Sully is an adoption return feline to the Polk County Humane Society on Oct. 14. He is approx. 5 months old. He was raised in foster care and has been raised around many other cats and dogs. He would make an excellent addition to any home. He certainly loves to play hide and seek.
For more information on Sully please call PCHS: 863.324.5227
BLESSING
Female Labrador Retriever Mix • Aprox. 6 years old • Intake: Stray
To adopt contact:
The Humane Society of Polk County
3195 Dundee Road
Winter Haven, FL 33884
Call (863) 324-5227
Meet Blessing! She is a labrador retriever mix who was brought to the Humane Society of Polk County as a stray back in March of 2016. She is black and white with smooth fur and is medium sized. She has to die for brown or auburn eyes and cute drooping ears and a long wiggly tail. She is a lovable girl who just wants someone to love her. Preferably a woman. She is talented and smart knowing how to sit, sit pretty for treats, shake hands and also gives high fives. When taking her photos I noticed she is super affectionate and loves to give kisses. I had to wipe my lens off several times as she wanted to give me so many. She is housetrained and up to date on shots and is ready for her forever home.
Back in my pre-teen years I used to compete in pageants and I don't regret one bit of my participation. They brought out true inner beauty and self confidence in each of its contestants especially me!
Back in the early 90s the Miss Montana Pageant was held in Great Falls, Montana and since it was in my home town I wanted to enter. A friend of mine is currently Miss Montana and I am so proud of her. Go Tahnee Peppenger. She is quite the entrepreneur as well owning her own rodeo fashion company http://www.pinkspursco.com/.
Without doing pageants I would not have built my self confidence to speak in front of people. My confidence to just walk up to a stranger and strike up a conversation. My ability to be open and honest. My ability to sell...and own many different businesses throughout the years.
My mom, being a single parent at the time, told me that if I wanted to keep doing the pageants I had to pay my own way. This meant pay my entrance fees, for all my outfits and basically...everything! Well, this is where I learned to sell, sell, sell! I would do everything I could. Mow lawns, babysit, sell jerky at local bars and restaurants. I didn't get a fancy new ball gown but a beautiful used one from the Goodwill. If I remember correctly, my mom helped me a little with entrance fees but many were paid for because I sold so many ads in the program. It is crazy that if you really want something and it isn't given to you how much you can accomplish and learn from the experience. I really wish more parents nowadays were like my Mom. Make them work for it and they will appreciate it so much more.
Yes, I still have insecurities and I think we all do but being in pageants showed me that everyone is beautiful in their own way. I didn't win the pageant but took away more than I could have ever imagined at the time.
One of my favorite memories was doing my speech on some one I admired. Pretty funny when I really admired President Ronald Reagan. I thought it was pretty cool that an actor could turn President and that I thought he was so handsome. Not as the President but back when he was the "actor".
The Tiny-Miss Auburndale pageant was the first of it's kind for the Auburndale Chamber of Commerce and I think it was very well organized. Congratulations to all the winners and even the contestants themselves. You may not know it now but every time you are up on that stage you build self confidence and skills that you take with you for life. For more information, call the Chamber at 863-967-3400.
One of my favorite things to do is network and meet new and fabulous entrepreneurs especially women! Well, before moving to Florida i did a little Facebook and Internet research and found a great group of women entrepreneurs in Polk County, Florida. They are called FAB and they welcomed me with open arms. I have been their guest at two meetings and am joining this Monday. Here is a little bit about them taken from their website:
"FAB – Females Advancing Business – is a networking group for women in the Greater Winter Haven area. Formed in 2010 by Dora Lovell, Kathryn Smith and Cynthia Rignanese, the group’s purpose is to provide an opportunity to get to know others who are serious about building their business through relationships and referrals — all in an atmosphere that is informal, relaxed, and educational. If you are a FABulous lady, and would like more information, please contact us at: [email protected]"
Since networking with them I have photographed the Auburndale Chamber of Commerce Tiny, Little Miss and Teen Pageant and this wonderful event below. I can't wait for more opportunities to come!
The Leading Ladies Expo and Luncheon
at the Auburndale Civic Center
Today everyone needs a professional headshot.
