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The Perfect Gift – Orange County Photographer

As a photographer, I can assure you that I’ve met many Men-Folk who’d rather not have their picture made. Throw in two young boys and well, have fun convincing them that it’s cool to smile for the camera.

I met Tom and Angie during the Holiday Open House and Promo Day at Be Uniquex Boutique. Angie was shopping for charm necklaces for her nieces as Tom watched and gave his opinion. I noticed how involved Tom was, then he kinda backed away. Soon he came back when Angie wasn’t looking and whispered “Don’t let her buy that one, I’m coming back to get it for her.” I mentioned a portrait gift idea and slipped him my card. He texted me later for details and that’s what started our undercover plan to give Angie a gift that any mother would love, photographs of the men in her life. Yep, T Style went into stealth mode to play Secret Santa, yay!

Tom told his sons about the gift idea and they were immediately on board. The next day, 3 excited guys showed up to the portable studio at the boutique and we got to work!

Tear Time: During our session, Tom told me about meeting Angie at a pool hall, after work, on a Tuesday, more than 17 years ago. He remembered the first time he saw Angie’s smile as I captured his.   “She’s just a wonderful woman, and I love her.”

Joey and Mark could go on forever about their Mom, not just about her coming to every football game either.  “She does everything, she’s always there for us, and she’s nice and she’s pretty.”  I was in total awe at how they expressed their appreciation for their Mother.

Tom knew exactly what he wanted, timeless Black & White images that reflected this time in his son’s lives; to see the soul in their eyes as well as their individual personalities. He also wanted the ability to incorporate the images into their warm & rustic home decor for years to come.

I can’t thank Tom, Joey and Mark enough for allowing me to help create the perfect Christmas Gift for Angie.

PS: You can’t go wrong when you give the gift of memories that last forever.

So, what’s the best Christmas Gift you’ve ever received and why?

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Tom Najarian - January 10, 2011 - 11:10 PM

I can not begin to tell you what a pleasure it was working
with Tamara and how pleased my beautiful wife “Angie” was with the
photos. Tamara had a way with the two boys that made them have fun
with the whole thing as well as capturing these beautiful shots of
the boys. She was a pro through the whole process and came through
and delivered under strict time constraints. Way to go Tamara. I
have to mention what my awsome wife got me for Christmas, “A new
dirt bike”. How cool is that. Way to go Angie.

Tamara - January 11, 2011 - 9:44 PM

Tom, meeting you and your beautiful family was a true gift. Thank you so much.

Um, a dirt bike? Really?! OK, that’s a wicked cool gift!

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Photographs – Beyond Love – Orange County Photographer

“Tammy, did you find any pictures of Mama for me, Baby?  I looked all over and can’t find any others.  I want to send some to my cousin, there in Detroit.”

That’s how the conversation with my Grandmomma ended one day.   She asked the same question a few weeks ago while I was in Memphis for Christmas.   When she initially asked about pictures of Big Momma,  (my Great-Grandmother, Ruby Spearman) I was a bit dumbfounded.  I don’t remember what we were all doing, but it wasn’t talking about photos.  I may have had a “deer in the headlights” look on my face when I said “Huh? I mean, Ma’am? Um, I’ll look when I get home.”

As I went through the next few weeks, I called my Grandmomma as usual, and she asked again about the pictures.  I had put the task on my list of things to do, but just hadn’t gotten to it yet.  Still, something was bugging me about the question.  I haven’t bothered to ask her why she thinks that I would have the pictures.  I figure it’s because she knows that I’m a Photographer, always “Runnin’ ‘round with that camera making those pictures” as she says.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve noticed little details about things and life as a whole.  Those little details lead to my favorite question, “Why?”  Sometimes, I’d get so engulfed with questions about the little details, that I’d miss the obvious answer that was staring me right in my face.  My Grandmomma used to say to me sometimes,  “Child, if it’d been a snake, it woulda’ bit ya.”

After our conversation that day, I walked out of my office, then stopped in my tracks.  I went back to see the answer.   Sitting right there in my face were my Mother’s, my Great-Aunt Sylena’s and few of my own photo albums. All of them full of generations of family memories that I’ve been entrusted to care for.

Our ancestors live on in our family through photographs and the stories of their lives.

I leave you with a quote that personally took me almost 20 years to fully understand.  One that is real and relevant…..

“To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die.” – Thomas Campbell

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Lucky Shots – Thoughts of an Orange County Photographer

Where did the year go?!  It seems that the older I get, the shorter the years are.  We just couldn’t have lived through every single month this year.  I don’t even remember April and August.  What I do know is that when I turn my camera on, I completely lose track of time while I’m trying to capture time.

I know, I know, once time is gone, you can never get it back.  And John Lennon said “Life is just what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.”  Well John and fellow John lovers, don’t take offense to this, but for me….

“Life is just what happens to you while you’re busy photographing it.”   (Yep, I just hijacked a John Lennon quote.)

