321 Abbey Dr {Dripping Springs Real Estate Photography}

Jeremy K. Frost of Keller Williams Steel Action Team is offering 321 Abbey Dr in Austin for $359,000. A beautiful and meticulously kept 3474 sq ft 5br, 3 1/2 bath single story in an outstanding master-planned community and exemplary Dripping Springs school district.

New Mrs. C wedding {Driftwood Wedding Photographer}

I love shooting at the outdoor Chapel Dulcinea because not only is it a beautiful location that is romantic and intimate, but it's right down the street from my house. This couple was even more gorgeous than the location, and it's too bad they didn't go into modeling careers!

In Memory {Austin Graphic Designer}

Today about 3pm I got a call asking if I could create a memorial montage for Joe Karam who recently passed away. She sent the photos immediately, and I set to work. His family had a photo of this billboard, and thought having him looking down from heaven would be mor appropriate here than even in most cases. So I dusted off my digital scrapbooking skills and created this. The funny thing is, she said she found me by Googling Austin Graphic Designer, and I was the only listing to come up. I figured that couldn't be right, Austin is a big town, so I tried it and was no where on the (huge) list. But my mother recently passed away at the same age, 1943-2008, and it seems even Google knows what is meant to be. I really enjoyed creating this and so appreciate the family inviting me into their lives at this tender time.

Holiday Card season {Dripping Springs Family Photography, Graphic Design}

With a few days left to get holiday cards in time to be mailed out for Christmas, this weekend has been a push to get sessions proofed and cards out to the printer! Here are some from recent family and Santa party shoots.

C Family Holiday {Dripping Springs Family Photography}

Mrs. C called me this morning right after I posted my holiday push mini shoots, and we certainly put a rush on things! We met same day, after the Belterra holiday party to capture some family moments for her holiday cards, and of course I couldn't stick to the 1-2 poses. They looked amazing with the coordinating outfits: simple yet fun, matching but not over the top. And these kids are gorgeous, who could resist? We still did a pretty good job keeping to 30 minutes because the rain and the dark helped us out.

Santa Claus is Coming to a neighborhood near you {Dripping Springs Event Photography}

Five hours and Santa's lap is worn out! It was a great party, busy, busy, and my printer was humming away! No children or camera equipment were damaged for these shots, though my batteries are a diferent story.
Everyone who attended the party can waive the sitting fee with a free 8x10 on their first portrait session, over a $200 discount!

Happy Holidays, H family {Dripping Springs Family Photography}

You would never know from the huge smiles this child gave that she spent half the shoot crying! We shot indoors before the neighborhood Santa party, and instead of getting excited that Santa was on his way, she was completely distressed no matter he wasn't even there! I had to tell her he called to say his reindeer were sick and he couldn't make it. She did her best to give a few genunine smiles, and how that effort paid off! I might just eat her up, but then my daughter would lose her play buddy. You would think that living across the street for 2 years the girls would play all the time, but sadly, they've never even met. We'll fix that very soon! She keeps asking me who the girl on my screen is, and I keep telling her it's her friend up the street just because seeing her perplexed look is so fun.

Holiday Push Mini Family Session Discount {Austin Family Photography}

It's December 12, which means there is about 1 more week to get your family photo taken and get your printed holiday cards in the mail! Procrastination has paid off in your case.

Mini sessions are about 30 minutes, 1 location, 1 outfit, and 1-2 group poses (but don't worry, everyone in your family gets their own outfits!): perfect to get that family photo you've been dreading because your husband can't sit still any longer than your toddler. No need to fall back to a pocket camera snapshot. Short, sweet, fun, and will net you a fantastic artistic family portrait, mini sessions this December have no sitting fee! Proofs are ready in a day or two, purchase only what you love, and your cards or photo gifts will be ready to go just in time.

Rush cards w/envelopes prices are
25 4x6 flat $50
25 4x6 folded $75
25 5x7 flat $100
25 5x7 folded $125

Belly Body Art {Austin Maternity Photography}

I always love when a client is up for anything, and having a 9-month pregnant belly painted and displayed like fine art definitely ranks up there with anything! Beautiful mommy and gorgeous daughter are about to welcome a baby brother to the family (and handsome dad who does not make an appearance this session, we'll try again). Thanks to Michelle Pulsifer with On the Spot Body Art for the paint and henna maternity artwork!

Christmas Choir Program {Austin Graphic Designer}

Third year running and I always love designing the promotional and program graphics for our stake Christmas production. I sang in the choir again this year, though at the last minute I wasn't able to go because I booked a company Christmas party instead. Oh, well: I went to the dress rehearsal for the video production and photography, and everyone who attended the night of the performance said it was outstanding. I'm sure they were talking about my lovely programs, of course.

