Natural Elements News

Beauti Control

2012-02-02T11:38:00.000-05:00

Some of you may know that I have been an Independent Beauti Control Consultant since 2006.

I began using these products to have make-up on hand for models that I worked with. Since that time, Beauti Control has expanded their product line and I’ve used their sets as gifts, for both professional and personal events. Now I have incorporated the products I sell most into my storefront with the hope that it will make ordering more convenient for my regular clients and introduce some of these fabulous products to newcomers.

In addition, a select product(s) will be showcased periodically to save you money! This season’s pick is the Deep Moisture Body Wash ($18) & Ultra-Rich Body Moisturizer ($32). Buy them together for $48

View items and purchase here.

Snow!

2012-01-30T11:48:00.000-05:00

We’re not seeing much of it around here lately, but you WILL find some inspiring photos of the white stuff in the 2012 February issue of Wonderful West Virginia magazine. I was honored to have my image, "Glen Ferris Snow", showcased in the gallery section of this issue. It has been especially nice to hear from friends and admirers who enjoy a sentimental attachment to this special place in the Upper Kanawha Valley in Fayette County, WV.

Caption It! Contest

2011-12-05T09:45:00.001-05:00

Introducing a new card for Amy's collection....

Suggest a caption to accompanying this whimsical image of a chipmunk eating an orange, sliced in half and win a box of assorted notecards!

All you have to do is leave your suggestions (as many as you like!) in the comment box along with your contact info. If your caption is chosen as the favorite, it will be added to this notecard and you'll receive a box of 12 assorted notecards, including this one! Have fun : ' )

Check out all of the cards in the "Gifts" gallery at Natural Elements Photography.

Urban Session

2011-11-17T13:56:00.001-05:00

With many of my facebook friends recounting their blessings through this month of Thanksgiving, this seems a perfect opportunity to publicly thank all my wonderful clients!! I truly feel that I serve some of the best people around and I am very thankful for it. I can now add Kortni to that list of blessings, as I had a very fun afternoon shooting her Urban Session in areas around Charleston, WV.

A Riverside High School senior, Kortni had the idea of using Capitol Street for part of her session; I love the colors and settings this area provides. I think Kortni enjoyed the best of both worlds since we also traveled to forested areas to capture some of the remaining foliage and natural landscapes.

You are a beautiful young lady, Kortni; it was a pleasure meeting you & your family. I wish you all the best in your senior year!

Best Wishes, Kayla!

2011-11-08T20:47:00.000-05:00

This gorgeous senior at Scott High School enjoyed her photo session in areas around Glen Ferris and the New River Valley this summer. What a treat to spend a few hours with her, learning her fashion style and interests. I wasn’t that surprised to hear she’s interested in studying nutrition in college, since she eats smart and stays fit with regular exercise.

Kayla had a knack for choosing just the right colors and clothes to complement her eyes and skin tone. It was a pleasure to spend time with you, Kayla. I hope you have a fabulous senior year!

Congratulations to Kristen!

2011-11-02T14:53:00.000-04:00

This Riverside High Senior was a joy to spend time with this summer and I look forward to her fall session coming up very soon! Kristen is a beauty, just like her mom, and what’s more, she’s just as beautiful on the inside. An active and fit young lady, Kristen seemed to enjoy trekking around the upper Kanawha Valley with me for her senior session.

These are the areas I photograph most often; I never tire of the spectacular settings and light they provide. Best wishes to you, Kristen, on a great year!

Give Encouragement...

2011-10-18T21:46:00.004-04:00

A new boxed set of encouraging cards to share with you!

This one is personal as the designs were inspired by family. Izzy, my 4 year old niece battles rhabdomyosarcoma and yet, she continually has a smile or giggle to share with those she meets. She inspires many by her faith and resilience. In an effort to continue that good energy, I wanted to create a little something to touch the life of someone else, while also giving back to Izzy.

