I've been so busy working that I haven't had much time to update this blog. As soon as I finish up my photography committments with clients, I'll jump back in and post some fun stuff.

I usually work with children, but I recently had a chance to work with adult models for a different looks for a commerical client. I'll post more photos from that shoot when I can.

Until next time, take care.

Little Lesiw

I love Little Lesiw's hair bows! She makes them in all colors and also makes the bows in the most amazing prints The designers name is Rachel and she's very talented. I'm so excited we got to keep a box of these wonderful bows and hairbands. "big smile"

Some recent work I've done.

Jack Canfield, author of the "Chicken Soup of the Soul" series. He's very inspirational!

Memories to cherish...

It doesn't seem like another year has gone by. Bri is growing up and changing. I was cleaning up some old folders and ran across this one I took of her last year. These are the moments I treasure....

I Love Oopsy Daisey Pettiskirts!

I shot fall photos for a client and we used the Ivory Holiday Pettiskirt from Oopsy Daisey Baby. I love these skirts. Chloe and Sophie are looking great in them.

Commercial Work

I was blessed with several new commerical clients. I've posted a few photos from some of the work I've done. As soon as other clients make decisions on photos, I'll post more work.

I'm Back!

I've been so busy this summer shooting, editing photos and taking Bri on auditions/castings, that I haven't had a chance to keep on this blog. I'm going to change the design a bit and update it this week.

Hope you all had a wonderful summer. Can you believe school is back in session all ready?

Forgive me, I've been MIA! And I'm very thankful. I've had several photoshoots to do and edit. I was in the park shooting a senior portrait shoot and came across the most beautiful twins ever. Their father let me snap these photos of them. He has the cutest blog of them. http://planetmcgee.blogspot.com/. Thanks again Chris!

Today has been a busy day for me. It's a blessing. I'll be back later on tonight and post the giveaway winners. Thank you all for stopping by to view our blog.

This is just to cute!

Things to do today:

• Thank God for my many blessings!
• Edit the rest of these photos! I have a lot to finish:)
• Enjoy my family and have fun.
• Hope you all have a safe and wonderful weekend. Thank you for your support!

Be careful more E.Coli has been discovered.

I like cookies, but I simply love cookie dough! I know I’m not supposed to eat the raw dough, but I just can’t help sneaking a spoonful, or two, here and there. Some of my kiddos have developed a love for this gooey goodness, too, but an email that I received from my friends at Nestle this morning made me re-think our cookie dough eating habit.

Read this:

Please take a look at the full Nestle Toll House Cookie Dough Recall Press Release for details, as well as a list of the products affected.

Consumers with products affected by this recall are advised to return them to their local grocer for a full refund. Any questions should be directed at Nestlé Consumer Services at 1-800-559-5025.

When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us. ~ Hellen Keller

Taylor Dior- Child Model/Actor

We spotted Taylor Dior last year on myspace. This talented child has done a lot of big things in her 2 1/2 years of life. We wanted to share her story with you:

Taylor Dior is a NYC model who also appears in film/commercials. She got her start at 5 mths of age when she was signed with a model and talent mgmt firm. A year later, thanks to God's blessings and a wonderful mgmt team, Taylor booked her first feature film at 15 mths of age. It was a small role in a BIG film that spanned theaters nationwide in Jan 2009. She has since worked on set of another film and has been on commercial auditions too. She has worked with top child photographers and celebrities, and has taken class at one of the east coasts' best acting schools.

Taylor truely enjoys performing, taking pics, being around people, and having fun. She is friendly and meshes well with others. Not one shy bone in her body! That's why she is so active in sports and entertainment. At two years of age she enjoys roller skating at the rink, bike riding on her trike, attending her gymnastics class, and being on camera! She loves attention and putting on a show so she can show off.

