Denise M. Godfrey Photography

Something cool that happened today...

2009-04-18T18:36:00.002-04:00

My husband, Cris, and I went to the Outback Pro-Am Golf Tournament today, and as we were walking through the vendor booths, I recognized a picture that I'd taken for the Heart Gallery! It was in a booth sponsored by Everyday Blessings and Heart Gallery. This particular picture was of a girl named Sarah, who was adopted about a year ago through Heart Gallery. It was random, and really cool! I wish I'd had my camera with me, but we weren't allowed to take them in (although, we found out once we got inside, that we were pretty much the only ones WITHOUT cameras!).

The Workshop "Gang"

2009-04-08T11:32:00.002-04:00

Lighting Workshop

2009-04-07T20:43:00.005-04:00

A few of us photographers got together with some models at Fort DeSoto Beach in April 2009. We had a great time, and hope to do it again, soon!

Amanda and Casey

2009-04-03T21:40:00.009-04:00

Here's a slideshow from Amanda and Casey's wedding.

And here are a couple from Amanda's bridal session prior to the wedding...

Jessie - Headshots

2009-03-20T21:06:00.001-04:00

Noé Class of 2009

2009-02-28T09:18:00.002-05:00

A couple from Noé's session last weekend... her family session is today!

Allie, Class of 2009

2009-01-31T20:45:00.001-05:00

We did headshots for Allie's upcoming audition at UCF.

Kelsey, Class of 2009

2009-01-13T13:27:00.003-05:00

Catching up again...

2008-12-15T21:25:00.002-05:00

Found the santa suit!

...and couldn't resist more in the tu-tu...

Nicole, Class of 2009

2008-12-05T19:59:00.003-05:00

So... We spotted these birds who obviously were not afraid of humans, and decided to get them in some shots. When we finished, Nicole revealed that she's terrified of birds. Doh! :) She was a great sport!

Hard to keep up!

2008-11-24T21:03:00.003-05:00

Almost a month has gone by since my last post... Here are a few recent sessions, with more to come!

Annie, Class of 2009 (part 2)

Sydney, Class of 2009

Sydney's Family

More coming soon, including Pippin pictures!

More Sessions...

2008-10-26T13:07:00.005-04:00

Craig - we did headshots for him and he's since gone to NYC to work! I wish him the best of luck!

Abby's 1-year session

Caroline ...

and her new baby sister Catherine!

Seniors!

2008-10-26T13:00:00.005-04:00

Class of 2009!

Stephen (part 1)...

Jessica...

Kayla (part 2)...

Brittany...

It's been awhile...

2008-10-26T11:43:00.006-04:00

I've been quite busy lately! It looks like I missed writing anything for the whole month of September! I'll try to play catch-up and fill you in on what's been going on for the past month.

Aside from Senior season picking up, I went on the first-ever Buddy Cruise last weekend as their official photographer! The Buddy Cruise was created to promote Down syndrome awareness (think "Buddy Walk" - but it's a cruise!). More than 80 families came, and about 10% of the ship's guests were with our group. A great turnout!

I brought Amy, my assistant extraordinaire. (That's her with the blue backpack.) We spent the entire cruise photographing the wonderful families we met and the speakers who gave workshops. Some of the guest speakers were Emily Perl Kingsley, a writer for Sesame Street, who was responsible for introducing kids with disabilities to the show. Her son, Jason Kingsley, was the first child with DS to appear on Sesame Street when he was about 4 years old. Now 34, he has written a book and held a workshop for the cruisers. Also an inspiration, 26-year-old Sujeet Desai spoke and performed for the guests. Sujeet not only plays 6 instruments, he is also married and holds a black belt in Karate. In the Bahamas, we took a tour of a local Down syndrome center that recently opened. A cold front came in the next day and we were unable to go to Cococay. That night, there was a dance for our young adults -- For me, that was the highlight of the trip! I am really impressed at how I seemed to be the only one who doesn't know the Macarena! It was a great night - tiring, but so much fun!

