These images are from a photo session that I did Saturday. The model is Marie Moran. She is a cancer patient who has touched many lives. Despite her own battle, she is willing to share her experience and help anyone who needs her to. She is one special lady and I am honored to call her my friend.

I hope to have more images done shortly. There were so many good ones that I could not resist sharing a couple!

The first one I call Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend!

This one is The Face of Courage. I have never met a braver women. She does not dwell on her own health issues but concentrates on everyone else's.

We had such a good time capturing these images. I can not wait to finish them so you can see them all Marie.

Thanks again for agreeing to model. It was a pleasure

to photograph you.

I want to also thank Ken for fixing my portable background stand. It works like a charm again!

Executive Portraits

Here is a recent Executive Portrait that we did for an entrepenuer with 2 businesses! Hope you enjoy it Tom!

Remember if someone tells you that you need to update your Executive Portrait contact us immediately!

Studio is Reopened

Our studio is now reopened. We were in Ohio celebrating my parents 50th wedding anniversary. Even though we enjoyed visiting family and friends, we are glad to be
back. We have the greatest customers and we enjoy every one of them. Thanks
everyone for my parents congrats and well wishes.

Does Your Portrait Need A "FaceLift"??

I'm not talking about cosmetic surgery, or even PhotoShop retouching! Have your friends or colleagues told you that the image you have on your Facebook or LinkedIn pages looks BAD??

It is a known fact that in order to create a better profile, you NEED a great picture of yourself.

Social networking is about people interacting with other people or businesses.

Especially LinkedIn. How do you expect other professionals to take you seriously if you have an amateur image on your account? Having your photo posted allows people to put a face with your name. Do you want to send the message that you don't care about your image?? I doubt it!

If you find that you are in this situation Don't delay! Call us at 904-879-3469 TODAY! We can create an image that not only looks great but will capture your personality also.

Celebrating 23 Years

Today my husband Dan and I are celebrating 23 years of marriage. We have been blessed by the fact that we are soulmates. I fall deeper in love with him everyday. Happy Anniversay honey!

Celebrating 50 Years of Marriage

Our studio will be closed from August 24th thru September 1st. We will be traveling to Ohio in order to celebrate my parents 50th wedding Anniversary.

Wow! What an Honor We Received!

Last Tuesday one of my competition prints was chosen to compete in Intersection. What does this mean? Intersection is a special judging that is done at our state convention. One print from 4 photographers are chosen to represent their guild. The prints are judged and an award is given to the best guild in the state. We have one of the largest guilds in the state with a membership of over 100. Wow! What an honor that one of my prints was chosen to help represent the North Florida Society of Professional Photographers.

Kutting For Kids

Last Sunday I had the privilege of participating in the 10th Annual Kutting for Kids held at the Orange Park Mall. This was my second year volunteering. What a fun day! As you may know, Kutting For Kids is sponsored by Channel 12 and Jeannie Blalock. Locks of Love takes the donations and makes wigs for children who do not have hair due to medical reasons.

As in the past years; many generous, caring people donated their locks. We had donors from all ages. The youngest donor was 3 years old. At last count we collected over 7,004 inches of hair with the longest single donation being 26 inches. That is enough to make 45 wigs for those in need.

Emotions definitely ran high during this event. It was not uncommon to see huge smiles on the faces of the donors but there were also a few that shed tears as their tresses were removed.

Everyone felt joyous to be giving to such a worthwhile cause. We even had one very special girl donate.

There were many organizations that helped in the event. Brownies were there to help with the collection and measuring the donations. Talented musicians and dancers entertained us. Clowns were on hand for ballon hats or animals and face painting. Professional hairstylsts donated their time and talent to ensure that everyone looked great after their donation.

Here is a video of my favorite images from the day. I hope you enjoy it. If you were unable to donate this year please consider donating next year. Donations must be at least 10 inches and free from bleach (hair color is permissable). For a full overview of the criteria please visit the Locks of Love website.

If you would like to see more images log onto the First Coast News website, click the View Videos and Photos link to select the Kutting for Kids gallery.

If your image is on our blog and you would like a copy for Facebook, etc please contact our studio. We will be happy to send you a web quality image free of charge. This is our way of saying thank you for donating.

A Little Teaser for You

I hope you enjoy this teaser from a family session that I did the other night. This family is very special to alot of people. They will soon be celebrating 20 years of pastoring their church. A huge congratulation and wishes for continued success from us to you. May God continue to bless you in your ministry.

Ms. Sandy, I can't wait for you to see all your images. They are lovely and I am quite proud of them. We are honored that you allowed us to capture these treasured images.

Okay, okay as a blogger I fail. There has been
so much to blog about but soooo little time. I
am sure we are all experiencing the same thing.
I promise to try to be better about blogging.

