Seniors&Teens
Kids
Weddings
Getting Creative: High Chair Cover
Posted on July 29, 2010
The color orange puts a big dopey smile on my face. Unfortunately, I wear the color with little success – something about skin tones, I am sure. I may not be able to wear it but that doesn’t stop me from trying to surround myself with this happy hue. I was quite delighted with the orange patterned oilcloth featured in this post at Made. I ordered the fabric right away and after it arrived it sat for months as I tried to come up with a project that would merit its use.
Several weeks later I threw our high-chair cover in the wash and it ripped. Maybe the tag that said not to machine wash actually knew what it was talking about, go figure. Anyway, I can’t claim this upset me because it was boring, plain, and the color of putty. Plus, this was the the perfect chance to bring my neglected oilcloth out of hiding.
After weeks and I do mean WEEKS (professional seamstress I am not) it became this…
I still have over half a yard left. Any ideas?
Summer of Love: Etsy Wedding Accessories
Posted on July 28, 2010
Wedding season is in full swing and what other way to commemorate the season then by highlighting a few of the wedding related items sold at my favorite online market Etsy. Maybe you are getting tired of my Etsy posts but I really, REALLY, love this website! So you will just have to humor me. If you are a savvy bride wanting a totally unique and personalized wedding, then checkout these affordable custom creations.
*Thanks for all the shops for letting me use their images for this post! Click on any image to be taken straight to that vendors shop.
First up is Sweet Petal Bakery, this shop features beautifully crafted and affordable wedding and cupcake toppers. You can chose your own colors and even have a custom flower designed.
If you are looking for something a bit different then the traditional guest sign in book try Cut the Cake Designs for their selection of Guest book boxes and personalized address labels.
Looking for a way to personalize your candy, water bottles, and other wedding day favors? Visit Print Your Party for designs that you can print on your own. This is a great way to cut costs so that you can spend your money on, I don’t know, maybe photography?!
I was especially fond of their sparkler holder designs…
I love these coasters and magnets offered by Angel Ellie. Great for save the date and wedding favors.
So that was just a tiny selection of some of the wedding accessories on Etsy. I will continue the Etsy wedding love- fest over the next couple days with jewelry and dresses.
Check back soon!
Amarillo Maternity Session
Posted on July 27, 2010
While dealing with insomnia and blog-hopping one night, I came across the Family blog of Luke and Cassie. I was immediately smitten and wanted BADLY to take maternity pictures of Cassie who was in her third pregnancy. I left a blog comment offering her a session and went on to the next blog not expecting to hear back. I was very surprised when she not only wrote back but also agreed to the session! Honestly, If that had happened to me I don’t think I would have trusted the wacko leaving random comments on my blog (not that I am a wacko, other people are wackos).
This was such a great and mellow family. The children greeted me at the door and at once begin to tell me all about themselves and show me around. Although Cassies pregnancy was the focus for the session I had to grab a couple pictures of her super sweet daughter and son.
There was Mandie…
And Matthew…
There was also major drama when a spider skittered across the floor. I think some kind of record was reached at the ear-piercing screeches that ensued. Luke showed up just in time to save the day and prove that Daddy-Long-Legs are not so bad after all…
See, proof that it was a maternity session. Maybe I got sidetracked with cute kids. Normal for me.
Here I am being sidetracked once again. Really, this family was so gracious to let me hi-jack their Saturday afternoon (and evening)…
Later in the evening after it cooled off a bit, Cassie met me at the uber-awesome location she picked out. Mandie came along and we had a very windy mini-session.
Cassie! Thank you so much for letting me take pictures of you and your sweet family. You all were so fun to work with and I appreciate you letting me into your home and giving me so much of your time! Congratulations on baby Michael and I hope that my camera and I can be sidetracked by him in the near future!
Our Petite Vacation
Posted on July 5, 2010
Oh the grand posts that are in my mind for this blog. Really, I have all sorts of fun things planned. Finding the time to think them up is easier then finding the time to sit down and make them happen! We are off for our annual camping trip. I will be quite happy without my laptop, computer, cell phone, and all other modern technology (OK, well I will have my camera). Instead I will have books, books and more books. The amount of books I have packed is actually quite silly but shows that I do have a bit of an optimist in me. When I get back I have some Etsy vendors to showcase, weddings to post, and the rest from this delightful session…
Yes, pregnancy suits Cassie, although at this moment she is enjoying her newborn son. I have plenty more pictures of her and her sweet family to come.
Now, I am off to lay in a hammock and enjoy my books.
Just Because : Good Friends
Posted on June 29, 2010
In the midst of gathering storm clouds, I had the pleasure of hanging out with these young ladies. They have been friends for years and decided to have a photo session to celebrate their friendship. Who says you have to be a newborn, a senior, or getting married in order to have pictures? I love when people want pictures just because…
Brenna, Jade, and Jaden, you ladies are so sweet and lovely. Thank you so much for letting me hang out with you to take your pictures. I hope your friendship continues for years and years to come!
