What’s not to love.? Next to newborns this age, 6-7 months, is my favorite age.  Great expressions, easy to make smile, a blossoming personality are a few of the reasons I love them so.  You begin hearing infectious giggles and in the same breath you witness some heartfelt tears.  Case in point, the photo below.  When clients call in and ask me how long my sessions are I always answer the same way.  The child will let me know when they are finished.  In this case Colin was done.

Be Good!

It’s been a busy day, but I couldn’t wrap it up without posting this sweet little punkin’

Enjoy this beautiful weekend.  Be good!

We have lots of new ideas for the studio.  And honestly we came home and went straight to work.  We spent the better part of the weekend rearranging what has accumulated in my studio over the past three and a half years.  I have to say I am enjoying the end result. On Monday, my typical day off from the studio, I went to hear Jerry Ghionis speak for the first time ever.  In Las Vegas I was able to see his work in person in the print competition room and I was moved by his work.  We were almost moved to tears by his images.  What a master he is at telling stories without words.  Listening to him speak last night touched me to the core.  I can’t say that anything he said was new or ground breaking.  I can’t even tell you I learned something from it.  I can tell you I FELT it.  That little voice in me that said, ” you can do better – you can be bigger – it’s all inside of ME”. He said to me, “to be a better photographer, you must become a better person.  You must shoot with empathy.  Consider hindsight when you are shooting”.

I took this photograph before my trip, before the talk last night.  And when I clicked the shutter I knew it.  I had captured IT.  That bond between the mother and her daughter.  I could empathize with her.  I wasn’t a single mother for very long, but I can tell you that it forever changed my relationship with Madeleine.  When you are married or have a partner you feel like you go through life with a safety net.  But when it was just Madeleine and I, if something happened it was ALL on me.  I recognized last night that what helps me tell other people’s stories is MY story and when my heart sees it and feels it, I can can capture it.

Be Good!

We are trying something new this year!!  Holiday Mini Sessions at the park.  For $99 + tax you get a 20 minute session out at the park and 25 professionally designed 5×7 flat Christmas Cards (other cards available at an additional price). We are taking furniture out to the park the weekend of November 13th and 14th.  Set up your time now and call the studio at 972.937.9511.  I have 10 pre-designed cards to choose from or for an additional $30 let me create a one of a kind card just for your family. This is great for family photos or just the kids.  Bring a long the pets if you want.  We are at the park this year and plan to have a good time.

Grandparents love to get photos of the grandkids.  This is the perfect opportunity to take care of everyone’s needs.  Send out your cards, buy the gifts and get it all taken care of.  Gift Certificates are also available at Marie Q Photography.  Give someone you love the gift they will treasure forever.

Be Good!

I love it when a baby smiles with their whole body.  Have a great weekend!

Be Good!

Be Good!

These sweet kids belong to my CPA.  I photographed them last week and had the viewing this week.  She shared her iPhone photos with me and expressed how hard it was to get a photograph of the two of them looking at the camera.  So I thought I should refrain in sharing what my favorite photo of them together was?

Makes me laugh out loud.  He’s got that look like, “I have her wrapped around my finger” and she looks content  to be hanging out with her brother.  No worries though.  Plenty of others with them looking at me together.

Be Good!

We took advantage of the last of the tulips at the Arboretum. I had a good spring season there this year. Rachel is becoming a pro at the Arboretum.  It’s her second time there.

And on the other end of town, Layton and her family spent a couple of hours at the Ft. Worth Botanical Gardens with me.  Did you know its free to go there?  A definite plus!

And finally Baby Kate at the studio.  We worked really hard to get this little one happy. Treats, peek-a-boo, the fake sneezing, and singing… anything for that smile

Be Good!

For past two days I have spent my mornings and afternoons at the Arboretum.  If you have never been there, the next two weeks are the weeks to go.  The Arboretum is blooming with colorful tulips and daffodils.  If you want to beat the crowds then I suggest you go early because its their busiest time of year.

I can’t show you my other Arboretum sessions because they are Top Secret Bridals that can’t be shown until after the wedding.  But sweet Baby Kate’s picture can make the blog.  She had the cutest little dress on.  I overheard another patron saying she looked like an Easter Egg.

Be Good!

Sometimes I wish I could add sounds to my images.  We all had just come inside the studio after taking some photos outside.  I left the front door open to let some fresh air in.  I told them my idea and stacked them on top of each other and then the laughter began.  The happy sounds resonated in the studio and lingered out the door.  Twice I looked towards the door and saw kids walk by and peer in to see what was happening inside.

We all need this kind of laughter in our lives.  Wishing a little laughter for all of you!

Be Good!