Huyen Nhi Photography

This one is for Tara and Josh

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 01:39:58 +0000

I had the pleasure of meeting Tara at the ALTF workshop way back when. Little did I know I had just met a person I would greatly admire and one I'm glad to call a friend. For one, she is a great person. Outgoing. Humble. Kind. The other thing about Tara is she is passionate about mastering her craft. Her thirst to know, learn, and continuously work at bettering herself for her clients is quite admirable. For example, at WPPI, I clearly remember crawling into bed after a long day of workshops, eyes heavy and longing for sweet slumber just to find Tara working feverishly on her laptop, recapping what she has taken in that day. I only hope to be that discipline some day.

So it saddens me to bits to learn that Tara's imminent move to greener pastures in Louisiana got moved up -- to last weekend. I am thrilled that every thing worked out so well for Tara and her husband Josh. They are looking at wonderful opportunities and for that I'm thankful. But I'll miss my dear friend.

With that, I'm dedicating this post to my dear friends Tara and Josh. I wish you both much success, joy, and happiness in good ol' Louisiana. I know that you both are about to embark on some great things, and I'm excited to hear all about it.

A few pictures from a visit out to their old stomping grounds in Marble Falls, Texas.

The beautiful Tara.

And who's that she looking at? Well that would be her hubby Josh. Any Red Sox fans out there? Doesn't Josh remind you of the superstar 3rd baseman Mike Lowell? At least I think so.

Seniors

Sun, 10 May 2009 22:44:34 +0000

Welcome Class of 2010 Seniors!

We are excited to be working with you this year! As we prepare for this year's shoots, we are still looking to fill some available slots for senior representatives at each Austin-area school (including Lake Travis High, Westlake High, Leander High, all Austin ISD high schools, and many others). Did we mention the FREE photo session as well as product credits available for senior reps? If you are interested, please contact us for more info.

When preparing for your shoot, don't forget the following:

- Pick out your location(s) - If you need suggestions, please let us know;
- Finalize those outfits;
- Grab the props;
- Are you including your friends in your shoot? Please let us know us know ahead of time so we may have the proper paperwork completed.

Book us now and take advantage of our Summer Special... book before the school year starts, and receive a free 8x10 or 8 free wallets. Hurry though... appointments are filling fast.

Enjoy your summer and stay safe!

Introducing...

Sat, 09 May 2009 22:25:14 +0000

Where Am I?

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 03:42:12 +0000

Despite posting two entries, I find that I'm still down ... um, plenty. I've recently updated my post-it note and this is where I'm at.

WPPI - Red Rock Shoot

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:50:56 +0000

Oh WPPI. I have very many fond memories of this quick jaunt to Las Vegas. From the very early mornings (whoever thought that 8AM was a good idea to convene for presentations obviously was not partaking in what Vegas can offer), the miles logged walking between the hotel room and the meeting space at the MGM, and the need for an extra suitcase to bring back the forest-worth of brochures and vendor materials, all memories have stayed with me. But one of my favorite events was the photo shoot arranged by the awesome Ryan Christensen at Red Rock Canyon.

It was a cold, blustery day but it certainly didn't dampen the spirits of the 25-30 photographers. We spent hours hiking and trekking along the beautiful rock formations and grabbing shots of some amazingly patient and willing models. Bless their hearts for putting on a smile and not complaining about the coldness.

I'll be back to share some new vendor collaboration including new canvas prints, album companies, printing lab, and so much more from WPPI.

Gavin

Sun, 26 Apr 2009 03:50:49 +0000

A few weeks ago, Gavin's mom, Kim contacted me about ordering her slide shows on DVD. The request gave me an opportunity to go through my files and ah, I was quickly reminded about the hot summer day we ventured out to Olson Meadow Park. Though it was our first meeting, we felt right at home as Gavin was quite the pro in front of the camera! He never actually "posed" for a shot, but the action shots are far more fun anyways, no?

