1. What kind of theme do I want? If a particular building or natural backdrop would work well with your theme, look around your area for spots that meet your requirements. If you don't know what kind of backdrop you want, take an afternoon drive around your city for inspiration. It's easy to overlook beautiful spots that are practically in your backyard. Ask family, friends or your photographer for ideas too.
2. Are you allowed to take pictures there? Make sure that you can legally take pictures at the location that you have in mind. If it's not public property or available to the public you will need to get permission first.
3. Is it accessible? Consider that not all outdoor locations may be available all year round or you might not be able to get to them at all. Your safety is also an important aspect to think about before you decide on a location. Taking pictures on a mountain ledge may look neat but it’s best not to put yourself in harm’s way.
4. How do you get to your location? Will it be easy to walk to the session location and if not, are you able to change your clothing and touch up your hair and makeup before the shoot? You should also find out whether there is a restroom that’s close enough in case you need it.
5. Will the photo session be in a public place? If the location you have chosen has a lot of foot traffic, you need to ask yourself whether you are comfortable being photographed in front of others. If not, you might want to rethink your choice in location
Make sure that your location doesn’t become a distraction and that there is shelter nearby if you need it. Your location tells a story so it’s worthwhile to choose a meaningful spot.
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Over the last week or so I am DEFINITELY feeling it!
For those of you who are unaware--my family and I made a HUGE transition in late December. I closed up my long-awaited dream of a retail photography studio & packed up a house & family (within 4 weeks) and moved 9 hours north to Fort Worth. There we joined my husband who had been working in the DFW area for about 18 months. To say the move was needed is an understatement! We were losing touch with each other and as a family. In all honesty, I just needed to be able to say "Ask your dad" more than once or twice a month!!
So anyways- we made the move.... Family First!
Kids were adjusting... loving their new schools... making new friends... we were eating meals as a family again... I was helping everyone else get settled... and I was dreaming & working on my new business plan.
....And then this happens & we are stuck sheltering in place & homeschooling, which let me tell you is NOT my calling in life! (and yes...my children agree with that statement, lol)
We can all look like we are handling this well on social media posts and in emails, but I'll be brutally honest here, I think alot of us and doing a great job trying to make it look like we are! I am not doing a real good job of it on a daily basis.
I feel as if my Super Mom cape has become tattered and torn!
Seriously this is where I am at on a normal day-to-day basis right now---
I'm scared of not rebuilding my business and confused on even how to start! I'm terrified I'm screwing up my kids' education or frying their brains with too much screen time. Worried about not investing enough time, money or effort into my business during this time of uncertainty. Scared I have lost energy and momentum for doing the things I love outside of being a mom. Terrified that my loved ones will fall ill or worse. Any of this sound familiar to the voice inside your head?
Then there are days where I feel at peace. I'm where I'm supposed to be and doing exactly what I should be right now. Where I'm just hidden away from the world outside my front door, only concerned with keeping my space, family and life in balance and calm. I do feel more connected with
my family and feel as if some bonds are growing more solid right now. I'm taking the time to re-connect to others and myself and taking the time to handwrite cards again.
I thank God for allowing me to just be right now & praying for guidance in the next steps.
I feel grateful for where we are in our life right now and that I am able to focus on what matters most to me without constant worry of finances and making ends meet. I am grateful that you are reading this right now & maybe something in this resonates with you.
I am grateful for my health and the health of my family & friends.
I am grateful that I can take the time to Embrace the Pause in life and try new things, take on a new hobby to pass my time.
To find peace and calm in just being. I am grateful that I can take this time to create and focus on the future and what it might hold for my family and my business.
But for today- I just want you all to know that we are in this together. Be assured that you are not alone in your feelings and that it is totally ok to show some weakness & vulnerability now and again.
So for now...take a moment and be embraced in my social-distanced hug.
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As we shelter in place & Covid-19 wreaks havoc to our lives, work & economy there are still shining gems among us. So I'm highlighting a few who are doing their best to stay afloat & maybe even come out of this pandemic as a stronger business, whether as a brick & mortar storefront or home-based.
Having recently moved to the Fort Worth area, I am constantly on the look out for small local businesses that will become a part of my life. I happened upon this wonderful local bakery through my local neighborhood app. They were offering fresh baked cookie decorating kits to pickup & create at home. I was immediately intrigued & ordered 2 sets for my kids to decorate & enjoy.
As I drove up to this sweet treat of a shop I wanted to know more about the owner, Amy Meza, and Love Sweet Things Bakery. So here's her story....
Amy Meza developed the love of cooking from her grandmother as a young child. Learning recipes and the delight of creating something that would be enjoyed by others. As she entered middle school, her passion turned to baking and she began creating birthday cakes for family celebrations. As an early baker, she didn't really have a personal sweet tooth, but she definitely loved how delicious everything looked and she was thrilled that others raved about the way her creations tasted & looked!
