Get Real

AWESOME give away for some new glass!

2012-01-04T13:59:00.001-06:00

Like contests? Need some wicked new glass?
Check out Crave Photography's 25,000 fans GIVE AWAY !!!!
She is giving away an 85mm lens for either Canon or Nikon!!
(Um, that would be the 85mm L 1.2 people!)
Check it out! Like her pages!

Chicken bribery.

2011-11-03T14:31:00.000-06:00

I had the pleasure of finally getting to photograph my good friends the Richard family. We met waaaaaaay back when we first got here. We were all in temporary housing at the same time and met at the playground, you know...where friendships are supposed to form right? :)

Our boys are the same age so we have shared a lot of play dates, birthday parties and a few pints over the past few years. Now that we could finally all be in the same country at the same time, and perhaps the impending date of our departures finally got us in gear to get these done!

The weather was in a mood that day and of course, the sun was blaring through so we began in the forest, when the sun decided to disappear. Then we moved on to our open spots and it still...wouldn't. come. back. However, I had a gut feeling, it was teasing us. If we finished the session out and hung it up, I knew that darn sun would pop out from behind the clouds. So...me being the stubborn person I am, I made them work a little longer than I should have. It paid off too! The sun finally conceded and popped back out, but only for a few fleeting moments, so we made them count!

What's with the title you ask? Well...it seems that rather than promise of candy or toy cars, T was more interested in some chicken. So, in order to pull those last few smiles out of him, we bribed him with some good old greasy fried chicken! Apparently, it works like a charm. ;)

It's about time!

2011-11-03T13:49:00.000-06:00

I met MC through a local photography group we have that puts professionals and hobbyists alike all in one place. It's a great place to meet like-minded people, do a bit of learning and a bit of teaching as well. I've found it a great way to rekindle some basic thinking, which as many may know, is always a GREAT thing once you've reached "old fogey' status. Apparently I have. ;)
We've met up a few times at scavenger hunts and for food, there's never any shortage of food love around here! Knowing how many photographers she has access to, I was honored when she contacted me to do photos for her and her husband.
They were married "en route" meaning, there was no time for things like venues and fancy cakes and big dresses, even the most IMPORTANT thing for any wedding.... the PHOTOGRAPHER! ;) (So says me... lol).
They never got the chance to have photos of the two of them together, just being in love. We were able to meet up shortly after their one year anniversary to do these shots. We did a few shots out on their village green, possibly raising an eyebrow or two...
Then we made our way into Cambridge city centre to grab the attention of the masses crowding the streets, on what was one of the first fabulously sunny days in a LONG time.
Through jet-lag, starvation, miles on foot, a drunken serenade and even being flashed by a stranger in a park...it was just your typical "Aimee" style session. ;o)
Thanks for being such troopers guys!

Holy Hot Mama!

2011-11-03T13:25:00.000-06:00

Miss M. had racked her brain trying to think of something original to give her Mr. for their 11th wedding anniversary. The Mr. being one of those guys that just has it all...she came up with the brilliant idea of boudoir photos! What better way to say "You still knock my socks off" than with gorgeous images of his beautiful bride set in a fine leather album?

I can think of very few. ;)

Thanks so much for being so easy going and fun M!

welcome back stranger....

2011-11-01T16:46:00.000-06:00

Out with the facebook...in with the *dum-dah-DUMmmmm* blog! :)
I don't think I like these new layouts. Ugh I find WP far too in depth for my attention span. We shall see.....

Fundraising Frenzy Pt. 1 Winner!!!!

2010-12-08T07:08:00.000-06:00

Thank you all SO much!

Totally Cute. Totally Creative. Totally Cupcake!

2010-11-24T20:41:00.000-06:00

Just saw this on twitter and had to share. Love creative ways of doing things at weddings (parties) where people can really feel how much attention was put into their comfort and enjoyment. Instead of just having some random food tossed at them, there is so much thought here that everyone attending could have a super cool treat.
I'm sure this was talked about everywhere! :)

Awesome Cupcake Bar

Fundraising Frenzy!!!

2010-11-21T10:09:00.002-06:00

So...yeah, yeah, yeah. I've neglected this blog as NO blog should ever be neglected. I should be put under arrest and the blog protective services take this poor thing and give it to someone who's better suited.
As it is, yes, I've got several things I need to come back and post. True. I will do it. Promise.

However, more pressing at the time is a set of fundraisers for Emma. Yes, unfortunately the random resurgence of the tumor (how light-hearted can that even sound???) things seem to be rolling far too fast and too heavy right now. While it's always been needed, right now there are even MORE reasons that I feel the need to try and raise funds AND bring awareness. I'm at it with a vengeance right now.
If you are new to the blog and unsure who Emma is, then check out the blog about her journey and battle with childhood brain cancer. This particular entry, Down but not Out, really speaks volumes. I truly cannot imagine...

For starters, is the Help Emma Raffle. Pretty creative name for it right? Yep, came up with that bad boy all by myself! Now, I've put this on my facebook page, on my facebook fan page, on my twitter and well it's Sunday, London time so just wait. I have far more annoying powers than just this bit. Give me time. I'll just show you!
As it is, obviously a large majority of people that may have gotten an invite on facebook are likely not even in the same country as me. Well, the main point is just fundraising and trying to give something. If I could paint a picture worth a million dollars or sing a hit song on the radio or dive into some massive bank account then I would. As it is, I'm in the same boat as the majority of everyone else and that's just not possible and frankly, the ears of the general public are quite thankful no one will put a microphone near my mouth.
That said, photography is what I do. It's the gift I got when things were being doled out in the stars the night I was born. So it is what I can offer up. So you are in Southern California and have no plans of visiting a dinky village in the U.K.? Why on earth not?? Well, you can enter the drawing and donate a session to someone you might know here. You can enter the drawing and should you win? You could simply donate it to a random person here.
Obviously, being military, I'm kind of surrounded by military people and trust me, the pay isn't really all that extravagant. So, for all the things we go with out, even donating the photo session you've won to a total stranger is still, just another tick on your good karma sheet. :o)

I will be doing a few fundraisers over time, but this is the first and I am not at liberty to divulge the details of any following just yet! I will be collaborating with other photographers on a couple that are BIG and some smaller ones, maybe some random ones, MAYBE some last minute short lived ones. In other words...keep watching for more!!!

As it is, the details of this raffle beginning today:
From November 21, 2010 to December 5, 2010 - midnight CST
For every $20 (or GBP equivalent) to the Help Emma button (top of the page to the side, can't miss it!) your name is entered into a raffle to win a free photo session with yours truly.
This will include the session itself, a disc of 30 full resolution images, with image release and printing information. Winner will be announced December 6, 2010. Session to be shot between January 15, 2011 and July 15, 2011. If prize is not claimed by July 15, 2011 the winner will forfeit the prize.
REMEMBER!!! This is for every $20 donated, so if you donate $100 you're entered five times!! !!

Again if you are not in the area and want to enter with the intention of donating your session as well, please let me know so that I can make the proper arrangements. If you know someone in the area and want to donate in their name, please include their name and contact information when donating via paypal or email it to me direct at info@aimeepayne.net
This applies to people within a 50 mile radius of me, or willing to travel at least that close to me. ;) I'm not in London, however, as most people tend to think. So if you are not sure, please check first! I'm nearest to Thetford, U.K. if you were not sure. :)

If you are a photographer or other small business owner and would like to run a similar raffle, or have another idea, please by ALL means do not hesitate to contact me! Any and all help is always greatly appreciated.
The continued support, love and prayers mean so much to the family and I fully believe in their power. Thank you so much to everyone!

Now pass it on!!!! Send it to everyone you know!
Wishing everyone Happy, Safe and Healthy Holidays!!!

Friday. Faves. HOPE.

2010-11-19T16:08:00.001-06:00

Friday. Faves. HOPE.
Originally uploaded by off the*deep*end

For Emma...always your cheerleader. :)

The Greatest Graduates of 2009

2009-03-04T04:54:00.009-06:00

This year there are two young ladies graduating high school that are particularly special to me. Two of my nieces are moving on from high school to college this summer. Beyond making me extremely old, I am so excited for them! I cannot believe the time has come for this already. I did a session with Ally and Ashley just before we left Texas and due to numerous technological issues, am just now getting them up on my blog! So sad I know. It does not normally take me 7 months to get something blogged!

Ashley goes to Trent High and I remember when I first met Ashley, at the awkward age of 10. She was shy, quiet and insanely polite. Somewhere in the past several years this beauty has turned into the most outgoing and hilarious girl involved in anything and everything at school. She still shocks me from time to time with her antics because I often catch myself still thinking she is that shy quiet girl that she has not been for quite awhile. That's what we call an affect of old age, some of the brain cells that die off with time are the ones that remind you the kiddos grow up at some point as well.

As Trent says good bye to their track star, a nearby college will be greeting her with open arms. Great grades, athleticism, smashing personality and that smile...she will go far no doubt!

I am so proud of the girl she's come to be, intelligent, beautiful, outgoing, caring and a fabulous big sister to her 3 younger siblings as well.

Ally goes to Hawley High and yes, I even remember waaaaaay back to when I first met her. I was supposed to be in the delivery room when she was born, but I lived out of state and as things worked out, I did not get to meet her until she was a few months old. She puked on me. However, from that moment we've been very very close. She's always been dubbed my mini-me, poor girl! We shared a lot of personality traits which have surely driven her parents nuts over the years, as if raising me for a few years wasn't enough. Ally has always owned the room, and probably always will. She's got a commanding presence and that makes me confident she will always get things done and get where she wants to be. From one of the biggest guilt trips of my life when she was 3 that taught me she was no amateur, to having to hug her neck and tell her "goodbye" in front of her house a few months ago she always has been and always will be so very special to me. She is graduating a whole year early and I am so proud of her! She's always been involved in everything under the sun with school and travel softball, who knows...maybe college will be a break?

Ally with her own fab grades, athleticism (which thankfully she did not take after me there), hilarious personality and gorgeous eyes...she will likely have all the professors wrapped around her little finger in no time!

Now if only I were made of money, I'd have some plane tickets waiting for these gals on graduation day to come hang with me for a couple of months! Doesn't everyone want to backpack around Europe before college? This would be without a backpack and well, a constant warm bed and good meals...but seriously, what could be more cool?? *sigh* alas. I have no millionaire benefactor so we'll just have to hope that they can do study abroad during college and stay with us then! (PLEASE!!!)

I miss all my kiddos back home, can you tell?!?!

It is heartbreaking to me that we will not be there to watch them both walk across the stage in a few months, but I know they will know we are there in spirit and in their hearts.

We love you girls and are so so so proud of you both!

Missing you bunches!!!!

(and now, the rare occasion I'm getting a bit misty eyed. that is ENOUGH).

Enjoy!

ASHLEY

ALLYSON

Meet Baby Lucy

2009-01-13T18:24:00.003-06:00

Oh...who am I? Sorry, it is me, the author of this long lost blog!!!! I actually have more to post that is sitting in queue from awhile back but this takes precedent at the moment so her Mommy and Daddy can see her photo debut!!!

This gorgeous little baby girl isn't so fond of my camera in her face, but with perseverance and a lot of loves from her Mommy we got what we needed! I saw this girl on her way home from the hospital and was dying to get my camera on her! She is absolutely precious!

Thanks so much for having me over so much guys! Lucy is so sweet and I can't wait to see her again!

Happy Holidays!!!!

2008-12-25T06:58:00.003-06:00

Here is wishing everyone everywhere a very very happy holiday! Be careful, be blessed and soak up everyone wonderful moment no matter how large or how small!

With Love -
Aimee and Family!~!!

Testing

2008-11-17T03:04:00.000-06:00

An oldie but definitely a goodie. One of my all time faves still. Adorable little Griffin!
I am just checking out some posting methods. Nothing important.

Well HELLO there stranger!

