two boys

This was the second time I'd seen the older boy, and the first time I'd met the younger one.  They have so much fun together!  The older one got this sweet guitar for Christmas I think, and apparently he played it so much at first, he actually got blisters!  That's rock 'n' roll.  

Taco studio shots

It's little Taco again!  This time in my studio.

:)

My boys on white.

I promise I'll post photos of other people's kids soon...  Anyway, here are mine!  I could just eat them.  I don't think I've mentioned so far that I actually got my Canon 5D Mark II last week!!!!  I'm loving it.  I really can't overemphasize how wonderful the full-frame sensor is.  All of my lenses are effectively wider now, and I'm so excited!  So I was using it here with my 50mm f/1.4 lens in my bedroom.

THE NEW DIGS

Ok, so I finally got the house clean enough (for a few hours) to take some photos of it.  Here they are!!  Our fabulous real estate agent, the illustrious Tammy Young, found us this gem (and sold our Haney house in NINE days!!  For 98% of the asking price!!).  I don't think many people can do that in this market.  Check out her cool real estate blog:  http://austincentric.blogspot.com

Parent:Wise Austin. Duh!

So, I really can't believe I neglected to mention Parent:Wise Austin magazine in my post about local businesses I love.  I guess they're such a part of me at this point that I wasn't even thinking about them as a separate entity.  P:W basically built my business.  They took a chance on me when I was really green, and they let me shoot their cover art.  I run an ad in their publication every month, and it's absolutely the most productive advertisement I've ever done.  My hubby has graced the cover of the Father's Day issue two years running--the first time with Jack, and this last time with Chuck!  I had a great run there for about a year or so, being the only photographer advertising in the mag.  Now I have company.  I'm so glad to see they're getting new advertisers.  If you have a business  you need to advertise to mamas, do it in Parent:Wise; you won't be disappointed.  The ladies over there do so much for me.  They are genuine and kind women, and I am so thankful to have met them at all, but especially at the beginning of my business venture.  But in addition to being wonderful friends, they're also great journalists.  Their magazine is full of fascinating reads that relate to all things mama.  And their family calendar is priceless!  You can pick up a copy of Parent:Wise Austin at grocery stores (not H-E-B) around town.  Or you can go to their Web site for a PDF copy:  www.parentwiseaustin.com

Love you girls!!!

THE VALENTINE'S DAY MINIs!

We have our first mini-session date!  Please note, not all mini-sessions will be a good fit for all clients, but we plan to have lots of different minis for you all to choose from.  Our inaugural mini-session is for Valentine's Day (obviously), and we're set for Sunday, January 25th, 2009.  It's a great idea for unique Valentines to hand out at pre-school, or maybe a gift for Grandma or Daddy!  Here's the breakdown on rates and stuff (please remember sales tax):

Mini-Session-Fee:  $75  

One digital file:       $50 (I can point you in the right direction for having Valentines printed)

CD of the whole mini:  $150 

Our session will last about 10-15 minutes, and we'll schedule one every 30 minutes (from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) to ensure we're not rushed.  There will be no clothing or background changes.  You'll see around 10 finished photos from the session.  This little series of my son, Chuck, took about 3 minutes!  Some of the kids are going to cry; that's a given.  I think it will make for great photos either way.  You should bring your own lipstick (obviously not extended-wear).  We were able to remove this lipstick with some make-up remover towelettes, which we'll provide.  Mom should probably not wear clothing that shouldn't be stained with lipstick.  We can definitely get a shot or two with mom kissing the babe.

You gotta accessorize.

This is a little boy that recently came to see me for the second time.  He loves his accessories!  Yay!!