Wichita Falls Family Photography | Doug, Ruth, Duke -- and Jewels

My creative director (yes, I've given Rick a job, it doesn't pay much, oh wait, it doesn't pay at all) and I arrived at Doug and Ruth's house and were immediately greeted by their very fierce (looking -- maybe I should have said fab -- because she is) guard dog Jewels.

We arrived a little early so while Doug and Ruth finished getting ready, Rick and I went out front to set up. Duke was all duded up and rearing to go so he followed us out.  He's one of the most curious (and totally cute) toddlers I've ever met!  He decided that Rick needed some help so he became my assistant #2.  If it weren't for child labor laws, Rick might be replaced!

Doesn't he look like he knows what he's doing (and he's only two year's old)!

Well, we laughed like little school girls throughout the shoot!  Duke kept us entertained the entire time.  Here are a  few of my favorites from Sunday's shoot!

When we wrapped everything up, sweet Duke brought us each a chocolate chip cookie on a plate.  He dropped Rick's on the floor and never skipped a beat -- we of course got tickled (again) and  had another wonderful laugh!  

It was truly a pleasure taking photographs of this beautiful family! 

PS -- Jewels never did warm up to me (I must be loosing my touch)!

Happy Halloween

A couple of weeks ago, we had a wonderful dinner with our friends Elizabeth and John.  Somehow, the conversation turned to neighbors of theirs who were having a Halloween costume party for their neighbors  on the 30th.  As luck would have it, Rick knows them well -- so, we told Elizabeth and John that we might just drop by unannounced!

One problem, Rick and I so don't like wearing costumes because we're dorky enough -- costumes might make us look normal and then we'd have to dress up all the time!  So the wheels in my head started spinning.

What to do, what to do -- I mean, we weren't officially invited, although our friends of the friends invited us.

Eureka!

Our very elaborate (and expensive) Halloween Costumes!

You guessed it (or maybe you didn't), we came as alleged party crashers.

One lady figured it out -- and asked me where my blond wig was.  I explained that the wig would only have been the start.  I would have had to miraculously grow about a foot taller and lose 50 lbs.  Neither was going to happen in less than a month, so I didn't bother with the blond wig.  Another lady at the party called me Michelle, so I'm quite positive she didn't get my costume.  Oh well -- so, maybe it wasn't the brainiest of my ideas -- but we sure had fun explaining our costumes.

I need to wish my bestest friend in the world a very happy 7th dating anniversary!  He's treating me to Game 4 of the World Series in Arlington tonight!  We (and every Texas Ranger's fan) were thrilled when they won Game 3 last night in front of a home crowd!  GO RANGERS!!!!!

Happy Anniversary Rick!!!!  I love you!!!

Everyone else -- be safe, watch for kids out trick-o-treating, and have a wonderful Sunday!


PS -- thank you John and Elizabeth for (allegedly) inviting us and a huge thank you to the LaTour's for not kicking us out and treating us to a fun party (the food was delish!!!!)!

Happy 80th Birthday - Joyce

We celebrated my soon-to-be mother-in-law's (Joyce Sims) 80th birthday on October 16, 2010 at the Wichita Falls Country Club.  We had a lovely evening of great fellowship, laughter, a wonderful steak dinner followed by yummy cupcakes and cake!

Cake and cupcakes made by Sugar Cupcakery and Cake Studio

Joyce is a beautiful lady, who loves and trusts in the Lord!  Joyce has become a good friend to me and I love her very much!

Ephesians 5:19-20

Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

:+) Frances

Wichita Falls Pet Portraits | Blue

What a great week for Texas!  The Texas Rangers made it to the World Series!  We are soooooo excited and proud of the Rangers.  It just seems like this group of players really have heart, love and respect each other, and are committed to the team.

We were able to make it to two playoff games, and would you know it, they lost both games.  So, maybe we should stay put and watch the World Series on TV. 

Ok on to pet portraits -- all I wanted was to update the pups pictures today.  Did I get any cooperation?????  Uh noooooooooo!  I'd get the equipment set up, ask (ever so kindly) one of the dogs to sit and stay,  I'd get in place, and then  --- in a flash, the dog would take off.   After about 65 takes -- I had one that was worthwhile.

Here's Blue, getting ready to jump up.  Luckily (or is that skillfully), I got a shot of him before he left the stage.

I really need to put them through obedience training.  They know sit -- and that's it (hey that rhymes).  I watch  Cesar Milan the Dog Whisperer all the time so you would think that I could follow his instructions and get mine reigned in!  Oh well, at least I shoot digital -- so there's no cost in film processing.

Anyhoo -- here's to our furry friends!

Have a wonderful week!

; ~D Frances

Texas Rangers Part Deux

Woo hoo! The Rangers are leading the Rays 5-1 (bottom of the 9th, 0 outs)! But, as they say "it ain't over till the fat lady sings". Fa, la, la, la, la -- I'm singing! Nah, got to be patient -- Feliz will get the job done.

While watching the game, I decided to look at the rest of the pictures I took this past weekend. Ummmmhhh -- I looked in bridge to see just how many photos I took -- how about 1,000?

