in_a_blink photography

Introducing: Little Miss Piper Violet

2010-11-07T10:43:00.004-06:00

{untitled}

2010-09-03T10:55:00.000-05:00

Engagements: Katie+Joey

2010-05-31T11:31:00.008-05:00

Love is in the air, ladies and gentlemen! On two consecutive nights last week, I received text messages from long time friends giving me the news that they were engaged! Last summer, I spent weekend after weekend at wedding showers, bachelorette parties and weddings, but this summer looks to be just the "beginning."

On Friday (just before getting one of the messages!), I met Katie & Joey in Fate, Texas to photograph their engagement photos.

While it pained me just a tad to photograph them in Ohio State jerseys, they were an insanely fun and easy couple to photograph.

Little Miss Katie is the little sister of an old friend of mine. I tend to still think of her as a sophomore in high school, but oh, how she's grown!

Katie & Joey met in college where they both played soccer for Southwestern in Kansas. In the fall, they're returning to Kansas where Katie will be molding young minds and Joey is coaching soccer at Southwestern.

Congratulations Katie & Joey! :)

(Oh, and Bucky, too!)

Sara + Ross | Engagements

2010-04-04T15:23:00.009-05:00

The absolute best part of my "job" (how can I call something so fun and fulfilling a job?) is photographing engagements. It is completely my most favorite thing to do. The excitement is still so fresh and the bride has yet to start stressing out about the wedding day. This is purely all about the couple and how much they love each other.

I trekked down to San Antonio this weekend for two reasons: 1) my good friend, Will, was graduating from basic training at Lackland AFB and 2) to photograph Sara and Ross's engagements.

The weather was beautiful and they picked out Trinity University for the photos because that is where they had met. If you haven't been to Trinity University, go! It's beautiful. I fell in love with the red bricks of the buildings

Ross was such a great groom! It is rare to find a guy who doesn't mind having a camera shoved in his face for a couple of hours. But, Ross took it all in stride (and often wouldn't take his eyes off Sara).

Meet Rocco. Rocco is Sara and Ross' dog. Rocco is a diva. Rocco wasn't having it. But, oh, Rocco, I got you!

Congratulations to Sara and Ross! I can't wait for your wedding in August :)

Special thanks to: Laurie Baucum for carrying around my backpack and reigning in Rocco when we weren't using him! :)

Bright lights, big city

2010-01-18T23:18:00.007-06:00

This past weekend I finally accomplished something I have wanted to do since high school: I ventured out on the big, bad streets of New York City, New York. Naturally, I took along my camera.

Now, if you know my style of photography at all, you'll probably be able to figure out what inspired me the most about New York City. No, it wasn't the architecture (I can appreciate it from afar, but who really enjoys craning their necks to the sky?). It wasn't the huge, calming effects of Central Park (I've never been much of a landscape photographer). And it wasn't even the diversity of people. It was the movement. Everything moves faster in New York. And I loved it. So, here are a few of my favorites as well as the link to the video I put together of my time in the Big Apple. Do enjoy.

http://www.vimeo.com/8832574

Adams/Dees Family Portraits

2009-12-24T12:38:00.002-06:00

Time Off = Time to Edit

2009-12-16T17:21:00.002-06:00

Currently hanging out in Austin, Texas with this adorable couple. I know that they got married in July, but I keep putting off editing because work has been so crazy. Well, I'm taking a week off from work and finishing these up.

This week has been awesome. Got to hang out with the lovely lady behind the camera of {inkedFingers Fotography}. It may have been freezing, but we had plenty of fun photographing and videoing. Those pictures to come later.

Dane Randolph Backman Noobs.

2009-11-08T19:04:00.009-06:00

Jessica's expecting.

2009-08-09T12:07:00.008-05:00

Meet Jessica.

I have had the absolute pleasure of knowing this girl since we were 11. When she called me earlier this year to tell me she was pregnant, I was at work and started crying because I was so excited for her.

