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Archive for the ‘Current Work’ Category

It’s A Dog’s World

Posted in 2013, Absurdly Adorable, Animals, Clientele, Current Work, Kids, Pet Photography, Portraits, tagged "kids", animal lovers, animals, Austin, dogs, Her Side Project, home, Jack Russell Terrier, King Charles Cavalier Spaniel, pet outfits, Pet Photography, pets, Photography, Puppies, pups, Texas on February 6, 2013 | 3 Comments »

hsp_dogs_9 On a beautiful winter afternoon, I met up with four precious dogs (three from one family, and a tiny one from another). The weather was perfect, the outfits were superb, and with some wrangling, these models were the ultimate posers (in a good way). After reviewing the results from our session, the pups expressions and eyes almost look human to me!

This session took place at the owners’ home, and I just love how intimate each shot feels. It’s truly a “day in the life” shoot! The owners will soon receive a photo album from their friend who hired me. I am so excited to hear about their reaction. (As many of you well know, surprise photo shoots are some of my very favorite things to work on!)

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My Best Friend Had A Baby

Posted in 2013, Absurdly Adorable, Baby, Clientele, Current Work, Family, Personal, Portraits, tagged Austin, Baby, Best Friend, family photos, grandbaby, grandparents, great grandmother, son, Texas on January 29, 2013 | 3 Comments »

Today’s post is about my best friend Christine, her awesome husband Ryan and their precious baby boy, Robbie! I miss this trio something fierce because we live states away from each other. While we always keep in touch via phone, text and email, it was so refreshing to spend time together in person over the New Year in Texas!

As I said on Facebook, I’ve loved watching my best friend become a mother. Not only is she setting a wonderful example for myself and others, she (and her wonderful hubby!) brought this overwhelming cuteness into the world!

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Four generations!

And then, we documented another “baby.”

I had so much fun taking your family portraits, Christine. I know Robbie will be so different the next time we see each other. I will forever treasure these pictures!

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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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Pretty in Pink

Posted in 2012, Businesses You Should Know About, Clientele, Current Work, Headshots, Professional, tagged Austin, Portrait, shopping, headshot, AppaInk, Copywriting, writer, AWC, Association for Women in Communications, Domain, pink, sophisticated, entrepreneur 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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Grey Rock Holiday Photos

Posted in 2012, Clientele, Current Work, Family, Holiday, Kids, Scenery, tagged Austin, Family, Grey Rock Country Club, holidays, photo, shoot, Texas on November 16, 2012 | 4 Comments »

I can’t believe it, but it’s true: I just celebrated a third annual family photo shoot with the beautiful Jennifer and her men (wonderful husband, Rand and amazing kid, Liam). These folks have become loyal clients, friends, and some of my biggest advocates. In a word, they are awesome.

The first time I met Liam he was just 2 years old! Now he’s FIVE. Looking back on photos, he’s so itty bitty! Now he’s a big kid. I’m getting a little emotional thinking about fast time flies!

Jennifer has great taste in clothes and location. We’ve shot at the most fabulous places in the past, and this year Grey Rock Country Club was no exception. The trees were incredible and the golf course was so beautiful. We had a lot of fun together!

More photos coming soon of Liam’s awesome 5th glow bowl birthday party at the Union Underground. For now, please take a peek at some of the results from our holiday photo shoot.

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Brothers, Dog, Family

Posted in 2012, Animals, Clientele, Current Work, Family, Holiday, Kids, Personal, tagged 2012, backyard, brothers, Dallas, dog, Family, front porch, holidays, pet, portraits, Texas on November 5, 2012 | 4 Comments »

With the holidays quickly approaching, the rest of my year is booked solid with family portrait shoots. Today I’m excited to share the results from my first holiday client of 2012: a sweet family of four from Dallas, Texas. This is not just any family – this is my sweet, beautiful cousin’s family – and I’ve photographed them over the years [here, here & here].

The boys make look a little familiar (though not nearly as tough this time). These adorable kiddos keep getting older — they’re growing too fast! Somebody please tell me how to deal.

Happy Holidays, y’all.

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Get Smart(er)

Posted in 2012, Businesses You Should Know About, Clientele, Current Events, Current Work, Documented Events, Events, Food Photography, tagged Apogee Results Inc, Association of Women in Communications, Austin, AWC Austin, conferencew, CORE Media Enterprises, Creative Suitcase, event, Get Smart, Hilltoppers, panels, Pierpont Communications, professional, speakers, St. Edward's University, TX, women, WriteAustin.com on September 13, 2012 | 2 Comments »

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:

Gain industry insights from Elizabeth Christian of Elizabeth Christian & Associates Public Relations during her exclusive keynote address.
Become a stronger writer by learning from one of Austin’s best: Sandra Kleinsasser of WriteAustin.com.
Don’t be intimidated by a single person in the board room by mastering the art of The Pitch with Stacy Armijo of Pierpont Communications.
Maximize your marketing strategy and budget while Bill Leake of Apogee Results Inc. shares the latest in SEO, online ads, and suggestions for cleaning up your PR toolbox.
Consider your target audience and come prepared to think outside the box with Rachel Clemens of Creative Suitcase, Ruben Cantu of CORE Media Enterprises, Mary Anne Connolly of M.A. Communications, and Kerri Quenell of St. Edward’s University (go Hilltoppers! My alma matter ).

