A Special Tribute to a Special Family.

Dallas Family photography

Last year around this time, I received a call from a past bride and groom about doing a family portrait session.  I was SO excited to hear from them.  I love catching up with my couples.  I learned that the groom, Clinton, had landed a job in London.  Being young and adventurous, they accepted the job and moved.  In addition, they had just been blessed with twins; one boy and one girl.  The twins were about 8 months old.

Anyway, Sara and Clinton were coming home for Thanksgiving and wanted to do a family portrait.  I was super excited.  When they arrived at the park, they were dressed perfectly.  I could tell that Sara had put a lot of time into planning their clothing.  We had a great session and a lot of fun getting to know each other again.  They were just as happy and in love as when they married about 10 years ago.

We were on a tight schedule since they were flying back home in a couple of days, so Sara and I met the following day to view the images and place her order.  Clinton stayed home with the kids. (super dad) Sara still had that twinkle in her eye when she talked about Clinton.  She told me she still thought he was “so handsome”.

Just 4 days later, i got a call from Sara’s best friend.  Clinton was in an accident and he was fighting for his life.  I just sat there, speechless.

I don’t know how Sara made it through the next month.  Clinton was incredibly blessed to have such a graceful, strong, loving and beautiful wife.  Clinton was not able to recover from his injuries.  He passed away.

I’m sharing this story for a number of reasons.  One is that this family has not left my thoughts and prayers all year.  Sara and Clinton’s life together was a beautiful love story.  They lived their lives together to the fullest.

Another reason is to remind myself (and you) that everyday matters.  Even if you are just sitting around watching TV, enjoy your family.  Make every second count.

In loving memory of Clinton Beer.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

A couple of times a year I have the privilege of participating in the CFB ISD 5th grade career fair.  Unfortunately for me, it always happens during the busiest times of the year. But, I’m honored to be included.  There are tons of photographers they could ask, but they choose me.  And I don’t take that lightly.

The set up is similar to any other trade show, the difference is, the attendees are 5th graders. Hundreds of them!  Their objective is to visit with the representatives from careers they think they may want to choose when they get older.

These kids are my future employees, clients and competitors.  I want to give them the most useful information and the best advice possible.

One 5th grade  boy walked up and asked me what was the worst part of my job… okay, I wasn’t expecting that question so I thought a minute.  I told him that as a business owner, I had to do the day to day chores around the office like taking out the trash and cleaning the bathrooms.  Without even thinking, he responded “do you have to go to college for that?”  I couldn’t help but laugh.

Then another 5th grader asked me what I wanted to be when I was in 5th grade.  That was also a great question. These kids will change their minds a million times from now until they start their careers.  But the great thing about this career fair is that it gives the kids an opportunity to look a professional in the eye, shake their hand and speak to them face to face.  It also gets them thinking about their future and opens their eyes to many new opportunities. The sky is the limit for these kids, they can do anything they want.  And because of that… the kids… I will continue to carve out time to spend with the future of this awesome city.

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Santa’s visit to Texas Tradition Photography

The day started with Santa riding up on a Harley! (His elves brought the sleigh)Santa on Harley

Santa Photography

3Santa_8266Santa absolutely LOVES his job. He looks forward to seeing the kids all year long.  He played peek a boo with the little ones, listened to the long lists from the bigger ones, and gave candy to all of them and a fist bump to one.

Today marked Santa’s 14th year to visit our studio. Some of the kids that visit our studio come year after year, so this is the only place they ever visit with Santa.  As it should be, Santa remembers the kids.Santa PhotographySanta was fun and playful. He had enough energy for all the kids… even Collin. But the second the last child was gone…Santa PortraitsSanta had to take a nap. He was pooped.  So, we fed his elves and reindeer some food and water and sent them back to the North Pole.Santa Photography

Santa Portraits

Santa PortraitsSee you next year Santa! Thanks for coming.

