{ Hannah's Family }

I got to know the awesome Hannah last year as just a little baby...so when she WALKED up to me on Saturday, I almost couldn't believe it! She is one of the most beautiful and sweet little girls. Her big blue eyes, rosey cheeks and sweet expressions remind me of one of those little dolls I always wanted my uncle to win me on the Midway at the Fair...just THAT cute!

Now, I had the honor of meeting the great people responsible for mom and dad...the grandparents. I would like to have these four apply to be my surrogates, cause you can definitely tell who's the love of their lives...Miss Hannah! And, why not!?

Even after a windy relocation and some hair magic...this special family on this treasured occasion...they are still beautiful! Thank you for a great time and letting me be a part of your moment ~ D







~Blessings!~

{ Stages of Confidence }

WARNING, WARNING...This is a long one...look away if you dare, but read on if you like...

It's kind of a random title for a post, but let me explain...
Like most of you out there, I've got a lot going on - parenthood, wifehood, business ownerhood, renovating my hood... There used to be a time not so very long ago when I could stay up till 3am working on a college project or hanging out with friends, but these days getting up once for a 3am baby-feeding almost kills me - yes, and you too Jeremy. :) You all know what I'm talking about...my 20s was all about going full blast through my day on 2 hours of sleep and a tub 'o caffiene product and feeling the adrenaline rush...now in my (late) 30s, 2 hours of sleep means I get to a red light in Downtown Dallas and wonder how and when I got there cause I don't remember the entire drive...OR if I remembered to brush my teeth and put on deodorant before I walked out the door! (And hopefully the garage door is closed too...hmmmmm) Makes me wonder what the heck my 40s are gonna be like?!

With each year and with each stage in my life or experience I've encountered...I've changed. I've always been a cautious person; look both ways, check my mirrors, etc., but some things I've become less cautious about in life. Like what people think about me or speaking my mind or being more blogger-transparent. However, in some ways I've changed for the worse...like self-confidence. OK - this is not going to be a pity party, just a confession. Whenever you start something new and things aren't moving as quickly as you think they should...you start to think..."Hmmmmm, what's wrong with me?", "I must be doing something wrong.", "I thought I was more likeable." At least I do. Your confidence takes little hits here and there until pretty soon you realize you've got quite a lot of self-inflicted, Dana-sized, self-image dents.

That's where I am. I'm SO patient when shooting little bitty babies that won't sleep when those brand new parents want them to or with those adorable 2 year olds that have a hard time opening up because of their ingrained 'stranger-danger' phase...but I am so IMpatient when it comes to my own life! Good grief; I need to give myself a break!

So over the last week I really started to think about the word 'confidence'. What can I do to NOT let others, technology or situations intimidate me. After all, I'm really a pretty outgoing and funny person. Those who come in contact with me generally know in 5 minutes the true me - you can read it all over me in permanent marker so my mom says...AND that I like to laugh, joke, cut up...and yes, sometimes cry easily. So I think it all boils down to this stage in my life of starting a new business and being in a spot where I really haven't been before - unsure of myself as a professional and where exactly this road will take me. I know there are fellow photographers out there who know TONS more than me on the technology front, all the jargon and lingo, all of the connections and all about the best products and vendors. BUT, not all of them are me. I have alot to offer too - like a talent for seeing great images of people, families and kids and making them happen! I'm not successful 100% of the time, but I'm OK with that.

I saw a question this week on another blog: How much talent do you think has been wasted from a lack of confidence?

Dude! Good question! If it is something you feel you have the talent for; if it is something you really want to do; if it is something that makes you happy all the way down to your toes; if you feel it is your passion...why are you letting foolish ideas about yourself get in the way?!

One day my husband told me, ”I looked back at some of your images when you first got started and...blah, blah, blah...You’re a lot better now.”

