SUSAN BOLLING

{Food is love re-post} Food and me

2011-06-07T15:03:00.000-07:00

{Originally posted on Food is love, 1/2010} My grandparents started a frozen food business shortly after WWII ended – imagine selling frozen food when refrigerators and freezers themselves were a new concept. The first product my Papa tried to sell was frozen orange juice concentrate – and he had to mix and drink it himself in front of skeptical customers to prove it wouldn’t kill them.

I was born in 1981 – about as soon as I could walk I was accompanying Papa on sales calls. I knew all of the wonderful ladies at each local school cafeteria – let’s face it…few things stand up to hot fresh rolls and soft chocolate chip cookies. He taught me that selling is less about “selling” and more about caring enough about people to listen and provide for them exactly what they need. Papa died in 1986 – I was 5. He was undoubtedly the first love of my life.

Dad then assumed the lead role for Smyth’s Food Service and it was very successful for several years. I began working at the “Cash & Carry” – our version of a wholesale grocery/deli combo store – when I was 11. Nothing compares to an education earned by first hand experience in customer service. I would also help out with the annual food show – quite possibly my favorite event of the year next to Thanksgiving, this is essentially a giant space (like the gym on 5^th avenue in Kenbridge) lined with 100+ booths where food vendors would display and provide samples of their products. Beyond your typical “buffet,” this sensory smorgasbord came complete with nifty industrial kitchen gadgets, storage solutions, and more packaged food products than one knew ever existed. (My personal favorite was the group I lovingly referred to as “the pickle man.” I LOVE dill pickles – and I loved the catchy little spiffs he gave away even more…yoyos and key chains...occasionally really cool pens.)

In 1996, it was clear that the health of any “mom & pop” business was in jeopardy, as competing with large corporations like Pocahontas, Richmond Restaurant and Sysco required quantity discounts that a small volume company simply couldn't support. We opted to sell the distribution business. We kept the Cash & Carry for a while longer and then eventually sold it as well.

Growing up, I never minded that our dinners often originated from something frozen in a cardboard box, or out of a #10 can – I wasn’t a picky eater and for that matter was too busy to care. I became a vegetarian and then a vegan just before graduating high school – if it frustrated my parents, I never knew it, and mom was always willing to find something I would eat.

Midway through college I met Robby – now my husband, he is about as much of a carnivore as one gets. I’ll never forget the look on his face the first time he opened the refrigerator in my apartment – soy milk, carrots, rice and whole wheat bagels. (In my defense, I was an art student – being a vegetarian was less about principle and more about eating what I could afford.)

“We’re going to the grocery store,” he said definitively, “and I’m buying.”

It was then that I began learning how to cook. Needless to say, I was IN LOVE with the boy. I had always heard that the way to a man’s heart was through his stomach, and if that was the case, I was pulling out all the stops. Forget not eating meat – by our third month together I was making meat sauce for spaghetti from the deer he killed only weeks earlier. By our thirteenth month I was killing the deer myself. (So much for veganism and my affiliation with PETA…)

Patience is something I believe I’m earning with age, so at 22, I wasn’t interested in cooking that took hours out of my day. Somehow I stumbled upon Rachel Ray – hate her if you must, but let me just say this: through her books and her 30-minute meal shows on the Food Network, I learned how to cook. I learned how to chop an onion, how to get the seed out of an avocado, to salt boiling water BEFORE adding the pasta…and above all – HOW to prepare a wholesome, delicious meal with minimal (if any) processed ingredients in less than an hour.

Over the last several years my thoughts on food have evolved significantly – from battling a secondary immune deficiency disease to learning more about the complexities of taste, I have more questions and curiosity than I do knowledge at this point. That said, I work every week to marry healthy choices, maximum flavor and moderation in one harmonious meal plan. In the 8 years we have been together, Robby has gone from skepticism any time I suggested something other than cubed deer steak to sincere delight when I accomplish a new recipe. Evidently, at least in our home, I’m doing something right.

Here is where I will share my quest for the aforementioned harmony. Just so we’re clear, I am NO EXPERT on food. I am not a chef. I am not a nutritionist. I am well aware that there are talented professionals out there making a living in the food and beverage industry because they know their stuff. I have NO intentions of competing with and/or offending these folks in any way.

Beyond that, I am NOT nor do I aspire to be a food snob. Whip it up in minutes, slow cook it for hours, spend $5 or spend $100 - eat what you love. I enjoy eating healthy, but there are days when I really just NEED a chewy chocolate chip cookie...or mom's fried chicken...or funnel cake.

My blog is about sharing. Food is love. Why not share?

