Announcing...

Announcements! Invitations! Save the Date cards! We now are offering a full line of photo announcements, invitations, and save the date cards for those who want something totally original for their event! These fantastic cards can be completely personalized and are designed especially for your occasion! Using one of our images, or one of your own, together we will create a one of a kind invitation or announcement that is sure be a treasured keepsake which can be framed and viewed for years to come! All inclusive packages are available for weddings, births, graduations, you name it! With coordinating envelopes, our line will match your event!

Why I do what I do...

I came across a quote from one of the greatest artists in film. Drew Struzan is the spectacular artist behind some of the greatest movie posters in recent history. Some of those iconic pieces include Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Back to the Future, ET, and Harry Potter, just to name a few.

He was asked, "Why do you do what you do?" His answer was three fold, "One, to make me happy. Two, to make others happy. And three, to support my family."

When I heard this, I was amazed at how much this reflected my answer to the same question. I do this because it makes me happy: where else do you get to have fun playing with other people's children and capturing those priceless smiles? I do this to make others happy: when I capture that one image that makes a person catch their breath, I can't help but be thrilled. And to support my family: I have been so fortunate to have had the support of all my customers, who in turn allow me to support my family.

So why do I do what I do? Because I love it! Thank you to everyone who has supported us since we opened. You have allowed us into your lives and our lives have become enriched because of you!

Miss Carly!

This morning, we had the joy of photographing Miss Carly! This little fireball of energy was just too cute! Her expressions were just so priceless, that every photo we took just beamed with her personality!

Becca's Cap & Gown!

This afternoon we shot the cap and gown portraits for Becca, one of our regulars from Carroll County High School! Congratulations Becca on your upcoming graduation and thank you for being such an important part of our studio for the last year! We wish you good luck in everything you do!

Elijah & Jasmine's Formals

This evening we had Elijah and Jasmine in our studio for portraits. Tonight they are going to their first formal dance. This is such an exciting event for a teenager and we hope you all have a great time. Be safe!

Introducing Josie!

Say hello to Josie, our Senior Ambassador for Grayson County High School! She came into our studio on Monday for her session and we took some great shots at the falls in Independence and at the river front in Fries. Afterwards, we came back to our studio for a few studio shots. These were some of our favorites!

The difference between professional and a wanna be...

I came across this quote in one of my photography magazines and I thought this was rather relevant. Before you hire a photographer, look at their work. Does it all look consistent? Some people may say they are professionals, but does all their work say so?

"If the average consumer were more knowledgeable about the cost of doing business they'd understand why we must charge what we charge. A pro offers guaranteed results, while the 'weekend warrior' gets lucky, and that luck is what they use as an example of their work. Then clients think they will get the 'lucky' results as well. So do you place your money on luck or a sure thing? Most people want the sure thing, but only want to pay for a chance at luck." - Vonda Hussey, Photography by Vonda, Dallas, TX

I noticed when we were planning on opening our studio in 2006, there were only a couple of photographers that served this area, and very reputable ones at that. I knew that I could not compete with them, as they have served this area for years. I just wanted to offer something different. Within a couple of months of our planned opening, studios just popped up everywhere! I'll admit I was scared. But the fact is, my work speaks for itself. Same as the work of those who have served this area long before I came along. Please be careful when hiring a photographer. Are you going to get what you see advertised on a website?

Sara's Bridal...

As promised, here are a few of Sara's bridal portraits. Isn't she just beautiful?

Galax Prom!!!

Tonight was Galax High School's Prom! We hope you all had a fun and safe evening!

Karla & Josh's E Session

Today, I went to Wytheville to shoot the engagement portraits of Karla and Josh. What a fun couple. They were willing to do anything I suggested and Mother Nature was kind enough to hold the rain for us! The setting was Elizabeth Brown Memorial Park, the location of their August wedding. There were so many great places to shoot there and it's the perfect setting for their wedding. These are some of my favorite shots from their session!

Becca's Prom Shoot..

Becca is one of those naturally beautiful people. Tonight she had us do a full shoot of her in her prom gown. This was my favorite shot from her session.

Carroll Prom!!!

Tonight was Prom for Carroll County High School! These are a few of our couples who came to see us for their portraits. Don't they all look great?! We hope you all had fun and were safe!

Stars and Stripes!!!

I've been wanting to do a Stars and Stripes session with my daughter Stephanie since Daddy got her this outfit for Christmas. We just haven't had the opportunity. Then yesterday evening, while visiting my mother in law for her birthday, they told us that my brother in laws unit suffered some losses. Four members of his Marine unit in Iraq lost their lives, two of whom were brothers. Naturally we were all devasted, especially since Billy's job is very dangerous. So I decided there was no better time to do her sitting than today. Take some patriotic portraits to send to Uncle Billy while he is protecting our freedom. I let Stephanie just be herself and have fun! These were my favorite shots! After you read this, please send a prayer out to all those fighting for our country. Most didn't go by choice, but they are making the sacrifice so those of us at home don't have to.

A Day of Remembrance...

One year after the tragedy at VA Tech, we stop to remember those that were lost. So much has happened since, from court battles to changes in policy. Some good, some better. To all those who have been immediately affected, please know that you are still in our thoughts and prayers. We still remember.

