The Savvy Photographer Workshop

To all my special friends and family.. Please read below.. This is the REAL beginning in my pursuit of this crazy dream I have of becoming that one you may call... not just a PE coach, not just a basketball coach, but one that creates and captures moments with my family like none other! This is my entry in hopes to earn a "scholarship" to The Savvy Photographer Workshop in February to share my Love and Passion with many other women much like myself. 

http://thesavvysisterhood.blogspot.com/

Dear Marsha (a k a "The Savvy Photographer"),

I don' really know where to begin. I know deep in my heart that this is a long shot considering this is open nationwide and far and near. However, I can't get this off my mind. Below is my simple (and blessed) story....

Presently, I am from Brentwood,TN and I am the wife of the most handsome, selfless, inspiring, God-loving husband, more than any one woman should ever deserve. Together we share in the joy of four incredibly beautiful children, if I may say so myself,  ages 15, 13, 9 and 6. The kids and I load up our car every morning at 7 am and travel to school at Lipscomb Academy (formerly known as David Lipscomb.. the campus school to Lipscomb University). I am a PE teacher in the Middle School and the Middle School Girls Basketball Coach. I am blessed without a doubt beyond measure.

It wasn't until the birth of my first child, 15 years ago, that my love of photography evolved deeply. I had grown up around parents that lived daily with a camera wrapped around their necks driving my friends and myself absolutely crazy. But.. when I laid eyes on my precious baby boy, it was then that I as well, fell in love with my camera. That is when I received my first Minolta as a gift from my parents. As he grew and more children came into our Circle of Love, I knew I didn't want to miss capturing a smile, a sad face, or any expression of any kind that molded them into the personality that God had scripted for them. Over the years, they have been the joy of my life!  They also have been such fun to photograph! 

I was so blessed to be able to stay home with my children, although it wasn't easy. I worked endless jobs at home from medical transcription, to any temporary job I could find that allowed me to work from my kitchen table. As our children approached school age, there was no doubt where I wanted to put them into school. That is when we enrolled at what is now Lipscomb Academy. We managed with one child, but when the second came along, it became more difficult. I, however, couldn't leave my other two babies to go to work. It was then, that many friends approached me about the idea of shooting semi-professionally as I would do end of the year gifts for parents and what not... I looked at them as if they were comedians... "Me?.. A professional photographer?.. You have got to be kidding me!" was my response to what I thought was their silly suggestion. But I knew there had to be some way for me to be able to stay home with my babies.

Over the next several months... I found myself up all hours of the night reading about photography from cameras, lighting, shutter speeds, aperture, lenses, photoshop, layers..etc.. you name it ... I couldn't get enough! I became completely absorbed into everything about it!! About that time, my son began playing youth football and then, my life took a dramatic turn. Growing up a sports girl, playing basketball at a local high school and receiving a scholarship to Belmont University, I couldn't get enough of watching my son play football then basketball, baseball and even soccer! This was what I loved! And shooting Sports was a dream! Over the course of time, I bought a Smugmug site to sell my pictures on, and parents loved it! This was an answer to prayer and certainly helped keep our children at this Christian School that we so loved!

Then, came the third child as she approached Kindergarten... and we couldn't do another. Long story short, we put her in a precious public school down the road and all was wonderful until about April. I was picking her up and out of the blue, I had a moment sobbing uncontrollably. She got in the car and the first words out of her mouth were, "Mom, did you know Mrs. Austin could get fired for talking about God at school?" I dont know where that came from, but I was then reminded that she never came home singing Bible songs as my other children had. I cried out to God and asked why is this so unfair!! Two weeks later, I was approached about a job at my children's school for my current position now. There are no words... God has written my story in an unbelievable way. He has always come through for us, even when I shamefully, doubted He would.

Now, three years later, all four of my children are in this amazing school. We are all there for countless hours during the day arriving home every night usually around 8 or so due to extracurricular activities and well, of course, it is basketball season. But now my children are at the ages where expenses are going to accumulate as we approach cars and insurance and not to mention, college! I am getting to be a tired Mommy some days.

