Sillyheads... every last one of us.

Party like a Texan

When you think of Texas... you may think guns, cowboys hats, and "big oil."  So, I guess it isn't much of a surprise then that there is a beautiful place in downtown Dallas called The Petroleum Club.

Initially, I would have thought this was Costco's way of logging my pump purchases, but as it turns out, if you're partying a lot at this particular place, you probably aren't spending a lot of time at Costco at all. Wink wink. Ha! 

Recently, I photographed a dinner party for this particular couple there- who was celebrating their 50 year anniversary! :)

We all arrived a bit early, so we could get some fun portraits of their children and their families together beforehand... I got to photograph this whole crew!!!!

 

As one may imagine, we definitely had some sillyheads in attendance! ha!

 

After the portraits, it was time for cocktails and dinner- and up to the 39th floor of the Chase building we went. How fantastic is THIS?!?!

 

They even brought her wedding dress from 50 years ago!

And a beautiful view of Dallas through the 2 story windows to boot...  Can't wait to go back... someday!! 

Spring Weather = Dusting off the Camera!

Whew! Its been beautiful here in Dallas lately!  The weather is warming up, the grass (and weeds) are popping through the crispy straw blades in the yard, and even the trees out back are sprouting white blooms.  And while I'm not one to photograph landscape, the surrounding beauty brings out what I do photograph:

people.  

A few days ago, I once again photographed the Crane family. They are a great repeat client of mine, and the beautiful Heather called me in to get some images for updating Ben's website. Ben just happens to be a PGA tour pro, so his website is no piddly little matter, and the fact that they chose me for this task makes me feel so proud of what Im creating!

That said, Ben is extremely easy going, and is surprisingly game for a lot during these shoots. (Even having just returned home the day before from the WGC Match Play Championship, having killed it the first day, then, well, sorta getting killed the second... Ben was all smiles.)

Risking the right side of my face- he repeatedly passed within inches of me to get this shot-

 

oh, and my left side. 

The website will also talk about the Cranes' affinity for a good red wine, so I wanted to get a picture of Ben in the *signature Sillyheads wine drinking pose.

 

*(me last year. I gave my husband my camera and told him exactly what to do for this. :)

 

 

The last one I'll share is paying homage to Ben's "snakeshaker"- and if you don't know what that is- you REALLY need to watch HERE. And after THAT, check out the outtakes, and you'll see why I have such a good time doing this. 

Strike that- I have one more.  They had me do a shot of their favorite wines... and the three on the left all happen to be my fav's as well*- all reds by MollyDooker.   The Boxer (3rd from left) is a shiraz at about $25 and is seriously like a meal in a cup. Super BIG... it's like a party on your pallette.  Word has caught on, though, and this stuff sells out fast when it's at the stores (sometimes you can find it at Costco for about $22 if you're lucky! (It used to be $17 a few years ago...see? Stock up!))   There's also a shiraz/cab/merlot blend, at about the same price point, called Two Left Feet that I'd pick up just as quickly. 

*Truth in advertising: The Enchantched Path- by Mollydooker- on the far left- I have.... gulp....never tried before.  I'd never even seen the bottle in real life! ha! But, BUT, Ben says its the best of them ALL. We've had many a discussion about MollyDooker, so I'm going to believe him on this one. :)  

To blog? Or to margarita?

We all do it, it's easy to say you don't have "time" for things.  Sometimes, I actually really do have the time, but I think I'm turning into one of those "artist" types who only wants to "create" when inspired. "Groan...", I know. My point is, you can find it when you want to. Like right now, for instance, I'm supposed to be at lunch with 10 women in 33 minutes, AND I REALLY dont want to be tempted to drink margaritas at noon on a school day, AND the place we're lunching has $5 baby margaritas on Tuesdays. AHHHH!   How can ANYONE say NO???

So, I'm late.

 

This is the M family. I have done their pictures for a few years now, and Mr. and Mrs. M have decided to add another to the mix.  You know when you have a really cool couple and the kids all have turned out really neat? That's them. So it's pretty awesome that they continue to procreate. :)  Mrs. M is one of the most down to earth, nicest women EVER. She's always happy, and things just seem to roll right off of her.  Thats why I knew she'd be down for this:

 

The kids played right along too, more than happy to put their spin on the new sibling (sister or brother?) right on mom's belly.

 

First picture of all four. Sort of.  

