Im packing my bags!

I'm really excited to learn today that I will be going to Florida to shoot a wedding on the beach with another photographer! I wont reveal who she is yet, but more to come soon. She is one of the best and such a sweet Christian girl too!

So I'm packing my bags, because its coming up soon! In so many ways I feel like this young lady was supposed to be one of my daughters! I know that sounds odd, but she has the sweetest soul and is a true giver and I would be proud to call her my daughter. (Shes got an old soul too and so smart beyond her years.)

I think she is an amazing photographer, yet she calls ME a rock star! haha.

Yea! I cant wait!

Vote for Charity Beaver!

To get ahold of me about Chairty, call our studio at (940) 761-5111 Wichita Falls, Texas USA
I'm so excited that one of our clients is up for the title of The 10 Most Beautiful women of Dallas. Miss Charity Beaver.The magazine solicited nominations through http://www.dmagazine.com/ , plus they threw in their own candidates. After looking through hundreds of nominations, the D Magazine editors narrowed down the pool to 25 semi-finalists. They brought them in for face-to-face interviews, then narrowed down the list to the 20 finalists you see here. Vote for Charity! She is both beautiful inside and outside!!! You can vote every day, so lets take care of her!http://surveys.dmagazine.com/10MB/Details/Charity_Beaver
I'll post some of her images in a bit here. (dont cha love it when NICE GIRLS FINISH FIRST!!?) (PS I photographed charity for her Senior Portraits and I knew right away that she was gorgeous! I invented our ambassador program because of her. But what was so great about her is that shes a super nice person and so is her mama. YOU GO GIRL!)

Speak up!

I'm really honored that I have been invited to be the guest speaker at the Austin Professional Photographers guild in January and also today I was invited by the San Antonio Professional Photographers Association to speak in June.

I really enjoy speaking at programs. Ive done it many times, the funny thing is I don't get nervous until about 20 minutes before I go onto stage and they put the microphone transmitter on my belt and I'm about to go on. I get a bit of stage fright, but as soon as I walk out I'm fine!
I love love love teaching and sharing about this amazing field that Ive chosen as my life's work.
when I see a light go off in someones eyes, that they actually get it, and understand, it gives me goose bumps, really!
Teaching pros is quite a challenge because many of them are seasoned pros and many are fellow Master Photographers like myself. You have to have information that they need, so that you don't bore them with info they already know.
I have a huge thirst for knowledge and read voraciously and am always eager to share!

One year I actually spoke to 8 different groups in one year. I would say that the Dallas Professional Photographers was the most intimidating, they had a record turn out that night and it was in a beautiful hotel near the Galleria in North Dallas. I had just gotten over the flu and was still very weak. But once I got going, it was fantastic. Its amazing how the 2-3 hours fly by!

and Baby makes three...

Today I got to meet M and P. They are a loving couple expecting a baby soon. It was a pleasure and you guys made me laugh and smile today. Thanks for choosing me and for being so great together!

Spend a day with Dixie workshop

Congrats to Diane Chambers and Terri Ireland who signed up to spend a day with DIXIE this weekend!
I cant wait to show you guys the ins and outs of photography and my 2o something years experience. Get ready to watch the sparks fly! (To find out more scroll down or give us a call, this is one on one personal training from a Master Craftsman photographer. MOI!)

Email down all day

Our email has been down all day, if you need to reach us just give the studio a call at (940) 761-5111. Dont try to email, my email people are working on it.
Thanks Heather for alerting me!

Mondays quote!

If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, then practice compassion. ~Dalai Lama

Amber and Payton finally said "I DO"

I usually don't put weddings on my blog, I have a private password protected area for that, but Amber and Payton are so special and they gave me permission could so here goes! I first met this precious couple about 5 years ago when I photographed both of their senior portraits. They were such a cute couple and now they are married! I can tell that they have a true love for one another and it was a beautiful wedding. I was so honored that they asked me to be their photographer.
They got double coverage with Lauren shooting alongside me and Melanie handling all the other details. Congratulations to you both, It was a beautiful night! and can you believe how fabulous her dress is! Thanks guys and enjoy your honeymoon.

Tre turns One!

Cutie Pie!

The video everyone is takling about.

Since I have a teen who drives i worry a lot about texting, etc. We got him a hands free thing for his phone and he actually talks thru a computer mic in his car so his hands never leave the steering wheel. But I worry that someone else will hit him, or us, or whatever. you hear a lot about texting and driving, etc.
This is a video everyone is talking about. It was made in Britain but its very powerful.
If you have teens or are a teen or have EVER once texted while you drive, please watch. Its a Public Service Announcement but pretty powerful.

Don't Text and Drive - Watch more Funny Videos

Some things never go out of style!

