Monthly Archives: October 2008

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Hello Again!

October 30, 2008 – 8:27 am

One of my favorite things about the fall rush is that I get to see so many great clients who come back annually for holiday cards and photos.  It’s so fun to catch up, find out what fabulous things they are into, the charming little people they are turning into, and of course, how utterly adorable they are becoming with each year!

Quick post today, still knee deep in pictures to edit, but just a quick shout-out to some of my favorite people who have been gracing my lens the past month. And yes, there are many more of you still waiting to be edited.. coming very soon!

Just a reminder, you can still donate to the Breast Cancer 3-day Walk I’m participating in *next week*!  I’ve already met my goal (thank you!!) but my darling husband, who was brave enough to commit to both the distance AND the three days trapped in tents with 5k women, still needs help! Any donation.. no matter how small.. is very much appreciated!  One fun way to help raise money AND show your support is to buy a t-shirt from our cafe press shop! We’ve got our team logo shirts (Pinkalicious! Woo hoo!) but also some fun and sassy cause-related shirts.. buy one for yourself, your daughter, your mom, your girlfriends.. whoever!  100% of our profits from the shirts go to the team’s fundraising efforts, so feel free to pass the link around!

By Ann Beck Photography | Posted in kids | Comments Off

What’s a photographer to do?

October 22, 2008 – 9:46 pm

When she’s having a session with some of her FAVORITE clients.. and trying to be creative.. and we just HAPPEN to be on the campus of their alma mater, a school they are very, VERY, proud of… and if, when walking around, minding our own business, just looking for a nice little tree to shoot under, we just HAPPEN upon the football field of said college, and the gates just HAPPEN to be completely unlocked.. what’s a photographer to do?

Um… I have NO idea.. but I’m guessing it would be fun!

By Ann Beck Photography | Posted in family | Comments Off

Flutter

October 20, 2008 – 9:17 am

Totally didn’t know I caught this at the time.. but so glad I did!  I love this not just for the capture, but for the juxtaposition.. the tween on the verge who’d like to think she is so grown up, and yet she reverted to her child-self the instant this creature flew by, unable to resist the chance for a chase…. so close.. and yet not quite there.

I could make all sorts of metaphors here.. the transformation… the fleeting time.. the blink-before-it’s-too-late essence of childhood… but it’s Monday, and it’s the holiday rush, and I’m doing good just to shower every day! :)

By Ann Beck Photography | Posted in kids | Comments Off

Monkey Pile

October 17, 2008 – 7:39 am

Might just be my favorite family picture. Ever. Love this shot, love this family.. loving this holiday season! Greatest clients, so happy & relaxed.. fabulously coordinated, totally low maintenance.. totally what I need to stay in the Christmas spirit for the next three months!

Busily catching up on phone calls & voicemails after my trip.. please be patient, I will get to everyone I swear! Have a great weekend!

By Ann Beck Photography | Posted in family | Comments Off

Brief Departure

October 12, 2008 – 3:02 pm

FYI I am heading out of town today for some much needed R&R to help preserve my sanity, at least through the rest of the holiday season! We’re still hard at work on everyone’s orders and proofs, so no worries on this little interruption delaying your much anticipated pictures.  My Girl Friday Erin is holding down the fort until Thursday, so please direct any questions to her erin@annbeckphotography.com or call the main number and she’ll get back to you asap. 817.401.0134.

Here’s to some fun in the sun!

By Ann Beck Photography | Posted in kids | Comments Off

Best Dressed

October 9, 2008 – 12:41 am

I have been more than thrilled with my clients’ clothing choices so far this fall.. pat on the back to all of you! Some of that credit goes to my fabulous girl friday Erin, who has been serving as stylist/hand holder extrodanaire in getting clients ready for the session.  If you haven’t asked for help yet, give her a ring! She’s got links galore and tons of tips to help your family really sparkle!

This family is just one great example.. you can use bold colors and patterns and not clash.. and yes, you can take a beautiful picture without wearing identical matching shirts! Aren’t they just fabulous?

