Austin Baby….Yeah!

On March 25, 2011 By AngeliaIn Angel Lia's Photography, Beautiful Life19 Comments

A few weeks ago, my husband and I traveled to Austin. I have driven through Austin, but I haven’t stayed for any length of time. I discovered the state capital of Texas is a beautiful town. I fell in love (it’s not so weird!). Something about the hill country and all that green, then the brilliant city lights beating to the smokey vibe of urban lakefront. Then to see this…..

(source)
Wow! Absolutely stunning.

Austin was the day I did my first maternity portrait session. I don’t know if you remember me saying long, long, long, LONG ago that the only way to learn was to just do it. And that’s what I did. I did it. I tried my best. I really wanted something nice for this couple. Something to remember for a lifetime.

Their story is very special. I’ve been excited for her ever since I heard the news. A couple not expected to have children, advised it was unlikely, and then “Hello there, little one”. Surprise. A little blessing from God. A little boy.

I love little surprises like that.

They are going to be incredible parents. Their love, joy and fun just wrap around in an endless circle. Did I tell you how happy I am for them?

I wanted to show you what I saw through the lens.

Beautiful couple in a beautiful Austin park gazing in awe and wonder at the miracle of a growing life.

Congratulations to you both. I can’t wait to meet baby Lyle.

After the session, Jason and I took off for Chuy’s Hula Hut on Lake Austin. Mexican food and margaritas – oh yeah!

Best of all we got a lakeview from our table on the patio. Of course, I had to run and get my camera.

Patio Palm tree along the walkway next to the lake.

String of lights over the dock at Chuy’s. This restaurant has boat parking. How awesome is that?

It was a great way to end our day.

Like I said, I heart Austin. I heart this adorable couple. What a great adventure and what a great opportunity for my photography quest.

Thank-you Mr & Mrs Fox for a wonderful session and being my maternity guneia pigs. I adore you both and can’t wait to see you again.

Jason and I are headed back to hill country this weekend. This time to Marble Falls. I hope to do much exploration of this area and take LOTS of pictures (of course!).

Have a great weekend everyone!

Weekly Photo Challenge: Spring

On March 23, 2011March 24, 2011 By AngeliaIn Angel Lia's Photography, Beautiful Life, Posessed by Nikon23 Comments

Spring.

It’s in the air.

Vibrant colors desperate for notice.

Creatures great and small.

Taking in the beauty of a new season.

Ok not really…….I made her lay down and pose…believe me she would have rather been eating the tall grass behind the next flower.

But where was I?

Ahhh! Beauty.

Spring has sprung.

Joyful and bright.

Sharing her glory for all to see.

And smell.

For all my fellow allergy sufferers, can I get an A-CHOOO? Yeah, not so fun.

But soooo pretty!

The true sign of spring arrival here in Texas. The Texas BlueBonnets.

They are a staple of our spring landscape. They bring excitement, allure, and pride. Plus, many picture-taking opportunities on highway embankments and fields.

I heard this year they may not be all that.

Well……..I’ll let you be the judge.

Happy Spring everyone!

How are you celebrating?

**All photos copyright of Angel Lia’s Photography. Pink flowers at the top and texas bluebonnet taken at Mayfield Park in Austin. The white flowers and clover were taken in my backyard and the wisteria (purple) photgraphed at Fort Worth Botanical Rose garden.**

Living the Dream

On March 14, 2011 By AngeliaIn Angel Lia's Photography, Beautiful Life15 Comments

As a location custom photographer……….

This weekend, I traveled to Austin to meet a beautiful expecting couple in person. I found the new mom right here in blogland at her place The Fox Den about a year and half ago.

It has been exciting to get to know her through her blog and even more exciting to watch this pregnancy unfold (four more weeks!)(her first baby!).

Austin is beautiful. I am so glad I got to spend some time there and I have TONS of photographs at this incredibly scenic Mayfield Park.

All of those images are going to have to wait a bit longer. This is the second or third Sunday in a row that I have had a terrible stomach ache. I didn’t get pics uploaded and edited like I wanted to. AND I am on a deadline for a super secret photo project and have to finish that tonight.

But here is a sneak peek from my back-up crew, the finest assistant I could ask for, who knows his way around the back-up camera well, my dear husband.

What would I do without you?

Happy Monday!

Newborn Photography Love

On March 6, 2011March 6, 2011 By AngeliaIn Angel Lia's Photography, Angels among Us, Beautiful Life25 Comments

I promised my cousin Tiffany I would come take photographs of her baby after she was born. She lives about three hours away. It wasn’t a question of would I, actually I ~~begged~~ offered to do it. It was a chance to see family, to hold a tiny baby, and to practice another piece of portrait photography.

Photography is like anything else with a wide range of possibilities. It has many styles to choose from. You might be better at one over another. You could be still photographer – great at commercial products. Landscapes could be your thing – nailing that perfect waterfall, field, or mountain. Wildlife might make you roar (heh) – as you stalk the wild and hike the great beyond for your shot. It could be you love weddings – the thrill and romance. Studio portraits could be your art – capturing family, and children, generation after generation. What about maternity photos? A growing life, a glowing mom – the excitement, the joy. Then, newborn photography – the miracle. The wonder. A tiny form never to be that small again.

Every one of these might seem the same….but they are all so very, very different. It’s not just holding a camera. It’s choosing what you see, and choosing what you do with what you see. Finding where your passion lies. Art? People? Places? Things?

I have some idea…..custom photography is basically what I do. It is where a photographer comes to your home or place of choice. It is unique to you and your time. You capture moments in motion. A glimpse of the raw. I don’t think I realized the benefit and importance of custom photography until Aria.

Don’t get me wrong I am not boxing myself in. I am eager to experience all aspects of photography. To try all aspects of photography. Right now, it’s experience that matters the most. Maybe, I am just finding my wings, so I know which direction to fly.

Photographing a newborn? Hard work. They don’t just go into the perfect pose. You have to mold, and hold. They wake up and cry. Then you have to sooth and comfort (the baby and the parents – ha).

I am fascinated by the process. It reminds me of holding newborns in the NICU at Cook Childrens when I was a volunteer. It truly is a guilty pleasure. It truly is a passion.

Photographs within 10 days of birth………..simply amazing.

Introducing the precious Aria Rose four days old……

Congratulations Codye and Tiffany. When I say she is beautiful, I mean it. What joy and promise a new life brings. May you experience every soaring moment with great pleasure and wonder.