Susan Lowe

sfl photography

2012-02-09T10:05:00.005-05:00

"The most precious things of life are near at hand." John Burroughs

sfl photography

2012-02-08T12:53:00.004-05:00

Excuse me lady. What is that thing you are holding up to your face and why are you pointing it at me and making funny sounds?

sfl photography

2012-02-08T12:48:00.002-05:00

She just melts me.

character

2012-02-08T11:17:00.005-05:00

"Your character is defined by the nature of your actions and attitude over time." Author Unknown

I hope you dance

2012-01-27T14:11:00.004-05:00

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

I hope you dance

lyrics by LeAnn Womack

enjoy the moment

2012-01-26T11:15:00.004-05:00

Make some hot chocolate today, add a bunch of whipped cream and take your time sipping.

pink boots

2012-01-18T10:29:00.006-05:00

"Most smiles are started by another smile." Frank A Clark

or a little girl wearing a white, fancy dress with pink boots

for their mom

2012-01-18T09:58:00.007-05:00

“I know how to do anything - I'm a Mom.” -Roseanne Barr

This quote goes to the mother of these two young men. These guys stood to shake my hand when I arrived. They were polite, easygoing, intelligent and quite handsome. Mom, you've done a great job with these two.

sing

2012-01-12T10:39:00.004-05:00

"Create your own stage and sing. Sing loud." Author Unknown

a poem

2012-01-12T10:33:00.004-05:00

"Children are not poets. They are too busy being poems." Author Unknown

some days....

2012-01-05T11:38:00.005-05:00

"Some days are simply meant for playing!" Maryanna Radmacher

and singing, and giggling, and spinning and climbing trees

and hiding (???)

sounds

2012-01-05T11:05:00.008-05:00

Do you remember sounds? Do they take you back? We have all heard a song and paused because it reminded us of our childhood or teen years. I recently heard voices and laughter over the phone that took me back 25 years to summer camp. A few weeks ago I took pictures of this sweet baby girl. The sounds of a newborn took me back 7 years and even further 9.5 years to when my children were newborns. The coos and the cries made me smile. So my quote for this session:

"There are sounds to seasons. There are sounds to places, and there are sounds to every time in one's life." Alison Wyrley Birch

slow down

2011-12-13T14:19:00.009-05:00

Slow down and enjoy the view from a child's perspective, what wonder, what joy!

cute, cute, cute

2011-12-09T14:04:00.003-05:00

sfl photography 2011

2011-12-07T16:16:00.008-05:00

Sometimes I have a vision; sometimes I see where the image takes me.

unique siblings

2011-12-07T14:11:00.006-05:00

Their mom is so good at celebrating each of their unique talents and personalities. She is a wonderful woman, teacher and friend.

"Strength lies in differences, not in similarities." Stephen Covey

a holiday bundle of joy

2011-11-23T08:15:00.005-05:00

sweet 16 (almost)

2011-11-23T08:09:00.003-05:00

double the cuteness

2011-11-17T14:09:00.011-05:00

Dear Wind

2011-11-09T10:18:00.009-05:00

Dear Wind,

You did not defeat us. We paused and waited for you to settle. I kept a watchful eye for that perfect wind blown hair. We had fun and got some great pictures! (albeit our hands did go numb)

Susan

"I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination." Jimmy Dean

autumn

2011-11-02T13:43:00.008-04:00

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower." Albert Camus

beautiful in every way

2011-10-29T12:23:00.007-04:00

It was a beautiful day; they were beautiful subjects.

PINK

2011-10-26T12:02:00.003-04:00

We did not let a PINK cast stop our fun!!

"mucho grande"

2011-10-26T10:45:00.011-04:00

Thanks kids for the "mucho grande" good time!!

