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I have been working some time now on an additional site that is geared specifically towards teens and seniors. After working some time on pictures and lots of muddling through website instructions I have finally gotten it off the ground and running. There is a link to it off my main page. www.texasartgirl.com
Go take a look!
And just because I never like to post on the blog without leaving a nice little visual for you, here is something from some more pictures I am working on for teens gallery for the new website.
The summer is winding down, and my busy season is just around the corner. These two beautiful sisters were a nice transition into it all. They were so cooperative I hardly knew what to do with myself. 
Summer is flying by! I can’t believe it is almost time to head back to school. We have been to the beach, done some house remodeling, and made many trips to the neighborhood pool this summer. So where have you been this summer? Feel free to leave a comment and let me know!
Here are a few pics from our summe:
I know we are in the heart of summer. However, this time of year I start planning and gearing up for my busy season - The Fall. This fall you can witness me completely losing my head. LOL I am adding an additional site that is 100% geared towards high school seniors. So, in the spirit of it all, I have a little offer for those who want to get ahead of the craziness. If this doesn’t apply to you because of your kids’ age, think of someone you know that has a senior in 2009. Remember, if you refer someone to me, YOU get a free - FREE 8×10 with your next session.
Click the thumbnails to see the image larger.
This little guy had the most delicious baby laugh I have ever heard. Just look at his little eyes and chubba cheeks.
I have had lots of fun photographing boys lately. Girls are fun with their cute clothes, but the boys and their adventurous spirits are also lots of fun also. We ran, jumped, and even barely avoided a hollow tree filled with BEES!
It is hot outside - Very Hot! These two boys amazed me with their never-ending energy. Looking at these pictures, I can see my efforts to keep up with them were well worth it.
Always a great combination. These have such a summertime feel to them. So, get your tall glass of lemonade and sit back and enjoy these.
The last of the mini session pictures is of this little mover. He did not want to stay in one place. That works for me though. I am used to running around a lot to catch the moment.
This cute little threesome had the brownest eyes I have ever seen. Such sweet kids, and this little girl looks just like an Eloise Wilkins picture to me.
The mini session was a success. Here are a few of the highlights of the event.
I normally do not do weddings. Therefore, I rarely get asked to do bridal pictures either. However, I made an exception on both accounts for a very dear sister in Christ. These were such fun for me. I am so used to running around chasing kids. And I do love the running around chasing bit - don’t get me wrong. But a subject that stands still is always a welcome change.
I like a great location as much as the next person. However, I think location can be over-rated. This was taken on my front porch - in my fabulous new red chair.
Just an FYI for all you wonderful readers out there. There is a mini session this weekend on Sunday evening in Plano at Arbor Hills. I have 2 spots open. $300 reserves your spot and goes entirely to print credit. The time slots available would be 5:30 and 6:00. Here are the rest of the details:
Click on the images to see the full images for the newsletter. Happy Reading.
Jack was practically born with a smile on his face. He is such a happy kid. Dramatic too - I might add. One of his favorite things to eat is hotella aka:Nutella. The other day he came to me and ask for some “hotella” while I was working on editing. So, I obliged my little smiley guy. He was awfully quiet in the kitchen. As any parent knows, a quiet child is always suspect. So, I peeked around the corner to see what was keeping him so busy/quiet. He had completely ditched the spoon I had given him to eat some Nutella out of a bowl. He had his fingers in the bowl and, as you can see, quite a bit of it on his mouth. Then he proceeded to tell me that he did not need to wash his hands because, “look Mom - Wyatt licks my fingers, and they are all clean again.” Hmm-mmm.
Mom exits scene, grabs the camera, shoots a few shots, chimps, wipes off the messy mouth and then send the boy on his way to wash his hands.
And the education tid bit of the day is thanks to Wikipedia
Chimping is a term used in digital photography (especially when using a digital single-lens reflex camera or DSLR) to describe the habit of checking every photo on the on-camera display (LCD) immediately after capture.
You know the saying good things come in small packages, right? Well, cute things do to. :o) It was a windy day in the park, and what fun I had running around capturing these priceless little expressions.
The greens of spring are so stunningly beautiful! These overcast days we have been having could not be better for outdoor pictures. Perfect weather - although a little windy - coupled with these three blue eyed, amazingly cute kids and the results are bound to be good. Check out these cuties!
