My mind wonders and wanders more and more these days.

It seems to have acquired a mind of its own.

Opening and bending, like the petals of a flower searching for the sun.

Things I’ve never pondered, now easily shown.

What was once hidden in shadows, is now illuminated in light.

The complexity and simplicity of life melting into one.

Finally knowing its our minds, not our eyes, giving true sight.

They have bound our minds with misinformation, fear, division, and oppression.

A calculated systematic human suppression and separation.

Building their empires with our fear, hunger, ignorance, desperation and aggression.

Stacking their gold on the broken backs of the exhausted victims of this recession.

Follow the rainbow to the pot of gold.

There you will find the true villains of this system that has grown old.

Open your minds, so your eyes can finally see.

There is an enemy here, and it isn’t you and it isn’t me.

Find the love and truth that’s been inside you all this time.

Let it flow freely until it breaks these chains that bind.

Take back our power.

Take back our worth.

Take back our humanity.

The rights given to us by birth.

Remember who we once were, before they stripped it of us with their greed.

Money is truly the last thing that we need.

Lift the veil, clear the smoke, sift through the lies.

Together we can end this cycle of our own demise.

Written by Brandy Hayes Angel

By Brandy Hayes Angel

Beautiful girl, You are not difficult to love, or easy to ignore.

His poisonous words are not truth, but calculated weapons, he’s used many times before.

You are not guilty of those crimes he insists you are.

He has to break you down, my dear, or his lies won’t go very far.

His projections are only his secrets he hopes to hide through a fog of gaslighting and love bombs he uses to confuse.

Exhausting extreme ups and downs are commonly used.

Love is not lonely, not angry, and it does not push you to walk behind.

Love is not manipulative, that leaves you confused and sick, in both body and mind.

Love is steady, constant and content.

Love is safe, built on trust and actions they don’t need to repent.

Love is not living in anxiety, fear and constant crying.

Love is not a fixer upper, a project, a partner who is always lying.

Real love starts within you.

You have to love yourself first, I promise you this is true.

You can not pour from an empty cup, so fill yourself up before you offer to share.

People only treat you how you allow them too, no matter how much they say they care.

Love does not dim your light and force you to be smaller.

Love holds you higher and says grow taller.

Love does not grow weaker and lay down guilt and disgust at your feet.

Love grows stronger with each passing day, no matter what obstacles you meet.

Love is strength, love is kind.

Love does not attempt to warp your mind.

Love does not bend reality and call you hateful names.

Love is not shame brought on by endless games.

Love is not isolation and constant character attacks.

Love celebrates your victories, not hanging on to what they say you lack.

Love can see through the illusions of their charms.

Love is truth, open eyes, heart, mind and arms.

So remember who you are and how brightly your light shines on this world.

Please never settle for anything less my beautiful girl.

Written by Brandy Hayes Angel 2022

Thank you Evelyn Shaw Corley!

Thrive International Academy

https://www.workwiththrive.com

#thriveinternationalacademy #thrive #brandyangelphotography #tutoring #onlineschooling

First off, I know this story is long, but I promise you, if you have ever gotten breast implants, thought about getting them, or you know someone who has gotten them, you need to read this all the way to the end. It could save your life or their life. Literally. 

So rewind to 2012, I was a 32 year old mother of two amazing girls that were 4 and 2. I had finally been successful at getting rid of all the excess baby weight I had gained, my two year old was actually sleeping through the night and I felt like a healthy human being again. As much as I hate to admit it, I struggled with loving the post baby body that I saw when I looked in the mirror. How could I not love this incredibly strong body that lovingly grew and breastfed two healthy daughters? Well. “things” seemed to have “deflated” and headed south if you know what I mean. Obviously I’m talking about my boobs. If you want to hear my story you’ll have to get comfortable with breast talk, so prepare yourself or move on. Ladies, we all have them and we all seem to have a complicated relationship with them. They are magical milk makers, yet we never seem happy with them. 

