On the fifth day or Christmas, Santa gave to a young lady graduating.
Four all aglow.
Three big grins.
Tender sister love.
and a branch full of purple berries.
Nina is probably going to kill me for saying this. Or maybe not. And though I have yet to turn a single page in any of the four vampire-themed fantasy romance novels, I must say her senior portraits have a bit of a Twilight feel. Airy, moody, and the silver dress with black jacket gives a little bit of romance.
On the fourth day of Christmas, Santa gave to me four all aglow.
Three big grins.
Tender sister love.
and a branch full of purple berries.
About two months ago, I was contacted by Judy. She received a gift of a lifestyle session and print enlargement after having the highest bid for my item at the American Gateways Silent Auction. Judy wanted a motley crew of photos of herself, her husband, her son and his son. I took great pleasure in delivering such a request.
After an early morning session in north Austin this fall, I made way for home and stopped by Judy’s. Yes, she was literally a stones throw away. I was greeted by her wonderful husband, Roger, who invited me to the breakfast table to meet the rest of the bunch. I had a cup of coffee and we sat and we discussed good-Austin-living, Judy’s job, which shirt Roger should wear, Jimmy’s costume, and my big-fat-Catholic family. I talk ad nauseum about my family, I’m sure. Following the fantastic breakfast of eggs, toast and OJ, Jimmy took me into the massive back yard and gave me a quick tour of his tree house. I immediately found an abundance of beautiful directional light which gave me this..
Shortly after, the family joined us for a few group shots, then Judy and Jimmy headed over to “The Talking Rock” in front of their home. It was a special place shared by the two where they could talk in private, far from the house and nestled in the trees enough to offer Jimmy privacy he needed to confide in his grandmother. As they sat on the rock, I respected Jimmy’s privacy by standing in the road.
Not too long after here is how we found Jimmy in the road.
The love felt between this extraordinary bunch is clearly evident. I was so fortunate to have the opportunity to work with them.
On the third day of Christmas, Santa gave to me three big grins.
Tender sister love.
and a branch full of purple berries.
Just as it was getting cold everywhere else this December 1st, Austin was holding on to it’s last fall breaths.
I met the Van Slykes in the park for my last family portrait session of the season and could not have asked for a better ending. Little Bess (love the name and even more that it was her grandmother’s) had quite an extended vocabulary for a two-year old. I love the element of uncertainty that comes with a two-year old vocabulary. And big sis, Madeline, decided she would “creatively pose” toward the end of the session which resulted in a face off.
I enjoyed working with this family tremendously and I hope you’ll enjoy their images the same.
On the second day of Christmas, Santa gave to me tender sister love.
On the first day of Christmas, Santa gave to me a branch full of purple berries.