Littlest Heroes Project : Amarillo Family Session
Posted on June 19, 2010
I was very excited to get my first email notifying me of a family in Amarillo that had requested a session through the Littlest Hero’s Project. If you don’t know about the LHP, go here to check them out. This was such a great experience and I loved meeting Misti and Tim and their awesome kids Sidney, Adia and Lucas.
I also want to say a special thanks to Kembra of the Uncommon Twists for opening her beautiful garden for our shoot. Not only does she have a plethora of well-tended plants for sale but she also has an gorgeous, manicured and landscaped area for weddings and special events.
The family…
Adia was born with Down Syndrome and a heart defect. She had open heart surgery when she was 4 months old and weighed only 7 pounds.The surgery was successful and she is now two years old and soo amazing!
Aida’s older brother, Sidney was diagnosed near a year ago with Burketts Lymphoma.He had a large tumor wrapped around his small intestine and by the time he was diagnosed he had stage four cancer. Sidney has completed six months of aggressive chemotherapy. The majority of that six months was spent in the pediatric intensive care unit. His prognosis is wonderful and the doctors expect him to carry on with his life cancer free.
Sidney with his little brother, Lucas…
After the family session we went into downtown to get some images of Sidney. I always get a bit intimated when shooting seniors, because I am a major geek and seniors are ALWAYS way cooler then me. Not only was Sidney one cool cat but he is also super smart and ambitious and plans on teaching music at the university level.
Mitsti and Tim, thanks for giving me the opportunity to celebrate with your family by taking your photographs! Watching you with your kids was such a treat as I could see how proud and in love you are with each of them!
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2 Comments so far-
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June 28, 2010 at 7:41 pm -
Dude, these are awesome photos! And this family seems like they know how to have fun. Also, it seems like they all have stunning eyes. I’m a clicking the mental “like” button
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Coming Soon…
Posted on June 16, 2010
Meet brother and sister, Sidney and Adia. I had a great time photographing them and their family for The Littlest Heroes Project . More images coming soon (I promise Misti)!
For those photographers out there who expressed interest in joining TLHP, I do believe they have reopened applications for photographers. Go sign up. You won’t regret it!
At the Beach : Lake Michigan
Posted on June 14, 2010
We spent the end of May with our dear friends Amie Jo and Steven in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It had been several years since they moved away from the Houston area and just as long since we spent any time together as families. It has really hit me since we have returned home on how cherished they are to us. When you have friends like this, keep them, no matter what it takes!
We spent one day at the beach, on the way there we stopped off at Amie Jo’s parent’s campsite and we were treated to an incredible breakfast, including home made applesauce, that is to die for. Apparently Adalay thought so too as it looks as if she is trying to to knife Gavin. Not sure why she has a knife, oh well, it is just a butter knife, right!?
This is Amie Jo, yes she is gorgeous. Her and Gavin have a special bond as she was the first person to ever take a picture of him. Much gratitude to any friend willing to stand on a chair to get that perfect shot over the doctor’s shoulder. I would have done it but it is hard to deliver a baby while taking pictures. I digress (like normal).
Amie-Jo’s babies daddy, Steven.
The delightful Brie, who was born several months before Ada. I know we are total copy-cats but it sure is fun having matching boy-girl sets of kids!
I was very excited to go to the beach, the beach being Lake Michigan. There are lakes and then there are The Great Lakes. Really, it looked like the ocean!
Ada-layla in all her delicious glory…
Do all boys between the ages of 3-5 fight like cats and dogs? There was some serious competition going on between Beckett and Gavin. One of these days they will be thick as thieves, I just know it (it may have already started, when we left their house to go to the airport Gavin wailed, “Beckett!!” over and over).
These images were shot in direct sun, which isn’t ideal but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do…
Man, we love these kids and this family we are so glad that they are a part of our lives! Hoping for many more family memories together.
Getting Learned : The Jasmine Star Workshop
Posted on June 8, 2010
In April, I had the opportunity to attend Jasmine Star’s Workshop in beautiful Orange County. Holy Smokes! No wonder Southern California is such a popular place to live. The area we were in was gorgeous! I have no pictures to prove this because I was too busy staring at everything with my mouth hanging-open to remember I had a camera.
I have followed Jasmine Star’s Blog for a couple years now. I love her writing-style, crisp and clean photography, and willingness to share everything that she knows. This was actually my second time to hear her speak, the first being Showit’s National tour in Houston a couple of years ago. At the finish of that seminar, I began making my way to the door. I had a long drive home, it was late and I was very busy trying to justify to myself why I should just dash instead of mingling with the other photographers. However, as much as I wanted to avoid akward conversations with strangers, I knew that Dustin would kick my tail if I went home without at least introducing myself to Jasmine. I looked over and noted that she was surrounded by adoring fans. I would have to wait forever to talk to her, and did I mention that it was late?
