I am currently doing a total overhaul to my High School SENIOR site… We are introducing a new program for “Senior SpokesModels” in the Southlake/Keller, TX area.   We are only accepting only a limited number of SpokesModels from each school! This program is very selective and space is limited.

If selected, you will receive your Senior Session for FREE and for every other Senior you refer, you will earn credits toward any order (prints, digital files, announcements/invitations-Moms & Dads love this!) and Ca$h (the Students love this!)

If you are a 2013 senior (or know one!) be sure to apply by June 1st, 2012 to be considered to be photographed by and represent Alycia Alvarez Seniors and earn free sessions, prints and ca$h! Apply online: HERE.

I’ve officially booked tickets for Tampa and will be in town Sunday August 1st thru Friday August 6th. Both studio and beach sessions are available during those dates.

Unfortunately, on my last visit to my Riverview studio, there were many things that needed fixing and maintenance, therefore, sessions will be held at a fellow photographers studio in North Tampa.
The studio address I will be using for sessions is: 15711 Mapledale Blvd. Tampa, FLorida 33624
A map can be found here: http://bit.ly/bYO1Xt

Studio sessions which are regularly $200 are only $49 with a $300 minimum purchase–can be used towards prints, holiday cards, etc. ($349 total) Studio sessions will be in one hour increments and will be proofed via secure online gallery; Beach sessions which are regularly $350 are only $99 with a $500 minimum purchase ($599).

Available appointment dates, times & payments can be seen and scheduled through a secure site here:
http://alycia.brownbookit.com/schedules
(PLEASE note the BEACH sessions are showing from 8-9, but really begin at 7:30 thru sunset.)
Because of the surgery, my next visit will be during the first of November. It’s not too soon to think of the holidays, so if you want a jump start on your cards and presents, an August session would be great!
**One last note, I realize my outgoing and incoming mail is having “SPAM” issues. I am working with my server to fix this problem asap and I apologize for the inconvenience.

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!

I wanted to let everyone know that I’m out of town working for two weeks but am anxiously gearing up for the upcoming holiday season! I know I’ve received many calls already for scheduling your session for the fall and I can’t wait to see all the returning families & faces, as well as new ones!

I’ve just landed in London, England (can you say JET LAG!!) and will be here assisting a SUPER cool, two part, Nigerian wedding with Kevin.  I don’t normally photograph weddings, but I love to assist…especially on the “Destinations”! That said… even though you get to do a little sight seeing, they are really pretty insense and alot of work, but you really get to know your couple and their friends/guests, which makes it fun and different!

Anyway, I wanted to let you ALL know that if you are emailing or calling, we WILL be returning your call and getting EVERYONE scheduled! No worries! I will return to the studio on the 15th of September and Laura will be in and out of the studio during these days I’m gone returning emails and phone calls. Sorry for all the phone and email tags… Life will get “back to normal” after the crazyness of the summer and will get on track ready for the fall!

I have some cool new ideas and backgrounds that I can’t wait to play with. I may also do another “Beach Week” this year…possibly in October. If you are interested, please send me an email and I will let you know when it’s official and the dates. I can only do ONE beach session per day (at sunset), so I want to try to accomodate all who are interested in this. I like to do it in October or November when the weather cools off a bit! (tho it’s pretty cold here in London and I had to bust out my sweaters… BRRRRR).

In the meantime, check out the Parenting KID COVER SEARCH details… I want to see my adorable clients on every cover!

Be sure to check back for the current news and happenings… I’m hoping to capture some fun and interesting “London/Paris” images to share!

(woah! I’m a poet! ha!)

Had a recent session with Ms Joanne and her TEEN *kiddos*. Jessica just started her senior year, while Jeff heads back to another year of college.

These guys are a crazy bunch and we had some laughs!

I’ve had several high school senior sessions lately as everyone prepares to go “back to school”.  Remember that even though you “HAVE” to go to that “OTHER PLACE” for your yearbook photo, you can still have a professional photo session to use for your announcements, invitations, yearbook ad page… I even include “iPics” with every senior collection for you to use on facebook or myspace.

I had to share a few of Miss Jayme from last week. She is just drop dead gorgeous and SO photogenic!I’ll be adding some of these to the senior site soon! Check it out here: SENIOR SITE

okay, so I don’t have any pictures of my cheeseburger..but it was YUMMY! haha! Tobago is a gorgeous island! After a 30 minute flight to Miami, it’s only about 3 1/2 hours to Trinidad (then a 15 minute flight to Tobago). This little island has a population of about 50,000 and is just BREATHTAKING!

The Villas at Stonehaven are amazing! There are 14 villas designed by a Swedish architect, so they have a “Euro” feel to them. Each villa has 3 bedrooms and their OWN infinity pool! There’s a clubhouse with a restaurant (the chef is WONDERFUL! I had some of the best food EVER on this trip!).

Here’s a few images from the Villas…more on the wedding I assisted with later (Nigerian ceremony! SOOO FUN!! get ready!–Kevin posted some of his amazing images on his blog last week for a *sneak peek* www.thekjblog.com) and Coco Reef….

now…this next image my frighten some…possibly many.

it’s sad. but must be said. I have HORRIBLE island hair. I live in fear looking for the BIRDS that I know are circling above just WAITING for their MOMENT to make a HOME in my hair that resembles their NEST! My friends “fondly” (or not so “fondly”? ha!) call this my “Mexico” hair…however, I can safely call it… “TOBAGO” hair now too… sigh… do they make INDUSTRIAL strength CHI irons? ha! ENJOY!

One last post before I shut down the computer (well, until I land in Tabago! ha!)

I’m excited to announce my new site for High School Seniors. Be looking for more additions to the site (as well as some *specials*) in the next month! Looking forward to working with the “Class of ’09″!

It’s always fun to have the opportunity to be in gorgeous locations! Although I don’t do many weddings, any chance I get asked to assist and “to work” at a gorgeous “destination” wedding…I’m all IN! I’m heading out first thing in the morning for the gorgeous island of Tobago (after a brief stop in Trinidad) to assist Kevin (www.kjimages.com) on an upcoming wedding. I’m a HUGE fan of the Caribbean islands and this will be a new one for me to “check in the box”! I’ll be sure to post some shots! Laura will be in the studio for anyone who has questions or concerns. Have a great week!

I’ll be staying at both The Villas at Stonehaven & CocoReef.

hi all! working on some new blogs, however, my server has decided to wack out (again)…and I have been missing emails and I know several are delayed. If anyone has been waiting on a reply from me, my apologies. I downloaded TONS of email this morning that has been missing for the last week or so and I’m sorting through it. If you had an urgent request, please shoot me another email. Sorry for the inconvenience…I’ll post several blogs to make up for it! ha ha!