Auburn Soul Photography

Breck

2010-11-09T20:08:00.001-06:00

This girl loves to color.

...and the big news is....

2010-04-03T19:44:00.004-05:00

Drum roll please
.....................................

A NEW Blog!

Come visit us at our new location
www.AuburnSoulPhotography.com

I'll be announcing Big News #3 & #4 on the new blog.

I'm so excited!

It's super cute and its a lot faster then this little ol' blogspot blog here.
A HUGE Thank you to Kristen, a good friend and owner of Lily Bee Design.
Not only is she super creative and talented, but she runs 2 businesses and is a mom of 2!
Kristen, thanks for taking the time to design my cute little logo and make the blog beautiful!

Head on over to the new blog. Update your google reader and/or subscribe to the new blog by clicking on the "subscribe" button at the top.

But wait..... there is more.....

I'm featuring a few of my latest sessions.
I'm so behind on blogging because I've been working so hard on this project.

Let me know what you think!

Big News #1 - Photography Boot Camp

2010-03-31T21:39:00.004-05:00

Ok, this is the weekend I break the BIG NEWS!!! I have 3 majorly huge announcements. Ok, so maybe all of them are not majorly huge, but they are BIG NEWS none the less.

First of all,,, Sorry for the lack of posts. I have lots of sessions to share. Thanks for not ditching my boring ol' blog. Things will pick up next week. I promise!

Ok y'all, our first order of business is.....

Dates for Mamarazzi Boot Camp. My email has been overloaded with questions about our next class so here they are.

You can book your spot TODAY over at www.mamarazzibootcamp.blogspot.com

In order to provide a more intimate learning experience, each class is limited to 10 paticipants. These spots will fill up fast. If these dates don't work for you or you would like to attend a boot camp in your neck of the woods just shoot me an email.

Featured

2010-03-26T14:07:00.002-05:00

"pick of the day"

Featured over at Print Life Today!

Totally made my day.

They have a new feature everyday. Check em' out!

Tip Tuesday

2010-03-23T12:16:00.004-05:00

SOOC (straight out of camera) vs Post Processed Image.

First a little back ground before I jump into this...
Some photographers shoot in JPG, others choose RAW. What is the difference you ask? The biggest difference is that a RAW image is HUGE, like 20mb per image. That will chew up your hard drive in no time.
On the other hand, that freakishly large image files holds every single bit of info that is available. When your camera (or computer) coverts the image to a JPG, you lose a bit of that info. Your camera takes the info it captured and throws out what it thinks it doesn't need and squishes the rest of the info into a smaller size (typically under 10mb).
There for, you have a smaller file, but you have lost lots of valuable information.
For example, if you shot in RAW and you overexposed an image. You could recover the overexposed areas in post processing.
If you had shot the same image in JPG, there is little that you can do to recover the info and fix the image.

Having said that. I'm not one for HUGE ginormous files that eat up my hard drive space, and I really focus and getting the best image possible SOOC so I don't have much work to do in post processing.

I do everything I can "in camera" to get the perfect shot. That includes proper exposure, cropping, angling, and avoiding distracting elements.

Here is a shot SOOC shot in JPG

I took the shot exactly how I wanted it. Then in Lightroom I added some black, adjusted the curve, then used the brush tool to bump up some detail around her careful not to touch my subject, I just wanted to increase some of the detail around her.

Here is the final product. When I finish editing all the images I save them TWICE! First on my external hard drive, and then I upload them to cyberspace so I have access to them from any where in the world. Plus if my hard drive died, or was stolen or destroyed I would still have a copy, safely floating around in space.

Ok, so let me know if this was helpful to any of you, if you want to hear more "Tips", or if I need to explain in more detail, or if you think I'm just retarded and have failed at my attempt to explain this. Please let me know.

P.S. sorry the images are not their usual hugeness, i'm wokin' on it.

Thanks for looking,
xo Steph

Emily {Frisco Senior Photographer}

2010-03-22T20:38:00.002-05:00

ummm hello beautiful senior! This girl has INCREDIBLE eyes.

More to come...

Plus the news. I promise.

It's coming.

Big News

2010-03-18T10:18:00.003-05:00

Sorry for the lack of blogging.

I have some big news coming.

Soon.

Very Soon.

Thanks for looking,
xo Steph

Surprise!

2010-03-11T10:39:00.001-06:00

My cute cousin Michelle was wearing the cutest hair piece at our shoot a couple weeks ago. She kindly told me that she would show me how to make one. I kindly responded that I really had no interest and just really wanted to buy one instead. We had a good laugh.

