Julie and Kelly {Allen Texas Senior Photography, McKinney Senior Photography}

Kelly is also home from college for the summer, and Karen (like Nan) wanted to get some sibling pics of her two girls before they both head off for college in the Spring.

Like Joshua and Jeremiah who had experienced previous sessions with me, Julie was right at home this time around. We did her Senior pictures late last year. It was fun to see the little sister showing the older sister the photo session ropes.

We photographed this session in old Downtown McKinney. They were having some sort of Art Fair going on, so the place was hopping with people. As I'm sure I would have been if I were on the other side of the camera lens, I think Kelly was a little uncomfortable posing with so many "bystanders" observing the action.

She did just fine though and was a great sport. I think this following picture of her is one of my favorites.

My husband and I had our anniversary pictures taken at this very door you see below (Or, should I say we took turns taking pictures of each other on our anniversary in front of this door.). I think Julie pulled it off much better though! I love this one.

Julie, Congratulations on your graduation. I hope you and Kelly enjoy your summer. It's great to know the two of you will be in the same city when you head off to college - even if you will be attending different schools. I'm sure that brings your parents some comfort knowing you'll have each other nearby while you are away from home.

Karen, I'm thinking any of these would be good picks for above your fireplace - cropped to your specifications, of course!

Aw....I wish I had a sister!

Thanks again, Karen. I really enjoyed my time with you and your girls.

Big Brother's Back in Town: Owen, Jeremiah, and Joshua {Allen Texas Senior Photography, McKinney Senior Photography}

Remember the Lamborghini session?  That was my first session with Joshua and Jeremiah. By the time we took their Senior Pics later that month, we were all getting much more comfortable around each other. This past weekend was better yet.  I felt like I was hanging out with my own three brothers.  We had great fun, and they were really getting into the shoot - even helping me out with posing ideas.  Such a creative bunch!

This time around all three amigos were on hand.  Big brother Noah is home from college, so mom wanted to get some individual shots of him to match the ones we took of Josh and Jeremiah.  And what parent doesn't want some great group shots of all of their children together? Even their Dad was along this time, and though it was my fourth full session of the day, these guys kept me energized for sure.  It was a great way to end the day!

Owen was a bit camera-shy at first  - not unlike Josh and Jeremiah on their first session with me.  Just give me a couple more shoots, Owen, and by the time you're ready for a wedding photographer, you'll be an old pro (and you'll know who to call)!

All three of these boys are off to college this Spring, and I can only imagine what a bitter-sweet transition that will be for Nan and Todd. Perhaps having these awesome portraits of their boys on their walls at home will lessen the blow while they're away.  (Be strong, Nan!)

Here are some of their favorite "Brother" pictures - and a few of mine!

By the time the texting began, I knew my time with these boys was limited.  Apparently they had better things to do with their time - something to do with a Red Wings game and a couple of twins...  

At least I was able to convince them to hang in there for a couple more shots. Good thing I did. We ended up with my favorite shot of the night!

Now that's what I'm talking about!

I just knew these three would like those Pioneer Woman actions.

Alyssa and Ashley {Allen Texas Senior Photography, McKinney Senior Photography}

Meet Alyssa and Ashley.  Alyssa is a Junior.  She's a member of the National Honor Society and the sister of two of my son's classmates. Ashley is Alyssa's cousin and a soon to be High School graduate!  We doubled up on their sessions for twice the fun.  Their mothers wanted some nice pictures of the two of them together.  What better way to do just that!  

Ashley and Alyssa are not just cousins, they're very good friends as well.  Both of their families relocated to Texas a couple of years ago from the sunny state of California, so they have a lot in common - not just their beauty.

Throughout the session, Alyssa took pictures of me taking pictures. Turns out I'm the subject of her latest English project.  She's been assigned to write a story featuring people and their passions.  She had chosen photography as her subject, so taking her camera along on our session was the perfect fit.  I got to fulfill my passion while taking pictures of two lovely young ladies, and she got to check off something on her homework list.  Not a bad switch-off if you ask me.

Here's the beautiful, incredibly sweet Alyssa.

And the stunning, outgoing, and very likable Ashley:

And of course, we can't forget to make those mothers of theirs happy. Here they are together:

I've been wanting to try this following sequence of shots below for quite some time.  I had a hunch Ashley would be up for the challenge, and she didn't disappoint.  How fun is this!

I know I've said this before, but it's true for me once again.  Each session keeps getting better and better and more and more fun.  My session with Ashley and Alyssa was one of my favorites to date.  They were such great sports, and I was able to try out a few new shots. Thanks again, girls!  I had a blast.  Hope you did as well. 

