Memories Photography

{PumpKinSeed Photography} New Site....

2009-09-04T10:00:00.004-04:00

Hey, everybody! I finally got my new site up thanks to Rita from CoffeeShop Blogger Designs. She does SUCH a great job! And she'll also help you with other things, if you need 'em. Also, Check out her Freebies Site. I love all of her actions! So, just click here to go to my new site & explore a little. I still have a little work to do, but It won't be long, I'll have it complete! Yay!!! Make sure you bookmark the new site! I'll no longer be posting here. Thanks, ~Alisha J~

Help me choose a logo for my new business.....

2009-08-28T10:34:00.005-04:00

Well, these are just a few that I threw together, but you can kind of get an idea of what I'm going for. I think I'll let the professionals handle it! They're much better at designs than I am! New business, new blogsite coming soon!! Thank the Lord!! ~Alisha~

Things new.........

2009-08-10T22:16:00.008-04:00

I've been thinking about the decisions that need to take place in my business. I'll be changing my business name soon. To what??? I don't quite know, yet! In the meantime, I hope you like the new look of my blog! I snagged this FREE background from My One Cute Blog. If you have any question, feel free to email me! ~Alisha J~

"PumpKinSeed Pics"

2009-08-07T07:30:00.004-04:00

Hey, guys! No portrait session to upload today, but I did need some feedback! I've been thinking of changing the name of my business (you know, before it gets really big! {I hope!}. Memories Photography is so generic. It's really hard for my clients to find on the web! So, I decided on a name that I really like, "PumpKinSeed Pics". I know all of you probably think it's crazy, but it has sentimental value! {Yes, it does!!} For those who know me now, you know I have blond hair, but that's not the real me! When I was little, and all growing up, I had strawberry-blond hair (orange, to be honest!). My Uncle Ray - and a few others - called me "Pumpkin" & I loved it! (until I became a teen!) As a result, the business name, "PumpKinSeed Pics". It's catchy & different! My catch phrase would be, "Growing beautiful memories!" Let me know what you think............& please be kind!! ~Alisha J~

August 1 -- Birthday Girl!

2009-07-31T07:16:00.006-04:00

Every year around this time, I get a little (well, alot!) sentimental! It's Madison's birthday, again! And for those who know her, you know that she is growing up extremely too fast!! When it came time to take her birthday pictures, she had a more "grown-up" idea in mind. This is what she wanted.......

Senior Session

2009-07-09T13:40:00.005-04:00

This was a great Senior Session! Amber was up for whatever I wanted to try, & they turned out great! Thanks, Amber & "Mom", too! More Senior Portraits, coming up soon!

"Old Vintage Look"

2009-07-07T10:20:00.002-04:00

I had an idea about what I wanted Madison & Drake's next portrait to look like, I just had to put it together. I wanted an old, Victorian feel, like maybe in a playroom in an old castle. Needless to say, I didn't have those kind of props, so I just went with what I did have. This is the result. Not bad, I'd say. Aren't my babies beautiful!!

^Aged photo. You can see the "grain" in it, just like the really old ones.

^In this one, I added rich, deep color and also a slight soft focus.

^Yes, I snapped a few of Drake. Madison didn't really like her dress, and her birthday portraits are coming up, so I didn't take hers.

^Retro color effect

^My fav!

A-Tay-Tay (aka. Taylor B.)

2009-07-07T09:34:00.004-04:00

I promised more softball......&, even though I haven't kept up my website, I've been busy with those softball pics, & MORE! Here's just one of the girls that I had the privilege of photographing. She made it pretty easy on me. She's beautiful! And not to mention, a great softball player! Thanks, Taylor, for being up for whatever I wanted to try, & thanks, Toye ("MOM"), for LOVING them. I think she's going on my payroll!! She's done a great job of showing Taylor's portraits & giving out my business cards. Coming up soon........Senior pics!

^Taylor LOVED this portrait, so she opted to make it into a 16x20 poster. I added the wording to give it a little somethin' extra!

^Taylor & My Madison are both #12! She liked to show it off, just like Madi did!

^This was my FAV!

^Taylor plays 3rd base, so I decided to incorporate it into the portrait.

^I love this one, too! The idea popped into my head & I just went with it.

^You know I love these color variations!!

