Springtime cutie

This little doll turned turn 2 back in January but Mom and I have been waiting for nice weather to photograph her. Last Thursday was the perfect opportunity! I also got to use one of my new props! Check out my new brown, vintage suitcase that I found a couple months ago. It was the same day I scored my sweet vintage couch that I’ve been waiting to use. I haven’t used it in a session yet but I’m sure ready.

Mom said she had a picture of herself as a child with cute sunglasses like these. So glad we got to recreate the shot. “K” got her “America’s Next Top Model” groove on and totally worked it for my camera.

I love these next couple of shots of Mom and daughter cuddling. You can see how much she loves her mama!

And these last images are just some quick “shoot from the hip” snaps while me and “K” played on the merry-go-round. It was pretty windy but still definitely a top ten day. Oh to be a kid again!

Gift Certificates now available

So how many of you are ready for Mother’s day coming up on May 10th? If you need a great gift idea, give the gift of a portrait session and prints from cb Yates Photography! Know a new mom-to-be having a baby shower? Be the hit of the party when you surprise her with a newborn photography session.

What about the weddings you’ve got on your social calendar this summer? Give them something they’ll be really grateful for . . . a gift certificate to use towards their wedding photos! Be unique, be fresh, be creative… be a part of the bride’s first family heirloom. Gift certificates may be used toward the purchase of prints, wedding albums, and gallery wrapped canvases. Help them decorate their new home with beautiful images from their day.

I’ve had requests for these so I’m very proud to be offering them. There are two types of certificates available so you can customize your gift for the recipient. One geared towards engagements/weddings and another aimed at family/children/newborn photography.  Each one comes in a nice petal envelope with ribbon enclosure. All you have to do is hand it to the recipient, no wrapping involved!

We all know the second most important thing to rescue from a fire (after our loved ones & pets) is the pictures. Pictures are the way to capture moments now to create memories for later.

If you are interested in giving the gift of memories please go to the proofing section of our website. You’ll need to login (if you’re a previous customer) or create an account (if you’re a new customer). From there you’ll be able to place your order online and your gift certificate will be shipped to you complimentary!

one week ago today . . .

we met to photograph their maternity session. It was a beautiful spring day with lots of kids at the park for the Easter egg hunt. I joked with Christine saying how I should do some shots with all the kids in the background saying they were hers. We laughed about it but it’s not exactly true. Christine and Leroy are expecting their very first baby. And to be truthful, I can’t say expecting in the present term anymore because CONGRATULATIONS are in order! Christine and Leroy now have a baby girl. I’m counting down the days till I get to meet her and take her photographs.

Can you see the excitement between these two? The whole shoot had such a great vibe. It was an honor to photograph such a special point in your lives. It’s spectacular how much life can change in a week. Last Saturday you two were cuddling in the park and now you’re cuddling a little angel in your arms.

I can’t wait to meet her!

Easter greetings from cb Yates Photography

This post should be titled “essential tools to bribe a child for great photography”. Just kidding, but the fruit snacks Mom brought definitely helped hold little E’s attention. I’m going to have to hit Sam’s Club and stock up ’cause they worked wonders. 

Just wanted to post these images of little E sitting in a nest with her eggs right in time for Easter. We all had fun taking these images, Mom and Dad included! They’re good friends of mine and traveled all the way from Minnesota. I’m so glad they road-trip to have me photograph their little girl.

These black and white images below were some of the last images I took but they’re my favorites by far. Mom had started changing E’s clothes and she found this cute strawberry stocking cap in my suitcase of props. We put it on and she started running around with Dad chasing her. I was lucky to catch these couple of shots when she slowed down a bit. I love the last little impromptu clicks of the camera that you don’t expect.
Well I hope everyone has a happy Easter weekend! The weather has been wonderful so far. I had a great maternity session this morning. Watch the blog for a sneak peek next week. Can’t wait for their little girl to arrive.

Take care and enjoy the time with your family. Hope the Easter bunny brings you something yummy! I was hoping to pick up some Reeses Peanut Butter eggs but the store was all out this afternoon. Couldn’t believe it.

Working on my skills at JVS 2-day Lighting Workshop

One of my goals for 2009 is to improve my off camera lighting techniques. When I saw the images coming out of the JVS Workshop I figured it’d be a great chance to work on that goal. Back at the end of February I went to Dallas to attend the JVS 2-day Lighting Workshop. It was fun to get away, learn some new skills and meet some wonderful photographers. Joseph and Anne were such nice hosts as they taught us their knowledge. We worked in a variety of locations but my favorite was the night shoot under the interstate. We had to get out of the street ever now and then for some cars but it added another element of adventure.

Below are some images I took of Jason & Kori Hudson, a totally cool husband/wife photographer team out of Arkansas. I’d say they’re really good at being opposite the side of the lens they’re usually on! Joseph from JVS set up the lighting and we all got a chance to shoot. This is a pretty simple lighting technique that I’m excited to work with. I want to incorporate this look into some engagement shoots I have planned this spring.

Here’s another image just showcasing some of the behind the scenes shots. If any photographer is interested in this workshop I’d tell them not to miss it. I learned tons about off camera lighting in a way that was fun and exciting. They had so many different lighting modifiers and it was cool to try them all out while photographing fellow photographers. It’s always a blast to work with others that share your passion. They have no problem trying a funky angle or holding that pose just a tad longer while you adjust your settings, etc.