Moving on. My recent weight loss and joining the ranks of working moms made me more conscious of my deflation situation. See, I worked for an amazing plastic surgeon who seemed to wave a magic wand and make all the things you dislike about yourself disappear. So I saw aesthetically perfect women all day. Super helpful for my new found confidence right? I had a daily reminder that I had the option of turning my own sad postpartum hooters into a lovely perky set of bosoms. I wish I could say my nature as a confident, outgoing, promoter and believer of self love was present in reminding me beauty prevented me from considering surgery to make me feel better about myself. But I can't say that. Suddenly my confidence seemed to be hinged on how many pencils I could hold under my lady lumps.  I was not feeling the self love I had once possessed. Let's face it ladies, it’s hard being a woman. We are shamed for how we look and shamed even more for doing something to improve it. Still, as easy as implants would be I was hesitant to consider them because of my 10 years of experience as a  surgical technologist. I had, first hand, seen the horrors of what happens when silicone implants go wrong. Silicone implants had actually been banned by the FDA for quite awhile because of these dangers. In 2012 the FDA had just lifted that ban. However, like many other surgeons  my doctor refused to use them. He only used saline implants because he believed them to be a perfectly safe option. In all honesty I just wanted my sad deflated balloons put back where they started. I already HAD big boobs, why would I want implants? I thought a lift would be a much better decision for me, but after consulting with my boss and doctor he explained that lifts cause a lot of big, ugly scars, and the healing process is harder and takes much longer. He then explained that putting in a small implant behind the muscle would have the same effect as a lift would and without the scarring and a much faster recovery. Win win, I was in. After all, they were “perfectly safe” what could go wrong?
 

I took the plunge and I loved it. My ex husband loved it, he would watch me walk across the room for the first time and who doesn’t love to be seen as more than a mother with throw up on her shirt? I had so much more confidence with my new beautiful knockers. I can’t pretend I didn’t absolutely love how they looked and how they made me feel, even after they tried to kill me. Yes, you heard me right, I said they tried to kill me. Let’s fast forward to 2018. I’m now 39 years old, a successful photographer, (which was always my dream profession), I had started my own amazing non profit foundation that was helping so many people, I had divorced and was co parenting with my ex like a boss and to top it off I was dating a wonderful man that my daughters and I adore. Life could not have been more amazing. I was living my best life, the life I had dreamed of! Everything was perfect, except one very big problem, my body began to feel like I was dying. Literally it seemed like everything was falling apart and it got worse and worse as time went on. I was terrified and completely confused. I was 39 not 79! First I had my gallbladder out because it just stopped working, next I needed a cervical fusion on my neck with plates and screws due to rapid degenerative disc disease. I couldn’t sleep or concentrate, there were days I couldn't even get out of bed. I would tell my doctor about all of my random symptoms and I know she thought I was nuts but she was always kind. She tested me for everything under the sun and nothing added up, she would treat symptoms and move on. But I kept pushing. I KNEW something was very wrong. Because I LOOKED fine on the outside people didn’t take me seriously. So I continued to push when I didn't improve and she would try another test. Years went by and nothing explained what was happening to me. I was gaining weight for no reason, I suddenly had high blood pressure, my hair was thin and falling out, my mouth was incredibly dry and I had a non stop metallic taste in my mouth, I suffered from horrible night sweats, headaches, joint pain throughout my body, hands and feet swelling and feeling like there was fiery electricity running through them,  my skin was rapidly aging and constantly puffy, my muscles were so weak I couldn’t blow dry my own hair, my skin had weird rashes, hyper pigmentation on my face that kept spreading, muscle spasms, random unexplained fevers, dehydration even when I guzzled water, memory loss and cognitive impairment that got so bad I couldn’t recall common words and would say, “I know it starts with an A and I just can’t remember the rest.” The one thing I knew for sure was that this was not just in my head. 

Finally in 2019 my doctor had an AHA moment when she decided to test me for an autoimmune disease. My blood finally came back with a possible answer. Not a clear one, mind you, because I didn’t have all the markers for autoimmune, but I had one. All I could think was HALLELUJAH, we had a clue to this mystery and my misery. My new Rheumatologist agreed that it was an odd result but we would just treat it as Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (because of all of my random symptoms) and see what happened. I was elated! Sounds crazy but I was so happy to have a possible answer to the years of suffering. A step forward to hopefully getting my life back! So I started the medications given to treat malaria, (yes malaria) and they were brutal at first, but I got used to them. Unfortunately they can take 6 months to actually start working and showing any improvement. Well months went by and of course I didn’t have much improvement. My frustrations were growing once again and so were my symptoms.

