Natasha Chalker Photography » Natasha

elf adventures | Enterprise Alabama Photographer

Natasha — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 16:46:01 +0000

First of all -

Dear Blog,

I’m sorry for the lack of updates. Really, it’s not you, it’s me. I would like to blog more but I just don’t seem to have the time. I have shared most fall/winter sneak peeks on Facebook … … I know, I know, the picture quality is so, so bad. Facebook compresses images, makes the color wacky but it’s quick and when I’m busy I need a quick way to share photos. BUT I promise to update you with all the beautiful sessions from September to December over the next few weeks. K? K.

Thanks for you understanding as you patiently await my return.

Natasha

Now onto our elf adventures. If you aren’t familiar with the elf tradition, check here – Elf on the shelf. Our elves are stuffed and apparently “ok” to touch. I’m not up on the technicalities of it all, but that’s what they said anyway. My kids are 10 and 15. Yes, I know they are technically too “old” for elves, Santa and other silliness. (They do understand and acknowledge the true meaning of Christmas, no worries) But they still love Bella and Buddy (movie inspired names, go figure!). I guess it’s because those mischievous little things are so fun and manage to surprise them every day. Nothing wrong with that, right? Besides, if our elves made any messes, Katie and Braden were responsible for cleaning it up. Yet they still love them! I tried to remember to take a photo of each adventure with my iphone (love the camera on the 4s!!wow!), then I made a few little collages of all the photos I managed to snap.

Below I’ve included a few shots of our Christmas card for 2011, another year of sweet blessings for us (again, taken with the iphone)

Luxe folded card printed on linen paper

Tri-fold printed on cotton paper

May your Christmas be filled with lots of love, joy, peace, happiness and contentment.

Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace, goodwill towards men Luke 2:11-14

don’t let the pigeon stay up late | Enterprise Alabama Family Photographer

Natasha — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 02:57:58 +0000

Have you read any of the pigeon books? These are some of my favorites. You can’t read them without laughing out loud and I enjoy books that make me smile, especially kids’ books because I’m a kindergarten teacher (in case you didn’t know). When I’m not teaching small children, I’m a photographer. Anytime I can incorporate something fun, original or unexpected into a shoot, I do! This family contacted me through Operation Love Reunited to capture some sweet family photos before Dad deploys. I was so very excited to do this for them even though it was HOT, and I do mean HOT outside that evening. I’ve been putting my sessions off until later in the evening when it’s cooler but when the humidity is nearly 99.999%, it really doesn’t matter when we take them because we just seem to melt. From the looks of these kids, it didn’t seem to bother them much.

Making his blog debut – THE PIGEON – and trying to convince 3 kids + 2 adults why he should get to stay up past his bedtime. Big brother was SO proud to read this book to his family. I was very impressed as well. He’s just starting first grade and such a voracious reader. I must pat his Kindergarten teacher on the back (nope, wasn’t me!).

THANK YOU, Daniel, for your service to our country and THANK YOU Charla (and family) for your sacrifice.

Another Hero | Enterprise Alabama Family Photographer

Natasha — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 03:33:18 +0000

I was honored when Trish asked me to photograph her sweet family. Since Chase was home on R&R, we made plans to do an Operation Love Reunited session for them. I couldn’t wait to meet Miss Brooklyn. I had heard ALL about her and let me say, she lived up to every word, as you can see below. I am quite certain she’s going to be a photographer one day. I taught her all I know about lighting, camera angles and how to avoid cow poop!

Here she is hamming it up – BIG TIME!

Daddy’s girl? I think so!

Thank you, Chase, for your service to our country. I truly appreciate all that you’re doing to endure freedom here in the US.

Thank you, Trish, for your sacrifice. I admire your strength tremendously and I pray the next few months fly by quickly for you.

Brooklyn, your dad is super cool – and so are you!