^This is something new that I've started doing. It's called a composite. They come with 3, 4, or 5 portraits.

^And, of course, she wanted trading cards (kinda like Madi's). I hope she liked them!

2009 Softball Portraits......

2009-05-19T23:23:00.006-04:00

Madison loves softball!! I always take her softball portraits. This year, I have the privilege of photographing all the teams in the Buckhead Dixie Softball League! I snapped these of Madi for use as examples. I did magazine covers, trading cards, bookmarks, leather portfolio keepsakes, keychains, bagtags, buttons, memory mates, & LOTS of other items!! Call for an appointment! (I'll have more softball portraits coming up soon!)

^ This one, I highlighted Madi & made her surroundings darker. I think it made it more dramatic........ I like dramatic!!!

^ This is a "memory mate". You can also change out 1 of the pictures for a team shot.

^ We happened to be shooting in the evening when the sun was setting. It was right behind her head. I love the effect that it made!! Very dramatic!

^ I added the grunge effect to this one, & just didn't like it, so I added softness to compensate.

^ Madi is a pitcher this year! (her 1st year!!) They require that they wear these face masks. She really hates it, but I'm glad. I don't want her pretty face to get busted!!!

^ This is just a color variation of the one above. I LOVE to do that!!! ^ Traditional pose. It's nice, but I like more natural & "art-like" shots!

^ Another color variation!

^ This is my favorite shot!! I love how serious she looks! I also love the "grunge" effect. Unfortunately, I really hate a few things that stand out in it. Let's see if you see what I do......

^ Another color variation. (Chromium tone)

^ I had to come up with this idea fairly quickly. I didn't want a traditional looking trading card for Madi, so - thanks to Photoshop - I created this. She likes it, that's all that matters!!

^ Back of trading card.

^ I Love black & white!

^ This was Madi's favorite. It originally had her hand hanging over the other end of her bat, but I thought it looked like someone was reaching their hand through the fence. So I erased her hand out. She really likes the grunge effect!

Sweet baby "M"

2009-04-20T17:32:00.004-04:00

This sweet little baby just loves to smile!! She was so adorable that I really didn't want to stop taking pictures! She got a little fussy after a while, but after a quick nap, she woke up with a bright smile on her face....... ready to go again!! Thanks Mommy "G" for letting me take her portraits. She really is a beautiful, sweet baby.

Farm Days

2009-04-16T10:03:00.004-04:00

I went a couple of weeks ago to the Boys & Girls Home in Lake Waccamaw, NC for the tractor show. I think it was called "Farm Days", but I'm really not sure. I had such a good time!! I stayed all evening and watched those big horses pull soooooo much weight. I think the heaviest weight was 13,000 lbs. I love horses, but can't afford to feed one.

New Madi....

2009-02-03T23:10:00.002-05:00

This was the most recent photo shoot of Madison. She's trying hard to grow up extremely fast!!! But she knows, she'll always be my baby.

I've been working on adjusting the color on my shots. I like being able to make one shot, look SO different!!

This was the first time that I've attempted to merge 2 photos like this. I think it turned out pretty good!!! She looks like she's floating on a cloud, talking to the man on the moon. * By the way, I took both of these shots, myself! *

"Snow Day"

2009-02-03T23:09:00.001-05:00

It's funny. We haven't seen snow around here in a long time, but when we did, the kids were already out for a teacher's work day. They didn't even get a real "snow day". What they did get, though, was really wet & cold! Oh, well. It was fun while it lasted.

Snap, snap....

2009-02-03T23:08:00.000-05:00

I tried to plan a photo shoot for my son Drake, but as always, I was running late. It got dark too quick. I did manage to get one good one of him, then snapped a few of my grandma after that. Doesn't she look good to be over 80?

Last trip out.....

2009-02-03T23:07:00.001-05:00

This was our last trip out on the lake (Lake Waccamaw, NC) for a while. We sold our boat. =[ I'm glad I was able to get a few good ones.

My favorite Christmas present EVER!!!

2009-01-05T21:00:00.005-05:00

I'd been very booked around Christmas, and my camera had been broken, so my Uncle Ray was gracious enough to loan me his camera. I was so thankful! Then a week before Christmas, I got the best Christmas present EVER!! A new Nikon D80 DSLR camera! I've had lots of fun lately just snapping away. Tell me what you think of my "test shots".

