I have known Leslie for a few years now and this was actually the second time I’ve had the pleasure of photographing her.  Leslie is such a strong and inspirational friend and it is always a pleasure to spend time with her.  So down to earth, warm and friendly and an awesome belly dancer!  She lives in a loft apartment down town that has an amazing open floor plan and clean lines, yet feels like home as soon as you walk in.  The balcony has the best views and I think it really compliments her personality. I had a great time on this shoot, just photographing her in her own domain, relaxed and simple.  She was up for anything and had the most fun wardrobe to look through and piece together practical but sexy outfits!

Leslie, thank you for welcoming me into your home and letting me photograph you.  You are so stunning and I think these photos really showcase that. 

My great friend Sterling assisted me on this shoot and afterward, Leslie was sweet enough to take us out to brunch at the amazing Sweet Potatoes, all while donning this awesome outfit!

This photo is so comforting to me.  It just makes me sigh a sigh of happiness and smile.

Leslie, you are BEAUTIFUL!

Fathers Day is but a bittersweet memory for me.  It is a day of sadness, loss, and remembrance.  With remembrance comes tears and then smiles and quiet laughs.

My father passed away three years ago, on July 6th, losing his battle to cancer.  He lived a long, hard, fun life and taught me everything I know about life.  His battle was one that I never wish for anyone to have to witness, but his battle also taught me many life lessons.

Because of my father, I am emotionally raw.  Like him, I emotionally involve myself in everyday life and the things/people I love.  It’s something he taught me to never be ashamed of – my emotions.  We love wildly, we laughed until our face and stomach hurts and we’re gasping for air.  We mourn deeply when sadness strikes and we carry words spoken to us like spare change in our pockets, being reminded of them throughout the day and taking them out and putting them to rest at night.  We emotionally involve ourselves in those things that affect us personally, and I can’t say it’s the best or easiest personality trait to have – but it’s ours, and we understood and learned to cherish it.

My father was a farmer and a Sheriff.  He was old school and old fashioned.  He had hands of leather but a heart of gold.  He was a teacher and a preacher.  He was a listener and a story teller.  He was the biggest part of my life growing up – my sunshine.  I was definitely daddy’s little girl and I still am.

I could write all day, but I’ll stop here.  Daddy, I love you and thank you for the gift of emotions and wisdom that you have taught me.  Though I still struggle with some (like patience and listening) on a daily basis – they are but a reminder of your biggest lesson of all.  To love and give where you can.

You may be wondering where a few of the posts went, especially the boudoir related ones.  Well, after much deliberation and hard work, I have made a sister site specifically for my boudoir clients.

simply-boudoir.com

In recent months, I have began building quite the boudoir portfolio and while my main focus is still on lifestyle portrait photography, I kind of wanted to separate the boudoir part for a few different reasons.  One, is to give my boudoir clients a small place of their own.  A nifty looking site that is feminine, a little more private and fun.  I know, it’s still the internet and you can only be SO private – but boudoir photography is very personal.  Clients interested in having a boudoir session done are searching the internet for boudoir photography and ideas, not family or pet portraits.  This way, the boudoir content is easier to find for those interested in it, as well as it being easier for me to list for potential boudoir clients.

Don’t panic, though – I’m not leaving!  I will still be here, the same ‘ol Stacey Lynn, natural light portrait photographer, updating semi-daily.  I just wanted to move my boudoir photos to a more prominent place of their own.  If you are a past or present boudoir client, feel free to bookmark the new website, as that is where all new boudoir content will be posted from here on out.

Just to prove I still love ya, here’s a sneak peek from a super cute summer shoot to be posted soon!

It goes without saying that I adore Kari.  She has a genuine, but free spirited personality about her that I really enjoy.  She’s such a smart girl, and there’s no doubt that her other half has to be equally amazing.

Although I had spoken with Kentrell on the phone before, this was the first time I had met him.  I have heard nothing but great things for the year or so I’ve known Kari, and Kentrell didn’t let me down in the least.  He seemed to bring out the best in Kari and his patience was seen in him right off the bat.  He was fun, carefree and adored Kari.  Maybe a little more than I do.  MAYBE.

This shoot only lasted about 10 minutes because I swear it was 100 degrees outside.  It was planned almost last minute, as Kentrell has been out of town a lot lately and was finally back.  You may recognize him if you look close enough.  He is part of the Swagger Crew that was on last seasons America’s Best Dance Crew!  He is an amazing dancer and while it was WAY too hot to get all sweaty while busting moves on our shoot – I love hearing the passion in his voice as he and Kari talk about dance.  I have been wanting to photograph these two together for  awhile now, and I got my chance!  I promised not to keep them out for long, so we took a few snaps and they invited me to eat sushi with them!  While I sipped on my sweet tea, I listened to the story of how they met, and I know these two were special for each other.  They just went together so perfectly and really complimented each other in all the best ways.

Kari and Kentrell – here’s to you!  To inspiring me to have fun in my own relationship.  To stay young and to be silly.  I adore you two and I wish you nothing but the absolute best!