When you purchase this set, a portion of the proceeds go directly to Izzy's immediate family to help with the costs of her treatment in Morgantown, WV. Thank you for taking a look!

~ Amy L. Thornton

View and purchase here.

Free Shipping in October!

2011-10-05T08:56:00.004-04:00

View and purchase gift items here.

2012 Inspirational Calendars!

2011-09-22T11:54:00.008-04:00

8.5 x 11" / 12 month calendar

The new 2012 Inspirational Calendars are on the way and I believe it’s my best design yet! Better because I’ve incorporated background colors and textures to complement each season and make the text easy to read.

This calendar provides uplifting quotes from inspirational souls such as John Muir, William Shakespeare, and Ralph Waldo Emerson together with Christian saints and Holy Scripture to share a thoughtful saying each month.

Start your Christmas shopping early! And... if you are one of the first 5 people to order, you’ll receive a complimentary notecard to accompany your calendar.

View and purchase here.

A Word About Photographing Children

2011-09-18T16:13:00.013-04:00

The recent controversy over Vogue magazine publishing questionable photographs of 10 year old, Thylane Blondeau, has brought my long-held views about innocence and beauty to the forefront, prompting correspondence with my professional organization, Professional Photographers of America (PPA).

Knowing that our trade looks toward the fashion industry as a trend-setter, the possibility of seeing children photographed in a sensual and adult way is of great concern to me. As a member of PPA, I adhere to the PPA Code of Ethics, and believe it unethical to photograph children in a sexually suggestive manner. I have asked PPA to make a public statement denouncing such images.

As for my business, Natural Elements Photography, I wish to extend my personal views on photographing children, as you may contemplate hiring my services:

I photograph to highlight the joy and innocence of children, to capture the essence of their laughter and interaction with family. I believe there is a ray of heaven in their eyes as they discover something of the natural world, such as a flower, an insect or even a mud puddle! I photograph children in traditional types of modest clothing, usually solid colors, so that the focus is on their eyes and expressions. When I am not making candid images of children playing outdoors, I incorporate modest poses to simulate a natural occurrence, such as sitting or leaning on a fallen log, reading a book by a tree trunk or sitting on a quilt at an outdoor tea party.

If this is what you are looking for with images of your children, then I may be just what you are looking for. If you are searching for images of your children in adult attire or otherwise adorned to replicate a mature model or dancer, I am not the photographer for you.

Amy L. Thornton

Sending a Little Love Your Way...

2011-08-30T12:04:00.007-04:00

Newly designed cards and assorted sets have been added to our ever expanding line of custom notecards!

This beautiful rose, from an image Amy made in 2006, receives so many compliments every time a card is sent to clients and friends. Some are uplifted from sad occasions and others are reminded of favorite flowers from their own gardens ... and still others remember the innocence of a first love at the sight of a pink rose! And so, this little beauty deserves a place in Natural Elements Photography's gift gallery.

This is the first card to include a message inside. It simply reads:

"Just thought I'd send a little love your way..."

By far the most sought-after cards in our gallery are the ones highlighting the beauty of West Virginia. Folks may leave West Virginia, but a love for home remains.

This new assorted set showcasing state features, such as West Virginia's state flower, bird and animal, are a great way to share what you love about the Mountain State.

Visit our Card Gallery and do a little early Christmas shopping!

Prayer Books are Here!

2011-08-19T07:16:00.006-04:00

My Little Prayer Book has arrived and they look beautiful!

Wonderful West Virginia Magazine

2011-08-17T14:50:00.012-04:00

Check out the September issue of

Wonderful West Virginia,

our state's iconic

magazine showcasing the beauty and history of WV...

enjoy every ad-free page of gorgeous photos and engaging articles

and then notice the lovely lady waiting at the end...

She is a yellow garden spider, aka, "the writing spider"

photographed by Amy L. Thornton in the breathtaking

Highlands of West Virginia in Pocohontas County.

And then, when you fall in love with the inspiring and educational magazine,

order a subscription so you can enjoy it every month!