Once out of school, she entered the corporate world & put in long hours on a weekly basis. She very quickly realized that she desperately needed to find a hobby. Naturally she turned to her love of baking & creating things for others to enjoy. As the years passed, her passion developed into a sustainable business plan and she exited corporate America to open her very own brick & mortar bakery.
Love Sweet Things Bakery is a small local Fort Worth bakery that has been open for the past 6 years. The bakery specializes in celebrations with cupcakes, cookies with buttercream and of course cake charm! They delight in baking simple yummy creations to more creative artistic designs perfect for any occasion big or small. Amy employees culinary graduates who quickly become more than just employees, but are considered family. They all love what they do and they have created a simple business plan & goal. They believe desserts spread cheer and happiness anytime because even the smallest things in life are worthy of celebrating!
Like any small business owner, Amy has weathered the ups & downs in the past. As Covid-19 and the severity of it arose, she obviously was first concerned about all the events that might be canceled that would also lead to a lot of cancelled orders. She also was worried about the safety of her staff & family. When the week of March 16th arrived, every event cake had been cancelled and she felt as if she was being put to a very hard test as a small business owner. Amy decided to close the shop to walk-ins, but still wanted to give people the option to celebrate the little things in life. So she opened her business to pre-orders only, through the website.
In times like this, small business owners have to contemplate the survival of their businesses and whether or not they are able to weather the storm. Amy & Love Sweet Things Bakery is currently facing those hard decisions and trying to figure out what a post Covid-19 world will look like for her business. Although help is being given to many small businesses, it truly is just a band-aid to all the lost revenue they are facing. The Payroll loans are helping keep their employees paid, but does little to keep the rent paid and the business itself afloat. Amy is facing some tough decisions and is praying hard for answers and guidance through this gut-wrenching time. She luckily has a wonderful support system within her family that helps keep her grounded and loved. Her mother has been there every step of the way throughout her business, and now is no different. Amy is taking this time to refocus on her business goals, and re-discovering who her ideal client is and how best to serve them during this time & beyond, even if that means in new creative ways in the future.
Love Sweet Things Bakery wants their walk-in customers and their clients to have an amazing experience when they walk in the doors. A full sensory experience from the first smile & scent to the last crumb on a plate.
Please keep Amy, her family, as well as her staff at Love Sweet Things Bakery in your prayers during this time. Remember that as we are all staying home & safe, even the smallest moments in life are worth celebrating....and they have just the thing to make that celebration just a bit more sweet!
If you'd like to place an order to celebrate a moment or occasion, give Amy at Love Sweet Things Bakery a call, or swing by their website & place an order. They appreciate all the support they can get, and if it results in a smile & soothing of a sweet tooth, even better!
Love Sweet Things Bakery
7430 N. Beach St. #318, Fort Worth, TX 76137
817-849-2111
lovesweetthingsbakery.com
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Financially many have been struck, others are more fortunate, but no matter where you fall in that statement, you are capable of still being the light and hope for someone else during this time. Support of a local business does not always have to be of the financial form....although they would definitely welcome that as well. The helping hand of support during this time can mean the world to someone else.
Here are just a few ways to help support a small business during this time, financially or not.
Just by showing that you care about their business & are willing to take action in supporting or cheering them on to succeed can be a win win for all.
Let's band together and #supportsmallbusinesses
]]>Rustic? Chic? Traditional? Urban? Flea Market finds? Family treasures?
Are your walls filled with department store finds or family portraits & memories?
Everyone's style is unique to them- but each and everyone of us have someone or something in our life that gives us that extra spark. It may be your family, close friends or your furry family member you don't want to think of life without. These are the images and moments of our lives we should be surrounded with daily...adding that spark we live for. Why not create & display images of the things in your life you treasure with every piece of your heart and soul.
I just recently created a gallery on the walls of my stairway after saying that I desired too for several years. My gallery is still a work in progress, but it is filled with portraits of my children in various ages of their lives so far. Each and every time I go up and down those stairs (which is quite a bit during the day when you hear mom, Mom, MOm, MOM...), I now get to take a journey through time and be nostalgic for the little quirks and giggles. A journey of snapshots of their lives as my children. I am overwhelmed with this sense of heart-warming love for each of them even if I am frantically running down the stairs to yet another issue or homework question. It's this climb I take at the end of each day, looking at their smiles and think of them and those sweet little moments captured along the way. I treasure each of them!
Pictures and portraits whether candid snapshots or professional taken portraits are all taken with the intention of holding onto moments, one snapshot at a time. Let's get back to displaying them and surrounding ourselves with the beautiful personal moments and things that brighten the heart and soul when viewed.
