Meet Miss Sloane!

Love her name, and love her little face!  Baby made me work, though!  Mom really wanted more sleeping pics, but she was as alert as could be at 2 weeks for a majority of the session.  But oh, I loved holding her and getting my newborn fix.  I usually don't like to be too "themey", but I couldn't resist the little apple hat and basket.  Especially on that fantastic tile.  I brought the adorable vintage bow and ruffled romper, and how perfect do they go with the awesome chair and rug in her nursery??!!  Pure luck!   It was her grandmother's, and I absolutely love it when we can use something with sentimental value!

"J" is for Jaxson!!

Gotta love my little buddy!  Can't believe he is 3.... and yes..... these are VERY late!!  Love, love, love you, Jaxy!!

Backyard Mini-Sessions!!!

Backyard Mini-Sessions Have Started!!!

What is a backyard mini-session???

I LOVE to take pictures that mean something to my clients.  Being photographed at your home, a grandparent’s home, etc... is the perfect way to do that.  You don’t have to have a beautiful, fancy place.... we can make anything work!   We also do not have to do the pictures “in your backyard”, however, in order to qualify for the special pricing, the pictures have to take place somewhere in or outside of your home or land, or a family member’s home or land.  We can get as creative or be as simple as you would like.  I can photograph your family cooking or grilling  out, playing a board game, snuggling in bed, sitting on the front porch, playing football...

AND WHAT AN AWESOME way to get a head start on Christmas cards!!!

Pricing and Details:

These images will have the detailed enhancements that I include in my “very vintage” package (and not included in my “home sweet home” package).  I spend extra time perfecting the images, adding texture, and also playing with color effects to enhance the mood.  The sessions will be about 30 minutes long, and you will receive approximately 15 images to choose from for ordering prints and products.  These images will also be included in a low resolution format (for web sharing and printing up to 4x6).   Pricing applies only to clients being photographed on personal property, and also for clients within 25 miles of Argyle, TX (does not include newborn sessions).  Includes up to 4 people, add $10.00 for each person over.  Must book before Nov. 15, 2011.


Price: $125.00

Happy First Birthday, Jack!

I am going to be honest here..... I was VERY nervous leaving this session, and I think Mom and Dad were probably nervous, too.  I didn't really feel like I was on my game.  But, from the moment I saw Jack, I was in love with him.  Those blue eyes, blonde hair.... kind of reminds me of my own little Jaxson.  But Jack, well, I don't think he was in love with me.  Brought out all my new fancy toys, flashing horse wand, etc.... even brought balloons (which ALWAYS works), but he was on the go and had no time for playing.   I really couldn't believe it when I uploaded the images and had so many to choose from.  All it takes is a cute kid and pretty family (and maybe some technical capability from the photographer :) ), and voila.   You get some pretty good shots!

Camera Tip: Tilting Your Camera and Using Angles

We all love modern photography with fun angles, urban or vintage tints and textures, super bright eyes, etc....  BUT, what makes a portrait truly beautiful, and more than just an overworked snapshot, is knowing when to use these effects, and how dramatic they should be without being ridiculous.  In particular, I want to talk about camera tilt.  When I first started, I was always tilting my camera just to do it because everyone thought that made a picture good.  The more I do this, the more I realize that there is a time to tilt, and to play with angles, and it's not every time.  Try to think about what you are trying to achieve with the shot.  If it is a highly interactive, fun shot, then yes... tilt your camera, get way below the subject or way above... anything that will emphasis the playfulness of the shot.  An eye level, straight on shot may not portray any feeling or mood.  But pay attention to the amount you are tilting, and if you are being dramatic with it, also take a few that aren't tilted and highly angled, just so you have some options.  Sometimes we want to be creative, and it just doesn't work with the composition, and that's okay if you have some back-ups.   

On the two below, I really went back and forth on which I really liked, but I'm glad I had both to present.   I really think the "un-tilted" pic works best, but you be the judge.

Leandra!

It is pretty obvious that I love to photograph babies and young children, but I was super excited to do these.  Not only is Leandra the niece of a good friend of mine, she is also an AWESOME babysitter.  She is so good to my kids that it was great to get the chance to do something nice for her.  I loved being able to work with an older girl, and play with all of these bright, fun colors.  I actually told her I would pick her up and we would just drive until we found places that inspired us.  We found some perfect locations, and Leandra spotted the purple wall behind some building off the beaten path.

My First "Backyard Mini-Session"

I am about to run a new special, and this is kind of the premise.  Capturing families at their homes so they are are comfortable, and the pictures mean more to them later.  These 4 people are sweet and beautiful, and you can't tell in these pics, but there is one lucky little person on the way.