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Sweet Aurora Grace | DFW birth photographer

Thursday, January 28, 2010

One of my biggest unexpected blessings of 2009 was most definitely the growth of my birth photography. Words simply cannot explain how much my heart has been opened just by witnessing tiny miracles grand entrances to the world. I truly feel so honored to have been chosen by so many families to be apart of such a personal experience and its not something I take lightly. In fact, I will take each and every experience with me and truly treasure it for my life time. To say ” I was present at your birth” isn’t something many people get to say more than a few times with their own children. So, for all of you who entrusted me with such a special time, thank you. Thank you from ever fiber in my being.

I love how each and every birth is so completely unique. Little Aurora’s grand entrance was so extremely special because her stoic momma had her naturally (that means no drugs people!) I must say that I, personally am a huge fan of no pain, hence my decision to have an epidural with Mia Grace, but I must say, if I thought for a even a split second that I could handle childbirth the way Lauren did so beautifully, I would sign up for natural childbirth in a minute. (hence, why I will be ordering up the epidural on my way to the hospital for round two!) I truly was in awe of the whole process and I still cannot wrap my mind around how I didn’t hear a peep from her until it was time to push! Even the nurse looked amazed and couldn’t believe how “controlled” she was. Wow is all I can really say!

Dad, Royce, was equally as strong. I heard a rumor that he doesn’t do well with hospitals and that sort of thing, but I thought he was the perfect combination of support for Lauren during the whole process. This was also the first birth I’ve photographed where there was a sibling involved, which I LOVED. It truly was a joy for me to watch Braeden experience the whole thing. He did a pretty good job of not acting too awfully excited, as every seven year old boy should, but his whole demeanor changed when he saw her for the first time. And, for someone who wasn’t too impressed with the whole thing, he certainly didn’t budge from his front row view at the nursery window while those nurses cleaned and pricked and prodded at his new baby sister. It was quite a site to see!

Lauren and Royce’s family were just delightful as well. I often wonder how the family feels with me being there … this stranger with a huge camera! I hope all the families of the births I’ve photographed know what an important role they play during the whole process. Thank you all for your kindness and welcoming hearts to me. It can’t be easy meeting someone for the first time and trusting them with such an important day. What an honor it was to meet and chat with you all!

I received permission this morning to share from Lauren (so thank her!) as you take a peek into the amazing birth of sweet Aurora Grace. Isn’t she just beautiful?!!

Posted in Birth Photography

by Crystal

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Jenny - AHHH!!!! LOVE, LOVE, LOOOOOVE it!!!!!!!! These are BEAUTIFUL!!! So glad they have these!!!

Julie Avary - Ok Lauren...this made me cry....so precious!!!! I just want to watch it over and over again.... ♥

Bruce & Linda - Yes, we both cried and celebrated with your family! Thank you for sharing this precious moment in your lives.

Kristianne - What a beautiful memory captured... a treasure! I cried- what a privilege to be able to see.

gayla - I am pregnant and WAY TOO emotional to watch that. AMAZING!! What a sweet family!

Crystal - Thanks everyone! It was such an honor to be there!!!

Loree (Crystal's Aun - Oh, what a beautiful miracle God has given us. I have two girls and it still gets to me - the miracle of child birth is. Thank you to your lovely family for sharing. God Bless you

Jenny Russell - Beautiful. One of the most touching events I have ever had the privilege to share.

Jamie Kutter - love your new header!

All the way from NY | dallas/ ft. worth family photographer

Thursday, January 21, 2010

I was very honored to get the opportunity to meet and photograph this family. They were in town visiting family over the holidays so we set up our shoot the day after Christmas! During our conversations to plan the session I would get off the phone and feel like such a dummy for saying things like ” I hope the weather cooperates and its not too cold” Hello! They are from NY !!!

If you’ve read my blog, you’ve heard me say that dad’s make or break family sessions. Theo did an awesome job just loving on Kelsey and being such a trooper driving all over to hit up different locations. Can you tell who the star of the show really is ?? Kelsey was so adorable and such a trooper. It really was pretty cold outside and there was even some ice still laying around. Poor thing even slipped on some and got wet! Her red hair and bright blue eyes are so stinking cute, but not nearly as much as her big ol grin! Not all babies this age smile so much, but you can tell this little one is certainly loved!

I just love this last one. Its so telling of this age. She sure is a speedy little thing to be so tiny!

