Donna Harris Photography

NEW BLOG - For awhile now!

2012-11-11T15:17:00.001-08:00

THIS IS MY OLD BLOG BUT I KEEP IT UP FOR SENTIMENTAL REASONS :)

GO TO THE CURRENT BLOG: WWW.DONNAHARRISBLOG.COM

OR MY WEBSITE: WWW.DONNAHARRISPHOTOGRAPHY.COM THANKS!!!

Ok, weird story.
Recently I had my brother-in-law ask me about my NEW website.
I looked at him like he was crazy, "WHAT new website?"

He referenced the previous post.

I was like, "I've had a "new" website for a couple of years!"

So, if you're like my brother-in-law and somehow thought this was the official blog for Donna Harris Photography, you're wrong.

It's RIIIIIGHT here: www.donnaharrisblog.com

:)

Thanks friends!

The time has come...

2011-07-11T21:09:00.000-07:00

to update my look.

So, I'm really, really, really, REALLY, really, really bad at making final decisions.

For example, I am HORRIBLE at clothes shopping. I can't just pick something I like because "it looks pretty"...it's also about cost per item, if I will wear that item more than one season, and if not.... can I justify the cost? I will spend hours in one store and either walk out empty handed and broken hearted or walk out purchasing half the store...but making sure I've memorized the return policy.

Well, in the same manner, I just couldn't get "undressed" from this blog.

Partially because of finances, partially because I just couldn't make up a design decision, and partially because I just couldn't commit.

Well, today, I can officially say, "I'm committed." (or as you read this, I'm sure you're thinking, "She SHOULD be committed!") In any case, here it is... my brand new spankin' blog!
Donna Harris Blog
All wrapped up pretty in a nice little package for you to enjoy my rants and my photos. Travel on over there and leave me a comment. I would love to know what you think of my new outfit. ;)

Okay, enough shopping analogies. I'm just putting off the inevitable (see, it's the whole commitment thing -- it's so final!).

It's time to say good-bye my dear blogger-blog.

I will miss you - but let's not think of this as a total ending... it's more like an exchange. A transfer, if you will. From one sunny spot in the blogosphere to the next.

See ya on the other side. :)

The only fitting photo I can find. My kiddos running in circles around and around the house. They love when they pass each other. There's tons of giggles and laughter at the sight of the next interchange.

Click here to cancel this subscription and sign up to my updated website (yay!)

I'm one lucky mama!

2011-07-11T07:51:00.000-07:00

Love my boys!

So here's how photos can be deceiving... Do these boys look clean? Maybe fresh out of the bathtub? Nope. This afternoon was filled with sidewalk chalk, having fun in our sorry-excuse-for-a-blowup-pool, playing on the playset, and running around on a summer day getting hot and sweaty.

It was a great day.

In my usual after pool routine, I stripped these little ones down to bare bottoms to get them dry before heading indoors. And once we got inside, that's where this photo opportunity arose.

Perfect smiles, sweaty, sunscreen lotioned heads, squeezing their nakey bodies together in love. :)

Contact Donna Harris Photography by clicking HERE

Babies, Babies, and More... you guessed it, babies

2011-06-30T17:52:00.000-07:00

I don't have a sister but if I did I'd be happy to have any of these girls as one of 'em. Look how lucky they are!
They are all experiencing the same season of life: Havin' babies. Little Noah is going to be only a year older than his boy AND girl cousin.

Can you believe that these two share the same due date? How fun!

This session was originally just for Hannah. But we had a little fun with the family first. After that, Hannah and I took advantage of the beautiful weather, the green lush grass and the yummy light.

Love you girls! ....+ sweet Noah + babies! Thanks for a fun session.
Contact Donna Harris Photography by clicking HERE

Get ready...

2011-06-29T22:26:00.000-07:00

...to see more of this cute mama to be!

Coming soon!

Contact Donna Harris Photography by clicking HERE

I know. I'm horrible, absolutely horrible.

