• I am a photographer because I believe that everyone has that "something special". I believe in the power of an image, and the emotion and memories it can evoke one week, 10 years, or 25 years later.

    Some random facts about me: I love music. A song from my past can evoke such a strong emotional trigger about a time and place. Just like that special image you find tucked in an old book.

    I was born in Puerto Rico. I grew up in a suburb of Los Angeles. I spent my college years and my 20s in Boston. Since Boston, I have been in the Dallas area, give or take a few years in Tampa and Ramsey (NJ).

And now, something a wee bit different | DFW Family, portrait photographer

A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to go skeet shooting. Skeet. Shooting. I still don’t know why those clay “pigeons” are called skeet. And I had never held a real firing arm in my entire 51 years on this earth. With quite a bit of arm twisting, there I was firing a pretty cool rifle with silver trim. It was way heavier than I thought it would be, and two weeks out, I still have the bruise on my upper arm from the recoil of my first shot – the rifle slipped from just inside my shoulder straight to my arm.

My only knowledge of this whole sporting endeavor was from old movies or TV programs showing the high society set yelling “pull” and drinking champagne. Turns out it is a wee bit strategic and takes a lot of patience. I am okay with the knowledge that my first time out I hit a resounding 25%. I credit my photographers patience in being able to follow the pigeon and then take aim. I also learned that you never point a rifle (or gun) at people, regardless of whether it is loaded or not – I think my little shooting party had to duck a couple of times. HA!

No, I didn't kill this one - it was hanging in the lodge.

I’ll confess, I only took my camera as a way of being able to refuse taking part. But I got to do both. One of my friends grabbed my camera and caught me in action.

Do I look scary? Scared?

And this is a couple of my friends – obviously, they fit in a lot more than I did!

See the clay pigeon in the far left corner?

And finally, this shot was worth the entire day: My friend’s very groovy kicks and the spent shells.

Ok – so, I guess I’m a wee bit closer to being a TEXAN. Not a Californian, nor a Bostonian. Sigh….

Have a great evening everyone!

xx – Ivy

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Have you booked your session yet? | DFW family photographer

You’ve seen the mini-session info below. You’ve come across it on FB. So what are you waiting for? I have just 2 sessions left on Saturday and am taking only 1 more on Sunday. And, if for some reason you do not want the Valentine’s day cards, just some really sassy photos for your better half, we can do that! Just message me:)

I had the opportunity to photograph a family that you see featured in my sample Valentines below. Mom and I have gotten to know each other at work. Ok, here’s where I get to sound like a mom. I admire this young woman so much. She’s a tremendously hard working woman, a devoted mom and wife. She is very respected at the office, which I think is big deal. And this past year she decided to take off some major pounds and everytime I look at her through the viewfinder, she’s even thinner. And it is just fantastic to see the increased confidence! And her two kids are just amazing. They make me laugh, they do whatever I ask, such great sports! I just love these three and one day, (her husband should be forewarned) it will be a full family session!! I did a little FB creeping and he’s a pretty handsome guy too!

I love this little girl's face. Almost has a vintage look to it - SIGH!

This is mom and, you got to admit, she's hot!!

I just adore a young man willing to pose with a "Love" sign and smile!!

Everyone have a great Monday! Tomorrow a bunch of housekeeping items! Yipee!!

xx – Ivy

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Some Old School Valentines!! | DFW Photographer

I love this time of year. You know, that somewhat dead time between New Years and St. Patrick’s day. Nothing much to celebrate other than that pesky, sometimes irritating holiday, Valentine’s Day. Yes, that one. The one that every single person on this planet dreads. It either validates that you’re popular or not. That you have a loved one or not. That you have a friend or not.

So, how about just having some fun??? I’ve set up the cutest little soda shop set for you to come and have some photos taken! The price of this mini-session includes 24 wallet sized Valentine’s. Don’t you get tired of giving Scooby Doo Valentine’s to your classmates (or co-workers)???

When: Saturday, January 28 from 9 AM – 4 PM
Price: $65
You get 2 hi resolution images and 24 wallet sized Valentines printed on cool pearl paper

You may choose from the following:

You know you want to! We’ll have lots of fun. Valentine’s will be in your hot, little hands no later than Monday, 2/6/12!!

Call me at 469-766-2152 or email: ivyr@poizzonivy-photography.net to reserve your slot!!

