Why a blog? Oh, come on. Why not? It gives you the opportunity to meet me, know me and my business better than you might otherwise. Plus, its an easy way for me to share more information about photography, weddings, specials, and more with you.  Plus, I include teasers for my most recent clients.  Please be patient while the site uploads - there are lots of photos and it sometimes takes a few seconds.

Thanks for coming and reading what nonsense I might have to say. ___________________________________________________________

October 7, 2008 

Where has the last 6 months or so gone?? Why do I still feel like summer should be starting at any time, and yet they've already got out Holiday decorations?? Apparently I'm too busy to keep up with the date. :) 

Hoping you are having an easier time with keeping track of the dates than me. If not for my weddings, I would never know what day it is. :) 

September 14, 2008 

Well, better late than never, right? Here, FINALLY, are some pictures from my recent trip to Prague, which I promised I would post. We had an incredible time. What a blast the city is! And so beautiful. The castle provides a fabulous view of the entire Old Square, as well as the Charles Bridge and the Jewish district. We spent 4 full days in the city of Prague, enjoying the sites, and ventured to outer cities for 2 days. We went to Karlstejn Castle, which is a beautiful example of Renaissance construction. We didn't have time (or energy after the 2 mile hike up to the castle!) to view the inside, unfortunately. We also spent one day in the city off Kutna Hora, where there are surprisingly few souvenir shops (YAY!) and yet an amazing number of gelato stands. Can it get any better!? Kutna Hora borders the small town of Sedlec, which is home to the "Bone Church." And this church lives up to its name - all of the decor within, including the candelabra, the royal crest, writing on the wall, even the chandelier, are all made of human bone remains. Creepy, you ask? DEFINITELY!! :) Well, without further adieu... 

Prague at night...             A dark and beautiful alleyway

St. Vitus Cathedral in the Prague Castle

Interior of St Vitus                     Karlstejn Castle Tower

Old Jewish Cemetery pic - over 20,000 graves in one city block!

And last but not least, me and the hubby in Old Square, just beside the astronomical clock tower, and with Tyn Cathedral in the background. This was on our final night in Prague, and the only photograph we got of the two of us, without it being a "self portrait!" 

Of course I took close to 300 pictures of Prague and the other cities we visited, but of course I can't bother you with all of those. Only those lucky family and friends got stuck seeing all of them!  :)

Rachel and Chad Portraits - September 12, 2008

What a beautiful day for the beach! We had such a blast Friday evening at Pass-A-Grille beach in St. Petersburg. I got some fabulous shots of this beautiful couple, who are getting married in just a few months! What could be more romantic than photographs at sunset.....

September 6, 2008 

Here are a few additional pictures of clients I have taken recently. Sorry to post them in a spattering instead of separating them by couple. They are just too great not to share! Hope you enjoy!

August 24, 2008 

Just a warning for any of you who attempt to contact me between Aug 27 and Sep 3, I won't be around to answering your calls or your emails! I'm happy to announce that I will be taking a personal vacation, completely void of cell phones, computers, and my assistant. :)  

My husband and I are lucky enough to be traveling to Prague, Czech Republic for that week. Though we will probably meet up with a cousin who lives just outside of Prague, the goal of the week is to take a break from regular life. And that might include  visiting Cafe Imperial, where you can purchase a plate covered in day old donuts, that you are permitted to throw at anyone in the restaurant - friends, strangers, other patrons, even employees. 

Don't worry, I'll return all calls and emails just as soon as I get back. And I'll post some pictures of my trip when I return as well.

July 28, 2008 

Sorry for the long time of silence, I've been so busy with vacation and weddings that the blog has been ignored on my to-do list for too long! More newlyweds and news to come, I'll try to be more on top of this! :) 

July 16, 2008 - Just a note, since I'm asked all the time!

What’s the difference between professional printing and regular printing?

Even though photographs of any type are protected by copyright laws, that doesn’t stop most from scanning and reprinting their images. 

But why are professional prints so much more expensive, people ask me all the time. Why do I charge $10 for a print, when you can get one on Shutterfly or at Target for 30 cents? There are a few reasons, actually. One, or course, is that the photographs are copyrighted to me and I can charge whatever I want. Just like I say to my kids, “because I said so.” :)

But really, why else? Professional prints are different. They offer a much higher quality print. They are color corrected by professionals (not people who put film into a machine and put it into a package when it comes out). They are sealed with a protective coating to reduce discoloration, pealing, and damage to the print itself. They are guaranteed to stand the test of time; regular prints are not.

The price may be higher, but as so many things, you get what you pay for. Pay 30 cents for a print, and expect to have to replace it because it fades or discolors. Or it might not even make it home without having to be reprinted – the color on their printing machine might not be accurate and cause the photograph to be discolored from the time you receive it.  Take the time, spend the money to get the professional print. You’ll be happy you did when 20 years down the road your picture still looks great, and is still the right color.

LAS VEGAS, BABY!!