We initially just wanted to try out modeling and have some fun since she was so alert, expressive, and adorable as a baby. Film and more were an added blessing and we saw that she really enjoyed it and does well with everyone she meets. So we will continue to provide this avenue for her to learn, explore, have fun, and put her talents to positive use until she decides on something else! From sports to entertainment, she stays very involved and kept busy with positive venues to express herself and explore. She has great talent managers and model agents working hard for her in the meantime as well as parents who make it all possible.

Please visit her page often to keep in touch and get the latest updates and videos on what she's getting into next! http://www.taylordior.com/

Tomato Faces

This looks so cute! Okay, I don't know about you guys, but I don't have time now to follow this recipe. I think I'm going to "bootleg" a Liz version and use tuna or chicken salad for the filling. And shredded cheese for the hair...

Mr. Tomato Head (From Parents.com)

Hollow out a tomato, saving the top slice. Fill with cooked couscous mix, top with shredded basil, and cover partially with reserved tomato top, as shown. Rest black-olive slices on tomato ledge for eyes. Cut a piece of provolone cheese in the shape of a mouth and place it right on the tomato -- it'll stick.
Fancy Grilled Cheese Top a piece of sourdough bread with tomato slices, spinach, sliced white-cheddar cheese, and deli-style turkey. Spread another piece of bread with a little honey mustard. Sandwich together and brush with olive oil. Grill until cheese melts.
Greek Pasta Combine 1/2 pound cooked penne with 2 fresh chopped tomatoes, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar, 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, 1 tablespoon each fresh oregano and dill, and 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts.
Pesto Green Beans Cook green beans for 7 to 8 minutes. Drain and toss with tomato wedges and store-bought pesto.
Easy Antipasto Arrange tomato slices in a shallow dish. Top with fresh minced garlic and balsamic vinegar.
Heirloom Tart Line a 9-inch tart pan with refrigerated piecrust and trim to fit. Cover the entire crust with aluminum foil and bake at 450 degrees F. for 8 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes. Layer crust with provolone cheese slices, a mixture of 1/2 cup light mayo and 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, and overlapping slices of colorful heirloom tomatoes. Bake at 375 degrees F. for about 25 minutes.

Can't win if you don't enter!

You can't win if you don't try:) All you have to do is comment anywhere on the blog for a chance to win a Dylan's Candy Bar gift. To win an awesome retouched photo by Divalicious Designs, just comment and tell me why you'd love to have a photo retouched.

Thanks to Tonya Dailey - Our World Contemporary Children's Photography for use of this awesome photo.

Delicious Dimples - Giveaway

This wonderful retoucher found us on myspace. She asked to do a photo of Bri for me and we love it. I wanted to share her talent with my friends. Her name is Ondrea aka "Delicious Dimples". We'll also be featuring retouching by Ondrea as part of our current giveaway.

Add Ondrea as a friend on myspace! http://www.myspace.com/deliciousdimples

http://www.myspace.com/deliciousdimples - http://www.myspace.com/divalicious_designs

One lucky reader will win their very own retouched photos by Delicious Dimples. Simply leave me a comment and tell me where you would display or use your retouched photo. Or visit her myspace page Delicious Dimples . Take a look around. Come back here, leave a comment on the blog and tell us which photo in any of her albums is your favorite.

This giveaway will run through midnight on July 12, 2009 pst with winners being announced on July 13, 2009. Winners will have 48 hours to contact me before another winner is chosen. Must be 18 years or older to enter.

I can't wait until the 4th of July. I'm looking forward to eating all that good food I have no business eating... yummy!

What about you? What do you look forward to eating at this time of the year?

Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you.

~Maori Proverb

Dylan's Candy Bar - Giveaway

Take a look around, tell us what you think. We're giving away Dylan's Candy Bar gifts every week!

RIP Michael Jackson

Regardless of how you feel about Michael Jackson's personal life, there's no denying his remarkable talent. He will be greatly missed by many. The "Smooth Criminal video is one of my all time favorites.

Things to do today:

• Finish Liz Brown photography website!


• Finish Liz Brown photography website!


• Finish Liz Brown photography website!


