Lezlie Andrew Photography

Out with the old....

2009-10-21T12:49:00.003-06:00

....and in with the new! The new blog is live!! Click HERE and be sure to switch it out in your blog-rolls, bookmarks, etc! Goodbye blogger...it's been real. ;)

New Blog Coming Soon!

2009-10-19T10:06:00.003-06:00

I have had a new blog in the works for some time. Getting it finished and launched has just been a matter of having time to actually work on it. I know it's no secret I'm a busy busy girl. Well, good news is the blog is actually almost finished. Yay!!! I plan on launching it this Wednesday, October 21st. On Wednesday I will make one final post to the current blog with a link to my brand spankin new Lezlie Andrew Photography Blog where you will find a ton of new {bigger} images to feast your eyes on! So stay tuned. In the mean time here is one of my favorite images from Stacy & Brad's wedding last month.

Bummer!

2009-10-06T16:47:00.002-06:00

All of my emails have disappeared into oblivion! I have no idea what happened or whether or not I missed anything uber important. Soooo, if you have emailed me in the last week and you didn't get a response you might resend that. ;)

Thanks!

Zack+K'Lyn {Engaged}

2009-10-06T01:09:00.003-06:00

I have been working feverishly on a new website and blog. Well, the website is live! Yay!!! Sadly, I can't say the same about the new blog. Hopefully soon but for now head over to the new site and let me know what you think. www.lezlieandrew.com ...but you already knew that. ;)

You know I can't leave you without some pretty images to look at. So here are a few of my favorites from K'Lyn & Zack's e-session. More to come from their session and wedding soon (hopefully on the new blog!).

Drew+Taisha {Married}

2009-09-18T23:33:00.005-06:00

Recently I had the privilege of flying to Seattle to photograph the wedding of Taisha & Drew. I was honored that Taisha & Drew loved my work enough to fly me all the way to Washington state to be a part of their special day. Their wedding was absoltely gorgeous....beautiful weather and beautiful location. They were married on the stunning grounds of The Manor in Everett (just north of Seattle). The morning after their wedding Taisha, Drew, Jeremy & myself went out to capture some Day After photos. I'll be sharing those images with you soon! Here are a handful of the images Jeremy & I captured on Drew & Taisha's wedding day. I have so many favorites I'm sure I'll be showing you more soon! Enjoy.

This bouquet shot was inspired by Millie Holloman and is now hanging in my studio. :)

McBride {Siblings}

2009-09-10T21:15:00.004-06:00

***Important info regarding holiday sessions: If you are wanting your images in time for Christmas cards and/or gifts then you need to have your session scheduled for on or before November 14th!***

I shot this session for my friend Lara back in June. It was a gift for their father so I couldn't show their images until now. Here are a few of my faves.

Abigail {7.5months}

2009-09-09T22:46:00.003-06:00

Here are a few of my favorite images from Abigail's latest shoot. She is just the cutest little thing EVER! Enjoy.

Gabby+Matt {BabyBump}

2009-09-05T11:30:00.004-06:00

Gabby (or Gabe as I like to call her) is one of my oldest friends. I have known her since 3rd grade (or earlier possibly). I was so thrilled when she called me and told me that she was having a baby! We got together this summer for a fun little session with she and Matt to document her cute little baby bump. We had so much fun trekking around Deep Ellum, getting bit by fire ants (me), and witnessing an attempt to break into a vehicle at the park. Yes, it was an adventurous session to say the least. :) Here are some of my favorite images from their session. Enjoy!

I Left My Heart In Seattle...

2009-09-01T11:42:00.005-06:00

I've been been a busy girl. Here's what I got to shoot last week...in Seattle!!!! More to come from Taisha & Drew's wedding and Day After Session!

Justin+Karie {Engaged}

2009-08-23T15:48:00.004-06:00

I've been a busy busy girl...yes I have! Lots of sessions to edit, weddings to process, leaving for Seattle on Wednesday, and I have weddings every weekend until Ella's Birthday next month. Here's one of my recent Engagement Sessions. Justin & Karie are getting married in October and I can't wait. It is going to be such a gorgeous wedding! Here are a few of my favorites from their session. Enjoy!

Sarah {Bride}

2009-08-16T23:15:00.004-06:00

Sarah & Joe were married this weekend! Congrats guys...I had a blast with you two!! Here are a few of my favorites from Sarah's bridal session. I also threw in a few of the (more tame) images from Sarah's boudoir session. We shot this session a couple of months ago and then did a super cute coffee table book w/ the images from her session. She gave it to her husband to be the night before their wedding...oh la la! ;)

Amy+Joey

2009-08-11T15:10:00.003-06:00

105 degrees + sexy couple = one super HOT session!!! Let me introduce you to Amy & Joey, my new favorite Dallas couple. Here are some of my faves from their session last month. Enjoy!

Ryan+Abby {Day After}

2009-08-05T19:35:00.004-06:00

I'm getting back into the swing of things and attempting to get caught up before leaving town again at the end of the month (Seattle this time!). Here are some of my favs from Ryan and Abby's Day After Session. I took a slight detour from my norm with this session (not that my normal is really all THAT normal...haha). It was just one of those laid back sessions where we could relax, have a blast, and experiment a little bit. Ryan and Abby have been such a blessing to work with and while I am sad to see our time together come to an end I am happy to have found friends in them. Enjoy these images and stay tuned to see some rockin photos from my June Dallas sessions!

A Sweet Affair

2009-08-01T17:37:00.003-06:00

Love Affair was beyond wonderful! I could write a book or a novel about everything I learned, the relationships I came away with, and all the fun times that were had. A fun few details...we saw Adam Lambert in our hotel lobby, I rode the elevator with Jeremy Piven at one point, and made 60 something new friends in all different places throughout the U.S. and the world for that matter (we had 2 from Canada and one who lives in the U.K.)! I had the time of my life. Here are a handful of images from our shoot on Wednesday. The girls provided us with models who were styled by a few of the most sick stylist I've ever met. Birdcage veils...um HELLO!!!!

Ryan+Abby {Day After.Sneak Peak}

2009-07-24T21:11:00.002-06:00

This may be my last post for at least a week. Who knows, I may get a post in here and there while I'm at Love Affair. :)

I just wanted to give you a little taste of the yummy goodness that was Ryan and Abby's Day After session. Enjoy!

