Oops.. Catch up time..

It is so hard to keep up with social media, it is scary. I am going to try to do better and I am going to start with boot camp for blogging. Maybe it will put me back in shape. November and December has been very busy for me and I was loving every minute of it. Here are sneak peeks of the sessions I have done for the last two months. Stay tuned for a brief summary of each session.

Lets start from top to right to left.. 

Arian: An old patient of mines while I was working in Early Intervention. She has grown up so much. It was such a joy to see her family again.  She is a miracle.

Clay, Carter, and Currie (Mom): Clayton lives in his own world which is Autism. He is also a former patient of mines.  Lovely family and I am happy for Currie with opening a new chapter in her life.

Bottom: 

Michelle and the girls (Lexie and Sadie): Ok, I thought my dog was rotten .. LOL I was wrong. The girls got him beat. This session was meant for her holiday cards.Check out the fancy neck wear. Sassy Chic  (the one who is holding them) is the designer. She is up and coming and wait watch out.. She throws a mean party as well. 

Elijah: Sweet boy, loved every moment with him. He is the son of a mutual friend. His mother was a delight to be around and truly loves him. The connection with them was priceless. 

Paighton:  I was going to shoot this sweet girl at the Railroad Park, but realized the park was crowded so we made a change of plans to the gardens (which I do not like btw, but hey you do what you have to do).  That day I am so happy I had my running shoes. But all in all, this girl is a diva. Her mother works for the stop that I shop for my daughter ALL THE TIME. Sadly, they know me by name now.. LOL

I will end this blog with this note. Three of the children has special needs. My focus in 2012 is to photograph more children with special needs. I am allowing myself to have one or two pro bono spots to families who want high quality pictures. These individuals with special needs need us. 

Until Next Time

XOXOXO

Tosha

●● Big and Lil' Man ●●

My morning started around 7:30 on a Saturday... going to Pepper Place for my weekly fruits and veggies.. off to  Brookwood Mall to hang out with my lil' group at the store Journey's and Earthbound.... Cell phones rings.... Lord, it is my brother, Will... wondering to myself what does he want.... 

Will: "I am in Leeds and do you have your camera?" 

Me: Yes, why?

Will: "Me and Caidon are dressed alike and I wanted to see if you wanted to take pictures since you have a new location here. Where are you?"

Me: "Brookwood Mall, will be there in 30 minutes.. 

I need to finish up with Trey and Terrence"

How can I turn down a photograph opportunity. This impromptu session was hilarious. I had to chase a very energetic 3 year old in a small gated area. I just decided to forget it. I will caught him in the moment.  The funniest part of the story is.....

Me: Caidon can you sit down here, please. Auntie want to take a picture of you here!!

Caidon: NO!! It is too high and I will fall

Me: You will not fall

Caidon: You will fall too, no picture!!

I love that boy.. But check out the end result of our impromptu session. The elements of the environments.

Until next time, Tosha XOXOXO

There is always.....

 A special place in my heart for VSA Alabama. I received a message from Patti, the executive director, of this wonderful organization which had me almost in tears. In the past, I used to attend the Art Partners program each Saturday to photograph the magic of a the collaboration of individual with special needs paired with a community artist. Might I add, I was amazed to see a child's creativity at work. 

One of my favorite images from these sessions has always has been this:

This image is powerful within it itself. On a side note, I am a pediatric occupational therapist  and I had the  opportunity to see this child grow for 2 years when I was working in early intervention. Back to my phone call (Sorry!!), I was asked to take part in The 9th Annual ArtPartners Live Auction and Showcase on August 21th @ B&A Warehouse starting at 5:30pm . What am I doing.. Taking pictures, of course!!  This is kinda interesting because my daughter, Kay (if you do not know her, I guarantee you will very soon) kept asking me when we are going back because she missed the employees and wanted to paint again. In my mind, I was thinking I miss them too, but been trying to deal with my rocky roads of life especially with her. I thought taking the things away I like would make life better, but it didn't. Taking away the things that I enjoyed left me with a hole in my heart and I felt so incomplete especially when I was sacrificing the things I love to do. Patti provided great comfort knowing what I am going through at the moment and being the kind-hearted person that she is.. I had to close my door at work and teared up.  It is so good to know that people really appreciate you and provides you the powerful words that helps you see life in a positive manner.I will end this entry with a quote I posted on my Facebook personal and Fan page :

‎"Life is short. Break the rules. Forgive quickly. Kiss slowly.Love truly. Laugh uncontrollably And never regret anything that made you smile, Enjoy Life! 

Until Next Time, Tosha {Love, Peace, & *Art*}

   VSA Alabama - Check them out! Good to see my pictures being used for a great organization.