Architecture! I love photographing it. Old houses are a particular favorite of mine. Such detail in the hardware speaks of craftsmanship that is not always found today. I actually began photographing houses in college for my watercolor class at Baylor. So, when I was asked to photograph this house, it was pure delight.
My very own Jack - the lover of animals - turned 4 years old this last March. FOUR! How did he get so big? Where did the time go? He has grown into the the most sincere animal lover I have ever known. His favorite shows are Jack Hannah, Zaboomafoo, and Animal Atlas. So, of course, when I was planning his party, there was really no question as to what we would do. We hired the Party Pets guy to bring all his animals.
As I am saying this, I realize, I need to back up to give you the full story on this. Last August we went to a Party Pets birthday party. From that day on, we have had the animal show at our house EVERY SINGLE DAY. He takes all of our plastic containers and places a plastic animal in each one. Then he brings the container to me with the animal and asks if I want to pet his whale, komodo dragon, hermit crab, snake, etc. Many of these animals bite, so he is really the only one who can handle such exotic and very plastic animals.
So, you can clearly see inviting the party pets guy was an absolute must.
When a girl turns two there is certainly reason to celebrate. As much as “the terrible twos” certainly have their share of terrible. They also come with a healthy dose of just plain cute. There is such joy and excitement in just the small things. This particular girl who now bears the title of “two year old” happens to be dear to my heart. She is about 2 weeks older than my very own two year old. Her mother and I became friends when we were both GREAT with child. And so, it was with great joy I packed up my threesome to attend this little soiree
This situation was just begging to be photographed. Wyatt came in with a dirty beard from digging in the dirt. He needed a bath anyway, so in he went. He has such a goofy look about him on a regular basis. He really cracks me up. Look for the doggy smile at the end.
Here he is looking a bit forlorn over his bath prospects. Really though, he likes a bath.
It is like a big drinking fountain for him.
What a cutie! This little cutie had lots of serious looks for me, but I got a few smiles out of her too.
Just look at this little guy! Newborns are so wonderful. I could just stare at them all day long and marvel at their tinyness and newness. 
Teresa and Rob are soon to be married. So, we had a fun time in the park taking engagement pictures. 
If I tell Jack I am going to take his picture, he gives me THIS look:
Attractive, huh? Who knew that we had pirate blood in us. 
However, I did get this one also too. So, pirate looks and all, it was all worth it.
So his name isn’t really Chicken Legs . . . But that is what Jack wanted to name him. Jack also suggested we could name him “P is for Pig.” We lovingly declined those names. However, he has earned the title of Floppy Dog while Bailey still stands as Crazy Dog.
His real name is Wyatt - which he is called most of the time. He is so SO sweet. He is getting big. I think he now weighs about 25 lbs! Both of his parents were 80 lbs, so he still has some growing to do. Check out the size of those paws!
When I arrived at this photoshoot, these two super cute girls where so excited to see me. They really loved the jelly beans I gave them. As we all know a little bribery works wonders. ;) And when I left they wanted to give me a hug and a kiss. Too cute!
This family had not all been together in a long time. So, this was definitely an event worth documenting.
For those of you who may have been stalking the blog in hopes of a peak of your gallery. I am working away to catch up!
This was a WINDY day, but we managed to find a place slightly out of the wind and made the best of it!
It’s cold outside! So, we bundled up for a photo shoot in the park. One thing that I always like about the winter shoots is the rosy cheeks. These two sisters were such fun. They ran, played, and even rolled down the hill.
A few post back I introduced Toby to the followers of this blog. As sweet as Toby was, he was not a good match for our family. Our beloved Mr. B was NOT getting along with Toby. Toby did not seem to understand the rules of alpha dog vs non alpha dog rules. And not to mention his pursuit in life was to dig out of our fence and run the neighborhood multiple times a day. So, with a heavy heart, we took him back to the SPCA and gave them some suggestions of how he could be placed in a better home.
There was an abundance of crying at our house over the loss of Toby. Being the animal lover that I am, I knew that I couldn’t leave the situation as it was. So, I did some calling around to breeders.
. . . .and on Christmas day we told our kids we going to go on a drive.
and this is what we brought home:
His name is Wyatt. He is a 1st generation Labradoodle - and we LOVE him!
