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