Crossed Paths

Twice I crossed paths with two photographers this past week. The first was with my friend Abbie who I met when I taught at Presbyterian School 3 years ago. Her warm smile drew me in, but her Canon 70-200mm lens really got me! When we first met, we were both tinkering with the idea of being serious photographers. We love the art and talked about it every time we saw each other in the school hallways.

So, I ran into Abbie at a Presbyterian girls lacrosse game. There we stood with our massive Canon 70-200mm lenses in hand. We both laughed about how many people have approached us and either said, that's one BIG lens, or that's a SERIOUS lens. In between clicks we shared photography stories and tricks of the trade. It's been neat to see her business grow and watch her embrace her talent for wedding photography. I've never told her this, but I don't know what I admire more about her: her photography skills or her mothering skills. Her kids are amazing! The whole family has so much fun together. I finally met Mr. Flynn at the lacrosse game. He's the same way: witty, warm, easy-going. Abbie truly has fun with her kids and they adore her. She also takes fantastic photos of them. Her website is http://www.abbieflynnphoto.com/. Check her out, especially if you are looking for a wedding photographer!

My second encounter with a photographer this past week was at Starbucks. I straddled the parking line boundary with my car (only because the car next to me did the same thing and forced me to) and the truck that pulled up next to me had to cross his parking line as well. We both emerged from our vehicles at the same time and I heard a friendly voice say, "Well, looks like we took up 4 parking spots between the two of us!" Normally, I would just say "yeah" and walk on, but this guy was so friendly and immediately engaging. We strolled into the coffee shop together, both desperately needing a caffeine perk, but acting like we were casual drinkers (instead of hard-core coffeeholics; well, at least I am!) I asked him what he did for a living and he said he was an architectural photographer. That's all Carl had to say. I was immediately interested! To make a long story short, Carl gave me a few of mini-lessons with my camera and we talked a little bit about the business side of photography. I was in awe. He's been photographing for a long time and truly does some amazing work. His website is http://www.carlmayfield.com/. Check it out!! Oh, and here's the look on my face that he captured as he was trying to explain a camera setting to me. I asked him how to clean up all the wrinkles, but he couldn't do that for me. At least not right there. That would require PhotoShop. Seriously, though. I can't believe the age lines. Thanks a lot, Carl!

Family Roots

My second "Katy Girl" session took place on the client's property. Kesley lives in the country on a lovely piece of land that has been in her family for many generations (I think Mr. Fraley said it was in their family for 4 generations--since the late 1800s!!) This session was extra special because of where we were photographing. There were beautiful trees (planted when her dad was a young boy growing up in the same house), a rustic barn, shed, gravel road, old signs, a wooden fence--basically, all the things I love to have handy during a photo shoot!

Kesley has the prettiest auburn/red hair! People pay lots of money for extensions to get their hair to look like hers! Her eyes are stunning, too. I thought she looked so gorgeous with the browns and blues in this photo:

Since we were photographing on her family property, Kesley's mom and dad were there. Again, these Katy girls are such reflections of their parents: the Fraleys were so warm and inviting as soon as I got there. Karen, Kesley's mom, quietly observed and helped A LOT. Mr. Fraley did his share of heavy lifting! Thanks! It was obvious they are so proud of Kesley.

Here's Kesley by one of those grand trees in her front yard:

The barn and shed made GREAT backdrops! I love this one of her. She has a fantastic smile, but she also has a great serious look, too:

Towards the end of the session, Kesley brought out these amazing black western boots! I told her she HAD to wear them with the fancy black dress--I love juxtaposing the rugged with the elegant:

What an honor it was to photograph Kesley in a very sentimental place. I grew up in the country on land that has been in my family for many, many years. I know the love that goes into taking care of your land and property. The Fraley home represented them--peaceful, serene, warm, inviting, and loving. Kesley, you are a gem with your bright eyes and sunshine smile. I can't wait for you to see the rest of these!

How Bout Them Katy Girls?

Wow. Time has gone by sooo fast! I can't believe I haven't posted since the first of December 08?? That's terrible. I'll just blame it on my 4 1/2 year old and 20 month old daughters. Surely that's a good enough excuse! Speaking of daughters (and mothers--we'll get to that later), I had the pleasure of photographing two more Katy HS girls this past weekend. What is it about these girls? I adore all of them!!!

