I hope that everyone had a beautiful holiday season and continues to enjoy the rest of what is left of 2008! I know I’ve been slacking on the blog, but fear not… I have LOTS of surprises to post in the next couple weeks.

One new fun little interactive feature is my new FACEBOOK group. If you are not familiar with facebook…be forewarned…it’s ADDICTIVE!! ha! Since I grew up in many states (military brat), I have lots of friends all over and I’ve found TONS of them on facebook. I’ve also realized that it’s a great and fun way to stay connected with my clients too. If you’d like to join my professional group, you can sign up here:  Alycia Alvarez Photography FACEBOOK group If you aren’t a member, you may need to sign up for facebook…but I’ll be offering some specials and freebies there, so it will be worth your while!

There are several great studio specials that will be going on in January, so stay tuned and check in!  In the meantime, here’s a “2008 in REVIEW”… I always enjoy going back over all my sessions from the past year and remembering all the great moments and memories captured! Thank you to all of my clients who have entrusted me with creating your family art and heirlooms… I look forward to creating more in 2009 and to meeting some new *faces*! I’ve put together a slideshow of my year in review, including a few personal shots here and there…Enjoy!

I recently met this FELLOW photographer at our last Rings to Rattles workshop here in my studio.  As any “photographer mommy” will tell you, we are in so FEW portraits and it’s rare to actually have the ENTIRE family together in a shot. I was very excited to capture one of their very FIRST family portraits. I feel like I got a really nice mix of the love and laughter between the five of them.

On a side note, “daddy” is “Olie the Goalie” from our very own Tampa Bay Lightning! (a bit transplanted from the North, but I’m glad they are here!)

And on a last, but most important, note, Christin and Olie founded a nonprofit foundation in honor of their son, Carson. You can find out more information here:  www.carsonkolzigfoundation.org/ All three kiddos are doll babies, but I was so flattered when Carson stared up at me before he left and said “You’re beautiful”, then pressed his finger to his lips and reached up to give me a kiss. I was truly touched!

You guys have an amazing family and it was very easy to feel the genuine love and affection between you all. See you soon!! Enjoy the *teasers*!