I guess I watched the game through my view finder.

Anyhoo -- we are so excited to be making a trip to Arlington this Saturday to see them play again.  Game update 1 out, 2 to go!!!

In the meantime, here's a few of my favs from Saturday (2 out, 1 to go).

Woo hoo! Rangers take game 1!!!!!!!!!

 

Annnnndddd -- just in case you really, really want to see more pics, here's the rest of them (no, not 1,000, just 50 or so).



Have a great week and GOOOOOOOOOOOOO RAAANNNNNGEERRRRRS!

; p Frances

Texas Rangers Claws and Antlers Parade

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How did I answer that question? Oh, (e) of course!

We went to the final regular season Texas Ranger's game Sunday and were pleasantly surprised when we walked through the gates to see that some of the players were in the lines handing out the schedule for 2011. Ok -- it was fan appreciation day so maybe we should have expected something special from the Rangers.

OMG CJ Wilson is so cute (and young), but why oh why couldn't I get my act together to at least shake his hand????? Rrrrrrrrr! I was so mad at myself because here was a prime opportunity to snag an autograph -- but a zillion thoughts were spinning through my head -- and none of them made any sense. You have to know that we went to see the Rangers in Boston, MA -- and I made Rick wait with me a little over an hour so that I could try to get their autographs before they left Fenway (and of course, I left empty handed). So - you would think that I would have succeeded when I had one of the players right in front of me! Oh brain, oh charm, why doth thou leave me when I need thee?????

Oh well. I still have the schedule he touched!

A number of the players were there. Rick was greeted by Michael Young and Seth was greeted by Clay Rapada!

Josh Hamilton handing out 2011 schedule

Anyhoo, the reason we got there early was so that we could watch the Claws and Antlers Parade. Luckily, our seats were down low so I had a great vantage point to take pictures.

Here are a few pictures from the parade.

Just in case you want to see more cute fans, check out the slideshow below.

The Rangers lost -- but we still had a great time!  We're so proud of the team and wish them the best in the post season!

Well, here's to a brain (mine) that doesn't engage when coming face to face with a sports hero!!!!

Have a great week!

; ~`)  Frances 

PS  -- Please tell me that I'm not the only one who goes brain dead when face to face with a celebrity!

New Website: 90% Complete

Whew!  I spent the last week trying to get my new website up and running.  Now, for some of you techie people out there, you're probably thinking to yourself that a week is waaaaayyy to much time to devote to setting up a web site.

Here's the problem.  I'M NOT TECHIE!  My kids are, but I'm not.  Sooooooo, it took me a little longer than I had hoped -- but I'm happy with the outcome.  I still need to do some work to it -- but it's live and in person baby!

I'd used a fairly inexpensive Yola website on my first go around and that puppy was coming up for renewal, so I had to get the ole hind quarters in gear and get another built before my old one became inactive.

If you have time, click on this link, check it out and let me know what you think (good, bad and ugly).

Have a great week!

;^P Frances

The color green

Woo Hoo (currently jumping up and down doing the woo hoo dance)! After 41 days, I finally received my camera back! I haven't made the time to see if my flash guns still have a little Linda Blair - the Exorcist in them. So keep your fingers crossed that everything is in working order!

I did march my happy pants out back yesterday to play around with my camera. I really wanted to get shots of the four legged beasts (who are barking their heads off right now) but, alas,  they couldn't seem to focus on being still.

So --- I walked over to the chives (one of the few herbs I haven't managed to totally kill) and started clicking away.

While taking pics of the chives I noticed a little, bitty, butterfly (or moth) sitting on one of the flowers. Ugggggghhhhhhh -- I had the 50mm lens on and not my macro lens. Rats, oh well, got to dance with the one that brung you, right?

There was a slight breeze, so I had to wait patiently until the little guy bobbed back into place to try and capture at least one sharp (OK -- it's not razor sharp) picture.

Well, the little bugger had me fooled!  I thought I was taking a picture of his front side, when in fact, the big orange and black dot is on his hind side!

What I like most about this picture is the color green.  It has a calming affect on me.  Hmmmmm,  maybe next go around, I'll paint all my rooms green.  Eeeehhhhhh -- maybe not.  Anyhoo -- check out this link on color psychology.

The dogs are still barking, so I may need to go out back and take in some green to get me back to a peaceful, calm, state.

I hope you all have a safe, wonderful, calm, Laborless Labor Day!

:~P  Frances

PS -- Twicebroken is in Vegas preparing for the finals of the Hard Rock's Battle of the Bands!  I asked Nick to let me know what time they were playing, so that I could mix a cocktail, put their CD on, and pretend I was there cheering them on!

THE DOGS ARE STILL BARKING!!!!!!!!  AAAGGGHHHHHHH!

Twice Broken -- Going to the Finals! Vegas Baby Vegas!

Woo hoo! Twice Broken (my son Nick plays bass) has made it through the semi-final round at the Las Vegas Hard Rock's Battle of the Bands. They will return September 4, 2010 for the finals!!!!!

You can watch a video of the band by Anthony Gutierrez. And -- if you'd really like to support them -- you can go to iTunes and download some of their tunes.

