Jennifer & Matt are Engaged!!!

After weeks of communicating via emails and phone calls, today I finally met my bride Jennifer and her groom Matthew. They are a stylish couple that hired me from Houston for their August wedding and I couldn't wait for them to arrive!!!
We braved the winds, the Fiesta crowds, the traffic and the detours to find three fabulous spots for their portraits. I couldn't have asked for a more cooperative duo, as they followed me around like a crazy woman playing with my new flash. Learning new techniques that you finally get to try out is the absolute best, having clients who want to play along... priceless!!!

This couple has a very similar story to my husband and I as to how they became a couple. Isn't the Internet world fabulous! Two people who might otherwise never had met, find each other! How exciting! And they really care for one another. Example: Matt has the flu, sicker than a dog last evening, and spend the better half of our shoot sweating with fever (What a trouper you were Matt!!!). Jennifer asked him not once or twice, but multiple times "Are you still ok to do this? Can I do anything for you? Thank you so much baby for still doing this for me."
Now that's love! And it's fabulous!!!

Today is a very sentimental shoot for me, it will be the last one my husband Eric and I shoot together until I meet up with him in Europe next January. I am quite certain that this was my reasoning behind the length of our morning, I just didn't want it to end.
So thank you Jennifer and Matthew for the fantastic morning! I have never captured a sunrise shoot before, now I am hooked! The world is so still, no one around, just me and my new friends...

Enjoy!















<

Life before Photography...

My life... my fabulous, crazy, impulsive, obsessive, blessed, lovely life.

I was speaking with a friend tonight who said something so profound to me, she said "I read your blog every day and at times I think to myself... I wish I had her life." I found this extremely flattering, since I have always looked at my life as exciting, but nothing that I would go as far as say others wanted to emulate. Ironically this statement comes at a time when I am not feeling particularly special by no means. I have a husband who leaves me until Jan. 2010 in just 72 hours, a business to take care of, two dogs to find good homes for, a house to sell, a car to sell, and a whole lots of issues to handle all one my own.
I guess god knows when we need that little pick me up!

So I went through some old pictures of times in my life. Those wonderful times that I have indeed been so very blessed to have experienced. Such as...

Champion Gymnast who toured with Kurt Thomas (What a great time in my life!)
ESPN Ms. Fitness SW Champion (Ah, to look that fit again!)
Dated country singer Lee Greenwood for 3 years (What the heck is up with that hair???)
Raced Lamborghini's down the coast of So. California with Mario Andretti (That was crazy!)
Was a Las Vegas Showgirl for 2 years (Those headpieces are so heavy!)
Learned to hunt as good as the boys (4 point on the first day of season)
Heli skied in British Columbia (What a rush!)
Performed at Dodger Stadium and was on tv for the first time with Steve Garvey! (Dad was so jealous!)
Became a surgical nurse at 38 and graduated with honors... I like this job much better!
Met the man of my dreams on Match.com and now they use us as a success story!

So... there it is. Me, just me. Crazy me. I was a lot of things before I became a photographer. I think all those amazing experiences have given me the chance to develop my style and attitude where my images are concerned. I thank God for all he has given me!

Thank you Rosemary for reminding me just how great I really do have it! I needed a kick in the ass!!! LOL!

One foot at a time...

Feet...

Yes, you could say I have a foot fetish, with my clients that is. Wait a minute, that sounds so wrong (and slightly creepy!) LOL!!!
Every shoot I have I take a picture of the couples feet. Together, crossed, barefoot, bridal heels, fashion stilettos to leather loafers. I just love to capture their feet.

While going through the pile of receipts I seem to have already accumulated for 2009... I have decided to be just as organized with my piles of photography files. As I viewed my spectacular couples I started to pull out all the foot images.

Here are 8 couples and their soles... Are you on here?

Italy here we come!!!

Europe...
Just the thought of going makes me squirm with anticipation! I have 8 months ahead of me... filled with weddings, babies, and a whole lot of fun! I am grateful to my brides who will surely help me in keeping my sanity!