Texas Neurorehab Holidays {Austin Event Photography}

Texas Neurorehab Center had its annual holiday party at the Omni Hotel Southpark (does the first one in 3 years count as annual?), and I was expecting a bunch of middle-aged psychiatrists. So to my delight the place was filled with an amazing crowd of fun people with personality and outfits that make we wish I didn't have such boring fashion sense! I printed holiday cards I designed right at the event, flirted with the waiters, laughed more than one should while on the clock and sober, and worked some Photoshop plastic surgery magic for a few brave souls! Just think, all these people are actually in charge of others' neurological health. Can't wait for next year!

NISH, Rise School of Austin {Event Photography}

The Rise School of Austin is an early education center specializing in children with developmental disabilities or delays with an inclusive program with typically developing peers. The NISH non-profit organization is one of the major funders of the Rise program, and the board of directors met to participate in a fun art project with the children painting slipper shoes as gifts! No clothing was damaged by too much paint, though we really hope it's water based!

The children were adorable, about the same age as my own. Crawling around on the floor with a camera trying to capture all of their abundant personalities was just like being at home! And to make it feel more like home, my neighbor was there as she's the office manager: the NISH office in Washington DC hired me, but it's a nice coincidence of working locally. I enjoyed meeting the administrators, the board and trustees, but mostly the kids!

Happy Holidays {Austin Family Photography, Digital Art}

From my family to yours this holiday season, wishing you much peace, happines, and true joy. This is what brings me joy: my beautiful, loving, wonderful family, and creating art for others and myself to enjoy. I am thankful to all of my family, friends, and clients for allowing me to be a part of your lives!

Wedding Advertising {Austin Wedding Photography, Brochure}

If you see my 5x7 card around Austin, San Antonio, or Dripping Springs and book a wedding, let me know where you found my card and ask for a 10% discount on all wedding services!

R family {Dripping Springs Family Photography, Digital Art}

The R family, owners of Austin Signco, found my portfolio online through our local Dripping Springs homeschooling group, and this shoot was the first time we had met in person. Their twins are absolutely delightful! Adorable, well mannered, full of exuberant energy, and the parents were down to earth and incredibly friendly. I always try not to show just how much work a photo shoot is, managing everyone and capturing not only their emotional interactions while making them all look good, but a family like this makes it fun. Honestly, I can't wait to get to know them better and let our daughters play.

1000 Alta Vista staged by Interiority Complex, offered by Creath Partners {Austin Real Estate Photography}

Interiority Complex interior design and home staging owned by Ashley Whittenberger has staged a beautifully remodeled 1930's home offered by Creath Partners in downtown Austin with stunning skyline views on Town Lake. She had a fantastic idea that in lieu of the staging décor which are to be removed from the home later this month, she ordered 6 20x24 enlargements framed and displayed on easels in each of the formerly staged rooms. This way a vacant home can be staged to advertise well on the MLS image listings, and during walk throughs the same photography can be displayed to help it show better. Marketing is key in real estate, and in vacant homes especially prodding the imagination from large empty rooms into livable areas is essential. Since the realtor's original photos were no where near large enough to be blown up at high quality, Ashley called me in with my big Nikon guns to make big pictures!
I must admit that while RE photography is some of the most technically challenging and physically demanding photography I do, I fall in love every time! Bringing rooms alive in this small scale is so rewarding, but I especially love elevated exterior photography to bring a unique look to the images.

See full virtual tour

Baby M {Dripping Springs Newborn Photography}

Baby M is 10 days old welcomed by a very excited family! He is the spitting image of big brother, and is often spitting ON big brother! This was a team effort with another local photography friend, sharing props and ideas.

Mama was so calm and laid back, but I think it's a requirement of being Hawaiian, and let us fold and curl and comfort all we liked. Shooting newborns is great birth control because I get to try and not buy! I'm up for a snuggling fix anytime!

New Logo and Company Name {Business Logo}

As I'm gearing up my business, now was the time to rename and redesign the look I want, before I delve too deeply into soliciting clients for the new season.

The business name describes what I do, and says more about the services I offer: I am a photographer who goes beyond the photo to create keepsake art. The logo reflects that also by using photography-related artwork. And it cleverly incorporates my statement in a sleek way: the lens in the letter p, the box that is reminiscent of either a photo, a piece of framed art, or a camera, and even a little "shutter button" up top! (Look closely to find our family "happy face" logo.) It can also redesign into compartments for many configurations on business cards, letterhead, envelopes, etc. Because I do business makeovers with photos, fliers, brochures, logo design, and related artwork, I need to represent myself well in that category.

