I just shared a few photos from this fabulously boudoir session at the studio in the Heights that I had with Mrs. C over on Boudoir Mon Cheri, and I wanted to share a few here as well! She is one of my gorgeous mom clients who did a boudoir session as a gift for her husband, and we had such a great time!

From Mrs. C: “Christine did a wonderful job on my photos. I was a little nervous at first, but she made me feel relaxed and comfortable right away. She took her time with the pictures and when I got the proofs I was blown away!! We had a hard time choosing our favorites, and as far as touching up, the pics were so good “as is” because of all the thought she put into each shot. We certainly know where to go for all our future photography needs!”

Thinking of doing a boudoir session for a Christmas gift? Fall dates for Houston boudoir photography sessions & holiday gifts are filling up fast – contact me right away to get your session set up, and still get in on the summer special rates! (The holiday deadline for getting gifts in time for Christmas without a rush fee is November 30th.)

1. Boudoir Holiday Specials! {Houston Boudoir Photography}
2. Houston, Texas Boudoir Photography – Miss K’s Studio Session
3. Boudoir Mon Cheri – Holiday Specials!

The Cullen Sculpture Garden is one of my favorite places to do bridal portrait sessions with my Houston wedding photography clients. Sarom & her friend Crystal met up with me there for her bridal portrait session, and we had so much fun! It was a blast to get to hang out with both of them before the wedding because it helped make the wedding day even more relaxing. Sarom looked stunning in her wedding dress – she is so beautiful! I’m so excited about getting to share her photographs with you!

Sarom realized that she wanted a bouquet for the session, and she hadn’t ordered one from the florist – so she whipped this up herself before the shoot! Isn’t it gorgeous?

If you’ve ever visited the Cullen Sculpture Garden in Houston, you will know that the rules are that you can NOT touch the sculptures. But Sarom is a bit of a rebel – especially with Crystal & me cheering her on!

Thanks again to Sarom for being such a wonderful client to work with, and to Crystal for being an amazing friend and willing assistant as well for the bridal portrait session!

Looking for a Houston wedding photographer? Contact me right away! I’d love to hear from you!

1. Brooke’s Bridal Portraits – Downtown Houston, Texas
2. So Much to See! – Houston, Texas Wedding Photography
3. Bridal Photography in New Orleans, Louisiana

Back in May 2009, I hosted the very first Fast Track Photographer Roadshow at my studio. At the end of the two days, as we were talking about commitments and things we were going to do, I said that I wanted to see a group of photographers come together once a month. A meetup where we talked about business tips and other photography related topics, new & old photographers alike. Dane asked me what that would look like. Then he asked me when I was having the first meeting, and being true to who he is he forced me to pick a date right then and there for the first one. (Really, that is how Dane rolls. I’m glad he is that way because it forces me to act.) I said that we were going to do them on the First Thursday of the month at 7pm. Every month. We met up in June, and then skipped July because of the 4th. The first BIG meetup, open to everyone, was August 2009.

Tomorrow night, we are throwing a BIG PARTY!!! 12 months later, we have met every month. People have met each other. We’ve openly shared what we know. The motto is that we are For Each Other, and the people exemplify it every month. I am SO proud of the people that have been participating over the past year, whether they came once or have been there monthly. I’ve witnessed, first hand, so many amazing things. I know that I would not be where I am without all of you.

Thank you, thank you, thank you to all of the photographers that have participated this past year!

If you’re a professional photographer in Houston and you want to join us, we would love to see you there! First Thursday, every month, doors open at 7pm and our presentation starts at 7:30pm. If I’m ever not there, someone else will be, so don’t worry about that. Just come out and join us! The only thing we ask is that you come prepared to be supportive of one another!

I’m also SO EXCITED to announce that Dane will be returning to Houston in March 2011 for Fast Track Roadshow 2.0. I can’t wait! The first Roadshow 2.0 just took place in Minneapolis, Minnesota a week ago, and there are several others coming up before it makes its way to Houston – so look to see if there is one near you! I could keep gushing about how awesome it is, but I’ll let you go read the site yourself.

I love this video that the Fast Track Calgary group created for the Fast Track Minneapolis workshop attendees. So very, very awesome!

Not in Houston? Find your Fast Track Group here!