{Cousins}

2009-07-22T22:44:00.005-06:00

A post...FINALLY!!! I am desperately trying to get things rapped up because next week I head to Atlanta for Love Affair!!! Here's one of the sessions I'm finishing up tonight. Enjoy!

Olivia {Sneak Peak}

2009-07-15T22:38:00.002-06:00

It doesn't matter how hard I try but I just can't seem to keep up with my blog during wedding season. Boo! Well, I'm in Dallas at the moment hanging out with my family, shopping, and getting a session in here and there. I know I am seriously overdue for a post so I thought I'd throw a quick image on here from the session I'm working on right now. Isn't she a cutie?!?!

I promise to blog lots of images from all the sessions I'm currently editing when I am home next week. Hope you are all having a fabulous summer!

Ryan+Abby {Love}

2009-07-06T13:41:00.006-06:00

I'm going to be going a little backwards in my wedding posts. Abby & Ryan's wedding was the last wedding I shot...and the last of a group of cousins I did starting last summer. I had so much fun with Abby & Ryan through all their sessions (e-session, bridals, wedding, and trash the dress/day after session coming later this week). Their wedding was super fabulous! I especially loved their location...the Hillside Christian Church chapel. ;) Their reception was so much fun, too! They had everything from gorgeous decorations and a rockin band to wedding crashers and one intoxicated uncle who balanced beer on his head in the middle of the dance floor at one point. Haha! Congrats Abby & Ryan! Thanks for being SO MUCH FUN to work with!

Here are just a handful of images from their wedding. Enjoy!

CIY Vids

2009-07-03T17:14:00.002-06:00

CIY (Colorado) was super powerful! The band did such a great job and everyone was super stoked out on them. Aww...such rockstars. Haha! We are so glad to be home and to have Jeremy home after being on the road for 4 weeks. We get to all be together for a couple of weeks before traveling starts up again...then it's my turn. :) Here are some videos of Rob Attaway and the band leading hundreds of kids in worship at CIY. Enjoy!

The band's version of this song by Hillsong United is so sick!

This was the first week of CIY (which I wasn't there for) but this is one of the greatest things I have ever seen!

My Apologies

2009-06-26T09:11:00.002-06:00

I have been M.I.A., huh? I think this is the longest I have ever gone between posts. There is good reason for it, of course! I spent all of last week working my butt of to get caught up so that I wouldn't have to work while on our little vacation this week. And it's a good thing too, because I have had like no time to edit and very little internet access minus my wonderful iphone (who I don't know how I'd live without!). Apparently though when emailing via my iphone from the mountains people are getting the same email 6 times. Haha! Sorry guys!

So, yes, I am in Colorado. Durango to be exact. This is maybe my 3rd or 4th time to Durango and I am thoroughly enjoying myself as usual. Except for the heat...which I thought I left in Amarillo. Anyway, we are in Durango for the last week of CIY (Christ In Youth). Jeremy has been touring with Rob all month long and this is their last week on the road. The first two weeks they spent in El Porvenir at Hillside Christian Church camps and these last two weeks have been here in Durango at CIY.

So sorry for the lack of posts but I needed a little family time! I'm hoping to get all of these weddings I have been shooting this summer blogged when I get back home. I'm always so bad about blogging weddings (I have no idea why). In the mean time, if you feel compelled to keep up with what I'm doing head over to Facebook or Twitter and follow my updates. Peace out for now!

xoxo

Julie {Bride}

2009-06-22T11:08:00.006-06:00

Julie is another one of my brides that got married on Saturday. I have had so much fun getting to know Julie while shooting her engagements and bridals. Here are some of my faves from her bridal session. Congratulations Jeff & Julie!

Abby {Bride}

2009-06-21T17:47:00.004-06:00

Congrats to Abby & Ryan for getting married last night in one of the most rockin weddings EVER! I had a blast with you guys. Here are a few of Abby's bridals from a couple of weeks ago. Poor Abby was such a trooper when we got rained out of not one but two attempts at this session. Then, of course, it rained ALL day yesterday. I swear it's me....I take rain and tornados with me wherever I go these days! Ha! There was a good break in the clouds yesterday while we were shooting though and then God decided to paint Abby & Ryan the most beautiful rainbow as the ceremony rapped up. Enjoy these bridals. One of these days I'll actually be able to post some wedding photos, lol!

Abby didn't wear boots on her wedding day but she threw her boots and spurs on to trek through this field with me during her session! Fun fact: A tornado touched down like 20 miles behind where Abby's standing right after we drove off.

Holland

2009-06-18T13:17:00.005-06:00

I had the chance to photograph the precious little Holland again a couple of weeks ago. She is so super gorgeous and such a happy baby! Alexis asked me to get some nursing pictures also while I was there and I think those may have been the most precious pictures I have ever taken. So so sweet! Here are some of my favorites (minus the nursing pics) from Holland's home session. Enjoy!

Brides

2009-06-13T21:26:00.003-06:00

There is a very good reason (or two) for the lack of posts this week. For one I was in Dallas visiting my family and meeting with brides. Second, I'm working on a lot of sessions I can't quite show you yet. Bridals for brides who have not wed just yet and a couple of killer boudoir sessions. Here are some teasers for now. I'll post a couple of family sessions in the next week so stay tuned!

Nichole {Bride}

2009-06-07T21:48:00.007-06:00

Well, Nichole & Josh are married! That's it for my Groom, Tx weddings this summer. I shot Nichole & Josh's wedding yesterday...for 10 hours. :) Ella & I dropped Jeremy off at the church early this afternoon so he could leave for camps then Ella & I drove to Dallas. I'm pooped...to say the least. Here are my favorites from Nichole's bridal session. Enjoy!

NeagleFam

2009-06-05T18:46:00.006-06:00

The sweet Neagle's put their house on the market, it sold in 4 days, and they had to be out in 10! Crazy!!! Rachael called me to see if I could do one last home session in that house for them. So I headed over there for a last minute shoot amongst boxes and termite inspectors. Ha!

I had fun with them as usual. I can't believe how big Ephraim is now! And boy does that boy have energy. He's like Ella (that girl never sits still) on speed. He was such a joy to be around though. Love that smile...love that boy!