And don't forget to grab a box of Amy's custom notecards,

featuring the same image, with a bonus on the back:

a story of the Legend of Elspeth.

Never heard the story?

If you love history, and especially the medieval events of the British Isles and

Robert the Bruce, you'll love it.

Promise.

~ Family Session Special ~

2011-08-04T09:22:00.004-04:00

Contact Natural Elements Photography for available dates:

info@amysphotography.net

Beau!

2011-07-27T08:23:00.010-04:00

Wow, Beau is really going places, let me tell you. This is the little spitfire Springer Spaniel that I enjoyed photographing in 2007. He’s full of energy, full of smiles and aims to please. Beau and his owner work with the non-profit organization, Mid-Atlantic English Springer Spaniel Rescue (MAESSR), which operates to save stray or abandoned purebred English Springer Spaniels.

The primary goals of MAESSR are to protect this breed, promote spay/neuter programs and educate the public about the joys in sharing your life with a Springer Spaniel. Beau serves as a valuable liaison in the life of a rescued dog, helping in the foster home environment to socialize new dogs and acclimate his guests to the wide array of sounds and obstacles in a new home.

It didn’t really surprise me too much to learn that MAESSR had selected Beau to be a representative of sorts for a new marketing avenue as their organization expands. It was his image from our session they chose to grace the side of their new trailer, which will help the fundraising efforts at major English Springer Spaniel events around the nation. Congratulations, Beau!

And best wishes to you, MAESSR, on your continued growth, which allows you to rescue many, many more deserving dogs.

Good boy, Beau, good boy.

Prayer Book

2011-07-20T15:10:00.005-04:00

For over a year now, I’ve been working on a project close to heart, an illustrated prayer book. Natural Elements Photography is founded upon scenic images of West Virginia and beyond and it seemed only natural to accompany the grace of prayer with the loveliness of creation.

I am delighted to tell you the book is nearly here! Because I'll only be ordering these in limited quantities, I’ll be taking pre-orders through the end of August.

The book has 26 pages, sized at 8x6” for an easy travel companion, soft-cover with a full page photo to accompany each prayer. The spiral binding is intentional, as I wanted to have a book that would lay open easily on a desk-top or prayer corner. The last page contains brief notes about a selection of the prayer authors. The photos include some of the most popular from my Images of WV Collection and several new photos made in the mountains of North Carolina.

Some prayers and meditations are probably very familiar, such as the Lord’s Prayer, Psalm 23 and the Beatitudes while others may be less recognized, such as the prayers of the saints from the ancient church of the 3rd and 4th century. There are morning prayers, prayers for traveling, prayers for children & forgiveness and prayers before going to sleep.

Since I’ve been a guest speaker to a variety of groups about prayer and find it an essential part of spiritual health, I wanted to create a way to enrich and encourage the daily prayer life of others and possibly introduce some to the thought-provoking and powerful prayers of ancient Christian saints.

View of back cover

small text reads, "A book of devotion with prayers form the ancient faith.

Glory to God for all things! †

God has blessed my life & business and it has been a joy to put together images of His creation with prayers from the ancient faith.

The book will retail @ $22; wholesale pricing is available upon request. If you would like to pre-order, please send an email to naturalelementsphotography@yahoo.com

50th Year Reunion

2011-06-28T06:40:00.006-04:00

Congratulations to the Gauley Bridge High School Class of ’61! They recently celebrated their 50th year reunion at the Glen Ferris Inn with plenty of smiles and good cheer as they reminisced together. I’ve had the pleasure of photographing this group for several years now at various gatherings; it’s an honor to celebrate with such lovely people. Wishing you all many more joyful years!

See more images from the reunion here.

More for the Commercial Client

2011-06-07T20:23:00.010-04:00

Allow Natural Elements Photography to help with not only your commercial needs for smart images of your enterprise, but custom business cards and mailing labels too! This service was born out of necessity in a sense, as Amy has been creating her own logo and cards since the inception of Natural Elements Photography in 2003. After a few clients inquired if she could provide contact cards for their businesses, Amy set her creative vision along a new avenue. These clients have been pleased; may their businesses continue to prosper!

