Heart to Heart

The Elkins Family Shoot

When Derek contacted me to schedule their family shoot, he expressed their desire for something rustic and unique.  He and Karen had visions of a railroad track picture, which we did, but we were able to do a lot more than just a shoot by the tracks because they were open to trying something new.  I'm thankful that my clients are understanding that there is no perfect shot.  Rather, it's the series of shots that really tell their story. 

Meet the Elkins:

Now, if I were to show you all of the pictures I took of them you would find a lot of pictures of Derek and Karen together.  They have a very unique and undeniable chemistry.

Tyler and Abby are their precious children and have I ever told you that my favorite combo is blue eyes with dark hair?  I love it.  It's my very favorite and they all had amazingly blue eyes and beautiful dark lashes .

We shot here in town at a collection of antique shops.  I love the texture of these images with the cracks in the walls, the colors, and the random vines.  These are my favorite types of shoots.

We happened upon this teal couch-thing outside the local auction house and while others might call it an eyesore, we photographers call it serendipity (right, Tiff?)  So, we made the most of it and I think this shot is one of my favorites of the shoot.

 

(PS...photog friends...I'm trying a new sharpening technique so if these shots seem overdone, you must tell me so I can figure out if my eyes or my monitor is playing tricks on me)

I'm sure these children have "their moments" but they were as angelic as they look in their pictures.  It's nice being around them...so polite and respectful...my kind of kids.

 

One last shot for good measure.

Check back tomorrow for a fun giveaway.

The Matthiesons: A Family Shoot

The Matthiesons invited me to their home for a family photo shoot including their two beautiful dogs.  I wasn't nervous about shooting 2 rambunctious dogs.  In fact, they kept the mood light and the smiles natural.  We worked hard to get this next shot.

 

But, most of the shots I got went a little something like this...

I happen to love shots like the above.  It's life.  It's real. 

Jessie and Matt are cool comfortable people so they were easy to shoot.  So while the dogs ran off some energy we took some of the two of them alone.

And then we called the pups back for a few more shots.

I know you animal lovers are going to love the next couple of shots.  I've never been a fan of big dogs, but I kinda want one :)

 

We then left their home and headed over to the golf course in their neighborhood that sits right on Lake Houston.  It was beautiful and I was able to capture Matt at a location that he's quite familiar with being the avid golfer he is.  The two of them are head over heels for each other and I was glad to be able to capture their chemistry together.

I've known Jessie for years and her crinkle-nose smile may be the cutest thing about her.

And using a lens I recently purchased (Canon 24-70mm) I have more freedom to widen my composition.  It's a look I really like.  This, I think, is my current favorite from our shoot.

Thanks, Jess and Matt! 

The Georges: A Family Shoot

This shoot is for those of you that long for that family shoot where everyone stands in place, smiles, and cooperates.  It will happen. It just takes time.  In the meantime, enjoy the crazy, mad, wild shoots.  One day they will be willing participants like these kids and we'll finish in 30 minutes like we did.  No one broke a sweat, I didn't have to dole out too many tickle threats, and it was really....easy.

I love bright, crisp color shots, but now and then I get a moody shot that really strikes me.  The light has to be right to get those shadows that add drama to a photograph.  This is a favorite.  I like the smudgy jewel tones and the backlight on Stephanie's hair.

 

These pictures are for Christmas cards and I really like Stephanie's willingness to let everyone dress as individuals.  I know you've recognized the trend amongst modern photographers.  Gone are the days of matchy matchy solid tops and blue jeans.  I encourage you to do the same for your pictures.  See how prints and colors and a variety of styles really bring personalities to life.

 

And perhaps my favorite group shot of the session:

The Wisenbakers: A Family Shoot

If I could insert a smily face bobbing up and down, I would.  I'm so happy to be back to photography full time.  I'm so relieved to have fulfilled an (at times) overwhelming teaching commitment.  And I'll have you know that even though it was stressful some days it was more often a happy affair.  I was blessed by the time spent there.  So, my first Saturday morning post-teaching, I awoke with an extra skip in my step.  Rather than slipping into my slacks and dress shoes, I slipped into my comfy sweats and camera strap (and my new fingerless alpaca gloves) to go shoot new clients.  The glorious weather did not disappoint.  Neither did the Wisenbakers. 