 

 

Momma M should be delivering any day now, and here's wishing her and the whole family a safe and happy delivery! I can't wait to meet the new M, and am lucky enough to have a session already booked for the newborn pictures! Yay! 

 

 

 

Isn't even October, but it is SO Christmas Card time

Yes, I know it's kind of like that feeling when you walk through Macy's or Dillards after the kids have returned to school and start seeing the Xmas decorations. "But HOLLY!" you yell, "it hasnt even dropped to 80 degrees outside yet!" 

No, no it hasn't. But guess what? Available fall appointments are already filling up- and to quote any random new car dealer- once they're gone, they're gone!!!  

In addition- just so I can stay sane and actually ENJOY the holidays this year, I won't be doing any sessions in December. (working on "New years cards" on Xmas eve isn't very festive. :)   OK, maybe it WAS my own I was finally doing... but this took TIME, people!

 

The best part, for clients of course, is that I love working with you and coming up with something creative.  I don't just have 3 templates for you to choose from every year.  The best thing we can do is talk about some ideas BEFORE we shoot your session- then make sure we get the images we want for the card. Sort of like we did for this one for the "Dendy Bunch":

(I wouldnt normally shoot every family memner looking in different directions, see? ;)

Then again- we can just do some fun pictures that capture your family's personality, and pick your favorites to show off:

Anyway- am I getting through to you yet? Call or email me so we can set this up, sooner than later!

And YES, you DO have to start thinking about this. I know, I know, I wish I could put the decorations away until December 1st, too. I will promise you this though: I'll wait until at least then to change the colors on my website to red and green.  Just for you.  

 

 

Lake Huntoon

Our recent east coast rendevous included a trip to see my grandmother, just in time to celebrate her 88th birthday.  I hadn't been here for three years, and truthfully, wasn't planning on returning this summer at all. It had only been an odd combination of a wedding in Pennsylvania, coinciding with my brother in law's famliy reunion (that brought my sister into town too,) that had spurred me to join the party last minute.

My Gram and Grandpa live in a cute house on a beautiful lake, and for as long as I can remember, I've sat on the dock and soaked in the beauty of my surroundings every time I visit.   Yes, the lake seems smaller now than it did 30 years ago (and the house too,) but the pair of Geese that returns every Spring is just as elegant (and still don't like me), and the water that laps at the tethered paddle boat makes the same sound.  

 

  

My Grandmother's memory is fading fast. She does okay with things that happened many years ago, but it seems as if the memory lot is all filled up, complete with a thought cop who directs any new experiences to the nearest exit.   She also tires easily, and doesn't do well with lots of visitors, so I knew whatever time I was going to spend with her on this visit would have to be quick. It also meant she probably wouldnt remember much of the visit, if at all.  What she DID remember, though, and she told me many times that day, is that she had sat on her patio swing until midnight the evening before, because the night had been so gorgeous. 

And so we sat in that same place. And we took it in. 

 

We didn't discuss much more than weather and wildlife: the recent Michigan heatwave, the latest family of Geese to move in at the end of the dock, how amazing the last snowfall had been.  This was probably a good thing, as I had feared the "goodbye" moment.  My grandma has for a long while been very "matter of fact" about her remaining time in this life.  She's been giving away small things here and there to my sister and I for quite a few years, so it wouldnt have been weird for use to brooch the subject. But we never did.

I knew it was to be my last time at the lake, at least the last time I'd sit there with her next to me. But I don't think she knew. Not anymore, at least.

So I let my kids go out in the boat as many times as they wanted, and get as high as they could on the swing, so that they might have some of the same memories to store in their still unfilled heads that I have.  

And I took pictures. :)

 

 

 

 

Of course, as this day wore on, the lake changed. And so I took one last picture, because I knew I'd never see it this way again either. 

You know what's funny? I bet the lake looks EXACTLY like this as I type this sentence. It's currently evening-time on Huntoon Lake, when the sun sets, the water calms, and the porch lights start spotting the shoreline.  

I'm not there, but I can tell you my Grandma is, still taking it all in.  I bet she's sitting in the same chair, watching the same Geese, and talking with Gramps about how beautiful tonight is.  

Hot Shots

Oh and I DO mean that literally....