Matt+Chelsea::Engaged

2009-06-03T18:27:00.005-06:00

Matt, Chelsea, and I got together a couple of weeks ago for a little mini E-sesh. I basically shot while they chatted and laughed in various spots. Just a totally chill session! My favorite part of our time together was when Chelsea kicked off her heels and they hopped onto the swings (which I might add were made for toddlers I think!). Ha! My favorite shot of the day however was a little bit of a mess up. We started walking back to our cars and I shot a couple of shots, accidentally cutting their heads off. What? It happens! ;) That last shot was literally the last shot out of my camera that day. I just love the way their shadows look!

Amy::Senior

2009-05-31T20:17:00.009-06:00

Meet Amy, my last Senior of 2009. Loved shooting this girl! Here are some of my favorites (there were so many...I totally could've blogged the entire session!). Grace & peace to you! ;)

Summer Calendar

2009-05-27T12:41:00.002-06:00

My summer (and rest of 2009 for that matter) is OUT OF CONTROL! In a good busy way. ;) Here is my travel schedule and available shoot dates:

Dallas/Ft.Worth: June 8th-12th*

Durango, CO: June 29th - July 3rd

Dallas/Ft.Worth: July 13th-16th*

Atlanta, GA: July 27th-31st (not available for sessions)

Seattle, WA: August 27th-31st Only available for sessions on the 29th & 30th

Santa Fe, NM: October 2nd-4th (not available on the 3rd)

Santa Fe, NM: October 9th-11th

St. Thomas: October 26th-30th

*More Dallas/Ft.Worth dates will open in the fall.

All of this means you Amarillo peeps need to book your sessions asap since dates will be quite limited! Also space is limited in these locations on these dates so don't hesitate to get your session booked. You know what to do...head to the website, click on the date you want, and shoot me a message. Or just give me a phone call. ;)

Grace+Peace,

Lezlie

phone no. 806 584 7894
email: lezlieandrewphotography@yahoo.com

Candace::Bride

2009-05-24T10:29:00.008-06:00

Candace & Garrett got married last night in a beautiful ceremony in Groom, TX. I think ALL of Groom plus Amarillo, Denver, etc turned out for their celebration. The place was packed and the reception was a blast! The party didn't miss a beat even when we blew a transformer and were stuck in total darkness with no music and no air conditioning. Maybe it was because the free beer and cocktails were still flowing steady. Or maybe it was because we all love Candace & Garrett so much we weren't about to let a little darkness ruin their day. Will a little (or a lot of) candle light, some good ol' country boys, and an acoustic guitar the party was back on in full force. Candace & Garrett, thank you so much for including me in your lives and your special day! I enjoyed getting to know you guys and loved getting to photograph your beautiful wedding! See you in two weeks when we do it all over again for Nichole & Josh!

Here are a handful of my favorites from Candace's bridals. I can not wait to show you the images from their wedding!

Love Affair Baby!

2009-05-19T17:28:00.004-06:00

First of all...I got a pedicure today! :) Exciting, I know. Well I desperately needed one but I also had a really great excuse for splurging a little today. What was that excuse you might ask...well, the awesome, beautiful, glorious woman of Love Affair told me to go get one! ;)

Here's my sad monkey before picture:

And my super sexy, summer-ready after:

Yes, I'm a happy girl. So I'm sure you're all wondering what Love Affair is. Well I'll tell you. Love Affair is an AMAZING workshop put on by four AMAZING photographers in one super AMAZING location.

When: July 28-30, 2009
Where: Atlanta, Georgia at the fabulous W hotel
Why: To hone my photography, business, and balancing my life skills!

I know you all here me talk about how busy I am ALL THE TIME. Truth is, while I am indeed super busy, I lack the organizational skills to maybe not be quite so busy all the time. This is the main reason I want to go to Love Affair. I want to learn to better balance my work life and my family life, not to mention my spiritual life. And hopefully I'll even come back with some major knowledge that will make all of your pictures rock that much harder! So here's to Love Affaire! Thanks for the pedicure, girls!!!

GreenFamily

2009-05-17T14:47:00.005-06:00

It's no secret I'm a busy girl these days. I have sessions coming out my ears and weddings every weekend as far as I can see. But busy is good, right? :)

Here are some of the images from the Green family session we did at the park a week or so ago. Isn't Jaycee a cutie!

Cameron+Sarah::Married

2009-05-11T14:15:00.011-06:00

Simple. Vintage. Those are the two words that those around Sarah would describe how she wanted her wedding day to be. She could not have picked a better venue, dress, food, etc. Sarah & Cameron's wedding day flowed with such ease and you really could feel the joy in the air and in those all around them. It has been such a blessing working w/ Sarah & Cameron. I'm sad to see it come to an end but I could not be more thrilled for them. I pulled just a few images from their day to show you. But now I've gotta get back to the 6 sessions and 2 wedding albums I'm working on! P.S. LOVE LOVE LOVE Sarah's shoes!!!!

Jeff+Julie::Engaged

2009-05-10T21:27:00.005-06:00

I met Julie for coffee several months ago to chat about doing her engagements and bridals. She and her mom were so nice and I knew right of the bat that I was going to have a blast with Julie! We made this session a two day event due to none other than Amarillo weather of course. We trekked around downtown for part one and then headed to the Randall baseball field where Jeff coaches for part two of their session. Julie wanted to include their babies (their dogs of course) in their session which turned out great. Cletus (sp?...haha!) was a hoot! He wanted to be in every picture. It was hilarious! Jeff & Julie, I had so much fun with you guys. I'm sad that I can't shoot your wedding b/c I know it's going to be super gorgeous/wonderful/fun etc! Julie, I'll see you in a couple of weeks for your bridals....I can not wait to see your dress!!!

Jenna & The Boys

2009-05-05T16:09:00.005-06:00

I was introduced to Jenna by her husband, Adam, at church one Sunday. Adam and I have known each other since like 3rd grade or so...A LONG TIME! I love Adam to death even though we have fallen out of contact since highschool. We kept in touch here and there through Myspace. I was excited to hear that he was moving back to Amarillo and when I found out they were going to our church I just knew we had to get together and hang out. Well, that totally hasn't happened! Haha...I don't seem to have time to do anything but watch the back of my eyelids when I'm not editing. Jenna and I have had a chance to chat a little on Facebook so I was excited when she emailed me about this session. She wanted to do a last minute session of her with her husband and brothers for her mom for Mother's Day. So we headed downtown on Sunday and had a blast! One of these days we will actually get together...especially now that I know we only live like 3 blocks away from each other! Here are a handful of my favorites from their session. Enjoy!

