HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Oh my oh my - time as flown. What a whirlwind this year has been!!!

I've been pretty busy with my new "day" job, and things have been somewhat quiet in photography land. I'm taking this time to renew and revamp 2008 marketing. I've also decided to explore my homeland - yes, my homeland. For those of you that don't know - I'm a native Texan. I've decided that I'm going to find Texas Culture - THE REAL TEXAS. I've even created a new blog - http://www.realtexas.blogspot.com/ - not much on it yet. I'm mapping out locations and timing this week. I have many fun things planned.

As many of you know - I usually take the winter months off - however, I do have the Terrell, Texas, annual baseketball league shoot coming up. Those kids are just too fun!!! Oh, and of course, I'm always available for new babies!!!

Lighting Workshop

Hi - it's been a bit since I last updated. This month has been CrAzY - it was my 23rd anniversary. I'm still "head over heals" in LOVE with my husband. He's my best friend and makes the BEST cream gravy in the world. My little girl also celebrated her 9th birthday, and of course, there was Thanksgiving. Wow - so much going on. I managed to fit in a workshop on lighting. Let me just say - I am thrilled with all I learned. I cannot wait to apply the new techniques I learned to future brides, seniors, and anyone who'll get in front of my camera!!

Location - The Cotton Mill in McKinney, Texas. I wish it were just a bit closer because I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to do more sessions out there. The place was an old Cotton Mill - renovated of course. I could spend all day there - just shooting the location. It was great. I still have many images to process from the workshop and will post some of the locations.

Happy Veteran's Day

Thank you to all you brave military men and women who serve our country! You are my hero and I salute you.

Please meet Tim Lee - his is one of my favorite clients. He is a very interesting man and has founded his own ministry: http://timlee.org/home.shtml. I adore his family and look forward to seeing them every year.

Side Out!

Ok - let's just put it right out there - GIRLS RULE! I went to Bre's Volleyball game a few weeks ago, and took some pictures for fun. Can you believe this - I forgot all about them! Anyway - over the weekend I played around with the images - took over 150! These girls are awesome. They really know how to work together as a team and my goodness - they sure can hit that ball. Here are just a few fun shots of the game!

Go Skeeters!

Howdy Folks!

Yesterday, my family and I spent the day at the State Fair of Texas. O-M-G - there were so many people there. We got there early in the morning - ok - around noon, and first thing was first - we had to have the famous Corny Dog. YUMMY!!! We sat just outside the Cotton Bowl and enjoyed our manditory treat. Of course, we spent most of the day (and money) on food. Funnel cakes, cotton candy, turkey legs, ice cream, etc. We filled up on junk food.

We didn't ride any rides out there or play any of the games on the Midway - it just isn't out thing. I don't trust the rides OR the carney's out there. I'm sure they're regulated and what not - but it's better to go with your instinct - and our instincts tell us not to throw our money away, Never the less - we do enjoy walking through the Midway. After yesterday, I don't think I want to anymore. O-M-G - there were so many people, strollers, and those carts - they added to the traffic and kept rolling over my feet! Note to self - don't wear cute flip flops to the fair.

I took my little "point and shoot" camera with me so that I could scrap about our day of fun later - and of course - blog for those to see.

I just LOVE Babies!!!

I just love babies - everything about them. I love the way the smell. I love how soft their skin is. I love how peaceful they look when they're sleeping. I even love to hear them cry - they sound like little lambs.

Take a look at this beautiful little girl - isn't she sweet? I could just eat her up - she's so yummy!!!

Where has the time gone?

Sorry that I have been MIA lately. There for awhile I was posting daily, and then - zippo! nadda! Well, to catch you up - I got a new full-time job a few weeks ago. The sister company of the company that laid me off hired me. So, I've been super busy with that. I'm trying to wrap my arms around the new position, and I'm really enjoying it so far. It's very challenging. I will be coordinating the new Cisco VoIP phone solution in several locations. Boy - I'm so excited about that.

As far as photography goes - I will continue to do it on the side - so nothing changes there. I've got several weddings lined up. I just cannot tell you all how excited I am about those weddings. I have a few family sessions scheduled for October, and I think I will have a limited Christmas Photo Op this month as well. I will send out a newsletter w/the details in the next few days.

