Tuesday Morning Confessional

The Tuesday Morning Confessional is going to be a regular installment on the blog every Tuesday - maybe not always in the morning, but always on Tuesday.  I feel like I need to add this special section to the blog, because, quite frankly - I need a place to vent.  And what better place to do it, right?  Well, at least I hope so - please don't run away! :)

So, believe it or not, I feel like a loser some days.  Everyone does, right?  Please tell me I'm right!  And yesterday was one of those days.  Since Brad and I have moved to Shelby, we've had a lot of great experiences and met a lot of wonderful people - and we're getting the chance to live out our dreams and teach our daughter that life isn't built upon the amount of material things you acquire (check out more at the Homegrown Living blog).  However, some days just get you down.

Reasons I feel like a loser:

* I'm the owner of a portrait photography business, but feel like I should be so much more
* I still can't figure out what I want to be when I grow up - yes, I love what I do, but I'm still soul searching
* I haven't had a pedicure in a million years - my little piggies need some TLC (can I get an amen!)
* Lately I feel like I'm talking to universe here -  really....not one comment?  You know I love comments on this blog - but none, nada, zilch.    Hellooooooo.....anyone out there?  

tap, tap....is this thing on????

Have a great day everyone - I'll try to limit the self loathing to just a few times a year! :)

Ahoy Matey! | Children's Party Photography Brenham, TX

When my little family moved out to the Brenham area last summer, I could have never imagined all the great things that were in store for us.  We have done so much more with extended family since we moved, and we feel so blessed!  About a month ago, I received a birthday invitation in the mail from my cousin in law Bobbi Jo for her son Brazos' first birthday.  I immediately wanted to RSVP because she is super crafty and I knew that this party would be a show stopper!  Well, my thoughts were correct - this little pirate has the craftiest mommy in town :)

When I asked how long it took to plan this party - Bobbi Jo said she starting planning when Brazos was born - and you can tell!  

How cute is that little mustache and costume?

Look how fun Treasure Island was - the kids stayed there as long as the sun was out hunting for hidden treasure!

What's a Treasure Hunt without a map!

We figured out he likes the color "green" - money that is! 

Thanks again Matt & Bobbi Jo for having us to celebrate Brazos' 1st Birthday - it was spectacular!

Little Baby's First Year | Industry, TX Child & Family Photographer

It's amazing how fast a year flies by.  New parents trying to wing it, finally getting in the groove of a routine, just for it all to change overnight.  There are so many "firsts" that are celebrated and you never realize how much you can love someone until you hold your child for the first time.  I remember photographing this little guy when he was just a few days new - affectionately known as "little baby"

Remember THIS ?

Then he sprouted up and began to explore the world on his hands and knees

Who could forget THIS?

And now, just a couple of weeks ago, he celebrated his 1st year on this earth with his mommy and daddy who love him very much.

Here are a few of my favorites from the photo shoot at the hidden little park in Industry.

Thanks so much Frankie and Holly for giving me the honor of documenting "little baby's" first year!  Looks like he won't be a "little baby" anymore :)

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!