Sharon Howard Photography: Blog https://sharonhowardphotography.com/blog en-us (C) Sharon Howard Photography [email protected] (Sharon Howard Photography) Thu, 10 Oct 2024 19:02:00 GMT Thu, 10 Oct 2024 19:02:00 GMT https://sharonhowardphotography.com/img/s/v-12/u233403666-o32167039-50.jpg Sharon Howard Photography: Blog https://sharonhowardphotography.com/blog 120 80 2024 AVP Grass Nationals https://sharonhowardphotography.com/blog/2024/10/2024-avp-grass-nationals

 

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!


 

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[email protected] (Sharon Howard Photography) AVP Grass Photography Sports Volleyball https://sharonhowardphotography.com/blog/2024/10/2024-avp-grass-nationals Thu, 10 Oct 2024 19:01:57 GMT
First Friday Art Walk October 2023 https://sharonhowardphotography.com/blog/2023/10/first-friday-art-walk-october-2023 Exploring the Vibrant Art Scene: Ocala's First Friday Art Walk. Step into the Creative Hub of Downtown Ocala and immerse yourself in a world of artistic wonders. I recently had the pleasure of participating in this captivating event last Friday, and it was a wonderful experience.

 

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. 

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[email protected] (Sharon Howard Photography) art art walk life Ocala people photography street photography https://sharonhowardphotography.com/blog/2023/10/first-friday-art-walk-october-2023 Fri, 13 Oct 2023 12:47:02 GMT
Meadowbrook Live 2014 https://sharonhowardphotography.com/blog/2015/1/meadowbrook-live-2014 I had the wonderful opportunity to photograph Meadowbrook Live 2014.  This is Meadowbrook Church of Ocala’s Christmas event.  There were four showings and if you missed it you can click here mbcocala.com and watch the program on their archive.  Here are a few of my favorite photographs that I took at some point during the shows. If you or anyone you know is looking for a photographer to cover an event, I would love to capture it for you.

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[email protected] (Sharon Howard Photography) 14 Church Event LIve MBC Meadowbrook Photography https://sharonhowardphotography.com/blog/2015/1/meadowbrook-live-2014 Fri, 16 Jan 2015 20:33:37 GMT
Ocean Photographic Prints https://sharonhowardphotography.com/blog/2014/9/ocean-photographic-prints I am excited to announce that I have added a few of my ocean photographs in my gallery Art for Your Home!  These are absolutely beautiful as I have already printed some for my home.  Available on Canvas, Metals, and Photographic Prints!  These would make a lovely addition to your home or as a gift to others. 

Blue Green WaveBlue Green WaveA blue green wave hitting the shore of Ormond Beach.

Twilight OceanTwilight OceanOrmond Beach at Twilight.

 

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[email protected] (Sharon Howard Photography) https://sharonhowardphotography.com/blog/2014/9/ocean-photographic-prints Tue, 30 Sep 2014 16:53:58 GMT
Photograph Children with their Animals https://sharonhowardphotography.com/blog/2014/7/photograph-children-with-their-animals Photographing children with their animals reflects who they are and not what the world would like them to be.  Have you ever just taken time to get on their level to see from their perspective? The world holds so many things and I think as adult we loose that sense of what it is like to be a child.  I love taking time out of my day to get down out of my adult status and see the world from a child's eye.  I find peace and beauty that otherwise might go unseen.  The following photographs were taken in one such time.  My son loves his turtle "Spiker," who for the most part lives in his tank in my son's room.  Now that it is warm out, my son has been taking Spiker outside to roam in the grass and get some real sun instead of being in artificial light.  We finally cleaned our small pond of some of the overgrown plants so now Spiker is getting a daily swim in the pond besides the walks in the grass.  I just love watching my son experience all the wonder and love that Spiker gives him, so I decided to capture this, but in order to do this I had to get to their level. Laying in the grass was my option to capture this memory that my son will have for the rest of his life.  I just loved seeing what my son sees daily, it makes the adult pressures of life seem to disappear as I immerse myself in my child's view of the world.  I now know why he loves Spiker so much.  It seemed like Spiker just loved being on the "Photo shoot" as my son put it.  I hope that you enjoy these photographs and that you will take the time to photograph children with their animals.

 

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[email protected] (Sharon Howard Photography) Children Photographs Photography boy child nature turtle https://sharonhowardphotography.com/blog/2014/7/photograph-children-with-their-animals Fri, 25 Jul 2014 17:43:48 GMT
Learning Photography https://sharonhowardphotography.com/blog/2014/5/learningphotography I love to learn something new, but it seems lately I have been so busy that I have not allowed myself the time to learn.  I decided to take a little bit of time out of my day yesterday to learn the HDR function on my camera.  It is not a function for portraits, but I wanted to learn it so that when I visit the mountains this summer I could take Awesome shots!! These were all taken in mid-afternoon sunlight, which most people say is the worst time of day to photograph with no flash.  These are nothing fancy, just my backyard, but it was fun to play. Let me know what you think.

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[email protected] (Sharon Howard Photography) https://sharonhowardphotography.com/blog/2014/5/learningphotography Wed, 07 May 2014 16:29:50 GMT
Kennedy Wedding https://sharonhowardphotography.com/blog/2014/4/kennedy-wedding There is nothing like a wedding! Two people starting their lives together as one. I had the opportunity to photograph our friend's wedding this past fall. My husband and I have know Mike for a very long time and we could not be happier that he found Leslie.

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!