2011-06-29T12:58:00.000-07:00

"I begin to suspect that the world is divided not only into the happy and the unhappy, but into those who like happiness and those who, odd as it seems, really don't."

—C.S. Lewis

So, I'm 30 now. Have I mentioned that before? Nope, Probably not, because my birthday sucked. It was last September and I had just given birth to my adorable joy-baby Milo and it was no time to focus on me or the big birthday bash that I dreamed about.

Let me tell you, I've got some over-the-top expectations in my head about this 'never happened' 30th birthday party: I wanted my favorite local band, Slam, to play at an outdoor venue with beautiful twinkling lights surrounding us. ...Ok, that's all I can manage to describe ....but in my head... it seems SO amazing. Dancing, twinkling lights, lots of friends, family, and laughter.

So my vague but impossible 30th birthday party never happened. Then I tried to impose that on my husband this year when our 10th wedding anniversary came around. I filled him in on my dreams spouting words like "Twinkling lights!" "Slam!"
Yes, all of this could add up to the party that I imagined... and maybe even a few toasts from dear friends about how awesome we are at being married 10 WHOLE years (ok, stop rolling your eyes and listen to my rant). All of it was coming together! I even had an argument all worked out "Once you're accomplished to have a real anniversary party - like a 50th - you're too old to appreciate it, let's do it for our 10th, while we're young!" He didn't buy it. Nor would we ever be able to afford it.

So back to my actual birthday which I told you sucked. What really happened is that my husband stressed out about my high-expectations combined with the fact that I had JUST HAD A BABY (somehow this part was overlooked by me) and he made small efforts to see if he could pull off a mini-version of my delusions of grandeur by inquiring about renting a room at a restaurant. Of course that was never going to rival "Slam!" Twinkling Lights!" and so, even without telling me about his attempt, he opted to do
...nothing.

That's right. Nothing. I mean, yes, he said Happy Birthday to me. He doesn't HATE me. He just doesn't know how to please an impossible princess with ridiculous ideas. I scrambled his brain to a point of shut down, I guess.

...So on my actual birthdate I ended up spending it at home, without one special gesture. Just nursing a 10 day old baby and feeling sorry for myself that I wasn't being lauded and praised for being alive another day. (insert lame joke about world smallest violin here)

I thought, "The jerk could have given me a card or something."

In a way, it's my own fault. Really, honestly, at the end of the day did he ever have a chance?

He really didn't.

In the end it was all good. The actual day felt like a let down but the next day I got a cake and a card and flowers. And later some girlfriends (with my husband's help) surprised me with a Birthday Breakfast and later that month we had a nice dinner with some close friends. To be 30 is really no big thing. There's nothing that I was hanging onto in regards to youth or 'one last chance to party'. I just like a good excuse to make a big deal out of things. So I thought this milestone birthday as an excuse would be a good one.

I can spot thousands of things to be thankful for in this photo. Can you?

I still hang onto that dream party. I look for other reasons to have it but I know it's just a dream.

The worst part of all of this is that there really isn't a moral or a lesson to be had in any of this. I know my expectations are high but that's how I LIKE them. Am I a brat or what?!

Well, maybe there is a lesson in knowing this: If your expectations are high your disappointments are going to hit you hard and bring you low. Really low.

If you can be ok with that. Life is good.

Writing this now is proof that I'm ok with it. Before, I was so turned upside down over something so silly that I even wished that I could have a 'do-over' year. At this point in my life, there are many reasons I would want to erase parts of this year or make it a 'do-over' ...but that failed version of a 30th birthday isn't at the top of my list anymore.

It's silly, really. I have so much to be thankful for.

Hey, maybe I AM maturing!!!? ...I happen to be 30 years old, by the way. :)

Contact Donna Harris Photography by clicking HERE

Congratulations Ben and Lauren!

2011-06-27T05:19:00.000-07:00

I feel blessed to have beautiful brides. Like this one.