{Food is love re-post} Wilky’s Mega [Wo] Man Super Hero Salad

2011-06-07T14:59:00.000-07:00

{Originally posted on Food is love, 2/2010} Every morning I worked in the yard at Bayliss with Mike (service manager), we would enjoy a brief chat about what we had fixed for dinner the night before. Having experienced Mike’s cooking first hand, I can tell you this – finding true comfort food on the Outer Banks that would stand even the slightest chance of competing with anything out of his kitchen is likely near to impossible.

One of the many recipes he rattled off (while I was frantically looking for a post-it on which to scribble its every last crucial detail) was for what I can describe only as the most healthful, hearty, fiber-licious and satisfying salad EVER. The list of ingredients seemed to go on forever, but what I appreciated most is that, if I suggested something more he’d say, “yeah sure, that would work too, or leave something out if you don’t like it.”

FREEDOM in a bowl. Liberation in the kitchen. No doubt the fundamentals in his philosophy on cooking. And life for that matter.

Per his instructions, I modified it to my taste – I would encourage you to do the same.

As much of any or all of the following, and/or anything not listed, as you like and chopped if necessary –

Blanched green beans

Canned garbanzo beans, rinsed

Canned black beans, rinsed

Corn

Red onion

Black olives

Banana peppers

Alfalfa sprouts

Bell peppers (all colors)

Carrots

Cucumbers (seedless are best, skin on)

Scallions

Broccoli

Cauliflower

(... etc.)

I tossed all of this with the juice of one lemon, then plated a healthy serving on a bed of arugula. Opting out of heavy salad dressing for fear of overpowering the flavors, I instead drizzled it with some garlic-infused olive oil, added toasted almonds and a side of sliced avocados.

Not unlike working with Mike, this dish makes me feel like a super hero. (Love ya Mike.)

{Food is love re-post} Feed your faith and your fears will starve to death

2011-06-07T14:58:00.000-07:00

{originally posted on Food is love, 2/2010}I have no idea who said that – a web-search produced only “author unknown.” But when I was searching for something to write on this particular get-well-soon card, it seemed appropriate.

A very dear friend of our family recently had some pretty invasive, major surgery. After visiting her at home a few moments ago, I was relieved to see that she is recovering remarkably well.

Surely there is a list of old standbys we throw together for someone not feeling her best – chicken soup, chicken casserole, fried chicken…(funny how an old yard bird can be so comforting in a pot)…although, I heard a rumor that one of the local ladies had taken her Bourbon Balls over. Now THAT would inspire me to feel better. I just LOVE....bourbon. {chuckle}

Certain that her kitchen would otherwise be stocked with nutritional, healthy meal options, I opted instead for a different kind of comfort. The kind that arrives in several guilt-free moments where we slow down enough to take care of ourselves, to indulge in something sweet and satisfying…to NOT count calories for one stinkin’ minute out of the 960 or so we’re awake each day.

I wanted to offer comfort that reached beyond one sense – not just taste, but also smell, texture, and sight.

The perfect find? Lavender cream filled cupcakes with citrus cream cheese icing.

OH YES. I did.

Lavender is known for its healing qualities – soothing headaches, aiding sleep and relaxation. In the language of flowers, (according to Wiki) lavender represents “ardent attachment, devotion, success, and luck.”

It’s worth noting that, until now, I was convinced that baking was out of my realm of abilities. In the last decade (probably longer) I’ve not baked one thing successfully and had surrendered to the belief that I was the cook, my husband was the baker. (The artist and the scientist…it’s how and why we work.) But today I thought – SUCK IT UP, GIRL. If she can pull through this, YOU can bake.

And I did. Husband approved.

I found this at (none other than) “the cupcake blog.” Below is the recipe and photos of my baking adventure, and here is a link to the blog entry.

*I purchased a pound of dry lavender at the Manteo farmer’s market this summer – you may be able to buy it in bulk online or at a specialty store. (herbal therapies, gourmet groceries, etc.)

1/2 Recipe of Lavender Cupcakes

makes 12 cupcakes / 350 degree oven

1/2 stick butter

3/4 cups sugar

1 cups all purpose flour

1 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup whole milk

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 large egg whites

1. soften butter in the mixer on high speed

2. drizzle the sugar in with the butter and beat until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes

3. sift flour, baking powder, and salt together

4. measure out milk and vanilla

5. add the flour mixture and milk mixture to the butter/sugar in 3 parts alternating between flour and milk and beating well after each addition

6. set aside incorporated mixture

7. in a clean mixer bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form

8. fold egg whites into cake batter until incorporated

9. scoop batter into the prepared cupcake pans

10. bake in the 350 degree oven for approximately 20 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean

Lavender Cream

1 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup water

1 tablespoon lavender flowers

1. add sugar and water to a small saucepan set over medium high heat

2. heat the mixture until the sugar dissolves, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon

