BE Photography

NEW BLOG

2014-05-14T13:26:00.002-05:00

Becca Egger Photography's new website and blog can be found at a new address.

www.beccaeggerphotography.com

Thank you for your loyalty!

xoxo Bec

BIG CHANGES

2014-03-15T18:35:00.000-05:00

1. Baby is here, safe and sound. We're very happy.
2. New website. Check it out. www.beccaeggerphotography.com
3. The URL for this blog will probably be changing soon, unless I can talk google into behaving. Use www.rlephotography.blogspot.com to be safe.
4. It's been real. Time to move over to the new website and blog!

www.beccaeggerphotography.com
www.beccaeggerphotography.com/blog

xoxo Bec

Almost there!

2014-02-06T11:06:00.001-06:00

Well, I've had TONS (okay, maybe one or two...but that's all the encouragement I need, people) of requests for some preggo photos. So...coming to you courtesy of my super incredible cell phone selfie skills, here you go!

Exhibit A: the belly.

I took this photo a week or two ago...but I (think I) haven't grown much since then. So, there you go!

Exhibit B: the coat.

My cousin co-owns a kid's upscale resale clothing store in Houston, and this maternity coat I bought from her is, without a doubt, the best $20 I've spent in my maternity wardrobe. It's been cold in Texas this winter!

Exhibit C: the room.

Her room is almost done. Here it is. I think it's pretty cute, and not too baby-ish...and not too guest room-ish. The room was already painted blue-tealish, which worked great for us.

There are other cute parts to the room that you can't seen from this photo...so, once everything is totally done, I'll take higher quality photos and share those. Because I know you all care so deeply. :)

See that random femur bone on the floor between the rugs? That's a little evidence of a well-known truth in our house: baby's room is Nolan (oldest dog)'s favorite room. He LOVES being in there, and it's not unusual for him to camp out on one of those rugs and chew on one of his toys. The guy doesn't have a ton of patience, though, so there's a strong chance that once little bit comes along, he'll be hiding in a closet somewhere to get away from the noise. We'll just have to see!

Here comes the baby! The question is, when?!

xoxo Bec

38 weeks. Perfect time to start new projects, right?

2014-02-05T12:48:00.000-06:00

38 weeks tomorrow. Doctors say everything is good, baby's nice and comfy, we'll see when she comes.

Sweet. So I totally have time to start learning how to work my new camera, which is COMPLETELY DIFFERENT than any other camera I've ever owned, right? And order new parts to replace the ones I don't like? And start dealing with the big world of film? Yes.

OH, and I definitely should be working on rebranding, complete with reading a great book that's making me examine the soul of my business, commissioning a new (amazing, by the way) logo, AND totally changing my website, pricing, the works. Right?

Super logical. Can I blame this on hormones? Is this a strange sort of nesting? Heeeelp. Someone stop me! I'm having way too much fun, but I don't know if I can wrap all this up in the next two weeks, which I'm not even guaranteed!

Luckily (providentially?), I have all my sub plans done at school. So that worked out.

PANIC BUTTON.

xoxo Bec

Baby is coming soon!!

2014-01-28T13:53:00.001-06:00

Well, I've been trying to limit my social-media-advertising of this little baby, just to stay out of people's hair. I've put up PLENTY of pictures on instagram ( @beccaegger ) because I figure folks who look at that are wanting to see photos...but, in the process, I know I've limited information to folks who genuinely care about us, and I want to be sure to extend a little excitement your way!

Baby is doing GREAT. She (!!) is due in about three and a half weeks (holy Moses), and I think Jeff and I are almost ready. We had an incredible birth class with a friend who is an outstanding doula, we have a great team of OB's on our side, and we toured our local hospital and LOVE it. We have a pediatrician all picked out, and I have washed about seventeen thousand ADORABLE outfits for little miss to model for us. We've had a couple ridiculously generous showers, and are hoping to have a couple "sip and see" type parties in a few months for friends we don't see often enough, so they can meet our little girl. I think we have one big shopping trip left, and I can only think of two more items that need assembly...so we really are getting there! Am I forgetting anything?!