2008-10-22T15:45:00.003-06:00

Hey we actually did NOT fall off the face of the earth! Our family is still blowing and going and growing! Okay so the growing part sounded incorrect, just meaning my boys are growing like some super weeds or something. Cut it out with the miracle gro already! I swear they must be hittin the plant food when we are not looking! Just looking at pictures of them before we left and now is insane!
Our trip was wonderful and uneventful and you simply can't ask for more on a trip like that! Our time spent in temporary housing on base was...interesting to say the least. Tight quarters with rambunctious little boys in a strange place with no car and house hunting day in and day out...stress is a tiny bit of an understatement. Luckily they were troopers and we've gotten all moved in and settled to our new home and we LOVE it!
We love our home, we love the people, our neighborhood, the village, the area and the weather. It is just GORGEOUS!
There is such pretty scenery but it is so so difficult to see. You are rarely elevated enough to see over the hedges and there are hedges blocking basically everything. I've tried a few times to shoot some of my favorite places, but have since learned that landscape shooting is definitely NOT my strong point. However, now I'm determined to figure it out!
My break from work was extremely needed and I am so thankful for it! I needed a good recharge and it took awhile! I swear I feel like I've woken up from a long daze! Due to our schedules and the kids and the extreme sleep deprivation I somehow survived on (not the fault of anyone but me really, but you gotta do what you've gotta do) I was completely worn out! A shell of the person I really am! ha!
So it has been very good for me, just looking back to how insanely exhausted I was when we arrived to how well rested and relaxed I am now, is a total 180! I will start back to work in a few more months. Gonna ride out the winter in the coziness of my home with my FIREPLACE!!! (I love a fireplace and have not had one in years!!!).
I have to admit I was mortified to drive here, especially in my US spec. car but it has been NOTHING at all to get used to. Honestly when we watch TV now and someone is driving, I can feel my body sort of leaning to the left as if I can somehow move this person to the other side of the road because it feels so wrong for them to be on that side! Now I'm worried about going back to the right side of the road! I drove Mike's UK spec car and absolutely HATED it! How weird is that? You'd think that I'd feel more comfortable being on the center line again, but it was terrible! Likely due to my complete and total lack of depth perception, being on the "wrong" side of the car actually has helped me a great deal. I can totally fit in some places while MOVING and moving cars coming at me, that I would have never ever in a million years tried before. there is honestly an INCH between my car and the other cars regularly and while I do still wince with every pass, I have both of my mirrors and no scratches on my car or wheels and only one new dent but that is thanks to Mike and the boys playing football (soccer) near my car. *sigh* Boys...

So, I did want to pop on and say hello, we're still kickin' and hey I'll actually have some photos to share soon!
I did some sessions before leaving the country that were going to take awhile to get around to proofing, but I'm working on them as quickly as I can. Wouldn't you know that I am totally cursed? I left my older back up desktop with my sister, and shipped this larger one and kept my laptop with me. My laptop had been on its deathbed ALMOST for about a year, but it just would not die! So, now it has died completely and apparently my big computer was damaged in the move. So, while I wait and wait and wait for damages to be taken care of, it is very very slow going. Regardless, they WILL be delivered by the time promise. NO worries. ;0)

So I do have some images to show on here once again!!! Woohoo!
I've made some pretty big business changes and still in the process of doing so for the 2009 year, but I'm really really excited to get going again! Even though I'm like a world away, I sure hope some of you will stick with me! We don't have a tentative date yet for a return visit home (moving overseas is REALLY expensive!) but I will always keep that updated - perhaps I can sneak off and squeeze a few folks in if they want me that badly! ;) Just don't tell Mike! It will be awhile yet though, so we don't have a clue when it will be. Unfortunately we did not hit the lottery before leaving and stupid plane tickets are just getting more pricey. Great.

I won't even get started on the price of things though!

Not only is the exchange rate between the GBP and the American dollar sort of sickening, it's just expensive over the top of that! For instance... Mike and the boys have McDonald's sometimes (I have not eaten that garbage for a good 3 years now and won't ever again) but one value meal and 2 happy meals. Take a guess? OH man it is crazy. It is always £10 which converts over to roughly $20!!!! Yikes! So we don't eat out much.
I can promise though, that when we DO come home, I'm packing some larger clothes because I will eat myself into a stupor! First stop straight from the airport???? ROSA'S!!! Anyone who knows me at all knew that though. Then roadhouse. Mmmmm some chicken fingers and mashed taters with green beans and a big tasty COLD margarita! I can taste it almost!
Not that it has hurt me a bit to not have all that food around, but I sure do miss it!!! Oh well, I'm getting pretty good at organizing a menu, I said GETTING good, so cooking at home is a big thing here, and much more cost and diet effective anyway.

I hope everyone back home is doing fantastic! We miss all our friends and family and yes...even my clients (and some of my Dr's!!!) but we absolutely LOVE England! It is way way better than I was expecting and we still have not gotten to go out and do much at all!
So...just a check in, check up and check out.
We're still here, keep an eye out for new posts with photos and keep warm! (Oh I suppose it is still a toasty warm 80 there yeah?).

Evil Foul Dirty Rotten Beast

2008-07-15T23:22:00.003-06:00

Even though CANCER in itself is such an ugly word, I sometimes think it is simply too nice. Let's call it what it really is. Evil Foul Dirty Rotten Beast.
It has likely, in some way or another, touched each and every one of us in some way or another. For me, it started with a friend (who I've just lost touch with over the years) at the young age of 34 she was diagnosed with breast cancer, after a mastectomy and lymphnodectomy, it then metastasized to her bones, she was able to kick its butt though. Thank God. Another friend who, after years of smoking decided to start taking care of himself and made a New Year's resolution to quit, only to find he had lung cancer that then metastasized to his liver and he was left with mere weeks to live. My paternal Grandfather, rest his beautiful soul, died from complications with prostate cancer that had metastasized to his bones. My maternal Grandfather who had blood cancer, rest his lovely soul as well. My best friend's father, lung cancer. That same best friend's mother is now currently living with lung cancer. My recently deceased uncle, lost to lung cancer. A new friend who at the very young age of 33 is currently working toward reconstructive surgery from her double mastectomy - recently given a thumbs up for full remission (YAY!!!).
I can name numerous other people, friends and loved ones of friends that have been lost or survived this dreadful thing.
Now in the midst of grieving my Uncle, yet another person I care for deeply has befallen this curse. This one really hit home for me as well. Of course they ALL do, but this one, really really struck a chord.
Why? You might ask would this one strike me so much more than any other? One of my very very dear friends, one of my best friends, a girl I would honestly call my "co-worker" as we are both photographers and keep the same horrendous hours, so via instant messaging we "work" together. Night after long sleepy night we are up till the wee hours of the morning working away because we both have our young children at home with us while we try to do this business thing. Our kids are within weeks of each other in age.
It is not my dear friend who has been diagnosed so suddenly with this disease, but her 3.5 year old daughter. Out of the blue. Within days, she went from a happy laughing dancing vibrant little girl, to a cancer patient. Within days, she went from feeling okay, but not 100% herself, to waking up from brain surgery. When I say within days, I most certainly mean just that. I mean from tests done on Wednesday, to immediate admission to the hospital to surgery on her brain to remove this large tumor on Friday.
As my friend relayed this message to me on the phone at midnight the evening they found that she had a mass, I was standing in the hallway in that Houston hospital with her, hearing those sickening words come from a dr's mouth. I'm certain that she handled herself much better than I ever could have. I could envision myself falling down right then and there and being lost in a fog. Worse yet, to get the pathology report a week later.
I'm grateful that they do live in Houston, where there are these amazing hospitals all around. My friend says the dr's are absolutely amazing and they are doing great things.
E is 3.5 and loves to dance and wear sunglasses and love her baby sister and follow her big sister around. Last summer our families got together on the coast, my oldest Kade was instantly smitten with E. and they held hands and hung out together like cool kids tend to do. When they were a little nervous about the dinosaur display, they both hung pretty close to my husband just in case those things really WERE real, he surely would protect them.
I have fretted and worried and simply been a nervous wreck. I can't go to them to help do anything. I could at the very least clean and/or cook or handle calls, take her sessions, babysit the baby.... SOMETHING. However, I am stuck. As we fly out of the country in a mere 7 days, my hands are tied and this silly friend of mine, who much like myself, REFUSES to ever ask for help, much less LET someone (ahem...) I simply must do SOMETHING.
I've set up an account in E's name so that anyone that might want to, can donate. I'd like to send some meals, at least, over to them so that the family can be fed regularly without having to worry with it. Like myself, when she can't work, she just simply does not get paid and frankly, we do this for a living. Sure we are lucky and blessed that we can do what we absolutely LOVE for a living, but regardless, it does have its drawbacks and sick time wasn't ever included in the deal.
I am sure the bills are very quickly mounting to drown them along with other necessities that may be a little more difficult to get right now.
I'm not a good peddler by any stretch, but if you would like to donate, there (should be) will be a button within this post and forever to the side of this blog so that you can very easily make a donation to this family.
They have E who is 3.5 years old and H who is 1.5, so even without this illness they have their hands full on a daily basis. (I know all too well about that).
Currently E is at home, and that seemed to perk her up a bit from being in the hospital. She has had to go to therapy every day since she was released from the hospital as the surgery affected her motor skills. She is having to re-learn how to walk, talk, smile, eat etc... Can you honestly imagine being that age and simply waking up one day unable to do the things that you had down so very well by then? How scary and confusing that must be for such a young child.
Once she begins the treatment for her cancer, she will have to be put under general anesthesia every day to receive her treatments. Every day! I've been put under twice in my life and it took me a couple of days just to get over it, I just can't imagine what this little girl is going to be feeling. I know she is going to go through this with her boxing gloves on though, she is one tough little girl and I saw a photo that another photographer took of her in the hospital where she had worked up the best smile she could. It melted her Mommy's heart (and mine too) to see that.

I've watched the shows on St. Jude's Hospital before and it simply rips your heart out as a parent, to see those babies suffering, but so vibrant and full of spirit. I try to put myself in the shoes of those parents, watching their child have to go through SO MUCH that grown people honestly can't handle a lot of the time, and they go through it with a twinkle in their eyes. Now I imagine this of my beautiful little friend, the little girl that was laughing and holding my son's hand just almost a year ago on the boardwalk as they watched the little train go by.
I wish that I could whip out that magic wand I have yet to find so I could just zap this all away like it never happened.
I've prayed and I've asked for the prayers of anyone I know, and I ask them of you. To pray for this family for this amazing child and that she can put cancer in its place and send it scampering away. I pray that this is one of those things they will just look back on when she is standing there on her wedding day, and her Mom looks at her and remembers the fears she had right now, the sleepless nights, the wondering and the worry and the emotional pain. What a relief, what a scary thing to have gone through when she was so small, but man did it ever put things in perspective and put a new appreciation on even the most normal of days.
That is what I pray for the most. That this is just "one of those things that happened" once when she was little.
I pray that the dr's be on their toes, steadfast and really damn smart and attentive and kind and caring to a child, and her terrified parents. That E knows how many people are praying for her and rooting for her, that she has one helluva cheering squad behind her all over the world (yes! the world!). I pray that even on the days they feel beaten and run down, that that crooked little smile creeps out to lift up their chins and remind them all its okay to feel down sometimes, but keep on trudging through, because that is all you can do. Just stay positive and feel blessed to get to see that smile once more.

I'd give my big toe to get to see her again before I leave, to hug my friend's neck and just let them know that we are here for them...even a few thousand miles away, we're still right HERE with them. Regardless, I hope they know that anyway.

Please pray for E and her family, hug your babies really really tight and if you feel so inclined, you can add to their fund (that they don't know about until this blog posts -- haha!). Now if only I'd have gotten around to blogging this when I made her account a few weeks ago.
I would share a WONDERFUL photo of her with my Kadester, but I'd want to get permission from the parents first before doing so. I fully understand that some folks just like to keep this stuff as private as possible. My blogging would really be respecting that wish huh? Well, that much they just have to deal with.

