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!

Attending Florida Convention

As a professional photographer, I am always attending continuing education programs to improve my skills. I take pride in offering my clients the best portrait experience possible. This can only be accomplished by striving to be the best that I can be.

The studio will be closed from Saturday, August 23rd thru Friday, August 29th so that I may attend our State Convention. I am looking forward to learning from some of the top photographers in the nation. I know that I
will gain valuable new skills to bring to my clients and business.

The studio will resume normal hours on Tuesday, September 2nd.

Fabulous Senior Session

This image is from a senior session that I did last week. What a blast we had traveling the streets of St. Augustine!

Chrissy- you were absolutely fabulous. I really enjoyed our session. Here is a sneek peek of what is in store when you come to view your images!

Enjoy!

HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS

Boutique Merchandise Added

We have received numerous requests to carry boutique items. After extensive research to enable our clients to receive the best merchandise we are pleased to announce these "new-arrivals".

Frames are the finishing touch to your image. They can be likened to hair being a women's crowning glory. We know that your images will be treasured for generations so we decided to carry a large selection of frames to better serve our customers.

Let our experts help you create the masterpiece that will show off your home and homes of generations to come.

We carry a full line of sterling silver jewelry for both women and men. No longer do you have to search for the perfect gift...we have it right here!

We have added a line of purses, wallets, and totes. These are customized with your images. What a great way to show-off the children or that someone special.

In addition to the pictured items we offer customized cards, announcements, coffee table books, and albums. All items are top-quality products that will last for years. Since we know these are wonderful items to give as well as receive; gift certificates are available.

Happy Anniversary David & Christi

We love to acknowledge milestones in our clients' lives. Today we want to send Happy Anniversary wishes to David & Christi. They have been married for 19 wonderful years. Last year, we had the pleasure of photographing their vow renewals on the beach. Here are a few images from it.

We wish them continued happiness all their lives.

Local Food Bank Benefits From Fast

Today, while speaking with my good friend, Lori Dorman, she shared with me this incredible story. Lori is the Director of the GATOR Teen Group at her church. Wanting to help our community, they decided that they would fast, collect sponsorships for each hour that they did, and donate all the money to the Second Harvest Food Bank in order that needy families may be fed.

The nine GATORs started to fast at noon on Friday, June 13th. They continued to fast as they went to the Food Bank to stock shelves for 3 hours on Saturday morning. At 1 pm they were treated to Taco Bell and ended thier fasting.

The group raised $550.50 along with 2 bins of non-perishable food items. Each dollar given to Second Harvest enables them to purchase $53.00 worth of food. This group essentially donated $29,176.50 worth of food for needy families around the First Coast.

The check will be presented to Second Harvest on Saturday, August 9th on the Good Morning Jacksonville Saturday show (channel 12). Tune in to watch these amazing kids.

Hats off to you GATORS! You make our community proud!

Beautiful Ballerina

What a beautiful little girl. I could not resist sharing this picture!

A Beautiful Evening

I wanted to share some images from my beach session the other evening. This lady is amazingly talented with her beautiful dogs. She has put both AKC and Obedience titles on them. Thank-you Marie for allowing me to photograph you and your lovely dogs.

Kutting For Kids

Today, I had the honor to help photograph the Kutting For Kids event at the Orange Park Mall. What an awesome experience! There were so many exceptional people that showed up to donate their hair to Locks of Love. People from all age ranges came together for one common goal- to donate to this worthwhile cause. The last update we received before the event ended was that 400 donations were received with the longest single donation being 28 inches long.

Kutting For Kids was started by Jeanne Blalock of First Coast News approximately nine years ago. Locks of Love takes the donations and makes custom wigs for children who have lost their hair due to medical reasons. To make one wig it takes 6 to 10 donations.

What an emotion filled day! It was not an uncommon site to see fathers caressing their daughters long tresses right before they visited the stylist. The expressions ranged from not knowing what to think once the donation was made, to being extremely happy that the extra weight had been removed from their heads. Some shed tears as they donated.

There were many organizations that helped to celebrate the day. Talented musicians played music for our enjoyment. Faces were painted by a very artistic clown. Even Batman showed up to cheer us on in our efforts!

To EVERYONE who came out today a HUGE THANK-YOU for making this event a HUGE SUCCESS!!

Here are a few images from today's event:

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

Sweet, Sweet Baby

This sweet, sweet baby is truly a miracle. Mom developed complications during her pregnancy and was placed on complete bedrest for months to try to prevent a very early birth. Then towards the end of her pregnancy, her parents were told that there was a good chance that this little angel would be born with heart problems. Immediately everyone began praying that this unborn child would be spared. God answers prayers. This angel was born full term without any complications.


Dad and Mom , congratulations on your sweet angel! How honored I am that you allowed me to photograph your precious miracle.