Ella

2009-05-02T17:07:00.000-06:00

*Ella has the ability to command the attention of a room packed full of people.
*Ella LOVES to sing Camp Rock and Paramore tunes.
*Ella has 20+ princess dresses.
*Ella does a mean Jack Black impression.
*Ella loves to "be a family" with her Mommy & Daddy.
*Ella LOVES sushi.
*Ella believes in fairy tales.
*Ella likes to play Transformers with Daddy.
*Ella likes to go outside and utilize her outside voice.
*Ella is the most polite little girl I have ever met.
*Ella has a best friend. His name is Gunther.
*Ella is my FAVORITE!

These are just a few things that make me love this little girl something fierce. I LOVE being her mommy. She truly is my favorite thing in this entire world.

DawesFam

2009-04-27T13:50:00.005-06:00

I simply love the Dawes family. Those boys have more energy than I have ever seen in one child...let alone two! They kept me on my toes and made this session so much fun! P.S. Congrats on your new job, Marcus! We will all have to get together soon to celebrate.

Here are some of my favorites from this session!

Annerson::7Months

2009-04-22T08:01:00.006-06:00

I can not even begin to express how much I love this family! I have just had so much fun with them on their many shoots and feel so blessed to have them in my life. Annerson's mommy, Leah, and I have been trying so very hard to nail down this session. We had all intended for it to be a 6 month session but Annerson wasn't sitting up yet and we really wanted her to for this shoot. So we pushed it back a little and then the weather wouldn't cooperate with us at all. That has kind of been the theme of my life the last month or so. I have had to reschedule so much stuff due to wind of all things!

Well Lex, Leah, and Annerson finally made the drive from Lubbock to Amarillo and we had an super fun time hanging out for a few hours together. I'll tell you, I think Annerson has a modeling career ahead of her! She loved being in front of the camera and was so much fun to photograph. We even let Mom & Dad jump in for a few. ;) Here are my favorites!

Ashley+Abigail::Sisters

2009-04-20T13:35:00.006-06:00

I have fallen behind on editing and blogging. Shocking I know! I'm determined to get caught up this week though. With that said, here is a session I shot a couple of days before Easter. Notice the pretty white Easter dresses and shoes...haha. I had fun doing this little shoot for Jennifer. She even jumped in a couple of shots so that she could give her hubby a print or two for their anniversary that's coming up. Abigail and Ashley are gorgeous girls and they were so excited to have their picture taken! Here are a handful of my faves from their session.

Aden::DallasSession

2009-04-15T12:18:00.004-06:00

I first met Wendy when she called me to photograph her baby boy at 8 months old. Little did I know that I would be invited to be part of this sweet family and all of their milestones. Since our first session I have photographed Aden 4 times (one of those being his 1st birthday party), shot one large family session with all of the Macon's, and even photographed Wendy's brother's engagements and wedding! I have watched Aden go from baby to toddler to a sweet little boy who has abundant energy and loves his mommy like no little boy I have ever seen.

I was scheduled to shoot another session with Aden in June. But when Wendy saw that I would be in Dallas at the same time that they had a trip scheduled we decided to get together and do a super fabulous session a couple of months early! I had so much fun chasing Aden around while he hunted squirrels and turtles, wrestled his momma in the grass, and entertained us with his silliness! Here are just a handful of my favorites from Aden's session!

Jordan::Senior

2009-04-11T11:55:00.005-06:00

Here's, Jordan, my last senior of 2009. That is unless someone calls for a last minute session. :) I had so much fun with Jordan and her mom shooting ALL OVER Amarillo! Here are some of my favorites from this session. P.S. Happy Easter!!!

Just for fun...

2009-04-07T23:24:00.002-06:00

This post has absolutely nothing to do with photography...haha! I just thought I'd share two of the BEST videos I have ever seen on youtube. This kid is fierce! Enjoy!

Jake+Meghan::Engaged

2009-04-04T22:22:00.011-06:00

Jake was pretty much dreading this session. He even suggested that they run to Sears as a last ditch effort to avoid a big fat photo session. For the record, if I ever hear of any of you going to Sears for portraits we will have words (mine in particular will be strong and of the adult nature...haha!). :) Well, Jake did not die from having his picture taken and I must say he quite enjoyed himself. He hugged me when we were finished and told me, "That wasn't as bad as I thought it'd be. I had fun!". I had fun, too! Here are some of my faves from their session. Peace.

Sometimes my couples just start spontaneously dancing in the middle of sessions. Weird. ;)

Calling the Class of 2010!!!

2009-04-01T19:06:00.000-06:00

***Am I your favorite local photographer? (The answer is, of course, YES!) :) Vote 4 me here!!!***

We are now accepting applications from the Class of 2010 to be part of our Senior Rep program. If you, or someone you know would be interested in being a part of this program, please contact Lezlie by email at lezlieandrewphotography@yahoo.com. Tell us your name, school you attend, what activities you are involved in and why you think you would make a good representative for our studio. We will be in contact with you soon. We only take one Senior from each school, so contact us as soon as possible!

All of our reps will receive a free Senior Session!

Click here to add me on MySpace!

Click here to add me on Facebook!

This post will remain at the top of the blog until April 1st!

Dax::HomeSession

2009-03-29T19:55:00.004-06:00

This is Dax. He's 2. And he has the most beautiful blue eyes I have EVER seen! Dax & I hung out in his backyard one sunny morning for about an hour and he let me shoot him with my big scary camera. I had fun running after Dax while he showed me all the caleche (sp?) rocks and pointed out airplanes and birds. In true boy form he liked having is picture taken a bit more before Mom put him in that stinky ol' Easter outfit. Here are a few of my favorites of this sweet little boy...enjoy!

I love how we all hate dandelions but that they are a child's favorite "flower" to give to Mom. The sweet innocence of kids makes me smile. :)

JerryDavis::HeadShots

2009-03-27T11:20:00.008-06:00

People often ask me, "So what kind of pictures do you take...weddings, families...?". Well, my answer is anything your little heart desires. Haha! So sometimes I am commissioned to do head-shots and commercial shoots. I treat these just as my family sessions...shooting on-location lifestyle portraits that reflect the client's personality (maybe just with less texture and funkiness w/ the editing..haha). So when Jerry & I met to discuss his session and he told me what he was thinking I knew he had come to the right person. :)

Jerry is a real estate agent with Keller Williams here in Amarillo. I had fun chatting with him throughout our session. Here are some of the images you might see in his new brochure.

