It's August and that can mean only one thing!

Football! I came from a high school that did not have a football program. So, I have to admit when I first moved to Newport I wasn't sure why there was such a stir in town when football season rolled around. Then Britt became a dancer and I found myself getting more and more involved. Now, I think I am just as excited as the football moms and Greyhound alumni. What a great way to support our youth!

I will be on the sidelines to cover as many games as possible this season. Although my fall wedding season is shaping up to be a busy one, I will squeeze in as many games as I can. I have already had parents coming up to my on the field and sending emails with their son's jersey numbers. I'll do my best to catch them in the action.

We have some new great products for this year. Scrapbook pages and collages are shaping up to be the HOT item. Sports tickets are cool and new this year, great add-ons for those die-hard scrapbookers. Photo buttons and statuettes are great ways to feature your favorite athelete. Check out some examples on the website in the Products and Descriptions gallery.

I am really excited that this year I can offer a donation back to teams and organizations with team and invididual portraits. Every team or group has to have them. This is my way of showing my commitment to youth sports and activities in Jackson County. If you haven't scheduled your team or group yet, call 870-219-6504 and let's get that date booked!

See you at the game! - Cheryl

Runyan Family Portraits

Hannah and I set out early Saturday morning for a family portrait session with the Runyan Family. For weeks preceded by 100 degree temperatures, we were blessed with cooler weather. But, in true Arkansas form, it was soooo humid. Our families go back to the days of Heather and my daughter, Brittany, starting kindergarten. Hunter and Harrison were just babies then. I even remember a time that no one would sit within five feet of me and Regina at basketball games! We were just a little more passionate about it than some of the other fans:-) This year, we moved those girls into a dorm room. They grow up too fast. So with years of school and sport activities in the middle, they are my long-time friends. They are a beautiful family and I had so much fun photographing them. Here are my favorite portraits from the morning.

And, then there was Harrison just being Harrison...



You guys were great! Regina and Dennis, you have gorgeous children. I hope you had just as much fun. - Cheryl

A well deserved vacation

We have all been working very hard this year. Even our off-season this year, wasn't such an off-season. Not complaining - I love what I do. But, it's been a very busy year. A week ago we packed up the car, literally - it looked like two of my girls were permanently moving - and headed to Gulf Shores, Alabama. Me, Britt, Lindsay, Hannah, and Alex headed out for a long weekend of lying on the beach. We had an awesome time, and I wanted to shared some snapshots of our great vacation.

As you can see, the girls are ready to try out some body board surfing…

Looks like they figured it out pretty well...

This is my absolute favorite time of day on the beach...

Alex took this family portrait for us

This was my favorite portrait of the kids - I just told them to be themselves

So we have a great vacation. Enjoyed lots of beach and pool time, ate tons and tons of fresh seafood, and rested up. Now, I am recharged and ready to get back to work!

Operation Smile

I am so excited about our new charity, Operation Smile. During October, participating member studios of Professional Photographers of America (PPA) from across the country are joining together for “Family Portrait Month", a national fund-raising effort to benefit Operation Smile, which helps children who suffer with cleft lips, cleft palates and other facial deformities.

We are pledging 20% of our sales to Operation Smile during October. October is an ideal time for families to have their portraits created, because the holiday season is just around the corner. Few gifts are appreciated as much as portraits of family members.

When families participate in Family Portrait Month, they will change the lives of children who would otherwise face a lifetime of pain and rejection. Each year, Operation Smile, a private, not-for-profit organization with thousands of volunteer surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses and other specialized health care professionals, performs free surgeries on thousands of needy children around the world. In as little as 45 minutes and for a cost of approximately $240, one cleft lip surgery can change a child’s life forever. Each year, more than 100,000 children are born with a facial deformity in Operation Smile's 25 partner countries. Tens of thousands remain untreated.

My goal is to be able to contribute enough to complete 2 operations to a child that otherwise cannot smile. I know my clients are going to be just as excited about the good work we can do and help us support Operation Smile. If you haven't booked your family session yet, please call today 870.219.6504.