy seeing their accomplishment.

As for the break, we went to Dallas this past weekend to take my nephews home after their Spring Break, we had a playdate with friends from Bentonville, Matthew and Brad, and we're planning one more fun event before the week is over.

The portraits shown on this post are some of my recent sessions, the babies were wonderful but then again, what baby isn't???

It's Girl Scout Cookie Time!

2009-01-14T11:55:00.003-06:00

Many of you know I am a Girl Scout Volunteer currently leading a troop of 19 3rd Graders. It's that time of the year again, my oldest daughter is selling cookies. If anyone out there would like to support our Troop please let me know. Cookies will be on sale until January 25th. We have all the old standards (Tagalongs, Samoas, Thin Mints, Do-si-dos, Lemon Chalets and Sugar-Free Chocolate Chip) and a new one, a caramel cookie called Dulce de Leche. Boxes are $3.50 each, profit goes to our troop and local council. Give me a call!!!

Weddings are Rolling In!

2008-12-30T21:56:00.002-06:00

I am so excited about the upcoming year's weddings. It's going to be a big wedding year! I am offering a new special to my wedding clients this year. If you refer a friend and they book their wedding with me, not only do they get a free 11x14 from their wedding but so do you! I figure I might as well reward everyone!

To those of you who have been trying to reach me or meet with me this week I want to apologize for my lack of availability. I have had a sinus infection and it has slowed me down. Don't give up on me though, I know I've got to get over this soon!

This couple was wed recently on that icy Monday before the holidays began. The wedding was at the Capitol Hotel. I was scheduled to arrive around 4:15. I thought I would never get there! The traffic was an absolute nightmare. It was worth it though. It was a very small and intimate wedding and dinner. I was privileged to be among the few guests they invited. I loved getting to know them and hearing the many stories about how they met and began dating. It was a wonderful evening--even with the ice!

I finished up about 11:30 that night and got to drive home on icy roads. That was another wedding experience to remember!

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-30T21:13:00.000-06:00

I can't believe it but I actually got my daughters' Christmas Portraits done! Granted I didn't mail my cards until 2 days after Christmas but it got done! They were so perfect for these portraits. We had decorated the house for our Neighborhood Holiday Lighting contest and the girls wanted to be photographed on the porch with the decorations. We were very excited to learn that we won the "overall" category! It was a lot of fun but we definately want to do more next year!

When designing my Holiday cards for clients and for myself. I like to design my cards from the ground up. I purchase the elements for my cards from a company call "Little Dreamer Designs." The elements I use are designed for Scrapbookers and other creative uses. I have to pay a professional licensing to use the things I purchase for my clients but it is worth. My cards are one-of-a-kind and so far my clients have reported that they won the "Best Christmas Card" award! I heard the same thing about mine which made be very happy!

Christmas and Holiday Cards

2008-12-06T21:42:00.000-06:00

We're coming to the end of our window for ordering Christmas Cards. If you're interested this is the week to do it. If you don't have time this week you can still order New Year's cards in lieu Christmas cards. I can provide slimline greeting cards with your portraits or custom design cards to meet your needs. What better way to share the joy of your wedding day or portraits with your family and friends!

Custom designed cards can include as many photos as you desire inside and out. Below right is the back of this card (upper right.) I thought it was a really fun touch and my client was able to share a portrait of her girls that she really loved.

I will design your cards using the colors and style you like. Because all of my cards are custom designed, no one will receive a card like yours from anyone else!

Fall Portraits

2008-12-06T19:48:00.000-06:00

I always stress out a bit when it's time to go out and shoot outdoor family portraits. I'm wanting to get you the best portraits possible and afraid it just won't happen. I really don't know why I do that to myself. I've been extremely happy with the results of my session this fall. Even this session with 3 sweet little girls. We were blown away with the number of good ones we got. Then last weekend I did this engagement session and I was thinking it was really to late for fall portraits. Boy was I wrong! I was so happy, I pretty much loved everything we got! I didn't really think was had a decent peak fall color season but I guess it really didn't matter!

