Fallen Beauty

I love flowers after their prime. I especially loved the raindrops on this fallen camellia at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. 

Meet the Family

I had a reader request for more lamb photos Vickers' Historical Farm in Union Point GA,  so today, meet the family. There were more in the next stall. Excuse the little guy on the left, he wasn't quite finished with his lunch! The Mommas were keeping an eye on me.

I will be in the Atlanta/Greensboro area on May 6th for a full day photography workshop to include a field trip to Vickers' Farm in Union Point. If you are interested in more information, please contact me at virginia@virginiajonesphotography.com

Birmingham Through My Lens On the Road - BAAAAA

Last week I took a lovely trip to Greensboro Ga to speak. While there, my good friend Corey took me on a fabulous shoot in Union Point at Vickers Historical Farm. Oh my goodness. I had a great time,  but the barn with 12 little lambs was my favorite. I'll share many, get ready.

BTW, I will be returning to Greensboro, May 6th for a full day photography workshop. If you are interested in more information, please email me at virginia@virginiajonesphotography.com!

On Top of the World!

Well maybe not the world, but the top of the Pizitz Building currently undergoing a grand renovationin downtown Birmingham. Our friend Joe, from Brasfield & Gorrie, was patiently waiting for me to take my photos from the rooftop so he could whisk us back down on the construction elevator. He's sitting in what will soon be the rooftop swimming pool for the apartment residents. Stay tuned. I'm going back with Bayer Properties' Tom Walker for some more photos today!

Early Bloomers

T

he Star Magnolias were bursting open at Aldridge Gardens today. I think it might be a bit early, but we really haven't had any prolonged cold weather at all here in Birmingham this winter. I love these floppy petaled blooms back lit by the afternoon sun.

Real Men Wear.....

all kinds of fun during the Mercedes Marathon!

Heroes

Believe me, I know how hard it must be to run a 5K, a half marathon or a marathon, but Sunday as I photographed at Independent Presbyterian Church's water station, these two guys won my respect.

My Funny Valentine

Yesterday I photographed the adorable kiddos from the Bell Center for Early Intervention before and during their race, as part of the Mercedes Marathon weekend. I walked into the Boutwell Auditorium, Command Central for the marathon, and met this adorable little guy. He blew me a kiss. Best Valentine I've ever had. xoxoxo

Get Ready.....Get Set....

RUN!

 WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM YOUR FRIENDS

THEN GET YOUR MEDAL!!!

Tomorrow is the best day of the year. It's the Mercedes Marathon weekend and the precious kiddos from the fabulous Bell Center for Early Intervention will have their very own run in the morning at Linn Park. Later runners and relay teams will run to raise money for this wonderful place. Seeing these courageous and happy kids and their parents, along with the staff, fills my heart more that you can imagine.

Details of a Renovation II

Today we are back on the mezzanine of the Pizitz Department Store building. The grooves in the flooring are where the rotten wood sub flooring as been ripped up. The actually hardwood flooring is safely stacked in the basement and will be laid again, with a good sanding and staining. That made me very happy. Bayer Properties and Brasfield Gorrie Construction are working their magic!

Details of a Renovation I

Many of you are well aware of my love affair with Birmingham's historic Lyric Theatre. I photographed her for the first time in 2009 and right up until her grand re-opening last month. Well now there's a "new girl" in town and she's been patiently waiting on the corner of 19th Street North and 2nd Avenue for someone to bring her back to life. The Pizitz Department Store was built in 1899 by founder Louis Pizitz and was their flagship store until it closed in 1988. Since then it's stood empty and deteriorating. ( See my photo from 2009 below.) Thanks to Bayer Properties and Brasfield Gorrie Construction, she is on the mend and will be open for business in October of this year.

New plans are for upper floors with apartments with all the amenities, including a roof top pool. On the mezzanine level offices and the ground floor promises to make Birmingham's foodies drool over the Food Hall.

Many thanks to a very patient Tom Walker, Bayer Properties Project Manager,  for the great tour last week. I was proud to don Bradfield and Gorrie's hard hat, safety glasses, lovely neon green mesh vest and glamorous construction boots for the occasion. More photos to come!

Meet the Artist

Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending a lecture by portrait artist Marc Chatov at Portraits, Inc. Marc, who lives in Key Largo is of Russian decent and here for the Russian music and art events this week in Birmingham. He spoke about his strong connection with music and his painting. A fascinating afternoon!

Portraits, Inc, will host another event on Thursday evening. It proves to be a wonderful night of Russian music played by members of the Alabama Symphony, Russian cocktails, food and art!

Portraits, Inc.

2801 6th Avenue South

Another Beauty

In January, it was announced that at the Shepherd Sloss Building on Birmingham's southside, will undergo a restoration process to bring it back to its 1930's-1040's glory. This terra cotta building thankfully still has some fine details in tact.