A Holiday Affair :: Austin, Texas Dog Photography

I am working the the Humane Society of Williamson County this year to create dog and cat holiday photos for mailers, cards, etc.  We had some stellar models this year.

I don't know how y'all feel about the photos, but I almost added another dog and a few kittens to our family last night.  Seriously... how difficult are 6 animals compared to two?!?!  All of the animals above are still up for adoption so be sure to visit their website if you are interested in adoption.

Austin Humane Society 2012 Calendar :: Austin, Texas Dog Photography

I am a featured photographer for the 2012 Austin Humane Society Alumni Calendar this year, which should be in the mail really soon!!!  I can't wait to see it.  I was excited and honored to be asked to participate with AHS, so of course I bought a few of the calendars to hang around my house.  You should check them out too!  You can click on the description of the calendar below to order.

Don't miss out on 13-months of adorable AHS alumni - pre-order your 2012 calendar today! This professional calendar makes a perfect gift or addition to your home or office. Calendars are only $10 with $5 flat rate shipping and benefits the animals of Austin Humane Society! Purchase yours today! 

I met up with Newton, a sweet yellow lab (and his family) for a photo shoot at the beginning of October. Here are few of my favorites from that session... enjoy!

Humane Society of Williamson County Hero - Mitts and Maddox :: Austin, Texas Cat Photography

Mitts and Maddox were adopted in April 2011 and have settled in nicely with their people, Rory and Skyler.  From the HSWC website, here is their story:

Upon my return from Afghanistan, my son, Skyler, wanted to adopt a kitty. We looked all over the Georgetown, Leander and Cedar Park area. Finally, we went into the Humane Society office on Crystal Falls. Skyler fell in love with a little kitty named Maddox. When they opened the door, Maddox jumped out onto Skyler and grabbed onto him. I knew we were getting that kitty. In the same cage, up on the top shelf was Maddox's mom, Mitts. She was very calm and just laid there and watched. When we told the ladies at the shelter that we wanted to adopt Maddox, they explained that the mom, Mitts, had been very ill and all of her kittens had died except for Maddox. They explained that Maddox could be adopted seperately, but preferred they stay together. Skyler, who is very soft hearted, looked up at me and said "please dad, can we get them both". So, we did get Maddox and Mitts. They have been a wonderful addition to our family. Maddox acts more like a dog than a kitten. He follows us around the yard and is always right by us when we are outside. He and Mitts will lay by us and watch us when we are out in the yard playing or working. Maddox also tries to tackle Skyler when he is playing football. If any small kids or dogs come to visit, Maddox stalks and ambushes them. We couldn't be happier with the addition of Mitts and Maddox to our family and I believe that they are very happy with us as well. Thanks to everyone at the Humane Society of Williamson County. They were very helpful and friendly with the adoption process.

Both kitties were a lot of fun to photograph, but here are a few more photographs from their session.

Photo Monday :: Austin, Texas Maternity Photography

I was working on Christmas cards for a fun and beautiful family when I stumbled across their maternity photos.

And if you're wondering... Yes, I bought red boots after this session.

Going Back to the Beginning

In 2008, A coworker asked me if I would take pictures of his family for their holiday cards.  I can't remember if he had seen photos of my niece and nephew, or if I had mentioned my interest in photography.  We decided to meet at Butler Park and I attempted my first photo shoot with a non-family member.  I remember being really, really nervous.  And now, after looking at the pictures, I over-compensated with mediocre photoshop skillz.  Alas, I did get the picture below.

2008

In 2009 we met at the Austin Capital Building.  I had spent most of 2009 gaining photo experience with family, friends, animals, and food.  I thought I was prepared.  And (seriously) I have never been so tired after a session in my life.  Kudos to Mom and Dad for keeping up with such an active child.  I believe this was the "Acorn Photoshoot" because 1.) he had pockets full of acorns and 2.) I felt like I was trying to catch a squirrel.

2009

Last year we met at Butler Park again and I loved the entire session (and luckily I had taken up running to keep up with active children better).  I knew how to use the different features around the park and it was just an all around great day.  I think my style started to finally come together, although I still used photoshop way too much.

2010

Which brings me to this year.  We met at Walnut Creek Park in NW Austin.  I believe this park is a paradise for small children who like rocks, sticks, feathers, water, or generally getting dirty.

2011

It's fun to see my progress as a photographer, to watch kids grow and change, and review where I have been and where I would like to be in the future.  Thanks for four wonderful years!

Yoga and an Explanation

During the semester my blog suffers.  My apologies.  I will graduate in May 2012 (yay!) and then I promise to stop disappearing for months and months.  Maybe only a week or two.

I have several photo shoots to blog about which I promise to catch up with soon, but for now here are two photos from a recent photo shoot.  This session was at Butler Park in downtown Austin and I focused on silhouettes and the skyline.  Here are two of my favorites.

Inspirational?  I think so.