moving on {The Woodlands/Spring, TX lifestyle photographer}

There comes a point in every blogger's life when she makes the big switch...to wordpress. So my faithful fans, this will be my last blogspot post, and then it's on to andreabaclephotography.com. I hope you'll update your favorites and join me there.

I just ordered a beautiful luxury album highlighting some of my favorite images from the past 12 months. For those of you who can't see it in person, here are the pictures in it. Thanks to all of my wonderful clients and friends for opening your homes and hearts and families to me and my business. What a wonderful year it has been!

 

sweet family photos in a field of sunflowers

Here's how I spent my Saturday: chasing a sweet boy through a field of sunflowers at sunset after a fish fry with family out in the beautiful Louisiana country. Whew. I don't think it gets any better than that!

Are you seeing how beautiful this boy is? He is such a sweet little man. 

This was the last shot of the night. The sun had just gone down, so there wasn't much light left, but I love it. Everything is so pretty, and he was having fun running around. 

  

How gorgeous is this? Can you imagine that view outside of your window every day? I love their beautiful house, too. When clients call to schedule photo shoots, I always ask about doing it at their homes. Obviously, no one else has this beautiful set up, but I think it's always sweet and very meaningful to have photos taken where you spend the most time with the ones you love. And, if you think your house isn't beautiful enough to photograph, a colorful sunset makes everything lovely.

The sweetest little family of three. This beautiful momma and my husband are cousins, so we all went to school together and grew up together. I love it now that we have kids who play together.

Here's one more for the best grandparents--they are just over-the-moon over this sweet baby boy. She is the best cook I know (seriously; I make a pie at my house we call, "Aunt Linda's Strawberry Pie"), and he's the best gardener and tomato grower I know. How lucky we were to have dinner with them!

J, I hope you love these. We had such a wonderful time at your beautiful home. I'm sorry we don't live closer so we could do it more often. I will have everything in the mail to you by the end of the week. 

P.S., tell your Daddy, we're having homegrown corn on the cob for dinner tonight! :)

rock the shot: sleepy daddy and baby boy

I had to submit this sweet photo for the current contest at www.rocktheshotforum.com. This is my handsome husband and our sweet baby boy. I had to be stealthy, but I was able to balance on the arms of the chair and get this shot--so much sweeter than if I had just been in front of them. I'm more than happy to risk twisting an ankle to get the shot!

If you need a photographer for your next life-threatening family photo shoot, I'm your gal. :)

rock the shot

newborn baby girl sweet little eyelashes

I just had to post one more from this past weekend's session in Spring, TX. It's too bad I'm out of the baby-making business, because this one makes me want to start all over again. Love her!

newborn baby girl--I hope she sleeps this well for you, Momma!

What a little doll Baby Girl J was to shoot...and hold and cuddle and fawn over. :) I had the pleasure of taking this little peanut's newborn pictures at her home this weekend in Spring, Texas. I always schedule up to three hours for newborn shoots, because we usually have to take breaks for eating, diaper changing, and general fussiness. Not with this girl! She was a trooper, and I was in and out of there in less than an hour.

I have this constant debate with myself when it comes to editing. I'm a natural-look kinda gal, but a little smoothing never hurt anyone. But, I just had to leave these adorable stork marks on Baby J's forehead. I think they are precious, and they won't be around forever, so I personally love to see them. (I'm probably a tiny bit biased because both of my babies had the same marks.) What's your preference? Do you like a completely blemish-free baby or do you like your babies "warts and all"? This one looks pretty perfect to me.

So, I typically don't do lots of Photoshop work for my clients, unless they specifically request it. However, Mom and I chatted in the session about creating a vintage picture, and I sort of love how this turned out.

I had to include one of these two sweetie pies together in the preview. This little man was super cute and sweet to his little sister. He was very willing to give me the few shots I needed and then he was off to play again. It worked out perfectly. These two look so peaceful together, and I LOVE the little smile on Baby J's face. Perfect!

What a great shoot, and what a good little sleeper. Now the most important question: Does she sleep this well for you, Momma? I sure hope so! Happy preview, and I'll let you know as soon as the rest are ready.

family of five play at Memorial Park

I spent a late Saturday afternoon with this family of five at Memorial Park in Houston. These kiddos were so fun posing for the camera. They were willing to do whatever silly poses we suggested. We had them climbing rocks and sitting on bridges and smelling flowers and up in trees and up and down hills. They were very cooperative and so pleasant to photograph. It's always fun to see how kids are going to react to having their pictures taken, and these three were perfect little models.

(That's one trick I have for little ones who are not in the mood to have their pictures taken. 

Give them little tasks or challenges. 

"Can you see what's in that pond?" 

"I'll bet no one can jump over this rock."

Try it with your kids. 

You'll end up getting some beautiful expressions and won't get so frustrated because they won't "cheese" for you. :)

The sun was just starting to set, so we had lovely light for this sweet family photo. Have you ever seen a photo and wish you had the same one of your own family? I want this one!

This beautiful momma wanted to make sure she got a picture with her handsome husband. The sun was just right to give us some beautiful colors. 

When I ask moms and dads how long it's been since they've taken a picture together, the answer is always one of two answers--since before the oldest was born or wedding pictures. Guilty here, too.

When we were almost done with the shoot, we went over to the playground to let the kids have some fun. I got lots of great candid shots, and we had fun chasing them all over the slides.

Thanks so much for a fun shoot, and I'll have your entire gallery ready for you in a week.