Meet these new friends of mine:

Princess Raegan is as girly as they come despite the fact that mom and dad are avid outdoorsmen.  Isn't she the perfect model for Shawn's creations?  You'll be seeing more of Shawn's work and more of Princess next week sometime.  We're meeting for a fashion shoot and I'm thrilled to be a part of it.  Make no mistake about the fact that Princess is princess, but she's got a wild hair, too!  Case in point...

Mom and dad were naturals in front of the camera, too.  It makes it so easy when clients are at ease with me.

I loved this family.  I felt like an old friend meeting to take pictures.  There was no awkwardness and that made for an easy shoot.

And you can tell it without me telling you, but the camera loves Raegan.

So there you have it!  I'm back!

Hugs and Kisses .

The Spencers: A New Family Shoot

The Spencer's have recently welcomed baby Caleb into their lives and there's something about a newborn that hastens a fleeting thought in my brain.  Maybe, maybe I should have another.  I  ponder the thought for a few hours and I get over it.  They're just so dang cute and so innocent and so fresh and they always smell like baby powder mixed with formula.  I love that.  I love that and I love their floppy heads and their incredibly soft hair.

These next couple of shots, I tried a retro processing.  I try hard to keep my post processing clean and classic so you get pictures that look good in 5 years and not pictures that look garrish and over-contrasty, but occassionally I get a hankerin' for a more creative post processing.  I do like this retro look on the right picture.  Mackenzie, FYI, I'm also including the original files so you have my traditional post process and this vintage-y look.  p.s. this one also has a bit of texture.

 And here's the man of the hour...

Another vintage-y.  I should name this Honeysuckly Rose processing.  You guys like Willie Nelson?  The hues remind me of that movie.  You should check it out.  But, you can't get it at the Redbox.  My husband is betting money that none of you have ever seen it.  Say it ain't so!

  

And one more I really like.

Heartspun Housekeeping:

I know my inbox is full.  I know I owe you responses.  Hang with me a few more days.  I'm finishing up a long term teaching position on Friday and then I'm back to full time photography.  If you haven't received a response by this Sunday, please email me again.  I'm trying to set aside some time every night to tend to picture stuff, but can't get to all of it every night.    Hugs and kisses. 

Vivi

The Skeens: A Family Shoot

Let the wild rumpus start...or so I thought as Heather opened her minivan doors and out jumped two very boisterous boys that darted towards the woods in 2 seconds flat.

Fortunately, we were able to reign them in and so I snapped away.   But, to my surprise they were rather willing to cooperate.

And to my surprise, we even captured a few genuine smiles.

What's this?  All three sitting together?  (insert Hallellujah chorus here)

But, I had to leave room for boys to be boys.

 
 And that, dear friends, is how I win them over...for short periods of time anyways.

 

 

Heather and I share lots of mutual friends and though I'd never met her personally prior to our shoot, I felt that I already knew her through our friends and through her blog. 

And her hubby...

I am wrapping up my long term sub job next week and I will be so much better about posting.  Thanks for hanging in there with me and thank you Skeen Family for allowing me to capture your family .

The Spencer's: A Family AND a Senior Shoot

I was very excited when Janna contacted me regarding a photo shoot for her family and her Senior son, Taylor.  I've often heard Janna's name and seen her around town, but I've never had the chance to talk to her.  I knew the shoot would be a good opportunity to get to know her a little better and I was not disappointed.  She and her family warmly welcomed me into their beautiful home and it was indeed a lovely afternoon.

If you get a Christmas card from the Spencer Family, then scroll down past the family shots!  Kayla...that's you.

The Spencers are the epitome of Southern hospitality.  They made me feel like I'd known them for a long time.

Now, Taylor is the Senior, but I wanted to be sure sister had a few shots by herself.

Taylor is an avid outdoorsman so he had me tromping in the woods amidst the snakes ( yes we spotted a coral or king snake and I'm sticking to coral) and rendering me with a mild case of poison ivy.  Regardless, it was worth it to get shots that were truly representative of Taylor's interests and personality.

  

I love these weedy shots

and these close up shots

  P.S.  Client emails are sitting in my inbox.  They've been read, but I haven't had a chance to answer them.  If you've sent me an email this week and I've not replied, I promise I'm not forgetting you.  I will answer all pending emails this weekend when I'm not working.  If you need an urgent reply, indicate so in the subject-line and I'll answer ASAP.

