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Award Winning Family Photographer | From Maternity & Babies to Seniors & Underwater Space Coast - Brevard County FL 10 Things I Love About St Marys GA | Camden County Photography
I have lived in St Marys for almost 14 years now and am happy to call it my home. From my first visit here, I knew this was a place I would want to call home. From the friendly people and slower pace of a small town to some of my favorite local spots, I love so many things about living in St Marys. Here's a list of my top 10.
1) Howard Gilman Waterfront Park The waterfront park has always been at the top of my list. It's the perfect place to take an evening walk or sit on a swing facing the St Marys River and just enjoy the view. The playground is a favorite for my son and being shaded is a huge plus in the summer heat. Speaking of summer, the monthly music concerts in the park are a great way to spend a Saturday evening. We've had picnics in the park, gone to various festivals and events held at the park, taken a walk, met up with friends, played on the playground, and even attended two weddings there. This park will always hold a special place in my heart.
2) Crooked River State Park There are endless ways to explore Crooked River State Park. Explore the many trails, stop in at the nature center, play a game of miniature golf, camp, bring your boat and go fishing, or check out some of their events like the sunset cruise. We've had a park pass since shortly after moving here. When I used to train search and rescue dogs, we often used areas of the park to train. Now that my dog has retired and I no longer run a local k9 search and rescue team, it's a favorite place for us to go explore and experience nature. I lead a local group of homeschoolers on nature explorations every week and Crooked River is one of our regular spots to visit. After we explore, the kids all love playing on one of the two playgrounds as well!
3) Scarecrow Stroll Fall is probably my favorite season and I love how St Marys celebrates with the Scarecrow Stroll. Each year, local businesses fill the median downtown with scarecrows for the month of October and on a Tuesday night mid-October, many of them, including myself, sit by their scarecrow displays while children walk up and down the street collecting goodies and seeing all the fun displays. Last year, I added a fall scene (pictured here) where anyone could stop and take a photo with some fall leaves (since we don't get much color here in southeast Georgia!). We always have a blast and my son loves to help me pass out non-food goodies after he finishes seeing all the other scarecrows himself.
4) Local Festivals St Marys hosts three big festivals each year: Mardi Gras Festival, Independence Day Festival, and Rock Shrimp Festival. Our favorite is the Mardi Gras Festival and it's mostly because we love the parade! My son loves to collect Mardi Gras beads and it's fun to see the themed floats each year. (Back when I ran the k9 search and rescue team, we were in the parade every year!) It's also nice that it isn't too hot, which is one reason we often skip the Independence Day Festival, though it is a good one. (Our anniversary is also the 4th so there's another reason we do other things!)
5) The People It's true, people in the south tend to be warmer and friendlier. It's one of the things that drew me in when we first came to St Marys. I have met so many wonderful and interesting people here in this little town; from the time I was a teacher at one of the local elementary schools, to my work with the Osprey Living Magazine. After being in a small town for a while, you can almost guarantee you'll run into someone you know whenever you're out and about!
6) St Marys Public Library It may be small, but we love our little library in St Marys. Whatever books we need that they don't have, we can always request through the Georgia Pines Library System. We are pretty much in there weekly swapping out books for our homeschool studies and love saying hi to the lovely people who work there. We also enjoy the summer reading program events in the summertime. One can never have too many books!
7) Nearby Organic U-Pick Farms We have two farms nearby that are organic or use organic methods to grow u-pick crops. Merck Farms in Kingsland is our favorite place to go in the spring and pick some of the best strawberries you've ever tasted! The berries have just started ripening for this season so keep your eye out on their Facebook page for updates on days they're open! Just up I-95 off Harriet's Bluff Rd is Morning Belle Farms, a certified organic blueberry farm (they have blackberries too!). We frequented them often when my son was littler but we haven't been in a couple of years because our own backyard blueberry bushes have gotten so big, we get about 10 pounds of blueberries a year from just our biggest bush alone! I do want to make it back up there for the blackberries though, it's just a smaller window and I've missed it the last couple of years. 8) Less Traffic Being a smaller town also means less traffic. Every time I get stuck in traffic in Jacksonville, or even Yulee, I'm thankful that I don't have to drive in it every day (though I do travel down there quite a bit!).