Premium card stock with a smooth glossy feel

Back of card allows for detailed information

Created logo for in-house printing

*Images for creating business cards must be made by Natural Elements Photography.

A Photo Thought

2011-03-07T11:08:00.003-05:00

Pleasant greetings friends and fans!

After taking some necessary time off during these winter months, it's feels good to be back in the saddle again. Blessings to you for a beautiful spring!

'tis the season to be merry!

2010-12-20T14:53:00.004-05:00

View & purchase calendars & card sets

Sale!

2010-11-26T09:47:00.004-05:00

Now you can save 10% on Amy's

2011 Inspirational Calendar & boxed notecards!

Hurry, sale ends December 3!

Senior Sessions

2010-11-01T13:06:00.008-04:00

Congratulations to these outstanding young men from the Class of 2011!

Thank you for the opportunity to photograph this special time in your lives.

Fall, glorious fall!

My favorite time of year....

Best wishes to you in the coming year as you open a new life chapter!

They Have Arrived!

2010-10-18T22:16:00.005-04:00

Thanks to those of you who pre-ordered, your calendars are on the way!

Calendar image for February

Amy's colorful and encouraging calendar is now available to purchase online. For your shopping pleasure, check out the latest line of notecards (12 designs available) and make your holiday gift extra special with a little taste of Almost Heaven, West Virginia!

Calendar image for March

2011 Inspirational Calendars Coming Soon!

2010-10-14T14:48:00.008-04:00

The new 2011 Inspirational Calendars will be here soon, so be sure and pre-order yours today!

The new design is larger, at 8 1/2 x 11 inches, featuring one of Amy’s scenic images accompanied by a short prayer, uplifting quote or Bible verse for each month of the year.

The 2011 Inspirational Calendar is $22 plus tax & shipping and will be available for purchase on our website soon. Contact naturalelementsphotography@yahoo.com if you would like to pre-order yours today.

Preview of all 12 images in the new calendar

The first 5 calendars sold will include 3 free notecards, with original designs by Amy of scenic West Virginia. A perfectly uplifting gift for the holidays!

Children's Miracle Network

2010-09-29T11:03:00.004-04:00

Our local radio station, 103.7 WCIR has a fund-drive currently underway to support the WVU Children's Miracle Network. Because I have a young family member directly affected by cancer and am aware of the awesome people who work at WVU Children's Hospital, I just wanted to pass along the information in case you'd like to donate to this worthy cause:

Children's Miracle Network

or donate specifically to West Virginia University Children's Miracle Network

More notecards...

2010-09-16T14:08:00.004-04:00

This is my latest notecard, one that has been on my mind to design for a long time. I made this image of a Black & Yellow Garden spider last year and it's one of my personal favorites. This lovely creature reminded me of a story I read years ago by Nigel Tranter titled, The Bruce Trilogy. In this historical novel, the legend of Elspeth comes to life.

Now you can enjoy this inspirational tale, published on the back of notecard, of how a spider inspired a king!

See all 12 designs available

New Custom Notecards

2010-09-10T11:01:00.014-04:00

Few things bring greater pleasure than sharing my love of photography AND promoting

the great state of West Virginia!

It has been so nice to hear the feedback from my clients when these little notecards have been given as tokens of my appreciation. For a few years now, I have printed boxed sets as a special favor but now I am bringing them to you as part of my business with hopes that they will bring warmth and smiles to those far and near who cherish the beauty of

this piece of heaven we call West Virginia.

View more designs and purchase sets

Best Wishes to Matt & Lyndsi

2010-08-19T12:14:00.016-04:00

Congratulations to Lyndsi & Matt on the celebration of their marriage! I feel blessed to know you and your precious family and thank you for asking Natural Elements Photography to document this happy occasion.