P.S. This bloody blizzard we're having better not keep me from heading to Dallas in the morning. I really don't want to have to move all of my meetings and sessions.

Nily Fam (P.S. Happy Birthday 2 Me!)

2009-03-25T13:49:00.003-06:00

It's my birthday! Yep, I'm one year closer to 30...27 to be exact. ;) My sweet hubby took me out last night and we had a blast! But the best part about having a birthday is having my sweet Ella Bella sing Happy Birthday to me this morning. She was so excited I could hear her asking Jeremy if she could tell me Happy Birthday when I woke up. I got out of bed and she ran in and said, with the sweetest and most excited voice, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOMMY!". I love that girl!

Well, I certainly can't have a post without any photos now can I? I had fun shooting Alicia and her guys the other day! I thought I'd share a few of my favs from their session before I take a much needed nap. ;) Enjoy!

Abigail::3Months

2009-03-21T17:50:00.005-06:00

You might remember Abigail from this post...or even this post when she was still in her Mommy's tummy. Abbi is just too cute for her own good and such.a.good.baby! I'm so tired I'm afraid if I try to write anymore it might not make much sense. So I'll just say that I love this sweet baby girl and I love her Mommy & Daddy! Here are some of my favs from her 3 month session last week. Enjoy!

Michael+Caitlyn::DayAfter

2009-03-15T21:41:00.001-06:00

I don't have "one time" clients...my clients stick w/ me for life! Exibit A: Michael & Caitlyn just can't get enough of me...haha! I have had more fun shooting and getting to know Michael & Cait this last year. I feel like they aren't clients anymore but more like great friends or even family. I even got to shoot Caitlyn's brother's wedding last month! I can't wait for them to start having babies in a few years. They are going to have the most GORGEOUS kids!

Michael & Caitlyn wanted to do a Day After Session but we didn't actually get to get out and do it until a couple of weeks ago. It was supposed to be gorgeous...warm, sunny, simply gorgeous. Well, wouldn't you know the wind started blowing like crazy as soon as we got to our location. Stupid panhandle wind! I swear I'd move if it wasn't for all my favorite people being here. ;) Despite the crazy stupid wind we were able to get some pretty fabulous images. Here are a few of my favorites from this session. Enjoy!

Ryan+Abby::Engaged

2009-03-14T20:01:00.009-06:00

***Am I your favorite local photographer? (The answer is, of course, YES!) :) Vote 4 me here!!!***

We began this session downtown and shot ALL OVER the place! I basically just followed Ryan and Abby around all afternoon watching them laugh and kiss (a lot!)! We ended our shoot with their horses...who found me to be very interesting I might add (see image below). Haha! Needless to say, this e-session was a blast! Here are a few of my favorites. Peace!

Cameron+Sarah::Engaged

2009-03-07T10:39:00.005-06:00

I'm finally caught up on editing! And I only have two more wedding albums to finish! Yay...I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Well, until this weekends sessions and all these spring weddings that is. :)

I had a ton of fun with Sarah & Cameron on their e-session. During our session Sarah mentioned not being very photogenic. I LOVE to prove people wrong! She looks hot in all of their pictures...wouldn't you agree? I'm looking forward to their wedding. It's at one of my favorite ceremony sites and is going to be gorgeous! Here are a handful of my favorite images from their session. Enjoy!

Bleu+Lacie::SneakPeek

2009-02-28T22:30:00.005-06:00

Here is a sneak peek of the wedding I photographed yesterday outside of Texarkana. I can't wait to share more images and tell you all about this great couple and their gorgeous wedding! Until then, enjoy a few of my favorite images.

Michael+Caitlyn

2009-02-25T22:52:00.002-06:00

So I feel really bad for the lack of posting and subsequently lack of images for you to feast your eyes on. I am in the middle of fulfilling a print order from Michael & Caitlyn's wedding and L.O.V.E. these two images so I thought I'd share them with you all. Bon Appetit!

Busy Busy Girl

2009-02-25T11:23:00.006-06:00

***Important Announcement for all my Dallas/Ft.Worth peeps: I will be in your area next week (Mon-Thurs) for bridal consultations and sessions. If you want to book either of these things with me then shoot me a phone call (806.584.7894) asap! I'm almost full so don't wait. I will also be in the Dallas/Ft.Worth area March 29-April 1st and have openings for sessions and consultations.***

So sorry for the lack of blog posts!!! I have been uber busy. It seems like the minute I stepped off of that plane from India I stepped back into my busy busy world. I even had sessions the weekend after I got home! I have been working on wedding albums, editing all those sessions that I shot before leaving for India, getting tax info together so my accountant can tell me how much I owe the IRS, fulfilling the orders that came in while I was gone, and I haven't even had the chance to go through all the images I shot while in India.

I leave bright and early tomorrow morning for my first wedding of 2009...Bleu & Lacie in Texarkana! I'm stoked to be getting back at it! Jeremy will be 2nd shooting w/ me and I'm excited to have a little night in a hotel room with just the two of us. ;)

We will be getting back early enough on Saturday to shoot some sessions. I did have a couple booked that afternoon but they both rescheduled for various reasons. So if you want to take advantage of the gorgeous weather we've been having and book a session then call me asap! Maybe a senior session or urban family shoot. :) Let me know!!!

I'll leave you with an image from Sarah & Cameron's engagements that I'm currently working on. More from their e-sesh coming soon!!!

Colleen+Thomas

2009-02-16T22:41:00.013-06:00

Meet my beautiful friend, Colleen. ;) We capitalized on some beautiful weather on a recent Saturday and I just let Colleen do her thing in front of the camera. I took this opportunity to work on some new techniques and just play around a bit.

Colleen and Thomas are one of my favorite couples ever. I feel like we have known Thomas forever. He is like family...we used to fight like brother and sister so family is definitely the right word. Haha! Colleen feels no less like a part of my family. When Thomas told us he had found the girl of his dreams and was going to ask her to marry him we could not wait to meet and get to know Colleen. I could not imagine a girl better suited for Thomas...or a guy better suited for Colleen for that matter! Thomas & Colleen, I love you guys!