I had this vision of a quiet summer spent either poolside, or comfy cozy, catching up on a home "to do" list in an air conditioned space.  None of that has quite panned out. :)

Among other jobs and vacations, I took an unplanned trip to Michigan via a Pittsburgh Wedding. It was a last minute decision once I realized most of my east coast family was going to be there. Of course, I HAD to take the camera!  Sometimes I wish I could put DOWN the camera and just enjoy the moment, but on the other hand- these prints made a great wedding gift! :) (I earn my own keep, see?)

 

   

Much of the "Burns" clan was there (my mom's side). Here's my me with my kiddos, my mom (white sirt, dead center), my sister and her family, two aunts with their husbands, and a cousin with her daughter.  

We also all stayed in the same hotel, on the same floor. Yes, it was fun. And LOUD. Ha!

 

Oh yes, this next one was the source of many a giggle....  while waiting for the ceremony to start in the church, my mom was sitting in such a way that, from where I was, she was framed by a massive stained glass window.  I posed her a little, and voila! 

 

I'm pretty sure she thinks that, in the end, this can only help. ;)

Catching up....

Here I sit. Dressed in normal clothes just enough so the fed ex guy doesnt laugh (at least to my face) and toiling away in photoshop, canvas sizing, print orders... many of the things a working photographer does on a daily basis. Yes, working. As in, busy. And I have to remind myself of that sometimes.  Whatever path I have been on to get to here allows me to be doing what I want to be doing, yet somehow doesnt always let me feel...well... worthy, I guess.  

This isn't a pity party post, though. :)  It's a "thank you" post, if you will.  See, I was working this weekend, doing a photoshoot for a local high school graduation. They've had me do LOTS of stuff for them this year, which is wonderful, but this assignment in particular was a bit more simply "picture taking" than anything artsy. Wasn't somethign I could put much of my own spin on.  

I started to get this "ugh' feeling when shortly after I got there, I run into a videographer who was about 25 years older than me, oddly handing his business card out to everyone, and throwing out words like "gamma" to whomever was in earshot.  I felt a little sorry for him because you could just TELL he felt like he had to compete, initially with me, and ESPECIALLY when the big guns (channel4 and the star telegram) walked in.   That business- that corporate media wheel... it sucks you in and spits the older ones out... unless they STAND out.   Fortunately, my life path took me out before I got spit out, but the feeling of ALWAYS HAVING to create and be creative to stay relevant hasn't gotten away from me, and sometimes the pressure Im putting on myself with my business makes me want to give it up altogether. 

So here comes the uplifting part (for me anyway.) While I was walking around getting shots, a woman walked up to me and said, "Are you Holly? Are you Sillyheads?" 

A bit taken aback, I answered "Yes, I am!"

Then she quickly said something that went like,  "Wow! Its so great to meet you! I just LOVE your pictures, and I always read your blog! Do you have a card? Id love to get some pictures done soon!"

I felt like a mini super star! It was exactly what I needed. In this business (or life) where you find yourself feeling not good enough, not creative enough, or in any way less than perfect, a "pat on the back" is sometimes all it takes. 

There have been many times I've been pressed for time and have neglected to blog about any pictures I've taken as of late. Now, though, I'm going to think twice about putting it off, if only for my new friend who looks forward to reading my blog.  

So here are some recent shots- just because Im feeling... WORTHY! :)

A big smile!

 

My latest inspiration... (no touch ups... really.)

 

And a TRUE laugh!

  

Oh, and this was a picture my husband was looking at over my shoulder a while back and said, "You HAVE to put that on your blog."  This was a fun family who just wanted a group photo where they were all happy and looking at the camera. Their two little boys weren't very into having their picture taken, though, so we resorted to a game of ball- them throwing it at me and me throwing it back andI just kep clicking.  We did this quite a few times, just to make sure we got the shot... and this time my aim was, ummmm, accurate.  

 

 

Remember, Im ONLY sharing this becuase he was A-OKAY! The ball was super soft, but the expression on his face was priceless, and we all laughed really hard. 
 

Thanks for being a part of Sillyheads, however small or large! And if you see me around, lets give each other pats on the backs. :)
 
 

Race for a Cure- Fort Worth

My Saturday morning was a busy one, but all I knew going into it was that my friend, Debbie, needed someone to help her with her kiddos that morning while she walked a 5k. I knew she had been fund raising, and I knew she was a cancer survivor. But what I didn't GET until this last gorgeous morning in Sundance Square in Fort Worth, is how such a small bunch of cancerous cells can bring such a LARGE group of amazing women together and truly evolve into something so beautful!

