December in Florida

 

 

 Rainbow Springs

 

 

 Living in Florida does have its perks.While most of the country is dealing with cold and/or raining weather, the residents in Florida are loving the December weather. Yesterday was a perfect day to be on the water, so we decided to forget the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping and went kayaking. There were lots of laughter during the day. And I came home being very thankful for friends, and the opportunity to be able to spend time with them.

 

 The many scenes on Rainbow River

During this busy time of the year, take time to out of your schedule to enjoy your family and friends.

 

   

 

 

Denise

Sweetwater Photography

 

 

 

 

www.sweet-water-photography.com

 

https://www.facebook.com/swphotography21

 

http://denise-ellis.fineartamerica.com/

 

 



Music, Laughter and Fall Colors

I recently went on a trip to Nashville, a combination business and pleasure - I was able to combine my love of photography, and music.

 

The Country Music Associations was holding their awards ceremony and as a result, the city was busting with energy. Everyone from the local singer/songwriters to the well known country music artist were enjoying the influx of individuals to the area and they made sure they did not disappoint their fans. On the day of the awards show, I was able to assist with interviewing an up and coming country artist and well-known actress, Lucy Hale.

 

Great times during CMA week

Lucy Hale and the fall colors

Music is good for the soul 

                                           
 

Of course, experiencing all of the activities is always more fun with friends and we made the most of our time!! Lots of laughs and good music! A few of the events we attended included a house concert featuring local songwriters, standing in line attempting to win free tickets for the CMA awards, a free Keith Urban taping for Good Morning America and seeing a show at the Grand Ole Opry. And a few bucket list items were crossed off -good friend was able to meet and speak with Tim Tebow and I was able to meet and speak with Keith Urban.

 

The days and evenings reminded us that life is suppose to be fun and we should enjoy every day. The laughter was plenty and sweet memories were made of our adventures. 

 

The other part of the adventure was to capture the beautiful changing of the seasons. The leaves colors were amazing. The Natchez Trace was definitely an adventure. It was tough hiking to the waterfalls, but it was well worth the sight. Another great place to capture the fall colors was the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere. The area was stunning!!

 

Nashville Zoo and Natchez Trace

 

Nashville Zoo and Natchez Trace



The week was a lot of work, but also a lot of fun! I am thankful that I was able meet with clients and  capture the great moments of the week.

 

 

Leaving Nashville via Southwest Airlines

 

 Scenic photographs are available for purchase.  Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing the photographs.

 

Denise

Sweetwater Photography

https://www.facebook.com/swphotography21

 

http://www.sweet-water-photography.com/home.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

We must remember to have fun!

Garth Brooks

Last week I had a opportunity to see Garth Brooks in concert. The concert was amazing!!He was full of life! And it showed in every moment of his concert. For 2 1/2 hours, he made sure we were having fun!! To hear the audience sing every song was so cool. Garth made sure everyone knew how grateful he was for the support.



Garth Brooks taking a selfie with a fan

Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks











For the past few months, my schedule has been very busy to the point of being overwhelming. It was good for me to take time and have fun. It was priceless time to be able to hang out with my nieces.    It was a beautiful day and we took advantage of it.    

When I arrived home at 1:30 am the next morning, I was very thankful for the time with my nieces and we were able to have fun at the concert. It was a great early Christmas gift for all of us. 

As a result of the unexpected opportunity to see Garth Brooks, I was able to laugh and enjoy my day. If only, Garth Brooks knew what he gave to us that night. I am very grateful for the evening!

So, my message for this week's blog is to remember to have fun and take on the unexpected opportunities.  

Denise
Sweetwater Photography
www.sweet-water-photography.com
https://www.facebook.com/swphotography21

 

 

 

 

2014 Island Hopper Songwriters Festival

 

2014 Island Hopper Songwriters Festival

Captiva, FL

 

On September 26, 2014, I traveled to Captiva, FL to attend the Ft. Myers Island Hopper Songwriters Festival. The festival was hosting songwriters from all over the country including several nationally known country music songwriters.  Also in attendance was upcoming singer/songwriter, Steven Whitson, from Nashville, TN.  I have always enjoyed hearing the story behind the song.  And when I  was asked to help photograph Steven's adventures during the event, I became even more excited about the festival.

The first event we attended was a tribute session for Cowboy Jack Clement. A few hours later, the festival officially started with the VIP party.  Several top country music songwriters performed at the event. What a way to start the festival!  Everyone was looking forward to finally starting the weekend activities. 


