Three Days of Debauchery- Denton Arts and Jazz Festival

As a former Dentonite, I take much pride in attending the Denton Art's and Jazz Festival every year. It's like North Texas' answer to Coachella, only with kids from 3 to 93. Literally. As usual, this year was full of fun, food, drinks, debauchery and art. Lots of art. Naturally, I was not far behind capturing this day with my trusty sidekick camera that I believe deserves a name at this point. What I truly enjoyed capturing at this event were the people. The art does not remain solely on the canvas, but pervades the environment with such inspiration and tenacity that it is most evident in the faces of those around. I took a ton of pictures so let's tentatively call this part one of the D.A.J. experience. Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 The day started off pretty tame enough. I mean, a violin, guys? Class in it's purest form. This was taken in the atrium where much of the canvas work was displayed.

I thought this painting was gorgeous. This artist displayed highly textured oil paintings that were just amazing. I love how the light highlights it perfectly. Yeah, that was all me. About as much talent as I could lend to a canvas today.

 This was one of my favorites shots of the day. I brought along my 18-200 lens which allowed me the chance to get all up in her business without her even noticing. The reflection of the crowd in her glasses was just icing on the cake. Just lovely.

 "Too ugly to prostitute, too honest to steal."

 I'm fairly certain that this person was not dead, though I can't say I checked. Such a New York thing of me to do. Nothing to see here folks!

I love the way that the printed tops of the girls in the background highlight the backdrop of this image.

 Boozin' and groovin'. What more can you ask for?

 The cuteness of these clowns cannot even be fully appreciated through this image.

 Just a man and his guitar. Ironically enough, he didn't play a single chord the entire time. Maybe a ploy to pick up the ladies?

  All the cops in Denton County couldn't stop this group from enjoying a little mile high madness. Lighters up!

 This guy was just amazing to look at. Simply gratuitous.

 Most people just look away when this happens. Me? I just zoooooom in. By the way, I happen to know this couple. Not sure if that makes it more or less weird. Ehh.

What good is an art festival if you can't take off your shirt and show off your ink. *disclaimer* my shirt remained on the entire time. Just saying.

The day ended for this girl at about 5 p.m.in a pile of her own vomit. I'm not mad. I did slightly darken her face as to make her a little less recognizable. You're welcome.



Drawing Chalk Jesus

Lately, there have been many days that I wake up and I don't have a plan. I wander around in search of magical things that  know are out there if I look close enough. I remember when I was a kid living in Alabama, I spent a ton of times searching through the woods behind my house. Sometimes, for something. Other times, for nothing. One day I decided that I was going to search for owl pellets. If you don't know what owl pellets are, they are the walnut sized pellets that owls throw up, for lack of better words. They were filled with all kinds of thing that a six year old tomboy like myself enjoyed digging for, from mouse bones to the beaks of smaller birds it had eaten. So, on a Saturday morning, I put on my boots, grabbed my plastic fish tank, and headed out into the woods in search of my prize. As I walked through the woods, I didn't even begin to know where start looking. I started up high searching for nests where owls might lay their heads at night. As I headed out further into the woods, I found what I thought might be an owls nest hanging on the edge of a tree about 30ft. high. Quite naturally, I wanted to see what was inside first so I tied my little fish tank to my belt and began the climb. The first couple branches were pretty easy for a talented climber like myself. I even caught a small green lizard on the way up. Fish tank: 1. Lizard:0. I was still interested in what was in that nest so I kept climbing. As soon as I reached for the next branch, another lizard ran by my hand and I snatched it up as quickly as I did the first. Another score for the fish tank, but I still had yet to reach the nest. It began getting a little trickier making it up the tree after about the halfway point. The branches were long and tall at this point, and I had a hard time scooting up in my shorts without scratching up my legs. I had no idea how much time had passed; only that I had 4 lizards and a Monarch butterfly in my fish tank at that point. Becoming a little worried that my new pet butterfly might get ganged up on and eaten, I climbed back down and headed home. That day, I had a plan when I set out on my adventure: gather as many owl pellets as I could. Then my goal became to reach the nest atop the tree. Next, my sole purpose was to make it home with my butterfly still intact. Though I didn't find any owl pellets, I did end up with 4 lizards and a butterfly named Barbara, and I consider that a win. Hope you guys enjoy the pictures from a more recent "day in the woods" adventure.

 

 

One minute you're in a field staring in a hole, and the next you're in a church parking lot drawing chalk Jesus. This wasn't just any chalk Jesus, though. It is the world's LARGEST chalk Jesus. Fellowship Church in Grapevine went for the gold with this community effort in honor of Resurrection Sunday, and I was thrilled to take part. It's not everyday that I can get on the ground and color in a socially acceptable way for a 27 year old college grad.

