Rhonda Elder Photography

Seniors....Let's do it!

2012-03-01T07:40:00.001-06:00

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

2012-02-16T07:18:00.000-06:00

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

2012-02-12T21:22:00.000-06:00

Marigold Cheshier and me.

Africa Missions Trip

2012-02-10T17:31:00.000-06:00

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

2012-01-21T07:17:00.001-06:00

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!

2012-01-17T10:07:00.003-06:00

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

2012-01-17T08:11:00.001-06:00

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

2012-01-17T06:32:00.017-06:00

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

2012-01-04T16:21:00.016-06:00

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?

Midland Living/Winter 2011 Issue

2012-01-04T10:28:00.002-06:00

Rhonda Elder Photography is proud to announce that we have an ad in the first issue of Midland Living/Winter 2011 magazine on pages 79 and 100. We also shot several of the ads. You will enjoy this beautiful full color magazine with highlights of businesses and fascinating articles. I mean a polo club in West Texas?!? Who knew? Go get your copy. They are free thanks to all the wonderful business sponsors. We really enjoyed teaming with With You in Mind Publications.

A shout out to Publishers, Jay & Patti Martin, Matt & Heather Martin and Casey and Trisha Perkins for a fine publication. Also, thanks to June Dixon and Nikki Anderson for all you do to keep us on task. We appreciate all your endeavors to produce this beautiful artwork. It was an honor to work with you!

You may pick up your free issue at my studio or any of the following locations in Midland:

America's Storage Center
Anderson Construction
Brooks Financial
Common Scents
Curiosities Antiques
Emeritus at Saddleridge Lodge
Fence Co
Gerardo's Casita Grill
Bistro in Clay Desta
Graham Pharmacy
Hospice
Hyacinth for the Home
JMR Industires/Energy Sales LLC
Le Bebe Boutique
Laser & Aesthetic (Odessa)
Texana Trading Company
Trinity School of MIdland

Pets & People

2011-12-29T09:26:00.008-06:00

January theme at Rhonda Elder Photography is Pets & People. A great big bark...uhhh... shout out to Pet Mystique owner, Cindy Beason and her beautiful family for being models for this promo. Have you ever tried to get four dogs to look at the camera? Or have you ever tried to get four dogs to stay in a basket? It was a lot of fun and we got the shots!

Not only does Cindy have three beautiful daughters, but a handsome son-in-law and sweet little grandaughter. The dogs are Boxer-Nala, Yorkie-Wendie, Maltese-Frosty, and Brussel Griffen-Tootsie.

Contact me at rhondaelderphotography@hotmail or call 432-556-8041 to schedule your Pets & People photo session. The full 1-2 hour session is $175.00. It includes one 8x10 and two 5x7's. You may get a 20% discount if you bring your pet in January and sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.

Offer expires January 23, 2012

Offer may not be combined with any other discounts.

Cowpoke Comptons!

2011-12-17T15:48:00.000-06:00

Okay here's a first. We had a shoot with horses and loved it!!! It didn't matter that it was 41 degrees out with a North wind a blowing our way, we made the best of it and got some great shots. This photo session was dad, Steve's idea and that's another first. Most of you guys out there don't want to be involved in photo sessions, so it was great to have the big guy all for it. Thanks Steve!

Plus his beautiful wife and daughter, Tammy and Kenzie made my job real easy!

And another plus was I designed this Christmas Card for them. I always enjoy working up a custom card that fits the personality of the family. We were all pretty impressed with the vintage 1957 Massey Tractor in this photo, that is still in great running condition. So cool! I told Steve I love vintage things...that's why I love Larry!

Nathaniel & Natalia...Twins!

2011-12-17T07:53:00.005-06:00

Sweet Natalia...isn't she precious!

Nathaniel...all boy!

We had a hard time getting them together. It was almost comical. We would sit them close together and she would immediately move away from him. I asked the mother, Lily if he bullied her in the womb. So mom and dad saved the day by bringing out the iPad. Wow, that did the trick. We had their ultimate attention. It was so cute. These two year old's know how to rock the technology. Aren't they adorable?

And now a shout out to Jonnies Home Decor store in Odessa TX. Thanks to owners Carol Steen and Misty Alley for allowing us to shoot at their beautiful store. Get in your car now...yes now and drive to Jonnie's The Christmas decorations are to die for! It is like Christmas Wonderland. They also specialize in anything you can imagine to decorate your home and business. The fine quality furniture is gorgeous, floral arrangements, kitchen ware and even something for the nursery. What are you waiting for? Get your keys and credit card(s)...go to Jonnies!

Weston turns One!

2011-11-18T07:17:00.000-06:00

Weston is a cutie for sure. He loved the red convertible that his sweet nanny (Kristi Bowling) loaned us. We loved it too.

The giant "1" was created by Larry Elder/Wet Paint. Isn't it great? It looked smaller in his shop, but I love how it turned out and so did, mommy, Amber Harris.

Shara & Ryan Plus Two!

2011-11-18T07:03:00.000-06:00

We met Shara and Ryan this year when our other company, Wet Paint painted and decorated their home.
They are the sweetest, funnest, newlyweds. They recently added to the family. Meet Doc Holliday and Boss, English Bulldogs. Aren't they the cutest? I just fell in love with their wrinkly, chubby faces.

We all agreed that Doc needs to go into modeling. He was so funny as he posed for us. Just couldn't get Boss to sit still long enough.

