CROphotography

new name, new camera, new site, new BLOG:) [Cocoa Beach Photographer]

2010-02-28T15:59:00.004-06:00

I'm so happy to announce that 2010 has brought many changes for CRO photography. first on December 23 2009, I became Mrs. Michael Lea Carden. so with my name changing it only seemed right to change the business name as well. So after racking my brain for weeks, I finally decided on Jackson Avenue Photography. named after my favorite little man in the world:)and with the joys of tax season I was able to invest some money into the business and I got my new best friend, my canon 50D. looooooove it! my rebel was very good to me, but it was time for an update. I needed a camera that could keep up with me;)I also got a softbox light, which has been so awesome. I love having the option of off camera lighting. it really adds a different feel to some of the images.

here's a little peek at what I've done with the new stuff so far:)

and of course with a new name and a new camera it was time to get a new website. which I've been wanting to do for some time now. It's so nice to finally be where I want to be with my work and my equipment. I think unless you're a photographer yourself it's hard to understand how expensive this career really is. and how much time and effort goes into it. it is a full time job and to do it right you will be investing a lot of what you make. so if you wonder why some photographers cost SO much, it's probably because they have thousands of dollars worth of equipment that they will be shooting you with. and of course because they are AMAZING:) anyway, I won't ramble on anymore! check out the new site! and come visit the new blog from time to time and see what new things I'm up to this year:)

xoxo Carrie Carden
321-799-3524
www.jacksonavenuephotography.com
www.jacksonavenuephotography.blogspot.com

Art Festival

2009-12-07T21:46:00.002-06:00

I met my mom in orlando to spend the weekend and go to an art festival back in november. we didn't spend too much time there because it was a MAD house. people EVERYWHERE. and I had Jackson with me, so you know how scary it can get with that many people. it just wasn't worth fighting the crowd. but for the little bit of time I did spend there, I managed to get a few shots. and here are my favorites:)

The Cocoa Beach Pier

2009-12-07T21:33:00.003-06:00

I've always had a thing with piers. I just think there is something so beautiful about their architecture . The day I took these photos was really nasty and windy and even a little cold. which is REALLY strange for Cocoa Beach. but I also have a thing about days with a lot of overcast:) and there were a lot of nice waves, so it was cool to see all the surfers out doing their thing. anyway, not much else to say about these. I hope you enjoy them<3

Kristen [Trash the Dress]

2009-12-05T22:11:00.003-06:00

Trash the Dress sessions have to be one of my favorite things to shoot. It's all about being creative and experimental. It gives the Bride a chance to do something they couldn't do on their wedding day. I was lucky enough to photograph Kristen's wedding back in Decemeber 2008. and I was so happy she decided to bring that dress out of the closet to do this session. I had a blast Kristen! and who knows we might break it out of the closet again for fort pickens right? :)

Dustin & Danielle

2009-12-05T21:02:00.003-06:00

Me and Dustin go way back. Back in my school days I was the baseball manager. Meaning I kept the stat books and basically sat and watched the games from the dugout. Dustin is one year behind me in school and has always been a good ball player. I have many memories of going to games, sometimes even winning:) It was a time in my life I remember fondly. And as most of you know I'm not what you would call athletic, ha! but I do enjoy being a part of those moments. looking back now I wish I would have had a camera with me all the time like I do now:)

I am also friends with Dustin's mother Susan. I actually did a photo session with her not too long after I first started out. So when she contacted me saying Dustin was engaged and need a photographer for some engagement photos, even though I had already moved down here to Cocoa Beach, I knew it was worth it for me to go back to do this for him.

Dustin is a very kind person. In all the years I've known him I don't have one memory of him treating someone badly. We all have moments of weakness when we've had a bad day and we say something hurtful to someone else, but I swear I have never heard anything like that ever come out of Dustin's mouth.