• Did I mention I need to finish and launch my photography website? "grin"

Okay, I'll be the first to admit it, I'm guilty of grabbing grapes and barely running water over them before I eat them... well all that's changed now! I ran into a friend of mine and we stopped for a bite to eat. She's a RN and I saw her whip out a bottle of FIT and spray her apple, rub it and pour bottled water over it. I just looked at her like ooookay.

She said, "Look like that if you want to, but if you knew what you could be eating you'd spray too." I won't go into what all she said because I'm still shuddering, but I will tell you I bought a couple bottles of FIT for us to start using. I'm not endorsing this product, but I encourage you to research whats "lurking" on our fruits and vegtables. If you don't want to purchase FIT, no problem, but SCRUB your produce. Don't just let water run over it and think that's enough..... okay? promise?

Until next time,

Remember, no one can make you feel inferior without your consent.
~Eleanor Roosevelt

Wollyton - Giveaway

This Weeks Winner - Stacey Hamilton

I love looking for new fun items to buy. We found this shop that has the cutest stuff ever. It's called Wollyton. We like it so much we decided to giveaway a fun item!

Add Woollyton as a friend on myspace! http://www.myspace.com/wollyton/

COME WIN THIS CUTE PENDANT:

One lucky reader will win their very own Wollyton Pendant. Simply visit Wollyton Shop Take a look around. Come back here, leave a comment on the blog and tell us which piece is your favorite and why.

This giveaway will run through midnight on June 28, 2009 pst with winners being announced on June 29, 2009. Winners will have 48 hours to contact me before another winner is chosen. Must be 18 years or older to enter. Giveaway is open to U.S. residents only

Dylan's Candy Bar - Giveaway

This Weeks Winner - CurVQT Charissa

Welcome to our new blog. More content and fun stuff will be added daily. Take a look around, tell us what you think. We're giving away Dylan's Candy Bar gifts just to welcome you to our "spot".

Acting/Modeling Photos- Dazzle Model & Talent Agency

I could really make this a long article, but I’ll be short, sweet, and get straight to the point. If you’re a seasoned talent, you already know how important it is to have a great head shot. But, it goes a little further than that. Your head shot could be the key to a future in the entertainment business. Great photo’s can “make you or break you” as far as getting an audition. BUT, your photo’s are also going to be one of your biggest and best investments in your career so be prepared to pay a little money out. It will be worth it.

Who needs a professional photo? Every agency has their own policy with ages. Babies should not need professional pictures because their looks change so much and this can get quite expensive to have their photos taken every three months throughout their toddler years. I, as an agent, now prefer children 5 and older to get professional photo’s taken. It tends to make a better impression with some casting directors, but that’s not always the case.

A casting director or talent agent would much rather see one great picture rather than 6 “pretty good” pictures. Either a natural smiling or serious photo works, but I think a child with a big grin on their face not only shows their true beauty, but personality also. For teens through adults, either works fine, but I still prefer color over black and white, although opinions may vary.

And lastly….I cannot stress how important it is to keep your photos current. If you color your hair or have it cut, (get new photos). If you no longer look like your picture, get new photos. For adults, I suggest they get a new portfolio (which consists of both head and body shots) done at least once a year as long as they still look like their picture. It’s always nice to have an outside photo session because it gives you so much more ability to be creative.

Here’s how it works….you get an audition and its time to see the casting director, producer, or photographer for face to face confrontation. In front of them will be the photo that was sent in by you or your agent and what there are expecting is to see the person in the picture. There should be no difference between you and the photo they have. If there is, this could cost you not only an audition, but you have now wasted precious time for a director who is extremely busy.

So, after reading this article, I hope I have given many, an insight as to how important pictures are in the entertainment industry. Good luck with your photo sessions and have fun with them. It’ll show in the outcome of your photos!