Well, at first I was offended...you know, sometimes boys don’t express themselves well to hormonally induced, post-pardom, sleep-deprived mamas. So one day, in my secret place, accompanied by a large amount of chocolate and Dr Pepper to feed my sorrow...I discovered he was right! And it was a GOOD thing! It meant I had grown, learned and changed...for the better! I'm still learning every day. And when I make mistakes or don't quite get the picture I saw in my noggin...I give myself a break, chat up the mistake, try again and learn from it in the process. OK - maybe it's not that Dr. Phil-like for me ALL the time, and maybe I kick myself in the tukis a few times, but I know God gave me an eye for making people happy with my camera, and it's up to me to remember that God will bless me if I honor Him with my words and actions, trust Him with my business, give Him praise for the failures AND successes, and learn everything I can at this particular stage in my life...cause before you know it, this stage will be over and I'll be 40! CRUD...:)

So what's holding you back? I know what's held ME back...but tomorrow is another day!
And here's my beautiful Emma at her almost 4 year old, fighting the cheesy fake smile stage in life. We finally got past cheese and she gave me her best FIERCE...rawr!! Is she not the prettiest little girl you ever laid your peepers on?!

{ Q&A: Who do YOU read? }

So I kind of pride myself on being a 'Blog Stalker'...I know, I know, there's probably some Anon group for it, but I want no part of it! These are the people that inspire me, who I log on in the wee hours for or click on in between edits for a break...though they don't know it. Here's the who and the why...

Jasmine Star...I found her about a year ago, and I'm hooked! She is true, forthcoming, funny and an educator. She is what 'cool' wants to be and what 'hip' only dreams about. I know that whenever I read a post, I will laugh (at least once) outloud (probably spew something from my nasal cavity) and learn something about photography in the process.

Amy Wenzel and her husband, David Wenzel...When I read their blogs, my soul is uplifted. Their devotion, praise and honesty with and about Christ is where I want to be too. They are my daily slap in the face via God.

Zack Arias...His little video critique rants have literally made me cry-laugh - I still giggle about elbow boobies. If you haven't seen his critiques, I swear, you will laugh too. Plus, he makes me look at my images and go..."Hmmmmmm." (Then usually followed by..."CRUD!") :)

Crash Taylor...This is a site where photographers from literally all over the world post an image and tell you how they did it. OK, not that I'm going to take some rad and funky fashionista photo, but it's way cool to see what someone in Sweden is shooting! Right?

Jared Rey...This guy's on the local side, and I just love his style - funky, fresh and a little reminiscent. I also like the fact that he too shares his knowlegde with others...Not so we can copy, but so we can experiment! Love, love, love his Before & After segments...

Marie Q...On the really local side, I read her blog because I think her images are just pretty, soft and sweet. I'm sure I have just violated some form of ettiquette on complimenting the right-up-the-street competition, but it's already out there...so THERE! Plus, I don't like the word 'competition'...I prefer to think of it as healthy motivation! Who knows? Maybe one day we'll think of each other as professional friends...? :)

SO...Who do YOU read?

And here's one for the road...HAPPY SPRING Ya'll!

{ Where's Kate? }

Here's a little series from last Saturday's Session with the birthday girl... This is just one of the many reasons I love photographing kids ~ their unpredictability, their honesty and their ability to reflect pure joy at any moment! What a blessing it is for me to be able to share images like these with families. Even when I'm totally pooped at the end of a session from doing somersaults and crazy faces to get little ones to open up...
I LOVE WHAT I DO! :)
This is clearly one of my recent favorites! :)

{ Caitie's Secret Bridal Session...shhhhh! :) }

Ok...some brides do and some don't...want a preview that is... This one does; so here it is - BUT, if you know Jordan, you are sworn to secrecy for fear of a flogging from this photog! ;)

Caitie is so easy to work with, and I still love crusing through her engagement session for inspiration! The first image is my favorite and should be how I wish all brides to feel...and exactly how I felt on my wedding day...confident, pretty and laid back. It can be such an exciting, stressful and anxious time for everyone involved, but when it all comes right down to it; it's all little stuff, so don't sweat it! All that matters is the reason for which they will all gather in May...the celebration of two wonderful people and joy for their future together! Many Blessings to the future Mrs. Davis...:)

{ Happy Birthday Kate! }

Well, were a little late this year due to the birth of my own Miss Audrey...but better late than never, right?
It's been a long week of illness at the Perkins house this week...so I was WAY relieved to get out into the fresh air and sunshine for a sweet birthday niece! I still can't believe how grown up she looks; ahhhh, it seems like just yesterday Emma was naming you...Happy Birthday Baby Kate :)