Today I got to meet a precious little girl. She will be 9 soon and so her mother wanted to commission me to make one of our Watercolor Giclee portraits of her.Her mother ordered a beautiful 20x24 hand painted Giclee (G-Clay) to hang in their home. I love creating these types of portraits, they are so timeless and never go out of style!They look and feel just like oil paintings!The artist Steve Grey who passed away a few years ago taught me how to paint, however I do it digitally instead of with oils and acrylics.Out studios were situated beside one another and we spent a lot of time talking art, photography and lighting.I was proud to create one of his daughter on her wedding day for him.I intend to enter one of the paintings from this session into a competition in the fall. With a beautiful face like hers, the judges will adore her!Thanks guys for bringing little L into the studio. It was a pleasure!

Fridays Quote

“Lack of Loyalty is one of the major causes of failure in every walk of life."-Napoleon Hill

Clever Kelsey

Yesterday I got to photograph Kelsey. Sometimes when you meet people, you can just tell they are super intelligent and on the ball. Kelsey is one of those people. I told her that I can see her becoming Mayor or even a Senator someday. Shes got that leadership quality, brains beauty as well! And she is fun and daring too! And take a look at that beautiful dress! It was over 100 degrees when we did some of her shoot outdoors, but did she complain? NO! We had a great time, thank you Kelsey for driving so far for your Senior Portraits!
(I hand tinted part of her image to bring out the colors, I love doing this, i used to do it with oils and lacquer, but now i do it digitally.)

We lost a great one.

We lost a great photographer yesterday.
My friend Dave Cisco of Ft. Worth was one of the best photographers in the country. He and his wonderful sweet wife Jo Rita operated a high end studio serving the upscale clients in the greater Ft. Worth Dallas area. (I personally know that oftentimes his family portraits fetched upwards of $10,000. or more!)

Dave won so many awards and was a Master Craftsman photographer.
His lovely wife Jo Rita always at his side. They were polar opposites, Dave a pragmatic engineer and Jo Rita, a social butterfly. I'll never forget Daves hearty laugh. He encouraged my son in his weight lifting and talked with him about nutrition and training. He was very proud of our son and how much weight he was lifting etc.

Dave leaves a big hole in the industry of old school Master photographers in Texas. He was one of the best! He was in good health, but recently had had some bypass surgery and was doing well at home. His sudden death comes as a shock and sadness to all of us who knew him and loved him. One thing that I remember fondly about him, is that he had his Texas gun permit license and he regularly carried around a loaded pistol in his pocket. To those who don't know him, I'm sure that sounds odd, but to those of us who knew and loved Dave, know that was just Dave. I will always think of him as a Clint Eastwood type of guy, who you didn't dare cross, but if he loved you, you were in with him, and in tight.
Our condolences to the Cisco Family. I spoke with a relative at their home this morning and he said that we can send cards or write in the Ft. Worth Star telegrams website and send our condolences and messages to his family.

Rest in Peace Dave, we will always remember you and what you stood for.
http://www.portraiturebydavecisco.com/

Sweet Sarah!

Today I got to meet sweet Sarah! She was a delight! She is so laid back and easy going and her mom was really fun too!
Ill post more about her soon, but in the meantime, enjoy these snaps!

Our little boy isn't so llttle anymore...

Its that time of year again. School is about to start and all the area boys are in football practice (TWO A DAYS). Our son has been training hard with his school team. Hes covered in bruises (his chest and arms) from hitting and getting hit.
Hes playing Right Guard and Defensive Tackle on Varsity this year, and hes only 16 and will be a Junior.
Hes up to 250 lbs now and can easily bench press 300 lbs, deadlifst 545 and squat 650-700 bs. We're so proud of him. But mostly we are proud that I catch him reading his bible in his room at night, that he doesnt go along with peer pressure when someone wants to do something he knows isnt right and that he actually likes to go to Church.

They've already had 2 scrimmages and he has played well. He got double teamed a lot.
I got to take his picture and his teammates this year. How proud are we of our boy?
So big my heart could burst. Hes got his daddys eyes and my sense of humour.
I think hes pretty handsome these days. He was mentioned in the recent issue of Dave Campbells football magazine as one to watch! Sorry to ramble on, but i just cant help myself. hlah blah blah... brag brag brag... haha...

Here is with 2 of his best friends Temi and Canon.

Quote of the Day.

My late. great photographer friend Ken Porter stood up in a photography class one day, and said this quote. Ive loved it ever since.

" Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting "...holy *%@! ...what a ride!"-

Love this song!

I added a new song on here called "More Beautiful You" by Johnny Diaz. I dedicate it to all of you girls who dont realize that you are already beautiful the way that God made you!
I hope you listen to the words because when i first heard it, I had to pull my car over and stop and listen to it. Its such a beautiful message! And the best part is its a Christian song, that I heard on KLOVE radio. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXSkd8apbWM
I love it!!!