As luck, God, the Universe, and all things Holy would have it I went to see my friend for a hair appointment in February 2020. I was sharing my health updates with her and she suddenly stopped me. She said, “Brandy this may sound crazy but I follow someone on Instagram that has been posting about her health issues for a while and it sounds just like yours and it was her breast implants! Did you know a lot of them have been recalled? It’s called Breast Implant Illness and she got them out and literally ALL of her symptoms went away as soon as she woke up from surgery!"  I swear I still remember that moment and how I felt. I initially thought she was crazy but it also felt like a light bulb went off. I picked up my phone and started researching. I dove in HARD. It was like waking up from a nightmare. I wasn’t crazy, I wasn’t alone and there was an answer to my prayers! I called my rheumatologist on the drive home and talked to him and shared what I had learned. He immediately said, “Yes Brandy! I had a patient last year that presented JUST like you and she had her breast implants taken out and she never needed treatment again. I absolutely suggest you consult with a plastic surgeon.” I was elated. However COVID decided to teach me some more about patience and I had to wait to see someone. The extra time allowed me to find a huge network of women suffering from Breast Implant Illness!  Breast Implant Illness was recognized by the FDA in July 2019 and the recall for Allergan implants started shortly after. Silicone and Saline implants have been proven to cause anything from autoimmune disease to cancer. How did I not hear about this before? Why wasn’t I alerted to the dangers once they were known? 

Finally I met with an amazing Plastic Surgeon who could not promise me that an explant of the implants and capsules would help me, but based upon my symptoms, he felt strongly that it would be worth a try. He had several patients that had immediate relief as soon as the implants were removed. The cost of taking them out was more than putting them in and far more than a single mothers has to throw around PLUS there was no guarantee that it would work. A difficult decision to make but I knew I had to try.  Because if this was breast implant illness and I left them in I could die. Once I realized that I could not get those things out of my body fast enough. The night before my surgery every joint on the left side of my body was screaming in pain and my hands were in so much pain I couldn’t hold my phone. July 30, 2020 I woke up from my surgery and all that pain was GONE. Just like that, GONE. It felt like a miracle. Every day since my life and health has gotten better and better. Every symptom I  suffered from is almost completely gone. It’s hard to believe how much pain I was living with just 5 months ago. I gambled with my health and I won. I know so many women don’t like to admit that they have had plastic surgery, much less talk openly about it, which is why so many women still don't know about BII. But please don’t let that stop you from sharing your story. Sharing your story could save a life. It saved MY life and I intend to return the favor and to love myself and my beautiful, non toxic ta-tas, just the way they are. 

The Gritty Peach Podcast feature- https://anchor.fm/cassidy-carson-gonzalez/episodes/Not-So-Fun-Bags-ejtsup?fbclid=IwAR0bH1cuozEby1DNTlGEFdKJUIEHm-XHqfzf-DE5YQLtLxu7BQTBGgbyTGM

Brandy Angel Photography, LLC.

http://awards.twobrightlights.com/editorschoice/awards2020…

1.) Can't you just photoshop that?

2.) What do you shoot with?

Needless to say I answer these questions a lot. So I thought a post would possibly save me a little of the repetition. Ok, I realize I will probably repeat it just as much, but knowledge was meant to be shared, right?

First off, yes I can probably photoshop "that" but I am not going to abuse that beautiful power and make you look like someone you are not. I truly believe everyone is beautiful. I am extremely kind with my editing, and I will make you look like your best you. I will smooth your skin, tuck you in here and there, poof your hair, clear your skin and remove that stain on your jeans. I do this for every single photo. That's what professional photos are for after all. I want you to see the beautiful you that I see. Those little imperfections do not define you. I hope my images help you see that and believe that. 

Secondly what's in my bag.... Well, in all honesty I have more than one bag. The number one rule of a professional photographer is that you need a back up for your back up. If something can break it will, and it will do it right before the bride walks down the aisle. So you better have something close at hand to get that shot that can't be replicated. There are no redos in the world of weddings. Since I don't want to bore you to death with everything I have in my arsenal we'll stick with my number 1 bag, my main man, my ride or die, my numero uno. My beloved Lowepro. 

My bag- I have tried lots of camera bags and I love my Lowepro. It's small enough to not kill my back, get in the way or get too heavy if we get a bit adventurous on your shoot and go for a hike. Plus it's padded enough and sturdy enough to keep my gear safe and sound.

Holster-I don't go anywhere without my Spider Holster Pro. I have had a cervical fusion in my C5-C6 in 2017 and this amazing belt has saved my neck, pun intended. It's worth every red cent.

Camera- I am a canon girl and I always shoot with two Canon Mark III. 

Lens- Sigma Art Lenses are my favorite! I have a Sigma Art 35mm 1.4, Sigma Art 50mm 1.4, Sigma Art 24-70mm 2.8 and a Canon 135mm 2.0

Flash- Canon Speedlite 600 EX-RT with the MadMod Sphere Light Diffuser 

Pocket Wizard Plus X x 3 

Extras

-Always and I mean ALWAYS have PLENTY of extra rechargeable batteries for your cameras, flashes and pocket wizards. I prefer High Capacity Batteries.

-I always carry my press pass because you never know when you might need it.  

