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http://blog.rhondaelderphotography.com

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We didn't shoot people...

Something different...

We did something different this weekend. We didn't have to shoot (photograph, silly) anybody this weekend, so we took a day trip to San Angelo, TX.

We decided to look for a specific theme to make a collage of the day. 

Larry chose "locks"  and I chose "Pink and Turquoise" which I decided to name "Pinkuoise".

It was interesting to see and look at things from a new perspective. Larry was surprised at how many locks he spotted in just over an hour.

San Angelo has some cute little shops.  Especially enjoyed J. Wilde and Sassy Fox.  The best meal of the day was at The Grill.  Try the Sonoma Steak Salad. Yummy!


Enjoy "Locks by Larry"!

Here's my creative little piece, "Pinkuoise":

For my photographer friends, I challenge you to try this sometime.  It was a fun day and got us out of a rut.

Tea Time!

Tea Time!

I had the best little models this morning for a Tea Party.  Thanks to, mommies, Abby Thompson, Lashae McCollum and Lindi Bridges for bringing their sweet baby girls all dolled up and ready to pose.

As they were getting ready, picking out colors of tutus, shoes, head bands, bows and bangles, it was interestesing to see how independent and decisive 3-5 years are.  I told their moms the room was full of an independant spirit, but I could see them all becoming "mighty women of God."

They were so cute.  We started out taking shots of them on the bench and with the antique phone.  They just were not sure what to do with that phone.  It was hilarious.

A couple times they asked, "When are we going to have the Tea Party."  So before I lost their attention we headed to the Tea Table under the tree in our backyard.

My sweet hubby, Larry Elder, helped me hang the chandy, birdcages, and bunting for the colorful touches under the tree.

Thanks to Lindi for loaning me the table and chairs. 
Cupcakes were purchased from DJ's Cakes, Odessa.


I just love how all their outfits coordinated, so bright and fun.

I picked this old phone up years ago in an antique shop in Albuquerque.  It was an old radio.

I had all the doilies, napkins, and lace from my grandmother, Larry's grandmother and from my collective antique shopping over the years.  Teapot was picked up in Epcot England.

The bunting was ordered from Etsy.  Isn't it lovely?

Miss Beautiful Bryli

Miss Sweet Sailor

Miss Joyful Jencee

Miss Marvelous Marlee

All in all I think the pink cupcakes and

pink lemonade were a hit!

Pre Prom Pics

Hey, I have an idea for all you Junior/Senior high school students that are gearing up for Prom night.  We, (myself and my amazing assistant, Larry Elder) will come to the location of your choice to shoot you and your friends before you leave for dinner and prom.  Think about the fun we can have posing for the perfect shot in front of the limo...or your own car/pick up...or at the junk yard...or in front of some graffiti.  You pick! 

I'm even doing one senior girl in the softball field with glove, cleats and prom dress.  (you know who you are) the day of her prom. 

Let's do it!

Let's capture a perfect memory shot of the perfect evening.

These spots will be limited as I will only be able to offer two group shots per school on the day of your prom.  So here's the link to grab your spot:
http://relder.photobiz.com/cart/product_list.cfm?categoryID=39016

I will be going to Monahans on March 24th.  Any takers for Permian High School? Odessa High?  Lee High or Midland High?  Hey I'll even go to Andrews!

Seniors....Let's do it!

Can you believe it is March...of 2012?!?  Can you believe that Graduation is just a few months away?  Can you believe you still have time to get your Senior Photos?

Let's do it!

We don't just take pictures in a stuffy studio, but will have some fun marking that spot that you love to hang out...that spot that you will look back at and smile...that spot where you and your BFF did stuff you never want to forget. 

REP is willing to go anywhere...well almost anywhere to get the shot of you for your Facebook page, graduation announcement, or just wallets to share with friends and family.


We have some great locales picked out:

• Amazing sunset backgrounds
• Junkyard Junkie
• Graffiti
• Old Cars
• Vintage
• Classy

So for $175.00 (schedule and pay here) you get:
Full 2 hour session
Several Clothing Changes
1-8x10's
1-5x7's
16 Wallets

And don't forget, we offer custom designed Graduation Announcements with your pic of course, fitted to your personality.

If you have questions, you may contact me:
rhondaelderphotography@hotmail.com

432-556-8041 call or text

Senior Pics

Spring will be here before you know it. Which means graduation will be here before you know it. With that said, I am making March "Senior Picture Month".

One More of Africa

Marigold Cheshier and me.

