Over the next few weeks I will be writing about families working together. This may not be exactly what you think it is. But I promise it will be interesting.
Why families?
I remember when I was a little girl, my mother owned her very own hair salon. This was a rare thing for a woman back in the 60’s. My mother didn’t have the luxury of staying at home. She was a single mom and it was a very different world than today.
There were no daycare centers and most women were stay at home moms raising their children. When my mother had to work (6 days and evenings a week) and I was not in school, she would bring me to her salon. I learned so many things there. I learned how to deal with people – all people, happy ones and unhappy ones. I learn how to have a sympathetic ear is someone just needed to be heard. I learned how to shampoo hair and sweep floors and take out trash. Oh yes, it was no free ride of fun and games. My mother made it a point of keep me busy and I was a welcomed addition to her business. Even at the age of 8, I remember her customers asking for me to shampoo them and how they gave me a huge tip (usually 25 cents – which bought a lot back them) and I remember feeling important and useful in the world and “very grown up”. I loved it. Having the opportunity to just be near my mother was the best.
Occasionally today I see families working together in their business. It touches my heart when the kids are young, just trying to help out. When I see one who has grown up in the family business and managed to stay in the business – it makes me smile.
Years ago I met the Hobbs family. they are wonderful photographers and friends in the Great Bridge area of Chesapeake.
One day I noticed a remarkable family working together – the McConnell’s from JoJacks Café from the Churchland section of Portsmouth.
Recently I met Drs. Jeff and Clay Weisberg, Father and son dentist from the Western Branch area of Portsmouth. It was a sheer joy to see them together.
I’d like to share my observation of these three families with you in my next couple of blog posts.
In the meantime, tell me about your family business and how you manage to teach your kids and work together and how it is a blessing to you. I can’t wait to hear your story.
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Swarovski crystal elements
Jeweled Line of Portraits
Cathy is always coming up with something new and exciting for her clients. Recently she developed a “Jeweled line” of portraits that is beautiful and exclusive to her studio.
What is a “Jeweled line” portrait? After Cathy creates the portrait she personally handles all the artistic finishing including adding Swarovski Crystal Elements jewels to the surface of the canvas print. You really have to see it to appreciate it. When the light in your home bounces off these crystals it is amazing.
It is handcrafted and customized portraits like this that has made Cathy’s photographic art as must have to all those looking for exquisite timeless personal art for the home.
We currently have two of these portraits on display at the studio. Cathy would love to create a unique piece of art work for you. Why not be the first in your circle of friends to have such a unique portrait in your home? Give us a call to find out the details. It’s very exciting and we know it is going to be a “must have” for every family in Tidewater.
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Family portraits are something most people only think about doing when its almost too late. I’ve heard every excuse there is. Heck, I’ve used those same excuses myself on occasion.
Have you ever used any of these excuses yourself?
- I think I’ll wait until I loose 20 pounds
- my kids needs to get their braces off
- my husband hates being photographed
- my child is not good with having their pictures taken
- maybe when the weather gets better
- we’re too busy to take the time
- I’ll wait until Christmas and use them for gifts
Yes, I’ve heard it all and from my 20+ years doing this and being a mother and wife myself I can tell you from personal experience that there is not time like the present. So may things can happen and you’ll look around one day and say “where did the time go?” Now, I’m old and gray and I don’t want my children to remember me this way.”
There really are no excuses –family is important to you, we know that and in years to come they will be so glad you took the time to get everyone together to have a beautiful portrait made of the entire family.
Trust the experts to help you choose the right clothing to help everyone look their best (slimmest, youngest, and coolest). Choosing the right colors can also help create a true work of art for your home that blends well in your décor. Let them help you decide on the perfect location and time of day to gather for the session. Take advantage of the beautiful weather we have now but if you have to reschedule due to weather – that’s okay too. It’ll be worth the time and effort you set aside to make this happen for your family. Your children will look back on this as a memorable and fun time. And you’ll look at the portrait with love and admiration for those in the image for many years to come.
One of our favorite places for family portraits is Norfolk Botanical Gardens. The gardens usually charge a fee to allow you to use the grounds for your portraits but we have a special deal for you that you’re going to love. With your paid session fee to Cathy Benton Photography for a family portrait session (to be done at Norfolk Botanical Gardens) you will receive a one years family membership to the gardens as our gift to you. There are so many fun things for the kids to do there. It’s also a wonderfully peaceful place to go just for a walk. I personally find the plants and flowers that I want to have in my yard and find out the name of them (with the identifying markers around them). By seeing the area (shady or sunny) I can know what will work best in my yard. It simply is a nice place to spend time and your portraits will be so beautiful in this surrounding.
Don’t wait any longer. This is important! Have that family portrait session done now. I’ve heard so many horror stories about people waiting too late and really regretting not having done one. Our experts can help guide you through the process. It will be relatively painless but well worth your time, effort and investment.