-I live in the South and all insects love me far more than they should so I always keep some sort of bug repellent on me. 

-ALWAYS HAVE TISSUES! There are too many ways to list that these will come in handy. 

-EXTRA LENS CAPS! I lose them far more than I like to admit so I have them in all sizes. 

-Weather protection! You never know when you might need it! BE PREPARED FOR ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING! Even if it's just a plastic bag and a few rubber-bands.

-I love my Swiss Army Knife! It can help you in more ways that you can imagine, and some ways you can't even think up. 

-I also carry my business cards and a few of my favorite custom USBs that I get from USB Memory Direct https://www.usbmemorydirect.com. I have used their USBs for years and I don't go anywhere without them. Your brand can stand out and you can trust your images to be saved safely on their beautiful USBs. That's a win win in any photographer's bag. 

Ok, that's what's in my bag baby. What's in yours? What am I missing that will change my life? 

* If you would like to enter please see the requirements below.  

First off, say hello to last year's winners!

What you will receive:

• A free 2 look engagement session ($350 value). 
• High-resolution edited images on a downloadable album and the rights to print. 
• A 15% discount on your wedding package of your choice (up to $500 value). 

To enter, please email brandynangel@gmail.com and include:

• Your first and last names (bride & groom)
• Your wedding date
• The locations of your ceremony and reception 
• Your story, details about what makes YOU and your wedding DIFFERENT, photo inspiration for your big day, and why you’d love to win this giveaway! 
• A photo of the two of you together that best represents you as a couple
• A statement that you have read the rules and agree to the terms of the giveaway
• Leave a comment on this post that you’ve done all of the above.

How will the winner be chosen?

Winning couples will be selected based on a story that resonates with Brandy Angel Photography and a date that works with our schedule.

Giveaway guidelines:

• Couples who are already booked with Brandy Angel Photography are not eligible for this contest.
• You cannot already be booked with another photographer.
• A contract must be signed, deposit paid and returned to us within one week of winning and before engagement session is booked.
• The winning couple also agrees to be featured on brandyangelphotography.com, or any other publication that Brandy Angel Photography would like to submit images to. The names and images of the winning couple will be used by Brandy Angel Photography for promotional purposes
• LIKE Brandy Angel Photography, LLC. on Facebook. 
• By participating in this engagement photography giveaway, you agree to be bound by these official rules.
• Giveaway entries will be accepted starting from today June 29, 2018 until September 29, 2018 and the winning couple will be announced by email on September 30, 2018. 

Good Luck Everyone!

Update 2
November 1, 2018 DeAnna woke up to having a very traumatic seizure which she was entirely aware of what’s was going on and lost all motor and speach functions her husband was able to get to her in time and get her to the hospital where she later found out her cancer has spread once again now to her brain, she has 4 Tumors one is large and swolllen and what caused the seizure she had! So now things have changed severely in her life, Shawn is now her full time caregiver and she can no longer drive or stay alone at all, since the 1st she has underwent 3 pin point radiation treatments and has one final one tomorrow and also has received her first chemotherapy treatment that will hopefully start to control the cancer which in her recent petscan a week ago showed a very large Mass in her liver and severall more lung masses and a spot on her spine that she’s had 10 radiation Treatments too! DeAnna is one of the strongest , sweetest people I have known and Is still very upbeat and postive and Is very hopeful in her treatment! We are stilI waiting on a biopsy for her liver to see what that says to know what further treatment she could receive. We are asking for all prayer warriors to come together and pray really hard for her and her family as she fights for her life. If you can donate payments will go directly to her pharmacy and rent, gas to and from treatments and groceries! We are trying to ease this financial burden as much as possible so this sweet family can focus on her fighting this cancer! You can also go directly to Her mother at Gigi’s Hair Salon at 132 West Jefferson st Madison GA 30650 she is accepting donation of as well of any kind! Please keep this beautiful family in your thoughts and prayers as they go through this very difficult time!
Update 3
Unfortunately we got bad news yesterday! DeAnnna had a Ct scan done and Chemotherapy in office yesterday and we waited on the results because she has been in so much pain in her stomach! We found out the Liver tumor that was only 1.1 inches on the 2nd of November is now 4.8 inches so it’s growing fast and it’s also triple negative we hoped it might have mutated and been another cancer that would be easier to treat but it’s not so now we have to change our course of treatments because not only has the liver mass grown but everything has grown very large especiallly in the lungs! So she is starting a very strong chemo drug called Halavan! It’s going too make her very sick but she is very strong and so positive and needs everyOnes thoughts and prayers to help us get threw this!! Thank you everyone who has helped us already we cannot thank you enough for helping us in our time of need!! Thank you and God bless
 

I found the upload process much faster than most USB flash drives I have used in the past which is great for a busy photographer. The shipment was fast and secure and the packaging was great as well. 