Game Over Man!

Today is the last day of my blogger challenge. I missed posting 3 times, and was caught twice! It was so much fun, and challenging for me too! It's hard to think of things to talk about.

Side note - I was offered a new job today, so starting Monday (on my birthday) I will return to the workforce. I never even had a chance to collect unemployment. That's fine with me though - I'd much rather be working. Don't worry - I'm still doing my photography business on the side - available for weekends only. So nothing has changed there.

Please check back often - I will continue to have "Blast From The Past" contests - your past sessions might appear!

Geckos Need to Pay Rent!

I just can't believe how many geckos have invaded my home. Yes, I know they're harmless. Yes, I know they eat bugs & spiders. Yes, I know they're more afraid of me than I am of them. However, they are all over my house - on the outside and inside. It's freaky watching TV and you see something dart across the floor - or across the wall - or in the case below - on the ceiling!

One night, my husband threw one outside, and then 5 more came in the house! I'm serious! For the record, it's very true - they will drop their tail when scared. It's also very true that their tails still wiggle after they're "detached". It's also very true that a wife will scream and jump 10 feet in the air when her husband throws the detatched wiggly tail at her! It's a fact that husbands have to sleep on the couch afterwards.

Simple Pleasures

Time is flying and today I took a little time to enjoy myself. I did something totally amazing and it really energized me. You'll never guess what I did. I took a long walk w/my dog Ripley. We walked the entire neighborhood. Ok, I know what you're thinking - geez girl - all you did was walk the dog. I know that's all I did - but I really took the time to notice my neighborhood - the sounds - the smells - the smiles. I had no idea so many people in our 'hood were home during the day - so much activity. I also had no idea how many stinking gnats are around - geez louise!

During my walk I thought about "Simple Pleasures" - these are things that bring a smile to your face. Here are a few of mine.....

My daughter's laughter - her giggles are hysterical
My son's humor - he'll make you giggle!
My husband's kindness - it's just in his nature to be so stinking sweet

Ok - I think every wife/mother can say the same things as me. Here are some more.....

I love it when a friend Wendy calls me just to "chit-chat"
I love it when a butterfly lands on me
I love it when I get a front row parking spot at Target (well, anywhere)
It totally makes my day when I find a forgotten $5 bill in my back pocket
I get excited when my clients call to tell me how much they love their portraits

What are your simple pleasures?

Another Blast from the Past!

Again - I was going through my files and came across this client. She played a HUGE roll in my portrait party business. Though I really don't do them that often anymore, I always have a soft spot for my hostesses. I actually miss doing them. I've been thinking of doing more "Limited Edition" type sessions in 2008 - something that will be fun for people to bring their kids to, and definitely something fun for the kids!!!

So - Amanda - if you contact me by 6:00pm tomorrow - you'll win a free portrait session in October.

The day is a bit brighter

Today I heard some news that really lifted my spirits. Let's just say Karma rocks! Anyway - it's been a few days since I posted any meaningful tips, and thought I'd share a few. Let's talk about children.......

1) You have to engage them. Yeah, right. I know - easier said than done. Beleive me - I know. My children run from me when I get the camera out, but one thing I found with digital photography - they like looking at the immediate results. Actually, some of your children run from me too. Some things I do to get children to look at me while photographing them is talking to them on THEIR level. Yes, I know I'm short, but I'm still taller than them! I get down on my knees and just play. Ask them about their favorite character, their favorite toy, if their daddy has stinky feet!

2) You have to compose your shot! Ever hear of the rule of 3rds? Basically, its the "tic-tac-toe" grid. All your photograhs should be properly presented on the grid. Everywhere the lines meet - so should your subject. If it's properly centered (the the middle square) - well - it's boring!

3) Natural light when you can!!! Flash is too strong if not used properly. The best times of the day happen to be early morning and later afternoon.

Let's see some of your snapshots!!!!

No Sunday Post?

Yep - got busted again! Posting every day sure is hard!!!

10 Reasons Why To Wear Shoes In Your Backyard

Happy Saturday everyone. I was a productive gal today. I totally cleaned out my bathroom - serious cleaining - as in - throwing out all expired meds, under cabinets, etc.

