Photo shoot posts coming soon. Promise. Until then, if you’re interested in specs for yourself, check out Stars In Your Eyes on Congress. Tell ‘em Her Side Project sent ya.

Right before my very eyes, the most adorable gaggle of college freshman boys grinned back at me, hands held high in the shape of a heart.

Want to know something? It really doesn’t take much to make a photographer girl’s day.

This year I made new friendships and strengthened old, traveled extensively for work, stood by my best friend as she got married, moved out of the Treehouse and into the new condo (name TBD), helped a friend propose to his now-fiancée (who just so happens to be one of my very favorite people in the world!), felt overwhelmed with gratitude that a very special person came into my life and… last but definitely not least, photographed some of my most amazing clients to date. As always, a million times thank you from Her Side Project.

Here are the highlights:

1940s inspired photo shoot.

Snowy day in our beloved Treehouse.

My best friend got engaged!

Fun trip with friends & family to NOLA.

Break from the city with a trip to the Hill Country.

Befriended the neighborhood goat, Nik.

Photographed Slave to Fashion’s lovely family!

Miss Kayla basks in the sunlight.

Co-hosted a bridal shower for my sweet Christine.

Met a real-life Gerber Baby.

Couture & Country engagement photo shoot with one of the best couples I know, Ashley & Jack.

P made ordinary days, fun.

Chris & Amanda got engaged! I helped execute Chris’ mission: surprise proposal. 

ACL 2011.

Adventures in the kitchen: Brinner.

Something new. Very new.

Childhood friend, Sam, got engaged!

Halloween-inspired child photo shoot.

The Domestic Darlin’, y’all.

Incredible getaway trip to The Broadmoor in Colorado with friends and family.

Iconic Pennybacker Bridge photo shoot.

My lovely little cousin, Madison, senior portraits after graduating from high school. 

Hello 2012. Here’s to the beautiful New Year.

Love,
Katie

Just last week, Mad turned 18 years old. Wait, what? 18? As in — an adult? I can’t believe how fast time has flown.

We spent an evening in downtown Austin, TX, finding interesting backgrounds, scoping out alleyways and avoiding some of the interesting characters we met along the way. Side note: when I’m in the middle of a photo shoot, it’s fairly common to have people drive by and honk or approach us to ask a few questions. Two things happened during Madison’s session that have NEVER happened to me before.

• A group of men (and women!) on a nearby restaurant patio started snapping her picture with their camera phones (we quickly changed locations).
• Near some active tracks, a TRAIN blared its horn as it passed us by. Say what?

I’ve had the privilege of watching this beautiful girl develop into an intelligent, level-headed, mature individual. Great things are ahead for you, Madison. Never forget to believe in yourself, trust your instincts and keep positive people in your life. Do these things and I have no doubt you will continue to succeed and have a fun, HAPPY life!

I love you!

xoxo,
Katie

Will you just look at those baby blues? Just before Thanksgiving, I met up with Liam and his ever-cool parents, Jennifer & Rand, at the base of the Pennybacker Bridge off 360 for our second annual family photo shoot. I had a great time hanging out with these sweet folks near one of Austin’s most iconic landmarks. Just like last year, Jennifer impressed me with her ability to coordinate her family’s outfits, without being too matchy-matchy. We’re talking serious talent here!

It’s fun to look back on last year’s photos and see how much Liam has grown, though J&R haven’t changed a bit!

Jennifer, thanks again for the memories. Looking forward to continuing our tradition!

“To the angel who rocked my world last night.
While in heaven, I forgot your number and name.
I don’t have any pictures but here’s my drawing of her. 
I want to see you again.
Meet me at BookHolders (which is in Dobie Mall) at 6:30pm.
I will be the hunk with a fresh wad of cash.
(Sell your books there too so you have cash for drinks).”

As seen on the Drag. Austin, TX. 12.10.11

Joe Pug {How Good You Are}

Saw this guy play at La Zona Rosa on Friday night. Now I just can’t get his song out of my head.

I’ve written about relaxing trips before. I said it then and I’ll say it again now. Sometimes you just need to get away, and when you do, it’s like hitting the reset button on your body, mind and soul. Everything can be clear again, fresh perspective is yours.

My reset was complete thanks to:

• cozy nights by the fire, bundled up in a blanket, reading or watching a movie
• scenic views: mountains
• being surrounded by wonderful women I’m privileged to call my friends
• leisurely walks around the gorgeous lake
• hiking with the girls
• wine and cooking dinner at home
• being one with nature
• music, sharing: introducing new and learning about old
• experiencing another city’s traditions – like The Golden Bee!

A thousand times thank you to my beautiful cousin Audrey for inviting me on this wonderful trip! More memories I’ll never forget. XOXO.

Noah Gallagher’s High Flying Birds {If I Had A Gun}

You see, this is where my friend Caroline could’ve really lent a hand. Caroline grew up by her mother, grandmother and great-grandmother’s side; three women who knew and believed women can be domestic AND empowered. That they can make a home AND a career. And that they can be good at both.

Recently, I spent a morning with Caroline to photograph her beautiful face and document her work in the kitchen for her new website (coming soon): Domestic Darlin’: Modern Messages for the Domestically Challenged. The purpose of the site is to teach basic domestic skills to other women who may not have had the luxury of hands-on learning in the home, or simply haven’t developed confidence in these areas. Caroline believes every woman can master domestic skills, they just need a little guidance and direction to get started.

I really believe that as young women, there are certain little, simple skills that go a long way towards make your home a warm, welcoming place for you, your friends, and/or your family. And the ability to create that environment lends itself toward creating happy memories and stronger family ties. What makes our generation of women so strong is that we can do anything. But in getting to this point, and fighting through feminism, homemaking acquired a certain stigma. I’ve even made snide comments about girls who go to college for their “MRS degree.”

Three generations taught Caroline everything she knows about sewing buttons, baking from scratch, arranging flowers and so much more. A large part of her childhood was spent in the kitchen: baking bread with her great-grandmother, cakes with her grandmother and learning from (and actually meeting!) Martha Stewart with her mom. Growing up in her home, the kitchen was the gathering place, more than a TV or family room.

The women in my family have carried on very strong, domestic traditions, but are still very independent, intelligent women. I remember finding a button of my great grandmother’s (Randy Duncan) that said “A woman’s place is in the House…and the Senate, and the Oval Office.” She was a super feminist for her time!

Lessons coming soon on the Domestic Darlin’s website. Until then, if you’re interested in learning more or want to ask Caroline a question directly, follow her on Twitter @crfabacher or @adomesticdarlin. While you’re at it, you might want to ask her for the brownie recipe she used the day of this shoot. They are seriously the best brownies I’ve ever had in my LIFE! I know I’m looking forward to following the DD’s work, and picking up a few new skills of my own! Who knows, maybe I’ll even be able to fix this coat button.