powerhouse studios

this face?

Powerhouse Studios has just come up with a fun and economical way to walk away with all of the images from your portrait session. We are now offering our First Editions Proof books that are small, compact, easy to share with friends, and are just a little bit artsy! These 5×5 proof books include all of the images from your session, and our fine art borders give your book a fine art touch.

Keep your eyes open for other new products coming soon!

Abby is a typical 3-year old who does not like being in front of the camera much, so when she agreed to let me take her picture on Saturday, I was thrilled. I told her we could go anywhere that she wanted to do pictures. She chose… the front yard. At first, I was disappointed because I had grand plans for cool pictures, and the front yard seemed boring and ugly. But I just followed her around and she had the best time, and when we were done, I realized that I had a set of images that were very her. Sitting on the front porch catching “rollie bugs”, waiting for the mail to come, and picking flowers. That’s Abby’s world.

I would encourage all of you out there to put the same amount of thought into your portraits. Find locations or items that mean something to you, no matter how silly or boring someone else might think it. When it’s over, you’ll have portraits that are distinctly you — and that is priceless.

I was driving down the highway today and saw the first patch of bluebonnets. There were only about 10 of them in a tiny little patch, but they were there! It inspired me to take a long drive and kinda get away from things, if only for an hour or so. I love this time of year and all that it brings. Cool weather, grilling in the back yard, brightly colored dishes and patio furniture… I feel very blessed.

I always get quite a few requests for “bluebonnet portraits” this time of year, and I’ve always found them a little bit — tired, I guess. EVERYONE has pictures of their kids sitting in the middle of the bluebonnets, you know? It’s all the same. However, I think I’ve got some really cool bluebonnet pictures coming up. Here are a couple from last year.

I am not kidding when I tell you that my daughter BIT a chunk off of her bowl last night after dinner. A ceramic bowl. I mean… what is there to even say?! I didn’t even think that was possible without serious damage. My teeth hurt just thinking about it!

And I am WAY behind on blogging weddings and photo shoots. I’ve been having some Photoshop problems and have been too lazy to recreate all of my blog graphics again… and again… and again. (I need actions!) I should be getting it fixed soon though, so I will try to get caught up!

I’ve had a camera for just about as long as I can remember. And for as long as I can remember, I loved dressing up my little sister and her friends in ridiculous things and then doing “photo shoots”. So this is a tribute to Valerie and Deena who were always willing models, and who helped me build my portfolio with images like this. I took this image when I was about 10, I think. (Note the hand made backdrop!)

Keep your eyes open for more pics from the Archives!

I have never laughed or cried so much at a photo shoot before. The Carrolls decided that this year they wanted to get pictures with all of the grandparents, so we all went out to Landa Park one afternoon to make it happen. The Carroll family just cracks me up every time I’m around them. There was much laughter and silliness and we had a great time. I’m still not sure if there are any where the kids aren’t making faces, but that’s the real them! Towards the end, Zeynep asked if she could take a picture with her mom, who only a couple months before had discovered she had a brain tumor and had been going through intense treatments. Then came the waterworks. It was such an emotional evening, and I hope these photos capture the amazing love that this family shares.

The kiddos are very tired of pictures by now

Last month I got the chance to shoot portraits of the Ferguson’s with their newborn son. They welcomed me into their home and we were able to get some beautiful, relaxed photos of them and of the baby in their element. I had a great time!

I know I haven’t blogged in a (LONG) while, but things have just been SO busy lately! We’re shooting a number of Christmas parties, wrapping up our Christmas portrait sessions, and trying to get orders in in time for the holidays (may this serve as a reminder for all of you still need to order Christmas gifts!!)

Here are just a few pictures from one of my more recent shoots with some of our best friends, the Phelps’.

My daughter is best friends with Lilah and could not resist her own photo shoot with her