Sarah Palins photoshoot

I am very excited to announce that today learned that I am going to be photographing Sarah Palin in November in Dallas! Although the date falls on our sons birthday, this is quite an honor and Im very excited to be a part of it. Thanks to Tim and those who made it happen!

Precious Payne!

This little boy is the son of one of my sweetest clients! i just love her and her beautiful daughters. But this time it was baby brother Paynes turn for the camera and spotlight to be on him! Isn't he a doll baby?
All tough in his overalls. More coming soon, but just had to post this one right now! Thanks Julie and everyone for your help. I smiled so much my cheeks hurt!

Mistys Vintage Home!

Our daughter just moved here a month ago and we've had so much fun decorating their new home. Many of the items are from Flea Markets, Thrift stores yet some are new!

I thought Id photograph it in a way that looks very vintage with the color shifting that film sometimes did from the 60s and 70s.
The yellowing is intentional! Ill post where the items came from at the bottom of the page. Thanks for looking! OH BTW, i just found today a great store in Lewisville called
GROOVY TREASURES! WOW HOW FUN!









The Avocado green chairs- Target- 2 for $35.
Butcher Block table, a free gift from neighbor
Colorful Rug, Retro Hawaiian-Tuesday Morning -$75
Orange/ Green Clock- TJ MAX $9.00
Coffee Table, Salvation Army $39.
Green Rug, Ross, $9.

Antique Fan $12 - Antique Store
Vintage Coffee Table-Antique store $22.
Lamp- Salvation army $9
Lampshade- Target $14
Cross Stiched 70s pillow -Goodwill $2.99
Orange Velvet Pillow-WORLD MARKET $12.

Avocado Green Nesting Bowls, $12 Tuesday Morning
Vintage Brownie Camera $9. Antique Store

Chicken Flour Sack Dishtowels - $3.99 Steinmart Dallas
Jute Hawaiian Rug- Tuesday Morning -$75

Orange/Avocado Pots and Pans -ROSS
Stainless Steel Shelf and Racks- $14. IKEA.com
Orange Chopping Block- TJ MAX $8.

Love from Moms Heart- PRICELESS!

Model Portfolios

For over 22 years I have been photographing models for their Portfolios. I really enjoy creating these types of images because they allow you to be much more creative. Today I got to shoot some "beach" portraits for one of my favorite clients Sarah! Sarah takes really great care of herself and shes so great in front of the camera. Shes a 3rd year college student and has been coming in for a few years now.

I always have so much fun with Sarah and her mom. The whole family is beautiful including her mom and her brother as well! As you can see, the camera loves her! SHe could very easily be a swimsuit model with her dedication to fitness. Also, This is one of my favorite places to photograph at.
For modeling portfolios give us a call or email. We can shoot images that make your agency go "wow!"
Thanks guys, I think we got some WOW shots today! and thanks to my daughter for helping me out with this shoot today!

RYDER!

Recently I got to meet the nicest guy. Ryder! He came into the studio for Senior portraits and what a great guy. So polite and easy going. He plays the guitar beautifully. We had a great photo session. Here are a few of my favorites for now and more coming soon. Thanks Ryder for being so cooperative and nice during your shoot! MORE PICS COMING OF RYDER SOON!

My Columbian Coffee in a Canon Cup!

Good morning! I just wanted to share with you guys my favorite coffee cup. Im always saying im going to take a photo of it but never get around to it.
So heres it is. I ordered from one of my favorite sites called PHOTOJOJO!
http://photojojo.com/store/awesomeness/camera-lens-mug

It's amazing with detail. Even the lens cap on the bottom. The inside is stainless steel and its lightweight.
You should see the expressions I get when I take it with me someplace. I get lots of double takes!
It's cloudy and raining here this Friday morning, so its great coffee drinking weather.
Hope you all have a good weekend!

How to leave us a comment!

We often get asked, Id love to leave a comment, but i dont see how to ? So heres the scoop. The way you do it is to click on the Post title at the top, the words in bold, and then it will bring up the post in a new window and the words that say POST A COMMENT. You can leave comments at the bottom of the page. Thanks , I love reading your comments, but many of you email me instead, since its sort of complicated! Thanks guys!

Update on Mistys house.