FALL ANNOUNCEMENTS | Enterprise Alabama Photographer

Natasha — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 01:25:09 +0000

SO excited about these announcements… Fall is just around the corner. It doesn’t seem possible with these hot summer days but they just seem to be flying by faster and faster. Here’s the scoop:

CHRISTMAS IN JULY – yes, Christmas will be here before we know it, too. (Only 163 days away!) We all know Grandma loves photos of her sweet grandbabies. What better Christmas gift than a beautiful custom photograph, framed and wrapped with a bow? While I’m not in on all the commercialization of Christmas, I do like to plan ahead so I’m not stuck shopping on Dec 24th. At 8pm. So for your shopping convenience, Christmas in July is here… Book a Fall Session (Sept-Nov) between now and July 31st and receive 25% off your (local) session fee + 1 complimentary 8×10 print. Fall is Filling up Fast for me, as you can see on my board here (I know, bad camera phone picture…that should change once Iphone5 comes out!) My son is playing travel soccer so my fall sessions are limited. I’m encouraging everyone to book as soon as possible.

For fall I’ve got some really sweet locations and super fun props – chairs, baskets, two awesome sofas, swing, and the list goes on and on.

FALL MINI SESSIONS – Interested in a short and sweet session? Consider a mini! With a mini session, you receive a collection with high resolution files and quality lab recommendations for optimal printing results. One of the collections offers Christmas cards OR a 20×20 fabric wall cling of your favorite shot. Have you seen these??? As soon as mine is hung, I’ll share it with you. They’re AMAZING!

A few card examples, to get you in the Christmas mood!

COMMUNITY SERVANT APPRECIATION – Now offering 10% off orders for our awesome community servants – active duty military, teachers, fire fighters and those in law enforcement. These are the very people that work diligently for our community, so they deserve some special treatment, right? Check here for complete pricing details.

THE F.I.L.M. PROJECT – I am pleased to announce that I was accepted into The F.I.L.M. Project. This organization provides complimentary photography services and prints for families with terminally ill loved ones. Please check out their website and join their Facebook page. If you know someone that would qualify for services, have them contact myself or The F.I.L.M. Project as soon as possile.

MOMMY REP PROGRAM – Would you be interested in earning free portraits? I’ve established a Mommy Rep program and I’m accepting applications until August 10th. Email for details on this exciting new program! natasha@natashachalker.com

3 WEEK TURN AROUND TIME GUARANTEE- We all want our finished photos quickly. I am offering an incentive for you! If you don’t have your proof gallery ready within 3 weeks of your session, you get a free 8×10 with your order. This applies to paid portrait sessions, not weddings or charitable sessions.

SUMMER/FALL BEACH SESSIONS - I will be at the beach the following dates: Aug 6, and Labor Day Weekend. Since I’m already planning a trip down there, you will receive a HUGE discount on some amazing beach photos. These, too, would make great Christmas gifts AND they’d look beautiful on Christmas cards as well!

Shew, that was a mouth full! Hope you’re having a fantastic summer and staying cool!

guess who’s two? | Enterprise Alabama Child Photographer

Natasha — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 12:48:02 +0000

Mallorie, that’s who! I, for one, can’t believe she’s 2. It seems like she was just born last month. Dang, babies grow into kids way too fast! She’s one lucky toddler. She has one big sister and two big brothers who love and adore her, and probably insanely spoil her rotten!

See?

“Enjoy this moment, for this is the moment of your life” <3

Mallorie wasn’t a fan of the grass so keeping her on the chair was pretty easy. Until she needed Mommy. I was able to get some sweet pinkalicious shots with her balloons and adorable dress…sigh… so, so, sweet.

Mallorie + Mama = Happy Girl!

I just love how her sweet hands are folded right here. Precious!

Silhouette’s are my favorites to capture. It takes some planning and the right locations, right time. We had it all “right” but the rain and clouds prevented us from getting a clear shot. I was disappointed at first but the more I look at this the more I can appreciate it. It’s very different from my other silhouettes. Different is good!

I didn’t forget to snap and “Me and my new friends” shot before we finished up. I love my little friends! Happy Birthday Mallorie! xoxox

A Family is LOVE | Enterprise, Alabama Operation Love Reunited

Natasha — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 13:43:28 +0000

A family is love and this family is no exception. Both mom and dad are deploying and both kids are moving to separate states. For a year. Being a parent, I cannot imagine such a sacrifice , not only for the parents but also for the children. I am so proud to live in a country where we have such selfless men and women who sacrifice for ALL Americans, daily. Thank you, thank you!

Again, I have the deepest appreciation for Mindy and Theo and their lovely family. So glad to have met you all!