Now, all that being said, I know we're not ready in the least for the wild adventure heading our way...but we have the most fantastic support system in the world, and with the grace of God, I know we'll make it.

The decorations in the baby's room are almost done, and I think I'll probably geek out and share a few photos when it's all ready. I mean, if that's cool. :)

Alright. Tata for now. Baby soon. Again...holy Moses.

xoxo Bec

Follow up and schtuff.

2014-01-17T09:05:00.000-06:00

Well, thank you so much to everyone who responded to my questions in my last blog entry! I am excited to say that the results I received were pretty much lined up with the self-inquiry results with which I've been coming up myself...so, whew, I'm on the right track as I take this spring to evaluate the direction my business is headed in! YAY!

A note: Several folks voiced concern that I would be unavailable for family photos in the future. Talk about making me feel like a million bucks, people!! I'm more than flattered that I'd be a priority for such a vital part of your family's history. And YES. Please do still call me! I will be marketing almost exclusively for seniors, but still greatly value the opportunity to photograph families, couples, babies, etc. How could I not? There are so many beautiful people out there!

So, I hope that clears a few things up. I apologize for any confusion...that's my bad. Obvi.

Love you people. By the way, I ordered something SUPER EXCITING that has EVERYTHING to do with the direction in which I want to take this lovely business, and it's stuck in customs in Japan. The tension is building.

xoxo Bec

Change is gonna come...

2014-01-10T14:35:00.002-06:00

I've alluded to some upcoming changes here in the business, and I've decided that the time has come to publicly discuss some ideas with all of you! Please, contain your excitement. :)

Here are a few non-negotiables:
1. We're doing photography here. Boom.
2. I'm going to focus primarily--almost exclusively--on senior portraits. Boom times two. Boom boom.
3. We're going to keep prices reasonable while maintaining the value of the product. I'm done with the boom thing.

Other than those three points, a lot is up in the air! I'm reading a great book right now--May I Have Your Attention, Please--as recommended by a friend and trusted professional. I'm exactly (seriously, exactly) halfway through it, and can't wait to finish it. My students asked me today what I was reading, and I showed them, and they were like, "Ewww...that's about business and stuff? Gross," and went back to their vampire-Sherlock-romance-thrillers. I'd usually agree with them, but this is a great read, and is making me think a lot about the BE Photography brand, what it already represents, and what I would like for it to represent.

Going forward, I really would like some feedback. So, if you don't mind, please answer any or all of these questions in the "comments" section, so I can be sure I'm on the right track! Whether or not we've ever met, if you like my work, I really do relish your feedback.

1. What makes BE Photography different than the other (wonderful!) photography businesses out there?
2. Other than price and products, what guides your decision in choosing a photographer?
3. If you know me, what are a few words you'd use to describe me?
4. If you do not hire a photographer often, what would it take to change your habits?

That's it. Pretty simple. Answer any or all! I'll bring you a chocolate as a thank you! ...maybe...

xoxo Bec

A look at the undeniable

2014-01-02T16:12:00.000-06:00

You can quit holding onto your seats now. Here's a little of what I was teasing about yesterday when I did my "year in review" post.

So, for any of you who aren't familiar with blogger (Google's blogging option, and my poison of choice), there's all sorts of cool (and hazardous) information on the backside. For instance, I can log into my account and see how many views I have from what countries on a daily, weekly, monthly, and all-time basis. I don't see names or anything...obviously...so don't worry, there's no big spy ring headquartered in my den. But, it is fun to see that after the United States, my blog seems to have had the most views in the Ukraine. Shout out? Honored to have you here, people (Third, fourth, and fifth place go to China, Russia, and Canada, respectively. If you were wondering.).

Anyways, I haven't found a way to use that information to my advantage yet, but there are other categories which are more applicable to my business. For instance, I can track what time of day tends to yield the most views, what search terms lead people to my blog, etc. That's helpful.

