Happy Birthday to my everything...

My Grandmother was a wise woman indeed, often stating to me "Deborah Louise, the years will start to go by much more quickly as you grow older. Quit wishing your days away." She would make this statement after I babbled some bs about how I wished the summer would hurry up and come. Or I wished that school would hurry up and be over.

It seems that surely the years do seem to go by rather quickly as of late. I'm not sure if its the constant moving? Or if its just simply that grind, that daily grind we told ourselves we were never going to fall into?

My husbands and my birthdays are only weeks apart, so as fast as I turned the happy 46, he turned the happy 42 right behind me. Yes ladies, I snagged a younger man. Don't hate. :) Today was his birthday, and since once again I asked "What would you like for your birthday baby?" and once again he replied "Nothing baby, I'm good." I insisted that he buy himself something that he really wants for a change. Something that maybe we can do together as well? So he did... he went and bought himself a new gun. He went to meet with the people at the range this morning and had a great time. I'm next!

Me... I spent the day making him a cake. Not just any old cake mind you. I could have just gone and purchased some Carvel Ice Cream Cake (Which is my absolute favorite btw) or I could have had our local bakery make one. But no... little over achiever me. Little Miss Susie Homemaker just had to go and tackle a fondant cake with a figure on top!!!

I told him that he has been such a good boy this year that I got him a cute little blonde with a huge rack to jump out of a cake for him!!!!

Tee-hee-hee!!!!!

(Side note: This was NO easy task! Now I understand the talent that goes into cake decorating done right!)

Funfetti Cake... :)



Rolling on Fondant... What a pain in the #*S!!!!!





I'm surely not a professional, but this was a fun surprise to make for my husbands Birthday!



A little stripper glitter on the cake... :)



Even gave her a little butt crack! LOL!

Military life and changes all around...

I've said it before and I will say it again... Life as a military spouse is simply crazy! This life we live is full of amazing adventures, constant moves, and the difficulty that comes along with always being the new kid on the block.

When Eric and I arrived here in Columbia, SC I couldn't have been happier. I had just spent over 2 years in Germany and hated every minute of it. I couldn't wait to be back in the states where I thought things were normal. WOW! Was I mistaken!!!

This country, this messed up, backwards arze, going down the toilet quick country has changed. In 2+ years it has changed tremendously! I know times are hard for so many people. And I know times are hard for job seekers, etc... and our economy is in the dumps, but people have become mean, ruthless and completely malicious! Maybe it's just here in Columbia? But maybe its everywhere? Texas, our last duty station prior to Germany was awesome! But in Texas the people work, they work hard, they work together, and they carry a firearm. LOL! Ok, maybe they all don't tote a gun, but they can if they want to and people take things seriously there. My business was thriving, people all worked with one another to help us each get to the next level. I'm sure there was gossip and drama, but it never seemed to follow me while I was there. Here, in Columbia, I feel like I am back in High School only with bigger bank accounts. People here are rude, lying, gossiping, manipulative jokes and I want out!!!

So... the hubby and I said screw it! We picked up the phone and called a cruise line, booked a cabin and took off to the Bahamas for the week. And did we ever need it!

It was a crazy trip filled with food poisoning, sea sickness, migraines, and ultimately Dengue Fever, that would be me that came down with this lovely illness. But we spent many hours discussing our future. If Eric was staying in or retiring? If we were going to push to stay in SC or push to PCS elsewhere. And what to do with my business?

By the time we arrived home we fell back into our routines and let things take their course. And did they ever! By the end of the work day on Monday we were given the word that indeed Eric was looking at another PCS, and we were looking at it quick! Like 2-3 months quick!!! They want him to stay until his next promotion and be one of the head Officers to lead the 70 Delta. Its huge, and we are ready for the new adventure. So.... here we wait to find out where we go next, and how quickly they need us there. The house will go on the market the day we learn we are leaving. I love this house, but I hate this city. I want so terribly to head back to Texas, and that very well could be where we are heading? But, the top spot on the list that Eric is needed at would possibly be Hawaii. I say YES!!!! Hawaii!!!! The sandy beaches, the sun filled days and the temps that never drop below 60*. I'm in love already! I lived in Hawaii back in the early 90's, but I was poor and single and worked all the time. My days for having fun were limited to say the least. This time it would be SO much better!!!

So... here we go again. Life on the ledge, and I wouldn't have it any other way!!!