The shoot was my first time meeting Danielle, and due to my car disasters that trip I needed a ride to the location we were shooting at. I instantly felt a connection with Danielle. We talked and talked the whole ride, which was 45 minutes one way I might add. but we had no problem filling the time. And by the end of the trip we both knew a LOT about each other:)

As you will see from these images these two share a bond that goes beyond love, beyond friendship, beyond anything that can be explained in words. Isn't love an amazing thing?? :)

Dustin and Danielle it was a blessing to work with you on these pictures and I hope to work with you again on the Big Day<3

Greg, Steffany & Greyson

2009-12-05T20:38:00.002-06:00

I've known Greg and Steffany for many years. We went to school together from as far back as middle school. They are high school sweethearts, and are now happily married:) So when Steffany told me she was expecting and wanted to me to take some maternity photos of her I jumped at the chance. In the 2 years I've been doing photography seriously, I have not had one single person ask me to do maternity photos. I was thrilled that I was finally getting the chance to shoot that type of session. But on top of that, to do it for such nice people, it was just a wonderful experience. We did the shoot in Tallahassee, which I have to add that these two are both FSU Alumni and die hard Nole fans! It was a beautiful October day and the feel of fall was definitely in the air. The shoot turned out beautifully and here are a few of my favorites from the session. I'm also happy to announce that Greg and Steffany welcomed Greyson into the world this November and I can't wait to meet him and do a family session with them soon!

Jessica & Drew (Dunaway Gardens Wedding)

2009-10-06T14:04:00.004-05:00

This was my first destination wedding. What an awesome feeling. As a photographer, when someone is willing to fly you in and pay extra for you to be able to be there to photograph one of the most important days of their lives, I just don't think there is a bigger compliment. It is one of the best feelings I've ever had. It was also one of the most stressful moments of my life. Talk about pressure. First off I've never been out of my element, working in a city I've never even been to. staying in a hotel...ALONE. My boys are like my security blanket. I'm lost when I don't have them to come home to every night. I was freaking out a little. and of course I have that nagging voice of insecurity in my head that comes out from time to time, telling me "what if I don't take good enough pictures, what if the lighting isn't right, what if I miss a big moment" and it goes on and on. anyway, my fears finally faded and it turned out being one of the best experiences of my life. Jessica was so down to earth and easy to work with. She knew what she wanted and wasn't going to let anything stand in the way of this being the wedding of her dreams. I spent the morning with her and the bridesmaids while they got their nails and hair done. From the moment the day began I instantly felt at ease with them and it just felt like another day out with friends. The Wedding was held at Dunaway Gardens in Newnan, GA. what CAN'T I say about this place?!? It was incredible!!! If you live in the Atlanta area and are planning a wedding I STRONGLY suggest you check them out. After the ceremony, the reception was also held at Dunaway Gardens and it was gorgeous. Out under these beautiful tall trees, it was stunning and let me tell you these folks know how to throw a party! it was a blast!! just family and friends dancing and having a great time. and one unique part of the day was the wedding cake. Drew (the groom) actually designed it! If you check the photos of the cake, you'll see his design in a frame on the table right next to the cake! Drew you did a great job!! I am so glad I was asked to be a part of this event. It is a day I will never forget. Thank you Jessica and Drew. and thank you to everyone who was there. You all made my job so easy and it was a pleasure meeting all of you!! here are just a few of my favorites from the day:)

Carrie Olson

*also check my new fan page out on facebook! links are on the left panel of this blog! thanks:)

my explorer

2009-07-27T11:38:00.003-05:00

well when we went out to walk around Cocoa Beach yesterday in the mid day heat the last thing I thought I would get pictures of is my Jackson. I guess because I take so MANY pictures all the time he's not usually into sitting and letting me photograph him. or maybe it's just a guy thing:) either way if I snap a good shot of him, it's usually when he's not expecting it, or the luck of the draw that in the 2 seconds he's actually being still I got a nice smile. but he NEVER, and I mean NEVER just sits and poses for me. but I guess today he was just in the superstar mood and I got some of the best photos I have ever taken of him. that's what I love about photography. the best photos I have were most times unexpected:)

random

2009-07-26T00:55:00.002-05:00

I love just walking around out in the world looking for things to capture. random objects are the most fun for me. it's carefree, there is no pressure. it's just doing what I love to do. take pictures. I hope you enjoy this image as much as I do:)

My little man

2009-07-26T00:50:00.003-05:00

So I had to post a few pics of my Jackson. He is 3 1/2 years old and he is the light of my life. I still can't believe how fast he's growing up.