I found USB Memory Direct’s order process and final product to be better than I anticipated. I would happily recommend USB Memory Direct if you are interested in bulk  orders of USB flash drives with your logo or other custom artwork. 

https://www.usbmemorydirect.com/wholesale_flash_drives.htm
 

View More: http://elliegphotography.pass.us/greerfamily2017

* If you would like to enter please see the requirements below.  

What you will receive:

• A free 2 look engagement session ($350 value). 
• High-resolution edited images on a downloadable album and the rights to print. 
• A 20% discount on your wedding package of your choice (up to $600 value). 

To enter, please email brandynangel@gmail.com and include:

• Your first and last names (bride & groom)
• Your wedding date
• The locations of your ceremony and reception 
• Your story, details about what makes YOU and your wedding DIFFERENT, photo inspiration for your big day, and why you’d love to win this giveaway! 
• A photo of the two of you together that best represents you as a couple
• A statement that you have read the rules and agree to the terms of the giveaway
• Leave a comment on this post that you’ve done all of the above.

How will the winner be chosen?

Winning couples will be selected based on a story that resonates with Brandy Angel Photography and a date that works with our schedule.

Giveaway guidelines:

• Couples who are already booked with Brandy Angel Photography are not eligible for this contest.
• You cannot already be booked with another photographer.
• A contract must be signed, deposit paid and returned to us within one week of winning and before engagement session is booked.
• The winning couple also agrees to be featured on brandyangelphotography.com, or any other publication that Brandy Angel Photography would like to submit images to. The names and images of the winning couple will be used by Brandy Angel Photography for promotional purposes
• LIKE Brandy Angel Photography, LLC. on Facebook. 
• By participating in this engagement photography giveaway, you agree to be bound by these official rules.
• Giveaway entries will be accepted starting from today January 6, 2017 until July 6, 2017 and the winning couple will be announced by email on July 12, 2017. 

Screenshot

WINNERSTAMP1 Print

Now that same photographer’s work is bringing peace to another grieving family.

Brandy Angel got a call from 40-year-old Texan Laura McBride and her husband, Tony, after Laura was moved by the Thompson photos. Laura knew a similar set of photos would help herself and Tony cope with a devastating loss to their family — all three of their children were stillborn.

 

Image credit: Facebook/Laura McBride

Though daughter Kieran passed away in 2014, the other two would be much older, according to “Today.”

Christopher would be almost 22 today, Tyler would be almost 18 and Kieran would turn 2 this year. But even though they would have been years apart in age, Laura thought of them as kids: “Young, vibrant, sweet, adorable,” she said.

Brandy said she was touched by the request, and made plans to shoot photos of the couple while she had an already-planned trip to Texas around Thanksgiving time.

This was the result:

 

Image credit: Screenshot/Today/Brandy Angel Photography

Brandy said, “Photos like this aren’t for everyone, but they are everything to some people who need them to grieve and hold on to someone they have lost. I wanted to help her so much.”

Laura told “Today”:

“This picture has been such a comfort to us and it has made us so happy because it has given us something to look at every day. We know they’re with us, we can see it.”

 

Image credit: Facebook/Laura McBride

Stillbirths are largely “understudied” in the U.S., according to Suzan Carmichael, a professor of pediatrics at the Stanford University School of Medicine, and their cause remains unknown in most cases.

NPR reports that the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists found that the “autopsy rate in the U.S. for stillbirths is the lowest among developed countries.” While studying stillbirths could help to reduce their numbers, researcher Robert Silver, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Utah,said that they often aren’t done because quality autopsies by pathologists cost so much.

(Zara Kids)
Perfectly coordinated but not matching. Definitely a formal choice but great for an museum shoot or flower garden.

2) Wear something that makes you feel good
This sounds obvious but it’s really important and can really make or break a shoot. Everyone needs to feel happy and relaxed to generate real, authentic smiles. On-location photography can move quickly so opt for something that is easy to move in. Bring those 4 inch heels but wear something comfortable to get you between locations.
(Matthew Hranek and J.Crew)
(J.Crew)
(crewcuts)

Your kids will be comfortable in these clothes and you won’t fret if they are rolling around in the grass. Great for any location; from beach to city to family hike.

