On the sixth day of Christmas, Santa gave to me a mother and daughter gazing.

Young lady graduating.
Four all aglow.
Three big grins.
Tender sister love.
and a branch full of purple berries.

I can still remember the initial e-mail from Lesa. I was sitting in my old bed in Florida with my newborn, getting ready for her baptism. I could tell by the kind words and wishes that I would enjoy photographing Lesa and her mother.

Five months later, we met at one of the local gardens and discussed some of the things they enjoyed, cooking, praying, reading, and the outdoors. I couldn’t be any further from wrong; I enjoyed every 35 minutes spent with them. None the least of which was the 20 minutes we did chatting alone!

I have some of the best clients. Love leaving my portrait sessions feeling like I’ve made new friends..

On the fifth day or Christmas, Santa gave to a young lady graduating.

Four all aglow.
Three big grins.
Tender sister love.
and a branch full of purple berries.

Nina is probably going to kill me for saying this. Or maybe not. And though I have yet to turn a single page in any of the four vampire-themed fantasy romance novels, I must say her senior portraits have a bit of a Twilight feel.  Airy, moody, and the silver dress with black jacket gives a little bit of romance.

On the fourth day of Christmas, Santa gave to me four all aglow.

Three big grins.
Tender sister love.
and a branch full of purple berries.

About two months ago, I was contacted by Judy. She received a gift of a lifestyle session and print enlargement after having the highest bid for my item at the American Gateways Silent Auction. Judy wanted a motley crew of photos of herself, her husband, her son and his son. I took great pleasure in delivering such a request.

After an early morning session in north Austin this fall, I made way for home and stopped by Judy’s. Yes, she was literally a stones throw away. I was greeted by her wonderful husband, Roger, who invited me to the breakfast table to meet the rest of the bunch. I had a cup of coffee and we sat and we discussed good-Austin-living, Judy’s job, which shirt Roger should wear, Jimmy’s costume, and my big-fat-Catholic  family. I talk ad nauseum about my family, I’m sure. Following the fantastic breakfast of eggs, toast and OJ, Jimmy took me into the massive back yard and gave me a quick tour of his tree house. I immediately found an abundance of beautiful directional light which gave me this..

Shortly after, the family joined us for a few group shots, then Judy and Jimmy headed over to “The Talking Rock” in front of their home. It was a special place shared by the two where they could talk in private,  far from the house and nestled in the trees enough to offer Jimmy privacy he needed to confide in his grandmother. As they sat on the rock, I respected Jimmy’s privacy by standing in the road.

Not too long after here is how we found Jimmy in the road.

The love felt between this extraordinary bunch is clearly evident. I was so fortunate to have the opportunity to work with them.