The reception was shining, full of laughter & good cheer...special dances and a few tears..

I especially enjoyed the dance Lyndsi shared with her grandmother! ; ' )

You all did an outstanding job on the details, too!

May God bless your marriage and grant you many joyful years!

Lyndsi ~ Bridal Session

2010-08-03T08:09:00.007-04:00

What a privilege to capture images of the gorgeous bride, Lyndsi, in Charleston, WV! Bring on the stormy skies; it only helped to create some dynamic images =-)

The evening light was so flattering...

The interior, so elegant... very suitable to compliment a graceful and classic look.

I especially enjoy a bit of whimsy....

Thanks for the opportunity!

VHS Multi-Year Reunion

2010-07-09T07:37:00.005-04:00

‘77-’84 classmates of Valley High School celebrated their reunion in style at the WV Tech Ballroom on June 26, 2010. Vernell contacted me about the reunion back in the spring and it was a real pleasure working for her and getting to know her through this event. Congratulations to Vernell and the VHS Reunion Committee for putting on a great event! And thank you for asking Natural Elements Photography to document this occassion.

*See more candid previews, group photos and the memory book here, under "Events".

Lyndsi & Matt

2010-07-01T07:58:00.007-04:00

What fun we had on this delightful evening in Fayette County, WV photographing Lyndsi & Matt’s engagement session. After a few rain delays, the skies finally cleared and we were able to spend close to 3 hours together in areas around the New River.

Lyndsi is a special gal to me, as I’ve been friends with her family for close to 10 years now. In fact, Lynsdi was one of the first clients I had in the early years of Natural Elements Photography. She is a beautiful young lady and together with her fiancé, Matt, they make a lovely couple. I look forward to seeing her wedding dress at her bridal session next!

Congratulations, Kelli & Mike!

2010-06-18T07:15:00.006-04:00

I am blessed by the people I serve. It’s been true since the day I began Natural Elements Photography in 2003 and remains so today. Last month I photographed Kelli & Mike’s wedding in my hometown of Fayetteville, WV and loved every minute of it!

From the thoughtful handmade touches, such as the “welcome cross” a family member had made to place on the lawn, to the gorgeous flowers and arrangements adorning the church, to the warm smiles and giddy anticipation by the wedding party-- this is something wonderful to be a part of.

I especially enjoyed the touching ceremony and music, including the sweet sounds of a harp; it was a very elegant service. The humorous antics of the ring-bearer did nothing to detract from the atmosphere, in fact, I believe the smiles and polite laughter he garnered only enhanced the joyous occasion.

Thank you, Kelli & Mike, for inviting Natural Elements Photography to document this momentous day; you are a special couple and I wish you God’s blessings throughout your life together.

PhotoBiz

2010-06-10T06:50:00.007-04:00

The following review is for my fellow photographers...

Because I think good customer service is a rare commodity these days, when I DO encounter an above-average experience, I make sure to tell the manager or business owner about it; they usually seem surprised, yet full of gratitude.

Last fall I found myself in need of a new image hosting company in order to show my session previews and provide an opportunity for my clients to purchase images online. I researched various companies for weeks, spoke with other photographers and navigated many photography sites in my quest for a solution. My criteria was really pretty simple: easy navigation, compatible with Mac and all for a reasonable rate. Thankfully, I eventually stumbled across PhotoBiz and knew I had found exactly what I was looking for.

Not only did PhotoBiz meet my needs, they have far exceeded my expectations! I was unaccustomed to friendly customer support in this area and was surprised to receive a phone call from PhotoBiz after I signed up online to ask if I needed any help with the initial set-up. I was also provided an email with my very own contact person (who speaks English as a first language!) in case I needed help. I didn’t.

In truth, the program is SO user friendly, I cannot make one suggestion in this area to better it. For every page, such as setting up galleries, events, pricing schedules, coupons, products, shipping, etc., there is a video tutorial to walk you through. I love that! The videos are short, concise and very helpful.