1. Be a Fast Track Photographer in 2010!
2. Houston Fast Track Photographer Meetup!
3. Fast Track Photographer Roadshow Workshop – Houston Rocks!

While Megan & Cruz’s wedding ceremony was beautiful and emotional, their reception was just a ton of FUN! What a fantastic good time everyone had. The food was delicious – the Woodlands Resort always does such a great job – and the DJ had everyone on the dance floor all night!

We laughed, we danced, and we laughed some more. Looking through these just make me smile. I wish Megan & Cruz lived here in Houston, because I’d love to see more of them! Such good people, and I’m so glad they have each other. They make each other so happy. Their love and joy made our jobs capturing their wedding day so easy!

I love this photograph that Elaine took of Megan & Cruz’s rings with their wedding invitation!

Bananas Foster is always a BIG hit! Everyone likes to see the fire!

The Macarana was fun. I never thought I would say those words. Maybe it is because it has been a few years since we heard it? I’d have photos of “YMCA” here as well, but when Cruz saw me dancing with my camera, taking photos at the same time, he insisted I put it down and dance with him & Megan. Who am I to deny the couple if they want me to dance to “YMCA” with them?

At the end of the night, Elaine went outside first to be sure to get the photo of Megan & Cruz exiting – and I followed them out through all the bubbles!

Thank you again to all of the WONDERFUL vendors who made this wedding so fabulous! And a shout out to Heather at the Woodlands Resort — we’re so glad we were there for your last wedding at the Resort! We’ll miss you!!! Good luck with your new position at the Resort!

Ceremony & Reception Venue, Cake & Catering: Woodlands Resort and Conference Center
Florist: The Blooming Idea Contact: Janice
Cake: Woodlands Resort and Conference Center
Megan’s Dress: Bride’s Choice in Waltham, Massachusetts
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Alfred Angelo
Cruz & the groomsmen’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
DJ: Francisco Perez
Videography: Reclaimed Moments Contact: Jason
Makeup Artist & Hairstylist: Robin of Your Beautiful Face

1. Megan & Cruz’s Wedding – The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center, Part 1
2. Kelly & Ted’s Wedding, Part 3 – The Reception! The Woodlands Resort {Houston Wedding Photographers}
3. Lauren & Dante, The Reception – The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center

I was so excited when Megan & Cruz’s wedding day arrived. When we first talked, I was so excited to learn that they were getting married on May 30, on Memorial Day weekend! Mike & I got married on May 29th, so it is always special when anyone shares our anniversary weekend with us! Megan & Cruz were living in Boston at the time, so I didn’t get to meet Megan in person until she made a trip down to Houston to do some wedding planning. I didn’t meet Cruz until our engagement session at the University of Texas in Austin earlier this year. I knew all along that their wedding day would be so special – you can just see it in how they look at each other, and how they laugh together.

I think that any couple that can laugh a lot together will get through anything. Since we first met, they have moved to California – all while planning a wedding. See what I mean? A cross-country move plus planning a wedding from thousands of miles away? Not an easy thing to do!

But they brought together an awesome team of vendors, some of my favorites in town! Thank you again to Heather at The Woodlands Resort, Robin of Your Beautiful Face, Jason of Reclaimed Moments, Janice of The Blooming Idea, and Frank of FHP Entertainment – you all made the day so awesome, smooth & FUN!

Speaking of favorites, these are some of my favorites from the first half of the day! Be sure to check back later this week for part 2, and the slideshow of our favorites!

Thank you again to Megan & Cruz and both of your families. Elaine & I had such an incredible time working with you, especially when Cruz brought me out on the dance floor for the YMCA! Yes, it is in fact one of my all time favorite dance songs. I won’t even deny it. I can do it while taking photos too – a very impressive skill! (I do the Cupid Shuffle backwards as I take pictures too. It is a special talent of mine!)

Bedazzled shoes. Goodness, I may have swooned. Megan is brilliant! Probably one of the most comfortable brides EVER as she walked down the aisle!

Elaine was with Cruz and the groomsmen as they gathered at The Woodlands Resort before the ceremony.

Cruz & Megan decided to do a “first look” before the ceremony, which was such a touching moment. I understand tradition – I waited to see Mike at the end of the aisle at our wedding – but I think that having a reveal beforehand, privately, is so much more relaxing. You get to actually talk to each other beforehand, and no one has ever told me that they regretted the choice. Love it! We also did all of the group photos out on the golf course then too.