On this engagement session, this was actually my first time to ever go to the Covered Bridge, over 15 years in this business and I've never been there! I was so happy with the outcome of this session. I really don't know how they're going to choose--they're probably going to want an entire book! These are just a few of the highlights I thought you might enjoy--it was even tough for me to only pick a few!

Amber and Jeremy Nail

2008-11-19T21:43:00.001-06:00

I recently covered a wedding for my mentor and got to know a really wonderful couple. Besides the fact that my mentor, Frank Washburn, thinks very highly of Amber and Jeremy, I found out first-hand what a great couple they are. I truly enjoyed photographing their wedding and getting to know them. I worked with Frank today putting together the Proof Portfolio and a CD slideshow set to some of my favorite (royalty-free) songs. It was fun looking at their wedding again and seeing how happy they were on their wedding day and the great images (if I do say so myself) that I managed to catch of them that day. Thanks Amber and Jeremy for letting me be a part of your day! And thanks Frank for thinking enough of me to leave their wedding in my hands!!!

2009 Is Going To Be a Big Wedding Year!

2008-11-19T21:30:00.000-06:00

I'm not sure why but the calls are roaring in for weddings in 2009. I've already booked 3 out of 4 June weekends and 3 out of 5 October weekends! For the past several years scheduling has been difficult for me with small children. This year though my parents have moved in next door to us and love keeping my children. I started in photography with weddings and am excited that I am now able to once again book more weddings each month. Weddings are always fun. They are among the happiest days in a person's life, probably second only to the birth of your children. I love being a part of them. This year for the first time I am going to advertise in Arkansas Bride. I never cease to be amazed at the referrals I receive from existing clients, I always stay busy, but I felt it was time to reach out to new brides and new families. I look forward to hearing from you! I hope you all are enjoying looking at all the photos on my website and welcome your e-mails and questions!

Fulbright Elementary

2008-11-12T20:45:00.001-06:00

Back right before school started I had the opportunity to photography the Faculty and Staff of Fulbright Elementary. This was a fun project. All the employees were there except for about three or four which was very disappointing. This portrait is still getting lots of comments. It hangs in the entrance of the school and Fulbright is using it in promotional fliers and ads in magazines such as Kids Directory. The funny thing about this photo that I love telling folks when they comment on it is that it was actually an overcast day. I picked the sky up from a recent wedding photo. It was a lot of fun getting everyone together. Of course, any photographer sees things they would love to change later but that's just part of the business! I also do volunteer service work at Fulbright by photographing the kids for the Hall of Fame program. I get to photograph about 60 kids a month. There's a great display of all the kids in the main hallway. They love having their photos taken and seeing them displayed at the school. Some of them really get into it striking fun poses--even the guys who want to look tough even end up having great photos. I've provided this going on 4 years. I love doing it. Mainly because it's just for the kids!

Frank and Lyda Washburn

2008-11-06T20:14:00.000-06:00

This past week was a rough week for many of us in photography. Frank Washburn's wife passed away. Lyda was 69 years old. If you've read my info you know that Frank is my mentor. Well, Frank isn't just my mentor, I wouldn't be a photographer today without Frank. When I first started out, Frank was the one who took me under his wing and showed me the ropes of photographing weddings and running a successful studio. I met him through his office manager Carol Lackey whom I met totally by chance. Frank and Lyda embraced me and without them I would still probably be a biologist for the State.

I've worked numerous weddings, proms, homecomings and who knows what I don't even remember with Frank and Lyda. I was never actually his employee. Frank and Lyda's generosity with me has been immeasurable. There were times earlier on that I got a bit of a "big-head" and didn't treat Frank with the respect he deserved. I quickly realized the error of my ways and apologized to him profusely. I have continued to be there to support Frank through illness and worked with Lyda when Frank had another event to cover. I thought the world of Lyda. She had a genuinely sweet spirit about her. She loved Frank. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her and my prayers will continue to be with Frank through this time of loss.