The only area that required a bit of brain work was setting up my merchant account, which required an application process through a third company. Even though this process took several days, it was worth it. These folks, also, were friendly and helpful. And, surprisingly, the two times I had to phone in to have my questions answered, I spoke to the same lady. No waiting, no automated phone directory to stumble through - just a helpful, knowledgeable voice on the other end.

PhotoBiz is a member of PPA, WPPI and also the BBB which tells me they care about giving me, as a professional photographer, the best, most reliable service they can. The icing on the cake? ...they are a relatively small business growing up right next door in North Carolina which means we're in the same time zone and, well, that pleasant southern hospitality seems to be an ingrained characteristic of PhotoBiz.

Five Stars.

Bridal Session

2010-05-26T11:38:00.007-04:00

The evening was perfect, a bit of rain earlier in the day only enhanced the quality of late afternoon light and made the colors all the more brilliant. Kelli is a beautiful bride and it was a privilege to capture these images for her and her new husband, Mike.

Because I'm a huge fan of Pre-Raphaelite art, the image below is my favorite from our time together. Take a glimpse of more previews from her session. Thanks for the opportunity, Kelli!

WV Super Pickers

2010-05-21T08:52:00.009-04:00

Alan Smith, Steve Sparks, Dave Hicks and Roger Hicks

My day began @ 4:30 a.m. and by sunrise we were hiking out to a spectacular spot in the New River Gorge. I was reminded, quite brilliantly, of why I love West Virginia and why I need to catch more inspiring sunrises! It wasn’t just the awesome landscape I savored, but getting to know some very talented West Virginia musicians made the morning all the better. I love my job!

I was asked to create images for a cd being produced by the WV Hall of Fame to highlight some talented local musicians known as the WV Super Pickers. I was privileged to hear some of the tracks for this project and especially enjoyed their unique rendition of Take Me Home Country Roads.

According to Steve Sparks, the group’s drummer, “The WV Super Pickers project serves to exemplify the talented artists who hail from the great state of WV. The brainchild of WV natives and Nashville legends, Charlie McCoy and Russ Hicks, the WV Super Pickers are a group of WV artists who have made their mark on the music industry and made West Virginia proud.”

Roger Hicks

The group features the talents of Buddy Griffin, Robert Shaffer, Steve Acord, Steve Sparks, Rad Lewis, Dave Hicks, Roger Hicks and studio manager Alan Smith. The cd will be released this summer.

It was my pleasure to meet you all; thank you for asking Natural Elements Photography to help with your photography needs. Best Wishes on this outstanding project!

Farm Session

2010-05-11T14:16:00.016-04:00

Ah, I do love the new life that springtime brings! Thanks to Larry Dingle of Treworlas Farm in Beckwith, WV, I have the opportunity to photograph one of my favorite subjects: critters!

His farm is teaming with new life, from the Percheron foals to the miniature donkeys to the calves and goslings...

Oh, I could sit in a pasture and while away the hours with my camera... what peace, what beauty. Thank you, Larry, for asking Natural Elements Photography to capture images at Treworlas Farm.

Engagement Session

2010-05-04T13:26:00.005-04:00

What a lovely young couple I had the privilege of photographing. Kelli, Mike & I spent a beautiful spring evening around Ansted and Gauley Bridge, WV in order to create some lasting memories before their wedding day.

There's just something special about celebrating love & a new life chapter in springtime =-)

Family Fun!

2010-04-28T12:07:00.006-04:00

I recently had the pleasure of spending time with and photographing a family dear to me. I’ve known Jeannie practically all my life and so, it was an honor to be asked to photograph some memories for them.

As always, I find it best to photograph the little ones doing what they do best ~ play!

Warm faces that make my heart smile....

Jonathan & Angela

2010-04-17T09:10:00.011-04:00

Congratulations to Angela & Jonathan! The crisp cool March morning gave way to a beautiful day filled with sunshine, love and good cheer...

