Sunflowers and Cap & Gown – Senior Photo Session

Sunflowers and Cap & Gown – Senior Photo Session

by | May 26, 2023 | photography, seniors

Exploring Commons Ford Ranch at this Spring Senior Photo Session

Commons Ford Ranch makes a picturesque setting for a Senior Photo Session in Austin, Texas. Especially at the end of May, when the sunflowers are all blooming. Between the rustic barn, sprawling meadows and wildflowers, we had so many charming backdrops for capturing memorable moments.

Congrats to this McCallum High School Senior on completing her last year of high school! And best of luck to her next adventure at college in Colorado 🙂

senior photo session, girl has sunflower in her hair at Commons Ford Ranch in Austin, Texas

Please check out some of my favorite images from her Senior Portrait session below and contact me if you’d like to book your own photo session.

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1. What prompted you to have this photo session?

I saw some of my friends taking grad photos, and I thought it would be nice to have something that all of my family members can have.

2. How did you choose your location for your session?

I love the countryside, so it just made sense to have my photos in wildflowers.

3. What advice would you give to others planning a similar photo session?

Advice I would give to anyone taking photos in tall grass or wildflowers is to wear pants. If you’re taking photos in a dry season chiggers will bite you. You can also dust sulfur on your ankles to keep the chiggers away.

4. Anything else you’d like to add?

If you’re nervous about getting your photo taken, don’t be! 

Interested in a photo session?

Contact Me

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Commons Ford Ranch – Senior Photo Session

Commons Ford Ranch – Senior Photo Session

by | May 16, 2023 | photography, seniors

On the dock and among the wildflowers at this Spring Senior Photo Session

“Wear your tall boots,” I said. I knew the wildflowers would be blooming and we’d go exploring in the flower fields. But I also wanted to make sure this Senior avoided any thistles or thorned stems at her Senior Session (while I kept an eye out for snakes).

The April rains had brought lots and lots of May wildflowers this Spring to Austin. So we wanted to pick a location that showcased the blooms. We chose Commons Ford Ranch, and started at the weathered barn on property, then went to see all the flowers on the trails, and finally made our way to the dock for golden hour. This McCallum Senior was a trouper wearing her heavy letterman jacket in the hot, humid weather. But I’m so glad the rains held off this night.

Senior Photo Session at Commons Ford Ranch among the wildflowers and sunflowers in Austin

Please check out some of my favorite images from her Senior Portrait session below and contact me if you’d like to book your own photo session.

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1. What prompted you to have this photo session?

To celebrate my daughters High School graduation and this time in her life.     

2. How did you choose your location for your session?

My daughter wanted her photos to be in nature. Stephanie gave us a great list of suggestions and this one was our top choice. It was beautiful.  

3. What advice would you give to others planning a similar photo session?

Senior year is so packed. Plan to do your session early in the year.  Don’t wait.     

4. Anything else you’d like to add?

Stephanie was a delight to work with! She is fun and easy going.  She put Olivia at ease right off the bat. She is efficient and a great Photographer to boot. We loved the session and can’t wait to see the final outcome. Thank You, Stephanie!

Interested in a photo session?

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Tips for a Successful Birth Photography Session

Tips for a Successful Birth Photography Session

by | May 5, 2023 | advice / tips, photography

So you’re pregnant and excited to document the milestone of your upcoming birth!

What can you do to have a successful birth photography experience?

artwork showing a pregnant woman with tips for a birth photo session

Tips for a successful birth photography experience

My Top Tips for Parents-to-be:

  • Ask your OB/GYN for permission for a photographer to attend the birth
  • Decide what type of moments you want most documented (and how comfortable you are with more graphic imagery)
  • Decide who will be in the room with you (your partner, a doula, other family members, etc.)
  • Share any relevant pregnancy/birth history with your photographer
  • Keep your photographer posted the last month of your pregnancy with updates after each of your (weekly) check-ups
  • Give your partner the photographer’s contact info to call AND text them for when the big day comes
  • Once in the hospital, try to relax and focus on the birth process while the photographer works on documenting all the special moments
  • Have special one-of-a-kind photos to look back on and share with your child in the future
woman holding newborn baby while husband puts his hand on her head in hospital bed setting

So you’re new to birth photography and excited to document an upcoming birth!

What can you do to have a successful birth photography experience as a photographer?

