Love, Me Blog

Yesterday was Mia Grace and my first day back from our week long trip “home”.   We sure missed daddy, so he took the day off to be with his girls.  We bought Mia Grace her very first scooter, ate a yummy lunch and went to the bookstore where I sat in the floor and read this book to her for the first time.  I remember reading it as a child!

This morning, during my daily scan through my favorite blogs, I read this post on my good friend, Jamie’s, personal/ family blog.  Of course I instantly thought of this book as well as some really cute family photos I recently took of her adorable family.  I figured since I can’t be in Houston to give her a hug, I’d at least post a couple of them for her to see    As photographers, and Jamie is a VERY talented one, nothing makes us happier than images of our own family!

Thanks, Jamie, for being such an amazing friend! I love that we can call each other and talk ninety miles and hour and then say, “Hey, gotta go, call you later” and basically hang up on one another. That’s one of my favorite things about our friendship! Love you friend and I hope your day gets better

Words can’t express how much I adore this family. I had the amazing opportunity of meeting them last year when little Isabella was a  newborn, and had been counting down the days until I had the privilege to photograph her again! Can you see why?  Isn’t she just the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen? Along with getting some great images to document her first birthday, I also got to capture their love for each other in some family images. These are my very favorite family sessions … when mom and dad are so insanely in love with their little one they will make all sorts of crazy faces just to make her smile! I really just feel like I got to document what is already there, this beautiful connection they all share.  I loved every moment.  Jayme, Grant and little Isabella … thank you for making my job look so incredibly easy!

Here are a ridiculous amount of favorites to share. I simply could not choose!

First up, “studio” images, Love, Me style.

Next, off to play outside (Isabella’s favorite!) with mom and dad! (and she ALWAYS has her little tongue out. So cute.)

A favorite

and another fav fav

the light here was so gorgeous and I just love the dreamy feel to these next images …

I’m really not sure it gets much cuter than this.

A little patty cake and drool to end our session together.

I miss you guys already!  I have loved loved documenting these important milestones and will be counting the days until I can get my hands on her precious little face again!!

To express what is in my heart right now in a blog post seems completely impossible.

I am overwhelmed with sadness for a grieving family who so graciously invited me in to photograph one of the most intimate and precious moments of their entire lives.  You may remember Cynthia and Mike from an engagement shoot we did last year. How fitting that the title of my blog post months ago for their session was simply, love.  Here we are again, with love, yet this time its not so light and fluffy … its heavy and gut wrenching and bittersweet, but it is still simply … love.

With an unexpected turn of events, their scheduled May wedding was abrubtly moved to last week so the beautiful mother of the bride could see her youngest daughter get married. It was my first wedding, but in a venue I’ve become familiar with over the past year as I’ve documented the miracle of birth in several hospitals in the area. I left the hospital last week heartbroken but thankful and hopeful for a miracle, not unlike the ones I get to witness in the other wings of the same hospitals.

And now, a busy week behind me that was filled with a miraculous birth that I’ll share later, the uncertainty of what the future holds for my family, and the celebration of my little brother’s engagement, what took place on the oncology floor at Harris Methodist Hospital last week took on a whole new meaning for me, but more importantly, for Cindy Death’s grieving family.

I took some time today to read through what people were posting on Cynthia’s facebook page about her mother and I was once again overwhelmed, this time, with deep admiration and love for a woman who has obviously left an everlasting impression on the hearts of many, including mine, who I met for the first time 7 days ago.

My prayer is that when you watch this video, you too are overwhelmed with love and that you allow these lyrics to sink deep into your heart, where He lives, that mysterious guy we call love.  (Make sure your speakers are on)

Oh love, Oh the many colors that you’re made of … You heal … You bleed

You’re the simple truth and you’re the biggest mystery

Oh love

Deep as the life from Gods own breath
And it’s even after death
Gone like the sunset

You can break a heart in pieces and put it back together again

You can break down sweet forgiveness; You’re the one that never ends

Oh Love

Death Family,

Thank you from ever fiber of my being for so graciously inviting me into your world.  I truly feel privileged to have spent just a few moments with you all, and especially, Cindy. It’s something I hold as sacred and I will carry with me forever.  Bless you all.  She truly is a remarkable woman and has surely claimed her reward at the city gate!

Ever since I shot this session I’ve been losing sleep over whether or not this baby is loved at all by her parents, especially her daddy …

haha.  I don’t usually like sarcasm too much, but seriously, is there anything cuter than a little girl with her daddy??  I think not!

You may remember Miss CJ “Campbell Jane” from a while back when it was her and her mommy’s turn in front of the camera.  I know you remember … everybody always brings up the baby in “yellow”!

I couldn’t resist just shooting CJ with her daddy with her beautiful Momma right there (in town from the great state of Colorado no less) so we grabbed a few family pics as well.

This next one made momma cry … and me too So much meaning to this next one for this special little girl.  What a blessing to grow up in a home with two parents who prayed and prayed and prayed for you, who love you more than anything, AND love each other.

