Getting ready for her birthday!

I've been photographing little miss c. since she was a newborn. It's fun to watch these kiddos grow up and take on a personality. She kept her mom running today while we did the outdoor portion of the session. Most of the indoor images you see here I got while her mom was outside. Kids will connect better with the photographer, I've found, when mom isn't in the studio. It's actually funny. Her mom's reaction was "how did you get her to mind?" That's because I make it like a game. And at 2, 3 or 4, the kids instantly 'get it' that they are the center of attention.

The Birthday Hat!

Is 'NORMALLY' reserved for the little ones, but in an attempt to get little miss c. to wear it, her mom put it on! I just couldn't pass up this moment. And Cassie, you or Cliff have to post a comment or two here now! This image deserved its own entry in my blog. It's all about having fun! And let me know if the color looks a little off on your screen. My monitor is not behaving.

Little Miss C. sneak peek

Cassie, I'll have more up later this evening, but here's a sneak peek at one of today's photos. I'll call you when I get a few more up.

Six months and all fun!

Jennipher, here's two for now! Just a sneak peek! Baby R. was so much fun.

Changing things!

I'm getting ready to do some revamping of my studio and displays. Some of the images I have on display will be available for purchase at a reduced price from what you would normally pay. If there is an image in my studio of your child or loved one that you are interested in, or you know someone I've got a photo of that might not see this notice, let them know. Then contact me for price information. This is only good for photos already printed and on display. There are just a few though that I reserve the right not to sell. I do have some 8x10s and 5x7s that are in my portfolio albums and also for sale.

Something new!

I just added something new. A sneak peek can be found in the images of Little Miss K., Ashley's senior photo and another on the country church. The blends were created by a fantastic photographer/designer and I am the only in this area offering them as an addition to your photos. If you book a new session with me by June 5 and want one of these textures (I have 10 of them!) I will add it to a photo at no cost. They are cool for wallets for seniors, or just making a little tot's photo look vintage. They are also extremely cool on fashion style portraits and I am looking for a few models who might be interested in building their portfolio. I'm also going to be adding to my site a complete gallery offering a fine art line for blank greeting cards or wall art. If you have a photo from a previous session that I did and want this added, it is $15 per image.
And, in case you missed the last post, read below. I have a $45 special going on and it is booking up!

BetterPhoto finalist!

Some of you may have noticed the little photo down farther on this page of a kitten in a big java/tea (your choice) cup. Well, I entered it into Better Photo's monthly contest in April and got this e-mail tonight.

Hi Toni

Congratulations! You have placed as a finalist in this month's BetterPhoto
Contest! Over 23900 photos were entered into the competition; it is an honor
to have your image selected among the top 740 finalist photos.

Your finalist photo: Cup o' kitty (#3653775) (can be viewed, etc...)

It went on to say that if it's chosen as a winner, they'll send me another notice! This is my third time to reach finalist status. The last two are also on my BP gallery and if you click on the title of this post, it should take you to the finalist image. The last two times were in 2005 in the digital darkroom category. I had a third image also featured in one of Better Photo's newsletters, another digital darkroom entry.
Needless to say, it's pretty neat to have your photo chosen out of more than 23,900 entries!
So, if you want to see it big, head over to Better Photo, register for free membership and 'post me some praise!'...or just post a comment here.

And hey, if you didn't know by now, Jordin is the new American Idol. The show tonight was fantastic! Taylor Hicks and Ruben still are great singers, as are all the others and wow, Kelly Clarkson is more dynamic then ever. And Blake...can't wait till he cuts an album.

Speedy Session Special!

I'm offering a May special session fee! Indoor or outdoor (not both), $45 for 30 minute speedy session! 30 minutes is it! This is only for individuals: seniors, teens, children. I can do newborns, but prefer that you choose to book a full newborn session to get the best photos from your session. I have quite a few new backdrops also - great for portraits and seniors.

The speedy sessions special is only good through June 5. Do not wait until June 3 to book your spot. You'll receive an 8x10, 2 5x7s and 8 wallets from one image. You can purchase more if you'd like.

June is nearly booked full, so if you are wanting photos, please call now to reserve a session date. July is also booking up, but I'm limiting the sessions I'll be doing in July since I have weddings scheduled and post processing takes a lot of time for those.

I'll begin booking Seniors 2008 for August through October now. I'll book holiday sessions closer to then for November and the first week of December only! Begin thinking about a fall family session or children's session if you plan to send out Christmas cards.

One last look SENIORS 2007

A different blend

Inspired by a photographer in Florida who does awesome blends using landscapes and portraits, I gave my try at it with a photo of A. The other photo of J. is just a simpler blend.

Wedding revisited....

Getting into the wedding spirit...these are from last year and I just decided to add some oomph back to these. They may not be the best technically but I kind of like them.

Ewe-Phoria

Today I trekked through what must be the best place in southern Oklahoma just outside Comanche. Now, I've driven this way for years, but never left the main highway in this particular part of the county. Wow, was I surprised. These photos really just show the reason why I ended up at Lee and Kim McGarr's dairy sheep farm at KS & A Orchards, where they have managed to start a great business using Friesen sheep.
They make soap, lamb jerky and this weekend their first batch of bleu cheese will be ready for retail and wholesale orders.
I'll have more on this later, but meanwhile enjoy these photos. It was muddy, the sheep were dropping babies and it was just a great joy to be at the McGarr's place. I plan to go back many more times just for photographic purposes. They have a gorgeous pecan orchard and other wonderful country treasures (like an old barn). Lee is a pilot and was a bush pilot in Alaska. They are full of great stories.
Thanks again Kim and Lee! It was fun, in spite of the fact that I wore my best flip flops and walked through sheep poop!

Geese family at the lake

Please don't!

Just have to post this after hearing from a wonderful photographer what ugly thing happened to her. I won't post her name here, but I will say, this photographer out of California is just unbelievably awesome. Her work is like none that I've ever seen and she has gone to great lengths to become one of the most sought after young photographers around. She's like half my age and I want to do photography like her 'when I grow up!' Plus she's spent thousands of dollars to have the best sets, best gear, etc...

But, the reason I titled this entry "please don't" is because one of her senior clients scanned in the prints they ordered from that photographer and then sent her an email about how they loved playing with the images in photoshop.

Needless to say, the photographer is extremely upset. Like she said, it's like saying to her that her work isn't good enough the way it is, that it is a slap in the face. NOT to mention all the COPYRIGHT VIOLATIONS this girl has just committed by scanning in the photographer's final prints.
So, no matter how tempted you are, just DON'T. Aside from being illegal, it's just plain RUDE! If you've paid a photographer for their services and talents, and bought the images and or CD, etc...then you should be happy with them the way they are presented to you.
Don't take it upon yourself to 'play' with them.

If you have a session with a photographer and want something special, even if it is just a border added, or your name, just talk with the photographer ahead of time or at your proofing show to make sure they can do it. Don't assume it's OK for you to play.

Congratulations Seniors!

Congratulations to all the graduating seniors of the Class of 2007! And thank you to all of you who chose me to do your senior portraits. You were all fun and I wish you the best of luck in the future! Just remember, no matter how stressful the day, or how old you are - always, always remember to have fun and love what you are doing in life!
Thanks again! Don't forget each of you receive a complimentary cap and gown mini photo session lasting about 20 minutes. I encourage you to also bring your parents for a group shot. I will provide the images with a permission to print release on CD so that you will always have them. Call me now to schedule your session and I can do them on a Sunday before or after baccalaureate. Those who haven't had a session with me, there is a small cost to cover my time.

Seniors!