Edie Grace has been enjoying a week of spring break.  This weekend we traveled to Magnolia Springs States Park to bike a few of the trails.  This park is a one of many hidden jewels that you will discover if you venture from your regular path and take time to explore them.  They provide a great value for family fun. 

We biked one of the short (3 mile) trails.  It was so beautiful.  The spring fed lakes are the real attraction of this park.  The water is so beautiful.  Pick a park and spend the day soon.  You will be stunned at how much fun they are!

  Deborah and Roy Thompson are two people who do not sleep much.  They own Statesboro Floor Covering, are both very active in their Church and Community (Roy is a county commissioner).  But they are probably best know for their “western town” they have developed on their farm in northern Bulloch county. 

I have photographed in there “town” many times.  It is a favorite place for cowboys and cowgirls of all ages.  At Christmas their city takes on an entirely different feel – when it is completely decorated.

Every time I visit there seems to be a new addition.  This trip it is a chapel…that is under construction along with a volley ball court.  If you feel you need to take a step back in time to a place where law and order are the norm and the high sheriff rules – then this is a place for you.

Jenna Holloway is the owner of one of Edie Grace’s (and my) favorite downtown stores Bark in the Boro.  It is the “PuRRFECT” store for people with pets.  Jenna and her mom Dr. Jessie Strickland (former superintendent of Bulloch County Schools, current Vice President of Ogeechee Technical College and future DSDA committee member along with DeWayne) have a real gift in finding the most unique gifts for your pet(s).  From homemade treats to ultra custom bedding and clothing.

If your pet rules – then this is the store for you!  Many of you have heard me say that everything we do in our business we do for our “boss” Edie Grace.  Well at Bark in the Boro, Jenna’s Yorkie – Corky is the reason for the business. 

One of Edie Grace’s favorite Christmas presents from Santa was a cat stroller from Bark in the Boro - for her kitty Thelma Lou.  They also host birthday parties for pets.  I am stunned at how wildly popular these birthday parties are.

This weekend was Corky’s party.  It was SO much FUN!  We had a blast! 

Next time you are downtown – stop in and say hello to Jenna and Corky.  They are looking forward to meeting all of you soon!

For those of you reading this from outside of the Statesboro – check out their great website to get an idea of what you are missing by clicking here.

Edie Grace, DeWayne and I always enjoy the Georgia Southern Botanical Gardens annual plant sale and Whirligig festival.  This weekend was no exception, the weather was perfect, the Brewster’s Ice cream was great and the arts and crafts are always fun.

The Statesboro High School Steel Drum band entertained us.  They were awesome!  They gave me a great flash back to my band days. 

We are so fortunate to have such a wonderful Botanical Gardens in our community.  The staff and board of volunteers do an incredible job keeping it fresh and exciting.  If you have not visited the gardens lately – you need to do it soon.

After 30 years as the chief photographer for Georgia Southern College and then University, Frank Fortune is moving into retirement.  Don’t count on him slowing down any.  Frank has photographed every cover of the Statesboro Magazine since it began 10 years ago.  He is one of the best know commercial photographers in the south.  Even though he is “MUCH OLDER” than me – we have worked together my entire professional career in photography.  I have always admired and respected his work.  Frank has been the photographer that I have personally counted on for all the major events in my life – just like many of you depend on me.  He photographed my high school Senior portraits, mine and DeWayne’s wedding and even traveled very early in the morning to Savannah to photograph the arrival of Edie Grace.

Likewise, I photographed his wedding, his children and other important life events for him.  Frank has been and continues to be a great mentor, friend and one of a few “go to guys” that I count on often.

Just because Frank is moving to another phase in his life – don’t expect him to disappear.  You will continue to see incredible things from this wonderfully talented photographer.  But we also should keep his wife Mandy in our thoughts.  It will be an adjustment for her - having Frank around more often.