So the decorating on my daughters home is continuing! I was in Dallas the past 4 days and I found this adorable pillow at IKEA! Its so 70s and fits the color scheme so i had to get it. Remember that ugly lamp from the Salvation Army a few weeks back? Well i finally got it painted. It took forever to sand and I got some bad paint the first time, which ran and clotted up. so i had to resand and paint. I had to paint it Orange to go with the Burkburnett Bulldogs color scheme her son plays football for too!
We are decoraing the shades.


I got these canisters last week (vintage from the 50s!) with no rust and in great shape from a downtown store. $15.
I got some other goodies too! Honestly I am so glad that Ikea has a restaurant/cafeteria inside because I can spend 10 hours in there. I go in when its morning and when I come out its dark! Happens every time... Oh well, maybe there is a 12-step program for them. Lol! Sorry Im behind on blogging, its just been so crazy. Ill post shoots and more pics soon!
Lamp -Salvation Army Thrift Store
Lamp shade Target
Pillow- IKEA, Frisco TX
Canisters, Antique store downtown across from the Wichita Theatre.
Green Chair, Thrift Store, forgot the name of it now!

A beautiful Sunday morning from the 12th floor Hotel!

HI yall, I'm still around just has been very busy, with shoots and sessions and our sons football games and now I'm in Dallas with a view of Dallas Cowboys Stadium. I'm here for some photography classes today but I will be back today.
We are still clearing out our storage units that contain the past 15 years worth of negatives and DVDs. If you are someone you love was photographed here and you would like them we are offering them for sale at a great value price. Weddings, portraits etc.
Just call our studio and leave a message that you would like them and leave your number. 940-761-5111 Hope you all have a beautiful Sunday. GOD BLESS!

I can still fit into them!

My 30 year high school reunion is coming up next summer 2011.

I don't want to brag or make you jealous, but I can still fit into the earrings I wore in high school.

~Dixie~

Deep thoughts by Dixie and question to Mr. Jack Canfield

Maybe some of you guys remember the little scenes from Saturday Night Live called "Deep Thoughts by Jack Handy". A man with a soft kind voice would say something that might sound like a deep thought such as a poem, a Haiku or some profound thought, to only surprise or shock you into laughter because it was utter nonsense. but funny none the less.
I get teased from time to time by my friends and family that I'm a Deep thinker. I don't think of myself that way. I'm just a simple girl, who grew up in West Texas to Charles and Annette and who often thought most of the world was nuts-o.
By nuts-o i mean, they seemed insensitive and oblivious to what was going on around them. They seemed interested in only satisfying either their A. Hunger or other physical needs., B.Never listening to what anyone said, only in what they were going to say next. C. Acting selfish and shallow in most instances instead of helping those around them when given the chanceand they seemed very PETTY. I worried about stray dogs, cats, kids less fortunate than me. Kids who seemed sad or neglected and the friendless and I worried a lot about the elderly.

I on the other hand, was starring out the school bus window pondering life and this earth. And why God made me?

And how did God make clouds? And were they as puffy and soft as cotton balls as they looked? And When would be the next time my dad would hire a pilot and take me up in those white balls of fluff and make me get butterflies in my stomach?

And where was God at the moment? Was he watching me? Making sure the bus driver kept control of that bus to keep me safe? Or was he at my dads work keeping him safe at the Plainview Daily Hearld from the horrors that I had heard could happen when an unsuspecting press man would get too close to the press and it could either pull him into the printing press or rip his shirt off his back?
What would I be when I grew up? A writer? A photographer? A Cartoonist? Perhaps a Doctor?
What I really wanted to be was an Artist. My father would bring home big rolls of left over paper from the Plainview Daily Hearld. and I would squeal with delight, the only way that a 9 year old girl can squeal when he Big strong hero of a dad would hoist the big roll into her bedroom. I can still smell the crayons and remember all the large "masterpieces" I made for my parents.
Well now fast forward 32 years later and I am an artist of sorts. A Photographic Artist. I enjoy being a photographer so much. So much so that I have earned the Degrees of Certified, Master Craftsman Photographer M. Photog, Cr CPP from the Professional Photographers of America.
But after all these years Ive experienced some burn out.
Don't get me wrong, I love what I do, but I have photographed weddings all over the place, over 500 at my husbands estimate. And everything from my reporter days of house fires, and floods where George Bush (that was Daddy Bush not W. Bush) came to town in a helicopter and declared the area a National Disaster Area. (Before Katrina)
and Ive photographed beautiful infants, toddlers, beautiful Families in Hawaii and Business people of all sorts. Rock n Roll bands, musicans, artists and even animal portraits.
But a few years ago after some bad experiences with employees who got greedy and some disappointments, I sort of lost my edge. I lost my passion and I wondered if I would ever love photography again the way I used to. I mean, Ive been to 13 countries and photographed some pretty places. But I just didn't have it the way I used to. At that a time a lot of amateurs started coming out of the wood-work with the advent of Digital cameras. These consumer cameras started popping up at Discount stores like Best Buy and Sam's Club and it seemed every soccor mom had a Canon something or a Fuji something. I started loosing my client base to these inexpensive, inexperienced shooters and I feared bankruptcy or having to shut down or let staff go.
And then Sept. 11th happened.

