It is amazing how much portraits and portrait groupings warm up a room.  Here is a great project we just completed and I wanted to share with you.  This client sent us pictures of her new home so I could design portraits and groupings specifically for the home.  I picked clothing, location, portrait sizes, framing and mats – based upon the colors and design of the home.  This is my favorite type of project – when the client gives me complete creative freedom.  We even offer professional – custom framing and portrait hanging services.  The end result is transformational!  The last image is the view from the couples bedroom.  Can you imagine waking up to that view every morning?

Last Monday I posted a blog about a client and friend of ours that was undergoing breast cancer surgery.  She is 30.  Many of  you tried to email her and the emails came back.  I had the email address incorrect in the original post which has been corrected now.  Here it is again: beverlybarr2@gmail.com

Please take a second and email them both.  I kept every email, card, note and letter from my cancer journey and have them in a note book.  When I am having a challenging day – I still go to these for inspiration.  You really do not know how much a few seconds of your time will mean to them.  Even if it is simple five word email – "I am praying for you!" this will touch them and encourage them by knowing that hundreds of people – even strangers are pulling and praying for them.

Here is an update directly from her husband Dustin:  "Hey guys, we got the pathology report back from the hospital today – Overall I was pleased with the news.  First of all, the report confirmed that the cancer did not spread to the lymph nodes on either side.  So we’re definitely thankful for that.  We also learned that due to the size and the grade of the tumor, it is very likely that she’ll have to undergo Chemotherapy at some point in the near future.  We really won’t be certain about the treatment plan until we have our first appointment with the Oncologist. 
Bev needs to do some recovering before that happens though.  These past 4 days following her surgery have been tough on her, but she’s hanging in there.  She’s been woozy, light-headed, very sore and tender, and has had some bad headaches.  Hopefully over the weekend some of these symptoms will start fading away and she’ll also start eating more. 
Also, I know it’s always an awkward situation when someone’s in bad shape and you think, "If i visit them, i’ll be a burden, but if I don’t visit them, they’ll think i’m a bad friend."  So I’ll make it easy for you (at least for the next few days) – give Bev some air until i send out an email giving you the ok that she’s up for visitors.  It means a lot whenever anyone offers to sacrifice their time and come over, but right now she needs uninterrupted rest all day every day until she gets better.
Finally, even though she’s had to give the computer a break for a couple of days because reading worsened her symptoms, Bev has not been deterred from enjoying all of her email and regular mail and all the other cool stuff that’s being sent.  So thanks again, all of you."  Her email again is: beverlybarr2@gmail.com

  I remember the first day Beverly and Dustin walked into our church.  They were both tall – so they stood out.  In addition, they were young, vibrant and so full of life.  The recent newlyweds had both just finished law school and had located to Statesboro where they both accepted jobs.  Bev is a staff attorney in the Superior Court of Bulloch County and Dustin is at a law firm in Savannah.  We got to know them better through a life group which met weekly at our church.

A few weeks ago, after finding a lump on her breast Bev received the most terrifying news a woman could ever hear – "you have breast cancer."  With the faith of Abraham and the due diligence of Perry Mason – these two have tackled this bump in the road as aggressively as anyone I have known to go through this.

I had the opportunity to photograph Bev and Dustin and Bev’s siblings last week.  They have all come to town to support them.  After photographing the family they all left to give us some time alone.  Just before I left – I asked Dustin to share with Bev what made her so special that he knew she was the one and then tell her why he would do it all over again.  You will see from the collage of images – the reasons must have been pretty compelling.

I ask you to join me in praying for this beautiful, talented, faithful couple today.  30 is much to young to be going through this.  I do know that prayer works!  One of the most incredible sources of strength I received during my journey of fighting cancer – was the emails, notes and letters from absolute strangers who told me that their Sunday school class, church, etc. was praying for me.  Today is the 6th anniversary of my last cancer surgery – I was 33.  Like me – I know God has an incredible plan for this wonderful couple.  Pray for healing and strength to keep an open heart and mind so soon they will discover the reason for this medical challenge and how God will use them through this to touch so many people in unimaginable ways.

Bev has allowed me to place her email address here and I know she would love to hear from you today – even if it is only FIVE words…"I AM PRAYING FOR YOU!"  It will mean so much to them!

Email her and Dustin at:    beverlybarr2@gmail.com

My first Strasburg Children Savannah session in Forsyth Park this week was with an adorable and very special little guy.  I have photographed his parents since they arrived in Savannah just after they were married.  They had a long journey working with Savannah fertility specialist Dr. Lawrence Odom to bring their special little boy into the world.  Read their story on my blog here.  