For most of our 21 years in business one of the most popular annual events are our Easter Bunny sessions with live Easter bunnies.  This year is no exception.  We have two dates available for bunnies - Wednesday, April 8th in Forsyth Park and Good Friday April 10th in Statesboro. You DO NOT have to include bunnies in ANY of your images-they are fun "props" that are optional! We are adding a Family Portrait event (Statesboro) this year - Saturday, April 11th.  These outdoor sessions make great EARLY Mother’s Day gifts. HINT HINT DADS…

Here are the Details:  Book NOW here or call 912-764-7274 to schedule before they are all gone!

Forsyth Park -  Wednesday, April 8th:  $349 - includes a 30 minute session, 2-8×10’s, 2-5×7’s and 8 wallets from two poses. Bunnies are optional - at no additional charge.

Statesboro - Good Friday, April 10th: $249 - includes a 30 minutes session,

1-8×10,2-5×7’s and 8 wallets.

Family Portrait Event - Saturday, April 11th: Family Portrait Event (Statesboro): Packages begin at $299.  Email for details at info@lorigrice.com
The above dates fall on the most popular Spring Break week in the area.  We look forward to being a part of your 2009 Spring or Easter memories!

We are also currently scheduling custom sessions at your favorite family hang-out.  Some of our favorites from 2008 were at the family farm with the horses, on the lake with the new boat tubing, at the coast in a RV, and the list could go on and on.  Just consider some of YOUR favorite childhood memories…are they captured on film?  Let us be "the fly on the wall" and create images that will transcend your kids back to some of the most fun days of their childhood.  Our work isn’t just for your walls…we can create cool albums, jewelry or even pocketbooks of the favorite part of your life…YOUR FAMILY!

Book the BEACH…

Imagine this…soft breezes blowing, sand between your toes and your family experiencing a beautiful sunset together.  Let us be there with you and capture memories that you will treasure for a lifetime. 

Two of our most popular weekends are already booked this summer.  So don’t procrastinate like you did last year….book now here.

Family Friendly F1ST Friday…

Looking for something fun to do on a Friday night with the family?  F1RST Friday’s are a BLAST in Downtown Statesboro.  Our next one is Friday, April 3rd and will include an innovative Easter Egg Hunt throughout your favorite downtown shops.  Live music, street vendors and FREE bouncies compliments of Party Harbor.  See you DOWNTOWN!

Not reading our blog?  You are MISSING OUT!

Some of our most read blogs in the last few weeks:

American Society of Photographers magazine features Lori Grice

Congratulations Dr. Mom - Statesboro Magazine Cover girl

Bethany’s Place Father Daughter Dance

Lisa Oliver is GOOD NEWS

Healthcare…Mr. Congressman…

American Cancer Diamond Ball

John - BA Class of 2009

Locks of Love - Edie Grace

Welcome to the world..

Congratulations Savanna and Brian
Goodbye Dr. Michael Guido - The Sower

Baby Blues..

Become a fan of Lori Grice Photography on FACEBOOK

Become a friend of mine on my personal FACEBOOK page

  For most of our 21 years in business one of the most popular annual events is our Easter Bunny  sessions with live Easter bunnies.  This year is no exception.  We have two dates available for bunnies – Wednesday, April 8th in Forsyth Park and Good Friday April 10th in Statesboro. You DO NOT have to include bunnies in ANY of your images—they are fun “props” that are optional!

We are adding a Family Portrait event (Statesboro) this year - Saturday, April 11th.  These outdoor sessions make great EARLY Mother’s Day gifts. HINT HINT DADS…

Here are the Details:  Call 912-764-7274 or email us at info@lorigrice.com to schedule before they are all gone!

Forsyth Park -  Wednesday, April 8th:  $349 – includes a 30 minute session, 2-8×10’s, 2-5×7’s and 8 wallets from two poses. Bunnies are optional — at no additional charge.

Statesboro – Good Friday, April 10th: $249 - includes a 30 minutes session, 1-8×10,2-5×7’s and 8 wallets.

