Colorado Springs Independent "Best Of"

Wow.... We just found out that I have been voted "Best Photographer" in Southern Colorado by the readers of the Colorado Springs Independent. The Indy is Southern Colorado's largest publication with over 120,000 readers each week. This is probably THE most incredible honor I've been given in my career. I was thinking about it, in comparison to my photos being in Times Square on the Kodak Jumbotron and how each of the 7 times they've been up there, how emotional it is -- how surreal it has been to stand there looking at an image that I created on that big screen where millions of people will pass by to see my work... that feeling is like none other I've ever experienced. But, this... THIS recognition has got to be THE best thing ever because it has come as a result of my clients and their experience with me. I am truly humbled and so thankful.

THANK YOU to all of our clients who voted for us!! You guys are the best! I look back, in awe, of how much I have learned and grown through the years since I began this journey. Who would've thought when I started photographing a handful of friends and family just 8 short years ago that it would grow into a thriving business that has taken me all over the country to photograph thousands of people. This year has brought me to places in this beautiful country to work with some amazing people and I am blessed with a job that most people would only dream of having. From being asked to document a baby's first cry as he enters the world to working with dancers on a hit TV show (love you, SYTYCD guys!!!!), this has been the wildest and most fun ride that I could ever imagine.

I am so humbled and honored by the opportunities I've been given and where it all started. My thanks go out to my friends and mentors, who have come alongside me and been instrumental in my growth and success. I can remember as a little girl, being photographed by Robert Jenkins of Robert Jenkins Photography in Wynne, AR, who was our family photographer. This man has been my photographic idol since I can remember. I decided throughout the years that he had the coolest job in the world, and I think he is one of the greatest photographers I've ever known. He has been so generous in answering my questions about starting a business and helping with lighting and finding the perfect vendors and I wouldn't have such a great business if it weren't for what I've learned from him.

My good friend, Laura Stetser, of Laura Lynne Photography in Roseville, CA - a huge thanks to her for being such a sweet friend and supporter and incredibly talented photographer, who has walked this path with me and I'm enjoying seeing her success, as well. We found friendship with each other and began our journey toward our dream and have seen each other through the hard times that it takes to make the dream a reality -- the long nights, the 70 and 80 hour work weeks, the driving nonstop across the country to work more 70 and 80 hour work weeks, the hauling equipment, the equipment failure, the hours away from our families to live out the dream, the sweat and many tears that have been part of it... all the hard work that has paid off to have such a great job. I appreciate her friendship and growing with me.

And I would like to extend a huge thanks to Stephen Dantizig, of Dantzig Photography in Honolulu, Hawaii. He is THE most incredible author and fashion photographer. He has been such an inspiration to me from the time I bought his first book and contacted him saying that I was "his biggest fan and could he teach me everything he knows?" He has given such amazing advice and direction in developing my skill, and I couldn't imagine having a better mentor (or more famous one!) And I'm STILL his biggest fan! :) He took the time to take a rookie and explain to me things to do and not to do and I am forever grateful for a business relationship that I am privileged to have.

Thank you so much to our clients across the country. Those inside and outside of Colorado Springs who continue to trust me with preserving your family's memories and special days for you. To those who choose me to create art for them in capturing personalities of their loved ones... this is such a fun journey and I appreciate every person who has joined us for it. Thank you to all who have appreciated my work enough to vote for me. You guys are incredible and have help make my childhood dream better than anything I ever imagined!! Thank you...

Those of you in Colorado Springs, go out today and pick up a copy of the "Best Of" issue -- for those of you outside the Springs, see the winners here. Go to the Best Of Winners in the Making Noise section and you can scroll down to Photographer.

"So You Think You Can Dance"

I was so thrilled to get to work with three amazing and talented-beyond-belief dancers recently. Each of these three dancers was among the finalists in past seasons of the hit TV show, "So You Think You Can Dance." Not only were they incredible dancers, but such nice people to hang with. Enjoy some of the photos from the shoot and also see additional images from the shoot on our Facebook fansite.

The dancers were in town for a Celebrity Series Workshop sponsored by Assemble' Dancewear. Thanks so much to Shauna Noland, Gev Manoukian, and Kourtni Lind for such a fun time. And Kellie Amend from Assemble' -- thanks to everyone - you guys were wonderful to work with!

