I am honored, excited, thrilled, proud…. all of the ABOVE… to share the current issue of APRIL 2011 PPA Magazine
featuring my image and an article including my images of my amazing clients and some *insights* of my photography business.  I received the call from “PPA headquarters” (aka Cameron Bishop…*smiles*) in February as I touched down in Vegas for WPPI just leaving from speaking at SPA in Palm Springs, CA!  I actually don’t know which I get more excited about… being interviewed or getting to show off my ADORABLE KIDDO clients!

And here’s the full article… Fun *sidenote*… I don’t select the images chosen and was really happy to see my 2 kiddos and 1 furry kiddo were chosen to be a part of the article!

P.S. Had a great time in Tampa last week! Summer Tampa dates will be confirmed soon and KELLER studio is opening NEXT week!  GRAND OPENING specials for Texas studio will be the NEXT blog post!

Well, I must admit, 2010 is over and I couldn’t be more ready for 2011! Last year was a challenging year for me and my family for many reasons. Today, on January 1st, 2011, I’m filled with a new energy and spirit and look forward to all life has to offer. As always, I tend to make my new year “resolutions”… some will be easier than others, no doubt, but one of them is to kick start this neglected blog into HIGH gear! I have lots of new ideas for the new year and I’m excited to share them with everyone in the coming weeks and months.

I decided to share a mini 2010 recap…

The year started with a BIG move from Florida to Texas. This was a big mix of emotions. I grew up a “military brat” and lived all over the South, however, I really considered Tampa “home” after 7 years.

We’re finally feeling more “settled” into our new little Texas town and will actually be moving to a new house about 5 minutes away in the next week or so! I’m excited for the new place, but I am dreading the boxing and I must confess that I’ve recently been approached about being the next star of “Hoarders”! haha! I kid! I kid! (tho, don’t ask any of my friends who helped me box up the first time and and questioned if they were supposed to bag my “decoration beach sand”…. um, YEA?? duh! I brought it back from Anguilla and Tobago! haha!)

On a serious note… While I know I am extremely blessed that I have grown up having all four of my grandparents my entire life, two passed away this year. My maternal grandpa Baker died in May. A World War II and Korea military veteran, he was such a sweet, sensitive & caring man.

Then in September, my beautiful little Grandma Savage passed away as well. She was a firecracker military wife who raised five kiddos including my dad.

They are missed by so many….

Onto another “mixed” event… I finally had neck surgery in September to repair a ruptured disk which had collapsed and was pinching a nerve to my right arm/hand. I was in a hard neck collar for several weeks and unable to drive or work at the computer. Those of you who know me, know I don’t sit STILL very well, so it was a LONG 6 weeks! I tried to take it in stride and took on the “Savage Stormtrooper” attitude!

I’m on the mend these days, but I am the new “bionic woman” with a titanium plate and screws in my neck. Amazing what science can do these days!

On the subject of science and technology… on the flip side, I’ve been having quite the war with computers, servers and iPhones! I went through 3 iPhones this year between cracking one, dropping one in my cup of Sprite and then finally a waiter spilled a HUGE glass of Diet Coke on me and my phone (luckily it was time for the iPhone 4 upgrade on that disaster!)

In addition, I’ve been fighting with “spam” and servers and computers all year it seems. It was almost a blessing in disguise when my computer just finally decided to DIE last month and force me to start from scratch. Although it’s a pain to reinstall everything and serial numbers, it’s sort of refreshing to have it all “clean” again.

On a side note… I always have my files backed up on external drives, however, I’m also now using a new company for online backup called Carbonite. It’s only about $55 a year and will back up your computer including your pictures! I know I have lots of clients who don’t back up their snapshots or print them, so be sure you have some form of backup!

In summary… I’m really looking forward to 2011! I’ve got lots of new ideas and plans that I am excited about so stay tuned!!

