These. Are. Awesome.  I saw these fabulous little books at the PPA Imaging tradeshow in San Antonio, and I knew right then and there that I needed to share these with my amazing clients.  These 4×8 books with an accordion fold out are so multi-purpose – lay it on a table as a book, open it up and display it on a shelf, or secure it in it’s frosted case and stick it in your purse.  They are a wonderful way to show off several of your favorite images from your session!  As with all of my design products, I have several templates to choose from, and they can all be fully customized to your taste.  These books are a wonderful showcase and keepsake for any type of session.  All of my spring 2011 clients will be seeing a sample at your pre-session consultation, but as always, they are available to past clients as well, so let me know if you are interested.  Check these out! 

I couldn’t have imagined a better way to kick off my 2011 schedule than with photographing Lindsey!  Lindsey found me online back over the summer, so it seemed like this session had been in the works for quite some time.  She really wanted something different for her senior portraits, and I was honored that she trusted me to accomplish that for her.  Speaking of accomplished … Lindsey plays the fiddle, is a fabulous artist {see below}, AND is a natural in front of the camera!  She has such a wonderful presence about her –  you can tell she truly has a heart to serve others.  I really enjoyed the couple of hours we spent together at an awesome new location.  And I really love the fact that she brought so many great accessories and props all on her own to incorporate into the session.  That is what can truly make your session unique!  Thanks again for allowing me to capture these special moments for you Lindsey, and enjoy your sneak peek! 

With our own little bundle of joy on the way in July, I’ve had maternity portraits on the brain!  We didn’t get “real” maternity portraits taken the first time around (I know, shame on me), so I’m really excited to capture this special time for round two!  It’s so easy to feel frumpy and unattractive in some of the maternity clothes out there, but there are a lot of really cute outfits too!  I’ve chosen a couple of different styles and paired them with a coordinating looks for your man as well. 

Style number one is the “Urban Chic” look.  You can be pregnant and still be super trendy and stylish!  I LOVE this dress, I think the neckline gives some great balance for your adorable baby bump. J  Being a Texas girl, I substituted the boots in the image for something a little more southern, and I added a vintage headband and necklace for a sweet feminine touch.  As an extra sweet bonus for you, TFJ Designs is offering 15% off of the first 10 orders of the Kayla headband (shown here) using the code: WWKAYLA15!  Make sure to click on the link below in the shopping list to take advantage ASAP! If you do miss out, check around her shop, she has plenty of adorable accessories.  Dress your guy up in this modern take on an old classic – he is also the perfect accessory!  

Style number two is the “Casual Cool” look.  I picture these outfits in a natural setting where the colors will really pop.  I love the layering in this outfit, and it just goes to show that our standard style advice still applies even in a maternity wardrobe … layers, textures, and accessories!  I found some great jewelry to round out this adorable ensemble, and even included an accessory for your hubby too (if he’ll go for it!).  

Just remember, pregnancy is something to be celebrated and commemorated, no matter how much weight you’ve gained or how unattractive you may feel.  You DO look beautiful, and your kiddos will love looking back on these images one day too! 

Shopping List: 

URBAN CHIC
Woman:
Shawl Collar Dress (Motherhood Maternity) $29.99
Black Boots (Old Navy) $34.97
Drop Necklace (Kohl’s) $20.00
Vintage Headband (TFJ Designs) $28.00

Man:
Black Pants (Old Navy) $19.97
Sweater Vest (Old Navy) $24.50
Blazer (Old Navy) $49.50
Black Shoes (Target) $29.99

CASUAL COOL
Woman:
Low-rise Boot Cut Maternity Jeans (Old Navy) $24.97
Fuchsia Jersey Stretch Tank (Old Navy) $10.00
Lightweight Floral Smocked Tank (Old Navy) $27.50
Boyfriend Cardigan (Old Navy) $34.50
Flats (Old Navy) $19.50
Earrings (Old Navy) $7.50
Bracelets (Old Navy) $10.50