Call us today (757-484-1777) for information on how you can have that priceless family portrait made and receive your gift membership to Norfolk Botanical Gardens as well.
Or contact Cathy via email (cathy@cathybenton.com) Don’t wait any longer. Remember, It’s Later Than You Think!
Whether it’s a few hours or a whole day,
your first time away from baby can be emotional.
Here’s how to cope.
You knew this moment would come — it’s time to be away from your baby for more than three whole minutes. Maybe you’re headed out for the evening (it’s okay — you’re allowed!) or taking an overnight trip. At the 10-week marker, any separation is likely to be tougher on you than it is on your gurgling little bundle. After all, he still likes just about everyone and is probably willing to yuk it up with anyone who’s willing to entertain him. It’s you who’ll probably need a pep talk (or maybe even a glass of vino!) at the thought of leaving him behind.
Whatever the reason for your departure, a little advance prep will go a long way toward reducing your separation jitters and making your absence as easy as possible on your baby. First, get used to the idea by leaving your baby with your husband for an hour or two a couple of times over the course of a few weeks so you (and the baby) get used to the fact that you leave…and come back. Once you see your little darling hasn’t fallen into a thousand pieces while you’re gone, you’ll feel a lot less anxious about leaving him again.
If your spouse can’t take over, try to choose a caregiver who knows the baby well (calling all grandparents!). At this age (2 to 3 months), being out of sight pretty much means being out of mind, so your baby will usually stop thinking about you and be quite content with any sitter who provides gentle, attentive care. Meanwhile, you’ll feel more confident staying away if you know your baby is with someone you trust completely (a first separation is no time to try out a new sitter). You’ll probably be less worried if your baby is kept at home, in a familiar environment (that you know has been thoroughly baby-proofed). Request that your baby stick to his regular schedule; it’ll be less disruptive to him (and you’ll know exactly what he’s doing at any given moment).
Prepare a list of emergency numbers, including the pediatrician, plus your location and detailed contact information just in case your cell phone doesn’t work where you are. Also, have the sitter come over at least a half an hour before you need to leave to give you time to go over the schedule and explain any of the baby’s eccentricities (he must hear “Itsy Bitsy Spider” or he’ll never take his nap!). You can use the fill-in sections of The What to Expect Baby-Sitter’s Handbook to make sure you’ve covered everything. An early arrival also gives your baby and sitter time to warm up to each other and allows you a few minutes to feel okay about leaving the two of them to their own devices.
At zero hour, keep the farewells tear-free and short (you’ll have plenty of time to reconnect when you get back), but do say good-bye. And don’t attempt to shut out conflicting emotions (e.g., guilt, fear, relief) by blocking your baby from your mind while you’re gone. It’s fine to think of him, but try not to worry. Keep in mind that he’s in capable hands — check in if you want to, but once your sitter says that things are just fine, trust his or her word and don’t keep calling. Hey, a little independence (in the form of, say, dinner out with your husband) is healthy for you, and that will only benefit your baby in the long run.
The first time my husband and I went out without our son we went to a movie at The Commodore Theater in downtown Portsmouth. I loved the idea that there was a telephone on the table. I couldn’t use it to call out but just seeing it there gave me peace of mind for some reason. You just need a little comfort in your soul to make this a successful little get away. When you return you baby will still be there ready to love you all over again.
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Me and grandpa
I’ve had many occasion in my career to feel a “story” in my heart when talking to a client. It is just soemthing I can sense. Many times they are reminansant of things I have experienced personally. There is a familiar ring to the story.
This is one of those stories. Four years ago, we had the privledge of photographing a little boy – he was a year old. His grandparents came to watch and ultimately loved what we captured of this little guy. During our time with them, I sensed a very special relationship growing between this little guy and his grand pop. You can’t always explains the feelings you get about people but they can be very strong. I was reminded of the relationship between my son and my father. A very special bond that today, even though my father has passsed away, there is a strong bond that reflects the story that I witnessed many years ago between them.
Fast forward to now- four years later. The grandparents have returned and they want us to create whatever vision we had back then of these two because the relationship they have is so very close. Not typical of children today actually but very real in their lives.
The image that came to mind was one that I have of my father and my son. It is a photograph of the two of them on the dock out back of dads house. Dad is sitting on the deck putting a hook on a fishing line and my son, with hands on his knees, is bent over watching so intently what his Pawpaw was doing. This is the same image I had in my mind for this client. I could see the same connection between this little boy and his grandpop.
I have a large portrait of the image of dad and my son displayed on my bedroom wall and I look at it every day. My dad passed away several years ago and I can tell you that this image means the world to me.
If I had to put a price on it – we’ll now that would be hard to do. What it cost me to purchase that portrait is little compared to the value it has to me today. I think I know the true meaning of priceless and I know it everyday as I am taken back to a time when my dad was still here with us- sharing, teaching and loving his grandson. Yup, priceless!
