Images by Donna U: Blog https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog en-us (C) Images by Donna U [email protected] (Images by Donna U) Wed, 11 Jan 2023 21:39:00 GMT Wed, 11 Jan 2023 21:39:00 GMT https://imagesbydonnau.com/img/s/v-12/u670579939-o190204023-50.jpg Images by Donna U: Blog https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog 96 120 It has been a minute. https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2023/1/it-has-been-a-minute

Life just keeps happening and time flies by before we know it. I wanted to let everyone know that I have added a few new products to the Fine Art Menagerie gallery. I recently rekindled my love of pencil sketching. So, I would like to share those with all of you. I am using an 11x14 sketch pad so all the prints are formatted for that size. They will work in some other sizes and you will be able to see if there are blank areas once your selection is in the shopping cart if you choose something other than 11x14. All prints are photos of my original sketches. I hope you enjoy viewing these prints drawn straight from my heart.

 

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[email protected] (Images by Donna U) nature pencil photography sketch https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2023/1/it-has-been-a-minute Wed, 11 Jan 2023 21:38:25 GMT
Street Photography Update https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2022/5/street-photography-update It seems I have been a bit remiss in my blog posting for a few years.  I will attempt to rectify that situation starting with this update.  While my camera continues to be my constant companion, this one night I left it home in order to concentrate on my 24th wedding anniversary.  After an amazing meal my husband and I decided to stroll down the street in the city before heading back home.  A homeless man drew our attention at the fountain with his guitar so we stopped to listen and have a chat with him and his companion.  This is an area that I had taken photos of homeless before so it brought back long ago memories. Mr. Rodney Winters is the guitarist and his friend is Uncle Steve. While Rodney was more a newcomer to the scene, Steve was actually on these streets years ago when I took photos you will find in my street photography album.  Somehow I didn't see him at that time.  Steve was able to update me on some of the men I had photographed which was very interesting and sad all together as one passed away in an abandoned house fire and another had acquired an art teacher position at the local university and now has an apartment. I couldn't help but want to add him and Rodney to my street photography album so took these images with my phone.  God bless and keep these gentleman safe.  

Rodney Winters Uncle SteveUncle Steve

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[email protected] (Images by Donna U) Alabama guitar homeless Photography portrait Street https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2022/5/street-photography-update Tue, 24 May 2022 01:22:12 GMT
Business Portraits https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2015/5/business-portraits I had the pleasure of shooting a business portrait for the VP of Programming on Momentum's Board of Directors to be published on the organization's website. The link below is the article with the final choice portrait. 

http://momentumleaders.org/face-time-with-cara-ross.php

 

Below is another version of the portrait taken during our session. 

 

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[email protected] (Images by Donna U) business portrait corporate headshot office portrait https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2015/5/business-portraits Sun, 03 May 2015 13:25:56 GMT
Just Like Mommy https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2015/3/just-like-mommy I have been working for a while now on a couple of new photo projects and was able to complete one of my favorites today. I am now offering a photo session for young mothers and their 4 to 7 year old daughters called "Just Like Mommy". Here are a couple examples of my first shoot. This mother and daughter were a joy to work with and I am well pleased with the end results. Little Elena plans to wear her mother's dress when she gets married so it is even more special for them to have these photos. If you would like to create very precious memories to pass down for generations please contact me to book a session. 

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[email protected] (Images by Donna U) daughter memories mother photography portrait wedding dress white dress https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2015/3/just-like-mommy Mon, 09 Mar 2015 00:27:19 GMT
Unexpected views of my artwork https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2015/1/views-of-my-artwork Ever so often I will do a search online to see if any of my images are being posted without permission. It is something photographers have to do in the age of digital images and copyright infringement. I usually skim right through with no finds which is a good thing. Today I did find one of my images but it was not stolen. It was actually a photograph taken of one of my photographs that was on display at the Gadsden Museum of Art Photographers Exhibition in May of last year. The blogger used his photo of my artwork in his blog. I am thrilled to see my work is being viewed and discussed out there in the cyber world beyond my websites in a good way. 

http://drivingforapurpose.blogspot.com/2014/05/my-ferris-buellers-day-off-experiences.html

 

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[email protected] (Images by Donna U) Alabama model photography portrait https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2015/1/views-of-my-artwork Fri, 02 Jan 2015 16:28:50 GMT
Oil Canvas Portraits https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2014/9/oil-canvas-portraits I have been quite busy lately honing a new skill to offer my artistic clients. I am in the process of offering digital images of clients original oil canvases to be used to create prints and other creative art items. 