dark clouds

2009-07-26T00:40:00.002-05:00

Clouds are just amazing to me. I've always had a thing for them. On a beautiful day, when the clouds look like big cotton balls in the sky, it just warms my heart. I feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Maybe I'm just weird:) But just the opposite happens when I see storm clouds rolling in. Don't get me wrong, the sound of rain is relaxing and great when you need to catch up on some sleep. But thunderstorms and me are not friends. I'm the person who will not think twice about packing me and the fam in the closet when there are tornado warnings. Weather is one thing I fear for sure. I guess it's the lack of control over what might happen. Anyway, here in florida in the summer it usually storms every afternoon. Last week I peeked out the window during one of these quick thunder bumpers and this is what I saw. Some pretty wicked looking clouds. Forgive the poor quality, it was taken through the window because you know there was NO way I was going outside!

a request

2009-07-26T00:36:00.002-05:00

The first time I edited this image it was in color. I recently had a request for it in black and white. Now I think it may look better. Definitely more dramatic. That's the beauty of getting ideas from others. Sometimes you'll be surprised at how much more you can come up with if you are open to others input.

trash the dress special

2009-07-18T16:30:00.001-05:00

Is your wedding dress just sitting in the closet collecting dust?? why not put it to good use and have some fun with it?? the first 5 people to contact me will receive a FREE trash the dress session. contact me for more details!!!!! xoxo Carrie
www.crophotography.weebly.com
carolineolson@photographer.net
321-799-3524

more pinkjunebug.com

2009-06-20T14:30:00.002-05:00

www.pinkjunebug.com [PictureParty]

2009-06-09T22:30:00.002-05:00

So I teamed up with Carey of PinkJuneBug Designs to do our first "Picture Party" and let me tell you, I got my workout with these girls. but it was a blast watching how much fun they had being all dressed up. Carey is super talanted! for all of you out there with daughters you have to check out her cute creations! tons more images from this shoot on the way, but here are a few favorites so far! thank you to everyone who was involved and I can't wait to do it again. in the mean time go check out www.pinkjunebug.com and see how your daughter can be a part of our next Picture Party:)

Adeline Jane

2009-06-09T22:22:00.002-05:00

so this was my first newborn shoot. and it was so much fun. I love cute little baby toes and cheeks and all that cute stuff babies have. makes me miss when my Jackson was the little:( it's nice being a photographer and getting to get those warm and fuzzies that being around a newborn baby gives you. couldn't have asked for a better first shoot. she made some of the CUTEST faces while she was sleeping:) thanks to her mommy and daddy for letting me get pictures of their beautiful little girl:)

Barnett and Uptigrove Wedding

2009-06-09T22:12:00.002-05:00

I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful bride or beautiful day to work with. They guys made my job so easy, and God came through with weather that was just perfect. and these two were so laid back that when the limo didn't show up on time to take them to the wedding, the groomsmen jumped in the back of the truck and off we went. they just went with the flow and I really enjoyed being a part of such a fun wedding. thanks guys!!

Torrie

2009-06-09T22:05:00.002-05:00

this is a session I was lucky enough to do before I moved. Torrie has a unique look and amazing eyes. she was up for anything I asked, which is a photographers dream. even willing to get ate up mosquitos! I think it was worth it Torrie:) hope to work with you again when I'm in the area.

Arden's Birthday Session

2009-06-09T21:57:00.002-05:00

this little cutie just turned TWO:) I've known her Mommy, Carey since I was in middle school. it was really great to work with her and her family after all these years. and I must say Arden is quite the model. American's Next Top Model LOOK OUT;)

Cocoa Beach or bust

2009-05-26T21:41:00.002-05:00

so in my last blog I said we'd be moving July 15th, well things changed and we actually decided to go ahead and move June 1st! as of next monday I will be a Cocoa Beach resident. I'm so excited, like I've said a million times, so I won't say it again:) after tomorrow no more internet here, so if you don't hear from me for a week or so I'm sorry. I'll be sure to update everyone with all my new info as it comes in. ttys:) Carrie.O

CRO photography is MOVING!