Darla, I’m so sorry to have made you wait so long to see a sneak peek! Thanks for trusting me with such an important time in your lives and I hope you enjoy the peek. I’m posting your full gallery as I type this

Posted in Families, Kiddos

by Crystal

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gayla - LOVE!!!!! the pictures

Yvonne - OK, she's just too cute! I could just eat her up!!! Love the family picture. They look so relaxed, happy and natural.

kimbrali - :) i love when you can feel all of these emotions parents feel when looking at family photos. these are such happy images. love them all but that middle family image just gets to me :) so sweet.

McAlister Family | argyle family photographer

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Here’s another fun session and family that I loved …

Dad did so great with all these girls, but I guess he’s used to it by now

Peyton.

Presley.

Olivia.

Posted in Families

by Crystal

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love. | dallas engagement photographer

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

I love this couple. I love “love”. and I LOVED this session.

From the minute Cynthia called me to do her engagements I knew it was going to be a great session and I couldn’t wait! I have loved every minute of going through these images and choosing my favorites (which was really difficult!) A MUCH needed relief from all the book work I’m trying to catch up on. (major whip! I need a bookeeper!)

It was freeeezing during our time together, but Cynthia and Mike were champs and you’d never know how miserable it was outside … especially because I kept making them go into the shade. Mike was so relaxed and funny and they both went along with my ridiculous prompting at times. See, this is why it pays to not second guess my crazy and often really dumb ideas. I’ll always be the first to say something isn’t working, but you just never know what will happen unless you try!

My fingers hurt so badly once I got in the car. I think it took the full 30 minute drive home for them to thaw. BUT, it was so worth it. What a breath of fresh air a couple session is for me. I just love them. Did I say that already?

If you follow my blog you know I’m a sucker for any image that draws emotion and well, couple shoots are full of that glittery stuff I just love … just see for yourself!

There is something about that top left one (which I actually think I like better in black and white) that is so tender and intimate that really draws me in …

Watch out wind …

a favorite. the light was just streaming in right here.

Its awesome when there are cool vintage cars just parked on the side of the road.

So many favorites I tell you. Here’s another … why? I bet you know by now

Thanks you guys for an awesome session and for being so patient for this sneak peek!! Hope it was worth the wait!

Posted in Couples

by Crystal

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Matt Nicolosi - Fantastic images, Crystal. Great location, rockin' car, and cool couple. A trifecta!

Alexis - I LOVE these! Especially the black and white one with Love behind them. Really beautiful pictures(and couple)! :)

Fun family! | DFW family photographer

Monday, January 11, 2010

I often get emails with questions from photographers, clients or potential clients, as well as fans of my work from people that live out of state all asking how one should choose a photographer and also how I get natural expressions, or get kids and parents to relax during a shoot! My clients know, especially dad’s , that sessions with me are really laid back and most often, loads of fun too. The answer to those questions is really two-fold. While I do have several tricks up my sleeve, the most important part is that you and your family come into the session ready to have fun. Try to start with a blank slate as far as photography is concerned and come in with no expectations other than to relax, be YOU, and love on your family. Sometimes its easier when I get to photograph a family who has never had family pictures taken before because I’m not having to fight against other negative experiences. No matter the situation, though, I always seem to find some common ground with folks … one thing I know for sure is that no matter how different we are on the outside, there are some several common denominators between people (even on my trip to Africa I learned this!) … So, I just try to find that commonality and go with it.

There is another part to the answer to these questions which I am just now realizing and I wanted to share. I’m also beginning to realize how important it is for people to find a photographer they love and STICK with them … make them your “family” photographer for life … even if you only plan to have images taken every three years, or five years, or you plan to do it twice per year. Here are some tips. Find a photographer whose work you LOVE, who can spice things up (you don’t want all your images to look the same every year), and what I personally think is one of most important, but often overlooked things to consider, is to find a photographer you LIKE. As in, when you leave, you think, “wow, I really liked him/her”. No matter how amazing a photographer is … if you don’t feel great around them, your images will show! The last part about sticking with them is really important to consider, especially with young children and with moms and dads. I’d venture to say that the reason you want a family portrait is not to remember what everyone looked like is 2010, but because you have this amazing love for your family that you know you “feel”, but you just don’t always get to “see”. That’s where a really good photographer comes in … BUT, if you are not relaxed and being yourself during the session, you’ll more than likely be disappointed in the results. While, liking the photographer is a huge part, using that same person over and over is even better because eventually your kids will know what to expect from a session and look forward to it each year!

