Thursday, May 28, 2009

katie & co.

Meet Jessie. A four (almost five, thank you very much) year old who loves the camera as much as it loves her. I first photographed Jessie last fall, when I took Family Pics for a local preschool. Needless to say, I fell in love. With her curls. Her eyes. Her smile. All of it. This past spring Jessie was one of my prize models when I took spring and graduation pics for that same school. Yesterday Miss Jessie came out to see me for some 5 year portraits/dance costume shots; oh my heavens, you should see her tap dance! She brought along her Mommy and Granny (who was in from Washington, on the Tour de Grandchildren tour; you should see Cousin Mia. Equally charming!). Jessie is 4, going on 14. She just gets it. If I ask her to smile softly, she does it. If I tell her to look a certain way, she does it. And she's even come up with her own pose. I'll call it Cute & Coy. I asked her where she learned it, and she said, "I just thought it up myself." A very bright girl who will start kindergarten in the fall. And, lucky for me, she'll still be attending the same school where I met her, so my camera doesn't have to go into withdrawl just yet. Thanks, Katie, for coming out to see me! Enjoy your sneak (and your little Shirley Temple!).

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

heather & co.

Hattie. The name alone made me weak in the knees. And then she arrived on Sunday for her newborn session, with her huge blue eyes and flaming red hair, and I was a goner. At 7 weeks, Miss Hattie can carry on a conversation with her beyond doting parents (and I'm not kidding), will flash you a killer smile if you play your cards right, sleeps 7 to 8 hours every night, and is just pure perfection with her creamy white skin and delicious little rolls. Any photographer will tell you that this is a very hard age to photograph, simply because the babies know they prefer eating to sleeping, and they know exactly how to achieve the former. Well, Hattie may be the exception to the rule. After a brief feeding, she decided sleeping was preferred and drited off into the sweetest little slumber. And slept, well . . . like a baby. Heather and Matt, she's an angel. Beyond beautiful. And sweeter than her name. Thank you so much for allowing me to capture this magnificent moment in your lives. I'm just gonna come clean now: I'm a Hattie Addict, and I'm gonna need another fix of your redhead. Soon. Congrats, and enjoy your sneak!


Monday, May 25, 2009

jessica & co.

Yesterday, Jessica and Matt brought over their adorable 19 month old, Kyle. Matt and Kristy are siblings, so it was really neat to work with a past client's extended family. And I definitely saw similarities between the cousins! Those gorgeous eyes for one thing. We had originally planned our session for another location, but the threat of rain drowned those plans. So the trio came out to see me, which worked out great. We were able to go out back and take some outdoor shots (and Kyle was a huge fan of the "ice"/creek), and then we were able to go inside for some adorable indoor shots. Kyle, ever the boy, was so very busy. And I must give him credit; even though he can't "talk", he got my sense of humor. And to be perfectly honest, not many adults do. Needless to say, he won me over with that huge smile and little laugh. Such a sweet family, and Matt and Jessica were so patient as I took my time getting to know Mr. Man. Thanks, guys, for being so flexible about the weather drama, and thanks for coming out to see me! It was so much fun . . . looking forward to a Cousins Session soon! Enjoy your sneak!

brooke & co.

I think I've mentioned it before, and forgive me, dear reader, for bringing it up again: but I'm a bit of a weeper while behind the lens. Usually with newborns and seniors. This morning, as I wrapped up my session with Brooke and proud mama Rhonda, I got a little weepy. And as Brooke changed into her final outfit for her Senior portrait session, Rhonda and I talked about the past year these lovely ladies have endured . . . and then I couldn't hide the tears. Such strong, incredibly beautiful women, and it was such an honor documenting this important milestone in Brooke's life. She'll be attending Vanderbilt in the fall, and leaving an empty nest behind. Rhonda has assured me that her other son, who lives in the metroplex, will be visiting frequently, so I'm not too worried about her. And I have nothing but high hopes for Brookey (and not everyone gets to call her that, mind you). Beautiful, intelligent, talented. I see nothing but success in her future . . . and a somewhat heartbroken mama who surely sees the same thing. Congratulations, Brooke. I had so much fun with you yesterday. Rhonda, thank you so much for contacting me, and let's get a family portrait session planned asap! Enjoy your sneaky, ladies!

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

naoko & co.

