Props to the Gump Pros

This one’s in honor of my “Gump Family”…. Jeff, Karen, and Lorrie.                                                                                                                                                  You’ve all probably heard me talk about my work with Gumps Sports Photography. Karen and Lorrie are Jeff Gump’s 2 right hand girls.  He’d be lost without them, ha ha. They’ve always encouraged and supported me. They’re awesome.  I’ve been counting my blessings lately and give Jeff Gump credit for showing me the ropes here in Jacksonville and helping me get started when I moved here from Virginia. Jeff is a great guy who has had a tremendous impact on my life.  While I was pregnant, we joked about naming my daughter “Jeffrina” in Jeff’s honor.  My most thrilling experience was shooting an NFL football game at Alltel Stadium right down on the sidelines and actually on the field during the Jaguars’ entrance onto the field, as well as during the half-time show. Jeff had hooked me up with Kids in Sports, The Magazine and had several of my photos published from that event. Another memorable time was when I assisted Jeff in photographing Jaxon DeVille’s (Jaguars’ mascot) wedding. No, ’Jaxon’ didn’t wear his costume, but he sure did like to ham it up for the camera. I had a blast shooting his wedding! Some of my photos from Jaxon’s wedding were published in Jacksonville Magazine. Jeff also introduced me to the Professional Photographers Society of North Florida several years ago.  I love going to our monthly meetings to get my ’shot of adrenaline’. There’s always something exciting going on!                                                                                                                                                         Since I haven’t been able to work with you guys (Gump Fam’) much since Ryley was born, I just wanted to say Hi and tell you how wonderful you are!  I love you guys   We’re about due for some sushi aren’t we Lorrie and Karen???                             …..Heidi

NILMDTS

“Imagine a photo shoot where each moment is a last moment, where there will be no second takes, where what you’re doing means everything.”  -NILMDTS                                                                                                                                               Ever since I took a photojournalism class (in Norfolk, VA through the Virginian Pilot newspaper and Truth with a Camera), I’ve had remembrance photography on my heart. During that week long course, I photographed a 19 year old girl named Erin during her last weeks before Leukemia took her life, as well as her 2 year old son’s mommy. As you can imagine, this had a huge impact on her entire family. However, in such a devastating time, my photography was able to help her family through the grieving process. Since that time, it’s been on my heart to provide photography to families who are loosing a loved one.                                                                                                         The Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Foundation is a non-profit organization that offers Remembrance Photography to families who are loosing a child (most often a newborn infant). This organization was founded almost 3 years ago, and there are already almost 4,000 professional photographers who provide this service nation-wide. To learn about the incredible way that Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep came into existence, visit our website at www.nilmdts.org. I guarantee your heart will be touched, especially if you have children!                                                                                                                                          My photographer friend Keely and I are Affiliate Photographers for NILMDTS and traveled to Ocala together this week for training. It was an honor to be a part of a day with Kirk Kief, President-Florida Professional Photographers Association, Inc. 2008 and NILMDTS Forum Administrator/Board of Directors. He provided us with the training we needed to be as well planned and prepared as possible if we are called upon to bless a family with our photography.                                                           Until next time….Heidi 

Hello Friends!

Hello Friends!          Welcome to my blog.  I’ll be periodically sending you updates about what I’ve been up to - and you know me, so it’ll most likely be related to photography in some way.  Say ‘Hi’ when you stop by ….. it would be great to hear from you! ~Heidi Here’s a couple funny photos of me and Ryley this past summer taken by my photographer friend Kim…