Boo!

I hope everyone had a great Halloween! Our kids are exhausted after a long day of Halloween-ey activities and trick-or-treating!

There's still time to carve a pumpkin if you haven't already...less messy than the traditional way too!

This morning we had the fourth session of the six planned for a certain grandmother's christmas card...Afterwards we changed Hailey, Ellie and Addie into their Christmas dresses and played a little more so mom could get her own christmas cards. I'll save the gorgeous/perfect/any-mother-would-kill-for-this christmas image, but wanted to show just one of these two older sisters...I love the sun shining through their blonde hair.




This afternoon we met with Kayla and Will and had a fun (if not busy) time. Last year Kayla's little brother Will was so compliant. He sat where we asked him to, he looked right at the camera, and he was so pudgy and angelic and easy! Fast forward a year and we all had a workout while chasing Will around the park (and up the stairs, and over the bridges, and...).

Big sister Kayla was so unbelieveably patient with us (and Will) and I just adore her freckles, red hair and that missing tooth!



And Will...I think this image just captures the very essence of this busy little guy. Mom finally chased him down and just sat in the grass and tickled him, and he laughed and laughed (and then hopped up and ran).


The quote of the day goes to their Mom, who about this time looked up at Dad and said "He's being your child today!"

Three families...

three sets of cuties!

This morning we started with Ellis and her third session as part of our baby plan. Ellis' cool mom brought wooden words that read "imagine", "believe" and "dream"...so of course we had to work them in somehow! I love the rays from the morning sun shining down on her.

Look at these beautiful blue eyes!




Reshoot time! Last week we met at the park for our last day of holiday mini's, and Xander did great but poor Lilie was not feeling all that hot. We met again this afternoon at the park behind their home and she looked like she was feeling much better! Until, of course, we found out we were working in an area overgrown with poison ivy! That put a quick end to our session, but I'm thrilled with the results and know that all itching aside, it was worth it!





Last but not least...Jeffrey, Gracie and Emma had me over to play for a quick mini session this afternoon. Grandma has big plans for her christmas card this year, and includes all five of her kids and their families, photographed in front of their individual front doors. We are three sessions into this six session project, and so far, so good! The hardest part? Coordinating clothing for six families, consisting of twelve adults and eleven kids, that range in age from 22 to 2 months.

babyDallas cover search TODAY

If you're in the vicinity of NorthPark Mall between 10 and 4 today, there's still time to drop by and enter your baby (newborn to 12 months) in the babyDallas cover search!

Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas is also there, sponsoring the New Arrivals Baby Fair...so swing by, enter your little one, and grab some goodies!

Don't forget to ooh and aah over the fall/winter cover while you're at it...he was a gorgeous baby! I can't wait to see who they choose for the spring/summer issue next!

Luke

You know those families that you meet that just touch you? Luke was born five months ago, but his due date was supposed to be two months ago (do the math).

Oxygen tanks, surgical scars, reflux wedges...all melted away when in the presence of Luke.

I met a fighter today, and with that amazing smile of his, he is destined to do great things.

Don't you think? Can't you see it in his eyes?

Reminder...

Monday is the last day you can submit your favorites for the Dallas Child/Fort Worth Child Best for Families. If you haven't filled out the form yet, I highly suggest doing so! It took a little time..."What was the name of that great family restaurant we went to six months ago and keep meaning to visit again?" but hopefully some deserving local businesses will receive that hard earned recognition! Have I mentioned yet that there is even a spot for favorite family photographer? (wink, wink)

There are separate forms for Dallas and Fort Worth - so fill out the one that best pertains to your family!

Also-don't forget that this weekend is their cover search for babyDallas!

Katie and Co.

Have you heard? Katie is going to be a big sister!

Somehow her little brother will need to find a spot among her five (count 'em, FIVE) baby dolls that she looks after. But she's not a big sister yet!

Katie and Mommy had the chance today to capture their one-on-one relationship. Which, as we all know, will soon be changing... and that added dimension will only make their family richer and more wonderful.

But until that time...Katie is the star of the show!

Commercial

Something I rarely do, but enjoy as a little breath of fresh air (and a challenge) is commercial work. La Grone in Denton asked me to come out and follow their students around this morning, in order to showcase the amazing things their students are doing, but in an edgy, modern way.

I was absolutely blown away by what I saw today! Sure, I took a (don't laugh) pre-vet course in high school at our local vocational tech school, and had fun chasing horses around and assisting with spays. But my school (ahem-way back then) can't hold a candle to this campus! It was stunning! The materials were top-notch, and the things the students were learning were just incredible.

Here are a few examples:

Automotive Tech



Computers


Welding


medical arts (and three very cooperative students)


The plan is to enlarge these and hang them in the hallways along the second story balconies (did I mention how gorgeous this brand new campus is?). Until their budget allows for this, we'll have these scrolling on their plasma tv in the school's foyer. They are sure to catch your attention!

It's a cat, it's a squirrel...

It's a RAT!