Yep, I’m just a little excited about this one!

xx-Ivy

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The holidays are over – NOT! | DFW/Coppell Portrait Photographer

This is brief! I’m announcing my Valentine’s Day mini-sessions!!! Saturday, 1/28 or Saturday 2/4 – slots are limited so get those calendars out and start plotting – I will have all the info out to you in a few days – but here’s an example of one of the Valentine’s Day cards you could get – I LOVE IT!!

Isn't it adorable??

xx – Ivy

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Strength

What a difference a year makes! This time last year, I was working on my fitness (both mental and physical) and feeling pretty damned good about it too. I was in a job I love, working with great individuals. I was running, doing Zumba and yoga. I’ve discovered at this late stage that my mental well-being is directly connected to my physical fitness. I didn’t need boatloads of scientists to tell me that. It’s obvious by the way I feel, the confidence with which I handle all kinds of problems.

Ten months after knee surgery, unable to workout in the only ways I’ve enjoyed, I’m pretty disillusioned about a lot of things. Add to that numerous personal, family and other set-backs experienced this year, I find myself at a crossroads. How convenient that this should happen at the beginning of the year – right?

Now I find myself on a quest. Which is actually a pretty simple one. A quest for that perfect workout which will provide me all the benefits I need – both mental and physical. Because with this fitness comes strength. Strength to be willing to push your body where it wants to go. Strength to endure extraordinary challenges in your life – from the mundane personal ones (finding a new job) to the more stress-producing events (serious illness of a family member). I was struck by how petty my complaining about my knee surgery was after watching yet another young man from our military with an amputated limb.

So, this year’s word is: STRENGTH

May I find the strength to handle all of the challenges that come my way with insight and grace. May I find the strength to open myself up to new workout modalities that will benefit both my derriere & my psyche. Pretty simple this year. I like this pared down New Year’s Resolution kind of a thing.

One of my all-time favorite quotes:

“When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.”
~Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882 – 1945)

For three years I’ve put my word of the year out there. What’s your word for 2012?

xx- Ivy

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Happy New Year! | DFW, Coppell Portrait Photographer

I am so excited for 2012! Probably because 2011 was kind of tough. However, with all the tough stuff, there was so much good!! And, despite everything tough that went on this year, you, my clients, saved the year with your excitement for my business and, even better, your loyalty! It made 2011 a stellar year for Poizzonivy Photography. And for that, there are not enough words to express my gratitude.

One of the things I’m most excited about is my continuing partnership with my friend who’s writing a book about the elderly athlete! Her brother is the primary photographer, but I have been so thrilled to help fill in and have met these amazing, inspirational individuals. Next week Chiffon and I are going out to California to meet with a 72 year old, ex-Navy Seal who’s a runner and participates in those infamous Mud Runs. She’s lined up others to meet with as well in LA so this lady is just going to gush all over them and hopefully remember to focus my camera!

Now, some housekeeping. My session prices will be going up for 2012. Why tell you this? Because if you book a session with me before January 31, 2012, I’ll honor the 2011 prices. Tomorrow’s post will have my old and new pricing. We can hold the session later in the year when it’s warmer, however you need to pay for the session before the end of January.

And finally, here’s my year end slide show. This year it comprises my favorite shots from the year as well as the duck shots! Have fun and again, THANK YOU and have a safe New Year and an amazing 2012!

xx – Ivy

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3 Goldens with their humans | DFW Family Photographer

Oh my, one week till the holidays officially arrive and I can’t believe it. When I was willing myself to continue on working out and losing weight and growing my business, I would never have foreseen the path I’d take. But that’s all right. One way or another, we get to where we are meant to be, right?

Well, I’ve got three more families to share with you. 2 I have photographed before and 1 new addition. I grouped them together because they all share something near and dear to be my heart…Golden Retrievers! All three have adopted Golden Retrievers from the various rescues in the DFW area. And they are just gorgeous to shoot. The humans and their Goldens. And, you know, we have 2 Goldens ourselves, one from a breeder and one adopted from a no-kill shelter.

Take a look and enjoy. I’ve got some special posts coming up this weekend as I try to wrap up 2011. It is insanity at the end of the year, isn’t it. All those to do lists that didn’t get done. Oh well, c’est la vie!

Duke you've met before, a hurricane Katrina rescue. The new one is Nala!

My dear, dear friends who I love so much. They lost one Golden who died peacefully his sleep. But adopted Comet!

And a new friend, one of my bootcamp trainers and her way too smart son! And the Golden? That's Scout!

Start playing that holiday music, break out the mistletoe (hang it everywhere!!). It’s time.

xx – Ivy

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