Jessica and Brett are a hilarious couple. Jess kept joking about all of the practice she is getting of being a mom on Brett. And with this expression on his face, I think you understand what she means. He is one of the biggest goofballs I have ever met.

Jess has 6 more weeks! I can't wait to meet her son!

Eboni & Shawn - Married 4th of July

2009-08-02T15:45:00.007-05:00

Back to Lara & Seth

2009-07-19T14:24:00.008-05:00

There is something so contagious about Lara's laugh and smile. I definitely enjoyed editing these shots.

Meet the Bride - Eboni

2009-07-07T09:23:00.004-05:00

The Bride Eboni

2009-06-12T12:51:00.002-05:00

I bet you thought you were going to get a photo of Eboni in her wedding dress. Well, HA! She isn't getting married until July 4, so you'll just have to wait. But, check out that BLING!

The Bride - Melissa Alban (formerly known as "Gun it, Gunnels")

2009-06-09T16:00:00.003-05:00

I'm currently at work, but felt it was necessary to go ahead and post one of my favorites of Melissa that I took back in March. She and Johnny just got married this past weekend and Melissa was a stunning bride!

Oh, Texas, I miss you.

2009-05-21T19:34:00.002-05:00

Meet Lara and Seth

2009-05-12T20:41:00.004-05:00

I experienced a weekend of love a few days ago. My love for Texas, my good friends Ali and Nick's love for each other, and Lara and Seth's love.

In between all of the Nixon wedding festivities, I took some time to meet my old friend Lara and her fiance to photograph their engagements. Lara and I go back to the days of walking the halls of good ol' Garland High School and she made me promise I would photograph her one day. Well, Lara, here it is and I am so happy you remembered me :)

And, Lara, you found a fun and outgoing guy! I couldn't be happier for you!

There will be more coming...(and for those of you dancing around waiting for some photos from Ali and Nick's wedding, I've posted some on flickr)

Frankie says RELAX

2009-01-27T19:50:00.007-06:00

Sometimes I think I was born in the wrong decade. Oh well, at least I can relive some decades without the added embarrassment that I actually WORE those clothes :) I give you, The Spazmatics.

I couldn't help but WANT to photography Bjorn - he was just so animated!

Obsession.

2009-01-15T21:01:00.005-06:00

I have a very obsessive personality. Once I become interested in something, I suck everything I can out of it. So, I will introduce my new obsession: Converse shoes.

Logo ideas.

2009-01-02T01:21:00.000-06:00

How's this for a logo? Discuss.

Christmas Memories

2008-12-30T17:34:00.006-06:00

There were two things that I told my family I ~~wanted~~ needed: a new flash (I've mourned the theft of my SB-25 for long enough) and the Vanity Fair Portraits book. I have been coveting this book since I found out about its publication. I have been trying to figure out how to get to one of the exhibits - first, attempting to stop in Edinburgh when I was in Europe this summer and now, trying to scrape together money to head out to LA for a weekend. But, alas, I have the book with some of the most famous photographs embraced between the two covers. Now, chances are some people won't care when they read this. But, I know one person will. And, my dear Carli, I will share my new acquisition with you as you shared your Annie Lebovitz book with me :)

Happy New Year's to all!

Andrew Thomas & The Believers

2008-12-27T20:10:00.006-06:00

I will be uploading more onto my flickr site.

Sneak Peek: Andrew Thomas and The Believers

2008-12-27T03:32:00.004-06:00

Travelled out to Fort Worth tonight to see my old buddy, Russell Jack, and his band, The Believers. They were awesome and you should fall in love with them, as I am.

Farewell Texas Stadium

2008-12-27T01:34:00.007-06:00

Went out with my old photo friend, Sarah Lim, to photograph around Dallas. Mainly, I really wanted to get some shots of Texas Stadium. We didn't get much accomplished before getting kicked off the premises...Hey, at least we didn't steal a part of the stadium!

A day in the life.

2008-12-19T01:03:00.007-06:00

Well, it has been almost 2 months since I took stand for my passion. And how many posts of my photographs have you seen since? Yeah, I need to get going [and get inspired]. So, because I have nothing else to do yet, I introduce you to: my house.

