Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

We'd like to thank each of you for allowing us to be a part of your family this year. Its a great privilege to visually capture memories for our clients who entrust us with this honor. We wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! A special hello to all of my fellow photographers who visit our site for inspiration as well.

We look forward to seeing all of you and watching your families grow in 2009!

Love,

The Harris Family: Robert, Wanda, Ashley and Katie Harris (and Gabby too)

Image copyright: Robert Harris Photography

Ashley, Polaroid transfer

Its hard to imagine how much the process of photography has changed in the 21 years Ashley has been around. The image featured hear is from a transparency (yes, slide film) that was transferred to an 8x10 sheet of Polaroid instant film (no longer being manufactured) to heavy weight water color paper. The process involved shooting a Polaroid of the mounted transparency using a special copy stand and immediately pressing the dyes onto a presoaked sheet of receiving paper (in this case, heavy weight water color paper). 8x10 Polaroid film was VERY expensive, so I only had one shot at this transfer. The emulsion almost always pealed off with a ragged edge as seen in the lower left corner. (This was part of the appeal of the process)
(4x5 transfers were more popular as they were much less expensive to produce)

Digital photography now provides similar looking images through special actions, but this was more fun as each image was an adventure and no two transfers were alike.

The image was made as Ashley (no more than a year old) was taking a nap on the sofa with her "Bun-Bun" It's one of my favorites of Ashley captured 20 years ago.
BTW, she still enjoys her naps!

Image copyright: Robert Harris Photography

Jonah

Its great to see families grow. Little Jonah (age 3) is the second child of David and Kit Wilkinson. I first met Jonah's parents when I photographed their wedding 10 years ago. (Wow) This little guy has the personality of his parents and a twinkle in his blue eyes to match.

The setting could'nt have been better. The natural light was beautiful off the back porch of this family location. All of the visual elements worked perfectly, however Jonah's spontaneous expression makes this image both memorable and unique.

Image copyright: Robert Harris Photography

Our Daughters

Few things bring me more pleasure than photographing my daughters. Since they were born, I've followed their lives with my camera to capture fleeting moments that make their lives unique. Its great to have Ashley (on left) home for the holidays. She just celebrated her 21st birthday (a junior at Longwood University) and Katie is now a senior in high school. Both have captivated both Wanda and I their entire lives. One of our greatest gifts is our children....even when they've grown up

In the coming weeks, I'll share a few of my favorite images I've captured as they have grown. I can't believe its happened so fast.

Its That Time of Year...

Santa is very busy at Robert Harris Photography making sure all of our customers receive their portraits and other visual memories for the Holidays by Christmas Eve. To be sure everyone is greeted in a festive way, Wanda took a few moments to display our beautiful wreaths created by Gerry Littleton of GML Designs. Gerry has been kind enough to donate all of the proceeds from the sale of these custom peices to charity.

We look forward to seeing many of you in the coming days. BTW, we'll be serving hot apple cider the week of Christmas. Be sure to stop by to say hello and warm up with a steaming mug and cookies.

Autumn to Winter

The array of color in the Autumn season is giving way to the frost of Winter in Virginia.
Its a wonderful time to feel the crisp morning chill of approaching Winter and see glaze of glistening frost each morning, only to give way to a warming sun in the afternoon.

Image copyright: Robert Harris Photography

Lile and Rob

A crisp November day greeted Lile and Rob on their wedding day in Richmond, VA. 350 guests witnessed their vows and helped celebrate during their reception at Country Club of Virginia. The dance floor was filled under a canopy of lights until the
couple departed late into the evening. Congratulations Lile and Rob!!

Family

Means Family
Ron McPhee and his grandaughter
Mrs. Harriett Beales and her five grandchildren.
The Cram family

The Otey extended family

Kerr siblings


As we gather together this week of Thanksgiving, let us remember one of our greatest blessings, our family. Wanda and I thank all of you throughout the year for allowing us to come into your lives to capture a few fleeting moments that will become a visual reminder of the love you share.
Happy Thanksgiving!!

Images copyright: Robert Harris Photography

"Bits and Pieces"

Images copyright: Robert Harris Photography

Wanda and I had a blast photographing little Mark (3) and Emma (1) ! Favoring black and white for their images, the contrast of Mark's pensive expression and Emma's exuberance is truly captivating. We're honored that their parents Meagan and Jewel Outlaw have selected these images for display in their new store, "Bits and Pieces" in the Stoney Point Fashion Park. Mark's 30x40 image and Emma's "canvas wrap" make a wonderful addition to the decor of their unique boutique store. Be sure to stop by and say hello.

PS. Meagan keeps a water bowl by the store's entrance in case your pet need a drink. Who knows, maybe it will be filled with eggnog for the Holidays!