Billy Montana

Kristen Kelly

Jeff Cohen 

Steven Whitson was the winner of Song and Chance video contest. As a result, he was invited to attend the festival and share the stage with some of the top country songwriters.  He was the first to be interviewed about the event.  We all knew this weekend would be a new adventure for Steven.  And great things would come out of this event.  And we were not disappointed.  The response to Steven and his music was overwhelming. He shined during his sessions and gained a lot of new fans.  During this performance at the RC Otter, he received several standing ovations.  After the show, he was mobbed by the audience.      

It was an honor to take on the responsibly of photographing Steven. It was a lot of fun!  The festival is going to be an annual event.   I can't wait until next year's event.

Denise
Sweetwater Photography
www.sweet-water-photography.com
https://www.facebook.com/swphotography21



Steven Whitson



Steven Whitson being interviewed by Island Hopper Festival



Steven Whitson performing at Crow's Nest



Steven Whitson performing at RC Otter



Steven Whitson performing at RC Otter
 
 
https://www.facebook.com/stevenwhitson
















New Endeavors

This week's blog is about new endeavors and new triumphs. I am excited about the future of my photography business. Things are happening every day. I have learned to look fear in the face and move forward. According to Jon Acuff, we must "Punch Fear in the Face."    

One of my recent endeavors involved working with an up and coming business. In June, I had the privilege to work with Sit N' Snug This amazing company was interested in redesigning their website. Part of the redesigning was new photographs of their products. I am very proud of our teamwork and the final product!!

And now, I can announce this project to the world.   

Please show your support of this amazing company by visiting their website, liking their Facebook page and finally purchasing their handmade products. I love my Sit N' Snug. And I know you will too.

https://www.facebook.com/SitNSnug   http://sitnsnug.weebly.com/index.html

Denise Ellis
Sweetwater Photography

www.sweet-water-photography.com

https://www.facebook.com/swphotography21

A day on the water........

There is nothing like a kayaking day to take away life's stresses. I am very grateful that I can combine my love of photography and kayaking.  In Florida, there is always something new to see.

Enjoying the time with friends makes each trip more special. We always find ourselves laughing about something along with enjoying the beautiful views! And I am always able to find something to photograph. I am very blessed to be able to experience the joys of kayaking.

THANK YOU for your continued support in my adventure!!  

Denise
Sweetwater Photography
www.sweet-water-photography.com

www.facebook.com/swphotography21


The above photographs are available for purchase.
http://denise-ellis.fineartamerica.com/

Your Future......in 5 years!

Where will you be in 5 years? 

We hold the key to our current lives and have the power to reshape our future! It is not easy to make a commitment to change your life, however it can be done. One of the first steps is to figure out what you want to do and then set a plan - this is where the #Next5 on-line campaign comes into play. Recently, Kevin Buchanan(http://www.livingoutmyjourney.com) challenged a few friends to write down where they wanted to be in five years; this simple requested has now gone viral

So my question to you is: where do you want to be in 5 years? Maybe Kevin's short video will help you decided  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yq6O5usNp9o&feature=youtu.be

Now, it's your turn - set your goals, write them down and post a photograph on your Facebook Page. Here are my goals

 

 





  One, two, three......GO!!!        Your future depends on it.

  Denise
  Sweetwater Photography
  http://www.sweet-water-photography.com/home.html

Children are a blessing

Children are a blessing. I recently photographed a one year-old baby's Smash Cake Session.  I've been given the several opportunity to photograph with this special baby.   Each time is a learning experience.   This one was special. And the rabbit in this photograph made another appearance.  I'm sure it will be in many more sessions.  

She was a lot of fun and fast!!     We found ourselves laughing during the session.  At the end of the session, I had a pink icing trail though my house.    No worries, it came up very easy.    

I found myself feeling blessed that I am able to capture the sweet moments of individuals lives.  Each day is special.  Photographs allow the moments of each day to stay alive    Enjoy each day!!

If you or someone you know would like a photograph session done, please contact me at sweetwaterphotography@outlook.com  .



Denise
Sweetwater Photography
www.sweet-water-photography.com

Sweetwater Photography

And here to a new adventure..... Creating a blog for my business. 

The last six months have been a growing experience for me. I have learned that I must have balance in my life to be successful in my personal and professional life.  Exciting things are happening in my photography business; each day there is something new and challenging.   Embracing the challenges instead of fearing them have made a major change in my life.    

The summer has been busy, but exciting.  With only five days left in this month, the summer will be over, however, I have so many things I still want to do.      

One of my goals is to have a blog published bi-weekly. I want to share my photography adventures with everyone.  

June was a busy month for me.    Each session was a learning experience.  But I loved every moment.    And each one was a success.  I am very blessed. 

Thank you for your support in this adventure.   Enjoy your day!

Denise Ellis

Sweetwater Photography

www.sweet-water-photography.com

www.facebook.com/swphotography21