Sherry from Cruise Planners greets our guests

Pamela Arnoldson (her family came up with the Buddy Cruise concept and ran with it) is interviewed by ZNS Network (Bahamas News) while Sujeet plays sax in the background

L to R: Pam, her daughter Teresa, Andrew Whitehead, his mother Nikole Whitehead, Theresa Mastella, Lori McDermott (FRIENDS Board of Directors - minus Teresa and Andrew hehe)

Group picture

FPP Convention

2008-08-24T06:56:00.003-04:00

I'm off to the Florida Professional Photographers convention today and tomorrow - should be lots of fun! I enjoy not only the seminars that teach me new 'tricks,' but the trade show is always great, too. I'll be looking for some new, cool stuff to offer my clients, especially high school seniors!

Kayla - Class of 2009

2008-08-21T11:25:00.002-04:00

Annie, Class of 2009

2008-08-17T15:59:00.002-04:00

Published!

2008-08-05T12:46:00.003-04:00

One of my images was published in Brandon Faces, which is an advertising section of the Tampa Tribune. Thanks to Dr. Whitehead and his wife, Nikole, for submitting it!

More LWBC images...

2008-08-05T08:35:00.002-04:00

Back in Florida

2008-07-23T15:50:00.002-04:00

I had a great time last week visiting my family and meeting up with some dear friends from middle and high school - some I haven't seen in 25 years!

The fundraiser for Living Word Baptist Church was a lot of fun -- fifteen families in one day! I was utterly exhausted by the end of the day, but we had great weather and plenty of water on hand. Mike and Mary Hensley's property is just gorgeous - a photographer's dream! Here are some of my favorites from that day... (the first two are my sister and her family - more coming soon!)

In Virginia

2008-07-08T23:39:00.002-04:00

I'm in Virginia this week visiting family, and also participating in a portrait fundraiser for Living Word Baptist Church in Lynchburg, VA. My sister goes to that church and I'll be spending the weekend with her, aside from Saturday (the shoot). At last count, I think she had more than 15 families sign up for the marathon shoot. I'll be sure to share some of the images here after I get back. In the meantime, I'm going to have fun seeing my family and some friends I haven't seen in 5 or 20 years ;) I'll be back late Tuesday the 15th. Feel free to call me or text me!

6 Weeks!

2008-06-28T23:40:00.003-04:00

Here's Alex! This is Carleigh's new baby brother...

Joseph

2008-06-17T07:52:00.004-04:00

This little guy's mom is the one organizing the Buddy Cruise. I entered one of these in the Miller's contest - Round 4 results will be available at the beginning of July!

Family session

2008-06-08T13:51:00.003-04:00

Check out this Family Tree! This was a fun session, and so entertaining to watch everyone climb up into the tree for this shot.

Taylor, part 2

2008-06-03T17:45:00.002-04:00

The infamous "Taylor" session. We went to a super-secret location on Sunday to finish up her senior session. Don't even act like you're going to ask me where it is, because I won't tell!

More exciting news!

2008-06-02T13:37:00.003-04:00

I submitted one portrait for Round 3 of Millers Professional Imaging Baby and Child Portrait Contest last month. The results are in, and I am SO EXCITED to announce that, once again, out of several thousand entries, the image I submitted was chosen to be a finalist that will go on to a final round in July. Woo hooooo!

New Cardinals!

2008-05-22T16:03:00.003-04:00

For the past 3 years, there is a kamikaze cardinal that likes to fly into my office window. I even planted a hibiscus tree in front of the window so he wouldn't fly full force into it. Since planting the tree, he now sits in the tree before he flies into the window. Every now & again I would see his lady with him, too. For the past few months, I've only seen the male, until this weekend - he brought a young cardinal with him to the tree! At first I thought it was his lady, but then I noticed that the beak was black and the feathers on its belly were like down.

Today after Julia got home from school, the male, female, and TWO young cardinals paid me a visit! I managed to get this shot before they all left the tree. Some of its feathers are starting to turn red. I don't know much about cardinals except that the young ones have black beaks and the adults have bright red beaks.

