Let me tell you a little about myself. I'm a natural light, on location, portrait photographer living in the Dallas area. Got that? Basically, I do all my photo shoots outside of a formal studio and do not use a flash to light my subjects.
To me, there is really nothing like being able to freeze time. I can't put it in a bottle yet, but I can capture it with my lens. I love the feeling of waiting for an ecstatic smile, a sideways glance, a pout or even a few tears. Photographs become more valuable over time. As kids grow and families change, it's a gift to look back and remember special moments.
While portraits have a pretty serious role in the life of a family...we have a lot of fun creating them! The process is always relaxed, and interactive. So, take your time and look at samples of recent sessions. Also, leave me a comment if you like - I love to hear from you!
Rachel
I did this session for my friend Tracy because she wanted some lovely photos of herself to give her husband on Father’s Day. I love her idea! And, her hubby will too. We did a little session in Deep Ellum and I am so happy with what we came up with. She looks so beautiful!
It will be a happy Father’s Day at Tracy’s house this year!
You may be asking yourself, “Self, what do photographers do for fun?” Well, Silly, the answer is…get together and take pictures of each other. Yep, we are that lame. It’s ok. I can admit it. We photogs can be a strange breed, but we sure do have fun together.
So, last week I had to privilege of hanging out with Haley Birkelbach and Kelly Simmonds. They are talented and gorgeous photographers from the Frisco area that I have known from a forum for a long time, but finally met in person at Texas School. We had a fantastic time being models for each other. We got all gussied up (I tried to step it up from my usual carpool attire) and headed to the…um…parking garage (ever so glamorous a location) for a photo session.
I love the creativity that comes from working with other artists. We all see things differently and it’s so inspiring - even if the people driving though the garage thought we might have had one too many appletinis. Hey, it’s just the price you pay for art!
It was a lot of fun…and I can’t wait for next time!
Here’s Kelly….
And Haley…
and…yours truly…
I got to photograph this 6 month old boy earlier in the week, and I was so excited. It’s one of my favorite ages to work with. This boy has super sparkly blue eyes, and he’s really calm and happy. He reminded me of my totally calm, Cal. What a cutie!
However, he was not having his best day, and got over the session WAY before I ran out of ideas for him. So, we are going to meet up again for a second round. But, I love what we captured from our time together this week, so here’s a little preview.
The class I took at Texas school was taught by Jennifer Hudson and Arthur Rainville. Part of the emphasis of the class was on developing personal style and thinking more intentionally about your work.
Photographers can be guilty of reacting to their subjects instead of working deliberately with them. It was very thought provoking and left me with much to process as it all filters down to my work.
Jennifer creates fine art with her portraits. They are beautiful, quirky and unique. She allowed us to watch her process as she staged, styled, lit and posed models. The first 2 images below are my take on post processing images that were her inspired vision.
This style of processing is not something I do often. It really stretches me. I think the hardest part for me is knowing when to stop editing. When is it enough? Stopping is as important a step as any. So, I am learning and reaching and looking at the world a little differently now.
Jennifer and her work were featured in this issue of Rangefinder Magazine if you would like to learn more about her.
Sometimes you need to be reminded of who you are at your core. Among other things, I am an artist. It’s part of my make-up and what makes me…me. I love things that are handmade. I love original works of art because I know they were created by nurturing hands. I love knowing where things come from and that they have a story. Photography is one medium that allows me to connect with other people as I create. It’s perfect for me really, because I get to be creative while I interact.
Artists tend to run out of steam every once in a while, and I was at that place. I needed a reminder that I don’t just “take pictures”. I am an artist. I had sort of forgotten, and I was creatively zapped.
So, in search of renewal, I spent this past week at Texas School. It was a week to get my learnin’ on, but more importantly, to get inspired and refresh my focus as to why I love photography, art and all things creative.
Another big part of the week was catching up with other photographers. I met some new friends, and even got to meet some “cyber friends” in real life (and they were even more beautiful in person than their avatars!). I felt privileged to share the week laughing and sharing with such talented people.
I’ll fill you in on more about my fabulous instructors and show more images in some up-coming posts. As for now…it’s early bedtime. I am oh. so. tired…but I am also renewed.
Stay tuned!
These two boys are going to be heartbreakers. Mamas, lock up your daughters! Not only are they adorable, but they are charmers too. I am so jealous of their hair! Plus, they have gorgeous eyes. I could go on and on….
I really enjoyed photographing these two, fast-moving boys. They reminded me of my boys at their age; when you get one happy and situated the other one needs attention. It’s a cycle we moms know too well! I remember how many band-aids, scrapes, jumps, boo boos, popsicles, and baths we went through each day. It’s really not that much different these days, now that I think about it.
I love how these images came out. I couldn’t decide which to post! Here’s a sampling of some of the first ones I have edited. Enjoy the sneak peek - can’t wait to finish the rest!
I tried to do some serious alliteration with the title of this post, but I wasn’t really feeling it today. So, this sub-par attempt will have to do! That’s ok though, because my subjects in this post make up for the lackluster title. Check out the bouncing baby boy. He’s just adorable!
We had some lovely weather last week-end to be outside for a photo session. As I mentioned, I had the pleasure of photographing this lovely family in the bluebonnets. Look how much pride and love they have for their 3 month old boy! He’s a cutey pie with big blue eyes. Mom said he had a rough afternoon, but he handled his photo shoot like a real pro.
Was fun guys! Thanks again.
Love this last one with baby resting on his daddy’s chest.
I got to meet a precious and tiny baby girl today! I so enjoyed my time with her. She’s not quite two weeks old and only 5 pounds. Those perfect and tiny toes and fingers have already seen lots of kisses. It is always such a treat to get to hold a newborn. There is just nothing like it. What a miracle.
You can see her mama in the blog post below anticipating her arrival. She made us all wait, and came a bit late. I think she was just choosing the most perfect moment for her entrance!
Congratulations to you all and kisses to your little beauty! Enjoy her most tiniest of days.
Well, it’s been SO long since I posted, that I had to look up my log-in password! I took a bit of a hiatus after Christmas, but now I am back. It’s good to be shooting again and reacquainting myself with my web presence. So, thanks for stopping by after my long absence!
I am so excited to post a maternity session as my first sneak peek of the year! Mom and Dad wanted a few images to remember the anticipation of their first angel. The little one is expected any. day. now. Can you stand it? We captured these images on one of the few sunny week-end days we have had this year (and it’s raining right this very moment as I post this!). Mom just looks radiant and is remarkably calm. Doesn’t she just look so tiny everywhere except for her cute belly? The sex of the baby will be a surprise that they find out at the birth. I can’t imagine waiting - the anticipation is killing me and it’s not even mine! It will be an exciting celebration for sure.
My best wishes and prayers for a safe and healthy birth. I look forward to meeting the new little bundle at the newborn session!