Today's park sessions had the added bonus of a little helper...the furry, long-tailed variety! He looks domestic, and I feel sort of bad that he may be lost. Trust me, I'm not a rat person. But I am an animal person, and he was so brave to walk right up and look us in the eye. I might have to take a stick of cheese to my Thursday park session and see if he's still out there.

If anyone wants a sweet rat, I know where you can find one (No, I can't believe I just wrote that on my blog!).

Anyway, on to the good stuff:

Introducing...HOPPER! Finally, after two reschedules we were able to meet and finally see the cutie behind this name. Big blue eyes, fuzzy blonde head, drop dead gorgeous parents, and a killer sense of fashion...all led to a fantastic session!

Here's Hopper and his dad...Mommy's two favorite boys!


Soon after we had our session with Madeleine, Olivia and Ella. These three were there when Mr. Rat came out to say hello (Kudos to Mom for standing her ground when he came within just a few inches of her shoe!). Friends of a photographer I met at Imaging in January, and someone that I think is just one of the nicest people I've met in a long time, I am so flattered to have Lisa Mac's referral!

Since we showed Hopper with his dad above, here's one of my very favorites from these three girls...all three cuddling with mom!

Jensen...

Today was baby Jensen's second session, and as always, I love watching "my" babies grow and change through our year-long baby plan.

This is absolutely my favorite age. Parents have heard me say more than once that I love this age because they can sit up, but can't escape! They are always so intrigued by my camera too, so we see lots of their big beautiful eyes as they stare hypnotically into the lens.



I just loved the colors in the artwork over mom and dad's bed:


Over the next few weeks you'll see almost daily updates as we officially enter the holiday season. 10 sessions in the next 6 days means we'll be posting sneak peeks fairly often, so bookmark and check back!

That being said, I'm taking this weekend off for a little pre-holiday-craziness break. I have a rowdy and outlandish girls' weekend planned...with my four year old (ha!). We're flying to the place I grew up to visit family and friends and just 'chill'. I return Sunday, and we hit the ground running with two sessions on Monday and at least one, more often two, sessions each day after that.

Hang on to your hats!

Final Four Families

(say that five times fast)

Today Ruthann and I met our last four families at the park for their holiday mini session. Again, cute kids. And once more, adorable clothes.

Alex and Everett are two brothers that I had the great joy of photographing for their Christmas card last year...and a year later they are still one of the most loving, joyful, hilarious families I've ever met.



Lillie and Caryline were two tough little nuts to crack. Their mom was amazing at knowing what would help them loosen up and have fun, and towards the end we saw their gorgeous smiles emerge.


Drew and Anna Kate came next, and despite Drew's protests, I think he has to admit he had a little fun (c'mon Drew, admit it!). Their dad wins the award for going to the greatest lengths to try and get out of a photo session...he broke his nose that morning. Typically it's the kids that injure themselves hours before a photo session! (And is it just me, or would you never guess in a million years that his nose was broken and probably throbbing?).


Last in our three day line-up of gorgeous families were Xander and Lilie. Poor, sweet Lilie was not feeling great today, and I'll spare everyone the picture of her little nose just running like a faucet. We'll schedule a follow-up session sometime next week when she's back to her old (dry-nosed) self...but I had to include this one from their session.

Xander cooperating with plans to raid the toy store down the street afterwards, and Lilie just trying to get away.


Tomorrow's session rescheduled (let's all hope he's feeling better soon!) which gives me a morning of much needed, blissfully uninterrupted, computer time to proof! I am officially behind!

Family Pictures...

Remember a few months ago when we had our family session? We have officially become one of those families...the ones who never get around to ordering.

Look at how gorgeous these are...I am just paralyzed when it comes to actually deciding which ones we want. I WANT THEM ALL!

I mean, I help families narrow down their choices and make selections every day. Why is it so hard when it comes to filling MY walls instead of someone else's?

Jinky is coming back next year...If four families within a 2 hour radius are interested, she'll return to Dallas. Anyone? Anyone? It's an experience in and of itself!

Just don't ask me to help organize your walls!






Tomorrow is our third and final day of Holiday Mini's...one family had to reschedule so we now have one opening left, at 9:30am. If you want it, CALL US! Check back tomorrow for more festive kids in the park!

November ad

Congratulations to the babies/big kids that will grace our November ad in Dallas Child.

Clockwise from left to right are Sloan (and the amazing hat), Savana, Karston and Brooks.

Feeling Festive...Day 2

Can I just heave a big sigh of relief for this gorgeous weather today? How nice it was to shoot holiday pictures, with families in sweaters and jeans, and they actually needed them today! The overcast sky was perfect for taking pictures, and we had another group of fun kids!

Anna brought her parents along (one of whom is the famous Ruthann of Sugar Photography). Her dad is a camera buff, so it's always fun to talk shop with other photography aficianados (go Nikon!), and even more fun is the chance to work with a friend, and capture their love and adoration for their precious baby girl.


