exquisite Elaine #23

After leaving Ponce Inlet, I was back on 95 heading for Sebastian. This was an extremely meaningful shoot for me because I was photographing my long-time friend, Elaine Murphy Napier. I remember when I first met her...or at least I think I do. We were in the second grade and lived only a block from each other. Those childhood summers were magical. Elaine, my cousin Jackie, and I spent summer evenings playing hide and seek with the other neighborhood kids until it got dark. During the day, when the sun became too hot we played jacks and pick up sticks on my grandmother's front porch...the concrete was cool and smooth. When it rained, we built dams in the street getting muddy, but having a great time! I can remember playing "movie stars," "robin hood," "store," "school," "beauty shop," and even "cowboys, and indians." I wish I still had my turquoise Annie Oakley holster. 

It had been several, maybe 15 years, since we had seen each other, but we picked up where we left off. We talked as fast as we could to catch up on each other's lives. As always, Elaine let me be the bossy one as I told her to stand here, turn here, tilt your head this way, put your glasses on, take your glasses off and smile, smile, smile! 

After I finished photographing her we had a few minutes to sit and talk a little longer. Larry, her husband joined us and Michelle, her younger daughter, stopped by with her darling baby boy. I'm sorry that I missed seeing her older daughter, Nancy. There just wasn't enough time. 

Elaine is and always has been a beauty...inside and out. Some things never change. Love you, babe. 

wild Wayne #22

It was day 2 of the Florida shoot and I was on my way south on 95 to Ponce Inlet, where I was going to meet Wayne Ernest, his wife Peggy, Lynn Reeser Fischer and her family. Lynn suggested this area and I'm so glad she did. Although it's not the easiest to find if you haven't been around Florida, it was truly a beautiful location. The inlet is separated from Daytona Beach by the Halifax River. Unfortunately I didn't have time to photograph the bright red lighthouse; there was never enough time. 

Wayne was such a good sport. He allowed Lynn, Peggy, and I to primp a little and make a few adjustments. Kinda makes you wonder, doesn't it? After a few minutes, I captured that handsome smile and perfect pose. Doesn't he look great in that bright green shirt? I also love those cool non-glare glasses. That made my processing so much easier! 

I can't forget to thank Lynn's husband, Bob, for holding the reflector. That was no easy job, and I really appreciate it! Bet you're wondering why I titled this "wild Wayne"...well, he surprised us with one pose that I DID NOT suggest. Scroll down and you'll see it. He was a hoot!

fantastic Fred #21

You gotta love him! Fred is one of the happiest, most likable, generous and patient guys I know. Okay, maybe I'm not 100% sure on the patient scale, because he plays golf, and we all know what can happen on the golf course. Now I'm sure he wouldn't throw his golf club and shout obscenities like Tiger, or...maybe I need to think this through.  

During this shoot, there were three women watching and two giving orders, but it didn't bother him at all. It was important to capture his smile and I think I did. Do you see that twinkle in his eye? 

Fred, it was wonderful seeing you again. Thanks for being a part of this project and thanks for letting me stay at Club Fred! You don't really throw your clubs, do you?

merry Mary #20

After a month of planning, I finally made it to Florida. I spent the first night with Mary and Fred in Ponte Verda. Visiting them is like going on a vacation. Mary makes sure that all of her guests are having a good time, and that includes having plenty of wine! Love it! 

I took this shot of Mary soon after we arrived. The lighting was perfect. Standing in this shady spot, away from the sun, helped me to focus on her bright blue eyes. When I was talking with her the other day, I mentioned that I had never noticed just how blue her eyes were. I mean, we lived together for several years in Atlanta, and I never noticed! That's the truth. I loved the pop of color on her lips...just the right touch. 

Mary, thanks for making my first Florida shoot a great one. Oh, one more thing. Can Tom and I move into the cabana? 

joyful Jennifer #19

For as long as I've known her, Jennifer has had a great sense of humor. In this image, I tried to capture her cheerfulness and her joyful spirit, and judging by that pretty smile on her face, I think that was accomplished. 

This picture was taken in Charlotte during one of my quick trips and I was so glad that we could meet and squeeze in her photo shoot. 

Jennifer, thanks for waiting so patiently for me. I hope you think it was worth it!