Fitch Family

2009-02-15T19:23:00.006-06:00

I love getting to know all of the wonderful people that go to Hillside. The longer we've been there the more we have fallen in love with that place and the people there. I always enjoy seeing Pennye and the joy that just exudes from her. When she smiles you can't help but smile...and what a sweet spirit she has! Pennye's kids were in town for the holidays (her son is stationed in England!) so we got together one beautiful Saturday for a relaxed family session. I've gotta say I have LOVED the weather over the last two months. Due to the unpredictable Amarillo weather in January and February I rarely get to do outdoor sessions during these months but this year has been different. Praise God for beautiful weather! I had fun with the Fitch's and I hope you enjoy these few images from their day. Peace.

Stallwitz Family

2009-02-09T10:03:00.006-06:00

I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Judy over the last several months. She has such joy and passion and the love of Christ just flows so freely out of her. It was such a blessing to be able to have her in India with us, too! I think the trip would have been much different without her. Before we left we were able to get a session in while her boys were in town on their Christmas break. Let me say that this was the most fun I have ever had on a family session. I mean how could you NOT have a blast with a leather couch and dogs out in the middle of some random field and dirt road??? Here are some of my favorites from their session. Enjoy!

Abigail::Newborn

2009-02-02T17:16:00.006-06:00

I still have a thousand images (literally) from India that I want to show you but I also have quite the work load that I came home to. Between editing family sessions from the beginning of the year, photographing new families every weekend, and designing 3 wedding albums this month, I'd say I have my work cut out for me.

Here are some of my favorite images from Abigail's newborn session. You might remember my dear friend, Lara, from her fabulous baby bump session back in November. We got together to do sweet Abigail's newborn photos right around the time she turned 3 weeks old. Even at 3 weeks she was still a pound or more smaller than Ella was the day she was born. She sure is a little bitty thing! This was by far the easiest baby I've ever photographed. She did not fuss once...although she did tinkle on her Mommy at one point (haha!). My favorite moment from this session though...watching Kevin with Abigail. There is something to be said about the bond a father has with his daughter. She has him wrapped around his finger for sure! I hope you enjoy these images as much as I enjoyed creating them! Love.

Jai Masih Ki! (Praise the Lord in Hindi)

2009-01-28T09:17:00.006-06:00

I am home!!! After what felt like an eternity on planes and in airports yesterday wouldn't you know our flight from Dallas to Amarillo was cancelled due to bad weather. Half of our team took a cab from DFW to Love Field and caught the next flight out on Southwest. The other half of the team was able to get on an afternoon AA flight out of DFW. I'll tell you the extra money I had to spend on the Southwest flight was well worth it to be able to see Jeremy & Ella a few hours earlier. I am so happy to be home, to hug my family, and to get to sleep in my own bed! I'm excited to get back to work too. I have several sessions to edit and wedding albums to design over the next few weeks. I'm praying that I can get well caught up very soon!

I experienced so many great things in India and still have tons of photos to show you all. I'll continue to share with you some of what I experience here on my blog over the next week. We were able to do a bit of sight seeing while in India. You definitely can't go to India without going to the Taj Mahal! What an experience that was...I was speechless the whole time. It was such a blessing to get to see it with my sweet friend, Ashley, too. We took an overnight train (an interesting experience in and of itself) to the Taj, got there before sun rise, and drove around tho the back of the Taj across the river to watch the sunrise. Unfortunately, it was extremely foggy and hazy and the river was way down so I didn't get any great pictures of the sun rise or the reflection of the Taj in the river. It was so surreal to stand in silence and look at that world wonder though. I will never forget it! Due to the overnight train ride we don't look too hot in the picture below...haha!

We also went to tour the Khajuraho Temples. One thousand years ago 85 temples were erected, 20 of which remain standing today. The architecture and sculptures of these temples are absolutely amazing; although, not entirely G, PG, or even PG-13 rated. You see these temples are also known as the Kama Sutra temples. Needless to say, I won't be showing you any close up shots of these temples as they are quite graphic (as was our guide!). You can see the intricate detail of the carvings even from far away! They truly are a marvel to look at.

Namaste

2009-01-22T06:35:00.006-06:00

I have so many images that I want to show you but am completely overwhelmed! I have shot something like 2500 images so far. And I feel like I haven't told you all much of what we are doing or how I feel about some of the things I have seen while in India. Some of the other team members are much better writers than I am and have expanded on each day over on the Hillside Missions blog (link located on the right). I'll let you know a bit from my perspective though.

I do feel like I was pretty prepared (as prepared as one person can be) to come on this trip and see the things I have seen. People that have gone before me had said that I would never see poverty until I have seen the poverty in India. Now, mind you, this is not my first mission trip. However, all of the other mission trips I have been on have been in Mexico...and none lasting more than 5 days. I do agree with that statement about poverty though. I have never seen poverty like this. Our days are very surreal to me...like something straight out of a movie or off the National Geographic channel. A few of the people on the team have been not once but two or three times and have been great about letting us know the things we need to know. In the face of such poverty, persecution, and hardships I have been surprised to see joy in the faces of India. :)

One of the great things we have had the opportunity of doing is touring the Mid-India Christian Mission facilities. Oh my gosh! I am humbled and...well extremely humbled! The first place we went to is the school. I am amazed and a frankly a little embarrassed to see the level at which these children are learning. Pre-schoolers sit for around 4 hours at a desk like the "big kids" and learn in a class room setting. Five year olds are multiplying! A lot of the students are seniors when they are 16 years old. The discipline and respectfulness of these children would put shame to the children in America.

The hospital's facilities are primitive at best. It is amazing to hear that they are able to do 100+ eye surgeries per month with the equipment they have (or don't have is more like it). We also visited the Woman's Rehabilitation Center where woman who have overcome abuse etc come for some Jesus love. ;) They make beautiful sweaters and other things to sell. They work with old Singer sewing machines from what Ashley & I thought were maybe the early 1900's. Again, I have been humbled by the experience thus far.

I have to cut this a bit short b/c I just found out I'm speaking tomorrow morning (it's almost 8pm here) and need to prepare.

I am enjoying staying here at MICM...lizards and all. Haha! (One in Ashley & I's toilet and one in my pants yesterday.)

