So What is a Beach Day?

Black Pot Beach in Hanalei - Surfboards at the Ready

While many of you know that I go to Kauai as often as I am able, namely to make sure my vacation rental is still standing, I also go for the beaches.  And, my favorites can be found in the expanse of Hanalei Bay.

So, for our last day on island this month, my husband and I headed down to Hanalei for what turned out to be a three-ring circus around the pier.  Taking place within a stone's throw of each other was the start/finish for a canoe race, a sand castle contest, and (as I would later learn) KORE's monthly beach day.

A friend of ours was actually racing which meant we needed to be at Black Pot Beach early that morning, or what I would call early for a day at the beach.  While waiting for the men's and women's six-person canoe teams to assemble for the customary prayer and kick-off, a rainbow of surfboards at the shoreline caught my photographer eye.  As I turned my lens to the geometric pattern, unbeknown to me, another had locked her eyes on my camera.  Spying a red-orange caution cone in my frame, I looked up from my camera and moved to temporarily relocate it.  Just as I reached for it, a very enthusiastic young woman made her presence known saying, "I can help you," as she quickly picked up the cone.  Her excitement was plain to see as I acknowledged the assist and proceeded to photograph the colorful boards in the sand.


KORE Volunteer and Participant

I may have clicked my shutter all of twice before my new friend said something to me again.  While I did not catch all of it, it was apparent that she wanted me to take her picture.  And before I could actually say, yes, she darted off?  Within minutes, however, she was back with a man in tow (a KORE volunteer).  With his help, my friend was able to raise a board and happily pose for my camera.  Her delight in that moment was simply infectious (see inset).

Not to take away from the efforts of the canoe racers or sand castle builders on this misty morning, but this chance encounter was the highlight of my beach day and introduced me to the wonderful non-profit organization that is the Kauai Ocean Recreation Experience--all thanks to my new friend and the magic that is photography.

- Mahalo, Tammy    

About KORE
Kauai Ocean Recreation Experience (KORE) is designed to help those who are physically challenged and/or have special needs, to get back into the ocean with the assistance of trained professionals.  KORE's Beach Days have grown into a monthly event which now boasts over 400 participants and volunteers working together to make the beach accessible to all.     

TRR Photography Partners with Photobiz to Launch a New and Improved Studio Website

For those of you paying attention, my March blog post did go by the wayside, but for good reason.  I was busy working on a new website.  Having outgrown the old one, I was tickled to meet the Photobiz team at a recent convention where I partnered with them on the spot!

Powered by a passionate and patient support team, I am happy to announce that the studio's new and improved Photobiz website: www.trrphotography.com is now up and running!  And for the first time, the website can be found and opened on any device you may use to surf the web.  No longer will the site appear as a blank page begging the question: Why?

I, personally, am very excited about the user-friendly operation of the new site and its clean look which allows my photography to take center stage.  What's more, as the administrator of the site, I have the ability to make changes as desired to keep the content fresh--no more waiting for days to change an image featured in the homepage slide show. 

Having cut my teeth on this site, I expect to also have the new website for Let Your Sexy Out live in the next week or two.  And, not to be left out of the makeover project, you may have noticed that this blog has a new look as well.  Now, I'm just left with my studio spring cleaning.  I wonder if the Photobiz team can offer me any solutions on this aspect of my business too.  : )

Until next month, Tammy

These Circle Frames Will Make Your Head Spin!

Circle Frame and Portrait by TRR Photography

It's not often that a new photographic product comes along and captures my imagination the way these circle frames do.  Using any image, any design, I can create something truly outside of the box!

Manufactured exclusively by our lab, the circle frames are 3" wide and have black painted edges.  They come with a keyhole slot and pilot holes to maximize mounting options.  I, personally, think ribbon makes for a stylish option as shown below. 

As though that were not enough, eight different sizes are currently available ranging from 6" to 24."  Matting also is available with a choice of colors and widths.  Shown in the example above is a 20" circle frame with 2" black mat over a 16" mounted metallic portrait print.  This particular piece was actually on display at the Annual Gala of the Nevada Justice Association last month where it created quite the buzz.  Unfortunately, my snapshot doesn't do it justice.  What can I say, I am not a product photographer.

In short, these circle frames will make your head spin!  They certainly are one of my favorite new products in the studio.  Mention this blog post and you will receive complimentary matting (single or double) and ribbon on your order.  Offer good at TRR Photography thru 12/31/12.

- Tammy

Thank You and Good Luck Angelina - We will miss you!

Angelina sits in for test shots prior to a client session.

Here at TRR Photography, we take great pride in our associates and the jobs they perform to keep the studio running smoothly.  This is especially true of my assistants during portrait sessions.  Having an able assistant present not only helps to keep things rolling and clients comfortable, but gives me an additional pair of eyes on the set.

A favorite amongst my family clients, Miss Angelina Diaz has definitely filled that bill.  Alas, it is with sadness that we bid her farewell.  She will be moving to Southern California at the end of the month with her family.  There she will continue her high school education and hopefully her singing as a member of her new school's choir.
  
Having known Angelina since she was a Kindergartner, I can't help but feel I am losing much more than an assistant.  I know my clients will miss her too.  Nevertheless, I also am excited for the Diaz family and the new opportunities this move is sure to bring.

So, it is with a happy heart that I say, thank you and good luck Angelina!

- Tammy