Please help us welcome our 2015 High School Senior Models

We are so proud to introduce our 2015 High School Senior models. They have been hand picked by our studio to represent the Senior class of 2015 and Texas Tradition Photography. They will be the beautiful faces of our studio for this school year.  If you are still looking for your senior photographer, ask one of these girls, or one of our past high school seniors about their experience with us.

Welcome to our Texas Tradition Photography Family! 2015 Seniors… IT’S YOUR TURN!

2015 Senior Models2015 Senior Models

Wall Portrait Clusters- A Carrollton Professional Family Photographer’s Suggestion for Beautiful Wall Art

What do we LOVE this holiday season? Texas Tradition Photography Wall Portrait Clusters! Several wall portraits designed to hang together creates a Wall Portrait Cluster. A cluster is a fun and modern way to decorate your home.

Here’s a peek at some of our favorite clusters:

Portrait ClusterThe Arcemont girls always look fantastic in their portraits! We designed their wall portrait cluster using an 8×10 of each girl and a 24×30 of all the girls together. This layout is great for a traditional feel with an updated look.

Family Portrait ClusterFor the Kimball family cluster, we wanted to highlight their three adorable boys. Can you just imagine raising three young boys? We wanted to protray a feeling of love and closeness, but also the fun and energy we know these young boys have. We used a 6×6 individual of each boy (running in the reflecting pool of course!), a 24×24 of the three boys together, and a 36×36 of the whole family. This configuration is great because you have a beautiful family portrait on the right, and TONS of personality on the left!

Family Portrait ClusterWe LOVE the Bimmerle family. Hank and Eli are die hard Texas Tradition fans. (and so are their parents)!  We used a 16×24 of each boy and a 20×24 of the whole family for thier wall cluster. This wall cluster will actually hang above the couch at Texas Tradition Photography!

Not sure what sizes you want for your portrait cluster? Take a picture of your space and measure, then bring it to your appointment. We’re always happy to help design custom portrait cluster for your home!

Proper Portrait Sizing – Tips from a Carrollton Professional Family Photographer

Since family portrait season is in full swing, we wanted to take the time to educate our clients on how to pick the best size for their wall portraits. Often our clients tell us they “don’t need anything big” for their walls, only to come back and need to upgrade their portrait size. Here are our tips for how to choose the right portrait size for your home!

DVD's are not portraits!

1. DVD’s are not portraits!
We love being able to offer digital collections to our clients, but the portraits rarely make it off the disk! By having Texas Tradition Photography print your wall portrait, you get amazing quality, choice of mounting or gallery wrap, and you won’t be able to resist hanging your portrait right away!

8x10's aren't big!

2. 8×10’s only seem big when you’re holding them.
Unless you have a wall with A TON of portraits hanging on it, your wall will look empty. 8×10’s are great for desks and wall clusters, but they don’t make great wall portraits.

16x20's are still too small

3. Not bad, but not great.
This 20×24 is starting to fill the space, but still isn’t making much of an impact, even with a wider frame.

30x40 Perfect!

4. Now this is what we’re talking about!
This portrait is a 30×40. It may sound HUGE, but the second it’s hung on the wall it looks perfect!

Not sure what size will work best on your walls? Grab a sheet of paper and hang it on your wall. If it looks too small, add another sheet until it looks right. Once it is the perfect size, measure it. Bring in your measurement and we can help you find the perfect wall portrait for you!

Still need guidance? Give us a call, we would love to help you decorate your home with beautiful portraits!

My Trip to Louisville, Kentucky – Carrollton Photographer

If you know me well, then you know that I don’t travel much. I prefer to spend my weekends photographing families and weddings. So, this “trip” all started when my husband was scheduled for an overnight business trip to Louisville. Just as we have always done in the past, I planned to stay home with our daughter and dog. Besides, it was right after my first dance school.

To my surprise, my mom called and suggested I tag along this time. I thought she was crazy, but she offered to stay with Linzy and Maggy at the house. So, what the heck, it’s only for one night.

