Graduation’s just around the Corner for Alex — Katy West Houston Senior Photographer

Written on April 18, 2012 Posted in Houston, Katy, Senior Portraits


Senior portraits are kind of a big deal around here.

After all, once the summer’s over, there’s going to be a big empty space in the hearts and homes of these kids’ parents.

As a rule,  guys like Alex are pretty laid back  and nonchalant about their photographs, but they’re still willing to spend a little time in front of the camera because  it means so much to their family.  I think that by the time we were done  he decided that he might have actually had a little fun during our session  too.

This is the point in my blog where I would love to gush and rave about his  stunning piercing eyes (you see them too don’t you?)  and what a handsome and nice young man he is . . . (oh dear . . . I sound like someone’s grandmother!  UGH!)  Instead  I promised Alex a no-cheese  easy-going kind of session, so we’ll just keep things short and sweet,  simply wishing him all the best as he heads to college classes at LSU ithis  fall.

And here’s the video with all of Alex’s Proofs.

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Senior Portraits for Catherine — Katy West Houston Photographer

Written on April 10, 2012 Posted in Houston, Katy, Senior Portraits, Sugar Land, Texas, portrait


This just might be my favorite season of the year.  That’s right — Senior Portrait Season!

Seniors like Catherine, from Cinco Ranch High School in Katy make my job so much fun.  I just love bopping around the studio grounds with young people  who shine with hopes, plans and dreams the way she does. 

She’s cute, smart, and oh so sweet — and headed to The University of Texas in Austin this fall. Good choice girl!  Hook ‘em Horns!

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Lela’s Senior Portraits — Just LOVELY! Katy West Houston Senior Photography

Written on March 14, 2012 Posted in Houston, Katy, Senior Portraits, Sugar Land, photographer, photography, portrait


When my seniors show up  for their portrait sessions with creative ideas of their own,   I can’t help but get  super excited.  It’s just plain FUN to help build their ideas into a unique piece of art for their homes.

Turns out that Lela, who  serves as editor for “The Mane Event,” her high school’s student newspaper, is also an avid photographer and a huge fan of  the Snoopy Writer character from Peanuts.

She and her parents built a Snoopy Doghouse out of foam board, and brought it along for her portrait session.

We started out in-studio where we paired the doghouse with my grandmother’s antique (or should I say vintage?) typewriter  Then in post-production, I designed a highly caffeinated composite image just for her.

Bringing Lela’s love of writing and photography to REAL life, we included her own laptop and camera for some fun and memorable  images too.

And we were just getting warmed up!  Is she not GORGEOUS?

Lela’s headed to West Texas in the fall, with plans to major in — what else?  Journalism, of course!  Watch for her by-line one day in your favorite magazine!

Here’s the video featuring all of her photo proofs too.

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A Senior Album for Lauren – Katy West Houston Senior Photographer

Written on February 28, 2012 Posted in Houston, Katy, Senior Portraits, Sugar Land, album, portrait


I’m getting this post up JUST in time to announce our Seniors LEAP into Spring Break Special.   Call before 8:00 pm  February 29 to schedule YOUR senior portraits to be shot between now and the end of Spring Break, and we’ll credit your studio session fee toward your final order. JUMP NOW!   Get to Leaping!   There’s no time to lose!  We’ve only got a few openings left, and I plan to fill them all up in NO TIME!

Lauren looked amazing for her senior  session which we shot completely on site at my studio.   Here’s the album we built  with some of her favorite images.

Cute kids, fun times . . . no wonder I love my job so much.

Ruby, Lauren’s apricot poodle made herself right at home.  Something tells me she gets the star treatment on a regular basis.

And . . . Here’s the music video of Lauren’s entire session.

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Delightfully Mysterious Michiko — Katy West Houston Senior Photographer

Written on February 16, 2012 Posted in Houston, Katy, SPCcreative, Senior Portraits, Sugar Land, Texas, photographer, photography


Fresh as a Sunflower!  That’s Michi!

