Author Archives: Barb

Where Children Thrive

Business Headshots for Thrive Therapy/ Fort Myers FLorida

Thrive Therapy Business Headshots

 

We had the opportunity to work with Rachel and Elizabeth at

Thrive Therapy in Fort Myers for business head shots, and some

updated photos for their website.

Thrive Therapy works with children and families through creative play.

(see posted link for more information)

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Rachel Stewart, Author “Zach & Zoie Safe Zones

 

Here at SandBar,  Sandy & I see a lot of children. Whether they are 6 days old

or 6 years old, each child is different in personality and looks.

It is an amazing discovery to see newborns barely out of the womb of Mom  already

easy going, feisty, hot natured, calm, or one that would rather snuggle in a toasty wrap.

 

Each child has a mind of their own and here at SandBar we let the little ones rule.

They dictate how the sessions go, as far as the flow and order of the session.

Somehow it turns out amazingly perfect as it should be.

 

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We wanted to recognize these two special ladies and their field of expertise.

A much needed service in our community.

 

 

Who They Treat?   Children  3-12 years,  Adolescents  13-17 years,   Adults 18+ years, Families

What They Treat?  Anxiety, Depression, Trauma/Abuse, Grief/Loss, Impulse Control/ADHD, Parenting Education,Safe Education

 

What is Play Therapy?

Play Therapy is a theoretically based form of counseling that is used with children to help resolve psychosocial challenges. Children benefit from play therapy, compared to traditional talk therapy, due to their limited verbal ability to express their thoughts and feelings. In play therapy, children have access to carefully selected therapeutic toys that enable the child to say with the toys what they may not be able to say with words through the use of miniature figurines, art supplies, puppets, and dolls. Play therapy allows the child to work through things they have difficulty with by providing a safe psychological distance from their problems that in turn allows them to express their thoughts and feelings appropriate to their development. It is different from just playing with a child, a play therapist has specialized training to help assess a child’s play and facilitate growth and healing through play therapy interventions. Through play therapy, children learn to communicate with others, express feelings, modify behavior, develop problem-solving skills, and learn a variety of ways to relate to others.Play is the natural language of children. Toys are thought to be a child’s words and play is their language.

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Who Benefits from Play Therapy ?

 

Anyone can benefit, however PlayTherapy is generally used with children ages 3 to 12.

Vintage Ford Truck for Christmas Cards

Fort Myers, Florida Family Photographers and Portrait Artist for Christmas Cards

 

Meet “Rusty”. a vintage Ford, and  the newest member of our SandBar Family.

We love everything about him.  He brings so much character, texture, history,

and style to every photograph.

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We feel that he is a perfect fit as Fort Myers is not only the winter home of

Thomas Edison but just next door Henry Ford as well as the first Ford dealership in America.

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If you are looking for something a little more classic and different to make your

Christmas stand out this year, include Rusty.   He will be wearing his Holiday Cheer.

Can’t wait to see what Sandy is planning to do with him for the season.

 

“And the rest is rust and stardust”

 

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Newborn Rafeal, My Brother, My Friend

Fort Myers, Florida SandBar New Born Photographers and Portrait Artists

 

Nothing melts our hearts more

than newborn babies.  They are perfect in every way.

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We consider it a special blessing when we can photograph someone

as precious as Rafael.

 

Rafeal brought his big brother, Davee along today.   These are a few

photos that are simply oozing with sweetness.

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Davee introduces Rafael

We found this poem that seems appropriate for Rafeal and David.

 

Because I have a brother I will always have a friend.

Big Brother, my little eyes are watching all you say and do

When I grow up big & tall, I want to be like you

My little ears are listening to everything you say

I am learning how to grow up & be just like you someday.

So be careful how you teach me to be the person that you are

You will always be my first best friend & the brightest shining star.

                                                   

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sanibel Beach Generational Portrait

Fort Myers, Florida, Sanibel, Captiva, Boca Grande, Estero Island, Marco Island, Southwest Florida Photographers.

 

 

Living in Southwest Florida one of  the many attractions are our beaches.

It is the place where families often gather for vacation.

When you think of it, it is also an opportune time to capture those memories.

 

Just off the West Coast of Florida between Sarasota and Naples are some of this states’ best islands.

Boca Grande, Upper and Lower Captiva, Sanibel, Estero Island and Marco.

All are quite quaint with different personalities.

Each one unique and some of our favorite spots for photos.

 

The Plachetka Family scheduled  with Sandy before they left Illinois                     BLS_1201Plahcetka Bc

 

requesting a Generational Session.

We suggested Light House Beach on Sanibel Island.

We used the Sanibel Causeway as a backdrop

as well as the approaching luminous clouds framed by the lush vegetation.

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No matter the conditions, Sandy can always capture a little magic.

This is the blessing of having a talented artist as a business partner.

Below are some photos from that day.

 

Creating “ART” from life is our goal with every portrait.

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Time stops for no one but there are moments that

can be caught and will live on to cherish forever.

 

Planning a photo session might be something to consider for your next family vacation.

 

 

 

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Happy GrandParents Day!

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Today,  as I was working at my desk, I reached for a pen and picked up a crayola.   I chuckled to myself and thought yes, more evidence that I am a Grandmother as McKenzie and Blaise seem to leave behind little reminders that touch my soul.

There is nothing like a grandchild that can put a smile on your face, a lump in your throat and a warm feeling in your heart.

In a matter of moments these precious babies can trash a clean house like little cyclones.  I remember when we corrected our children for doing the same, now we sit back and are enamored with their creativity and play.   When the nail salon gives  a less than perfect manicure I am disappointed but when Mckenzie paints my nails, I proudly display my red and purple fingers with every smudge and smile.

I believe Grandparents day may rate right up there with Christmas.  I’m not sure what we are supposed to do on that day, nor the proper protocol for celebrating, but never the less, any moment spent with a grandchild is the greatest gift on earth.

May your day be beautiful and blessed, may your clean home be noisy &  messed, may spider man action figures trip you at the door, while lost princess Tiara’s keep you searching for more.  May your bed be filled with giggles, snuggles, tickles, and hugs and when they leave may your heart long for the soon return of those little bugs.

Saying a Prayer for a Merit

Fort Myers Photographer earns International Print Merits!

International and State Print Competition can be intense in our industry, it requires pushing oneself  to excellence in all areas of making that final print. Every minuet decision will be judged.

Click Here to see the Twelve elements we are judged on.

This year here are some more of the images that Barb submitted and received recognition for.

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First named “Lee County Lineman” and then changed to “Storm Chaser” for more impact!  Their are 12 different elements to judging a print and naming it is one important factor.

Torey is one of Lee County’s dedicated Lineman and has a mother in law that asked him to model for her.

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“Nick Of Time”

Click Here to Read Santa’s story

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“My Lips Are Sealed”

Little Jace came into studio with his three brothers for a newborn photography session and was so adorable he had to be photographed individually. Obliviously it was the right decision, and international print merit doesn’t come easy!

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“Asking For Answers”

Aren’t we all asking for answers, this image is special because it’s Barb’s brother and shortly after he had a heart attack while at work. Another reminder that life is precious and time stops for no one.

Billy is a minister and a talented musician, he has since recovered and is doing well.

Here at SandBar we are always looking for unique subjects, ideas or people to photograph. It helps us to constantly push our limits of creativity and keep on top of our industry. If you or someone you know would like to model for us please feel free to send us a picture thru email or give us a call.