BUT, my LOVE and PASSION is still behind a camera. It is such an escape for me. I continue to run my Smugmug site going on 5 years now. I shoot sessions on the weekends. But I am ready to take it to another level. I want more than anything to attend a real Photography Workshop. However, I can't go out to Utah or Colorado or anywhere like that and not to mention the cost. This is my HOPE! I can get to Alys Beach for the Savvy Photographer Workshop!. We love to vacation on 30A!! I just so happened to  stumble upon your amazing  blog a few weeks ago!. As of this summer, my goal has been to ramp this thing up!  I teach swimming lessons in the summer. So, this summer I used that money and bought a new Canon 7D which I love!  I recently had been shooting Canon 50D. I did use swimming money again about 4 years ago, and bought a Canon 2.8 70-200 lens.  It very rarely comes off my camera!! .

In closing....well, I could go on and on about my story, but I know there are many like me.  I just want more than anything to meet some mothers/women who share in my same passion. Women who can help me achieve my ultimate dream of being that "Savvy Professional Photographer" that I laughed about being so many years ago. My husband has a great job at AllState! But, with four kids, it just takes so much more than one income, seeing that my check basically pays for their education. I cannot ask my husband to work two jobs. But I can!

Confidence is the key and that is where I want to become more Savvy! I can do this!  Playing basketball has always been my confidence...But trying new things hasn't always been so easy.. I guess for fear of failure... I am drilling my children to have confidence in everything they do! You only fail at the things you don' try!  I want them to see me pursuing my real dream! I don't want to think I had failed them for not trying. They know I love it and support me in every way! Nothing would excite my family more than to see me taking action and pursuing my dream beginning with my first Professional Workshop! 

This week, I have begun the process of a new website. It will be the beginning of my dream with a customized site and Wordpress Blog. I can't wait to see it!  But, I  ran out of time as I was hoping to have it ready and this would have been my first 'Savvy" Post!  BUT.. the good news is.. I am going to have a customized website/wordpress blog from JR Smugmug Customization in a few days and that is just another step closer in my pursuit of this dream. 

I am ready to take that Leap of Faith that God has been patient with me to take. Sometimes it is hard to read the signs you have been given. Finally, I think He knocks you over the head and says, "Would you please OPEN YOUR EYES!"  I love to capture true beauty through the Lens and He has allowed me to do so!  When I saw the entry posted on November 21, 2012, ... Well..I knew He was speaking to me and knocking me over the head!  That, of course, is my birthday!

 I hope that reading my brief story, gives you some insight as to where I am in my dream. I have worked endless hours teaching myself what I know up to this point. I would love nothing more than to become more "educated" in my world of Photography. I want to build a business that will allow me to take care of my family and allow me to give back to others who have helped me along the way. 

I hope to see you in Alys Beach the end of February! I can only imagine the FUN, LAUGHTER, LEARNING and of course, most importantly, the MEMORIES! I LOVE a "slumber party" and I could sure use a "girls trip"!! I long to meet new friends who share in what I LOVE! I can be there now in my mind! It looks like an Adventure!! Can't you feel the sand in between your toes...but wait, wait til you see the whole adventure through my lens! I hope to be chosen as one who can share it with you!


Blessings always!

Daree Merritt

DPM Photography
dpm.smugmug.com

LIPSCOMB 5TH GRADE COLTS

Here they are... our 5th Grade Colts Football Players!..Get a glimpse of our guys in action! We are so proud of all our players and cheerleaders at David Lipscomb... Great job to all!! Visit the gallery "2010-2011 David Lipscomb" to purchase any of the pictures in the video.. Also.. there are plenty more to see! Hope you enjoy the video below... they all grow up way too fast!

FAMILY BEACH PICTURES FOR SPRING BREAK

My family and I will be in the Destin area the week of March 15-19, 2010 for Spring Break. I will be shooting pictures of my family during this time. I would be happy to shoot your family and/or children this week as well. We will be staying at the Silver Shells across from Walmart in Destin. Contact me for details through the "contact" on my navbar.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

DPM Photography
Brentwood, TN
615-804-6118

SENIORS

This fall I had the privilege of shooting some of the most beautiful girls for their Senior Pictures. Here are two of the girls that have been long time friends of my family. Winn is a Sr. at Ravenwood High School and Jessie is a Sr. at Goodpasture Christian School. Both girls have such beautiful smiles and were such a joy to photograph. Thank you girls for allowing me to be a special part of your Sr. year. Good luck to both of you! Enjoy these lasts few months of high school!

