Capturing the Action: My Experience at the AVP Grass Nationals
The weekend after Hurricane Helene past through Florida, I had the incredible opportunity to photograph the AVP Grass Nationals, a thrilling three-day grass volleyball tournament held in Newberry. I attended for the Friday pairs and Saturday 3 player as a proud parent supporting my son and the UCF teams. I brought my camera as being a photographer in not just something I do but who I am. Check out day 1 photos here! Check out day two photo here!
A High-Energy Atmosphere
Despite the looming aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which had just swept through Florida the day before, the energy at the tournament was joyful. Players and spectators alike were buzzing with excitement, and I could feel the spirit of competition in the air. The resilience of the teams and the dedication of the players were truly inspiring.
The Joy of Sports Photography
Photographing volleyball is a passion of mine, and this tournament was no exception. The sport’s fast-paced nature requires you to stay alert and know your camera settings inside and out. Capturing the split-second moments—where a player spikes the ball or dives for a dig—means having your shutter speed ready to freeze the action.
The lighting conditions were challenging; the sun played hide and seek behind the clouds, which made for some tricky shots. But nothing could overshadow the joy I felt when I was able to capture my son during the playoffs—especially as the sun began to set. The warm golden light bathed the court, creating a stunning backdrop for some of my favorite shots.
A Proud Moment
Watching my son compete and ultimately secure 3rd place in his division was a highlight of the weekend. The thrill of seeing him play alongside his peers, pushing themselves to excel, was a memory I’ll cherish forever. The combination of sunset lighting and his incredible performance made for some fire photographs as he would say.
Overcoming Challenges
The second day brought more overcast skies, which altered the light and made it harsher for photography. However, just like the players on the court, I adapted. By the time the playoffs rolled around, the setting sun provided beautiful lighting once again, allowing me to capture those dynamic moments effectively.
Tips for Aspiring Sports Photographers
If you’re a parent looking to take great photos of your kids in sports, here’s my advice: invest in a camera that allows you to control your shutter speed. A faster shutter speed will give you a much better chance of freezing the action, resulting in crisp, clear shots.
In terms of post-processing, I keep it simple. I primarily focus on color correction and cropping to tighten up the action shots. This approach keeps the authenticity of the moment while enhancing the overall image quality.
Conclusion
Attending the AVP Grass Nationals was not just about capturing images; it was about celebrating the passion of volleyballand the bond of family. As I reflect on this experience, I’m grateful for the memories made and the opportunity to witness my son and his teammates shine on the court. I can’t wait for the next tournament and the chance to capture even more unforgettable moments!
As I set up my booth adorned with my favorite photographs I have captured, a sense of excitement filled the air. My gallery showcased a mesmerizing collection of prints to purchase along with samples of my portrait photographs. The timeless beauty of nature was on display, inviting visitors to explore the world around them and fill their souls with its enchanting charm.
One cannot help but be awestruck by the divine qualities found in nature that are created by God. Through my lens, I sought to capture the essence of God's creation, revealing the soul-filling wonders that lie within. From majestic landscapes to splendid beach sunsets, each photograph told a unique story, inviting viewers to embark on their own spiritual journey.
The First Friday Art Walk provided the perfect platform for artists, art enthusiasts and small business owners to connect and celebrate the beauty that thrives in our community. It was a joyous occasion, bustling with people from all walks of life. Conversations flowed freely, as visitors stopped by my booth to admire the photographs and dive deep into discussions about their own interpretations of the images.
Sharing my passion for photography with others was a rewarding experience. It allowed me to delve into the stories behind each photograph and witness the emotional reactions they evoked in others, these conversations sparked a sense of connection and camaraderie.
The First Friday Art Walk is more than just an event; it is a celebration of creativity that ignites a spark within us all. Whether you are an art enthusiast, a curious explorer, or simply seeking a new way to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us, this vibrant gathering offers something for everyone.
If you missed the opportunity to attend this month's First Friday Art Walk, don't fret. Mark your calendars and join us for the next one on November 3, 2023. Prepare to be captivated by the artistic talents that Ocala has to offer and immerse yourself in the soul-stirring wonders of our community's creative spirit along with supporting local businesses.
I was blessed to be located at Ole Sarah’s, a new shop that has opened in the last month filled with gifts, apparel, refurbished furniture, home decor and so much more all from local Florida small businesses. Sharlene and Sheryl invited me to pray over the event and for all those that would be in attendance. Inspiring us to just not sell items, but to truly see the gift of each person that would cross our path.
My participation in the First Friday Art Walk was an unforgettable experience and I look forward to the next one. It allowed me to not only showcase my photography but also connect with fellow artists and art enthusiasts. The beauty and inspiration found within God's creation were inspiring during this event, reminding us all of the timeless wonders that surround us. In between speaking with those that stopped at my booth, I took a few pictures of experience. So, come along and embark on a journey through Ocala's artistic landscape, where the possibilities are endless and the beauty is boundless.
To journey through the gallery, please click the photograph below.
Their wedding was beautiful and full of love. I pray that as they journey down life's road together that their love will grow and blossom into what God has intended for them.
Here are a few of my favorite photographs from their wedding. Enjoy!
]]>
It is always nice to go on vacation. We just got back from a wonderful family trip to the mountains of North Carolina. The color was beautiful and the weather was nice. Spending time with my loved ones is always a blessing to me. I love hiking at Lineville Falls, Wiseman’s View, and Beacon Heights Trail off the Blue Ridge Parkway. I know the highlight for my children was the general store hopping as they had money to burn in their pockets!! I bought a peck of apples from the historic Orchard at Altpass that I will be cooking up to freeze for all kinds of yummy things!!
