Judy #29

Judy was one of the first classmates living in Florida to contact me. We spoke on the phone several times getting to know each other. She was quite helpful in connecting me with other classmates with whom she thought would want to participate. 

The reason that I describe her as jubilant is because at the time of the shoot, she had just completed a MAJOR medical procedure. She is one strong woman to go what she went through and still be willing to come to the shoot. 

I enjoyed meeting Judy and getting to know her better. Her positive attitude, sweet personality, and beautiful smile were reflected in this image. Judy, thank you for coming to the shoot and being part of the project. Stay well!

Jenni #28

When I was planning this Florida trip, I needed to find a beach on the gulf coast that would be convenient for four of our classmates. I googled "cute beaches near St. Petersburg" and this one came up, Pass-A-Grille. I had never heard of it, but I notified all four friends and set a date and time for the shoot. Had I know that I would have to cross that bridge from hell, also know as the Sunshine Skyview Bridge, I can guarantee that I never would have gone there. Never. (There are lots of videos about it on YouTube, but this one is short. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWIp5dIycBc&feature=endscreen.)

As luck would have it, I didn't have a heart attack and my legs stopped shaking enough to enable me to walk around and find a suitable location. After the equipment was unloaded, I perched myself on a park bench and waited. 

The first to arrive who was driving a snazzy convertible with the top down, of course, and wearing a fedora, was Jenni Cunningham. 

Jenni is a hoot! Happy, confident, caring and generous are just a few words that describe her. Bottom line...she is a good person. Thanks, Jenni for being part of this group and making the shoot so much fun. 

Ray #27

Penny and I met Ray at his home in Estero Beach right after he played a round or two of golf. What a good sport! I know, you know, and the American people know that posing for my project was probably the LAST THING that he wanted to do, but he did. 

This image was taken in the back of his condominium just when the sun was starting to set...a perfect time of day. 

Guys are so easy to shoot...like Ray, they follow directions EXACTLY as directed. I have a theory about that. Do you think they will do anything to speed the process along so they can get away from the camera? Hummm. To me, his session took what seemed like two seconds...to Ray, it was probably an hour! I was able to capture the sun setting behind him, but that will be in the book and it will be beautiful. 

So, there's Ray. Reliable, because he did what he said he was going to do when I was just starting this and that was to be a part of my project. Responsible, because he just is. He has a blog, read it...www.raynasser.blogspot.com. Radiant, because he posed right after playing golf all afternoon. He had a little sun on his face and happiness was reflected in his eyes...he must have had a good score!

We ended the session with a glass or two of wine with Candy, his wife, and two friends who were visiting from Virginia. Thanks, Ray for taking the time to be a part of this. 

Penny #26

Here is Penny Gail Ginger, my friend of many, many years. We lived in the same neighborhood as children, went to Simms Elementary, but lost contact when I moved and went to Miller and then Cammack.  Four years after my move, we were back together, hitting the halls of HHS! The memories we share of those years are priceless. After graduating from high school, we both went to Marshall and spent the summers working in Myrtle Beach.("May I take your order?"...if you know what I mean.) Well, one thing led to another and the next thing I knew, Penny, Barbara, Mary and I landed in Atlanta to seek fame and fortune. Needless to say, that didn't happen, but there are lots of stories to tell, but that would take hours or days or even months. Really. 

After thirty or so years, Penny moved from Atlanta to Fort Myers. Judging from this image, Florida seems to be working out for her. I shot this image in Ray Nasser's backyard in Estero Beach. 

I should have known that she was going to wear purple...it's her favorite color. It all started when she pledged Tri Sigma in college, but she'll deny that. I must admit that the color looks great on her. Her eyes are bright, her cheeks are blushed and her lips are pink! Great smile, Penny! You are lookin' good! 

Linda #25

Now I know that we don't carry around our Webster's everywhere we go, so I'll help you out with this one. Lambent means beaming, luminous and radiant. There you are and there is Linda Lilly Kelly.  

After hanging around Palm Beach with Sandy, I hopped in the car and headed south to Boynton Beach to "shoot" Linda. She gave me great directions and before I knew it I was in her neighborhood knocking on her door. 

Her home has lots of trees and flowers that make it easy to take great shots. Of course, her colorful sweater that matched her beautiful blue eyes, and her pink lipstick added a lot of "pop" to this colorful shot. 

Although we only had a short time, I loved seeing and talking with her. She is such a sweet person who I appreciate being a part of my project. 

Sandy #24

After spending the evening with two family friends in Port St. Lucie, I ventured to West Palm Beach the next day to photograph Sandy Smith Coster. She gave me directions to a baptist church where we were to meet. Wouldn't you know it, by the time I got there the service was over and there were people everywhere! We finally found each other thanks to cell phones! Thank goodness, her friend, Bill, was willing to chauffeur us as we scoured for locations. West Palm Beach and Palm Beach are two beautiful cities...so much to choose from and so little time. 

We finally settled on the historic hotel, The Breakers. I know this is awful to say, but it looked to me like you had to have had some serious work done (if you know what I mean) or you must be over 80 to stay there, but the grounds and the interior are ideal for portraiture photography. 

This image of Sandy was taken in an outdoor cafe connected to the hotel. Her red jacket against the green foliage was a photographer's dream.  And speaking of a photographer's dream, I was able to capture the sparkle in Sandy's big brown eyes. Notice how her hair matches her eyes...she looks gorgeous! The image that I'll put in the book was taken in the lobby. Get ready. 

After our session, we went back to West Palm Beach and had lunch at a restaurant across from the waterway. So beautiful. Thank you Sandy and Bill for showing me your beautiful city and for the lunch! It was wonderful seeing you and getting a peek into what you've been up to in the last 40 or so years!

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.