*****I love you guys very very much and pray for y'all through out the day every day and think of y'all constantly.*******

~~~~scratch that, the button is not in this post, but will be to the top right of the page all the time. thank you!! ~~~~~

2008-06-14T12:23:00.003-06:00

I had a little more to say from my last post, but man it was long as it was right? So I saved it for another day. I wanted to say though, that I sincerely appreciate all of the e-mails and comments of support and prayer and condolence for myself and my family. It was, indeed, a great loss but I swear I felt him with me on many occassions and still do.
I know I sound crazy, but I could swear he was in my car with me on the way to his graveside service telling me to turn that "crap" off - that "crap" being some form of hip hop something or other. haha. So, of course I immediately reached over and turned the radio off, and I was alone again. haha. Go figure.

So, anyway, the service was lovely. There were flowers everywhere, the people from the home were very caring, many people had wonderful things to say about him and he looked absolutely beautiful. The wind could have chilled out a little, but other than that...it was lovely.
I hated to see him go and I hated to see my loved ones hurt so much, but it all did turn out nicely (as I've been to some funerals in my day that left a blank stare on my face), so above all I am so thankful that everything turned out so nice and the many people that took the time to come to the funeral and pay their respects and then make the long trek out to Hawley for the burial services.
Thank you all for caring for them so much.

On to my next story, something that I kept to myself awhile back, for the most part. I'm feeling like letting it all out lately. I'm thinking this will be my last "this personal" post on this blog though and will move all of that to a personal blog. Back to business...

I did have to ask my Uncle one thing, one final favor but a very very important favor that I feel only he could carry out properly. I asked that while he is in Heaven that he keep an eye out for a baby boy. He's still pretty new there. My Uncle adored children and was so much fun and such an amazing role model. I asked that perhaps if he found a baby Sawyer, that he keep watch on him and maybe play with him and keep him company for awhile. Sawyer joined the angels in Heaven a few weeks ago. His Mom and Dad have to wait until they get there to see him smile and hold him again, but I know they know he is safe and I hope they will know that he will be entertained with silly antics of a crazy ol' cowboy from Texas and have someone to play with him and hold him until they are again reunited.
If you are curious about the story of little Sawyer, you can click here:
http://mom4life.typepad.com/mom_4_life/from_a_mom_4_life/index.html
or the link to this blog is always over to the right there. Mom4life.

A heart wrenching story of a friend of a friend, who recently experienced a loss that I simply cannot fathom going through. She has been absolutely astounding with the fact that she has blogged I think perhaps daily? Openly shared her heart, her anguish, her reflection and most of all this wisdom that is simply surreal. The only way I can describe it.
I have cried right along with many others, I'm sure, as I've read her posts, watched the slideshow and just felt her heartbreak in my own. Wishing that I could hop on a plane and just go and HOLD this perfect stranger to me. Through all of this though, as I read and have tears streaming, she says something almost daily that makes me, quite literally, say "wow" out loud. Profound things, this mind of hers is out of this world. I know that the things she has posted and will continue to post, will really help heal so very many others that have perhaps even gone through something similar before, or - unfortunately - have yet to. Her wisdom and way with words is simply beautiful and something that should definitely be shared with the world. Even if you can't identify on any level at all with what she has gone through, I feel that things that she says there, can be utilized in many many other aspects of day to day life.

I just happened to be reading night before last and the entire post, but most definitely the end of it, was exactly what *I* needed to read at that exact moment in dealing with my own grief. It was so profound and enlightening and true and, I think, in this situation simply helpful to basically ANYONE grieving or in any pain of any kind. I hope she does not mind that I copied it to print and give to my grandmother and aunt, and one to keep for myself because I know it is something I could go back and read many times through out the rest of my life and be comforted by what she said that day.
Unfortunately on a very very small level I could relate to part of her thoughts of the day. Seeing the young man and imagining what Sawyer would have looked like, and what he would have been like. Of course we mothers, I'm sure all of us, have had daydreams of what our children will look like when they are grown, what they will be like and of course, how much they'll adore their Mommy's right?

My loss, while still painful, I can honestly say pales to near translucent in comparison, but it was nonetheless a painful and confusing loss. I can see a little girl. It’s as far as I ever got it in age...maybe 5 or 6 years old. The only reason I felt it was a girl is because, well one for the drama surrounding the situation for starters - ha! but because with both boys, I smelled tuna fish sandwiches. Constantly. I do not eat tuna. I even craved them a bit, not much but the smell was simply crazy. This last time, I was smelling yogurt. Something I also do not like, but I could not figure out why on EARTH I was smelling yogurt all the time. I went so far as to sniff my kids thinking perhaps they'd broken into the fridge. It was that intense! I would walk around the house thinking I was a bloodhound on a trail trying to find this yogurt haunting. Then when I found out this miraculous and astronomical news, I knew, I mean I KNEW that it was a girl. I knew what her name would have been without a second thought, regardless of how many people thought it was dumb or hated it. I knew it.
Then, when my miracle was taken away just as fast as I'd been made aware of it, I saw her. In my mind a very PERFECT vision of her. Her name would've fit perfectly as well. I won't divulge the name, but it simply meant, "Wild Spirit". Apparently she was just that, her spirit was too wild to stay with us at this time. We will not ever have another baby again physically, but who knows what the future will bring for us. I've always said, since I was a kid, that someday, someway, somewhere and somehow there would be a child that needed me and I would rescue that child. I still feel in the pit of my stomach that will likely happen someday, but again. Who knows?
As I was reminded with this miracle and then painful loss, we're not really in charge of a damn thing and what the hell do we even KNOW anyway? I think we just have to learn from our life day to day and that is in itself, the reason behind it. The meaning of life is knowledge, learning from your life and growing from it and moving on to learn the next thing.
Perhaps someday I will be walking in that field of tall golden grass at dusk and that little girl with her long wild hair blowing in the blinding golden light will no longer have her back to me, but turn to me and smile. Perhaps I will stick with the two beautiful amazing boys that I have, as was the original intention and learn this lesson in another way. Perhaps I will stand in that field and that little girl will turn to me and smile at her Grandma.

Who knows? Someone does, but its not me and I'll just have to wait and see. Even though things hurt like hell sometimes, I still like surprises too. I always feel that one of these days, I'll will look back on this one event in my life and think to myself, "Ooooh, that's what that was all about and this is the event it prepared me for".
Smack myself on the forehead, by George! I've got it! It happens a lot, I'm pretty used to it nowdays.

Never waste a single moment - Part III

2008-06-03T23:13:00.003-06:00

On Saturday May 31st I heard that he likely had lung cancer. Bad, bad lung cancer, inoperable but that when something new came up, I'd get an update.
On Sunday June 1st I got a call at 8 in the morning (which is early for this girl) that he had been rushed to the hospital the night before and was in ICU and it was not looking good. When I arrived, the prognosis had changed to him just spending a few days in ICU and going from there. Shortly after I arrived it was changed again to extremely serious and my aunt began making arrangements to have her sons get home to see their Dad one last time. Then within a couple of hours it was gain changed to perhaps not so bad, no promises but he was an amazing man (per the dr. even, who was quite speechless at this).
Perhaps due to the phenomenal rate that the tumor was shrinking, it was just a complication of that because apparently his treatments were working fantastically. Everyone relaxed, just a little. About an hour later, the frantic nurse came out calling for the family. I stayed behind because I did not know what was really going on. My cousin came to get me, I needed to go in right away.
Now, I will say I'd never really decided where I sat on this particular subject. I thought that I was going in to say "good-bye" before he went and that I would go back to the waiting room and wait for the news. However, as I stepped in, he was going. Many people, and I myself had in the past, said that they would not like to remember their loved one like this. However, really when you think about it, is that really fair? Would you want no one to be with you in your final moments because they only wanted to remember you as healthy and vibrant? That is not the way the story ends for that person, it ends with them being ill and well...with the inevitable for us all, death. I was not prepared and was not expecting what I walked in on, but, I was there. I was there for him, with him. I was there with my Grandmother and my aunt and my other aunt, and my cousins. He was surrounded on all sides with people that absolutely adored him, loved him and were telling him it was okay, he could go.
Watching my aunt through this as her husband was slipping out of this life and into the next phase, I don't know how to say it without sounding morbid, but it was beautiful. She has this way she talks to people that I've always loved, it is so soothing and just special. She spoke to him like this; she petted his hair until the very end. She was not concerned for her own loss; she was simply supporting him and comforting him so that he could peacefully move on. My Grandmother comforted him and held his hand, I held hers with his. His sister held his other, his son sat beside him and many others stood around telling him of how much they loved him and that it was okay to let go.
While on one note, it was beyond heartbreaking and still puts an enormous lump in my chest to go back to that moment, it was also so beautiful and my beautiful uncle deserved nothing less. I sincerely hope that people do have an out of body experience and are able to look down upon the room. I hope that he was able to see, what an impact he had on those around him and how deeply he was loved. If nothing else, I would take the greatest comfort in that. To see that in his very last moments on this earth, for his last breaths he was surrounded, supported, comforted and most of all loved. I still cannot believe he is gone. I can't believe that I can not drive down that long narrow tree lined road to his home and hear him outside whistling through his teeth walking around a corner with his thin plaid pearl snap shirt and worn out cowboy hat. I drove down that very road last night to go to my Granny's house and the instant I turned at the corner, memories literally FLOODED me at once. I drove very slowly, because he would have driven very slowly. Driving by his house and past it to my Grandmothers. I remembered how hard he'd worked on growing that Weeping Willow tree. How much time he spent watering all of those trees trying to make them grow, how much pride he took in his yard. I remembered him cussing the people that drove too fast down his road, "People think this is the damn Indy 500 out here!”

Sitting in my Granny's living room, 3 times someone opened the door and walked through and all three times I was shocked when it was not him. Disappointed that he'd not come over to squeeze me to death again. Then, of course, realizing that my last visit, when he met my youngest son for the first time, was the last of those squeezes.

Having someone like him in my life, though, gave me the ability to say how thankful I am right now though. Through my grief, and witnessing the grief of so many people that I dearly love I can clearly see the things to be thankful for. I am thankful that I was not in England but still right here when he went. I am thankful that I was able to kiss him, hug him and tell him I loved him one last time before he went. Thankful that he was coherent enough to squeeze my hand, lean up to attempt a hug and let me kiss his forehead and wink when I told him how much I loved him. I am beyond thankful for that moment indeed. I am thankful that I was able to be there for my Grandmother to lean on physically and emotionally, even if I offered no better support than a fence post, it was something right? I am eternally thankful for all that he did for me. Thankful that he loved me the way he did, that he and my aunt and their boys always welcomed me into their home like it was absurd to think I should not be there. I am thankful that I knew him, that I was lucky enough to love him, that I got all those squeezes through out the years.
I will surely long for another one of those for the rest of my life, but at least I can long for them, I couldn't long for something I never had you know.

At this moment I send out prayers to my family, his extended family, friends, neighbors and anyone ever touched by him. I pray that everyone will know that he did not have to suffer, he is in a better place and he knew he was going there, he let us all know that. He knew he was going and he was ready to go. I pray that everyone can do as my aunt wished of us all, to celebrate him. She will hold his hand again one day, for now she just wanted everyone to celebrate him. It is what he would have wanted. They had something I always admired. Still in love after so very many years, strong, steadfast and unquestionably made for one another.
On Saturday he mowed his Mama's yard and on Sunday he was reunited with his Daddy and Grandparents and may other friends and family members.

Never waste a single moment - Part II

2008-06-03T23:01:00.003-06:00

Always there to hold my hand.

There was one man. One man in my life that has had such an enormous impact. Someone that I adored above all others (until I met my sweetheart and had my two little men) but he still ranked very high. Did he know that though? Most likely not. Not anymore, because I suck. In case I did not mention that yet. I suck.

My childhood etc... Is entirely too personal and long and icky to get into. I'll just say that he really stepped up to the plate when he certainly did not have to, but he did. He always did. That was just his nature. He adored me, he loved me so much, and he tried to hug the life out of me every time he ever saw me. (Well, he either loved me that much or I annoyed him that much and he really was trying to squeeze me to death). ha!

He was so thoughtful all the time, thoughtful doing things for others, but I mean contemplating whatever it was that he was contemplating all the time. Always so deep in thought, always lost in admiring something that anyone else never even noticed. He shared the things that we should pay attention to with me; he shared a lot of things with me. He shared his wisdom, his very goofy jokes, his heart, his humor, his home, his own family and even his chocolate milk with me.