3. stir in lavender and let the mixture sit over the heat, undisturbed for 3 minutes

4. remove from heat, strain into a small bowl, and set in a second bowl of ice to cool

5. meanwhile add heavy cream to the bowl of an electric mixer and beat with the whip attachment until soft peaks form

6. once the sugar mixture is relatively cool to the touch (it can be slightly warm) drizzle into the cream while beating on medium high

7. continue to beat on high until firm peaks form

1/2 Recipe of Citrus Cream cheese Frosting

1/2 stick butter

1 8oz packages of cream cheese

1/2 teaspoon mixed citrus zest

(from lemons, limes, oranges, whatever citrus you have – I used only lime - perfect)

1 teaspoon citrus juice (same as above)

2 cups confectioner's sugar

3-4 drops of purple food coloring

1. soften butter in the mixer on high speed

2. add cream cheese and beat until combined

3. sift confectioner's sugar

4. add about half of the confectioner's sugar and citrus juice and zest to the butter/cream cheese mixture and beat on high speed to combine

5. add remaining confectioner's sugar in stages until desired consistency and sweetness is achieved

6. add purple food coloring and mix until consistent color is achieved

Assembly

1. using a melon baller, scoop out a bit of the cooled cupcakes

2. using a small spoon, fill each cavity with lavender cream

3. trim off some of the meat of the scooped out cupcake and place back over the cavity

4. pipe cream cheese frosting over the top

5. sprinkle lightly with lavender leaves

{Food is love re-post} Southern comforts & the wonder of cream cheese

2011-06-07T14:50:00.000-07:00

{Originally posted on Food is love, 3/2010} A few weeks ago my mom hosted a potluck dinner at the local club for several of our town's spunkiest citizens. The event had been postponed twice due to snow and was nearly canceled all together – after being barricaded in their homes for days, these folks were willing to risk the ice AND the menu for what turned out to be a delicious spread and good company.

In keeping with the Valentine’s Day theme my mom was determined to implement – despite the fact that we were well beyond the holiday – I opted to send a traditional southern favorite - red velvet cupcakes.

(What? You see a theme in my blog entries? Sorry…guess I’m really relishing my victory in baking…)

The recipe was for a cake, but it worked just as well for cupcakes – I kept a close eye on them in the oven – about 25 minutes did the trick.

I found the recipe in a 2009 issue of VA Living – it’s by The Lee Bros. You can read and print the recipe here-

http://mattleeandtedlee.com/lee-bros/recipes/red-velvet-cake/#more-146

Mom’s recipe for the pineapple cheese ball is also online –

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Pineapple-Cheese-Ball/Detail.aspx

A key ingredient in both of these recipes is CREAM CHEESE. Call it what you want, but I refer to cream cheese as the domestic-diva’s wonder ingredient. Need a dip? Add your favorite veggies and spices to a package of cream cheese, blend and voilà!

Is there really anything this delightfully edible glue can’t do? And let’s face it…happiness = a bowl of cream cheese icing + a spoon...

{Food is love re-post} “Life expectancy would grow by leaps and bounds if green vegetables smelled as good as bacon.” Doug Larson quotes (English middle-distance runner who won gold medals at the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris, 1902-1981)

2011-06-07T14:46:00.000-07:00

{originally posted on Food is love, 3/2010) In the first few warm days of the season, there was really nothing I could do to stop Robby from breaking ground for a vegetable garden. We haven’t had one in three years, and I think he resented that more each time we bought produce at the grocery store.

This year we’ll share the garden and its care with my parents. Usually their garden is rather small – enough for a family of four and still plenty to give friends and neighbors.

When it comes to moving earth, my husband doesn’t do “small.” After all, he IS a mining engineer. For all I know it pained him to have to use a tractor and plow…instead of industrial grade explosives and a wheel loader.

Of the two of us, his thumbs are green and mine are hardly opposable when it comes to gardening. He’ll attempt to grow just about anything edible and usually succeed. The only house plant I’ve not managed to kill is a few stalks of bamboo my

girlfriend gave me almost 4 years ago – and I’m convinced that's only because its name is “Lucky.”

I have grown a reasonable herb garden in the past, but my “earth” is confined to a few flower boxes on the porch. So far only the chives have made an appearance…and I can’t take credit for those because Mom planted them last year.

The vegetable garden will likely have enough broccoli to feed an army before I can figure out when I’m beyond the risk of frost.

Here, gardening is a family affair. Mom, Dad and Robby up to their elbows in dirt, and me on the porch – where I can rest my glass of wine while I water the chives.

At least I have the chickens - because vegetables don't taste like bacon.

Which may be why we have eggs.

{Food is love re-post} Dogs eat...and love too.