On Saturday, I photographed Megan. She's a beautiful brunette with piercing brown eyes. She's also an athlete. She said she's a jeans/T-shirt/sweats kind of girl, but I think there's more to her than that! She's got a bit of girliness in her somewhere. This picture is evidence:

So, clearly,Megan's a beauty, but what I liked so much about her was her laid-back, casual attitude. She was not afraid to try different poses and brought the CUTEST outfits. The purple dress was awesome, but checkout the sophisticated black hat (I LOVE hats!):

I mentioned daughters and moms at the beginning of this post because a lot of times, the mom accompanies the daughter. Megan's mom came with her. In every mom/daughter set, I see myself with my own daughters in a few years! It's really touching. I love to watch how they are with one another. Megan's mom was a JOY to have during the photo session! She quietly observed and let Megan be herself. She helped carry my gear and props and even marched through the high, wet grass and over numerous ant piles! Pat, you are a trooper! Seriously, though, I can see why these Katy girls are so well-grounded. Their moms are fantastic.

Here's Megan in her letter jacket. Remember what I said about her piercing brown eyes?

I love this photo of Megan. She has such a great smile. Megan, you are beauty, inside and out!

Anthropologie Shoot

I took senior pics of beautiful Abby in Katy at the Outdoor Learning Center near Katy HS. Her mom suggested it, and I had actually noticed the place the last time I was there to take senior pics, so I was very interested in seeing what the spot looked like and using it for this shoot. Beth, Abby's mom, asked if her neighbor could bring her super cool vintage car to the shoot to use as a prop. Heck, yeah! The car was perfect!

Abby could not have been a better model! First of all, have you EVER seen anyone more gorgeous? I know for a fact I did not look this fantastic when I was 18! And she was so incredibly easy to work with--very open to my direction, smiled, laughed, looked serious on cue. She was a photographer's dream! Trust me, it makes my job soooo much easier. Here are some of my favorites:

I Want Candy!

Halloween 2008! I had forgotten how much of a challenge 12 months-24 months can be. . . well, I didn't forget. I just needed a refresher course. Tess was supposed to wear Arden's pirate costume I got for her this year. When it came in, it was WAY too small. The skirt practically rode up under her arms! That's okay, I thought. Tess can wear it, and we'll let Arden pick out another costume. Tess DID NOT want to wear the pirate costume. What to do? I pulled out the handy ol' UT cheerleader outfit. Not really a "costume," but it works for a 15 month old!



This was the best I could do! Typical. Photographer's kids don't cooperate in photo session!

Sarah, smile

Remember that song? "Oh, won't you smile a while for me, Sarah?" Yeah, I'm giving away my age. I always think of that song whenever I'm around a Sarah. This little young lady was dressed and ready to go for her family photo shoot at their new house. I felt very comfortable photographing her because she's the same age as my older daughter (in fact, they are only 2 days apart!), so I feel like a pro with 4 year olds. Sarah dictated what she would say before I clicked. It wasn't "cheese" or anything boring like that. Sometimes it was her own invented word or a silly combo like "frog feet." Actually, I don't know if that was one of the word combos, but it sounds good. Dad even came up with one. What was it? Macaroni and cheese? Help me out here, Steve! Better yet, help me out, Sarah! I guarantee you she remembers.

Anyway, Sarah's dresses were adorable and fit her to a T. She's an incredibly bright, sophisticated four-year-old. She even helped me pose Mom and Dad for their pics! A real pro.

Sarah, smile!

One of my favorites:
Sarah was sometimes pensive. I love it when I catch kids deep in thought.
So pretty!
The family on the porch of their new gorgeous home:

Dallas Arboretum, Oct. 7, 2008

I'm photographing my brother's wedding in Dallas next weekend. On Oct. 7, I took his fiance Heather's bridal portraits at the Dallas Arboretum. What a beautiful backdrop for her portraits! There literally wasn't a bad spot as far as scenery was concerned. My 4 year old daughter Arden is the flower girl in the wedding, so she came along and posed in her "princess" dress at the beginning of the session. She and Heather were real troopers during this 3 hour photo session. . . it was super windy, too, but it was like a natural fan blowing Heather's hair:

Here's one of Heather with Arden: Here are some of my favorites:

LOVE the way the wind blew Heather's veil in this one:

Heather said she liked the ones where she was smiling more than the ones where she wasn't. I beg to differ:

I like this one because it's sooo old-fashioned looking. Heather's eyes look beautiful:

Not smiling, but GORGEOUS! Sassy!

I LOVE this one! It's so natural and really captures Heather's fun-loving personality. I remember her sister Holly was standing by me when I snapped it. She immediately said, "Oh, that's going to be a good one!" Good eye, Holly!


What an honor to do this for Heather and my brother Ray! I can't wait to get some more good shots at their wedding!