9) Close to the Beach When we first moved here, it only took 30 minutes to get to the beach in Fernandina. Even now that traffic is heavier (plus construction on A1A), 45 minutes is still not a bad drive to get to the beach. Though I do wish I had taken more advantage of the shorter drive year ago! We are a family that loves the beach so we are there often anyway. It's our happy place (and my favorite place to do sessions!).
10) Easy Access to I-95/Jacksonville Jacksonville is so spread out that it could take an hour to get from the beaches to the other side of Jacksonville. From St Marys, I can also get to most places in Jacksonville in an hour or less (beaches are an hour but most other places I frequent are 30-45 minute drives). After being here for so many years and making the drive, it doesn't bother me all that much. Though now with my son in gymnastics two days a week at TNT Gymnastics, it would be easier if we were a little bit closer. Plus we do most of our grocery shopping in Jacksonville at our favorite locally owned natural grocery store, Native Sun. We're also just about in the middle between Savannah and St Augustine, both great day trips to go explore.
Do any of these make your list of favorite things about St Marys? Anything I didn't include that you love and want to share? I'd love to hear about it in the comments! <3 Kim Owner/Artist-Photographer Kimberly Tank Art & Photography, LLC Stay up to date on blog posts like these and other happenings by signing up for my monthly newsletter. P.S. Ever wish you had someone to tag along with you on a family adventure to capture the fun you all have together? Contact me for more information on a family adventure session!
Small Business Spotlight: Fizikly Fit | Northeast Florida Small Business Branding Photos
I'd like to introduce you all to Coach Dawn, a strength and nutrition coach with her business, Fizikly Fit. She was so much fun to work with and I could really see how she makes fitness fun! I love that she offers meal prep in addition to her nutrition coaching. I hear so often that people think they don't have time to prep and make healthy meals and she will do it for you! If you're local to the Yulee-Fernandina Beach, FL area, check her out and see if she'd be a good fit for you. I'm going to let Dawn tell you all more about herself and her business...
Tell us about your business. What services/products do you offer? I am a strength and nutrition coach. I offer personalized training services, nutrition habit coaching, and meal prep for anyone that wants to eat and live a healthier lifestyle.
What inspired you to open your business? I’ve seen the difference exercise and a nutrient dense diet made in my own life, and I love sharing it with others.
Who is your biggest inspiration in life/business? Personally, I’m inspired daily by my children. I love being able to play with them, to cook with them, and to try new things with them. By setting the example of a healthy lifestyle, it shows them how to be healthier. Healthy kids turn into healthy adults.! In business, I am inspired by great coaches such as Coach Mike Krzyzewski (Coach K) of Duke basketball fame and Coach Lou Holtz of Notre Dame. They inspired their athletes to be honorable people first and athletes second.
What is your favorite quote? “Promise me you’ll always remember: You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” A.A. Milne
What do you love most about what you do? The positive impact exercise and a nutrient dense diet can have on people’s lives. When a client tells me they hiked a mountain, or spent the whole day at Disney World with their kids, or finished a 5k, or was able to come off medication, it’s the best part of what I do.
What is your biggest success with your business to date? What are you most proud of? My biggest success with my business is the number of long term clients I have the opportunity to continue training—it’s gratifying to see the changes in people’s health and lifestyle, and it’s rewarding to continue helping them set, reach, and exceed new goals.
What can your clients expect from you when they book with you? They can expect individualized attention, a discussion on goal setting, a training program designed just for them, expert coaching to help them move efficiently and safely, and regular follow up on their progress. They can expect to unexpectedly receive dinner to take home to their family, a recipe suggestion, regular communication on health/ wellness tips, and a fun atmosphere.
Tell us three things about you that we might not know. I’m a huge SEC football fan—I attended the University of Missouri, so I will always root for the Tigers first! I’ve adopted the GA Bulldogs as my second favorite team:). I love cooking, and feel a real sense of satisfaction when I get to create in the kitchen. Recipes are more like guidelines anyway. I never say no to coffee or chocolate.