Oh, and BTW, the results of my tests all came back. After 2 years of invasive testing, and countless nights of no sleep we finally have answers and a direction to go in. There is NO CANCER!!! The masses in my body are residual silicone left over from the implant ruptures 3 years ago. Because they waited 3 months to perform the surgery that would remove the ruptures and replace them with new implants, the silicone did nothing but float around in my body, ultimately ending up anywhere it could attach itself to. Yes, I agree that it still sounds scary. And who really knows what the future holds when it comes to what that could eventually do? But for now I know I don't have cancer, and we can take it from here. So, surgery will be performed in a few months to remove not only the masses, but also both implants. I want them OUT! I want my natural breast back and nothing foreign in my body anymore. I don't care about small breasts. My husband is not a breast man anyway. :)

Have a great week!

And so we wait...

Its been going on close to two years now. Multiple Dr.s visits. Countless tests & exams. Yet here we sit, still NO answers?

Yesterday I drove 2 hours, one way, for the fourth time to Georgia for what was supposed to be the results (FINALLY) of the newest rounds of tests. The MRI was to aid the Dr in knowing if we are looking at residual silicone that has now capsulized, or breast cancer. Yet there I sat with a Dr who acted like he would rather be anywhere else than sitting there talking to me, and I was BEYOND frustrated! As he went on and on about this and that... what I really just wanted was a simple answer. What I received was a "Well, the MRI has not been read as of today. I have NO answers for you. But, here is my card. If you don't hear back from me by the end of the week then give me a call and remind me."
WHAT????
Me, call you? And to REMIND you to do your job?

So that was it. I went off... well, I went off as much as I could go off considering I was on a military installation and I had no idea if I could be in major trouble if I caused a scene? Or, if it could cause damage to my husbands career? But I was fuming, and he knew it! My opinion of this Dr. is that he is a jaded Col. who is playing out his time and really could care less about his patients. Prior to his speaking with me I overheard him in the hall with a fellow physician, bashing a Col. wife about her Botox treatments and how he is sick and tired of these spoiled woman and their cosmetic issues. But then why are you a "Cosmetic Surgeon"???
Completely unprofessional!!! I'm sure by the time I left my blood pressure was through the roof!

So, I'm done. I can't take the back and forth or the waiting month after month after month. So today I'm going to call a surgeon in NC who was referred to me months ago by one of my husbands soldiers in Germany. A breast cancer survivor herself who swears by the hands and work of this surgeon. He is renown for his advanced techniques in reconstructive breast surgery, and I hope that he can get me in by the time we come home from a much needed vacation. I went onto his website and scanned through before and after images of patients and I was in tears. His work is amazing!!! He is truly gifted.

I brought home a disk of images from one of the most recent of my mammograms (Last January) and of my MRI.
It's pretty scary. That lump is extremely large.
So here we go again....

Boudoir and the voluptuous woman...

Sophia Vergara, Dita Von Tease, Kate Winslet, Scarlett Johansson, Beyonce Knowles... What do all these woman have in common? CURVES! Beautiful, voluptuous, womanly curves.

I love curves... Probably because I don't have any and you know us women, we always want what we don't have.

About a week ago I had an amazing woman in my studio. She was not a size 0 and she was proud of it. She was confident, and she was experimental, and she was sexy as hell! She never once mentioned what she didn't like. But she was quick to tell me what she did like... "I like my legs, and I like my hair and my eyes. Heck, I like it all!"

So away we went on this magical ride into the world of the curvy girl... and was it ever fun!!!

Enjoy...

Locks Of Love... A special hair day!

There are those who talk about doing things, and there are those who DO those things they speak of.  I am blessed that I seem to easily find those who are the doers of the world...

This morning I drove to Cayce to a wonderful salon called Salon 1411 for a very special photo opportunity.  One that you only hear of once in a blue moon... 

My client, whom I now call my friend, was doing such an amazing thing that I just had to go be a part of it and to forever capture the magical feeling that only comes from those who give so willingly and lovingly. 

Her hair, her gorgeous, long, beautifully healthy hair was being cut over 14" all in the name of giving back to those less fortunate. 

http://www.locksoflove.org 
 Locks of Love is a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children in the United States and Canada under age 21 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. Please click the link above for further information on this amazing group of people.
 
It was touching beyond words. We all cried a few tears. Not over the loss of hair length, but over the spirit of giving to others. All of us there have felt the pain of illness such as cancer in the lives of our families and friends.

My grandfather, rest his soul, passed from lung cancer years ago. And to watch the pain he went through, and to watch his strength through it all is something that I will never ever forget. He was my everything, and I was robbed the opportunity to spend the remaining days of his life with him because of the selfish and ridiculousness of another family member. And to this day I still have the hardest of times forgiving her for her heavy ego and childish ways.


My grandfather and grandmother are now with God in heaven, and I miss them each and every day. Its days like today that I take a deep breath and smile as I am blessed to know those like Mrs. Shealy who don't just say they are going to make a difference, but they go out and actually do it!!!