Even at 117 degrees, I still love it! I spent 5 days out in Las Vegas this month, and had a blast. There's nothing like Sin City and the constant blinking lights and ringing buzzers of the casino to make you feel hundreds of miles from home. We stayed at the Bellagio, but we saw just about all of the hotels along the strip, with exception of course to the ones that were WAY far... north, is that? But when we drove by them, it appears they were all being tore down and replaced anyways, so no loss, right? Here's hoping the next big photographers convention is out there so I have another excuse to return! 

PS. No, I did NOT win millions on the slots, which is why I am still in business. :) 

Robinson Wedding - July 5, 2008

Here's to the new Mrs. Robinson. Let's just hope she doesn't live up to her likeness in the song.... :) Another fabulous bride and groom looking at years of happiness and good times. Without further adieu...

Pidgeon Wedding - June 28, 2008

Sometimes a couple comes along that is such fun that I wish there wedding was every weekend - well, this was one of those times! Thank you Aimee and Rich for letting me have such fun at your wedding. You guys are so great together, and I'm happy to have been a part of your day. 

Emes Wedding - June 21, 2008

They say that rain on a wedding day is good luck, so Deana and Brett are in for years and years of happiness!! :) But the rain didn't spoil the mood. They were wed on the beach in St Petersburg at a gorgeous house, which was still no comparison to the bride. Thanks for letting me be a part of all your fun!

Puma Wedding - June 7, 2008

Congratulations to the new couple! What a blast this wedding was. I also got tons of blackmail photos on a beautiful girl named Sabrina. Hopefully when her wedding comes around, she'll remember me. Anyways, here's one of the many great shots of the happy couple!

I love the Florida Keys - Mid May 2008

No weddings these two weekends... I'm in Key Largo, enjoying the sun and fun, doing lots of diving, boating, and relaxing. We went on vacation with our friends for my husband's birthday. We ought to do this every year! :) 

It was supposed to be a surprise party for the hubby, I've been planning it for a year! But of course, about a month ago, someone let it slip and he figured it all out. I thought I would be upset, I've never been able to keep a secret from him for very long, but I was actually relieved. Now he could handle all the arrangements! 

We spent almost every morning and/or afternoon diving the Speigelgrove. If you are a diver, you have to check this ship out. It is located just off of Key Largo, and its amazing. We saw a huge sea turtle on this trip, plus more sting rays than we could count. On one reef dive I ended up with a huge conch shell, which is going to be a beautiful reminder on my patio of our trip. Until next year!

Pelleymounter Wedding - May 10, 2008

Yet another happy couple! A gorgeous wedding at Christ the King in Tampa, followed by some beach portraits, and a reception at the Vinoy. They did the most awesome thing for the introduction - each couple had their own song, and constumes/dances to go with it! It was fantastic!

Rados Wedding - May 10, 2008

A Mardi Gras themed wedding - what could be more fun!? Complete with masks for the bridal party, the most amazing funky cake, feathers, a silver man, and a caricature artist! Congratulations to the happy new couple! 

Chieco Wedding - Apr 26, 2008

I love green orchids! How did she know they are my favorite flowers? So I had to get tons of pictures of course. And the lovely bride and handsome groom wed on the beach, and enjoyed oysters and shots immediately following the ceremony. Gotta love this couple, they like to party! Wishing them even more years of FUN!

Specials at Robin Highsmith Photography – Apr 2008

Need another reason to try Robin Highsmith Photography? How about the incorporation of a new set of albums? We’ve updated our packages for the 2008 year to include bigger albums, with more pages than before. Plus, they come in a greater variety of cover designs. Oh, and better yet, we didn’t adjust our prices at all. Enjoy the same prices from 2007, with better options.

 Another special, you ask? Oh, okay.  How about… A FREE CRUISE?? Does that sound like a great idea, or what? Yes, Robin Highsmith Photography is offering a sweepstakes for a Free, one week vacation aboard the Princess Cruise Line to the Caribbean. The drawing will be taken in November of 2008. And we’re not only offering the free cruise… oh yes, there’s more!! There are additional 2^nd and 3^rd place prizes, including plasma TVs, TomTom GPS Navigation systems, and $500 American Express gift cards. 

You can contact us for more information about how to enter HERE. And this service isn’t only for brides and grooms, but for all of our clients. More details to follow as they become available!

Mendoza Wedding - Apr 5, 2008

I love a girl who breaks the mold. I haven't seen a jacket with a wedding gown in years - and this was gorgeous!! Wishing this couple years and years of happiness, and thank you for letting me be a part of your day. 

Penix Wedding - Mar 22, 2008

What a lovely couple! Its easy to see that they are very committed to each other and will be happy for years to come. And what a crazy bunch their family was! If the DJ hadn't been limited by time, they probably would have been there all night. :) 

Herrera Wedding - Mar 9, 2008

Congratulations Apple! I met Apple (nickname!) back in... oh.... 1991 or thereabouts? I'm so happy that she let me play such a big part in her day. A fabulous beach wedding followed by dinner and dancing.  I wish them both the best of luck, and years of love! 

Frost Wedding - Mar 1, 2008

I love Nativity Catholic Church! Its amazingly beautiful, and incredible for pictures. Congratulations to the new couple! Hoping they had a great honeymoon and are settling back in to married life.