At the beginning of this school year, my son came home talking about a boy in his class. The boy's name was Kai, and my son told me that he ate sushi for lunch. Every day. He also said Kai was very funny, as well as very nice. Throughout the year, our dinner conversations were peppered every now and then with stories about Kai. And I'll admit, I was intrigued: a pre-k'er who loved sushi? I finally had the chance to meet Mr. Kai last month, when I took the spring/graduation pictures at my son's school. And he was everything my son said he was: funny, nice and so very sweet! His mama was so happy with the picture I took of her son, she contacted me to take pictures of her entire family. So this past Sunday evening I finally got to meet the rest of Kai's family: daddy Kurt, mama Naoko, sister Mika, and baby brother Koji. And like him, they were so very nice, so very funny and so much fun! Kai and Mika were so sweet with each other, and Kai was truly the loving big brother with baby Koji; he wanted to hold his baby brother in all the pictures! Hams really don't begin to describe these siblings (look at the priceless, spontaneous expressions they're vogue-ing in the last pic), and proud really does not begin to describe their parents. Naoko, thank you so much for scheduling this session. Your babies are beautiful and such sweeties! Oh, and for clarification, Kai ate origni for lunch every day (handmade by mama), not sushi. Have a wonderful trip (they leave for Japan next week!), and enjoy your sneak peek!

brooke & co.

I have a few clients whom I refer to (lovingly, mind you) as My Planners. They book their sessions 3 to 6 months out. They contact me a few weeks before the session, just to go over details. And then they follow up the day before. You know who you are. And you know I love it; it makes my job so much easier! Brooke is one of those clients. And then some. Like she did at our last session, she brought along a few adorable outfits, hats and bows that she had lovingly (and painstakingly) made for Madelynn. She also brought along both of Maddie's grandparents, as well as the baby's great-grandmother. 4 generations. So this was a special session, indeed. That was supposed to happen on Saturday; but even the greatest plans can be washed away when the weather calls for rain. Luckily, we were able to make up the session the next day! Brooke and Kheang are such a wonderfully sweet couple; this was my FOURTH time to work with them, and it just gets better each time. Their parents (and Great Grandma Kheng) could not have been any nicer, and it's pretty clear who is the apple of all those eyes! At 6 months, Miss M can sit up by herself (for a few seconds), loves her shaky toys and still has the sweetest smiles. Fighting horrible allergies did not stop her from posing and smiling and enjoying being the center of 7 (8 including yours truly) adults' attention. This really was such a special session, and it was such an honor to work with each and everyone of them! By the way, folks, Kheang's parents (Tom and Sue) own a custom frame shop, Century Art Inc. For those of you needing beautiful frames to house any pictures you may have recently had taken of your family, you might consider visiting them. Brooke, thanks (yet again) for orchestrating such a wildly successful session! It is always so great seeing you guys. Enjoy your sneak, and I'll see you in the fall . . . yes, at the end of this session, Brooke was already planning our next one, six months out!

tracey & co.

This past Sunday I met Tracey and Lamar at the Arboretum. They brought along Nana and Jim, as well as the guest of honor, Mr. Nolan. Nolan recently turned one, and this was my third time to work with the little cherub. He's walking now, can say "yeah" with great enthusiasm, still loves to shake it to his favorite song, is as cute as ever and probably one of the best dressed kids around; seriously, I wish I had 1/2 of Tracey's style sense. Nana was such a great help when it came time to make the birthday boy smile, and Jim did a great job holding reflectors (I don't think they knew I'd put them to work so early in the morning!). The neatest thing about this session: I found out that the next time I'll work with this family is for Tracey's maternity session! This lovely family is expecting another Littlest Little (which, technically, makes Nolan the Biggest Littlest Little) in the fall, and I simply can't wait to get my lens in front of him/her! Congrats, guys, and thanks for another great session. Enjoy your sneak!

Saturday, May 16, 2009

heather & co.

When Heather contacted me about newborn pictures a few months ago, I told her it was best to schedule them within the baby's first two weeks of life. Anything past that, I explained, and Jr. is not as cooperative in posing (as all he wants to do, understandably, is snuggle with mama and eat). I found out later that this recommendation stressed the new mama out! But she booked within the magic window, and yesterday at 12 o'clock she and Nathan arrived with Baby Pierce (on his two week birthday, no less). And they left at 5 after one. I usually plan for newborn shoots to take two hours, as we must allow for a feeding (or two) and a diaper change (or two), but Pierce was all business and required nothing more than a soft blanket on which to lay his lovely little head. We managed to finish the entire session in less than an hour. Absolutley astounding. Never you mind that he was as adorable as they come, and Heather and Nathan were so relaxed for first-time parents. Such a sweet little family of three, and it was so much fun working with them during this very special time. They shared with me that Nathan had actually painted some vintage cars on canvas for the nursery, and my mind is already envisioning a 6 month session in the nursery! Congratulations on the sweetest little arrival, guys, and thanks for bringing him out to see me. Enjoy your sneak!

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

sunday & co.