He was so much more than what his official title brings to most people's minds. He was my uncle. Not just any uncle mind you, he was UNCLE TOMMY. Any other uncle on the face of the planet would pale in comparison. He would come get me just so we could hang out. I would spend weeks on end invading his home, his fridge and his sofa. I am pretty sure, overall, I spent more time there than anywhere. When he was not working, he was helping someone. Be it a neighbor, a family member...or a bug even. He was tough as nails and tender as a kitten. He could go out and work an oil rig or probably wrestle a bear into submission with his bare hands and then come sit down to a tea party and wear a bonnet if he was asked to by a cute little girl with blonde hair and long stringy legs, or a little girl with black hair, blue eyes and a little button nose...and most recently a little girl with light brown hair and blue eyes and a smile a mile wide. He was there to comfort and console and offer advice through some pretty rough times, he was there to tease me endlessly to toughen me up and just there when he knew I just needed someone. Just there.

He'd take me storm chasing with him, which I'm certain he'd have gotten in big trouble for if my aunt or Granny would've known it. He'd just take me for a ride in his old beat up truck; he'd show me a spot at the creek or the sunset over some pasture out in the middle of nowhere that no one else on earth had likely ever seen. He taught me how to drive his old Ford pick up on the back roads when I was maybe 13. He'd buy me a Dr. Pepper and a Snickers bar on his way to pick me up because it was what I loved most.

I always knew, even when we had not been in touch very often at all that if I were a thousand miles away and I needed him, he'd have been there faster than was humanly possible. He was my father figure and I am SO very proud for that because he was a damn good one. He was a Dad, an Uncle, a friend, an advisor. He was made of steel with a heart of gold. He was superman, John Wayne and Santa Clause.

He devoted his entire life. His every single day to his family. Married young, that's all he'd ever known. Family. It is all that had ever mattered to him. He spent his life loving and caring for his family. Family didn't mean you had the same DNA either. It may have been a neighbor, someone else in town, someone from church...someone broken down on the side of the road. I honestly never figured out when he actually slept. He was so beautiful in every way. Things that I will NEVER forget, that have always stuck with me and always will. His laugh, from a chuckle, to a belly laugh to that very silly giggle he had. When I think back to it, it makes my heart happy and always makes me smile. Some of the sayings he had. I don't care if you cut your left leg off playing with a plastic knife; I guarantee he'd had a worse place on his eye ball at some point in his life. His mustache. He always had a mustache. I've tried to think back and recall if I can remember him without it, I'm sure he might not have had it always, but it’s the only way I can really remember him in the time that I knew him. Sort of scruffy, a rust color is the best way to describe it.

What an amazing man. Anyone that knew him was blessed to have known him and they knew it right away. I wish that I would not have been so stubborn and would have spent every new moment I could with him. I wish that my children would've known him enough to adore him and look back at the photos of them together (that I don't have) and smile. How much more beautiful could one person be? Not to say he did not tell everyone that very thing quite often. ha!

Still to be continued...

Never waste a single moment - Part I

2008-06-03T22:52:00.002-06:00

I have many, many things that I should be doing. For myself, for my family, for my friends, for my clients. So many things that always seem so pressing and often get in the way. I know I've mentioned a time or two how horrible I am at getting caught up in working that I basically have my head shoved so far up my derriere it takes a crowbar to get it out.I try so hard, harder and harder the older I get to keep my head out in the air. To TRY so hard to see people. I don't mean to look at them and stare blankly, but to SEE them. Who they are. To let them know how important they are, how amazing they are, but somehow I tend to get tongue tied.
Sometimes I think I'm like a man (sorry guys if I offend, but let's face it...y'all ARE like this, no matter how great you are in every way - we'll just be blunt).

I have so very much to say, how much I love someone, how greatly they have impacted my life, what an important role they play in the lives of everyone they come in contact with. Instead I stand there, before this said person staring blankly, mouth agape a bit of drool escaping (at least that is the best mental image I can give, pretty sexy huh?). Being one to talk way more than I should and taking 3 hours to spit out something that takes normal people 3 minutes, you'd think I would find some way of getting it out. I fail miserably time and time again. Often, writing is the best form of communication for me because I can revise it. Many that know me much at all know that I am afflicted with a mouth that speaks too quickly for my brain to edit the words first. Too many years of being verbally oppressed will do that to a person.

You have likely noticed that this particular post is going in a different direction than any others really have. That is because I have something very important to share with anyone and everyone willing to read and if you read, I beg that you please sit back and process what I am trying to say. I am so compelled to say things, that I must torture anyone who reads me here, with some personal stuff. I have often been torn on how much to share here, I am a very open person and fear that sometimes I am too personal. I have nothing to hide and feel no need to. I like to base my business on being "anti-professional" to an extent. If you've had a session with me, you've kind of figured that much out. If you expected a suit and heels or even something more than a band tee and flip flops, I am certain to have disappointed. I don't really think that I draw the clientele that expects that anyway and it’s a good thing because they wouldn't like my style from one side to the other. That said it seems that there are signs smacking me in the forehead time and again. Like I'm cruising on a conveyer belt getting stamped right between the eyes, "Blind" and then "Ignorant" and perhaps "lost". It is so unfortunate that this year has brought much tragedy before my eyes. Not just for me, but for friends, or even friends of friends. Things that simply touch you in a sad way. Things that have literally had me bawling and physically aching for people that I've never laid eyes on, to my own personal losses.

Now, I will admit, that I am religiously challenged. I took some time away from it, and have tried to find my way back for awhile and can never find that comfortable fit. I began slowly and carefully inching my way back toward it again as things continually happened. I am most definitely a "hippie" at heart if you will. I fully believe in signs and fate and my good friend karma. The signs have simply stacked up one right after the other over the past several months.The year of 2007 ended and 08 began with a loss of my very own. Something that I really did want to share, on one hand just so anyone that was needing stuff from me on a business level would please be understanding to what was going on in my family. On another hand just because I am human and in some ways, it’s nice for anyone else that has been through it or is even going through it to know they are not alone. With the unusual circumstances of this situation, I really wanted to share because I spent countless sleepless nights searching the internet for some sort of information. Some form of an answer, the answer I still have yet to find, but I was trying to find some way to begin the healing. To just get a remote, even stupid answer if I could find it as to WHY. I had to basically put everything to the side and focus on myself and my family, and I do hope that in some way a few people at least got the hint that I had to do that, that there was something going on and I was not just being a pain in the butt.I could not find my answers, or even a bit of comfort so I put it away for a bit and carried on. It surely came back to bite me in the rear with a vengeance only a short while later. I'm still not certain what the message is in this situation, but I know I will find it some day. I've had some pretty big messages take 20 years to take shape, so that I was old enough to understand it. Who knows when I will be able to read the message, but I just have to take it as it comes and know that someday I will know. I do believe that. Any of us that go through incomprehensible situations will someday know why it happened. We will understand why, it made us stronger, it made us better able to deal with a situation that is yet to come, but since none of us know how to see the future, we just have to trust that we will one day be enlightened.

Oh...here I go again (sorry Jayne). Anyone else could just say what they needed to and quite eloquently I am sure in 2 paragraphs. The basic point I want to make is, something we hear all the time but often don't pay a lot of attention to. We're invincible right? Those things will never happen to us. We just can't imagine it; we're not holding that particular situation in our hands, so how can we REALLY relate to it? I will say, do NOT take time for granted, it keeps ticking away whether we act fast enough or not. Do NOT take those who love you for granted; they or you will not always be here. Do NOT let petty things get in the way of relationships that are so very important. Do NOT spend your life saying, "I'll call tomorrow, I'll visit next week, I'll play with them in a couple of hours". You will forget the phone number by tomorrow. They won't be there to visit next week and in a couple of hours? They'll be grown and busy with their own lives and likely learned from you, that they don't have time to visit you, they'll visit next week.

I am so guilty of all of those excuses I should hide under a rock for eternity. However, I have too many phone calls to make, too many visits to take care of and a whole LOT of playing to get done. The rock shall wait. I'll deal with it, and I will stand up and own it. I suck. I have not been a great daughter, sister, friend, granddaughter, niece, wife and sadly, Mom. I had so many things I had to get done. When all I think about is being able to kick off my shoes and run across fresh green grass in my bare feet and sit quietly in a field and watch the sun set inch by inch, hold my Grandmothers hand and hear stories of where I come from, kiss my children too many times in one day, make sure my husband really understands how special he is, do something totally silly with my sister, laugh with my friends, sit around with my aunts and uncles and cousins and for goodness sakes, CALL MY DAD!
Many years ago, I let a "person" get in the way of many of my relationships. Basically all of them in some form or fashion. That created a domino effect and even when that "person" was finally gone, it was so awkward to try to rebuild those relationships. So...I'd do it tomorrow. I'd set my pride aside and go take care of it next week. Now, I will give myself credit that I did indeed try to mend some of those broken fences, but was still so stubborn that I wasn't fully letting go. I wasn't fully just laying it all down and moving on. So it got nowhere, obviously.
From that, I lost one of my Grandfathers, who I adored without ever fully working past some absolutely absurd silly petty issues and just telling him how much he really did mean to me and that I loved him and thought of him all the time and adored the memories I'd have of him forever. I was not there to hold my Grandmother's hand as she dealt with the loss of her husband, her life partner, someone she'd woken up to for two of my lifetimes almost. I suck. I mentioned that already. Did I then go and fix things with everyone else? Well no. That would make me not suck quite so bad probably right? Yeah.

to be continued...

I think I wrote a novel

2008-06-03T22:23:00.001-06:00

I have sat down and typed on a post all through out the day today. Possibly too personal for some, maybe not. If it is...maybe don't read it? Anyway, it turned out extremely long. Astonishing in fact. I had a lot to say...sue me. ;)
I already know the couple of friends that will simply cringe at the length and the wandering thought process, but eh... I felt compelled to say it. I don't have time to sit and edit out things. I feel that they are important.
SO. expect some posts in parts of 3. Maybe 4. It was really incredibly long.

The BIG Announcement! The longest blog in Aimee Payne history!!!

2008-05-19T22:33:00.005-06:00

So, ya know how I like to throw out little tidbits of info here and there that I have a big announcement? Then, of course, it takes me 2 months to come back and post again, and most likely I've forgotten all about it by then till the next post or two? Not that the announcement is not important, but I have this brain that darts back and forth at 99 mph at all times and I forget. Sort of like I've forgotten to get to the point here and stop stating the obvious.
I was waiting to make my announcement for very good reason. Several of you have already heard rumors, so I am here to let you know that they are, indeed, true. So on with it! We are moving overseas! We are absolutely beside ourselves with excitement! We've been wanting to go for a few years but apparently we're sort of liked around here or something! Go figure. While its NOT Italy (unfortunately) I'll surely take it w/out a complaint! We are heading to England for the next four years in the late summer. My husband will be finishing out his career over there and then we shall return to Texas for good.
Abilene? That I'm not certain of, but Texas without a doubt! Anyone that knows me, or has spoken to me for more than 5 seconds knows I am a Texas gal through and through down to my very core and there's just no keepin' me out of here!

So, with all of that said. I thank EVERYONE for all of the wonderful times they have given me. All of the beautiful and amazing people that I have had the privilege to photograph over the past few years and the ones that have encouraged me to keep going and praised what I do. I honestly don't know how it is for other business people, or other photographers for that matter. For me though, I really put my heart and soul into what I do. I take it personally, which I've been told NOT to do - but with this line of work how can you not? Each individual image is a creation. From the moment I had the vision in my head at the session all the way down to the processed shot you see when I'm finished. I have gone over it time and again until I feel that it is perfect. I'm always made fun of and have been labeled "the machine gun shooter". Yes I do, indeed, take a LOT of photos when I do a session. It is not because I'm unsure of myself or I don't know how to let go of the button, it is because of that perfection that I see. I don't want to miss one single detail and have to make sure I get it exactly as I want it. The slightest breeze or glint of light, has to all be just right for me to be happy with it. I always wished and hoped that clients and anyone else could truly see what I put into my work and what it really means to me.
I lose time with my family, miss moments with my children, miss a LOT of sleep, a regular schedule, tv (what's that?), warm dinners and visiting with my beloved friends etc... b/c I am always working because I love it so much and it has to be EXACTLY like I envisioned it from the start when I am finished and I am not finished until I reach that point. For all that I miss in order to do that, I always hope that people can see and appreciate that. Its a lot. It is me putting myself out on a platter, my creations, my imagination, my view of the world and the people in front of me, and the way I want it portrayed to every other pair of eyes that will see it, its a pretty big responsibility actually. I generally just let out a little laugh when people seem to downplay this work. "its JUST photos..."
Yeah. Right.
At any rate, every single person I have ever photographed, is someone special to me. I will remember the details of each session, just a little something about it. Perhaps something funny that happened, a sad story that goes along with it, their joy or their dream or their ideas or maybe even what they wore, what the weather was like. You'd be surprised. My memory is weird that way. Regardless, it just shows that each individual person makes an impact, however small or large it is - it is, nonetheless, an impact.