Our last day there we woke up to 21 degree weather with a dusting of snow on the deck. What fun my children had making a small snowman and have a snowball fight.
In this gallery are some photographs that I took while on vacation. I hope that you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed going to these beautiful places.
Remember Christmas is approaching fast. I would love to do a photo shoot for your family. My November special is $150 for an hour shoot plus 25 5x7 flat Christmas Cards designed using your favorite photos from the shoot! Call Me to book your date!
What better way to get back in to the grove of things by having a fun filled photo shoot! These are mini photo shoots and can be designed any way you like. School photos don’t have to be boring and mundane! Have a favorite book, theme (cars, pirates, tea party, etc…), or style then lets do a photo shoot to show it off! These are all about YOU!
$50 Mini Photo Shoot
Your photo shoot will include 30 minutes of shoot time, a web gallery with fully edited portraits, and $25 towards the purchase of prints and enlargements. This offer is only valid for bookings from August 7th through the 31st.
A $25 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your date with the remainder due the day of the shoot. CALL NOW so that you do not miss out on this great deal! For grades K through 11th and only 1 to 2 children per photo shoot. Sales tax and shipping not included.
]]>
I was blessed to be able to photogaph this mother to be. At the time these photographs were taken she was due in a week and she is so beautiful. Every woman is beautiful in her own unique way, but there is just something more when woman is expecting a child. The glow that surrounds them and the joy in their heart is so georgous. I love capturing the beauty in this moment. Thank you Natalia for allowing me to photograph this moment in your life and being able to preserve it for you and your family to look back on. I cannot wait to meet your new little boy!
I know at this stage most women don't feel beautiful, but that is far from the truth! I love that I can show this in the photographs that I take. I give all the credit to God for showing me how to see and capture His glorious creation through the lens of my camera. I pray for many blessings to you and your family Natalia!
]]>
Children are a gift from God. They are precious, each one in their own way. I had the opportunity to photograph these three little beauties! I love how each photograph shows their personality. All three of them were different and capturing that difference is sometimes hard to do. I love that I was able to bring them out of their shell of smile and say cheese!
To those of you with little ones and even grown ones, I want to say cherish them! They are a gift. Yes, we must instruct them and even discipline them so that they know the right way to life, but our most important job is to Love. I try to make it my goal to start and end the day on a love note! I ask my children after bedtime prayer, what their most fun thing and most loving thing of the day were. Almost always they say spending time with my family and loving with you and dad. Spending time with your children is the best gift you can give them and while you are doing it you will realize what a gift it is to you.
I pray that you all are filled with joy, peace, and the great grace of God.
]]>
I was reading the other day about bogging. It said that you should write about what you know. That got me thinking. I asked myself, “What do I know?” I know that there are some things in my life that are absolutes and others that can be changed.
I know that God is an absolute in my life! He is my SOURCE for everything. He is involved in all that I say and do. That will never change. He is my rock and my salvation.
Being a loving wife to my wonderful husband is an absolute. I know that love is a choice and not an emotion. I refuse to ride waves of emotion and have an unstable life. I choose the commitment of Love. Does that mean I will have a perfect marriage? No, but it does mean that we will make it through whatever life throws at us because Love does conquer all.
I know being a mom is an absolute. Through my choice of love I know that being a mom does not end when my children are grown. When I became a mom I realized how deep love could and should be! I have also realized what is important in my life, family! My children have shown me more than I could possibly imagine just by their simplicity. Life is not always about seeking the next best thing, but about the enjoyment of what you already have.
I know that jobs, homes, and things all change with time, but the knowledge and experiences from these things stay with us. That is why I love photography so much. It is a way to capture the moments in time, to look back, to remember, to feel…. The next time you look at a photograph look at it deeply, remember what and why you took that picture or had someone take it for you!
]]>
It is time to start thinking of Valentine' Day!!!
We are offering two specials
#1 $75 for a 30 minute session for up to 4 people
Session dates are January 12
or January 19
20 - 2.5 x 3 inch Valentine's Cards
10% off addditional cards and prints
#2 $20 for 20 - 2.5 x 3 inch Valentine's Cards of a photograph that I have already taken for you.
10% off additional cards
Orders placed by February 4th will be delivered before Valentine's Day!
Call Now to book your session time as they will fill up fast!!
]]>
]]>
]]>
Family is so important and most people don't realize just how important until they have lost them. I try to at least get photographs of my family once a year. Not just for Christmas cards, but for the memories. My children can now look back at the picture and remember that we were on the side of the road in a beautiful spot making a memory that will last their life time. The will be able to share this photograph with their children and tell them all about my husband and me and the times they spent as a child growing up.
I encourage you to get family photographs done. They are memories and they are a way for us to live on. Even if your family hates getting them done and tempers flare, one day they will be thankful for them. My family is like everyone elses and are not always excited about photographs. I did this myself with a tripod and remote for the camera, but I am thinking next year I may invest in letting someone else photograph us as it is hard to make sure things are framed and looking awsome as I do when I am behind the camera. Although this one did turn out nice.
I know that having a photographer take your family photographs can seem expensive, remember it is an investment that will last for generations and well worth it! You invest in yourself with going to the beauty salon, nail salon, taking vacations, and so much more so really it is not expensive if you look at it as an invest to your family.
I pray for blessings, peace, and grace to you! ~Sharon
]]>