~Blessings!~

{ Katie ~ Part II...And Senior Reps! }

Here are a few more of my beautiful cousin from her Senior Session! Final images coming soon...:)

AND...if you'd like to be a 2011 Senior Rep for your school...and get 50% off of your own Senior Session...email me for all the awesome details - tinstarphoto@yahoo.com!!! Rep spots are limited, so DON'T WAIT! :)

{ Katie ~ Senior '10 ~ South Garland HS }

I'm always usually a bit anxious before I shoot a session primarily b/c I am SUCH a perfectionist...but I was WAY nervous for this one! Your Senior pictures are so important to you as a young person as you want it to capture yourself like YOU see you...and of course, we ALL see ourselves as cool, hip, young, handsome or pretty. Right? :)

Well, this young lady is all of the above, and I'm not biased just because she's related; I think her pictures prove it!

I sure wish Senior pictures like this were around when I graduated in...ahemmm...we won't go there...:)

Katie - I wish you many blessings in the road and choices ahead, and I hope you are thrilled with your images so far...even the 'serious face'. You did great! (PS - and so did mom and dad!) Love to you all! D :)


~Blessings~

{ letting go }

I never expected that the past 8 weeks of maternity leave would teach me so much, but it all came together for me at a little 4yo’s birthday party at Chuck E Cheese…of all places!

If you haven’t been, you can count yourselves as one of the few (and maybe blessed) people to have never entered this childhood ‘paradise’. But Chuck E Cheese, even in all of its glory, can be slightly overwhelming, especially to the 3yo rookie. It is a virtual celebration of visual stimulation – the lights, the bells, the noises, the kids…and yes, the parents. Each adult trying to keep a visual reign on their kid ‘at all times’ is absolutely hysterical at times! You Chuck E veterans know what I'm talking about!

So when my Emma arrived at the party, I don’t think she really knew what to do with herself. After all, she had never experienced mayhem before. I could barely get her off of my leg. Even when she recognized her friends, it took much encouragement, prodding, hand-holding and bribery to get her to even sit at the table and eat! I began to feel anxious for her – I wanted her to have fun, but I knew I wouldn’t get her to let go if I didn’t make the adventure seem worthwhile. So I stayed with her. I kept telling her it would be OK; I kept telling her I didn’t want her to miss the fun; I even ate a piece of grody pizza to prove that she could do it - she could have fun. THEN…that life-sized darn mouse arrived, dancing around and acting well, pretty creepy...:) But, despite the mental 5-steps back damage that stinkin' rodent caused...once again, I encouraged. Eventually, she began to let herself go and not worry so much. Soon she was dancing up on the stage like a little super-freak with her friends. She opened up; she had fun; she played more and worried less.

That’s what I’ve learned in these 8 weeks – play more, worry less! Now, I’m not trying to use my blog to sound all preachy, but when you discover something and you feel led to share…you had better share it or as my aunt would say…”You just may be robbing someone of the blessing.” In this case, my sharing blesses me too as much as it may bless whoever reads my rantings...that’s why I’ve been sharing more.

There is a lot I could worry about this year. A baby who will be starting day care in 4 days…an almost 4yo who will start kindergarten before I know it…electrical and plumbing issues at home…hospital bills to be paid…and my business. AAAAHHHHH…the business. Beginning April 1 I will be going part-time at my ‘regular job’ in Dallas which will hopefully allow more options for me and my new venture. This is a huge step for me. I’m trying to learn how to market my fledgling business, I'm praying for business people and photography mentors who I can ask questions of, AND I'm trying to make sure I balance home and hobby. I’m praying a lot, crying a little (OK, maybe a lot) and trying my darndest to trust the Lord that I can help support my family with this talent because God cares about me and calls me His “Beloved”. I’m not sure how all of that will happen; I’m not sure of the exact game plan and sometimes I admit I feel unworthy...stepping out on faith when there are bills to pay is definitely not an easy thing for me to say or do. My dad recently told me, “If He gives you the talent He will give you the opportunity.” So at the moment I’m looking around like a hawk on the prowl for those opportunities…but most of all, I’m learning to let go.

