Travis Dew Photography

I am a firm believer that God puts us in certain places…at certain times…for certain reasons.  So one day last week I received a message from a lady saying she had a unique story….she had seen an article about me – and liked my story.  By the end of the message….I was thoroughly confused because I couldn’t recall an article written about me and as far as my story goes – it sounds a little something like this: ‘crazy, fun household with husband, 3 children and a reproducing pile of laundry accompanied by a yard full of weeds’….Mmmmm – I wonder where we connect?

Well, I called her up – learned she and her husband are newly married by a couple of years…..he had 11 children – she had 5 and they were both widows.  She started telling me about the article she had seen and I stopped her saying I wasn’t aware of an article.  She looked it up while we were on the phone – and then was perplexed because it wasn’t about me but someone with the same first name (a GUY, go figure)….and she’s not sure how she got to me.  Well I told her that I believe things happen for a reason and that I was part of a big family brought together by two widows and maybe that’s why our paths crossed.

Why was she calling?  She wanted someone to capture her husband – and his six boys – building their DREAM HOME with their own hands.  She said the respect these men had for their father was incredible, they were hard workers and she wanted to capture the special project in motion.  I was honored to cross the threshold of the dusty, loud and messy structure….and there was not a single, lazy one in the bunch.  The men didn’t know I was coming…they were polite but never put down a tool buzzing around the house…making it all happen.  Thanks for having me – it felt special to be included….until I sat in tobacco spit…and then not so special.  Oh, the tree?….she wanted the house oriented to face the big, old beauty.   (Now that I think about it, my step family’s father was building a house with my step-brothers before he passed.)

 

These little crazy daisies are living up the summer with sand, swimming and golf carts.  I showed up – and initially we tried to get some cute, hair-brushed,  sweet-little-dress pictures…..but they were pool bound and I didn’t blame them one bit!  I mean, who can resist on a summer morning?

Mama, I know you were hoping for some that were Christmas card worthy….but I think we definitely captured your girls’ world and the laughs/tears within it!

About this time last year, I met a family whose grown children had come into town from all over.  Luckily, I will meet up with them again in a week or so….but for now, I met the other side of one of the daughter-in-laws….yes, it sounds confusing – but regardless, they were fantastic.  Eight adults….and eight children UNDER the age of 6.   They were fun, calm and stress-free…Just the way I like it.  Please notice our attempt at a GRANDPARENT / GRANDCHILDREN picture….a little here-and-there chaos – and one little dude who was INTO it!

Thanks for my time with you this afternoon…..it was FUN!  I’ll let you guys know when the rest are done and up.

A beach house full of 4 families….someone missing here and there…a few from Ohio, Florida and California…..a nice, relaxing week of beach, sun, games and fun right here at Isle of Palms.  So glad this sweet, extended family found me…..I enjoyed spending my morning with you.  Here’s your vacation sneak peek!

 

I’ve got to learn to live life like this crew more often……FUN – LAID BACK – ALWAYS up for a good time.  This is my 5th shoot with them….and every, single time…..everyone is high energy and ready to PLAY!  Here is the first…..Here is the second….Here is the third….and Here is the fourth….too stinkin’ fun and cute each time.  One thing to learn from this great family is: let the children be…and your photo shoot will be filled with smiles and fun and TRUE personality.  Yes, they all shed tears and yes, they all stick their tongue out….but don’t worry about those things and let them go….children will be children and THAT’S what we’re trying to capture….Not a cute, perfectly ironed, smocked outfit.  Enjoy this little slideshow of this awesome family.

 

So sweet Meredith had her sister and family in town…..and they called me up to meet them at down at Hampton Park this morning.  We were excited to climb trees, feed some ducks and run around and play!  It was a little warm so we opted for some tree climbing in the shade…and the ducks were nowhere to be found.  No kidding…we saw one duck.  That’s alright – we had fun feeding the turtles and fish anyway.

Recognize some pretty baby blues in this shoot?  Little “H” is the sweet face on my business cards…when he was 4 months old….and now he’s almost 3!

I just love a little munchkin profile….

I met this sweet family a couple of months ago.  I was fortunate enough to capture baby “W” entering this world…..and I got to spend a little more time with her today.  My, my – she is so feminine!  Throughout our shoot – she kept her legs extended and her toes pointed….(Miss Claudette would be so proud!)  She did christen Daddy with a little diaper-free accident….LOVE IT!  He had just asked me, “Does that really happen?”  Mom and Dad – I should have warned you that sometimes these little people make you work hard for these newborn shoots……but it’s always worth it.  I know, I know… you were about to clean out a drawer for me.   I loved seeing you guys again – here’s your sneak peek – she’s pretty stinkin’ cute!

The bottom dropped out r-i-g-h-t as I was to meet up with this little family…and I hot-tailed it back to my car to keep my equipment dry.  The good news is… it cleared as quickly as it started.  Always a small fear in my world….that rain can change plans that quickly.  BUT….it turned out perfectly comfortable with a little cloud-cover and we went on to have ourselves some fun.  First things first – we fed some big ole’ turtles.  Then, we moved on around the lake and ~whooh~ an alligator.  This little dude was sunning himself on the banks….and giving me the heebee jeebies.  We’ve had a little visitor in our neighborhood lately too – and he or she is about 6 feet long.  Entertainment and excitement for all – for sure!

Mom, so glad Dad gave you this gift certificate for your birthday….I enjoyed getting to meet you guys!  I’ll let you know when the rest go up.

 

In my position…..you never know if what you’ve captured in your camera really portrays the mood and vibe of the situation.  I got home from this wedding and was excited and hopeful to show what I had just experienced.  Yes, it’s Charleston in July and it was hot……but that was not my lasting impression of the night.  A super, sweet couple who are crazy about each other…..fun, laid-back wedding party….lovely bride, church, reception in a beautiful city….energetic, crazy band in a huge room full of fun, ready-to-go people.  GOOD TIMES had by all…..enjoy your sneak peek!

DRESS – The Gown Boutique of Charleston

CATERING – Hamby’s – Ryan McKenzie

RENTALS – Snyder’s

CAKE – Ashley Bakery

FLOWERS/DECORATING/DAY-OF SERVICES – Dazzling Designs (Sue Henderson and Carolyn Eiserhardt 843-762-3652)

BAND – Attraction from Richmond, Virginia

TRANSPORTATION – Charleston Style Limo

HAIR – Hunter Johnson, Updo Charleston

MAKE-UP – Leslie Moore

 

Mariela contacted me a couple of weeks ago – she said her sister and family were coming up for a visit over the 4th and asked if I was available.  Sweet little family from Puerto Rico – and she was excited to introduce me to Mister “G” and little Miss “M”….now I know why…too stinkin’ cute!

We had some fun catching crabs, hanging out by the pool, walking on the dock and checking out the boat.  Thanks for a fun little morning.  I even came away with a couple of new Spanish words!

Here’s your sneak peek….I’ll let you know when the rest go up and I’ll do my best to get them done before you take off.  For now….I’m chilling out working while listening to my husband’s band practice…my own little concert.  Lord knows I love me some live music…..no matter how I get it.