2012 | Her Side Project

Archive for the ‘2012’ Category

Hello 2013

Posted in 2012, Absurdly Adorable, Baby, Bride, Businesses You Should Know About, Clientele, Documented Events, Events, Family, Headshots, Her Side Project, Holiday, iPhone Photography, Katie Was Here, Kids, Personal, Professional, Scenery, Vacation, Wedding, tagged 2012, 2013, anecdotal, Austin, AWC Austin, Baby, beaver creek, Boot Whisperer, Bride, canon 5D mark III, Charleston, christmas, CO, couples, DC, Facebook, Family, friends, half marathon, Her Side Project, holiday, home, Instagram, Jamaica, kids, LIVESTRONG, nature, Negril, outdoors, Photography, photos, portraits, recap, relationship, running, SC, Texas, travel, Vacation, Washington, Wedding on January 3, 2013 | Leave a Comment »

2012 was a year of change and growth. As with every New Year, there’s something reassuring about starting anew. I’m entering 2013 feeling optimistic, calm, and forward-thinking. I can’t wait to see what this year holds! Who knows what kind of recap post I will be writing one year from now!

As always, I am thankful for your readership, your business, and your friendship. Her Side Project would not be what it is today without you.

This year:
I made new friendships (both inside and outside the office), finally set the Her Side Project Facebook Page live, started wearing new specs more often, upgraded my camera equipment to the Canon 5D Mark III (big personal/professional achievement!), celebrated the marriage of five different wonderful couples!, started running and training for my first half marathon on behalf of an extremely important person, celebrated one year with that certain special someone, attended several live music shows (noteworthy: Florence & The Machine and Joe Pug), joined and became quite active with an amazing organization (AWC Austin), cheered on the Texas Longhorns (Hook ‘Em!), attended another fab year of SXSW, met the famed Boot Whisperer!, supported my best friend as she became a mother, traveled extensively… and so much more.

Wishing you a bright year full of new beginnings.

All my love,
Katie

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Here are the highlights:

A sweet redheaded baby boy:

Met one of my favorite bloggers at SXSW ’12: cupcakes and cashmere.

Visited beautiful Washington, DC, Beaver Creek, CO, Charleston, SC, and NYC.

A windy Spring day.

Met a little girl with a flower in her hair.

Old family & friends in the beautiful Texas Hill Country!

Birthday twins.

“Got Smart.”

Hung out with some super fierce crime fighters.

Photographed my dear cousin’s picture-perfect family.

Celebrated some rockin’ birthday parties.

Pretty in pink portraits.

Nuptials in Jamaica, mon.

Posed with the sister: graduate edition.

Brotherly love.

Christmas: A family affair

2011 recap.

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Bask in the Glow

Posted in 2012, Clientele, Current Events, Documented Events, Events, Family, Food Photography, Kids, tagged Birthday, bowling, cupcakes, fun, glow in the dark, kids, party, Union Underground, University of Texas at Austin, UT on December 27, 2012 | 1 Comment »

Happy, happy 5th birthday to one of the coolest kids around: Liam!

Liam and his parents threw an unforgettable glow bowl part-ay at the Union Underground. From bowling ball cupcakes, to glow stick necklaces, to mini bowling alley decorations on the table — Jennifer had every detail down to a T. The kids seemed to enjoy every minute – and so did the parents!

The room was evenly divided between bowlers and air hockey fanatics. A good time was had by all!

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Again – happy birthday, Liam. Hope it was the best one yet and there are many more wonderful ones to come!

Now, go forth and be as pumped about today as this kid is about bowling:

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Christmas: A Family Affair

Posted in 2012, Absurdly Adorable, Baby, Clientele, Current Work, Family, Holiday, Kids, tagged Baby, boxes, cheer, christmas, cousins, Family, holiday, kids, lights, newborn, photos, wrapping on December 24, 2012 | Leave a Comment »

What makes a successful family photo shoot?

Perfect weather
An overcast day, with occasional sunshine rays peeking through
Happy family members
A newborn baby girl
A butterfly landing on someone’s shoulder (that’s good luck!)
Christmas lights and decor

Oh how I love the holidays. It is such a bright time of year, and a chance for loved ones to come together from near and far. You may recognize members from this sweet family as I’ve photographed them before. However, you should also spot a new face in the crowd! This family was blessed with a precious baby girl last month. What a wonderful early Christmas present!

With two sets of parents, three cousins, holiday cheer decor and candy canes galore – I’d say we had a pretty successful session!

Wishing you a Merry little Christmas,
Katie

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Mountain Sound {Editing Soundtrack}

Posted in 2012, Editing Soundtrack, Music, Personal, tagged female vocalist, folk, Guitar, instrumental, love, male vocalist, Mountain Sound, Music, music video, Of Monsters and Men, singer, Song, songwriter, Video, vocals on December 20, 2012 | Leave a Comment »

I am just really, really into this song right now.

Of Monsters and Men {Mountain Sound}

It just warms my heart right up. Happy happy!

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The Importance of Tradition

Posted in 2012, Absurdly Adorable, Family, Kids, tagged brothers, cards, christmas, Family, holiday, photos, University of Texas, UT on December 17, 2012 | Leave a Comment »

There are many things I positively love about the holiday season. Between Thanksgiving and the New Year, there are so many fun things to do and people to see. I did some thinking, and I managed to narrow it down to one thing that makes this time of year so very special to me: Tradition.

From setting out Christmas decorations, to making/decorating cookies, sipping on seasonal beverages, shopping for loved ones, carefully wrapping gifts, parties, cold(er) weather and holiday tunes – there is so much to look forward to and occupy our time! What are your favorite traditions? I’d love to hear!