Recently I had the pleasure of photographing this gorgeous 30x40 oil on canvas sea turtle created by Pam Willingham, a local artist who is based out of Shop Around the Corner in Cullman, Alabama http://www.theartshoparoundthecorneral.com/. She is selling 24x30 prints of the original oil that found an owner very quickly. 

I look forward to helping you create prints of your own art work. 

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[email protected] (Images by Donna U) (oil (water blue bubbles) canvas canvas) green ocean oil photograph photography portrait prints reptile sea shell turtle https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2014/9/oil-canvas-portraits Tue, 30 Sep 2014 20:10:18 GMT
Wet Plate Collodion Photography https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2014/7/wet-plate-collodion-photography Old photographs have always interested me and I love that digital photography allows me to experiment with the different types of old camera processing. Wet Plate Collodion has drawn my interest for a long while now so I have been playing with some of my portraits to create my version. Here is a link to a an interview with Daniel Carrilo, a photographer that does great Collodion photography.

http://www.kehblog.com/2011/08/interview-with-wet-plate-collodion.html

Below is one of my digital photos I processed to imitate the old photo look. 

Wet Plate Collodion Processing

 

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[email protected] (Images by Donna U) collodion old photography wet plate https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2014/7/wet-plate-collodion-photography Sun, 27 Jul 2014 13:45:16 GMT
Honey Moon https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2014/6/honey-moon Last night was a Honey Moon. We had lots of clouds and I thought I wouldn't get a chance to see it. But fortunately I was up at midnight when the sky was brilliant and clear. The moon had become officially full fifty minutes earlier. I have to admit it was beautiful with its amber color. 

 

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[email protected] (Images by Donna U) amber full honey moon midnight moon night https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2014/6/honey-moon Sat, 14 Jun 2014 12:30:14 GMT
Garrett https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2014/6/garrett Garrett was born on May 16th and I had the honor of shooting his newborn photos with his mom and dad. He is such an angel of a baby that just hung out and slept the majority of the session which made for some adorable photos. Thank you to Christian and Aaron for allowing me to capture your memories of the new addition to your sweet family. 

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[email protected] (Images by Donna U) Alabama baby boy newborn photography portrait https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2014/6/garrett Mon, 02 Jun 2014 00:35:08 GMT
Award Winning Photograph https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2014/5/award-winning-photograph I entered some photographs in the Photographers Exhibition at the Gadsden Museum of Art and placed with one of them. I am thrilled with the award and the fact that my work hangs on the museum walls for all to see from May 12th to June 16th. 

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[email protected] (Images by Donna U) award museum mute swan pond swan water fowl https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2014/5/award-winning-photograph Tue, 20 May 2014 23:04:01 GMT
Distinguished Young Women of St. Clair County https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2014/4/distinguished-young-women-of-st-clair-county I have the great honor of being chosen as the photographer for the 2015 Distinguished Young Women of St. Clair County program. Distinguished Young Women is the oldest national scholarship program for high school girls.  Saturday morning I met them and took their photographs for the head shots that will be used in the Program's publications, website and newspaper articles. They were all a delight to work with. Thank you for allowing me to have a part in helping you realize your dreams. 

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[email protected] (Images by Donna U) . Alabama alabama distinguished young women high school photography portrait scholarship st clair county teen https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2014/4/distinguished-young-women-of-st-clair-county Tue, 22 Apr 2014 21:49:57 GMT
James and Renea https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2014/4/james-and-renea What a wonderful time I had this weekend working with our Pastor and his fiance on their engagement shoot. We traveled to the most beautiful campus in the world for background and spent the day enjoying each others company as well as getting great shots for their engagement. Thank you for allowing me to document this special time in your lives. 