If you have a moment, please check out Operation Love Reunited. They’re the BEST of the best!

Legal note: The photos and other content of this publication do not constitute or imply an endorsement or recommendation by the Department of Defense

Selah | Celebrating Adoption, Enterprise Alabama Photographer

Natasha — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 13:06:15 +0000

I’ve known Selah for quite sometime now. We’ve played together, taken pictures together, had long chats together. She is probably the happiest child I’ve ever met, always smiling and always happy. Her adoption story is incredibly inspiring. Her mom shared it with me many years ago and it touched my heart as it has for many others who know this family. Southern Child Magazine recently contacted me about my work with Celebrating Adoption. They include adoption stories in each issue and asked if I knew any families that would care to share their experience. Immediately I thought of Selah’s family. We met for some sweet pictures last month and Mom wrote the article. It was published this month – Check it out here, on page 14-15.

Selah’s mom has always told her that her other children came from her belly but Selah came from her heart. Sweetest thing I’ve ever heard.

See the happiness?!?

Be sure to check out Southern Child Magazine – you’ll be so glad you did. TONS of great articles, tips, and useful information for parents today. They even have a Facebook Page (GOOD stuff!) Southern Child Magazine Facebook

happy {early} father’s day, travis, an american hero

Natasha — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 21:45:39 +0000

I’m often asked what my favorite age is to photograph. I guess it depends on my mood. Sometimes I love the sleepy, delicate newborns, other moments I enjoy the spontaneity of a toddler. By far, giving back tops my list every single time. It brings me the greatest JOY. I do what I do to help others remember the important moments in life. But it isn’t at all about what I’M doing but rather what GOD is doing through me. He has provided outlets that allow me to share what I do with others. One of those outlets is Operation Love Reunited. OpLove allows me to help a family through a deployment. I am so honored to be a part of this incredible organization!

On to this beautiful family… what can I say? Two handsome boys and a gorgeous Mama, who went all out and brought the best props for our session.

Jonathan was pretty set on stealing the show. So much personality, wrapped up in a little ball! Adorable? Yes!

But little brother Jedd wasn’t about to let that happen. Those blue eyes and sweet smile had me the minute I met him!

Grandma had the right idea for propping him between the boots. I may need to hire her as an assistant.

This Mom, with two babies, by herself and her husband is thousands of miles away. I truly admire military wives! You’re amazing!

and isn’t she gorgeous??

Happy {early} father’s day, Travis. Thank you for your service and sacrifice for our country. This little token doesn’t seem like thanks enough but please know how truly appreciated you are!

Legal note: The photos and other content of this publication do not constitute or imply an endorsement or recommendation by the Department of Defense.

I think I need a spanking

Natasha — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 23:47:11 +0000

or a time out, or something…I’ve been so bad at keeping up with my blog, especially with the end of the school year activities: graduation for my Kindergarten class, designing my students’ storyboards, plus the end of the year slideshow organized and burned to 19 dvds, and I *think* I shot a wedding in there somewhere, too… Pure craziness here, but it all came and went with a bang and my husband and I jetted off to Aruba for a week. It was beyond wonderful. Our kids were still in school, Scott was off, I was out of school so we went – and enjoyed some much needed time TOGETHER. Braden asked why we always went to “fancy” places without him. I quickly reminded him that he was with us when we went on a Caribbean cruise (+ Disney World) last year. The one where all he wanted to do was go back to the stateroom to play with his Legos and check out the towel animals that awaited him each evening. Besides, he and his sister still had school for 2 more weeks, so sorry! Not to mention, Scott and I have only done a weekend trip here and there away from the kids, for maybe one or two nights, never for a week – out of the country – in almost 17 years of marriage. So that justifies a vacation, right? The first thing I thought of when we booked our trip was all the great photo opportunities that awaited me. While we were in Aruba, we never went anywhere without at least my point and shoot camera tucked in my purse. I took my big camera most of the time, too, and managed to collect 1729 photos. I’m rather proud to say I’ve mastered photography on horseback and ATV. On horseback, I strapped the camera around my neck (which I NEVER do) and snapped away while we rode around the trails and galloped on the sand dunes. I got creative, put down the reins and snapped some behind me, to the side, over , under, above…VERY fun, even if my camera beat me in the chest and tummy and I lost my lens cap somewhere along the way. I decided to use the point and shoot for ATV’ing, even though Scott was driving. It turned out to be a wise decision because we both got filthy on the dirt trails. It was just as fun snapping away at different angles. It’s hard to share only a few of my favorite shots because I took so many that I truly love…

Our horseback riding adventure

Abandoned goldmine/fortress.

