Heart to Heart

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 ;)

Brian & Cheryl: A Maternity Shoot

I know I've said this before, but I want you to know, really know, that I love doing what I do.    It's an amazing feeling to be paid for doing what you love to do.  It's an amazing feeling to deal with the nicest people on a regular basis.  It is totally amazing.  I love maintaining my blog and I love that you read me and get me even if only in cyberspace.  Thank you for letting me share with you.

Brian & Cheryl are Heartspun first-timers which always makes me a little nervous when I have very limited acquaintance with couples or families that I'm going to shoot.  However, I've been so blessed by them all.  Brian and Cheryl were willing to go with the flow and do whatever I asked to get "the shot".  It makes it so easy when you have subjects that trust you artistically.  When I meet my clients and they say those magic words "We trust you" I throw any inhibitions aside and I'm able to relax and do my thing.  Thanks for making it easy, Brian and Cheryl!

 

She is stunning.

While classic and solid colors are always nice, patterns and color are always fun.  They did a great job of coordinating without being too matchy. 

Cheryl is about to be 30 weeks which is a great time for maternity pics.  You're obviously pregnant, but not yet uncomfortable and swollen.  I discourage late maternity shoots because of swelling and discomfort.  And rarely do you feel cute at 38 weeks pregnant.

And I am posting a few more than I usually post because these guys have to wait until my vacation is over to get their cd.  I'll hold them over with a few extra shots.

Enjoy your last 10 weeks.  It will fly by.

Justin & Jill : A Maternity Shoot

Talk about a tough momma.  Jill wins the award.  She braved the 100 plus degree weather for her maternity shoot.  However, I think it was all worth it.  B Jane kindly allowed us into her backyard for this shoot.  I had a vision in my head of what I wanted it to look like and Buffy's yard was the perfect place for my dream to come to fruition.  If you're an artist, you know what I mean by making your vision come to life.  You think it, you see it in your head, and so badly you want to make it reality.  Sometimes things don't turn out the way you want.  Sometimes they do.  And when they do, you feel validated.  So validated.

I'll be honest with you.  I was nervous about this shoot because I felt that Jill was nervous.  I decided to just share my vision for our shoot with her.  Once, I told her what I had envisioned she let me take the reigns and let me tell you folks that these are the best shoots.  I love it, I thrive from it, I am challenged by it when a client says I trust you to do what you want.

While I'm on the subject, let me insert my business manifesto:

This business is not a service I'm providing.  It's my art.  If you're looking for a service, I'm not your photographer.  I can direct you to those types of photographers.  I'm very serious about my art.  It's my interpretation subject to your interpretation.  I absolutely welcome your ideas.  They're a good jumping board for me, but ultimately my clients expect me to create art and I love it, I thrive from it, I am challenged by it when my clients trust me.  Trust me.

Now, I totally love the name they've chosen for their little fella. 

 

Jill is really selling the maternity look.

beautiful parents, beautiful baby bump, beautiful day
Thank you for letting me be a part of this.

Crystal: A Maternity Session

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! It's been too long since I've shot a maternity session.  Hip Hip Hooray!  It's also been a looong time since I've shot indoors in my own makeshift studio / office / former dining room.

Meet Crystal.

Let me say, if I haven't said it in the past.  I deeply regret not having a maternity session when I was pregnant.  Deeply.  I was so self-conscious when I was pregnant.  It's been a year since I gave birth and so quickly the memories of my bulging belly have faded.  At the time, I felt that I would never forget what I looked like pregnant so I didn't need pictures.  In hindsight, I'm so sad that I didn't take pictures when I had the chance.  It's a time I'll never get back.

I've done the above shot before, but I really love this image in black and white.  I love the tight belly skin juxtaposed with the grooves on dad's hands.  Cliche image?  Maybe.  But, I don't care.

Crystal and family were so sweet and very cooperative despite my tight quarters.  This is why I reserve the indoors to maternity and newborn shoots.