One thing I would like to say: I am very proud
to anounce that Amore' Studio & Photographic Design
as been accepted into Biltmore's Who's Who for Businesses.
What an honor!

Senior Session

Hope you enjoy the "sneek peek" from a Senior Session that we did last week. We had a lot of fun working with Grace. She is an awesome girl! I can't wait for her viewing session next week. Get ready Grace, for you are the star of your own "MTV video".

Lexi Is Still Leading

Congratulations to our model Alexis Augustin. She is currently leading for the Jacksonville area in the America's Cutest Kid contest. Not only was she

able to be a live model for noted photographer Sandy Puc' when she was here on tour but she will be eligible to enter into the national level of competition.

To help Lexi continue to remain in first place log onto www.sandypucvotes.com. Look for Jacksonville, FL. Click on Alexis Augustin and cast your votes. Votes are $1.00 each but the proceeds will benefit the Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep Organization. This is an organization comprised of volunteer photographers for families who are experiencing infant bereavement. Please visit their website for additional information.

Brags

The Spring Salon was held at The Professional Photographers Society of North Florida last night. This is where our local talent gets together to compete. We had over 70 entries for the judges to choose from.

I am EXTREMELY proud to say that I placed first and second in the Portrait category. What an honor this is. Our judging panel consisted of four Master Photographers whose opinions I greatly respect.

Here are the winning images:
First Place: On the Lookout
Second Place: Tropical Paradise

Thank-you judges for these prestigious wins.

Our Bunny Portrait Sessions are nearly full. Create a special memory for your child while they have fun with our friendly staff. Even the bunnies are friendly!

Call and schedule your appointment today. Please ask about our special package price. Hurry this event ends March 30th!

A Word For Our Clients

With our current national economic state, we have been saddened to hear of the many stories of hardships from our clients. We have also been touched to hear of the blessings that have come from these hardships.

We want you to know that while Amore' Studio is still a business, it's not about the money (and never was!) We love witnessing the joy that is expressed between an engaged couple, the undying love between a bride and her groom, and watching them grow into a family. Its about connecting with our clients and sharing in their joy. We love to see the tears of pride during an image presentation.

Never do we take for granted nor treat the work we do lightly. It is an honor to be given the privilege of photographing the important moments and people in your life. It is heartbreaking to hear that families are going without pictures because the budget is tighter.

Please do not hesitate to call us and schedule an appointment. We have new payment plans that we have put into place to help. We are committed to continuing to provide you with images you will treasure for a lifetime. We will work with you on an individual basis so that you do not have to go without. You only marry your true love once. Your children are little only for a very short time. Please do not let these moments pass by without having beautiful images to remember them by.

Remember we value your business but more importantly we value your friendship! Help us do what we love by sharing how we may serve you.

Is Your Child "America's Cutest Kid"?

Amore' Studio & Photographic Design is participating in the National Charity Model Search to select "America's Cutest Kid" and to raise funds for charity.

Children ages 18 months- 14 years are eligible to participate. Amore' Studio will take an image of your child and upload it for voting. All votes are cast online. The child voted city finalist , can choose to serve as a model during the Tots2Teens tour when it visits Jacksonville in March.

City finalists are determined by the number of votes that they receive online. Anyone may vote. Each vote cost $1.00 and all proceeds benefit the Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep Organization. This organization is committed to assisting parents and families going through the difficult time of experiencing early infant loss.

City finalists will move on to a national finalist category. The winner will recieve many prizes including a $5,000 US savings bond and a Canon PowerShot G10 digital camera.

If you think your child is "America's Cutest Kid" please call our studio at 904-879-3469 to schedule your session. We are offering a very special rate of $99.00 (+tax) that includes the session fee, 1- 8x10 image, and submission into the contest. The fee is payable upon booking your session.

Remember, Tammie Sybelnik- Chief Photographer for Amore' Studio and Photographic Design is 1 of 2 Nationally Certified Professional Photographers in Nassau County. Don't trust your cherished photos to anyone but the best.

Contact us today.

Elected To Board of Directors

Everyone tells me that I am too modest and I do not brag on myself enough. Okay, well here goes! I am proud to announce that I have been elected to the Board of Directors for The Professional Photographer's Society of North Florida.

What an honor it is to have been selected to serve this prestigious guild.

First Visit With Santa

At Amore' Studio we are always honored when clients ask us to photograph their child's first experiences. It is a joy for us to share in these special moments in your lives.
This precious little girl had her first visit with Santa. She seemed to be in awe of her experience. The tree lights were especially mesmerizing to her.

We are offering a special portrait package for our Santa portraits. You will receive: (1)- 8x10 portrait, (2)- 5x7 portraits, and 8 wallets from one pose for $125.00. This is a savings of $30.00 from our regular price. In addition, if you bring in a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots we will waive our sitting fee ( an $85.00 value). Santa sessions are limited so call today to schedule yours!