Beautiful

2011-10-25T14:28:00.005-04:00

"You, whose day it is, get out your rainbow colors and make it beautiful." Traditional Nootka Song

Urban Kids

2011-10-24T11:56:00.007-04:00

Wow! And I'll leave it at that.

little artists

2011-10-17T13:38:00.009-04:00

"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up." Picasso

flowers

2011-10-17T13:06:00.003-04:00

Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they
are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul. Luther Burbank

The girls sent these flowers home with me. The flowers found a home in a little vase on our kitchen counter. We have enjoyed their bright colors and beauty for a full week.

a busy day

2011-10-11T14:26:00.009-04:00

There were two puppies, two teens (one is technically pre-teen), one school assignment which involved cooking with his project partner, more homework, Sunday football and texting. Then there was me taking pictures while all this was going on. I loved it. I loved seeing a family do what they do, I loved watching their interactions. It was a pleasure to be a small part of their busy day. Thank you!

and for fun....

wonder

2011-10-11T12:04:00.004-04:00

"If I had influence with the good fairy, I would ask that her gift to each child be a sense of wonder so indestructible that it would last a lifetime." Rachel Carlson

before & after (the plunge)

2011-10-11T11:47:00.006-04:00

When we scheduled this session mom and I knew there was no way to keep the kids out of the water. So I captured the pretty pictures then came the plunge. The memories of this evening are amazing, so much laughter, great big smiles, so much joy!

Senior Year

2011-10-10T14:14:00.008-04:00

"Wherever you go, go with all your heart." Confucious

sea

2011-09-05T19:35:00.007-04:00

The Sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.”
Jacques Cousteau

new beginnings

2011-09-05T17:28:00.012-04:00

"A new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream of possibility." Eda J. LeShan

After I got pictures of baby, big brother and I went outside....

summer

2011-09-05T17:15:00.005-04:00

"The tans will fade but the memories will last forever - summer 2011." Author Unknown

A bit of Harry Potter trivia

2011-09-01T10:38:00.009-04:00

How do you engage two boys for pictures? Give them a Harry Potter quiz.

What is Tonk's real name? Which horicrux was the second to be destroyed? Where did Harry Potter live when his parents were killed? What are the men who can become animals? Who is Padfoot? When Voldemort had the elder wand, who was really the rightful owner? (now that one gets confusing)

Nothing got passed these boys. They received an A+++.

sweet girls & summer yellow

2011-08-19T15:51:00.009-04:00

I had my annual date with these two girlies last evening. This year we explored the Botanical Gardens. Their sweet smiles and giggles were heartwarming; their willingness to lie in the "itchy" grass appreciated. Always a joy ladies, thank you!

Senior - Urban & Beach

2011-08-14T14:02:00.011-04:00

Senior Sessions still available. What is your look?

from newborn to one year

2011-08-11T18:15:00.007-04:00

The change that takes place that first year of life is amazing.

Here she is a newborn less than two weeks old.

and now.....

Yes, truly amazing!

happiness - sfl photography

2011-08-06T12:49:00.011-04:00

"Some pursue happiness, others create it." Author Unknown

play, wonder, life

2011-07-31T14:24:00.012-04:00

"If I had influence with the good fairy, I would ask that her gift to each child be a sense of wonder so indestructible that it would last a lifetime." Rachel Carlson

roly poly

2011-07-01T12:11:00.010-04:00

What is in his hand? A roly poly.

"There are no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of a child. There are seven million." Walt Streightiff

the outdoors

2011-06-18T16:54:00.010-04:00

"Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet, and the winds long to play with your hair." Khalil Gibran

I remember when...

2011-06-16T16:19:00.012-04:00

I have so many "I remember whens" with this family. I remember when I met mom at the preschool just two months after we moved here. Our daughters were only two, now they are nine. I remember when their oldest son got a plastic jar stuck on his head, and I remember when he would wear plaid jons jons. I remember when they would come to visit after they moved away, and I remember when they moved back. I remember when their youngest son slept on our big chair when he was a baby while the bigger kids ran wild through the house, and the adults ate Chinese food. Yep, I remember when. So cheers to good friends, good times and "remember whens".

a sister

2011-06-06T11:24:00.005-04:00

"A sister is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost." Marion Garretty

journey

2011-06-02T12:17:00.008-04:00

May your next journey be a great adventure. Enjoy and best wishes!!