Name three local businesses you love and why. L. Moore Aesthetics - Laurie is an amazing aesthetician. Her services are a treat! Blue Heron Therapeutics - Kelly Voboril is a gifted massage therapist. She keeps me moving well without pain. The Beauty Bar - Andrea Wallace is so sweet and funny, and my hair looks good thanks to her.
Where can people find you? Website: www.fiziklyfit.com Email: [email protected] Phone: (904) 612-4172 Facebook: www.facebook.com/fiziklyfitboutique Instagram: @fiziklyfitfun
Do you need photos for your website and marketing to help potential clients/customers see what you're all about? Do you want custom stock photography that speaks to your brand (and save you hours of searching on a stock website)? Do you want to stand out with professional photos to use in your social media posts that actually speak to you and your brand? Contact me to learn more about my small business lifestyle branding sessions! In-Home Lifestyle Newborn Milestone Session | Kingsland-St Marys GA Newborn PhotographerI've been told that adding baby number three is easier than baby number two, especially if you accept the sometimes chaos of being officially outnumbered. But when your now middle child is only two-ish and a little jealous, it can be a whole new ballgame. Last year I documented a similar set of siblings welcome their baby sister, but Miss 2 was not all that interested in having a baby sister. It may take these two year old big brothers or sisters a little more time to warm up to the new baby but we can at least pull off some sweet photos celebrating baby's arrival into the family. Let's be honest, most two year olds aren't going to sit still for pictures whether there's a new baby involved or not. Being in your own home will at least help them be more comfortable during the session and they are free to take breaks and retreat to their room to play with their own toys when they need to. Plus, with a laid back lifestyle newborn session, we can capture the connections and smiles even if they aren't always facing the camera. I also love incorporating pets! This doggy was probably the most cooperative, haha! Our loyal pets are always there with us in the chaos of life and welcoming babies and it's great when we can capture them in the midst of it all. These in-home lifestyle newborn sessions are my favorite way to help capture these memories of the early days for my clients welcoming a new baby to the family. I'm thrilled to be able to document more milestones with this sweet family through our Baby's First Year Milestone Membership program too! Here were some favorites from the newborn session. Welcome to the world sweet Baby E <3.
I love how this last one captures the silliness and activeness of the boys while baby sister just sleeps through it all. She'll be running with those boys before long! Thank you H Family for trusting me to capture these memories for you. <3 Kim Owner/Artist-Photographer Kimberly Tank Art & Photography I only take on a limited number of Baby Plan Memberships for each calendar year to ensure the highest quality of service to all of my clients and priority booking for plan members. If you're interested in becoming a plan member, I'd love to chat with you! Contact me here.
Childhood Photo Session - Miss M Turns 2 | Kingsland - St Marys Child PhotographerWhen you're child number three, and there's a five year age gap, you may end up being the "boss" much of the time. And what better way to celebrate turning two than to show everyone your boss skills! I'm thinking this girl is totally going to run a business when she grows up. She seemed to really know her way around the office! I think the adding machine was probably her favorite. She hammed it up and really embraced her "Boss Baby" theme!
These littles grow so quickly. I'm honored to be able to capture them and their personalities each year as they grow! <3 Kim Owner/Photographer-Artist Kimberly Tank Art & Photography Want some fun photos of your children and/or family? Contact me for information on scheduling a session!