This is Shauna Noland -- so spunky and sexy - and so much fun!

Behind the scenes with Shauna...

Behind the scenes with Gev Manoukian... Can you believe this guy?

And here's Gev from my point of view - amazing!!!!

Words cannot even express this unbelievable talent!!

The girls taking a peek on the camera...

And here's Kourtni Lind... tall and elegant in her dancing and so sultry behind the camera!

Weddings, weddings...

This is Heather & Jordan, whose wedding is coming up here in Colorado. We just returned from our latest trip to Arkansas and it's so nice to see equally beautiful images from both places, but the outdoor photographs are just so different! What a great job we have to be able to work in the most beautiful places around the country.

Heather & Jordan were so much fun to work with -- their love and passion for each other is contagious and we cannot wait for their big day that is right around the corner!

The Rocky Mountains are always a nice background for any photo - especially with a beautiful couple snuggling! :)

And you might remember Blake and Danielle's engagement session with some beautiful photographs in front of Pike's Peak. Well, their wedding was lovely, but unfortunately, an incredible Colorado blizzard collided with it and so we got to spend some time with them after the wedding for a make-up shoot to re-enact some of the moments that we *would've* gotten on the actual day... I think that blizzard did us a favor -- how wonderful to be able to relax and enjoy a perfect weather day to get images that I hope this couple will treasure for the rest of their lives...

The following photographs were created at The Pinery in Colorado Springs, who has a staff that is unbelievable....

Oh, you know how I love the drama. I think I was on the floor squealing in delight when we set up this one...

This photo captures Blake and Dani's easy-going, smooth personalities -- lots of fun and just all-around beautiful people - inside and out.

And what can I say that this photo doesn't.... a beautiful bride, a beautiful wedding gown, a beautiful day to be lying in grass (no blizzard here now!!)... Dani, you make my job so easy. May you and Blake be blessed with an incredible life that you both deserve. Thanks for letting me be part of your memories...

Back in the South

Ok, I've heard enough about it today... LOL!! I know, I know... I'm behind on the blog -- I guess because Robert handles all the Facebook stuff I figured I could be a slacker on here, but I guess I'll try to whip myself back in shape. So, here goes. Hang on tight!

So... we are back in the South having a wonderful time seeing fabulous returning clients and working with new ones. It's always so fun here (um, bad hair days excluded) and I even got a special treat in the wee hours of the morning before the big Turner-Wood wedding last weekend -- a southern-size thunderstorm that had me giddy for hours!

Now, meet some special people here... more to come, I promise. I will no longer neglect my loyal blog-followers.

This is the beautiful Claire... well, as you can see, "beautiful" is an understatement, now isn't it? Stunning. Sexy. Fabulous. AND... the newest addition at Teresa Lee Models. Big congratulations to her on an incredible future ahead for her in her modeling career. This is Brenn, a high school senior, with whom we set out to "wow" her friends. Mission accomplished (wait till you see the rest of her images!!!!).

This is Amy. And with bittersweet feelings I write this because she's just finished up her chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer. But, as you can gather from this photo, you can know exactly who Amy is. Strong. Powerful. Beautiful. A true survivor. And that is the sweetest thing I've ever seen.

Oh, Miss Hannah.... what a great setting for her senior photos to show off a girly-country-girl in her own surroundings.

More to come.... thanks for a great trip, everyone!

Surprise!

There's not much more that I could ask for on a regular ole Wednesday morning while sitting with Robert drinking coffee and browsing around the web before the day gets started other than finding out that I have TWO photos that were recently displayed in Times Square on the Kodak Jumbotron!! Being in the heart of New York City and SEEING them is beyond amazing, and while I wish we would've known about them before so we could've done our normal spontaneous rush off to Manhattan, I am so very excited right now for such a fun and exhilirating surprise to my day.

