Atlanta Salon & Spa Magazine-Make Up Shoot

Just about a month ago, I had the opportunity to participate in a make up shoot that Thomas Fayhey was doing for his magazine (Atlanta Salon & Spa). This was my first experience with a shoot of this nature and I LOVED IT. I can't think of many better ways to spend a Friday (but this is because I am absolutely in love with photography). I took notes on the make up and application process Crystal Johnson, the make up artist, used on the model's face so that it could accompany Thomas' photos. Check out the final product by visiting the Master Make Up Tips section of the online magazine.

Seaside Beach, FL

March 16th thru March 19th of this year was spent at the beach with my mother-in-law, grandmother-in-law, my husband's cousins, and my nephew. This trip came about when Beth (my mohter-in-law) volunteered to keep Clay's (my brother-in-law) son (my nephew) while Clay and his new (and first...incase there was some confusion) wife went on their honeymoon. Beth figured it'd be more fun to keep a two-year-old at the beach than at home. I had my doubts that we'd have "fun" on this trip but I was pleasantly surprised. We spent our mornings feeding everyone and lounging, our afternoons on the beach or at the park, and our evenings going to shows or taking pictures.

Nate Enloe-Subway's 'Get Fit Challenge' Participant

As do many of my jobs, this one began with a phone call. Nate called me last Sunday to tell me he was selected to participate in the Subway's Get Fit Challenge this year. As a result, he needed five current photos that he did not have. So, being the amazing friend that I am....I accepted the job. We shot the pictures Sunday and I gave them to him today. Thirty pictures taken, edited, and printed in three days (quickest turn around time EVER). Good luck, Nate!!

Maternity-Jamey Barnes

Last Tuesday, Jamey and I got together to do a shoot for her shower invitations. She is 7 months pregnant and due June 4th. On September 3rd, 2007, Paul (her first) was born. He's perfect and this one should be no less.

YMCA & LAPID Photography

With the help of LAPID Photography, YMCA put on a photo/story show last night at their Decatur gym. I had the pleasure of assisting Michelle Lapid with this shoot. She was hired to photograph ten or so people who's life stories crossed paths with the Y. For example, one lady had a child with autism and through that felt led to reach out to children which she does through the Y. Another woman, who now works as the fitness director, told the story of how she use to board her horse at a barn on this land before the Y was built. She continues by describing how angry she was when the farm owner sold his property and the Y popped up. Ironicly, thirty years later, she "would trade all the horses in the world" for the friends she's made through the Y. Michelle Lapid is a phenomenal photographer with a talent unmatched. I was there the day she took those photos. I know how challenging some of those people were and I'll be the first to tell you, her talent blows my mind. GREAT JOB, Michelle!!

F2o Food Shoot

"F2o, short for Fresh to Order, is focused around the concept that fresh, wholesome and creative meals don’t have to be accompanied by an expensive price tag and lengthy wait. Through a straightforward menu and fresh ingredients prepared daily, F2o is committed to transforming ‘simple’ to ‘special’ all at a price that will leave change in your pocket and a smile on your face. Freshness and quality are the pillars of the concept with no pre-prepared sliced meats; everything is cooked on the grill in the open display kitchen to ensure that customers will get it fresh, get it fast, and get it fine during their dining experience at F2o." Source: 1888pressrelease.com

Mid-January, I had the pleasure of meeting and working with Jesse Gideon, Pierre Panos' managing partner and F2o corporate chef. He contacted me at the end of December about doing a shoot for their box lunch. Very excited and somewhat intimidated by the task, I accepted the job.

Atlanta Salon & Spa

This weekend I had the honor of meeting with Thomas Fahey. To a select few, this name means nothing. To the rest of us, Thomas Fahey is a famous Atlanta photographer, with an eye for excellence. We met to discuss ways I could assist him in the coming months. Even though I had hoped I would be assisting with the photography side of his business, we agreed that right now I would be a greater asset if I dealt with the research and development side of his magazine, Atlanta Salon & Spa. My first order of business is to locate and contact destination spas in the state. We're looking for a spa to feature in the spring edition of the online magazine. Stay tuned to see what the future holds! Oh AND feel free to check out Thomas Fahey's photography as well.

"Photo Shoot"

There are some discrepancies as to when you are allowed to call what you're doing a "photo shoot". Apparently when you say "photo shoot" you're implying that you are a real photographer. On the other hand you, as a photographer (amateur or professional), need to call what you're doing by something so as to clarify for the person inquiring about your day. With all that said, I am proud to say, I had a "photo shoot" at Aja Restaurant & Bar in mid-December. This was my first experience as the lead photographer. I just finished editing the photos and posted them online.

New Year, New Photographer

Welcome to my new blog site!

For those of you who don't already know me, my name is Blythe [bl-i-th] Parker. Formerly, Blythe Meyer. Two and a half years ago I married my best friend, Will Parker, changing my last name to Parker. I am a self-taught photographer. In 2005 I went to Zimbabwe, Africa where I met a man by the name of Alistair Croudace. I wouldn't be where I am today if we hadn't met. While there I took hundreds of pictures, all of which Alistair looked through. I'll never forget sitting at that picnic table and hearing him say, "you have a good eye". Funny, I didn't even know what "eye" in terms of photography meant back then (but I thanked him anyway). And with lots of pictures for friends and family to see, I was forced to learn the meaning. Fast forwarding a little, in 2007 I was given a 10.1 megapixle Canon Rebel XTi with a 18-55mm lense. Using that camera and lens, I had the opportunity to shoot my first wedding (assisting Eric Barnes), shoot portraits of my best friends son, and take all the photos you see right here. Though, I quickly learned that a telephoto lens would give me an edge I couldn't have with my standard one. So, after borrowing my brother-in-law's lens for a year or so, he bought me my very own! So I'm happy to say I've added a 75-300mm (telephoto) lense to the collection. A year ago I enrolled at the New York Institute of Photography where I started learning the technical side of picture taking. Throughout the past several months I've assisted in weddings, infant shoots, and lifestyle shoots. I edit in photoshop and love shooting at family events. Its been three years and eight months since Alistair told me I had a good eye. Who could have guessed this is where I'd be. I'm so excited to see what the future holds.