I am not saying "good-bye" just "ta-ta for now!"

I have officially closed my appointment book for Abilene for the next few years. Wow is that EVER weird to say? I am no longer taking appointments. I do still have a few left to shoot and get out, but those are only a few and pretty much all friends and family and a few things that are just for the fun of it.

Now that I've gotten all of that out, do you really think I'd just leave y'all without at least having someone that will be able to take some rockin photos of y'all? That I would leave you all lost in the wide world of photographers and unsure of where to go from here? Absolutely not! NEVER!!!! A portrait-perfectionist could do no such thing. Portrait perfectionist - control freak...whatever you want to call it.
I have already referred many new inquiries over to her and will continue to do so. A very lovely young lady who is coming up fast around here in the photography world and doing some very awesome work. I've heard from some of my clients that have seen her working a wedding or knew of her in other ways what a very nice person she is, I'd visited with her via e-mail a time or two and gotten the same impression. Now we've finally had a chance to get together and I still think the same and am certain I had the right person in mind to help me out here. She has graciously stepped up to take on some of my clients and inquiries and hopefully at least a few of the amazing charities that I am involved with. We will be collaborating on some things together before I leave and I am very excited that she is going to be doing this! I am just very picky so don't think I didn't look around and she most definitely won my vote right away!
Um, I ought to toss a name right about NOW huh?

Lindsey Cotton!
lindsey.cotton@gmail.com
325.437.7700

Check her out!!!!
I'm so glad she was truly as nice in person as I'd imagined she would be and I feel totally comfortable saying her name here, linking her site on my blog and sending folks over to her. Treat her good folks!

I will soon be starting a blog (which I will link from here) regarding our move. Our travels and whatever other insanity that might pop in my head at the time. Of COURSE there will be photos. Lots and lots of photos. So if you would like to keep up with me and all these boys, definitely sign up for the updates and keep watch!

Anyway - that is a wrap for this evening's novel. Please be sure to have a look at Cotton Photography and if you have any questions regarding anything at all - please do not hesitate to contact me!
art.image.attitude@gmail.com

325.201.2198

Thanks Abilene and Surrounding Areas!
Peace Out!
(does that make me sound special? just wondering...)

Back Home

2008-05-05T23:07:00.005-06:00

So speaking of Hometown sessions...

Meet Josie, she desperately wanted her senior portraits done in her hometown. However, she had to move a few years ago and now lives near the metroplex. Don't think a 4 hour round trip would stop this girl! She loaded up her new graduation gift with lots and lots of clothes (and Mom!), hit the road and headed our way! She seemed so grateful that she was able to come back and have this done in the place she'd created the majority of her childhood memories.

We had an absolute BLAST taking her photos! I know I often mention how a certain senior is up for anything, Josie was REALLY up to anything! Hanging off of anything, swinging on anything, upside down or flying through the air! What a wild set of portraits this will be when its all put together! So much fun!

I am also so glad that her Mom reluctantly agreed to be in a few shots with her baby girl. She really does not like to have her portraits made (why do we think I work on the BACKside of the lens?) but she was a good sport and took some gorgeous photos with Josie. I love them! Coming from someone who cannot relate to what they have, it is truly heartwarming to see a teen girl and her Mom so very close and having so much fun together. I can see how much they treasure their relationship, and that is honestly really, really nice to see.

ANYway...enough sappy stories out of me! On with the sneak peek!

Down in the Hometown

2008-05-04T21:06:00.003-06:00

The other day I met up with Boone and his Mom in their (and mine) hometown for a senior session. It was really neat, to me, to get to do a session in THE place where all of his high school memories were made. Everyone always wants to come to Abilene - which is fine of course - but I just think it will be awesome for him to be able to look back at how he looks NOW in his senior year at the places that he spent that year. We did shots around the school and then around the teeny tiny town, I love finding new locations and doing something different - we definitely made it work and I hope that others will follow the trend soon and take advantage of this special session that I offer for high school seniors.

Thank you guys! I had a great time and, of course, it was neat for me to take a stroll down memory lane as well!

Cutie in a hat

2008-04-25T01:50:00.006-06:00

I love it when girls show up with hats! I have no idea why, but I sure do! Maybe b/c I'm never gutsy enough to wear more than one of my old ratty UT trucker caps or something... they are too cute! So when Chelsea pulled out this darling hat, I got all kinds of excited! We had a great time last weekend shooting her senior portraits! We went all over downtown and a few other spots as well. You can obviously see what a pretty girl she is, apparently a lot of others in town did too because I heard so many whistles as cars drove by and I'm certain it was not directed at me. Had a great time with you! Enjoy your sneak peek!

A Little bit of Everything

2008-04-16T18:51:00.005-06:00

Weekend before last (yep because I'm still trying to get everyone caught up here!) I also shot Ashton's senior portraits. She and her Mom saw some of my unique graduation announcements from last year and they said that portraits and announcements from me were a "Must Have" for her farewell to high school. (I love being a "must have")!

We had SO much fun! This girl showed up with a car FULL of clothes and we went EVERYWHERE till the sun went down! We finally quit when the sun hid from us and the mosquitoes decided we looked like a good snack. (Mosquitoes in April???? Is that normal? I was hoping for a longer break from those awful things!).

We had a little urban, a little retro and a little country all in one session. What fun!

Here is a sneak peek for you guys! Enjoy! :)

seniors! seniors everywhere!

2008-04-15T02:14:00.008-06:00

Its now down to the wire and I am finishing up the last of my Class of 2008 seniors! I've been behind on blogging due to electrical issues. Between the storms lately and the new power company we just switched to (yes - I am THRILLED with them already) I've had to go without power on several occasions and its driving me nuts and putting me really behind!

I met with Christie and her Mom last Saturday (yes, LAST Saturday!) and we visited a few places around town. Let me just say that whatever this girl does in her future, its GOT to be some form of entertainment. She is such a character! So funny and not afraid to do anything or act silly to get the look.

I had a great time with you guys! Enjoy your sneak peek!

ACK! I'm falling behind again!

2008-04-09T01:36:00.007-06:00

See? I do so well for a day or two and then I taper off! The height of senior '08 season is coming to a close and I've been busy! The craziness that is going on around my house these days and all the cool awesome high school kids I've gotten to hang around lately and now wedding season is beginning to kick up!

Busy is awesome though - better than morphing with the sofa in front of the TV for sure! I love being busy!

So my latest senior to share is Wes. You may recognize him from a previous post late in the year of 2007. He is one of my models for a local high school and it was time to do his full session! I shot his brother a couple of years ago and now it was his turn! I so love getting to shoot siblings of my previous seniors and getting to know the families, getting to see them year after year is really rewarding to me!

Anyway - we went all over the place last week and had a lot of fun. Wes is so easy going, I'm sure I could've talked him into anything.

A sneak peek for you guys! Enjoy!

this way to awesome

2008-03-25T17:08:00.010-06:00

Shock! I'm back AGAIN!!! Yesterday I shot Jesse's senior portraits. We broke a few rules, but got some very cool shots! We tried out a few more new locations I've scouted out lately. Jesse was very compliant for a guy getting his pictures taken, he did just about anything I asked. That ended up with me having one of the most hilarious photos I think I've ever taken, but I'm too nice to blog it!! Cracks me UP every single time I see it. Yeah, its that funny!

I've got some amazing, huge, gigantic, out of this world news...but its not time to share just yet! Very exciting!!!!

Here is your sneak peek Jesse! Hope you enjoy!

No one freak out... I'm back again!

2008-03-18T12:55:00.006-06:00

I'm record breaking this week! Another recent session to share!

On our very windy weekend, I also shot Lacey's senior portraits! I've known Lacey for a long time and I can't believe she's about to graduate from high school! I'm so OLD!

We battled the wind, but it wasn't too bad for the most part, in a lot of ways, it helped out some!

I had a lot of fun hanging out with you this weekend Lacey!

Enjoy!

ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!! -- New Look, New Stuff, New Contest!

2008-03-17T17:37:00.005-06:00

I suppose I should make this very big ANNOUNCEMENT. The one I've been holding in for months now! I have a brand new wedding website!!!! I worked on it for awhile and now I finally have it all finished and ready to share!

With the debut of this new website, I think there ought to be some celebration! So, with that said - how about some specials???
First, a little contest or two! The first person to e-mail me at info@aimeepayne.net will get half off a session fee and a complimentary 5x7.
The person that can guess my favorite song on the new wedding site - will win a complimentary session and 2 5x7's!!!
Also, for any weddings booked from today until tax day (April 15th) will receive a complimentary engagement session with their package! (this will include booking your meeting within this time-frame, not necessarily having the meeting by that date!).

So please check out the new online digs!

http://www.aimeepayne.net/

As a disclaimer, I am currently in the process of updating my portrait and senior website, so be sure to keep checking back to see MANY updates!!!

Now y'all get busy e-mailing!!!

The Trophies are Piling Up

2008-03-17T17:27:00.006-06:00

The trophies I get for being the worst blogger ever that is. Yes...its been 2 whole months since I've blogged. I do have a good excuse though. I was out of commission due to some health issues. The good news is, though, I am back and busy! I REALLY missed shooting! Its like cutting off an arm when I can't go out and take pictures! So, now I'm back and ready to go go go and feeling great! Life is GOOD.

So - with that great news, here is my newest session to share with you all. A little sneak peek for Robert and Whitney! We met up Saturday and did some family photos. We braved the wind and cold and nap time, but we got it done! They have a beautiful 3 month old baby girl, who wasn't very sure about me and my camera, but she was a trooper nonetheless.

Without further ado, a sneak peek for you guys! Hope you enjoy!!

Happy Birthday!!!

2008-01-15T11:49:00.000-06:00

To me that is. Yes, yesterday marked the big THREE ZERO for me. I did not have a chance to come on here and blog it though. I'm sure everyone was waiting for it too right? Yeah.
Well...I feel no different, I look no different and I really act no different, so I am not sure what the big deal is? I had a rougher time turning 20 by far!
I still like chocolate milk every morning, I love to watch cartoons with my kids and play with toys. I guess the numbers on my birth certificate just don't really matter a whole lot do they? I don't think so.

That being said, one of the announcements that I have yet to share with everyone is something new I will be doing this year. Something I have not done in the past, but well...why not? I will be running monthly specials! Yay! So you'll have to watch my blog very closely to make sure you catch them and share with your friends and family!
Since this year was a "milestone" birthday year for me, this month's specials will reflect just that!

Book your session by January 31st and pay only $30 for your session fee!!! That is a $70 savings! Yay! What not enough you say? Well, OKAY then - if you insist!
Join my Milestones club by January 31st and recieve an upgrade on your final collage to a 30" rather than the standard 20" at no extra cost!
Book your 2008 wedding with me by January 31st and recieve a complimentary engagement session! (Well, there's no 30 in there, but I can't leave out the wedding folks!).

There will be specials every month, so sign up for email updates so you don't miss anything!!!

Also, I have been working on something new that will debut very soon, I am so excited about it I can hardly stand it and I can hardly get it done fast enough!

You really don't want to miss some of the upcoming specials and the big debut!!! There will be so many new things going on at Aimee Payne Photography this year it will make your head spin!!!

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and all that Jazz!

2008-01-05T12:01:00.000-06:00

Well - I actually DID come on here ON Christmas Day to be exact to wish everyone a happy holiday, but apparently I did not post it. The genious that I am sometimes just scares me. At any rate I'll send out belated holiday wishes and hope that everyone was surrounded with love and joy and thankfulness - as I was. I am a lucky gal, indeed, so lucky to have so many amazing friends and wonderful family to surround me on the holidays and any other day for that matter. While it sometimes feels so stressful to have to be so many places in one day, it is a blessing to have that problem.

So - here's to a fantastic 2008 for everyone!!! May it be a happy, healthy and prosperous year for all!

With that, I had a request for a couple more peeks from my lovely couple who were married last month, share pictures of my gorgeous subjects? Why of course!!! I'm ALMOST done with the post processing and very much looking forward to sharing with this lovely couple!!!

A few more of Ira and Kristina on their wonderful winter wedding day!

This, my friends, is one HAPPY groom!

They did...

2007-12-20T01:28:00.000-06:00

Kristina and Ira finally tied the knot on Saturday!!! The ceremony was absolutely gorgeous! They were wed in an exquisite church downtown.
I have gotten to spend a good bit of time with this couple and have grown to absolutely adore them. They are so passionate about their love and their lives and their beliefs. They are so blessed with all the many loved ones that endured the freezing cold to be with them as they said their vows, to the ones that wanted to be there but could not and for what they have with each other. Even their friends and family are so passionate about their relationship, it is awesome. The Best Man had us all laughing in his Dad shirt and the Maid of Honor literally had me in tears with her speech - beautiful words said by all about this lovely couple.
I hope you two are having a fantastic time on the beach as I sit here bundled up trying to stay warm! You so deserve it for all the hard work y'all put into that amazing wedding and reception you had!

I wish you both the very best of luck and many many MANY years of bliss!

So, on to the pictures! You know what's even cooler than showing just some of the wedding shots???? I finally get to share some of Kristina's bridal shots too! Its so hard to keep those secret until after the wedding!

And now for some of the wedding images!!!

Power 103's Triple Track Playback Winner!

2007-12-19T23:57:00.000-06:00

Cristy won a family session with me on Power 103's triple track playback contest. We got together just in time! Her husband was gone with the military and he barely made it back just after Thanksgiving weekend. We had to work a little because as we all know, the military doesn't often work on OUR schedule - but we finally made it happen! They have two adorable little girls who were so much fun to work with! We did a few shots at the Windsor and then, of course, we had to go outside to play!