Have a happy Friday!

"A joy shared, is a joy doubled."

Alyson

Yesterday while I was out and about with Heidi, my truck broke down and I wasnt able to get to my 6pm photo shoot. So my assistant Lauren met up with Alyson to get some more of her maternity shots (we shot her last week, but we didnt get any of her alone!) So Lauren happily accepted the assignment and went out and met up with her and got some beautiful images.

I have lots of photographers who email and apply for jobs with me, but I chose Lauren earlier this year because her body of work was really tops! She also is about to graduate from MSU with a degree in photography, and her training and skills show.
Here are some of my favorites! Thanks Lauren!

Heidi

Today I got to hang out with Heidi. She is just a darling beautiful girl. I photographed her brother a couple of years ago, and he could honestly be a model!
Shes got her parents good looks too and we had so much fun!
We took my truck out to a friend of mines place. He has goats, chickens, a goose, an Australian blue heeler dog, horses and even a LONGHORN!
She was so at home with all these animals and she even turned the shy longhorn into her friend!
She has such a sweet calm demeanor about her. And I hear she is a really good at barrell racing, which I get to photograph soon too!

Then when we were almost done with pics, we stopped at a remote place out in the country on our way home and my truck battery died.
Fortunately, a good Samaritan stopped to help us and jump started my battery.
So after sweating, pushing, waiting and getting bit by bugs, we finally were back on our way. Was she upset, or her mom upset? No way! They said they had fun and we got home safely.
Thank you Heidi, for such a memorable day and you too Mary. I had fun with you and I have a surprise for you for being such good sports today!

Were Hiring!

Well, it's that busy time of year agin where some of our staff is returning to college and we are going to be short-handed. We are looking for someone to perform general duties on Tuesdays-Fridays (possibly less) throughout the school year~ with hopes of taking on a full time postion next fall. This would be perfect for a social, upbeat mom who has children going to school full time next fall. Please call or email us if you or anyone you know would be interested;-940.761.5111

My Favorite Tv Show

I don't have a lot of time to watch Television, but my husband and I have gotten into a Thursday night routine of watching 2 shows that we are now really addicted to!
The first is "Royal Pains" and then right after that one is "Burn Notice". I love these two shows!

I especially like Burn Notice. I think the lead character (Michael Weston) Real name Jeffrey Donovan, is so awesome! Hes got an interesting face, (CUTE!) and I love love love his voice. He is a former spy who got "burned" and isn't currently a spy, but is taking some interesting jobs to pay the rent in the meantime.

He has a love interest and shes pretty handy with a pistol, shotgun and homemade bombs.(Fiona)
They are both easy on the eyes and I also really like his sidekick , (Sam Axe) played by Bruce Campbell, who always seems to be drinking a cold beverage in every scene. His mother, Madeline Weston is played by Sharon Gless from the old series "Cagney and Lacy". Its set in Miami and the scenery is beautiful. I love the photography in the show too, and the "narration" by Michael Weston. I haven't loved a show like this since the days of "Magnum P.I."
I hope you'll catch it. It airs on the USA Chanel 29, here in the Falls on Thursday nights. (Oh and I love his shades, I think they are Oliver Peoples brand, HOT!)
http://www.usanetwork.com/series/burnnotice

http://www.usanetwork.com/

Heres a cute little video of these two in a photo shoot for TV guide magazine. Theyre so adorable! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YR1mgvbn_hg

MY BFF(for 32 years!) and weekend in Canyon TX

This weekend my son and I hit the road to go and visit my long time BFF Francie and her family. Francie and I have known each other since 7th grade! We've kept in touch, even though I moved to Odessa (4 hours away from Plainview) and then she moved to Amarillo after graduation. We've been there for each other as we've had our first marriages, our children, divorce, remarriages, career changes, me moving to Japan, etc. Shes been a loyal sweet friend. We've had our ups and downs etc.I'm so proud of Francie, she is a very successful Realtor in the Amarillo Canyon area and it doesn surprise me! Her husband Tom is a wonderful wedding photographer and I was so excited to get to see his new studio and help him a bit to get it set up. Its in a great location and has so much potential, in downtown Canyon. Tom is an artist, and had a business for years making frames.Their beautiful daughter has her dads artistic gene and can draw and sketch! The sky is the limit as to what she will do and be when she grows up! She also happens to be my sons age and they are friends too.It was a lovely weekend. I got to enjoy their new home and I swear Francie has the largest "GRAND SALON" master bathroom that Ive ever seen in my life. (Well next to the High Roller Suite at Ceasers in Vegas!)Its almost 1000 square feet, with a gorgeous tub, marble and slate rainshower, Huge dressing area, etc. Francie has always had good taste. Thanks so much to the Money family for having us this weekend. It was a great trip, but too fast! We'll be back to see you again soon. (Oh and Francie has an adorable grandbaby (her first, a BOY!) and we took some photos of him at Toms studio.Here are just a few shots from the fast and furious trip. As Scott and I were leaving we saw a beautiful rainbow that scanned all the way across the Highway.!)Thanks guys for a wonderful weekend! We love you guys!
Tom made us the most wonderful breakfast! "Santa Fe something" but it was great. Bacon, eggs, green chilis, hashbrowns all together. YUMMY!!! Thank you TOM!!! Heres a quick snap of Scott and Madison in her Convertible Chevy Camaro. They are so cute together!!!