If you are a business owner, you need a headshot.
If you are writing a blog, you need a headshot.
If you are in sales, you need a headshot.
If you are in the financial industry, you need a headshot.
Having a professional headshot on your profile, on your website or blog is the first impression a customer or client is getting about you.
A professional image is very important and a cell phone "selfie" just won't cut it anymore in the online market. You want to portray your product as professional so you should also look professional. The only way to do this is to hire a professional photographer like April Spaulding to make you look your best. Correct lighting and posing will make you look fabulous and will also make people want to work with you.
"It would be better to have NO photo than to have a "selfie."
Why not have a photo that is a true representation of who you are."
Your personality, style, passion can come through in a professional headshot. Whether you prefer natural lighting or in studio lighting there is still a drastic need (if not more) for these types of images.
"It PAYS to make the investment in YOU and in YOUR BUSINESS."
April Spaulding Photography not only does individual headshots in studio but can also set up a small studio at your place of business or on location such as a park or at a corporate or staff function.
What can I say....Leslie was the best bride ever! Not only did she talk up the booth but passed out a ton of cards to her friends who just got engaged. Rhiannon was the booth attendant at the event and had a blast. Even though it was her first time she loved it!
If you would like to book the photobooth for your next event visit www.funtanaphotobooth.com or email [email protected] and I can help you.
Everyone keeps asking "Why Florida?" and I thought I should explain. I have found the love of my life...one that challenges you, knock you off your feet, surprises me with my favorite chocolate wine and sushi...well you know that kind! Anyway, he is retiring in two weeks from the Air Force and his parents live in Lake Hamilton, Florida. He would like to be a little closer to them. It took some thought and a heck of a lot of convincing being all the friends, clients and knowing everyone in this part of Montana. But I said why not take the chance. I have never really lived out of state as an adult before. I lived in England when I was six but that is it. Tried moving to Vegas when I was 22 but got scared and changed my mind. So, without kids in tow and non-planned for now, I am taking the leap!
Because I am moving to Florida in late September I have to stop taking sessions to schedule ordering appointments by September 13, 2014.
As of today I do have room for two more seniors and about three more family portrait sessions. I am very sorry for any inconvenience but would love to book your session for next May and early June and give you a $100 portrait ordering credit to do so.
I am looking forward to this new experience but a little scarred in starting my business over but I know I can do it! After all, if it doesn't work out I have all of you great Montanans to come home to!
{WEDDING} DIGITAL DOWNLOAD SALE: Won't happen again ever!
For all weddings that were held previous to 2014 you can purchase your high resolution digital downloads per wedding for {only $200} with printing copyright release (some edited, some not). If interested please email me [email protected] and I can send you a paypal invoice then you will receive your link to download once paid in full.
***Note: not all clients have online galleries but please inquire.
Love thy sibling. I just love it when siblings get along and play with one another. At first thought when I arrived for the session ... they must just be getting along for the pictures. Wow, was I ever wrong. They even began to dance with one another. When I arrived for the ordering appointment in their home Marcus was getting his fingernails painted by his sister! Then by the time I left they were jumping into the pool together. There is something so sweet to be said about this.
Wow...60 years?? Now that is a milestone that many don't see nowadays with so many taking marriage as a grain of salt. These two were so cute and I can see why they have been together so many years. They compliment one another. She is a talker and he gets down to business! The funny thing I have to mention is it was his idea for the anniversary portraits to give to the family and display at their party. Thank you Ginger and Arnie Skoog and also to the Bowman family for allowing me to capture this amazing milestone.
I am super duper excited to announce the new branch of my photography studio. It took a few years in the making to build up a portfolio but I have finally made the transition. The new branch is called PAW-tography. I not only photography pawed animals but also hooved pets and reptiles to birds. Stay tuned as I will announce our first pet model search! I know I will fill up fast as my studio hours have now changed to Monday - Thursday 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and an occassional Saturday.
First birthday cake smash sessions are one of my favorites (accept cleaning up the mess!) Not only are they encouraged to dive into the cake but also to paint with it! I can provide the cake for an additional fee and absolutely love Crooked Tree Coffee and Cakes. Leah and her crew are amazing at what they do. They are right down the street from me and very tempting to visit everyday!m
For more information or to schedule your cake smash session call me 406.750.8666 or email [email protected]. Mini sessions start at $45.