Love the all the details that goes into getting ready for the day.

Something about a mom and daughter during the moments of putting on the dress. It's really REAL, it's happening, "I'm getting married!"

Everyone was helping Lauren get ready, her Aunt did a fantastic job with her makeup...

....and even her photographer helped with her hair (good thing she's trained with that too!) :)

Thanks to Ben and Lauren and your wonderful families for having me along for the day. You two are too sweet. Congratualtions!

A special thanks to Michelle Lunn for her assistance and photography on this day. I appreciate you!

Contact Donna Harris Photography by clicking HERE

Contact Donna Harris Photography by clicking HERE

18 Months

2011-06-25T08:35:00.000-07:00

18 months old:
From my experience, 18 months was the time when my son seemed like such a 'big boy' but still had a good amount of 'baby' left in him. It's the perfect combination.

Meet Aidan, classic 18 month old boy.

For the toddler, this is the age for true exploration.

It's a time to climb and play in the dirt and run and jump and laugh and swing!

For a parent, 18 months old is a season of life where you're still riding the high from celebration of the milestone 1st birthday but also looking forward to your little guy being two years old.

Happy 18 months, Aidan. You're making the most of it!

Contact Donna Harris Photography by clicking HERE

To Matter

2011-06-22T14:00:00.000-07:00

I've always made it a point to love my jobs - to only do something because it is what I love. I am blessed to have that option in life. Sometimes I've probably taken it to the extreme. I've always set out to be THE hairstylist you would prefer over anyone else or THE photographer you would choose. Recent events in my health have knocked me off this high-horse of pride and someday I hope to share that with you. But on this day... this is a day that did matter. This was a day that God used my talents for His Glory and to comfort someone else. On this day, I can look back and see how God used me despite of my own need to be important, or my need to feel like I matter. On this day, I was able to see pieces of a puzzle coming together of encounters over the years, sharing our lives, and sharing our hearts.
Click Here to read Cassie's Story. A woman that inspires me on so many levels.

Contact Donna Harris Photography by clicking HERE

Congratulations Liz & Lewis!

2011-06-20T09:20:00.000-07:00

I can't help but overshare this wedding. I just loved too many moments of this day.

Liz is such a beautiful person, inside and out!

Mom getting to see her beautiful daughter all dressed up.

How lucky is Liz? Lewis is a true gentleman in every sense of the word.
I can't say it enough. These two are perfect for each other - attractive both inside and out!

This prayer time that happened moments before the ceremony was so special. Liz is really blessed with some amazing friends and family.

Isn't she so cute!? This was the moment when Liz locked eyes with Lewis while walking down the aisle.

So it rained a bit but they were great sports about it! We got some really fun shots.

I'm not gonna share what I said that made this laugh happen but I'll think twice before I use the phrase again. I didn't realize what I said was actually an inuendo! Ooops! :)

Such a cute reception! The afternoon was filled with cupcakes, punch, and toasts made by some special people.

Congratulations you two! Thank you for having me along for your special day.
There's no doubt in my mind that you guys are going to have a wonderful life together. I wish you lots of love, laughter, and happiness ...and babies.
I wanna see those cute, cute babies. :)

A very Special thanks to Sarah Corbett for shooting with me on this day. Your love and knowledge for photography is inspiring and you were a huge help!

Contact Donna Harris Photography by clicking HERE

So what do you do for inspiration?

2011-06-14T11:52:00.000-07:00

Sure there's Pinterest. And of course you can always type what you're looking for into Google Images. I've even just perused the pages of my favorite Facebook Pages.

But this is where it's at: Blog Lovin.

If you are a photographer that just loves to drool over other photog's work or if you don't have the photography bug but just like looking at beautiful photos then you know where I'm coming from. Heck you could care less about the actual photography and just have some really interesting blogs to follow...well then, this site is for you!

I could totally be behind and if that's true please just take pity on me and let me have my moment of discovery. I love this site. When I'm looking for inspiration it's almost always from a person's blog. I not only love not seeing those gorgeous images but also being able to connect with their stories and learn more about the photographer and the subjects.