I'll post more pictures and blog more of my experience tomorrow!

Hatta

2009-01-20T19:01:00.003-06:00

We went to Hatta yesterday...and I feel in love. I did not want to leave that place.

Bugagee is the leader of the Christian movement in Hatta. This man has such a passion for Jesus and was so welcoming to us. Judy wrote more about our experience there on the Hillside Missions blog. I plan to blow these images up and hang them in my house.

They made us coffee in a pot on a small fire. The milk they made it with came from the cow standing right outside the second photo. Bugagee broke bread with us (hand-feeding us and then us feeding him). It is a huge deal to break bread with white men.

They ride bikes everywhere. The traffic in India does not just consist of motor vehicles. It is pedestrians, rickshaws, tractors, bicycles, motorcycles, cows, dogs, etc all over the street all the time.

This woman was washing dishes with mud. She was very shy but let me take her picture anyway. :)

When words fail...

2009-01-18T10:32:00.004-06:00

So much has happened and has been seen in the last few days that I don't even know where to begin. This experience is surreal and completely overwhelming. I don't think I will be able to process any of this until I get back. I want to share a few pictures. Even these don't begin to share with you what my eyes have seen (oh my God...I'm tearing up right now just thinking about it). I have taken over 1000 images in the last two days. Here are a few...

The first 3 images are from the VBS we did in Sukha. We were the first white people to enter this village, not to mention the first white people these people have ever seen. It was a beautiful mess! Fabulously chaotic as Mark called it on the Hillside Mission blog. We were told that this was a little bit of a dangerous area for us but God had His hand over our time there. When we left and got back into cell phone range someone called David and told him that 3 men on a motorcycle showed up demanding to know who we were and what we were doing there. Like I said, God had us covered. ;) (P.S. Mom & Dad, I feel perfectly safe & at peace in Mark & David's hands so don't let that worry you.)

Roofing "tiles" made out of mud. This one's for my Daddy! ;)

Most of the images you'll see on my blog while I'm gone are straight our of camera and probably shot our of the car window as we are driving. Haha!

Breathtaking.

Check out the Hillside Mission blog for more details of what we're doing. Btw, we have been eating Chinese food a lot since we've been here. That's just funny to me...but most amazing chinese I have ever tasted!

Leaving on a jet plane...

2009-01-14T09:48:00.004-06:00

Our team heads out in less than 24 hours! I'm doing last minute preparation and hanging out with Ella today. She keeps saying she wants to "go to India with you, Mama". I'm gonna miss that girl! I appreciate you all for committing to pray for us while we are away and don't forget to check out the Hillside Missions blog (click on the link on the right). I really hope to be able to update everyone with fabulous photos while we are in India.

I wanted to leave you with images from a few sessions I'm working on right now. These were the first sessions of 2009 and some of my favorite sessions EVER! The first image is from the Fitch Family Session, the second from the Stallwitz Family, and the last two from Abigail's newborn session. I can't wait to show you more of these images (when I get back)! Grace & peace to you all until next time!

India

2009-01-09T23:13:00.005-06:00

If you'll remember, back in August I posted this. Well, it's here! I leave for India in 5 days! Planning for this trip has brought about excitement, fear, tears, laughter, anxiety, etc. But it's here and there's no turning back. ;) I'm so excited for this adventure, I'm excited for the many ways that the Lord is going to stretch me, the time I'm going to get to spend with some of my favorite woman, and for the photographic opportunities. One of the main things we will be doing over there is a women's retreat for 200ish woman...some of which have already started traveling to the retreat location from their homes on foot. What an experience this is going to be! I feel completely underprepared but I just keep quoting this scripture:

Jeremiah 1:5-8
“I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb.
Before you were born I set you apart
and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.”
“O Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!”
The Lord replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!”

Many of you have already committed to pray for myself and the others as we are in India. One request I have is that you not only lift the team up in your prayers but also our families. This would mean so much to all of us, especially those of us with small children who aren't used to being away from their Mommies. ;) Also pray for the woman & children we will be meeting and sharing the gospel with. My biggest prayer is that we will not get lost in translation. :) Your prayers really do mean more than you know! Here is a simple little breakdown of our itinerary so you can have something a little more specific to pray for each day.

Jan 15-16 Fly from Amarillo>Dallas>Chicago >New Delhi, arrive 9:30pm on the 16th
Jan 17 Early morning flight to Jabalpur...visit girl's orphanage & worship in pm with house church leaders...overnight in Jabalpur at hotel
Jan 18 Drive to Sakha...church and 1/2 day VBS in Sakha village...drive to Damoh...overnight in Damoh
Jan 19 AM tour of Mid India Christian Missions...PM 1/2 day VBS in Ghandigram
Jan 20 AM 1/2 day VBS in Hatta...PM r&r
Jan 21 All day trip to Khajuraho temples
Jan 22-24 Damoh Women's Retreat...theme: Esther--It's Tough Being a Woman
Jan 24 Overnight train to Agra
Jan 25 Early AM trip to Taj Mahal & Red Fort; shopping; train trip to New Delhi--sightseeing
Jan 26 Republic Day parade & sightseeing in New Delhi
Jan 27 Return flight to Chicago>Dallas>Amarillo

The team blog (link found on the right) will be updated as much as possible. I am also hoping to be able to update you all through this blog and even post photos as much as possible. I'll post again before we depart on the 15th!

Murphree Family

2009-01-05T13:26:00.007-06:00

My dear friend, Tiffney, asked me to photograph her family and ended up being my last session of 2008. Jeremy & I met Bradey & Tiffney shortly after joining the fabulous congregation at HCC. We were invited to be a part of a small group in September (I think) of 2007 and didn't really know anybody. We quickly became great friends with all 7 couples in that small group and have been immensely blessed by their presence in our lives. We share a special "bond" (they're gonna laugh at this...I hope) which has made our connection run a bit deeper or maybe just a bit differently than the rest of the couples in the group. (Although I do LOVE each and every other couple dearly!!!) I feel like Tiffney & I have just started our journey of friendship and so far it has been wonderful.

Bradey & Tiffney have the sweetest little red head I've ever met. Adi is just so much fun to be around. She makes us laugh a lot. I had fun photographing her but as you can see in that last image she had had enough of me in her face by the end of our session. I can't wait to photograph my sweet friends again! Love you guys!!!

