Super Bloom 2016 - A super experience

Desert Gold makes up the majority of the Super Bloom display in Death Valley, CA.

I missed the last so-called Super Bloom in 2005, so I was bent upon getting to Death Valley to experience this one. Anticipated for months (as the result of rains received this past October), I am here to tell you that the 2016 Super Bloom is living up to its name.

While there are several different species of wildflowers present (some harder to spot than others like Purple Mat which grows close to the ground), the most notable is Desert Gold (shown here) which blankets most of the valley. Rising out of the desert floor up to three-feet, it also is the easiest photograph. And I found the best spreads lie at the southern end of Badwater Road. However, if you venture that far south into the park, be advised that a road closure will require you to go back the way you came. So, plan for the extra time required to exit the park, or at least get back to Badwater Basin (282 ft below sea level). For in the desert, amenities are scarce--need I say more?

This also could be a good time to take in some of the other sites in Death Valley, including the Devil's Golf Course (the salty remains of Death Valley's last lake) and, one of my personal favorites, Artists Palette (an amalgamation of colorful minerals on display in the rock).

While more flowers presently are blooming everyday, I was reminded that as living things they are susceptible to heat and wind--both of which can cut the blooming season short, especially here. So, if you want to witness Death Valley in full living color as I did, don't delay. Pack your camera and go!

- Tammy

Before you plan your trip out, visit: nps.gov/deva/learn/nature/wildflower-update-2016.htm. 

See The Difference

See The Difference a Professional Photographer Can Make for YOU! Actual Client: Amy Lubawy

"The Drape" is dead.

As the mother of a recent high school graduate, I know firsthand just how much has changed since I was a senior sitting on a posing stool in the one-size-fits-all for girls simply called, the drape. However, some things do not change. Hippie attire apparently is still IN--who knew? And while taking pictures is more popular than ever, selfies are not portraits.

"Selfies" may have become this generation's normal (fad), but let's face it, selfies are rarely flattering. The lens distortion alone turns most people into caricatures of themselves. Not exactly the look that teens, especially young ladies, want to show-off beyond Snapchat.

If anything, today's high school seniors are very image conscious (probably due to all those bad selfies). And, this is where the professional photographer comes into the picture. After all, when her iPhone acts up, she goes to the Genius Bar for results. When she decides to go ombre, she's not asking her BFF to give her a color and cut--she's going to see a pro!  

My real challenge as a certified professional photographer is educating my senior clients to See The Difference in photography too!

         

Because while some things inevitably change about being a senior in high school, quality never goes out of style. Go pro and show the world who you really are!

- Tammy

Now booking senior sessions for the Class of 2016!

Text me at 702-308-2671 before November 1st and

GET ONE additional POSE AS A BONUS!

The Queen of Seventynineville Merits!

At this time last year, I was in Atlanta observing International Print Competition (IPC) with the hope of gleaning the insight needed to take my photography to the next level, specifically exhibition merit level! As the Queen of Seventynineville for several years running, I was ready to quit.

In print competition, 80 is a magic number. Ideally, the goal is to go even higher, but a score of 80-84 is considered to be "National Merit Level" and will earn you one merit toward a Masters Degree as conferred by the Professional Photographers of America. Images are judged against the 12 Elements of a Merit Image aka the Gold Standard. These include Impact, Technical Excellence and Creativity to name the top three. Story Telling, while listed at number 12, may well be one of the most important as evidenced by judges' comments, especially when an image is challenged. In such a case, a good story can be the saving grace of an image. I, personally, observed judges collectively over-look technical flaws (especially on a composite image) when it conveyed a good story.

Armed with the experience of observing the process firsthand, past failures and receiving feedback from more than one mentor, I entered print competition this year with the goal of finally getting that first merit. And as you can see here, I succeeded in my quest. In fact, I received not one but THREE merits this week in International Print Competition! All three portraits* will be on display at Imaging USA in Atlanta come January as part of the General Collection--that's what I call a happy ending!

In the meantime, I've got a tiara for sale.

- Cheers! Tammy

* IPC limits a "case" to four image submissions.

With my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the following talented women for their support of my quest: Master Photographer Sue Altenburg (NV), Photographer Kate Caudillo (TX), and Photographer Nancy Green (MA).

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