3) Embrace bold colors and patterns but keep it balanced
Some photographers steer people away from bold colors and patterns. That’s such a shame because beautiful colors and patterns are everywhere. The key to pulling this off is to make sure to use bold color sparingly, treat it like an accessory. Patterns should be balanced with a simple choice for other family members. See Liz’s shoot for a perfect example of this.(Modern Kids Photography)

(Candice Stringman for The Blairs)

4) Accessories and layers are key to looking like you had multiple wardrobe changes
One of the easiest ways to give your photo session a diverse look without forcing your family to perform multiple wardrobe changes in a parking lot is to bring several types of layers and accessories. Think sweaters, coats, hats, and scarves. Accessories can be pulled on and off easily which creates lots of different looks, not to mention they act as fun props.
(Collage from Crewcuts, Zara, and Little Fashion Gallery)

Embrace accessories! They are easy to dress up or down and are fun for kids and families to interact with.

5) A special tip for a mom who wants to look thin: wear the same color from head to toe
You can trick the camera but creating a long line from head to toe if you stay in the same color. Choose a mid-tone color such as a blue or brown. Always avoid wearing lighter colors on the bottom as the eye is attracted to the lightest part of a photograph, therefore accentuating your hips.

Also, here are the obvious Photo shoot No-no’s:

• avoid clothing with words or logos
• don’t get haircuts the day before, they always need a few days to look best
• avoid anything too trendy otherwise you’ll hate the images in a few months
• don’t force several wardrobe changes on kids, stick to no more than 2 great looks and you’ll keep your little one happy

The bottom line is to have fun with your family’s photo shoot. Take a little time to prepare for the shoot day. Have a few backup articles of clothing in case of disaster and consult with your photographer beforehand. You’ll be sure to love the images knowing that your family was comfortable and looking their best.

I HATE how much publicity Dylann is getting but how little all these amazing, loving people get who show up to show support and LOVE to the victims and their families. YES we have hateful people in this world but the loving, supporting, NON racist humans WAY out number them. I know that I stand as one of them! I have nothing but love for my fellow man, black, white, brown or green. I wish the media would give more attention towards the GOOD in this world and perhaps inspire those who need some inspiration! HOPE and LOVE are what I see in this picture. Those two things are FAR more powerful than any evil heart like Dylann or any gun put in their hands. Having something horrible like this happen in a place of worship is no accident in my eyes. Even if you don't believe in God, I know you believe in LOVE (which are one and the same in my opinion) and through such tragedy we can stand up and show how much God and Love we have in our hearts for one another. Stand in unity and we can make a change. Praying for the victims and their families and hoping this movement of love and support moves like a wave over this nation. 
Jeremiah 29:11 ~For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Lastly, people like Dylann remind me how strongly I believe in the death penalty! Eye for an Eye.  #charlestonshootings #spreadthelove #hope #istandinunity #bethechange ~photo Byrian Hyder~

Feeling proud! My favorite part about this award is that every wedding I submitted to be published was a REAL wedding! With brides and weddings as beautiful as mine you don't need to fake it! Jessie Lysiak Braun Brittany SimsBrittany Threadgill Pankopp Amy Brown Thank you all for being so BEAUTIFUL!

http://www.dreamwedding.com/gallery/real-wedding-amy-and-matt-in-morganton-georgia

http://bridalhotlist.com/southern-vintage-wedding-3027683/

http://blbride.com/karen-michael-a-lovely-rustic-countryside-wedding/

http://blbride.com/jessie-justins-glamorous-southern-plantation-wedding/

Just a few more days until we get to surprise these sweet boys with their wish lists from Santa at our house! I have been working overtime to create a winter wonderland for them! Just today I have been blessed with yet another family from the Georgia Cancer Specialist, Athens office, that I worked with last year. I will be meeting the family and helping them in two weeks. A father of EIGHT suffering from terminal cancer. We should all say an extra prayer for all of them tonight. I have also already heard back from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Give Kids The World, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and several more that are so excited to have me spread some more compassion and love with my photography. There are no words to express how happy this makes me and I can't wait to have you join me in my mission to pay LOVE forward. I WILL be the change I want to see in this world.....

Just a FEW things left on the list and a few more days to get them ordered!!

My Gift List for Mason Hyde
Link: http://www.amazon.com/registry/giftlist/XZMC2H65ZZU9
My Gift List for Trinity Hyde
Link: http://www.amazon.com/registry/giftlist/2RB40J838UC2Q
My Gift List for Parker Dougherty
Link: http://www.amazon.com/registry/giftlist/236LABCPU0IJU

Please read the words of my friend, Kristi Callaway and please help her family in any way you can. And PLEASE SHARE their story! It only takes ONE donor but it takes a lot of people to be tested to find that match! 