When you look upon an image printed and displayed or held within your grasp, something surreal happens, you realize that someone took the time to print this image just right for viewing....and not just clicking a button and opening a digital gallery for a quick share. Someone thought it was truly worthy to be viewed more than once instead of hiding it away until the next yearly reminder by social media that that image or moment occurred.
I absolutely love seeing my children's expressions when they see themselves proudly hung on the walls of our home, or in an album filled with moments of their lives. Just the act of placing their portrait on a wall or shelf tells them they are valued and loved. That they matter in your life and to others. Kids now days need to have this sense of being loved, valued and that they matter more than ever. Let's show the people in our lives that we value them enough to have a space upon the walls or shelves of our homes.
Let's create homes and spaces that welcome our loved ones and tell them that they are valued and loved on a daily basis. All the while creating a heart-warming spot for us to look upon and remind us of what truly matters in our lives.
Let's Stop the Clock & focus on what truly matters.
Emotionally connecting images to treasure.
Timeless. Emotionally connecting. Unforgettable.
]]>What will your Senior Portraits say about you...
Are you adventurous? Play an instrument? An athlete? Full of school spirit? Fashionista? A genius?
Let us help you create the perfect session to showcase you....in all your uniqueness
Click to see how you can get your Senior Portraits for FREE
Can't wait to meet you & find out what makes you so special & uniquely YOU!!
]]>With this Mission, I look forward to having the ability to give back to many people and organizations along the way, not just
one portrait session per charity or group.
Several times through the year I will partner up with a charity or organization to spread light on their cause
and to help raise money to make a difference for their passion & purpose.
Help me in Giving back.....One Mini Moment at a time.
Click here to donate for the featured Minis on a Mission
Back of Keepsake Ornament featuring the charity or organization selected for the Mini on a Mission
Front of Keepsake Ornament will showcase a beautiful portrait from your session.
Want your charity or organization to be featured? Email me at [email protected] for more information.
Currently offering classes in Ballet, Contemporary/ Lyrical, Jazz/Hip Hop, Tap and Flamenco/Folklorico.
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I was thrilled to be contacted and available to photograph The Demore family again this year as they were visiting from Houston and their busy schedules. It had been a few years since their last session & I was surprised with the addition of their precious little girl...who just so happened to be celebrating her 1st birthday the day of the session. So I stayed long enough to snap a few birthday smash cake pictures too.
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Happy 3rd Anniversary to 2 incredible women...Best wishes on many more years of Happiness, Love & Laughter!
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Thomas & Stephanie Kilgore were wed on South Padre Island on April 27th 2019 at Villa Esperanza. This Beach home worked perfect for their little retreat wedding getaway with their closest friends and family. Following the ceremony overlooking the bay we headed to the beach for some intimate images of them as newly pronounced husband and wife. Upon returning to the beach house, the reception started with a prayer and speeches by the Bride’s parents and a heartfelt thank you from the Bride and Groom. As the evening progressed, there was dancing, laughs, cake and champagne for all to enjoy.
Congratulations to the new Mr. & Mrs.!
Let's Chat about Capturing your Wedding Day
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Dave McCarty & Amy Keen were married on South Padre Island on April 6th, 2019. South Padre Island is their second home when they are not up in Indiana. They held their wedding ceremony on the beachfront of South Padre Island and were surrounded by many family & friends. The wedding was planned by Valarie Waddell of Weddings and Renewals By Valarie. Dave Boughter officiated the ceremony as well as provided the "fill-in rings" for the ceremony...since they were accidentally left behind for the service. But no worries, they were married anyway! During the pictures we chose to have some fun with the fact that the rings had been forgotten and played around with some fun pics. Prior to the reception the couple went back to their South Padre home and retrieved the rings for the evening celebration aboard the Southern Wave Catamaran.
Aboard the Southern Wave they were treated to live music and fresh cooked appetizers & fajitas as well as a cake to enjoy towards the end of the 2 hour catamaran ride. The weather was beautiful and the sunset did not disappoint.
I was thrilled to be able to capture the Wedding of Michelle & Josue at the La Hacienda Event Center in Brownsville, Texas. The wedding was an outdoor formal event full family & friends. The ceremony was an outdoor affair placed in front of the water while the couple vowed their love to each other under a beautiful iron gazebo. The flower-lined walkway made for a beautiful frame to the love & emotions surrounding the family & friends watching this couple begin their Forever After.
Once the ceremony was over, the couple walked down the isle through a blanket of cascading bubbles and cheers. Following the hugs & congratulations, the couple joined the guests inside to a color draped interior showcasing tables showered in florals and crystal drink ware. Monique's Cakes created a beautiful 5-tiered cake draped in pinks & florals. Each cake layer was unique in flavor & design. A dessert bar was set up to help curve the appetites of the guests as the evening continued on.
