Attending the Sandy Puc Family Tour seminar is not only a learning opportunity, but somehow it just jump-starts your brain with new inspirations and ideas.  Though I have been a long time volunteer for many organizations, I have not used it to further my business in the way businesses are using it today.  Hooking up with (and helping) various charity groups is in itself a win-win-win situation.  Hospitals, children’s groups, and very specialized charities are all out there looking for assistance.  Even a childrens photographer, wedding photographer, or event photographer can help just by doing what comes naturally.  If you are a charity that is looking for some assistance in the area of photography in South Florida, keep us in mind.  Of course, we can’t do it all, but with an entire group of folks at the Professional Photographers Guild of Florida of which I am current president, we can usually find someone willing to help out.  My business grew out of volunteerism and it still is a great inspiration and learning avenue.

Every year for the past 20-25 years, during the Christmas season our pastor gives a luncheon for the elderly who are shut-in, that is they are unable to leave their homes on their own.   There are several highlights of the afternoon, one is the roasted turkey, another is the school children singing Christmas songs, and also visiting with long-time friends.  But, by far the most exciting for them and the first thing they do when they arrive, and pose for a photograph with the pastor in front of a huge Christmas tree.  By the end of the meal, the photographs are printed and given to each guest.  It is such a little thing, but they just love it, and so do I. It’s just the little things that can bring such joy.

The group of choirs included Saint David Church Choir headed by Ursula Hamilton.  John and I filmed and photographed the pre-program preparations, the performance, from our great seats.  The guest narrator was Isabelle Rossillini and her Italian accent was delightful as she read the story of Christ’s birth.  To see all the photos please go to

www.photosbylaraine.com/epcotsingers  

I am sorry I don’t know how to make this a link.

Henry family

We met the whole Henry Family at Myrtle Beach to visit and photograph them on the beach
There were 25 of us (only the Pittsburgh family is in this image).

  Disclaimer:  This theory has no scientific studies attached to it, nor was it backed by any French Restaurants.

            All my life, my cousins, sisters, and I have idealized our grandfather, who we called Pepe.   Born in the 1880s and living to the ripe age of 88, he was tall, slim, very distinguished looking, and walked straight and dignified.  He was the epitome of  a gentlemen, but he was also a coal miner, a house mover, and married over 50 years to an excellent cook (who, if she wore the white hat, could have been considered a chef.)  But he was never fat.  We all decided it was just good genes…Until I made my pilgrimage to his home town in the south of France.  There I discovered the “secret” of why so many French people in France (not necessarily those of us in America) are of normal weight, despite the fact that regularly eat 4 to 6 course meals. 

            For them, eating is a sensuous experience.  The French don’t eat in their cars, while on the run, while watching TV or reading.  When they eat, they eat.  All the senses are served.  It begins with a trip to the outdoor market on market day.  There you can purchase any manner of fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, herbs, meats, fishes, poultry, and tantalizing pastries.  They are all displayed in a colorful array among tables, booths, and catering vehicles.  There is music in the air, along with the sights and smells of blended foods and beverages.  Wandering through the market up and down the aisles reminds me of my French cousin’s favorite English saying, “we walk.”  And, we walk.

            Cooking becomes a family event with everyone including the children pitching in.  While the food cooks, a wonderful liqueur called pastisse is enjoyed in a relaxed manner as the coming meal is anticipated.   The main piece of furniture is not the couch facing the TV in its entertainment center.  It is the dining table, usually large and backed by a sideboard with dishes and plates designed for each course, for each type of food.  The coming meal may last as long as two hours.  Even lunches taken in restaurants in large cities such as Paris and Nice are expected to take at least 2 hours with all the shops closing at noon and reopening after 2 or 3 P.M.  Each course is served individually, eaten slowly and enjoyed thoroughly.  It is beautiful to look at, the aroma a delight, the taste superb, and the company animated.  Of course, wine is served to match each course, with an after-dinner liqueur following the whole event.  When the dishes are cleared, “We walk.” 

            It’s been over 10 years since I visited my cousins in France.  It has taken me this long to realize that I can put some of their habits to work for me, and possibly lose weight too.  Although it is unpractical to expect anyone other than executives to take two hour lunches, we all can really take a hint from them.  This is how it works.