I have several clients who have emailed recently and said things like “our girls look forward to our play date with Ms. Crystal every year”, or “my boys often ask about you, especially the little one and he wants to know when he gets to play with you again”. AND, I say it time and time again. Dad’s make or break family sessions, and well, I must say, I do have a way of getting dad’s to forget how much they were NOT looking forward to getting their pictures taken It’s our little secret though, I’ll never expose how much fun they tell me they had when its all over!

Here’s a recent example of what I’m talking about. I just adored this session! This is the second time I’ve photographed this family and its one of my favorite sessions of 2009!

It helps that the kiddos are just gorgeous!

Wyatt.

Julia

Garrison

.. and the family images :swoon:

something about this next one that i just love. its so genuine and unexpected.

and some more of this little guy because he had changed SO much since last year … doesn’t he just melt your heart?!

the favorite.

Yes, we did put the kiddos in the car with lots of snacks to get this last series! I just love it!! So happy.

Thanks Huffmans for an awesome session! I can’t wait to see you in 2011

Posted in Families

by Crystal

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Kathy Earhart - Oh my goodness, they are adorable Ashley! I can't believe how big Wyatt is, he is not a baby anymore :( I love all of them, I'm sure you bought them all! LOL (I know I did) Crystal- Once again another awesome session, you are so gifted at what you do. I love it!

Carla Busk - Absolutely stunning Crystal. Your images are so clear, fresh and full of emotion, brings a huge smile to my face.

haley - these are great! I love all of the none posey poses... looks like a very fun session :)

So much to share … | dfw at home family photographer

Thursday, January 7, 2010

I feel overwhelmed with where to start because I have so much I want to share with you all! First of all, thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your support of the calendar! The response has been amazing! Also, you aren’t too late to buy one and support 96 orphans in Sierra Leone, OR enter yourself into the drawing for a FREE SESSION! Scroll down to read details in the previous post.

I had the opportunity to meet so many amazing families in 2009! I shared many of them with you, but not all, so I wanted to take the next few weeks to catch up on some blogging.

First up … meet the Varin Family. I love “at home” sessions. They are laid back, authentic and oh so fun! Here are some favorites of this cute cute family that I’ve been wanting to share. Tish ordered a black and white of each kiddo in a wall portrait for their game room. When these came in, I was in LOVE. It helps to have adorable kids, but printed in black and white in a larger size will really make a statement I think!! (I only wish I had more wall space at the studio!)

Posted in Families

by Crystal

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Loree Talley - I love them. Such a beautiful family

Lisa - I absolutely love the pic of the mommy with her little guy. Perfect!!!

Carla Busk - Stunning and totally agree, the one with mum and the little boy is so special.

Crystal - Thanks ladies! I love that one too ... its my favorite :)

Free session anyone??

Monday, December 28, 2009

So, by now you have heard about the 2010 the World Should Know Calendar and read my shameless promotion to sell 2010 Calendars … after all, Love WINS in 2010!!!

Well, I’ve decided to up the ante … BIGTIME and I am so stinking excited to do it because after all, Giving is Awesome! Last year I participated in the Giving is Awesome campaign founded and carried through by my lovely friend Kristen Kalp. All of you nominated families that were deserving of a complimentary photo session and I had the pleasure of meeting the Jones Family last year during our shoot in January.

Well, this year, instead of having a nomination contest, we wanted to give you the opportunity to spread your love. We are offering …

A Complimentary Photo Shoot AND the High Resolution Files with a Print Release from your session to ONE person who has purchased a 2010 The World Should Know Calendar!

Total Giveaway is worth $2250!!!!

The fine Print

1. The shoot must take place in the Dallas/ Fort Worth Texas area before July 2010.
*If you live out of state and want to make a trip to Texas, you can win!

2. The session is for one immediate family or siblings, a couple, or individual (no events or large groups)

3. Proof of your donation to Revive Africa by purchase of at least one 2010 The World Should Know Calendar

5. You can enter more than once by purchasing more calendars. Each calendar equals one chance! OR spread the word via facebook, twitter or your own blog. Each link where you did so equals another chance!