Michelle & Josue were so much fun throughout their evening and were so full of love & appreciation for all that came to share in their special day, and of course...you have to end the day with a selfie!
]]>They have been blessed with the joy of 4 children, 2 boys & 2 girls. As part of their celebration they chose to Renew Their Wedding Vows to One Another in front of their Family & friends on South Padre Island.
South Padre Sands helped them Plan & Organize their Renewal at the Beautiful Pearl South Padre on April 1st 2015.
I had so much fun spending the day with them & their family documenting 25 years & Counting!
]]>On Saturday April 11th, 2015 the Community of Port Isabel, Texas came out in large numbers to support the Local Family's and Children affected by Autism. A Large number of Volunteers as well as the Local School District have put this successful Event on for 4 years Now to help raise Awareness of Autism.
This is the 2nd year I have had the Privilege of Donating my time in covering this very important Event. I am moved emotionally each year by the amount of people who turn out to show their support for the children & family's affected by Autism not only in our community but nationwide. It truly is special the innocence & joy each of these children demonstrate and the differences each of them have. They truly are an inspiration to me and the difficulties they face on a daily basis.
Lets Strive to Help them Put the Pieces Together~
]]>Christopher & Rebekah "Tied the Knot" on South Padre Island on March 29, 2015. They were so much fun & so willing to do just about anything to get that "perfect" image to capture their wedding day moments & memories.
I am so thrilled, as are they with the images I caught of them & their family & friends on their Wedding in Paradise.
How do you want to remember your Wedding Day?
Wedding was Planned & Organized by South Padre Sands
]]>Normally a Wedding is ALL about the Girl~ But sometimes I feel the need to switch it up a bit (well, at least for a few pictures)
Christopher and his Groomsmen were wonderful about going along with my antics & even embellished a bit on their own!
They were a lot of fun, and bringing out the cutest of laughs & giggles from Rebekah as well as a few of the onlookers
]]>Family Pictures are an important part of growing up & documenting your Family for your Children and their Children to come.
My children have always enjoyed going through the pages of the scrapbooks I have created for them. Seeing the way they grow & we age...as well as the "I can't believe you made me wear that" moments are priceless in my book.
I am as passionate about capturing your family moments as much as I am about my own.
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The Imminent Glow of Senior Year~
The Dreams & Promises of what your future might hold & the feel of Spreading your wings out on your own for the first time.
These are Moments of Excitement & Fear for Kids & Parents as well.
Capture the Glow of your Child's Senior Year~
Good Luck Molly on your New Adventures at Baylor!
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Whether it's a bundle of pink or blue that you end up loving does not matter in the scheme of things. Its the adventure that awaits you!
The Joys of Parenting are like no Others. The innocent smiles & giggles and un-wavering love of a little one who thinks of you only as the Love of their Life.
Providing your little one with images of you expecting each and every little thing about them will be treasured for years to come~
So no matter how you feel~ Give that gift to the little one you will Love with every single Fiber of your Being.
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I am so excited for Joey & Stephanie! I have had the honor of photographing their Engagement as well as having the thrill of Documenting their upcoming April 18th Wedding at The Namar Event Center on South Padre Island.
When I heard they wanted to photograph some of their engagement pictures at the San Benito Fire Station I was more than Extremely Excited!
I knew we were going to have so much fun capturing their Love & Joey's Passion for Fighting Fires for the City of San Benito.
]]>As women we may not always see the Beauty of our growing waists, swelling ankles and lack of being comfortable. But to be photographed allows us to see what each of our husbands and others around us see as we are growing a miracle within ourselves.
So even if you feel uncomfortable within your body~ Allow others to see the Beauty of this amazing time of your Life.
Thank you Tanya for Allowing me to Capture the Beauty of your Motherhood!
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I am thrilled when I have the Opportunity to Capture Family's while visiting South Padre Island. It is such a fun & relaxing session when you allow the family's to be themselves & just add a little guidance along the way. I love the little glances from sparkling eyes & the laughter & free-spirited giggles from kids enjoying "just another" day on the beach while there is snow on the ground at home.
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My Daughter was a Member of the PIJH Spirit Squad this school Year. I had the privilege of Photographing the girls as individuals as well as a team. The girls were so eager to try just about anything...therefore we tried a few things as a group.
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Namar Event Center Located on Beautiful South Padre Island Texas Offers an Array of Possibilities.
Whether you are looking for A Rustic Country Wedding on the lush Green Lawns or a Formal Black Tie Event featuring Artistic light displays and elaborate details...Namar Event Center is the Place to Be.
]]>They showed so much love & excitement over the future of being together. It was very sweet and refreshing to watch them together & the joy both of their family's held as well for their children.
I enjoyed capturing their emotions & love for each other so that they will have something to hold on too in the years ahead of them.
Shawn is currently serving in the Navy and is Stationed in San Antonio, Texas.
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