Most intriguing to me right now, however, is a little box titled "Posts." Here, I find out how many times each post I've written has been clicked on specifically. If someone is just looking at my blog, scrolling down from post to post, that won't register here. But, if someone follows a link directly to a specific post, and then has to click "next" to navigate to the next post, DING DING DING, that sure as heck registers.

My top post is from 2011. It was a fitness model shoot. Popular lady. :) I don't have much "figuring" to do about that one.

The other top entries were all from 2013. My "second place" post puzzles me a little. It's this one. Weird. I don't get it. Anyhow, third place goes to the post where I introduced our new house, and fourth to the journaling I did regarding the Best Day Ever--the day my parents finalized their adoption of my four youngest siblings. Fifth is a pregnancy-related post.

So, ONE out of my top five posts has something to do with photography. And I'm not a fitness model photographer--that was a one or two time gig that I thoroughly enjoyed, but I never pursued anything more (to be fair, the fitness model industry didn't pursue me either ;). The others have been extremely personal, and sometimes vulnerable, journal-type entries. I have a feeling I have some big thoughts to consider. Just not sure what those are yet.

Edit: My sister says that this reads like I'm quitting my photography business. That is not the case. Just FYI. :)

xoxo Bec

Year in Review: 2013

2014-01-01T12:08:00.000-06:00

Well, friends, here we are in 2014. I'm taking a few minutes this morning to look over the previous year, gather some data, process some emotions, and make goals for the coming year.

I want 2014 to be a year of steady growth, personal fulfillment, and hopefully doing some good for some folks.

I do NOT want 2014 to be focused on numbers. No way. None of those pesky numbers. Math isn't fun for me. At some point in high school, I tried to convince my dad that the world could operate without numbers. That argument didn't last long...for obvious reasons...but I have decided that my business goals can exist without numbers, while business operations will, of course, have to deal in the world of digits. Oh well. Nature of the beast.

So, that being said, how about a look back on 2013. I had a fun time going through each blog post and picking out some of my favorite photos for the year. They're not all perfect--in fact, none of them are at all--and I selected each for different reasons, but I think this is a good picture (BAH, picture!) of the year, where I've been, and a glimpse towards where I'd like to be.

I have a few other thoughts about 2014, in regards to the past year of doing business, but that can wait until another time. You just hold on to your seats until then.

P.S. Some of these black-and-white photos are publishing as sepia. This maddens me. Just so you know. Maybe I should add "figuring out the sepia thing" to my list of goals for 2014.

Eden: A Process

Jenny and Tye: Engaged

Sweet girls: Surprise Gift

Mast family: Maternity

Steve and Gretchen: Wedding

Shadden: Family

Emily: Senior

Simon Family: Anniversary

Miranda: Senior 2014

Haley and Sergio: Engaged

Allie: Senior 2014

Lashley family: Siblings

Katherin: Senior 2014

Baby Hubbard: One Year Old

Luke and Shelby: Engaged

Maghan and Matthew: Family

xoxo Bec

MY FAVORITE PROMOTION EVER. EVER EVER.

2013-12-11T16:30:00.000-06:00

FRIENDS. I've been brainstorming sweet-awesome ways to jump back into senior portrait season after I come out of my maternity leave, and by golly, I HAVE STRUCK GOLD.

I just may have special connections to the best floral designer in Texas (not even kidding. Did you like my wedding flowers? What about my sister's? What about this amazing piece on Eden, in the photo above? Emily had some lovely florals too. YEAH THAT'S RIGHT.). And I just may be able to hook you up. Slash I'm TOTALLY going to hook you up.

So email me. Or, if you're not a senior, please think and see if you know any girls who would love this rare princess treatment. Have them email me. I'm so so excited about this, and ready to fill up the ol' calendar. So let's get cracking.

Lots of love, y'all. Want to hear about how this baby thing is coming along? I'll work on that soon.

xoxo Bec

Maghan and Matthew

2013-11-30T20:34:00.000-06:00

Maghan and Matthew have been married for three years, and have so much to celebrate, including two of the cutest pups in the world.