The last shot of the day (so sad!):

Last Wedding of 2008

2009-01-01T23:17:00.006-06:00

I 2nd-shot a winter wedding with Courtney on Dec. 20th in Dallas...the last wedding of 2008! Here are some fun images from the day. The girls were a lot of fun and I love that they threw "snow" for the grand exit. Btw, the cake was super yummy!

Goodbye 2008

2008-12-31T22:06:00.003-06:00

HELLO 2009!!! Can you believe it's 2009 already?!?! Well technically we still have a couple of hours before 2009 hits our little part of the world but I plan to be in bed by midnight. How lame is that?!?! I have good reason I promise. Jeremy, Ella, & I are ending 2008 on a sick note. :( We spent the afternoon at the Dr.'s office...nothing major just swollen tonsils, red throats & ears, and yucky sinus stuff. Is it weird that I enjoy getting shots??? I just know that getting stuck is going to make me feel so much better so when a doctor asks me if I want shots I (a little too enthusiastically) say YES. Maybe sickness & meds are just making me loopy...haha.

2009 is going to be a great year! I don't really make resolutions but definitely have goals set for the year. Here are a few:

1. Run a 5K.
2. Convert our dining room into an office in order to complete the client consultation area of our house. It's gonna be SICK!
3. Take a road trip and stop along the way at cool places to take photos.
4. Hire an assistant.

What about you guys? What are your resolutions or goals? Let me know...I'd love to hear them!

I can't very well leave you without a pretty image to look at. Here is one from a recent session I did with my favorite little red head, Adi! Happy New Year everyone!

December Promo

2008-12-31T22:05:00.000-06:00

I'll be offering a promotion for the month of December. Here it is: Book your 2009 session this month and pay the 2008 pricing (savings of about $75). Call me for details (806.584.7894) or go to the calendar on my website to book your date! It's as simple as that.

Peace.

This post w/ stay @ the top of the blog for the remainder of December.

Christmas Vacation!

2008-12-20T17:54:00.009-06:00

I am officially on Christmas vacation! *Breaths a sigh of relief* I shot the last wedding of the year today and am in Dallas with my family. All orders, emails, phone calls, etc will be tended to when I return to Amarillo on the 2nd. Here are a few of the things I have been working on this last week.

Hillside Christian Church 2008 Pageant::Remember When

Brandon & Carina's Anniversary Session

Seth & Katie's Maternity Session

Christmas Shopping

2008-12-12T23:24:00.004-06:00

Have you finished your Christmas shopping? If not, then I have something you should see...

Everyone loves a Scottish girl!

2008-12-11T00:28:00.005-06:00

My parents spent a few weeks in Scotland in October. Before they left the states I gave them a crash course in photography. Well, I think it certainly paid off! Their pictures are awesome. I'm going through some of them to pick out images to print. Here are some of my favorites so far. Enjoy!

John&Micah::WeddingAlbum

2008-12-09T23:12:00.003-06:00

It's always a little bitter sweet to get to the album side of weddings. While it's a relief to see all of my hard work pay off in a beautiful wedding album, it's also sad to see that my time with my fabulous clients is over (well, until they start having babies that is!). I recently sent John & Micah's wedding album off for print and thought I'd share a few spreads with you all. John & Micah were SO MUCH FUN to work with this last year and their wedding was absolutely gorgeous! Enjoy!

Wright::HomeSession

2008-12-06T23:40:00.006-06:00

I enjoy this family so much! Alexis is always up for fun stuff and is totally down with my laid back style. That's exactly what this session was...laid back & chill. I felt so overdressed when I knocked on the door and Kevin answered in his pj's...haha! Love it! This is the third time I've photographed this sweet family and this time I got to meet their newest member, Holland. Oh my gosh, is she a cutie!!! Bronwyn & Boaz are so full of energy and such happy children. They are super sweet and eager to have their photo taken. However, with Boaz you have to be super quick about it because he doesn't stay still for long! Here are some of our super fun photos from their home session!

Shane Alexander

2008-12-06T01:44:00.003-06:00

I am quite the connoisseur when it comes to music. Most of you know just how big a role music plays in my life. And for those of you who don't know here's the super short version of the story: I have been singing since I can remember, I co-lead worship for my youth group in high-school briefly, I sang in a few side projects w/ Jeremy, Jeremy toured nationally with his band Nevaeh for 4 years, now he plays worship at our church Hillside. We listen to music all day every day (this is why we don't have cable b/c we rarely have the tv on). Ella can tell you what instrument is playing in any song. She's a genius with classical...she knows the difference between a cello & violin (she's only 3). So with that being said I decided that I would start posting once a week about a certain artist or band that I think you should all go out and listen to. So here goes...

I saw Shane Alexander a couple of years ago in Dallas when he opened for Jewel. He is amazing live! Very clean & flawless. His lyrics are deep and heart-felt while his music is very melodic. I instantly feel in love with his sound. I put his cd in when I need a mental break and just want to daydream. Here is his latest video...enjoy!

You can find his latest album, The Sky Below, on iTunes. Also, you can go to his myspace page by clicking here.

Politz Family

2008-12-02T16:24:00.009-06:00

Umm, so yeah...I haven't had much time to blog lately! I have been shooting though...A LOT! I'm happy to say that December is going to be a good & hopefully restful month for me. I have a bit of shooting to do but will mostly be finishing the holiday editing, working on wedding albums, and resting my shoulder. Oh, and catching up on the blogging...tons of images you haven't seen! I'll be spending the last half of this month in Dallas with my family, too!

Now onto the reason for this post. ;) The Politz family & I got together recently for a casual little session. Tommy is our pastor at Hillside and I've recently had the chance to get to know Donna and the family a bit. Donna is one of those woman you cross paths with and think what great friends you could be. I always enjoy our conversations...probably because they have mostly to do with vampires. Haha! I LOVE our church, love the people, love Tommy & Donna (they are such a blessing)! We had a lot of fun trapesing through leaves and trees...getting pretty filthy in the process. The kids were great and so incredibly photogenic! Btw, is Donna not GORGEOUS?!?! Here are some of their images. Peace!

I LOVE this shot!!!

I had a bit of fun w/ some heart textures!

Isn't Rebecca GORGEOUS!

More fun w/ the hearts!

One of my favorites!