CY365 12 January - 18

CY365 12/365 Frost/Ice/Chill

Bourbon on the rocks; warms you up on a chilly night.

“Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whiskey is barely enough.” 
― Mark Twain

CY365 13/365 Pop of Color

Is there anything more bold, more sensual, and more classic than red lipstick? Next to pearls, it is my absolute favorite accessory

CY365 13: Be Positive

I have a love affair with coffee. It's my beginning of my day, my pick me up, and my escape. There is always a story to be shared with a cup of coffee and even in the darkest of roasts, there is always a subtle sweetness that emerges through.

CY365 15: First Taste

Prepping dinner for tonight. First time making and trying Spaghetti Squash.

CY365 16: Snowflake

No snow here in 60 degree Texas today. Thankfully I picked up some of these snowflake pieces that fell off of my MIL's outdoor Christmas decor. My little man was kind enough to take 5 minutes from his playtime so he could pose for me :)

17/365 Off Prompt as I was out all day and left my camera at home. We decided to enjoy the beautiful and unseasonable weather at a local park and I nearly kicked myself for forgetting it when there was the most amazing lighting and a plethora of trees and trails. Snapped a few with my iPhone but just can't capture it like I can with my trusty Canon 60D. So no powder or DSLR but enjoyed the challenge (and scenery) never the less.

18/365: Balance

My dog Kona is as sweet and as spoiled as can be. Her favorite napping place when we are running around the house going about our day is perched on the back of the couch. A safe spot from little hands but a good vantage point to keep an eye on the rest of the household in between zzz's. I am fairly certain her Beagle/King Charles Cavalier mix has a dose of cat in there as well.

White

#CY365 11/365 White
Pearls adorned with my wedding dress. The pearls were an anniversary present and always a favorite accessory.
"Pearls are always appropriate"- Jackie O

This also won the CY365 Photo of the Day!  It is such an honor as there are so many talented photographers on this site.  It has been fun learning and sharing with them.  

Habit

CY365 10/365 Habit

My IPhone and FB. I am a mindless scroller. I check my FB or email multiple times a day for no particular reason. My husband actually mentioned today as I'm getting ready and taking a peak at FB land on my phone "I see why it takes you so long to get ready". I would be so efficient if I could just part with this thing.

Multifaceted

CY365 9/365 Multifaceted

I love the simplicity, weightlessness, and dimensions of this sculpture. I was drawn to it immediately have have it placed in my favorite room in my house

Solitude: Coffee Break

Solitude.  A necessity in life but sometimes only a luxury of a Stay at Home Parent.  This was also the prompt of my CY365 daily photo challenge.

On most days this would have been a problem as it was a non school day meaning both kids home. But on that day, I woke up and knew exactly what I was going to do.  My wonderful MIL watches my kids most Wednesdays so that I can have Mommy Time (or work time, or catch up time, or errand time, etc).  This was the first Wednesday being back from Winter Break and I thought I would take the opportunity to go see The Hunger Games: Mocking Jay Part 1.  A movie by myself midweek in an empty theater sounded life heaven, the perfect solitude I was looking for.  I got dressed, had the kids ready to go, and then realized I forgot to call my MIL to confirm today (it had been a couple of weeks after all).  I called the house, no answer.  My Father In Law sometimes works from home and ties up the line (did I just say that in 2015) so I called his cell.  Held my breath, he answered and I could tell he was in the car, and my dreams were crushed when I learned they were on their way to an appointment.  Why did I not think to call the day before?!  I was bummed.  Kids were dressed and by a miracle ready to head out the door at the exact time I wanted no yelling involved, and I was wearing something other than my classic leggings and tunic sweatshirt ensemble.

Emma, on cue started to get cranky and Jude was anxious to see his Mima.  Put the little one to bed, read some stories to Jude, and he even read some sentences to me.  I went downstairs to drown my sorrows in a cup of coffee.  It was then I realized that aside from a bathroom break, this is my way to escape when I'm home with my kids.  Coffee.  Sweet wonderful elixir that gets my day started and again gets me over the hump before it is deemed appropriate to indulge in a glass of vino.

After a week of this photo challenge which purpose is to help stir up some creativity, I imagined how I could incorporate this sweet escape in a way a parent of young kids could relate.  Hence, this image was born.

