Just me and the kids

I will be on vacation next week for the 4th of July. Yippee! So I won't be answering emails, the phone or editing any pictures.

I'll return on Friday, the 6th. See ya!

Happy Birthday, Alexa

I LOVE to do teen sessions! Alexa is turning 15 this month, and she is a gorgeous girl. Just check her out:





Here is a little "behind the scene" info about the shoot. We headed out to one of my all time favorite spots, RockWall Ranch, which is just past Garden Ridge. The best light for outdoor photography occurs during the hour before the sun sets, so we got started at about 7pm. Unfortunately, just after we started shooting the sun went behind a big, dark cloud and pretty much stayed there until dark. So I ended up using my flash quite a bit, bouncing it off of a reflector to soften it up.

Don't forget, it is a good idea to ALWAYS have your flash turned on when shooting outdoors, especially in the bright sun. The reason is because the sun creates very dark shadows under the eyes of the subjects, and makes their eyes look sunken in. The flash fills in those shadows and lights up their eyes perfectly.

Journey to Georgia

I don't know where to begin to describe last weekend. I went to Watkinsville, Georgia to be there when my mom met her father for the very first time.

I said this to our new family; that we expected to have a memorable and emotional time, but none of us, not my mom and dad, or my sister and daughter, thought we would be so welcomed and accepted and loved.

It was beautiful. And I've never seen my mom so happy.

Random Stuff

Looking for a few good recipes? Check here.

How about some new computer games for the kids? This is a good site that I use.

For Crock Pot Beef recipes, I look here.

And if you absolutely have to know how tall your child will be, this site will figure it out.

That's all I've got for today, folks.

Paris Hilton is being sent back to jail.

"Good"

In the words of Forest Gump, "That's all I have to say about that."

Downtown San Antonio

Engagement sessions are so much fun! This is Erika and Max, who are getting married next month.

We had a great time roaming around the River Walk and Travis Park. Here is a little peak at the excursion:







OK, that's all I'm giving away, and these aren't even the best. We are doing something really special with the session images, and I'm super excited about the project. It is pratically desiginig itself in my head as I look at the images.

Stay tuned!

Close to my sister's heart

There is a little baby boy named Ethan Powell that my sister Andie prays for. He has leukemia, and he's just 6 months old. I promised her that I would put the link to his website here on my blog, because he needs every prayer that he can get.

Ethan Powell

He is at St. Jude's hospital, and the next couple of weeks are critical. Here is a quote from his dad,

"Today Ethan will begin chemotherapy that is intended for ages 1-21. It is very intense. THIS IS THE TIME TO RALLY UP PRAYER WARRIORS! I know that most of you are emailing everyone you know, but I guarantee you there is at least one person out there that has the influence of reaching thousands of people quickly. Whoever you are, I am praying for your help! While we wait for June 15th... these will be a very trying, faith testing 12 days. I want to stress this.... I am not even worried 1%, just read any post or ask anyone that has spoken with me. It would be impossible to hide doubt in a situation like this. I am asking you to pray for a miracle and believe with me. God has the power to heal. I am praying that he will display that power in my son's life. PRAYER WORKS!!!"


Now I don't think my sister knows him, but for some reason this particular boy has grabbed her attention, because she has mentioned him to me a few times. Maybe the power of our prayers will the miracle he needs.

I'm praying too.

This is where we are almost every evening lately-watching the kids play. And I get to do what I love best, photograph them!







Are you as tired as I am with the high gas prices? Here is a link to find the cheapest gas in your area: MapQuest Gas

The cheapest in my area is $2.70.

TRUE BRIDE CONFESSIONS

This site is fantastic! It satisfies my fascination both with weddings and gossip at the same time.

I guarantee that you'll be hooked, too.

If you see the one that says something like "I wish I had spent more money on my photographer," click on "me too." Let's convince people of the importance of wedding photography.

I might confess something myself. I think I'll say-

"I wish I had cared less about how NICE everything looked, and cared more about how FUN it would be."

Well, I have another one I might post, but that one will be ANONYMOUS!