2009-05-14T12:21:00.003-05:00

Cocoa Beach Florida here we come! Life has definitely offered us an awesome chance to make a fresh start and we are taking it. My Father owns two condos in Cocoa Beach and is allowing us to move into one. It's just beautiful. Out my sliding glass doors it's about 5 feet to the water. We are on the sound side and the dolphins and manatees love it. We stayed there last week to check it out and I was literally overwhelmed by it all. I've always lived near a beach, but this is just totally different. Our last day in Crestview will be July 15th 2009. I will be setting up special weddings and event packages for people in the Gulf Coast area that will be at a discounted travel price, seeing as I will have a Mom to stay with:) I'm so excited about it all. still on vacation in Disney right now, but I'm actually anxious to get home and start packing. So if you want to book a session with me before I leave contact me soon. I won't be doing anymore here after July 1st 2009. I also have the cutest kittens that I'm trying to find good homes for so if you or anyone you know would like one please let me know and spread the word. They are so precious and deserve a great home. I'm really sad they can't go with us:( I have a lot more to say but I just don't have anymore time at this moment. I give you guys more info as it comes. and here's a few picks I took while we were there:)

Crazy Town

2009-05-04T01:27:00.002-05:00

Things have been so hectic these last couple of weeks, but I've been blessed to photograph some beautiful people. and I got to work with an awesome and amazing photographer as well as person, Heather. She is with Diva Productions and I was lucky enough to be asked to second shoot a wedding with Heather. Now this week I have to pack along with edit because I'm heading to visit my Dad and check out the condos in cocoa beach, fl. which is where we could, if all goes as planned, be moving to. so if you want a session better book quick;) even though I will be available to travel back to the area for weddings and special events, seeing as my mom will still live here I know I always have a bed waiting for me:) I will have a laptop with me and will continue to edit by the beach while sipping my miller lites, so keep checking back for more while I'm away. and if you are a client feel free to email me if you need me:) here's a few of my favorites from the past two weeks of sessions.(peace.love.happiness) - Carrie.O

Tim & Hope Wedding Sneak Peek

2009-04-10T22:13:00.002-05:00

unexpected stop

2009-03-01T14:13:00.002-06:00

so I've lived in florida pretty much my whole life, so the beach is really no biggie to me anymore. since it's still winter I haven't been out to the beach for awhile. I met a client in fort walton beach on saturday and it just happened to be a few miles from Hwy 98. it was a nasty day outside. rainy and stormy. but that makes for good waves so there were some surfers out. it turned out to be a really relaxing and refreshing way to spend an hour on a saturday. I think sometimes I forget how fun it is to just get away and waste time taking random pictures. there is no pushing or stressing or even thinking. just going with the moment. I gotta do it more often:)

the start of something different

2009-02-09T15:29:00.005-06:00

My blogs here are usually only pictures. since I also have a myspace for my photography I did most of my photography blogging on there. but now that I have finally set up a website [yay] I wanted to start doing things a little different. I will be blogging more on here now about what's going on with my photography and my new projects and ideas. Now that the new year has come and went lots has changed in the way I'm managing things because I was so unorganized and it was making it quite difficult to keep up with everything. hopefully with this new system and website it'll make things a little easier on me and my clients. so other than that things are going pretty well. My little boy Jackson Wesley is three now and always keeping me more than busy. but he also keeps me laughing and remembering what a blessed person I am. Our cat Gala had three kittens on November 8th and they are just EVERYWHERE. into everything and I swear they just never wear out! but they are cuties and each have their own little personalities. It's hard to believe that in less than a year we've went from no cats, to four cats! and I thought I wasn't a cat person! ha! and in less than a year I went from knowing nothing about the world of photography, I mean I couldn't even tell you what words like shutterspeed and burning and dodging meant, to now really thinking that this could be what I'm meant to do. I am so thankful for the opportunities that have came my way and the people I have been blessed to meet and learn from. I can only hope that the next year continues to go as well. so here's to a new beginning! if you haven't checked out the new website yet, please do so, and continue to check back and see the new stuff to come! much love and happiness to all of you and thank you for being here<3 Carrie