And then. . there is Weston, my nephew. How can you be a Senior? I remember so many little things about you but somehow feel I have missed the big picture. I can remember how Kevin held you as a toddler on his shoulder while we were on our family summer vacation in Panama City Beach. I will always remember your sweet little blond curls. You have always had a sweet quietness about you! I remember when you were twelve and staying in a hotel room for a week in Alabama watching your baseball team win the championship! I remember all our spring break and summer vacations year after year. I remember your 16th birthday and your new black truck which you look so handsome in by the way. I love knowing you are right next door to Mimi and Papa.


I know your Senior year of football was a downer... however, how impressive it was to see you hold your head high and not question the cards you had been dealt. You handled that like a champion in my book! I know you are ready for baseball season and I wish you the very best as you close out your days at Goodpasture High School.


There is a great big world out there waiting for you... waiting for you to make a difference.. and you will! Know that whatever comes your way... it is all in HIS plan for you! We love you so much!


Kevin, Daree and the kids

Where Does the Time Go?

  I often sit back and reflect on the "Days Gone By". The pictures you see in the panel above are, of course, of my babies. I am so blessed beyond measure! But how painful it is to watch and realize how fast they grow right before your very eyes. These pictures were taken on our 2009 Summer Vacation. John Matt is 12, Ann Michael 10, Mallye 6, and Maddyn 3. It just seems like yesterday that we had our first, John Matt. Each and every day is such a blessing. God has and continues to bless our family! I hope they know how proud I am to be their Mom!

2009 DPM Photography Year in Review

2009 just came and went before my very eyes. A special thank you to all my friends and family who made this year so memorable for all of us! Looking towards 2010 to be the best year ever!

This year has been a year filled with sports events... I will continue to add to my slideshow for you to see..

DPM Photography has been a blessing to my life and to my family. I live everyday striving to make it the best that it can be. Would love to have you as a part of DPM Photography in the year 2010! Blessings on you and your family!

What a memorable year.. 2009! I have experienced great joy and have truly been blessed by families that have allowed me into their hearts. I hope 2010 continues to bring wonderful memories into your home! Many thanks to all of you who have encouraged me to pursue my dreams!

Love from my family to yours . .. daree

September 7,2009

Here we are! Another school year has begun! In case you have not noticed, haven't done too well with the blogging thing! I am going to not make any promises, but I hope to do a little better a little at a time!

The summer absolutely went by so fast that it left my head spinning! In May, the girls all had a dance recital to finish off the school year at Hillsboro High School. Maddyn did her number in ballet, Mallye in hip hop and Ann Michael in ballet and hip hop!! In June, my sister, Dana, and I enjoyed teaching swimming lessons at Mimi and Papa's Pool as we have done for years now! We celebrated Mallye turning 6 years old June 23 rd!! At the end of June, we all enjoyed a week long vacation in Panama City Beach! Nothing fancy . . just a little much needed R and R!!

In July, Ann Michael began her month long "intensives" at NDC where she will be dancing with "Company" this coming school year! Way to go girlie!! John Matt finished up Crieve Hall Baseball with a fun trip to Cooperstown, New York! Wow! Never been to NY before!! It was a wonderful week spent with him watching him play with some of the best kids across the country! He so much enjoys spending time with all his buddies! Mallye and Maddyn just get thrown in the car as we travel from one place to the next! They just simply go with the flow! They spent so much time this summer playing with Bitty Baby and playing with their Dora and Doll houses together! They are just at a time where they enjoy spending so much time playing together!

August brought the getting ready to go back to school mode! John Matt was preparing for 6th grade at DLMS and Ann Michael for 4th grade at DLES. Ann Michael also celebrated her 10th birthday!! Mallye was accepted via lottery to Kindergarten at Percy Priest which we were thrilled about! It is a precious little school along with Otter Creek where Maddyn will be in the three year old program!

Snoopy Days, Colts Football, Registration . ..always busy! Lots of excitement! Once everyone gets settled, I really enjoy the beginning of a new school year! For me, it is a new beginning for everyone! I just feel a tendency to get moving and get some things done! I love to get ready for Fall Pictures .. .children, families... sports! Fall is just a great time of year!

DPM Photography continues to be a huge blessing in my life! The galleries continue to grow daily on the website! The last few months have been filled with anniversary parties, beach sittings, Sr. Pictures and more! Nothing brings me greater joy than to capture those special moments in your life and the lives of those you love! Don't let the moments pass you by!
Capture all that you can while you can!

