Don't miss this rare opportunity to beat the Christmas rush...decrease the Christmas stress...and still have a tan (haha)...all at a great price too!  For scheduling & availability email: tinstarphoto@yahoo.com

So like most of my 'personal' posts, I've been thinking about this one for a while now. AND, much like the others, my thoughts came together in one, very clear instant. When I saw this little guy in my garden yesterday morning....

Now, I'm not a big fan of spiders.  They're pretty fierce looking, and I tend to have visions of them attacking me (on purpose, of course) for no other reason than to hear my girlish screams and then carry my small children off to their den of doom.  (Love my imagination, doncha?!)  But my dad has gotten into organic gardening and he's educated me on the benefit of spiders.  They're pretty tough (except when meeting Mr. Nike).  And they eat bad guys.  Fa-real.  Like aphids and flies and other little nasty things that can make your garden look and feel pretty terrible if spiders weren't around.  In fact, they eat more bugs, all in all, than birds do.  So, even though some of them can bite and be pretty harmful, for the most part, they're the good guys!

Recently I've come across quite a few...let's just get it out there...stupid people.  Yes, some in my business and some just in everyday life.  They SAY mean things, DO even more thoughtless acts, are lacking on the tact, kindness and courtesy are non-existent and they're heavy on the kill-joy.  But instead of approaching everyone with the benefit of the doubt, we, or I, tend to approach people expecting the worst.  I take a shoe to everyone.  Seeing everyone as the bad guy.  I think I need to change my perspective...approach with caution, but reserve the shoe for the Black Widows. ;)

Are you like that?  Have you been burned, maybe so badly that you doubt kindness from ANYone.  I know I'm like that.  I lump everyone in with the few goofballs...you know, just in case...

Yes, it might take my heart a little time to get over the carelessness of others, and sure I'll recover and be better for it in the long run, but I can't let the bad stuff change me SO much that my 'here and now moment' is ruined.  People will always be stupid.  Spiders will always be scary.  But before I take a shoe to the whole lot of them, I hope I've learned to take a step back, reflect on the benefit of those wonderful people, friends, family and clients  around me...and then beat the crappy ones out of my life.  hehe ;)

What do YOU think?

Ok, is this kid not a doll!?  And if you don't think so...your name might be the Grinch! ;)

I've done a few casting calls for the 6-9 month age range, just because I've shot lots of newborns...lots of 1 year olds...and had nada in between.  Well now?  Now I've got GOLD!  This is absolutely my most favorite age to photograph.  And even if you're Stevie Wonder, you can see and feel why...pure joy!  SO, if you've got a little one, and you're just itching for the 1 year session; go ahead, splurge a little early...you definitely WON'T regret it. ;)

And a couple of shout outs before I go...

Kristen Caldwell, who makes the most awesomest and beautifulest headbands, and rocks the photography world like a freight train...heal up soon!

THE one and only Superman, my huzban, thank you so much for humoring me and all of my ideas, even if they ARE at 1am.  *Yes, he made the incredible little baby bed...and tore down the fence to prove it. ;)*

And to the best, most photogenic clients this side of the sun, thank you for letting me do what I do...and to my Lord be the glory. :)

I met the most georgous mama-to-be on Saturday...before the heat (and heartburn) set in...and I had a blast!

I've been there... when you can't escape the heat, swelling, sweating, discomfort and sleepless nights.  And I can relate to the frustration with clothes and funny cravings.  I can also share in the joy of holding the source of all of those little trials at the end of 9 long months.  Crying over them.  Praying over them.  And loving them more than you ever thought possible.  It's indescribable.  It's exhilerating.  It's miraculous.

A baby will make... Love stronger. Days shorter. Nights longer. Bank accounts smaller. Home happier. Clothes shabbier. The past forgotten. And the future worth living.  ~Anonymous  

OK.  I had the most fabulicious little session this morning, and I just couldn't wait to preview...  SO, introducing the sweetest little girl; 5 days young, GLORious sleeper, beUUUtiful smiler, DELicate beauty and inCREdible baby.  Yep, that just about covers it. Oh no wait... I forgot superstar.  :)

Adalynn...what a blessing and joy you already are, and I am giddy with the thought of meeting you again.  Love.

It's been almost 1 year to the day that I had the joy of shooting little Miss Emersyn, and the occasion of her 1 year milestone was no less fun!

Completely adorable and full of personality!  And my new birthday tradition...the "Loves" image.  Stories in words AND in pictures...  Total cuteness! :)

Well...it's been a while.  Too long as a matter of fact.  But after a slow month, root canals, ear infections, swim lessons and the wretched heat...I'm back with an awesome preview of an adorable family and their newest little supa star! :)

Sam is the best, wiggliest, handsomest, strongest little 7 day old man in recent history!  (OK, and I wasn't going to tell...but the poopin-est too! hehe)  I mean we washed clothes and drapes and blankets, and I am almost positive these poor parents went through an entire package of diapers.  But you know what?  It was the best little session, with the best people and some of the best memories they and I will always remember.

Thank you, Erin and John, for making this a wonderful experience for me, and I'm honored to have been Sam first big outing!  It was a joy beyond measure!