I stood there debating my options when the crowd around her disappeared and she was standing alone. In a moment of bravery, I nervously approached her. Our conversation went something like this…
Me: Hi, I just wanted to say hi before I left, if I don’t say something my husband will kill me when I get home. Okay,… well…. you’re great. Bye.
(And then I turned to bolt out the door)
She: No wait, why would he kill you?
Me: Ummm….Well, because I am always looking at your blog. He would be ticked if I was in the same room and didn’t say something. Ok, I don’t want to bother you. Bye.
She: No wait, don’t leave I would love to talk.
Me: Gotta go… (as I charged for the door)
…At this point I envision myself like Cinderella racing away from the confused prince and rushing off into the night. Well, maybe I am getting a little carried away.
So yes, it is sad that years later I can still recall our 45 second conversation with clarity and yes, it is a lot sad that I am comparing myself to Cinderella. My point is that she was nice, down to earth, and wanting to help three years ago; and now she is still nice, down to earth, and willing to help.
This is the part where Jasmine showed us her super-secret posing techniques. I am really not even supposed to show these, but I will take the risk…
Ok, so yes, that is a joke. Please, please, Jasmine if you ever visit my humble little blog- don’t hate me! I just couldn’t help myself.
So yeah, those are all the jokes I have. Let me get serious.
This Workshop was great.
The day long workshop was focused on branding and moving your brand forward. She shared her story and what has worked for her. Jasmine did not hold back with anything, she was 100% herself and shared everything she could. She gave tons of time to answering questions and to helping each attendee present. I am pretty sure that I drove her absolutely bonkers with my silly questions, but she always responded graciously to my pestering. JD, her husband and second shooter, was great too. I asked him an equal amount of questions to which he responded thoughtfully and affably. He was so good-natured and amiable that I am sure every attendee (well maybe not the guys) there left with a little JD crush (oh please, you know you did!). She also fed us well and good food makes me very happy.
We were also given the opportunity to watch her in action and shoot beside her for a styled wedding session. It was very inspiring to see how she connected so easily with her clients. She made the models Michelle and Colton comfortable and at ease and she has a natural talent for making her subjects laugh. It was great being able to photograph such beautiful people in such a beautiful location but it was even better watching Jasmine work her magic. Afterwards, she shared her post-processing techniques and work flow. I appreciated her candidness and honesty in how she runs her business and I am in awe of how organized and efficient she is. I think as a photographer, I tend to look at wildly popular photographers and think that their success came from luck, having money, or knowing the right people, and yes these things help but Jasmine showed us that hard work, intelligence, persistence, creativity, and business know-how go a long, long way.
Some of my images from the day…
Woah. That was a long post. If you are still with me, let me hear a “Hey! Ho!”
Seriously, I should have been in bed hours ago.
Comments
5 Comments so far-
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June 9, 2010 at 11:47 pm -
Wow, looks like the workshop paid off- the photos are “off the hook” (for a lack of better words).
Great work! -
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June 14, 2010 at 8:52 am -
Hey-Ho!!
gorgeous girly…. looove them! you are seriously hilarious… btw! can’t wait to shoot with you soooooon! btw… got a feeler out about a wedding in lubbock!! we’ll see!
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Etsy Showcase: Bee Creative Designs
Posted on June 2, 2010
If you have never visited Etsy, then stop what you are doing and go there. Right now.
Now for those of you who just ignored my advice and have not had the good fortune of ever visiting the site. Let me tell you a little about it. Etsy is a collection of stores featuring hand made items. I love buying from the site because I know I am supporting a small business owners, stay at home moms, and other creative types. Because the items are hand crafted there are plenty of unique and one of a kind items available. I have bought everything there from cloth diapers and fabric to logo designs and patterns.
The other week I met up with Amarillo Etsy vendor, Linda of Bcreative Designs. She is a seamstress specializing in fun and sweet children’s clothes. I had a great time photographing all the wonderful models in Linda’s creations. Click on any of the images to see more info on the outfit pictured and to go straight to her site.
Normally, I wouldn’t want my children at a session (they like to crawl all over me, which makes it somewhat difficult to get a good shot) but the 18 month-old model couldn’t make it so Adalay made a guest appearance. I got to take the blue and brown outfit home. Too cute!
Thanks to all the beautiful and sweet models (and Moms) who volunteered their time for the shoot. I loved this and can’t wait to do it again!
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Leah!! Wow!! I love all of these pictures! Thank you so much for this session! I love these pictures so much! (The one of Mandie with her pinky up her nose is hilarious!) And I love the black and white one in the field looking down on my big belly! I had Michael 11 days early the Tuesday after this session! Thank you so much! I really will always treasure these pictures!!
Love, Cassie
(Oh, you should know that since your visit Mandie has decided she wants to change her name to Leah!! Silly Girl!!)
OH MY LEAH! You’ve outdone yourself with these….. B-R-A-V-O… the family pics are priceless and the maternity session is full of mood and beauty…. i mean, really really great!
What a beautiful family! And fabulous shots, Leah! I love the backlit one of Cassie sitting in the field. GORGEOUS!