Everyone starts off nervous and anxious, but after a bit, you settle in and enjoy the ride. Emma was scared in the beginning, just like I am at this moment, but by the end of the party she took hold of the reigns and yelled “Woo Hoooo”! Press Play :)

{ Mac - Part II }

I love the feeling B/W images convey...they remind me of looking through my Grandaddy's old photos from the 30s and 40s. I can look at them and just imagine the lives of the people in the image and what it must have been like to be...well, them! Sometimes they tell a story more than technicolor...:)
Here are some of my favorite B/W images from Mac's Newborn Session on Saturday...Enjoy!

{ Perfect }

There's this funny thing about Newborn Sessions...no matter what happens, no matter how anxious the new parents are, no matter the baby...newborns are always perfect!
Their scent, their skin, their features...they are just the most amazing and beautiful creations.

Mac at 17 days is already all boy and simply wonderful...and he couldn't have asked for a better family! And as the first session since my own newborn...what a wonderful way for me to start off 2010 sessions.
It was, in a word...Perfect!

~Blessings!~

{ Band Aids & Bruises }

This post started out as a plug for how great canvases are since some clients had asked AND yes, it seems like quite an investment, so you want to make sure that you like what you get. Well, it IS a kudos for canvases, but this post also became a reflection on this image…

Penny was my husband's dog all throughout college at Texas A&M where we met and fell in love...but I probably dated him as much for his dog as his humor and good looks...:) I loved this little four-legged creature! If you knew her, she was absolutely unique! She was a pistol of personality and stubbornness...and I probably shouldn't mention that she loved chicken wings. But there is NO doubt that the thing that defined Penny the most was her bark...not really a bark, but a trill. It was the most unique thing I have ever heard, and I still can't describe it, but I can certainly still hear it. It was her voice and she used it the most when she was overcome with joy and excitement...and doggedness.

Then...Jeremy and I got married and we all joked that if the church would allow it, she would walk us down the aisle! Although the church was not so lucky as to get that opportunity, we DID move to Dallas where we both continued to work in veterinary medicine until life took Jeremy into research and me into motherhood.

With all of the joys that come with parenthood, Penny was a part of that joy - she was thrilled with Emma! Penny spent many sleepless nights with us as we paced the floor, and gave Emma spit baths when we weren’t looking…:) When Em began to crawl and walk, Penny was the ultimate in patience; she never put up a fight. Where some pets struggle with change and develop into behavioral nightmares, Penny loved her new role. Emma could pull her hair, squeeze her neck and lay on her like a hairy body pillow. She was our four-legged little mama.

So when we found out she had diabetes, we didn’t hesitate in treating her. She endured many pokes and proddings, injections and test, but she hung in there for over a year. Then cancer came… She was so stoic and took everything in stride. Over the next several weeks, we knew we would have to make a decision, but as long as she was comfortable for the moment, the decision seemed down the road instead of around the corner.

Then, on Sunday, July 5, 2008 I told Jeremy that instead of church that day, we were going on a play date. It was something I had been meaning to do, but just had never made the time…one of those ”I’ll do that next week.” kind of thing…ya know. So we all got dressed and took Penny and Emma to one of my favorite little spots in Downtown Waxahachie and as always, my camera came too. I didn’t know at the time how much it would mean to me, but looking back, it was one of my life’s top 10 moments. We all spent about 2 hours talking, playing and snapping magical photos.

Penny spent most of that afternoon in restless sleep and trying to get comfortable; that night wasn’t much better. By the time we got home Monday afternoon, she was struggling to walk and had no interest in food…which for Penny, was definitely a sign. After a long talk with a dear veterinarian and friend, we made the decision to say goodbye that night to our wonderful Penny. We were all heartbroken…even our extended family was devastated – she was after all, a member of our family.

