Can Anyone Tell Me....

....what kind of spider this is? This lady has been "hangin out" in our living room window. She is fascinating to watch, but I don't know what kind of spider she is. I've never seen such a large spider (other than a tarantula). In the larger photo it seems as if she has an egg sac, which is why I believe this to be a female. We have no intention of killing her since we have major fly and nat problems at the moment and we are hoping she will get rid of some of them. I would love any information that any of you has!

Thanks,

Katie

O'brien Cuties!

These two cuties had a blast taking pictures in Eureka Park today! Caitlin and Chloe were so photogenic and ready for their close ups! I can't wait to see how the rest of the pictures turned out and share them with everyone! Thank you to their awesome mom for allowing me to "borrow" her children for a couple of hours. I look forward to seeing more of these girls in the future!

Carrington Family

I'm so glad the Carrington Family chose me to take their family photos! We had some fun in the city park as we moved from spot to spot to capture pictures of the kids and some family photos along the way. These kids took some great photos even though it was close to dinner time! I had a blast taking these pictures since it is the first family I've had the opportunity to shoot outside. I appreciate the Carrington's letting me get some practice in while doing what I love! I look forward to working with this wonderful family in the future!

A photographers rant

Ok. I mostly blog my photos on here but today's blog is about dos and donts for photographers.

Photographers have to have a passion for what they do. They live,love and breathe photography everywhere they go. What people dont seem to understand is that it's not an easy job. It's hard.

When a photographer takes a picture a certain way with a certain lens and certain lighting , there's a reason. Hearing something like " I could take that picture myself with my phone", or "well I could just use photoshop to do that", it's really irritating. You came to the professionals for a reason. If you can do it yourself with your phone then don't come to us. It's disrespectful to the photographer. Yes technology has changed, but every photographer has a style set in motion that took years of practice.

"I'll just go to sears or Walmart" is just offensive. You get what you pay for with those places. You only want to spend $10 for your pictures? Go right ahead, but don't expect good quality.

When you do go to the professionals set a plan with your photographer. Let your photographer know in advance what your wearing, if you have outfit changes, if you have a preference on full body or headshots, any locations you have in mind etc. This gives your photographer a more solid plan and the results will be better for you in the end. Photographers don't want you as a customer to walk away unhappy. We want you to come back to us again BECAUSE you LOVE your photos.

If you hire a professional photographer to take your pictures treat them like human beings. Speak to them not at them. Let the photographers do their jobs, otherwise your results will not be what you are really looking for. Of course this doesn't mean not to say anything. Photographers want to know your opinions and ideas and discuss them with you, they just don't want to be told to do things.

So the next time you want to have pictures done professionally, keep these things in mind to get the most out of your session and you and your photographer will be much happier with the results.

On a side note here's a photo from the beautiful U.S Virgin Islands to help make your Sunday a little more peaceful!

Texas sunset

I absolutely love Texas sunsets! And while yes, this photo was taken with my iPhone,I had to share this gorgeous sky! Texas sunsets truly inspire me and remind me of one of the many reasons I continue to live in and love this state.

ST. JOHN

Today's blog comes from St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. This place it amzingly gorgeous and has exceeded anything that I imagined. The island is so friendly and I can't wait to spend an entire week here and share some photos with all of you!

Harding

Today I took pictures of my little cousins, Preston and Tatum! Thank you Debi for letting me borrow your children! I enjoyed taking these pictures and I want to get the rest posted very soon. They took some really cute photos by the rail road tracks and at the playground. These kids are awesome!

The WildCatter

What would a photographer or Texas be without some gorgeous landscapes?? This amazing view was photographed while I was visiting the Wildcatter in Graham, Texas. It is so beautiful to me b/c it is so clear of any human existance (even though it isn't completly cleared). It is a very calm, peaceful, and satisfying view. It reminds me that life really is about the small things and enjoying every minute of the beauty that life can hold!

Kristen

Since I am not able to shoot everyday (even though I actually am,  just not anything I'm able to share) today's post features my very own baby sister, Kristen. This photo was taken for a class I took at UNT, but it never actually got used. Expect to see older photos that I've never shared in my posts when I'm not able to shoot something new. Even though they may be old, some of these photos are definitely worth sharing! Kristen you've grown to be a beautiful young lady and I can't wait until we can take your Sr. Pictures! You're fabulous doll!

Stroebel Girls

I am sad to say that I have not had the opportunity to go through all of these images yet, and only have one to upload. However, I am pleased that these 2 girls were so excited to get some pictures taken! I can't wait to share more. For now here is a sample of what is to come from Channing and Kennedy Stroebel's session with me in Seymour! They took some fabulous pictures, and look how cool this wall in their house is!

Slayton

                   

This adorable little baby, Slayton Barton took some pictures with me today. Slayton just started sitting up and could only do so for a few seconds but we managed to get some adorable shots. These are just a few of the photos that Mommy, Daddy and Grandma's picked out. 

I couldn't wait to share these pictures and I can't wait to get some more pictures of this cutie soon when he will be able to crawl and walk! For now these were to cute not to share!

I'm Back! For Good this time!

Hello everyone! I have not posted in awhile, but that is all about to change!! I have three fabulous shoots coming up and I will be sharing my experiences and continue to try posting everyday. I have been working very hard at a studio, and I have gained a lot of knowledge as to what I want. I know I want a studio of my own and I know I want to continue my career as a photographer. I hope to be making daily posts from now on so I can start building a portfolio and really putting my name out there. Until my bigger dreams can come true I must take it one step at a time and continue to grow at the studio I'm working for now. I have not been in the best of spirits, but I can feel the changes that are coming soon by the grace of God! Until tomorrow folks! Please enjoy this photo. Just as I found these green leaves in a sea of dead branches, God has lifted me back to life and inspired me to be as passionate as I've ever felt!