The Cobbler's Children Don't Have Shoes

2008-10-27T22:45:00.001-05:00

I am a perfect example of that old adage. I am probably the world's worst at photographing my own children. When I finally find a moment to photograph them I don't even take the time to be particularly creative. I'm just so glad I finally found the time to photograph them! Our cat Rosie decided she needed a professional portrait as well. I don't think I've ever had a pet quite as cooperative as her. The girls were thrilled to pose in the swing. They did amazingly well. Quite different from past years. Last year I did the wonderful portrait of them together that's posted here on my blog. A family in Pleasant Valley were wonderful in letting me use their gorgeous yard! Unfortunately, it was the session from **** (expletive). They were being attacked by mosquitoes and I was a less than patient mom. In fact, I guess one would say I was quite ugly. My girls were troopers though and tolerated my ugly impatient behavior. They are amazingly loving and forgiving little girls!

I personally enjoy having parents present on my sessions. I wish I had a spare parent available at my children's session but alas I must go it alone so I procrastinate. I don't know why. Didn't they pose wonderfully?!

Camp High Point!

2008-10-02T21:59:00.000-05:00

This past weekend I took 6 girls in my daughter's Brownie Troop to an overnight event at Camp High Point. First of all, I went to Camp High Point for summer camp 4 times when I was growing up. I have many happy memories from Girl Scout Camp. I wanted to be a counselor there when I grew up. Well, that never happened but I got send my daughter there this summer. She had a blast and this weekend I got to go there and stay with her. I had another mom go with me and I have to say I think we all had an outstanding time. I know my daughter had a blast.

I put together a 20 minutes DVD of all the photos for all the moms that didn't get to attend. I've already given one to one of the mothers and she says her daughter has watched it repeatedly.

I really appreciate what the Camp Director said about the staff that was working at the camp this weekend, "Their blood runs green!" I can really relate to that. I totally believe in Scouting and the positive impact it can have on children's lives. I just wish that more parents would get involved in Scouting. I have a nephew who earned his Eagle Scout this year. I believe his involvement in Scouting has had a positive impact on his life. He has had opportunities to do so many things, like 2 week hiking trips and working in the Florida Keys, that he never would have even thought of doing without Boy Scouting.

I volunteered to be a Girl Scout Leader because I didn't want to see my daughters miss out on Scouting. It makes me sad to see entire grades in my children's elementary school that don't have parent volunteers to lead groups. I heard an adult recently say "Girl Scouting is boring." I was quite surprised and would have to disagree. Any activity is as fun as the adults in charge make it. I have an amazing group of girls in my troop. Last year the troop grew from 7 to 15. This year we had even more that wanted in and I do not yet know where my numbers are going to land. I honestly don't know what I'm doing. We're just using those "boring old" Girl Scout materials and it's so boring it's made Girl Scouting in the 3rd grade class COOL!

Arkadelphia For The Weekend

2008-09-20T22:30:00.000-05:00

My girls and I drove down to Arkadelphia Friday night to paint Mom and Dad's laundry room. It wasn't a huge project but I seem to be pretty efficient at painting so I went down to help get it done in a timely manner. (It would probably take my mom weeks and she wouldn't let dad help so I knew I was her best bet.) Anyway, on Saturday the girls stayed in the house all morning. I finally coaxed them to abandon SpongeBob telling them they were sure missing a lot of fun hanging out outside with Papa. He took them on a mini-hay-ride of sorts. It was a wagon behind his mower. They loved it! They also collected "Lucky Rocks" which I told Emelia she should set up a website and start selling them. We might work on that project! Hey if people will buy tumbleweeds why not?!

I got the room painted, with mom's help, in around 3 hours including priming. It had the original wallpaper which had begun to yellow over the years. The new paint job was a great improvement.