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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Memories Made in the Texas Hill Country

Posted in 2012, Clientele, Colleagues, Current Work, Family, Her Side Project, Kids, Personal, Scenery, tagged Family, fourth of july, generations, getaway, Hill Country, Photography, Texas, Vacation, Weekend, wimberley on August 7, 2012 | 5 Comments »

After making my way down several winding country roads, I arrived at a lovely home tucked away in the Texas Hill Country. I’d been planning this photo shoot for weeks, and I was excited. Excited to capture a beautiful family on this gorgeous piece of land, and excited to see my dear friend Melissa.

Melissa and I met in 2007 as interns at the same company. We worked together on various projects until a few years ago, when she moved to Chicago with her husband to pursue new life adventures. I miss having Melissa close by, but we do a good job of keeping in touch via social networking and email. Melissa is amazing graphic designer, and the brains behind Her Side Project’s logo and Twitter background. She is such a talent and sweet soul – I’m thankful to know her!

For the 4th of July, her family rendezvoused in Wimberly, TX. As the sun set on a hot summer day, we took pictures around the property. Melissa’s nephews were so stinkin’ cute and a joy to be around. As I edited this shoot, I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. Just looking at these pictures reminds me how loving this family is, and how much positive energy they bring to those around them.

It was really fun to see the different generations and family units interact as a big group. Melissa’s parents were present, as well as her husband, her sister’s husband and their two children, her grandmother and her stunning youngest sister (I can’t get over how beautiful these women are!). It’s sweet to see how families grow over the years.

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Happy Birthday, JOR!

Posted in 2012, Businesses You Should Know About, Clientele, Current Events, Current Work, Documented Events, Events, Family, Food Photography, Music, tagged Austin, Austin Club, Austin TX, Birthday, Celebration, Dean Hart, Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, Dr. Don Carleton, event photography, Julian Read, Mayor Lee Leffingwell, party, Photography, University of Texas College of Communications, UT Endowment on June 26, 2012 | 1 Comment »

Last week, I had the honor and privilege of photographing Mr. Julian Read’s 85th birthday party at the Austin Club.

This party had a GREAT theme. It was vintage press inspired (in honor of JOR’s successful career) with decor including an old fashioned typewriter, “press font” on all signage and cake with a typewriter design!

Party planners provided a press card to put in my hat to complete my old school photographer ensemble.

Every touch was authentic and evoked many memories for the attendees.

I very much look up to JOR. He is a PR and communications veteran with deep roots in Austin AND Fort Worth, TX (he clearly has a powerful network of successful individuals in the state). He is admirable and the speech he gave that night was awe-inspiring.

But most importantly, his birthday celebration was a big hit. The venue was decked out with tables of memorabilia from his career (nearly 60 years!), a slideshow projecting old photographs onto a stationary screen, good eats and drinks galore and great conversation from every corner of the room.

It was a lovely event. I’m so glad I was there. Happy birthday, JOR! Hope the 85th is your best year yet!

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“Nooo!”

Posted in 2012, Absurdly Adorable, Animals, Businesses You Should Know About, Clientele, Current Work, Family, Kids, Scenery, tagged Austin, Baby Gap, children, Family, Flowers, garden, Gymboree, Janie & Jack, Mayfield Park, nail polish, peacock, photo shoot, Photography, TX on June 11, 2012 | 3 Comments »

Kids are so fun to be around, especially when going through certain stages. For instance, circa age 2, I find most little ones can’t get enough of the word ‘no.’ Everything is no.

“Do you want to walk over here?”
No.
“Do you love your mommy and daddy…?”
No.
“Do you want to eat ice cream for every meal, go to Disney World and swim in your own personal vault containing a billion dollars?”
No!

I had so much fun at Mayfield Park with Andrea, Monty and their perfect girl, Emma (2 years old). Almost everything I asked her was met with the sweetest melodic response: “nooo!”

Super cute. I couldn’t stop imitating it all week long!

My high school and college summers were spent working the floors of Gymboree and Baby Gap. I have a sincere appreciation for sweet baby/toddler/kid clothes! Needless to say, I was thrilled when Emma showed up wearing the most perfect little jumper and headband from Janie & Jack. Such an angel.

Emma was a little shy from time to time, but we bonded over our love for colorful nail polish and the beautiful scenery at the park (flowers, peacocks, fish, paths… you name it).