Habitat Cracker Hoedown

Indian River Habitat for Humanity held its annual Habitat Cracker Hoedown on Saturday night at Riverside Park. Supporters attending the event had fun dressing in their finest cowboy attire, playing carnival games, eating BBQ, and having an old-fashioned good time. For those brave enough, there was even a mechanical bull to ride! (No, Scott did not take a turn riding on the bull!)

Under the "BIG TOP"

Philip Homan and Kristin Lee
Kris Gault and Elizabeth Stegenga
Jennifer and Charles Croom
Vinnie & Diane Parentela with Lindsay Candler and Ray Comparetta
Jessica Schmitt (sitting next to T-Bird car before drawing)
Steve Thurlo (NOT!!....riding the bull)

We were honored to have photographed this fundraising event for such a worthwhile organization. Funds raised at the evening’s event go to support Habitat for Humanity, which has built more than 300,000 houses in more than 3,000 communities and 90 countries. Since the construction of the first house in Gifford in 1992, the Indian River County affiliate has built more 225 homes throughout the county from Fellsmere to Oslo Park.

Check out the photos of the festivities and see if you can recognize anyone under those Stetsons!

TO SEE ALL OF THE PHOTOS FROM THE EVENING VISIT: www.islandimagesestore.com/events

Samaritan Center Soup Bowl Day

Months of preparation and planning all came together on Thursday, November 5th across Indian River County as the community gathered for a day of compassion, giving and simplicity all for one common goal, to benefit the homeless. This was the 17th year for the annual Samaritan Center Soup Bowl Day fundraising event, where people of all ages, backgrounds, and vocations gathered together in their homes, area businesses, as well as churches to share a simple meal of soup, bread and water. Each meal was provided with a minimum donation of $5.00 to the Samaritan Center, a local transitional shelter for homeless families with dependent children.

Just a few of the masterpieces created by the potters!!

Breaking Bread together

After being introduced to this unique fundraiser last year, we were excited to do what we could to help out this year. Beginning in September, Scott has been documenting every aspect of the preparation and execution of this event through photography. Starting with each stage in the process the 17 talented potters went through to make the over 800 handcrafted bowls especially for this event, the chefs making the soup, distribution of the soup, as well as the actual soup day activities.

Some tools of the trade

Chef Kevin Deaney from First United Methodist

Janice and Scott Reynolds enjoying soup at Christ by the Sea

Benjamin Poore at Community Church

Beautiful Dining area at Community Church

Donna Vernon at Tea and Chi

Rikki, Kim and Dale Klaus at First Methodist Church

Our goal for 2010 is to put this pictorial together in a book for the Samaritan Center to help raise awareness for their organization.

Boutique Bridal & Party Lovers Weekend

Wow – what a weekend! First class fashions, creative designs and décor, a variety of entertainment, exquisite dining, and decadent desserts all in a beautiful tropical paradise! We were honored to take part as the event photographer for The Boutique Bridal & Party Lovers Weekend hosted by The Caribbean Court Boutique Hotel, their Maison Martinique Restaurant and Havana Nights Piano Bar on South Ocean Drive in Vero Beach. During this unique three-day event, guests were able to visit with wedding and event experts who offer services every bride or party planner could possibly need, including culinary, cosmetic, decorative, design, fashion, imagery, venue, gifts, entertainment and everything in between, all under an elegant party tent provided by Premier Party Rentals.

www.chsfl.org

What makes this showcase weekend even more remarkable is that a portion of the proceeds of the event will benefit Children’s Home Society of Florida, which is the oldest and largest statewide private not-for-profit organization that provides services designed to protect children and to strengthen and build families. A few of their services include adoptions, residential home care, transitional living, mentoring, parenting education, foster care, and counseling.

In addition to the weekend showcase, each day of the event gave guests a chance to experience some of the services offered by the vendors. Friday evening’s “theme” was that of a sample rehearsal dinner in the Caribbean Court’s Maison Martinique Restaurant. Saturday, guests were treated to complimentary makeovers by Saks Fifth Avenue and Dior Cosmetics and Studio Gabriel Salon & Spa, sample beach wedding set-ups, including a model bride, Chloe Miller, in a Yoly Munoz Couture Bridal Gown, culminating with a wedding reception, complete with exquisite cuisine from Maison Martinique Restaurant and demonstration ballroom dancing by Royal Ballroom. A relaxing jazz brunch on Sunday concluded the first-class event.
www.tccbh.com

We enjoyed meeting everyone and having the opportunity to share our photographic talents for such a great cause.

To see more Images from the weekend event go to

www.islandimagesestore.com/events

Island Images Professional Photography Studios Helps Local Nonprofits

Island Images Professional Photography Studio in Vero Beach is introducing a photography workshop for new mothers and mothers-to-be called “How to Photograph Your Baby at Home.”  This workshop will offer tips and hands-on experience on how to take outstanding photographs of young babies in your own home.   

