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Looks, charm, wit, smarts? This girl’s got ‘em all, and now she can add professional head shots to the list. :)

A stunning beauty – those curls! – Cameron can make your sides hurt from laughing so hard (although she’d never brag about herself like I am doing right now).

We had the most magnificent time taking her head shots. I’m going to let you in on a little secret: when it’s misty and humid outside, that’s usually a recipe for a photo shoot disaster (curly haired girls, ya feel me?). But, check it! The weather couldn’t even phase Cameron’s beauty!

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Cameron McCall is a Brooklyn-based writer, performer and producer. With her sketch team Secrets Club, she has co-starred in original shows at UCB Theater and the People’s Improv Theater. As an improvisor, she has shared stages with former and current members of SNL and The Daily Show. Laughter, tacos and yoga are her lifeblood.

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GREAT times were had by all at the Austin Specialty Beer Festival. Thank you to Julie at the Boys and Girls Club of the Austin Area for inviting me to capture the fun at Fiesta Gardens.

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For the rest of the gallery, click here.

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I usually reserve this blog to talk about my photography, but today I’m writing about something different. It’s a very important topic that’s especially close to my heart.

My friend Kate has stage four melanoma. She’s 26 years old. Over the last four years, it has spread to various parts of her body; including her heart, liver, back, hip, sacrum, adrenal glands, and – most recently – her brain. Cancer in her sacrum has resulted in a fracture of the bone, forcing her to avoid any high-impact activities, including her absolute passion: running. Kate finds her inability to run the most challenging part of her cancer fight yet.

In September, my friend Steph and I discussed getting a small team together to run the LIVESTRONG half marathon on behalf of Kate. If she can’t run this one, we wanted to run it for her. At the time, we thought Kate’s closest friends and relatives would join us. Little did we know, Team Kate was about to turn into something much bigger than we could have ever anticipated.

To date, we have over 100 registered runners and have raised over TWENTY FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($25,000!!!) for LIVESTRONG. It makes me choke up to think about what this means for cancer patients and caregivers nationwide. Chills.

Let me tell you something about Kate: she is a fighter. My relationship with Kate is so important to me. She is truly one of the most genuine, selfless people I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. I would do anything to help her, or provide some relief for this situation. And that’s exactly what I’m trying to do by participating in this half marathon on February 17th.

For a powerful piece about Kate, her fight, and Team Kate’s efforts (including photos from our recent runners brunch), read what fellow runner Sean Maguire had to say on his blog.

We are running as Team Kate to show our support for an incredible woman, cancer fighter, and friend. I appreciate everyone’s support of our team as we make a difference in the battle against cancer, and lift up Kate. So, if you can, I ask that you donate: $5, $10, $100 … every little bit helps. It would mean the world to me and all members of Team Kate. Thank you.

Love,
Katie

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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:

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 Met one of my favorite bloggers at SXSW ’12: cupcakes and cashmere.SXSW2012_2

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

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A windy Spring day.
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Met a little girl with a flower in her hair.

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Old family & friends in the beautiful Texas Hill Country!

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Birthday twins.

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“Got Smart.”

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Hung out with some super fierce crime fighters.

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Photographed my dear cousin’s picture-perfect family.

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Celebrated some rockin’ birthday parties.

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Pretty in pink portraits.

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Nuptials in Jamaica, mon.

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Posed with the sister: graduate edition.

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Brotherly love.
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Christmas: A family affair

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2011 recap.

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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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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.
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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.
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The results are stunning! Lauren, you are so beautiful inside and out. Pink is definitely your color.
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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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Today I’d like to share some of my favorite photos from this year. I took them on a glorious vacation to Negril, Jamaica for the wedding of my beautiful friends, Ashley and Jack.

The weekend was absolutely perfect. Over 100 family and friends traveled from the U.S., so there were always familiar faces ready to share a meal, lay on the beach, dance late into the night and go explore activities on the island (catamaran, snorkeling, long walks on the beach, etc).

The ocean was incredibly breathtaking. I arrived on Thursday night, and while I could hear the ocean, it was pitch-black and I couldn’t see a thing. Imagine my shock and awe the following morning as I took in the beautiful blue ocean before me. The part that amazed me most was how close we were to the sand/water. It was merely a few steps off the sidewalk on the resort and you were in the sand and surf.

Day-to-day, I had my trusty iPhone by my side to capture the fun and my surroundings. So relaxing and fun!

I brought out my “big camera” out for the extra special moments: the wedding and reception. It was a gorgeous ceremony as the sun began to set on the ocean.

Here comes the bride!

As a small plane flew over the island, there was a quick break in the ceremony (pretty, but noisy!).

