Black and White Bridals: Bethany {Dallas, TX Bridal Photography; Dallas, TX Wedding Photography; McKinney Cotton Mill}

There's just something to be said for a classic black and white bridal portrait. Nothing captures the drama, elegance, timelessness, and emotion quite like black and white photography. I loved Bethany's color images, but this select group of images made for stunning black and whites. I love these in color as well, but I really feel they were meant to be black and white.

Which are your favorites? The color, or the black and white? Either way, I'm sure you'll agree. Bethany is quite the stunning bride.

Bethany {Dallas, TX Bridal Photography; Dallas, TX Wedding Photography; McKinney Cotton Mill}

I've known Bethany's family now for just over a year. I first photographed her sister Mariah's newborn twins and older daughter Aubrey. Shortly after that I met the whole family - including Bethany - last fall for their extended family session. Now it's Bethany's turn to be in the spotlight.

Bethany is getting married over Thanksgiving week on a cruise ship. Since she will not have a professional photographer along for the ride, we decided to incorporate a few traditional wedding shots in her bridal session - minus the groom, of course. Both the flower girl (sweet Aubrey), maid of honor (Mariah), and the mother of the bride were on hand to help Bethany document this special event in her life.

Bethany chose the McKinney Cotton Mill for her bridal portrait location. You may remember I posted a little teaser from this location a couple weeks ago. Now you get the insider's pass! Bethany's dress and coloring were absolutely stunning in this location. And, since this is my first bridal session, I wanted to go all-out with her sneak peak. I was too excited to post just a few.

So, here you go, Bethany. Trust me, there are a ca-zillion more breathtaking images just waiting to be uploaded to your client gallery. I should have that up by the middle of next week. In the meantime, I've decided to post a second sneak-peak on my blog in the next day or two featuring my favorite B&W images from your session. They are so awesome...I just have to share them with everyone.

Thank you so much for entrusting me with your bridal portraits, Bethany. It was a true honor. I hope this day was full of magical memories for all of you. Congratulations, Bethany! I'm looking forward to meeting your fiance on Sunday.














I could not have done this session without my good friend and colleague, Margaret Henderson. Check out her website. She's one talented lady! Thanks so much for coming along, manning the reflector, and allowing me to bounce my ideas off of you. I very much appreciate you, Margaret!

Laura, Jeff, and Gwen {McKinney, TX Family Photographer}

Laura and I do boot camp together three days a week. I was thrilled when she asked me to take some pictures of her family and a few head-shots for her business website.

I've gotten to know Laura a little over the few months we've been working out together and bumping into each other after school pick-up, but I never would have guessed she'd have so many fun, wild, and crazy ideas for her family portraits. Laura has a great sense of humor and her husband Jeff and daughter Gwen were more than happy to go along with her crazy antics.

Thanks, guys, for such a great morning! Here are a few of my favorites from your session. Your full gallery (including the much-anitcipated family lawn-mower portrait) will be up later this week.


I love father-daughter portraits and strongly believe every little girl needs a picture taken with her dad - something to hold dear for years to come. The father-daughter bond is so important. Gwen, you are blessed beyond measure to have a daddy who loves you so much!


Gwen was a wonderful little model. Like her mother, she had a few of her own ideas. This shot is one of my favorites of Gwen. She's so sweet...a classic, natural beauty!


What a thrill it was to watch you and your mom having fun together.


Almost as thrilling as watching them perform the following crazy stunt...


One thing is certain, Gwen. Your mom was the life of the party today. I'm wondering which of the following shots she'll choose for her professional headshot. The edgy mower-babe or the traditional classic beauty. It's a toss-up!

Gabe: 2 Months Old {High-Key/Low-Key Tutorial} {Allen, TX Newborn Photographer}

How exciting to finally meet Bonnie and Homer's fifth child. I began photographing their family right after their fourth child was born. Now Hannah is old enough to play with my Alden. It's one thing to watch your own children grow up before your eyes. To have the pleasure to watch your friend's children grow (and to document that growth) is quite incredible.

Baby Gabe is two months old. Bonnie was looking for a very particular type of image to hang on her wall next to her other four children's newborn portraits: a classic high-key, naked-baby pose. She has a similar portrait (like what you see below) for each of her other four children. Here's their fifth and final addition to their family wall of fame.

Apparently the look he's giving in this particular image has quickly become his signature expression. I'm so glad we captured it.


Bonnie brings out the creative juices in me. She is always up for anything I suggest and loves pictures more than any mom I know. As a result my sessions with her are always incredibly inspiring, energizing and so much fun.

Since we had gotten a great high-key (white on white) image, I thought it would be a great opportunity to do a few low-key portraits as well. I've been wanting to post a tutorial on this subject for quite some time. Today was the perfect opportunity to create a few low-key images for that purpose.

Low-key portraits are typically characterized by black clothing on a black backdrop. High-key portraits are the exact opposite: white (or very light) clothing against a white backdrop.