Jessica... I am so very proud of you. What you have done today will be the biggest blessing for another life one day very soon. Your love will bring them hope once again at a time when so much seems hopeless.


You are an angel, and I am BEYOND humbled to call you my friend. You came into my life with such a force that I will forever hold a special place solely for you in my spirit.
God Bless You!!! 





Her beautiful long hair... 


First ponytail ready for the cut...
 

And it began...
 

First one complete...
 

 With a deep breath, and a few tears shed by all, we thought of those who will be blessed by this wonderful gift...


And then she started on the other side...

This is what true beauty looks like... Jessica and Jenna her stylist.

And the styling begins...

As she admires her new look...
 

And a little spray... 


Her beautiful new cut... 


And here is the hair that is off to "LOCKS OF LOVE..." An amazing spirit is locked inside these strands. Someone very special will one day call this there own.

Boudoir and a Georgia peach...

When a new client phones me about a boudoir session one of the first things I try to do is talk about other things... not that I am trying to talk them out of a shoot (obviously) but I've noticed that if you divert the conversation towards humor first - business second then all of those insecurities and all that apprehension goes right out the window.


Onward to Miss*****.
Today she drove in from Georgia for what she described as "The craziest thing I've done in a very long time." I laughed, not at the statement, but at her brutal honesty. And when I met her face to face I knew we would be instant friends. I love an honest woman. I love when someone is not concerned with what others think of them, and therefore there really is no filter. I'm very much like that myself, and people either love ya or hate ya... but they will always know that you are no hold barred, pull no punches type of woman.


She walked in $20 in hand and headed straight for the "Pity Poo Jar" and dropped it in. She said she wanted to get that part out of the way first. Then proceeded with a laundry list of things that I need to be aware of when I shoot. Things about herself that she didn't care for too much. Things about herself that she would rather not highlight. I gave her 10 minutes to get it all out, then I banned her from speaking of it again. Then off we went....


First 20 frames or so she was stiff as a board and kept asking "Does this look ok? Am I doing this right?" So I did my usual and showed her a couple of frames of herself so she could see what I was seeing. And then it happened. That magic light bulb moment when you watch the woman before you evolve from an unsure client to a newly confident woman. She started laughing more, smiling more. She started to offer poses instead of asking to be shown poses. She dropped her nerves on the floor and let her sexy vixen out!!! And was she ever amazing!!!

We wrapped it up and she gave me a huge hug. And when I went to let go she hugged me again, this time with eyes full of tears. She said that she felt beautiful, and sexy, and ready to go home with a new attitude about herself and her sexiness. And THAT folks is EXACTLY why I love doing boudoir!!!


I think she is pretty darn sexy! And I think her hubby is in for a great night!!!! :)

Boudoir Beauty...

How many times do you think I can keep saying how much I love my job? A million times over and it would hold true every single time. I love my job!!!

Ok, now that I made that clear, let's talk boudoir...

Yesterday afternoon I had the pleasure of spending the day with an amazing woman and her bff.  It was a total girls day that started with champagne and cheese and fruit and yummy- yummy candy. Then she headed off to the MUA for her pro MAC make up application. 

Wrapped tight in our Deborah Berard Photography robe, she sipped her champagne with a quiet calm that was completely infectious. And it wasn't too long until everyone involved forgot that this was a photo shoot and acted like we were playing dress up in our mothers closet. All while hitting the liquor cabinet. LOL!  
And it was fabulous!!!

As we started our shoot her calmness continued, and did it ever show! With each frame I could see exactly what I describe to women again and again and again... that confidence.  And was she ever having fun!  With her bbf by her side lending a hand with props, wardrobe and as a "fan"tastic fan holder, :) helping to keep everything moving as smooth as the silk Miss*** was wearing.

When it was all over she gave me a HUGE hug and paid me the best compliment ever. She told me that the shoot was fun, easy and much different than she expected. She really didn't find herself as nervous as she thought she would be. She felt sexy, and sensual, and she said that my directs and demonstrations made everything as simple as could be. I kept things moving and the energy flowing.

That right there was the best words I could have EVER heard!
I wish I could show you all of them because she is just THAT beautiful, but rules are rules. 

Enjoy...

Did you know we do Bridals?

Did you know that Deborah Berard Photography started as solely a wedding photography company? While in San Antonio Texas we built our brand into one of the areas top wedding photographers. With an ABC Feature story, numerous magazine features and a couple of local charity events put us on the map and on it quick!

