Archive for April, 2010
Somehow, in spite of the rain, we managed to pull off our Xpressions sessions yesterday. It was a blast exploring the wildflower terrain, but little did I know how much I’d be paying for it today. I’ve never really had allergies before, but with a wildflower season like this, it got me really bad…I can hardly breathe today! I hope my brave, beautiful clients are all faring better than I am.
What about this couple up there??? Could she be ANY cuter??? Loved the colors in their clothing (which HE picked out…go dad!). So as these two are just getting started on their journey into parenthood…
…this little lady has built up quite the portfolio with Pinkle Toes Photography. A trip down memory lane here and here and here.
And then there’s this little angel who is almost the same exact age as my baby. I know many of you are still waiting word on the angel tank…it’s coming, I promise!
I must admit that I get a little misty when I think it was almost a year ago when he made his entrance into this world. And you’ll definitely want to scroll down to the bottom of this famous post. 😉
And finally, these two (three?). Oh, that adorable basketball belly! We had such a blast yesterday!
[As with all Xpressions
sessions, these images have only received basic edits to enhance
contrast, but no retouching. If you’d like to do a mini session with me,
we still have two openings left for our next Xpressions
sessions in May.]
sessions, these images have only received basic edits to enhance
contrast, but no retouching. If you’d like to do a mini session with me,
we still have two openings left for our next Xpressions
sessions in May.]
Lo and behold, there was a couple sitting near us. They were so cute and so in love and just having a great time. So, photographer geek that I am, I walked up to them and asked if they’d like me to take their picture. I can’t believe they agreed! They must have thought I was some strange goofball tourist. But sometimes, you just have to go for it and I’m so glad we did!
Ah, you gotta love boys and their big boy toys. These two little guys are so lucky to have a grandfather who loves all things artistic, colorful (remember the guitars?), and/or fast! There were so many fun things to do and look at, I told mama I had to constantly remind myself that the session was about the boys…not just the cool toys.
Finally. My turn to take my kiddos in the bluebonnets. I’m so blessed. If only I had a fireplace to hang this over… (or toss it into)…
- Expecting their second baby. (oof…my how my style has changed)
- Welcoming their first daughter.
- A family of four.
- Wardrobe malfunctions. (hey, I was about 12 weeks preggo w/ baby girl here, so you must forgive the pants)
- A new experiment.
- Expecting AGAIN.
And now baby #3 is here and he fits in seamlessly as his father’s very own “mini me.” Their family is complete…for now and it has been such a wonderful experience to watch them change and grow even closer together through the years. Their family interactions never fail to make me giggle and mom’s e-mails never fail to make me cry. I cannot wait to see what is next for this beautiful family, who have become dear friends.
Such an honor yesterday to be part of Texas CASA’s “Prevent Child Abuse Rally” in San Antonio yesterday. As much as I loathe that drive from Austin to San Antonio, it was very worth it…especially since the rain decided to hold off on us. And, what a lovely surprise to see my images all over these banners and brochures for their latest volunteer recruitment initiative.
Years ago, I used to work for Texas CASA managing the license plate program. It was all behind-the-scenes work, so I didn’t really get the chance to see the kind of dedication and positive change brought about by all of these amazing volunteers who serve as a voice for abused or neglected children caught up in the system. But my word, this young man…
…this young man had quite the story to tell. He’s a CASA kid [he made the important distinction that he’s not a ‘former CASA kid’ because once you’re a CASA kid, you’re always a CASA kid] and he spoke about the incredible difference his CASA volunteer made in his life. It was amazing to see the two of them together. During his speech, I just set my camera down. Honestly, I couldn’t really see behind the tears that kept welling up. I was blown away by his confidence, his sense of humor, his humility, and his genuine appreciation for the kind of change a CASA volunteer can bring about in child’s life.
Perhaps you can, too.
MK and I hit it off instantly. Even via e-mail, I could already tell that I liked her spunk and sense of humor and down-to-earth approach to birth. At our meet up beforehand to discuss the big day, she told me she had no pre-conceived notions about how this birth was “supposed” to go. It wasn’t just talk. She really meant it and I could really appreciate that mindset.
So the morning of their baby’s birth day, I got a text from her letting me know that her water had broken. Awesome! Perfect! The timing couldn’t have been more amazing since I had only been able to cover her birth on a standby basis (she was due pretty much at the same time as this little guy.) The day moved slowly but steadily and by the time I had gotten to the hospital, things were looking great. Dad was a tremendous support to his wife. Her family had made it into town to welcome the birth of their first grandchild. We were all so excited to find out if the baby was a boy or a girl. It was all coming together even better than planned.
And then suddenly, the whole plan changed and everything started to move so quickly…too quickly to keep up with swirling concern, confusion and emotion. And it was at this point, I truly realized how glad I was to be able to be there to click away and capture it all…especially those things that mom would have missed otherwise…
(If you are pregnant and in the Austin area and are interested in having
your birth experience photographed, take a look! Photographers seeking advice on birth photography, please visit this link.)
Whenever I look at that picture I think, “Wow. That light is so beautiful.”
Then I think, “Gosh, my mom looks pretty.”
And then I think, “She really loves me.”