And as I watched in horror from my couch, (I had pneumonia) and was supposed to actually be in New York City on Sept. 11th with my husband celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary, but got sick the day before we were to leave. (and he was a United Airlines pilot at the time, and still is.) I truly realized that life was really short and when I saw the buildings tumble down to the ground, It hit me that everyone should be living the best life they could be. I rededicated my life to Christ and As Oprah said "TURN UP THE VOLUME ON YOUR OWN LIFE." I hugged my little boy more, slowed down and smelled the roses more. But this one dream came to me one night. Oprah had said "USE YOUR GIFT" whatever your gift is. Use it to help the world. and I knew what I wanted to do. And it came in a dream, I want to photograph people like Mayor Juliany, and Oprah and those who shape the world and who make a difference. The way that I see them. Not the way the public sees them, but through my eyes.
These people Who are living authentic lives and I had a dream about a beautiful picture book of about 30 people whom i admire. Who have actually laid awake at night thinking how they could change this earth. How they could make a difference.
I have put that dream on hold for 9 years. But now is the time. Names like this come to mind.
The leaders, the thinkers, the artists and the Hero's like Oprah, Rudy Juliany, Immaculee, (a survivor of the Rwandian Genocide) Cher, Annie Leibovitz, Arnold Swartzenegger, and also my biggest hero, my Dad. etc...

But one of the people I want for this book, or project is someone you may not have not heard of. Hes a native Texan and one of the most inspiring people in the world. His work is probably sitting in your home right now. His books all over the world. His name? Jack Canfield. Hes the genius behind the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" Books. What you might not know is he is a speaker who has truly inspired me. From the first time I saw him on Oprah on one of "THE SECRET" episodes. To listening to his DVDs and reading his Success Principles etc. His no nonsense practical approach to accomplishing your hearts desire really grabbed a hold of me and I've been a studier of his material ever since.

So will I ever create this beautiful coffee table book? Some days I say it wont ever happen. I mean, Im 47 and a grandmother now. Be realistic. But Some days I say ABSOLUTELY with ever fiber of my being! I will do it! Ive seen it. I know how I will photograph each subject. How I will light them. How I will pose them. What they will wear. Clearly. I smell the pages of the book, and feel the pages turning in my hands. I feel the weight of the book in my lap. I see my parents smiling as I present them with their copy. My aging dad who is 82 now. My fragile mom. But mostly I feel the honor of compiling a book of leaders, artists and givers to the human race. Its a goal I set, and as a student of Mr. Canfields, I know that i must be positive and visualize it. So if you are out there Mr. Canfield. Can you Please be my first subject for the book, and help my dream come true? Please? You are my first choice, well, after my daddy,
Lets see Daddy first. then Mr. Jack Canfield and then Oprah. Yea in that order. Thanks for listening yall to Deep Thoughts by Dixie.

Had a great weekend!

We got to spend a wonderful Fri-Sunday at Lake Brownwood with Aunt Carolyn and Uncle Wayne! They have a beautiful lake house at Lake Brownwood and what great hosts they both were. They fed us wonderful meals and snacks and treated us like royalty. This morning we went out on our boat and went skiing and tubing! Heres one photo right now of our son Waterskiing. I feel so relaxed thanks yall!

My projects for my daughters home.

I took the $4.00 flea market lamp I had found and sanded it all down and painted it a happy KEY LIME! I got a great new shade at Target and its done! The sanding was the hardest part. Im finishing the other lamp tomorrow. It looks really cute in my daughters living room. If you havent been following along my daughter and her family have given me Carte Blanche to decorate their new home! Im doing it on a shoe string budget from Flea markets, antique stores and thrift stores!