Holiday Portraits

It's that time of year again! The holidays are quickly approaching. A professional portrait is the perfect gift to give yourself or your loved ones. It is the gift that only you can give!

We are scheduling appointments for Holiday Portraits. The first 10 sessions scheduled will receive 10 free Christmas cards with their portraits. You can choose to have your portrait made in our studio settings or in your home.

If you bring in a new unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots we will waive the session fee. This is an $85.00 value!

Call us at 904.879.3469 today to schedule your appointment. This special offer is good thru November 30th! Call TODAY!

October Is Family Portrait Month

Isn't it time for your family portrait to be updated?

October is National Family Portrait Month. This promotion allows Amore' Studio & Photographic Design and families to raise money together for children in need of smiles. A smile has universal meaning.. not to mention the fact that it is very contagious! But what about the children who cannot smile?

Since 1982, more than 115,000 children and young adults have been treated by thousands of volunteers worldwide. Thousands of healthcare workers have also been trained. For as little as $240.00 Operations Smile can change a child's life by giving the gift of surgery. In as little as 45 minutes a child's life can be changed for the better.

Are you ready to help create a smile? Call us today at 904-879-3469 to schedule your appointment. All session fees will be donated to this worthwhile cause. Through this fundraising campaign we can make a difference in children's lives worldwide.

Our goal is to raise $5,000.00. Would you like to help?

Click here to learn more about Operation Smile.

Accolades Received

We receive many words of gratitude for our work but I wanted to share this one with you. This is from a recent Senior Session that I did:

Hi Ms. Tammie. Thank you sooooooo much for taking my pictures. My experience with your studio was amazing! I cannot believe my pictures came out so great! I was extremely comfortable with you during my session and enjoyed your sense of humor. I never felt "rushed" and the time just flew by during my session. Amore' Studio is the best place to have your photography done! Thanks again! Chrissy

Thanks Chrissy! Its nice to know that our customers love our work! I can't wait until your final images are back!

Recent Faerie Session

I just wanted to share a few images from a recent session.

We all know that when photographing children we operate on their "time schedule". This child had other things on her agenda and was not wanting to be photographed. Never being one to give up I completed the session and got some incredible images!

We are going to do a coffee table book and entitle it "The Reluctant Faerie".

Certified Professional Photographer Credentials Earned

As I have stated before, I am always striving to be the best photographer that I can be in order to provide my clients the best portrait experience possible. I am proud to announce that I have earned my Certified Professional Photographer credential from the Professional Photographers of America.

What does this mean? I had to pass a comprehensive examination measuring my technical expertise that included submitting my images to a panel of judges for review.

This designation is a mark of excellence. I am among less than 3% of all photographic professionals to have successfully received this credential.

I am one of two professional photographers in Nassau County who is Certified.

Here is what the PPA website states:

Certified Professional Photographer: A Symbol You Can Trust

"When you hire a photographer, you want the best. Unfortunately, anyone can claim to be a professional photographer- so ensuring you get the best photographer for the job can be a difficult task. To make it easier for you to find a truly professional photographer, Professional Photographers of America offers the Certified Professional Photographer program through the Photographic Certification Commission.

As a leading certifying agency and association for imaging professionals, PPA's Certification program is recognized throughout the industry as a sign of excellence. When you see a photographer displaying the Certified Professional Photographer seal, you can be assured the he or she is among less than 3% of all imaging professionals who have successfully completed and maintained our requirements.

Those who have earned the Certified Professional Photographer designation have passed a comprehensive written examination measuring their technical expertise, and have successfully submitted their work to a panel of judges for review and approval.

Your Assurance of Quality

Every day Certified professionals help record the most important moments in life. And while every situation bring new challenges- you can be assured that the Certified professional has the creativity and skills to deliver the best possible images for you.

Be assured that whenever you enter a studio that displays the Certified Professional Photographer emblem, you will be dealing with a professional who is dedicated to providing you with the highest level of professionalism and expertise available."

I truly believe that my clients will benefit from my mark of excellence.

Going Home

The studio will be closed from Thursday, September 11th thru Saturday, September 13th.

We will be traveling home for my father-in-law's 85th birthday. What a milestone in life.

We will resume normal hours on Monday, September 15th.

Back From Convention

What a wonderful experience I had at this years convention. There were many wonderful speakers that gave me some new and innovative ideas for our studio. I cannot wait to share them with my clients.

On a more serious note- I hope that everyone came through Tropical Storm Faye intact. We sustained some flooding (thankfully none entered our home) and downed branches. I spent most of this week cleaning up the property. But when life hands you lemons- make lemonade! While
cleaning up I thought of some awesome outdoor sets that we can implement. I can't wait to get started on them!