As you know, I am a blog stalker... Can't help it, just love to read and love reading about other photographers. Love looking at their styles, their locations, their attitudes. One such blog that I am a total fan of is Ms. Jasmine Star. She is AMAZING!!! I am on her blog almost daily checking out her oh-so-fierce work! Which is how I heard of this talented man named Kevin Kubota. I use his formulas daily in my editing process and I absolutely love them!

Now, I am a stalker of his blog as well. A few weeks back I read that he is hosting one of his seminars in (of all places) Italy!!!!! For 7 days!!!! In 2010!!!!
You know where I am heading with this don't you?
Yes... I am going to Italy, going for 7 days and 6 nights to the most incredible seminar I could ever imagine. The topper... my partner Shelia could be coming too! Whoo-hoo!!

So, here's to a new morning filled with hope, life, and anticipation for all things exciting! What a difference a day makes eh?

Pic of the week~

Monday... Ah! Today is the start of my "official" countdown, in my own head. The countdown to lift off and the flight that takes my husband half the world away from me. Can we just go back a day, a week, a year or two? Better yet, move it forward about 8 months. When all the separation and all the hours via Internet and phone is over? Time will go fast, I keep telling myself that as the hour hits 10am and I just watched as Eric drove of to Ft. Sam one final time... late. All because of me so Commander I apologize! :)

So I run to my sanity, my computer. My pictures. I can lose myself in this editing thing and forget all about this world for a moment. On this computer I can write it out, shout it out, cry it out... and it's all ok. Right here its all ok.

In a moment I look out the window and see my neighbor Tracy. She and her husband are off to Wilford Hall for what could be, the birth of their son! I am sad, but others are in a very joyous time. I become happy. I am so very happy for them, I cry. It feels good. I feel better. Yes, I am excited to meet this new little man in their lives! I am thrilled to have been a part of his life even before birth, through friendship and pictures. This... this is what makes it all worth while being a military wife. The friendships that the military family has is truly amazing. We bond quickly, and make lasting-true friendships... and that is priceless to me.

I read the blog of my friend now partner Shelia of Shelia Stone Photography. Her husband just left last week. She had a 3 year old that she has to answer to concerning daddy. I have 3 dogs. I think I have it easier don't you? Besides, I'm looking at 8 months, she is looking at 18. God Bless you Shelia!

Over the weekend, as Eric and I shared breakfast, he opened the carton of strawberries and found this beautiful thing. I thought it a sign (crazy woman!) because it is a couple. A couple of strawberries that grew together as one. One day I will write about the day we moved into this house and the wishbone...

One huge, sturdy, yummy strawberry...
I'm going to be fine.

Babies everywhere!!!

It seems like I am receiving daily phone calls from former clients who are now having a baby! I am thrilled for all my lovely ladies...

Congratulations to:
Emily & Ivan
Kim & John
Laura & Mark
Tracy & John

That's a lot of babies! Today my client Kim phoned to announce Ms. Kiara has arrived!!! She came into this world on Friday April 17th, newborn portraits are set for next week!!!
Now, my friend Tracy tells me that tomorrow might end up being the day, she will know around 9am when the Dr. gives the thumbs up or down. If it is the day, I'm ready... Tracy & John asked me to be a part of the birth and to photograph the huge event!
So today Tracy, John and myself took some images of hands (John, our hand model!) Hands on the belly shots, because there might not be any belly tomorrow! :)
So, get some sleep tonight Tracy, tomorrow could be one of the biggest days of your life... tomorrow your son is born!

Audrey & Corey are Engaged!!!

Today I awoke to a windy, stormy sky... wondering if the engagement session I had planned with Audrey and Corey was going to happen. I prayed really hard, and did my little "stop the rain" dance and then went to clean my equipment just in case it was a go after all. By the time 3pm hit it was bright, sunny skies and warm temps. It was fabulous!
We all met down at the big enchilada library where we discovered that it was not the brightest idea... considering it is the start of Fiesta, crazy! We stayed for only moments before heading to a spot I have not used in a long time, but absolutely love. An old warehouse with amazing color.
With three wardrobe changes and a multitude of laughter we had a blast! This couple is so very much in love, I heard little "I love you" whispers all through the air.
Thank you Audrey and Corey for the great time this afternoon! For being such great sports and beautiful people! Here are some pics from our day.
Enjoy!!!

