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.

Why Don't They Teach This In School? Pt.1

College and life are just as much about education as they are one huge, messy social experiment. As of late I have been working with a lot of Seniors getting ready to embark on their next chapter and almost always find myself sharing things that I wish I had known back then. Oh, the trouble I could have saved myself. Just for fun, I decided to create a list of a few things that I wish I had known 10 years ago. Which ones can you guys relate to?

1. Know how to walk in heels.
Practice in the privacy of your home WELL before you ever have to actually wear them. You will feel so much more confident and you lessen the chance of any embarrassing moments. It's crazy how many guys don't actually fall in love with you fall into their arms. Or off of curbs when they walk you home. Wait, what?

2. How to gracefully end a relationship.
Start learning early how to treat others in a relationship, even in the midst of ending it. I will never forget when I was in high school, my mom overheard me on the phone saying a few "choice words" to someone that I knew liked me very much but I wasn't interested in. The look of disappointment on my mom's face said it all. I immediately called the guy back and apologized for the nasty things that I said while still being very clear that it wasn't going to happen. Start showing respect and you will start earning it.

3. It's not that serious.
The argument you had with your best friend? It's not that serious. Someone talked about you behind  your back? It's not that serious. Boyfriend broke up with you? It's not that serious. Everything seems a huge deal in the moment, but you will be surprised by how little you care about these things a year later. Don't waste your time worrying about every little thing. Learn from it, move on because.....say it with me.... It's not that serious.

4. Register to vote.
Just do it. If you don't know where to start in the voting process, start with issues that you care about and affect you personally. Student loans anyone? You may not be interested in politics, but politics is interested in you. Educating yourself on issues will empower you to make more thoughtful decisions, and you will wow the room when you can join in intelligent conversation. Fancy.

5. Never send naked pics.
Self explanatory, though you would be surprised by how many young women still make this mistake. You might be "together" now, but it's going to you and you alone standing there naked on the internet if it gets out.

6. Have your own checking and savings account
There will be feast, and there will be famine. One week you will be eating steak and baked potatoes while enjoying red wine; next week it's Easy Mac and canned Spaghetti-Os and a struggle pint of Boone's Farm. Learn as much as you can about your money and it will be time well spent. Just a tip: save at least 10% of every paycheck in a "me" fund and you will not regret it.

7. Call your mom.
Anytime your parents don't hear from you, they assume that you are dead. This is a fact. Call and check in at least once a week. That way, if you are dead, you can let someone know.

9. Be on time
Showing up late is just plain disrespectful and sends a silent message that you don't really care. Whether it's a job interview, a friend's birthday dinner, or that 8 a.m. class that YOU signed up for, show up on time. You will be surprised at how much easier it is to get an extension on that ten-page essay that you put off until the last minute when you have made a good impression on your professors.

10. Know how to change a tire.
A damsel in distress will remain in distress if you don't learn how to change your own dang tire. Sure, someone may do it for you, but do you want to depend on that? Not only will you be able to save you own ass, guys also find it extremely sexy when a woman can take care of herself. Think less Marilyn Monroe and more Thelma and Louise. Those are some ladies that knew their way around a tire iron.

11. Study abroad.
Whenever you get the chance to travel, take it. You have not lived until you've eaten frijoles in a Mexican jail. Seriously, don't go to jail but DO take every opportunity to see new places. One day, you will be an elegantly, worldly creature or at the very least know the difference between a country and a continent.

A Love Story-Weddings

Yesterday in Old Town,Lewisville wedding bells were ringing. I was there to capture it all. I had the chance to work with an awesome couple and their two handsome boys capturing their special day. The wedding venue was quaint and candlelit, hidden in one of the most historic areas of town, which was the feeling that I wanted to translate into their wedding photos. Luckily the bride and were on the same page when it came to accepting the rain that tried to douse our parade that day as a blessing! No two weddings are the same. Each one brings different challenges, new learnings and an energy and personality that makes each shoot unique. My biggest accomplishment of the day: Got their sons to hold hands for about 1.2 seconds. If you have boys, you know what a huge feat this was! Hope you guys enjoy! 

         The beautiful bride before her walk down the aisle!
 

A private moment between a father and son.

 

One of my favorite shots. Only the ring finger in the chapel!

 

Balloons, and Bows, and Babes, Oh My!

 

When shooting with an 18 month old in a  crowded park, I have one word of advice. Run! Run fast, run hard, and when in doubt, run faster. One of my favorite things about photographing children is that you never know what might happen. For example, right after the above shot was captured, this little doll baby decided that it was time for a dip. With the effortless style of a modern day Grace Kelly, the courage of an Olympic diver, and the courage of a champion, she dove right into that fountain! Needless to say, this turned out to be an amazing shoot! You definitely have to do work to get good shots when your target is on the move, but I did my best to make it fun. I came armed with balloons and bubbles; anything that might catch her attention long enough so that I could snap away. The 18-200mm lens also came in handy since it allowed me a ton of range. I thought it important not to edit the photo to death, but to let the memory of that day remain intact in all the photos that we captured. Undoubtedly, one day in the future, this little superstar will hear all about the day she swan dived into the water fountain, and I want the pictures to be a part of that story. Isn't that what it's all about? Enjoy!