treasure the now

2011-05-31T11:53:00.003-04:00

"The work will wait while you show the child the rainbow, but the rainbow won't wait while you finish the work." Pat Clafford

let them be little

2011-05-31T09:11:00.010-04:00

"let them be little, cause they're only that way for awhile" song lyrics by Billy Dean

house full

2011-05-19T09:43:00.004-04:00

"And thank you for a house full of people I love. Amen" Terri Guillemets

These are just four of the seven kids. I loved watching this family in action, what a joy!!! When I was at the house there were all seven kids, two parents, a babysitter and two friends. Mom was making dinner with fresh vegetables, and there were two homemade pies on the counter that she made earlier in the day with their 6 year old. The dinner table was set and ready for ten people to enjoy a family meal. So why do I think having two kids is hard sometimes???

your whole life

2011-05-02T08:33:00.003-04:00

"It was the tiniest thing I ever decided to put my whole life into." Terri Guillemets about her baby

be yourself

2011-05-01T20:40:00.006-04:00

"Always be yourself, there's no one better." Selena Gomez

Happy Memories

2011-04-28T17:04:00.007-04:00

"Recall as often as you wish; a happy memory never wears out." Libby Fudim

Quotes

2011-04-14T10:33:00.005-04:00

Kim (left), Susan, yep that's me (right)

Kim, this is for you - "Laugh Often, Long and Loud. Laugh Until You Gasp For Breath. And If You Have A Friend Who Makes You Laugh, Spend Lots and Lots Of Time With Them." - author unknown

If you have explored my blog a bit you'll notice I love quotes. For more of my favorites click the quotes tab at the top of the page.

Happy Places

2011-04-14T09:01:00.009-04:00

Where are your Happy Places? Do you get there enough? Is it as simple as a walk in your neighborhood or coffee at a local Starbucks?

Mine?

Montreat, North Carolina - three weeks of summer vacation in the mountains. A friend once said "the saddest day of the year is the day you have to leave Montreat" and he is right. There is a picture of Lake Susan, in Montreat, below. (I had nothing to do with the name :))

And my new Happy Place, the t-ball field. God love these little boys learning to play ball. Everywhere you look there are smiles - the parents as they cheer on their child and team, the players after they make a hit and safely run to first base (shhh - a little secret, in t-ball everyone makes it to first base safely), the coaches giving high fives. I love it!

shirtless

2011-04-12T08:22:00.007-04:00

What do you do when the shirts they are wearing for pictures are just not working out? You take them off.

And what do you do when they are in constant motion and wound up? You play with them and capture real life moments.

moments

2011-03-14T14:03:00.006-04:00

I had fun this spring break with the kiddos. We visited the zoo, enjoyed the magic of a carousel, played a lot of Wii Dance, there was a family four square battle, bike riding, and lots of smiles and laughter.

Here are a couple of pics I took during the week. These make me happy, they are wonderful memories of great family fun. You can't see facial expressions; I like it this way. These are moments, moments I will treasure.

"We do not remember days, we remember moments."Cesare Pavese

wall design

2011-03-09T08:20:00.003-05:00

This weekend it was time. I have had these pictures framed and ready to be hung for a long time - ahem, well over a year. I knew where I wanted them, just had to light the fire under my hubby to get it done. We love how it turned out! This is above my son's bed; the red wall, black frames and white mattes make quite an impact.

We are also in the process of decorating the walls and book shelves in our "new" family room. I'll post a few of those in a few weeks. Vision - 20x30's backing the book shelves.

Where are you hanging your pictures?

Family + Reality = My Family Pictures

2011-03-04T13:09:00.011-05:00

I am frequently asked if I take family pictures. After a brief pause I say, "yes, but they are informal, real moments". My family pictures are not posed, hands are not placed in certain positions, and many times the parents had no intentions of being in a picture (as was the case in the first picture below). Everyone should have a family picture that celebrates who they are at that point in their life. My personal family picture, well we'd all be tackling on the bed...... and I would treasure that picture forever. Hmmm - Come to think of it I need to hire someone.

This family always goes barefoot and they wanted a picture to celebrate that.

two little kiddos - playground.....

the joy of a baby and holding him up to sit

True Friends

2011-02-28T16:23:00.012-05:00

"The most beautiful discovery true friends make it that they can grow separately without growing apart." Elisabeth Foley

6 months

2011-02-07T12:14:00.005-05:00

"I hear babies cry, and I watch them grow, they'll learn much more than I'll ever know. And I think to myself, "What a Wonderful World." Weiss & Thiele, "What a Wonderful World"

Buns!