Jonathan & Angela did an excellent job putting everything together for their special day; what a privilege to be a part of it all.

I love the hair details....

the romance....

...and the FUN of it all!

Best wishes always!

We Have a Winner

2010-02-05T14:28:00.002-05:00

Yea! Congratulations to Tiffany, of Melbourne, Florida for her whimsical entry, "I'll trade for hot chocolate!" She'll be receiving this new card in her box set as a prize.

Thank you to all who participated in our first Caption It! Contest. It was a real treat reading through all the entries!

Caption It!

2010-01-20T12:57:00.007-05:00

Hi friends! Take a moment today to share your wit & good humor by entering our

Caption It! Contest.

This little fella, "Winter Visitor", is gracing our next Images of West Virginia notecard and we'd prefer YOUR clever caption to go with it.

Entering is easy: share your caption (10-12 words MAX)

on our Facebook Page or email your caption to:

naturalelementsphotography@yahoo.com

Enter as many times as you like.

Winner will receive a free box of notecards (12 ct.)

(6 of the "Winter Visitor" & 6 of the "There's No Place Like Home" cards)

and be announced here on February 5th.

They grow up too fast...

2009-12-12T17:33:00.008-05:00

...it's the common lament of us parents watching our little ones mature and sometimes wishing they'd stay little forever =-) Best to capture those fleeting moments whilst you can!

I don't know which I like better, the beautiful stands of hair that gleam even in black & white or the gold leaves that granted a perfect "pow" to Lauren's session. The collage was a custom creation, made to blend perfectly with the room it will be displayed in.

Golden Parishioners of St. George

2009-11-25T19:29:00.006-05:00

It was good to see so many smiles and good cheer a few weeks ago at the Golden Parishioners Luncheon at St. George. These dear folks are our friends and mentors; we all have so much to learn from them. What a privilege to photograph a luncheon in their honor and meet their families. See more previews from their luncheon.

Note Cards Now Available!

2009-11-10T15:22:00.003-05:00

Over the years, on occasion, I have gifted clients with a little note card with their order. To my surprise, the little cards became quite popular! And especially for those now living outside of West Virginia. I suppose the natural beauty and wonder of our state lives long in the heart of natives.

I haven't sold the cards as a boxed set since my early days with Natural Elements Photography (prior to 2003) when I frequented Art Fairs. Now I am making them available through my new online store and plan to add many more! So, thanks for your support and encouragement to make these available to a wider audience.

Fall Family Session

2009-10-27T22:32:00.010-04:00

What a blustery, but fun & colorful afternoon we had!

This is a family session shot on location in Fayetteville, WV on one of those very cool autumn afternoons.

One of the best things about photographing children in the great outdoors is that I'm able to capture them exploring their world...I love that!

Family sessions always include many individual shots of each child as well as the family group.

Thanks for the opportunity to photograph such an awesome family! See more from their session.

Senior Photos

2009-10-16T21:28:00.011-04:00

See, this is why I love photography... being outdoors, enjoying the cool autumn air at familiar locales- not to mention the fun in working with great people. The scenic areas around Gauley Bridge, WV provide an ideal setting for those who love outdoor activities.

Congratulations on your upcoming graduation, Mason!

Congratulations to Karen & Jim

2009-10-06T15:04:00.005-04:00

What a lovely couple! Thank you for the opportunity to serve your family on your wedding day. It has been a pleasure getting to know Karen & Jim and I especially loved the opportunity to make photographs in the scenic garden at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church. The music provided by their family & friends was such a delightful touch.

May God grant you many joyful years!

Justin & Tara

2009-08-22T22:38:00.001-04:00

Congratulations to Justin & Tara on their most excellent wedding celebration! Thank you for being such a pleasure to work with and for asking Natural Elements Photography to document this blessed day.

I especially enjoyed making the fun images and hearing everyone chuckle. And this candid moment, posted below, just after your ceremony is one of my favorites.

