The Bride with the Guitar...

I have to admit, this is the first wedding I did myself. I am usually the second shooter. However, for my first wedding alone, I do have to say, Laura and Pete made it very easy for me. I had a blast on their wedding day which was filled with laughter and love. I have known Laura for years and she always had a smile on her face. This day was not any different except when she was getting ready (LOL!). 

Thank you for allowing me to share this moment with you both.  

Words are just not quite enough today

When your love will light the way

To a wedding filled with joy never ending

The warmest wishes are what I am sending you both!

Congratulations!

XOXOXOX 

P.S. It is pretty cool to see a bride with a guitar.. I am just saying :-D...

A Day in Avondale Park

Last June, I participated in the Living Social Deal in order to help with my marketing since I am finally calling myself a "professional photographer." It did not only helped with marketing, but it also has given me an opportunity to meet awesome families, like the Taylor's. I scheduled this session during the Art in Avondale Park event, which I am proud board member (hehe!) This family was a joy to work with and I love sweet Millie's personality. Hey eyes are truly stunning. Here are a few sneak peeks from the session.

Please feel free to comment...

March Madness (part one)

I love the month of March for many reasons such as waving winter goodbye and saying hello to the spring (even though the winter has some spring like weather, weird.) Goodbye to the one hour extra for sleep (I need it back...NOW) and hello one hour less of sleep. I am also saying hello to Kaylen's new sport of lacrosse and I have to say, I am loving being a lacrosse mom. It is a great joy watching her play and it is only going to get better.

I am definitely saying hello MARCH MADNESS, if you do not know, I love me some basketball especially when I was younger that was one of four sports I kicked butt in. The month of March is also has been a breaking point for my photography. I remember frankly that I said I will never do a wedding in my career, I rather be a second shooter for someone.. Well guess what! That has changed. My style changed and my sessions are changing. I am learning being more personal with my clients will help me with my new endeavors. I have to admit, I am working with a wonderful planner. (STAY TUNED .. THIS CHICA IS GETTING CERTIFICATED AS A WEDDING AND EVENT PLANNER.. ALSO SHE IS ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A WEBSITE AND BLOG.. I will help her of course. Why wouldn't I? She helped me. Your blessings always come back to you in threes. March has brought me some pain and misery which I need to be strong and pray and think positive. It also has me thinking about what I need for my business as well as my professional career as an occupational therapist.. Decisions.. Decisions. One thing, I do have to announce will be price changes... Please stay tuned for Part 2 of March Madness for Tosha Gaines Photography...

Until Next Time,

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.