Julia's first solo

2008-05-15T20:14:00.002-04:00

Julia, my 10-year-old, had her first solo in her fifth grade performance last Monday. Her sister Amanda took video with her camera for all to enjoy. Julia's the first soloist. We're very proud of her!

Shelby - Class of 2009

2008-05-15T14:44:00.004-04:00

Check out this gorgeous girl!

Britt - Class of 2009

2008-05-09T11:13:00.005-04:00

Britt is a smart, athletic, beautiful girl who recently won Class President at her high school for her senior year!

One of my Class of 2009 reps, Ashley, helped with Britt's shoot - see her showing Britt how to pose her hands, and the resulting shot. Ashley is taking photography classes in school and is awesome at giving directions!

Heart Gallery of Tampa Bay

2008-05-05T14:41:00.002-04:00

If you've ever considered adopting a child, then you need to visit the Heart Gallery of Tampa Bay's exhibits. Going on now through June 9th, the exhibit is at Westfield Mall in Brandon.

From www.heartgallerytampabay.org:

"The 2008 Heart Gallery of Tampa Bay is a collaborative effort between the Children's Board of Hillsborough County and Hillsborough Kids, Inc. that's dedicated to increasing the number of foster and adoptive families, as well as heighten awareness for the hundreds of children needing homes in our community.

Both professional and student photographers exhibited in the Gallery volunteer their time to make this project a reality. The photographs don't just show happy faces, the expressions captured are wistful, mischievous, sweet, thoughtful and curious - all the emotions a child feels.

The Gallery has demonstrated unprecedented success in finding adoptive homes for many foster children in our community. Since June of 2005, inquiries about foster care and adoption attributed to the Heart Gallery is an estimated 54% total, with 41 percent of the children in the 2007 Gallery matched with potential adoptive families."

EXCITING NEWS!

2008-05-02T09:35:00.004-04:00

I submitted two portraits for Millers Professional Imaging Baby and Child Portrait Contest. The results are in for rounds 1 and 2, and I am happy to announce that out of several thousand entries, the images I submitted have been chosen to be finalists that will go on to a final round in July. Woo hooooo!

All finalists for the Millers Contest will be voted on by a group of esteemed photographers and prize winners will receive the following prizes:

First, Second, and Third places, as well as two Honorable Mentions, will be announced for each category! Cash prizes for these winners include $2,000 for First, $1,000 for Second, $750 for Third, and $500 for each Honorable Mention. One portrait from the Final Round will also receive the highest of accolades -- Grand Prize Winner. The cash prize will be $5,000 for this lucky winner! All cash prizes will be given to the families of the winning portraits.

That means there will be 20 entries for each category in the final round of the Millers Contest: Color, Black and White, Humorous and Special Needs.

Round 1 Winner:

Round 2 Winner:

I guess sooner or later it was going to happen...

2008-04-29T20:02:00.003-04:00

This is one of those "DUH" moments... I spent the afternoon photographing Taylor - she's a beautiful girl with a great spirit. After some studio shots, we headed to Channelside, got all the way to the parking garage, even parked... and I realized that I had forgotten my....... CAMERA! I know I'm a pro and things like this aren't supposed to happen... but I guess it proves that I'm only human (as if there was any doubt!), and Taylor was very gracious about it. So we're going to "finish" the session some other time...

Here are two quick ones from today...

Cody

2008-04-29T10:58:00.006-04:00

Sunday afternoon was spent photographing Cody for his senior portraits. Cody didn't feel well, but he sure was a trooper!

NHS Zombie Prom

2008-04-23T13:50:00.006-04:00

Come see Newsome High School's production of Zombie Prom! Thursday 7pm and Friday 7pm shows - Tickets are $8 for regular admission, $6 for students with ID.

"Back to work"

2008-04-18T21:13:00.002-04:00

I threw my back out last Saturday doing... well... nothing! and ended up spending four days in the hospital. I guess that was my body's way of telling me that I needed some rest, so I willingly listened. Thanks to everyone who called and emailed me while I was out of commission. I'm feeling much better today - every day is better.

