Lookbook photography & design

Things have been crazy around here- so much to catch up on! One of the projects that I have been working on is this bad boy here:

(take a peek inside HERE)

I had not put together a lookbook yet, so figuring out the technicalities and creating a PDF without that annoying white border was not easy, but I finally got it. The shoot itself was tricky, in that it was nearly freezing and rained pretty much the whole time, but the models were awesome and didn't let it affect them (even when they wore shorts!)

If you haven't had a chance to check out the hubs' company, Tumbleweed TexStyles, be sure and stop by to check out their shirts (ahem, and my photography!) ;-)

Introducing Miss Hannah Beth

 As most of you know, Brian and I were expecting our first child at the end of May. She arrived on May 29th and after a week I still can't believe she is finally here! It has been amazing, but I have been beyond exhausted. I knew I would kick myself if I didn't do her newborn photos this first week- so I did a quick mini session for about 10 minutes and wanted to share a couple of them with you. Happy 1 week birthday, Hannah! :)

Big news!

For the last couple of months things have been crazy to say the least- transitioning our business for the coming year and keeping up with all the amazing shoots and incredible clients that I am so blessed to have. I have truly loved getting to shoot with all of you! You are such amazing people and I love hearing all the different stories you have to share- be it how you fell in love, your crazy vacation last summer, or just getting to know you in general.

The changes going on at HAP are mostly in preparation of the arrival of little Wysong in May of this coming year. That's right! We are having a baby and are crazy excited! Sometimes I think Brian is even more excited than me. :-)

That being said, I will not be able to take weddings around that time frame (I know, nice timing baby, right in the middle of wedding season!) :-) We are, however, booking weddings and portraits now through March. If you have any questions about booking a date, please don't hesitate to contact me!

I hope you all have a wonderful, blessed Christmas with family and friends!

Round Top Antique Fair

This past weekend we went to the world famous Round Top Antique fair. With a population of 77,  that tiny town is flooded with vendors and buyers from all over the country and the world! We had great success and found most of the pieces we were looking for. Here are a few...

"W" from old advertising sign [$10]

Metal Stars - 3 large, 2 medium, 8 small [$6]

Asian inspired accent table [$45]

2 frames [$6]

Vintage DP box (Brian has wanted one for a long time!) [$10]

Vintage (Early 70's) Polaroid camera
Price? Drumroll please..... [$1]!!!!!

Post-McKinney Trade Days

This past weekend was crazy! We were at our booth from 8-5 on Friday though Sunday and met a lot of amazing people. Thanks so much to all who came out to check us out and support us! We were ecstatic to see so many familiar faces come by. Here are a few of the pieces I sold...

We will be there again next month, October 14-16, so if you didn't get a chance to go this weekend, no worries!

How to Make a Pendant Banner

A few weeks ago I had a belly session with a camping/outdoorsy theme. I felt really ambitious and decided to create a somewhat elaborate set, including a make-shift (and uber girly) tent  and a pendant banner. Here is a shot from the session:

It turned out that the pendant banner was really east to make, so I thought I would share a little "how to" with you...

Whole Hearts for Life

My friend, the ubber talented designer, Katie McNamara, has opened an online shop to raise money for her sister Kendra who has been diagnosed with a rare form of follicular lymphoma. 100% of all sales go to pay for the cancer treatment. Check out the prayer flags and tote bags at Whole Hearts for Life!

Wednesday + Whatnot

Now that the weather has warmed up a bit, it is making me wish I was going on a vacation to someplace beach-y. Last year we did 2 vacations- Disney World followed by a Caribbean cruise out of Florida and a trip up to the DC area. Since we are not doing a big trip this year, I thought I would look back at some of the pictures taken then. *Sigh*
I wanted to travel light and took only my old Canon 20D + 28mm.
The only photo I have touched is the last one- you can see little specs on most of the other photos. Since I was out of town I didn't have access to equipment to clean my sensor. Just goes to show you how important it really is to clean your camera body!

 View from Monticello on a foggy morning.

 Monticello- home of Thomas Jefferson.

 Looking out from the market on the French side of St Martin.

 Not sure what kind of tree this was, but I thought it was pretty cool.

 

 Sunset from our balcony- we had a cove room and were really close to the water.

 

St. Martin port.

