Rewind 2008!

Erin started 2008 with a bang by attending Spa Portrait Artists Convention with her mom, Penny McCaffrey, at Lowe's Ventana Canyon Luxury Resort in Tucson, Arizona. What a blast! Beautiful weather (in January), spectacular surroundings and talented photographers from all over the country were there. The place was buzzing with excitement as they went from one fabulous setting to another in an interactive environment learning the hottest trends in senior portrait photography! When they weren't shooting, cruising the aisles of the trade show, or taking notes during presentations by top people in the industry...(Jeff and Julia Woods, the Taufers, just to name a few)......there was the food!! The hotel featured the most beautiful outdoor buffets with a Southwestern theme. They were "wined and dined"!! The evenings in the hotel lobby were packed with everyone chatting and sharing ideas and portfolios....and Erin impressed many of her contemporaries when they saw her work. A big surprise for Erin was when she was asked to model for an award winning Canadian photographer, John Ratchford. And as the sun set that final evening they said their goodbyes knowing that friendships were made that would last for many years to come.

While everything was buzzing in Arizona, the Buzz for La Silhouette was spreading. The second year for the Valentine Portrait Event was booked to the max! The launch of La Silhouette Feminine series has been a big personal project for Erin. This incredible portrait opportunity explores the beauty of a woman from every aspect. Erin's exceptional creative talents allow her to capture the most stunning portraits of women of all shapes, sizes and ages in a beautiful artistic way creating fine art pieces that will be cherished. What a wonderful success this has been for Erin and the women she photographs....come be a part of this amazing experience! Do it for YOU...it gives you a confidence you didn't even know you had.

Erin feels blessed to be one of the most sought after photographers in the region. Traveling to several cities in the south/southwest to do special events has always been a big part of Erin's busy schedule. She has clients creating Buzz in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Dallas, and Phoenix. Each year she plans months in advance to meet the requests to do family, children, senior and La Silhouette sessions on the road.

Spring...
Talk about Buzz! Have you ever heard the sound, off in the distance, of teens talking about something or someone exciting?? Even before school was out for the summer our High School Senior program was already in full swing! Our teen reps were spreading the news and recruiting students for their Senior Pictures. McCaffrey Photography participated in the Jeep Giveaway Sweepstakes, a fantastic program sponsored by Professional Photographers of America (PPA) and once again the Buzz of Erin's unique style and attention to detail had the kids lining up! She always knows the hottest trends; she makes each senior feel special and really goes that extra mile to get the look they want. Ask any of them, they will tell you..."Erin Rocks"! If you or any student you know would be interested in the Senior Rep program with McCaffrey Photography contact us...The rewards are amazing!

Summer...
Our studio has a New Look!! McCaffrey Photography has continued to grow and change ....and our quaint little farm studio now has a slight European flair in the reception room which is something that Erin has wanted for a long time. Summer guest and farm helper, John Lindsley, on break from college, shared his remarkable talent as a painter and artist with a warm golden/amber faux finish on the walls. New wall displays and new furniture have been added making the atmosphere so inviting, everyone wants to spend time there!

And, we had another guest come to the farm last summer! "Butterscotch" is an adorable miniature horse who is a delight to all who come by to visit. Erin has created beautiful portraits of children spending time with Butter. He loves kids, petting and dog biscuits!!

Two years ago, when Erin was starting McCaffrey Photography, she attended a conference with her mom called "Imaging USA" held in Austin, TX. It was there she met a young female photographer she could really relate to. (They even had the same decorating/branding style!) It was after hearing Vicki Taufer speak that Erin knew she had found the right career path. Being so inspired Erin looked forward to someday attending "Haven", a workshop for photographers put on by the Taufer studio, VGallery in Morton, Ill. Each year Erin sets aside some time for continuing education and creative stimulation and summer 2008 she treated herself to the week long workshop, Haven. Here is what she had to say about her experience..."Attending Haven was a wonderful experience. I have always wanted to study under Vicki. It really was a thrill and I learned so much!"

Midst all the activity and workload for one little photographer, Erin was asked to photograph Dolly Parton live on stage! Yes, the amazing Dolly Parton!!! Erin and Penny were thrilled to be asked to shoot three of Dolly's shows. Dolly is such a phenomenal performer, and her gracious staff made the experience a pleasure. Then if that wasn't huge enough, Erin was asked to travel to Raleigh, SC to photograph Dolly and family for the South Mountain Resort Grand Opening. Erin, Penny, and Erin's grandmother (she was visiting from AZ at the time) flew to Raleigh...were picked up at the airport in a luxury limo and were treated like family! What a memorable experience it was for them!!

Somehow in that time frame Erin was able to squeeze a few sessions in Dallas, and one of the clients was an old friend from Erin's college days! To be able to reconnect with friends and share in their lives through photography is one of the spiffs of her business. That reconnect went to another level in '09......but that will be another story!

Fall...
No rest for Erin in the Fall!! This is the time our studio gears up for the busy season! Each year the Buzz grows about Erin and our country studio and more and more families are added, not just as clients, but as friends.....all booking appointments for their custom Holiday Greeting cards and family portraits. Every October, PPA sponsors "Family Portrait Month" to benefit the charity organization, Operation Smile. Founded in 1982, this children's charity is dedicated to treating facial deformities such as cleft lips and palates on children all around the world. It is a wonderful charity and we are so happy to be a part of it.

Winter...
With so many sessions booked in Oct and November there was much to be done and it's a mad dash to have all the portraits packed and delivered as gifts under Christmas trees or shipped off to family and friends far away. And then...and only then......Erin (and Mirabella) could take time to get cozy and relax in front of the fireplace.

But only for a moment or two.....because it was almost Christmas! Guests were coming, there was last minute shopping to do, and of course......when Erin’s family and friends gather for some Holiday Cheer someone would say....."Erin, where's your camera? We must get a picture of this"!