The Gross Family | New Ulm, TX Family Photography

March winds, April showers - that's how the saying goes, right?  Well, why in the world were there 25+ mile an hour winds in February?  A couple of weeks ago, I was commissioned to photograph the Gross Family in New Ulm.  The family matriarchs were celebrating their 50th Anniversary, so this was a special occasion.  But when I woke up that morning, the wind was howling and blowing so strong!  Being an on-location photographer, the weather is our greatest enemy, but it's our job to learn to deal with it so that we can provide our client with the best images possible.  I did a lot praying before this session - and apparently, those prayers were answered :)  Here are some of my favorite shots from the day.  Enjoy!

Thanks again to the Gross Family!  You were a great bunch to work with and I'm so happy with the final product.  I would love to work with all of you again!

Seeing the Difference | Brenham, TX Portrait Photographer

Happy Hump Day everyone!  It's been a while since my last post, but I have two new sessions that I'm excited to share with you.  I will have those ready for you early next week, so make sure to stay tuned and check back often!  Today I'm excited because Professional Photographers of America (PPA) just launched a new video to help inform consumers on why it's important to hire a professional for capturing special events in your life.  I'm so proud to be a member of such a prestigious group and be associated with some phenomenal photographers.  They have paved the way for people like me who have decided to make photography a career and to excel at it.

I hope you enjoy the video and "See the Difference". I look forward to working with you!

Keepers of the spirit of people | Brenham, TX Portrait Photographer

Rainy, cold, miserable weather....I've never seen or described San Antonio that way before in my 33 years (did I really just type 33 - wow, I'm old!), but that is what it was like earlier this week when I attended Imaging USA, hosted by the Professional Photographers of America (PPA).  But bad weather or good, wild horses couldn't have pulled me away from the amazing classes and speakers that I got to experience.  I'm so thankful to belong to an industry that is so determined to make us the best we can be at our craft.  And where else can you go to a convention where the speakers Love. Their. Job! One of the most emotional classes I went to was presented by Storey Wilkins, an award winning Master Photographer whose speciality is weddings.  I was brought to tears at her class - and of course Brad rolled his eyes at me.    I want to be like her when I grow up!  She has an amazing quote that is so true: "We are the keepers of the spirit of people".  I love this quote because that is what Homegrown Photography is ultimately trying to achieve with each session.  I want to be able to capture the true spirit of people.

So have you ever wondered, why Homegrown?  How in the world did I come up with the name Homegrown Photography?  Homegrown is who I am.  Raised by a Hungarian grandmother and an Italian grandfather who built their life around farming, I learned that the best things in life are homegrown.  Whether it be the tomatoes that they farmed, the friends they had, the good times or the memories that I have of them.   Looking back, I'm so thankful for the summers working in the field and the unique experiences I had on the farm.  Little did I know, these were the things that would make me who I am today.  Thank you PoPo and Granny

New Year, New Opportunities | Fayetteville, TX Photographer

January has always been one of my favorite months.  It's as if all my screw ups and mistakes from the previous year are wiped clean and I get to start fresh with a new year.  I'm very excited about 2011 and the opportunities that it will bring.  This month, my calendar is jam packed with a ton of educational workshops that I will be attending - and most anticipated is the Imaging USA convention that's being held in San Antonio this year.  Imaging USA is put on by the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) and is the biggest event photographers around the globe look forward to every year!  

Homegrown Photography is proud to announce that it will be attending ALL the WEDDING workshops!  That's right, 2011 will be the year that Homegrown Photography will officially offer Wedding Photography services.  If you read my Facebook post yesterday, I mentioned that I have the pleasure of partnering with The Shelby Inn Healing and Retreat Center here in Shelby, TX for their photography needs.  The new owners are looking forward to hosting many weddings & receptions this year!  They will be attending the Bridal Extravaganza this weekend at the George R. Brown Convention Center.  I'm so excited to see how many brides will fall in love with the little town of Shelby and choose to have their dream wedding here!  

So if 2011 is the year that you will tie the knot, contact Homegrown Photography for a consultation!

These are a few of my favorite things....

Listening to Christmas Carols 

Baking and decorating cut out cookies

Watching old Christmas classics like White Christmas or Miracle on 34th Street

and witnessing the sheer excitement of a child experiencing the magic of Christmas!

The Christmas season brings back memories of years past and the special traditions that are shared.  This year my family is going to enjoy a white Christmas in Breckenridge, CO.  We're so excited, but of course it won't be the same not being at home.  We have assured Addyson that Santa will know that she's going to be in Colorado on Christmas and will make sure to visit her there.  We're hoping to make some great memories that will stay with us forever. 

Another one of my favorite things are my awesome clients!  Seriously, it is because of all of YOU that my dream of being a photographer has come true.  It is because of YOU that I get to develop new relationships and friends - and I get to capture memories that your family will treasure for a lifetime. 

I'm excited to see what opportunities are ahead in 2011 and I look forward to offering your families with the best!  So from Homegrown Photography and The Voelkel Family, here's wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Joyous New Year!

Keeping up with the Joneses | Cypress, TX Family Photographer

The Jones family really knew how pull off a fantastic wardrobe for their photo session...thanks to mom, Annette.  The girls are stunning and I'm sure their dad is going to have to whip out the shotgun pretty soon to start scaring away the boys who are going to be beating down their door!

Here are a few of my favorites from their shoot:

Thanks Jones family - it was a pleasure and I hope to work you again!

A Little Bundle of Parker | Carmine, TX Family Photographer

Is it just me or is this month on fast forward?  Life has certainly been flying be for me lately and I've

been falling behind in blog posts.  The weekend before Thanksgiving I got to meet a really cute couple from Carmine that was enjoying life with their new little man Parker.  

They decided to meet over at The Shelby for their photo session.  Suzanne was one of my favorite clients - I puffy heart her!  She brought items for wardrobe changes, was open for all types of posing ideas - and she wins the award for the fastest order placed - EVER!  

Thanks again guys - it was a great pleasure working with your family and I can't wait to work with you and watch Parker grow!