You would think I had gone to backdrops on this first one! But seeing as how backdrops aren’t my style, I just brought my camera and found the light inside. These were taken in the stairwell of all places. The lighting is so dramatic and really shows off this beautiful mom and babe.
So this town mouse went to the country for the day, and what did I find? Two sweet babies, a barn, some horses, dogs, and all kinds of things just begging to be photographed.
As all of us parents know, the day we welcome a child into the world will forever be in our memories. I was privileged to be a part of a very good friend’s special day. Not only did she and her husband welcome their 4th child, but this one was the first BOY! What an exciting day this was for everyone!
It is always sweet to see children learn the wonder and meaning of Christmas.
I have confessed my love of newborns on here before. So, once again I will say it. I love newborns. A newborn photo shoot takes time. We have to stop for feedings, diaper changes, etc. But the wait is well worth it.
At least today he is Toby. Yesterday he was Preston. (We are still trying on names) We adopted Toby from the SPCA yesterday. We have had Bailey now for almost 8 years. He is our “first child.” We thought he could use a friend. And it is no secret that I am an animal lover. So, when I saw this little guy, I knew he was for us.
He is about 20 lbs. He obviously has some Dachshund in him. Not sure what else. He has a very muscular body. Maybe bulldog? Who knows! He is a cutie and has fit right in. He is full grown. The SPCA thought he was about a year and a half old.
And here is Mr B looking as handsome as ever. He wouldn’t look at me. But I thought this turned out neat. I was shooting at f/1.4 so the background is blurred it almost looks like it in motion.
So I finally caught up with all of this family at once. Lots of kids means lots of fun. 
Here are the two boys of a sweet family of four. Those blue eyes are a show stopper!
a fun time in the park. My magic M&M’s worked wonders too.
are always high on my list to photograph. Little toes, belly buttons, and the way a newborn has such funny jerky movements are all part of who they are. If I could record their little squeaks and grunts to go along with it, I would. Truly, I LOVE to photograph newborns. They are what they are. Awake, asleep, crying, or just wide eyed wiggling are part of their little package.
Here is Little Man.
When I find something I really like, I always like to pass it along. So, here is my you-must-see-this item of today. A friend of mine has a business making these beautiful crosses. She has several other things you will most definitely fall in love with. Very cool candle holders, canisters, framed art, etc just to name a few. Think Christmas shopping people! Beautiful handmade pieces and you don’t even have to get out and fight the Christmas shopping crowds. Her website is http://www.vanilla-chic.com/ Here is a small sample of the wonderful inspiring work she does. Really, hurry and order what you want before the Christmas craziness begins.
I will know where to go! Talk about easy to photograph. She was full of smiles and cuteness. I was there to also photograph her newborn brother. I thought I would give her own moment in the spotlight being the big sister and all. However, something tells me, she knows the spotlight well.
Stay tuned for the newborn brother photos.
Every once in a while I get a chance to photograph my own kids during busy season. Once upon a time I thought this was going to be my laid back kid. Not so, my friends! I am still waiting to to have an easy, laid back kid. God has blessed me with three little fire craker personalities. ha! 
brings out the families. And where there are families, there are kids just waiting to give me their silliest face for the camera. For all you parents out there reading this, don’t worry. I ASK for the silly faces. Kids are always trying to give me their silliest face when we are trying to get a family picture. Hmmm, not always the best time for that look. So, I let them get it out of their system. Not to mention, I like these kinds of pictures! They are fun, and show their personality.
How much I LOVE to photograph newborn babies? If you are in need of a baby fix, look no further. Look at this precious little man!
The first time I photographed this little blue eyed cutie, she was 6 months old. What she lacks in size, she makes up for in personality, curls, and just plain cuteness. I love how she even informs me at the end, that she is DONE and ready to go home now.
The mom of this sweet new family was my first room mate at Baylor. We were instant friends. So, I was thrilled when she asked me to take her family pictures.
And there is no doubt about looking at these cute outfits. I always have fun with this family. When I arrived the oldest commented, “Hey, you are the one who took my picture last time.” You might recognize him too from my website.
That would be the only word I have to describe my life right now. The fun part of being busy is that I get to meet and photograph all sorts of kids. We laugh, play, and just have fun. This little brother and sister combo was full of sweet smiles.