DPM Photography will be spending a "Sunday Afternoon in the Park" this fall capturing families and children sharing time together! Call or email for details. It will not be something you will want to miss! There will be mini sessions along with one low package price. Don't miss a great opportunity for a family picture on a Christmas Card this year! Christmas Cards will be available for purchase.Just call or email and we will find the perfect card that meets your family's need! . .

For now. . I will be capturing lots of sports shots! I can capture sport shots of your athlete as well! Enjoy the beginning of a new school year! More importantly, enjoy spending priceless moments with those you love! More to come soon! Take Care!

FEBRUARY 2009

Where has February gone? It just seems like yesterday I sat there and watched my children tear into their Christmas presents with eyes full of excitement! The days just pass us by! February was a very busy month .. one word . . Basketball! With John Matt playing on two teams and Ann Michael playing on one team, not to mention my team at Brentwood Academy . .we were in the gym every night of the week it seemed. On the nights we didn't have a game or practice, we were so happy to be together at home! .
Brentwood Academy was such a blessing this year! I looked forward to everyday walking into that gym with those girls who are so full of life. Basketball is very therapeutic for me! In all the craziness of trying to get my kids somewhere for someone to watch them while I go to practice . .it was all so worth it for me just to get to step through those lines! It is almost like you take on a different personality. Something that has been a part of you all your life, it is so hard to ever let it go! I would like to think that I was that mentor for the girls and that influence they need in their lives. But, the other is just the case. I am the one who is on the receiving end! The joy that they bring each and every day! They make me a better person! What means more to me than anything is seeing them interact with my children and seeing the love my children have for each of those girls. It's like I told the girls the last game of our season . .."When you love my kids, you have my heart!"Just to see my children light up when they see the girls and run into their arms . .that is worth it all!
Now we are wrapping up basketball and getting ready for Spring Break! Looking forward to the beach! Planning on taking some family beach pics so if you are in the Destin area around Spring Break, I will be there! Beach pictures are by far my favorite pictures of all my pictures of my children. I am such a beach person anyway! It is such a place of peacefulness for me! There is nothing like that sound of the ocean all day and leaving your window open at night and hearing the roar! Yes, it may be slightly cold at Seagrove Beach in March, but I am so happy to be away with my family and friends and focusing on each other! There is nothing like friends and family. Without them, I would be lost! They make me a better mom each and every day! Have a wonderful spring! It is just around the corner!

BLESSINGS ON YOU ALWAYS!
Daree
dpm Photography
www.dpm.smugmug.com

January 2009

Well, since I failed at my first attempt to blog late last summer, I thought I would start the new year out right! The days just go by so quickly. I watch as my kids change right before my very eyes. It seems we are so busy, that we often miss the sweet little moments that are just passing us by.

All the kids got off to a great start of the school year. John Matt and Ann Michael are at David Lipscomb while Mallye and Maddyn are at Otter Creek. Mallye is in Kindergarten and that just cannot be!

John Matt is in 5th grade and started his first year of school football. No more Brentwood Blaze for him which makes me a little sad! He is officially a Colt! What a great season the 5th grade team had. Many of the kids had played in the past, but most had not. The coaching staff did an excellent job giving the boys such a positive experience. John Matt did a great job at quarterback and leading the team. We are so proud of him! He is growing up and changing everyday! He has such a kind heart and so wants to please!

Ann Michael is in 3rd grade! Wow! What spirit she has! She loves to cheer ( which mom is not so sure about)! We took a leave of absence from cheerleading since brother wasn't playing for the Blaze. She presently dances at NDC and has such rhythm! She has grown in her love for basketball(hurray)! She has an outstanding shot for her age. However, we just only like the game when we are open to shoot! We are working on some skills and I think she may continue to succeed if that is her wish! She is so full of energy that she wears me out. I forget what it is like to be 9 yrs old! ( and a girl at that)!

Mallye is 5 and just so goes with the flow. Her favorite words every morning are "What do we have today". Oh, I don't won't to forget those sweet words. Bless her heart . .she just is used to being on the go! She is so loving and snuggly! She is such a good big sister always giving Maddyn her way. She never really fights with her! She just knows where her spot is. It must be tough to be in the middle . .not the oldest and not the youngest, but still such a sweet baby! She loves her friends at Otter Creek. However, we are sure to have a few"at home" days together since she will be in Kindergarten again next year!