 

 

Doesn't he look just dandy?

 

 

 

This picture was taken not too far from where  I found the hole. Only in Texas will you find a Coors Light can tied to a branch with fishing rope like a redneck Christmas ornament. I made a wish just in case.

 

 

 This was taken in a spot that I normally come to find hummingbirds. They love the red tubular flowers, fyi. I didn't see any this day, but I WILL be back. Yes, that is a threat.

 

 

 Well, look what I found here! Is that you Barbara?

 

 I couldn't help but stop and take pictures of this gorgeous mustang. The owner was reading a book on the car, and YES, he knew I took this picture. I'm not a creeper you guys. He and I actually ended up standing in the parking lot for about 20 minutes having a discussion about Kafka's Metamorphosis. The only thing this beautiful ride was missing was a license plate that said PSSYWGN. I did give him the idea though.

 

On my way home, I sat for awhile on the railroad tracks near Lake Lewisville until I felt them start shaking with the hum of a distant train. Part of me wanted to act out the scene from Stand by Me where they get stuck on the tracks over the water and the heavy kid started crawling with a train on his ass, but no. Just no.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just a Summer Fling

 

 Oh, summer. How I have longed for you....This weekend I got to shoot the lovely Shishuo at one of my most favoritest place in the DFW. Yes, I made that word up. It's my prerogative. I do what I wanna do. Obviously, the loveliest of lovely days thus far has me so doped up on Vitamin D that I am quoting Bobby Brown. Addison Park's urban feel made for an awesome location to catch some sun and take some pictures, and I am all the better for it.

 

 This little pocket of cover made for a nice spot to shoot when the sun reached it's peak. I love how the sun still catches the light of her hair and that glowing skin.

 This wall. I wish I could take it with me and put in my house. Hmmm. I sense a home project coming soon! There are so many visually appealing backdrops to choose from, though this is one of my favorites. The saturated yellow of her top and the teal backdrop make a perfect combo.

Shishuo looked absolutely stunning in this off guard candid. No filter needed.

The sun was so high at this point that Ryley even hid his eyes! He was a little less concerned with his modeling debut as he was with taking a drink from the fountain in the center of the park. Nonetheless, he made for a fun addition! Can't make it too easy, right?

My favorite aspect of this picture is the way the light through the trees creates a slight bokeh effect in the backdrop. Isn't it amazing when it just happens?

Deep in the Heart of Texas

There are few things more "Texan" than a photo session in the bluebonnets. Usually, locals and tourists alike line up on the side of highways and snap a quick pic, but this weekend was full of mini-sessions to celebrate this Springtime tradition. I absolutely love shooting in natural light, so I was obviously thrilled when the sun decided to show up and light up the pasture hill of Zion Cemetery. Yes. Cemetery. I had lots of laughs explaining the seemingly macabre location to clients, but the pictures speak for themselves! When photographing children especially, I try not to overthink or plan the photos and instead try to capture the light-heartedness that only a child in a field of flowers can possess.The kids and the kids at heart all had a great time, as did I capturing these wonderful moments. Enjoy!

This little lady deciding how old she is going to tell me she is today. The beautiful skies we had Saturday made for a dramatically refreshing backdrop for this doll. She even brought her dog BJ to get in on the pics with her, but he decided that he would rather nap instead!

I had a chance to capture those beautiful blue eyes just moments before he fell asleep standing! Brings a whole new meaning to the dog days of summer.

This was my second time shooting this little angel so I was very much prepared to run, and run fast! Not yet two, she has the personality of a superstar and the daredevil tendencies of a young Annie Oakley. The world is her playground!

Her brother was able to join in this time and brought so much personality to the shoot! For a first grader, he sure knows his angles and was super sweet with his baby sister, which led to me capturing this priceless image.

He absolutely loved showing me all the different expressions that he could do. He is ridiculously photogenic and even told me where I could get a pair of cowboy like the ones he had on!

This amazing bunch here came with camera ready smiles as they knew that the sooner we got the shot, the sooner they could take off and play! The boys will have a hard time making it through these three to get to the little diva in the back!

These handsome boys did an awesome job and celebrated the end of the shoot with a little tree action. Talent in it's rawest form! This candid shot truly captures the fun that they brought to the set that day!

 The hills are alive! That is the first thing that comes to mind when I see this vision traipsing through the fields. Such a lovely girl! Fret not, guys! I promise it is just an old myth that picking bluebonnets are against the law, though I'm sure even if it was, they would have a hard time prosecuting that face!

There is absolutely nothing cuter than a baby in a basket. I know it. You know it. The world knows it. This little angel will be running around with her big sister in absolutely no time!

 

It was such a pleasure working with this fabulous bunch. Until next time, folks.