Both high-key and low-key portraits are most commonly done in a studio. With the use of studio lighting, the photographer can better control the deepness or brightness of the black and white backdrops. With adequate available light and the creative use of various backdrops, these types of images can be produced almost anywhere - even without studio lighting. I did today's portraits in our guest bedroom with the oversized sturdy foam-board I bought at Hobby Lobby.

You can also use a cloth or paper backdrop. Even the sky or a building can act as your backdrop. With a little practice you'll learn to see the potential in almost any light or dark backdrop for creating low and high-key portraits.

Remember this picture of Ashley? Ashley was sitting on a fire-hydrant. The overcast sky and side-walk behind her coupled with her white blouse made for the perfect high-key image. The only prop required required: Our beautiful model.


In contrast, this next image of Bonnie and Gabe is referred to as a low-key portrait. These are especially popular in how they showcase the subject. The surrounding black acts like a spot-light allowing the subject to take center stage.


Even if you do not have access to studio lighting, you can still manipulate the black of your backdrop in photoshop using the Burn tool. This is sometimes necessary because the softness of available light can cause the black backdrop to appear dark grey instead of true black.

To deepen the blacks in your image, simply run the Burn tool brush over the blacks in your image until you get the look you're after. For this particular image, I selected a large, soft-edged brush, chose the midtones option, and set the exposure to about 30%. You can manipulate the whites in your image in the same way by choosing the Dodge tool instead of the Burn tool.

In this next image I preferred the medium grey to the deep black of the previous image. I left it alone in order to allow the light to provide a soft separation between Bonnie's shoulder and the backdrop. I tried it the other way as well. But, for me, the darker black sacrificed a bit of the dreamy feel created by the natural window light.


Isn't this next image precious? I'm so in love with tiny little baby hands holding on to their mother's finger. It's every mom's hope that their children will hold them dear for years to come. Though they may be older and living on their own, what mom doesn't cherish those moments when their children return to seek their wisdom, security, and love.


Bonnie, I so enjoyed our day together. You're little Gabe is such a handsome little boy. He's so blessed to be born into such a loving and joyful family! Congratulations, Bonnie, Homer, Jessie, Abigail, Ella, and Hannah. I can't wait to see you all again.


I"ll sign off today with one of my favorite low-key little boys. My son, Stephen Jr. He's overdue for a round of Skip-Bo with his mommy, so I gotta run. Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

California: Part Two

On our first day in California, my friend Stephanie and I decided to head out to Santa Monica Pier. Our mutual friend from Moody Bible Institute and his two little girls met us at the airport and joined us for the day. The weather was perfect!

Here's Stephanie, Kevin, Madison, Taylor and I at the Santa Monica Pier.


I had also arranged to meet up with a couple other friends throughout the day as well. First, I met up with my cousin Maurice, his wife Stephanie and their two children for a very quick family portrait session. After that I met up with my friend Wendy who used to go to church with us here in Texas.

Wendy and her family moved back to California about 6 years ago. We had great fun getting some pictures for her upcoming website. But my favorite part of the day was our conversations together. Some people just get you. Wendy gets me. We caught up on life, did a little shopping, and had a wonderful meal together. All-in-all, it was the best day I've had in a long time! Thanks for making the long drive up from San Diego, Wen.


What's up with my hair, you ask? Do I ALWAYS wear my hair in a pony tail? Seems that way, doesn't it? I tried, really I did. That morning I woke up at 4:00 a.m. to leave the house by 5:00 a.m. to catch my flight into LAX. I had every intention of curling my hair only to discover at the last minute that I had failed to turn the curling iron on. So much for looking my best.

Besides, after finishing up Maurice and Stephanie's family pics just moments before, I discovered once again that pony tails are in deed a photographer's best friend on a windy day at the beach. Don't worry. I may not have worn my hair down that day, but I did "let my hair down" (as the saying goes) and had a great time.

I'll be posting pictures from Maurice's family's and Wendy's sessions later on, but for today I wanted to post pictures of Kevin's family. He and his wife Sarah were so gracious to host Stephanie and I for the weekend. Kevin, we enjoyed getting to know all the special ladies in your life. And the hot-tub wasn't bad either. It was so great to see you again! I think Stephanie would agree that the weekend went by way too fast.

My plan was to take Kevin's family pictures on Monday night, but Disney Land went a little longer than expected for them and Stephanie, so that didn't happen this time around. Fortunately, I had taken some pictures of the girls on Sunday afternoon. What dolls!

Kevin and Sarah's oldest little girl Madison is three years old. Seriously, she has to be one of the sweetest little girls I've met - ever. She's just precious - a true angel. In the mornings, Stephanie and I would take turns getting her dressed. After putting on the dress you see below, she jumped off my lap and ran into her bedroom. With all smiles, she came prancing back to me with her Cinderella headband on. Sarah says she's very into her headbands these days.

Isn't she adorable? Gotta love her Sleeping Beauty sand cake too.




Her little sister Taylor is no different. Though she was sick all weekend, she was generally a very happy little girl. At 17 months, she is full of energy, joy, and hugs. Man, I miss my hugs from Madison and Taylor!