Maddyn.. .oh my, what a blessing in our lives. Even though I couldn't believe we were having another girl, I can't imagine life without my little Maddyn. She is so smart and so fun! She is learning so quickly! I cannot believe how fast she is growing. She is so well rounded and just everyone's little sister! She has so many big brothers and sisters because all of the siblings friends think she is part theirs too! Maddyn loves school at Otter Creek. She loves to see Miss Eva and Miss Shelbi . . Never once did she cry about leaving me and going to school. As much as I hated to see her go, I love that confidence about her!

The Fall days went by with Halloween and Thanksgiving. During those days we played lots of football and fall basketball for Ann Michael. Dad took time to fish in some fishing tournaments which he enjoys doing. I am so blessed by my family. Each day, I see more and more of Christ through my children and that is a parent's greatest joy! It is so true that it takes a village and we are so blessed to be surrounded by so many wonderful friends!

I rounded out 2008 with my new little business: dpm Photography. I never really took my own pictures growing up because my mom and dad always were the ones with the camera. As I had children, I realized quickly that I was becoming just like my mom and dad! However, something was different. I developed a passion for photography! Everyone sees things differently. That is what makes each photographer unique in his own way! It is up to you to decide what exactly it is you desire in a photo! I particularly enjoy shooting children and sports. I grew up loving sports and earned a basketball scholarship to Belmont! And boy, did those days sure go by fast! Even though I have an education degree, I really love photography and would like to take it to a higher level! I have spent most of 2008 shooting children of some really good friends! My desire to do this has escalated even more! I love children, sports and photography! What a combination!What a dream job!

I hope you will take the time to browse my website. I would love to help you capture those special moments with your children as well. Hug those little ones tight! They will be gone tomorrow! Be sure to always thank God for each day you have to spend with them.

Have a wonderful start to the new year and God bless !

Blessings always

Daree Merritt

dpm Photography
www.dpm.smugmug.com

SUMMER 2008

Summer. . summer.. summer. . .where are you going?? . . the days are just going by way too fast. . We have been so busy with swimming lessons and lots of baseball!

I just recently began a new website . .dpm.smugmug.com. I photographed all the baseball action shots for Crieve Hall this year and posted them on my site. I have had so much fun being involved with so many kids and watching them play the sport they love!! I also have began photographing children for their parents . .I love it!! I have finally began doing something with what I have loved to do for so many years!! Check out my website!! 

John Matt has been playing baseball. Congratulations to the Golden Grizzlies on their District Champs title. They will be playing in the State tournament this weekend. Good Luck Grizzlies!!  However, this week he has been at David Lipscomb Football Camp getting ready for the season!! It will be here before we know it!!

Ann Michael has had an exciting summer! She basically taught herself a round-off back-handspring and now flips everywhere she goes. Thank you to the Thompson girls for their help with her!! You never say no whenever she needs a "spot"!! Also, just last week Ann Michael got her braces on! She looks so cute!! She chose the colors blue and green!! Ann Michael will be having a birthday come August . . she will be 9!!

Mallye just celebrated her 5th birthday with a pool party! Along with her family, her best friend Karley came and celebrated with her. Her Mimi and Papa gave her a trampoline and all the kids jump non-stop everyday!! I cannot believe my little Mallye will be starting Kindergarten at Otter Creek this Fall!

Maddyn turned 2 in March! She says and does everything now! She just follows behind all the big kids doing everything that they do. She loves to swim in Mimi and Papa's pool! She loves to jump on the trampoline as well . . ."look Mama I dumping" she says! She is growing so fast!!

Kevin, bless his heart has been burning the candle at both ends and in the middle!! He goes from working all day, straight to the ball park, dinner, kids in bed and then it's bed for all of us! He has managed a few fishing tournaments here and there to help "clear his mind"!

 However, both of our lives are all about our kids and we would not have it any other way! Lord willing, we will have time in the long run just for ourselves!! Right now, we have a more important job to do!!

We are on our way to the beach for a week with family!! A little R&R??? . . you must be kidding!!

Well, that's all for now . . Life with the Merritt Family . . never a dull moment . . ..