I may never have another opportunity to make some of the photographs that I did this year.  I can honestly say that I had many lucky shots.  They weren’t lucky because the exposure was spot on or because the light was creamy or even because the pose was just Short of S-Curve Perfection.  They were lucky because the groom was moved to tears when he hugged his mother for the last time as a single man and again when he saw his bride for the very first time.  They were lucky because in some cases they were the only photograph of a person smiling that they actually liked.  They were lucky because I decided to take a risk and ask if could make a photograph and I wasn’t turned down.  They were lucky because they happened to be the last photograph of a person that was ever taken and now that photograph lives in the family room, and on the mantel, and on the night stand and sometimes on the obituary.  But really, I was lucky. Because by fate, I got to be there to make a photograph that will immortalize a moment in time that evokes emotion, brings comfort, makes someone laugh, or cry, or even debate who was late for the picture date.   It’s true.

I have to say that of the lucky shots this year, the luckiest of all were the Glamour, Boudoir and Art Nude images of women who’d never been photographed in that setting before.  Each of these women, a little nervous but open to the process, walked in a bit apprehensive but seemed to float out the door on a cloud of confidence.  The huge smiles, the squeals, the “OMG’s” and the mascara filled tears make those the luckiest shots ever!

So as we begin to wrap up our Christmas presents and what has been an amazing year of growth, I just want to say “Thank You” and invite you to sail into another year of lucky shots with me.

Remember, each day presents us with memorable moments to live and even more lucky shots to capture .   I’d love to hear your thoughts on “lucky shots.”

How do you define a “Lucky Shot?

What’s your favorite “Lucky Shot?”

PS:  To my dear friend Chris Diset…  Thank you for inviting me to hang out at the wedding with you where I grabbed this “lucky shot”.

(Ok, who stole April and August?!)

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Erik Kerstenbeck - December 6, 2010 - 1:21 PM

Hi

I am not sure if this was a lucky shot, but certainly a timely one. I had a 90 degree softbox lighting setup to capture a dramatic look of this model in the studio. Just a brief upward tilt up her chin captured this lucky image. Sometimes luck arrives through preparation and great timing as well

http://tinyurl.com/34wdcxt

Regards, Erik

debra - December 6, 2010 - 4:01 PM

For the record, I have April and I am keeping it.

Tamara - December 6, 2010 - 4:47 PM

Hello Erik-
I totally agree! Beautiful image, I love the shadows and mood.

Tamara - December 6, 2010 - 4:48 PM

So that’s where April went?!

Tweets that mention Lucky Shots – Thoughts of an Orange County Photographer » T Style Photography -- Topsy.com - December 8, 2010 - 6:55 AM

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Tamara Young, Tamara Young. Tamara Young said: How you do define a "Lucky shot"? My thoughts are on the blog & you're invited to share http://bit.ly/gVdd02 [...]

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She Would Rather Be Known For Her Shoes, Than a Breast Cancer Patient

Definition of breast cancer: Cancer that forms in tissues of the breast, usually the ducts (tubes that carry milk to the nipple) and lobules (glands that make milk). It occurs in both men and women, although male breast cancer is rare. Cancer.gov

Truth: About 1 in 8 women in the United States (between 12 and 13%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime.

Truth: In 2010, an estimated 207,090 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S., along with 54,010 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer.

Truth: About 1,970 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in men in 2010. Less than 1% of all new breast cancer cases occur in men.

Truth: About 39,840 women in the U.S. are expected to die in 2010 from breast cancer, though death rates have been decreasing since 1991. These decreases are thought to be the result of treatment advances, earlier detection through screening, and increased awareness. Breastcancer.org

I met her about 7 years ago when I started my then new job.  She was warm, welcoming, very helpful, and cheerful with a side of sarcasm.  I noticed her eye for style and the fabulous shoes and handbags she wore.  Her appreciation for art and literature was and is a breath of fresh air.  Once we found out that we had that Southern thing in common, we were pretty much inseparable!

I also noticed the little pink ribbon reminders in her office.  It was only those little reminders and the occasional “I have an appointment’s” a few years ago that would give any indication of what’s behind that sweet smile and the weight that those killer Manolo’s were carrying.  I’m honored to introduce you to one of the most fabulous women I know who would much rather be known for her shoes, Miss Debra.

Here’s Debra’s story in her words:

“I found a lump doing a monthly self-exam. I went to my doctor to get her opinion and she sent me for a mammogram immediately.  The mammogram showed a .5mm mass in the muscle tissue of my left breast. That is special… it is called an angio sarcoma.

I was referred to the St. Josephs Cancer Treatment people. They decided to remove the lump. During the biopsy, they gave me another Latin word “in-situ” which means, localized.  That is a good word. They prescribed 40 rounds of radiation.  The radiation was easy to deal with, and even though it leaves a smoking pile of rubble where healthy cells used to be, they get the bad cells too. Fast forward 8 years, routine mammogram found another lump. Yikes! No, it did not come back; it was another kind of cancer cell. Still treatable; less scary. More damage to the healthy tissue. This was called ductal carcinoma. I like knowing what words mean, it takes away their power. Those words meant that the cancer cells where in a milk duct. I am free and clear now. I feel sure that whatever comes down the path, I can handle it.