They told me that besides their wedding photos, they don't really have any professional photos where they actually look like themselves. Well, isn't this just your lucky day! We all got to enjoy the incredible fall weather this afternoon as we walked around old downtown AND we found a house for them to buy. Except not really. But, who knows, right Maghan?!

xoxo Bec

Luke and Shelby | Engagements

2013-11-30T20:27:00.000-06:00

Marriage is just the coolest thing. And these two are going to rock it, for sure.

Luke has been extra special to my family for several years now, and I tell you what-- I've watched him (and Shelby) handle some of the biggest struggles life has to offer with a huge amount of faith and class. Shelby is such a beautiful fit for him. They both have a desire for full and rich lives, and have proven that they can stand beside each other through the rough times--I'm extremely confident they can handle the easy times, too. :) I love you two!

xoxo Bec

Baby Hubbard | 1 year old

2013-11-17T21:43:00.001-06:00

I can't believe this sweet little yoda-nugget is already a year old! I was really flattered and humbled when his mama emailed to see if I could take his one-year photos. UMMM, heck yes. I can do that. I was so impressed by his sweet and playful disposition the whole time we were shooting! I think he got a little tired at one point but that only lasted about two minutes. He's tougher than I am, that's for sure!!

This one is my favorite. Every mama should get to have a photo like this.

xoxo Bec

Vanessa | Senior

2013-11-12T22:21:00.000-06:00

Senior portraits are MY FAVORITE. All-caps isn't even an exaggeration. Favorite favorite favorite. But no pressure. I don't have high expectations or anything...but maybe I do. Just for myself, though, promise. But...I do dream big. And the definitely-achievable dreams I have for my sweet senior models were blown totally out of the water by this young lady. Vanessa is quite the singer/actress, and I do believe some of those skillz (yes, that's spelled correctly) came in handy during our shoot. WAY too much fun, folks. Enjoy this smart, beautiful, big-dreaming girl.

xoxo Bec

Griffith Family

2013-11-11T21:15:00.002-06:00

Families are so cool. Like, in a big-picture kind of way. Sometimes we (read: I) get caught up in the little-picture stuff, which is fine and normal, but taking a step back...families are so cool. So often, I get to hang out with families who totally exude the big-picture we all dream about. The focus of this particular family sure seems to be fun, love, and laughter. And performances!! I have never seen such theatrical children! I am so grateful to have spent my Saturday morning with these lovely faces.

xoxo Bec

Jessi | Senior

2013-10-29T21:06:00.000-05:00

This sweet pea braved the cold (!! What's up, Texas?!) and almost-rain with me, and I dare say the adventure was worth it. Her family owns some of the coolest property in the area, which is a fact I wasn't previously aware of, but may presently begin abusing...just kidding. But seriously. Gorgeous North Texas land...something I'm not always used to.

Enjoy beautiful, sweet, gracious Jessi!

As a side note...my B&W's are coming out as sepia when they post to the blog. How strange and presumptuous is that?!

xoxo Bec

22 weeks and apologizing

2013-10-17T16:41:00.000-05:00

Recently, I've felt so incredibly humbled by how obviously blessed I am. God didn't give me the a "perfect hurt-free life" coupon or anything--things aren't perfect--but geeze. There's a season for everything, and right now, my "season"--as far as the "big stuff" is concerned--is seventy degrees and sunny, that's for sure.

Jeff and I have had a fairly "normal" life together. Married after college, both happily employed, pregnant after three years, ladidadida. Simple, very little struggle. We had the most gorgeous wedding EVER (not biased) in which my parents said "yes" probably way too much. I posted engagement photos, shower photos, wedding photos online...and now I instabrag about how precious my dogs are (who throw up and pee inside sometimes and can't be trusted in the house alone, mind you). We are so white collar America...it's almost gross. Tons of siblings we both love, and both of us were raised by incredible and incredibly gracious parents. OH! And now I can post photos of my growing "bump," which is healthy as can be. I am spoiled rotten by tons of cute maternity clothes my friends have loaned me, so my "bump" pictures could be that much more precious.