^This is my absolute favorite. I call it "TwiLighT". . .

^I opened my eyes one morning, and when I noticed the light reflecting off the wall, I had to snap it. I think it's simple beauty. . .

^My Madi took this pic of me. She's only 10, but she's already training to be my assistant! . .

^This was just a cute shot of the kids playing & having fun! . .

Christmas Portraits

2009-01-05T17:29:00.002-05:00

Over the Christmas holiday, I had a lot of photo shoots!! This is just a little glimpse of a few!

Family portraits at the lake

2008-11-28T15:30:00.003-05:00

I had the privilege of taking the 1st official "Family Shot" of this great group! Thanksgiving evening was the only time that they all would be together, so I gladly agreed to capture these beauties! It was late & I worried about the darkness setting in, but you can see how God had his hand in this photo shoot! Lake Waccamaw, in the background, almost looks like a fake backdrop, but it's truly not. This was a great shoot & a wonderful family!!!

We took several shots of them looking over the water, but it's really hard to get a "natural" shot of a big group without someone moving. Funnily enough, this was my favorite, and my flash didn't even go off! I thought it would be ruined by the darkness, but I love it!! Tell me what you think below by clicking on comments, then adding whatever you'd like!

November Madi

2008-11-22T21:11:00.005-05:00

These are the latest of my little girl, Madison. She sure is growing up. Tell me what you think!

Playful Tori!!

2008-11-22T09:20:00.001-05:00

This is my niece, Tori. She usually doesn't like having her pictures taken, but as you can see, she had a ball with her Aunt Alisha! She had such a good time that it ended up being an all-nighter! And, of course, we couldn't leave out her sister, Harley, or my Madi. Aren't they just beautiful?

The Graham-Lynch Wedding

2008-10-31T10:07:00.012-04:00

The Christmas season is upon us!

2008-10-31T08:44:00.009-04:00

This is just one of many style Christmas/Holiday cards that I offer. They are beautiful, and along with my large variety of holiday backdrops & props, you're sure to be "Jolly" this season!!

Portraits make GREAT gifts! I offer canvas portraits, specialty mattes & collages, press printed professional-grade books, calendars, puzzles, & other items as well! Call for an appointment (910) 234-1106 or (910) 655-3344 or email me @ memoriesphotographybyalisha@yahoo.com

Sunset at the beach....

2008-10-13T08:29:00.012-04:00

My family & I went on vacation to Myrtle Beach a few weeks ago. While I was there, I went ahead & booked a few photo shoots!! Brother & sister, "A" & "A", had so much fun playing in the sand & water. They also did a great job of posing for me! It was right at sunset, and when it quickly got dark, my pictures began to look "grainy". Try to look over that, Mommy "C", & enjoy!! They did great!!

"The Twins"

2008-09-05T23:38:00.000-04:00

Meet my twin nephews, Logan & Avery. Aren't they just the cutest? They're 4 years old & it shows! When they get together with my 4 year old, it can get pretty wild! Still, I am always happy to see them.

This little man is Logan. He looks just like my brother!

Logan liked Drake's guitar, for a little while at least!!

Meet Mr. Avery. He is as cute as a button. He look like his Mom.

Avery took right to Drake's tractor!! He was so enthused, he barely took a second to glance at me for the portrait. Shutter speed wasn't quick enough for this little one!! This was another of my "scenes" ideas. Cute, right? Awwwww!!! He was actually smiling at me!!! :-) Then he quickly looked away. :-( Oh well. It's still cute. My brother, Justin, with Logan.

Justin with Avery. (Oh, and a Mr. Bear!)

Leave comments, please!! Just click on "comments" below. Thank you!

The Wedding of Brandi & Hugh

2008-09-04T02:37:00.012-04:00

A few questions were asked about the name of the bride that I recently photographed. I listed that her name is Brandi, but on the name of the portraits, it's listed as "Heidi". No, I'm not losing it!! Her name is Brandi. I just know her by her nickname, "Heidi". So there it is.

On the day that Brandi & Hugh were to be married, it rained, it poured. I kept reassuring everyone that I was sure that it would stop. Secretly, I was really worried! Prayers had begun to be said, & about 15 minutes before time to start, the rain just dried up. The beautiful sun came out. It was then that everyone knew that God's hand was truly in this.

