The absolute SAGA I’ve been through trying to get a 67 camera for myself this year is… insane. But the time has finally come and I have a Pentax67 in my arsenal now and I couldn’t be happier. So, naturally, I called upon some of the gorgeous people I know to test out my new kit and I was not disappointed. More film this year!!! MORE FILM THIS YEAR!!!!
Austin Portrait Photographer--Mel turns 24!!!
I first met Melanie when she was about 8 years old. Getting older is… weird. I was really glad she asked me to take some portraits of her to mark the occasion. Because what better way to celebrate a new year than to celebrate yourself!?
On being an Artist
I spent some time this weekend with my friends Briley and Adrienne. They showed me around (safely) and I got a chance to turn my brain off for the first time in months and just enjoy the ride. I made the choice to only have one camera on me, when normally I have at least 3. Threw my Hasselblad and some film in my bag and hoped for the best. Shooting *only* film is always a little risky because you never quite know if it’s going to work out. But as we were walking around this one particular park, and Briley was taking some photos of me while I took photos of her, I had a moment of pure relaxation and joy wash over me. Looking around at the light through the trees, I took a deep breath and remembered how much I love to make photographs. Especially with the people I love and admire most. It made me happy and sad and calm and excited all at the same time. I’ve never been very well spoken, I stutter sometimes when I get anxious or excited, I am not that smart about most things (or I don’t feel like it most of the time), I’m introverted which makes it hard to exist in an industry that values being boisterous. But making art feels good. It feels like an effective way for me to communicate how I see the people around me or how I feel in any particular moment. Can a photographer be quiet and contemplative and still succeed? I’m not sure yet. Though my business is what I would classify as successful, I still need to have a full time job on the side to make up lost ground.
I’m almost 30 and I want to make art. I want to make art with all kinds of people. From all walks of life. Maybe someday soon I can figure out how to do that sustainably forever.
Austin Portrait Photographer--Let's Celebrate Ourselves
Tiffany and I had a great time just celebrating what a wonderful person she is. She wanted a session to help document her personal victories recently and I of course said HELL YES when she asked me to be her photographer. What an amazing human being!
Austin Family Photographer--Last minute morning shoot
Sarah contacted me yesterday afternoon about doing a quick mini session with herself and her siblings as a gift for their parents before they headed back home. I definitely couldn’t say no! We were blessed with a surprisingly cool morning and managed to get wrapped up just as the heat and humidity started to ramp up. These guys are super cool and I had a great time photographing them.
Austin Portrait Photographer-- Fine Art personal work.
You know, I genuinely love making photos.
Creating and making pretty things is just…. so satisfying.
Remind me to shoot more 4x5 film when I can.
I can never quite get enough.
Austin Portrait Photographer--Women Who Shoot Film
I know, I know! Two posts in a row. Ick. BUT I’ve just found some post worthy images of my beautiful friends! And I NEED TO SHARE ‘EM— again while I was rooting around through my hard drives this morning— I re-discovered these images of Rachel. Rachel is smart and kind and always has the right words at the right time. I’m just going to leave ‘em here so you can also admire her too.
Austin Portrait Photographer-- Jessica's Senior Portraits
I think we can all agree that it must be the weirdest time ever for High School seniors right now. With their final year of high school (which is arguably the most crazy and memorable and weird and emotional time in your whole LIFE) being upended and twisted and turned in the most unexpected way. These kids are amazing. They’re resilient. They’re tough and they’ll make it out the other end of this ready for anything.
Congratulations to the Class of 2020! I am amazed by you.
Austin Portrait Photographer--The TX Studio
I’ve known Rachel since my Freshman year of High School. She’s bubbly and smart as heck and is always and forever my fashion icon. She also officially graduated from her Master’s program this past December and her 30th birthday is right around the corner! WHAT BETTER REASON to take some updated portraits??
After hemming and hawing for a few weeks, we finally settled on The TX Studio for our location. They are friendly, hold weekend hours and are the right price! Plus, their studio space is TO DIE FOR. Those big, frosted picture windows are the stuff of my dreams.
If you’re looking for a studio in the Dallas area or are from Austin and need a beautiful studio space that won’t break the bank— Check out The TX Studio!
We had a blast. Danced to Ariana Grande and made some beautiful art.
Austin Family Photographer: Maternity Session at the Botanical Gardens
This quick early morning Family Photo Session was fantastic. We are experiencing our first real cold weather in quite some time down here in the Central Texas area. So this session was quite brisk but these two were real troupers and we had a ton of fun. This was their very first professional photo session (including their wedding!) and I must say it was a good one. They were so sweet and fun to be around. We were some of the first to arrive at the Zilker Botanical Gardens that morning and it was quiet and lovely. Early morning sessions are some of my favorites simply because the light is good and afterward we still have all day to look forward to.
Just for fun.
I’m the most grateful that I have friends who let me take pictures of them all the time and they never get tired of me asking. It’s a real blessing.
I chose to leave the raw edges on some of these film scans. Film… it doesn’t have to be perfect to be fun, right?