2011-06-07T14:38:00.000-07:00

{originally posted on Food is love, 4/2010} I’m no expert on animals. But our three pets – Summer, an 11 year old lab/hound mix, Oliver, an 8 year old terrier mix, and Yaya, our 8 year old tabby cat – live a good life. In fact, I usually find myself more concerned with maintaining THEIR schedules over mine.

Many would find that ridiculous. After all, they’re just animals. That may be true – but these animals depend on us with blind faith and unconditional loyalty – there is hardly a human on the planet with the capacity for that kind of caring and support. Accommodating their schedules is the least I can do.

While Oliver and Yaya are still enjoying their youth and maintenance-free living…Summer is approaching the stage in her life when what used to be a given is now hard work. Getting up off the floor…trotting around the house to meet us when we get home…relieving herself…things she has probably taken for granted up to this point are now a struggle, and thus a source of great confusion for her.

We learned from our vet a few weeks ago that Summer has a multitude of health issues – it’s a hell of a list, but it all boils down to one thing: her body is tired.

Were she 5-6 years younger I would likely sell my soul to afford the diagnostic tests and treatments available for her – that would be a decision based not only on my desire to keep her alive and with us, but to give her the quality of life she deserves.

At 11, however, launching the process of tests and treatments would be a selfish decision based only on MY inability to let go. Anything to a dog this age is invasive, and while it may mean treating the condition, chances of her recovering from the procedures alone are slim.

When our vet finished explaining our options, Robby and I read each other’s minds in a look and wanted to know only one thing – how do we keep Summer happy, comfortable and pain free for the rest of whatever amount of time she’s willing to give us?

I love our vet. I love her with all my heart. She didn’t judge or blame us and in fact, she went so far as to tell us we’re good owners. She also explained that, without diagnostic tests, there’s really no way to tell how much time we’ve got left. It could be years before Summer’s ready to give up – considering her demeanor lately, albeit a little slow in the step, that’s a pretty good bet.

The best defense, she said, is a good offense. The right food, the right vitamins, the right schedule and a few meds – one day at a time.

She specifically recommended Taste of the Wild. (We found it at Tractor Supply.) It’s expensive (about $1.30/lb), but it’s also grain-free, which is evidently important to Summer’s digestive system now.

Needless to say, it’s a hit. Summer and Oliver BOTH love it. What dog wouldn’t? It’s Bison and Venison for crying out loud! I’ll be lucky to keep Robby out of the bag.

More importantly, she’s back on “schedule.” Several of the nuisance issues she’s battled for the last several months have disappeared with a new diet and the addition of vitamins and Pro-Biotics.

It’s ironic, really. I’m unnerved to know there’s now a clock attached to our relationship with her…but that’s my own fault because there’s ALWAYS been a clock.

As a matter of fact, isn’t there a clock on everything for us? Isn’t that the premise of living life to its fullest and not taking anything for granted?

Dogs aren’t burdened with a psyche. Living day to day is all Summer knows – she’s not got time to think about the end.

And therein lies what may make us both the superior species and the weakest link – our emotions and the forces that influence thought. It’s our free will, and the ability to decide between what is wrong and what is right, that sets us apart. It’s a source of great freedom, and yet also, whether we realize it or not, a tremendous responsibility.

Dogs get it. People don’t. Now who’s superior?

Our companions and a source of real wisdom, these three little beings are quite possibly the center of our universe. If it means me living on PB&J for the next decade so that there’s enough money to afford their food, so be it.

Like I said – it’s really the least I can do.

{Food is love re-post} I'd go back to CA for an OMELETTE

2011-06-07T14:35:00.000-07:00

{Originally posted 8/2010}

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzooom – whoooosh! That’s my comic book version of summer.

My last blog post here was APRIL.

SHAMEFUL. I know.

But I can’t complain – while the summer has flown by, every day has been one step closer to the next step.

How’s that for a literal loop?

April was actually the month Robby and I decided that he would abandon the job hunt and we would both be full time partners in the photography business.

It’s also the month when we realized it would be so much more than a photography business. Robby providing custom picture and art framing services for my clients lead to additional framing jobs – prints…art…even frame and glass repairs.

Now we’re preparing to not only open a photography studio in Kenbridge, but also a full service custom picture and art framing shop – all in the same building. AND – I’m no longer a solo shooter at weddings! (and some portrait sessions…) The boy’s got one heck of an eye – who knew?

(I hate to be a tease…but more on all of that later. Soon – but later.)

Life goes on and, despite working pretty much ALL the time, we have managed a few escapes – to include one highlight in particular - traveling to Truckee, CA to shoot a wedding for one of my best girlfriends from college. Check out the wedding photos here.

The scenery there is AMAZING. And so is everything else…the art…the FOOD.

AH – the point of this blog – THE FOOD.