Africa Missions Trip

Home at last.  It was a great experience to go to Kenya, Africa for the second time.  Four of us traveled together to join a team of 30 ladies and men from all across America.  Our team consisted of Mandy Gregg (Midland TX), Jamie Elder (Taylor AK), Sarah Owen (Odessa TX) and myself.

We spent the first few days preparing for the second Maasai Women's Conference.  We had a medical team as well to tend to the health needs of the locals.  We had crafts teams, registration teams, two photographers, pastor's wives and missionaries. 

So great to meet up with old friends and make new ones.  When we arrived the Maasai guards and kitchen crew greeted us with their traditional dance.  Then we set about making our tents our home for the next week.  The new permanent tents were quite nice and roomy with four of us each having a cot with firm mattress.  It sure was hard to crawl out of the sleeping bags on the chilly mornings.  It is summer in the Maasai Mara but their evenings and mornings get down to 50ish.  The climate actually reminded me a lot of west Texas.  The air is quite dry and desert-like.

We were comforted by the fact that there is an electric fence around the whole camp perimeter to keep out the lions and hyenas.  We could hear the hyenas cackling in the night and occasional we would hear a snort from some type of animal.  Thank God, we never saw snakes.

Hope you enjoy the photos of our journey.

These slums are directly behind our hotel, The Utalii Inn in Nairobi.

We stopped at the escarpment, The Great Rift Valley on the way to the compound.

The night guards as they welcome us with a dance.

Honestly, I don't know...

One of our missionaries, Marilyn Ford purchased this cane at the escarpment.  She is 81 years young and thought she might need a little help from her friends.  She was amazing.

                   The Friends...

   The Whole Team from all across America...

Paul, our driver.  He gave me a Maasai name: 

 Nimayan, which means Blessed One.

Mike & Marigold Cheshier - Missionary Evangelists to Maasai

They are my daughter's in-laws and my friends.  I love them!  They are truly humble

servants of the Lord and put feet to the command to go into all the world to teach all nations!

Our cooks Maurice and Isaiah.  Fresh bread and fruit every morning.  They eat a lot of cabbage, beans and rice, so needless to say that won't be on my menu for a while.

Seniors in the Light

I was editing this Senior, Boo McCoy, from Midland High when I came across this shot.  It is a great representation of some of our speciality lighting. 

My husband, Larry and I really enjoy creating these unique shots with a little "flare" (pun intended).  He has become quite accomplished in setting the lights for these shots.  I don't know what I would do without him, as he really is an asset and blessing to me!  We are a good team. Thanks Larry!  

If you are a senior or know a senior who has not taken care of Senior Photos yet, we would love to help you create your special portfolio that will be different from the rest.

Africa Bound!

In 2010 I went to Africa and I left a part of myself there.  I know, I know...I had heard people say that and I was thinking, "Yeah, right."  Well it happend to me too.

I never, never, never had a desire to go to a foreign country.  I never had a desire to go on a Missions Trip.   I always said if I did go on a missions trip they would have to put me up in a nice lodge with comfy beds and running hot water.  You see I've never been a big camper-outer (is that a word?)  So none of this apealed to me. 

Well that was my excuse.  But when it comes right down to it, I am just a fleshly selfish old thing.  I have never been good on giving of self, time, or money.  It's mine!  Right?  I worked hard for it. Right?  I like my home, my remote control, my bed, my food, my car...do you see a little selfishness here?

Well, anyway back in 2010, God was really dealing with my heart.  I was feeling pretty empty and dry and like I needed to do something more for Him.  I get this email about a Women's Conference in Kenya and I feel my heart kinda jump at it and I'm like...thats new...and weird.

So my daughter calls and she's going on the Missions trip to Kenya, to help with a Women's Conference for the Masaii women.  And she says, "Mom, I think you need to go with us."   So I confess to her that I have felt God calling me to go.  I remember that day so vividly. My husband and I were painting the exterior of a beautiful home in Midland.  It was a beautiful Spring day in April. I'm sitting in the car talking to Shereen on the phone and start crying as I know that I know I'm supposed to go. 

I told her that I would go if God provided the money.  And that little stinker says, "It's called FAITH, mom!  God won't provide until you step out in faith and say that you are going."

Well, I knew right then that I was going and that God was going to provide.  By July God had provided over $3,500.00 to pay for my entire trip through the donations of amazing people who had vision and FAITH. Isn't that awesome?

I mean it was truly miraculous.    People just started slipping me hundred dollar bills.  I would mention the trip on Facebook and folks would write me and say they were sending money.  It was definitely a FAITH builder.  Here I thought I was going to do something for God and He's doing it for me.