Love you guys!

Oh, and some of you may notice that blue … well, this was my first shoot AT the studio.  Fun, huh?  I love having a great little spot right out the door!

You also might recognize that cute cute dress Miss CJ is wearing, and the answer is YES, it too is a COURTNEYCOURTNEY original. Her momma has lots of style and is a HUGE CC fan!  IF you are too and have been having trouble getting your hands on one (they sell in less than 60 seconds these days) stay tuned for a super fun little surprise I’m going to unveil in the next few days.  It involves lots of CC originals AND money for some pretty specials orphans I know over in Africa!  I can’t think of a better win win!

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

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.

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

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!)

… are my favorite clients

Love this family and LOVE these sweet girls. Thanks for another wonderful session Miss Emma and Miss Ava!

*sneak peeks are small right now because I am working to get everyone’s entire galleries completed. blogging is getting put on the back burner just while we make the transition to the studio.*

I’ve decided that I am the “everywhere in Texas” family photographer.  It’s true!  I often get asked where I’m located, essentially for potential clients to determine how far they will have to drive to get to me. The truth is, and all my past clients can attest, that I really will drive just about anywhere. I really love that if I had to determine one city, town, etc. where the majority of my clients come from, I, in all honesty, could not choose one particular place.  If you would have asked me at the beginning of 2009, maybe I could have said Argyle, but since then, I have really become the “everywhere in Texas” photographer.  Just this year, I’ve had families from Argyle, Westlake, Southlake, Keller, Hurst, Bedford, Colleyville, Flower Mound, Bartonville, Decatur, Krum, Aubrey, Denton, Burleson, Fort Worth, Dallas, Grapevine, Coppell, Rockwall, North Richland Hills, Frisco, Justin, Hickory Creek, McKinney, and Haslet. Whew.  Notice that Roanoke or Trophy Club weren’t mentioned The irony of it all is that I live in Roanoke (2 minutes from Trophy Club). This is where I grew up and its now where I live with my family and where our new studio is located.  My whole life I’ve heard from people how far away Roanoke is and how its out in the middle of nowhere.  I’ve always tried to explain to people that its really the most conveniently located place in the DFW metroplex as its smack dab in the middle of “EVERYWHERE”.  It’s just this tiny town that no one had ever heard of until recently.  I think the Jonas brothers move to Westlake, which shares our zip code, put us on the map!

So, the point of it all is that I can get to South Fort Worth, North Denton, and East Dallas in all of about 35 minutes!  All of the other little towns scattered in the middle are all 10-20 minutes away. So, if you have let our address keep you from calling, pick up the phone!  I also always get asked about my locations. The truth is that I am blessed by awesome clients that live in great places “everywhere” which means that I dont have to photograph at the same spots over and over.

A perfect example is this fun family! They live in Aubrey, which is a good ways north of Denton. I just drove out before our early morning session and found these great places to shoot. While I really try to plan parts of a session, like help you with clothing choices, etc. I really never stress about location and I like to leave this part a little spontaneous.  Not planning where I will shoot allows me creative freedom once I arrive which is good for you

I’m so thankful to these little one’s grandma, whom happens to be one of my biggest fans!  Deberah found me via facebook and has been leaving me sweet comments for at least a year now.  I know she has been DYING to see some images, so I’m so sorry to keep you waiting!!  I LOVED this family shoot. I know mom and dad left wondering if I got anything … they always do. Multiple kiddos under 5 is always a challenge, but if you come into it ready to just play and love on your kids, you will end up with emotive images that reflect your relationships like these.  Here are some favorites.

I couldn’t love these next two anymore. The first is an unlikely choice, but I love how honest it is.  Big brother not too interested and little sister off and running. She found her legs could take her places and hasn’t stopped moving since!! This is how most of the session went with her.

The second I super love as well.  Being an oldest child I appreciate these types of images that truly tell a story. First of all, could Callie’s crazy hair and big grin be any cuter?  But, what I love most is little Carson in the back trying to keep up and hold it together while little sis steals the show for a while. Something about his face that says “what about me?”  I totally relate little man!

I worked to get it, but from the little time I spent with Carson, I think mom and dad will say this is “him”.  I love his expression.

The one that should be on the wall (in my opinion of course )

Do I really need to say anything about this sweet sweet baby?

AND the ones that make my heart leap and the reason I am a photographer.  (side note : I really work to think not only about the shots that mom and dad want now, but also the ones that the kiddos will want when they are older. That is how I view what I do … not something temporary to throw in a 5×7 frame for a year. I really view these captures as artwork that will end up as family heirlooms. So often the second and third and fourth children end up NOT having images of themselves with their parents, without big brothers and sisters in the mix.  I think its important to document these individual and highly unique relationships we have with all of our children and I know Miss Callie will appreciate these one day )

as will Mr. Carson.

Jason and Carrie, what a wonderful session we had … you both were perfect models of how parents should be during a shoot! It’s so obvious how much you both love your kids and each other.  Thank you so much and I sure hope you enjoy your sneak peek …