My youngest sister, Trish, has always been one of my biggest cheerleaders in life, especially with this whole photography thing. But the one thing she gives me so much grief about is my blog writing. She thinks the words I type on the screen are just a bit much. Marintated in jam, dipped in sugar, rolled in honey, sprinkled with cinnamon and powder sugar and then deepfried in a gooey concoction of sweet, sweet, sweetness that (and I'm quoting her here), "gives me cavities." So I have half-a mind to end here. But, alas, I can not. Let me clarify: the reason my entries may seem a bit over the top is because I aboslutely love what I do. And the 45-60 minutes I get to spend with a family, in an effort to preserve moments that will last forever, mean so much to me. As did last night. Trish and Kelly have been married five years this June. Which puts them at a very young age for being newlyweds. And while they have weathered a few bumps along the way, I'm very proud of the little path they've paved for themselves. And their greatest accomplishment, ever, has to be raising my amazing nephew, Kelton. A few months shy of 4, he is the epitome of snips, snails and puppy dog tails. In other words, all boy. Yet there is the sweetest, softest little side to him that, when you catch it, absolutely melts your heart (as when he and his mama were giving eskimo kissies to each other in the field of flowers). Kelton absolutely loved posing for me and Missy (my other beautiful sis whom you have previoulsy met in these posts), and as the thunder slowly rolled in over the dusty plains of West Texas, Kelton kept saying, "Guys, is the rain here? It the rain here? It's comin'. I can hear it!" My sisters and I had scouted out locations for this shoot the day prior, and Trish found this amazing field of wild flowers. Bluebonnets be damned! They provided the perfect backdrop for this gorgeous family. One thing I'll say about my youngest sister: you know that phrase, "When she walks in, she lights up a room." This pretty much sums up Trish. And even on your worst of worst days, she'll somehow get you to smile (and probably even laugh). But lest I get too sugary, she can be a bit of a diva. And Kellbell knows how to bring her back down to the real world in an instant. Thanks for lugging all the props, Kellbell (and for being such a wonderful daddy to my little Kelton!). I had so much fun working with Trish and her boys. She brought along a wardrobe change, some great ideas, a few props and her megawatt smile . . . which all made for a very special session. T, enjoy your sneaky to the peeky! Now go brush your teeth.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

happy birthday, haute shot . . .

Happy birthday to us.
Happy birthday to us.
Happy birthday dear, Haute Shot (and all of her wonderful clients!).
Happy birthday to us!
It's hard to believe that one year ago I was afraid this whole photograhpy thing would be over before it began. Little did I know that I would meet some of the friendliest, loveliest and wonderful folks in the metroplex. Because of each and every one of you, I have been booked solid for a full year. A whole year! And I have yet to even advertise my services. Each and every one of you are amazing. And I have had so much fun working with you and your families. Time after time. Smile after smile. It has been beyond my wildest dreams. Thank you for the incredible honor of allowing me to capture your special moments, and thank you for being a part of mine.
I will be attending a week long photography conference, starting this afternoon. I am looking forward to learning new and exciting things to come back and share with all of you! I will have limited access to email and phone; if you are wanting to schedule something with Haute Shot Photography, please note that May is officially booked, and there are a few spots left in June. It's probably best to send me an email, and I will follow up with you at night.
And again, thank you. You have made this last year one of my greatest. Ever.
Now close your eyes and make a wish (and save the frosting for me!).

Saturday, May 2, 2009

jennifer & co.

Meet Carter. He'll be two weeks on Monday, which makes him my youngest client to date. Such a handsome little boy! He and his parents came to see me this afternoon . . . after we had to reschedule our session two previous times this week! It was well worth the wait. Carter was such a little trooper during our naked newborn shots. And once we swaddled him up and Mama shhhh'd in his ear, he drifted off to La La land and . And slept like a baby. Mommy is a teacher, and Daddy is a football coach. And somewhere in Carter's future is the color burnt orange, Beevo and the phrase "hook 'em horns!" Jennifer and Ryan, thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of this special time in your lives! Carter is absolutely beautiful, and you guys were so much fun! Hope you enjoyed your date night, and I hope you enjoy your sneaky!


kelly & co.

Madeline. At three: insists on wearing ballet shoes. With everything. Is the only one in her family with blonde hair. Eats oatmeal for breakfast. And applesauce at snacktime. Is obsessed with all things Ballet. Celebrated two birthdays (one with Disney on Ice, the other with Nana and Papa) for her third. Loves her doll, Molly. Refers to herself as Gorgeous. Has the most adorable little freckle above her mouth. And is a mini Drew Barrymore (circa ET). Oh, and she's So. Much. Fun. And extremely efficient. In less than an hour, we went through 3 wardrobe changes, 2 settings and so many smiles. I know I say this all the time, but oh my heavens, do I have the sweetest, smartest little clients! Whatever I asked her to do, Madeline did. Even down to holding her hands in her lap, still as a statue. Mama Kelly, who is expecting a son in September, was so sweet. And she sat back and just let me and the divine Miss M play, and laugh, and pose and smile. Such a beautiful, spirited, adorable little girl, and I am so beyond excited to meet baby brother this fall. Kelly, thank you for bringing your little ballerina out to see me. She earned that blue lollipop, and enjoy your sneak!