The piano I grew up playing. Definitely getting older [like me].

So, once upon a time my mom and I were terrified of snakes. Then, we spent a weekend at the Rattlesnake Roundup in Sweetwater, Texas. Now, my mom owns a stuffed rattlesnake.

He guards her computer.

My wicked awesome stocking.

Texas high school football

2008-11-30T18:10:00.002-06:00

While editing...

2008-11-26T16:12:00.003-06:00

Came across this gem... :)

There you go, Nellie, proof that the baby wasn't ALWAYS smiling :)

Sneak Peek: The Morey's and Boudreaux's (well, minus one...)

2008-11-23T22:05:00.010-06:00

Seriously, my friends have the most adorable children.

Went out to photograph some family pictures this morning in San Antonio. You may remember Alice from the newborn session I did back in January. She is still soooo cute!

Meet Hayden & Noah - Alice's cousins. ALSO adorable!

Noah was so attentive of Alice, it was precious.

From Dallas to Chicago

2008-11-22T12:57:00.003-06:00

Sears Tower.

Wrigley Field.

Gateway Arch

11.04.08

2008-11-05T14:52:00.002-06:00

Barack Obama became President last night. I feel very fortunate to not only be an American today, but to be old enough to understand what this means. Took my camera with me to the results viewing party. My favorite picture came from 4 McCain supporters.

My photo shoot with {inkedFingers Fotography}

2008-10-31T01:29:00.010-05:00

My dear friend, Carli over at {inkedFingers Fotography}, asked me to assist her on an engagement shoot this past weekend in Austin. I grabbed at the chance to not only be behind the camera again, but to finally shoot alongside her.

Meet Kelly and Darryl. Fellow Texas Exes. I, obviously, loved them.

I got to shoot with a wide angle lens again. I've missed having access to lenses that are lower than a 28mm. I've already picked out the one I want...

Congratulations, Kelly & Darryl!

Passion.

2008-10-30T21:49:00.003-05:00

pas·sion: 4 a (1): emotion (2)plural : the emotions as distinguished from reason b: intense, driving, or overmastering feeling or conviction c: an outbreak of anger 5 a: ardent affection : love b: a strong liking or desire for or devotion to some activity, object, or concept c: sexual desire d: an object of desire or deep interest

I made a decision today that will change my course in life. This decision may have surprised some, while being thought of as inevitable for others. I remember one night in undergrad when I was talking to some friends about their choice of majors. I asked them if they had a passion for what they were doing and none of them did. They turned the question on me and, without hesitation, I said, "of course." I remember having my mind blown that not everyone was fortunate enough to have the kind of love that I have for photography. I never understood what it was like for work to actually feel like work.

But, something switched in me. I decided I wasn't ready to give up on school and went head first into another degree program. It never fit. There has never been that same tug as there was in my photography days. There came a point where I had to finally admit to myself that just because I'm good at something, doesn't mean that is what I should be doing with the rest of my life.

You may be wondering if it was difficult to come to this conclusion. No. It was actually one of the easiest decisions I have ever made. I am an idealist. A romantic. And, as much as I have tried to shy away from this term in the past, I am an artist. I thrive off of creativity and expression and emotions. The idea of wearing a suit to work everyday terrifies me. It is just not who I am.

So, here I am. Law school-free. I'm going to give my camera some much needed attention.

Football Champions

2008-10-28T22:47:00.004-05:00

We Own Blackacre.

Andrea trying to reign in her young'n.

Sweet little Aidan.

We Own Blackacre before their Championship victory.

(Oh, how I love sun flares...and football).

Presenting: Mr and Mrs Robert Powell

2008-09-14T23:46:00.007-05:00

Presenting: Melissa and Johnny

2008-09-12T20:49:00.006-05:00

Melissa + Johnny = Engaged!