The Sylvester Wedding Sneak Peek

2009-01-02T13:53:00.003-06:00

The Odom Wedding Sneak Peek

2009-01-02T13:39:00.002-06:00

The Otwells

2009-01-02T13:20:00.002-06:00

Susan

2009-01-02T13:07:00.004-06:00

Chad & Robynne

2009-01-02T12:57:00.005-06:00

Liz & Steve (Bridal)

2008-12-04T07:46:00.003-06:00

Bobbie & Family

2008-11-18T16:41:00.001-06:00

more Julie & Family

2008-11-18T16:00:00.003-06:00

Mr.Gabe:)

2008-11-05T18:01:00.003-06:00

this is Michael's son Gabe who comes and stays with us from time to time. He is such a blast and a awesome big brother to Jackson:)

Julie & Family

2008-11-05T17:50:00.002-06:00

The Fowler Family

2008-11-05T17:41:00.002-06:00

gloria & tommy one year anniversary party

2008-11-05T17:29:00.001-06:00

amanda & odie

2008-11-05T17:24:00.003-06:00

I'm so honored to be the photographer that will be shooting Amanda and Brandon's wedding this December. It's a winter wonderland wedding and I'm sure it's going to be beautiful. These two are just so cute and in love and also such great people. I've known them since highschool and I'm so happy they ended up together.

amberly & scott

2008-11-05T17:17:00.001-06:00

Kristen & Nolan

2008-10-14T13:28:00.003-05:00

I'm am lucky enough to be able to be a part of Kristen & Nolan's big day on Decemeber 14th 2008! It was so nice working with them on these engagement pictures. People who are in love are great in front of the camera:)

Hailey's family

2008-10-14T13:25:00.001-05:00

exploring my yard for signs of fall

2008-09-30T14:33:00.001-05:00

The Appleby's

2008-09-30T14:28:00.003-05:00

The Appleby's

2008-09-30T14:19:00.003-05:00

Brooke's Birthday Dinner at PF Chang's

2008-09-30T14:14:00.001-05:00

Alyssa & Madison

2008-09-07T15:23:00.003-05:00

rainy day fay

2008-08-31T18:01:00.002-05:00

Titanium Drew

2008-08-31T17:58:00.001-05:00

more julie

2008-08-31T17:45:00.002-05:00

new mallory & luke

2008-08-23T16:26:00.002-05:00

new Julie

2008-08-23T16:07:00.001-05:00

new Brooke & fam

2008-08-20T11:45:00.001-05:00

Mallory & Luke

2008-08-12T12:27:00.002-05:00

Brooke & family

2008-08-12T12:11:00.002-05:00

more Julie

2008-08-08T11:13:00.001-05:00

Julie

2008-07-31T14:27:00.002-05:00

Julie

2008-07-31T14:24:00.001-05:00

Julie

2008-07-31T14:20:00.001-05:00

T & family

2008-07-31T14:14:00.002-05:00

Erin, Dustin, & Dylan

2008-07-21T14:49:00.003-05:00

Bored at Home [me]

2008-07-19T14:57:00.002-05:00

Ady & Carina

2008-07-14T14:36:00.001-05:00

Ady & Carina

2008-07-14T14:33:00.002-05:00

Ady & Family

2008-07-14T14:27:00.002-05:00

Ady & Jason

2008-07-14T14:23:00.001-05:00

Julee and Rocky take 2

2008-07-14T14:15:00.003-05:00

Julee and Rocky

2008-07-08T09:05:00.002-05:00

Rylee and Tison

2008-07-08T09:04:00.000-05:00

Julee and Rocky

2008-07-08T09:02:00.002-05:00

Danielle & Destiny

2008-06-30T23:31:00.001-05:00

Pensacola

2008-06-30T10:24:00.001-05:00

The Wild Olive

2008-06-30T09:43:00.003-05:00

the photographer

2008-06-30T09:15:00.001-05:00

Rylee and Tison

2008-06-30T09:13:00.001-05:00

Rylee and Tison shoot

2008-06-30T09:11:00.001-05:00

Tison

2008-06-30T08:59:00.001-05:00

Rylee

2008-06-30T08:49:00.001-05:00

Rainy Days

2008-06-30T08:42:00.000-05:00