GBHS Reunion

2009-08-04T19:30:00.000-04:00

I recently had the pleasure of photographing the Gauley Bridge High School Class of ’64. What a fun group! What an honor to be invited back to document moments from their 45th year reunion. This is one of the pages from a Memory Booklet I designed for them:

See more photos from their reunion.

Bridal Session

2009-07-21T08:06:00.001-04:00

What a delight to photograph Tara’s Bridal Session in Charleston at the state capital. This is one of my favorite places to shoot because I love the combination of stately architecture with the grace and beauty of a bride. I hope you enjoy some of my favorites from this session.

Wedding images coming soon!

Treworlas Farm

2009-06-24T16:20:00.000-04:00

Isn't he the cutest fuzzball you've ever seen?

What fun to spend time at Treworlas Farm, located in Fayetteville, WV recently to capture some images of the new arrivals. Located just miles from the New River Gorge Bridge, Treworlas Farm is home to a variety of well-bred animals.

It's always a treat to watch the foals play and check out their new surroundings!

Natural Elements Photography specializes in offering personal as well as commercial images to promote your farm, breeding program or other equine venue.

Fare Thee Well, Friends

2009-06-01T23:05:00.000-04:00

What a distinct pleasure to photograph a family that has become very special to me over the past two years. It is with a sad, yet grateful heart that I bid them farewell. Sad because I will miss visiting with them each Sunday and learning so much from Fr. Andrew’s lectures and sermons. Grateful because they have a beautiful new chapter in life to embark upon and their positive influence will resound in our parish and in my personal life for a very long time.

I enjoyed spending this evening with them and, in particular, watching their little one chase bubbles. To me, this photo illustrates pure joy and wonder.

May God continue His bountiful blessings in your lives!

Tara & Justin

2009-05-22T09:52:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Tara & Justin on their engagement and upcoming wedding! It was such an enjoyable evening we spent together at locations around Gauley Bridge and Ansted for their engagement session. It's easy to see their love for one another and I appreciate the honor of making photographs for them at this time in their lives. You are beautiful people!

Happy Birthday Irene!

2009-04-23T09:42:00.000-04:00

I was honored recently to be asked to photograph a surprise celebration for a dear lady at our church. Irene and her husband, Harvey, were two of the first people I met at St. George about 5 years ago. Their

warmth and kindness gave me a beautiful image of the church as a whole and they’ll always have a special place in my heart because of it.

It was a pleasure to capture these moments from your special day, Irene; may God grant you many years!

Kamikaze Shoot!

2009-04-07T20:56:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Michelle Waters, I was able to participate in our area's first "kamikaze" photo shoot. What fun! About 15 of us photographers went to Wine Cellar Park in Dunbar last Saturday evening to photograph 6 lovely models. It was time well spent socializing with my pals, sharing ideas, trading tips and posing techniques, etc. It reminded me of how good it is to get 'outside the box' and see subjects from another photographer's viewpoint.

Kudos to our beautiful and PATIENT models! I'm sure they were exhausted after nearly 3 1/2 hours of shooting, but they all seemed good natured about it and even said they would do it again =')

Women's Tea & Talk

2009-03-26T16:08:00.000-04:00

Much to my surprise, I was recently invited by the UKV Chamber of Commerce to speak at the Women's Tea and Talk on March 31st in honor of Women's History Month. If you are a local gal and interested in good chat and hot beverages, come and join us!

Where: Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Education Bldg., 708 First Ave. Montgomery

When: March 31st from 3 ~ 5 pm

$5.00 admission will include door prizes.

*Teacup clipart by Clipart Guide

A new space

2009-03-26T13:35:00.000-04:00

Thanks for stopping by!

Because of a few technical glitches, I've decided to move my blog to this new space.

Keep watch as I put my creative stamp on this place and bring you the latest from Natural Elements Photography ;-)

And, as always, thanks to the beautiful souls who make my work a pleasure!