New Song on my site

All of a sudden Ive been getting a lot of e-mails from people asking me what song is this on my web site? Its a native Hawaiian singer named Israel Kamakawiwo'ole.

Its the old song "Somewhere over the Rainbow" and he is playing a ukelali.
Unfortunately he passed away a few years ago, and he was only 38.He was a Hawaiian man with the most tender voice. Even though he was a mountain of a man.
The CD is called "Facing Future". You can buy it on www.Amazon.com
enjoy.

Dont Judge a Book by its Cover

I love to watch DOG THE BOUNTY HUNTER! I mean I LOVE IT!

If you've never seen it, its not what you think.

I TIVO IT and watch it about 9 times a week. Even the re-runs!
I cannot explain to you why I love this show. At first i was sort of scared of it. Who were these tatooed, wild looking people running around tackling fugitives?
It was like the show Cops, mixed with Biker-looking-people, mixed with Wrestlemania. None of which I care ANYTHING FOR.

But I kept watching it for a few minutes longer and I was hooked.
I think Ive figured out why I like it so much.
Dog is a really good guy! He really is... It doesnt take long to figure it out.

Once you get past his biker looks you really fall in love with these people.
I admire them becaue they work very hard, and they really care about people. Dog has a really soft side.
I encourage you to watch a couple of episodes. Its on the A&E Channel on various week days.
You too will begin to really care about this family and I'll just bet it will become one of your favorite shows.

Heres a couple of links to get more info on it.
http://www.dogthebountyhunter.com
http://www.tv.com/dog-the-bounty-hunter/show/29908/summary.html

Awesome Afton!

Hey Guys! i wanted to post several photos of Afton! Shes a Senior at Iowa Park high School and so cool! Shes got a lot going on in her life, one being that she is an award-winning swimmer! Shes so fast and smooth! I wish I could swim like that. (It'll never happen unless a shark is after me. LOL)
Check out the image of her doing the butterfly!

I had a great time getting to know her and her mom. They were so much fun! Aftons family owns Kens Pizza in IP and Mazzios in Burkburnett. Fun places to hang out and have a good time!
I love these images of her, I cant decide which one I like best. I really like the one of her with her cozy fuzzy pillows and her car, and her formal dress and so I guess I'll post all 4 outfits she wore!
Best of Luck to you Afton! I know you will go far in life!
Gods Blessings

Trying times

I hope this doesnt irrate any of you. I am not trying to push my religion on you. I just wanted to "vent" and write a little bit here about something I've been going through.

Some of you know about a year and a half ago I rededicated my life to Christ.
I pray every day for God to use me and my life. To use my hands for his work. Around the time I rededicated myself (April 3,of 2005)

I've had a lot of unfortunate things happen to me. I was told by my friends that when you try to walk with Christ that there will be bad things happen to you. Its called "Spiritual Warfare".

According to what I've been told is that the Devil is trying to break you. Similar to what happened to Job in the bible. God told the Devil he could do anything to Job that he wanted except for killing him.

I feel like this is what has been happening to me. Just days after I became a born again Christian I had a very trusted employee betray me. She was stealing my business. I wont go into details but it was very devastating. This woman was not only a trusted employee but a good friend.
She betrayed me in the worst way. I even forgave her and she did it again!

Then I had a valued client whom I trusted go into competition with me. Then she opened a studio and she said some very hurtful things to me when I told her she wasnt ready. (however she has no real training except a few weddings with me.)

Then not long after that, I learned that my trusted Dr. and Dermatologist next to me had eyes on my studio space.

She worked out a deal with my landlord to take over my space (that we had spent$32,000.oo to build out.) and Domain Real Estate didnt even have the courage to tell me face to face. They sent a realtor to tell me.
This was very devastating because we had put a lot of money into it. I don't recommend doing business with them.
They also used an image of mine without photo credit, nor payment of any kind!

But I turned lemons into lemonaide and worked it all out.

Then it was one thing after another, my extended family went through some financial problems, we had 3 deaths in the family and then my daughter suffered a miscarriage, and then the horrific event. The plane crash of my treasured clients and friends The Christie family.

These people were an example of how to live. They were "exceptional" people. Everyone who knew them and met them knew how good they were. I miss Sherries smile and her big heart. I just wonder why would God let this happen to them? Only he knows.

I came across some photos of them in my guest room the other day and the tears just fell like rain.

It just seems it is little things all the time. (I had 15 years of smooth sailing before this!) I have not given up. It seems each week there is something else happening. I wont bore you with the details, but its been a very trying time.

I've always tried to treat people the way I want to be treated. I don't ask anything of anyone that Im not willing to give myself. I've always worked hard and been nicer than necessary.

The world is changing so fast. A lot of people dont care anymore. People seem to be getting tougher. I see it when I watch reality shows. Cut throat competition and greed. Whats happened? Where are the manners we learned in the playground in kindergarden?