This is the third time I have photographed this little guy. He has this smile that lights up his face. Everytime I proof a session of him I am always glad to see that I captured his funny little personality
and take it as it comes. This was such a fun relaxed session. They played; I photographed. Little Man wasn’t so into this, but that’s okay. We’ll just take it like it is. There are so many good ones from this one, so I just had to share a lot.
This group just so happens to be my family. All 8 grandkids are in one picture - which is no small job. In this one everyone just so happens to be doing their own thing. Sometimes I go for the reality factor. And then I keep trying for the “everyone look at me” picture. To be quite honest, there have been a few years when I was so very tempted to send out a Christmas picture that had everyone dressed up cute for their picture and all of them crying. But, for the sake of pretty, I keep trying for the picture where they are NOT crying.
And one of everyone putting on their happy face. Okay, ALMOST everyone. Notice the smallest child in the middle looking a bit like Cindy Lou Hoo in hair and dress. She is sporting her best little sad face she can muster. All because her mother - that would be me - placed her in the middle of all these cousins and then stepped back to take the picture. All without her permission. Or, as my 5 year old says without “mission.”
And a circle of . . . .love, squints, laughs? What would you call it? Jonathan called it stupid. But we won’t hold it against him.
And a slightly posed but fun family moment - dog and all.
You might be asking at this point where is the family picture of MY family. I know one certain person who will be asking that. Well, I would be asking that too. Except that I knew my kids had had their fill for the day. I guess that is the problem when you grow up with a mom who never asks you to sit still much for pictures. And so they don’t.
It is high time I caught this blog up with all the shoots I have had lately. I am up to my eyeballs in pictures to proof. But as always, I wanted to give a sneak peek to the parents of this little dynamic duo. We have fun in the morning sun!
I had a lot of fun with this family. The evening light was so pretty, and they had such fun running barefoot through the grass.
We jumped, we climbed, and we had fun.
One might think that because I am a photographer, I would have an easier time getting a picture with all three of my kids in it. Well, I can garuntee you that is WRONG! My kids have seen the camera so much they are immune to it. My youngest has been photographed since her first breath - literally! So, you can imagine how excited I am to have a picture where they are all three in it and NO ONE is crying, walking off, picking their nose, or giving me a dirty look. Seriously - this is a MIRACLE! And you know what I am going to do with this particular little beauty? One word - CANVAS - and big. This is not a time to settle for some dinky little 11×14, or 20×24 even. So here is where I need your help. Help me chose, color or black and white? You can vote in the comments section.
And a few quick notes of business. I have ONE weekend slot open still in both September and October. I am also doing bring a friend sessions for SENIORS only. That means you can split the cost of the sitting fee and have fun with a friend at the same time. 
These little simple things are so fun and fascinating! I bought a whole bunch of these in the dollar section at Target. So, if I show up to a session with bubble wands in hand, you will know you are a lucky participant of bubble wand fun with your pictures.
Okay this was fun! We blew bubbles, climbed up in the amazing play structure, played with the dogs, and picked acorns from the tree - all while I took pictures. Here is just a BIT of what we did. Fun stuff!
This was a really fun session. The park is really pretty this time of year. Meghan thanks for being such a great sport. I am sure you will enjoy these pictures for a long time.
If you have not had your senior pictures taken - what are you waiting for?! Book it now while it is still green outside.
Just look at this tiny newborn baby! Congratulations to mom and family. Of all the things I photograph, newborn babies are my absolute favorite.
He was in his preschool class for about 30 minutes tops before this happened. He tripped and collided with the bookcase. He split his lip open and so began his first trip to the ER. No stitches were needed thankfully! I cannot imagine how you would go about getting a stitch in the lip of a very active three year old boy. I have a feeling we have a few more trips ahead of us to the ER. He is always jumping off things, running into things, etc. Boys! They asked him in the ER how his lip felt and he said, “GREAT!” I had to bribe him with jelly beans to get these pictures.
The first one he is showing off his hospital bracelet.
Just a quick note of business to say that I am booking now for the months of September, October and November. Weekend spots are filling up quickly! The first week of November is the cut off for booking Christmas sessions.
And I will leave you with one more image of summer. Bare feet and all!
This day my first baby turned 5! She told me she felt much bigger that morning when she woke up. We had a fun family day. Here is the day in pictures. I will be putting these together and making them into a book for her. For those of you who have not seen the exuisite little 5×5 brag books, you NEED to see these. These pictures and many more from the day will be put into one.