The problem I've had in the past was keeping up with them. Sure I could bookmark them, or subscribe to their RSS Feed (I'm not going to pretend like I know how that really works). But the format of Blog Lovin is suited just for me. It gives me a great preview of the blog. I can go to the site anytime for an update and the blog doesn't have to be a certain format for me to follow it!

ALSO, you can download an App for it that works on Android and IPhone/IPad. How cool is that?

YipEEEEE!

Also, if you wanna follow me this way, feel free! :)

Click Here to Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Contact Donna Harris Photography by clicking HERE

Growing up...

2011-06-08T20:48:00.000-07:00

In the past, I would have considered myself *beyond* an advocate for breastfeeding.... probably more like the breast-feeding nazi. Not for others but for myself. I held myself to sometimes impossible standards with my first son. I never had to feed Roman a single bottle. Now, Milo, who has started on formula this month has made the emotional transition away from nursing not only tolerable but pretty darn adorable. :)

One really neat thing about bottle feeding is that dad's can share in this moment too!

Breastfeeding is hard. It's rewarding. And it's honorable if you can do it and totally ok if you can not. Milo, I was happy to nurse you as long as I was able. To be perfectly honest, we just couldn't keep going with the rate that those razor sharp teeth are coming in. :)

Just look at that milk-face!

Contact Donna Harris Photography by clicking HERE

Teresa, Kevin, & Lacey

2011-06-08T19:44:00.000-07:00

Teresa and Kevin are getting married this fall. I loved, loved, loved, getting to know them (+ Lacey) during our time together.

Kevin and Teresa have been together for 7 years. They met at a New Years Eve party in 2003. Kevin was home on leave from the Army. The first 3 years of their relationship was long distance. The hardest year was in 2005 when he got deployed to Iraq. He got out of the Army in 2006 and moved back to St. Louis. They got engaged last summer while vacationing in the Bahamas.
They live in Saint Louis with their little Bichon Frise, Lacey.

Is Lacey going to be at the wedding too? Well, we'll find out in October!

Contact Donna Harris Photography by clicking HERE

My favorite couple...

2011-06-06T21:37:00.000-07:00

How can these two NOT be my fav couple?

They are super hot and take FANTASTIC photos...

They are GREAT people...

AND... Kayla and Afif took a chance on me and let me shoot their wedding.

Yup, they were my first ever bride and groom and now they're back to celebrate a year of wedded bliss.

April 9, 2010 feels like a million years ago to me. In terms of photography, I feel like I've come a long way but still have so far to go.
But for you guys...
How fast that first year of marriage feels. How quickly does the calendar turn.
You've accomplished so much, grown so close, learned to love one another in a way you never thought possible.
And just think... it's all just beginning.
Congrats guys! Happy Anniversary!

Contact Donna Harris Photography by clicking HERE

Congratulations Jenny and Jared!

2011-06-05T20:09:00.000-07:00

On a beautiful day in April (yes, I am really behind in blogging... ) Jenny and Jared had a lovely wedding.

love 'em both. Jenny, you're stunning.
....in living color AND in black and white.

Jenny and her dad have a special relationship. I couldn't help but capture as much of their love as I possibly could.

L.O.V.E. the light in the next few...

You guys are amazing. I loved your day.

Special thanks to Cassie Allen for being an awesome assistant, friend, and 2nd shooter on this day. :)

Contact Donna Harris Photography by clicking HERE

Wedding Rewind : Styled Wedding Photography with Mark and Amy

2011-05-05T07:55:00.000-07:00

Amy and I were both pretty bummed when it just didn't make sense for me to photograph her on her wedding day. I just gave birth to Milo and she insisted that I enjoy her wedding day as a guest. While her wedding was fabulous, I have to admit, I hated missing out on capturing one of the most important days of her life. Fast forward 6 months and I think we created something that may be more fun, rewarding, and relaxing than your standard wedding photos: Wedding Rewind.