But, what’s the old adage about the shoemaker’s children going barefoot?

The plumber’s house having leaky pipes?  The baker’s family eating  day-old bread?

Well, it’s kind of true in real life too.

Some of you may recognize Michiko.  At weddings and at some weekend sessions,   she’s my amazing assistant, my right hand, my brain, my partner in crime.  When my husband and I travel, she even steps in as my dog-sitter . . . and she’s  become a very dear friend too. Unfortunately, her senior session got put to the back burner and never made it to my blog.  SO, it’s about time we show these off, don’t you think?

I won’t say how long ago we created these images, but let’s  just say that she is  now enjoying  and thriving in  her second semester at The University of Houston.

Sometimes the “outtakes” are just too fun to delete.  Adelaide absolute adores Michiko . . . and I think the love probably  cuts both ways.

HONORING FAMILY AND TRADITION

For  the “unique item” in her portrait wardrobe, Michi selected a Japanese silk blouse that  belonged to her grandmother who passed away not too long ago.   Their relationship was super close, and I think Grandmother would  very very proud.

We accessorized with a paper parasol and an heirloom fan then headed  toward the bamboo wall in my outdoor portrait park.

And as always we made a little video of her proofs.  Catchy little tune if you ask me, and more great shots of Michi!  Check it out.

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Best Friends Forever – Photography for Friends and Sisters – Katy West Houston

Written on February 10, 2012 Posted in Houston, Katy, SPCcreative, Senior Portraits, friendship, lifestyle, party, photographer, photography, portrait


The Senior year in high school is filled with traditions and fun. It’s  also a time when friends who grew up together shriek with excitement when they open acceptance letters from colleges and universities across the country.

That means everyone is heading off in different directions VERY SOON.

How can we make the fun and games last forever?  How can we keep the love and laughter flowing when we all go separate ways?

These Taylor High School Seniors found an answer when they all got together for the super crazy SPCcreative BFF Photo Session.

We laughed and laughed and laughed.  What a Fun Afternoon

Yes, the ceiling still has a hot-pink paint stain.  Yes, I do plan on doing it again.  Who’s in?

And if we put some tunes to everything, it gets even better! Check out our video.

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Dancing in the Trees – Houston Katy Child/Teen Photographer

Written on January 25, 2012 Posted in Houston, Katy, SPCcreative, Texas, art, child, children, dance, nature, photographer, photography


A Beautiful Young Dancer, Golden Sunshine, Hills, Water, Trees, and my Camera –  Pure Heaven.

Hoo -Ray!

It’s SOoooo much fun to conduct a photography session for people who are enthusiastic about doing something  just a bit  out of the norm.

My favorite young dancer, who just happens to be my niece, was beyond excited about our scheduled portrait session at the spectacular  Inn of the Lost Pines near Bastrop during a family stay not too long ago.

Dance-Studio shots are nice, but when we can put on bold colorful costumes and get out into God’s creation, something very very special happens.

Call me sappy, but Lee Ann Womack’s song always brings tears to my eyes.

“I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens
Promise me that you’ll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance I hope you dance

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Livin’ might mean takin’ chances, but they’re worth takin’
Lovin’ might be a mistake, but it’s worth makin’
Don’t let some Hellbent heart leave you bitter
When you come close to sellin’ out, reconsider
Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

I hope you dance”

“To dance is to be out of yourself. Larger, more beautiful, more powerful. This is power, it is glory on earth and it is yours for the taking. ” — Agnes de Mille
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Katy Houston Baby Photographer – Benjamin’s Box

Written on January 19, 2012 Posted in Katy, SPCcreative, Sugar Land, Texas, art, baby, child, photographer, photography, portrait


There’s not much in this big ole’ world that can bring a smile to people’s faces the way a sweet little baby grin can.