6. You can enter for other people too

To enter:

1. Make sure you can be in DFW by July 2010 for the shoot OR know the person you are entering for wants a shoot with us

2. Purchase at least ONE calendar (make sure to use drop down menu if you want it shipped or want multiple calendars)

***EXTENDED*** Winner will be drawn the on Valentines Day (February 14th)! THERE IS STILL TIME!

If you win, we’ll contact you via email and announce your name on the blog Now, go spread your love and encourage others to do the same!!!

XOXOXOXOXO Love, Me

Posted in AFRICA, News

by Crystal

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Mickie Jobe - Hi, Crystal! I purchased a calendar and posted the link to Facebook before there was a contest, and my friend Jessica Jernigan bought a calendar after reading my Facebook post. Here is the link, hope it works! http://www.facebook.com/mickie.jobe?v=feed&story_fbid=186639208691&ref=mf So I get two chances and Jessica gets one, right? Great idea! Mickie

Mickie Jobe - Maybe this time the link will work? Mickie Jobe

Crystal - Great Mickie! I hope you win :) Thanks for spreading the LOVE and for your awesome support of Rachel and I and the orphans in Africa!!

Mickie Jobe - Thanks Crystal, I hope I win too, although you would love photographing Jessica and her adorable miniature chihuahua, Chewy. Jessica and I have matching chihuahuas!!! haha! You and Rachel are doing a fantastic job, keep up the good work!

Kathy Earhart - Thanks Crystal, I can't wait to see the calendar! I'm so excited, I'm sure it's awesome! Sorry I didn't make it by to pick it up, I guess just mail it out, b/c I probably won't be back that way for awhile. Thanks, Kathy

Darla Dickey - Crystal, so excited to see your calendar! Theo works with many African clients seeking political asylum. I can't wait to give him some of these for his office!

Darla Dickey - Is there an easy way to buy more than 2 at a time? If so, please email me!

Jenny - Crystal! This is so very exciting!! I cannot wait to display the calendar in my classroom! I am so proud of you and will get the biggest kick out of telling my students the stories you shared with me about these children. : )

Darla Dickey - I ordered my 10 today! Thanks, Darla

gayla - Hi Crystal- Darla told me about the drawing...just ordered a few calendars! Thanks Gayla

Lisa - Hey Crystal- You already know how much I love the calendars:) but let me say again how absolutely gorgeous the kids are and how beautifully you've captured their souls. I'll also tell you again - you've been given an amazing gift! I so appreciate that you use your gift to bring God glory and to bless these precious ones. May you be blessed for your many acts of love and kindness toward the "least of these" whom we are called to serve. When I give away a calendar, I'm always excited to tell friends and family about Revive Africa and about your awesome talent! Looking fwd to the next one:)

Angela Miller - Hi Crystal, I had a friend who did pictures with you this summer and periodically look back at your site. I love your work and think the calendars are great! I ordered mine just today...I know it's last minute, but hopefully I didn't miss the drawing. :)

spread YOUR love.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Many of you have followed Love, Me’s journey to Africa and back. If you missed it from the beginning on this year you can go back and read about it starting HERE. Not only did you follow, but many of you lifted us up in prayer and gave what you could (we received donations from $5 to $1000 an raised over 3K in just a few short weeks). Now its time for us to have the immense pleasure of sharing with you only a small part of what was made possible because of YOU. This project has truly been a labor of love. I’ve hidden many of the photographs I took while I was there away, storing them up like treasures waiting to be unveiled (and there are still many more that we hope will make it into a book eventually).

The Calendar was created as a way to spread our LOVE and to give you the opportunity to do the same. We wanted to give back to charities we believe in, the ones that we feel spread HIS love in real, tangible ways.
There was no doubt in our minds what we thought the world should know in 2010, thus our choice for this year’s calendar was an easy one. Because Love, Me traveled with Revive Africa to Sierra Leone this past March, we were able to experience first hand the desperate needs of 94 beautiful orphans in the tiny village of Wellington. Hopefully the images of these children and the insights drawn from numerous first hand experiences, beautifully written by Paul Shabay, co-founder of Revive Africa, along with his brother Chris, will give you what YOU need to know in 2010.
Whether it’s the realization that the starving children you see on TV are, in fact, real little souls with hopes and dreams not unlike our own, the confirmation that you really can make a difference in their lives simply by purchasing this calendar, or most importantly, the illumination that their is a God who is with us in this battle against poverty, hopelessness, and death and He is ever so present and alive in the spirits of these remarkable children. Just look into their eyes and listen … because He has something incredibly powerful and personal to say to You. Thank you for showing your love, and thus, spreading His.