While it has been quite some time since we did this shoot, I do remember one particular thing about Gavin -- his eyes. Such sweetness comes from those eyes. See for yourself.

The other thing I remember about Gavin: his energy. This boy can play! We played for 3+ hours and never once did Gavin even stop to catch his breath, though I know I had moments where I didn't think I could keep up with him. A few days after the shoot, Kim sent a sweet email informing that despite my thinking her son had boundless energy, Gavin fell immediately asleep as soon as they left the shoot. What Kim doesn't know is I too slept like a baby the moment I came home from our outing! He certainly tuckered ME out.

We also were able to capture some 'Mommy and Me' moments. While I love the shots with just Gavin himself, there is something so special about the bond these two share, which is why the shots of Kim and Gavin are my favorites from the day.

I'm looking forward to seeing these two when we deliver the DVDs and see how big Gavin is now. I'm sure Gavin is as cute as ever!

I'm Back!

Sun, 29 Mar 2009 17:24:01 +0000

Has it really been six months since I've posted in here? I guess time flies when you are having fun (and staying busy!). There's much to post about and because I'm woefully behind, the post-it note above will be a new, recurring feature here. You know, something to keep me accountable. And on track.

Here's a quick recap since my last post:
    - Mark II arrived right before Christmas and I'm smitten. He's a workhorse. I think he is my new favorite accessory (move over shoes and handbags!).
    - I worked for about 3 months and finally launched my website. Now that it is up and running, I'm thinking about launching something bigger and better. But only after some of the above are checked off.
    - We updated the blog to include a larger header. Thanks T for your genius coding!
    - I attended WPPI back in February and it has taken me until now to decompress. I'll go into more detail when I do a recap in a future post.

There's much more to say, but I need to get working on that to-do list. Hopefully next time around, there'll be a few more red checks on this list.

Bye Peeps!

Can I Get a Woot Woot?!

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 10:30:49 +0000

I've been a very patient woman. Ever since I discovered the news of a possible replacement late last year, I knew that I would wait (and wait, and wait) for it to become available. And thank the Good Lord, after what seems like an eternity, months of teasing leaks and photos, and even a moment of weakness where I briefly considered the Nikon D3, it's finally here!

Sure, I have to wait until November to get this baby in my hands, but what is another 2 or so months?? Christmas is coming early this year for this girl!! Dare I say it? WOOT WOOT!!

Now if only it was 9AM EST....I need to make a call to B&H and get myself on that list. And I may call Adorama, too. A girl can never be too careful. :)

Paper Anniversary

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 05:04:38 +0000

This time one year ago, we were at the beautiful Lakeway Resort and Spa celebrating our wedding with our family and friends. It's hard to believe but since that day, I've smiled bigger, laughed harder, and fallen even more in love with my dearest husband, Brian.

Brian, here's to many more wonderful years together. I love you!

I want to share a few pictures that I captured of yet another jaw-dropping product that Parklife Press created for our paper anniversary. Travis created these beautiful personalized wine bottle labels that matches our wedding stationary, each bottle marked with a charm meant for a special event in our future. A little something to look forward to...

Free to Succeed - A Recap

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 02:49:55 +0000

The excitement in the room was palpable. Everyone was talking about how thrilled they were to be able to make it to the workshop, delighted to finally meet David Jay and Jasmine Star, photographers we all admire and have grown to know by stalking ...err, following their blogs.

Both David Jay and J* are great speakers -- personable and funny to boot. Even though Austin was their second stop on the tour, they were like seasoned pros. They shared stories about their humble beginnings and the steps they took to make it such that they can enjoy their trade all the while living and enjoying life. I took away so many things from this workshop that one week later, my mind is still trying to process everything said. It was four short hours of inspiration from two very passionate photographers.