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[email protected] (Images by Donna U) Berry College castle couple engagement love photography portrait romance wedding https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2014/4/james-and-renea Thu, 10 Apr 2014 14:56:35 GMT
Wendy's Warriors https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2014/1/wendys-warriors I had the opportunity to participate in a modeling camp for a great cause this month. A local resident is battling cancer and the camp was created to help support her needs. I gained new friends in fellow photographers I met there as well as the awesome sweet ladies that were having their photos done and their families. I am so grateful I had this opportunity to help someone in need while providing portfolio needs for aspiring models. 

Please meet some of Wendy's Warriors. 

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[email protected] (Images by Donna U) benefit child model teen https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2014/1/wendys-warriors Mon, 11 Nov 2013 23:30:00 GMT
Adriana https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2013/10/adriana This morning's session was with a delightful 12 year old named Adriana. She is a jewel to work with and lots of fun. Her smile is beautiful and so infectious. The day was gorgeous with blue skies and a light breeze that added to a most wonderful session. Thanks to her mother and grandmother for allowing me the honor of photographing Adriana. 

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[email protected] (Images by Donna U) alabama child children gadsden location on photography portrait https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2013/10/adriana Sun, 06 Oct 2013 01:14:25 GMT
One more model post https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2013/9/one-more-model-post Ashley was a pure joy to work with. 

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[email protected] (Images by Donna U) Alabama model photography portrait https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2013/9/one-more-model-post Sun, 21 Jul 2013 01:15:00 GMT
More on the Noccalula Falls Model shoot https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2013/9/more-on-the-noccalula-falls-model-shoot There were so many amazing models on this day. Please check out my website gallery under models to see them all. Here are Dorothy and Noah. I look forward to shooting with them again soon. 

 

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[email protected] (Images by Donna U) Alabama fall model photography portrait tattoo https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2013/9/more-on-the-noccalula-falls-model-shoot Sun, 21 Jul 2013 01:15:00 GMT
Model Shoot https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2013/9/model-shoot A day long model shoot at Noccalula Falls Park in Gadsden, Alabama was lots of work and loads of fun. Daleon was a superb subject and such a nice guy. 

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[email protected] (Images by Donna U) Alabama fall model muscle photography https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2013/9/model-shoot Sun, 21 Jul 2013 01:00:00 GMT
One more of the model shoot https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2013/5/one-more-of-the-model-shoot Here is Jasmine. She was a great sport during the shoot. This is the last blog post on the shoot but I will have many of the photos on the website soon. Until then you can visit my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ImagesbyDonnaU  to see more. 

 

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[email protected] (Images by Donna U) motorcycle pink soft white https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2013/5/one-more-of-the-model-shoot Sat, 27 Apr 2013 16:00:00 GMT
More on the Model Session https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2013/5/more-on-the-model-session Another model that was a joy to work with. Check out Courtney Nicole's model page https://www.facebook.com/CourtneyNichole.Model

 

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[email protected] (Images by Donna U) headshot model portrait white https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2013/5/more-on-the-model-session Sat, 27 Apr 2013 15:15:00 GMT
Model Session https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2013/5/models-and-more-models I had the opportunity to shoot several models today in a four hour long session. We had a great time and I left the event with many new friends. Thank you all for a fabulous time. Here are three examples from the session with Rachel Alane. 


 

 

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[email protected] (Images by Donna U) model outside portrait https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2013/5/models-and-more-models Sat, 27 Apr 2013 15:00:00 GMT
Rock a bye baby https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2013/3/rock-a-bye-baby Welcome to the world Luke Adam Griffith. What a joy it was to have the honor of photographing him in his first official photo session. That first week of life is so sweet and precious. 