 

 

 

 

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[email protected] (Sharon Howard Photography) https://sharonhowardphotography.com/blog/2014/4/kennedy-wedding Mon, 21 Apr 2014 14:30:52 GMT
Vacation Fun https://sharonhowardphotography.com/blog/2013/10/vacation-fun

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!

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[email protected] (Sharon Howard Photography) https://sharonhowardphotography.com/blog/2013/10/vacation-fun Tue, 29 Oct 2013 20:48:27 GMT
Back to School https://sharonhowardphotography.com/blog/2013/8/back-to-school It is that time of year again “School!” I can hear all the children now, “NOOOOOOO!” At least mine are saying that and I homeschool them.  They don’t realize that everyday for them is school as I work every day life into some kind of lesson, it is just fun and they don’t realize it.  But now is the time that we are going to have to do some bookwork and that is the part they dislike the most.  We are not starting this month since we did some work over the summer, but I know that most schools and homeschoolers are, so I wanted to offer a back to school photo shoot special.

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.

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[email protected] (Sharon Howard Photography) https://sharonhowardphotography.com/blog/2013/8/back-to-school Mon, 05 Aug 2013 14:50:17 GMT
You are Beautiful https://sharonhowardphotography.com/blog/2013/5/you-are-beautiful

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[email protected] (Sharon Howard Photography) https://sharonhowardphotography.com/blog/2013/5/you-are-beautiful Mon, 20 May 2013 17:37:28 GMT
Mother to Be https://sharonhowardphotography.com/blog/2013/4/mother-to-be

 

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!

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[email protected] (Sharon Howard Photography) Child Children Emotion Life Mom Mother Photography https://sharonhowardphotography.com/blog/2013/4/mother-to-be Wed, 01 May 2013 00:18:22 GMT
Three Little Girls https://sharonhowardphotography.com/blog/2013/4/three-little-girls

 

     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. 

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[email protected] (Sharon Howard Photography) Children Emotion. Life Love Photographs https://sharonhowardphotography.com/blog/2013/4/three-little-girls Tue, 09 Apr 2013 20:21:20 GMT
What do you Know? https://sharonhowardphotography.com/blog/2013/1/what-do-you-know 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!  

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[email protected] (Sharon Howard Photography) Dance Emotion. Life Love Sharon Howard Photography https://sharonhowardphotography.com/blog/2013/1/what-do-you-know Wed, 30 Jan 2013 21:12:44 GMT
Valentine's Day https://sharonhowardphotography.com/blog/2013/1/valentines-day Valentine's Day Special 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!!

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[email protected] (Sharon Howard Photography) https://sharonhowardphotography.com/blog/2013/1/valentines-day Tue, 08 Jan 2013 16:33:36 GMT
Family Means Everything https://sharonhowardphotography.com/blog/2012/11/family-means-everything I had a great day today.  I have been watching my beautiful daughter grow into a lovely young lady both inside and out and my son grow into a handsome gentleman.  While waiting for a family to arrive at their session I was snapping away testing the light and backgrounds using my daughter and son as my test subjects.  I love what I captured.  This is who she is, how she looks everyday.  She had no idea that I would be taking her picture today so I have captured her true beauty.  I captured the true spontaneity of my little man. He loves trees and climbing them, a true little boy at heart who tells me he never wants to grow up.  I thank God for both of them, they are a light in this world and I love them with all my heart! Family is everything and I am so very grateful that I have a job that I can spend time with my children while working and capture the true beauty of other families for them to treasure for a lifetime!  Life is a vapor make sure you are breathing it all in and treasuring it!

 

 

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[email protected] (Sharon Howard Photography) https://sharonhowardphotography.com/blog/2012/11/family-means-everything Wed, 28 Nov 2012 01:16:58 GMT
Holiday Special https://sharonhowardphotography.com/blog/2012/11/holiday-special

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[email protected] (Sharon Howard Photography) Christmas Cards Holiday Cards Photography Specials https://sharonhowardphotography.com/blog/2012/11/holiday-special Wed, 07 Nov 2012 15:05:29 GMT
Family is Important https://sharonhowardphotography.com/blog/2012/11/family-is-important

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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[email protected] (Sharon Howard Photography) https://sharonhowardphotography.com/blog/2012/11/family-is-important Sat, 03 Nov 2012 16:23:58 GMT
High School Senior https://sharonhowardphotography.com/blog/2012/4/high-school-senior I am so excited!!!!!  I am working on settup up sessions for high school seniors.  Just think, if you are a high school senior you can now have your senior portraits done by me and have portraits that show who you really are!  You don't have to follow the norm!!!  I will be offering all kinds of prints, gift items, invitations, etc... that will help make your senior year more than you thought it could be!!!  Keep watching my site, I am in the process of creating a program where you could get a free session and a chance to earn free print credit!!

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[email protected] (Sharon Howard Photography) High School Seniors Reps Seniors https://sharonhowardphotography.com/blog/2012/4/high-school-senior Wed, 04 Apr 2012 17:59:57 GMT
First for Me https://sharonhowardphotography.com/blog/2012/2/first-for-me I am generally not a blogger, but thought that I might try since it is now part of this site!  My site right now is under construction and I hope to have it all up and fully running soon.  I love being creative and so enjoy taking pictures.  I am working on editing photos from a horseback riding adventure that we had.  I will see about posting some images soon.  Feel free to contact me and let me know what kinds of things you would like to see on my site!  Thank you for the time you have spent looking around and I hope to hear from you.  I will try to blog again soon. 

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[email protected] (Sharon Howard Photography) https://sharonhowardphotography.com/blog/2012/2/first-for-me Sat, 25 Feb 2012 20:05:56 GMT