I really enjoyed working with you guys and so glad that Daddy could be home in time for Christmas!

There are fairies at the park!

2007-12-12T23:32:00.000-06:00

I had the pleasure of meeting this lovely family at the Hardin-Simmons park the other day and we had such a great time taking family photos! S. is 4 years old and a ham and a half! She is definitely made for the camera and not just because she is so cute! She jumped out in front of me and began posing and showed her parents just how to do it! She helped direct them in a few as well, then she had to know exactly how the camera worked from one end to the other, she even took a couple of shots herself! She may have to add a digital camera to her letter to Santa, she didn't do half bad for 4 actually!
I believe she is the light of their lives, and it shows in every way.

S. loves to dress up in tutu's and fairy wings, she pranced around the park in her tutu, wings and rainboots like it was nobody's business. I loved finally getting to photograph a girl too! Living in a house full of boys, it was neat to have a change of pace for a moment. Curly blonde hair and big blue eyes... she could melt anyone!

Thanks so much for a great afternoon guys!!!

Well, while I'm at it

2007-11-27T00:42:00.000-06:00

If anyone knows me at all, they know that I love rain and maybe just as much...SNOW! Everyone local is well aware that we got snow for Thanksgiving! I was indeed thankful for that! Although I was still ill with this darn flu that will not go away I had to get out and play in the snow! I love our weather here too - its so crazy that you can live here your entire life and still somehow be shocked by it.

We got snow on Thursday and then were supposed to get more on Saturday but it held out and came in on Sunday. I had a session scheduled for Sunday and they braved the cold just so we could get some shots in the snow! Well, wouldn't you know, not one single flake the whole time - but an hour and a half later I walk out of the store to what almost looks like a blizzard! (Thank goodness I'd driven my husband's truck purely due to my inability to keep gas in my car, it would have taken me all day to get home!) Once I did get home we went for a drive in the country so I could snap some photos of the snow and play a little.

"Look Mommy! Suh-NOoooo!!!"

The baby thought icicles were the coolest thing, even to eat, albeit a little bit cold.

Sadly for me, at this age neither of my children are super crazy about the snow. I'm sure it will be far too quickly that I will have to physically drag them in the house before they come down with a good case of pneumonia. For now, just a few minutes here and there is great with me. I'm just glad we had those few moments together.

Happy Holidays and many Blessings to everyone!

Can I just say...FINALLY????

2007-11-27T00:09:00.000-06:00

Yes shockingly I'm back to post again in a week. Craziness. Time to start getting this thing caught up - as much as I can. Sometimes when I slack like this, I feel its only best to just start fresh, but no, I refuse to let anything fall to the wayside, so as time goes on -I will get this darn blog caught back up to where it should be!

For your viewing pleasure this evening - it is FINALLY time to see some photos of Sheena and Jason!!! This is very exciting too! Why? You might be asking yourself? Well... Sheena is my baby cousin and she and Jason have been together for a whopping NINE years! NINE!!! Just this fall did they tie the knot finally!

We did their engagement photos back in the summer - which I did not post on here, as we all know. We braved stickers, mosquitoes, bees and the biggest creepiest bunch of black widows I've ever seen in my entire life. I had seen ONE my whole life and it was a small one apparently because these monsters were HUGE and EVERYWHERE! I didn't sleep good for a week after!

We had a great time out at the Hill and I was even able to coax them into making out just a little for me. What I love is that they still have so much fun after all this time - its a good thing to see and I honestly think it really says something about their relationship. Its awesome!

They had a gorgeous quaint outdoor wedding just at dusk and, luckily, my curse did not hold true on this day and the weather was absolutely perfect! Maybe I'm on a roll...

Sheena made such a beautiful bride, its really hard to shoot a wedding for someone you love. The older I've gotten, I hate to admit, the sappier I've gotten. Well, my heart may have swelled when I saw the cutest little ring bearer ever, Sheena and Jason's son James, walk down the aisle, it really did when I saw him followed by his Mom. Finally she was walking arm in arm with her Dad down the aisle toward the man that was meant for her from day one.

I am so happy for them and its so much easier to send the family a card in the mail now! (Sorry, had to throw that one in).

It was a wonderful evening for the loveliest little West Texas wedding!

Votes are in... World's Worst Blogger

2007-11-19T13:34:00.000-06:00

Yep, that's me. I take the trophy and I'm prancing around in my sash and tiara right now. Excuses are like...well, you know. I'm busy as can be and sometimes things get pushed off to the side, although this should not.

The good news is that my darling hubby did not have to miss the holidays after all and got home 2 months sooner than expected!!! Which in turn opened up a few more sessions for me for the holidays and also...GAVE ME A BREAK!!!

Man, its tough enough just having 2 little ones and a dog and a house etc... to keep up with. Add in a business during the busiest part of the year and WOW. Makes for one tired and stressed out Mama.

Regardless, he is home safe and sound and happy. I have a little more room to breathe and can get in a little more work now - *deeeeep breath* its all falling back into place now and I will have many many images and updates to share with you all soon!

Thanks so much to anyone that has stuck with me thus far... ***crickets chirp***

Well, since I'm here I will share a few shots. Not of clients or work related anything but on a personal note. Sometimes I tend to get so caught up in work and I don't take notice of the things that mean so much to me. I'm such a hippie at heart that I wonder who this tired haggard workaholic is that stares me back from the mirror sometimes. I need to turn my soapbox speeches about seizing the day and living your only life to the fullest right back around at myself. Yesterday was an amazing day, absolutely GORGEOUS outside. My family has all been stuck in the house sick with the flu for the past week. Its been fun (insert unamused face here). What better way to send off the last of the nasty flu bug than with a little FUN??

We have a chocolate lab, who over the course of the summer began to resemble something more of a short long tailed grizzly bear. My husband really likes to feed her much to my dismay. Apparently when dogs become grossly obese, they like to dig a lot of holes to stay cool when it is hot. I had half a mind to bury her from the neck down in the mess she's made of part of my backyard. Rather than having a fat dog attachment in my backyard, when my husband deployed, I put her on a diet. I'm quite proud of the progress we made. So much in fact that I am seriously considering having nothing more than a scooper full of weight control dogfood a day myself.

Now that the fat dog is no more, and winter is coming on so she'll be safely snuggled up in her plush spoiled rotten dog bed, it was time to fix the yard. Yay me.

Picture it: dirt patch in the yard, a water hose, two little boys...

Note: No children or animals were harmed in the taking of these photos. The house washed off as if nothing ever happened, clothes were salvaged - less one pair of superman underwear - and luckily my camera survived the several attempts at being slopped with mud by superman.

I know the coolest people...

2007-10-15T23:17:00.000-06:00

MY my MY so I'm doing pathetic at keeping up with the blogging end of things! Sorry, I'm going to get back on the ball! I've just been so busy!

I recently shot senior portraits for two best friends, who are also my Clyde High School reps! I think they are absolutely adorable and so much fun! We had a great time roaming around Clyde, and wouldn't you know it, the one time we want in the street, there was a traffic frenzy! TWO whole cars!

Toward the end of the session, they had me cracking up! I could hardly hold the camera still.

Here you go Bretni and Wes!!

Wow!

2007-09-29T20:09:00.000-06:00

I can't believe I have not blogged in almost a month! I'm still here, I have not been buried beneath an avalanche of prints, sucked into photoshop or eaten alive by clients. I have simply been extremely busy!
I wanted to pop on, although I have SO much to blog from clients, for the moment...its just to say, "hi". So "HI!"
A couple of updates for Aimee Payne Photography are that my holiday schedule is completely booked. I am not currently taking any new sessions until the first of the year, newborns or births excluded of course. I do have a cancellation list, think dr. who wants you to croak or magically heal yourself before you can get in, if you were planning on scheduling with me but had not done so yet. The list will be kept small, but things do happen and cancellations happen and slots open up once in awhile - so I will gladly fit someone else in if I can. Certainly don't WAIT on me either and miss out on holiday cards etc...

Also, I want to mention if you are considering booking me for a 2008 wedding, any weddings booked before December 31, 2007 are locked in to my 2007 rates, in 2008 there will price increases in effect. So don't wait!

Ew... morning people!

2007-09-06T00:40:00.000-06:00

Some morning people are okay, as long as they are not skipping by me whistling happily before I've had my Dr. Pepper. However, the morning people I worked with the other day are damn funny, real, and can actually make me laugh before I've had my daily ration of caffeine. So I'll let them live.
The other morning I had the pleasure of meeting with Power 103's Brad and Calli to finally get their shots done! We must be really important people because it was so difficult for us to find time to make it work, but make it work we did!

Just my luck, whatever could go wrong did go wrong that morning at my house AND at the radio station. (Hello, Murphy’s Law?) Despite potential snafu’s, we managed to get it together. Brad was a little bit late, giving Calli & I a chance to do a few shots...with the camera people, with the camera! It was too early for anything stronger, although that might have made for one funny session.
Enjoy this little sneak peek guys! I had a great time the other day and will see you very soon!

I just loved this one of Calli!

Have camera, will travel.

2007-08-28T23:36:00.000-06:00

That's what I like to say. As long as the military, childcare, weather, my schedule... (yes I could go on and on) permits.

However, this session was many months in the making, in fact, I think she called and said, "I JUST found out I'm pregnant, you are flying out here to take pictures."

That's just the way that I remember it! Well, believe it or not, I left Texas for a few days. I left all by myself too. All alone, what a crazy feeling to not have someone on your heels all the time and that awful feeling like you've forgotten them somewhere? I think I've decided finally, that I am not a big fan of flying. I'm not scared, but overcrowded, hot, bumpy airplanes don't make for a friendly Aimee, to say the least. Add in damaged luggage, ruined clothes, delayed flights, and bad weather, I seriously see nothing wrong with driving for several hours now. For all the time you sit at the airport waiting for the next flight or getting bumped or delayed, guess what??? You could have driven there already for half the money!
Anyway, rant over...
On with it Aimee!

I flew up to Oregon in July to photograph Jeannine, Steve, Jakey and of course... my girl "Cha-Cha". Is dog-napping illegal?? I had a wonderful visit with them, absolutely loved the weather there! Going from the 300% humidity that we've had this summer to absolutely none, wow that was awesome. I got to see some very neat sights and taste some not so very neat beer and cheese, I'm sorry but I just have cheap taste buds. It's okay with me though, man cheese will just never be the same again though... blech.

I was also able to meet with a friend and fellow photographer that I have corresponded with for a few years now, Laurie Ludes (http://www.laurielphotography.com/) in Vancouver, WA. It was great to get to meet her finally!

When we got around to the photography we went down to the banks of the Willamette River and Jeannine was such a good sport, she got in the water, and so did I, I was mortified of dropping my camera in the river though! Regardless, I trudged on and Jeannine relaxed in the cool water. We played in the sand, and the river and when all was said and done, I realized bringing an extra set of clothes would have been a great idea, soaked and covered in dirt, Steve was kind enough to let me in the car still.

The next morning, Jeannine and I went to downtown Portland. I loved it! Not a very colorful town architectually, but very colorful in the people that live there. I came across punk rockers, men with snakes, Elvis (twice actually) and other such things I should probably not mention. I took some shots of her downtown and then we did a final session at her house with the whole family. What a gorgeous family they are, I wouldn't have missed it for the world!

Thanks so very much for the lovely "vacation" guys! Hope to see you again soon and I cannot wait for this little girl to get here!!!!

Meet Jake, big brother to be, super model and world class nose kisser. Aren't those eyes to die for?!!?

This would be the infamous "Cha-Cha" aka. Sasha. She loved me... we're secretly making plans for her to come live with me, just don't tell her Mom and Dad!

This image is just too funny not to share, cracks me up every time I see it!

"I'm getting married today..."

2007-08-26T00:45:00.000-06:00

That is what Tony told me, no matter what, he was going to marry his beautiful bride, Heather, on July 21st, rain or shine. This day, one they had waited on for so long was finally here, starting with their first kiss back in middle school, it was finally here.
Going back and forth between Heather and Tony just before the ceremony, they were both beaming with excitement, it was a great experience! A few bumps in the road just before the ceremony, but no matter WHAT, they WOULD be married on that day. The marriage license finally made its way to the minister after a hurried trip to pick up that important document that had been forgotten and on with the wedding!

Tony stood up smiling ear to ear, his adorable son came strutting down the aisle looking quite dapper carrying the rings and then....Heather, in her stunning gown, smiling just as big as Tony was.

I had a good friend and photographer, Amanda Carrigan, shooting with me on this day and we both had a wonderful time sharing these experiences with Heather and Tony. What a stunning couple they make!!!

Thank you both so very much for sharing your day with Amanda and I, and thank you so much for all of the wonderful recommendations you have given! I wish you the very best!!!

Cowboy Hats and Baseballs

2007-08-26T00:28:00.000-06:00

Oh I have so much to post on here to get my blog caught up again!!! Being gone so much lately really put my blog on the backburner, I'm SO sorry for that!

So long ago it seems, I got together with two of my cousins and did a session at my Grandma's house. One cousin wanted cowboy photos of her 3 boys with their horses (totally up my alley!) and my other cousin needed one year photos of her little boy who I've gotten to photograph since he was brand new!

Have I ever said how neat it is to photograph these kids through their childhood and on through their adult years when those come around??? Quite cool indeed!

Here are the 3 cowboys, Rowdy, Matthew and Tucker with their horses...

Then on to James. I photographed him laying in his Daddy's baseball glove when he was just over a week old, now here he is wearing that glove and throwing the ball to me. How time flies...

"You may kiss your bride..."

2007-08-25T09:45:00.000-06:00