In happier news, DaSilva's on Fish Hawk Boulevard is allowing me to display some of my images in their store. Mike Desario, the store manager, is an artist and the walls are almost covered with local artists' work. I plan to change my display periodically. The first set of images is going up tomorrow morning, and will include seniors Joey & Ashley, baby Amelia, and an image from Bill & Michelle's wedding, taken at Hollis Gardens in Lakeland. I hope everyone will stop in, have a coffee, and see my work! Feel free to tell me what you think! :)

Family in town

2008-04-08T13:38:00.002-04:00

Cris' sister and her family came for a visit. We had a great time going to Busch Gardens, Ybor, Channelside, and just hanging out poolside. Amanda & Hannah are the same age, and they all got along beautifully. It was a pleasant visit!

Adoption ceremony

2008-04-01T11:25:00.003-04:00

I photographed a child for the Heart Gallery last fall, and tomorrow morning I am attending her adoption ceremony! I'm very excited that she has found a family. You can learn more about the Heart Gallery here: http://www.heartgallerytampabay.org/

Zombie Prom

2008-03-28T17:15:00.002-04:00

Today we finished taking pictures for advertising Newsome's production of Zombie Prom. Look for posters around town, coming soon!

Sweet Baby!

2008-03-25T14:29:00.006-04:00

Max is about 7 months old and is expecting a brother or sister later this year!

New website is up!

2008-03-22T17:28:00.002-04:00

My new website is up, and I have also officially changed my business name from 2X Photo, Inc. to Denise M. Godfrey Photography. Also - today, March 22nd, 2008, marks my official 2-year anniversary of starting my photography business. I've had a great two years and hope to have many more as I grow my business.

Insomnia

2008-03-20T07:24:00.001-04:00

Couldn't sleep last night, so I redesigned my website - look for the new design to come within the next few days. I need to look it over with fresh eyes before I make it public ...

Another Class of 2009 Rep

2008-03-19T08:30:00.011-04:00

Joey is the last of my Senior Reps for the Class of 2009 - I have truly enjoyed photographing each of my reps, and am looking forward to photographing their friends!

I'm holding a mini-contest for my Reps on my MySpace page - for each friend of theirs who adds me, they will receive 2 wallet prints from their session. On March 31st, the Rep with the most friends sent will receive a $25 gift card to the mall!

New MySpace page just for HS seniors!

2008-03-15T08:57:00.003-04:00

I finally got my new MySpace page up and am happy to already have a few friends. My Senior Rep sessions are almost complete (one more tomorrow!) and the rep cards are all on the way. I have had a blast with these young adults - I love the creativity each brings to their session!

http://myspace.com/dmgseniors - Feel free to add me as a friend and comment on my pictures! FYI - each HS senior I photograph gets ALL their touched-up images to post on their own MySpace or FaceBook page!

Senior again!

2008-03-13T08:27:00.009-04:00

Wow, I really love photographing seniors! They're so much fun - and Andrew was no exception. I got a kick out of his sense of humor, and we found some unique locations!

Dancer

2008-03-11T10:38:00.005-04:00

Breanna is a beautiful young lady and a talented dancer with an awesome family...

Another senior!

2008-03-11T10:26:00.003-04:00

I had a great time photographing Cassie for her senior portraits!

Maternity Session

2008-03-11T09:39:00.005-04:00

Jimmy and Kristen are expecting...

...and Carleigh is going to be a big sister!

Sessions from the weekend...

2008-02-18T10:49:00.001-05:00

Busy Busy!

I had a maternity session this weekend and have begun photographing my junior reps. I'll be busy with them for the next few weeks. Here are a couple from each of the senior sessions - aren't they beautiful??

Model Sessions Begin 2/9!