What keeps me going is my faith in God, my love of my family and the support of my friends.
Yesterday, I was drawing a bath and I forgot it and flooded my house!
This will cost a few thousand dollars and has disrupted my family again.
Im just thankful for my health and my family.
Every day I give 110% to my work and to my family. I pray God will continue to bless me and those that I love.

I will not give up. I am thankful that my family is still alive and well. Not everyone can say that.
Im so thankful for my wonderful clients who know what kindness and loyalty mean. Who send me sweet letters and emails and are always there with a smile. I really love you guys. You are a part of my family as well.
Have a Blessed Day,

Remmeber these 2 verses.
"Base your happiness on your hope in Christ. When trials come, endure them patiently; steadfastly maintain the habit of prayer." Romans 12:12 Phillips

If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31 NIV

The Power of a Wish

The Power of a Wish, a much-anticipated book to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation®, is now available.

This compilation of touching stories from chapters nationwide was created by 18-year-old Ali Lauren Spizman, a national teen volunteer ambassador for the Foundation.

It is filled with letters of thanks, from children whose lives were made happier from the wishes they received. It is a book which will help you see through the lives of these children, how when dreams come true, how healing and powerful hope for the future can truly be.

Celebrities and heroes from all walks of life share their life-changing experiences in making wishes come true, and the profound effect that these courageous children have on them.

You have the opportunity to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation by purchasing this book. $1 of the retail price of $14.95 will benefit the Foundation. To order, please visit http://make-a-wish.summitmg.com/maw/product.asp?dept%5Fid=5000&pf%5Fid=MAW0016CN

Little Miss Sunshine

Recently I had the pleasure of seeing the movie called "Little Miss Sunshine".
Boy what an interesting movie! I dont know what catagory to put it into. I guess in a way is a comedy, but its got some very serious adult scenes also. It deals with a lot of adult issues, but its all wrapped up in a very interesting package.

This is a review of it "Little Miss Sunshine is an American Family road comedy that shatters the mold."
Its not suitable for children, but if you are over 21, I think you would really like it. Its so real and honest. I really like movies like that. Even if they are a little uncomfortable.
http://www2.foxsearchlight.com/littlemisssunshine

Share the Power of a Wish...

Each day I photograph beautiful babies and children and Im amazed at how beautiful they are.
Im also thankful that my grandson and 2 children are healthy and happy. But not everyone is so fortunate.

Recently while watching an episode of A&Es Dog the Bounty Hunter, I saw a young girl Hawaiian girl who had cancer, she had a wish to meet Mr. Duane Chapman "aka Dog the Bounty Hunter." It was such a touching program and even the tough guy "Dog" got choked up over it. its really touched me and for the past year or so, ive been wanting to raise money for the "Make a Wish Foundation", however, there is a lot of red tape to do it.

You have to plan your event months in advance and there are lots of paperwork and rules.
So I thought I would let you guys know that you can donate money straight to the foundation by going to this link. http://www.wish.org

This is the fastest and easiest way and it goes straight to them. I am planning a future event, once I get the paperwork done and will let all of you know about it when the time comes.
In the mean time, considering donating today. The nearest office is in Dallas and they have built a new building for these children and their families. http://www.northtexaswish.org
Remember that when we give to others, it is us that truly receive the blessing.

Dixie

Beautiful Brianne!

Hey Guys, This is Brianne!
She brought in her adorable dog KODA! We had a great time creating some beautiful Senior Portraits for Briane.

Brianne used to live here and then moved to Florida for a few years, but now she is back again.
She enjoys Cheerleading and spending time with her friends and her adorable pooch Koda.
Best of luck to you Brianne!

We love SUSI LAWSON !

Sometimes you come across a photographer or artist that just knocks your socks off! Well that happened to me about a year ago. And Ive been fortunate enough to get to know her.
I admire her work so much and theres such a feeling of happiness and joy in her images.
I dont understand why a greeting card company has snatched up her art and made her famous already! Im sure it will happen soon!

Her name is SUSI LAWSON. I was so delighted to she was featured in Professional Photographer magazine. (and also last month as well.)
Shes really a terrific person too! Here are 3 of her imagesthat I really adore.
She and I have a lot of common, our childhoods and our love of photography and art.
Check out her site at http://susilawsonphotography.biz
Shes truly amazing.

Dixies portfolio

Hey Gang, Check out Dixie's portfolio at www.dixiedobbins.photoworkshop.com
this is a great site for photographers. Dixie was hired to do a National
magazine shoot because of this site. To find her portfolio click on portfolios and then click on members and then type in her name Dixie Dobbins
Have a good day everyone.

Aida

This is Aida!
She goes to Hirschi and was very shy but so sweet. She has beautiful brown eyes. Here are 3 of the photos of her that Il ike the best. Her sister came to the shoot with her and she was so nice also. Enjoy your Senior year Aida! Best of luck to you.

Picture Perfect!

Hey Guys, just wanted to show you a before and after photo.
Our studio has offered digital retouching since 1998. Our lab we used to use, provided this service, and then in 1999,

I began doing all our retouching. Over the past 5 years we've had a couple of graphic Artists, Nick Hill of Burkburnett and Rob Brotherton from Rider.
But mostly Ive done it all. The reason is that I am very serious about controlling our finished product.