Two Great Qualities to have...

Patience and Wisdom! Thank you Bill! (My friend the editor of the Texas Professional Photographers Magaizine.)

A very nice letter from a satisfied Seniors Mom.

Dixie,

I CAN'T BELIEVE THOSE PICTURES OF "DARING DYLAN." THEY ARE AMAZING...SIMPLY AMAZING!!! I'M IN TOTAL AWE...especially the one with the soccer ball. I LOVE IT!!!

I can't wait until the viewing...I hope they're not all that good or I'll go broke! Just to confirm...our viewing is next Thur at 4:00, correct?

Again, I just CAN'T BELIEVE how good these pictures are! YOU ARE AMAZING!!! This was his first photo session (besides the standard kid pictures and Christmas Card pictures). I have a beautiful, blonde daughter that you'll be seeing before too long.

Thanks so much...I can't quit staring at it...it is better than anything I could have imagined!!!

Thank you,

R. Hillard

Oklahoma girls...

These beautiful little girls have the sweetest mama! Ive been photographing them since they were little bitty.
It was a wonderful afternoon, hot but fun! What gorgeous girls they are!
Thanks J.C. for choosing me to do these oh so special sister portraits!

because Anything is POSSIBLE...

What a very inspiring story about a 15 year old boy. I hope you'll take a minute and watch it.! Because its not what we "cant do". Its what WE CAN DO that really matters. http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=54660287and his new Dog is really amazing too!

Shame on me... bad blogger.

I'm really sorry for being behind on BLOGGING YOUR PHOTOS! I will get caught up soon, its just hectic here lately! Thanks for your patience everyone who is waiting!

Happy 90th Birthday!

Sunday I got to attend a wonderful event. I was hired to photograph the birthday party of a wonderful man who turned 90! He has the kindest eyes and a warm smile and seemed years younger than the candles on his cake.I love this sweet shot of he and his wife of 61 years. Thanks Siebler family for choosing me for this extra special event!

Daring Dylan

Today I got to meet Dylan. Hes a really nice guy, who was so at ease in front of the camera. Hes got piercing Blue eyes and all american looks! Dylan plays soccor for Rider and is a great guy. Thanks for a fun day Dylan!

On my Soapbox tonight

Okay Gang, I'm going to get up on my soapbox tonight. I just got another email (probably the 10,000 time someone asked me "What kind of camera should I buy so I can take pictures like you?"

I was very nice, and polite to them, but honestly It offends me. Why did I go to school for years and years and earn the degree of Master Photographer if all it really takes is to just get a really nice camera?

I but I just need to explain something. If I buy a super nice Gas Stove, a VIKING 6 Burner for example, will that make me a Master Chef?
Well, the answer is a resounding NO. (I can also drive my husbands Corvette, but it doesn't make me a Professional Race Car Driver either.)

WHY? Because its not really your tools that make you proficient at something. Its your training and your skills.

Im sure someone here is going to be offended by this. Im not trying to. Maybe this example will help.

I can buy sparkplugs, but it does not make me a mechanic.

thanks for listening. I had wrote more here earlier, but I editited it down. If you want to discuss the subject, you can always email us here. thanks!

waiting for baby

When I first saw this couple standing in my studio yesterday all I could think was WOW! this is going to be fun! They both are so attractive and were so eager to get some beautiful photographs before she delivers very soon!
We found this field of sunflowers and it was beautiful! the only problem was it was filled with mosquito's! What was odd was the mosqs were attracted to my camera bag. So I put it down and the insects stayed around my bag? I have no idea why, they liked it. Maybe it was cold from the AC in the car? Who knows? Belinda was a great assistant and helped with the reflector etc. Boy it was hot! But you cant tell it by this couple, they were calm cool and collected.
I love taking maternity portraits on location! I'm so used to doing them in the studio mostly, so it was fun. Then we found a beautiful serene pond with giant trees around it, but we could not get access to it so we settled instead for this little creek that wound through the property.
Thanks guys, it was so much fun, and thanks Belinda for assisting me. You did a great job. I cant wait to see this couples adorable baby boy who will be here soon!