Erin Bailey

One of the most enjoyable aspects of my job is being able to photograph in so many wonderful areas of the Southeast region and beyond. Location shoots can also be the most challenging. This portrait was created for Erin at her in-laws home (White Hall) in Gloucester, VA on the banks of the Chesapeake Bay. This was also the sight of her wedding. To balance the bright ambient light and create proper modeling on Erin's face and figure, a powerful monolight was fitted with a 30% grid to overpower the sun without striking areas other than her face and gown. This light was positioned to the right of the camera to create proper definition and shadows that are consistent with the natural light. Once the lighting was set, we brought Erin in to do her part. I think you'll agree, she did her job well. Congratulations Erin...enjoy your honeymoon in Hawaii!!
(Image Copyright: Robert Harris Photography)

Monster Mash '08

Hello to all of the Goblins who visited us at Monster Mash '08. Working together, we haved raised over $4,000.00 for SHRC in the past four years. We hope to see you again next year. (Due to file constraints, only "costumed" Goblins are shown) Enjoy the Show!!

Sadona, AZ

How the image was made. Mamiya 7 (6x7) camera w/ 50mm lens with a circular polorizer over the lens. Film: Velvia 100 (Exposure 1/15th second @ f 5.6

Catherine and Matthew

Congratulations Catherine and Matthew!

Hibiscus

Have you noticed the wonderful curiosity that children have as they explore the world around them, often discovering something for the first time? As we grow older and the responsibilities of life stare us in the face, we often forget to pause and appreciate the beauty around us. The intricate beauty of creation is wonderful to behold and looking closely allows us to appreciate a whole new dimension that usually goes unnoticed. Pause for a moment this week and take on that child-like curiosity you once had to rediscover the beauty we overlook each day. Go ahead, you can spare a few minutes. (Photographs by: Robert Harris/Robert Harris Photography)

Tara and Ben

We've enjoyed designing Tara and Ben's wedding album and thought we'd share a few of their images. A breezy day in Richmond proved a great setting for the wedding with the reception following at the Jefferson Hotel. We hope you enjoy their images as much as they have.

Aubrey and Justin

Aubrey Wineholt and Justin Rose (yes the names are fitting) were photographed in a beautiful vineyard and winery "Rosemont" owned by Justin and his family which began operation
five years ago. Although Rosemont Vinyards is in its infancy, the farm has been in Justin's family since 1858. This landscape once occupied by rows of tobacco and cattle is now filled with a beautiful vineyard and a winery seen in many of the photographs. Its fitting that Aubrey and Justin will celebrate their wedding reception next June on these grounds and in the new winery building (which is nearing completion). Cheers and congratulations Aubrey and Justin!

Rosemont is located minutes from Lake Gaston and I-85 near Bracey, VA. Check out their website www.rosemontofvirginia.com

Seniors 2009

Take a look at the wonderful subjects we've had the pleasure to work with in the past few weeks. We've traveled to many special locations to create just the right portrait for each individual senior. If you are in the "Class of 2009" be sure to give us a call to schedule your session. We'd love to create your best pic ever... and have a great time in the process! (804-276-1200 434-917-5001) Time is fast approaching to turn in your pic for your yearbook! Congratulations Class of 2009!

Leslie and Chris

Leslie and Chris were married on a beautiful Sunday afternoon in southern Virginia. As a gentle August breeze whispered through the trees, smiles and tears of joy highlighted the day. Congratulations Leslie and Chris as you begin your life together.

New Studio Opens

We are pleased to announce the opening of our new studio in the Village of Amberleigh in Chesterfield Co. (Just across from our previous location) This new space will enhance our ability to showcase our work as well as offer a comfortable environment for our growing number of clients. Wanda and I wish to thank everyone that has entrusted us with capturing their memories over the past nine years. We invite you all to visit!

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Katie and Tim are the couple featured in this once in a lifetime photograph captured in June at the River Course of the Country Club of Virginia. As we arrived at the reception, this full rainbow appeared in a spectacular display. We only needed moments to enjoy the view and capture this image which can never be repeated. I once told an accomplished photographer that I often felt "lucky" to capture some of images that appeared in front of me. He thoughtfully responded, "You have to be prepared to take advantage of luck." That may be true. In this case, however, I feel this image was a "gift" not only for me, but for Katie and Tim and now for all of you to enjoy.

Corinne Morgan

Corinne has quite a beautiful voice. These portraits capture her personality short of hearing her sing. Thanks Corinne for spending the afternoon with us.

Chelsea Jackson

We had a great time photographing Chelsea's senior portraits. From the studio to the lake, her personality sparked these wonderful portraits.

A "Heart"warming story

Little Caroline Titman was born November 6, 2007 after her mother, Melissa (both pictured) suffered a seizure during the night just hours before giving birth to her daughter. Melissa was rushed to the hospital for what turned out to be a safe delivery after a very urgent situation. Caroline however, suffered from a ventricular septal defect (large hole in the heart) She underwent surgery at four months to repair the hole, and is now a 9 month healthy bundle of joy. To hear the entire story is truly remarkable, even miraculous. Thank you Melissa for sharing your story and expressions of faith.