Let's RODEO Las Vegas!

The National Final Rodeo was definitely the highlight of my trip.  I have been wanting to go as far back as I can remember.  It is the ultimate of all rodeo experiences.  I had a blast watching AND taking pictures.  The picture taking was a little interesting from the second level.  The flash or course doesn't help in that situation so I definitely had to experiment with my settings.  The results aren't professional quality, but nevertheless a way to document a fantastic experience.  

                                                                THE END!!!

Viva Las Vegas!

Our recent trip to "Sin City" was more than fabulous!  It is definitely a place I travel back to although I originally thought it would be a "one time" destination for me.  I have to admit, I was mesmarized by the lights and sheer energy that surrounded me.  This small town girl was definitely amazed.  Although Cody and I aren't big gamblers, we do enjoy having a few drinks and a good time.  The simple fact that we were surrounded by some of our best friends made it even more enjoyable!

Taking "vacation" pictures still proves to be a challenge for me...especially when traveling with Cody Wood.  I always feel like people are waiting on me when snapping photos and that makes me go into an ever so slight panic mode.  Also combined with the fact that we try to see EVERYTHING during the short duration of our stay.  Sometimes I wish I had time to step back and get a little more creative, but that just never happens.  On the contrary, I am on vacation to have fun and take in all the sights and sounds...without having to look through the lens of a camera.  With that said, these were some of my favorite pictures in which I felt captured the mood of Vegas.  Stay tuned for my next which will be dedicated solely to the National Finals Rodeo!

Happy Hallie-ween!

Yes I a fully aware that I am a bit late on this post, but again life seems to get in the way and somehow my Halloween pictures aren't posted until Thanksgiving.  This year for Halloween, Hallie went as a sheep and what and adorable "Lambie-Pie" she was.  Bless her heart, she was so tired by the end of the evening, she just kept shuffling her little feet.  Not so sure we got the whole trick or treat thing yet, but she sure was amazed at all that went with it...literally speechless due to all the activity surrounding us.  Overall, we had fun and have a bucket full of candy that could literally last us until next Halloween!

 

Hallie B. '"Two" Pictures...Take One...

I have been dying to take a few "portraits" of Hallie since she turned two about a month ago.  Unfortunately life in general has not allowed even a chance for me to do so.  Finally this week Cody was out of town for work so one evening Hallie and I scarfed down our frozen pizza just in time to slip outside for some magical light just before the sun set.  The problem with taking your own two year olds pictures is the fact that it generally just doesn't work out.  I would place Hallie where I wanted her, run back, camera in tow (which is not super easy dodging desert plants with thorns and trying not to ruin my new huge, expensive lens) just to spin around and find her heading towards me.  I'm going to have to give a big "shout out" to Aunt "Tace" whom I recruited last minute to contain the little jewel.  The pictures I did manage to get are not perfectly posed, nor is she always looking at the camera.  But I would say they are a good representation of the "two's"...always busy and doing precisely what she wants all while not listening.  Therefore, I think I have managed to document a special time in Hallie's life.  Stay tuned for more pictures in the next few weeks...I think I am going to have to try in take these in phases...

Welcome Parker Marie!

Last weekend, we and I made a fast and furious trip to North Texas to meet my precious little niece Parker Marie.  My first reaction was a mix of emotions...pure excitement for my sister and her husband...what an amazing addition to our family!  However, I was also struck with a bit of sadness...it seems like just yesterday that my own Hallie was once a newborn.  It is easy to get wrapped up in the responsibility of tending to an infants every need that we sometimes forget to take time to remember all the little details.

So of course I took my camera and of course I could not resist taking a few pictures of the sleeping beauty.  Because I am no flash photographer, natural light was my only option.  Fortunately Parker's house has a nice large picture window and the overcast conditions outside gave us some nice soft light. For my first attempt at shooting a newborn, I was fairly pleased with the results.

I can't wait to watch this little Jewel grow and change.  You know this proud Aunt will be right there to capture all I can with my camera.  Congratulations Meghan and Taylor!

Whitley Jean - 2 years

This little doll is becoming quite the regular on my blog.  She is so cooperative and pleasant.  A perfect little model...  I have enjoyed watching her grow over the past 2 years and feel fortunate that I have played a part in documenting those years in photographs.

More of Meghan's Bump

My how time flies and it has been well over a week since I posted Meghan's last maternity pictures...I intended on posting more in a couple of days...  What can I say, my home life consists mainly of diapers, mounds of laundry and a never ending dirty kitchen.  Trying to add any photography in the mix has proved to be quite a challenge.

I love these pictures we did with Meghan in the Mexican dress.  First I just love Mexican dresses more than life itself and secondly it just adds so much color and interest.  How festive!  Ole!