Defining your STYLE...

For as along as I've been studying photography I have always heard:  "Define your style".  When I was younger that was harder to do.  Not that I didn't know what my style was, I was afraid what people might think about it, or worse not get it.  I was reminded of that recently from a comment made on facebook.  Innocent comment, but it reminded me that everyone isn't going to like my "style".  And you know what? so what.  My favorite quote (excluding the bible) is, "If someone doesn't like you - it's none of your business". 
That put's it into perspective.  I think that is a good quote to live by, at least express your style by!

I'm often asked how I set me camera for some of my "style".  I love photos that look like they were taken with a film camera.  I know there are ways to do that in photoshop, but I'll share with you how I do it. (not a student of photoshop).  The easiest way is to show you by giving you the settings for each image.

This first two were shot at F 3.5, ISO 250, SS 1/160. 

Mom and Dad trying to get Buster (labradoodle) into position.

Boy and his dog...LOVE LOVE LOVE this image!

Shot at F3.5, ISO 100, SS 1/160. 

Happy Tuesday!

The Night Before Christmas

When I envisioned the set for Christmas cards this year I thought about families wearing their pj's.  As if it wasn't hard enough to get all the kids's ready at one time, in the same outfit, I was hoping that some Mom out there would be successful in getting her hubby into pj's too.  Well it happened!  Yvette you so rock! This shoot was so much fun, and the 2yr old hung in there like a champ.  (of course a fresh pack of smarties candies usually helps!)   Here are a few sneak peeks!

This was so cute!  They had just kissed under the mistletoe.  The kiddo's were totally grossed out.  Parents 1, Kids 0.



Merry Christmas ya'll!

"Bonnie & Clyde" What a FUN Day!

When Phyllis asked me to take her and Dick's picture my heart literally leaped.  I have always admired her.  She's one of those women who doesn't talk about what she would like to do with her life.  She does it.  The Balcones Women's Association has held numerous fund raisers for Scholarship's for Westwood Seniors.  Phyllis is the woman in charge of "Market Days", their largest fundraiser.  These women aren't looking to raise hundred's of dollars - they are after the thousand's.  Last year they gave $17,500 in scholarship money!  That's what I call doing it!

"Bonnie & Clyde" was the perfect theme for Phyllis and Dick.  She was gorgeous and he was handsome.  What a lovely couple - inside and out.  Here are a few sneak peeks!

I think this image is one of my best!

Can't decide if I like it better in black and white punch!

They are both huggers. 

Here I am in action, of course on my ladder.  My friend Art took this picture.  He's the cool chap that let me borrow his beautiful 1928 Ford Model A.   The next picture is the one I captured.

CRAZY about this image.  Doesn't he look dashing? Cary Grant kinda dashing? I Think SO!























If you see him at Balcones Country Club he might give you an autograph!

"The Night Before...Christmas" Limited Edition

Most of my sets begin as just an idea.   But just like designing for any room in your house there is going to be a focal point.  One item that you build the room or "scene" around.   The excitement of Christmas for me isn't the actual morning.  It's the night before.  The excitement, the anticipation, the sweet family time.  So excited to see the joy in someone's face that you have shopped for.

This year's Christmas card set is just that - "The Night Before Christmas".   The settling in, the smell of baked goods mixed with cinnamon candles.  It's the hot cocoa for the kids and a pretty champagne cocktail for the adults. (ok eggnog for some, just not me).  It's reading the bestest nightime story.  It's snuggling in an old iron bed. 

I'm still working on the linen's, and will post the design drawings in a few days, but I found the bed!
So GLAD I found it.  Isn't it perfect?

I found this jewel at one of my new favorite shops in Gonzales:  Discovery Architectural Antiques, 409 St. Francis St, Gonzales, Texas.  You can check them out line at: http://www.discoverys.com/
Sweet!  I CAN'T WAIT!!

Westwood Senior Shoot - Elizabeth

When I first met Elizabeth I thought she was real quite.  I still thought she was quite the second and third time I saw her.   The fourth time?  She started talking.  Maybe it's because I'm the adult in the room.  (WHEN did that happen?).  She's not that quite, just shy.  One of those people who listens and thinks more than talk.  I wish I was more like her!   Certainly in the legs department!

2011 SENIOR Buddy Book Special - Saturday, September 18th!

Diamond's Girl's Best Friend...+Mink Coats

The Limited Edition Diamond's are a Girl's Best Friend - was so much fun!  I also did Breakfast at Tiffany's on the day - totally a girl day.  Here are some of the sneak peeks!

I couldn't decide if I like this better in color or Black & White Punch!

She was such a cutie, as Audrey - OR Marilyn!

If Diamond's are a girl's best friend - MINK came a close second this day!

One of my daugher's bestest friend's!

Today was all about glamour, LOVED IT!

The next shoot is scheduled for Saturday September 18, go to the http://www.keepthepicture.com/ to schedule your session!

Diamond's are a Girl's Best Friend!

The Breakfast at Tiffany's has been extremely popular, thank you so much to those who have participated!  A friend of mine recently asked me though when was I going to do something for blondes?  That gave me the idea of Diamond's are a Girl's Best Friend.
I finished the set this afternoon.  Here are a few peeks!