Wedding Rewind is a time to get a little daring with your dress. You can be daring in your style, location, or experience. It's a great time to get back into the dress, feel your best once again, and not be pressed or distracted with the schedule of the ceremony or reception.

Amy was inspired by her favorite boots. From there she added touches of what makes her unique: her denim jacket and some of her favorite jewelry. I let her run her choice of wardrobe and allowed her personality to inspire me for some choice locations. I had visions of tall corn fields in the sunset. I was DEVASTATED to drive through the fields of Orchard Farm to find that the corn just wasn't there yet! I thought sure that we'd have corn by late April! Well, I found some other wonderful locations and I think it all turned out better than my vision.

I'll save the cornfields for another willing bride. :)

Contact Donna Harris Photography by clicking HERE

Family Fun!

2011-05-04T17:47:00.000-07:00

There are many families that I love seeing again and again. This family is extra special to me.

As I drove home from my time with them I thought about how cute these kids are and how I can't wait to 'spend time' with them some more while I edit their photos. It's like I get to re-live all the fun we had during our photo session!

Thank you, Pritchett Family, for being so great. It's always a pleasure!

Contact Donna Harris Photography by clicking HERE

not your average girl...

2011-04-28T20:00:00.000-07:00

Even from our emails, I could tell that Jessi wasn't into a standard senior session. It's really important that I showcase a person for WHO they really are not just what they're doing. Jessi is a perfect example of this.

So yes, she's a Senior. And she's more than JUST a Senior.

I'll let the images take you there.

Thank you, Jessi, for bringing your unique spirit to our session. It was refreshing and appreciated. Good luck in your next chapter in life!

Contact Donna Harris Photography by clicking HERE

Katie and Chris : Engaged

2011-04-27T12:02:00.000-07:00

I feel so blessed to connect with great people through my profession as a stylist and as a photographer. I know that it's a valuable thing to have a job that you love and I've got TWO! That's why I'm incredibly honored to photograph Katie's wedding and I'm honored to know her as a friend and client at the hair salon.

Chris didn't think he'd like having his pictures taken but I think I changed his mind by the end of the day. :) Just look at that big ol teddy bear!

Katie is one of the warmest, sweetest most genuine people that I know. I am so happy that I'll be there to witness her joy on her wedding day. Chris is a lucky duck to have found such a catch!

Looking forward to your wedding day!

Contact Donna Harris Photography by clicking HERE

Spring is here!

2011-03-21T18:46:00.000-07:00

My little joy just turned 7 months and spring is here! Do you need anything more than this to make you smile?

Contact Donna Harris Photography by clicking HERE

Keeping me going...

2011-03-11T11:25:00.000-08:00

I've been crazy-sick for some time now. It all started with EXTREME sensitivity to light, a lightheaded/dizzy feeling and trouble seeing and focusing. In the past weeks, I've seen 6 doctors, had an emergency room visit, and countless tests. I had a strange period of time where I couldn't remember things. I really thought I was losing my mind (more than the normal "mommy-brain feeling" of losing your mind!). I've missed work, been behind on work, thrown my husband into the role of wife and mom, and have endured a cloud of worry that's been hanging over our house.

We still don't have a definitive answer to what's happening to me but we know that I DON'T have major issues. So far all the crazy symptoms I've been having have been surprisingly handled and treated with alternative measures by my chiropractor. (controversial, right?!) It's been a long roller coaster of 'what's really wrong and when is this going to end?'. But now, as I write this, I feel like there is some relief in sight.

So while I'm not completely free of these ailments, I want to stop living in worry and focus on some positive aspects in my life, positive things like some great people...my sisters.

Nope, I didn't grow up with these girls. We didn't share secrets and trade clothes.