My husband Michael spent the afternoon cleaning up the backyard - doing necessary yardwork since our yard guy never showed up.

So, once I was done w/my "woman's" work - I decided to sit on the patio and just enjoy the evening. I also walked out into our backyard (we have a really big backyard - maybe 1/4 acre). I was barefoot and decided I'd share with you all why it is important to wear shoes when walking in the backyard.

10. Cute little doggies lick your toes
09. Cute little doggies leave little presents all over the place
08. Ants
07. Prickley grass
06. No-See-Em bugs
05. Rotten Pecans on the ground
04. Rotten Pears on the ground (that fell from the neighbor's tree, but that's another story)
03. Sprinkler heads buried in the grass
02. See #8
01. SNAKES! Yes, let me say that again SNAKES!

I stepped on a snake. I have no idea what kind it was. I'm pretty sure it was just a harmless grass snake, but honestly, when you're barefoot and you step on a snake - it doesn't really matter! I'm thankful it didn't bite me. I ran into the house to get my camera, but Michael killed it and tossed it over the fence. Don't worry - not the neighbor's - we have a HUGE field at the end of our property.

BLAST......From the Past!

I was thinking today about how long I've been in business. I started with my good friend Vicki, but we mainly did sports pictures. You know - action shots and team portraits. Loved doing that, but I also loved interacting more one-on-one with my clients. Unfortunatetly, you just can't do that during team photo shoots.

I have some clients have have really "stuck" with me. They've been with me from the very beginning - and I do mean - very beginning. So, if they contact me by 6:00pm tomorrow (09/14/07) - they will recieve a FREE photo session at the location of their choice.

Stay tuned people - I will being doing many "blast from the past" postings!!!!!

If you recognize your family posted below - email me or call me by 6:00pm tomorrow for your free session.

Thanks Tina and Scott - you've been with me from the VERY beginning. I would have posted the maternity session - but I was too embarrassed to show them! My goodness - I was horrible back then!!!

SOLD!

Thanks for all the inquiries - but the jetskiis are sold. I'm so sad. They were absolutely so much fun. I regret that I didn't get any pictures of the family riding them around the lake.

So - here's your task today - hug your kids, hug your pets, and hug your significant other. Then - take some fun pictures of them. Don't worry about composition. Don't worry about red-eye flash look.


It's fun to have the memories, but more endearing if you have pictures of them too. Years and years from now, you won't care how much you weighed - what outfit you were wearing - that your make up wasn't the best - what will matter is the memories you built. Pictures are key to keep those memories close at hand.




What parent doesn't have one these pictures?

What to bring to your session!

Ok - yesterday I posted clothing tips, now let's talk about props. Those that know me, know I don't supply them. Instead, I encourage my clients to bring their own. Ok, so what do you bring? It's important to bring anything that means something to you or your children.

For babies - favorite blankets, stuffed animals, keepsake items: girls - bracelets, rings, necklaces; boys - manly things like footballs, toy trucks, etc. Some of my favorite images are of babies wearing "grown up" items - mommy's pearls, mommy's hat, daddy's hat, etc. If mommy or daddy is a fireman/cop/sports - anyone that wears a uniform - babies look absolutely ADORABLE wearing their parent's uniforms. Seriously!!! At one session, I brought along finger paints for this little cutie to paint her mommy's belly. SWEET!

For teens/seniors - bring sports equipment, band equipment, skate board, skiis, roller blades, dancing unififorms, etc. It's fun and it is a fun part of their life. Think about it - how many hours do you spend shuffling the kids to dance lessons, baseball practice, gymnastics, etc?

For families - I don't really care for family props, but sometimes they work out - such as a picnic blanket or the family pet!

Ok - that's actually a picture of a wedding I did last year - oops - I couldn't find another image where families used props - but I think you get the idea.

Clothing Tips

My motto in clothing is this: simple goes a long way! I like to keep the focus on the subject; therefore, simple clothing choices are best for creating timeless portraits.

