Updating the Blog site

Hi Everyone,

I sincerely apologize for the major lack of postings, however, I'm in the process of upgrading my blog site. Thank you for your patience, and I look forward to returning to the blogging world, with an even better platform!

To see my latest work, visit http://www.sunflowerphotos.net, and click the "My Latest Work" tab, for recent session slideshows. You can also visit Sunflower Photos on Facebook!

Thanks again, and I'll be back real soon!

Sincerely,
Kacey Semler
Sunflower Photos

The 12 Days of August!

On the first day of Christmas my photographer gave to me ...

ONE FREE HOLIDAY SESSION!

In the spirit of the upcoming holiday season, this month I will be giving away a two-hour, on-location session to one of twelve clients who are the first to book with Sunflower Photos.

Here's how it works: The first 12 people to book a holiday session will receive one of 12 special gifts ranging from 8x10 prints to 5x7 cards and more! Plus, those first 12 bookings will be entered into a random drawing and the winner will get his or her session free!

To qualify, the sessions must be booked no later than Monday, Aug. 31. (Please note: This does not mean the session must take place this month.) Be sure to hurry! Holiday sessions fill up fast, and I'll only be booking them through Sunday, Dec. 6, in an effort to guarantee orders are filled by Christmas.

Upon booking, the first 12 will be notified of their special gift. The winner of the free session will be announced on the morning of Sept. 1 via e-mail, and on the Sunflower Photos Facebook Page and blog.

Good luck, and thanks for booking with Sunflower Photos!

For more information, visit http://www.sunflowerphotos.net, or e-mail sunflowerphotos27@gmail.com.

Manhattan Retirement Party

I come from a family of court reporters: My grandfather was one and even started his own business. Three of his children, my two aunts and uncle, followed in his footsteps. Another uncle of mine joined the family's team, and one of my cousins is currently enrolled in court reporting school. So, it comes as no surprise to me that I recently found myself in a banquet room filled with court reporters! My Uncle Robert, who currently works at Manhattan Supreme Court, recommended me to a team of party coordinators. The celebration? One man's retirement from a career that so many in my life have come to love. And as my shutter clicked throughout the night, I met so many others who love court reporting too.

Here's a look at Dan's retirement party, held at Battery Gardens in Manhattan:

A huge poker fan, the party committee

ordered two cakes (from Cake Chef on Staten Island)

that were definitely aces in my book!

The cakes were truly exquisite.

The reflection of the party seen through

the glass panels that serve as a staircase barrier.

The bartender was definitely put to work

during the cocktail hour.

Windows all around the room provided great light

and added to the elegance of this table shot.

Here's another table, in black and white.

Everyone got a program, as the

whole night was planned out.

The fixtures in the room were very unique.

I love the light, orange glow cast by the room's
lights and the candles on each table.

Simple photos, just like this one, are
always appreciated when shooting an event.

If I were to give this image a title,
I'd simply call it "The Smoker." Enough said.

The Statue of Liberty, seen in a distance
between the limbs of a tree.

The Staten Island Ferry!
These boats sailed back and forth all night long.

I loved the way these tables and chairs
looked from the veranda. They were wet
from an earlier downpour. Even the patio appears slippery.

Dan, the honoree, and his wife.

Thanks to the wide open windows, it was great to see
how the lighting in the room changed as the night went on.

A classic table shot. I love the reflection
of the sky in the glass behind them.

Many speeches and special presentations
were made throughout the night.

Including a unique dance to the "Copacabana."

Dan was also given a custom plaque, in honor
of his many years of service and dedication to the court.

In addition to celebrating Dan's retirement,
I'd say this party's theme was also candles.
They were everywhere!


And I made sure to capture their illuminating glow.
Here they light up this beautiful arrangement of calla lillies.


This shot reminds me of a silk sheet, or of sandy desert slopes.


Concluding the night was Dan's "thank you" speech.


And of course, I just had to capture another candle shot
as he read aloud his memories of a job he will never forget.

Introducing Sunflower Photos Gift Certificates!

Looking for a unique and creative gift idea?

Perhaps you know someone who is expecting and you are in need a baby shower gift. Or, maybe someone in your family or circle of friends just got engaged and you are searching for that perfect congratulatory present. Whatever the situation may be, give the gift of a portrait session with Sunflower Photos, to create a lasting memory.

For $50 you can give a two-hour, on-location session. (Typically sessions cost $65 for two-hour sessions, and also include travel fees for anything booked outside Staten Island, N.Y.) And, if you want to give a little more, purchase certificates in the amounts of $75 or $100, with $25 and $50 going toward the recipient's print order, respectively.

For more information, or to purchase a gift certificate, e-mail sunflowerphotos27@gmail.com.

Scenes from the U.S. Naval Academy

On July 2, my brother, U.S. Marine Lt. Kevin Semler, a United States Naval Academy graduate, was "winged" during a small ceremony in Pensacola, Fla. Though I could not be there to share in this milestone, I was and still am ever-so-proud of my new pilot! As a tribute to his success, here are some of the photos I took at the Naval Academy, in Annapolis, Md., in 2006, the year he graduated. Most of the images are from the Commencement Week events, however, a couple are from other visits. Enjoy, and please leave your comments!


Kevin was in the 29th Company - it was the best!


U.S. Naval Academy parades are absolutely breathtaking!


The superintendent, at the time Vice Admiral Rodney Rempt,
salutes the Midshipmen as the march out onto Worden Field.

Kevin, second from right, was a Battalion Commander for a semester.

I couldn't help but capture these cute kids as they
watched the parade from behind.


The precision you see in a parade is unbelievable.
I thought it would be creative to just get the white gloves and rifles.


There he is! Back then he was
Midshipman First Class Kevin Semler.


The statue of Tecumseh, painted for the occasion.


The Superintendent's House.

All covers must be left outside
upon entering the Superintendent's quarters.

Here is the magnificent U.S. Naval Academy Chapel.
I'm also proud to say that my brother got married
here on July 26, 2008. Soon he and his wife, Amy,
will be celebrating their one-year-anniversary. It
was a beautiful wedding! How could it not be on
the grounds of this gorgeous academy?


The stained-glass windows inside are exquisite.

The silent drill team of the U.S. Marine Corps
put on a spectacular performance.

Panoramic is the only way this shot would work!


This is one of my favorites from Commencement Week.


I also had a blast capturing the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels,
who put on two demonstrations that week.


Here they look like one big missile.


This is another shot that ranks up there with my favorites.


The Blue Angels formations were crowd-pleasing, to say the least.
For anyone who hasn't seen them, I recommend you do!


I love how they fill the frame from corner to corner.


The American Flag, flying proudly over the Navy-Marine Corps
Memorial Stadium, home of the blue and gold. This was taken
at the start of Kevin's commissioning ceremony.


There he is! My family and I absolutely love this shot!


Former Vice President Dick Cheney was the guest speaker.
He also congratulated the graduates during
the presentation of diplomas.


The enthusiasm when the Mids were announced official "graduates" took over the stadium. Everyone was thrilled, as they traditionally tossed their covers into the air!


Another one of my favorites from that week!


He started a Naval Academy plebe.
He graduated a Marine Second Lieutenant.
He's now a Lieutenant pilot.
He's my brother and I couldn't be more proud!