"IF YOU HAVE NEVER READ A SINGLE WORD I’VE POSTED OR VIEWED ONE PICTURE ON MY PAGE, PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO READ THIS POST. IT IS LONG, BUT THERE IS NO WAY TO PARAPHRASE WHAT’S HAPPENED IN OUR LIVES AND OUR DESPERATE NEED. To some of our family and most of our friends, this will come as a shock. 
Yes, RALEIGH NEEDS A KIDNEY. Since the age of 34, he has fought like a warrior against diabetes, hypertension and chronic kidney disease. His commitment to regular exercise, diet management requiring constant measuring of food contents, keeping regular doctor’s appointments and taking all medications as prescribed has allowed him to avoid what he feared most…until now. At the age of 49, despite all that he’s done to break the cycle, genetics have reared their ugly head and taken over his body, nearly completely. His kidneys are functioning at only 10% which has made him anemic to the point of requiring weekly injections to stimulate red blood cell production. He will most likely begin dialysis within the next 30 days, depending on how soon his port can be placed and how long it takes the port site to heal for daily use. He has opted to dialyze through PD (Peritoneal Dialysis). PD differs from the most common dialysis method (hemodialysis) because his port will filter waste from his abdomen rather than his blood stream. He will connect to a machine each night, allowing specially-compounded fluids to attract and trap waste, then drain the waste into a drainage bag, all while he sleeps. He chose this form of dialysis in hopes of continuing to be able to work full-time to provide for our family. I hope and pray that this post is shared time and time again and is read by someone who is a match for my husband. 
To those who may not know our family, Raleigh has served his community as a police officer and investigator for 24 years. We have been married for 10 years, and he is my rock, even through this toughest part of our marriage. He is the father of a 19 year old son and two daughters, ages 4 and 2. I am amazed at what he’s managed to continue to do while his kidneys have been failing badly. He has continued to work full time as well as work side jobs. He’s completely involved in parenting our children, housework, outings with our girls, and everything else that comes along with being a full time working parent to two young children. I work full time in the health industry and am enrolled in school full time. In August, I will begin taking my final course requirement before applying to an RN program.
THE LAST THING EITHER OF US WANTED WAS FOR RALEIGH TO HAVE TO DEPEND ON A MACHINE TO CLEANSE HIS BLOOD WHILE COMPETING AMONGST TENS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE FOR A KIDNEY.
** How does this affect our family? Just to name a few… 
Raleigh is at an increased risk of developing a hernia if he lifts more than 20 pounds. Our girls weigh 30 and 42 pounds, so plane rides and air tosses will have to wait until…
Raleigh will miss at least one, possibly two weeks of work as he heals from the port placement. Once healed, his connection time to fill, collect and drain can’t be predicted. His sleep and work hours may need to be adjusted.
Due to the increased risk of infection, bathing, even in his own tub, swimming and excessive sweating must be avoided to lessen the risk of infection which could set the stage for peritonitis, an infection at his port site that extends to outer areas.
When traveling, we’ll have to plan to accommodate his dialyzing equipment, which includes bags of fluid, so we’ll probably need to take short trips.
** What can you do to help?
First, and foremost, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE KEEP OUR FAMILY IN YOUR PRAYERS!!!!! 
For those who wish to take part in trying to save Raleigh’s quality of life by finding a compatible kidney, please get tested to see if YOU are the donor match he needs. The initial testing consists of a simple blood test. Emory has assured us that they try their best to accommodate potential donors by allowing their initial testing to be done at a hospital or lab close to the donor. 
Those of you willing to give the gift of life have questions, I’m sure, and I’ll try to answer a few of them here.
---What if I don’t know my blood type? It’s okay! Raleigh’s blood type is AB+ and is considered the universal recipient, meaning he can accept blood from anybody. The key factor when determining compatibility is the reactivity of Raleigh’s antibodies to the potential donor’s antibodies. A simple blood test can provide this information.
---What if I don’t have insurance to cover the testing and surgery if I am a match? It’s okay! For any potential donor without insurance, Raleigh’s insurance will pay for testing of all potential donors as well as surgery if you are the match we’re praying to find. For those with insurance, you may or may not have “donor benefits”. If you don’t, again, Raleigh’s insurance will cover all expenses. If you do have donor benefits, Raleigh’s insurance will pay any fees your insurance doesn’t cover. 
---What is the recovery time if I am a match and donate my kidney? The donor’s recovery time is much less than Raleigh’s – typically 3-7 days. Raleigh’s recovery time will be 8-12 weeks after receiving a transplant.
---Will I be reimbursed for travel, lodging and time missed from work if I donate my kidney? Not through Raleigh’s insurance, but there is a fund to cover these expenses.
---Will my one remaining kidney be able to function as two? Yes! Most donors’ remaining kidney actually grows slightly in order to take over the full role. The kidney function of donors pre-donation compared to post-donation is generally the same or very close to.
Some of you may have additional questions, and I’d be glad to give, find out or lead you to the answers. 
My plea to each person reading this is: If it is in your heart to possibly give the gift of life, please message me on Facebook or email me at kcallaway0106@aol.com. I will provide you with the phone number to Emory’s donation center as well as Raleigh’s identifiable information, which you’ll need when calling to register as a potential donor. The wait time for a deceased donor is 3-5 years, and the life span of the donated kidney is often years less than a kidney received from a living. The wait time for a kidney from a living donor can be as short as 6-8 months, and a living donor kidney generally functions well for up to 20+ years!
Our girls adore their Daddy as if he hung the sun, moon and stars. Our girls deserve to have their father walk them down the aisle, and he can’t bear the thought of not seeing them on their wedding day. A new kidney would give him the life and time needed to witness the birth of our grandchildren. One person, just one person, could change our entire family’s lives forever.