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[email protected] (Images by Donna U) antique baby boy newborn photograph satin sepia https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2013/3/rock-a-bye-baby Fri, 29 Mar 2013 00:21:08 GMT
Spring is Here! https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2013/3/spring-is-here I just realized the last blog post I made was on the day I managed to fall on ice and break a vertebra. I have been pretty much house bound since that day dealing with healing enough to move about and yet I was still yearning to get outside with camera in hand. I am nearing the end of my healing process and today is a beautiful day so I went searching the confines of my yard for signs of spring. I am so looking forward to gorgeous warm weather with lots of booking opportunities to preserve your memories. For now I have to be content with what I can find here at home to photograph and I was not disappointed. There are so many flowers and trees starting to bloom. I will be mobile by first of April so don't forget to book your spring photos now. 

 

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[email protected] (Images by Donna U) Alabama photography purple ground cover spring yellow bells https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2013/3/spring-is-here Sun, 10 Mar 2013 21:54:03 GMT
Home on the Range https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2013/1/home-on-the-range There is something special about living in a rural area. Seeing stars stretch into infinity at night for lack of street lights is one of those special times. Then there is the beautiful natural scenery that abounds at every turn during the day. Add to that scenery the magnificence of storm clouds battling for dominance with sun rays and the result is absolutely stunning. 

 

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[email protected] (Images by Donna U) clouds pasture ranch storm https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2013/1/home-on-the-range Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:22:53 GMT
Window to the Soul https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2012/12/window-to-the-soul The eyes are said to be the windows to the soul. There is so much emotion seen there and so many memories the eyes capture in a lifetime. I had a great time shooting a glamour session for this client. Thank you for giving me this opportunity.  

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[email protected] (Images by Donna U) eyes glamour people photography https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2012/12/window-to-the-soul Fri, 14 Dec 2012 16:31:00 GMT
Rails and Bales https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2012/9/rails-and-bales The lonesome sound of a steam engine train whistle and the rhythmic movements of the wheels moving along the rails are only distant memories now replaced with the impersonal massive freight trains of the present. But every time I come near a train track those memories are awakened deep inside. Add a field of symmetrical large hay bales freshly harvested and it warms my soul. These two things are sure to make me smile and together I feel they make a perfect photograph. 

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[email protected] (Images by Donna U) fall hay photography rails rural https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2012/9/rails-and-bales Sun, 16 Sep 2012 03:38:00 GMT
Fall Has Arrived https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2012/9/fall-has-arrived There is no mistake Fall has indeed arrived. Signs are everywhere. Even though the temperatures continue to remain in the 80's there is no denying it. One of those signs is persimmons hanging heavy in their branches just waiting for that first frost that will help push them to turn bright harvest orange and drop to the ground providing some of the best, sweet fruit that can be found in the south this time of year. 

I have always been drawn to wild flowers more than domesticated hot house flowers. Wild Hydrangeas that grow profusely in this area are a great favorite. Another undeniable sign of fall comes from these gorgeous graceful plants. Even when the blooms have withered in preparation for winter's rest, they are still glorious in their lacy brown attire. 

 

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[email protected] (Images by Donna U) fall hydrangea persimmons https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2012/9/fall-has-arrived Sun, 16 Sep 2012 03:19:20 GMT
Early Rising https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2012/7/early-rising There is something to be said for being an early riser. Especially when I look out the doors to our deck and see glorious colors like these in the predawn sky. Times like this make me thankful for the opportunity to capture even a tiny part of of all the beauty in the world with my camera to share with others.

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[email protected] (Images by Donna U) fishing morning river sunrise https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2012/7/early-rising Thu, 19 Jul 2012 23:22:05 GMT
Vintage Rose https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2012/7/vintage-rose Beauty can be found in the most unusual places and circumstances if time is taken to look closely at the world we live in. We have had record drought here in the deep south for several months. With our busy lives I have not thought to check on the miniature rose shrub on our fully exposed second story deck.....until this week. The drought took its toll on the poor shrub reducing it to nothing but dried brittleness. Yet the blooms were still hanging on as strongly as ever, dried in their perfectness as if intentionally by a florist or herbalist. Even in death the little shrub shares its beauty. This portrait of a vintage rose will be printed and placed on a wall in our home as a reminder of the beauty found in the fast paced world we live in.