I am going to brag on my favorite second shooter, EVER! Larry, my best friend took this shot. Isn't it great? It is my favorite, so I used it on the Christmas Card here:

Phipps Family Too! Richard, Michelle, Spensor & Jensen

2011-10-23T09:17:00.003-05:00

I had the pleasure of shooting Jensen's Senior photos a couple weeks ago. It was an added delight to meet with the rest of the family. We had a good time hanging around this old barn.

Richard, Michelle, Spensor and Jensen equals good times.

Fun Phipps Family-Clint, Karla, Cydnee, Shelbee

2011-10-23T09:13:00.000-05:00

We had a blast with this family. Poor Clint is just a little bit outnumbered by his three beautiful girls, but he doesn't seem to mind.

I'm thinking some of these shots would be great candidates for a Christmas card.

Tutus N Ties

2011-10-17T06:32:00.001-05:00

Tutus N Ties is our set up/backdrop design theme for November. (and the rest of October, if you wish)
Larry Elder at Wet Paint built and designed this cute set.
Ties can be found here at Petite Peanut Boutique.

Christmas Cards at REP

2011-10-17T06:17:00.000-05:00

Here they are!

Here are some Christmas Card ideas that I am offering this year. Pick one of these or if you have something else in mind, just let me know and I'll create something that represents your family's style.

Classy Curves

Double Fun

Unique Umber

Chevron

Fiddlesticks Farms Photo Sessions

2011-10-17T06:02:00.000-05:00

Since we are still celebrating "Happy Fall Ya'll" you may be interested in this great plan, cooked up by one of my clients.

I have a client that came up with a great idea (Thanks Kristi) to take her kids to Fiddlesticks Farms for a photo session. So....if anybody else is interested, let me know and I'll meet you there.

Full sessions will be $175.00. This includes full 2 hours session, 2-8x10's and 2-5x7's. You can pay here to reserve your spot!

Happy Fall Ya'll Family

2011-10-15T17:30:00.000-05:00

Thanks so much to Sandy, Will and sweet two year old Addysen for coming today. We had a good time. Such a beautiful and sweet couple.

Sandy is a hard working mom and her beautiful smile shines through in every photo. Sweet natured Will was working right along side Larry to distract Addysen from wanting to cling to mommy. I told him I owed him a paycheck. Oh and he's also hard working too, when he's not at our studio!

Addysen Goes Shopping

2011-10-15T17:22:00.000-05:00

Addysen wasn't so sure about all this papparazzi stuff...or rather a photo session, but once she got used to us and comfy in that convertible we got some great smiles. She was so cute when she got the hang of how to drive her little mini caddy. I thought she looked like she was saying, "Hey, anybody want to go shopping?" She was rocking that polka dot tutu.

November Theme - Tutus N Ties
Tutus and Ties is designed by Larry Elder at Wet Paint Decorative Painting. He's the best! He's also what I call the "Larry Factor" because the great shots would not have been possible if it wasn't for him dancing Elmo and Woody on top of my head. Addy just thought that was so funny.

Midland High Senior Rep-Boo McCoy

2011-10-09T09:38:00.000-05:00

Introducing a very nice young man who is now my Senior Representative at Midland High School. Boo McCoy plays football for Midland High, Midland, Texas. He is 17 years old and wears that purple Dawgs uniform with pride. I was so impressed with his gentle West Texas manners. So, if you have a senior who needs info on how to set up your Senior Portfolio, see Boo or his mom Christi McCoy. I'm sure this proud mama would be glad to point you in the right direction.

Custom Design Sets

2011-09-30T07:58:00.008-05:00

Picture this! Your little fella or gal posed by that adorable Pumpkin Topiary. Sign up for your slot at "Happy Fall Ya'll" Mini Sessions on Saturday, Oct 15. It's easy, click on Schedule Appointment on the right. Then go here to pay to hold that spot. The slots will fill up fast so please schedule asap. Thanks!

This set will be available at Happy Fall Ya'll Mini Sessions! Don't ya love it?

Extending a great, big ole, you are the best, love ya girl (and guy), thanks to Blake and Lindi Bridges for providing the most precious, sweetest, darling models ever!

And now the Surpise Ending.... Are you ready?

This set will also be available at Happy Fall Ya'll Mini Session,

Yep that's right, you can get some classic shots of your kiddos at the original

"Tutus N Ties" set up designed by the Elder Team!

Don't ya love it?

So...what are you waiting for? Move that mouse here as quick as possible to save your spot.

Now isn't that easy?

See you Saturday, October 15th!

Happy Fall Ya'll Models - Bridges Kids

2011-09-26T15:37:00.001-05:00

Introducing "Happy Fall Ya'll" models...Bridges Kids. Aren't they cute?

Happy Fall Ya'll Mini Sessions

2011-09-26T15:17:00.002-05:00

Click on "Schedule Apointment" on the right. Times will be from 8:00 am to 12:00 and 1:00 to 7:00 pm. or contact me at
rhondaelderphotography@hotmail.com
432-556-8041

Sign up for Newsletter

2011-09-26T09:25:00.002-05:00

If you would like to receive our newsletter please click on "submit" near the top of this page. Or become a follower and you will receive the newsletter.

Thanks for joining in on the fun. I would appreciate if it you spread the word about this new blog.

Stay in touch with calendar events, sales, Mini Session Dates and New Design Sets. (Designed by Larry and Rhonda Elder from Wet Paint www.thewetpaint.com)

Rhonda Elder Photography has a Blog!

2011-09-25T08:27:00.000-05:00

Who will be first? Who will find this blog? Who will follow my works of art and pieces of life? I look forward to sharing highlights from our photo sessions.

Hope you join us often to see the latest grins, smiles and giggles!