After this last shot, I knew it was time to move on. Poor Taylor just needed a good nap. Fortunately for me, there was one more member of the family left to photograph. I absolutely could not leave him out. After all, he's just as much a part of the family as Taylor and Madison are. He's also just as sweet, just as lovable, and just as adorable.

Everyone, meet Score.




Score, I'm so sorry my allergies kept me from loving on you more. I really wish I could have pet you all day long. You are one awesome dog!

Now all I'm missing is a great picture of Sarah and Kevin and one of the whole family. I hope I'll have the chance to visit again, so we can get that taken care of.

Kevin and Sarah, thanks again for letting us crash at your place and for putting up with our crazy food restrictions. We had a wonderful time. Please, come visit my family in Texas. You are welcome any time!

Stephanie, thanks for being the best traveling buddy ever. I miss you already.

A Boy, A Ferry, and his Bob {Newport, Balboa, CA travel photography}

Most mornings in California this past weekend started out dreary and cloudy. But, by early afternoon the sun would find its way out from among the clouds and we would enjoy the rest of the day embraced in sunlight. This day was no different.

My cousin Monique and my cousin's wife Stephanie and I all headed out for a Girls Day Out on Newport Beach and Balboa. On the agenda for the day: a leisurely afternoon of sight seeing and picture taking - some good old fashioned R&R.

Being raised for the majority of my childhood years near the dunes in Indiana, I have a soft spot in my heart for all things beachy. The waves, the water, the piers, the painted toe nails buried in the sand, the wind in my hair, the sound of the tide coming in...all of it makes for a very happy and peaceful Tammy. Living land-bound in central Texas for the past 12 years, the beach is exactly what the doctor ordered.

We weren't even out of the parking lot before we saw our first glimpse of beauty. Isn't this amazing!


To be perfectly honest, I wasn't there just for the R&R. I had ulterior motives. My husband and I were about to celebrate our 9th anniversary in just two days, so I enlisted Stephanie's help to capture some recent images of me for an album I had planned for Steve's anniversary gift.

Cheesy, I know. But, I wanted Steve (and the kids) to have recent professional pictures of me (without a camera in my hand). Some day when I'm long gone, I want them to remember me in what could very well be my very best years - still young (relatively), still healthy (thankfully), still full of enthusiasm and zest for life. This is how I want them to remember me for years to come.

I credit Stephanie for introducing me to photography as a business years ago. She did an amazing job with the images I selected for Steve's album. My new profile picture is one of hers. Thanks so much, Stephanie! The following image didn't make the cut, but it's where I'd like to start today's story - on the Ferry that took us from Newport to Balboa and back.


While packing up my camera gear that morning, I had in my mind that I wanted to keep my eye open for interesting local stories. I wanted the images that I captured that day to reflect the feel of the place, the local flair so-to-say.

Then I saw him...and I knew right away that I had found a story worth telling.


There he was. The picture of what I hope my son will be some day. A brave, adventurous, nature-loving, bare-footed, free-to-roam on his own, self-sufficient young boy - a boy content to spend the day alone with just a fishing pole and the dream of what he might reel in. How old is he? I don't know. 10, 11, 12...I can't tell. What I could tell is that he was totally confident riding the ferry on his own. He was a boy on a mission, and something told me he would get exactly what he was looking for.


We departed the ferry and parted ways - never expecting to cross paths again. We never uttered a word to each other. (Although I'm pretty sure he probably figured out my obscenely long lens was aimed in his direction and that I wasn't really taking pictures of the scenery behind him.) I assumed he went off in search of the perfect fishing hole, while my cousins and I headed off in search of local antique shops.

We strolled past waterfront cottages lined with flowers and bedecked for the holidays - Halloween, that is. It's fair to say the locals do it up pretty grand!


The whole town decorates for an annual Halloween tour. It's creepy and beautiful all at the same time.


Looking past the eerie decorations, we ogled homes that we dreamed about living in. If only that boat were our boat, that porch our porch, and that deck our deck... One such home was lined with floor to ceiling windows that would have made for the perfect photography studio. Stephanie and I were all about that house, for sure.


But, alas, those houses belonged to someone else. We wouldn't be hanging our beach towels over the front porch rails any time soon, but at least we could stop and smell the flowers while passing by.


And dream about raising our little boys there some day - to smell and care for their own flowers - just like this local lad.


Just when I thought it couldn't get any better, suddenly out of the corner of my eye just past the boats, I saw him. Our little adventurer. Casting his line.


And like predicted, he got what he came for.


And I think it's safe to say...so did I.

We stopped to ask him his name. "Chase," he said. (Which just happens to be the name my cousin has picked out for her next born son if they have another -and if she gets her way.) I asked him if I could take his picture and gave him my card so he could read his story here some day (you know a year from now when he cleans out his back pack and finds the card some crazy photographer gave him one day while he was out fishing). As for the fish? Chase named him "Bob".

How perfect!

Thanks so much for letting me tell your story, Chase! I hope you catch many more Bobs in the years to come. One thing is certain: You're one amazing (not to mention handsome) young boy! May you never lose your sense of adventure.