Please leave feedback, as none of this has gone to print yet. Thanks for your support as we grow!

A Jumping Halloween {Round Rock Event Photography}

Lesley Bowles of Texas Jumping Beans inflatable playground does in-house face painting and body art. Halloween is a great time for adults and children alike to get their faces on! Lesley does outstanding work, and the crowds gathering to watch as she created was fun for the guests and human canvases alike! The full devil face was the final piece of the day, and with head shaved to really carry it off, they had the largest crowd to ooh-and-ah over them. I provided an on-site printing event where the customers walked away with a lab-quality instant print as a keepsake of their costumes. On the last photo, you can see my blue beast printer cart working away in the background! Finally, some appreciation for all "his" hard work with some face time in my portfolio.

Centre Vida Birth and Wellness {Austin Commercial Photography}

Faith Beltz and June Lamphier, midwives in Austin, TX, recently opened a new birth and women's wellness center in south Austin, Centre Vida at 7002 Manchaca, Suite 200 Austin TX 78745 next door to the New Flower Market. It's a beautiful facility that has already "given birth" to several new babies!
I am their new contracted photographer to display my framed maternity and newborn work in the office and design their promotional materials for print and web. These photos of the new center show not only the high-quality care received, but also the joy, life, family, and connection found there. I first met Faith when her now-retired colleague attended my first home birth in 2006, and then Faith delivered my own baby in our home in 2008. It is truly an honor to be given the opportunity to photograph these caring women in action. I am looking forward to capturing that spiriti in my designs, and I am very excited to be invited into the center during an upcoming birth to capture them at work.

See full virtual tour

Baby McD is 1 yr {Austin Family Photography}

A year goes by so quickly, and it's incredible to watch baby McD grow from a wriggling newborn to a laughing, running toddler! Babies grow so fast, it's like watching mold in a petrie dish (except a lot cuter!) This family shoot was the culmination of a year's portfolio from maternity, newborn, holiday card, 6 month, to 1 yr. Happy first birthday little man!

New Neighbors {Dripping Springs Real Estate Photography}

Our neighbors are moving (again,) and I'm not sure why we keep getting attached! If our culture wasn't so mobile, I'd begin to worry that it's us. Maybe it is us. But by way of apologizing for the front of our house looking so kid-riddled (either with their detritus scattered about or our lack of weeding due to lack of time because we're picking up their detritus), we've been mowing their lawn every week for years, and I agreed to do a shoot for her advertising. I was tempted to withhold my photography services in hopes their house wouldn't sell, but apparently they're serious. I love real estate photography! Houses always hold still, and they never get impatient while I experiment with my lighting! I love the challenge of lighting reflective surfaces and window views, and as always have added to my list of "must have" equipment: a wider angle lens, at least 2 more flashes and stands, and radio poppers to trigger them!

See full virtual tour

Haunted Halloween {Round Rock Event Photography}

This might be my first double photo shoot in one day, and they couldn't have been any different!
Michelle and I have a gig booked through Halloween at the Mansion of Terror haunted house in Round Rock to "victimize" and photograph the patrons after they survive the attack inflicted by the house staff. Those teenagers with plastic grim reaper sickles become quite cranky and dangerous on that minimum wage. Should be fun!

Little Man S is here {Austin Newborn Photography}

Hard to believe that just a few days ago this little guy was inside mama's belly! They seem so tiny, yet considering from whence they came, it's one enormous miracle! Congratulations to the S family, and welcome earthside, newbie. With brothers A, B, C, D, and now 5th little son E has arrived!

Mama S {Austin Maternity Photography}

Sometimes it's hard to be pregnant and in front of a camera. I had 9 months to convince you to allow me to photograph you during this amazing and short-lived time. We'll not mention the part where I actually had only 4 months because you hid your secret so well from everyone, even me! Did I just mention that? I hope you don't regret having me, and that these make you feel every bit as beautiful as you are.

Marriage of Art Forms {Austin Commercial Photography}

It turns out one of my friends Michelle Pulsifer is a face and body painter (www.onthespotbodyart.com), and it just goes to show that you never know the people you know! How could two art forms marry better than a face painter and a portrait photographer? Not only is she a joy as a friend, but wonderful to collaborate with. She does beautiful work, and has booked me with all sorts of event photo printing gigs as her camera-toting sidekick! Here are a few of her littler clients for her portfolio.

