Wednesday + Whatnot

Lately I have been loving all the orangey yellows out there- such a warm, inviting color. I am not talking Home Depot orange, but the lighter gold and deeper pumpkin oranges that make you feel like you are nestled on the couch under a fleece blanket with a cup of cocoa as you enjoy the toasty warmth from a fireplace. THAT kind of orange. :-) Here are some inspirational oranges & yellows from locations all over...
1. Detail from a Spanish church in San Angelo, TX
2. Hibiscus flower from Brian's grandmother's garden in Indiana
3. Sunset from our old apartment in Lewisville, TX
4. Barometer that was my grandfather's in VA
5. Piano interior at a flea market in San Angelo, TX
6. Flower in Fredericksburg, TX
7. Mossy tree in Sugar Land, TX
8. Plane from the old hangar in Sugar Land, TX

Sara & Ryan Wedding (Amarillo, TX)

I loved that this couple chose to see each other before the ceremony- their first sight of each other was so incredibly sweet. There was such overwhelming joy, I think my cheeks hurt from smiling so much!

Wednesday + Whatnot

Today is the first official day of Autumn! Yes, it might be 87 degrees and humid outside, but I refuse to let that hold me down. Fall is by far my favorite season, and there are always things that make me feel like it is finally here.
1. Candy corn- the bright colors and smell of pure high fructose corn syrup somehow makes me feel like I am in elementary school again. There is a lid on this jar for a reason.
2. Pumpkins- I got this wrought iron pumpkin at McKinney trade days for a steal- 2 for $15. I love the look, and there is no smelling a rotting vegetable after a month.
3. Orange and red leaves- No, we don't have the amazing colors that the New England areas get, but I'll take what I can get. The maple tree outside our dining room is changing (maybe more brown than red, but still!)
4. BOOTS!- I wear them almost every day in the Fall. I think my love for boots might go back to when I began horseback riding lessons in first grade and got my first real pair of red cowgirl boots. They were amazing and I loved clomping around the house and barn in them. I still love wearing boots, but (hopefully) I wear them now more gracefully and with less clomping.
5. Baking (and eating) bread- Just a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg, and banana bread smells and tastes oh so fall-ish!
What are things that make you feel like Fall is here?

Bekah & Akim Wedding

I always love listening to the toasts given at a reception. You learn so much about a couple from those who lift their glasses in honor of the bride and groom. Some offer funny stories or tear-jerking memories. This one was different and still sticks with me- the maid of honor and best man were actually married and had just had their first child- a daughter. They explained that because they saw how Akim treated Bekah, and they prayed that their daughter will one day marry someone just like him.  What an incredible compliment! Thank you, Bekah and Akim, for allowing me to be a part of your big day. You are an amazing couple, and I am so honored to have been there!

Problems with Humidity

I so enjoyed our trip to shoot Gina & Ben's wedding weekend in San Juan, Puerto Rico. I tried food I had never tasted (Mofongo is AH-MAY-ZING!), roamed the streets taking photos of beautiful architecture and brightly colored walls, found our way to the famous fort (where it was 1 of the 2 days a year with free admission- yesss!), and of course had the honor of shooting Gina's rehearsal dinner, wedding, and day after session.
And that is when I learned the lesson of how dSLR camera's don't appreciate high levels of humidity. The night of the rehearsal the venue was open to the night air, it was really hot and the humidity was at 99.999 percent (okay, not really, but it was close!), and the lens started to fog over. Then my 40D decided it wasn't going to work. At all. I finally figured out what was going on, and avoided walking near the AC unit that just seemed to push even more moisture through the air (ah, what we sacrifice for getting the right shot!). I turned the camera off then back on a few times, and we were good to go. Here are a few more tips to help avoid to same problems...

1. Place desicant packets in your camera bag to help draw out any moisture.
2. Avoid changing lenses- this prevents humidity from reaching the inside of your camera body.
3. Give your camera time to warm up after in the air conditioned indoors.
4. Keep delicate equipment in ziploc baggies.
5. Regularly wipe your palms to make sure excess moisture is kept away from your camera.
6. I have also heard that a prime lens is better to use in a humid situation than a zoom lens- apparently the zooming action will just draw in air/humidity.

Photographers, have you experienced something similar? What did you do?

Wednesday + Whatnot

I don't know if you blog, but for me it has been difficult to post about my personal life. Not because I have a lot of deep dark secrets, but because I keep thinking, "Who would actually want to read about it?" So I figured that the best way to start is by expressing it the best way I know how- photos. I will do my best to post my personal thoughts, photos, and whatnot every Wednesday (hence the name!). This first batch is a collection of some things I love and use almost every day.

1. Sweet Pumpkin Spice scented oil from Bath and Body Works- I LOVE the way this smells and makes my whole house feel like it is ready for Thanksgiving. It is sweet but not overwhelming. I love burning it right before people come over or Brian gets home.
2. Tote Bags- Most of the time I carry a tote instead of a purse, especially if I am running errands and have a million things to take with me. I have found my favorite ones at Gap.
3. My running shoes- Brian bought these Nikes for me for my birthday, and they are my favorite pair I have ever had. I hate buying new running shoes, and I was down to a pair that had so many holes that my pinky toe could fit through it. I had tried on a bunch and could not find "the ones". The hubs surprised me with these and the iPod sensor insert that can tell me how far I run. Is he good or what? ;-)
4. Brand spankin' new 7D (and my 50mm 1.4) - After renting this camera for a test drive, I knew I could never go back. The file quality is so much better, and when combined with my 1.4, it is MAGIC.
5. Versace Bright Crystal perfume- Sometimes I will use a little spritz in the morning, even if I am not going to leave the house, just because it makes me feel pretty.
6. Our wedding photos- They still make me smile when I look at them. What an incredible day!
7. Big clocks- Don't know why, but I love big wall clocks and their ticking
8. Estee Lauder "Baby" lipstick- Not crazy about the name, since it conjures up images of infant hookers in my head (crazy people- babies don't wear lipstick!), but I love this color nonetheless. Obviously, since it is worn down to almost nothing.
9. Bird tray from Ikea- What can I say, I love birds and I love trays. Enough said.
10. Half-hewn log bench- This bench was made by my grandfather, who is no longer with us. I love sitting here at the kitchen table in the morning to have my coffee.
11. Hello Somebody watch- I have gotten an amazing amount of people comment on this watch. My friend Rachel gave it to me after I complimented on just how awesome hers was. But the coolest thing about it is that by just buying the watch, you will feed a family in Guatemala for a month! Check out all their stuff at www.hello-somebody.com
12. Plain ol' yogurt- Almost every day I have yogurt with granola, blueberries, and wheat germ (sounds gross, but really yummy!), and it is such a delicious treat.
Well, I hope you haven't fallen asleep, and if you have, at least you know what to read before bed every Wednesday!

Bekah Bridal

This girl can WORK IT! :-) I love that she had a vision for her session with the pink balloon, how fun is that? Their wedding was this past weekend, and I am so excited I finally get to post these. I can't wait to share their wedding with you too!