 I arrived at the hotel the night before close to midnight, so waking up early to a crowd and managing 3 kids seemed much less fun than hitting snooze once again, but boy am I glad I did.  The whole area was electric as FIFTEEN THOUSAND people participated in the Tarrant County Race for a Cure that morning, and I can only guess as to how many more came to support their friends and family. 

When we met up with Debbie that morning, she had already attended a "survivor breakfast" and was now sporting a hat with a "5" on it, representing the number of years that have passed since she beat breast cancer.  She was also sporting a nifty cape, which was apropos of her superwoman-ness, and which her kids promptly signed in support of their beautiful mommy.

 Debbie did the walk with her friend and co-survivor, Kathryn. 

Kathryn spreading the message....

Many more were there that are on the same path... 

 

And she's OFF!! 

While "Auntie Debbie" was walking (Debbie is from Hawaii, and there, you call people "auntie" or "uncle" instead of ma'am or sir) the kids and I went off to score some freebies! Pens, keychains... all the tchotchkes you can imagine. 

These women handing out cotton candy were hilarious. It was pretty windy outside, and they were getting as much on themselves as they were on the stick!

 

Spinning the wheel to learn about taking control and talking to your doctor about your risks... what "I am the Cure" is all about.

 

Radio Disney was even there with (gasp!) HULA HOOPS! Sayde was in heaven.

 

THEY are the cure.

 

And off to the finish line......

 

 

 

Big hugs to my amazing friend, Debbie, with 5 years under her belt of beating this thing. Super hugs to all the other women who are fighting the fight right now. And massive "thanks", to those who are providing support to these women while at the same time "Racing for a Cure."
  

I got invited to Prom!!!!

Prom.  It's all about dressing up...driving there in a nice car....eating a gourmet meal beforehand...the stuff dreams are made of!   I did that this past weekend, but, a little differently, one might say.   I wore a gap sundress, I drove my Honda Pilot, and I stopped at Taco Bueno on the way.  Not to mention, my date was with a cute little guy named Nikon.   :)

I photographed the first ever Westlake Academy Junior Senior Prom! It was held at Lantana Golf Club in Argyle, Texas.  Its beautiful up there- what a great part of the DFW area!

The fun thing was, I tried out a new backdrop and different lights.  I normally shoot in natural light, so what I DO own in the flash category isnt always going to be perfect. For this occasion, to make SURE I got it right the first time, I rented some lights from Arlington Camera. I also decided to buy a 9 foot paper backdrop (instead of muslin) to get a cleaner feel and I'm really happy with the results! And now that I own the backdrop, I just may have to invest in a set of these lights for future use!  (I also rented a 16mm fisheye lens that I used for many of the candid shots during the party, and I LOOOOOOVED it. Those are coming soon! )

The fun thing is to see the kids' personalities when they get in front of the camera.  Some are naturals, others want to run as fast as they can. This guy, K, is one of the naturals. I'm telling you, he needs a modeling contract, STAT.   

 

I love how he even looks away! (He did it on purpose, too. I was there and saw it in action! He HELD the lookaway pose! :)

Loved this girl, as well. She walked up and was a bit shy- but no matter what she did, it looked like she belonged in an Anthropologie ad.  I just kept shooting and now have about 20 pictures of her. I'm SURE she thought I was crazy. :)

 

Of course we took NORMAL prom pictures-

And then some fun ones....  
 

And what shoot of mine would it be without the requisite Sillyheads?

 

  It was a great night and I'm really looking forward to working more with Westlake Academy in the future. This is their first graduating class, and it was honor to be able to share this with them!

Setting a new bar for sleepovers...

Where was this company when I spent the night down the street and was fighting my 8 year old best friend for the covers!?

Meet Kate, and her company, Picadilly Kids.  They sell luxurious, soft, fluffy, colorful sleeping bags for fashionable kiddos. (They also have baby blankets, and a whole bunch of other goodies- but the sleeping bags are new. Click on the link to check it all out!)

Kate called me to get some shots to use for her company- and this was a quick- "Hey, I'm home today- can you come now?" Ha!  I think we still managed to get some good ones! Besides, Kate is a super cutie- I can't imagine her personalty not shining though ANYTHING. :)

 

 

 

Now- to grab the pink zebra bag, hop in the time machine cranked back to 1982, and show those kids what's up. :)