Another favorite for many families is taking photos, ordering holiday cards and distributing them to family and friends. I’m so pleased to be part of this process, helping create memories for others (and myself)!

When I met Laura, I quickly discovered she likes tradition too! She and her husband are Texas Longhorn fans who bleed orange, and so – for the second holiday season in a row – we’ve met on UT campus to document her two sweet sons.

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At the end of the session, little man decided he was going to drive the gang home. Too cute! (no worries folks, the car wasn’t on)

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I hope everyone is having a very merry holiday season!

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Facebook Official (FBO)

Posted in 2012, Baby, Businesses You Should Know About, Engagement, Events, Family, Food Photography, Her Side Project, Kids, Maternity, Personal, Professional, Vacation, Wedding, tagged Austin, babies, Baby, cards, couples, engaged, engagement, event, Facebook, Family, Her Side Project, holiday, kids, lifestyle, maternity, memories, photos, Portrait, Texas on December 12, 2012 | Leave a Comment »

They say nothing is official unless it’s on Facebook. Well, believe what you’d like, but please consider liking the brand spankin’ new page for Her Side Project!

Yours in photos, memories and perfect light,
Katie

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Pretty in Pink

Posted in 2012, Businesses You Should Know About, Clientele, Current Work, Headshots, Professional, tagged AppaInk, Association for Women in Communications, Austin, AWC, Copywriting, Domain, entrepreneur, headshot, pink, Portrait, shopping, sophisticated, writer on December 12, 2012 | 1 Comment »

When I joined the Association for Women in Communications (AWC), I knew it was a reputable group. However, it wasn’t until I became the monthly Member Spotlight writer that I had a chance to get to know many of the incredible women who drive this organization. One of them is Lauren Appa.

I interviewed Lauren, founder of AppaInk Copywriting, for the October spotlight (you can read the interview here) and was instantly struck by her sophistication and entrepreneurial spirit. When Lauren mentioned needed professional headshots to spruce up her website, we quickly made arrangements for a photo session at The Domain.

The results are stunning! Lauren, you are so beautiful inside and out. Pink is definitely your color.

Lauren was too sweet and sent me the nicest email after viewing her photos.

“I’m usually not one for having my picture taken, but I really needed a professional headshot. Katie made me feel at ease, helping us get great photos. Her technical and artistic skill combined with her fun, easygoing style makes her an ideal photographer – even for the ‘camera shy.’ I highly recommend Katie.”

Thank you, Lauren! I hope you enjoy your photos for years to come (and they bring you some new business!) hsp_lappa5

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ConGRADulations, Graduate!

Posted in 2012, Current Events, Documented Events, Events, Family, Katie Was Here, Personal, Professional, tagged college, education, electrical engineering, Family, graduation, masters degree, milestone, professional, proud, school, sister, University of Texas at Dallas, UTD on December 11, 2012 | 5 Comments »

I can’t recall why, but when Laura (my little sister/partner-in-crime/lifelong friend) graduated from high school in 2007, I missed it.

I was in college, so perhaps I was in the middle of final exams? Or traveling? Or sick? For whatever reason, I wasn’t there… and I swore I’d make it up to her four years later.

Fast forward to her undergraduate ceremony in 2011 when I came down with mononucleosis. MONO! As an adult! It was terribly odd, and I once again – I missed the graduation festivities. Not cool.

Fast forward to present day, December 2012. Laura has completed her Masters degree in Electrical Engineering! I couldn’t be prouder! On Monday night, the week of graduation, I developed a sore throat. Chalking it up to allergies, I ignored it. However, by Tuesday morning I knew something was wrong. Several packets of Emergen-c, countless cups of scalding tea and trip to the doctor all confirmed: I had a viral infection. G-r-e-a-t.

By Thursday evening, my fever had been broken for 24 hours and while I felt bad, I was clear to spend time around people. So, not to miss my THIRD opportunity to be by my smart sista’s side, I hopped in the car with my folks and made a day trip to Dallas.

I’m so glad I was there! I found myself holding back the tears as my sweet little baby sister marched to Pomp & Circumstance, attentively listened to the speaker, and crossed the stage (where the Dean of Students actually hugged her!) — all with pure joy written across her face.

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I don’t know this kid, but he’s awesome and pretty much epitomizes graduation. Lgrad_hsp3

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While this intelligent chica may pursue her PHD in the future (she’s qualified!), I’m glad I didn’t take any chances on missing this graduation. Can you imagine missing all three? That would be the worst.

Congrats to one of the coolest grads around.

Yours in hot beverages & soup,
Katie

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Baby’s First Christmas

Posted in 2012, Absurdly Adorable, Baby, Clientele, Family, Holiday, tagged Austin, Baby, Family, first Christmas, holiday, ornament, photos, Portrait on December 5, 2012 | 1 Comment »

“Are you talking about me?”

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There are few things sweeter than a baby’s first Christmas. As the holiday season quickly approached, I met Camdyn, the adorable little lady you see above, and her fabulous parents at a local park. We took six month portraits of Camdyn, as well as family photos for their holiday card!

I couldn’t – and still can’t – get enough of her big, beautiful eyes, fun expressions, and sweet demeanor.

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TOO CUTE!
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As dear friends of my Dad’s, I knew about sweet Cam before she was born. Her arrival was highly anticipated! Now that she’s here, we just can’t get enough of her sweet face, soft hair (seriously, softest hair ever) and fantastic personality. camdyn_hsp5