2011-01-18T09:32:00.004-05:00

I am a sucker for cute buns, especially if they have dimples! You know you want to pinch them. :)

my personal faves of 2010

2010-12-27T13:14:00.033-05:00

I've been away from the blog and any picture work for a few weeks. Why? To enjoy the holidays with my kids and family. And yes, the holidays have been wonderful! We will wrap up the year celebrating with friends. I will wrap up the blog, for 2010, with my personal favorite images from the past year.

Thanks everyone for the opportunity to come into your lives for an hour or two to capture your kids, your babies, your family and those special moments and expressions. Best wishes in 2011!

soccer, surfing, sports - boys

2010-11-19T13:50:00.007-05:00

"Well I'm always working on constantly everything. I never take the approach that I am doing as well as I possibly can... I always think there's more and I think if you don't have that, you are not driven to be better." Kelly Slater

three sisters

2010-11-12T09:39:00.006-05:00

"I think the most significant work we ever do, in the whole world, in our whole life, is done within the four walls of our own home." Stephen R. Covey

traditions

2010-11-07T14:31:00.004-05:00

In keeping with family tradition, this sweet baby girl was photographed in three different family heirloom gowns. I do not recall the exact history of this particular gown, but I believe it was great grandpas, made over 100 years ago. Amazing!

Happy Baby - Sad Baby

2010-11-07T14:20:00.004-05:00

Babies - Love them, but don't photograph them often. When I do though I love the giggles, baby chatter and yes even those tears.

"circus"

2010-10-18T18:40:00.007-04:00

About a year ago I called this family. The message on the voicemail left by dad said "....we can't get to the phone it's a circus around here.....". And yes it certainly is a busy house with four kids (and a mouse). But I had a blast at the "circus". Thanks for the invite!

three unique brothers

2010-10-18T13:19:00.006-04:00

"Always be a first rate version of yourself, instead of a second rate version of somebody else." Judy Garland

a place I see everyday

2010-10-14T13:43:00.005-04:00

When mom and I talked about locations for her session she suggested the school. I have never photographed there except some candids and the first day of school photos, never a real session though. I loved the idea. Well, surprise! Who knew the place I visit everyday has amazing natural light. Hope to do more sessions here.

a favorite

2010-10-14T09:59:00.002-04:00

This is a favorite from this fall. Anyone else envious of her eyelashes?

Today

2010-10-13T08:57:00.004-04:00

"Today is the first day of the rest of your life." American Proverb

window of opportunity

2010-10-12T13:22:00.003-04:00

Sometimes with little ones there is a brief window of opportunity to capture that sweet sibling moment. The window opened, the moment captured.

Imagine and Dream!

2010-09-27T14:08:00.014-04:00

"So come with me, where dreams are born, and time is never planned. Just think of happy things, and your heart will fly on wings, forever, in Never Land." Peter Pan

"To live will be an awfully big adventure." Peter Pan

flourish

2010-09-22T20:33:00.006-04:00

"The key is to trust your heart to move where your unique talents can flourish. This old world will really spin when work becomes a joyous expression of the soul." Al Sacharov

Have a wonderful senior year!

joy

2010-09-16T11:13:00.006-04:00

"I have a heart with room for every joy." P.J. Bailey

Shhhh - It's a surprise!!

2010-09-14T21:56:00.005-04:00

And I hope he loves it!

those eyes

2010-09-12T09:54:00.011-04:00

"Look the world straight in the eyes." Helen Keller

In this case with your gorgeous eyes - all three children have the most amazing eyes!

a gift

2010-09-10T14:41:00.004-04:00

Occasionally you are given something in life that I'm not sure you can explain. When everything comes together, just so, to create a beautiful moment - a gift.

lead a big life

2010-09-03T07:57:00.005-04:00

"Let others lead small lives, but not you. Let others argue over small things, but not you. Let others cry over small things, but not you. Let others leave their future in someone else's hands, but not you." John Rohn

Best wishes for a great senior year!

right here right now

2010-09-02T11:19:00.005-04:00

"Life is a great and wonderous mystery, and the only thing we know that we have for sure is what is right here right now. Don't miss it." Leo Buscaglia

girlies at the beach

2010-08-27T08:02:00.007-04:00

"Stop every now and then. Just stop and enjoy. Take a deep breath. Relax and take in the abundance of life." Author Unknown

the boys of fall

2010-08-25T08:26:00.006-04:00

Have you listened to the song The Boys of Fall by Kenny Chesney, it is all about fall football. These boys are ready for it; so am I. Oh - and did I mention my alma mater is ranked #1.