P.S. Thank you baby for shooting with me today, I am going to miss you and I as a team. We are amazing together!!! Your shots today were amazing as well! You can't leave me! :)



Audrey is a self professed "Shoe Gal!" The Carrie Bradshaw of San Antonio... Loved all the shoes she wore today! Especially these purple lovelies!



Eric shot from one angle, I from another... this is what we captured!



Is this a great looking couple or what!



AMAZING EYES!!!



I love the way Corey looks at Audrey... he loves her so much!





My little bride, the artist! All her idea! Sweet!









The play together in church... what a great couple!



You know me and my feet shots!



So we have this hula-hoop contest going... both we very funny to watch! What great sports!!!
(Be watching for pics of my hubby trying it out... too cute!)



Painted funky just for fun...

Out with Pam & Eli...

This morning I was asked to join my bride and groom Pamela & Eli for some vendor opinions... I was all too happy to help out. So we headed to the linens lady, then off to St. Anthonys Hotel.
Can I tell you how very excited I am about this event! It is going to be AMAZING!!! Not to mention that it is on my birthday! Whoo-hoo!!!
With their rooftop ceremony to the grand ballroom reception. No detail is being passed by when it comes to this couple. While leaving I slipped to the ladies room, when I returned I found the two of them out on the covered terrace stealing a kiss, thank goodness my trusty camera was at my side... I stole a shot.

SSSSssssshhhhhhhhhh........... Don't tell! :)

My hubby the Hero...

This afternoon was my husbands final day at DT&E, Ft. Sam Texas. His fellow soldiers gave him the proper send off with what else... chocolate cake! Yummy!
LOL! That and his new beautiful medal for all his hard work and dedication to the DT&E section of USAMITC.
This was my second awards ceremony as a military wife (Thank you for the flowers ladies)!
I am so very proud of my hubby! He makes everything better... EVERYTHING!

I love you baby! I love the life you have given me, I love the soldier you are, I love your strength when I am too weak to handle this world, your love when I feel un-worthy of it, your belief when I am clueless, and your passion for this marriage and this life we call SPECTACULAR!!!

Marching to her own beat...

Annie Leibovitz...
Mention this name around any artistically inclined, educated photographer and they will surely have something to say about her. Some positive, some... not so much. Annie is a revolutionary artist. Her eye for the "out of the box" image made her work famous, straight out of the gate with her photographs of the anti-war rallies in San Fransisco back in 1970, which were so good they landed her the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine at the ripe age of only 21.
Since then, other famous and sometimes controversial covers have graced tens of covers for several famous magazines. One such well-known image could be of Demi Moore on the cover of Vogue, naked and 8 months pregnant. At the time this image hit news stands (1991), the controversy surrounding it was enormous! Now... Almost 20 years later, women all over the world are running to photographers to capture images of there round bellies in the buff.
Before her time? I would say so!

What caught my intrigue as I flipped through the pages of this months issue of American Photo Magazine, which is dedicated completely to Ms. Leibovitz, was her image of a tuxedo clad Steve Martin. He was standing in front of a painted canvas in his white tux. Both were covered with black paint marks. Right then I thought of my Rock the Dress images of my bride Jolyn at the gallery. I think if the reactions I receive from people when I mention, even show them the images from that shoot. Some really love it. Some, well again... not to much. They think it is too outside of the box.
But, that is the way I think... outside of the box. I want people to talk about my work. Whether they love, or they hate it... I want them to remember it! I am a realist though as well. As an artist I realize that my work will always be criticized one way or the other. Some positive, some not. I have also grown to realize that I cant please everyone. Nor, do I want to.
I want to please myself, I want to please my clients. If I can leave the set of a shoot and say "Wow! That was a great set!" Then I am pleased. Now, if the client feels that same way then I am beyond thrilled!!! That's the ultimate goal anyway, making the client happy. I came up with the painted bride idea never even knowing until today of the Steve Martin image.
So here's to being a goof! A little off. A little outside the box...
I wouldn't want to be anything else!