Family Portrait Event – Saturday, April 11th: Family Portrait Event (Statesboro): $299 – includes 1-8×10, 3-5×7’s and 8 wallets. 

Email for details at info@lorigrice.com

The above dates fall on the most popular Spring Break week in the area.  We look forward to being a part of  your 2009 Spring or Easter memories!

We are also currently scheduling custom sessions at your favorite family hang-out.  Some of our favorites from 2008 were at the family farm with the horses, on the lake with the new boat tubing , at the coast in a RV, and the list could go on and on.  Just consider some of YOUR favorite childhood memories…are they captured on film?  Let us be “the fly on the wall” and create images that will transcend your kids back to some of the most fun days of their childhood.  Our work isn’t just for your walls…we can create cool albums, jewelry or even pocketbooks of the favorite part of your life…YOUR FAMILY!

The American Society of Photographers (ASP) is a Who’s Who of the worlds best photographers.  To be considered for membership you must be have earned the prestigious Master of Photography degree or Craftsman designation by the Professional Photographers of America.  So many of my mentors and hero’s in the industry are included in this elite group.  This years president Ernie Johnson befriended me years ago.  He is one of those “guiding light” leaders in the ASP and our industry as a whole.  He has been a tremendous encourager and supporter of me and my work.  I am grateful for his friendship and dedication to our trade.

In this months ASP magazine the editor, Kalen Henderson, featured me.  She wrote an incredible story about my White House honor.  It is very humbling to be a member of this prestigious and elite organization.  It is a pinnacle that few – very few photographers ever accomplish.  But it is tremendously overwhelming to be featured in one of their publications.

This recognition is wonderfully kind – but it reminds me of how important the work you commission me to do every day is.  In today’s economic environment, I know that it is even more important than ever that you select a portrait artist that has the skill sets, talent and ability to deliver a portrait that exceeds your expectations EVERY time.   Since I began my business 21 years ago – this has been my goal daily.  Thanks to this commitment and your support of me as your portrait artist – recognition like this is earned.  I never forget however, that it begins every day with you!

Thanks for allowing me this opportunity.

  Tonight a small group of friends gathered to unveil the cover girl for the March/April Statesboro Magazine.  Dr. Angie Gerguis was selected for the cover.  The magazine will be released after lunch tomorrow.  This edition features amazing women around the Boro.  Angie and her husband John are physicians in Statesboro.  They own Total Health Care.  They are also the parents of TRIPLETS.   I was honored to photograph their wedding and continuing as their families portrait artist. 

Angie is one of the most incredible women I know.  She is a super mom, wonderful doctor and great community leader.  I am thrilled that she has been honored is such a tremendous way!

Another phenomenal father daughter dance!  The event keeps growing bigger every year.  This year was no exception.  The dance was Saturday night at the new Holiday Inn in Statesboro.  It was a great night for dad’s to bond with their daughters, support a great charity and have a lot of fun.  Some of the dad’s can REALLY dance!

This year I photographed over 100 daughters, dads and a few granddads.  Again, this year, the portraits are AWESOME!  It helps, of course, when you have this many handsome dads and beautiful daughters.  So many of the dads told me how much they have enjoyed the pictures from previous years.  Many of them said it was their favorite picture ever!  A few of the dads have done this every year and have each of them framed on their desk or in their home.  They told me that this is such a fun way to watch their daughters grow.  Considering that I spent ,on average, only TWO MINUTES with each father/daughter this is really a tremendous compliment.  If Dads like these so much, just think how much they are going to enjoy the portraits I create of your family when you book a full session with me.

Each participant will receive a complimentary 5×7 in the mail in a few weeks.  If you would like to purchase additional prints you can do this by emailing us at info@lorigrice.com.  Order by March 31st to get the best savings!

Thanks to Brooke and Boyd and all the volunteers who make this event such a great night out for dads and daughters.

Here is a video featuring the portraits from the night: