A Day in the Life...

You all know I like to take pictures.  :)

I was inspired by a great article in a photographer magazine awhile back, and decided that for one full day... from start to finish (as much as possible), I would photograph my day with the kiddos.  I took all expectations on clarity, composition, etc. off of my photographer-self and just shot.

I am so glad I did.  But I am not going to lie, it was a lot of (extra) work.  But oh-so-rewarding, especially now looking back on it.  And that was only a few months ago!  I can only imagine when they are 16 and 18 one day, these images will be even sweeter for me to look at.

My challenge for you mamas out there... capture a day on camera.  Have that camera in your pocket (or around your neck if it's a DSLR) and capture your day.  All of its sweetness, craziness, chaos, mess, and love.  And then make a little photo-book of it, put it on your book shelf, and melt every time you go through it in the future.  :)

The D Family {Austin Family Photographer}

I had such a great time working with The D Family over the weekend. 

Their littlest guy will always be about 7 months old in my head because he and his mama were some of the first people I met when we moved into this house.  I was 7.5 months pregnant with my own son at that time, and thought to myself, "I hope Miles has big blue eyes like that little man."  (And sure enough - he does!)

The little boys and their mama gave this session to their daddy as a Father's Day gift, as they hadn't had family pictures done since before their youngest boy was born.  Problem solved!

Thanks for being so much fun to work with, D Family!

Sometimes.

Sometimes I cannot believe that God gave me this beautiful boy to love and cherish for the rest of my days.

As baby #2 begins to kick, move, and make his/her presence more known, I cannot help but think of the sweet memories we will make together along with this beautiful boy above and their daddy.  Just a week until we find out if baby #2 is a "him" or "her!"

God is so incredibly good.

The G Family {Austin Family Photographer}

I had a blast working with the G Family last weekend!  The kiddos have grown and changed so much since we did our last shoot a year ago at this time.  Here are some sneak peeks!

What to Wear... Part I

I often get asked, "What should my family wear for our outdoor portraits?" 

I have a whole list of helpful information at the FAQs page of my web site (click here)... but here is what it comes down to.  (Please note: These guidelines are for outdoor sessions.  For indoor sessions with a newborn or maternity sessions, please be sure to visit the FAQs page at my web site as there is detailed information for you there.)

First and foremost, think about the rooms in your home that you will be hanging wall portraits.  Work your clothing color scheme around that.  For example: If you have red couches, you don't want anyone wearing pink.  If you have a very neutral color theme in your living room, you might like to accent it with images of your family wearing a more colorful wardrobe.

Here are a few pointers to help you dress for success.
DOs:

• Definitely check out this link from Amy Coe (click here) for AMAZING pics of what to wear!
• Also, check out this link from Taryn.  Great visuals of several outfits!  
• DO wear what reflects you. Have fun with it!  Solids are great, but don't be afraid of a little pattern or texture. 
• DO lint roll everyone before the session to avoid any fuzzies.
• DO make sure there are NO phones, keys, wallets, or sunglasses in any pockets.  
• DO bring wipes if you have children, and wipe their faces 2-3 times during our shoot.  (Pay special attention to noses, eyes, and around their mouth.)
• Ladies: DO wear cool jewelry, scarves, necklaces, bracelets, etc. Just make sure they are on properly during the shoot.
• DO let Sarah know what your kids will be wearing before our session together, as she has lots of cool props that might go perfectly with it.

DON'Ts:

• Don't be too "matchy-matchy." It is great to wear similar / somewhat solid / gem tone colors, but don't be afraid of a little print and wearing what really reflects your personality!
• Groups: Don't wear all black, as it won't accurately reflect your personality.  All white shirts with khaki pants can work well, but make sure the ladies accessorize with some colorful jewelry. 
• Don't wear flip flops. They just don't photograph well.
• For non-summer sessions where shoes are necessary, leather loafers or lace ups - or single color shoes are better than tennis shoes, Nikes, etc.  
• If it is not "Summer in Texas" weather, wear pants/jeans.  They photograph better than shorts.  But if it is a hot Texas day, wear what you feel will keep you most comfortable.  
• Don't wear shirts with low necklines.  Especially if kids will be in the photos, as they tend to pull down an already low neckline while they sit on you.  
• Moms-to-be and newborns: Don't wear elastic socks and/or waistbands for an hour before the session or marks may show.

I have included some images here of great color schemes from some of my past sessions. 

Gem tones also work great together.  Blues, purples, greens, mauves, etc. 

You can even find color inspiration from animals.  Think about how beautiful the colors of a peacock are.  Those colors work amazingly well together when worn too!  This guy was totally showing off for my camera. 

Also, for more great color schemes, click: 

• Click here
• Click here 

If you have any questions about what to wear for your session that I haven't answered here, feel free to contact me - I'd love to help!

Cookie Monster Came to Town...

Well, it's official... I have a 2 year old in the house!

I had a good time throwing a Cookie Monster themed birthday party for he and his little friends - and weaving in some fun little craftsy things along the way.  (It's a good thing I hot glued all the eyes, mouths, and feathers on hats and cups about 2 weeks before the party, or it would have never happened!)

The party hats...

 The party cups...

The party boy...

The vases even had cookies in them!

The spread... (We had pigs in a blanket and breakfast tacos too... not just limited to cookies!)  :) 

Longhorn Love {Austin Family Photographer}

When Veronica called me on the phone from Tennessee to talk about booking a session, I was thrilled.  How she found me was pretty interesting, but I'm so happy that she did.  Working with her family was so much fun, and it was so cute seeing how much the three of them LOVE UT.  And Austin.

And little Reilly was all smiles and so happy!  Thanks, A Family!

Miles on the Farm

We enjoyed an incredible trip back to the Midwest last week.  Miles got to see ALL his cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and farm animals.  And Miles and his mama got to enjoy being "farm kids" again.  So FUN!

Here are a few highlights.

Getting ready to feed the horses...

My sweet horse, Macy Gray...

Kickin' it - cowboy style!

Summer Fun! {Austin Children's Photographer}

Whoa... is it really the middle of July already?!  Things over here at Miles of Smiles Photograph have been hoppin' - despite the 32 days of consecutive triple digit temps here in Texas.  Kuddos to all my beautiful clients for braving the heat.  But doesn't being able to frame these sweet smiles make it all worth it?

I enjoyed a photo shoot in the park this morning with a sweet family that I met at the Circle C 4th of July parade.  Little Marin was so much fun to work with and did such a great job during out shoot.  Here are some sneak peeks!

Colorado... Part III

I know it sounds silly, but other than our great times as a family of 3 and seeing all the beautiful sights of Colorado, the other favorite part of our trip for me was sitting at the kitchen table playing with playdough in the mornings.

We don't get to do that much in Austin during the week due to our work schedules, so I soaked up every moment.