If you are ever in Truckee, you MUST – MUST – have breakfast at Squeeze In. Recently hosts of the Food Network Show “Showdown with Bobby Flay,” this place (albeit no wider than a large sidewalk – thus, the name) is home to 63 of THE BEST OMELETTES on the PLANET.

No, I’m not exaggerating. And I don’t even like EGGS.

To keep it fair, we tried one of each of the competitors – the Squeeze In’s “Racy Tracy (#37) and “The Spanish Flay” (#64 – their tribute to Bobby’s version). Good thing we weren’t on the judging panel…. Not a clue how the winner was chosen, so we settled for a tie and enjoyed a bloody mary.

SO GOOD. And they’re kind enough to provide recipes on their website.

Our next food obsession in Truckee was actually “imported.” Friends of the bride and groom came bearing boxes – and BOXES – of organic blueberries from her parents’ blueberry farm in Oregon.

THE BIGGEST BLUEBERRIES we have EVER SEEN. And they tasted nothing like what we’ve bought in the stores around here. Before departing from Sandy’s Pub (where we gathered to watch the World Cup on Sunday) they distributed boxes of blueberries – knowing we couldn’t take them on the plane home with us, Robby and I took them along on our hike in Squaw Valley that afternoon.

Devouring delicious blueberries while sitting on a mountain top, my toes in the snow and soaking up sun with the love of my life…

NOPE – can’t complain at all.

Susan Bolling Photography has a NEW BLOG!

2011-02-11T06:21:00.000-08:00

Which you can see at - http://photography.pharmacygallery.com/blog

Over the next several months this blog will evolve to become something like my live sketch book - a place where I may or may not be posting about photography and other various and sundry topics or projects.

Eventually http://143food.blogspot.com/ posts will move here as well.

Organizing...consolidating...re-inventing...keeping it fresh! Many thanks for your continued interest and support. Here's to a productive 2011!

Cheers!
Susan

The Nevins & Elliot Families {Virginia Portrait Photographer}

2011-01-08T09:27:00.000-08:00

JUST before the first big storm in November (that took the last of what turned out to be amazingly vibrant fall foliage,) the Nevins & Elliot families got together for a few milestone portraits. Albeit a decent competitor, the brilliant Japanese Maple was hardly the star compared to all the love and smiles this group has to offer.
LOTS of laughter and lasting memories...as far as we're concerned, that's what it's all about.

...more {little} favorites. (2010 - children)

2010-12-31T14:35:00.000-08:00

Just a few of our favs in 2010...(Weddings)

2010-12-31T14:28:00.002-08:00

And the best is yet to come! Happy New Year everyone - be safe tonight.

Cheers!

Susan & Robby

Madeline Anne

2010-11-22T06:00:00.000-08:00

Perfectly precious - these are the best words to describe our newborn session with Bridget and Justin. You might remember Bridget's maternity session, which we featured last month.
Welcome little Madeline Anne - quite the perfect little start to the holidays, don't you think?
Cheers!

Jennifer & Jason :: Engagement Session

2010-11-18T08:22:00.000-08:00

It's safe to say that including your beloved four-legged friends in your portrait session is one of the many luxuries of shooting on location - and we're more than willing to take advantage any time our clients want paws in the pics. Our pets, after all, are a significant part of our lives, and more often than not they're excluded from photo ops when we pull out the camera for snapshots at family gatherings. Ironically, they are also a source of many, many happy memories and good times, and when they're gone we wish we had a few photos of them basking in the sunshine....or terrorizing that pair of shoes you thought you loved.

We can't speak for other photographers, but as far as we're concerned - NEVER hesitate to ask. As long as the location allows it, our answer is absolutely! We'll bring the treats. :)
Congrats to Jennifer and Jason - adorable couple and proud owners of two happy labs.

PS...worry not - the new gallery and studio will be fur-friendly as well.
Cheers!

Whitney & Edwin :: Engagement Session

2010-11-15T09:52:00.000-08:00

Robby and I had the pleasure of working with this wonderful couple on every aspect of their wedding photography - from the engagement and bridal portraits to the delightful wedding this past weekend.
Here's a peek at take one - the engagement session...

Class of 2011 :: Will (part two)

2010-11-12T15:11:00.000-08:00

Senior year is a roller coaster, isn’t it? Working so hard for that last year only to be gearing up toleave home and start all over. Your elders really aren’t kidding around when they tell you to enjoyevery moment.

And, while you’re enjoying, set aside a little time to capture a fewmemories as well. We started Will’ssenior portraits in late summer with a duo session including his BFF, Kayla. In early October we metagain, this time including a few of his feathered friends, as well as hisimmediate family and grandparents.

The result is a collection of images he’ll take with him when he leavesfor college next year – reassurance that, no matter where he goes or what hedoes, his roots are planted safely at home.