This image was the featured photo on February 18, 2009 -- Baby King -- one of my most favorite and yummy babies -- now on his SECOND win for me, as he won 2nd place in an International Competition in 2008! This is titled "Lil' Blue Eyes." Congratulations, King family... and thank you... :)
And this one was featured on January 31, 2009, while getting ready for the Super Bowl. Titled, "Pigskin" -- it is available on our website in the Fine Art portion of the Client Section. It also hangs as a focal point in our son's room. So exciting!!! Thank you, Garrett and Daddy, for letting Momma play with your toys! :)

New Model - Sarah

This is Sarah, one of the newest additions to Teresa Lee Models. We met Sarah through our photographing at the A&E Studio, where she is doing her model training. It is amazing to see Sarah's transformation from her very first shot and to see where she is now. These are some of the images she'll be using in her portfolio, and you may see all of Sarah's portfolio on http://www.teresaleemodels.com/ These are some of my favorites, as well.

Most Exciting News EVER!

If you know me at all, you know that music is a huge part of who I am. It is part of the fiber that makes me this quirky, passionate, intense, and emotional person. I feel things very deeply and I love that about myself -- and music has so much to do with the person that I've always been... with that being said, one of the most exciting projects I've ever worked on is getting to do a CD cover for recording artists whose music touches me so deeply. And such a CD made its way into my hands today and I could not be more excited!!

So, a little history -- Robert and I will tell you that we fell in love at the Mona Lisa in Manitou Springs many years ago -- I can remember the date, the food, the wine.... it was all so very perfect and it was that evening that we both "knew" that our lives were destined to be together forever... the best night of my life... And then last year, it was at that same place where we met Vivian Gail and Doug Zinn and as Vivian's voice enchanted the entire place, I cried. And that's nothing unusual when I hear beautiful music, but still today, I still cry whenever I hear this voice that will rival any angel's. We were thrilled to get to work on their cd by doing the photography for it, and during a few meetings and late night photo sessions, Vivian's voice captivated our children as she sang them goodnight lullabies.... and I cried the whole time. :)

Below are some photos of the cd itself that I had to snap quickly today, as I was so ecstatic at its release. We are also THRILLED that Doug and Vivian are recording a "soundtrack" for our websites that will be completed in a couple of months. For now, you can hear some of the tracks we're using from the CD on our website -- http://www.intimaphotography.com/ features "Lover Man" which compliments the images in this sexy, sultry and passionate way. Also, on http://www.teresaleephotography.com/ you can visit the "Babies & Children" Gallery to hear the incredible arrangement of "Over the Rainbow" and the "Engagement" and "Weddings" Galleries feature "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life."

If you are interested in purchasing one of the CD's, titled "Smile," we are helping them to promote it and you can order it in the Client Section of our website under Products for $17 (includes $2.00 shipping charge). It will also be available in March at Barnes & Noble in Colorado Springs.

Congratulations to Doug and Vivian for creating a great piece of art, and thanks so much for letting us capture these images for your project.

Chris & Ryan Got Married!

Having the honor of sharing in couples' best days of their lives is one of the greatest things I get to do. Being a "wedding photographer" seems like such an inaccurate description of what my job really is. I never take for granted what a huge responsibility it is to be trusted with documenting the romance, passion, and love that is so evident on such a life-changing day. And Chris & Ryan's romantic and dreamy day was one of the most incredible I've experienced.

There's a lot to be said about Southern weddings and Southern brides. I love weddings all over the country that we get to do, but everything is just a little more dramatic in the south. Chris & Ryan's wedding was just outside of Oxford, Miss. at her beautiful aunt's beautiful home on the lake and it was such a beautiful and intimate day that I am privileged to have been a part of. Below are some of my favorites of Chris & Ryan.

I love this photo so full of romance and softness... Chris getting ready...

I loved how Chris was sitting in this light and Ryan was walking away when I yelled for him to stop right where he was and turn around to look at her. One of my most favorites...

Congratulations to such a sweet couple -- I hope that your marriage is filled with many blessings and passion-filled days for all the years to come... Thanks for letting me help you with your special day.

New Model - Ally

We are pleased to announce our newest addition to Teresa Lee Models - Ally D. She is an incredible makeup artist in Colorado, as well as a beautiful model. Check out her online portfolio at www.teresaleemodels.com

Futrell Beauty

I'm not going to tell you how old this girl is, because if you don't know her, there is no way you will believe me at how young she is! A sweet girl and a photographer's dream, here are some of my favorites from her session. Pretty, just like her momma!