Congratulations guys! We are so proud of you!

Color -- or Black and White???

Now that I have a camera in hand, I can get back to work!  The past couple of days, I've been shooting some pictures at Coyote Ranch for Crane West.  It's a great place to park your RV -- or if you're RV less like me, you can kick back in one of their air conditioned cabins.  Donna Adams has created a beautiful resort for RV'rs and guests as well.  The Ranch has a great lodge, cabins (I think there are 21), swimming pools, laundry and showers.  They are busy, busy, busy getting everything completed before next week -- because Hotter N Hell Hundred kicks off Thursday.  And you know what that means in this area ---  NO HOTEL ROOMS!

I was shooting till sunset -- when I captured a photo of the Chapel that is under construction.  This is the second time I've been out there at sunset -- and both times, I was treated to spectacular colors.

After I finished processing and cropping this photo in Photshop, I decided to see what it would look like in black and white.  Now, I can't decide which one I like better, color or black and white.

Have a wonderful weekend!

:^) Frances

Friday the 13th, dunnnnh, dunnnnh, dunnnnhhhhhh

Hola and happy Friday the 13th!

Gosh -- what can you say to friends who give you an opportunity to take pictures from a helicopter????????? How about THANK YOU VERRRRYYYYYY MUCHHHHH! I got the opportunity to take pictures of the Windthorst football field from high in the sky in my friend John's helicopter. My dear friend (and fellow photography enthusiast) Elizabeth, who just happens to be married to John, asked me if I'd like to take pictures of the new Windthorst Trojans' football field. It took me about .00000001 seconds to say "YES"!

John doing his instruments check, me giving a very crooked thumbs up!

Bumming Elizabeth's camera again!

Up, up and awayyyyyyyyyy!

Things I learned on today's flight:

1. Plowed dirt looks amazing from up high.
2. Cows don't look so tough from up above.
3. Man, every fourth house in Wichita Falls has a swimming pool (where's my invite???).
4. Not everybody uses their pool for swimming, some use it for algae growth, frog ponds, or mosquito pools.
5. I sure enjoy flying!

Anyhoo, here's what the new Windthorst football field looks like from the air.

And finally, some artwork from today's helicopter flight.

We landed next to runway 13 -- no kidding!

Thank you John and Elizabeth for a really fun morning!  You two are the best!

Here's to good friends -- and the weekend!

;+)  Frances

Wichita Falls Family Portraits | Kayla 2.0

We were spoiled a tad bit (OK maybe spoiled alot) by our friends Mike and Marcia. They invited us to their Possum Kingdom Lake cabin for a little R&R. It was absolutely beautiful, and I loved, loved, loved riding around the lake in their boat! Actually, I think my (and Rick's) favorite thing from our visit to PK Lake was sitting out on Mike and Marcia's boat dock watching the stars. It was such a treat to gaze into the heavens and look at the stars. It is amazing that you can see so many more stars (including the Milky Way) when you are away from city lights. God is great! We are truly blessed and thankful for Mike and Marcia's friendship.

So -- 10 lbs heavier, and 100% happier and rested, it's back to the real world and back to processing the photos I took of Kayla Friday. OMG -- I keep thinking that one photo is my favorite, then I get to the next one, and then that's my favorite.

Here's a couple more of my current favs!

Anyhoo -- hope you all had a great weekend -- and are looking forward to another terrific week!

?:`) Frances

Hatched!

I've been trying to get the ole caboose back into shape (one week and counting) -- so most mornings, I head to my friend Carolyn's house and we walk her dogs. This morning, as we headed out, she showed me the egg shells that had been kicked out of the yellow-crowned night heron's nest!!!

We found two empty eggs -- so, I'm assuming we have at least two babies in the nest (the egg shell portions we found appeared to be from two eggs, and not halves of one).

I hope at some point, we'll get a glimpse of the babies before they take flight and head out of town.

Have a great week!

;~) Frances

Wichita Falls Executive Portraits | Rick

Hola and happy Sunday!

Mother's have every right to brag - right???? Nick sent me a text last night letting me know that Twice Broken made it over the first hurdle of the Las Vegas Hard Rock Hotel's Battle of the Bands! They will be returning to Vegas in August for another night of competition. I don't have any details at this time (the band is on their way back to Wichita Falls as we speak) but will update you when I get the scoop! I'm thrilled for the band and am very proud of them!

My boyfriend Rick is such a good sport! Even though he hates being in front of the lens, he's never said "no" when I've needed someone to practice on! I wanted to update his website's photo of him -- so I asked him if we could go to his office after church and take some photos.

For this photo, I used two strobes -- one SB-900 in a Photoflex Lite Dome XS (camera right at a 45 degree angle to Rick), and a SB-600 bounced up towards the white ceiling (camera left).

I think the next time I take a "work" portrait of Rick, I'll get in closer for a tighter shot. I have no idea why I didn't do that when I was there. I think sometimes my brain disengages or something. Oh well - it just means that Rick will have to get out in front of the camera again!!!!!!!

Well, the weekend is almost over! I hope you all had a wonderful one!

:~} Frances