To everyone who can, say a prayer, light a candle, send out healing light and love, whatever your faith allows, to all those still grieving. They are still needing support. There are those who still wake up and cry.

We are Virginia Tech!

Stormy weather!

Today we had Stormy in our studio! This eager young bride didn't care about the nasty weather; suffering the cold, drizzling rain, and sometimes snow to get some great outdoor bridal portraits! She was such a good sport! A special thank you goes to Crestview Golf Course for letting us just show up and shoot when we drove by and saw how fantastic their lawns looked! Oh, thanks Patty! You rock!

When Mom says thanks...

You know when the bride and groom are happy with your work, you've done your job right. But when Mom says thank you, it means something else. Knowing what a mother goes through planning that special day for her daughter and wanting it to be perfect, and knowing that I helped a little means so much to me. Here is what Kasey's mom had to say, and I just had to share:

"I would like to personnally thank you from the bottom of our family's hearts for what you and your husband did to make my daughter Kasey's wedding dreams come true. From rolling up your pant legs and wading in the New River to take the bridal shots to make a bride happy, until the happy couple drove away in the car on their honeymoon. Angela, you guys were always coming up with things that we would never have even dreamed of. You were there to answer any questions, concerns or even fix problems that we didn't know we had. You guys were the best and I would recommend you to anyone. Please call if you ever need a reference for anything. Thank you and may God continue to bless you and your family and your business."

Pam, I can't thank you enough for all you have done for us! You will always be a part of the Thompson's Family! Thank you so much for making our job so special!

Sara & Darren!

Saturday, we had the honor of photographing the wedding of Sara and Darren. This wonderful couple was such a pleasure and you could just see the love radiating from both of them! I love to see a groom so in love with his bride he can't take his eyes off her. From the moment Sara walked down the aisle till they got in the car, they both beamed! Everyone had such a wonderful time. Thank you for having us as part of your day and we look forward to recording your memories for years to come! Have fun on your honeymoon!

Welcome Melinda!

Say hello to the newest member of the Thompson's Family! Meet Melinda! With a history in photography and lot's of enthusiasm, Melinda is an invaluable asset to our studio and we are so happy she is now a part of us! We hope you will come in soon for your session with her! We know that lot's of our customers have missed Melinda and will look forward to seeing her again!

Current Wedding Bookings

I thought this might be an easy way to let people know what dates I already have booked.

These dates are currently booked:
April 12, 2008*
April 18, 2008***
April 19, 2008***

May 3, 2008***
May 24, 2008*

June 7, 2008

July 4, 2008*
July 5, 2008*
July 6, 2008**
July 7, 2008**
July 8, 2008**
July 9, 2008**
July 10, 2008**
July 11, 2008**
July 12, 2008*
July 13, 2008**
July 26, 2008*

August 8, 2008*
August 31, 2008***

September 1, 2008***
September 13, 2008*

October 4, 2008*

* Wedding
** Personal Vacation
*** Other Event

Considering how fast we are currently booking our wedding this year, please contact us as soon as possible. I will be updating this frequently to keep everyone up to date.

Here's Kailah!

This morning we had Miss Kailah in our studio. Wearing her Mommy's outfit from when she was a little one, she gave us some great smiles! I'm just loving the cheesy grin! She was such a little bundle of energy, being more interested in our spinning stools than in getting her portraits taken. Of course, what one and a half year old wants to sit still? But hey, it's no big deal! We got some really great portraits anyways! Thanks Jackie for bringing her in!

Pain! Oh the pain!

Okay, so I took a tumble this morning. The wooden steps outside my door collapsed with me on them. So I'm in a bit of pain right now. I may be out of the studio for a couple of days. I'm going to take some time to recoup so I'm in perfect working form for Sara and Darren's wedding on Saturday. If you need to get ahold of me, feel free to call me on my cell, 276-233-4797. I will have it with me so don't worry about bothering me. I have my new PDA ready for any appointments you want to make! Would love to just chat too! So give me a call!

Please?

Hooven Sisters

Today, we had the Hooven sisters in our studio. Meagan, Autumn, and Kaitlin were a riot! We had so much fun! They did such a great job and were more patient than teens usually are. Thanks for coming in, girls! We loved having you!

Aaron & Doug

Recently, I got to shoot the engagement portraits of Aaron and Doug. I met this fun couple at the wedding of Aaron's brother Jason and his wife Samantha. They are such a great couple and are so cute together, don't you think? Congratulations on your upcoming wedding and I can't wait to do the Bridal portraits!

PROM!!!

Okay all! With prom only a couple weeks away, I'm getting lot's of calls about our prom specials... still working on them! But... I will have them ready for you to view on our website on Monday! We have built our backgrounds to go with your school's theme, this ain't no plain prom background! We promise your gonna love them! And our packages will include not just couple shots, but individual shots, key chains, accordian folios, wallet books, and much more! Forget standing in line at the school and getting rushed through, come to us! You won't regret it!

Here is the backdrop for Carroll County's Prom! Yeah, I just realized it said 2:51am. My mind was just racing with ideas and I couldn't sleep!