 

    My Top Tips for Birth Photographers:

    • Pack a go-bag with snacks, possible overnight supplies (toothbrush, blanket, etc.), camera gear, extra cards and batteries as well as all the charging cables (consider a power strip as well to share the delivery room’s outlet)
    • Have phone nearby at all times and on alert the closer the due date comes
    • Have at least half a tank of gas at all times
    • Have a plan for childcare coverage when on-call (if needed)
    • Wear comfortable clothes (including bringing extra layers) in case the hospital room is cold
    • When arriving at the hospital, introduce self to on-call staff and family
    • Act as a “fly on the wall” taking photos but also be an extra pair of hands if needed
    • Focus on connection and emotion
    • Shoot wide-angle to establish the scene as well as close-up to get expressions and details
    • Document the action and the waiting
    • Stay until baby is born and placed on mom’s chest
    what to pack to photograph a birth photo session at the hospital

    Pregnant and interested in a birth photo session? Please contact me for more information.

    close-up of newborn baby's leg

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    Seton Hospital – Birth Photography Session

    Seton Hospital – Birth Photography Session

    by | May 2, 2023 | newborn, photography

    A Birth Photo Story

    Seton Hospital, Kyle, Texas

    I was on-call to photograph a birth with a May due date. When all of a sudden, I got the text on Sunday, April 23rd that said: “My water broke! We are headed to the hospital!!“

    I double checked I had everything I needed in my camera bag and backpack (which had been packed and ready for the last two weeks). Then I headed down the highway. Thankfully it was a Sunday, so I-35 wasn’t too bad. I quickly arrived at the hospital and headed to Labor & Delivery just before lunch.

    The mom got her first check-up and was only 1 cm dilated. And so the clock started and the waiting began. Waiting with the in-laws in the room, watching sports, watching the numbers on the monitor as medication was started. Lots of waiting.

    Four hours later and still only 1 cm. More medication, more waiting. Mom trying to get comfortable on the yoga ball, then trying standing and moving around. Background TV playing Adam Sandler movies and the Cartoon Network.

    After the dinner check-up, there was some dilation progress but baby was taking his time to get ready to come out. Epidural happened just before bed and pitocin was given to keep moving things along.

    And we all tried to sleep for a few hours. Grandma and the Dad on the pull-out couch. I was on the recliner. A few restless hours sleep as nurses came in to check stats.

    The 4:30am check-in just showed 4 1/2 cm dilation. When the cafeteria opened at 6:30am, I went to grab some breakfast and freshen up for what would happen next.

    The 7:30am check-in showed full dilation and full readiness. THE PUSHING COULD BEGIN! One hour of intense pushing later and out came her sweet baby – weighing over 8 pounds and ready to be welcomed into their family.

    After spending over 23 hours by their side, I headed back down the highway on Monday, April 24th, ready to take a nap and then edit the photos.

    woman holding newborn baby while husband puts his hand on her head in hospital bed setting

    Please check out some of my favorite images from their birth photography session below and contact me if you’d like to book your own photo session.

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    1. What prompted you to have this photo session?

    After a really hard time getting pregnant, we wanted to make sure every moment was capture of our precious miracle.

    2. What advice would you give to others planning a birth photography session?

    The photos aren’t meant for the entire world, some will be, but it’s mostly for you. You forget all the pain of labor and birth once baby is here, it’s so special to be able to go back and look and remember that hard work.

    3. Anything else you’d like to add?

    Stephanie is amazing! She is super responsive and helpful! After my appointments, she’d check in and see what was going on. She was super flexible, and open to anytime he wanted to come. We had a scheduled induction, and she was perfectly fine with that. However, baby boy decided he wanted to come about 4 days earlier, and she was right here ready to go. Stephanie is a great person and you’re lucky to have her!!

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    Yoga Instructor – Branding Photo Session

    Yoga Instructor – Branding Photo Session

    by | Apr 17, 2023 | branding, photography

    Branding Photo Session at ALightCollab Studios in Pflugerville, Texas

    For Amber’s mini-branding photo session, we split her time between professional headshots and “action” shots showing her as a yoga teacher.

    Our location was the newly opened ALightCollab Studio in Pflugerville, Texas.

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    Please check out some of my favorite images from her branding session below and contact me if you’d like to book your own photo session.

    And if you’d like to take a yoga class with Amber, check out some of her upcoming classes here. 

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    1. What prompted you to have this photo session?

    I wanted to have some professional photos for LinkedIn and Teams for my work as an editor as well as some new yoga photos for my side gig teaching yoga.

    2. What advice would you give to others planning a similar photo session?

    Definitely listen to Stephanie’s advice on colors to wear, etc. Possibly make a list of what you want to wear for each outfit so you don’t forget anything while you’re there. Try on everything in advance and pack it so it’s ready to go when you’re off to your photo shoot

    3. Anything else you’d like to add?

    You’re in good hands with Stephanie!

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