Yesterday morning was a real treat! I spent a couple of hours with Danielle helping her figure out her new camera and showing her ways to make her photos even better. We went outside to find interesting things to photograph and found plenty, beginning with what we pretended was a creek:


We talked about the basic elements of a strong photo: composition, angle, light and lens. Would it be possible to create an interesting image out of just about anything, simply by walking around it to find the best angle? I like the shot on the left just fine, but I really like the one on the right. Chinaberries can be good for something after all!

Next we practiced on our semi-willing subject, Clowie. While Danielle waits for her little one to arrive in May, she has three furry babies to chase with her camera. Clowie was eager to be right beside Danielle but had absolutely no intention of looking at the camera. Pretty much like any normal kid.

I assured her that all of us moms have trouble getting our kids to cooperate when we try to create and capture The Perfect Shot.

With experience comes wisdom:

- shoot LOTS of photos, millions even

- chase and catch kids doing what they enjoy doing instead of trying to make them pose

- don't insist that they look at the camera and smile perfectly

- relax and enjoy the time together!

It's awfully nice of Clowie to train Danielle with such diligence, isn't it? If you'd like to set up your own private photography lesson, just drop me a line at laurieheath@sbcglobal.net or call 979-849-4536. Who knows -- maybe Clowie will agree to let you chase her with your camera!

Let my teaching fall like rain

and my words descend like dew,

like showers on new grass,

like abundant rain on tender plants.

Deuteronomy 32:2

I just love this girl:

Happy (belated) Birthday, dear Cheryl! I had fun puttering around the county with you to check out new locations.

How truly I love you!

We're the best of friends, and I pray for good fortune in everything you do, and for your good health --

that your everyday affairs prosper, as well as your soul!

3 John 1:2 MESSAGE

Don't hate me because I get to spend my days taking photos of the most beautiful people in the world! They can't help that God made them so beautiful, and I can't help that He gave me this work to do.

(sigh) Isn't Kelly just the loveliest?


And the snazziest?

She threw down this challenge for me as we discussed location possibilities: "I'd really like some pretty places, colorful places."

In January.

But God was good and spared these roses from last week's cold snap.

And we decided that "pretty" and "colorful" could actually include all sorts of things, especially when serving as a backdrop for such a pretty and colorful girl.

Kelly's mom had requested natural shots that show the real Kelly. I think we got plenty that will make her happy!

We even captured Kelly's beloved butterfly cape ... well, beloved by Kelly anyway.

I really enjoyed getting to bask in Kelly's sunny, playful spirit. Her inner joy and beauty far surpass her outer gorgeousness -- that may seem impossible but it's absolutely true!

God lavished beauty through and through this particular work of art.

I wonder how many beautiful ways He will touch the world through Kelly?

For we are God's handiwork,

created in Christ Jesus to do good works,

which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:10

Worried about world conflicts? Anxious about current events? Wondering where our help comes from?

Fear no more. Super Heroes are on the job.

Meet Isaiah the Brave. Elijah the Invisible. Micah the Adorable. Mia the Giggly.


Bad guys don't stand a chance.

Our Super Heroes are ready to take flight at a moment's notice.

And they are really fast runners.

Trouble? You can't touch this.

Danger? As if.

See what I mean? Nothing can withstand their fearsome powers. Not even a grumpy old cat.

So if you need anything at all, and I mean anything, give the Super Heroes a call. They stand ready to leap into action ...

... and come running to your aid.

They love taking care of their friends, and that includes YOU.

This is My command:

Love one another the way I have loved you.

This is the very best way to love.

Put your life on the line for your friends.

John 15:12-13 MESSAGE

Sometimes there just are no words that will do a subject justice. Sharing Daniela's senior portraits presents one of those times.


You can see that she's a natural beauty, so those words are unnecessary.

Clearly, she's a girl who likes to have fun -- no need to mention that.

Soulful, obviously.

Serene.

Bubbly!

Oh, I give up. Just enjoy these last few and try to come up with words of your own!

Daniela seems ready for the future, even though she's not sure of every detail it will hold. She's just that kind of girl: capable, prepared, confident enough to take things in stride.

Her quiet sense of self describes Daniela eloquently!

By Your words I can see where I'm going;

they throw a beam of light on my dark path.

I've committed myself and I'll never turn back

from living by Your righteous order.

Psalm 119:105-106 MESSAGE

Just in case you're not a regular reader of the Angleton High School Tattler, here's my ad that will run in the upcoming issue:

Did you notice that important date in the bottom right corner of the ad? I MEAN IT!!! :-) Give me a call or send me an email, and let's get busy creating unique portraits of the wonderfully made Class of 2011!

This beautiful family ...


... began with these two people.

They added five more ...

... plus four more (so far) ...

... and now they're up to 16 and counting! As the clan matriarch said as I was shooting this particular shot, "We are so blessed."

Now new families are getting underway.

I was glad to see that these responsible young adults haven't outgrown being silly.

Otherwise, how would the next generation be prepared to carry on that tradition?

L. O. V. E.

Multiplied times 16!

Thanks for braving the chilly morning, Christensen Clan. It was truly my pleasure to be turned into a popsicle during our time together! May you always draw life-giving warmth, strength, love and joy from one another.

If either of them falls down,

one can help the other up.

But pity anyone who falls

and has no one to help them up.

Also, if two lie down together,

they will keep warm.

But how can one keep warm alone?

Though one may be overpowered,

two can defend themselves.

A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

(Hmmmm ... I wonder whether a cord of 16 strands can be broken at all??!)

Ecclesiastes 4:10-12

Hey look! A new banner for my blog! My website is in the process of being updated as well, and soon you'll find my photos in an Embellish Your Story display at Sunny Hearts.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Oh, you were hoping to see photos when you stopped by today? Well, here's a teensy sneak peek to tide you over for another day or two...

Y'all come back now, y'hear?