Wedding Invitation {Austin Wedding Invitation Graphics}

My husband's brother called and asked if I would design his wedding invitations, and since I wasn't able to attend the ceremony and do the photography myself, it was quite literally the least I could do! These were 5x7 press-printed cards with a front and back (a little formal, a little fun! The best of both worlds). They printed beautifully. I am looking forward to using the photos (that other photographer took) to create some great artwork for a keepsake album. Perhaps the best compliment was from my husband's other brother who, upon seeing them, called to ask, "Why didn't we have you design ours? What were we thinking?!" So even if you aren't in Austin, I can use your photos to create stunning designer invitations for your wedding!

New Newton {Dripping Springs Newborn Photography}

Baby A has made her arrival to join her sisters. I love children, and I love babies, (I have 5 of them myself!), and while I do not yearn for more, quite the opposite, I absolutely adore my "play dates" with these precious newborns. It's a miracle every time. Ranked up there with weddings in the privilege and the "don't screw up!" of capturing this fleeting, never-come-again moment, I am honored to share in such amazing pieces of others' lives.

N Family is expecting {Dripping Springs Maternity Photography}

A third baby girl is to arrive any day now. This was my first non-studio maternity shoot, and it was definitely more fun to capture this family in their natural habitat. When the house has great lighting and a family laid back about me rearranging their furniture, I hope to do more of this!

Growing Up {Austin Child Photography}

A beautiful 11-year on her birthday! At this age they look so grown up, and they look so young, like miniature adults. That pre-braces smile crosses the bridge between woman and girl better than anything else.

A Boy and His Bow {Austin Child Photography}

Filming life as it happens is a particular passion of mine. Of course while photos with smiling faces mugging for the camera are an important part of any family portfolio, it's always a joy when a child ignores you enough to let you into his world. Because photography is more than just remembering how someone looked at a particular age, it's also about remembering why someone is the most special kid on your planet.

6m Baby McD {Spicewood Baby Photography}

His red hair is really coming out now! I was surprised to learn today that his mama's hair color is naturally strawberry too because hair this gorgeous usually comes out of a salon: he definitely got a good deal on  genetic roulette!

Outdoor Chapel {Driftwood Wedding Photography}

There's a fantastic little outdoor chapel near my neighborhood I've been itching to shoot, Chapel Dulcinea, and this weekend I got a last-minute call to cover a wedding there. We didn't do any posed shots, so this wedding was far more photojournalistic than any others I've done. While I'm not ready to give up the posed romantic couple shots, the natural emotion expressed was great to capture, as long as my fingers were fast on the camera setting dials! A beautiful couple off to a beautiful start!

And speaking of a good start, I've been teaching my 10-year-old daughter, and she took this one with my D70 backup camera which I set up to AV mode, an 85mm prime lens, and a Sunpak hotshoe flash, which the bride ordered! Not bad!

Logo redesign {Business Logo, Graphics}

I contract as a design and technical instructor at a graphic-design firm specializing in digital scrapbook graphics, and recently our team redesigned our company logo. Several of us suggested designs, but we had a hard time getting in everything we wanted about our company while keeping it sleek (a typical logo design woe.) After almost choosing a design that no one was truly crazy about, I finally submitted a design I felt was bold and memorable and described our company well, and another team member refined it to this finished version. It came back to me for final clean up in Illustrator, and we all love what we created. It breaks down into components very well for different versions on cards, brochures, banners, letterhead, and email signatures. Now it adorns all of our packaging and promotional materials, and is a big part of defining our brand.

From Our Family to Yours {Dripping Springs Event Photography}

Ho, ho, ho! For this Santa event, I designed 8 greeting card borders to be printed on the spot for our guests, which was a huge hit. Of course, my family had to test out the setup, lighting, and printer, who else? Merry Christmas!

Christmas Choir Program {Austin Graphic Designer}

Our annual Christmas musical production is such a beautiful and involved event. I actually sang in the choir this year, but can't really sing or play an instrument very well, so I give in another way by designing the promotional and program graphics.

Merry Christmas from the McD family {Spicewood Family Photography}

A 4x6 holiday card custom designed from scratch. 150 of these babies and some envelopes, and Christmas couldn't be merrier!

S Family {Dripping Springs Family Photography}

One of the benefits of being a picture maker is sharing with our friends. The S family have been our close buddies for years now, sharing hobbies and kids. In fact, my 3rd daughter and her 3rd son are only a few days apart in age! It's a pleasure to take pictures of such nice-looking people, thank you!