In the above session Momma "Melissa" brought in this lovely cake. I prefer white cake and white frosting so as to not turn you little one into a blue smurf! Cutler for some reason did not like the texture of the cake but loved his balloons instead. You never know what they are going to do and that is part of the fun.
For the next session they brought in a custom cake for Hayden's first birthday made by Crooked Tree Coffee and Cakes and not only did she like it but we had help cleaning up the mess by their also one year old chocolate lab!
If you are one of those that wants all your favorite images but also wants to do something with them to show off to family and friends; why not have April Spaulding Photography create an amazing album for you.
These can be used to show case your amazing session at your graduation party. You can even create a graduation guest book using your images! Albums are included in some of the top senior packages or can be purchased separately. We order most of our albums from H and H Color Lab as their quality is amazing and they are our lab of choice!
Click the right hand bottom corner to turn the page!
Save your spot this spring and summer as we have very limited sessions for the 2015 seniors and you don't want to miss out. We will only be taking 30 seniors this year at April Spaulding Photography and all sessions must be taken by August 15th!!!! Please email me for our latest session/product catalog and schedule a pre-consultation either by phone or by coming into the studio to see all the latest products. Email [email protected] or call 406.750.8666. Mention seeing this blog post and receive a FREE 5X7 GALLERY WRAP.
My valuable photobooth attendant assisted guest on Feb. 22, 2014 at Josh and Ashlee's wedding reception at the Columbus Center in Great Falls. They initially booked 2 hours with us but when that was over they wanted more so they booked another 2 hours. Oh what fun was had. Check it out...
I love it when the whole family joins in to welcome their newest edition to the family. The two older brothers are so proud of their new baby brother and who wouldn't be. Ashton looks amazing after just giving birth and dad was such a help with the first session. Grandma came for the second session and the power of the grandma touch! She had Beckett to sleep so fast and he wasn't going anywhere. I highly recommend keeping a grandma in your pocket for sessions like these...lol!
After this session I sure hope he was wore out because Mom and I sure were. It could have been us curled up in the laundry basket taking a nap. At 9 months he was crawling, walking, walking, and of course teething. He was just fascinated by the pipe we used as a portion of the background. I could tell it felt good on his gums as he kept licking it like an ice cream.
One thing is for sure, his dimples are just adorable and mom has her hands full! But good thing James has 3 older brothers to take care of him and keep him busy!
It wasn't beer drinking and indulging on super fatty snacks for me on Feb. 2, 2014 when the Seattle Seahawks met the Denver Broncos in New York, nor was it much of a game. So it was worth while to miss it for this beautiful experience. Even though Marissa and Aaron were rooting for the Broncos to win, they were well occupied at 9:59 p.m. when Davin came into the world at Benefis Hospital South Tower.
Even though I was tired, my adrenaline kicked in and I didn't want to miss a minute of his birth and all the tender moments after. The staff at Benefis made these moments even more special taking care of not only momma and baby but also making sure I got every shot. So thankful for them! I finally left the hospital at about 1:30ish. It is nice to now live in Great Falls so I don't have to wait at the hospital for hours and hours of labor. They can now call me and I will be there in 10-20 minutes.
I am so happy for you both on your first child and wish you all the best. Thank you for allowing me the pleasure of documenting these special memories. ~ Hugs, April Spaulding
I really enjoyed the Bridal Journey in Great Falls last weekend. This was my 4 or 5th year being a vendor for it and I can't tell you enough how awesome Cheryl is. She gave me a primo spot. I am trying something a little new this year by being a vendor at the Bridal Extravaganza at the Mansfield Center in Great Falls this Sunday, January 13. It all begins at 11 a.m. I am nervous to see where they put me! Come and check out our booth and specials.
Here is a little recap of my weddings and engagements.
I can say that this young lady is a cover girl! Isn't she just beautiful. These aren't even her senior portraits. Can't wait to do those in a few years. Joining her in the studio was her mom, two sisters, dad (all the way from Great Falls) and even grandma came. I can say I was a little nervous with all of them standing behind me but they made PJ feel right at home.