Wednesday + Whatnot

Around here we are gearing up for another big wedding season, with two weddings this coming weekend and many more to follow. I am so excited for everything to pick up again, especially with the warmer weather and trees blossoming everything looks so lovely. It is easy to get inspired by sunlit scenes of green grass and the endless colors of flowers blooming. There are so many things that inspire me:

• Changing seasons in nature, from the bright greens in spring to the linear simplified shapes of winter - God did a darn good job!
• Fashion - whether it is an actual clothing piece or an amazing ad seen while flipping through a fashion magazine, I can almost always find a springboard to work from.
• Other photographers. C'mon, let's be honest and say that most of us have certain photographers that we can't help but ooh and ahh over their latest work. The fact that there is always something new and a rule that was (successfully) broken is inspiring in and of itself.
• Stores & boutiques - just walking around in Anthropologie makes me happy. The colors, the textures, the use of seemingly random objects brought together so elegantly that it takes your breath away. *Sigh*
• Vintage or antique anything. Okay, maybe not anything, some of those old dolls give me more nightmares than inspiration. But the drawings in old books and maps, vintage glass bottles, the shoes that were my grandmothers, funky old chairs - these help me view things differently. Just walking around an antique mall for an hour will most likely give me loads of ideas.
• Movies. I love movies, I know, who doesn't? But there are some that really get me to thinking about how they were shot and the angles that were used. Scenes like the end of Pride & Prejudice (the new version) with the forehead lean backlit by the sunrise. Haven't seen it? Do it. Now. :-)
• Paint swatches- the options of colors are endless and are a great way to figure out color combinations I want to try and shoot.

What are sources that inspire your creativity?

Building located in the old fort in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Birds

I love birds, which you probably can tell by my previous postings of my bird tray and bird figurine. I love hearing mourning doves while I work in my office. I love when a cardinal catches my eye as it lands in the tree in our front yard. I love hearing seagulls because it makes me feel like I am at the beach.  :-)

Hillary Anne Fine Art - Giving Back

I have always enjoyed giving to people and have come to realize what an important part it is of business too. That is why we have decided that 10% of the proceeds from Fine Art sales will go toward the A21 campaign. I know most of you are probably unfamiliar with this organization, so let me introduce you.  Did you know...?

• Trafficking in women is the second largest global organized crime today, generating approximately US$12 billion a year.
• There are 1.39 million victims of commercial sexual servitude worldwide.
• Over 25 percent of sex trafficked victims are trafficked from Southern and Eastern Europe.
• 90% of victims trafficked into EU member states end up in the sex industry.
• There is an estimated 20,000 women and girls trafficked into the Greek sex industry, earning Greece the title: "the center of trafficking in Europe."
• One study reveals that one in every 10 Ukrainian persons knows someone in their community who has been trafficked.
• Tragically, only 1-2 percent of victims are rescued, and only 1 in 100,000 Europeans involved in trafficking are convicted.

A21 exists to raise awareness, take legal action, and offer rehabilitation to rescued victims of human trafficking. Their goal is to eventually be able to prevent the human trafficking trade.

I feel this is an issue that needs attention and is overlooked by way too many in our society. In this day and age, how is this still going on? That is why I would like to do my part (even a small part can make a big difference!), and am inviting you to help too. When you purchase a Hillary Anne Fine Art piece, 10% of the proceeds will go towards the A21 campaign. You can also check out THEIR SITE for more information on human trafficking, the campaign, and what other things you can do to help.

Wednesday + Whatnot

So it’s been a while since my last Wednesday & Whatnot, but I thought I would share some more of the stuff I like.

1. Peppermint Mocha Coffee-mate Creamer- So good in the morning and with decaf in the evening. I love mint flavored stuff!
2. The Hunger Games books- If you have not read them yet, you MUST. They are so good, you think about them while you aren’t reading them. Great character development and an original plot. Plus they are going to be making the movies so you need to read them beforehand. I can’t share much more because I don’t want to give anything away!
3. Nivea Soft Moisturizing Crème- amazing moisture for the dryer season- smells super fresh and makes me feel glowy. It reminds me of when I was little and my mom came upstairs to kiss me goodnight- she always smelled like this stuff.
4. Little yellow wooden bird- Brian bought it for me on our honeymoon while we were in Jamaica. It sits on the top of our kitchen cabinets and makes me smile. I have many more bird things around the house that I will continue to share (remember the bird tray?).
5. Hanover China that was my great grandparents- I can’t wait to host a Christmas at our house and use it. For now it is displayed in the hutch my grandfather made.
6. Baking soda & vinegar- No, not for making a volcano in science class. ☺ This is a super cheap method to make your hair squeaky clean. Mix a palmfull of baking soda with your shampoo and wash and rinse hair as usual. Then pour half a cup of vinegar in a pitcher or large cup and slowly pour over your hair (be sure to douse your roots well!) Rinse hair again with water. The effect lasts for days. My mom showed my sister and I how to do this when we were little and dubbed it “the salad wash” because it smells like a vinaigrette.
   