Now, I usually do a reveal at the END of the post but I had some interest so I wanted to show you how I came about this.

First of all, I'm a Photographer not a "Photoshopographer".  Photoshop is what I use to fix a blemish, turn it b&w, or to bring life back into my photos as sometimes digital images run flat.  I see some amazing work with filters and dreamy effects which I might play with throughout the project but for now, I like to stay as true to SOOC as much as possible.

I tried to do this the old fashioned way with a super slow shutter speed and a tripod.  I told my son to jump off the couch and hoped his sister would follow him around.  Unfortunately this is what happened.

f/25 1.6sec ISO 100

Two things wrong:
1. It didn't have the wow effect I was looking for.  A bit of a blur but not much more.
AND
2. It is REALLY hard to stay completely still while your child is jumping around you and then for some reason POKING you in the eye after you've had your eyes closed for a bit.

After multiple attempts, he was done and Emma was hungry.

We switched gears and I began to think of how to get the effect I wanted.  I realized I might have to learn, or relearn, a new action in PS.  So, how did I solve this issue.  Simple: A Composite image.

I ended up taking these 6 images.

Starting with me solo on the couch

F13 1/10sec ISO640*
*I was having issues getting a fast enough shutter speed and narrow aperture so without over pixilating my picture and using a super high ISO (although higher than I wanted), I opted to hold my breath for a bit without kids jumping on me

Then I narrowed my aperture even more to F25 2.5sec ISO 100

I opened up these 6 images in Photoshop and started with the image of me solo as the background. One at a time, I placed one of the other images above my background image, added a mask, and revealed the portion of the picture I wanted to show. Repeated until I used all of the images I wanted.

No clue what I'm saying. Well, I'm not a teacher but this link explains it beautifully.  Totally ironic that she is on the couch as well.


So there you go.  A day that might have not been all to myself ended up being a great spark in a new photo challenge and a fun project to do with my kids.  It was an escape into a creative side I've so desperately needed, and I got to enjoy it all with a hot cup of coffee.

My Gear

CY365 08/365 

I took a "What's in your Bag" approach to today's prompt. Natural lighting wasn't ideal but I did come home from an amazing day to myself. Wanted to be credible for the project so this was a quick shot.

Where I Stand

It was supposed to be a day of celebration.  It was supposed to be a day where I had one on one time with my daughter and actually non guilty time to myself.  It was supposed to be the day my son went back to school.

Unfortunately, his father gave him his unrelenting cough and unfortunately mixed with my son's weak gag reflux, it caused him to vomit multiple times on that very morning.  We know the drill and have sent him to school in the past if there was no fever but 3rd time was the charm and in bed he stayed.

My daughter insisted she should get up before her body felt ready and therefore was insisting she be held.  I found the irony in the situation, grabbed my camera, and was able to get this shot of my son behind the door throwing up, and my daughter clinging to my leg.  Oh the life of a mom.

6/365 Where I Stand

Ensemble x2

CY365 5/365 Ensemble

Best Friends, Star Wars, and Legos. Is there a better ensemble for a 5 year olds day?

Pearls, faux fur, and a paci are the most essential accessories for every 1 year old fashionista

A Reflection of Me

CY365 4/365 A Reflection of Me

I had envisioned this photo differently.  If I had 100% control over my life, I would have taken the a beautiful brushed nickle with hints of gold mirror from our powder room wall, propped it up against one the trees at my favorite photo location, and had my 2 beautiful, perfectly posed children snuggled up against me as I captured the three of us looking in the mirror with beautiful nature surrounding us and the golden hour sun lighting the scene.  

Well, life as we know, isn't like that.  I came home from a great service at church, my son anxious to go to a friends house, and my daughter ready for a nap.  I knew I wouldn't be able to get the image I had in mind so I tried my hand at photographing me solo in front of my mirror.  It was then I noticed my daughter laying in the background where I had the idea to place my son next to her.  Still hoping for their "angelic" forms, it was anything but.  My son struggles to hold my tired/cranky daughter while he is asking over and over if he's done yet.  In the end, I like this image more.  I think it best represents the post I wrote a couple of days ago struggling with the work life balance.  It's not perfect but it works.  I hope to take the image I had in mind in the near future as I think it would be a beautiful image  but for now, I truly believe this is "A Reflection of Me"

Open Possibilities

Where will your life lead you today?