Tara and Cole

2008-09-16T13:13:00.000-05:00

This wonderful couple called me before their son was born to schedule their first session. They first saw my portraits displayed at Pickles & Ice Cream Children's Boutique and then again in the Strasburg Department of Dillard's. When she saw the display portraits she loved them and couldn't believe the portraits she had loved in two locations in town were both from the same photographer. What are the odds?

We had our first session when her son was 2 weeks old. As you can see, his dad has quite a few tattoos on his arms. It was important to incorporate Daddy's arms and hands into some of the portraits. We were very pleased with the finished outcome. I personally can't wait to photograph them again as their son gets older.

Incorporating each family's uniqueness and personality is so important when providing portraiture. Besides pleasing lighting and posing, it is so important to capture all of these little details. These are the things that will make their portraits something they will cherish for a lifetime.

Speaking of cherishing portraits for a lifetime, in 1998 I photographed bridal portraits for a bride-to-be, Christy. Christy and her fiance were having a small wedding and did not hire a professional photographer for the event. Just yesterday she contacted me upset because her bridal portrait had been damaged beyond repair. There was so much anxiety in her voice when she called to see if I still had the negatives. Well, guess what? I have ALL my negatives and digital files from when I started this business! She was so happy and relieved! She ordered a new portrait, a larger one this time, to replace the damaged one. Sometimes I wonder why photographers retain their negatives and files and then I'm always reminded when something like this happens.

When Katrina hit the Louisiana and Mississippi coast, I had several clients contact me about replacing their wedding photos and family portraits. I know I have a lot of previous clients in the Houston area. I hope none of them lost their portraits but if they did what a relief to know we will be able to replace them.

Bueter/Taber Wedding

2008-09-14T22:31:00.000-05:00

Well, I'm glad I don't live on the coast! Hurricane Ike had to be terrifying for those who rode the storm out. Here at home, the wind howled and it sounded like the roof was going to come off the house. We didn't have any roof damage but I saw almost a dozen in the neighborhood that did. There were 3 large pines down on our ridge, miraculously none of them fell on houses. The girls and I camped out in the living room last night, I was concerned about the trees around our home. Happily we didn't loose any, just massive amounts of leaves and limbs down. And we hadn't even finished cleaning up after Gustav.

I don't know if any of you looked at High Profile today. One of my brides, Jennifer Bueter was featured. I LOVED her portrait! Her dress was out of this world gorgeous! The wedding was last weekend. Everything went perfect, the weather was great so we were able to do outdoor wedding photos as well as in the church.

The band at the reception was absolutely one of my favorites---Almost Famous out of Memphis. I highly recommend them. The reception was great, the music was great, everyone clearly had a blast!

I'm a Blogger!

2008-09-10T17:25:00.000-05:00

I'm finally a blogger! It took a while, I've been
swamped with work for the past seven years having my children at home. When many moms cry I have many mixed emotions. I finally sent both my girls off to the same school---full-time---my youngest starting kindergarten this fall. I miss having them here but I'm enjoying being able to sit down to the computer and actually get something done without any interruptions! I'm feeling a little less behind in my work, I know my clients will appreciate that! I'm back to walking at least 3 miles a day which is going to give me a new lease on life!

I'm excited to have more time to once again provide my clients the kind of service I used to provide, pre-kids. I wasn't a procrastinator, your wedding photos and portraits were ready within the week. I'm hoping I can finally get back to that. Things have changed a lot since I had children. As a photographer, I do a lot more of the production work and spend a ton of time in front of the computer. Before digital, the only thing I did on the computer was invoicing and balance my checkbook. Today there's the internet and all the wonderful retouching I get to do on my clients portraits! Oh how wonderful for a perfectionist! There's nothing boring about digital!

I look forward to staying in touch with my clients and friends through this blog. I hope to share more of my life and more of my excitement about the work that I do for my clients. Since my business is just me, it may not be the prettiest blog site in the beginning but being an avid scrapbooker, album designer, digital artist, etc., I hope it won't take me long to make it interesting.