Five words this couple had waited quite awhile to hear. On July 14th Chris and Melissa were wed, in a lovely ceremony full of unique touches from start to finish. From the pouring of sand rather than unity candles, candles honoring their loved ones passed, rather than wedding cake, lovely bowls of banana pudding (Melissa's very favorite), all the way down to the moose groom's cake. There were so many neat touches and so much thought put into their own personal details, it was awesome!

I have to say the NEATEST thing??? Was the kiss. Well, sure brides and grooms kiss every time right? The neat, original thing I've never seen before? No he wasn't hanging upside down in a Spiderman suit, but it was their very first kiss EVER. I can't imagine what they must have felt like at that moment. I know the looks on the wedding party as the moment neared, full of huge grins, even the minister (the father of the groom) was all grins, the anticipation that even I felt, I swear I had a knot in my stomach. It was so neat to watch them as the moment neared, the expressions on their faces was priceless, to even look back at the pictures I took of that very particular moment - the most IMPORTANT pictures I was told to take.

As the long awaited kiss ended, the guests all cheered, the wedding party - some with tears in their eyes - cheered along with them and the ceremony concluded.

Chris and Melissa - thank you so very much for sharing this day with me as well. I was honored to be there to record this for you. I wish you both the best in everything you do!

HA! You thought I was going to share pictures of that first kiss didn't you???? Sorry, that one is saved for the bride and groom !!!

Out of town

2007-07-24T16:52:00.000-06:00

I will be heading out of town this evening for a quick trip to Dallas, only to return, and repack my bags for a trip to Oregon on Thursday. I may be a little difficult to get a hold of during this time, but I will get back with you as soon as I possibly can.
Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!

Beautiful Day

2007-07-21T00:11:00.000-06:00

I'm back! Yet another sneak peek! These are a couple of images from John and Hollie's wedding. It took place on the banks of the Concho River in San Angelo, it couldn't have been a more beautiful setting if I dreamt it up myself. It was gorgeous!! Other than some intense humidity, Mother Nature cooperated beautifully and John and Hollie were able to say their vows in the warmth of a Texas sunset.

A very nice casual wedding in the evening with a reception that went well on into the night. They are the most gorgeous couple!

Time for my mushy moment... when I look at the images I've taken of these two together, twice now. The way that they look at each other makes me smile. Literally...sitting here at my desk with a cheesy grin on my face. It is beautiful. I heard from so many of their friends and family that Hollie and John complimented and completed one another. I can absolutely see that, I see love, passion (lots of passion) and something else I can't quite put my finger on, or say without being a complete and total cheeseball - but I foresee some wonderful things from this couple, a long, happy and healthy relationship that will stand strong through thick and thin.

Your wedding was as beautiful as the two of you are, best of luck to the both of you!

Oh, the places I go and the people I meet...

2007-07-20T01:10:00.001-06:00

I'm trying to take a few moments here and there and get my blog up to date!!

A couple of weeks ago, I got to hang with some of the crew from Power 103. We got a lot of stares as our entourage strolled along the streets of downtown Abilene. Must have been a sight to see! Just Plain Paul and Chris Andrews were hanging out with me to get some new shots for their underwear modeling portfolio. Well...maybe just for an updated look so that everyone can actually see what they look like! Isn't it nice to put a face with the name and voice you hear all the time?

I had a great time guys! You both definitely kept Ally and I entertained!!!

Everyone stay tuned for some images of Brad and Calli as well, we will get together soon!!

I'm still here!

2007-07-15T23:19:00.001-06:00

I did not fall into a hole, I promise. I have been so busy I just haven't had a chance to even come on and share anything in, obviously, quite awhile. I will have several things to share soon, so keep an eye out! I am sure I will come on when I get a chance and totally overload the system b/c I have so much new stuff to share!
I began booking weddings again this summer so I have been lost in the rush of rings, flowers, cake and "I do's" lately! I will be out of town for a session ALL the way across the country at the end of this month, so I am trying to get everything completed before I leave... wish me luck with that! ;)

Breaking the Rules...

2007-06-23T12:01:00.001-06:00

Well now Hollie is certain that John would not look on here. So... if you are looking on here John, GO AWAY!!!!

Last night I met with Hollie and her Mom to do Hollie's long overdue bridals. How overdue? Oh...the wedding is in one week! So, let's call this a rush! I still have some more to go through, but here are some to show to Hollie. Would I EVER put bridals on my site or blog before the wedding? Certainly not but Hollie will have John way too busy to be hanging out on the internet over the next week and she has given me permission to post some for her to see.

Hollie is absolutely adorable! I LOVE this dress! I was waiting for them at the park, talking on the phone and when she rounded the corner in this dress, I literally gasped! I can't imagine what John will do when this beauty is walking toward him down the aisle!

Old Friends, Kids and Sunset at the Park

2007-06-22T00:19:00.000-06:00

Vacation? Who said vacation? Yes, I did take a little time "off" while in Austin, but I think I have issues when it comes to actually putting my camera DOWN. I suppose its a good thing though, for it means I TRULY love what I do. I can't stop, no matter how hard I try. I made the rounds through the Austin area and also stopped in for a visit with one of my very best friends from high school. We went to a nearby park and I shot some pics of her two gorgeous little girls. This is Ava and big sister Maddie. I am so glad I got to hang out with them. I don't take nearly enough time to visit with my friends and keep in touch and build relationships with the kiddos that I care about so much.

Am I the one that preaches so much about taking time to smell the roses? Watch the clouds and listen to the crickets on a warm summer night (does it count if I am working with the window open and listen?)? Well... I guess I can preach about it so long as I'm taking pictures of you doing so, right? Does that count? As my children are getting older so VERY quickly, I realize more and more how important that is. My schedule gets busier and busier, so I've decided in order to get all the things done that I must do AND smell the roses, I have to start a petition for 48 hour days, it is the only way.

Here are the two darling girls that I have not gotten to spend NEARLY enough time with. Can't wait to see them again soon!

Brand New Doll

2007-06-21T23:19:00.000-06:00

While in Austin shooting Kristina and Ira's engagement, I went to visit my good friend Megan who just welcomed a beautiful new baby girl to their family just 2 weeks ago. Meet the precious Gwendolyn. Being a Mom of boys, it is so different to be around a brand new baby girl, she had such soft delicate features and is such a GIRL already!

Big Brother Max was around too, but not all that interested in me, as I am not a train, or Thomas the train, or any other sort of train. Maybe next time I'll rig my camera up to look like a train. :)

I really enjoyed getting to visit with you guys and hope to see you again very soon! Congratulations, she is absolutely precious!!!!

Aimee went back to Austin

2007-06-21T22:42:00.000-06:00

Well, the song likely spells my name wrong... but it was totally meant for me.

This past weekend I went down to Austin to shoot an engagement session for Kristina and Ira. I know I always say I have fun, laugh and have a blast etc... when I do a session. I really do. I had sooooooooooooo much fun with these two though! We basically spent an entire day together, went all over Austin, went in to rest and cool off and headed out again. I don't think there are enough locations to shoot a session in Austin though... (sarcasm oozing from me here). I could SO go crazy there!!!!

These two were totally up for ANYTHING, loads of fun and absolutely adorable! There is a quality about this relationship that is just truly rejuvinating to be around. Its hard to explain, but they enjoy being around each other so much, it resonates to all those nearby, they laugh, play and have fun. Something the rest of us should try to do a little more often I think! I know I should!

Through the horrid humidity, snow cones, relaxation for pictures techniques and some good food - we had a fantastic session!

This absolutely stunning couple is getting married in December and I just cannot WAIT to do their wedding, I am so honored to get to share this time with them.

Enjoy your sneak peek and I am so excited to share the rest with you! It was almost impossible to narrow it down to just a few to show on here!

Here's some color for you Kristina!

Love that weathers the storm...

2007-06-21T22:05:00.000-06:00

Oh yes, it did just that indeed! The love this couple has for one another, the love that their friends and family have for them. On June 9th Ricia and Travis were set to say their vows and Travis was whisking her away to a secret location for a week long rest. Were they ever going to need it too!

I arrived in Snyder, TX to photograph Ricia getting ready for her big day. Their wedding set to take place in a lovely park in town, a simple and natural setting for a sweet and simple affair. As Ricia and I set out to take some bridals just before the ceremony, Mother Nature decided to step in and change our plans. The sky was dark all around, just as we got Ricia into place to take the first bridal shot it began to sprinkle, and then rain lightly, before we could get to the location for the ceremony just 1 minute away it was POURING. As anyone from West Texas knows, you could likely wait 5 minutes and the sun would be shining and we'd have a nice rainbow in the background.... or it could come a monsoon. Everyone moved from location 1 to location 2, a large covered pavillion nearby. Everyone braved the rain and took cover, set everything up...only for it to blow over b/c NOW the wind is whipping through and soaking the entire pavillion. It was so bad that I actually even had to put my cameras away because they were getting too wet, that is an absolute LAST resort.

Friends and family still stood fast to see this young couple wed, with hair soaked and blowing in 10 directions, they waited to see what Mother Nature had in store. It got wetter and windier. Never the less... we moved on to location 3! Ricia's aunt was gracious enough to have the entire wedding guest army crowd into her home to watch this couple say their vows to one another! It rained even harder, can I say that RUNNING as fast as you can in heels from my car on the street to the front door, this girl was absolutely drenched. Wet hair, muddy shoes and soaked clothes... the job must get done, you can't get married without pictures!

After all was situated, the bride calmed, everyone gathered around to see this marriage take place finally! The music began, the crowd quieted and Ricia and her Father rounded the corner, a smile crossed Travis' face that instantly erased all the worry of the day just moments before. There was his wife to be walking toward him absolutely glowing and gorgeous.

On this day there was sunshine, clouds, rain, wind, hail and rainbows and most importantly a couple was wed surrounded by all who love them most.

Congratulations you two!!!! Best wishes to your new family, I can't wait to keep capturing your lives as you grow together over the years!

A special props to friends and family, I was touched by everyone sticking it out to watch their special day. Soaked Grandpa's and muddy guests alike, it wouldn't have been what it was without all of you there with them! :)

Independent

2007-06-13T22:41:00.000-06:00

I had the pleasure of shooting "K" weekend before last. She was hardly interested in me at all, however the grass was something that held her attention for the majority of the session. The leaves and flowers as well, she thought they all deserved a taste or two. I laughed so hard at her seriousness, dead set on not looking at me, and DETERMINED to have a mouthful of grass no matter how many times Mom had to step in and put a stop to that.

This session was one of my Power103 Mommy Make-Over Sessions and we had a great time! I thoroughly enjoyed visiting with them and taking pictures! Granny deserves some props too, for she worked so hard to capture "K"'s attention throughout the entire session!

Here is your sneak peek guys!

For more information on Power 103's Mommy Make Over contest click here!

http://www.power103.com/

Love is in the Air!

2007-06-05T13:23:00.000-06:00

Tis the season for love, romance, engagements and weddings! I met with Travis and Ricia weekend before last and we did engagement portraits. Their wedding is approaching very quickly! I've known Ricia's Dad for several years and took their family portraits as one of my first sessions. Its so neat to watch folks grow up through my camera lens over the years!

We had to fight off millions of mosquitoes, but we survived (thank goodness)! Sneak peek for you guys, hope you enjoy!

Everlasting Love

2007-05-30T09:46:00.000-06:00

This is Heather and Tony. We walked around Abilene until we ran out of daylight laughing and taking pictures. Their wedding is coming up in July and its been a long time coming. They radiated the love they have for one another, you honestly can't miss it! They've definitely got something special here.

I had a wonderful time with y'all and I can't wait to share the rest of these images with you! Here's your sneak peek Heather!!!

Vacation

2007-05-27T21:47:00.000-06:00

Just a reminder that all of my June openings are booked. I will be on vacation June 17th through June 27th. During this time it will be best to reach me via e-mail @ info@aimeepaynephotography.com . I will get back with you as quickly as possible.
If you would like to book a session with me for July, please do so quickly as my schedule is filling fast. Also, if you will be wanting fall senior portraits or portraits for the holiday season, it is best to book as soon as possible.

Have a Safe and Happy Memorial Day!

Senior Models

2007-05-16T01:18:00.000-06:00

Are you going to be a 2008 high school senior? Are you interested in getting some freebies and a great deal on your awesome senior portraits with Aimee Payne Photography? I am currently accepting applications for 2008 Senior Models!
I need new models in several of the area schools, some of the school slots have already been filled, but there are plenty of slots at several schools in the Abilene area. I am looking for male and female models both, so guys don't pass this up! We want to talk with you as well!
There are certain guidelines and of course, permission from your parents/guardians is a must!

Contact me at: info@aimeepaynephotography.com Title your subject line "Senior Model" for more information!

Can't wait to hear from you!

Booking your session - Don't hesitate!

2007-05-16T01:02:00.000-06:00

In order for me to give my clients the personal attention they deserve and to spend time with my family, I schedule a limited number of sessions per month. This keeps my schedule full for approximately 3-4 weeks out. If you are interested in scheduling a session with me, it is recommended to give at least 3-4 weeks notice of your session date.
There are times that I have a re-schedule, so it is sometimes possible to get in sooner. Currently my schedule is booked up through mid-June, I will also be taking some vacation time off later in the summer as well as scheduled travel for sessions, so it is recommended that you schedule now for a summer session!
Think its too early to think about holiday portraits? No! Now is the time to get your session on the books to ensure that I will be able to take your portraits.
This is just a friendly note, reminding you not to put off scheduling your session until the last minute, so that I can be certain to see you!

Thank You!

Hollie and John

2007-05-10T13:14:00.000-06:00