Congratulations Will!

Britni & Ronnie :: Engagement Session

2010-11-10T05:42:00.000-08:00

Engagement portraits have the potential to pull double duty - capturing a few photos for your announcement in the paper while also capturing a few moments of life prior to your tying the knot. Home is always a great setting, but don't feel restricted if there's somewhere else you think will be the perfect backdrop - or really set the stage for your style as a couple.
When this adorable couple asked us to meet them in VA Beach, we were all for it! We consider any coastline our home away from home, and its scenery is well worth the drive.
Congratulations and best wishes Britni and Ronnie!

Kilian

2010-11-09T05:49:00.000-08:00

We are making progress on the new studio in downtown Kenbridge...but the fact that it's taking a while doesn't bother us too much. Why? Because we can't bring all this SUNSHINE in to a studio! What an awesome first Saturday in October this was.

Nellie & Josh :: Engagement Session

2010-11-08T05:18:00.000-08:00

Well, it's official. I'm old.

NO - no no no. What's official is that my BABY SISTER is getting MARRIED!

To - let me add - one of the best guys we've ever met. Robby and I LOVE our brother-in-law-to-be to pieces.

Thankfully we'll be off duty as photographers for this wedding...on-duty for everything else.

{sigh} - maybe John Boehner will share a box of Kleenex with me...

Congrats and best wishes Tooty and JoshUaaa!

The Daniels Family

2010-11-05T14:06:00.000-07:00

Robby and I were delighted to capture a few memories for Courtneyand her Mom & Dad, who had a perfect day for a little fun on the farm several weeks ago. Remember - portrait sessions don't have to {and shouldn't} be stressful! And the best props are the ones you see every day - both just two of the many reasons we love shooting on location.

The Harris Family

2010-10-14T06:57:00.000-07:00

Did you know bundles of love, laughter and snuggly wonderful sometimes dress in little denim jumpers to play in fresh air and sunshine? They do. We have proof.

Mom to be :: Bridget

2010-10-12T06:26:00.000-07:00

Maternity portrait sessions can be formal and interpretive or fun and casual - I prefer a little of both but am happy to operate within the comfort of the client. These images are, after all, about capturing a few moments before the baby arrives - which can range from blissful and romantic to....well -- we'll call it real.
Congratulations Bridget and Justin (whose beautiful baby girl was born yesterday) - two wonderful people destined to be remarkable parents. We're looking forward to your newborn session. Cheers!

Class of 2011 :: Rachel

2010-10-09T07:44:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the perfect location requires a bit of a drive - as long as it's reasonable - and being FUN helps - we're game. SO - when Rachel asked if we could shoot her senior portrait session on location in Colonial Williamsburg, we said absolutely - AND we even squeezed in time for a snack at the Cheese Shop. YUM!
Congratulations Rachel - have an amazing senior year and PS - we've got our fingers crossed. ;)

The Estes Family

2010-10-01T06:23:00.000-07:00

The holidays will be here before you know it, so now is the time to be thinking about family portraits if you plan to have prints for gifts and/or custom designed holiday greeting cards.
If you DO plan to have prints and cards for Christmas, sessions should be completed no later than Nov. 1. That's only one month from now - make your list - check it twice - we look forward to hearing from you. Have a great weekend!

Congratulations Jiun & Matt :: August 14, 2010

2010-09-30T07:59:00.000-07:00

Having known Matt almost half my life, photographing this wedding was especially meaningful, and we enjoyed every moment. Cheers to the newlyweds! And best wishes for settling in to your new home in Los Angeles - we can't wait to visit!

Congratulations Lindsey & Anthony :: August 7, 2010

2010-09-29T07:41:00.000-07:00

I LOVE rainy days - the perfect time to catch up on overdue blogging. Robby and I thoroughly enjoyed photographing this adorable couple's wedding at King Family Vineyards in Crozet, Virginia. You may recognize them from the Shwartz wedding we photographed in Truckee, CA in July - Anthony is Andrea's brother.
SO many great memories from both events - Lindsey and Anthony, thank you for allowing us the honor of documenting your day. Here are just a few of our many favorites. Cheers!

Class of 2011 :: Megan

2010-09-09T18:45:00.000-07:00

Locations for portraits - especially senior portraits - can be in the least-likely of places. If your style is urban-chic, downtown is the place to be. But if you're relaxed and a bit rustic, all it takes is an old barn, open fields and a late afternoon sky to create the perfect backdrop. Megan and her Mom directed me to this quiet little spot in Dinwiddie County - it's actually part of Five Forks Battlefield.
Megan's first senior session this year was with her BFF Emily - downtown Richmond. Both girls opted for the softer side in their solo sessions, which has made for a fantastic collection of images - and memories - that they'll probably cherish forever.
Congratulations, Megan - looking forward to hearing when you're officially a DUKE!

