Kickin' It In Kansas

Growing up raising and exhibiting cattle, our family "vacations" consisted of packing in to our single-cab pick-up and driving across the country to the Junior National Hereford Expo in July.  Luckily for me, this year's show was held in Kansas City (which, from a travel-time standpoint, beat every previous one I've driven to by at least 10 hours).  It was such a great opportunity to return to this prestigious show and watch junior member's compete.  

While there were many highlights of this week's events, my favorite moment occurred when the young girl I used to babysit (and the flower girl in my wedding) took me on a "shopping spree" to the livestock show supply trailer.  She was eying a purple scotch-comb that would perfectly match the new show stick her folks purchased for her earlier in the week.  After making sure the new comb would fit in her back pocket, I decided to get it for her.  To her, it is her very own, most-basic piece of equipment that she'll use at cattle shows for years to come.  But for me, this gift has deeper meaning.  When I decided to run for the junior Hereford board of directors (gasp!) 9 years ago, one of the final questions in our Q&A session was, if you could be one thing in your showbox, what would you be.  I responded, "A scotch-comb.  Because, when you first get started, people - like the hair on my cattle - can be going in a lot of different directions.  I want to be the thing that gets everything moving together.  Moving forward."  It was a pivotal time in the association's history, and I was lucky to have been elected to the board that played a major role in moving its membership in the right direction.  While sitting in the bleachers watching over 1300-head of cattle exhibited by kids from every corner of the country, I felt an intense sense of pride for the organization that I was so fortunate to be a part of and the accomplishments it has made over the past decade.  

One day, I know she'll out grow this little purple scotch-comb, but I know the future is bright with young kids like Allison who are ready to learn and lead.   

(Congrats, Justin, on your reserve division bull!)

Christmas in July

New camera...'nuff said!  :) 

This is the best Christmas present (to and from myself) I've EVER gotten!  Can't wait to start using it! 

Attention Brides to Be...

Today's brides-to-be have a lot of choices when it comes to personalizing their big day.  No matter how big or small your budget, it's always a great feeling to get more for your money.  One of my favorite wedding day elements was my guest book.  Unlike traditional, lined books, online photo sites (like my personal favorite, Shutterfly) provide the option of a great keep-sake.  Our guest book has a permanent home on our coffee table, and is always within reach when I want to take a ride back memory lane and read all the well-wishes we received from family and friends.  

This is a service I am happy to provide to couples who book a wedding package or engagement session with photographE studio (or to a sister-in-law who's big day is getting closer)!        

Invitations

My friend Christie and I worked on some invitations tonight for her new nephew's "meet-and-greet" party.  I'm so excited to see the final results!  And isn't he the cutest little guy!  Now if only we can convince his mommy and daddy to send him to K-State in 18 years!  :)  

What Should I Wear?

Probably the question I get asked most frequently is one I ask myself everyday..."what should I wear?"  So below are some tips and suggestions for upcoming photo sessions.

 

Be you!

• You/your fiance(e)/your family are the focus of every frame, so wear something that reflects who you are.
• If you bleed purple like me (Go Cats!), or have a color that consumes the majority of your closet, wear it!  That usually means you love how you look in it, and that confidence will shine through the lens.
• Are you obsessed with a type or brand of shoes?  Whether they are Sperry's, Jessica Simpson stilettos or cowboy boots, they are fun details that make the pictures unique to you.
• Do you have a favorite pair of go-to jeans or a never-worn sassy sundress?  Bring them both!  Outfit changes are always welcome – so maybe have one outfit that’s casual and fun, and one that’s a touch more dressy and sharp.

Comfort is key.

• If your skinny jeans require Crisco to squeeze in to, leave them at home.  Wear something your comfortable sitting, standing, and jumping in.
• Think about the time of year and location – a sweater and scarf will only make you sweat in the summer sun.
• If you have some stellar heels you want to wear, throw a pair of flip-flops in a bag for down-time between shots.
  

Color is critical.

• Think deep, rich colors (and remember, dark colors are always slimming).
• In addition to wearing clothes that are complementary to your body type, the colors should compliment each other too in couple or group photos.  If you all want to wear blue or black, try wearing varying hues or shades.

Rock your outfits.

• Wear your clothes, don't let your clothes wear you.

gift ideas

Have you ever struggled with gift ideas?  If you're like me, friends are getting married, having babies, and sometimes the "perfect gift" just doesn't jump off the shelf.  My coworker and I recently decided to think outside of the box for a friend's wedding gift.  I'm so excited to share our final choice!  And the best part, gifts like these are fairly inexpensive to create and have huge sentimental value.