Ahhhhhh...

The holidays and the craziness are almost over.  I can almost feel the tension releasing from my neck and shoulders.  BUT the new year is beginning and I'm so excited about the plans and revamping that I'm working.  A new year, a new look!  Hoping to keep my color scheme the same but I must admit that the logos of my fellow photogs leave me feeling inadequate.  I feel that I lack pizzazz.  That "wow" factor that is so important in branding and marketing.  So, be on the look out for that!

Currently, with my desire to provide affordable and fun options for families, I'm running a Valentine's day mini special.  A 20 minute session, 25 cards from a template of your choice, and a minimum of five high resolution images on a disk.  It's a fun way for your child to have cards that are different than anyone else's OR they can be mailed out to your friends and family.  My daughter has chosen the chocolate box and wants to attach chocolate bars for her friends.  Cute idea from a four-year-old!

When I grow up...

I had the opportunity to photograph this beautiful family today and although we were almost carried away by mosquitos and it was 80 degrees in December I captured some really great moments.

I've always thought that my hubs and I would still look at each other like this after we've been married for as long as this couple has.

A great looking family!

And who could deny this grandpa's enjoyment with his grandson?

Buh! Humbug!

My daughter was recently in our local community theater's production of Scrooge.  She did a wonderful job (even at just four years of age but I am partial) and I'm pretty sure we've found her niche.  Considering Glee is her favorite show I can't say that I'm surprised.  My little one is dead center of the third picture.  But there's a few more of my favorite shots of the night.

I'm blogging! I'm blogging!

It has been crazy town around the Villarreal household.  Thanksgiving was hosted at our home for the first time this year but in the midst of that there has been some photography done, believe it or not!  Here's a few from the Morgan's session a couple of weeks ago:



I also had the opportunity to do a holiday mini session with a little cutie that I've had the pleasure of shooting before.  She's always on the move but definitely photogenic.

And lastly, yet certainly not least is a girl I attended school with.  She's just as beautiful as she was when we were in school.

So, as Christmas approaches (quickly) I'll probably continue to not post very often.  I'm sure as heck gonna try but bear with me!



Haunted Photo Shoot

I've been itching to do something "artsy" and my sister is always a willing model.  She's a little hard to direct so I have to be hands on with my direction--which is my nice way of saying that I have to physically move her to position her in a pose.  Aside from the physical manipulation, I actually got some really great shots that I'm pretty excited about!

Business is booming!

I've had a lot of requests lately.  I can't keep up with all the inquiries which is a good thing because our house is falling apart and when stuff falls apart it costs money to fix.  Shocking revelation I know.

In other news...I bought a new zoom lens that I can't figure out how to work.  It scares me because I bought it on ebay used.  Perhaps it just requires practice.  I hope so or it will be sold again on ebay as a poor orphan.

Photo Walk

Every so often I get the chance to slow down and shoot for the sake of shooting.  I got about a half hour of that this morning.  During the golden hour I encountered a squirrel that posed and some gorgeous light.  I almost wish that there were portraits to be made this morning as the light was so perfect.  Anyway, here's a few of my favorite shots!

So it begins...

I was forced to take off the old 9 to 5'er today as our air conditioning unit and furnace are being replaced.  I have to admit that I didn't want to take the vacation day and sit around waiting for it to be finished but behind every cloud there is a silver lining.  Thus the blog and lots of photoshop learning time.

The majority of marketing gurus these days suggest blogging, facebooking and various other social networking to reach the masses.  This concept has been drilled into my head for the last few weeks as my communications major has required me to complete advertising and marketing courses this semester.  Branding, marketing, advertising, logos...it's the song that never ends.  Wondering if you're making the right decisions and if it will catch anyone's attention.  Is it personal enough?  Is it unique enough?  I've driven myself and my husband crazy.

So, the blog, the website and the facebook are what I've come up with so far.  If you've got feedback I'd love to hear it!