I know this all sounds mechanical. But that is really how it felt. I think a part of my brain went numb when I heard the diagnosis and I went onto auto- pilot.

Lucky for me, my doctors were not on auto-pilot.

Lucky for me, I did do the exams.

Lucky for me, mammograms are still a great way to catch cancer early.

Lucky lucky lucky.

Some people are vocal about their battle with breast cancer, and I am glad they are. Only through sharing can we keep fighting the good fight. I am a private person, uncomfortable with emotional things. I found and still do find, that people treat you differently when they find out about your issue. Cancer Patient is one of the hats I have worn. I am also a mother, a friend, an artist. I prefer to be defined by the positive things in my life. I want to be surrounded by positive people.

In fact sharing with people through Tamara’s photographs is a better way for me to convey my gratitude with my doctors and the people that love me and have faith that I will thrive.

Cancer does not define me. I define me.

Peace and Love,

Debra”

Please join us in raising Breast Cancer Awareness and most importantly…. Celebrating LIFE!

All Images Copyright  Tamara Young 2010 – All Rights Reserved

“My Dear Friend, Thing 1-2

I could never thank you enough for inviting me into your life, for inspiring me and for allowing me to share this very personal part of your life.  I celebrate you.

Thing 2-1″

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Tweets that mention She Would Rather Be Known For Her Shoes, Than a Breast Cancer Patient » T Style Photography -- Topsy.com - October 5, 2010 - 5:40 PM

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Tamara Young, Tamara Young. Tamara Young said: She’s Fabulous, She’s more than a diagnosis & she’s raising awareness http://bit.ly/99vTrT please share & RT, thanks [...]

Elena Hernandez - October 5, 2010 - 11:48 PM

Absolutely beautiful images of a soulful woman whose spirit is in her eyes & demeanor. Well done Tamara!

Amber Fox - October 26, 2010 - 8:25 PM

Beautiful images Tamara. These photos have such a depth to them, painful, yet full of beauty. Great work.

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It’s All In The Details With…Flower Fusion

Y’all know I LOVE details, so having the opportunity to photograph the creations of a Master Florist was a real treat.  The first time I heard Jan Wilder’s voice over the phone, I knew that I had to meet her.   By the end of our conversation, I wanted to drive over to her showroom at Flower Fusion to hug her.  You see, Jan is from Texas and has a Southern drawl that’s like music to my ears.   We came to know each other through an invaluable referral from my dear friend and fellow Photographer, Jack Ratana.  (Thanks again for such a huge compliment, Jack.)   The added bonus was that her assistant is from Louisiana!  Jan knew exactly what she wanted and took her time to describe the venue, the feel & theme of the wedding and her unique style in great detail.  Having never seen my work, she trusted that I would take care of her.  I was truly honored.

I can tell you from personal experience with Jan, she’s one of the most creative, kind, accommodating and attentive professionals I’ve ever had the pleasure to work along side.  Her Southern Charm and attention to detail was evident throughout the luxurious venue. With all that was going on around her while preparing for her client’s wedding, she was as cool as cucumber.   With an extensive career as a Certified Master Florist and Floral Designer, she has created stunning floral events that have been featured in a number of bridal publications; most recently the Spring 2010 edition of The Bride and Bloom.  She’s well acquainted with the gorgeous event venues located throughout Southern California including The Bel Air Club, Pacific Edge Laguna Beach and the Surf and Sand Resort where she worked closely with the bride to create this lavish yet fun Silver Gray and Fuchsia wedding theme.

Jan must have known that I would be tickled pink to see the bride in her Hot Pink Patent Leather Pumps!  She totally surprised me with that bit of honey just before I left.  Yep, I was a Happy Snapper.

Don’t worry if you’re not getting married anytime soon or if you’ve already exchanged vows.  Jan and her staff can create a lovely floral arrangement for any special occasion or for my favorite reason, “just because”.  She also offers local delivery if you’d like send a surprise.

(Did I mention how much I love exotic Stargazers and pretty Peonies?)

Till next time….

Ya’ll be good now, ya hear?!

P.S.   When you put a couple of Southern Women in a room together, get out of the way if you don’t want to be hugged.  (Of course I’ll smile and wave while thinking “Bless their sweet heart…..Missin’ out like that.”)

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Tweets that mention It’s All In The Details With…Flower Fusion » T Style Photography -- Topsy.com - September 13, 2010 - 8:14 AM

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Tamara Young, Tamara Young. Tamara Young said: Since I can't send you all flowers today, I put some gorgeous ones on the blog w/ a pair of Pink Shoes, too! http://bit.ly/bo0I8B [...]

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