Last night while driving, I pulled over to take this picture. This was the last sunset of 2010 and it was breathtaking. I went to sleep last night feeling blessed and excited for all 2011 has to offer. I wish you all a wonderful and amazing year!

Be sure to check back to see the latest updates. I’ll be posting some of my past sessions that I loved but never got the chance to post, some upcoming specials, new products, new speaking dates all around the country, specific Tampa dates for 2011 and more! HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Alycia is excited to offer you a FREE and FUN iPhone app!

With the iAlycia app, you’ll be the first to know about upcoming specials and events, see a new featured image every day, in addition to, having instant access to the studio blog, website, facebook, twitter, & contact info!

From time to time there will even be “contests” to see who’s paying attention to the daily pics & posts! It’s FREE and can be downloaded on your iPhone or iTouch! Check in daily!

Download iAlycia HERE or you can find it in the app store under “iAlycia”!

Also, as a reminder, August Tampa sessions are filling up quickly. August 1 and 2 are already full… there are still sessions available during the 3rd thru 6th.  More details on the blog here: TAMPA AUGUST SESSIONS

This is the most difficult blog post I’ve ever written…. I’ve started it several times in the past week and then just deleted it all!  I have some BIG news and it’s truly “BitterSweet”….

As some of you may, or may not know, my ex had to move to Pennsylvania in August for a new job and that has left me all alone this fall… as a parent…So it has really been tough this fall to juggle everything (kidddos, work, health…) on my own. If that isn’t enough, last October (2008) I began to experience a great pain in my right arm and hand… my forefinger and thumb stay almost completely numb.  This year I had 2 MRI’s and consulted with a neurosurgeon who informed me that I have almost 3 completely ruptured disks in my neck which are pinching a nerve, which is the cause of the pain in my arm/hand and numbness.  Unfortunately, I may not be a suitable candidate for DISK surgery because the disks are also “curved” and may reject any fusions or disk implants…  (so I’m told) …so the doctors say I will need some really extensive (read: $$$ and TIME) physical therapy to try to alleviate the pain and *fix* it (to a point). I have come to the realization that I will need some extra help with the kiddos and to work less than I do now… So… after considering all options… I have decided that I need to relocate (move!) to Texas to be closer to my family and Kevin.   I really wanted to wait until the summer, but after this busy fall (Christmas) season, I realize I can’t continue to ignore the pain and can’t risk possible PERMANENT nerve damage to my right arm (I sorta need it! *smiles*)  Also, my son Andrew (almost 14! ack!) will be starting high school next fall and I’d really like to get him settled and make some friends before high school starts up in the fall.

This decision has been a HUGE struggle and I’m really hurting about this.   I’m excited to be closer to my family and Kevin… but growing up as a “military brat”, I’ve never lived anywhere as long as I’ve lived here (almost 7 years) and really consider this my “home”. My clients are loyal and AMAZING and have truly become friends and *family*!

I am not *officially* closing my Riverview (Tampa) studio at this point… I am planning to fly back for my shoots here in Tampa every so many weeks.  I will be closed during this transition and will reopen for the time(s) I return. (check blog/newsletter/site to find out when that is!) For you Dallas/Fort Worth peeps…. this might make you smile as I have already made arrangements to rent studio space there. I’ll be “biCOASTal”… except I don’t think Dallas has a *coast* (smile…. maybe a lake??)

For my current clients…. this is another reason for the December 15th (today!) cutoff… I am organizing EVERYTHING!  Please let me know asap if you need any orders by December 25th! Christmas!

Sorry to be longwinded…This has been a difficult time. I wish you all an AMAZING holiday season and the BEST for 2010!  Don’t hesitate to email me anyTIME! I’ll be around!! I am grateful for the most wonderful friends, photographer *friends*, clients & family!  Thank you for all the thoughts, prayers and wishes from those who have known the pain I’ve been enduring.  I love you all!