Now that we have come back to the states we have made our new home in South Carolina and opened our dream boudoir studio. Boudoir, fashion, stylized shoots... THOSE are the shoots that get me going. I love it, but I miss the bridal and engagement portrait side of weddings. So now, after much back and forth, we have decided to add bridal and engagement portraits back into our line up. That also includes the ever famous "ROCK THE DRESS" shoot.

And we are NOT your run of the mill type of portrait photographer. I will NOT be standing you in a field with your bouquet in your lap while you gaze over your shoulder. Nope, that's just not us. So if you want to go ride a carousel, roll in the mud, stand on a post in the middle of the street... we can do that!!!

In fact, we already have...

Pushed Dates & Just Keeping Up...

Pushed back AGAIN... those were the words I was greeted with last evening during a call with the editor of CINHTE Magazine to discuss the shoot for designer Bryan K Osburn. Garments hadn't shipped on time, now a model is a no go for the date. I really don't mind the delay because I have some wicked fun ideas in mind if I really get to stretch my creative wings during this shoot, and I could use some further planning. But because of all these crazy ideas I have rolling around in my head I'm also growing increasingly antsy for this shoot to finally set, and keep, a date.

So onto next project... props for my client on Saturday. An old aluminum chair that I am painting garnet is what I am working on at the moment. She has this country theme going so I am coming up with nice, sexy, country style props and ideas so her session is fun and full of action. I even spoke with the MUA (make up artist) today and she is a go as well.

Then, it's back to working on the website. Seems more and more inquiries are coming in about stylized bridal and engagement portraits so I thought it was time to link that baby as well. I am meeting with the women at Wedding 101 to discuss advertising with them. And then I received a message from Fashion Blogger, fashionista, PR wonder woman, and all around great gal Gigi LaBord of Miss Fancy Threads asking if she could interview me for her feature? I mean come on now... how could I say no?

Monday there will be another FemFessionals meeting. This one is at the loft, so everyone come on down and join us for an amazing night of networking and friendship making.

For now I leave you with the new Buttons for the website. Yes... they're film strips and I shoot digital. Hahaha... These new kids won't get it! LOL!

I LOVE THIS POTTY SHOT!!!!
Thought it was just TOO cute
for the Blog Button.

Promotional Items finally ordered...

With two HUGE orders still looming overhead, we decided to finally get one out of the way by ordering most all of our promotional items needed for advertising, etc.
Banners, postcards, work polo shirts, t-shirts, and such all were placed for delivery this afternoon after spending literally 13 hours in front of the computer editing the little detail of it all.

I'm pooped! But I really love how they all came out. Right down to our "I've Been Exposed" coffee mugs.

Bridal Boudoir Special!!!

Your wedding day is fast approaching. You've been going to the gym., eating like a health freak, tanning, growing your hair just right. It's no surprise that you're finding yourself feeling on top of your game. and believe me IT SHOWS!!!

Don't ever forget exactly how amazing you were feeling in these months prior to the big day, and give him something that he will treasure in the process...

Bridal Boudoir Images!!!

Imagine his heart racing as he opens his personalized, custom flush mount photo album; Filled with images front to back of you, only you, his soon to be wife. Or have your image custom mounted and framed, then ship it to your honeymoon suite and have it hung on the wall & watch his surprise when he see's that it's you! There are a million ways we can customize this gift to be as unique as you are.

After all, he chose YOU over ALL others. Never let him forget exactly why he made the best choice ever!!!

Contact us today and receive 5% off your collection if booked by May 30th, 2012.

Our Press Release~

Deborah Berard Photography is ready...
Is Columbia?

Liberating Columbia's women:
One Fierce Photograph at a time!!!

___________________________________________

Grand Opening Special!!!

Deborah Berard Photography;
Liberating Columbia's Women; One fierce photo at a time...

________________________________________

Our New Website is ready!

New templates, new designs, new everything...

This website edit proved more difficult than others in the past. It seems that Blu had revamped some of their sites best features, but left others out; Others that are terribly needed for a spell check crazy like me. Without the ability to cut and paste your text content, and no spell check button available any longer, the process of final edits will take days. This would be about the time I hire an editor!

But for now most of the important information is visible and available to potential clients interested in hiring Deborah Berard Photography.

Who got engaged during Valentines Day???

Valentines Day. Said to be one of the most romantic days of the season. Personally, my hubby and I give gifts year round to show our love and devotion for one another. I suppose after a certain year in your marriage its just a simple I love you, just on a different day?

I was bored, so I decided to go back over some old external hard drives. I found some great finds.

Things are changing yet again here at Deborah Berard Photography. So I am once again re-vamping my website and blog to reflect our change of direction. Until things are finished, I thought I could show off a few images from way back when...