I am thankful for

• time spent with family during the holidays (and all throughout the year).
• my wonderful, patient, supportive husband who is always up for a new adventure.
• our house that really feels like home.
• a job that I love and that I can work from home.
• a sweet doggy companion (who makes a great running partner!).
• getting to see my sister and her husband at Christmas this year.
• getting all artsy-craftsy around the house.
• snow days in Texas.
• and most of all, my relationship with Christ!

Hope you all had a very happy Thanksgiving!

Wednesday + Whatnot

Yeah, I know, it's Thursday again and I am posting like it is Wednesday. But I really wanted to share with you about how buying a super awesome watch can feed a family of 4 for 30 days. What's that? I can l look fabulous and save lives? Yes, yes you can, and no, the watch doesn't give you super powers. :-) I am talking about a hello-somebody watch, from a group whose mission it is to provide food for 1 million starving people in 1 year. Each watch is $22, and if you buy multiple watches, the bands and faces are interchangeable. How cool is that?
I always wear my watch to weddings, because I hate wearing all black and it is a great pop of color. Plus its super shiny face is easy to see in dim lighting. I always get a ton of compliments, and who doesn't love that? :-) I have a royal blue band with a hot pink face and am contemplating what my next color selection will be. Any suggestions?

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

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?

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!

Ahh, Spring!

It finally feels like it has arrived. I am ready for skirts, tank tops, and wonderfully strappy sandals. I always get inspired by the seasons changing- new colors, styles, and photoshoot opportunities. This summer Brian and I are actually going on a REAL vacation- yay! We're doing an Eastern Caribbean cruise, and I am already excited to fluff my wardrobe with a few new pieces from Ruche. It is Anthropologie-esque clothing for way cheaper.
Now I just need to make sure that I work out plenty before then, and maybe tan a little so I don't scare people away with my incredible whiteness. With this warmer weather it has been much easier to get inspired to go running, so no more excuses for me!

Mini Cheese Tarts

Last week my parents came from Sugar Land and my sister came from Denver to stay with us a few days. The day before, I whipped up these little babies, and a few minutes before serving I topped them with fresh kiwi. Here is the recipe...

Easy Mini Cheese Tarts*

INGREDIENTS:

·       1 dozen vanilla wafers

·       2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese

·       1/2 cup granulated sugar

·       1 teaspoon vanilla

·       2 eggs

·       fruit topping of your choice

PREPARATION:

Heat oven to 325°.

Line muffin tin with foil liners. Place a vanilla wafer in each liner. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, vanilla, and sugar; beat until well blended. Beat in eggs until blended. Pour cream cheese mixture over wafers, filling each liner about 3/4-full. Bake for 25 minutes.

Top with preserves, fresh sliced fruit, pie filling, sugared pecans, toasted coconut, or shaved chocolate. (I used fresh cut kiwi and blueberries.)

*found the recipe HERE

Ridiculously easy, and pretty darn tastey too! :-)

Banana Bread & Better Blogging

So two of the things that I am going to try to get better at are baking/cooking more often (this no longer includes a Digorno pizza), and blogging more interesting things than simply photos. What better way than sharing a super yummy banana bread recipe that I found yesterday? It was great as a dessert last night, and I may have had a few pieces this morning. :-) I am all about simple + easy recipes, so here it is...

INGREDIENTS

• 2 ripe bananas, smashed
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 3/4 cup sugar 
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 10 oz drained crushed pineapple

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 350°F. With a wooden spoon, mix butter into the mashed bananas in a large mixing bowl. Mix in the sugar, egg, and vanilla. Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and mix in. Add the flour last, mix. Pour mixture into a buttered 4x8 inch loaf pan. Bake for 1 hour. Cool on a rack. Remove from pan and slice to serve.

I changed the original recipe to add pineapple and pecans, but you can find the original HERE.