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[email protected] (Images by Donna U) red rose vintage https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2012/7/vintage-rose Wed, 11 Jul 2012 23:00:00 GMT
Announcing - New Branding https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2012/7/announcing---new-branding After many many months the branding for my website, Facebook and press items has come to completion. They have all taken on a completely new look. I completed the branding creation and am slowly implementing it into all faucets of Images by Donna U. There will be new business cards and price brochures as soon as they are shipped from the printer. The new brand conveys my style and shows how I view photography: natural, relaxed, cherished.

I want to sincerely thank Phillip Moore and Natosha Ledbetter (see links below for their websites) for their huge contributions to the new branding. Phillip created the gorgeous perfect tire swing graphic for my logo from a photograph of a tree I had taken a couple years ago. Natosha designed the website and press theme from my random thoughts of things and colors I love, then set the theme up on the website. If you are in need of graphic arts or web/business card designs send them a message. I am sure you will not be disappointed.

http://www.pmmoore.com

http://www.nathanandnatosha.com/

 

 

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[email protected] (Images by Donna U) design graphic https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2012/7/announcing---new-branding Sat, 07 Jul 2012 01:59:11 GMT
In Search of Beauty https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2012/6/in-search-of-beauty One of my all time favorite things to do is grab my camera and take off through a wooded trail. I love wild flowers and this is the time of year they are abundant all around us. While walking a trail at Camp Sumatanga in Gallant, Alabama, I came upon several of my favorite wild flowers. Black-eyed Susan's and Wild Hydrangeas covered the mountain trail and to my surprise the Hydrangeas were a pink shade this year.

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[email protected] (Images by Donna U) hydrangea trail wild flower https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2012/6/in-search-of-beauty Sun, 03 Jun 2012 02:04:32 GMT
ADAY Project https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2012/5/aday-project May 15th, 2012 was the day set for a world wide photography event. Photographers from around the world took photos that mean something to them in their daily lives on that day and uploaded them to a website that would save them for future research and inspiration. Some will even be chosen to be included in a book, but all will be saved forever. It was exciting to be a part of that event. I have a heart for things that are passing away never to be seen again so I concentrated on old structures in my community for my contribution.

Here is a link to my contribution: http://www.aday.org/profile/26138

 

 

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[email protected] (Images by Donna U) ADAY abandoned old rustic https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2012/5/aday-project Wed, 16 May 2012 16:00:00 GMT
Mothers Day Special - Bentley and Camden https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2012/5/mothers-day-special---bentley-and-camden What can I say about these two precious bundles of sweetness. Bentley and Camden are an adorable set of twins I had the honor of photographing on Mothers Day this year. What better way to enjoy a day dedicated to mothers than enjoying the company of this family with their new pride and joys. The challenge was attempting to get the two of them awake or asleep at the same time. But one thing you learn real fast when photographing newborns is that they run the show and I think they did a superb job of it.

 

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[email protected] (Images by Donna U) boys mothers day newborn twins https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2012/5/mothers-day-special---bentley-and-camden Mon, 14 May 2012 20:30:00 GMT
Dolores Hydock - Storyteller and Actress https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2012/5/dolores-hydock---storyteller-and-actress Wednesday I had the honor of photographing Dolores Hydock during one of her speaking engagements. She is a delightful entertainer that is well worth the visit to any event where she speaks. My task was to create action candid photos for her website and head shots for publication flyers of her speaking events. You can visit her website here: http://www.storypower.org/

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[email protected] (Images by Donna U) Dolores Hydock actress storyteller https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2012/5/dolores-hydock---storyteller-and-actress Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:15:00 GMT
View of a City https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2012/5/view-of-a-city It has been years since I truly visited the city of my birth. I decided to take a day for myself, camera in hand and slowly digest what has become of places in Birmingham, Alabama long ago familiar to me as I captured the essence of the city in photographs. So much has changed, yet stayed the same. The old buildings still exist though they house new businesses. The parks are there still giving refuge to homeless and business men alike yet there are recent memorials in some now marking events from years past. There is a new park named Railroad Park in the heart of the city that thrives with visitors from all lifestyles while sporting a large lake teaming with wildlife and edged in beautiful flowers. You can almost feel the heartbeat of the city as it struggles to regain the beauty and energy it once had in years gone by. For me the day was a trip down memory lane and a reaching out to the city I once called home.