(Below images are from the American Photo publication on Annie Leibovitz April 2009 Edition) Right next to Steve Martin I am showing my painted bride subject... I'm not so crazy after all!!

Cibolo Mayor Candidate calls on DB Images Photography!!!

Last evening my phone rings, it's my October bride Sylvia calling to ask a favor! I listened as she tells me that her very good friend Robyn Jones is in need of an image... professional portrait, completely edited and ready for print in 48 hours. She sounded in a panic! I, on the other hand, was calm as could be. I knew I could get the job done. "So..." I ask,
"What is this picture so urgently needed for?" Sylvia proceeds to tell me, "Oh, it's for her Mayor Campaign images."
Just like that, ever so calm... FOR THE MAYOR CANDIDATE! Yikes!!!
Like for press, brochure, bill board, etc...???
Yes ma'am!
So, Mrs. Jones came to our studio this morning bright and early, ready for her session.
"This sure beats Sears!" Was her first comment when she walked onto the set. No offense to Sears, they have been taking fine pictures for centuries... but it was obvious that this woman wanted, needed, and deserved something so much more.

Thank you Sylvia for the fabulous referral!!! Clients like you are priceless!!! And thank you to Mrs. Robyn Jones... Mayor Candidate for the City of Cibolo, Texas. Your contacts are greatly appreciated and I look forward to working with you and the City of Cibolo again in the near future.

The last big push comes May 9th, so ya'll get your butts off that couch and go vote! Make a change, get involved with your community, show your patriotism!
VOTE for Mrs. Robyn Jones!!!

The before and the afters...

In the years before digital there was film... remember that stuff? Came in rolls, couldn't be exposed to light, a nightmare to load! Some die hard photographers still shoot exclusively with film. Their images have that certain "character" to them.
Today's digital photographers achieve that similar look and feel during post production with the aid of programs catered primarily to the manipulation of a photograph. The programs available today are powerful, amazing tools that can take one years to master.
One such program that I have (Kubota Actions) gives you 420 separate actions that can be achieved with the click of a mouse. Combine that with another program (Totally Rad Actions) offering another 220 actions and the capabilities are endless.
To change, or manipulate an image to an extent of being flattering, but not fake... that takes time, knowledge and above all talent as an artist. Too much and the subject looks like a doll, too little and it actually takes away from the subject.
My new Kubota program is the most powerful tool I use today to aid in my post production of my images. From proper white balance techniques, to removal of tattoos, anything is possible.
Below is a (SOOTC) Straight out of the camera... and a Kubota enhanced image. Just a little tweaking to her skin tones, eye clarity and already awesome color, add some blemish removal and watch this image pop! Her eyes are what sells it, yes they are enhanced, but as you can see... what I had to work with was pretty awesome!

And baby makes a family!

Today I had the pleasure of spending Easter Sunday with dear friends, celebrating and surely taking pictures! Today was Tracy's maternity shoot... after 2 postponements and an un-sure sky, we were wondering if this shoot was going to happen before the new little one arrives?
The weather turned beautiful, but only after we chose to take the shoot to the studio, so another session is scheduled next Sunday for some off camera flash work! How fun!!!
The happy couple are my neighbors and now I am proud to call them my friends as well. We are all just one big, happy, military family on this block we call home. The new bundle of joy is due in only 3 weeks... and this woman looks incredible! She was always stunning, but now she simply glows. Ah, to look like this at 8 months, amazing!
I enjoyed our afternoon together Ms. Tracy, and I am touched by the trust that you placed in me to capture this "only one time" moment in your lives! Next, your new son!
Forever Friends!