Too nice out to work today!!

Well, it’s the middle of the week and I have to admit to you, its just too nice to do any work today. I figure I’ll take my phone with me and answer all the incoming calls, and maybe set up an appointment or two in the car. But I’m picking up the kids and taking them to the zoo.

 Have to been to the Lowry Park Zoo? They have an amazing number of animals, and it’s the best place, I think, for kids in the Tampa Bay area. They love the aquarium too, don’t get me wrong, and the park is always a hit, but at the zoo they get to feed the giraffes, ride on ponies, play in the water playground, ride the carousel, and see hundreds and hundreds of animals.

 So without further adieu, I’m off. Have a great weekend… I’m taking mine early. :)

Just for fun - Feb 2008

My daughter is such a goof! And a complete daredevil. If something might hurt her or scare her, she's got to give it a try. Of course as long as she doesn't get hurt, I try to let her be herself. 

So we were playing in the backyard on this particular occasion, when she decided she wanted to hang upside down. At just two, I'm amazed by her gutsy-ness.  I had to grab the camera and get a picture of this though. As a child raised by a photographer, she knows just how to pose for me. What a ham! 

A House or a Home?? - Jan 2008

Of course with the holidays, I spent the majority of my time in November and December at various family homes – aunts, uncles, in-laws, et cetera. And I noticed that there was definitely a difference in the homes and how welcoming they were. One aunt and uncle in particular (no names, of course!!) have a beautiful home. Newly built, fresh paint, and professional landscaping. It really was like walking into a model house. And as beautiful as it was, I felt like it was missing something; but I couldn’t put my finger on what exactly it was.

After thinking about it, I realized what it was – the lack of any photographs. All their artwork, professionally framed and displayed, covered every wall, and decorative items covered every desktop, but there were no family pictures. It was as if no one lived there! This, I realized, differs from my home – immensely!! You can’t walk into my home without realizing, immediately, that I have two little girls. Or you might consider I have even more, with the number of photographs of them at all different ages and stages. But no, all of those photographs have been taken within the last 3 years, because they are born still young.  You will also immediately notice that we have lots of friends and family – our friends photographs, our family photographs, our wedding photographs – they are all displayed with love. Even on our poor refrigerator, who suffers from the constant clutter of adding new photographs, notes, coupons, drawings made by my 3 year old, and, of course, about 17 magnetic letters of the alphabet. (Where the heck are the rest of them??)

To some, this arrangement of personal photographs might appear half-hazard and unnecessary. But where we live it not just our house; it truly is our home, where we display what we love. I also remember that my kids, as they grow up, will see the home covered in them – an obvious and unavoidable occurrence. And this thought brings a smile to my face, because even though hard times come between parents and their kids, a home filled with photographs helps to reassure everyone what is truly important to us. Not our jobs, not our next conference. But on our kids, our family, our friends, and those we love. Hopefully, my kids will be able to see and understand that they are loved, unconditionally, though the photographs we display of them with pride.  Is your house or apartment your home? Do you display what you love, with love? Remember – people always reach for their photographs (after their family members, obviously) in the event of an emergency.  Protect, frame, display, and love your photographs.

About Me – Dec 2007

Who wants to know more about me? No one? Oh well – might want to skip down to the next paragraph or two where I tell you some of my most embarrassing moments. My name is Robin Highsmith, and I’m the owner and artist at Robin Highsmith Photography. I’ve been in the professional photography business in the Tampa Bay area for over 4 years. My favorite thing to photograph is weddings. I love the excitement, the stress, the surprises, and the emotions. There’s really nothing like it. Don’t get me wrong, getting started in this business is very hard, and so it should be. People need to trust those that are going to record their wedding day. And it was very stressful too; the first wedding I assisted on, I thought I was going to be sick with stress. But everything went great, and the more I do, the more comfortable I become and the more at home I feel. Plus, it gives me the chance to help my customers, because they undoubtedly will be stressed out. 

What else is important to me, other than my business? Easy one. My family. I have a great husband, Dan. And we have two beautiful (not that I’m biased, but they are brilliant as well) little girls, Hailey and Natalie. They are my world. And because they are both young, try to understand that if I don’t answer my phone, its probably because one, or both, are having a temper tantrum/wrestling the other to the ground/stealing each others toys and I don’t want to subject anyone to have to listen to them. J

 I grew up all of 100 miles from here, in Orlando. Living just outside of Disney World, we were regulars to be honest. And my first job? Yup – Disney. Even more embarrassing, what I did. Next time you visit Magic Kingdom, buy a balloon; and notice the guy or gal holding them – are they still wearing a blue and white pinstriped shirt, white knickers, knee high socks, and a hat? Oh…. Those poor people. I hate to admit that I too, at the age of 16, was once LITERALLY in their shoes.

 Now that you’ve had a good laugh at my expense, check back again soon for upcoming specials. We’re hoping to get involved in a special to offer you with a free cruise, a free car, or something similar. We’ll be in touch.

More questions? Please CONTACT US.