I Just Can't Say NO to Noah's Animal House

Pictured L to R: Judy Shoup, Sharon Kingston, Noah's Founder Staci Columbo Alonso,
Shelter Manager Gennifer Davenport and Sandy Brannum

Those of you who know me, know that as a general rule I do not shoot events. However, I learned a long time ago never to say NEVER. And, when the Chair of the Silver State Kennel Club's Canine Giving Fund Committee, Sandy Brannum, asked me to photograph the club's presentation of a cash donation to Noah's Animal House gratis, I knew I could not refuse.

Noah's Animal House is an adjunct of the Shade Tree Shelter for women. Together, the two entities provide a safety net for families and their pets in crisis taking that first step toward a better life. I think it safe to say that when most of us hear the words "domestic abuse," we rarely think about the pets in the household as victims too. The fact is that 78% of battered women reported animal abuse in the home by their abuser. Worse still, often times, women will remain in an abusive relationship out of fear of what might happen to their beloved pets as payback.

78% of battered women reported animal abuse in the home by their abuser.

This is where Noah's Animal House comes in. Founded by Staci Columbo Alonso, Noah's Animal House (named after her son), allows women and their children to take that first step without the guilt of leaving the family pet(s) behind. And just as importantly, these same pets play a huge role along the road to independence and happiness--even if it is just to lick the tears away as these families rebuild their lives.

In an address to members of the Silver State Kennel Club, Alonso stated that Shade Tree clients with pets at Noah's have a 2% recidivism rate, versus over 10% for those without pets. I attribute this in part to the unconditional love a pet brings into one's life. Although, there's no doubt that the bond between the women/children and their pets is the heart and soul of Noah's. And, the belief that no one should have to choose between her own safety and that of the family pet is what gives Noah's its purpose.

If you would like to join the Silver State Kennel Club and support Noah's wonderful works on behalf of pets and the women and children who love them, please do so. While monetary gifts are always welcome, even little things like dog bowls are needed and appreciated. For a complete list, see www.noahsanimalhouse.org/wishlist/.   

Needless to say, I just cannot say no to Noah's.

- Tammy

It's a New Year, how about starting it with a New Portrait of YOU?

Happy Holidays from TRR Photography

Pictured: Clients Larissa and Russell with their "kids" Charger and Cocoa

I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank all of you--my clients, vendors and business partners--for making 2014 a successful one for all of us at TRR Photography. We would not be in business without you. Moreover, your trust in me to make your imaging goals a reality for your professional/personal use and enjoyment is something I cherish.

For these things and more, I am wishing you and yours a bright holiday season and happy new year.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

- Tammy

P.S. - Our Gift Cards make great stocking stuffers!

Laughter IS the Best Medicine - Thank You Robin Williams

A good read for your next mental health day

With the news of Robin William's death, the internet is a buzz with commentary on mental health, specifically depression in society.

In her new book Reinventing Normal-How Choice and Change Shape Our Lives, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Best-Selling Author Darlene Cross includes a chapter on diagnosing depression (by the same name) where she notes "many people battling depression are winning the fight today, but most do not do it alone." Unfortunately, there often is a stigma associated with mental health issues of any kind, and most of us will avoid the subject altogether until it hits us in the face which is what happened when Robin Williams took his own life.

When asked to comment on this issue, Ms. Cross said, "Rarely in all the years of my practice have I seen anything impact people as profoundly as the death of Robin Williams. While the public voiced an inability to comprehend the level of despair William’s must have been experiencing, some of these individuals understood it too well and instead questioned how others could not."

 

About now, you are likely asking yourself what in the world does this have to do with photography? My response to that is: plenty! As fellow photographer and blogger Kate Caudillo stated in a recent post titled Mindset, "Your belief system, and your mindset effect how you do everything. They are what infuse your actions with passion and purpose, and that is what leads to effectiveness. Every day you need to be working on YOU." And that means your mental well-being--no matter who you are or what you do.

So, I recently purchased and read Reinventing Normal--and not just because I created the portrait of the author on the back cover. And, I must say, the read was more akin to having a conversation over coffee with a friend (skipping from topic to topic) than a therapist. Although, as Ms. Cross points out in the book, "best friends are not therapists." Still, I couldn't help but be tickled by the humor and wit permeating the pages as derived from her own personality and experience as a mental health professional. Chapters including, Santa's Naughty List and Everything I Ever Needed to Know I Learned on My Yoga Mat had me cracking up until tears ran from my eyes.

And as Robin Williams always knew, laughter is the best medicine of all. Thank you for the wake-up call. RIP.

- Tammy

Celebrating 10 Years in Business

One of Only 200 PPA Members in Nevada

This Thanksgiving, I (we) have much to be thankful for as this year marks TRR Photography's 10th Year in business.  My associates and I seriously wouldn't be here without you, so we wanted to say, Thank You, to our clients, partners, and vendors (past and present) for shaping the studio and the resulting imagery into what it is today.

Some of our current clients actually started with me as "models" for photography class assignments before I even turned pro.  For fear of overlooking anyone, I will not attempt to post names here.  Suffice to say, I take great pride in being the best I can be and just wanted to acknowledge those of you who have been a part of the journey to date.

Here's looking forward to the next 10!

Best wishes, Tammy & Associates

30 Years on the Air and In Our Lives

Kurt Mische, President & CEO KNPB, Reno

Tonight the staff and friends of the PBS affiliate station, KNPB TV, are celebrating!  In addition to honoring Gail and John Sande III at the annual "Aged to Perfection" gala, this years' event also kicks off the 30th Anniversary of the Reno station on the air and in our lives. 

President and CEO Kurt Mische (pictured) tells me that he will be joined by National PBS President and CEO, Paula Kerger, at the Silver Legacy to mark this milestone of bringing free, high-quality and educational programming to all in the greater Northern Nevada area. 

I, however, also know that tonight is personal triumph of sorts for my friends, Kurt and his wife Judy, who have both made professional and personal sacrifices to get to this high point--dedicating years of service to the advancement of public broadcasting.  And, I just wanted to take this opportunity before the gala to say, Thank You, for enriching our lives on a daily basis.

For more information, on the gala or the station please visit www.knpb.org.

Happy 30th Anniversary to ALL,

- Tammy

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.