Here are the gloves and diamond cuff's...

And a close-up of the cuff's!

There has to be sparkle!!

And lot's of Diamond's!

I LOVE the background.  A warm chocolate with silver sparkle threaded throughout.

I can't wait until tomorrow!!! This and Breakfast at Tiffany's!  Don't know if I can stand the excitement!

Birthday Parties? - Tea Parties are the Best

When a dear friend was planning her 6 year old daughter's birthday party it was hard to not get as excited as she was.  She had been planning this tea party for months!  She had picked out the chairs, where she wanted the chandelier - you name it.  Then life happens.  It had to be postponed due to a family illness, then it was too stinkin' hot in Texas.  August in Texas?  I mean REALLY! 

The day finally arrived and it was still a tea party, it wasn't outside, but it was still fabulous!  The details were exquisite!

Aren't the decorations lovely!

 

Aren't these the cutest?  They had gloves and a hair boa!

What is a tea party without cookies?

And fresh fruit...

This was the birthday girl's seat.

Totally FAB party!!

Christmas Cards - Inspired from the Past

One of my recent posts was about our last trip at Spring Break.  One of the many items that I loved were the "mini" photo cards.  I think these were book marks.  Aren't they lovely?  I also love the calling cards below.  These are the inspiration for my Christmas Cards this year.  I've started designing a series of old fashioned Post Cards.  Pictures to come soon!

These were calling cards that a young lady saved from her many beau's. 

One thing we will miss with our emails, texts, and faxes...

Happy Monday!

LOVE the Metal Prints!!

I am so excited about this product!  Metal prints are cooler than cool!  A client's 16x20 Metal Print was delivered the other day.  It is beautiful!  The colors are so rich, it looks as though you could step into the picture.   It looks like glass - but won't break.  Can you see the reflection of the trees?  Can't wait to see this in her house!
Check it out!

This is the back side.  Ready to hang, either with a nail or hook. 

The metal prints come in all sizes, and look super in a 12X12 sitting in a plate stand.

NoteCards for Sale! How to order!

The notecards are now for sale!  You can order them on the below link:

http://shallmark.photobiz.com/cart/products.cfm

10 Blank Note Cards, 4.25"x5.5". Includes white envelopes. These beautiful live oaks surround a golf green. Signature chandilier hanging to the left of the green.

Can also order in color.  More to come soon!

Senior Special - Announcing Buddy Book!

Just announced "Senior Buddy Book"...You and a friend schedule your session together and instead of 1 hr session, get 2 hr session! TWO LOCATIONS, Incentive for FREE digital wallet size image to order for your Invitations!!  The firsts session will be at Laguna Gloria on August 14, 2010.  The other location? YOU decide!  If your waiting on your letter jacket we can make arrangements to do the second session in September!

Project Complete - Special Note Cards

I tweeted a few weeks ago that I was off to work on a special project.  It wasn't an assignment or commission piece but something I have wanted to do for so so long!  I always try to keep notecards on hand, ones that are blank and can be used for almost anything.  Problem is I haven't found any I really like in years.  My husband suggested I make my own - so I did.
I have always loved trees, that is one of the things I miss most about Alabama.  Alabama the beautiful - has tall beautiful oak trees, (and pine trees and maple trees, etc.).  But I have come to appreciate and love the live oaks of Texas.  They are mysterious and look so pragmatic in black and white punch.   The website for this edition is http://www.notecard.keepthepicture.com/.   I'm working on the specifics of how to order but for now below is the finished first run!

And YES, that is my signature chandilier in the tree to the left of the green.

This is my new logo.  LOVE IT!

Paper Dolls - Pin-UP Limited Edition - ARE YOU CRAZY??

I am often asked where I get the ideas for Limited Editions.  Some are obvious, and some - not so much.  This one definitely falls into the later category!  A friend of mine wanted to give some photos of herself to her hubby of 30+ years (honey that is LOVE).  Her idea was a "Calendar Girls".  The only problem would be if I shot 12 different sets/locations the cost would be prohibitive for this type of item. (It would take days to shoot her and some of her closest friends!).

So I thought of the Pin-Up girls of the 40's and 50's.   Not the near naked celebrities you see these days.
The early Pin-Up's had not only beauty, but style and grace.   I have secured a private pool that has a gorgeous fountain and lots and lots of greenery.  It is going to be spectacular!  You can wear a swimsuit, shorts, skirt, cover-up, you name it!  As always the goal is to have fun and capture your good side!  Don't forget to bring your sunscreen, hat, shades, pumps, and by all means a boa if you have one!

Here are a few glamour girls that will serve as our inspiration:

FamilyScape Coffee Table Books

I am slowly adding items to my products offered.  I scour the available vendors when I decide on an item, checking on quality and of course price.  I have finally found just the right balance between custom design and a price that is affordable. 

FamilyScapes are coffee table books that reflect a day or time in your life.  Often times after an hour or two photoshoot I have captured alot of really fun images.  Most families choose about six images to put in their home, office, and give to friends.  But they really want to keep most of the images but don't necessarily want them all over their house.   A FamilyScape book is a custom designed album with many of the images from the day.   I LOVE THEM!