Its so important to me that every image be perfect. It doesn't hurt that my brother is a graphic artist in Abilene and taught me some Photoshop as early as 1993.

Just wanted to show you a simple example here of how I remove braces and enhance skin.
This is Courtney from Burkburnett. Shes a doll! What a great soul she has as well!
We are very proud of the work we do. This is why we only take a limited amount of appointments, because each image is airbrushed to perfection by me.
If its up to my standards, then I know you will be impressed as well.
Have a blessed weekend.

Creativity

Well Im back after a much needed rest! I hope you all had a good Labor day weekend.
We had quite a busy summer and I needed some R&R.
People dont realize that in order to be creative, you must have a clear mind and soothed soul.
Creativity is not a unlimited source that just will continue to flow for as long as you need it.

Ive met actor Jeff Bridges, who is also a photographer. I had handed my camera to my husband to have him take the photo and the camera wouldnt fire. So he took the camera and put our heads together and Held it out in front of us. It still wouldnt take, because the room was too dark and the auto focus wouldnt work! (thats what I get for taking my cheap camera instead of a good one!) I did get his autograph and got some other photos of him later.

We laughed when the auto-focus wouldnt work! It was sort of embarassing, but funny too.

He says that creativity comes from being still. From observing nature and beauty. That you can't work all the time and expect to maintain your creativity. Very wise words indeed!
I truly believe that in order to be creative, you have to feed your soul. You have to be still.
This is why my backyard is a sanctuary.A place where birds love to come, and water features and why I love to travel. To be alive and to experience inner peace and joy. Then I can be at my best for my clients and my family.

Websters defines creativity as this:

Creativity
noun
The power or ability to invent: creativeness, ingeniousness, ingenuity, invention, inventiveness, originality.

Kateland

Janelle!

This is Janelle from Burkburnett! Ive been photographing her since she was 7 years old. She is a very special young lady to me. Shes got lots of God-given gifts and qualities.

I've watched her as she grew up, going through phases, loosing her baby teeth and getting her adult teeth, going through various pagents, and singing at the Wichita Theatre.
She always has a big smile and is so good hearted for the past 10 years.

Shes the only student to ever win the Citizenship Award 3 years in a row at Burkburnett Middle school!
Shes just a bubbly, intelligent, sweet girl. As you can tell, I think shes really special!

On top of all this she also is very smart! She is planning on becomming an Engineer (either an Automobile Engineer or in Commercial Aircraft.) She also has won many titles in various beauty pagents since she was 9 months old. Including "Miss Photogenic" (back in 1999 with a portrait that I took!)
She's really amazing.

Ive watched her grow up from just a little girl to a beautiful young lady. I love this portrait of her because you can see both her beauty and her personality.
She will definetly set the world on fire. Im anxious to see what she does in life.
best of luck to you Janelle and keep in touch! We wish you the very best.

New Props!

As you guys know I spend Thousasnds of dollars a year on new props.
This a new thing ive ordered which is coming soon!
I like to spend a lot on my props for 2 reasons. One is so that I will have something unique that other studios wont have and the other reason is BECAUSE MY CLIENTS ARE WORTH IT!
Check this out. Shhhhhhh! Ill reveal what it is later!

We will miss you ROB!

Just wanted to tell ROB that we wish you well at Syracuse University in NEW YORK! We will miss you and things just arnt the same without you here!
Rob Brotherton, son of Judge Bob and Mitzi Brotherton was our graphic artist and now hes moved on to the BIG APPLE!
We know that you will set the world on fire!
God be with you, and dont forget us "little people" when you make it BIG!
Syracuse University http://www.syr.edu

AUDIO LINK

Check out the audio link below! Its something new I added to the Blog today.
As usual we are always the first to locate, use and share the latest technology. This is audio blogging which is very handy if you are on the road, and cant get a wireless connection for your blog, or for many other things.

Hear Dixie welcome you!

Closed Labor Day week

Hello,
Just wanted to let you know that the studio will be Closed the week of Sept 3rd-11th.
We will reopen on Tuesday Sept. 12th regular business hours.
I hope you all have a wonderful labor day weekend and enjoy your families!

ANGELA

This is Angela! She has the greenest eyes! It was amazing! Angela goes to RIDER and brought her adorable dog Angel with her. I love photographing pets, in the past 11 years I have never had a bad experience with a pet!

Her puppy Angel is an ordable ball of fluff! Ive also recently photographed a Bulldog, Rotweiler, Chicahuahua and even a Jack Russell terrier.

Angela was so photogenic too! She could definetly be a model with those eyes and that smile.

Jessica

Jessica!
This is Jessica. She was so photogenic. I really love the way her portraits turned out. I

espically like the images we created with the hay bales and her wearing a cute denim skirt and cowboy boots.
We did a lot of variety of images. Here are just 3 of them. There were so many good ones I can post them all. I wish you the best Jessica and thank you for entrusting me to capture your Senior Portraits!