            It has been said for years that eating slowly allows the brain the time to get the message that you are full.  How many times have we all eaten more than is comfortable? And been sorry for it.  Taking the time to savor every morsel, before it goes in the mouth, by enjoying the color and aroma; and again savoring it while in the mouth, discovering the texture, taste, temperature of our food will give that time to your nervous system to get the message.  Take smaller bites and see if you can identify the herbs, spices and other ingredients used in the food.  Time taken here will mean less time needed on the stairmaster.  Get rid of any external distractions.  Turn off the TV (record that show for future viewing, if necessary).  Put down the paper. Get out of the car, or stop somewhere near a park or rest stop where you can enjoy both the food and scenery if you have no choice but fast food or take out.  And Walk.  The French people WALK.  A lot. 

            Sure, you can take fat-blocking drugs (with all those unpleasant side effects,) get on yo-yo diet plans, or use all protein or no fat diets.  But, the pounds will only come back when you stop the regime.  Only healthy lifestyle changes are going to make the changes that you want.  Because they have less land than we do for great cattle ranches, French meals contain small, but delicious servings of meat.  There, for the first time in my life I ate rabbit, and sweetmeats.  Since I’m also a photographer as well as a (hopeful) writer, I wanted to go out and take photos of the landscape, the castles, the people, and local color, but accompanied here you will see that I took photographs of food, beautiful food, just as it was served.  No photographer’s food stylist needed.

Fifteen years ago, when I met my husband, I was such a picky eater that I didn’t even eat carrots.  I only ate two vegetables, spinach and corn, only to learn that corn is not a legitimate vegetable.  I ate bread, pasta, cereals and hamburgers and french fries. Since then, I have learned to eat broccoli, green beans, carrots, squash, and other veggies, and although I have not lost much weight lately, I have maintained my same weight for over 10 years.

            Now, as a reward for good eating habits, I don’t buy myself a banana split, I buy a beautiful bouquet of flowers so I can take the time to stop and smell the roses.  (By the way, they are eatable also). 

o, not to the big time, but a really special move for me.  This year’s competition ended with my winning the Second Place Photographer of the Year of the Professional Photograpers Guild of Florida’s annual print competition.  This is the third year in a row I have been in the Top Ten POY.  Along with that award I was the recipient of the Jim Swallow Service Award for this year.  The presentations were made at our annual award banquet and it was a lovely event.  Congratulations to Mr. #1 and all the others who took home awards.This week’s work was mostly pro-bono for two worthy organizations.  Saint David Church holds an annual luncheon for elderly shut-ins hosted at Father O’Reilly’s home.  We photograph each guest with Father and present them with the photo before they leave the luncheon.  The folks really appreciate those photos!!! and it is fun to do.  (Unless you lock your keys in the car like I did yesterday. Thankfully, it was all over by then.) Photos of the luncheon can be found at photosbylaraine.com/santaparty.

The Association of Professional Businesswomen also held a luncheon that benefits Starlight-Starbright, a group that supports children with severe illnesses.  Today’s luncheon included a raffle and by donations from local businesses, the organization raised $1000 and matched that to donate $2000 to Starlight Starbright.  Photos from that event can be found at www.photosbylaraine.com/apb08. 

Well, that’s what it turned out to be worth…..I didn’t get paid a cent for this portrait.

It all started with a portrait of a family with two teenagers, one getting ready to graduate and the other getting ready for her prom. After the session, I photographed the family with the grandmother sitting in the middle as well. They orders were placed and everyone was happy, but they need two additional 8×10s of the family. When I wrote up the order, I transposed the numbers and delivered the one with the grandmother in it….a very fortunate mistake for them. I ordered the correct portrait and gave them one of the wrong ones and kept the other for my portfolio. They decided to send the extra one with the grandmother to the grandmother’s brother in another state. He was delighted that they thought enough of him to send a portrait, and when he saw how grown the children were, he sent them each $10,000 for college. Thus, that one 8×10 was worth $20,000 to that family. Never underestimate the power of photographs and the emotions they evolk.

Now, if I could just get paid that much for one. But, then, how many people get to have their dream job and LOVE it?

Best to all, and keep smiling,

Laraine

Portrait sessions are not just for the young and beautiful, the thin and fit….they are for us all. How are we going to be remembered if we are always waiting for the last 20 pounds to come off, the skin to clear, or whatever the excuse is? Remember, we have special lighting and, of course, Photoshop. Portraits are precious things, cherished things, things to be saved from disasters. But first they must be made. Next time I will tell you about the $20,000 8×10 portrait. It will demonstrate how precious these things are to family.

Family, Cherish them.

Laraine

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