When it came time for the exchanging of the rings, there was a little problem. :) Brooke (MOH) accidentally forgot the rings in the hotel room, and had to run to get them! Haha love you, Brooke.

After the ceremony, I took many romantic couple photos for wedding guests. It was so much fun!

Best father/daughter dance ever!

Congratulations again, Ashley & Jack! I hope married life is wonderful! Miss you guys.

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Confession time: I have a personal motto.

“In order to be successful, you must first surround yourself with successful people.”

A wise person shared it with me a long time ago. Ever since, it’s served me well — in college, in my career, in my relationships with others and more.

During Get Smart , the phrase echoed in my mind over and over again. As I documented the day’s activities, I couldn’t help but marvel at the incredibly talented individuals all around me. First of all, these people took time out of their busy schedules to teach others, to learn from each other, to help one another… all special sacrifices I admire very much. Secondly, these seasoned professionals get it. They believe in taking risks, hard work and staying sharp. The Austin community (especially the professionals in this town) never fails to astound me.

The panelists were insightful and attendees were attentive note-takers (whether it be by pen & paper, laptop, cell phone, iPad… you name it and I saw it!). Since the lovely ladies of AWC Austin hosted the event, the rooms were full of mostly women. However, a few nice gentleman came and contributed to the sessions in the form of presentation or audience participation.

Staying sharp is oh-so-important for everyone! Careers aside, the bottom line is it’s crucial for personal growth and development. These folks understand the significance, and are definitely doing their part to contribute to the community’s success – individually and as a whole. Did I mention they’re also good looking and know how to have a good time? The proof is in the pictures!

Sad you missed out? Never fear, Get Smart will happen again next year. Be sure to register when the time comes!

Cheers to a successful event Julie & Cristen!

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As a communications professional, I’m always looking for ways to keep my strategic approach fresh and stay up-to-date on all the tools at my disposal. That’s one of many reasons why I think AWC Austin’s annual event, Get Smart, is awesome. Show up ready to learn from the best and brightest; leave with new skills and info to use in your daily life. Check and check.

The speakers at this year’s event are spectacular. Here’s a quick rundown of who will be there, and what you can look forward to:

Last week, I attended a great reception at Carmelo’s for the Get Smart speakers and organizers. Here’s a preview of the wonderful people who will be in attendance on September 21st, many of whom are your esteemed speakers.

We can all benefit from learning something new, and Get Smart is a great place to do just that. Final registration ends tomorrow, so don’t delay!

I’ll be photographing the event and sincerely hope to see you there! Special thanks to co-chairs Cristen James and Julie Lara for including me in this fabulous event!

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I’m of the strong opinion that every Texan should own a pair of cowboy boots. So, when I found out my Texas born and raised handsome man didn’t own any, I immediately knew what he was getting for his birthday (which is also my birthday too!, but more on that later).

There are many places to shop for a great pair of boots, but I wanted to make sure I wasn’t missing something special in the Texas boot scene. After some research and speaking to my friend Anne, I learned about the famed Boot Whisperer in Wimberley, Texas. Anne said she was known for picking out the perfect pair of boots for each customer upon meeting them, sort of like Ollivander’s in Harry Potter. I was instantly intrigued and called the B.W. ASAP.

We connected immediately on the phone. She was very friendly and proceeded to pencil us in for a Saturday appointment. This was a birthday surprise, so as we got closer and closer to the big day, I could hardly contain my excitement.

Finally, over the weekend, we had our fateful meeting with the Boot Whisperer. It was such a fun, unique experience. We were the only customers in the store and the Boot Whisperer, Ulli, could not have been more friendly or helpful in our search. Upon our arrival, Ulli immediately bent down and examined Matthew’s foot, then raced to the back to pull options without even asking his shoe size or style preferences. Every pair she brought out was nice and most importantly, within our budget. (Don’t you just hate it when you find what you want, only to learn it’s $800 over budget? Yeah, that wasn’t going to happen here).

It was pretty overwhelming (so many options!) but after trying a few pairs, we finally found THE ONES… only to hear Ulli say “Wait, one more!”

Lo and behold, those Texas-made Justin boots turned out to be absolutely perfect. After telling Ulli she’d made a sale, she replied “You’ve just been boot whispered.”

Looking for boots? Visit Ulli, the Boot Whisperer, in Wimberley, Texas. She has every kind of vintage (hardly worn or mint condition) boot you could possibly imagine. We even held a boot from the 1940s in pristine condition. You’d think they were made yesterday based on the quality… but they’re really over 70 years old!

Afraid you live too far away? Think again: Ulli has customers (and repeat customers!) from all over the world. Leave all your excuses at home and make an appointment with the B.W. today.

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