Austin Portrait Photographer: Here & Now

“Thanks so much. For what we gave you to work with, they look fantastic! πŸ™‚ Great job…You can’t even tell it was 90 mile an hour winds that day. ”

April and Will have been married for a few years and since they are on the cusp of starting a family they wanted to document a day in their present lives. Husband, lovely wife, cat and dog, Coda, who I mistakenly called Cotto for the first half hour. (We are a family of boxing fans. Thank you for refraining from throwing rocks at me.) April and I thought it would be fun to start with a few shots in their South Austin condo, stroll around the property and visit neighborhood eateries they most frequent. I was forewarned about Will’s apprehension in front of the camera, but what do you think? All I see here are smiles and expressions full of contentment and ease πŸ™‚ After we wrapped and parted ways, I discovered a few locations for photo opps that I had missed earlier. I hope to return in the coming months or coming year for maternity, newborn or family portraits!!

David shot alongside me that afternoon, capturing video of the portrait session. A day in the life of a photographer if you will for my video bio. I’m not sure when we will have that ready to share with you all but I am hoping it will be soon. Real soon!

Austin Wedding Photographer: Wild at Heart

In no way, shape or form am I a Valentine’s Day kind of girl. I’m not so much into conversation candy, Wild About You balloons or red roses. As a matter of fact I was single the last time I genuinely celebrated the mandatory holiday. That said, I’m not afraid to admit I put in a request for a Valentine’s gift this year. If you know my husband you know he doesn’t deny his girls anything which is why he is the only man perfect for me– I like to hear the answer yes. Always.

We are going on a week-long cruise this weekend so I thought I might ask for a one-of-a-kind aquatic experience while we port in the Bahamas. I stayed at the Atlantis years ago and I did not manage to do this then so I am very much looking forward to snorkeling and gliding alongside dolphins in their underwater playground! Picture it: Me + water scooter + dophins = thrill. The highlight of the experience is the signature “foot push” where the dolphins propel you against the lagoon. I can’t wait to fall on my face two seconds in and I bet I will do it uglier than any other participant present.

I guess it is only fair I break out in dance or song in the morning. Nothing will say thank you and I love you better than a little jiggy in a wetsuit, flippies and snorkel.

Happy Valentine’s Day to you. I hope you are feeling lovely and your heart is full of joy and happiness, today and always. And if you or anyone you know gets engaged today–you know which wild and crazy Austin wedding photographer would love to be a part of the next step πŸ™‚

Here’s a little munchkin that knows how to fill hearts like no other.

Austin Portraits: Baby B

“Ziem, we received our photo disc in the mail yesterday and I love every picture! You did an amazing job, even with Brisa’s lack of enthusiasm. Absolutely beautiful! Thank you so much, we will cherish these images forever!”

Mom and I had been planning this first birthday session for quite some time and we could not have chosen a better day for photos. During an unusual winter reprieve we took advantage of warm weather and an abundance of gorgeous soft light as we stripped this cutie down to a diaper and tutu. And boy do baby girls in tutus make my heart sing. I hope that in twenty years from now Mom and Dad will remember this special time in Baby B’s life when she was a lover of ducks, books, and crawling.Β  I hear the love of crawling doesn’t last all too long.


Virtue

β€œThe virtue of the camera is not the power it has to transform the photographer into an artist, but the impulse it gives him to keep on looking.”

Here’s a list of my latest exercise plan for Spring, for February or who knows- for 2011? I cut bits and pieces of a list I found on the web and came up with this list that works well with my vision and things I want to shoot. I invite you to join me, using your fancy camera, point & shoot or iPhone. Put these ideas on the calendar. I would love to see how you interpret the list and how you exercise your creativity.

Photograph your definition of “Sunday Afternoon”
Photograph something that reflects you
Photograph two subjects that don’t go together
Randomly pick a window in your house and make photographs from and
through that window everyday for a week
Photograph shadows
Photograph strangers
Photograph something that reminds you of a vivid dream you once had
Photograph colors as if they were the emotion they represent
Photograph something or someone while lying on your back
Photograph the concept of waiting
Photograph a sunrise or sunset
Photograph mother’s cooking
Photograph something extreme
Photograph the juxtaposition of young and old
Photograph silence
Photograph your meal
Photograph your favorite form of art
Photograph a self portrait

Fight and Faith

Late last week, after what was thought to have been teething causing long stretches of fussiness, discomfort, sleepless nights and finally loss of appetite, my friends admitted their daughter to the ER. After consulting with the doctors they heard the overwhelming word “cancer”. Eight-month-old J was just diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare form of childhood cancer and the most common form of cancer in infancy. A tumor had been located in her spinal cord.

As one would assume, the days that followed were long and emotionally taxing for my friend and her husband. They received an influx of love and support via the web, phone, e-mail, Facebook..practically every portal possible. I’m sure it was because of this that they have managed to remain positive and strong. They are adamant they will win this battle.

Baby J underwent surgery on Sunday and the most tumor was harvested. The mass is currently being biopsied and while we await microscopic findings on Thursday, it would be wonderful if you could keep this amazing family in your thoughts. Pray it is low-grade, low-risk, non-aggressive. Every bit helps.

I am confident that the best possible outcome will follow.

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