But for every picture I instagram or facebook or whatever, there's a twinge of guilt. Sometimes I ignore it, sometimes I listen to it and delete the post.

Here's the deal. What do I do about the couples who struggle in their marriage, or in conceiving a child? Who can't afford safe or stable housing? Or who have lost a child, or have one (or more) who is sick, disabled, or disfigured? Or who are waiting and waiting and waiting to adopt? All of those things are perfectly "normal," but also quite possibly (probably?) really painful. We all know that God has a plan, and this is "just" a season, and even if it's not seventy degrees and sunny right now, it probably will be one day, and today won't hurt so much when it's just a memory, and like Kelly Clarkson says, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger! (BULL. What doesn't kill you puts you in the hospital). But there is no way in h-e-double-hockey-sticks that I'm saying any of THAT out loud. So what do I say? OH HEY THINGS ARE SUPER EASY FOR ME WHOOHOO I TOTES EARNED THIS. Probably not.

I know that the blessings that God's given us are huge and abundant. I know God is blessing you too. But I know looking at my particular blessings might hurt someone...and I hate that. Because I'm the lowest of the low and deserve nothing good or beautiful, just like everyone else.

So, just so you know. I know that things might be the worst right now, and I don't know how to show you that I'm sorry and I wish things were different. And I know that I'm not better than you. And you're most likely way stronger than I am. That's for sure. Here's to still being friends, please.

xoxo Bec

Jade | Senior 2013

2013-10-11T21:36:00.000-05:00

So, if you're the kind of sassy person who sees pretty people and assumes that they're stuck up, or snobbish, or probably just so self-centered that you wouldn't even want to get to know them...guess what.

You're wrong.

Because the young lady that you're about to see is as stunningly gorgeous as they come, and she is as much of a jewel in her character and heart as she is to look at. And I know that for a fact, because not only did I have the extreme pleasure of coaching Jade in cheerleading her freshman year, not ONLY did I get to be her English teacher the next year, but I also had the chance to experience one of the toughest and most devastating moments of my little life alongside this young lady, and let me tell you--she's as good as they come.

So there, sassy sassersons.

Hair and makeup by Tara O'Bannon

xoxo Bec

Time

2013-10-10T11:09:00.001-05:00

This baby has already changed me in two big ways. Well...this may not be the baby's fault. But I'm going to go ahead and place blame there. Because that's what good mothers do, right?

Numero uno: I don't feel like baking. It's the weirdest thing in the world. I've loved baking for as long as I can remember. Nothing fancy--like seriously, NOT FANCY at all--but yum. Cookies and stuff are the bomb dot com. But not anymore. Thanks a lot, bebe.

Numero dos: I don't feel like writing. Also pretty weird. I have really enjoyed writing for a long time, with varying degrees of success, but I have always LOVED sharing my super brilliant opinions--but recently, my brilliance seems to have disappeared. I hope the world is faring well without my pearls of wisdom. But truly. I haven't been thinking deeply much at all. Pros and cons, pros and cons.

BUT. TODAY. BREAKTHROUGH.

I read this blog post from Kay Bruner, a sweet friend, outstanding writer, and (I'm assuming here) brilliant therapist. She is so stinking humble. And funny. My favorite combination. And she made me think, so I now owe her the world.

Today she wrote about how the pain and deep healing process she went through a decade ago is finally showing itself as "worth it." God is using her experience and the wisdom He's given her to bless other people, which is proving to be ample reward for the trials she's suffered.

My favorite part was this:

Back in the day...if you had said to me, “Hey, some day somebody else is going to be blessed by all this, so it’s worth it”–well, I probably would have slapped your face. If I’d had the energy.

I laughed, because...well...duh, that's just real. How often do I (maybe you too) try to comfort someone with the terribly generous platitude, "Oh, it will be worth it some day! Chin up, soldier," or something of the like? You probably don't say soldier, but hey, I like to keep things spicy.

