Austin Portraits: Baby B

“Ziem, we received our photo disc in the mail yesterday and I love every picture! You did an amazing job, even with Brisa’s lack of enthusiasm. Absolutely beautiful! Thank you so much, we will cherish these images forever!”

Mom and I had been planning this first birthday session for quite some time and we could not have chosen a better day for photos. During an unusual winter reprieve we took advantage of warm weather and an abundance of gorgeous soft light as we stripped this cutie down to a diaper and tutu. And boy do baby girls in tutus make my heart sing. I hope that in twenty years from now Mom and Dad will remember this special time in Baby B’s life when she was a lover of ducks, books, and crawling.  I hear the love of crawling doesn’t last all too long.


Virtue

“The virtue of the camera is not the power it has to transform the photographer into an artist, but the impulse it gives him to keep on looking.”

Here’s a list of my latest exercise plan for Spring, for February or who knows- for 2011? I cut bits and pieces of a list I found on the web and came up with this list that works well with my vision and things I want to shoot. I invite you to join me, using your fancy camera, point & shoot or iPhone. Put these ideas on the calendar. I would love to see how you interpret the list and how you exercise your creativity.

Photograph your definition of “Sunday Afternoon”
Photograph something that reflects you
Photograph two subjects that don’t go together
Randomly pick a window in your house and make photographs from and
through that window everyday for a week
Photograph shadows
Photograph strangers
Photograph something that reminds you of a vivid dream you once had
Photograph colors as if they were the emotion they represent
Photograph something or someone while lying on your back
Photograph the concept of waiting
Photograph a sunrise or sunset
Photograph mother’s cooking
Photograph something extreme
Photograph the juxtaposition of young and old
Photograph silence
Photograph your meal
Photograph your favorite form of art
Photograph a self portrait

Fight and Faith

Late last week, after what was thought to have been teething causing long stretches of fussiness, discomfort, sleepless nights and finally loss of appetite, my friends admitted their daughter to the ER. After consulting with the doctors they heard the overwhelming word “cancer”. Eight-month-old J was just diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare form of childhood cancer and the most common form of cancer in infancy. A tumor had been located in her spinal cord.

As one would assume, the days that followed were long and emotionally taxing for my friend and her husband. They received an influx of love and support via the web, phone, e-mail, Facebook..practically every portal possible. I’m sure it was because of this that they have managed to remain positive and strong. They are adamant they will win this battle.

Baby J underwent surgery on Sunday and the most tumor was harvested. The mass is currently being biopsied and while we await microscopic findings on Thursday, it would be wonderful if you could keep this amazing family in your thoughts. Pray it is low-grade, low-risk, non-aggressive. Every bit helps.

I am confident that the best possible outcome will follow.

Branding + Me

It is noon in Austin. For the past hour and a half, while my sweet baby has been sound asleep with her little diaper bottom in the air, I have been lounging in my PJ’s reviewing notes from last night’s meeting with the fabulous j* (on branding my business + branding me). I really need a good kick in the rear from time to time.

The photography industry is an amazing thing and I am so fortunate to be a part of it. I love that the wave of change is constant, which leaves very little room for if any complacency. I know that every thing I do might not be right for everyone but it feels right for me.  “If you can’t beat them at their game, get out there and create your own…”

The wheels are going full speed this morning and I will likely slam on the breaks in the next twenty or so minutes when I hear the sweet sound of a rising baby coming from a room across the way.

I might have sacrificed today’s shower for this (sorry, Hubby!). And I love it.

{'Just Shoot Me'- Win A Lifestyle Engagement Session + Save the Date Video}

It’s time for my annual giveaway. Hooray!!

Eligibility: Couples engaged to be married – or even better- let us be there to document the precious moment of your upcoming proposal. You can be a current client, former client, prospective client, a friend or a stranger. Must be 21 or older.

Submission: Tell me how you are a unique couple and why you deserve to be this year’s winners. Did you meet on a plane? What makes you tick? What are your favorite things to do? What passions do you share? Are you fun together or opposites that attract? Spare no details. Leave a comment on my blog or Facebook page or send a note to info@ziemphotography.com. Just be sure to include your names, photo and contact information. You must also become a fan of Ziem Photography on Facebook, where I will announce the winner later.

Location: Contest is open to candidates anywhere in the US and beyond. Winners outside of Austin will be considered though travel fees commensurate with distance will be assessed.

Deadline: The last day to enter is February 2, 2011.

Prize: The winner will receive a FREE lifestyle session with portrait and video + high-resolution images on DVD + Save The Date film with footage and still images from your session for your wedding website + online gallery for sharing, proofing and ordering (absolutely no purchase necessary).

Be sure to promote this to everyone you know! Feel free to contact me if you have any other questions.

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