I can’t even begin to resist the charms of an impish little guy like Benjamin. When he came to visit for his four-month photographs, he  absolutely would not  wouldn’t stop smiling until he suddenly conked out for the car ride home.  When it came time for his mother’s viewing and ordering session, she faced a huge but wonderful dilemma . . .

How in the world do you  choose between cute, adorable, and melt my ever lovin’ heart?

Click here to revisit  our session and see why the decision was so hard to make.  After all, these cutie pies don’t stay tiny for long at all.    It took us a while to match schedules, so he had already grown quite a bit between his camera session and the date when we selected his artwork.

The answer?  Just box em all up!  Benjamin’s mommy chose a few of her “very most favoritest” images for gifts  and to build a composite print,  and then we custom designed a fine art box for her and filled it with 5×7 prints in a shiny metallic finish. The box included a disc with electronic files of each print along with personal-use reprinting privileges.     Now this little cutie-pie’s  parents can enjoy all of these images for years to come, and they’ll also be able to make extra copies for all the aunts and uncles, cousins and friends who just can’t narrow down their selection either.

Smile on little Benjamin.  You’re already quite the charmer.  I can’t wait to see what’s next in store for you.

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Houston Katy Wedding Photographer – Aubrey and Michael’s Wedding at La Colombe D’Or

Written on December 2, 2011 Posted in Houston, Katy, SPCcreative, Sugar Land, bridal, photographer, photography, wedding


Aubrey and Michael.  What can I say?  I ABSOLUTELY adore this couple.

It’s not just the bride and groom who made this wedding such a joy to photograph, but their parents and their bridesmaids and groomsmen as well.

Talk about a kind and helpful and  . . . well …  just downright genuine and fun-loving group!  If I could photograph an event for people this delightful every single weekend, I would do it in a heartbeat.

A dream in her ruched and pleated ivory dress, Aubrey made an absolutely stunning bride.

Then, when the groomsmen came outside with their amazing fedoras, I knew we’d be in for a delightful evening.   And you know what?  I was right.

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He Proposed, She Said Yes — Houston Katy Engagement Photographer

Written on November 20, 2011 Posted in Beloved, Houston, Katy, SPCcreative, Save the Date, Sugar Land, Texas, engagement, lifestyle, photographer, photography, wedding


Days around our house have been busy and exciting lately.  You see, we’re especially looking forward to a very important wedding in January.  At this wedding, I will not be allowed to have a camera because the groom is my first-born son.   (Don’t tell anyone, but  I’m seriously looking for a pretty evening bag that will accommodate our Canon C-9 Point and Shoot, just in case I start going into photography withdrawal tremors)

I DID, however, get to spend a little very special time earlier this fall with Ian and his lovely fiance’, Lisa, to create some memorable engagement images and a Save the Date card.    Here’s what we came up with!

This is the front of our 5x7 Save the Date Card

And this is the inside spread.

And this is the back of our little card.

So as you can tell, I’m getting a beautiful new Daughter-in Love — and of course Grand-dog Jäger adds laughter, tail wags and slobber to the scene.

In posting these photos, I’m a little gushy and proud today.    I can’t help but share our music video as well as  some of my favorite picks from our outing.

Naturally, I’m a bit biased, but I think you’ll agree that we’ve got one heck of an adorable and so-in-love couple.

Ian and Lisa . . . I love you both BUNCHES and thank you for allowing your dopey mom to follow you around one afternoon with her camera.

For more engagement fun, here’s a video I created with all of the proofs from our session.  Pour yourself a cup of coffee, sit back, and enjoy young love and One Big Dog!

  • 2 Comments
  1. Lesley Bray posted the following on November 20, 2011 at 4:09 pm.

    These photos are excellent, beautiful and outstanding. You have portrayed their love for each other. Well done and I wish the happy couple all the best for their future together !

  2. Shelly posted the following on November 20, 2011 at 7:39 pm.

    Thank you Lesley! Coming from you, that means a LOT!

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