I met with Hollie and John for their engagement session a little over a week ago. We braved the bad storms in the area and took some neat urban shots downtown. We then headed to ACU for a little relaxation around the new Jacob's Ladder monument and other areas on campus. I love going over there, it is such a relaxing atmosphere and so beautifully landscaped. We got rained on a little from time to time, but neither Hollie or John minded the rain...they even played in the water some! We finally began to run out of light and just barely got in our cars before the downpour! It was crazy weather, but so refreshing to be around a young couple so in love with one another!

A couple of shots from their session, check back soon for more images of Hollie and John!

Aaron

2007-05-02T23:25:00.000-06:00

Last weekend, I got to meet up with Aaron, his mom and younger sister for his senior portrait session! I did his older brother's portraits last year so it was great to get to work with this FUN family again! They had me giggling the whole time. I must mention this was a first for me, Aaron is so tall that I had to shoot on my tippy toes all afternoon! We made it work though and got some wonderful shots of him!

Kascha

2007-04-24T22:33:00.000-06:00

I met with Kascha and her Mom last weekend to do her senior portraits. We went to a few different locations for her Around Town session, we even got a couple of shots with her dog Cinch. We had a great time and got a lot of pictures! Here are just a couple of the images from her session!

Dominique

2007-04-15T00:15:00.000-06:00

Today I met with Dominique and her mom. We likely put a few miles on our walking shoes today, but it was well worth it! We had a fantastic time, they were so much fun, they had me laughing the entire time. I was so excited about the images I had to come home and go through them right away! Here are just a couple that I proofed this evening - just a little sneak peek of what is to come! Hope you like them Dominique!

Megan

2007-04-14T22:58:00.000-06:00

Meet Megan! We did her senior session last weekend, we had to reschedule due to this insane weather, it was still cold and windy! She toughed it out though and did a wonderful job! I've known her for many years and can't believe she's finally graduating! We had a wonderful time despite the cold and got some fantastic shots of her! I'm so excited to share these with her! Congrats Megan! I'm so proud of you!

Catch up with a few new shots!

2007-04-11T01:31:00.000-06:00

An engagement session - meet Heather and Andrew, young and in love, what else can you say? :) We had a great time walking around downtown Abilene, the wedding is getting closer and closer! I couldn't be more excited... well, more so than usual since she is my niece! I'll get all sappy if I go on much further, so... here are a couple of shots from their engagement session.

So much time has passed...

2007-04-11T01:19:00.000-06:00

I'm TERRIBLE I know. It has been ages since I have updated here. There have been a MILLION things going on since my last update, it'd take 6 years to tell all.
The biggest news is, I closed the studio. Before I even really got into advertising or having my big grand opening... it just never felt right. I did quite a bit of work up there, session-wise, and it just did not have quite the same flare for me as my natural light work, couple that with as busy as it was getting and my two small children, well... I won't get into deep explanation, but my heart lies with two little boys with big beautiful eyes. A hard decision at best, but within a week it was already the best one I'd made in awhile.
Studios are great for some, and not for others. Not to say I won't go for it again some other time, but I can't spare the time to devote to that right now. It is not the time. I have roses to smell and clouds to watch and little boys to grow. Immediately the sessions I started back in natural light felt...well, so much more natural. Why go out of your element when you don't have to right?

So with closing the studio and moving out of there, spending a little extra time making up baby hugs and being downright SWAMPED with the remaining 2007 seniors. I'm just NOW getting on to say... "I'm still here!"

I PROMISE that I will take better care of my blog. :)

So, things are still going strong here - I'm just back to my old ways and quite happy about it at that!

I am SO excited about this!!!

2007-02-24T23:38:00.000-06:00

I am a military wife, if you don't already know that. :) I have attended a couple of homecomings, and taken random photos. I was always more than willing to go out and do that for people, but how to get the word out so that they KNEW I would??? Well... what do you know, there is an organization JUST for this exact thing!!! I am so excited to be a part of Operation Love Re-United!
It is a special service offered to military families when a loved one will be deploying or upon homecoming. I know how it is when your loved one comes home, you are so excited and the joy and pride in a child's face when their mother or father step into their sight... that is something that MUST be captured.
I tear up as I even think about it. Perhaps only someone involved in military life can truly understand the depth of what I am talking about.

I just want to get the word out about this WONDERUL Operation for these VERY special people and PLEASE do not hesitate to contact me if you are interested in something like this! Check out their website and blog!

http://www.oplove.org/

I will have the listing on the side of my page as well for easy access. Pass this information along to your Commanders so that they know I am more than happy to come out and capture these amazing moments between family and friends.
I am so excited that this service will help get the word out, and let people know that we photographers are ECSTATIC about doing this! I know many that have done this and would love to, but now you all know!
If you have loved ones in other parts of the country, please pass the website on to them as well, I am sure there is someone listed in their area!

I will also ALWAYS have special rates for our military members, I will run specials for deployment times and just fun little stuff randomly. If you have a deployment going out in your squadron, please let me know!

Bless each and every one of you, those that go away and those that stay behind.

Winter Formal

2007-02-20T18:30:00.000-06:00

I had the pleasure of taking photos for a few local girls before their Winter Formal weekend before last. I had my studio full of girls and dresses and guys and ties and parents, it was so much fun! I had an absolute blast taking all of their photos! I should do it again! :)
Here is a sneak peek shot from this session! Can't wait to see all of you ladies again!!!

Zackary and Cowboy Sam

2007-02-06T18:45:00.000-06:00

Saturday morning I had the pleasure of photographing Zackary and cousin Sam. Zackary is 9 years old and Sam just turned 2 last month. They were hilarious to watch! Sam copied everything Zackary did and was otherwise completely uninterested in me. He LOVED his cowboy hat and gun and was thrilled that there were horses available for play in the studio! Zackary was such a good older cousin and I could tell he thoroughly enjoys playing with his young cousin. We sure had a lot of fun!

Swimming in Leaves

2007-02-04T12:04:00.000-06:00

This is on the top of my list for favorites! It is my son we were on the way to the car, he ran off and jumped in a pile of leaves. It was too cute to pass up! I ran and grabbed my camera and snapped a few before we had to go. He never looks at my camera these days, so I was proud to finally have a photo of him where you could see something other than the back of his head running from me!

Come back tomorrow for some shots from this weekend! It was busy, crazy and an absolute blast! Plus be on the look out for some very exciting news for high school students and seniors!!!

We have many exciting things happening in the coming months at Aimee Payne Photography!!!

Beautiful Baby Boy

2007-01-26T17:35:00.000-06:00

Have I ever said how much I LOOOOVE to photograph babies? I do. I really, really do. This little guy is a very special little one too, so it made it that much more fun!
I was hoping to get to take pictures of his ENTIRE entrance into the world, I got to do some maternity pics with Mom and Dad shortly before he arrived and I most likely would have followed them to each dr's appointment and anything else just to get to document his arrival. As you can tell... I was just a little bit excited.
I was absolutely heartbroken when I had to cancel his session because of my own children's illnesses. Luckily for all of us though, my boys healed quickly and this doll was small enough to wait one more week for me.
I had the pleasure of meeting and photographing beautiful Griffin night before last. He was an absolute angel to work with. I think he is just beautiful, I know his parents stare at him for hours because they are SO in love! I'm up at the studio right now trying to hurry up and finish his session. I am LOVING it too! I'm so excited to share these images with his family! (I even talked Mom into letting me come back and doing some more because I enjoyed taking his photos so much!)

* I {heart} Griffin!*

Fresh Faces Model Search!

2007-01-22T15:31:00.000-06:00

I'm looking for some models! There are a couple of areas where I'd like to expand my portfolio, I have certain looks in mind for how I want to portray my work. If you or someone you know may fit what I am looking for, this is a great opportunity to get great portraits at a wonderful cost! This offer does not apply to previous clients, it must be someone that I have not photographed before.
For the month of February I would like to find 2 boys and 2 girls between the age of 4 and 8 years. Siblings can and will be included. I would like to use one of each in studio and on location, I will choose which child I photograph where. I may also furnish specific clothing if it is not already available. (Overalls, hat, scarf etc...)

Please contact me via e-mail or telephone for further details:

aimee@aimeepaynephotography.com

325.201.2198

I will make a final decision the first week in February so please do not put this off!

I will randomly look for new faces so if you do not fit this request, just wait! I might need you next time!

Thank You!

How life makes such crazy turns!!!

2007-01-20T15:55:00.000-06:00

Well, its been awhile. While I am committed to keep up with this blog, you know things just get crazy sometimes. I went to visit a dear friend of mine in Houston, also a photographer and studio owner for a few days. I came home FULL of information and I was all revved up to get SO many things in motion. I got to meet some of the other photographers I have met online as well and we had such a wonderful time talking about many things. It was great getting to brainstorm with everyone.
Well, as my luck often works... I came home to a very sick baby. Cody was diagnosed with RSV, which was a terrifying thing for me to hear...because if anyone knows me, I'm the type that will sit up all night long watching every breath. Two days later Cody had to go back in for a check up for us only to find big brother Kade had caught as well. We were lucky though that no one had to go to the hospital, it just made for some VERY long days and nights around here. (Daddy went out of town....) Well, wouldn't you know it? Adults can catch this as well and let me tell you it STINKS!!! FINALLY I had a good day and things were looking up around here, to find yet ANOTHER illness circulating my home. Time to invest in vats of lysol spray.
Now it is a few weeks later and today is the best I've felt in I don't know how long. I'd say its like seeing the sunshine for the first time in a year, but I don't feel THAT great and well... the sun is not shining.
During this time we also experienced a death in the family, I could not attend the services, which was heartbreaking.
This weekend was to be the "Finalize all changes at the studio weekend" Well..... maybe we can go tomorrow..????
So far, for so many that I know, 2007 is not off to a good start. I hope and pray that things will look up for them very soon. Where some things may come to an end, it will open up new doors for new beginnings. (((HUGS))) to all of you.

For all of these things going on, it has basically put me VERY behind at work. By very I mean VERY VERY VERY behind. I sincerely apologize for this. Unfortunately being the sole business owner...there is no one to step up and take my place when things go wrong. I am beyond thankful for the patience of my wonderful friends and clients. I had to cancel a LONG awaited newborn session of what I hear is "just the prettiest lil' redheaded baby EVER". Hopefully I will get the all clear Monday and get back to business as usual. I have had to hold off on delivery of prints etc... for fear of passing our very contagious germs.
I am so very thankful to everyone for being so understanding about our situation, I will make it up to you all...I promise you that.
I've recieved all of the orders for my family reunion that I did back in November and will have those all shipped out very shortly. I sincerely apologize to everyone that has experienced any delay.

I will be back in a couple of days with an update on new LE sessions and pricing and a new website too!!! Oh and that little old Grand Opening that will be coming soon!!

Thank You all so much!!

What a great year 2007 is going to be!!!

2006-12-20T21:33:00.000-06:00

I am so excited to get all of my plans ironed out during this down time after the holidays. The new year is going to be full of so many exciting changes I can hardly stand it! The biggest, of course, will be the Grand Opening of the studio! We've worked hard getting things ready and now its time to put on the finishing touches!
I can't wait to open the doors and share my dream come true with all of my friends, family, clients and clients to be!
There are so many neat things in the works and there will be lots of specials, contests and events coming soon!

Thank you all for such a great year and look forward to an even better one coming up!

Safe and Happy Holidays to all!

Last minute special for late shoppers!!!

2006-12-19T23:24:00.000-06:00

I've had a couple of inquiries about gift cards, so I decided to try a little something for the end of the season. This week will be a "Double Your Dollars" week! Purchase a gift certificate by Saturday Dec. 23rd and double your dollars!!! Minimum purchase of $200 gift certificate required, but it will only cost you $100!
Get it while its hot b/c once I'm out the door Saturday, so is this special!
It is that perfect gift you just couldn't find for that hard to shop for person, an after thought, the holiday snuck up on you too fast...whatever your reason, its a gift that anyone would love!

Call me right away for further details!
325-201-2198

Happy Holidays!

Studio Space...SECURED!

2006-10-30T22:57:00.000-06:00

I FINALLY got someone to show me a place and FINALLY found one w/ enough workable room w/ an interesting feel to it! Soooo....lease is signed its MINE!
Its a little rough around the edges, it will take a little time and TLC, but eventually it will be a rockin' kind of place!
Starting to sink in, and I'm getting pretty excited!!!!
Wow. I have a commercial space. For me. In my name! I'm a REAL photographer (stated in my best Pinocchio voice). At least I can call myself one now I guess. haha
Anyway - location is a secret for now until we get a little bit of work done.

Its going to be so AWESOME! :)

Hubby is leaving on Wed. for 6 weeks, so it will be slow going until after Christmas. Me alone w/ the boys and trying to get this place together will take some time, but we'll get it done!

Time to blog

2006-10-28T18:15:00.000-06:00

I began a blog months ago, but I forgot what I called it and lost it. So here I begin again!

Between my husband leaving for school for 6 weeks, me alone with a 2 year old and a 2 month old, setting up studio space as soon as I find it, completing the rebuild on my website, Christmas shopping, 2nd birthday party planning, revamping my entire business, working, etc... etc... etc... I will try to be sure and get this going nicely and make it prettier!
:)

As I mentioned above, studio to come soon! We've taken the leap and made everything completely official! I'm just looking everywhere for that PERFECT place. Hopefully I will find it soon! I'm ecstatic about this big move!
I'm getting new upgraded equipment on order and its time!!!

We'll have one heckuva Grand Opening!!!