Double The Fun!

Who hasn't, at one time or another, wanted a twin?  Someone who speaks the exact same language as you and knows you better than you know yourself.  These boys are are exactly that and are actually nice to one another.  And, they're turning FOUR!  Happy Birthday Boys!  Thank you for the opportunity to share this important milestone in your lives!

I love this one because he's singing along with mom...

Ain't Nothin But a Hound Dog

But she didn't cry at all!  As a matter of fact, she has the most gorgeous blue eyes - an no tears in 'em!  Adorable family and the dogs cooperated...even in the heat!  Can't wait to watch this beautiful girl grow! 

Daddy Photo Tip

OK, let's face it, mama pregnant's face is round.  Pregnancy, delivery, motherhood.  The more of these components, the more prominent the double chin.  I don't care how many miles you log on the pavement and how glowing you are, it's a benefit of carrying children.

So, Dad, we don't exactly want to remember the way we really looked on the most important day of our lives.  Please try to help us look just a little bit better.  Here's how.

Take the photo from above.  That's it. 

Chin up and viola, there goes the water weight!  (well, sort of)

Here's an example of my husband's fantastic composition of both of our girls.  These are obviously not "professional", but capture the moment and trust me, mama's face looked way more like a dimpled watermelon than these images lead you to believe.

This photo tip can obviously be applied to anyone.  Get a step stool out and start shooting the people you love from above, they may love you more.

Happy Shooting Daddies!

Hold My Hand

I've had high fives and hugs at the end of a session, but this time...I knew it was going to be a great session when the little girl asked me to hold her hand (and even carry her) at the beginning of the session.  And, I was right!  The weather totally cooperated and with enough snacks and a playground, we captured some gorgeous images.

We get so rushed during a photo session and request so much of our little ones, that sometimes we forget that our pressure doesn't help.  We tried and tried to get an image with Daddy and Big Sister would have none of it.  But, towards the end, as I shot Mom and Baby Brother, Dad started quietly playing with Big Sister.  Playing with rocks, trying on bracelets and from a distance I shot the two of them interacting, not knowing if she would warm up or not.  But, ever so slowly, she scooted further and further towards Daddy and I scooted closer and closer towards the two of them.  And viola!  A keeper.

It was such a good reminder for me, that you parents know your children.  Try as I might with all my antics to capture a memorable image, you really are the key.  And, this Daddy, wow, he really loves that little girl.  I betcha he will be balling his eyes out on her wedding day.

Mom asked for storyboard options too (hooray!!):
Big Sister:

Baby Brother:

And because when I get started, I can't stop:

Little Leo

Ah, newborns.  It's amazing how much we love things that are so tiny and helpless.  It's impossible not to love this sweet 10 day old baby.  Ten days!  And, mom already looks amazing.  Congratulations!!  Thank you for letting me help capture this sweet time in his (very) young life!

S & K {Austin Wedding Second Photographer}

Even though he drags me to what feels like the ends of the earth (well, Texas anyway), I love shooting with Mike.  He is an amazing wedding photographer.  He's careful, easy-going and most importantly for me, always ready to share his knowledge.  Check out his work!  http://www.mikereedphoto.com/

This bride and groom were so lovely and happy and ready to spend a lifetime together.  They have an outstanding group of friends that, with their toasts, brought everyone to tears of joy.  It was a spectacular wedding and I'm sure their union will be the same.

Thank you Mike and S&K for the opportunity to capture such an important moment in your lives!

Our Eyes vs. the Camera {Austin Child Photographer}

I love when clients and I can collaborate - I love it when they make suggestions.  Typically, their ideas rock and mean something to them and we run with them.  But, sometimes I find myself saying, well, actually, while your eye sees that clearly, the camera will not.  So, I thought I'd take the time to try and explain myself.  Well, I have a hard time understanding it myself, so my explanation is pretty basic.

When you are sitting by the pool watching your kids play this summer, take note.  Your eyes see the bright blue sky, the bright green grass, the lucky grandparents "helping out" by sitting in the shade of the oak tree sipping lemonade and your kids are the bright pool splashing the annoyed young girl sunbathing in the kiddy pool (What does she expect, really?).  The camera, however, cannot.  All that bright light on the pool and the super dark shadow under the tree and the blue of the sky are extremely different to the camera. 

Basically, your eye can see 20 degrees (or stops of light) and the camera: 4 (roughly).
I was out scouting Butler Park with Genny a number of months ago and snapped this:

See, in the first one, you can see Genny and she's still even a little dark.  If I had metered properly for her skin, the background would have been really white.  And, of course, in the second image, there's our treasured Austin skyline, but no Genny.  Maybe not the best example, but you get the idea.  Your eyes see it all, but while technology is awesome, it's not nearly as awesome as the human body.

And, if you really care...yes, there are ways to augment and sort of create the world our eyes see with extra light.  Trust me, this is fun with cityscapes that don't move a whole lot.  This is not so much fun with toddlers.

Speaking of toddlers...here's my sweet baby taking the stairs like a big girl...

This is also part of the reason we do sessions in the early mornings and late evenings.  This is Jossie in the evening a couple days later.  No, I did not bribe her with that cheeseburger in her hand. 

Mama's Glow  {Austin Maternity Photographer}

The sun was falling in the sky casting it's warm glow onto mama, but she didn't need it.  She had a glow all her own.

(Baby's already here, so congratulations to the three of you and welcome to the world little Piper!)

 these are obviously not "portrait art", but I love them none-the-less

happy father's day daddy {austin child at heart photographer}

Another Wildflower Sighting {Austin Child Photographer}

Just when you thought wildflower season was over!  I love it when clients suggest their own locations.  This adorable family not only frequents this park (and it therefore has significance to them), but it had wildflowers to boot!   And, the sweet girls dresses not only coordinated with each other beautifully, but with the flowers too! 

sweet families {austin children photographer}

It is amazing how truly hot it is, even in the early morning hours!  These beautiful families held strong and didn't sweat a lick!  And, look at their adorable outfits!   Thank you for the opportunity to capture this moment in your lives!