Time is running out! If you would like to send holiday cards and/or give portraits as holiday gifts before the holidays are over (don't do as I do, do as I say!), please PLEASE PLEASE book your session with me soon. I have a few spots still open!
jane cato photography
Recent Posts
- Holiday portraits, pictures, cards for families, children, couples, etc.!
- Baby announcements Tampa Bay area.
- Halloween (Eye) Candy.
- Wedding at Tampa Bay Watch
- Dance Studio Portraits & Dance Costumes
- Cat helping at SPCA Tampa Bay
- Maternity Belly Portraits: Tampa Bay area!
- What the world needs now...
- What to wear for your headshot or holiday portrait?
- Working hard for your outdoor holiday portraits!
Baby announcements Tampa Bay area.
I was recently invited to a client's home to meet her adorable 3-day-old baby son. He had all of these cute little moves, and he was very alert. Quite smart already, I'd say!
His official press-printed announcement will be in the mail soon to some very lucky recipients. :)
These are some portraits and announcement prototypes. I hope you enjoy them!
Mom and Dad are thrilled...
He did manage to get in a little snoozing while I was there...
Needed a ladder for this one...
Aren't his feet adorable?
Proud parents...
Lots of cute clothes, toys, blankets, and accessories...
Sweetness...
The nursery is stunning...
Baby love!
Halloween (Eye) Candy.
Sharing some eye candy from a recent newborn portrait session.
Happy Halloween, oh faithful clients and readers!
Wedding at Tampa Bay Watch
Last year, I had the pleasure of photographing a delightful wedding at Tampa Bay Watch located on the Pinellas Bayway near Ft. DeSoto Park in Tierra Verde, Florida.
Perfect weather, lovely surroundings, beautiful details, and wonderful people all contributed to making it a fabulous event.
A couple of collages highlighting some of the details:
Laura McMurdock coordinates events at Tampa Bay Watch. She has started an informative blog and can also be reached at 727-867-8166 or by e-mail.
Dance Studio Portraits & Dance Costumes
Portraits of your child in his or her dance recital costumes make great holiday gifts, distinctive wall portraits, and wonderful keepsakes.:
I always enjoy working with the energetic, funny, athletic, graceful, friendly, and talented Miss CRG.
I love this wall portrait her parents chose:
Costume is by Kelle Company.
Action portraits are always worth the extra effort! Look at that arch and releve!
Pointe costumes and poses are dramatic and moving...
This costume is from Costume Gallery.
The acrobatic-lyrical dances are mesmerizing...this girl can
do "peculiar" things with hoops, canes, chairs, boxes, and benches!
This image reminded me of a (toned down) Rihanna ad:
Miss CRG, Miss H, and all the other performers did a fantastic
musical theatre medley from Seussical:
Wall portrait collage ideas are endless...
My clients are amazing!
Cat helping at SPCA Tampa Bay
One of my gigs is photographing cats available for adoption at SPCA Tampa Bay. I love meeting all the cats, dogs, bunnies, birds, pocket pets, and farm animals. It's a small thing I do...helping these cats find permanent homes...but the truth is, the cats are the ones helping me. :)
Maternity Belly Portraits: Tampa Bay area!
It was my absolute pleasure to photograph this expectant couple. About two years ago, I photographed their wedding, and it is very exciting to see their family grow.
The adorable mama...
I love the intimacy of this image:
The husband/dad is a gem...
I love the intensity of her gaze...she is one sexy mama!
The little pup is very protective of her mama & daddy:
Cute tummy...
Cute tummy, cont'd...
She was a great sport about my "experiments"! This image is entitled "Baby Boy Dreams":
What the world needs now...
...is love sweet love...
goodnight
:)
What to wear for your headshot or holiday portrait?
I like this kind of look for your headshot or holiday portrait!
Available from Chico's (image by Chico's).
Working hard for your outdoor holiday portraits!
Hi everyone! I've been on location working on your outdoor holiday portraits. Fun! Hot! Will catch up on blogging soon. :)
You are beautiful.
I saw this today...loved it...and am passing it along. I needed to hear it. Maybe you do too. Many of my clients will recognize my tagline: "You are beautiful."