A portion of the participants fee for every workshop will be given to Healthy Start and CASTLE charities benefitting women and children.  In addition to photography workshops, Island Images photographers Scott Kelly and Jennifer Croom create unique maternity, baby, children and family portraits.  

To view a sample of Island Images Photography, please visit the website:

http://www.islandimagesprophoto.com

Carson’s Fashion Photo Shoot

After meeting Carson for the first time, Scott knew that this children’s photo session was going to be unique.  Carson was wearing an outfit of her own design…mismatched socks, a long layered skirt, t-shirt and head band with long satin ribbons on the side.  As her mother, I felt the need to explain that Carson has her own fashion taste, and that I usually just let her roll with it.  Scott loved it and knew exactly how and where he wanted her photo shoot to take place!   He said he wanted to capture her personality in the photographs so that I would have a perfect candid picture of Carson just as she was at six years old. 

Image copyright J. Scott Kelly

After our consultation, we decided to let Carson pick out some of her favorite outfits and accessories and that we would do a candid model shoot in front of the artfully painted wall of the antique market in downtown Vero Beach.

The day of the shoot, Scott chose two of Carson’s outfits that would coordinate perfectly with our scenery.  Then he got to work!  He encouraged Carson to be herself and she had a blast modeling for the camera.  (It is hard to tell who was having more fun during the session, Scott or Carson).  

Image copyright J. Scott Kelly

Scott captured so many of Carson’s expressions that I had a hard time choosing a favorite.  Let us know which one you like the best! 

To view more children's photography, visit:

http://www.islandimagesprophoto.com

Kim’s Maternity Photography Sessions

Kim was a great sport to get up so early for her sunrise beach maternity photo session.   The beach was the first of her two sessions… one artistic session near South Beach in Vero and one more traditional studio photography session.  Kim’s silhouette photo with the sun rising up in the background brings a fresh look to maternity photography.

Image copyright J. Scott Kelly

I love the tenderness of the studio photograph of Kim’s adorable belly with her son resting against her.  What a great little model he was for his mom!  I can already tell he is going to be a fantastic big brother.

Too learn more about our maternity photography, please visit:

www.islandimagesprophoto.com

Joann’s Maternity Portrait Session

Joann is one of the most beautiful pregnant women I have ever seen.  Not only does she have natural beauty, she also has that special glow of a mother-to-be.  Joann expressed that she wanted to include her husband, Tony and her children in the portrait session.  She shared her feelings that the arrival of this baby was going to be an entire family event, so she wanted to make sure all of the family would be photographed.

Image copyright J. Scott Kelly

Scott worked with Joann and Tony to make sure both of their personal styles were included.  Joann prefers a more timeless look, while Tony has a bit of a contemporary palate.

To offer an even more creative look, we have artistically retouched Joann’s portrait with some texturing.  Now it is not only a treasured memory, but also is a beautiful piece of art.

To view more of Scott's maternity photographs, please visit:

http://www.islandimagesprophoto.com

Annabella’s Beach Photography Session

Annabella is a spirited three-year old who simply wanted to play chase with her mom during her Island Kids beach photo session.  Just when I was beginning to wonder how Scott was going to get her to cooperate, he found a great little makeshift bench at Vero’s Humiston Beach that Anabella fell in love with.  Anabella thought it was a great idea to get up on the bench and suddenly we had a magical moment to photograph!

Image copyright J.Scott Kelly

Many of my favorite photos of Annabella are the candid photographs of her just playing and being a kid.  I loved watching her fascination with the pelicans diving into the ocean and the crabs running across the beach.  

For more information on Island Kids Photo Sessions, please visit:

http://www.islandimagesprophoto.com

Savannah’s Model Portfolio Shoot

Savannah was such a standout at the “Strike a Pose for Charity” Photography Contest, that she won first place in her age division and a free photo session with Scott. Savannah is just getting started in modeling, so she was thrilled to test her skills with a professional photographer with over 25 years of experience in fashion, children and family photography.

Image copyright J. Scott Kelly

Scott met with Savannah and her grandmother at their house and they decided to do a session portraying a teenage girl and her many moods. Wow was Savannah great! Her expression, creativity and comfort in front of the camera were phenomenal. AND you can tell just how much fun everyone had during the shoot.

Image copyright J. Scott Kelly

Savannah and her grandmother just loved all of the images that Scott captured. They spent two hours trying to choose the best one. I think they couldn’t go wrong with any of them. Great job, Savannah!

Visit us at:

http://islandimagesprophoto.com

Through the Eye of the Camera Juried Photography Exhibit

The A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery in Fort Pierce is currently hosting the 11th Annual "Through the Eye of the Camera" juried photography exhibit, sponsored by Jiffy Photo & Framing and Canon.