2008-09-12T12:11:00.002-05:00

Still editing, but wanted to give a sneak peek as to what I did last night. Hopefully, I will finish the editing process on my flight to Dallas so that I can devote my attention (my non-law school attention) to Kelli and Rob's wedding photos after Saturday. Wish me luck!

Europe

2008-08-16T19:01:00.004-05:00

Liffey River in Dublin, Ireland

Memorial at Dachau Concentration Camp

Marienplatz in Muenchen, Germany (I kept saying that clouds make pictures better)

Victory Column in Berlin, Germany (2 days after Obama spoke there)

Prost!

Cat laying out in Berlin, Germany

Sunset over Innsbruck, Austria

Monte Carlo, Monaco train station

Ali in Nice, France

London's Heathrow Airport

Eboni + Shawn = Engaged!

2008-06-30T19:10:00.007-05:00

Ali & Nick are engaged!

2008-05-20T22:48:00.009-05:00

School's out.

2008-05-17T17:45:00.006-05:00

It went by a little too fast. I know, I can't believe I just said that, but it's true. It's hard to believe that just five years ago, I was graduating from high school. One year ago, graduating from college. Two years from now, graduating from law school. How did I get here? Plenty of people ask me that, and to be honest, I don't know.

My camera is sitting next to my computer. Just sitting. It makes me yearn. Is law what I'm supposed to be doing? Who the hell knows the answer to that question? I know I don't. I know I love being behind the camera, capturing moments in people's lives, but I also know that I love learning (& even the law). Maybe four years of college just was not enough for me to truly find myself. (Although, I doubt anyone ever stops trying to figure themselves out).

About a week ago, Thor Christensen (from GuideLive - a part of The Dallas Morning News) wrote a piece asking the question whether cellphones are ruining the concert experience. He quoted Sleater-Kinney (first of all, can someone please tell me who in the hell that is?) as saying "There's definitely a problem where people are so busy documenting the moment that they forget to just live in the moment." I can understand where he is coming from, which I think is why I love photography so much. It is my opportunity to document those moments so the person does not have to. But, at the same time, I nearly always have some form of a camera on me - whether it is my 2.0 megapixel that I have on my phone or my Canon PowerShot or my Nikon D70. I have not forgotten how to live in the moments that define my life, nor do I live in the past. But, these photographs that line my walls, shelves, pages of scrapbooks, etc. take me back to a time and a feeling. It could be the excitement I felt on the sidelines of football games my junior year of high school. Or how much I really did hate frat parties my freshman year of college. Or the laughter that consumed me and my friends when we ditched the Rangers game last summer and just played drinking games all night.

Cameras are not in place to detract from a person's living the moment, but rather to enhance the feeling for years to come.

So, in honor of this. I present some personal photos from long ago as well as present.

The Texas Exes of the family: The graduate (me - 2007), Julie - 1990, Aileen - 1989

My oldest friend in the world, Cathy, and myself - circa 1990.

Megan Latchford (Florida), Sandra Lopez (California), Molly Perlman (California) and myself (Texas) - Tripp Lake Camp Swim Counselors - 2005

Ali Crocker and myself about 4 hours after Ali said yes to her future husband, Nick Nixon - 2008

They call it the Hill Country, I call it beautiful.

2008-03-16T21:48:00.003-05:00

Spent some time in the Texas Hill Country this weekend. It felt sooo good to have a camera in my hands again. Well, maybe it was the wine and knowing I don't have to go to class this week.

Hillary Clinton at St Mary's University

2008-02-13T22:19:00.003-06:00

Presenting: Alice Morey

2008-01-31T14:10:00.005-06:00

Presenting: Mr & Mrs "Hog Straddler"

2007-12-13T05:16:00.004-06:00

youth of today

2007-10-10T18:12:00.000-05:00

many the miles

2007-08-05T21:07:00.001-05:00

sweet summertime

2007-08-05T15:54:00.001-05:00

Andrew and Anna's Wedding

2007-05-28T11:24:00.000-05:00

a few images from my portfolio

2007-04-20T13:35:00.001-05:00

Bluebonnets of Texas

2007-04-20T13:27:00.001-05:00

Barack Obama in Austin, Texas

2007-02-23T21:23:00.000-06:00

the ice is thin, come on, dive in

2007-01-16T22:59:00.001-06:00

Carli and John's Engagement Pictures

2006-12-05T22:28:00.000-06:00

I trekked out to Mt. Bonnell with Carli and John earlier today and I picked some of my favorites.

