Wild Child

She was wild: feral, fierce, raging, and untamed.

She belonged to the Earth and sky, to fire and to the ocean and things like all wild things, she could not be caged, so she broke the chains and picked the lock until her fingers bled. The door broke open, and she flew away forever free.

  - Beth Belleisle

The Cotton Mill Sessions

The McKinney Cotton Mill location is back by popular demand, October 7. Book a full session by this Sunday, September 22, and receive a FREE layflat album! Or split a session with a friend, then head next door to TUPPS Brewery for a full day of family friendly fun. Photography should be fun - let's own this holiday season!

Full sessions $650

Half sessions $350

The Power of a Smile

The power of a gun can kill
And the power of fire can burn
The power of wind can chill
And the power of the mind can learn
The power of anger can rage inside
Until it tears you apart
But the power of a smile,
Especially yours, can heal a frozen Heart

     -2Pac

Summer Squad Goals

Parenting advice. Love it or hate it, we simply cannot escape it. If you can filter through the constant influx, there are quite a few gems to mine. Our most recent excavation was from our super awesome, pseudo brother-in-law. He's a long haired, flip-flops in the winter kind of dude, who would never purposely give unsolicited parenting advice. Rather, the guidance came more in the form of a well placed, fireside story that stuck with us like the perfect s'more. In short, his clan of three were at each other's throats, so in turn, he implemented a squad-style summer. No summer camps, no sleep overs, just family time. The thought process was this: if siblings can't see eye to eye, they need to spend more time together.

And it worked. His kids are in their late teens and early 20's now. They still spend family summers together and genuinely enjoy each other's company. It's like watching a herd of unicorns - straight up magical.

It's working here, too. Instead of my usual approach - which included coordinating STEM camps, Pinterest boards full of crafts, and master planning "me" time - we're purposely slowing down. I'm learning to be okay with my kids staying in their pj's and making themselves cereal for breakfast. Instead of feeling stressed, annoyed, or unaccomplished, we're feeling connected. That connection has some pretty wonderful side effects, too. Think less fighting, more cooperation. From this experience, I've learned that kids are hardwired to be helpful and empathetic. Given the space to experience these emotions and the time to process them fully, my kids are fulfilling squad goals I never knew we had. 

However you spend your summer, whatever works for your unique crew, our squad wishes your squad the time of your lives. It's your life, live it with your style!

XOXO

The Apple 5

Senior style

Senior shoots can be a bit challenging at times, especially with the guys. Not the case at this session. Like was as confident as he is photogenic. He was a dream client! 

Mad About Marcy

“There is a place. Like no place on Earth. A land full of wonder, mystery, and danger! Some say to survive it: You need to be as mad as a hatter. 
Which luckily I am.”

— The Mad Hatter

Truer words were never spoken, especially when it comes to photographing fabulous parties. Marcy's 50th birthday party was certainly no exception. Wonderful people, with larger-than-life personalities and plenty of libations makes for a photographer's dream job. But, where is the danger you ask? In not wanting to leave!

Marcy's hosts poured their hearts into showering their friend with love and attention for her milestone birthday. The best part of the evening for me, was watching them enjoy their hard work, knowing the party would be well documented. Because, the best gift of all is to have your cake and eat it, too. Enjoy your next party and let us capture the moments for you with professional event photography.

The Cool Kids

The dirt and grime of an urban city scape didn't deter this family from enjoying every minute of their shoot. We visited this uber cool mom's old stomping grounds and laughed about the life changes since "our days" in Deep Ellum. The take-away? Just because we're parents, doesn't mean we've lost our individuality, our style, or our swagger. This editorial style shoot will be displayed as a 12X12 coffee table book with rigid, layflat pages. Very fashion forward and fitting for this family. 

Are you the non-traditional type? Would love to have a shoot tailored to your personal style? If you answered 'yes,' click the button below and let's plan the perfect shot for your one-of-a-kind family!

An Evening With Heroes

My family and I had the distinct pleasure of spending the afternoon celebrating the launch of The Warrior's Keep at Tupps Brewery in McKinney. They The Warrior's Keep is a place of healing, support, and strength for Veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and service related injuries. Helping transition our brave service men and women back into civilian life is a cause we can be proud to support - and despite the rainy weather, supporters came out in droves. We enjoyed great food from The Smoke Stack BBQ, live music, art, and plenty of craft beer. As a USAF veteran, I urge you to follow The Warrior's Keep and the important work they're doing right here in our community.

Be in the moment

How many times have you missed out on your own party, because you're behind the lens of a camera, or the screen of a phone, trying to capture moments?

The irony isn't lost on you. Or us. 

You're the host with the most, so be free to entertain your guests and bask in the glory of your adoring party-goers by hiring us to capture the memories, so you can be in the moment. That's right, we also photograph events. Which is perfect, because we love a good party as much as you do, but we prefer to operate in the background. From mirrorless cameras that produce crystal clear images in low light with no distracting flashes, to telephoto lenses that can snap special moments without being intrusive, we're equipt and ready for your next soiree. 

Like father, like son

There are few moments sweeter to witness than the relationship between a great dad and their kids. Ladies, can I get an amen?!

Game Night

Sibling pictures are always a great gift for parents ... even when you're grown ups. But, how do you pull it off without making grown men uncomfortable? With a little competition of course. Enter game night. We set up a friendly game of poker, made sure the adult beverages were flowing, and snapped away for a relaxed sibling lifestyle session.

Stress Free Holiday

For small business owners, with a busy baseball schedule, finding time for holiday cards wasn't easy. This easy going couple let me take them to the place where they spend the majority of their free time - the ball fields! We played, ran, laughed ... and ran some more. Not only did we run off some energy, we were able to capture some genuine moments, without bribes or struggling through wiggly moments. We were also able to quickly create a digital holiday card for this hard working mom to send out to their friends and family, with plenty of time to spare.  Supermom?  You bet she is. 

Coming of age

You know those people you see from across the room and instantly want to be their friend? This girl epitomizes that notion. She's only 21 and has already lived a lifetime - you can literally feel her energy reverberating through you. She's fearless, outspoken, full of heart, and cares deeply for those around her. I'm so proud to call her my niece - happy 21st birthday Georgia Sky!

Time flies

It seems like just yesterday we were capturing this sweet baby girl's entrance into the world. Now, we're back again for her first birthday ... already?! Julia is just the sweetest, even tempered little girl. But, there's a spark in her eye ... let the wild rumpus start!

Sister Act

These sisters put heart into everything they do. From early mornings, to late nights - they practice their respective sports with passion and drive. As a photographer, I am in awe of the talent and grace these girls posses. As a family friend, I am honored to watch them grow into beautiful women.