What ever happened to Beanie Babies and Tickle Me Elmo?

I had a "oh crap" moment today when I realized there is less than 2 weeks until Christmas... Time passes too quickly with work, shopping, decorating, wrapping... etc. I forget to stop and appreciate the month leading up to one of my favorite holidays. Next time you're out and about frustrated at Toys R Us because they're all out of Zhu Zhu pets, take a deep breath and remember it's the most wonderful time of the year!

Don't forget to nominate a family by December 24th!

This year's Christmas card- Gigi was not very happy with Mommy for making her wear those silly antlers. But doesn't she look soooo cute!?

TRA Before and After

You don't have to ask me twice to proclaim my love for Totally Rad Actions. I have every set! They saved my workflow and allow me to be creative in post-processing. A few weeks ago, I submitted a recipe using Totally Rad Actions and Dirty Pictures (the fabbitty fab fab textures) to their website. In addition to being featured on the Recipe site, I wanted to share my photoshop culinary skills with my blog followers:

Recipe:

Pro Retouch
Prettyizer @ 40%
Pross Crossessed #1 @ 20%
Boutwell Magic Glasses @ 60%
Dirty Pictures texture Starla Fontaine @ 55% set to Hard Light blending mode
Dirty Pictures texture Foxy Laurinda @ 68% set to Overlay blending mode
Burn Out @ 35%

Spontaneous Session

God bless Joshua. We were finishing up dinner the other night and I look out the window "Look at that light!" I grabbed my camera, pulled my fiance out the door for a makeshift photo session. While climbing up on the hay-bail, he gets bird poop all over his shirt... It's amazing he puts up with me!

Name that Cat!

Alisher brought home a little surprise last weekend-He rescued a kitten that was hiding in the bumper of a car at his work! We're thinking it's a "she" and can't be older than 6 or 7 months. We are in search of the perfect cat name and open to suggestions (she is going to be living in an apartment full of guys so it can't be anything too cutesy!)

Congrats Grads!

It has been such a blessing to work with these 2009 seniors. Each of them has their own unique talents and traits- I can't say how much I enjoyed getting to know them and capturing their personalities. I will be watching for GREAT things to come from these guys- Oh the places you'll go...

Miss R

My new favorite age group to photograph: the tweeners. I love showing these kids a beautiful side of themselves that they might not see when looking in the mirror. It was a joy to photograph Miss R- she loves to dance and I am amazed at her passion and motivation!

Miss C

I love spending time with this chicky! How pretty is she!? Gorgeous!



Magic light...

Shoot Day vol. 3

I'm on a photo high. I filled up 3 cards and still have 1 left... I had so much fun and met so many fab photogs: Heather was a bundle of energy and Julie is another aspiring photog from Omaha.

Jordan and Richard were so cute! They did such a good job of putting up with the "paparazzi" all while looking beautiful and loving on eachother.

Shoot Day vol. 2

I've been itching to get to these all day! I managed to get a few edited this evening- all I have to say is "shut up!" Ashley's blue eyes are A-frickin-mazing and they way she and Tony look at eachother... so sweet.

Shoot Day in KCMO

I was so super excited to shoot with Kelley and Josh in KC! It was inspiring to be surrounded by all of that creativity and work with a few of my favorite photogs! Loving the fab light and the gorgey models- more to come!

Valentines!

I know, I know... Valentines Day has come and gone! I really wanted to show off my cute cards I sent to friends and family- Of course NBP offers custom designed cards and invitations for any event!

Gigers!

Many photographers use their blogs to post pics of their own kids... I'm 23 with no munchkins, except Gigi! She has become acclimated to her new home and is very comfortable around me, Rach and Mom (obvious by the pictures posted below!)
When the boys came to visit, Rach and Alisher took a cat nap (hehe) and Gigers made herself at home on Rachel's bum!

Drumroll Please....

NBP is now offering studio sessions, thanks to my fabulous mentor at Childress Portrait Design
who set me up with great lights, funky backdrops, and The Mother of all softboxes!
Top of the line equipment, a fab artistic eye, and a photography education- what more could you ask for when it comes to capturing YOUR memories?