Man:
Khaki Pants (Old Navy) $29.50
Oxford Shirt (Old Navy) $20.00
Brown Shoes (Target) $34.99
Bracelet (Urban Outfitters) $5.00

Wow.  That’s really all I can say.  2010 was a year filled with wonderful blessings, learning experiences, new friends, old friends, and a real sense of personal growth for me – as a photographer, business person, and one of God’s children.  I saw this little boutique business turn into something that I barely could have dreamt of.  Occasionally I have people contacting me over a year in advance for portraits, and it literally leaves me speechless.  I feel so humbled and honored to be able to serve all of my clients (and clients-to-be), and honestly sometimes I feel a little guilty that I enjoy it so much.  Should someone enjoy their job this much?  It just doesn’t seem right.     I’ve certainly had my fair share of ups and downs, learning through mistakes, and good old trial and error as well, but every one of those moments has led me right to where I am today, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.  I’ve had the pleasure of building some wonderful relationships with others in this business, first as mentors, now as friends, and their advice, feedback, and listening ears have meant the world to me.  I’ve found a wonderful little photography sisterhood in our Wardrobe Wednesday group, and I may not have survived those ups and downs without those amazing women.  I’ve had some fabulous opportunities to share my work with a wider audience this year via some publishings, and seeing those articles thrills me to no end.  Ask my poor husband, I think I screamed when I found out about these features!    Through all of this, my deep appreciation for God and everything He has blessed me with has grown immensely.  I can only pray that I’m using those blessings in a way that serves Him and touches others. 

When I look back on this year, I’m proud to say that with the help, support, and encouragement of those around me, I’ve been able to build my business into the type of photography studio I always hoped it would be.  What I love about photography more than anything is making that special connection to the people I photograph, luring out the REAL you in front of the camera.  Everything I do from first contact to the delivery of the final product is geared around that connection … creating something uniquely you, and doing it in a way that hopefully exceeds all expectations of what a custom photography experience is all about.  I’ve already put some new plans into action for 2011 that should further that goal even more, but that is for Part 2 of this post {coming soon}.  I owe so much to my family, my friends, and my clients, there’s honestly no way I could possibly thank you enough, so this will have to do.  THANK YOU.  From the bottom of my heart.  Thank you for entrusting me with your precious memories, for seeing in me things that I could not, for helping me to pursue this dream. 

2010 has brought another exciting event into our lives … I’m pregnant!  Yes, baby #2 will be making it’s arrival this July.  We are beyond excited to make a new addition to our family (well most of us are, Emory is not 100% on board yet).  And if you’ve wondered where in the world I’ve been lately, that is the answer.  First trimesters (plus a few weeks) do not like me one bit.  We just plain don’t get along, and between the immense fatigue and sickness, let’s just say I’ve been MIA most of the holidays.  I had to put off some big projects I had planned to work on, and I’m scrambling to finish others as my spring season has officially kicked into gear this week.  So thank you for your patience!  I have a lot of blogging to catch up on, so just hang in there!  Obviously, this will mean some schedule hiccups and leave time for me, and I’ll be addressing that in my Part 2 post, so keep an eye out! 

If you actually made it to the end of this rambling post, you deserve a medal, but some pictures will have to do.  In keeping with the theme of “looking back,” here are some pictures I snapped of my baby sister over the summer in the 5 minutes of light we had left.  She will be a SENIOR next year.  When did this happen?!?  Love you Chan! 

And of course, I can’t leave you without one of my little cutie pie.  This may be one of my all-time favorites of her.  I’ll have more from her two-year session soon, along with a review of her adorable outfits from Tea Collection.  Truly fabulous clothes. 