Easter Sunday Ann Hart wrote a wonderful story about Stefanie and Sean.  Read it here.

I have put together a slide show from their sessions throughout the baby’s first year and beyond.  Yes – mom shared the news with dad that they were expecting in my studio.  It remain’s one of the most emotional and special sessions I have photographed.

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If your expecting or already have a precious baby – contact us today and learn about the Lori Grice difference in documenting this incredible first year in a creative and artistic way.  Few images will be more special than your expecting images and your baby’s first year.

I predict some of you are going to be very pleasantly surprised this Valentine when you open your “LOVE PROOF” (a gift certain to prove your love) Valentine gift.  Our For Your Valentine promotion was another SELL OUT! This ensures that many of you are going to have a special Valentine.  This couple wanted to celebrate by creating some “love proof” images they will both cherish forever.  What a GREAT Valentine gift to each other! 

Think this would be a great Valentine gift for you or for your special Valentine?  Give them a gift certificate for a “For Your Valentine” package.  We have extended this promotion because it sold out so quickly that many of you missed this phenomenal opportunity.   These will be for gift certificate purchases only.  Your session will be scheduled in the next two weeks.

Can you tell this little man enjoys airplanes?  He is holding a model of his Grand dad’s airplane.  Dad is taking flying lessons so he hears lots about airplanes.  We had a great session exploring with him.  It is amazing what you can see if you are patient.  While he was taking a little “refueling” break – mom and dad snuck in for a few.  It has been fun watching him grow.  I know before long he will be piloting his own private jet.  Who knows – maybe he will be flying Air Force One in a year or two. 

Keep reaching for the sky!

If you ride by the studio you will see a beautiful gallery wrapped canvas portrait of the airplane image in the window.

By: Randy and Linda Powell-Jones – Statesboro

Linda and I would like to thank you Lori for one of the most memorable experiences we have ever shared together; visiting your studio and working with you, DeWayne and your staff.  What a wonderful time we had!  Discussing your art, developing our idea of what we wanted in our portraits and then watching the synthesis of our dreams and your talent generate a wonderful collaboration of creative energy in your organization was both marvelous and fascinating!  What fun and joy!

Lori, your designation as “Master Photographer” not only sets you apart far and above other photographers, I believe it is recognition of the quality of work that you and your studio are producing; it is recognition that you have not only honed the technical complexities of your profession but have also mastered the ability to create a “Work of Art.”

Your ability to take an ordinary Joe like me and see how best to photographically define and accentuate the characteristics that are my best is well – I am grateful! (I never looked better!)  You are indeed a “Master Photographer!”  And Linda, in my opinion is the most beautiful woman.  You have captured her beauty and made it timeless.  Thanks again.  The portrait of our granddaughter Jenna is perfect also.  Now she brings a lot to a photographic session, (including a 2 year old’s boundless energy).  Your patience and remarkable abilities again “came to the fore,” her portrait is treasured; thank you three times more!

Lori Grice and Company, you have all given Linda, our family and me a very special gift, talent and a special kindness.  We appreciate all that you have done for us.  The business portion of our experience together was efficient and satisfying.  To anyone wanting to work with you I would commend them to your professionalism and courtesy and ability to immediately make a customer feel at ease.  These are all qualities that are not physically seen but do positively affect the “bottom line.”  In a way each of the Lori Grice employees are also “Masters.”

As I finish this letter I once again look at our portrait.  We never looked better!  We are in love and it shows!  Our hobby is ballroom dancing and that passion too is captured in our pose.  Although I was not called for duty in Iraq, at the time we were in your studio, I was awaiting orders and was expected to be “out of the country” very soon.  That “tension” between a soldier and his wife and the volumes it speaks within our portrait is also evidence of your skill as a “Master photographer.”

Linda and I hope to continue our relationship with you and DeWayne.  We enjoyed our brief time together and look forward to the time when we all get to meet again.  I hope I haven’t worn these words out – Thank You!

Randy and Linda Powell-Jones

By: Dr. Michael Guido – Metter

We are so excited, Lori, over the portraits you took of Audrey and I in our garden. Never did I dream any one could do what you have done. I was astounded, but I shouldn’t have been because you are so brilliantly skillful.  Thank you for taking such a wonderful picture that made Audrey and me look good.  Every one who comes into the studio loves it.  Each person asks who took it.  We rejoice in telling them about you – the best photographer in the south!  God bless you, Lori.

Praying,

Dr. Michael Guido