Thank you, the drifter and the gypsy.
Thank you, wreckless girl.
It's Family Portrait Time!!
Holiday card season is upon us. We "do" (photograph) all manner of families! :)
Taz needs a good home. Meet him at SPCA Tampa Bay!
We had a blast working with the cats at the SPCA Tampa Bay this afternoon. The image below is technically an outtake, but I love it! Lots of fun squishy good-to-have-around cats! :)
Bank of America branding with Jane Cato Photography
One of my ongoing assignments has been to provide Bank of America with images for a proprietary online training program for its employees.
When trainees have a question, problem, or concern, they may consult the "e-coach". The e-coach is a knowledgeable, professional, approachable, relaxed, and friendly trainer. Not only is she an e-coach, she also had an integral role in the development of the content and conceptual design of the program.
Wardrobe, makeup, hair, posing, and lighting all contribute to the look-and-feel of the final images. We worked together to ensure that the visual presence of the e-coach fit the branding position of Bank of America: "Know the customer. Care about the customer. Act for the customer."
The strong power color of red combined with a relaxed yet professional feel:
Blue works well with Bank of America branding:
I love the energy of these head & shoulder images! A "cutout" of the image will be used in the final online version:
It is ALWAYS a pleasure to work with Ms. Greene and Bank of America!
Senior Portraits: Tampa & St. Petersburg, Florida
Recently I had the delightful opportunity to photograph Brooke for her senior high school portraits. Brooke and her family were here on summer vacation from Illinois, and I am honored that they chose me for this important event.
Why choose me for your senior portraits?
To get portraits that you love.
It's an investment to choose me. An investment not just of your money, but of your time, and...though it sounds hokey...your self. We are in this together.
While photographing Brooke, I had four clients in mind: Brooke, her family, her friends, and me. The yearbook committee does not play into my equation at the moment. :)
I love this simple headshot of Brooke. She is stunning.
I love the natural ease of this image:
Gotta have a "MySpace" or "Facebook" angle:
It was 95 degrees with blaring sun...
In case you're wondering, the camera does not add 10 pounds to Brooke!
The symbolic growth and transformation faced by teenagers:
Heading to the beach...I love her blue flip-flops!
Shots that incorporate movement and action are a signature part of my style. I love her expression!
If only more of us could look like this in jeans!! :)
Inspired by the work of other artists, I am experimenting with this look:
There just happened to be a vase of fresh flowers at our shoot. Brooke picked her favorite blossom. Perfection. :)
Very Good Things Are Happening Today
Before the back-light-lens-flare-overexposed look became hip, I probably would have tossed out this image (even though I love it). My gratitude goes to those artists who are not afraid to show what they like, even if the work breaks the established "rules"!
I feel happy and dreamy and full of light when I see this:
I feel vibrant, alive, and beautiful when I see this:
I feel curious when I see this:
Editing a few sessions today. Must. Step. Away. From. The. Internet.
:)
P.S. Congratulations to The McLellans. A very good day indeed.
Adventures in Second-shooting Weddings with Garrett Nudd
The movie "Things We Lost In The Fire" recently played in our home, and although I did not officially watch it (as in, sit-down-on-the-couch-and-pay-close-attention-instead-of-multi-task-at-the-computer), there was a line in the movie that spoke to me: "Accept the good."
One of the good (well...amazing, priceless, and fun) things to be given to me in the past few months has been the opportunity to work with Garrett Nudd on three weddings.
Working with Garrett does not feel like "work"...it is a blast. Not only is he a gifted artist and photographer, he is one of the few people I have ever met who directs his full attention toward you while speaking with you.
Many things go into choosing the photographer for your wedding, but for me, the question really boils down to one thought: with whom do you want to spend your time? Garrett's manner of interacting with all types of people is uplifting. It goes without saying that he is a consummate professional, talented, resourceful, and creative, but I've seen him immediately put people at ease and be supportive in a way that is refreshing and unique.
In March, I had the pleasure of working with Garrett at Jenn & AJ's wedding in Lake Mary, Florida.
These are a few of Garrett's images that I loved:
The lovely and energetic Jenn...
Jenn and AJ at the Lake Mary Events Center
Inside...
