Fire and Ice

Image © Robert Harris Photography

A bitterly cold northwesterly breeze whipped up a fiery sunset over a very chilly James River, just west of Richmond. A long camera exposure allowed the wind whipped water to take on a very smooth sheen as it flows east toward the City of Richmond. The last light of the day painted the clouds with a beautiful hue of magenta. The warmth of the clouds helps to contrast the otherwise wintry scene.

As Our Family Gathers Together

portrait by: Michael Taylor and Monica Sigmon
Monica Sigmon Photography

As the year comes to a close and we gather with family and friends during the Christmas Season, Wanda and I would like to extend a special thank you for the blessing of our many clients and friends we have met this year and in years past. We are truly thankful for each of you. We hope the art we create will bring you years of happiness and serve as a constant reminder of the gift of our families. For our business and professional clients, we wish you much success in 2011 and look forward to working with you in the coming year.

On a personal note as I look at the photograph above, I realize how quickly my family has grown and appreciate the time we have taken through the years to capture a beautiful moment as a family. Every time I look at this photograph, I experience the closeness of my wife and daughters around me. I so appreciate our friends Monica and Michael for creating this wonderful portrait for us. Your talent is remarkable!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Love,

Robert, Wanda, Ashley and Katie Harris

Wedding in a Winter Wonderland

Images © Robert Harris Photography


Our last wedding of the year was a beautiful in all respects. Wanda and I were fortunate to create very special images for Mary and Andy at River Road Church in what turned out to be a storybook wedding. A light blanket of snow added a wonderful layer to some of the photographs, even though it was a little chilly. A special thank you to our friend Margaret Almond who's assistance at the church is always appreciated...for more years than I can count.

The Kings of Swing created a vast array of music at the Commonwealth Club, including a Chicago medley and a few Christmas tunes. The band is beyond comparison with their full complements of horns.

Congratulations to the Dibble and Waters families for a wonderful day.

Wind Swept

Image © Robert Harris

The night sky lit by the moon produced a haunting display of clouds swept by the wind yesterday evening around 9:00 pm. I noticed the clouds driving home from work and actually made the photograph after parking the car in the driveway. Not having a tripod with me to steady the camera, I braced myself and the camera against the car for a 1 second exposure. It took several attempts to record the image without motion from the camera. The snow in the foreground helped to reflect moonlight and create detail in the trees and snow covered ground. Brrrrr....

First Snow Fall

Image © Robert Harris Photography

A light dusting of snow fell overnight in the Richmond area. As a result, our last surviving roses seemed like ornaments in the first light of the day. Natures beauty in the transition of Autumn to Winter. Kinda puts one in the holiday spirit.

Childs Play

Image © Robert Harris Photography

It has been a pleasure to work with the Martin family to create this painted portrait of their children. The camera study was made as Wanda involved them with a "curious" activity. The kids momentarily forgot the presence of our equipment which was literally at ground level (me too). The fluid dynamics of the image began to gel as their interests peaked and all of the elements of the portrait came together for just a brief moment. A beautiful frame was selected to complete this artful piece and smaller images of each child were also created to complement the 24x30 inch painting for their home. Its fun to work and still play at the same time, just like kids.

Home is Where the Heart Is

Image © Robert Harris Photography


A beautiful portrait will be installed before Christmas morning of the teenage Jones children. The landscaped grounds around the property provided a wonderful setting for this camera study. Daisy, their trusted friend and pet was also included in the image to complete the chapter of this growing family. The natural light of this portrait provided sculpted light on Emily and Jack's features and also created a magical glow around Emily's flowing brown hair. This casually posed portrait will blend beautifully in the family living area and will also provide lasting memories for Christmas' to come.

Cheyenne Facchina

"Fall" in Love

Image © Robert Harris Photography

As Cissy and Brian begin their life together, we joined them to celebrate their engagement and create a few meaningful images of this time in their relationship. We were greeted with a beautiful fall day with just enough chill in the air to allow the couple to really portray their warmth for each other. The setting along Fine Creek worked beautifully. Thank you to the Mill for granting us permission to use this beautiful setting.

We have photographed both Brian and Cissy on separate occasions before their relationship flourished. We photographed Brian's sister on her wedding day 11 years ago and Cissy was a bridesmaid of one of her close friends three years ago. Now its their turn as they plan their wedding on the Outer Banks next spring.

Congratulations Cissy and Brian, we look forward to photographing your wedding in the coming months. Next time with salt water of the Atlantic and sand between our toes!

Monster Mash 2010

Thanks to all the little goblins who stopped by to have their picture made Saturday evening during Monster Mash to benefit the South Hill Revitalization Committee. We had a record number of little spooks to warm up an otherwise chilly and breezy evening. Over $1,000.00 was raised to benefit the SHRC . This year marks a milestone of over $5,000.00 contributed from your Monster Mash photographs since the event started a few years ago. We were happy to volunteer our time and cover all of the expenses of printing your photographs. This allowed your entire donation to benefit the committee. Thanks to all of those who volunteered to make the evening a huge success. The event was held at the Market Square within sight of the newly renovated Colonial Theater (now referred to as the Colonial Center) A major event is already planned next year as the Colonial Center will host the Mrs. Virginia Pageant in the newly restored venue.