And b/c I should always include a PICTURE… here’s me with my beautiful *babies* (one who now has facial hair… no! not Gabriela! LOL!). From last spring in Anguilla! Paradise!  They are the reason I KNOW I can’t be a good “MOMMY” unless I take care of ME and my HEALTH!

Wow… How behind am I on blogging…. Okay, so 50 lashes with a wet noodle! ha!

I really have some amazing new pictures to share… so just hang in there and bear with me! Lots going on these days…

In the meantime… I’m proud to share a current article which features me (along with two other amazing photographers who have been my friends for years, Jen Hellinga and Kathryn Langsford) in the latest PPA (Professional Photographers of America) magazine. All about “Belly Basics”! Maternity sessions are some of my most fun and it’s always exciting to get to know parents before their new *bundle* arrives! Love it!

Also, I may not have said, but I’ll be speaking at Imaging USA in January in Nashville… (PPA’s BIG event for the year…) Come say hi!

While attending and speaking at WPPI in Vegas this past February, I was asked if I’d be willing to do some “beta testing” for the new and improved, “Pocket Wizards”. I have always used *Wizards* as transmitters to wirelessly trigger my studio lights (well, except that first year when I was constantly tripping over my sync cord and missing a dozen shots a session…ugh!).

This new version, “Mini & Flex” is much smaller and more compact! In addition, it can also be used to fire remotely, which is great in situations when you can use a tripod and free up your hands (and silly faces, in my case! LOL!).  Check me out on “You Tube” below… (one note of warning… I am a professional! These types of sound effects should be used with EXTREME caution…. don’t say I never warned you! *smiles*)

special thanks to: Julie Klaasmeyer from: DesignRevolution.com for the AMAZING tutu and hair piece!

and Debra from: Denny Manufacturing for providing a background ON THE SPOT!

And a few favorites of baby “B”… she was my model during the two day plus class, in addition to my “behind the scenes!” (more of her to come!)

So my sweetie got so worried about how often I get LOST (I’m all about my “5 mile RADIUS”!) and Kevin got me a Garmin for Christmas… I have been having a blast with it! I’ve experimented with the different voices…. At first I thought I was gonna go full blown AUSSIE (LOVE that accent! *smiles*)….but then I realized…they say some random things that I can’t understand….so I had to go American!

Right now I have Jack. We are *BUDS*! (for now! LOL! at least I can understand him when he says “Boulevard”! Not sure what’s going up down under?)

Also, I downloaded a whole bunch of “vehicles”… I have a tank, a carrot, a sleigh, a sportscar….I switch it around…but I have to say….I’m a huge fun of the PIZZA! (Let’s not talk about the fact that I’m not my NO CARB diet again…maybe that’s why I’m so Passionate about my slice of pizza? LOL!) But seriously….how cute is this? Who couldn’t enjoy driving around as a SLICE of PEPPERONI PiZZA? It makes me smile!

Well, it’s a little freaky to see a FULL page ad with my *mug* on it, but very flattering as well…  I was asked to be in the recent Wells Fargo Ads…. pretty cool!

Also, for all you photographers who “blog stalk” I’ll be seeing many of you in just a couple weeks!! Our Rings to Rattles PLUS class is sold out, but be sure to come see us on Monday night from 6:15-8:15… we are SUPER excited!! We were also asked to be a part of the WPPI Town Hall meeting… should be interesting!

We’ll also have a MEET the SPEAKER time on Wednesday…details to follow on that one! Come SEE us!!

P.S. For those who can’t attend, we have announced new Rings to Rattles workshop dates for here in Tampa at my studio….check out the site: www.RingsToRattles.com

Well, I’m starting off the new year with a bang!  This week, I won first in the Portrait category and Assignment category at our local photographers guild meeting monthly competition. Here’s the winning images and me and my Vanna helper!

oh and PS… tonight is the last night of the “buy one get one free” sale… Shoot me an email if you want to take advantage of this HUGE savings!

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!