Andrea & Justin's wedding on Memorial Day weekend at the Sand Pearl Resort was a feast for the senses. A few of Garrett's images:
Florals by Botanica
Andrea, the bride has exquisite style. The event had a fresh, modern, colorful, and formal-but-not-stuffy feel.
I tried to play it cool, but the Manolos made my heart beat very very fast, and it took all of my formal education and training not to tear them off of her lovely feet and hide them with the camera equipment. :)
Seema & Rohit and their families had a beautiful and meaningful celebration at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay in June. The symbolism and pageantry...the blending of the traditional with the contemporary...the entire affair moved me deeply. And, I laughed so hard too!
A few of Garrett's images...
The breathtaking Seema:
Rohit arrived by white horse:
The joining of the two families was...well...I get a little choked up thinking about it!
Sandy Rule of Sandy Rule Events made it look easy. A white horse? No problem! 1300 candles for the dinner? Got it covered! Thousands of other details? You got it!
Thank you Garrett and Joy.
Brooke's Senior Portraits: Pretty In Pink
Whoa! I'm a little behind on blogging. Been busy working on images for the FPP 2009 Salon Competition which is being held in Orlando later this month. Preparing for the convention is intense but rewarding. Delightful things happen when photographers get together...last year I met some inspiring and amazing photographers such as Garrett Nudd.
Another fun project has been working with the lovely Brooke on her senior portraits! More images
of Brooke later, but here is one of my favorites from our session:
The Bird Is Big!
The bird is big at CHA. Birds everywhere...and they are awfully cute! From Deena Rutter's Abbey Road line at My Mind's Eye: (paper can also be purchased at Two Peas In A Bucket!)
The beautiful hands of artist Tim Holtz. Interesting artist and fantastic teacher. Note the silver jewelry on his thumb, index finger, ring fingers, and wrists. I love when artists get paint on their hands! Tim's blog and links to other great blogs.
Falling in love at the SPCA...
It is REALLY hard to not fall in love with the temporary residents of Tampa Bay's SPCA.
If you are ready to take the step, make a visit. Today at the SPCA Tampa Bay, there were lots of adorable cats, kittens, dogs, puppies (including at least TWO Black Lab puppies!!!!!), bunnies, birds, pocket pets, and farm animals. This is my first time seeing so many puppies ready & available for adoption.
Today I had two "cat wranglers" helping me out...thank you Hollis and Cassidy!!
Meet LeRoy...
...and tiny little Tiny
:)
P.S. I "shoot" people and events, too!
Vera Bradley for middle schoolers?!
Oh dear...
Oh my...
Oh no...
Oh well...
I tried to ignore the requests for Vera Bradley.
But, I have to admit, I kinda like the Yellow Bird
pattern (and maybe a couple of others too).
She earned it fair and square through chores, outstanding grades, fantastic FCAT scores,
and an "un-attitude" attitude...and paid for it with her own money. :)
Congratulations, girlie!
:)
DanceMakers, Inc (DMI) National Competition in Myrtle Beach, SC!
I had the pleasure of attending DanceMakers National Finals in Myrtle Beach last month. Not much time to shoot images, but I did capture a few...
I love this shot from the audience. DanceMakers presents professionally staged performances at each of its 14 regional competitions/seminars as well as the national finals. As you can imagine, a tremendous amount of effort goes into the production. Many people are involved in making this a top-notch, dynamic, and well-paced show. It is a fantastic opportunity for dancers (and parents!) to experience this.
It's always fascinating to see what goes on backstage...performers from 3-years-old up to high school senior (I think!) may participate.
Getting the all important glitter spray!
Getting ready to go onstage. Hurry! But wait, let me get a shot first! Try to look "lyrical"!
Award trophies are presented nightly:
Then it's up early the next morning for class. These dancers are being instructed by the amazing Janice Barringer at 7am.
The adorable and very fit Becca Retter does a really nice job with the young (and older!) ones.
The intriguing and talented Brad Taylor (B-rad) is very popular with the dancers!
Tommy Alexander creates the most beautiful lyrical numbers. His choice of music, his depth of feeling, and his technique are outstanding ("So You Think You Can Dance"-worthy!)