And you know I always like my candid and fun, real life shots!

1-2-3 JUMP!!!

2010-08-24T20:59:00.004-04:00

chillin

2010-08-24T20:49:00.006-04:00

I was quite jealous of this little guy when he got to hang out in this cool tub of water on the deck. He deserved it though, baby modeling can be hard work you know.

oh yes it does....

2010-08-16T21:53:00.002-04:00

Really?? Does that say Happy Holidays? Oh yes it does, and it really is that time. Be sure to schedule your holiday session soon. I am booking for fall; September is almost full, I do have some dates open in October and early November. E-mail me susan@sflphotography.com

just makes me happy

2010-08-16T21:46:00.002-04:00

Do you ever find or take a picture that just makes you happy? This one does it for me.

mr. and miss great ideas

2010-08-04T19:25:00.013-04:00

Why that title to this post? Because these kiddos had wonderful ideas on where to photograph and how they wanted to pose. Watch out! I see big things for this creative duo in another 20 years. Maybe I should get a few images autographed - hmmm.

Three Sisters

2010-08-03T07:57:00.010-04:00

"We did not change as we grew older; we just became more clearly ourselves." Lynn Hall

say cheese!!!!! snap.....

2010-08-02T07:41:00.011-04:00

I was greeted at this session with warm hugs and was given a lovely card. My quote comes straight from the card.

"say cheese!!!! snap....." (open the card) "Perfect! That's a keeper!!!!"

I think this card is a keeper!

a few more seniors

2010-07-28T16:05:00.009-04:00

A few girlfriends came together for this senior session. We certainly had a ton of fun.

sweet baby girl

2010-07-27T15:24:00.004-04:00

"Every child begins the world again." Henry David Thoreau

and we can't forget big brother!!

precious beginnings

2010-07-21T17:15:00.007-04:00

Did you know I don't really photograph newborns? Well, maybe if you twist my arm, or maybe if you are my child's teacher..... It was my pleasure to help celebrate this little guys first days of life. Best wishes to a wonderful family; I look forward to watching him grow.

family

2010-06-28T15:20:00.007-04:00

Summer is here. Time for family, vacations, relaxing. I am about to enjoy some summer family time myself, but before I do here are a few pictures from a session I did this morning of twins and cousins who have spent the past few days enjoying each other and their families. Glad they invited me in this morning, it was truly a pleasure.

Let's play at the park

2010-06-22T12:56:00.010-04:00

"a reminder! some days are simply meant for playing!" maryanne radmacher

This quote was truly meant for this session. These kids wanted nothing to do with a camera or pictures, they just wanted to play. Can you blame them?

summertime - enjoy!

2010-06-03T16:09:00.003-04:00

Enjoy a fun video of some of my favorite summer pictures.

too many to choose from

2010-05-25T10:18:00.018-04:00

How do I choose which images from a session go on the blog? Usually it is fairly easy, I select a few of my favorites and try to get a few different looks. Most of the time I post 3 -4 of each child. Well, this session I couldn't narrow down my choices there were too many favorites. I felt like my son trying to pick out a new toy, so many choices causing so much stress, and oh my gosh what do I do? Well he usually melts into tears. I didn't do that, but did decide to show all my favorites. They are all so different, so fun, colorful, cute, candid, someone stop me from going on..... So enjoy!

the graduate

2010-05-21T10:58:00.005-04:00

"There are two types of education. One should teach us how to make a living, and the other how to live." John Adams

More senior pics coming soon, check back!!!

children - joyfully unscripted

2010-05-17T10:54:00.012-04:00

"Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things really are." Marianne Williamson

unexpected

2010-04-27T14:52:00.002-04:00

"The best things in life are unexpected - because there were no expectations." Eli Khamarov

creek

2010-04-24T09:22:00.002-04:00

a little boy, a stick, a creek