By the way her husband has not secured a job yet! So If you need a hard working young man he is ready willing and able! He worked for 10 years for Big O construction in West Texas pouring and finishing concrete 2 years on a drilling rig. My daughter wanted to be closer to us so he uprooted and moved here for her. Savings are running out so If you know of a job Please let us know. Hes a nice, friendly hard working young man. He can do odd jobs of labor or pour small concrete jobs, basketball courts, patios, etc.

Just call me or email me Pdixie@sw.rr.com and I'll give you his number. Thanks yall! We know God will bring the right job and person to him. "I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." -Jeremiah 29:11

I snagged this sofa for only $49. at a thrift store! Its a Lazy Boy in excellent condition, except the pattern was too busy. So I got a $50. slipcover from Bed Bath and Beyond and a fun cute Retro rug at TUESDAY MORNING. The vintage coffee table on the left was $8. from the Faith Mission Thrift store on Harrison and the blonde wood one on the right is from the downtown Antique store for $22.
Now her living room is starting to come together! I found a great coffee table that Im going to paint and show you more later this week! My grandbabies love it!

And I found this cute adorable real 1970s tea pot -$6. at "THE SILVER LINING" formerly Georgeanns craftmall. And the cute nubby orange rug from TJ MAX. $12.

19th Anniversary today!

Today is September 7th and it is our 19th wedding anniversary! It seems like yesterday I married this young handsome Fighter Pilot. :-) he hasnt changed hardly at all, and doesnt even have one gray hair! (Me on the other hand, I have changed a lot! haha) His parents just celebrated their 54th last week. Wow how time flies. We are cleaning out one of our 3 storage units and offering your wedding negatives, DVDS and sessions Dvds for sale! If I photographed your wedding or portraits sometime the past 15 years, give us a call! (940) 761-5111 or email to Pdixie@sw.rr.com and tell us you want them, Great price!

Vintage Finds!

Heres 3 of the great finds we found for my daughters home. They have got a cute Dollhouse and We are decorating it all vintage and retro! Ive sanded the lamps and am spray painting them. We havent settled on a color scheme for sure yet. Her kitchen will be Citrus colors of Tangerine, Lemon and Lime!

But not sure yet about the living room! I love the sculptural shape of the vintage lamps! A lot of the items are from Flea markets and yard sales and thrift stores! Stay tuned to see this all come together.

Happy Labor Day weekend!

Hi y'all, I really have been a BAD BLOGGER lately. But a really good grand-mom! Ive been super busy with my family lately. My daughter and her family moved back to the area from Justin Texas and its been great seeing our 2 grandsons! Its been fun getting them settled into their new home and going to church with them.

We've been the past 3 weeks to our sons daughters parents church and we love it.

My husband came back from Asia (he spent 2 weeks in japan and a week in Korea) We've been attending our sons Friday night Football games and just enjoying each other. This coming week, I get to see my dad (who is 82 and broke his arm recently :-( ) and my mom and go to a cousins wedding, and then go to an Uncles Lake house.
I personally will drive over 1000 miles in the next few days.

Our little 3 yr old grandson Aaron in his new room!
I've been helping my daughter to decorate their cute doll house cottage and I'm going to post pictures for you all to see.! Its been a fun hobby of mine for years to decorate. Ive loved decorating since i can remember. My mom has a really good eye and shes the one who got me interested. I still remember my room when i was in 5th and 6th grade with my cool orange bedspread! My mom had fun colorful taste and this is how we are doing my daughters house! Retro, vintage and funky fun!
We've found some great vintage coffee tables already and some fun accessories. I will start posting pics soon!
If you are looking for things, check out Craigslist We got a washer and dryer combo for only $100. today! Ive never used craigslist before but its got some great deals on it.
Thanks to my friend Sherrie for letting me know about it!
I hope you all are enjoying the warmer temperatures! Wasn't it just a beautiful gorgeous weekend? Ill be back to blog more photo shoots and you'll be seeing more of my grandsons. My family is more private than I am and arn't always crazy about being blogged, so I try to respect their privacy!
And Happy Birthday today to my father in law. He is officially 75 years young today!
We had a great day at Church today. GOD IS GOOD! Goodnight all.

I love this quote.

What is Success?

To laugh often and much;

To win the respect of intelligent people
and the affection of children;

To earn the appreciation of honest critics
and endure the betrayal of false friends;

To appreciate beauty;
To find the best in others;

To leave the world a bit better, whether by
a healthy child, a garden patch
or a redeemed social condition;

To know even one life has breathed
easier because you have lived;

This is to have succeeded.

Ralph Waldo Emerson