More to come from the reception later this week! Be sure to check back for more!

Ceremony & Reception Venue, Cake & Catering: Woodlands Resort and Conference Center
Florist: The Blooming Idea Contact: Janice
Cake: Woodlands Resort and Conference Center
Megan’s Dress: Bride’s Choice in Waltham, Massachusetts
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Alfred Angelo
Cruz & the groomsmen’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
DJ: Francisco Perez
Videography: Reclaimed Moments Contact: Jason
Makeup Artist & Hairstylist: Robin of Your Beautiful Face

1. Megan & Cruz’s Wedding Reception – The Woodlands Resort, Part 2
2. Lauren & Dante, The Reception – The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center
3. Baby Be Mine!

What a perfect way to celebrate liberty!

1. Houston, Texas Boudoir Photography – Miss K’s Studio Session
2. Houston Boudoir Photography – Mrs C
3. Boudoir Mon Cheri – Holiday Specials!

I just wanted to share a sneak peek of the most recent boudoir session I posted over on Boudoir Mon Cheri today. Miss E is so gorgeous, and so much fun to work with too! You can see more of her session here!

Considering a boudoir session? Perfect as a gift for you groom-to-be, your wedding anniversary, or for a birthday gift he’ll never forget! Be sure to take advantage of the summertime boudoir specials while they are hot, hot, hot!

1. Boudoir Holiday Specials! {Houston Boudoir Photography}
2. Boudoir Mon Cheri – Holiday Specials!
3. Houston Boudoir Photography – Mrs C

The day after the workshop I drove Zack to Austin so he could do a workshop there, and then I came home and wrapped up a busy fall wedding season here, and somehow I managed to never really edit my photos from the workshop. Other things took priority, and before you know it — well, here we are. Last week as I was looking through my backup drive for something else, I came across my photos from the day, and I decided it was time to share a few of my favorites with you!

Thank you again to Tracy Tesmer and Marc Brubaker for being our models for the shooting portion of the day. It was nice to see both of you in front of the camera for a change!

Zack Arias working some of his Zack magic. He is one of the best teachers in the industry and if you are a pro photographer and want to learn more about off camera lighting and you ever have a chance to learn from him, do it.

1. Greetings from Mexico!
2. More from Mexico!
3. News and More News!

I had the honor of being asked to sponsor & photograph TEDx Houston this year. This was a very BIG DEAL because TEDx is a curated event. Not everyone gets to attend. You have to apply. The speakers are not paid to be there, and a curated audience insures that everyone is invested in hearing what they have to say.

The other reason it was a BIG DEAL is because people weren’t allowed to take photographs. I don’t think they went around and slapped people’s hands down if they tried to take pictures, but they were asked not to do it. They were also asked not to live-tweet or live-blog the event, instead focusing on what was being said.

Two Star Symphony explained about their music and then performed. I was blown away. Wonderful, and cool to hear how they collaborate together to create their work. They are behind the screen performing a score for silent movie in the second photo.

The theme of the event was Expanded Perceptions, and I won’t deny it – my own perceptions were expanded. I had already made plans to start meeting with a business coach this week (Christy Lewis of B.E.E. Ventures – can’t wait!) and yesterday gave me some whole new things to think about. Things I’ve already been kicking about about pricing – which is why the 3rd quarter 2010 pricelist hasn’t been launched yet – and things about me.

Dominic Walsh talked about his process, and then shared a taste of a rehearsal of his delicate ballet, For the Two of You.

One of the biggest realizations though came afterwards at the after-party event. I was talking with David Brown, who also photographed the event. He was talking about his art photography, and I was, I’ll admit it, a bit jealous. Photographers, we do this. We often want to be doing what we’re not. That is a good thing, as it gives us something to reach for. But as David talked about how the four of us standing there were all together, yet all experiencing a very different reality internally, flavored by our own life experiences, I realized at that moment WHY it is is that I LOVE what I do.

I’m one of those people that remembers things down to very finite details. I notice little things. I have memories from 20 years ago that I can tell you almost verbatim what someone said or what they were wearing at that event. Recently, I got to see a friend who I first met when I was 4 years old – our mothers were best friends, so we spent a lot of time together growing up. Then when we were 20, and I was living in Germany, she & two friends from University of Illinois came to Europe to Eurorail around the continent before going to their study abroad program, and I joined them. I introduced her to the man she would later marry. In other words, we spent a lot of time together.

