Lightening

There are two things that South Mississippi is well known for...big trees and volatile weather.
The two don't necessarily go well together.  In 2005 we were treated to a lady named Katrina.  The eye of the storm passed directly over us.  Over 100 tornadoes were reported by NOAA over our little town which is located 70 miles inland from the Gulf.  On our place, we lost more than 100 large oaks, pines and hickories, some of which were almost 100 years old.  The storm began pounding us at about 7:00 AM, and 10 hours later it began to slack off a bit.  At 2:00 in the afternoon I decided to go outside to check on the horses in the pasture.  We had moved them away from barns to minimize the danger.  The wind was brutal and the rain was torrential.  I could barely walk through the pasture.  I realized I was tasting the ocean...it was raining salt water.  When I got to the horses, they all had their butts turned to the wind and rain, grazing as if it was just another day.  They had the good sense to be out in the open away from trees and other potential danger.
Which brings me to an observation that I have made many times over the years that I've been breeding horses.  How do they know?

Yesterday we were having another typical Mississippi summer afternoon.  Clouds were gathering from the south and east.  I was sitting on the porch watching the clouds rolling in.  I could smell the rain.  Soon the wind started to blow, and I knew we were in for a big storm.  From where I was sitting, I could see the horses standing under a small grove of pine trees at the far end of one of the pastures.  They were totally unconcerned.  From having watched this same scene many times in the past, I knew that they were aware of the situation, but it was not time to move.  Several minutes more went by and all of a sudden, as if pushed by an unseen hand, they all spun around and began running toward me...away from the trees.  I knew they were headed for the clearing where there are no trees.  They know.  I have provided shelter for them where they can get out of the weather...if they choose.  Most of the time they don't.  If the weather is going to be bad, they want to be out in the open.  Yesterday they headed for the clearing just before the lightening began.  How do they know?

Remember Benji?

Some of you may remember that we sponsored a fundraiser for the Spay/Neuter Clinic.  Our special guest was Joe Camp, who wrote and directed all of the "Benji" movies.  And of course, Benji paid us a visit also.  Just wanted you to know that Joe has written a new book and I guarantee that you will be inspired by this story.  Check it out!

Former Clients

First of all......we are not going out of business!   I know how rumors get started... and when I say what I'm about to say, some will jump to the conclusion that we are going out of business.   Not true.  What we are doing is trying to create some much needed room.  In less than two months, we will be getting our first shipment of Vaughn's new book, "Tell Me about that Horse".  We need every bit of space available.  So, for the next few weeks, we are selling sets of wedding negative and sample portraits.  If you were ever in the mall for display or were one of our wedding clients, please call if you are interested in purchasing the negatives or portraits.   After that, we will be disposing of them!  So, please pass the word and call us!

4th of July

Hope everyone had a great 4th of July!  Many thanks to all of the armed forces that keep our country safe and allow us the freedoms we take for granted. 

Summertime & Seniors

This is going to be a special senior season at VWP.  That's because our daughter, Emily, is a senior at Petal High school this year.  I have to admit that it causes a lump in my throat to know that this is our year for a Senior.  Emily's first session was during our recent vacation to St. Maarten.  I guess there may be more beautiful places on earth, but this is definitely at the top of the list!  

As always, I urge seniors to have their portraits taken early and don't procrastinate.  Depending on the school attended, senior portrait deadlines may be as early as October 1st.

Call now to reserve your special Senior Portrait session and don't forget to ask about our Senior Special on Oil Portraits.

Have a great summer!

They're here!

The wildflowers are in bloom!  Right now we have a mixture of white daisies and yellow tickseed.  I can never tell how long they will remain, since the weather is so unpredictable.  Call and book your wildflower appointment!  The best time of day for these flowers is late afternoon.

3 Days of Kids & Bunnies!

Thanks to everyone who participated in our annual Easter Portrait Special.  It was a fantastic success!  There's nothing like  real bunnies to bring smiles to little faces.  The bunnies were very cooperative and have gone to a great home.  Some of my favorite images are the ones that truly tell the story of our life photographing kids!