Wheee!

Remember that feeling? Like just one more push and you'd take flight, finally touching your toes to the clouds, maybe even flipping all the way around the bar like you know you can, even if your big brother says it isn't possible?

I think my favorite part about this picture is not just how high she is (way over my head!) but the fact that you can see her bright orange cast... clearly a child willing to take on the world with everything she's got. Just the type of kid who actually might be able to take flight one day. ;)

Hello Again

I love returning to visit my clients for second, third, and subsequent sessions. It's so cool to see how everyone has grown and changed... and I can also peek to make sure they've hung their portraits from the last session! ;)

It's also fun.. though usually difficult if not impossible, to try and recreate similar images to the ones we've gotten before, it makes for a beautiful display to have the two side-by-side, and it's such a clear example of the rapid progression of youth, even if it's only been a few months.

Here's the original:


And from this week:


Before long she'll be putting on her sister's lipstick! ;)

Me and my Shadow

What is it about a shadow that's so intriguing? Perhaps it's the thought of looking into the reflection of a figure almost identical to ourselves, but without the details.. no color, no expressions, holding endless possibilities and unknown identity... so familiar and yet so unknown?

My middle daughter went through a phase as a toddler where she screamed at the mere sight of her shadow on the ground. At first she'd try and run away, stopping only to shake her feet, hoping to rid them of her tagalong friend. Once she'd figured out that wasn't going to work, she'd just sit and cry until someone would take pity and pick her up, turning her face into the sun so she wouldn't have to see it... but still turning around every few minutes to whimper at the fact that it hadn't gone away. Then one day, out of nowhere, she waved at that monster on the sidewalk, and it waved back. She wiggled a leg, it mimicked her dance. And they were fast friends from then on out.

It's so funny now, to remember those days, as she's by far the one child in my house least likely to be frightened by anything, the one most likely to face whatever challenges present themselves head on, pink boots ablaze.

I'd like to think she learned a lot in that 6 month shadow-fearing period... That you can't run away from your problems, they will follow you. That you can't ignore an issue, it will still be there when you turn around. That the people who love you will always be there to pick you up when you're down. That a smile and a wave can make a friend out of the worst enemy. And that the unknown is only scary if you let it be, it can also open the doors to a world of opportunity if you let it.

Of course it might have just been a toddler phase... ;)

Either way, I have a particular fondness for shadows now... the dark reflection of the child, stretched by midday sun, alluding to the potential growth and experience ahead in the years to come... a constant companion through life's travels, the one friend guaranteed to stay by your side... at least until a cloud appears! ;)

Goal!

Game 6 of the Dallas Stars' playoff series... what an assignment! No, I wasn't shooting the game, but more importantly.. the halftime show! ;)

One of my most favorite clients called last week because her 5 year old son's hockey team was selected to perform a shootout in the break between periods at game 6 and she wanted help getting a good picture of the action. Twist my arm a bit... of course! ;) We had exactly 4 minutes from the time they got on the ice until the entire event would be over, and the stress reminded me why I shy away from weddings! It was not without some serious drama...let's just say if I had a copy of the video she was shooting alongside me, I am sure it would be a hit on youtube! But in the end, it was incredibly fun... and as far as my assignment... I made my GOAL! ;)

Hanging on by a sunbeam...

The sun is shining again, the shorts and tank tops are back out... which means two things: One, I need a serious pedicure before I break out the flip flops... and Two, the bluebonnets will be gone very soon!

A few favorites from one of the last bluebonnet sessions of the season... can't you just feel the sunshine on your shoulders? ;)

We love our school.

We really do... even the baby is thrilled to walk through the doors every day! :)

No real reason to share this.. it just makes me smile!

Laugh.

Sometimes there's nothing more healing, more relaxing, more fulfilling than a good hearty laugh, especially if you've got someone to share the joy with in your life.



I know it's Monday, but find a reason to laugh if you can... and someone to laugh with you too!

Totally blue...

Bluebonnets!!

Yes, they are actually blooming this year!! I can not tell you how excited I have been to see the beautiful Texas treasures popping up along the roadside, especially after the disappointing no-show last year! Of course, I also know that their days are numbered... they tend to disappear just as soon as they bloom! For that reason, I am offering special Bluebonnet mini-sessions for the next two weeks only... $100 for a 30 minute session in a patch of true Texas spirit! These will need to be scheduled within the next two weeks, before the blooms fade, so find an open spot in your schedule and call me up if you're interested!

A few favorites from years past to get you excited... and have a great week!