Sanibel Beach Generational Portrait

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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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Ft Myers Photographer Pumpkin Pie made with Honey

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                                                                                                                                                                                                  For the Love of Pumpkin!

Here at the SandBar Photography, it’s not just family and children portraits this time of year that we love, but we have a passion for all things pumpkin, and especially this time of year.

SandBar photography loves all things pumpkin

SandBar photography loves all things pumpkin

Now although I am a children and family photographer I do have two other photographic passions one is with horses and the other is food. Well to be more accurate I love cooking and making food maybe a bit more than actually photographing it.

Sandy is a better newborn photographer and high school senior photographer than she is a cook!  She’s one of my dearest friends but she needs a bit of help in cooking department, She asked for this recipe so I thought I would share and find something to blog about as well. I use this recipe  for my pumpkin pie as we avoid the white sugar and replace it with a unprocessed ingredient honey.

first of all I start with FRESH PIE PUMPKINS

they are small.

sandbar photography pie pumpkins

I then cut them in half , take seeds out ( these can be baked as well for a nutritious snack )

Baking pumpkin seeds

Baking pumpkin seeds

 

and bake  your pumpkin halves  on 350 degrees for about an hour or until fork tender.

baking pie pumpkins

baking pie pumpkins

ninja puree of pie pumpkin

Let pumpkins cool down , then puree the pumpkin in my handy dandy ninja blender.

sandbar photography pumpkin puree

                                                                                           I then freeze enough for 2 pies ( 1 1/2 cup for each pie)  in a quart freezer bag, date and label and freeze to last me thru the holidays.

 

sandbar photo of pumpkin pie

Fresh Honey Pumpkin Pie 

1 1/2 cup of Pumpkin Puree

1/2 cup of honey

1/2 tsp cinnamon

fresh grated nutmeg ( just a pinch)

I like taking the nut and using the grater makes me feel so gourmet ! LOL

1/2 tsp vanilla

1/2 tsp salt

2 eggs slightly beaten

1 cup evaporated milk

1 pie shell

Mix all together and bake for one hour at 350 degrees

Enjoy ! and let me know if you try this?

We want to Photograph YOUR FAMILY!

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November Blog Image

The time has finally arrived!  The rains are gone and the sun is shining on our 5 acre property nestled among the oaks in North Ft. Myers, Florida.

With the Holidays quickly approaching, now is the time for that long awaited Family Portrait you’ve been wanting all year.  No time like the present,

and we still have available dates on our calendar.  So call today and schedule your Family Portrait Session with SandBar Photography.

239.707.9570  or 239.707.7971

Heir to the Throne

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I had better get to blogging about this since it in today’s paper.

http://www.northfortmyersneighbor.com/page/content.detail/id/519736/Local-photographer-receives-awards-for-portrait.html?nav=5164

 

HeirtotheThrone

 

I am still amazed looking at this portrait and all the awards it has won. Here’s the story how it all came to be.

After leaving our annual photographers convention, It was last year about this time that I was inspired to photograph my 4 year old granddaughter McKenzie Virginia in a Renaissance Era costume I picked up at Cracker Barrel on my way home.

I have always loved the era, from romance and fiction to walking thru every castle I could convince my family to go thru while traveling in England years ago. I wanted this image to be a portrait of a little girl that could be the daughter of a Queen.

Bringing McKenzie into studio , dressing her into the costume and her mommy curling her hair just so.

She stood perfectly still and smiles, I asked her to stand very “regal” knowing she didn’t understand that word. I told her to stand tall, she was very important, and not to smile but not look bored or mad. Apparently she knew exactly what I needed because she nailed it!

I titled her appropriately  “Heir to the Throne”

It was entered at local competition among professional photographers and it received  1 st place for children and Best of Show for the evening. A honor but not something that I hadn’t won before. Went home very pleased.

Next was several months later I entered in the South Eastern States Regional Competition that covered 13 states and 3 countries. I had never entered before but wanted to get critic so I could enter into International later in the year. I received an email asking where did I want my award mailed to? and then a phone call from Florida Photographer President stating since I wasn’t at convention they picked up my award.

1st Place Children’s Portrait Southern Region United States – WOW!!!

shocked I sent her to International Print Competition where she Merited and is being published in a Show Case gallery book.! Big Honor

Then coming back for our annual State Convention, she won 1st place children’s portrait, The peoples choice award ( which is all the photographers vote on their favorite portrait entered no matter what catagory) WOW!!!

and then only one award for Kodak Gallery award and again they announced ” Heir to the Throne” Barbara Spratlin for the 4th time that evening.

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Needless to say I was emotional and speechless, so proud and received so much recognition and praise from such talented photographers in this industry who understand how difficult it is to get these awards.I am still humbled and very grateful.

I would love to produce such a portrait for others, something of their loved ones, truly  to be cherished for a lifetime. A piece of Art. ~ Barb