I love to watch his creations come to life...
Of course, I missed seeing those who were not in attendance...
Rest-in-peace, Mr. Boyd:
The commanding Frank Hatchett:
The unique and totally amazing Dena Rizzo:
Dance. Dancers. It takes commitment.
Yes!
Fairly healthy and low-calorie Sunday supper!
Food must be on my mind!
:)
Tonight's supper was inspired by Paula Deen and a Cato family recipe.
Spinach, mushroom, and a little bit of bacon quiche with fresh cantaloupe on the side...
...and this amazing hard-to-believe-it's-fairly-low-calorie fresh strawberry pie!!!
Yum.
Good night.
:)
Baby portraits and other fun things
I've got some baby portraits lined up and I am very excited about it! May have to find those kneepads though!
:)
Portrait delivery tomorrow!
Working on packaging portrait orders for delivery tomorrow!
All this work is wearing Nikki out...
Joey has given his seal of approval...
SPCA Tampa Bay: cute cats needing homes
One of my volunteer positions is photographing cats for the SPCA Tampa Bay. Yesterday I met 3 adorable cats who need "forever homes".
Cookie is an active 2-month old shorthair mix with black and tan fur. She was so much fun to play with!
Kitty was so soft and cuddly! It was difficult not to bring her home.
Baby Girl was shy at first...
...and then warmed up quickly! She has already been spayed and microchipped and is ready to go to her new home!
The SPCA Tampa Bay is a first-rate organization. Dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, pocket pets, and other types of animals all need homes. The volunteer opportunities are amazing as well!
Christmas in July!
It's not too early to begin planning for this year's holiday cards! :)
I've had a blast working with this family. A few more of my favorites from this session...with some card designs thrown in for fun.
She's a doll...
Aren't they cute?!!
Fun family!
Ready for card-giving season!
I love this one! Simple but beautiful headshot!
Fun at the beach!
Peace to all!
Good night.
For MJ:
Good night, sweet prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.
(with gratitude to Wm. Shakespeare)
Sweet Caroline's Dance Portraits
Caroline, her mom, and I wanted to capture the "real" Caroline in her dance portraits. As usual, Caroline did not disappoint!
These are a few of my favorites...
For her solo this year, Caroline performed a lyrical routine to Linda Eder's version of "I'll Be Seeing You" choreographed by Susan Hartley.
I love this pose...
A close-up for mom...
The choreographer usually puts a modern/contemporary twist to her pointe routines. I love the yellow pointe shoes and the yellow belt!
I love the leaps!
The cuteness...
The energy...(Costume is by Weissman Designs for Dance)
And the fun...
:)
Jane Cato Photography LOVES Dreaming Giggles Design by Patti Holcombe!
These birthday gifts are on their way to California to my adorable nieces! They are custom designs by Patti Holcombe of Dreaming Giggles Design.
H is for Haley.
S is for Summer.
M is for Mia.
L is for Lauren.
Photo credit: Patti Holcombe of Dreaming Giggles Design.
Senior Portraits & Headshots at Jane Cato Photography
Oh my...
What are we going to do about this girl?
Gearing up for holiday portraits! Yikes!
I know it seems early, but we're already gearing up for holiday portraits. We do everything from traditional to outside-the-box!
One of my favorite families...
Dance Recital Portraits by Jane Cato Photography
I had a blast at the 21st Annual Dance With The Stars Showcase by DANCEMOVES Studio!
Some highlights...
A musical theatre production number from Seussical The Musical...adorable!
Tyler and Hollis...adorable!
Caroline leading the way for the cute little tappers!
Elizabeth Hartley's lyrical numbers are always fresh, creative, and moving...
Susan Hartley's creations are always so classy. She is an amazing artist and inspires me continuously.
I used to have to close my eyes during this part, but Candice makes it look easy!
This is a diving front walkover. It goes so fast and comes without much warning that there is not enough time to close my eyes!
Beautiful...
One of the many neat things about DANCEMOVES Studio is the chance to be in solo, duo, or trio dances...
Artistry in motion...