Have a great week, Folks.

The Sextons: A family shoot

Broken record alert...

I love taking pictures, but I love meeting people and especially people with creative spirits.  Shawn is one of those people.  Throughout the course of our shoot, we got to talking about different things and I discovered that she is a seamstress...a bona fide seamstress...not a straight-stitcher like me.  She has a blog of her own where she displays some of her Fun-N-Sheek creations and I foresee us collaborating in future business ventures. 

Meet Seamstress Shawn:

 

And she managed to talk the men in her life into joining her for a photo shoot.  They must really love her if they're anything like the men in my life are about having their pictures taken.

But, they did good.

I promised this handsome fellow Spanish tutoring if he ever needed it and I think I made a friend.

Shawn's dad was an excellent subject and I have to say that this photo of the two of them together gets me a little teary thinking about how much I love my dad.

I have a feeling you'll be seeing a lot more of Shawn in the coming months.  You've got to read about her friend, "Chanel" on her blog.  She's a creative soul sister and I'm happy to have met her and her sweet family. 

The Starks: A Family Shoot

The Starks also met me in Galveston for a family shoot.  But, I have a feeling that this will be a very treasured family shoot as their family of 4 expands to 5 in just a few weeks. I met the Starks last year during the Christmas rush and I was impressed by how easy the shoot was.  If you've got little ones, you should know that one day you'll have a family shoot that is virtually stress free.  In the meantime, enjoy your rambunctious little ones.  You'll get your big kids soon enough.  That being said, I hope the Starks never go to another photographer because they're so easy....good looking, relaxed, excited, and willing to do whatever I ask even if it seems a little wierd at the time.

Tiffany says she doesn't feel pretty or good pregnant, but I know few women that can be 8 months pregnant and look this amazing. 

Someone recently commented that I have the best looking clients and I can't deny it.  Besides being attractive and stylish I have been blessed with clients that are so kind and encouraging.  I have made so many friends through my work and I absolutely love that.

Now, the shades were not necessarily an approved prop so we did some with and without to keep brother happy.  But, I rather like the ones with his shades on.  It's the little things that really bring a photograph and the subject to life.

This next shot was a spontaneous moment and I was not about to rearrange anyone.  But, when I looked through my lens I was getting a lot of light haze.  I wasn't sure whether I would like the way it would turn out. When I opened it up, I really felt that the hazy glowy look lent itself to the moment.  I love Dad's expression of true contentment.  It is perfection.

Thanks again, guys, for a lovely afternoon and laughter galore.

P.S.  I meant to add this to the original post! Dean was totally pushing out his stomach for the shot above.  He does NOT really have a pot belly ;)

The Gottseligs: A family shoot

Remember Kristie?  Not only can she cook, but she also tends to her most precious family.  I had a double shoot Saturday in Galveston and I must say that it is the best location for the kind of shoot I really love....carefree, playful, interactive, and relaxed.  Before I forget, I have to mention that Kristie is going to be hosting cooking classes out of her home.   I can't imagine a more relaxing Girls' Night Out than having someone cook for you.  Her first class is in a couple of weeks and just about filled up.  But, shoot me an email if you want her contact information for her future classes.  I'll be learning how to make risotto from Kristie...that's a far cry from my farmhouse casserole.  Mr. Killion doesn't know what he's in for.

I have really gotten to know Kristie over the past few months as we've discovered many things that we both enjoy and she is so much fun.  She is the life of the party anytime she walks into a room.  After our shoot, we went to dinner and I swear my cheeks hurt from laughing so hard.  I can't wait for some of you to get to know her through her cooking classes.  She is so much fun.

I was able to get a wider shot with a new lens that I purchased recently and it was a lot of fun to get to expand my angles a bit.

Brian is a laid back guy, but I really admired how hands-on he was with his daughter.

We hit the beach at the perfect time and while Brooklyn enjoyed the sand, I was able to capture a few images of mom and dad.

And this shot is too cute for words.

I know you'll be interested in cutie pie Brooklyn's attire so I'll be sure to get a list of vendors from Kristie herself.  We'll meet again Wednesday for Galveston family numero dos!