Vero Beach professional photographer and co-owner of Southeast Gallery of Photographic Art, J. Scott Kelly, was among three professional photographers invited to judge this year’s juried exhibit. This panel of experts also included editorial and travel photographer, Paul J. Milette, along with environmental photographer, Sean Dowie of SMD Photography.

These judges gathered on May 17th at the Backus Museum to carefully review the more than 270 images entered by local amateur and professional photographers. The entries were divided into five categories: Film; Black & White; Manipulated; Digital – Wildlife/Outdoors; and Digital – Still Life/Portraits. From the entries, 140 were selected for the exhibit with first, second, and third place ribbons awarded in each category, as well as one “Best of Show” award.

The juried photography exhibit, Through the Eye of the Camera, will be on display at the A.E. Backus Museum & Gallery in Fort Pierce until June 28, 2009. For further information regarding the exhibit or gallery hours, please call (772)465-0630

Miss Hibiscus 2009 - Vero Beach, FL

This year’s Miss Hibiscus Pageant was not only rich in tradition, it also introduced two new categories – Miss Congeniality and Miss Photogenic. Miss Congeniality was chosen solely by the pageant contestants themselves for her friendly demeanor and ability to get along with everyone. Leah Cason, a 20 year old student at Indian River State College, was presented with the honor of being the first Miss Congeniality for the Miss Hibiscus Pageant.

The winner of Miss Photogenic was the next special category to be announced at this year’s pageant. Earlier in the week, the contestants were photographed by professional photographer, J. Scott Kelly of Island Images Professional Photography Studio, Inc. After careful deliberation, Vero Beach High School student, Lily O’Dare was chosen as the first Miss Photogenic. Lily was awarded a photography session and modeling contract from Island Images totaling $750.00.

With all of the wonderful candidates, the judges’ decisions were not easy. As a result, there was another first for the pageant - a tie in the scoring for 2nd runner-up. Brianne Manning and Lily O’Dare were both named 2nd runner-up. According to the Miss Hibiscus Pageant Committee Chairwoman and former Miss Hibiscus, Elizabeth Graves-Bass, there had never been a tie in previous years. Shanna Ward, a 20 year old graduate of Florida Southern College, was selected as first runner-up, winning a $300.00 cash prize, along with prizes from area businesses.

The title of Miss Hibiscus 2009, as well as $1,000 in cash, a Vero Beach bracelet from Leigh Jewelers, and numerous gift certificates went to 16 year old St. Edward’s student, Chloe Rose. Throughout the year, Chloe will represent historic downtown Vero Beach through special appearances and community activities. A true testament to Chloe’s commitment to her community was the fact that immediately after being crowned Miss Hibiscus, she was off and running, participating in the Relay for Life of the Beaches event held the same evening as the pageant.

The tradition of academic excellence, community service, self-confidence, high ethical standards and leadership qualities were well represented in all of the 12 contestants - each one proving to be a remarkable roll model and inspiration in their community.

If you would like to view more photographs of the Miss Hibiscus Pageant and the contestants, please visit

http://www.islandimagesEstore.com/events

Strike A Pose For Charity

Come “Strike a Pose for Charity” with Island Images Professional Photography Studio, Inc. on Saturday, May 9, 2009, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Oceanside. This one-day fundraising event is a photogenic contest for all ages – eight months to eighty years and everyone in between. A large portion of the proceeds from this event will be donated to benefit local children’s charities. A $25.00 donation enters each contestant and provides you with a “mini” photo session at the event with Photographer J. Scott Kelly, a color 5x7 of the best pose and a gift bag. Winners will be judged from the photographs taken the day of the event. A winner will be selected from each of the following age categories:






















Infants: 8 months to 18 months
Toddlers: 19 months to 3 years
Youth: 4 to 8 years
Pre-Teen: 9 to 12 years
Teen I: 13 to 16 years
Teen II: 17 to 19 years
Young Adult: 20 to 25 years
Adult I: 26 years to 35 years
Adult II: 36 to 59 years
Senior: 60 and up

What: Photogenic Contest to Benefit Local Children
When: Saturday, May 9, 2009
Times: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where: Holiday Inn Oceanside – 3384 Ocean Drive,

Vero Beach, FL 32963

Each winner will receive a fashion portrait photography session by Island Images Professional Photography Studio, Inc., as well as an 8x10 Prestige Portrait Print and digital file for a combined value of over $500.00. The winners will also be featured in upcoming print advertisements and promotional materials for Island Images Professional Photography Studio, Inc.

Space is limited. Call Island Images today at (772)643-6994 to enter and make your reservation to “strike a pose for charity.” Your donation will make a difference in the life of a child right here in our own community.

Bryson L. "Goin' Fishin"

Bryson L. finishes our production work for the" Photogenic Contest" winners from our last model search. Keep looking soon for the announcement of the Date and Location for the

Next "Photogenic Contest".