One thing is certain...my passion (and I think it's fair to say my photography skills) certainly grew during this session.

Richard, Ashleigh, and Austin

Cindy called me a couple weeks ago wanting to schedule a time to get some updated portraits for her older children.  Richard, 24, Ashleigh, 21, and Austin, 14, are a great group of young adults.

Before my youngest brother was born (the summer before my 8th grade), I grew up sandwiched between two brothers - just like Ashleigh. It was so much fun seeing how the three of them interact.  Sure made me miss all three of my brothers (who all live out of town).

In honor of brothers everywhere (especially mine), I can't end this post without mentioning that tomorrow is Brother's Day - in my family anyway.  We began the holiday the day of my grandmother's funeral - vowing to dedicate one day each year to her memory and to each other. We didn't want to grow apart like some of my uncles had done.  I might add that Sister's Day (I'm important too!) is on May 4th.

So, maybe the rest of you can join in on our little holiday and give your brothers a call today. Let them know how much you care!  Life is short!

Here are a few favorites from Richard, Ashleigh, and Austin's session.  (I am so jealous of their perfect white teeth!)

Senior Pictures: Lauren{Allen Texas Senior Photography, McKinney Senior Photography}

Lauren's mom called last week to schedule her daughter's senior pictures.  She came as a referral from Julie's mom, so Julie earned herself a $35 print credit.  Thanks for the plug, Julie!

In preparing for Lauren's session I suggested to her mom that I would really love to see Lauren wear a pretty sundress.  She and Lauren were tickled because they had just come from Juicy at the Galleria and had purchased an adorable yellow sundress for Lauren's session.  Great minds think alike, I guess.  When she mentioned Lauren had cowboy boots, I was over-the-top excited.  I just knew this was going to be a FUN session - and boy was it!

Lauren is also on the swim team - the fourth swimmer I've had the privilege of taking senior pictures for so far this year.  All of them are in terrific shape.  With 15 hours of practice time each week, it's no wonder.  Swimming seems like the perfect form of exercise.  

Unfortunately, not being able to get my ears wet (and not being able to wear ear plugs) made swimming rather difficult for me.  To this day, I still swim like a drowning dog.  I'll just leave the swimming to you and your friends, Lauren.  Alas...I'm destined to exercise on land.

It was a pleasure spending the day with you and your mom, Lauren. Best wishes to you as you finish out the school year and then as you head out on your own.  There's a whole new world out there to discover, and I just know you're going to take it by storm!

I hope you enjoy your session sneak-peek.  Notice how I tried to pay tribute to the love of scrap-booking you share with your mom?

Jamaal's Camera Pics of Me in Action: This is a HOOT!

I didn't realize it at the time, but Jamaal was busy conducting a little photo shoot of his own while I was creating Caprice's portfolio images last Saturday.  It turns out he was sweet enough to capture a few of me in action, so I thought I'd post a few of them here for you to "enjoy"!

This first pic isn't a very high resolution image, but at least it gives you a pretty good idea what a session in Deep Ellum is like.  You can't be shy! That's for sure. Getting dressed in the back of the Tahoe is all part of the game! 

Of course, I'm on hand to tuck in all the straps, help apply the makeup, assist in wardrobe selections, and even divert the attention of passersby, if need be.  (Did I mention exposed bra straps are a HUGE pet peeve of mine?  Call me old-fashioned.  I'm a prude that way.)

If you've ever wondered what I wear on a typical photo session, this will be a good eye opener for you.  Now, IF I were shooting for a high profile commercial client, I'd be much more dressed up than what you see below.  BUT, since I knew going into this session in Deep Ellum that I'd be spending quite a bit of time flat on my back on the cement (and quite possibly sitting neck-to-neck with rubble), I chose a much more casual "I don't care if this gets ruined" get-up.  

I know I'm supposed to look professional and all (and I do make an effort), but I've ruined one too many pair of nice pants while on a session.  In fact, the jeans I'm wearing in these images had already gotten stained from a previous session on an elevated train track.  What I won't do to capture that perfect shot, huh!

Also, take a good look at my shoes.  I don't EVER wear heels on a session.  The more flat-footed I can be, the crisper and sharper my images will turn out.  It's all about keeping a steady hand and nothing beats a comfy pair of tennis shoes for getting that job done.  I'm the worst at walking in heels anyway, so why play with fire?  Besides, with tennis shoes on I'm ready to BOLT in case I have to run for my life!  Try doing that in stilettos!