 

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[email protected] (Images by Donna U) Alabama Birmingham homeless images park photography railroad railroad park street https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2012/5/view-of-a-city Fri, 06 Apr 2012 06:15:00 GMT
Hey Jerry, Play me some of those "boogie" tunes! https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2012/5/hey-jerry-play-me-some-of-those-boogie-tunes Being fortunate to live near the beautiful quaint city of Gadsden, Alabama I have been granted the good fortune to meet and chat with Jerry "Boogie" McCain, an internationally known singer/song writer and amazing harmonica player. Local to Gadsden, he could often be found at the "First Friday" events in the downtown area always playing, dancing and singing to entertain the crowds. I would sit for hours watching him perform and was able to photograph him during his performances. I often stated I hoped I was as agile as he was when I reached 80 years old.

 

Wednesday, Boogie left this world at the age of 81 years old after three weeks in hospital. It pains me to know I will never hear his harmonica humming or his bluesy mellow voice singing his "boogie" tunes again on this earth. But maybe..... if I listen real close...... I can hear the party going on in the Heavens above as Boogie entertains the angels gliding across the firmaments playing his mouth harp like no one else on earth ever could or will again.

 

Jerry "Boogie" McCain Jerry "Boogie" McCain

 

Rest in peace                      

Jerry "Boogie" McCain

June 19, 1930 - March 28, 2012

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[email protected] (Images by Donna U) boogie mccain harmonica https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2012/5/hey-jerry-play-me-some-of-those-boogie-tunes Fri, 30 Mar 2012 04:30:00 GMT
School Pageant https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2012/5/school-pageant School Pageant time is here and some of the girls needed head shots. So I had a handful of laughing teasing preteen and teen girls in house and that always points to a fun photography session. One of the girl's brother came along and gave a helping hand with backdrops and lighting. He was a great help to me so I had to get some shots of him as well.

 

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[email protected] (Images by Donna U) pageant preteen school teen https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2012/5/school-pageant Sun, 26 Feb 2012 23:15:00 GMT
Small Town Girls https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2012/5/small-town-girls Small southern towns are known for their hidden treasures and the town of Gadsden, Alabama has their share. Two of those treasures are Heather and Christina. We took a stroll through the historic district for a photo shoot that was fun, relaxed and very productive.

 

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[email protected] (Images by Donna U) Alabama Gadsden fashion girls glamore photography small town https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2012/5/small-town-girls Sun, 01 Jan 2012 21:45:00 GMT
Old Hippie https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2012/5/old-hippie We were out getting a coffee at the local coffee shop yesterday when I snapped this shot. Once downloaded, it screamed Black and white and then I kept hearing an old song in my head.

My husband is a Vietnam vet that indeed went to Vietnam for his senior trip. He really identifies with the Bellamy Brothers Song and dubbed himself ages ago the old hippie. Sometimes he gets a far off look in his eyes. His expression and demeanor in this photo tells the story of that song.

He turned 35 last Sunday
In his hair he found some gray
But he still ain't changed his lifestyle
He likes it better the old way.

So he grows a little garden
In the backyard by the fence
He's consuming what he's growing
Nowadays in self defense
He gets out there in the twilight zone
Sometimes when it just don't make no sense.

He gets off on country music
'Cause disco left him cold
And he's got young friends and a new way
But he's just to frickin old.

And he dreams at night of Woodstock
And the day John Lennon died
How the music made him happy
And the silence made him cry
Yeah, he thinks of John sometimes
And he has to wonder why.