Mike booked me a ticket and we were off to the airport. It was just like we were young again. We raced down the elevators, fought over the tempature of the air conditioner and talked non stop on the plane. Once we got to Louisville, we got a rental car and headed to the hotel. We had a few detours in between like the chocolate store and stopping to chat with some young military men. But, overall it was smooth sailing.

Once we hit our room, Mike started preparing for his presentation and I started researching Louisville, Kentucky. I was expecting a small country town, but actually, Louisville is a beautiful town with rich history. After all it is the home to the Kentucky Derby! You know… horses! Now that I’m here, I would love to stay a few extra days and explore some of the restored Victorian homes and Museums. I bet locals have beautiful weddings here.

Sometimes it takes getting away from something to be able to see the big picture. When you own a small business like I do, you own everything from marketing and taxes to taking out the trash. Even though my business is photography, photography is actually the thing I do the least of.

If I were to research Texas Tradition Photography like I just did Louisville Kentucky, I might be less impressed. But, keep in mind that I am the photographer, the Facebooker, the blogger, the web master, the business owner, the janitor (not a good one) the everything. I AM Texas Tradition Photography and I’m trying everyday to get better at everything. And today, sitting in my hotel room in Louisville, Kentucky, I realize that I need to work more on my web appearance. I need to share more with the world. I do some amazing photography for some amazing people, but get so wrapped up in the day to day business that I fail to share it with you. So, when I get back home, In between my next dance schools, weddings and senior portraits, I will take it up a notch with my web presence. But for now… I’m sitting here relaxing while Mike is giving his presentation. From my window, I see the Louisville Harley Davidson store and Hobby Lobby. Both are within walking distance… good thing since Mike took the car. I have $40 and 4 hours to spare. Which should I choose?…

If it’s worth having, it’s worth working for…

Have you ever heard the saying “if it’s worth having, it’s worth working for.”  Well that’s what comes to mind this time of year as I photograph so many families.

Central Park Frisco Family Photography

When a mom calls me to schedule her family portrait session, we have to compare and cross reference work, sports, dance and social calendars of all the family members. By the time we have chosen a date and time that works for everyone, something comes up like a playoff game or a sick kid. Then we are scrambling to reschedule. Once that perfect date is established, it’s shopping time.  Everyone in the portrait must look their best from head to toe.  Often times this means going to several stores on several different days to secure the perfect attire.

Family Photography Central Park Frisco Photographer

This has already added up to be a timely investment.  Now, let’s talk about getting the entire family clean, dressed and to the portrait location on time AND in a good mood.  By this time, a lot of families just want to get it over with… this is where I take over.  I bring my years of experience dealing with all ages, personalities and family dynamices to come together and create an amazing family experience.  It’s not just a portrait session, although that is the ultimage goal.

By the end of our session, everyone is laughing and playing and having fun.  The session planner (usually the mom) hugs me and says she is glad it’s over.

…pause for effect… hopefully, you have chosen a great photographer because after all of this time, the portraits need to be BREATH-TAKING!!

Fast forward a week… we meet, usually with the whole family, to view and order the portraits and it hits mom hard… tears start to flow… and she thinks “if it’s worth having, it’s worth working for!”

Dallas Family Photographer

“Our” Dr. Thames – Carrollton Family Portrait Photographer

I’m sure a lot of you recognize this staff!  We have been working with Dr. Thames and his staff for a couple of years now and love them all. I challenge you to find another orthodontist that is as friendly as they are! (and good looking)  If you need braces, or if you think you need braces, you should check them out at www.DrThames.com

Business portraits in Plano

 

 

The Sanchez Family 2012 – Carrollton Family Photography

Here are a few images from the Sanchez family portrait session.  We met at a beautiful greenbelt park in Carrollton. It was a hot day, but just perfect for this family portrait session. Andrea, the oldest daughter, was one of our 2013 senior models. We had an amazing time and I hope you enjoy their portraits as much as we do.

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