Beautiful In-Home Lifestyle Newborn Session | Fernandina Beach Newborn Photographer"On the night you were born, the moon smiled with such wonder, that the stars peeked in to see you, and the night wind whispered, 'Life will never be the same again.'" ~ Nancy Tillman, On the Night You Were Born Welcoming a new baby into the world is magical, life-changing, and challenging. The days are long, but they also pass so quickly. Before we know it, we've forgotten just how little they were as newborns. In our sleep-deprived haze as new parents, it's hard to remember these things. This is how photographs can help, to trigger those memories and take us back to those early days when they were so tiny. From those tiny little features, to how they fit in our arms, and the joy and love for this precious new addition. This is what I love about photographing newborns and their families. And in-home sessions not only make it easier on the family (let's face it, getting out of the house with a newborn is a big job!), but it also allows for a more personalized session that includes the home where you have welcomed your new baby. This sweet baby boy was welcomed into the world over the summer and he totally rocked his session. Mom and Dad did a great job too! I love seeing their love captured in the photographs. Even their pup was enamored with this sweet baby. The light in the master bedroom was perfect and we were able to get some in the nursery too. Be sure to check out the video too!
A note from Mrs. M - "Kim was amazing for our Newborn and Maternity Photos! We are so grateful for her attention to detail, flexibility, quickness to respond, and overall being a pleasure to work with. Thank you, Kim, for a wonderful experience. We will treasure these photos forever!" Thank you M Family for trusting me to capture these precious memories for you. <3 Kim Owner/Artist-Photographer Kimberly Tank Art & Photography Are you expecting? Do you want to capture and preserve the love you have for your partner and newborn baby without having to leave your house? I'd love to chat with you! Contact me here for more information on booking a newborn session.
Fine Art School Portraits | Award Winning Child Photographer - St Marys & Fernandina BeachI started offering a Back to School Picture Day as a Homeschool Picture Day. When you don't go to school, there are no school photos so parents don't have the option for an affordable professional photo of their child every year. I liked the idea of doing them outside and having something different than what you'd get at the schools. This year, I still wanted to offer something unique but also classic and timeless. I wanted these to be available for those who don't want to spend money on those school photos that they really don't like that much anyways. So I bought a black backdrop and decided this year I would offer fine art school portraits. And I LOVE them! As do my clients :). I love that even those who were super wiggly and couldn't be still for too long, we were still able to get an adorable smiling photo of them. Plus I can do sibling shots! I can't wait to do these again next year!
Thank you to all the families who trusted me with their child's "school" photo this year! <3 Kim Owner/Photographer-Artist Kimberly Tank Art & Photography Don't miss out on these and other great events.... sign up for my email list! Newborn Family Session at Home | St Marys GA PhotographerVacations are a great time to capture your family in photographs. Often, I photograph extended families getting together from all over the country or families coming to play at the beach. This family was coming back "home" (where mom grew up) to visit family, celebrate the newest addition to their family, and their anniversary. Mom wanted to capture her baby girl at her grandmother's home with her grandma's pearls, so we did just that. I love incorporating something with so much meaning to the family. We even included a photograph of great-grandma in a generational photo. And it just so happens that I knew great-grandma when I was a teacher and she was an assistant superintendent. After capturing a few inside, we headed outside and used the beautiful yard for photos of the family. Thank you B Family for allowing me to capture this precious time for you! <3 Kim Owner/Photographer-Artist Kimberly Tank Art & Photography Looking to capture your family as they are right now? Do you want to capture the connections you have with your loved ones? Contact me today for more information on scheduling a family session!
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Kimberly Tank is an award-winning professional photographer in Rockledge, FL, servicing Brevard County on the Space Coast in Central Florida (including Melbourne, Cocoa Beach, Satellite Beach, Merritt Island, Viera and surrounding areas). Using natural light and custom on location sessions, Kimberly Tank specializes in photographing families from babies to seniors and commercial clients, both on land and underwater; providing an exceptional customer experience and helping save you time and preserve this chapter in your life's story. Kimberly Tank is a proud member and ambassador of National Association of Professional Child Photographers. Signup for my monthly newsletter and receive a FREE PDF on taking better photos of your kids! Click HERE Contact Me for more info and/or to book a session
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Kimberly Tank is an award winning professional lifestyle photographer in Rockledge, FL, servicing Brevard County in Central Florida (including Melbourne, Cocoa Beach, Merritt Island, Viera and surrounding areas). Using natural light and custom on location sessions, Kimberly Tank specializes in photographing families from babies to seniors and underwater photography; providing an exceptional customer experience and helping you capture your story and turn your memories into works of art.