He was sure back in the sixties
That everyone was hip
Then they sent him off to Vietnam
On his senior trip.

And they forced him to become a man
While he was still a boy
And behind each wave of tragedy
He waited for the joy
Now this world may change around him
But he just can't change no more.

Well, he stays away a lot now
From the parties and the clubs
And he's thinking while he's jogging round
Sure is glad he quit the hard drugs.

'Cause him and his kind
Get more endangered everyday
And pretty soon the species
Will just up and fade away
Like the smoke from that torpedo
Just up and fade away.

'Cause he's an old hippie
And he don't know what to do
Should he hang on to the old
Should he grab on to the new.

He's an old hippie
This new life is just a bust
He ain't trying to change nobody
He's just trying real hard to adjust.

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[email protected] (Images by Donna U) Black and White Vietnam old hippie war https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2012/5/old-hippie Mon, 07 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT
Natures Will https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2012/5/natures-will There is no where I would rather be than in the woods walking a trail at any given time. My most favorite local place to hike is Desoto State Park in Fort Payne, Alabama and the surrounding area. On October 29 last weekend I went there with my husband and friends to see the changing of the leaf color and was not disappointed. This gorgeous view can be found on a small trail off the road leading to Desoto Falls.

 

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[email protected] (Images by Donna U) Alabama color fall orange photography trees yellow https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2012/5/natures-will Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:15:00 GMT
Little Princess https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2012/5/little-princess I had a request from a mother to create a Fairytale land for a photo session with her son and daughter. This was one of the most fun shoots I have done. The little princess Abby Kate and her protective brother Blake.

 

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[email protected] (Images by Donna U) brother fairytale princess https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2012/5/little-princess Tue, 28 Jun 2011 02:00:00 GMT
Childhood and Cotton https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2012/5/childhood-and-cotton The south is known for its cotton fields and Alabama has it's share. I got to experience them through the eyes of a child when a grandmother told me her granddaughter wanted to have her photograph taken in a cotton field. It was an extremely hot and muggy mid day but that was soon forgotten when we entered the field of white. Watching this sweet innocent child excitedly picking cotton with her eyes wide in amazement at the unexpected softness thrilled me. Jordyn was a joy and a delight to work with.

 

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[email protected] (Images by Donna U) alabama child cotton field photography white https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2012/5/childhood-and-cotton Sat, 25 Sep 2010 19:00:00 GMT
Foggy Morn https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2012/5/foggy-morn There is something special about the times considered the golden hours in photography. Those early morning or just before sunset minutes when everything slows down and you can almost hear the earth sighing. It is a beautiful time that makes for stunning photographs. I was fortunate enough to capture those fleeting moments in the early morning sunrise on the Coosa River.

 

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[email protected] (Images by Donna U) golden golden hour river sunrise water https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2012/5/foggy-morn Sun, 18 Apr 2010 02:45:00 GMT
Medicine Man https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2012/5/medicine-man One of the many small towns that dot this area hosts a Trade Day event every weekend. In a wide open area filled with booths people come to sell their wares. Walking through the crowded lanes I saw this gentleman selling dream catchers and other Indian items. I noticed his weathered face with the clear blue eyes and had to attempt capturing a photo.

 

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[email protected] (Images by Donna U) Indian dream catcher fair feathers medicine man https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2012/5/medicine-man Sun, 11 Apr 2010 02:45:00 GMT
Cloudland https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2009/10/cloudland If ever given the chance, take a trip to Cloudland, Georgia. The view at the bottom of the canyon takes a bit of a workout to see with over one hundred wooden stairs to climb down. But the view of these magnificent falls makes the trip so worth it. October 2009 is an extremely good month for this trip since the water is at one of it's highest points. Sitting listening to the roar and power of the falls while being refreshed by the cool mist that falls like rain gave me time to reflect and stand in awe of this amazing world we live in. 

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[email protected] (Images by Donna U) Georgia mist photography trees water fall woods https://imagesbydonnau.com/blog/2009/10/cloudland Fri, 16 Oct 2009 22:30:00 GMT