I’m a little short on words since I am knee deep in the holiday crunch, but I couldn’t resist sharing a recent session that is relative to me (literally!).  I had the recent opportunity to photograph my cousin’s beautiful daughter, little *M*.  Though it was a windy afternoon and a bit chilly, we hit up several of my favorite locations and had a fab time.

*M* photographed beautifully and I had so many favorites, I had to have my hubby help me narrow them down for a blog post    Have a look at some of the eye-candy we ended up with:

Picking some flowers for Grammy (who came along for the session):

Next, a little downtown action.  Looking at this, I can almost hear the laughter 

But, sometimes she was a little serious too:

The serious faces didn’t last long though!  Playing a little game of hide and seek:

And finally, a sweet moment with Mom:

A note for my cousin *T*, your gallery is almost ready — and thanks for bringing *M* to see me, I love you both!

Until next time,

Tammy

My boys head back to preschool tomorrow and it’s a little bittersweet.  I guess it’s official:  the lazy days of summer vacation are gone.

Part of me is happy to get back to a routine.  But the other part of me is so going to miss the days of sleeping in, going to the pool, the movies, visiting with friends, out for lunch, and watching cartoons in the morning.  Fortunately, they are only gone three days out of the week, but it still changes the “vibe” of our week.

Now, I have no excuse but to get back to work!  I’ve fallen off the wagon a little bit this summer with blogging, so it’s time for me to jump back on and get with it.  I have some great things coming up, so be on the lookout for some special promotions I have never offered before.  And since no post is complete without an image share, here’s a favorite shot from the summer of my boys:

Until next time,

Tammy

I’ve known this family for quite some time, and I’m always so happy when I have the opportunity to photograph them.  This time was no exception!  Though it was really warm and VERY humid during our session, I just love what we ended up with.  Tons of fun interaction and best of all, lots of laughs.

We started out with some family fun…

Next, some favorites of the boys — here’s big brother, who has the most beautiful blue eyes…

And finally, little brother, who’s little smile is just infectious!

Thanks *F* family, I loved every minute of our session!

Until next time,

Tammy

I bet you are wondering what to get your husband for Father’s Day, right?  You’ve probably ruled out all the traditional/boring gifts like ties, cologne, golf accessories, gadgets, and coffee cups… and you are left feeling totally and utterly uninspired.  Right?  So, thank goodness for me, I have an amazing gift idea for you! 

I can count on two fingers the number of photos around my house that actually have me in them.  And neither of those images have me with both of my boys.  Don’t you think Dad would adore a photo of you (the one who is always *behind* the camera taking pictures, the one who is never actually in them), with his favorite little people?  If so, this is just perfect for you!

A special only for Mommy’s and their babies (little and big), limited to 5 appointments, on Saturday, May 29th only:

Interested?  Contact me ASAP for one of the five appointments.  See you soon!

Until next time,

Tammy

So, I heard yesterday that the name ‘Cullen’ is the boy name that made the largest climb in popularity last year.  This is due to the uber-popular “Twilight” series of books (maybe you’ve heard of these little manuscripts?)    One of the main characters (a vampire no less) is named Edward Cullen, so naturally, overnight, the name has become “trendy”.

It’s really not a big deal, but I tried so hard to come up with names for my boys that were strong, and “different” without being “weird”.  I wanted names that would stand the test of time and not be dated (i.e. my own name which is very a la 1960-ish).  So, even though I truly love the name, I do feel a little disappointment knowing that it’s not as “different” as I thought it would be.

All that being said, I thought I would share a quick shot of my own Cullen taken a few days ago – it was a rare moment of him being still and quiet (well, he is never truly quiet unless he is sleeping, so maybe I should say, he was more quiet than normal!).  When I look at this image, I’m so surprised at the little boy staring back at me.  He’s not a toddler any more, he’s a real little boy.  One who likes bugs, playing in the dirt and laughs hysterically at any noise that sounds like a bodily function (um, ew).  So, popular vampire name or not, he’s my Cullen.  And anyway, he was Cullen before being named Cullen was cool.  

Until next time,

Tammy

I had such a great time photographing the four *B* kids at the Rose Garden in Tyler.  I actually had not shot there in a couple of years, but Mom and I really wanted a place with color and that had lots of room for them to run.  I have to say, the Rose Garden fit the bill perfectly!

One of the reasons the session was so fun was that the *B* kids were really laid back, they just kind of did their own thing and went along with the process.  Mom was laid back and fun too, and that totally helps.  I think for sessions, kids really cue to how the parents react.  If you are relaxed and happy, kiddos will be relaxed and happy.  If you are uptight and nervous about the session, well… kids are smart and they pick up on it.  They get nervous because you are nervous and it can throw things off.  So, key word for parents:  relax!

Okay, moving on!  I’ll start with the oldest, *J*.  This age, for a boy, can be hard.  The whole having your picture taken thing is totally not cool, ultra boring and they generally don’t want any part of it.  *J* started out a little reserved, but by the time we were done, I think he had a great “okay” time:

Poor, Mom – in a few years, she is going to have to get a big stick to beat off all the girls…

I love how grown up he is in the first image, then you see the next one and he totally looks his age:

Next, we have *E* — she tried really hard to be serious, but I managed to get some smiles out of her:

She has the most beautiful skin and it photographed so well…

Then, we had Miss *L*.  She loved the camera and was always my first volunteer:

She was a ham!  And look at those eyes…

Finally, the youngest, *C*.  Even though he was super tired from a birthday party earlier in the day, he did so great – lots of big smiles and was such a sweetie.  Look at this face:

A rare moment where he was a little serious (but just for a second!):

And finally, the elusive sibling shot (they can be tough!), but I think we did good:

Thanks *B* family, I had a great time and I hope you did too.  And a quick note to their Mom, *C*, please send me your email address! 

Until next time,

Tammy