This past Sunday our pastor, Daniel Stephens, 
Mid Cities said, "We are to be a redemptive agent on the earth."  But in this process he also said that "It's about God's process of redeeming me." 

Do you see?  Do you get it?  Here we are going around thinking we are redeeming when we give to charity or go on a missions trip or buy groceries for someone but the truth of the matter is...

This redemptive process is for me...not from me!

I'll write another post about all the great things that God did for me and the Masaii women and our whole team of amazing ladies from accross the states later.

Below are some photos of the  2010 trip. 

But here's the real news.  I am going back on January 27th, for our second Masaii Women's conference.  When I get back I'll share photos.  Hope you enjoy.  And I hope you will be praying for us.  There are 30 ladies going this year.  So excited. 

Yes I even painted in Africa!

Loved taking pictures of the babies.  They are so beautiful.

Our night guards and cooks doing what they do. I was so shocked to see that they all had cell phones.  I guess that way they can let each other know when they've spotted a lion close to the camp.  They are saying, "Hello A-mare-deeka"

Beautiful Marigold Cheshier.  She is the vision behind the Masaii Women's Conference.  She is my daughter's mother-in-love.  She is an amazing lady who can sing your sox off and preach the word of God like nobody's business.  She is also one tough cookie...she flew to Africa this month with three fractured ribs.  Please pray for her!

  I love her!

My beautiful daughter, Shereen, who taught me about FAITH!  She is now a pastor's wife at New Destiny, in Monroe, LA.

Me, stylin' a beautiful belt that was hand beaded by a lovely Masaii lady.  Now stop laughing at the hair...they wouldn't let me bring my blow dryer.

Beloved

Beloved...

capturing the essence of a couple!

Substance, Spirit, Heart, Soul, Core

"Beloved" is a concept of capturing a couple in love!  Our goal is to encourage couples to interact with each other on an intimate emotional level.   The outcome will reveal substance in the relationship and spirit in commitment.  As we spend time together in this session, couples will share from their heart and soul and be touched to the core.

In the session, couples will be encouraged to look at each other, not the camera.

Full session is $175.00 and includes 1-8x10, mini (3x3)accordian album, and 2-5x7's.  Since February is my birthday month, I am giving a 10% discount on this session.

Pay for your session here.  Please include code: Beloved to get your 10% discount.  Discount may be used on session fee or prints.

Beginners Photography Class

There has been a great interest in the Beginner Phtography class.  So here's the scoop:

There will be a group class on

Saturday, February 25th, 2012 from

9 am to 12 pm

 (location will be emailed to you after you register and pay)  

• Did you get a new camera over the holidays?
• Are you curious what all those buttons do?
• Are you a MWAC (Mom with a Camera) who would love to capture sweetness?
• Are you a student who loves to upload to Facebook, but tired of fuzzy pics?
• Would you like to learn how to set your camera on 'M'? (That would be 'manual'.)

If you answered YES to any of these, then let us help!

Contact me a rhondaelderphotographhy@hotmail or call 432.556.8041 to schedule a one-on-one or group class.

We will cover:

• 10 tips for better pics
• It's all about light
• Elements of exposure
• Basic camera modes

Here's what is included in your class:

Group Workshop: $100.00 each for 3-5 people
(minimum of 3 required)

Get your friends to come!

• 3 hour class
• Workbook
• Hands on Shoot
• 10% off a photo session with Rhonda Elder Photography (expires March 2012)
• Light Lunch

 You will need to bring your camera (of course), manual, pen and pad...and friends would be great.

All class fees are non-refundable, but transferable.

Can't make it on the 25th? No problem...

I am also offering one-on-one classes for $175. If you can't make it on the 25th of February, and would like to schedule a one-on-one,(that's just you and me) please contact me, and I will get you on the calendar.  You may pay for your one-on-one class by clicking here.

One-on-one

Mentor Session: $175.00

• 3 hour class
• Workbook
• Hands on Shoot
• 10% off a photo session with Rhonda Elder Photography (expires March 2012)
• Light Lunch

All class fees are non-refundable, but transferable.

Addision

Addison is my cousin, Rick and Lynette Rhoad's grandaughter.  Her beautiful mother and father are Michelle and Weston.  Big sister is Zay'd and she sure made my day with lots of sweet hugs.  Addison was so precious as she responded to the loving voice of her father...hmmm kind of reminds me of the relationship we can have with our heavenly Father.

This sweet little red outfit and hat was purchased by her grandmother, from Guatemala.  Love the handwork on it.

Fingers are so yummy!

Pretty in Pink...I just loved this big floppy hat. 

Isn't that hat great?