What, did you really think I was going to talk about politics? Nah. At 63 years old, I have lived through intreresting times and in each, just adapted. What keeps me sane is photography and laughing at stupid memes. Besides, you can belong to whatever party you like but for me, the best one is in Nashville . . . woooo!

So first, apologies for falling behind on the newsletter. Things got busy and working in a new studio has meant fixing some procedures. But as the French say, c’est parti (on with it)!

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT - THE GALLERY BOX

One of the products I offer in my studio is the Gallery Box. It is a versatile and practical way to display your portraits while also being beautiful. A funny fact - the boxes are made in Ireland of solid wood that is sourced from . . . Appalachian hardwood. So it starts here, goes there, and comes back again. Read here for more details and even some suggestions on how this can be more than “just a box of photos.” Do you already have existing photos that may need some cleaning up? I have done restoration work on old photos, and having them cleaned up and printed in a box like this makes a very special gift.

FIND ME IN THE HEART OF FARRAGUT

I am happy to announce that Best Version Media has asked me to be the cover photographer for their Heart of Farragut magazine. What a great role! I get to meet very fine folk and take their picture while visiting one of the prettier towns in West Knox. I am grateful for this opportunity!

GOING OLD SCHOOL WITH FILM

Sometimes with the marriage proposals I photograph, the weather does not cooperate - like being bright and sunny when the desired vibe would be more Autumn and darker. As a compromise, I decided to go retro and break out my Bronica S2A. There is something about film that is timeless (especially black and white) and vintage cameras are fun. Mind you, if you have ever heard the sound of the shutter on a Bronica S2A, you’d know this is not a stealth camera - it’s LOUD! Read and see more by clicking the button below.

Speaking of loud . . . my apologies to any Bama fans but really? UT pipes extra noise into Neyland? Nah, we’re just loud, proud, and one Big Orange crowd - GO VOLS!

ONCE UPON A DAY AT THE LAKE

What better way to capture the breed that is a Golden Retriever than to have them on a dock by water? With a studio and Photoshop, the lake came to us for sweet Scout’s portrait session. As did the turtles. Check it out by clicking the button below!

CHRISTMAS GIFTS

Now is the time I see a lot of photographers offering gift certificates. If you are looking for one, I can arrange one for you where you choose an end product - a canvas, a print, a custom album - and get 10% off the proce of that product when purchased as a gift for someone - tell me your budget and let’s see what we can do. I will provide you with a customized certificate to place under the tree. I think telling someone that they can come to me, have a session of their choice, and receive something is a lot better than giving them a piece of paper that says they get $xxx to spend. Good for a quick Christmas gift, good for a rising senior, good for an expectant mother, good for Grandma who can never get enough pictures of her family in her home . . .

AND SPEAKING OF CHRISTMAS . . .

Santa season has started at the studio! We have limited spaces available for the hour-long Wonder of Santa but you can still make it! And on December 1st, I will have 20-minute smaller sessions that will feature the setting and painterly effect from the Wonder of Santa with Vintage Santa Pictures. These pictures are more of your traditional pictures with Santa but will still feature the painterly effect seen in the Wonder of Santa (and you can sign up online).

Click on the buttons below to find out more and call me - but don’t hesitate because these will be gone after this month!

For the Vintage Pictures With Santa, I will be moving a couch into the set because I am mindful of the dogs that come to have their pictures made with Santa. Of course you should bring your dog to Vintage Pictures With Santa!

One thing that has kept me BUSY is with my other business line, Smoky Mountain Marriage Proposals. As I write this, I have photographed 149 marriage proposals.

And no one has ever answered the question with a no!

I’d like to think I am the good luck charm!

In closing, let me say this - regardless of whether you were happy with the results of November 5th, life goes on. In my studio, it is all about having fun and making custom artwork for you. You love whom you love and to have them captured in something that will make you happy is priceless. Also, today is November 11th - Veterans Day. To all who have served . . . thank you. I remember especially my late father, Frank Martin, who was there on Omaha Beach at Normandy in 1944 - RANGERS LEAD THE WAY!

See you next month!

Best always,

Stephanie