Baby McD is born {Spicewood Newborn Photography}

When will I learn that newborn shoots are a painful marathon with the sweetest moments at the end? The general pattern seems to be arrive to a sleeping baby whom I promptly wake up while trying to photograph sleeping while mom gets her make up on because I forgot again to warn her that she'd likely be in the the photos. Then the wriggly baby gives me some weird faces and postures before turning into screaming baby who nurses despite not really being hungry. For just a bit, I get active baby who makes great eye contact with the camera, or at least the appearance of it, for the "money shot" for the birth announcement. Then wriggly baby returns and swaps place on and off with screaming baby, who finally gets very hungry, and while stressed mom lamenting that her newborn won't "cooperate" settles in for a long nursing saying, "We should have something decent by now, maybe we should call it a day?" But I persevere and assure her this is where it finally gets good, hours 2-3. Nursed and relaxed baby falls asleep and allows all sorts of prodding and repositioning. Finally, we're shooting nothing but net! Thanks for putting up with me hanging at your house, even if we nurse and talk as much as shoot!

Hart wedding {San Antonio Wedding Photography}

What a great name for a wedding couple! I'm not sure how long my luck will hold out with such laid back wedding clients, but I enjoyed tremendously working with this bride and groom. Their humor made my sarcastic attitude feel right at home, and their unique sense of style was great fun to capture. And ironically, when Troy's grandma asked whose wedding I was covering that weekend, said she's known this family since the bride's parents were dating! Although they had lost touch, with Facebook in tow we have no excuse to repeat that. Thanks again for inviting me into such a special occasion, and I've enjoyed our new friendship.

Wedding Contemporary Montage {San Antonio Wedding Photography}

Black and white lent a more classic yet contemporary feel for the Hart's 11x14 wall montage.

The McD's are having a baby! {Spicewood Maternity Photography}

The McD family has 12 months of photo shoots to commemorate their baby's first year. Starting with a maternity session, they have a few last days of only one child. Becca the dog is certainly excited to be getting a new baby brother!

Senior Moments {Dripping Springs Senior Grad Photography}

I love photographing grads! Young enough to look great without Photoshop, a wacky sense of self, style, and attitude mixed with shyness, yet old enough to follow instructions! And usually there's only one of them. Find great sunset light and a great sharp lens, and it's hard to go wrong.

Play Uncle {Dripping Springs Family Photography}

Uncle L and little nephew N catching some outdoor activity together. Can you see the family resemblance?

L is for Love and Laughter {Bee Cave Wedding Photography}

The newest L family was a joy to capture. I felt like a wedding ninja as we only did about 4 or 5 posed shots, and the rest they just let me stealth through, capturing them incognito. Their obvious love came through with all the candid smiles and laughter. I was lucky my 3-week-old newborn didn't make a peep the entire time, going along for the ride strapped into her little black ninja sling! And I was lucky we were family friends, just in case anyone is wondering, because only the truly insane would cover a wedding with a 3-week-old infant, much less tote her along!

Newborn announcement {Austin Newborn Photography, Graphics}

An addition to my own family, and I can attest that the most challenging newborn photo shoots are those for our own children! This baby is exactly 1 day old and wide awake! My husband took all the kids out, so with 2 hours alone and the baby in a good mood, I thought, "Why not?" Her hands are so young they're still a tad purple, and all her wrinkles not yet filled out with chub.

This announcement is created as a standard 4x6 print using Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. The small mouse hiding in the vines is symbolic of her Chinese zodiac sign in honor of her 08 08 08 birthday, and the 5 symbolizes her birth order in the family.

War and Peace {Austin Newborn Photography}

An uncooperative dad and an uncooperative baby requires a creative solution: no faces! After I got him to relax a bit so he didn't look like he was palming a basketball, this sweet shot speaks volumes, and no one can tell the baby is shrieking! And because it was my husband rather than a client, I wasn't exactly in the most patient mood either! But patience and endurance always pays off in the end!

6 months and maternity leave {Dripping Springs Baby Photography}

My new "baby" arrived a few days before my baby arrived: a Nikon D300! I am officially a geek photographer carrying 2 giant cameras around because "They both do different things!" I was able to squeeze in one session with this adorable six-month-old little guy before taking an extended maternity leave.

Wedding Montage {San Antonio Wedding Photography, Graphics}

A traditional, romantic montage

Ryan and Havilah wedding {San Antonio Wedding Photography}

Ryan and Havilah were such a fun couple with a down to earth attitude that is a photographer's dream. Creative themselves, they used that identify with me rather than try to control, and their wonderful senses of humor and easygoing demeanor created a fantastic day, calming my nerves for my first wedding shoot. Thank you for asking me to be a part such a special occasion, and I wish you wedded bliss!