Now the confession.. they have a bit of an advantage.. mom is a bit of a fashionista!  She happens to have her own line of children’s clothing, so the design eye comes naturally!  I’m normally not one to plug just any business but I can confidently recommend these knot dresses for photo sessions.. the fun colors and patterns are just enough punch to really stand out, and they photograph just beautifully.  Enough swing and flow to move with the kids, but just the right weight to hold shape and stay beautiful even after rolling in the grass and jumping off rocks!  And the curtsy skirts? Heaven! Add a simple tank or tee and your kiddo is good to go.. and fabulously adorable!  Best of all, they are super comfortable and fuss-free.. what kid doesn’t love that? As a photographer, I love anything that is wear & go… nothing kills the mojo in a session like mom coming over to retie a sash or rebutton a collar for the tenth time!  And if your little girl isn’t such a dress fan, I also really love the ruffle leggings.. the little ruffles make simple leggings dressy enough for a session but the kids feel just as comfy as if they were in their jammies!

Enough chit chat.. you want the link, right?? :)

Southern Sass Couture

By Ann Beck Photography | Posted in kids | Comments Off

Rainy days and Mondays…

October 6, 2008 – 9:25 am

or both at once! Perfect time to showcase some of the fun shots I got on my recent trip to the East Coast, when one session was almost rained out!  Luckily mom thinks fast on her feet and was ready with some fabulous rain gear and very willing little girls! :)

and of course, all the splashing was too much temptation. By the end of the session we just ditched the umbrellas completely and went for broke.. what fun! (By the way, I have to thank my lovely assistants who came along on the trip for situations just like this.. and followed me around the yard with an umbrella to keep the camera dry!)

By Ann Beck Photography | Posted in family, kids | Comments Off

File this under

October 1, 2008 – 9:36 am

“can’t believe I haven’t blogged this yet”

My sweet baby turned four this past summer, and we had her birthday party at the local Wal-Mart. No, not a typo. I am absolutely serious. And no, they don’t do parties. And yes, it was her choice. Crazy? sure. But dare I say still the best birthday party ever?

Backtrack for a minute… how we got from here to there. This spring, a brand spanking new wal-mart was built about a mile from our house. We passed the construction site about twenty times a day, and so my sweet girl was tracking the progress from the backseat like any good Handy Manny fan would.. now there are walls.. now a roof.. now a road.. and so on. She was so excited for the store, we actually went on opening day. Still only in school three days a week, I’d schedule grocery trips on the days she was off, so we could enjoy the luxury of not having anywhere to rush to for once, and we could lazily browse the aisles, visit the fish swimming happily in their tanks, smell the flowers in the garden center, pick our paint samples for imaginary rooms we will have one day, and of COURSE say hello to all of our latest favorite toys. Simple, but sweet.. just like the baby.

And so, when it came time to plan her fourth birthday, we rattled off the list of the usual hot spots but nothing was grabbing her.. until my oldest (in jest) suggested the Wal-Mart. And that was it.. she was sold! So mommy had to do some serious brainstorming to develop a preschooler’s party at the supercenter down the street! Turns out, her simple routine was all we needed, and the party took shape quite nicely!

We met her friends at the front of the store with our specially decorated cart that they piled with her presents. We gave them specially made nametags so everyone could fit in the Wal-Mart way :) and she escorted them all to her favorite places, from fish to flowers.

Then each party guest was given a gift card (did you know you can upload your own picture and have it printed directly on the gift card? So cute!) for $10 to spend as they pleased. This part was clearly the most fun.. what little girl doesn’t love to shop til they drop, and $10 can buy a lot at Wal-mart! Much debating later, everyone brought their selections to the front to check out.

We stopped by the bakery for donuts and went to the food court to eat & sing. I couldn’t have imagined a better party, her friends are still talking about it.. I’ve heard from a few moms that their kids want Wal-Mart parties too! I wouldn’t recommend it for everyone, but for my sweet girl it was perfect.. now if I could only rollback her age and keep her so small! :)

By Ann Beck Photography | Posted in homefront, random thoughts | Comments (3)