I hope you enjoy this glimpse at a wonderful couple, a beautiful ceremony, & an outstanding family.

Pretty little princess!!

When I think of Heidi, I always think of rainbow flip-flops & pretty ribbon {always matching her outfit} tied in her hair.

I had someone else take this one. I hardly ever get pictures of myself. I'm not thrilled about having my picture taken. That's why I'm on the other side of the camera. But this one isn't that bad.

Testing camera...

2008-09-04T00:33:00.004-04:00

I went to visit my Grandma and decided to snap a couple quick pics of Madi & Drake. I also got a few of my brother's twins, but I'm still in the process of doing the basic retouching.

Beautiful Bride Brandi

2008-08-27T15:25:00.009-04:00

What a beautiful bride! This was my second "bridal shoot" and I think that she's going to make my blog look really good!! Again, comments are always appreciated, good or bad!!

I have to say a very special "Thanks" to my Uncle Ray! I had camera issues. He was right there to help me & answer a few photography questions.

Sunday evening boat ride

2008-08-17T18:31:00.006-04:00

It was a beautiful Sunday evening, and we decided to take the boat out on the lake. I was happy to be able to get a few shots of such an awesome view.

I just love this old bridge. It crosses this tiny canal connected to big creek.

This was a wide shot of "Big Creek", further on in.

IThis had to be my favorite shot of the day. I love the rustic, antique look of the old bridge in sepia.

As the sun was setting behind the trees, I caught a quick shot of the reflection of the trees off the water.

This was one of Madi's favorite's. It's a wide shot of the shores of Lake Waccamaw State Park.

Not as pretty, but I kind of liked the sun setting behind the trees at the mouth of "Big Creek".

The little canal that we came in.

Thank God for the beautiful day!

Madi and Drake splashing in the cool water. I wish I could have gotten a better one of them.

My Drake loves swimming in the lake. He can actually touch bottom here!

I just so happen to catch a few bridge jumpers. This has been a tradition since before my time. I was always afraid of the alligators that creep by, so I never took the plunge!!

I hardly ever get comments about my work. If you would, please just click on comments below and let me know what you think. Good or bad, either, honesty is greatly appreciated!

Pretty little princess

2008-08-07T23:04:00.009-04:00

This is my first official customer.....Hayven. She was such a cutie, that is until we put the pageant dress and crown on her. It was really itchy & she wouldn't stay in it very long. I hope you like some of these. Keep in mind that I still have some maintenance to do to some of the photos!

Notice how this one is slightly out of focus, but I had to put it on here. (Look how cute it is!!)

Some of these pics need additional retouching. This is just to give an idea of what we have, and there's lots more where these came from!!

Happy 10th Birthday, Madison!!!

2008-07-29T00:59:00.011-04:00

My little girl is growing up! Madi turned 10 years old on August 1st. She is so special!

You can tell that I had just gotten my backgrounds when we took these portraits, there's still wrinkles in some of them! Please look over that and tell me what you think of "Madison's 10th Birthday Portraits".

Independence Day!

2008-07-08T18:59:00.013-04:00

Sorry it took so long to update by blog! For some odd reason, I've had trouble uploading photos. Maybe it's fixed, now. I sure hope so!!

These are just a few pics from our 4th of July. We spent it with some of our family that we don't often get to see. Oh, what fun!!!! The kids had an absolute ball. (Except for the heat!!) I hope we get to do it again soon. By the way, the pics of the lake is Lake Waccamaw, NC.

Jerome, Madison & Drake

2008-06-26T19:25:00.003-04:00

This is my husband, Jerome. He had always wanted portraits taken of him and the kids, and I decided to make it happen.

The Old Place

2008-06-26T15:07:00.013-04:00

This is an old house that remains in my memories. I was told that I needed more "Art" photography in my portfolio, so I began to think of places or scenes. This house pounded in my head. Tell me what you think!?

Madison

2008-06-26T14:16:00.003-04:00

This is my Madi! She is, without a doubt, my best friend. She always puts up with me snapping pictures of her, and never complains when I ask her to model for me.

Drake

2008-06-24T16:05:00.002-04:00

My son Drake is hard to catch! He's only 4, but is already a world-class athlete. Running is definitely his forte. But on this evening, I managed to snap a few shots before he crashed for the night.