2008-02-09T18:16:00.000-05:00

I'm excited that the model sessions are beginning next week. I have three Newsome juniors and three Bloomingdale juniors who are just as excited about this as I am (if that's possible!). I'm busy creating sets and backdrops and can't wait to get started with the sessions.

I spoke with Donna at AfterImage Salon about showcasing Gary's up-dos for prom. Details will be worked out later, but here's a head's up that I may be calling on my juniors and seniors again in the near future!

Class of 2009 Model Search Begins Today!

2008-01-30T00:23:00.000-05:00

I love to watch infomercials. I get a kick out of watching actors get immense pleasure from trying the new latest time-saving product for the first time. They are clearly acting, but I understand what the directors are trying to do – they want us to see how joyful the product can make us feel.

I don’t recruit actors – I recruit real juniors and seniors to represent my photography business. You can tell that the models I work with are real people, and you can tell that they are thoroughly enjoying their “job”. Here comes my pitch...

I’m looking for a wide variety of people from the Class of 2009 to represent my studio. Anyone can interview to be a model for me. I can show you how to save money, earn money, and get the greatest senior portraits around. Contact me by February 15th so we can set up a program consultation and you can tell me why you’d be great!

Here’s how the program works –

All models will receive a complimentary session. This session includes 5-6 outfit changes, a wide variety of backgrounds, including studio and on location, and up to 50 images to view – a $350 value!
Models are not obligated to purchase any prints; however, prints may be purchased by March 31st at $21 per Gift Portrait* – that’s a savings of 40%! After March 31, the discount drops to 20%. That’s still quite a savings!
A limited number of models will be photographed between February 8th and March 2nd, 2008, so they can be added to any of my promotional material for the Class of 2009. This will also give ample time to show off their portfolio to current juniors at school.
I will provide you with special cards to hand out to your peers. Each person who reserves a session from your referral card will receive 48 complimentary wallets – a $60 value – and $75 off any session booked by June 15th. Even better – you will receive $10 cash for each card turned in!
Any model whose name is on 5 or more cards turned in that results in reserved sessions will receive an additional 48 wallets from their initial session. Models with 20 or more referred bookings will receive a $200 bonus!

I am looking for models of all types and looks – someone just like you who wants to have great senior portraits, a fun-filled experience, and is willing to put forth the effort to earn some extra money. How can you lose?

Here comes the best part of any infomercial…

BUT WAIT – THERE’S MORE!!

Apply up to be one of my Class of 2009 Senior Models by February 15th, and receive your senior yearbook ad design for 50% off! That’s a mere $15 for a half page, or $30 for a full page!

P.S. Models are booked on a first come, first served basis. Don’t miss this great opportunity – call me at 813-334-6023 or apply today!!

*A Gift Portrait is defined as one 8x10, two 5x7s, or 16 wallets. You are not limited to one pose!

Buddy Cruise

2008-01-30T00:13:00.000-05:00

I am pleased to announce that I will be joining the FRIENDS-Support organization on their inaugural Buddy Cruise in October.

I have held a few fundraisers for FRIENDS over the past two years, and I am excited that they have asked me to join them on the cruise as their official photographers. In addition to scheduling family sessions in beautiful Nassau and Cococay, I am planning to put together a memory book of this historic cruise.

The Buddy Cruise is designed to provide an opportunity for families from across America to come together and bring awareness to one of the most frequently occurring chromosomal deviations, as well as promote inclusion for individuals with Down syndrome. Visit their website at http://www.buddycruise.com for more information, to book your cabin, or to make a donation.

Attention Class of 2009!

2008-01-29T07:52:00.000-05:00

You deserve more than just ordinary high school senior portraits! Your senior portraits should portray who you are and what activities you are involved in. You don’t have to settle for the same old “cookie-cutter” photographs that the “big companies” produce. I want you to have the ultimate portrait experience. Unlike the huge contract photography studios, I will take the time to create memorable portraits that you will always be proud to have and display.

Check back for upcoming specials for the Class of 2009, and last-chance offers for the Class of 2008!

For more information and to sign up to receive email notifications of these offers, visit my website.