Family photographs are special, a legacy of whom your family was for future generations
to enjoy. Clothing choices are just as important for family sessions, as other sessions. I
highly suggest clothing for each family member that has the same tone, not necessarily
the same color. Please be wary of stripes, plaid, words and logos on your family's
clothing. These things can be a distraction from your beautiful family. Oh, and bare feet
are great for family sessions too!


For children/young teens - I suggest loose fitting solid colors, avoiding busy patterns or logos/words. Blue's Clues is cute for playtime, but can look out of place for your child's portraits. Jeans, overalls, sun/slip dresses; khakis are classics and photograph well. I especially like boys in jeans and plain tees, and girls in simple sundresses; weather permitting of course.

Hats can also be very effective; as well as other accessories such as scarves or funky belts. If children are being photographed together, clothes that are similar in style give a more coordinated look. Bare feet are especially fun, and kids love it too. If shoes are preferred, please make sure they are in good shape, and not scuffed. Consider dressing in the color white sparingly, for this color often reflects light strongly.

Bare skin is my favorites on newborns and babies. You may have other clothes to put on
baby, but keep in mind; baby may get grouchy when there are too many clothing
changes. Diaper covers are a great idea too!

Friday Night Lights!

I had a wonderful time watching the game last night. Plano East and Mesquite High School - battle on - Those darn Wildcats (or whatever you call them) won the game, but the Skeeters gave them a fight.

The boys looked adorable in their uniforms, the girls cheered their hearts out and kicked high, and the Drum Line - ohhhhhhhh - how I love the Drum Line. I personally think they should be on the sidelines throughout all games - I think they really helped the spirt!!!

High School Football

I'm so excited! Tonight I will be at the Mesquite High School game - taking action shots - from the sidelines! Did you hear that right? FROM THE SIDELINES!!!!!!

I love football and love high school football even more. Those boys play for the love of the game! I think it will be great fun - I've never had the opportunity to take action shots like this before.

I'm also excited to hear the band play and watch the Drill Team work their stuff! A few of my favorite clients last year (Lauren Dixon and Samatha Gaddis) were both All-Stars.

If I get home early enough - I will post a few.

Go Skeeters - Sting 'em!!!

Idle hands.....

So today I had some brain storms - what business ideas can I come up with. I think I came up with some doozies! I'm working on the details now, and have a few manufactures to check out - but I THINK I'm up to something pretty unique. Ok - I know what you're thinking - why isn't she telling us. WEll - basically - it's too soon. I really need to iron out the details and put things to plan.

Speaking of plans - during my downtime - I am writing a business plan. Wow - can you believe I haven't had one since I've been in business? Pretty silly of me. Anyway - I'm going to have to get busy on that. I'd really like to have it done by the end of the week - as well as finish my new pricing menu.

So you see - even though I may have been laid off, I am putting my time to good use. If you know me - you know I can't sit still. In the mornings - I network and try to get some things moving to find a new day job, and in the afternoons - I'm a photography marketing fool!

It's Almost Here!!!!

For those of you that don't know - I'm a native Texan. Not only that - I was born and raised in Dallas. So natually, and it should be quite obvious, I'm a Dallas Cowboy Fan. Yes, it was manitory in our house & watching the game was very serious and intense. In fact, my father was once so mad at a call - he broke the television set.

My dad has had season tickets to Cowboy Stadium since they built it (Yes, for those of you not native to Dallas - that is what we call it - COWBOY STADIUM). Every year, my brothers and I put in our dibs for the tickets we want. I get such joy taking friends to the games with me - the seats are awesome and the people that sit around dad are very sweet.



Up until this year, I had never (yes, you read that right) never been to a tailgate party. OH MY GOODNESS - I had NO idea what I had been missing! I think the tailgate party was more fun than the game!!! The food awesome and everyone just mingled into other TGPs - LOVED IT!!!!!!


Here are some pix of the 2006 New Year's Eve game. Let's just say I had too much fun at the game and was late to my own New Year's Eve party (yes, you read that right). I believe I showed up to my OWN party around 11:53PM.



Me and my friend Loretta

Friends - Loretta and Kevin (he's from LA - he said he moved here because of the Cowboys - that makes him "good people"

Loretta & Ricky

Banners gone wild!