What's in my camera bag?  On this shoot I started out with my 24-70 mm f/2.8.  Since it was slightly overcast, I opted for this lighter lens so I could shoot at lower shutter speeds if needed.  I quickly changed to my 70-200 mm f/2.8; however, as I found it allowed me to stay in one place to get both the close-ups and the full length shots from a safer distance. I was also able to work much more efficiently - which was important, because many times I was lying in the middle of the street.  I also keep my 50 mm f/1.4 in my bag in case I come across low light situations where the extra f-stop is crucial.  Especially around sunset, that larger f-stop buys me a little extra time.

You'll also see that each lens I use has a lens hood (or lens shade) attached to it.  This helps to prevent sun glare.  You should have one of these for each lens you own - without exception.  (Just remember to remove it if you are using your flash.)  You'll also see my white-balance card hanging around my neck.  That allows me to ensure perfect color during post-processing.  (Click on the link to learn more about this essential tool.)  

Well, that's about it (other than extra batteries, extra memory cards, and lens cleaning cloths).  Easy Peasy!

Below are two sequence collages to show you the progression of how I set up a couple of my shots last week.  Remember these two gorgeous shots of Caprice that I posted last Saturday?  Thanks to Jamaal and his trusty camera phone, you can see what these shots looked like from behind the lens and from what perspective they were created.  (Now, be honest.  Would you have EVER guessed this first image of Caprice was shot by a dumpster?)

You'll notice in both of these series of shots that I am either leaning against the fence, or leaning against the wall to steady myself.  Both hands are always on the camera and lens.  Good form is everything, right Dina?

There you have it.  Me in action!  I hope you enjoyed your sneak peak into the life of Tammy Labuda - Dallas Urban Photographer (for a day, anyway).

Enjoy your weekend, everyone.  I hope this post inspires you to see outside the box.  And, I'm pretty sure you'll never look at a trash dumpster quite the same :)

Jamaal: Model {Dallas Urban Photography, Model Headshots}

Jamaal is Caprice's boyfriend.  He is represented by Exxcel Modeling and Talent Agency here in Dallas.  If you or someone you know is interested in getting into this creative line of work, I would be happy to work on building your portfolio and creating your head-shots for you. As you can see by Caprice and Jamaal's sneak-peaks, we have GREAT fun during these sessions!

You may have seen Jamaal recently on the Fox network show, Prison Break.  He's been on the show a couple times already, so if you are a regular viewer of that show keep your eye out for him.  

Originally, Jamaal was just along for the ride, but I begged him to let me take some pics of him as well.  Wouldn't you?  He wasn't sure if that would breach his contract or not, so he made sure to check with his agent first.  His agent agreed and is even allowing me to post a few on my website in my permanent portfolio.  It was so responsible and honorable of Jamaal to check with her first.  Thanks for making the phone call, Jamaal.

All during the shoot, Jamaal was our eyes and ears - especially after Lawrence left.  He was our night in shining armour - even blocking the wind for me while I photographed Caprice.  Such a gentleman!  Thanks, Jamaal!  I sure hope you like these photos of you as well as I do.  I'll post the pics of you and Caprice together later in the week.  

Best wishes to you in your new career.  Enjoy!  

And, Jamaal, 

Caprice was right.  You have the most amazing smile!

Caprice's Head-Shots: Deep Ellum {Dallas Urban Photography, Model Headshots}

Well, today finally came.  Caprice, Jamaal, and I headed down to Deep Ellum for her head-shot session.  Can you believe Caprice and I have been planning for this day since before Christmas?  We've put so much thought and planning into this session.  The anticipation has really been building up.  I was so excited to wake up this morning - even more excited when the rain clouds drifted away!  

I'm so happy to tell you, Caprice, that all our research, shopping, and hard work totally paid off!  You have yourself an incredible portfolio for your headshots now.  I can't wait for you to see the rest.  

One last thing before I post your pictures.  I have to give a HUGE thank you to my buddy Lawrence who met us down town and showed us around.  I can't wait to see what you got, Lawrence.  Not that Deep Ellum is super dangerous (especially at 8:00 in the morning), but it never hurts to have a big burly guy by your side - especially when you are in unfamiliar territory.  Sure, we photographers have to have an adventurous spirit, but that doesn't mean we should be stupid either.

Okay, I'm sitting on the edge of my seat just waiting to push the "insert image" button so you can see - just a few - of what we were able to create today.  They are AWESOME!  My old trusty camera did just fine today - JUST FINE!  

Here's some of my favorites, Caprice!  You are GORGEOUS!  BTW, these are totally unretouched - she's that stinking beautiful!

Because Josh Asked..{Allen Texas Senior Photography, McKinney Senior Photography}

Just a few more from yesterday's session.