BTW, you may pick up your photographs at Memory Makers (219 E. Atlantic Street in South Hill next week. (November 8th)

The King Family

Images © Robert Harris Photography

We just had the pleasure of completing and installing a beautiful painted portrait for the King Family. The process started just before their oldest daughter, Caroline left for collage at Wake Forest. Although Gay and Burke live in the Richmond area, they call the Gloucester area their hometown. Wanda and I traveled to the King's summer cottage to complete the vision of a portrait of their family in this location as it was special to all of them. We composed a portrait with the goal of utilizing the vaulted space over the fireplace. The unique composition filled the wall with layers of meaning which included the stone bench that their son, Taylor is sitting on and the brackish water of the Chesapeake tributary in the distance. The branches of a towering tree (very likely older than the family's ages combined) completes the vertical composition. Lastly, a beautiful contemporary frame was chosen to finish the 30"x48" portrait and "marry" it to the room.

It was a pleasure to see Mom's face as the vision became a reality. Now her family is always together, even when they are apart. Thank you for allowing us to help complete the memory.

Thank You Richmond!

Dear Friends,

A sincere thank you to our clients for selecting us among the best in Richmond in the category; "Best Family Photographer". The results were published in this weeks issue of Style Weekly. Wanda and I are honored and deeply humbled with this recognition. We are honored to create unique works of art for so many wonderful families, and we thank you for entrusting us with such an important part of your lives; your memories.

With warm regards,

Robert and Wanda Harris
Robert Harris Photography

Full House

Image © Robert Harris Photography

The above images represent the close bond of a family of eight. Dr. Paul Bailey and his wife, Wanda call the banks of Lake Gaston home as do their six children ranging from a senior in high school to the second grade. This family has a healthy range of interests from music to triathlons.

The biggest challenge was getting everyone at home at the same time. With busy schedules we were able to carve out just a brief window where everyone could be at home to create the portraits. The evening could not have been better.

With the portraits completed, the Bailey family returned to their normal routine; dad was off to run a 10K, Sarah was on her way to visit her boyfriend, PJ; I'm not sure where he went, mom went to prepare dinner, and Erin would have posed for me until there was no daylight left.

Thank you, Bailey's. We enjoyed our time with you and know the portraits will be a treasure for years to come.

Feeding the Ducks at Sunset

Image © Robert Harris Photography

We had a spirited session with the Medlin family at sunset this week. The ducks emerged on cue as the sun slipped over the horizon. The resulting image, unscripted and beautiful was one of the last of the day. We will recommend this image to be painted and framed for their new home. Well done, Medlins...oh and the ducks too!

Alex Flowers

Megan Tatum

Jarrett Callahan

Leaping into the future

Images © Robert Harris Photography

Megan, a rising senior at Appomattox Governor's School is driven to perfection with both school and dance. We had a wonderful time collaborating with her to achieve unique images that speak to her love of ballet. Her goal is to pursue a collage career before her ultimate goal as a professional ballet dancer is realized. Megan said, "I work really hard at it." She no doubt has beautiful form and a graceful presence in front of the camera.

Megan, Wanda and I look forward to purchasing that ticket and seeing you perform when your dream becomes a reality.

Its Twins

Images © Robert Harris Photography

Older sister, Gwen was blessed with twin brothers as her parents, Jay and Elizabeth became parents for the second and third time within minutes. With the twins just a few weeks old, the family visited the studio to capture the tiny features of there newborn sons and growing family. Wanda mentioned that the infants were especially cuddly as we spent the morning photographing the family. We came away with some very special images to go with portraits we made of their older sister three years ago.

I still remember Elizabeth (Biffy) in her wedding gown. A beautiful family has emerged from that beginning eight? years ago.

Nature's Art

Photograph © Robert Harris Photography

We recently ended our day of photographing just outside of Gloucester,VA. and received the gift of a beautiful sunset over a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay. There are few images in life that compare to a beautiful sunset. No matter what our day has been like or how rushed our week may have been, a sunset makes us pause and take notice. We realize that the show will only last for a brief time, so it is common to soak in the last light of the day. I like to think of a sunset as a soothing visual tonic that God gives us to remind us of His beautiful creation through nature's art.

A Festive Day in History

Images © Robert Harris Photography

Close to 300 guests witnessed the wedding of Nan Stikeleather and George Durban at St. Paul's Church in Richmond. Their marriage in this historic setting near the Virginia state capital was beautiful and festive. (This wonderful day was in stark contrast to the events leading to the end of the Civil War when Confederate President, Jefferson Davis was attending services in this church, hours before Richmond fell. He was summoned away and led out of the city to avoid being captured by Union troops.) Over 140 years later, Nan and George's wedding day adds a pleasant footnote to the storied events that have taken place in this church.

