Having had a busy summer, it's hard to believe it is August. I am up for more changes, as my youngest is starting high school, my second oldest son just got married, my son who is in the Marines might be moving, and my son in Atlanta is getting ready for a break, so that means that 2 out of the six are staying put. As our kids have gotten older, we are not together as much any more. Which is hard. Two weeks ago though for the first time in a long time, we traveled together to see my son Daniel get married to his sweetheart Kayla. We called the trip "Johnson Family Wedding Vacation" knowing full well that  we were bound to have an adventure. We traveled to San Antonio. 9 of us on one flight, 2 on another. The wedding was that day so we immediately went into wedding mode and didn't stop until we got home the following Sunday. I was so happy to have all of my six kids together in one place, even though it  was less then 24 hours. It was a wonderful 24 hours where pretty much we just enjoyed each other's company. I won't go into the next few days, my disaster on the river, and the sweltering heat. It didn't matter. We had time together which was priceless.

So we weather the 100+ degree heat and move on. I actually like change, it gives me a fresh, everything is new approach. But for some they prefer the routine of the same thing every day. I prefer the change since it reminds you to be on your toes and that your alive. This summer I have had the chance to photograph some fabulous people in some unbelievable locations. So my wish for all of you is to embrace the change, see the photograph in everything you do. The photograph doesn't lie, it remembers better then we do. As a parent, you can't ignore the change. It's coming like a runaway train. Embrace the moments that you have. They are only yours for a second.

A friend posted on Facebook today about the NHL playoffs. She is a Bruins fan and is excited. I am a Blackhawks/Predators fan and both teams are in the playoffs. It occurred to me what a crazy month April is. We just enjoyed the Masters, NHL playoffs are starting up and the NBA playoffs are just around the corner. I will wrap up classes at Nashville State in a few short weeks,  and Easter is coming so fast, even though in my eyes, it’s late! These are things we experience every year and we are always surprised when these events show up and slap us in the face. Not to mention, Prom and Graduation is in the air!

Add all of this up and throw in an 18 year old who is moving to Atlanta for work. It’s only temporary. Four quick months, maybe longer . But we have had to find an apartment, make arrangements, he is supposed to be packing, ha! But for a mom, it’s never easy when one leaves the nest. My son Kevin at the time was the quickest to leave. He was 18 yrs 8 months old when he left for boot camp at Parris Island, SC. That one was tough. Graduation on Saturday, swearing in on Monday. Plus he was going into the Marines. So it was emotional. And Parris Island is a LONG drive from Nashville. This one is for work, and we work closely with Patrick so we will see him since Atlanta is only 3 1/2 hours away. But the house will be minus one more, at least for the summer. The silence will be deafening. But again, this is April right? Time for new beginnings! So it is all appropriate.

I recently attended Photoshop World in Orlando. I am totally a Scott Kelby junkie and it was 3 days of overdosing on everything Photoshop. I had a blast. I took advantage of being at my old hometown of Orlando to see some old friends and headed out to Disney Marketplace to shoot some amazing pictures. I  took a triple exposure that I will share with you. I feel the picture really captures the magic of Disney World no matter what part of the kingdom you are visiting!

After a snow filled winter, I for one am glad that it looks like Spring has arrived. This can mean so many things, baseball season is starting, proms are getting underway, tryouts for next years squads and teams, as well as busy plans for summer vacations. I walked outside today and it was overwhelming that I don’t need a jacket! It’s the little things for sure!

As a photographer, I am thrilled because the best lighting a photog can ask for is our good friend the sun…I am excited to get out and shoot nearly anything as long as the sun is there to help me. To raise your spirits somewhat, I am sharing with you a shoot I recently did with my daughter Hannah, and her friend Kara Lucas. We were definitely in the Spring/St. Patrick’s day mood and we had a beautiful day to shoot.

I hope your spring is fairing just as well! Enjoy!

It’s been a busy week here. Started out last week with corporate headshots at the Century 21 Premiere office in Brentwood! Got a lot of fantastic pictures and I am in the middle of processing the proofs right now.

In the middle of that we headed down to Atlanta for Patrick to have another shoot day on the set of ‘Ex-Mas Carol’ which will be on ABC Family this Christmas. We will be heading back and forth for another couple of weeks before shooting wraps in September.

Hannah had her first football game of the season for Heritage Middle School and the cheerleaders were in fantastic form!

I wrapped up, for the most part, this week with another corporate shoot for Michelle Mills. It was awesome shooting her and her family for her company Willow Balm.