{me, a celebrity photog?!}

It's true.  I photographed a celebrity.  :) I can hardly believe how it came about, but back in June, I photographed a charity event starring Fabio. 

 

 

A friend of mine who is very involved in animal welfare causes contacted me with this situation.  An organization called SpayFirst was hosting an event in Oklahoma City to raise money for spay/neuter clinics.  The event was to be held at Saks Off 5th Ave at the outlet mall and feature none other than the fabulous Fabio.  :)  To help raise money, Fabio volunteered to have his picture taken with fans and their pets.  This is where I come in.  The person who had volunteered to take the pictures had to back out and they were desperate for a replacement.  Talk about a once in a lifetime opportunity.  I HAD to jump on it!

 

Could I make it on the cover on a romance novel?

 

I was happy to help this organization and eager to add photographer to the stars to my resume. ;) The event was a lot of fun.  Fabio WAS fabulous and one could see his true love for animals.  

{best barn in town | children portrait photography}

I love all things with a story. Special belongings passed down by generations with memorable stories attached.  It's no different with places.  And there happens to be a fantastic place here in my town.

 

 

This old barn is no exception.  I'm not sure how long it's been there, but there is history there.  It is owned by our city, and I hope they don't have any plans to destroy it.  It's lovely, nostalgic, and makes for great pictures. 

 

I have met with families out there a few times and have many more planned this fall.  Here's some of my favorite images so far. 

 

Above and below are two of my little cuties on the day I went out to scout the barn.  :)

 



A handsome set of brothers met me out there for some photos.

And this little cutie met me out there very briefly before the Oklahoma heat made us miserable.  :)

 





And just a few days ago, I met some gorgeous girls there.  Can't wait to post about their awesome session! 

{a trip back home | tulsa oklahoma family sessions}

I've been living in Norman since coming here to attend college.  I won't say how long because it makes me feel old.  ;) I married a local boy, and we decided to stay here to raise our family.  I am lucky that my hometown is just a quick trip up the turnpike.  We visit there often.  I figured I would offer photography sessions there as well to see if I had any takers. 

This summer I have gone back twice and have a few sessions, including two for old friends.  I had asked my friend where a good location in Tulsa would be for family sessions.  She told me about Centennial Park located in downtown Tulsa.  This is such a great park with a fantastic view of the Tulsa skyline.  There are rocks, grass, and several water features that give this park several spots for fun pictures. 

such a sweet family!

oh my! love that baby's smile!

four cuties :)



great view of the Tulsa skyline



I always love trying out a Pinterest pose!



i just love this spot in the park!

I hope to continue to offer sessions in the Tulsa area.  It's been fun to reconnect with old friends.  :)

{ashley, rosalie, and juliana soon-to-be | maternity and children portraits}

Over Mother's Day weekend, I had the opportunity to take some pictures for my expectant cousin and her precious daughter. I so wish I was closer to San Antonio because just the other day sweet Juliana was born!  How I would love to take some pictures of her.  :)

I was super excited because I had not done any maternity pictures.  Ashley was so nice to volunteer her belly.  ;)  I just love pregnancy and the miracle of life.  Seriously.  There is nothing more beautiful. My dear friend took maternity pictures for me during my last pregnancy.  They are some of the most treasured pictures I have.  I will always be able to look back and remember that special time.  I love that I am now able to capture the same memories for others.  I have since done three other maternity sessions with more on the horizon. 

My friend took a picture like this for me when I was pregnant.  I loved it so much I had to try it out with my cousin. :)

.love this.

perfect round tummy

Hello, Juliana!  Can't wait to meet you!

What a beauty! Love her big brown eyes!

Happy baby girl!

I'm always so glad to spend time with my cousin.  I hate that eight hours separate us.  I cannot wait to make a trip to Texas to meet her new sweet baby girl.  :)

*****

Expecting or know someone who is?  I would love to be the one to capture those memories for you or a loved one.  Also, I am about to embark on a new photography adventure.  I simply cannot wait to attend and photograph the birth of my friend's third child.  She is due any day, and I have my camera bag packed and ready.  Please, contact me for more information! :)

{it's only two months past mother's day}

I love Mother's Day.  Not just because I have a husband and three cute boys who love to spoil me.  For the last four years, the ladies on my mom's side of the family get together for what we call the "Top Chef Mother's Day Cookoff". 

My mother is one of three daughters born to my Granny and late Papa.  I am my mother's only daughter.  My aunt Cindy has a daughter, and aunt Teresa has two daughters.  We all gather on Mother's Day weekend for lots of fun, food and this year "fotography". 

We each are assigned a dish the prior year, and show up that day to win the crown.  ;)  This year's winner was my cousin who prepared a delicious salad with local ingredients. 

Hungry??
(in case you're wondering, mine was the meat dish, an Indian spiced kofta with freshly made naan and tzatziki sauce.)

After lunch we headed out to the backyard to get some photos.  It was fun playing with my self timer.  (I got several funny shots!) 

All the moms and daughters. 
Also, there's Granny with her great-grandchildren.  (She has one more that will be here in about a month!!)

We always enjoy our special holiday.  Preparations for next year have already begun!  I think I've got a real winning dessert! :)


(to visit past years click here and here back when the only camera was an iPhone.) ;)

{a "bridal" shoot | oklahoma bridal portraits}

A few months ago, my photography teacher (Amber from Fife Photography) introduced me to a group of local photographers.  This group consists of beginners up to professional photographers with years of experience and loads of talent.  They meet monthly to discuss different topics in the photography world. 

The first meeting I attended was actually hosted by Amber.  It was about how to pose clients to look their best.  So great and informative to a newbie like me.  :)  I learned great new ideas not only about flattering posing but also info on clothing and lighting. 

The following meeting was hosted by Benita Cloward of BRC Photography.  She graciously allowed us to visit her "headquarters" located at her beautiful home located in rural Oklahoma.  She spoke about her photography and was open to answering lots of questions.  Benita had arranged for a model to be there in a wedding gown for us to photograph.

I cannot tell you how excited I was to try my hand at getting a few bridal portraits.  I had just gotten a new lens (50mm 1.8) and could not wait to try it out. Benita lead us to a lovely field at sunset.  Then we just started to click the shutter.  :)

When I first started getting into photography, I never dreamed I would be able to take photographs of a beautiful bride.  (This also inspired me to have a special shoot that I will blog about soon!) 

It was such fun and a fantastic experience. Maybe I will have the opportunity to photograph a "real" bride soon!

{cute babies j & r | family & children photographer oklahoma city}

Back in early spring was when I started feeling comfortable enough behind the lens to do some pictures of someone other than my boys.  The first person to take me up on the offer was a friend (actually one of my husband's former coworkers).  They had their first baby in December and wanted some three month pictures and some new family shots.  A couple of my first blog posts I wrote were about two of their pictures (here and here).  I thought my first "official" photography gig went great!

In June, I took some pictures again for them now that he was six months old.  We met in downtown Oklahoma City for this session.  Baby J brought along his cute three month old cousin Baby R to get a few shots too.  Here are a few highlights from the shoot.  :)

check out those baby blues!

big boy!

old friends having a good chat :)

rub a dub dub, two cuties in a tub!

so handsome

he loved being in the air

so serious!

I got in a few shots with Baby J and his sweet parents.

How cute is this Pinterest pose?

I've loved seeing Baby J grow the last few months!  Can't wait to see you again when you turn ONE!!