And then I realized--I am so very grateful that God invented time. I truly madly deeply appreciate it. Time is a big deal, and complicated, and confusing, especially since it's the contrast to eternity, which is something I absolutely CANNOT fathom--but good golly. I am so glad that I can't remember how bad it hurt when I was a little girl and took a chunk out of my thumb in the bathtub with my mom's razor. I am so glad I am not eternally living the moment of realizing my pup, who mysteriously disappeared in the middle of the day way out in the country, would never come home. And my granddad, who died of ALS--definitely not sick anymore. Praise Jesus.

And my grandmothers, who each sustained serious leg injuries this year--which should have been life-threatening to women their age--can both walk again. Are you flipping kidding me. TELL me miracles only happened in Jesus' day. I'll agree. BECAUSE IT'S STILL JESUS' DAY.

Now, that also means that my wedding day is over. Gone. The fleeting, terrified, glorious moment in which Jeff and I found out that we're pregnant--that "first time" thrill will never happen again. I'll never get to meet my five youngest brothers and sisters for the first time again. And every. dang. time. I start a bowl of ice cream...I finish it. Every. time. What if ice cream was infinite?! I MEAN REALLY.

So, there's a balance, of course. Pros and cons. But I am so grateful that time moves on, so the pain can change to an ache, and the ache to a scar, and scars remind us of who we are and why we are--and whose we are.

Thank you for taking part in my five-month-writer's-block demolition.

xoxo Bec

Katherin | Senior 2014

2013-09-21T09:04:00.002-05:00

This doll-face was way, way, WAY too easy to photograph! I mean, really. Seriously. Look at her.

What a dream.

xoxo Bec

Lashley Siblings

2013-08-25T20:24:00.000-05:00

In honor of this whole "back to school" thing, here's a quick (but cute!!) post of the Lashley siblings. I fell in love with this family when I worked at the high school all the kids go to, and I am so proud to say I know them. Alex, the oldest, is off to COLLEGE now, and wanted a quick shoot with her younger brother and sister before she headed away to OBU. I think it was a great idea ;)

xoxo Bec

Our NEW(ish) House!

2013-08-09T16:56:00.001-05:00

So, Jeff bought me a house!! He loves me so much. He probably is also enjoying it...but let's get real, I'm spoiled. His first instinct is to go for new, well-made, brick, etc. My gut is for old, homey, comfortable, and quite possibly broken. We talked each other into a compromise, and we really got a winner. When we tell friends in the area which house we bought, we often get, "That's one of my favorite houses!!" Whether or not they're just trying to flatter us, I dig it.

So, here was the compromise: not too old (1950), definitely well-made, homey but not precious. This is definitely the kind of house we are proud to have friends and family visit, but we're also thrilled to still be living below our means (shout out to our parents and grandparents for enabling us to get off on the right foot, and brains, financially). No need to be $30k millionaires, right? Anyways.

Love it as we did, we definitely wanted to change a few things cosmetically, and decorate it to match who we are. Well, actually, Jeff wasn't too worried about this stuff...he was more concerned with making sure the toilet didn't fall through the floor and the holes in the windows got fixed. Have I mentioned how much I love this guy?

This is how we started. You know how in diet "before" pictures, usually there's really bad lighting, and the person slouches and frowns to look even more "before"ish? Well...I didn't even have to try. All the random bags and boxes are for real, folks.

Pretty, but also flat. Our furniture doesn't make much of a statement by itself.

LOOK AT MY PRETTY FLOORS I LOVE THEM THEY ARE ORIGINAL SO PRETTY.

Kennels in kitchen. Not my favorite. And, you can't tell, but the 2383 cabinets in the kitchen are the same color as the walls. Kinda bland.

And the back hallway. With a glass wall. Contain your jealousy, people (I secretly love it. Who else has a glass wall?!).

Cute, right?! And you can't tell, but the crown molding details are gorgeous and different in every room. Hashtag things we couldn't afford to do ourselves.