When we got together with my parents, we were talking about a trip we took to Six Flags in St. Louis over 30 years ago. She doesn’t remember it at all. I remember the ride there in the station wagon, driving from Kankakee to Champaign to pick her up, the fact that it was a “family pack” of tickets so my Dad joked that if anyone asked we were sisters, the t-shirts we got that were made in front of us at one of those shops where you picked out the design and they pressed it on for you. My memories are vivid. Hers? None. She sort of remembered the t-shirt she got. That was it. It made me sad for her. I love my memories.

Dr. David Eagleman talks about how it is simply impossible to know all that there is to know about the world around us, and when it comes to religion he’s a possibilian.

So as David talked, and I was having a different conversation in my head wishing that I was a true fine art photographer, showing at FotoFest and things like that, I suddenly realized I didn’t want that at all. I’m so happy where I am.

I preserve memories for people. I get emails from my clients telling me how every time they look at their wedding photos they cry because they remember it all so vividly thanks to me. Clients that tell me how their husbands love their boudoir books that they gave them. From women that tell me that they see, some for the first time, why people are always telling them they are beautiful. Now with the SLGT Photo Project, people just happy to have photographs to use for their businesses. With my expanding newborn, infant & maternity lifestyle photography, which I am so excited about because I want to keep telling the stories of the couples I’ve worked with at their weddings, parents have shared with me how precious & special it is to have those fleeting moments stopped for just a little while. They go so fast.

I get to capture the now for them. The memories that will always live within me are something I can hand to people in a very real form. They can go through their wedding or portrait albums with their family, and always remember that day.

I save stories. I preserve them for their future memories. I am a historian.

I am blessed. And I am doing exactly what I want to do. My own perceptions have been expanded, and I’m writing it all down here so that whenever I have a doubt, I can remember again how this moment feels.

Thank you, TEDx Houston, all the volunteers & attendees. Thank you to to the team at Culture Pilot for reaching out and asking me to be a part of it. I’m honored.

If you’d like a far more detailed summary about TEDx Houston, check out the posts at Startup Houston, Karen’s site Chookooloonks, and at Culture Map. Good stuff, good stuff.

(Oh, and in case you can’t quite figure it out, they are spelling out TED for me at the After-party. They crack me up!)

1. Get Out the White Linen! Houston Art & Photography
2. Weddings in Houston 2010 Bridal Soiree!
3. The Photography Studio in the Heights – Houston Texas

When I got back from our trip and graduation was over, I did a redesign and a relaunch at Wholly Matrimony, a blog about real destination weddings and destination wedding planning tips. I’ve had some great contributions so far, and more in the works. I can’t wait to share them! I’m excited to see what the future holds for the site, which has been online since 1998. It is ancient in internet years!

I started a personal photography project back in May. A bit ambitious, but over the span of a year I’m photographing 365 businesses, artists, non-profits and creatives. I do all of my sessions for a week on one day, and then I blog about each shoot daily. It has been such an incredible experience! I was inspired by the Support Local, Grow Together movement, so it is the SLGT Photo Project. I do a 30-45 minute shoot and then blog about them, and they receive 5 digital files to use. Know someone who might need photographs? Buy a Day!

With everything else, I have been craving a change to this blog as well. So tonight I made one while I watched “Dear John”. I wanted it to be more light and bright. It was hard to see as I cried through the ending of “Dear John”, but I made it in the end! If you haven’t seen it yet, and you’re a sap like me, be sure to have the Kleenex handy! Meanwhile, what do you think of the new look around here? I hope you love it too!

I told Mike the other day that my second job for the next few weeks is as a blogger. Photography, of course, is first! Things are settling into a nice routine, and I’m looking forward to the summer. Having a fresh look here is so inspiring, I see lots of new posts coming soon! I have several drafts almost ready to go live – next week is going to be fabulous!

Shhhhh… you can tell everyone, there is a new Boudoir special coming on Monday too!

We all know that no post is complete without a photo, so here is a taste of what is coming soon – Naurin & Michael’s wedding at Agave Road in Katy, Texas!

1. The Favor of a Reply is Requested
2. Miss E – Houston, Texas Boudoir Photography
3. Sunset Over Seattle