Our ATV adventure, which was just that, an adventure. Our 4 wheeler broke down. Twice. The first time just happened to be at a picturesque chapel, the oldest church in the Caribbean. So quaint and tranquil. Our guide, Pancho, got so annoyed, he cussed and fussed a bit (well, a little may be an understatement. He cussed A LOT). He did get a new battery for us and we were on our way.

Pancho was one of the funniest Arubans we met. We collected several Pancho-isms along the way, with his thick accent, broken English. Here are a few:

Dominate the bike.

I coming.

Vaminos!

You lean back, you flip.

The volcano went BOOM, and then there’s rocks, see? (although our horseback riding guide told us Aruba was 90% coral…)

We finally made it to the Natural Pool after the second break down, and Pancho and crew left us in the desert as we waited for a new bike. We got a shiny yellow one, that worked. The Natural Pool was amazing. Luckily we could swim in it this day. Some days the weather doesn’t permit swimming if it’s too windy and the waves come in too strong. I wish we had brought snorkeling gear because it was crystal clear and there were fish and crabs everywhere.

Our next adventure, renewing our wedding vows. On a pirate ship. The taxi driver recommended the Jolly Pirate snorkeling cruise. What a great time! We snorkeled at the Antilla shipwreck, Catalina and Malmok Beach. We saw parrot fish, squid, starfish, sea urchins, and some other fish we couldn’t identify. We didn’t see any barracudas though. Bummer!

My hunky husband, on the rope swing.

Other random things we enjoyed.

One of our favorite cab drivers. His name was, and I quote, “Dry Bread, like without the butter” He was adorable!

Boca Grandi Beach

Gorgeous Arashi Beach

California Lighthouse

Candle lit, sunset dinner on Eagle Beach.

A friend mentioned she’d love to take me on vacation with her family which I found coincidental because that’s EXACTLY what I’ve joked about wanting to do – be a vacation photographer, go with families on vacation, do candid and portrait work so moms and dads can enjoy the moments and not have to worry about taking photos. Anyone game? I LOVE warm tropical places…

Tornado Relief Trade Day

Natasha — Tue, 17 May 2011 02:49:24 +0000

Wow! What a day! I was overwhelmed with the response I received, not only from those wishing to trade sessions for donations but also for those that just wanted to come and help, or just simply give. I know so many feel as I do; that they want to give back but maybe they simply don’t know where to start. To date we collected 9 cases of water, 10 packs of diapers, along with 2 cases of diapers, 50+ cans/packages of non perishables, 25 blankets, countless bags of toiletries and gently used clothing and shoe items. I say we, because this was totally a team effort! We also have over 100 stuffed animals residing in our garage. We’re going to attach notes/cards from children here in Enterprise to the stuffed animals and deliver them to the youngest tornado victims in North Alabama. These sweet children will receive a message of hope and comfort other children in their home state.

Just a few notes of thanks, because I could not have pulled this off alone. This just goes to show what great things can be accomplished when team work is present!

Thank you to Emily Ramsey for being my personal assistant. You were extra sweet with the kids, too. I appreciate all that you did to help me that day.

My new friend, Holley, of Holley Lorain Photography – Girl, you were awesome! You jumped right in organizing donations, getting information, even grabbing my sunglasses and countless other things I may not have even noticed. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Amanda, my sweet friend and fellow photographer, from Pictures by Amanda – Thanks for snapping some great shots of me (as you can see below) in action. I often wonder how silly I look when I’m working. Now I know! I appreciate you coming out and helping Tina and I’m so grateful you were there to help transport the donations back to my house! Who knew it would take 3 car loads?!?

Of course, Tina, of Tina Richards Photography, was so sweet to come out and do some sessions with us, too. Thanks for driving all the way over from Dothan. It’s always good to see you, Tina!

Tornado Relief Trade Day #2, coming in June! Stay tuned on my Facebook page, where I will announce it first.