If you need to get your child in as it has been way too long and you would like a fun and funky session. Whether it be age 6 months to 15 years we hae mini sessions available and full sessions (like PJs) available. Visit our portrait pricing page to send us a quote. January has no session fees for these ages.
The 2013 Bridal Journey as a success and can't wait to participate in my first Bridal Extravaganza this coming weekend put on the the Bride's Shoppe in Great Falls. It is at the Mansfield Center and it all begins at 11 a.m. with fashion show starting at 1:30 p.m.
I had a bit of fun with everyone especially my fun neighbors Six Shooter Photo Booth out of Helena, Montana. They were a hit and I had to partake in the fun as well. Local KRTV celebrity Art Taft joined in with me. Okay so maybe photo 3 gives me a double chin. Not a good look!
Ellie Z is one of the most beautiful girls ever! She was so easy to photograph. Her parents just crack me up. They both came...even dad! Which I was very impressed as this never happens. This was our second time rescheduling but I am so glad we did as the weather was perfect. Except for the forrest fires in the Bench Mark Wilderness that kept spreading ash all over Teton County. My assistant and I had to pull little bits of ash from her hair and our noses...lol. What a great time and I can't wait to show her the whole session!
It was such a pleasure photographing this young lady. Turns out I went to school in Great Falls with her Aunt! Such a small world. Our trek out to her ranch was an easy one but with a thunderstorm looming behind us. We had to get the show on the road. Her dad lended us a helping hand by taking me in the Gator across the river so I could photograph Brianna on the rocks. Next he took us next to an old out building but began to walk around everywhere. I was puzzled??? He said he was making sure there were no rattlesnakes as he had killed 11 in the past week. Oh my!
Needless to say everyone was safe, the storm never hit during the session, her clothing, hair and everything were just perfect! I can't wait to photograph her little brothers!
These two were so cute. They could not keep their hands off each other let alone pose for a picture. So I just let them be their goofy and fun loving selves. Conner mentioned his favorite ones are them taking the Dodge through the mud. I gotta say, I loved those too! So them! We took these up at Bynum Reservoir right before harvest started. Hey there is actually still water in the reservior!
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Initially it was so hard to choose favorites as she is such a fun and happy little baby. Always has a smile on her face but when she does cry it is just a small tear and then it is back to smiling. All I can say is Blakely is a DOLL! I can't wait to see her grow up (not too soon) and see how much trouble daddy is going to be in.
I have been photographing Grady since he was 6 months old. He was lovingly adopted and as since had a sister adopted recently. I gotta tell you, this kiddo loves his toys and he has a ton of them! Once we started photographing on one, he wanted another and then went back to the other toy. I tell ya 4 year olds are busy, busy, busy! But isn't he just a cutie. I couldn't ask better!
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I love when I get to photograph for childhood friends. I makes just makes me feel young again. David, I can't thank you enough for letting me such an integral part of your special day at Whitefish Lake Lodge in Whitefish, Montana on July 3, 2012. You have married a very beautiful girl and I wish you all the best. |
| Your dogs had their eyes on you the moment I walked into the room there and never took their eyes off. Wonder why? You made a gorgeous bride. |
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Even though the wind was howling Rene insisted that the wedding remain outside. I am glad we did as even though it was a big chilly, David and Rene had it on Whitefish Lake for a reason. It's breathtaking views not a tent! |
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One of the things I really enjoy is photographing photogenic photos for pageants. The children are just so much fun and always really excited to be helpers and models. Now Jess, she was so polite and said the funniest things. Both her mom and dad came along with her from Browning. I will surely love to have their family back in my studio sometime soon. Isn't she just a doll!
One of the things my clients have asked me is “Do you take school portraits?” Well yes, and I also charge the same as Lifetouch except I take the photo until I approve the pose from you and you get to choose your background or if you want an onlocation (in Choteau only) session it is just $20 added to your package. You can even add basic or premium retouching and bring the younger children or older siblings too? So if you are tired of the same ol, same ol every year and don’t get what you want. You should call me 406-750-8666 and book your school portrait session.