My sister's mother-in-law (I should just say, my friend!) is a genius when it comes to making spaces beautiful, comfortable, and genuine, which is exactly what we wanted. She came over once to give color recommendations, and then again later to help "fluff" the house (I think the right word is actually "stage." I just say "fluff"). She did much more than what these pictures show--but I didn't want to photograph every single room of the house. I feel like that would be weird. We truly couldn't have done this without her. Or, we would have, and it probably would have been a tragedy. So, call Shelley Carter to avoid a tragedy. Seriously. Call her. Hire her. Do it.

So, a LOT of paint, getting to know the girl at Lowe's, hand cramps, and bloodshot eyes later, this is what we ended up with! LOVE IT.

It's forever almost-eleven in this house. I need to buy some batteries for that clock.

Do you like the photos we picked out for those frames?!...yeah. I should do that sometime. Can you see the sofa table? That's actually an antique ironing board. Less than $20 from Gardenland in Sherman. They have so many treasures there. Be looking for another one!

That huge piece was $10 at Goodwill. I looked like a fool carrying it around the store (it's solid wood and heavy), but it was worth it.

Top left painting is an original piece I purchased from a former student, and the two canvases were $1 each at Goodwill. We are not high rollers, people. We fake, and we fake hard.

Portrait painted by an incredibly talented friend as a wedding gift.

...still have the dog kennels in the kitchen. Not my favorite, but there's nowhere else. Oh well!

LOVE the terracotta with the blue tiles and dark-teal dining room. A loose Southwestern reference.

We had enough greige (grey-beige) left over from the living room to do this back hall. Made a world of difference! I bought the pew from Gardenland in Sherman for $75. No joke.

God is so good. A friend of mine posted today that she and her husband bought a house, and said something to the effect of, "He tends to our hearts, not just our needs." That is so true. We don't need a lick of this to love God and love each other, which is all the work we really have to do. But it's fun to do that work here.

Heaven is going to be so much cooler.

xoxo Bec

Allie | Senior 2014

2013-08-09T16:26:00.000-05:00

This girl. I haven't laughed this hard in a senior session in a long time...which you'd never guess, by all the "serious" favorites I picked to showcase! But seriously. This girl is a riot. In an intelligent-humor-Saturday-night-live kind of way. Love her.

You should too. Check out this beautiful, deep-thinking, quick-witted, gem of a lady:

xoxo Bec

Sergio and Haley | Engaged

2013-08-06T12:46:00.000-05:00

I don't get to photograph too many engagement sessions, since I don't shoot weddings--so this was a huge treat for me. Bonus: Sergio and Haley are absolutely phenomenal. I love tricking cool people into hanging out with me.

They've been dating for five and a half years (am I remembering that right, guys?)--that's right, since high school! They survived the long-distance relationship through college, and now they are so ready to finally be married.

At one point, Sergio said something like, "Hey, you know that episode of Boy Meets World where Cory is desperate to get Topanga, and even swims through an aquarium with a sign that said, 'I will chase you forever'?"

"That's how I was with Haley."

Cute the AWWWWWWW!!! So stinking sweet. I think these two are just the best.

Side note: a few photos down, you'll see a shot of Sergio carrying Haley. THAT WAS TOTALLY REAL GUYS. We were done in this field, and as we were walking towards the car, I turned and happened to see Sergio giving Haley a lift through the tall grass. Way. too. cute.

xoxo Bec

Miranda | Senior 2014

2013-08-02T13:15:00.000-05:00

Oh my gracious goodness, we had some adventures!

Miranda, her momma, and I set out early in the morning in search of a particular barn they had heard of--one with a big ol' smiley face painted on the side. We had to drive a little further than we anticipated, but finally we found it--and luckily its owner was totally cool with us taking over her yard for a few minutes!

As we drove back and then explored a little more locally, we met a few more new friends...which was somewhat awkward...but you sure can't tell in sweet Miranda's face that she was anything but confident and feeling beautiful!

Please take note of this lady's trendy and fun styles! She is way too cute.

xoxo Bec