I know that spring time is the start of little league and softball but it's also the time of year that hard working girls all over the country gear up for their shining moment in the big bright lights of the stage - yes that's right - tiny dancers. I love spring recitals so darn much. I get to watch the girls I've watched grow and grow for years dance beautifully choreographed productions of swan lake and the nutcracker on their tiny toes. I get misty just thinking about it. 

My daughter, Madison, recently broke her beautiful arm. Her first devastation was, "How will I text!?!" then it was, " How will I twirl my baton?!?" then there was the worry about dance recital. No one wants to miss the big shining moments you practiced all year for.  Lucky for her, it was a not a full break. Her doctor is very optimistic that she will have a full recovery in three weeks and will be cast-free for her big recital. 

Until then, the dancing goes on. Her first costume came in this week and I couldn't resist the opportunity to photograph my tiny dancer with a giant purple cast. These are the moments they will always remember. They will remember it because we photographed it and we printed it for them to enjoy year after year as they grow and grow.

Don't waste time waiting for braces to come off or for broken bones to be perfect. Photograph the NOW. Now is perfect. Everything can be a wonderful memory if you approach it that way.

Daphne Ellenburg is the owner of a bustling Portrait photography business called Ellenburg Photography located in Southern Alabama. Daphne has a supportive family and a fancy-pants 2000 sq ft studio in the heart of Saraland, Alabama. She loves college football, big handbags, lip gloss and all things Apple. She also enjoys writing about her Photo-Adventures and her entertaining family. Daphne is a proud member of PPA, WPPI, and the local chamber. Catch up with her at EllenburgPhotography.com or email her at daphne@ellenburgphotography.com. 
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I really enjoy photography. Not just because it's how I make my living, but because it makes me feel like an artist. I tried painting and drawing and I never felt more than average, but when I pick up my camera - I can make it see the world the way I see it. This year, I challenged myself to shoot everyday. Not just with my iPhone but with my big girl camera. And you know that sucker is heavy - so toting it home everyday from the studio was already going to be new for me. The other challenge I made for myself is to photograph my children more. I wanted more photographs of them doing every day stuff, not just the glamorous things we do in the studio. To guide me and keep me on task - I joined a 365 day challenge with a group of professional and hobby photographers. Everyday we have a theme. Some days it's easy to work the vague theme into my scheduled workload of beautiful babies and families. But somedays, like today, that would almost never happen. Today's theme is: Potato. I immediately thought about photographing Mr. Potato Head. But we have all these heads and arms and NO EYES. So ironic. So with my trusty helper, Jefferson, we created this tiny masterpiece in my dining room this morning.

I love the dirt under his nails. I love that this tiny hurricane stood still for me and helped me complete today's challenge. It's nice to slow down and enjoy the little things with my little people. Happy Saturday!

Daphne Ellenburg is the owner of a bustling Portrait photography business called Ellenburg Photography located in Southern Alabama. Daphne has a supportive family and a fancy-pants NEW 2000 sq ft studio. She loves college football, big handbags, lip gloss and all things Apple. She also enjoys writing about her Photo-Adventures and her entertaining family. Daphne is a proud member of PPA, WPPI, and the local chamber. Catch up with her at EllenburgPhotography.com or email her at daphne@ellenburgphotography.com. 
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How do you define success? For some it's constantly moving forward and climbing ahead. For some it's small victories each and every day. Thinking about success helps you plan. It helps you define what is important to you and who you are becoming.

For me | Success is Golden.

Success is doing the hard work that brings VALUE to your life. I'm very proud of my portrait studio. I'm proud to make a living doing what I love. When you come into see me, I'm a mirror. I reflect what you love the most and show it back to you with heart eyes. There is nothing more special to me than watching you look at your new portraits. 

How do you dream of being photographed this year?

Daphne Ellenburg is the owner of a bustling Portrait photography business called Ellenburg Photography located in Southern Alabama. Daphne has a supportive family and a fancy-pants NEW 2000 sq ft studio. She loves college football, big handbags, lip gloss and all things Apple. She also enjoys writing about her Photo-Adventures and her entertaining family. Daphne is a proud member of PPA, WPPI, and the local chamber. Catch up with her at EllenburgPhotography.com or email her at daphne@ellenburgphotography.com. 
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This year, to get my creative juices flowing, I joined a portrait group. I really thought I was joining a touchy feely social group. In my mind, maybe we would have a Facebook group to discuss life's struggles. You know, how do I run my business and make sure everyone has clean socks. But that isn't what I joined at all. I joined a 365 portrait group. A new theme every day for the entire year with no escape in sight. Because I'm no quitter. I'm all in. I thought for a bigger challenge, I'd document my journey. So here it goes...DAY ONE: Photograph your name.

So, I'm really going to have to put my thinking hat on every day. AND I'm really going to have to bring my BIG GIRL camera home with me everyday.  (Some days I do give her the day off. BUT NOT THIS YEAR.) To be honest, I didn't even think about this project that I signed up for in December until the middle of the Georgia Oklahoma game tonight. What have I gotten myself into? I had to scurry and get it done before the Alabama game...so here it goes.

This is ME. I'm Daphne. I love a good mystery, bright colors and a little sparkle. It's a good recipe for life.

Happy New Year and Roll Tide.

Daphne Ellenburg is the owner of a bustling Portrait photography business called Ellenburg Photography located in Southern Alabama. Daphne has a supportive family and a fancy-pants NEW 2000 sq ft studio. She loves college football, big handbags, lip gloss and all things Apple. She also enjoys writing about her Photo-Adventures and her entertaining family. Daphne is a proud member of PPA, WPPI, and the local chamber. Catch up with her at EllenburgPhotography.com or email her at daphne@ellenburgphotography.com. 
We love to read your comments.