engine seventeen

2006-11-17T19:12:00.001-06:00

experience the warmth

2006-11-17T19:04:00.001-06:00

yes, i feel emphatic about not being static

2006-10-12T10:18:00.001-05:00

Texas Pom

2006-10-05T12:03:00.001-05:00

the way your innocence tastes

2006-09-28T12:57:00.002-05:00

now i was sitting, waiting, wishing

2006-09-24T15:53:00.001-05:00

it's a top ten list

2006-09-24T15:49:00.001-05:00

brightest of the bright

2006-09-20T11:17:00.002-05:00

and i'm feeling good

2006-09-16T11:26:00.001-05:00

garrett

2006-09-15T16:57:00.001-05:00

yay orange

2006-09-11T21:52:00.001-05:00

Innocent Rivalry

2006-09-11T12:59:00.001-05:00

we were just young kids with a six pack

2006-09-11T12:57:00.001-05:00

Ohio State Cheerleaders

2006-09-11T12:55:00.002-05:00

Texas, Texas Yeehaw!

2006-09-11T12:50:00.001-05:00

#1 Party School in the Nation

2006-09-11T12:47:00.001-05:00

this is a land of confusion

2006-08-29T23:45:00.003-05:00

'til Gabriel blows his horn

2006-08-29T23:45:00.002-05:00

Bill Powers, President of The University of Texas at Austin.

2006-08-29T23:43:00.002-05:00

these are the hands we're given

2006-08-29T23:42:00.001-05:00

i can hear the marching feet

2006-08-29T23:40:00.001-05:00

A Texas-sized Welcome.

2006-08-29T23:39:00.001-05:00

Gone to Texas.

2006-08-29T23:33:00.001-05:00

i'll be the one sitting, playing my guitar

2006-06-26T14:12:00.001-05:00

into the sun

2006-06-19T23:15:00.001-05:00

sunset at the oasis

2006-06-19T23:09:00.001-05:00

boss on bass

2006-06-18T23:59:00.001-05:00

drum away

2006-06-18T23:56:00.001-05:00

who's your bubba?

2006-06-18T23:54:00.001-05:00

whenever i see your smiling face, i have to smile myself

2006-05-21T16:43:00.001-05:00

take me for a ride

2006-05-21T16:41:00.001-05:00

Truly American.

2006-05-20T17:02:00.001-05:00

it's not enough just to stand outside the fire

2006-05-01T22:21:00.001-05:00

slither down to your lair

2006-05-01T22:00:00.001-05:00

i dare you to move

2006-05-01T21:50:00.001-05:00

i catch myself having fun

2006-04-28T17:27:00.001-05:00

got a beat up glove

2006-04-28T17:06:00.001-05:00

Apathy

2006-04-18T20:19:00.001-05:00

Students from Reagan High School sit with their backs turned on the protest while University of Texas students take a stand against tougher immigration laws in front of the East Mall fountain.

don't hide at all, change is coming

2006-04-11T16:46:00.001-05:00

you taste what you're made of

2006-04-11T16:43:00.001-05:00

Take a stand.

2006-04-11T16:39:00.001-05:00

Passion.

2006-04-11T16:38:00.001-05:00

bright lights, big city

2006-04-06T21:37:00.001-05:00

i am the fountain of affection

2006-04-06T21:34:00.001-05:00

i want to be in love with only you

2006-04-06T21:28:00.001-05:00

he's going for speed

2006-03-22T21:04:00.001-06:00

and the sun would glint

2006-03-22T20:59:00.001-06:00

love, your baby girl

2006-03-22T20:54:00.001-06:00