Please, if you’re willing to find out if you’re the one who could be a match, reach out to me. God bless each person who took the time to read this. PlThe number to call Emory Transplant is 855-366-7989. Let them know you'd like to be tested as a donor match for Raleigh Callaway. His dob is 3/5/65. They prefer the donor call them so they know the donor isn't being pressured. Thank you so very much! Please share with your friends, so we can reach as many potential donors as possible!" ~Kristi Callaway

(Zara Kids)
Perfectly coordinated but not matching. Definitely a formal choice but great for an museum shoot or flower garden.

2) Wear something that makes you feel good
This sounds obvious but it’s really important and can really make or break a shoot. Everyone needs to feel happy and relaxed to generate real, authentic smiles. On-location photography can move quickly so opt for something that is easy to move in. Bring those 4 inch heels but wear something comfortable to get you between locations.
(Matthew Hranek and J.Crew)
(J.Crew)
(crewcuts)

Your kids will be comfortable in these clothes and you won’t fret if they are rolling around in the grass. Great for any location; from beach to city to family hike.

3) Embrace bold colors and patterns but keep it balanced
Some photographers steer people away from bold colors and patterns. That’s such a shame because beautiful colors and patterns are everywhere. The key to pulling this off is to make sure to use bold color sparingly, treat it like an accessory. Patterns should be balanced with a simple choice for other family members. See Liz’s shoot for a perfect example of this.(Modern Kids Photography)

(Candice Stringman for The Blairs)

4) Accessories and layers are key to looking like you had multiple wardrobe changes
One of the easiest ways to give your photo session a diverse look without forcing your family to perform multiple wardrobe changes in a parking lot is to bring several types of layers and accessories. Think sweaters, coats, hats, and scarves. Accessories can be pulled on and off easily which creates lots of different looks, not to mention they act as fun props.
(Collage from Crewcuts, Zara, and Little Fashion Gallery)

Embrace accessories! They are easy to dress up or down and are fun for kids and families to interact with.

5) A special tip for a mom who wants to look thin: wear the same color from head to toe
You can trick the camera but creating a long line from head to toe if you stay in the same color. Choose a mid-tone color such as a blue or brown. Always avoid wearing lighter colors on the bottom as the eye is attracted to the lightest part of a photograph, therefore accentuating your hips.

Also, here are the obvious Photo shoot No-no’s:

• avoid clothing with words or logos
• don’t get haircuts the day before, they always need a few days to look best
• avoid anything too trendy otherwise you’ll hate the images in a few months
• don’t force several wardrobe changes on kids, stick to no more than 2 great looks and you’ll keep your little one happy

The bottom line is to have fun with your family’s photo shoot. Take a little time to prepare for the shoot day. Have a few backup articles of clothing in case of disaster and consult with your photographer beforehand. You’ll be sure to love the images knowing that your family was comfortable and looking their best.

I am beyond excited to shoot this beautiful couple's wedding in The Blue Ridge Mountains this August! The cabins up there are so amazing! Congratulations Tegan and Brian!!

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Description: North Georgia cabin rentals with spectacular mountain views or water settings. Hot tubs, game-rooms and pet friendly

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10200648598805390&set=vb.411207185648117&type=2&theater

www.brandyangelphotography.com

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Calling all seniors! Book your senior sessions now and get a FREE look! That means $250 for THREE looks and $50 for each additional look! You get a DVD with all of your images edited and retouched with the rights to print and an online album to share! Call and book now! 919-274-1771