Renovations at new location are underway!

2010-09-03T14:08:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to announce – officially – that The Pharmacy Gallery and Susan BollingPhotography will soon be moving in to its “brick and mortar” location in downtownKenbridge, VA.

Now under construction (per a few upgrades and renovationsthat need to happen prior to move-in,) 108 South Broad Street is just two doorsdown from Benchmark Bank, and neighbor to Hawthorne & Hawthorne P.C.

The Pharmacy Gallery (so named for the building’s originaltenant – Kenbridge Drug Co. and the Rexall Store) will house a studio for SusanBolling Photography, a full service, custom picture and art frame shop, and ana small art gallery for the show and sale of local art.

Significant renovations are underway and need to becompleted before we are able to meet customers at the new location – until thenwe are still able to complete frame projects at home, meet for consultations byappointment and schedule on-location portrait sessions and wedding photography.

In other words – business as usual – we’re just thrilled tofinally be able to share exciting news about the future!

For more information and to hear our story in person, pleasecome see us NEXT WEEKEND (September 11 & 12) at the 41^st Annual Blackstone Arts & Crafts Festival. We have an outdoor booth and will be displaying both photography andframe work, as well as accepting reservations for fall and winter portraitsessions.

Admission to the craft show this year is FREE!

There are many thank-yous to come, but we never miss anopportunity to do so – MANY heartfelt thanks to our clients and friends whohave supported us this year – YOU are the reason why the dream is finallycoming to life. THANK YOU MitziLail, Doug Bolling and Dogwood Graphics for designing our logo (inspired byoriginal Kenbridge Drug Co. labels). And last but certainly not least, THANK YOU to our professionalpartners, especially our landlord, Hawthorne Properties, for your guidance andbelieving in our business.

We wish we could establish a date for move-in, butconsidering the complexities of some of the renovations, are unable to at thistime.

Until then, it’s GO-TIME behind the scenes – stay tuned toour blog and Facebook page for updates.

See you soon…

Class of 2011 :: Bess

2010-09-02T06:38:00.000-07:00

Who knew Victoria could look so cool? Many thanks to this charming young lady for a quick session downtown before the storms blew in a few weeks ago.
Good luck in Governor's School, Bess - and have a fantastic senior year!

Class of 2011 :: Will & Kayla

2010-08-26T06:33:00.000-07:00

We just LOVE being introduced to hidden treasures...to include this wonderful little spot of beautiful tucked away in the country...we were literally giddy when Will and Kayla told us where to meet them for their senior session - and we weren't disappointed. Check out this backdrop!
Best friends since 9th grade, they made our jobs easy. W & K - Thanks for a great session - and for the inside scoop. Congratulations and best wishes for a fantastic senior year!

Class of 2011 :: Marissa

2010-08-25T06:27:00.000-07:00

As I've said before - senior sessions are just more FUN when you let your BFF tag along...Marissa thought beyond this concept and decided to make a few memories that both she AND her family would enjoy. So she arrived at the farm with little brother Joe Joe - and we had a BLAST.
Congratulations Marissa - have an AWESOME senior year!

Maddox & family

2010-08-24T05:55:00.000-07:00

Our studio is currently under construction, so newborn portrait sessions are still done exclusively on location - fortunately, Mom, Dad and big sister were excited and up to the challenge. Except....it wasn't challenging at all. Quiet and relaxed, our session was flawless - and the images are too adorable not to share. Congratulations and many thanks to this beautiful family!

Congratulations Devin & Bobby :: July 31, 2010 Lake Gaston

2010-08-23T09:13:00.000-07:00

It has been an absolute pleasure working with this adorable couple - from their engagement and bridal sessions this spring to the wedding just a few weeks ago, we've enjoyed every minute.
Congratulations and best wishes Devin & Bobby - cheers!

Jackson :: Crewe Railroad Museum

2010-08-22T15:46:00.000-07:00

At 2 years, Jackson has two passions - tractors and trains. Oh how I LOVE living in Southside Virginia when it comes to this kind of criteria for finding a portrait location! Many thanks to the Crewe Train Museum, and Jackson's Mom, for allowing me to capture a few moments of fun on a HOT July afternoon.

Congratulations Andrea & Jeremiah :: July 10, 2010 Truckee, CA

2010-08-21T08:12:00.000-07:00

UPDATE -- Excited and honored to have this wedding featured on the Eco-Beautiful Weddings Blog - Check it out!!

