by Shelly | Jan 21, 2014 | family, kids, special project, women |
“How many slams in an old screen door? Depends how loud you shut it.
How many slices in a bread? Depends how thin you cut it.
How much good inside a day? Depends how good you live ’em.
How much love inside a friend? Depends how much you give ’em.” — Shel Silverstein
Kathe and Shelly have been best friends just about forever. And talk about coincidence, they grew up in my old hometown of Midland, Texas but I never knew either of them until Kathe moved to Houston. We met in Bible Study and bonded over our Midland roots and Kathe’s wonderfully wise and witty take on life in general.
These two amazing ladies take the time to get together several times a year, despite the eight hours of Texas Highway stretching between their homes — AND they’ve created a tradition of celebrating their daughters’ tenth birthdays BIG TIME. So, when Shelly’s youngest girls who happen to be twins were turning 10, Kathe decided that a spa day followed by a special portrait session would be a great way to cap off their week in Houston.
What a special time in life. K & K are definitely not little girls anymore, but they’re not quite teens yet either. The lingering sweet innocence of childhood still fills their souls, but if you look deep into those eyes you’ll see the gentle unfolding of strong and wise young women.
We focused most of our session on the birthday girls, but would have been amiss if we didn’t capture this precious sweet relationship that weaves its way through two generations
— mothers, daughters, sisters, friends.
Oh what a treasure! I’m so glad that I got to be a part of their celebration.
by Shelly | Jan 15, 2014 | baby |
This little Texas Peach was less than two weeks old when she came into my studio and stole my heart. Oh my! Don’t you just want to squeeze her and kiss her to pieces? I certainly do!
<3 <3 <3
If her pretty mommy looks familiar to you, you might have met her here at the studio. Rachael heads up Elise Artistry and is my go-to makeup artist for senior portraits and pretty-lady sessions.
Her sweet calm demeanor is a great counter to my off the wall wackiness, and we complement each other so well! I love working with her, and so do my clients.
She brings out the “beautiful” in everyone she touches. No doubt about that!
This little Gerber Baby mouth makes me swoon.
Baby E is now already about 8 months old, so I suppose if the delinquent blogger sitting at my desk would wait just a TAD longer to blog this newborn session I could have combined it with her one year cake smash — but it’s more fun to spread out the joy. I can hardly wait to see her back here again.
by Shelly | Dec 18, 2013 | dance, senior gals, senior portraits |
Elizabeth is a Senior! Oh my goodness, time flies!
I’ll never forget the first time I met this young beauty. It was Halloween and she was just a little toot dressed up like a Houston Texans Football player. Her big brother, Alex, was maybe a 6th or 7th grader, and he was her cheerleader. If I could tell one thing about her and her family that night, it was that this little girl was CHERISHED — and rightfully so.
Several years passed, and eventually in 2010, Alex became one of my early senior portrait clients, so I was beyond excited to learn that THIS is Elizabeth’s year.
Did we ever have FUN in the studio!
Some girls are just born GORGEOUS, and this one certainly was but a little magic by my favorite makeup artist, Rachael Elise Walker never hurt anyone.
I am so thrilled that Rachael will provide hair and makeup for a number of my clients this year. Her skills with hair, airbrush foundation, color cosmetics, and LASHES bring out the best in any woman.
Did I mention the Lashes? OH MY STARS — I LOVE the EYE-LASHES that Rachael brings into the studio for our clients. Maybe someday if I ‘m really nice, I can talk her into a lash application lesson for yours truly. Wouldn’t THAT be a blast?
Elizabeth studies at Houston’s renowned High School for the Visual and Performing Arts where she specializes in ballet.
And it shows. She is so very graceful, slipping into any pose we throw at her. Doesn’t matter whether she’s wearing toe shoes or cowboy boot. 
Elizabeth’s already received a couple of college admissions letters, but last I heard she was still waiting on the one she really wants — so we won’t name after-graduation plans here just yet.
Wherever you go, sweet girl, I know you will SOAR! Congratulations on a fabulous senior year.
by Shelly | Dec 13, 2013 | event |
As a Native Texan, I have heard all my life about Quinceaneras, but I’ve never had an opportunity to be involved in one — until recently.
For the uninitiated and the gueros like myself, a Quinceanera is an extremely special 15th birthday party for a young Latina. Celebrations vary, but they typically include a Celebration Mass at church followed by a public presentation and a great big party.
One thing I learned is that Quinceanera portraits are just about as “TOP SECRET” as bridal portraits. They may not be revealed until after the big day when our young woman is presented in her gorgeous dress. and the official formal portrait is unveiled. I thought that would be a problem because Mabel is one muchacha bonita! I could hardly wait to share her portraits. . . .
But alas — I am so behind in my blogging that it wasn’t an issue at all.
So here she is. And all I can say is ISN’T SHE LOVELY? QUE BONITO!
Bonito? Bonita? DANG, I wish I had learned Spanish! Muy LINDO,
Miss Mabel, you are a beautiful and extremely sweet young lady — in ANY language. I wish you the best. The world is YOURS!
by Shelly | Jun 25, 2013 | business, event |
In a world not so long ago and not far away at all, this photographer lived a somewhat different life from the one she lives today. Rather than telling stories in pictures, I was a storyteller for several medical and nonprofit organizations. The world of public relations was a wonderful ride for a while until my geeky love for color and images sent me spinning off into another professional direction. Still, I love love love catching up with old friends every year at the Public Relations Society of America Houston Excalibur Awards Gala.
I’ve been photographing the Excalibur Awards every year except one since 2008, and this year, co-chairs, Meredith Phillips and Jessica Manning, put together a team that absolutely outdid themselves. To see more images and details of the evening, head on over to the event gallery on my web site.
Oh, those PR folks! They’ve gotta keep us on our toes. As happens often in Houston, the evening started with a lively happy hour and silent auction benefiting the Public Relations Foundation of Houston, but a few special guests from the Texas Renaissance Festival provided an added twist of magic.
More images here! These are the people who make things happen in Houston.
And after dinner, some of Houston’s finest storytellers received the recognition of their respected colleagues.
Among them this year:
Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale, Gallery Furniture — Communicator of the Year.
Ben Wheatley, ABC, APR — Legacy Award
and
Debra Ward Buks, APR, Ward Creative Communications and Eni Petroleum — Grand Excalibur Award.
For additional images and more award winners, just click here.
Congratulations to each and every Excalibur Award winner. Well done and happily ever after … until it’s time to start over and do it again.