Meet Ava...the official queen of one expression. Well, actually two. One was her staring right at the camera with a very serious, very pensive, very "and who exactly do you think you are?" look on her face...and the other was this:


Along came Carter, Spencer and Katie...three kids who have perfected the art of moving in four different directions at the same time (I know you think I'm kidding...just trust me on this). I've had the great pleasure of working with this family multiple times over the past year and a half, and each time they get bigger, faster, and cuter. Dad is another camera/Nikon guy, and I let him take a peek through the viewfinder to drool over my rocking lens (85 1.4). A~I apologize in advance for aiding in his camera addiction.


Look at these three towheads!



Last for today was Matthew...serious, silly, lover-of-underwear-talk Matthew. His parents are amazing at letting him take his time to engage. The first half of our session consisted of the back of his head or a great expression but with his eyes looking off to the side.


After a few minutes the silly words started to flow, and we captured less of the serious and more of the silly Matthew that we all know and love.

Sweet Sloan...

This afternoon I had the chance to play with one of my dear baby planners...this was her second session and I had to laugh at the difference four months makes. Sloan was a cute newborn, I'll give her that...but what a stunning four month old she is! Chubby does not do her rolls (or her thighs) justice. She is as chunky as my little girl was at this age, which of course just made me want to stay and play (and reminisce) all day!

I flipped over this knit hat that grandma made for her...Sloan's mommy has an amazing sense of style and had this all planned out for me. Could not have been easier!

The question now is...black and white, or color?





Tomorrow is day 2 of our holiday mini sessions. We have two spots left next week on our third and final day...don't hesitate to call if you're interested! Wish us luck with no rain, and a break in the predicted 30 mph winds would be nice!

Rain, Rain, Go Away...

I woke this morning to the not-so-distant rumbling of thunder and the steady patter of raindrops. For a brief second I snuggled deeper into my bed and pulled the covers over my head...I love rainy days! Then I remembered my park session set for 9:30 this morning, not gonna happen!

Poor Hopper and his parents had to reschedule for next week (Okay, admit it, you're as anxious to see the little cutie behind that name as I am!). And I earned a much needed morning in my jammies to sort through print orders and return emails and phone calls.

And so, a few announcements (ignore the pink flamingo jammies...I really am a serious business woman):

Due to popular demand (aka the gathering mob with pitchforks and pleas for holiday portraits) we've added one more day of Holiday Mini's. The day is Tuesday, October 17 and available times are 9, 10, 10:30 and 11 am ONLY. I know, I know...not exactly the most convenient time. Truly, this is the last day I have available, and at least the park will be quiet which hopefully means we won't have to compete with a million other photographers for the prime spots. Plus, there's a Starbucks around the corner...See-I'm always looking out for your best interest!

For those who can't squeeze this in but had a session earlier in the year, I'd suggest our Annual Print Sale as an alternative. From now until October 27th we will repost your previous gallery...you'll receive a 20% discount on prints 11x14 and smaller (note: these make super gifts!) and will be able to cross a few folks off your list. Priceless!

To participate, just drop us an email and let us know you'd like your gallery reposted. This offer is for families who have already placed an order from their session. We'll respond with the password to your gallery as well as the link to our holiday card designs...might as well let us cross one more thing off your list!

So sit back, enjoy this gorgeous cool fall weather (FINALLY!) and start thinking of gifts you need to buy. If we can simplify your holiday and most importantly...make it sweeter...let us!

November...

It's my favorite time of the month...when two precious little ones descend on my dining-room-turned-studio and we play with my lights and backdrops (the only time I use these is for Dallas Child, so it's a fun change).

Of course, the lights, the 'stay right here on this sticker', and the young age of today's little ones all led to two short and sweet sessions. I'm fairly sure that the disc I handed over to the art director of the magazine held all of 25 images (and that's from the two sessions combined) . Normally that would make me nervous, but I just sat down and edited all 25 (did I mention: combined!?) and am in love with how they turned out!

You'd never know that pensive Ashton has been fighting a bug all weekend:



Cutie pie Mason walked and gave everyone hugs-we were in love! He answered every question I posed with a rarely heard "yes!". Can we clone him?

"Because nice matters"...

So says the sign that hangs in the playroom at Julia, Christopher, and Riley Mae's house. These three munchkins were non-stop action, and I love that it's probably not just because today was Riley Mae's 3rd birthday (Happy birthday!!!). So what's the best thing to do? Let them just be themselves and go along for the ride, documenting each giggle, each tickle, and each sibling tackle.

A crazy, jumping, wiggly time was had by all, and in the end I think their dear dad had to admit that he had fun, and the session was (in his own words) "painless".

It's families like these that make me look at my own two gorgeous (crazy) kids and think "Hmmmm..." (which is also when my husband starts muttering words like 'birth control' and 'college tuition').

Meet J, C and RM:

Madeleine Grace

Congratulations to one of my favorite local photographers (and dear friend), Deanna, on the birth of her precious baby girl, Maddie! A long day at the hospital resulted in some amazing images of her much anticipated arrival. Big brother Mikey and big sister Gabbie look like they could just burst with happiness, and sweet Maddie first opened her eyes to the sounds of their voices. A little family of four just became a family of five, and I couldn't be more thrilled for them!