It was also great to run into a few photographers that I've met at past workshops and meet some new ones as well. To Jennifer and Stacey, thanks for coming out to dinner tonight. It was fun and I'm looking forward to our next meeting. To Ericka, Chasity, Grace, Ashley, Gina, Jen, and Eva -- let's get together soon!!

The tour bus blocking traffic in front of the hotel.

Week of Workshops

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 05:30:11 +0000

This is quite the week. First we had the Coopers from altF come into town. Today, we have David Jay and Jasmine Star in for their Free to Succeed Tour! I'm so excited to see what wisdom they will be sharing with us as well as to network with the photographers in this city. It'll be a spectacular evening. :) I'll be back later to share the details!

Very altF Worshop

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 20:58:47 +0000

Remember how I mentioned that the workshop was going to be nothing short of a great time? Well that was an understatement. The workshop blew me away. What amazed me about that day was not meeting John Michael Cooper, a phenomenal photographer, it was meeting John Michael Cooper, a true artist. The time he spends mastering his craft, drawing up new ways to approach a shoot, pulling inspiration from the most unlikely of sources, and how he approaches this line of business is astonishing. Then there is the lovely Dalisa Cooper. What I would give to have this woman come run my business!

I learned so many things in the short eight hours with the Coopers, but the one thing that is going to stay with me for a long time is how willing they are to share the tricks to their trade. In fact, I find this to be quite the norm in this industry. Everyone is willing to bolster up and support each other. Pretty remarkable given how easy it is to hoard ideas, and in John's case, fantastic ideas to get a leg up on a competitor.

Honestly, if you have a chance to sit in on John Michael and Dalisa Cooper's workshop, I highly encourage it. Their tour is quickly selling out so jump online and sign up. You will not be disappointed.

Also, a huge thanks to Eric Doggett for opening up his lovely home and hosting the event as well as participating in the model shoot.

Now, what is a post without sharing pictures?

Here's one of John Michael talking about some lighting technique.

When in Texas, Do as the Texans Do

The sweet Shannon and her husband Conor posing for the engagement shoot.

John Michael's vision of a Bonnie and Clyde Photo Shoot.

Adrienne and Garrod our bride and groom were such great sports. Eric also hammed it up for the camera as he played a role in the throwdown.

Check out John Michael's blog to see more pictures.

Margie and Frank | Engagement Shoot

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 03:54:11 +0000

I had the pleasure of shooting an engagement session for Margie and Frank earlier this summer...and I must say, aren't these two just cute?! To add to the cuteness, Margie and Frank brought along their two sons for a family session as well! Despite the beating sun, everyone was all smiles. It was a definitely a good time.

Here's a few of my favorites:

And look here! A fellow UT Longhorns fan! Margie and Frank will always be good in my book.

I'll be posting pictures of these two with their boys Gentry and Colby soon. Stay tuned!

Workshop | very alt F

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 23:35:45 +0000

I can't believe that two weeks since launching this blog, I'm already behind on posting. I'll get better at this, I promise!

Tomorrow I'll be attending the very alt F workshop given by John and Dalisa Cooper, the masterminds behind the trendy and infamous Trash the Dress shoots. John and Dalisa are making their way around the country so if you are interested in a fun and refreshing take on photography, check out their summer tour schedule at www.veryaltf.com.

This workshop is going to be nothing short of a great time. I'll be back to post pictures from the event.

Melanie and Jack | Engagement Shoot

Sun, 13 Jul 2008 21:40:49 +0000

I still remember the moment I met Melanie and Jack, my first "official" client (read: not my family or friends who've been up to that point, willing and sometimes unwilling subjects of my camera). Melanie approached with the warmest smile and Jack was so laid back that any nerves I had instantly vanished.

We started out the shoot in downtown Austin and then moved to the train tracks and an abandoned bridge, all perfect locations for this fun, edgy couple.

Melanie and Jack - thank you again for being such good sports. We are looking forward to your upcoming wedding!.

For more photos of Melanie and Jack, check Theo's blog out.