The professional photographer does some pretty cool things too. :)
DANCEMOVES Studio offers classes and private instruction in ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, musical theatre, voice, acrobatics, and flips/aerials/flying things/other peculiar things for boys and girls ages 2 - Adult.
Classes begin again on Monday, August 3. Studio members are eligible to participate in once-in-a-lifetime events such as the St. Patrick's Day parade in Dublin, Ireland, Orange Bowl Half-time Show, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and other things not yet invented!
The studio is located in Largo, Florida near Ulmerton/Starkey Rd.
For more information, contact Susan at 727-584-5678.
Congratulations to all on another great year!
You are beautiful.
Seussical The Musical is first in the line-up for the dance recital!
I am looking forward to seeing this musical theatre number at the dance showcase on Monday night! DANCEMOVES Dance Studio performances always delight me and this will be no exception.
Josh Groban by Jane Cato Photography
I still think he is amazing.
I still smile when I remember seeing him in person for the first time as he descended the staircase at New York City's Scalinatella Restaurant in the "early days" when I was the only one at the table who recognized him. I. Think. I. Stopped. Breathing. With the help of the attentive wait staff, I sent him a "I love your work. Best of luck with everything." note, and shortly thereafter he came over to shake my hand and answer my note. (Yes, I still have the note.)
I shot this image in an Orlando concert.
To see his recent event in NYC, go here.
Dance Recital Portraits Tampa Bay area
I am enjoying dance recital season! This little cutie pie makes me smile EVERY time I see her! Good luck Jada!
Shake Your Groove Thing
Jane Cato Photography is thrilled, delighted, and proud to serve as studio photographer for DANCEMOVES dance studio!
Costume is by Weissman Designs for Dance.
The Contenders.
These two dancers from DANCEMOVES studio will be competing for national titles on June 22 at the Dancemakers, Inc. competition in Myrtle Beach, SC!
Good luck!!!
Up In The Air
Christian dropped by for some action portraits. It is always a pleasure to see him!
Breezy's Back!
For those of you with whom I've worked, you know that I like backsides! Dance costume designers put a lot of thought into the back sides too, and I love capturing that. The Dance Moms are beginning to be convinced as well! :)
This is Breezy in her tap solo costume. She has always been a cutie pie, but this year she has really blossomed into a stunner!
Beach Portraits at Sunset in Tampa-St. Petersburg area!
Let no doubt remain...this girl loves and is LOVED!!! When she places her little hand in mine, my heart bursts with joy! (Sounds sappy but it's true!) :)
Outdoor Family Portraits: Tampa Bay Area!
I had a great time with the D-M-W families last night! Beautiful location (makes me think of "old Florida"), wonderful people, and nice weather.
This wall portrait is sized 8x20 and is perfect for those narrow spaces...those little nooks & crannies in your home!
Happy Hurricane Season!
It's June 1, the first day of hurricane season. :) Yippy skippy!
Unique Father's Day Gifts.
I'm working on customized gifts for Father's Day. Need an idea? I have lots! Canvas-wrapped wall portraits are on my mind. :)
Order date cutoff is June 7.
Merit Images on FPP website!
Congratulations to my amazing clients whose images are posted here on the Florida Professional Photographer (FPP) website. The FPP website now features merit images from the 2008 Salon! Be sure to check out images #4, #9, and #10 in the merit section. :)
Not Your Usual Dance Recital!
DANCEMOVES Studio presents its 21st Annual Dance With The Stars Showcase on Monday, June 15 at 7pm at the Largo Cultural Center.
It is not your usual dance recital. Tickets are available by calling the studio at 727-584-5678!
Dance Portraits: Ordering Days May 26-30!
Costume is by Costume Gallery!
3-day weekend!
Yippee!!! Monday morning sleep-in!
Mother's Day 2009
What a wonderful day! Kellie, Michael, and Colsen make such a beautiful new family.
May Day is Friday!
May Day (one of my favorite days as a child...I loved creating May Day paper baskets filled with candy & blossoms, leaving them on the front door knobs of neighbors' houses, ringing the doorbell, and running away as fast as I could, hiding behind bushes so that I could see and hear the reaction of the recipient, and giggling as I raced home) is on Friday!
And, I get to see little Amelia and her family again on that day. At. The. Beach. :)