CY365 3/365  Open Possiblities

Good Morning 2015!

CY365 1/365 Good Morning 2015

2015.  A new year, a fresh start, and an opportunity to improve oneself.  

I spent the majority 2014 learning how to juggle a new business with a new baby, support my husband and his business ventures, as well as adapt to the demands of a growing family.  On top of that, I had a calling to serve the Lord in Panama and used my photography as a way to raise money to help send me there.  All of these changes and demands helped me to have a better understanding of myself, the world around me, as well as grow in a relationship with God.

For 2015 my goal is to continue to improve myself.  Just like any working parent, I often have the struggle between committing to much to one thing while the other falls short.  In my life this is my photography and my children.  It's a personal struggle to give equally and effectively to the two.  I'm still learning this trick as I'm sure many can relate.  

There are many times I beat myself up over this.  Why isn't my business growing quicker?  Why are my children always demanding my attention?  How is so and so succeeding at this and I'm struggling?  Maybe if I just commit to once a week, once a month, not at all.  My children need me.  My husband needs me.  My church needs me.  I need time to myself.  

It's exhausting and honestly, at this stage in my life, pointless.  I am fortunate that I have a supportive husband and we have this opportunity for me to stay at home with our children as well as take the time to figure out my career path what ever it may be.  

Jude will be in Kindergarten next year and these years with Emma will go quickly.  I want to be present with them but not lose myself either.  

So, my friends, my resolution if you will, is simple.  I want to be more present and more positive in my life.  I want to cherish the time with my children, enjoy when I have the opportunity to photograph you and your family (as well as some fun creative sessions), and most importantly, not stress when I can't do it all.  

In an effort to help stay in the present with myself, my family, and my photography, I signed up for CaptureYour365.  This is a site that has a topic of the day and you simply take a photo of what it means to you.  I'm using this as a platform to express my creativity, get inspired, share insights with other photographers, and venture outside my box.  

2015 will continue to have it's ups and downs like life always does.  I will learn, grow, create, stumble, get into deep, but hopefully stand back up and keep on going.  I hope you will take the time and join me as I share this year with you.  It should be a wonderful journey.

CY365 2/365 Think Over

A Session built for a Little Man

After a good break from blogging, I'm happy to get back into the "sphere" and introduce to you this super adorable baby boy I got to spend some time with a couple of weeks ago.

Little Man Jake was born over Memorial Day weekend so I got to meet him when he was just over a month old.  He has the most precious expressions and he even came up with his own poses for the pictures.  I let him run the show since he clearly has a knack for modeling.

Mom, Jessica, was super sweet and looks stunning for just having a baby.

She's an A&M alumn so of course we had to incorporate some Aggie paraphernalia into the shots.  I'm big into lifestyle so I don't carry too many props since I like to add more personal touches to my photos.  This cushy pillow pet and of course the ring were perfect additions.

Dad, Erik, could seriously pass for a Val Kilmer double (pre weight gaining days of course) and was very attentive to his families' needs.  While prepping for another shot, Dad was soothing Little Man and I came back into his nursery to capture this

So sweet!

The red door is from an old barn on a family property and Erik and his friend re-purposed it to create a beautiful rustic pallet wall and closet doors.  Charlotte's Web was a favorite of Jessica's growing up so there is even a spider web with the phrase, Little Man, written in it.

Both Mom & Dad are from the country so while they settled on living in the 'burbs to be closer to work, they back up to a gorgeous park so Jake certainly won't be lacking in space to run around and burn off that little boy energy.

Thanks for letting me spend time with you and your beautiful family Erik and Jessica.  Let me know if Jake ever needs head shots for his future modeling career, I would be happy to help ;)

Little Abigail Little

I would like to introduce to you this darling little girl I had the pleasure of meeting the other day.  Abigail Little was brought into this world on 12 July 2012.  She's not yet 6 weeks old and her personality matches the hints of Auburn in her hair while she melts your heart with her deep baby blues.

Despite some of the reality of being new parents, Diana and Ryan seem to have this calm and confidence about them.  Diana is so knowledgeable on Baby 101 that I will, without a doubt, contact her if I walk down the newborn road again.  Ryan is attentive and affectionate towards his girls, striving to make their life even the slightest bit easier.  Their dog Daisy is an excited pup waiting for the day when her sister can play.  They are family full of love embarking on this new adventure together.