Words can not express how very excited I was to get the opportunity to photograph baby Lerin for our dear friends.  Her journey into the arms of her sweet family was far longer and much more difficult than anyone could have ever imagined, but you can’t spend more than a couple of minutes with them to see that it was all worth it … as Mom said, every tear, heartache, and trial they have been through brought little Lerin into their arms.  God is indeed so good.  Lerin was a little older than most of the babies I photographed, so she wasn’t quite ready to konk out and sleep for us on this morning. :)  I’m kind of glad she didn’t, rarely do I get to photograph babies who watch me so intently, and look at those eyes!  She also had quite an opinion – she was not a fan of hats!  It was almost funny, she could be half asleep, but she fought those hats tooth and nail.    She did allow us to use some cute headbands though, so it all worked out.  She finally dozed off towards the end of the session long enough for us to get some beautiful shots of her in front of a lovely hand-painted mural in her room.  I think this is one of my new favorites!  Thank you for letting me spend the morning with you Mom and Dad, and enjoy your sneak peek! 

Oooh, I love these super-sweet ideas from Jennifer of Minor Impressions Photography!  If you weren’t planning on Valentine’s Day themed photots yet, you certainly will now.  Make sure to check out our snazzy new image design too!  Here’s what Jennifer has to say:

“Ok, I admit, I haven’t even taken down my Christmas tree yet! I know, I need to get with it because before I know it, I’m going to get a note in my daughter’s folder giving me all the fun info for her class Valentine’s Day party. It’s hard to believe it’s only a month away.

 If you’re a little more prepared than I am, you still have time to plan an adorably unique photo shoot to make some cards that all of your kiddo’s friends will be excited to show off. The great thing about Valentine pictures is that they can get away with being very casual. Since these are cards that will be given to their friends, let them show their personality. You can make a simple t-shirt dressier with a  tulle skirt or a little more casual with a jean skirt and leggings. Let your son show his wild side for all the girls, or how tamed and put-together he is.

 This is also the perfect time to find some adorable props to add. Instead of buying real roses with the thorns, you can find a bouquet of fake roses at a craft store, and all of the other items are easily found at Wal-mart or your local grocery store. Most kids will love the opportunity to eat chocolate or lick lollipops while being photographed, and the younger kiddos will find it hard to resist squeezing a new teddy bear!”

Shopping:

 Girl Outfit & Accessories – Gap
 Boy Outfit – The Children’s Place

 All props can be found at Wal-Mart, but these were found on the web. 

Lollipops – Melville Store
Teddy Bear – Target
Chocolates – Sees
Rose Bouquet – Wal-Mart

I love this week’s awesome compilation by Erica of Erica May Photography.  Couples sessions are so much fun and the right wardrobe can make such a huge difference ! Here’s what Erica has to say:

“This week I choose to put a few outfits together for a couple’s session. I really wanted to pull in some classic fall/winter colors and give couples some layering options. Although, most of these items are a little pricey I think most of us would be able to find the jeans, shoes, and possibly blazers from our own closets (or a friend’s).  I love the option during a session to throw on or take off another layer to really mix up the looks. These bold and rich colors photograph well and look beautiful in color or black and white. Always spring for a nice new pair of dark jeans for your man as well if his jeans are starting to look a little too worn. You definitely don’t need to have two different outfits for your couple’s session but if it is in the budget and it is ok with your photographer it can really give a whole new look to your portraits (it is also good if you are on the fence about what to wear!). This is also a nice time to touch up your make-up, fix your hair, and re-group (the guys always enjoy the break too). The second outfit I put together is a more care-free almost spring-like look. It would be great to throw on for a few more pictures at the end of your session to really change it up (if it is not too freezing!).”

Woman – Outfit 1
Silky cascade ruffle blouse – Gap – $44.99
Perfect boot jeans (dark wash) –Gap-  $69.50
Ambition Women’s Army Green Military Inspired Jacket – Overstock.com – $35.99
LifeStride Unity Bootie – DSW – $49.95

Man – Outfit 1
Three-button topcoat – Banana Republic -  $275.00
Silk/cashmere v-neck sweater – Banana Republic – $59.99
Timberland Earthkeepers City Plain Toe – Piperlime – $80.99

Woman – Outfit 2
BR Monogram Clara jacket – Banana Republic – $99.99 (optional)
Monogram ruched goddess dress   Banana Republic – $89.99

Man – Outfit 2
The new classic polo – Indian earth – $29.99 – Gap
The vintage khaki – Chino Tar – $49.50 – Gap