NEW THINGS COMING

Lately I've been working on the backend planning newer bigger things for 2011.

I'm going to include a 2nd photographer in every package that I offer that's over 8 hours. The prices that are up right now won't be completely different after I redo them as I will compensate for the added cost of a 2nd shooter. Portrait Prices will stay the same.

Also, I'm releasing a newer website! With more features and more user-friendly content, I'm sure you'll love it. It will look really nice and elegant, too.

I can't wait to launch it!

PORTRAIT: THE AUZAS

Last Monday, I did a session with a beautiful family from Tomball. The Auzas helped me a great deal when I first moved to Houston. I don't know where I would be today without them. Although we're still in close contact and don't live too far away from each other, I was still just as excited to take photos of them as if I haven't seen them in a long time!

DAVID TUTERA TALKS ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHY

Wedding expert David Tutera of WEtv talks about the value of photography and the importance of a good, experienced, well-equipped, and well-prepared wedding photographer.

What I find interesting is that David had to mention looking at actual wedding photos and "not just portraits and landscapes." For most brides, it will be their very first time to deal with a professional photographer, so some assume that anyone who takes good photos is prepared to shoot an actual wedding. But, wedding photography is a completely different animal. That's why I concentrate all my work on weddings and portraits and nothing else.

David warns against skimping on photography. But sadly, many devote their budgets to more temporary things and later regret it. Compare the flowers on your wedding. Thousands of dollars, gone in a day. Invest as much in wedding photography, and you have memories that will last more than a lifetime.

PORTRAIT: CHRISTMAS PHOTOS

Since I didn't shoot anyone's Christmas photos this year, I decided to post the ones I did for me and my fiancé, Sarah. Because these are my own pics, I'd like to share how these shots were achieved using complex lighting and a little forethought.

First, let me show you the pictures...

PORTRAIT: THE RIVERS

Last Saturday was such a beautiful day. The sky was clear and it was cool with a mild breeze. There couldn't be a more perfect day for the Rivers family to come out and take pictures just in time for Christmas. With seasonal ties for the boys and yuletide colors to match, these guys were full of the holiday spirit!

The two boys were especially fun - and funny. See, I grew up with four brothers and no sisters. I couldn't stop but laugh with all the "love" the two kids were showing each other. That included a swift swing of makeshift cardboard bats in the impromptu sword fight that ensued later in the session. It reminded me of my own fun, carefree childhood.

So, we spent a good hour and a half taking some excellent portraits and called it a day. Jennifer, thank you for letting me photograph your beautiful family. I wish you all a blessed and very Merry Christmas!