With an impending move back to the states with their newborn baby girl, I wish them a smooth transition and many years of love, giggles, and happiness.

The Hubers 2012

It's been a year since I've photographed this fun and lively family.  As you know from my last post about The Hubers, they are good friends of mine.  Jack and my son Jude are best buds bringing out the most mischievous playful side of one another.  Audrey has grown into a beautiful little girl who I not so secretly want to have as my own.  Kevin is, as always, the loyal father and loving husband.  Dena, has remained my closest friend here in Germany and has kept her strength and spirited personality through the blessing and challenges of raising two young kids.

We will be leaving Germany in less than a week and I am going to miss these friends dearly.  I am thankful for knowing such a wonderful family and am grateful I was able to photograph them one last time before we depart.

Dena and Kevin, enjoy your last year in Germany and be sure to travel, go antiquing, and indulge in all of the fabulous wine fests and Christkindlmarkts. Thank you for everything you've done for my family and me, including still remaining our friends after wreaking your van that you were so nice to let us borrow in Italy.  You have an open invitation to our home in Texas.  Until then, tschüss.

The Bakers

I am REALLY behind on sharing my recent photo shoots with you.  My creative energy is going all over the place that it's hard to stay focused on one particular outlet.  This is a shame because this beautiful family has been sitting in my folder on the computer just waiting to be presented.  I'm extra excited about this family because they were one of my first clients and my first repeat client.

I met Lori a little over a year ago.  She's from Iowa and loves coffee.  Being from Iowa and having a coffee addiction  I obviously liked her immediately.  She is the sweetest person you'll meet and has such a lighthearted disposition about her.  A former nurse and mother of two adorable kiddos, she seems to glide through life effortlessly and has a way of making lemons into the most delicious lemonade you've ever tasted.

When I first met her, she had just arrived from the States and was adapting to life in Germany with two young kids and her husband's demanding career.  Less than a year later, she was facing a pending deployment that had an undetermined start date.  In both circumstances she still managed to go with the flow in order to make the best out of a stressful situation.   I admire her strength and ability to keep her drive through the most daunting of times.  She definitely has a runner's stamina and will see it through no matter how many obstacles get in the way.

Thank you Lori and Gregg for giving this aspiring photographer a beautiful family to help build my portfolio.  I wish you a safe and quick deployment so your lovely family can be together again soon.

November 2011

July 2012

Una Familia Bella

The other day I had the absolute pleasure of spending time with my neighbors, The Rodriquez Family.  Gama, Marisel, and little Ema will be moving from our little community in Wiesbaden to South Carolina in the coming weeks. I was lucky that I was able to take their photos before they left as Mother Nature has been a bit unpredictable these past couple of months.  We had to reschedule once and had a pending appointment on Saturday.  When we learned the weather was going to be "picture perfect" on Thursday, we jumped at the chance.  And I am so glad we did. 

The temperatures reached to the mid 80's, the sky was filled with soft, filtering clouds, and the light was perfection.   Ema, a 6 month old little beauty, was dazzling in her ivory lace romper, turqouis flower headband, and adorned in a simple strand of pearls; I swooned when I saw her.  Marisel and Gama looked as if they stepped out of a  magazine, and moved with the camera like this was an every day occurance.

The biggest challenge I'm facing as a budding photographer is giving my clients direction.  I'm a visual person so telling someone how to move is a bit tricky for me.  I probably invade their personal space a bit too much as I actaully try to position them.  With this family, however, it was as if they were reading my mind.  I would begin to ask "Could you..hmm..put your hand, um...wait" and without me having to complete a thought, a flick of her hair or a turn of his shoulders, they did exactly what I envisioned (if only my husband can learn their trick). 

Their family is full of warmth, love and beauty and their session was filled with song, laughter, and dance.  The slightest whimper from Ema would result in both Mom and Dad attentively swooping to her rescue.  It is apparent when first laying eyes on this family how well they support one another.  As Puerto Ricans living in Germany, surrounded by Americans, it would be expected to feel lost in translation.  In this little family, however, it is as if they are in their own precious little world where everything makes perfect sense.

Gama, Marisel, and Ema, it was a joy to be your neighbor.  Les deseo muchas bendiciones y mucha en su proxima adventura.