Happy Holidays from All of Us at TRR Photography

I don't know about you, but I suddenly feel the urge to watch The Polar Express!

No matter how you and yours celebrate the season, may it be filled with love and magic.

Happy Holidays!

Tammy

Holiday Cards for Ewoks and You - Featuring Summerwind Canines

Summerwind Canines Holiday Card by TRR Photography

They may look like Ewoks, but these are actually Keeshond puppies.  When long-time clients, Jean Gauchat-Hargis and Joshua Hargis, informed me they had a new litter on the ground, I replied, Can you say this year's holiday card image?  

Jean and Josh are dog fanciers and their breed of choice is the Keeshond.  They, however, do not only show Kees.  The duo owns Summerwind Canines & Presentation and serve as the principal dog show handlers in the operation.

Jean, who grew up on a dairy farm in Wisconsin, came to dog shows through a 4-H program in her youth, and has been going strong ever since.  Josh, however, married into the world of purebred dogs.  Fortunately for him, he had a good teacher and loves the dogs.
 
The icing on the cake came, most recently, for them when Jean went Best In Show with a Kees of their own breeding (see ad by TRR Photography inset).  Believe me when I say that for a breeder/owner/handler, it doesn't get any better!

Here's hoping this litter produces yet another big winner.  Congratulations!

- Tammy

P.S. - For more info on custom holiday cards by TRR Photography, just give me a bark.

There's a New Marshall in Nevada

Robert E. Marshall, Esq. by TRR Photography

There's a new Marshall in Nevada...

Robert E. Marshall, Esq. takes the reins of the Nevada Justice Association as its 35th President.  As such, he will head-up the statewide professional association, including its independent members and northern and southern offices, and otherwise further its mission of representing consumers and improving the civil justice system.

As a native of southern Nevada and third generation attorney, he certainly knows the territory and is well-equipped to handle the job.  In his own law practice, Mr. Marshall routinely takes on both large and small personal injury and insurance bad faith cases.  He has been known to say, he will stand alone before a jury of his peers and take his chances any day!
 
TRR Photography wishes Mr. Marshall the best of luck in his new roll as NJA President and thanks the association for the opportunity to make his acquaintance and create this fitting portrait of the man--no badges needed.

- Tammy  

Meet NEW AKC Grand Champion Stoneypoint Springbank Aurora

Skye Resting on Her Laurels - Portrait by TRR Photography

While many of you may be familiar with the American Kennel Club and its conformation shows whereby canines compete to become "Champions," you may not know that once "finished" these champs can go on to become "Grand Champions."

Admittedly, when I first heard a novice dog fancier speak of the title, I thought he had his four-legged creatures crossed.  After all, everyone knows horses--not dogs--may become Grand Champs.  I, however, soon learned better.

Initiated in May of 2010, this program is a relatively new one.  It was created to give dog owners, breeders and handlers a greater opportunity to compete and otherwise show off their breeding stock.  When I actively showed my own dogs, it was not uncommon for AKC Champions to be retired as soon as the title was bestowed--never to be seen in the ring again.

While the program has not been without its critics, I am pleased to see these dog folk and their canines continuing to enjoy the sport.  After all, AKC Companion and Performance events offer multiple titles at various levels of competition.

So, it is without further adieu that I tip my hat to NEW Grand Champion Stoneypoint Springbank Aurora (pictured here) and her owner Brent Seymour of Springbank Collies on their grand achievement.  You, however, may simply call her, "Skye."

- Tammy

The Engagement Session - Five Tips from TRR Photography to Keep Him Engaged and Happy Too!

Nicole and Shannon Celebrate their Engagement in McKinley Park

As most of you know, I do not shoot weddings, but I love engagement sessions!  Fortunately for me, more and more couples are looking for someone who can create a nice portrait to display at the wedding reception and in their home long after the formal wedding portrait comes down off the wall.  That's where a certified portrait artist, like me, comes in.

I actually approach engagement sessions in much the same way I prepare for boudoir sessions.  After all, what's more sexy than a couple in love?  Yes, I even recommend hair and makeup specialists for the betrothed if they so desire.  The goal is to have my couples looking and feeling their best!  Unfortunately, most guys look at engagement sessions like going to the dentist--a necessary evil.

On that note, here's TRR Photography's Top Five Tips for keeping your man engaged in a successful engagement session--and one that won't leave him wanting to elope!

1)  Location, Location, Location - First and foremost the location ought to be meaningful to both of you, or at least reflect your personalities and/or style.  Consider incorporating activities or places that you enjoy together.  Seen here, Nicole and Shannon knew from the start that they wanted to be photographed in nostalgic McKinley Park, Sacramento.  The couple share a home nearby and already have many fond memories of times past in the park--a real plus for me as their photographer!  What's more, Shannon says, he's just a regular guy (who usually dons a baseball cap).  So, staging an engagement session for these two in a studio or more formal outdoor setting would likely have resulted in a lot of awkward images. 