Robby and I were BEYOND excited to make the trip west for this couple's amazing wedding on Lake Donner - just minutes from Squaw Valley USA and Lake Tahoe. If you ever have the opportunity to visit Truckee, DON'T MISS IT. A quintessential small town nestled in the mountains of CA, Truckee is the perfect get-a-way, complete with local artists, gourmet food and knock-your-socks-off scenery.
Both lovers of the environment and creative, adventurous spirits, Andrea and Jeremiah planned an entire weekend of rest and relaxation for their guests - from lounging at Skylandia Beach on Lake Tahoe Friday afternoon, to the wedding and reception in a park on Lake Donner, the after party at Bar of America and finally, lunch and bloody marys at Sandy's Pub (where they first met...) while watching the World Cup on the big screen - not one moment went uncelebrated or unappreciated.
Many thanks to our dear friends for inviting us to be a part of this delightfully memorable, LOVING experience - cheers!

Devin Williams | Bridal Portrait

2010-08-01T10:50:00.000-07:00

We are so excited to finally be able to share Devin's gorgeous bridal portraits. More to come in a few weeks when we share photos from the wedding, which we thoroughly enjoyed shooting last night on Lake Gaston. Congratulations Devin and Bobby!

Congratulations Thom & Jenny | July 3, 2010, DelFosse Vineyards

2010-07-31T07:41:00.000-07:00

Here's a sneak peak of this adorable couple’s lovely vineyardwedding just outside of Charlottesville, Virginia, featuring flowers, event planning and design by Texture Design Studio. Fingers crossed in the hopes that, in the next week orso, the wedding is featured on the Charlottesville Wedding Blog.

Wendy & Sean | June 19, 2010 | Amelia, Virginia

2010-07-06T19:10:00.000-07:00

Update! This wedding featured on Snippet & Ink, July 30, 2010.

We’ve seen a lot of weddings – each and every one veryspecial and memorable. But thissweet ceremony was a challenge – hard to focus when you’ve got tears in youreyes!

While the number of guests at this wedding was small, thelove was BIG. Not just two people,but two families – including three adorable boys – came together officiallythat day. The happiness wasliterally contagious.

Wendy and Sean elected to marry in the Namozine Church in Amelia,Virginia. Out of commission forsome time, the church is actually a historical landmark on “Lee’s Retreat”route, which is a self guided tour that follows General Robert E. Lee’s journeyfrom Petersburg to Appomattox during the Civil War.

The church was used as a hospital by both sides during thewar and has blood-stains on the old wood floors to prove it. With no electricity, natural lightflooded through its tall windows after curator Pearl Clifton opened the largeexterior shutters.

Beautiful.

Many thanks to Wendy and Sean for allowing us to documentthis wonderful event – and best wishes to their entire family for a lifetime ofhappiness. Cheers!

Class of 2011 :: Emily

2010-07-02T05:11:00.000-07:00

In addition to the session downtown with her BFF – weswitched scenery and spent a little one on one time with Miss Emily.

Susan Bolling Photography is pleased to offer seniorportrait sessions ON LOCATION. Some sessionsinclude up to (2) wardrobe changes...

Class of 2011 :: Emily & Megan

2010-07-01T10:42:00.000-07:00

As if having your senior portrait session ON LOCATION –casual and completely your way - isn’t already a pretty sweet deal… make it even better.

Invite your BFF.

These girls didn’t just take a few photos – they madememories. And that’s what it’s allabout, right?

How will you be remembered?

Susan Bolling Photography is pleased to offer seniorportrait sessions ON LOCATION.

Naomi & Willie | June 12, 2010 | Rehoboth, Virginia

2010-07-01T08:59:00.000-07:00

Nothing sweeter than summer love and a little fun on the farm...

Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Chappell

2010-06-27T14:39:00.001-07:00

We love our work – but Robby and I couldn’t have beenhappier to be guests this weekend. Two of our dearest friends, Thomas and Somer insisted that we relax andhave a good time at their wedding, therefore photography was delegated toanother local professional.

And yes – we had a great time. The entire weekend was dedicated to celebrating thiswonderful, loving couple, and we enjoyed every minute. I was even fortunate enough to give atoast at the rehearsal dinner! Onethat was nearly 15 years in the making…

I photographed Somer’s bridal portrait at a historic home inLunenburg County – actually built by my ancestors around 1820. A little champagne and some classicalbackground music made for a relaxing session.

Somer and Thomas – we wish you nothing less than a lifetimeof happiness, and we love you both!

Kim & Ken | May 23, 2010 | Ft. Monroe, Virginia

2010-06-18T15:40:00.003-07:00

Having known the bride for years, being a part of this day was especially meaningful to me. Best wishes to Kim and Ken for a life rich with love and laughter. Cheers!

A sister is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost. -Marion C. Garretty

2010-06-09T08:02:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to Madelyn and Ellie, and their Mom, Riki, for a playful afternoon on the farm!