Here’s what others are saying about the 2010 The World Should Know Calendar after they purchased! (note: neither of these woman have traveled to Sierra Leone or have ever met these children in person)

“Beautiful! Amazing! I finally had a chance to sit down at my desk and really look at the calendar. One of my favorite things are childrens’ fingers and toes (so cute!) – the back cover brought me to tears! Can’t exactly tell you why, it just hit a nerve!”

“I love the calendar! The photos are just beautiful…awesome! And I love the words, the quotes and the personal touches. [details about each child she connected with through the calendar and what the words said about them, let's just say she had several favorites] … I could go on and on. They are all just lovely~ very powerful photographs. Thank you so much for putting your heart into your work on behalf of the least of these. God is moving in the hearts of many and truly blessing these children through you, your gifts, your obedience, and your servant’s heart…”

LOVE WINS IN 2010! Help us reach our goal of selling 2010 Calendars! Because all printing costs were taken care of by our generous sponsors, every single penny you give toward the calendar will go directly to the orphans. We have potential to raise a MINIMUM of 25K if all calendars are sold!!! That equals REAL change folks.

So, buy a calendar or two, give some away as gifts, forward to your friends and family, and/or offer to help us sell a few. Feel free to pay via paypal below if you are long distance or contact us via email at info@lovemephotography.com for local pickup at our new studio in old town Roanoke!!

Thanks for spreading YOUR love this holiday season Blessings!

Now, here is a sneak peek at the full calendar.

Posted in AFRICA, News

by Crystal

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Monica - I am so proud of you and how you captured the bright spirits of each of these children. You have such a generous heart that reaches across the world. We are abroad at the moment, but I would be honored to purchase such meaningful work. God bless.

Crystal - Thank you Monica for your amazing words! They are always so uplifting! Enjoy your time over seas. Merry Christmas!

L.Thomas mother - Thank you for making a difference in this world where there is so much pain and suffering.

busy busy. [decatur senior photographer]

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Oh my goodness. I don’t even know where to start with blogging again! I have SO SO much to share with everyone and I know there are still people out there impatiently patiently waiting on me. (I’ve gotten all those emails!) 2009 has been a remarkable year for Love, Me Photography and I feel very blessed. Blogging has taken a serious backseat to editing and processing orders in time for the holidays. Tomorrow is my birthday and Friday my baby girl turns 3! I can’t believe it! I’ve promised myself some much needed time off and one special little girl lots of mommy time coming up. I’m hoping during the next few weeks to be able to share all the families I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and working with this fall. It’s been a whirlwind for sure.

A note to clients: All orders have been processed and are at the studio ready for pickup, so watch your inboxes! I will be here from 9-2 on Thursday for anyone that wants to drop by and pick up their orders. If that time doesn’t work for you, please just email me and we will work out a better time. Also, if you have tried to call me in the last few days (possibly week) my phone has decided to stop ringing all together. It’s crazy timing to be having phone problems, but the funny thing is that for months I have been waiting for my birthday to get an iphone! My contract is up as of yesterday, which means I can officially switch over to AT&T and enter the world of greatness

A note to photographers: I’ve received several emails with questions about all sorts of fun stuff lately! I don’t want anyone to think I wont respond, I literally just don’t have time to reply to each individual email at this moment, but I hope to get to that very soon! I also am going to start blogging some photographers FAQ for everyone to read and hopefully answer many of same questions in one spot. So, thanks for being a fan (its so humbling) and thanks for feeling comfortable enough to reach out to me. It truly means a lot and I hope to give back what I can! Thanks for your patience.

OK, now for the fun part. I had the honor of photographing Sutton a while back for her senior year! I just love seniors in general, but Sutton was especially fun to photograph. She is obviously gorgeous, but she also was so sweet and relaxed! We had such a great time dodging traffic and driving all around one of my favorite places on the planet to shoot … good ‘ol Decatur, Texas Because Sutton doesn’t necessarily need her senior pictures before Christmas, her ordering session has been pushed back week after week, so that is why she is the first for me to share after my blogging hiatus! I promise to share a little peak of each family from the fall eventually!

I had such a hard time narrowing down which images to share. I just loved them all! Hope you enjoy.

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