Crystal, thank you so much for letting me share in your miracle.  I can't wait to see her.

They're having a baby!

This is my sister.  She married an awfully nice guy last year.   And this year, they'll be welcoming their first child on March 8th - their one year wedding anniversary.  Sister said she wanted to wait a year.  I guess their timing was in line with God's perfect timing and we couldn't be happier for them.

So I traded them a maternity session for a home-cooked breakfast and a boat ride.  Uncle Wallace cooks a mean breakfast.  So mean, in fact, he scored himself a guest blogger spot in the near future.    Stay tuned for that.

We love Uncle Wallace and Tia.  They love my kids genuinely and they spoil them abundantly.  They're gonna be great parents and I'm going to be a swell aunt.  Just you wait.

 

Hang on, Dear Ones.  You're about to embark on an adventure like none other.  Love you times three.

Baby Fever

In just 2 short months this family will be welcoming a baby girl into their lives.  They already have one stunning daughter and I'm sure #2 will not fail in the looks department.

This mom is  rocking the pregnancy look with all of her hip accessories.  But the coolest thing about Kim is that her inside is just as beautiful as her outside.  Seriously, she could not stop smiling and one thing I could tell about her is that she is genuine, warm, loving, and loyal.  Her husband and daughter are pretty awesome, too.  In fact, we hung out for a while after our shoot was over and I felt like we'd been friends for a long time.  I've been blessed with really amazing clients and this bunch was no exception.




Kim's look was perfect for post processing that is a bit more dramatic.  I love the glamour effect of the following picture.

Be sure to check back in October for pictures of the new baby.  Kim's officially on bedrest for pre-term labor so we'll pray that little missy stays put until October rolls around.  I just hope I didn't work you too hard at our shoot, Kim!

On another note, we'll be revealing the top 3 stories over the next 3 days.  I'm so excited to share these with you.  You won't be disappointed.

Happy Monday, Friends.

It was like Willy Wonka in my house

Don't forget to have your "Who are you" submissions sent by tonight.  I've been able to sink my teeth into some really inspiring words.  I'll have more to share next week.

So, you've all seen the movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory where a select few are given the honor of going into Willy Wonka's candy factory and the entire factory is full of sweet treats.  It was like  Willy Wonka land in my house!  I'm helping a friend with a special project that gave me the opportunity to photograph something different and I found that I really, really enjoyed it.    I'll have more details once her business is up and running, but for now let me just share some of the goodies.

Look for the big post on Monday, but here's a sneak peek at today's maternity session:

I can't wait to see this baby.

{click individual images to enlarge}

Ummm, will somebody please tell these two you're not supposed to look this good when you're pregnant!  Wowzers...

Stephanie and Josh are expecting their first baby in September and are so excited.  Their little girl is getting some smokin' genes!  I can't wait to see her!

 

It was a great shoot and as soon as they walked out of my door I took to the computer to proof their pictures.  I couldn't wait to see these!

There were many awesome shots, but the 'red wall' is always a hit!  Enjoy your pictures, Guys, and your time alone before that sweet baby girl arrives and turns your world upside down in the most wonderful way.

And Babies Make FOUR!

Dan and Cathryn will be welcoming twin boys this summer.  How exciting will that be?

It's been a long time since I've done a maternity session and I have missed it.  We had a great time thinking of kitschy poses all in the comfort of the air conditioner. 

They're a beautiful, fun couple that will certainly make the best parents.  I hardly remember my pregnancy only 4 years ago and I wish I had taken more pictures of myself pregnant.  Too quickly you forget what a special time it is and how amazingly your body contorts to accomodate life within life.  It's a miracle and it's beautiful. 

And what a great thing that society has evolved to appreciate the beauty of the pregnant body thanks to Demi Moore and pioneer photographers like Annie Liebowitz.

Congrats, Dan & Cathryn.  I can't wait to meet and photograph your sons!

Cathryn's Pictures!