After an evening at the Commonwealth Club with family and friends, the couple was chauffeured away in the convertible Nan and all of her siblings used as they learned to drive while in high school. Enjoy the ride.

A Kindred Spirit

Images © Robert Harris Photography
As I photographed Jarrett for his Senior Portraits, I found that there are alot of similarities in our lives. As with Jarrett, I grew up with two older sisters, played outfield for the same high school and volunteered for our local emergency services. To top it off, we have both spent time working on a tobacco farm. Even though I am a few years older than Jarrett and live in Richmond, I found myself reliving a few memories of growing up in my hometown.

For Jarrett's Senior portraits, we stood in left field at the local high school (the turf was in great shape!), he also donned his turn out gear and shared a moment with his sisters who he obviously adores. Thanks again Jarrett; a kindred spirit, it was good to stand in the outfield with you!

Wedding in the Garden

Images © Robert Harris Photography
The Japanese Garden at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond was the backdrop for Darryl and Kanae's wedding and celebration. The garden was a beautiful setting as music and vows filled the air on a warm summer evening. Kanae's family made the trip from Japan to be with their daughter on her wedding day. Darryl's mother also celebrated her birthday during the dinner reception at the Tea House within the garden.

Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Foreman. May your marriage be richly blessed.

Emily at Five

Photograph © Robert Harris Photography

Emily is a very mature and beautiful five year old child. The setting was on the family's sprawling property just outside of Richmond. We chose an area by the lake on the far end of the property to create the portrait. It was a fitting location, however the lighting needed a little help to create modeling and depth on her face and curls. Light was added by using strobes and reflectors to help define Emily's features while retaining the rim of light around her hair and shoulders. Being a hot day, we had a conversation about her favorite ice cream. This raw image will now be enhanced and canvassed to 24"x30" before being framed and installed in her parent's new home. Happy Birthday, Emily...now....who's ready for ice cream!

Gayle and JW

Gayle and JW were married on a warm summer evening in the heart of Southern Virginia near the village of Blackridge. Hundreds packed the church to share in their exchange of vows. It was nice to be a witness and share in their memories of the day. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Gee!
Images © Robert Harris Photography

A River Runs Through It

Image © Robert Harris Photography

The James River is a natural resource that many families in the Richmond area make a part of their lives. With a vast array of activities, a family can kayak, hike, mountain bike, fish or just relax while enjoying the wildlife that lives along the river. With the daily stress of work in a metropolitan area, the river is just a stones throw away for the majority of families living in Metro Richmond.

In this portrait, Mom and Dad are both lawyers who enjoy the benefits of the James River's activities. For this reason, we chose to photograph them along the river bank. Although the morning was very warm, a breeze coming off the water created a refreshing moment as the image was made. Today a portrait was made; tomorrow we paddle the river!

Down on the Farm

Image © Robert Harris Photography

Growing up on the farm can be a daily adventure. With tractors, open fields and plenty of fresh air, what's not to like being a kid in the country. We recently photographed formal portraits of the Jones children and to end the session, we played a little. The two older sisters frame their younger brother in a metaphor of their bond as siblings. With a few pieces of farm equipment in the background, the image creates a wonderful moment that their parents will enjoy in addition to the formals which were also made in various locations around the property.

As the children grow older and remember this slice of life, they will feel the grass crunch under their bare feet...just as they did when the portrait was created.

A Trip Around Richmond

Images © Robert Harris Photography
To illustrate a personal engagement album for Mary and Andy, we had the pleasure of making brief visits to several areas around Richmond. The city is steeped in history, which was Mary's major in college. She asked if we would consider illustrating a book by visiting several historic areas as well as personal favorites and we gladly accepted. On our whirlwind excursion we visited the Jefferson Hotel where Andy had proposed to Mary during dinner. We also stopped by a few historic areas around the city such as the Valentine Museum, Monument Ave., Byrd Theater and Libbie Hill Park. Our final stop was on the couples front porch. There's no place like home!!

Amber Moore

Vacation and Family Time

Images © Robert Harris Photography

Many moments come to mind when I think about my family. Some of the best memories have come when we all "gear down" and spend time together on vacation. With the girls now young adults and Ashley engaged to be married, it seemed extra special to take what will probably be our last vacation with just the four of us.

A cruise was never on my radar however at the suggestion of the rest of the family we decided to drive to Jacksonville and set sail to the Bahamas for five days of R&R and beautiful sunsets. We ate and soaked up the sun (I was nicknamed the "sunburn police") while enjoying the many activities on board the ship. To be brief; it was the perfect vacation.

Once in Nassau I was content to soak in the busy street life while Wanda and the girls shopped. On our drive back home from Jacksonville, I glanced over the front seat to witness what I have seen since Ashley and Katie were toddlers,two girls totally spent and asleep with their heads just inches from each other. Only difference is they are'nt children anymore...they are all grown up.

Ohh.. looking forward to what lies ahead. As my grandmother used to say as she sat quietly smiling during family gatherings, "I'm making a memory"