Kelly Neff - Owner
Dazzle Model & Talent Agency

Hudson's Childrenswear Review - Apr/May Backcover

I've been taking photos for years. I didn't really consider doing it professionally until Bri started modeling. I finally decided to take the plunge from "hobby" photographer to "professional" photographer. It's exciting to see all my hard work pay off.

A photo I took of Bri was published on the back cover of the Apr/May issue of Hudson's Childrenswear Review. Greggy Girl posted an article about it on their Greggy Girl Talk Blog if you'd like to read it.

Until next time...

Dylan's Candy Bar - Giveaway
This Weeks Winner - Delicious Dimples

Welcome to our new blog. More content and fun stuff will be added daily. Take a look around, tell us what you think. We're giving away Dylan's Candy Bar gifts just to welcome you to our "spot".

Greggy Girl - Giveaway
Winner - The Banks Girls

I have to tell you that we are comfort clothes people. Yes, we like to look great when we go out and about. But for the Brown Family, it's all about style and comfort. If your girls are anything like Bri, then you've heard the "get it off, it's itchy battle cry!" Well those calls will be silenced with the new Greggy Girl® summer line exclusively at Costco. The fabric is 96% cotton 4% spandex. The spandex makes it comfy and gives a little room for a good fit. Bri wants to wear them EVERYWHERE! I'm having a hard time getting her to stop wearing the green/pink Miami Set. The skirt has cute built in scooter shorts. She even wore the set to cheerleading tumbling practice.

My smart alec 18yr old son Will has given the sets a name. He calls them "Bri's famous clothes" because she wears them so much lol lol. You know you want a famous set... Here's how to get yours and hear these words around your house "She needs to change clothes, she has on the famous set again!"

COME WIN ONE:

One lucky reader will win their very own Greggy Girl® summer set of choice from us. Simply visit Greggy Girl®Talk Blog Take a look around. Come back here, leave a comment on the blog and tell us which outfit is your favorite and why.

This giveaway will run through midnight on June 21, 2009 pst with winners being announced on June 22, 2009. Winners will have 48 hours to contact me before another winner is chosen. Must be 18 years or older to enter. Giveaway is open to U.S. residents only

THEBROWNBOYS.WS HEAD TO HOLLYWOOD!

Dante and Dusan are two of our talented buddies from the Chicago area. You may remember them from Oprah's Amazing Kids or various commericals and productions they've been featured in. These two talented boys and their mom Joyce are hosting the 1st Annual Tween Teen Talent Showcase.

Please visit their website for additonal information:

http://www.thebrownboys.ws/

Friday Family Fun

I'm sure your family has a lot going on like ours does! Sometimes I do so much running around I can't think straight. Bri is our youngest daughter. She's 5 and has a lot to say.... all the time. I usually travel with her everyday of the week for either cheer or modeling. Thanks to schedules changing for the summer, we all finally have Friday off. I can't tell you when the last time in this decade this has happened.

So in honor of this "once in a million lifetime" event occurance, Bri and I decided to scour the net and find fun Friday things to do. First up.... Joy the Bakers, Brownie Bottom Ice Cream Cupcakes!!

Brownie Bottom Ice Cream Cupcakes

24 foil cupcake lines

browine batter

1/2 gallon of your favorite ice cream flavor

ice cream scooper, small spoon and warm water

freezer

chocolate ganache, whipped cream (optional)

Here's the step by step situation: Joy the Baker.

Be Everything That's You!

I'm blessed. My life has begun to take turns in ways I never imagined a year ago. I finally found the faith and courage to pursue a career in photography. I've always taken photos. I have scrapbooks full of them. I knew deep in my heart, I should be doing more with my photography, but didn't have the courage to push past my fears and just do it.

To all of you out there wanting to follow your dreams, don't put it off. Just do it! Yes it's scary. Yes, you'll have to make sacrifices. But it's better to be a whole person full of life and passion than to be an empty shell full of fear and regret.

Be Everything That's You!

be peculiar, distinctive

be uniquely unpredictable

a far cry from ordinary

be true

be everything that is you

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Current Giveaways

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Mon June 29th