As a child I was always surrounded by boys: brothers, cousins, even friends. I wasn't a tom-boy but wouldn't have said I was a girly-girl by any means. I never had a sister growing up and never really cared about that fact. But since I've known these girls, I've now realized what I would have been missing had they not become part of my life almost 10 years ago.

I've married into a great family that had allowed me the privilege to experience sisterhood. Since I've been sick, I've felt the love from each one of these girls in their own way. Melissa took a day and made and froze tons of baby food for me. I was overwhelmed by the gesture. With Christopher out of town, I was feeling like I just couldn't cut it as a mom. With 2 jobs and 2 kids to manage, this was a HUGE help. I was starting to feel horrible about the fact that Milo is now 6 months old and was living off of breast-milk and rice cereal and occasional sweet potato mixed in. If the kid is anything like me... I knew he needed some real food and soon!

After some tests with the doctor, it was determined that I stay away from wheat products and strive for a "Gluten free" lifestyle. If any of you know what that meas, it can be a major life shift in your eating habits. If you have to do all the work alone, it can be exhausting. My sister Malorie has been there done that. When I emailed her about some tips, the next day she showed up at my door with a basket full of food and baking items to help get me started.

The gift of food was great, but also her company that day was tremendous.

And while I don't have any or photographic evidence of Jessica's love, it's there. She's called to give me comforting thoughts and has been patient when I've texted, called, and bugged her with how I'm feeling. She also works and assists the doctor that I am seeing. It's a great comfort to have her in this part of my life.

I think that the key to feeling better is having good friends and family that surround you. During this trying time I've gotten to see selflessness, love, and compassion.
I am thankful for my sisters.

How are you thankful today? Is there someone in your life that has kept you going? Or can you be that person for someone else?
A small effort can make a huge difference!

Contact Donna Harris Photography by clicking HERE

The many faces of Lydia

2011-03-08T11:40:00.000-08:00

Little Lydia just turned one! Boy does this girl have some expressions...

Lydia liked her 'puffs' that were on her cake than the actual cake. That's okay... it still made for a cute photo. :)

Happy Birthday, sweet girl!

Contact Donna Harris Photography by clicking HERE

tiny moments

2011-02-18T07:07:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the World, Farrah Suzanne!

Ed and Katie waited until Farrah was born to find out if they would be bringing home a sister or a brother for their son, Will.

Big Bro Will doesn't know just how much his life has changed with Farrah's arrival. If their relationship turns out to be anything like me and my brother, Farrah will be making this guy play with Barbies in no time!

...but my brother only played with me when we would race Barbie and Ken around in racecars. (I'll have to pass that one on to Will when the time is right.)

  Having just recently done it myself, it's always so sweet to see a family grow. I'm so excited for the changes and the joys that are coming for my special friends.

But right now enjoy those tender little arms....

...the tiny little feet...

....the sweet slumber...

  ....those perfect bright eyes...

... and great BIG yawns!

and yes, even that soft little bottom!

...putting bows in her hair....

....and cherishing every moment of it.

Contact Donna Harris Photography by clicking HERE

...and then it's sunny again.

2011-02-03T13:00:00.000-08:00

So happy to see a sunny day.
I don't hate the snow. But I LOVE the sun! When the two get together, they can make some beautiful images.

There's been a lot going on in my life. A lot on my mind. A lot on my heart.
I'm still as busy as ever, even if cyberspace shows nothing to prove it.
I hope to share more as time goes on.

Enjoy this sunny day.

Contact Donna Harris Photography by clicking HERE

Nick and Loria : Engaged

2011-01-13T19:49:00.000-08:00

Yay! My baby brother-in-law is engaged!

I've known Nick forever. Since highschool. Additionally, we've been official "family members" for over 10 years. This particular engagement is extra special to me. God has truly given him his perfect mate.

Loria can go toe-to-toe with me for her love and consumption of Starbucks. She wouldn't be ashamed in any way to admit that she's a caffeine-oholic. :)

Congratulations you two! I'm so happy for you both.

Contact Donna Harris Photography by clicking HERE