I spent the next couple of days editing images from our last little play session together, and upon careful glance, I noticed all of the little scratches, bumps and bruises on Miss Emma. She was in the “I fall down for any and everything” phase, and I probably wouldn’t have held a session if I had been in my ‘right normal mind’. I would have waited for them to heal. Then I noticed something else…the Band Aids. Em was also going through a Band Aid phase. Even if there wasn’t a boo-boo, she had to wear Band Aids. It was just part of her accessorizing I guess. Sometimes 2, sometimes 20, but there was always a Band Aid on her somewhere! I thought about editing them out, and then I decided against it. The Band Aids were part of those little things that made the images so special to me and remembering them both, Penny and Emma, like they were on THAT day – unedited.

I didn’t know that we would be putting Penny to sleep the very next day, but if I had waited on Band Aids and bruises to mend, I would have missed the magic. So that’s how I want to live my life now, not caring about the little scratches and bumps…not waiting to lose that 10 extra pounds…not postponing something until my hair looks just right – all of those little imperfections are the stuff life is made of! And if we were all perfect, there would certainly be no need for Jesus and His salvation!

So – don’t wait, take out your camera, today, tomorrow…or have a session with me, with those you love…and snap away! Don’t spend life regretting that you missed the magic because of some little Band Aids!

And in case you’re wondering – you can see a wonderful PHOTOSHOW from Penny & Emma’s session by clicking HERE

The canvas (below) was thoughtfully chosen by me and Em for Father’s Day 2009…and it’s an investment we haven’t regretted anything about…ever! :)

{ Deals (The photo kind...) & Duds (The clothing kind...) }

Seems a little chilly out to be talking about Spring Sessions...especially with all of the snow we had last week! BUT...session times are booking quickly, and you don't want to miss out on these fab deals...
Here we gooooo.....

~ SENIORS ~
Contact me by March 1 to schedule your Senior Session and you automatically enter your name into my grad hat drawing for a $75 credit toward a print purchase - this is in addition to the prints you already get with your Senior Session! For just $125 your get up to 2hrs, lots of scenes and duds (clothing changes), AND PRINTS! Add just $15 for a proof CD of images from your awesome session too! SWEET!

~ OLD TIMERS ~
Had a prior session w/me? If you are a past or current client of Tin Star Photography and would like to give a shout out about your experience...Go to Google; be one of the first 10 to write a review for Tin Star Photography; AND get an additional 5x7 with any package for your upcoming 2010 session!
OR - you can write your review on Tin Star's Facebook Page too!

~ FANS ~
If you are a fan of Tin Star Photography on Facebook...suggest to your friends that they become fans too! For every 50 fans there will be a lil' ol' contest for a complimentary Waxahachie session! Can't beat that, right? The next contest will begin at 200 fans...!

MORE DEALS COMING SOON....:)

{ Spring 2010 Sessions! }

If you're a Facebook Fan or are on my Preferred 2010 list...you know that Spring Sessions are already being booked! So here's the 411 for EVERYONE!
Don't miss out on great family images to treasure forever because take it from me...time doesn't stand still until we 'get around to taking pictures'...:)!
Email me ASAP to grab a slot, cause the sessions are filling quickly!
I hope to see you soon...behind my lens!
Aren't these kiddos ADORABLE!:)

tinstarphoto@yahoo.com

{ little gold stars }

So once a month I am going to give a little gold star posting to give a thumbs up (or down for that matter) to a product...vendor...food (cause I'm ALL about tasty treats for the tum tum!)...or whatever is on my mind that day! It gives you the opportunity for great recommendations...or the chance to talk back. And the chance for me to give back a little something and give others business when they been so kind as to give a little to lil' ol me!

So the first round is b/c my wonderful, thoughtful and awesome valentine uses this vendor to send me flowers more times a year than I deserve...and I L.O.V.E. them! If your mate is in the market for a way to send flowers that's fast, easy and pretty light on the wallet...look no further, and forward this posting...cause here it is!
Your sweet little buds arrive from ProFlowers in this great 'long-stemmed' box reminiscent of days of old...right to your doorstep the very next day (Even on SNOW DAYS! Mine arrived on Thursday in the middle of our snow-nami!)...freshly cut w/in 24 hours...with a vase of your choice...a sweet sentiment from the sender. With a few snips and some sugar water...voila...you have this awesomely scrumptulicious boquet!
I love you my J-lentine!

They are GREAT for Mother's Day too! Hint...hint...wink...wink...:)