2)  What Not to Wear - You are not twins, so there's no need to "match."  As a couple, however, you will want to complement each other.  Odds are that you already do this naturally, thus the real reason you are getting married.  Likewise, you should both wear something new.  After all, his old threads will look, well, old and worn in the images and, "no," Photoshop can't "fix it."  Make your man more comfortable in his new clothes by laundering (and pressing if necessary) them before the session.  This way, they will feel broken in, but still have that fresh look. 

3)  On Salon/Spa Treatments - Ladies, I know there is no need to ask you twice, but guys usually do not want to get a manicure.  This, however, is an engagement session and you will want to show off the engagement ring.  And, nothing will detract more than hands in need of grooming, his included.  So, I suggest scheduling a couple's massage treatment the day before that just happens to include the mani.  At the very least, you both will be relaxed and feeling good for the upcoming session.  Bonus Tip: If you already have been wearing your engagement ring for six months or more, take it to a jeweler for cleaning to add sparkle to your images! 

4)  Pack a Survival Kit - This is especially important for location shoots where services may be some distance away.  My engagement sessions generally run two hours.  Even so, you will be surprised at how parched you can get walking around outside with a big smile on your face in that amount of time.  Your kit (I like those soft-sided lunch boxes, complete with Blue Ice) ought to include: two bottled waters (or his/her favorite energy drinks), frozen grapes (or other refreshing snack that won't stay behind on your teeth), compressed translucent face powder (to combat unwanted shine), Brush/Comb, Chapstick (to keep your man's lips kissable), and a couple Band-Aids (especially if shooting in a rose garden like Nicole and Shannon).

and last, but not least,

5)  The "Thank You" Note - Photo shoots can be stressful, especially for the guys.  Further, shooting for two hours may feel like running a marathon to your man.  Just before your session starts, slip him a handwritten note or text message that simply says, I love you.  Believe me, it will do wonders for his attitude and serve as a reminder that you do not take him for granted.  Above all else, have fun like Nicole and Shannon did--and you will love your images too.

Congratulations again Nicole and Shannon on your engagement!

- Tammy

A New Experience in Maternity Photography - Ultra-Maternity Fusion

Ultra-Maternity Fusion by TRR Photography

Tired of ho hum maternity images?  I know I am.  As they say, if you've seen one baby bump, well, you have seen them all.  That is, until now.

Thanks to recent advancements in ultrasound technology and digital photography, TRR Photography can combine these two mediums in a new and very personal way for our maternity clients.  Featuring a 3D image of your baby's face from a Miracle In Progress, I interpret and artistically transform a traditional maternity portrait into something very special for moms and dads to be.  I call it "Ultra-Maternity Fusion."

Ultra-Maternity Fusion portraits (as shown here) make great covers for baby announcements or baby's first year books.  They also make wonderful art pieces for the nursery--something you could not do with the 4x5 slip of paper that comes out of an ultrasound machine!

For more information on these uniquely beautiful maternity portraits, or to schedule a maternity session for yourself, please contact me at trrphotography@lasvegas.net.

- Tammy

P.S. - Congratulations Adam and Julianne on the arrival of Scarlett Stone at 6 pounds, 10 ounces and 18.5 inches long.

Congratulations to the 2011 Gala Honorees of the Nevada Justice Association

Cover Design and Portrait of Joe Benson by Tammy Russell-Rice, CPP

To quote the Executive Director of the Nevada Justice Association, Victoria Coolbaugh, "One of NJA's biggest, most important events of the year is the Annual Summer Gala."  And, once again, yours truly was asked to create a cover suitable to the occasion featuring this year's honorees.

Each of these individuals has positively contributed to our justice system and is being honored for such:

Consumer Advocate of the Year

Assemblywoman Debbie Smith

Trial Lawyer of the Year

Matthew L. Sharp, Esq.

and

Lifetime Achievement

Joseph L. Benson, Esq.

  

Originally, Victoria and I had envisioned photographing the honorees together in Carson City on the grounds of the Nevada Supreme Court.  When that did not work out, I suggested the next best thing: a composite using their individual portraits.  The real challenge here was marrying together the work of three photographers shot under different lighting conditions.  All things considered, however, I think it turned out quite well, don't you?

For more info on the honorees or tickets for the Reno Gala (6/28) or Las Vegas Gala (6/30), please contact the main NJA office 775-883-3577.   - Tammy