I came home last week and found this cute little box full of beautiful hand made creations from my amazingly talented cousin. I love surprises, especially unexpected packages in the mail.

I had to doll Breckyn up and take her out front for a mini session to model our fun goodies.

Thanks Michelle! I love them all. Your so sweet and generous. Can't wait to wear them!

I'm sure your all dying to know, Breckyn has been at "BIG GIRL" status for 3 weeks now!!!
She won her "pooh earrings" yesterday!
Hey, she came up with that name, not me.

Thanks for looking,
xo Steph

Boot Camp

2010-03-10T20:22:00.003-06:00

Oh boot camp. Where do I begin. It was AMAZING to say the least. We spent the day with the most incredible women!

They traveled from as far as North Carolina! And San Antonio! That is a HUGE deal! So exciting. It was like chatting with some old friends about our kids (kids being photography).

We talked. We ate. We laughed. We learned a ton. Yes WE. Even I learned a few new things.

I seriously can't wait for our next boot camp! (Utah & Dallas Dates coming soon)

This is Brooke, she is my blog stalker/turned BFF. Totally love her! I think I'm going to frame this photo and keep it on my desk because it proves that I am not the shortest person in the world.
Ok, not really, but, Brooke, I hope you don't mind me sharing a bit of the email you sent me. It truly touched my heart and I always want to remember why I did this project against all of my best judgment, being the shy girl that I am, talking in front of a group. Freakin' Scary!
But all y'all were so kind and encouraging. I can't thank you enough.

"I am so glad that you took this project on. You are so passionate about photography -- and with that passion comes an authenticity about everything that you shared. And, you have a generous, encouraging nature. That's all you need to be a great teacher. I'm sure I'm not the first -- and I know that I won't be the last -- person to be inspired by you. I'm honestly so happy and blessed to know you (said in a friend/not stalker voice. :)! " - Brooke

Seriously kind words. My heart if full.

Thanks for looking,
(if you read it you get brownie points)
Forever Amateur
xo Steph

Down for Maintenance

2010-03-08T10:48:00.003-06:00

We are down for maintenance at the moment. Sorry for the inconvenience. We will be back up and running soon and better then ever!

Please come back and visit us soon.

We will be featuring lots of fun sessions this week!

Malie Family

2010-03-05T08:07:00.003-06:00

This was the funnest session! I was laughing the entire time. Doesn't help that Michelle happens to be one of my favorite cousins ever! Or that her family rocks! Or that her children are absolutely beautiful. Or that she makes the most incredibly cute hair accessories.
We always have so much fun when ever we get together. I've missed her so much.

Thanks for looking
xo Steph

ipad giveaway

2010-03-04T23:56:00.002-06:00

Hey y'all,

My Bro Nate (with his beautiful wife above) Is starting a Mac business and
giving away a new ipad.
TOTALLY FREE!
Seriously.
Free.
No strings attached.
He is just trying to get his name out there.

How do you enter to win?

Become a fan of GOT MAC on FaceBook
then
Visit GOT MAC to Enter.

Thats is.

Super easy right.

Contest ends SOON.

Good Luck!

I'm BACK!

2010-03-04T18:36:00.004-06:00

I'm back from Utah. I had a fabulous time. I spent LOTS of time with friends and family and had some fabulous sessions (coming soon).

Mamarazzi is this weekend and I'm putting together my very first power point presentation. All I have to say is I LOVE MAC! Seriously. It couldn't be easier. So excited.

I have an awful story to share about my flight home. It was bad. Stay tuned...

Last Call

2010-03-03T11:21:00.002-06:00

Hey y'all we still have room for 1 lucky person at our Mamarazzi Boot Camp this Saturday!

Please visit the link for details.
Or, if you can't make it, but are still interested. Please email us and we'll add your name to a list for future classes.

Thanks!

Featured

2010-02-25T09:38:00.002-06:00

Leslie over at aroomsomewhere featured my favorite frame from my little valentine session with the kids.

Thanks Leslie!

B&W

2010-02-22T09:55:00.003-06:00

Sometimes B&W says it better then color.

It's timeless.

It's quite.

It's peaceful.

It feels like a moment frozen in history to be remembered forever.

MODELS NEEDED

2010-02-19T15:56:00.002-06:00

Age 5-13

March 6th

3:00 pm

Dallas

If your interested please send an email to AuburnSoul@gmail.com

including:

name. age. picture.

Be Mine

2010-02-18T18:16:00.004-06:00

I couldn't let the snow melt without having a mini valentine session with my favorite subjects. Besides, it's been a few months since I had a photo shoot with my little ones.

It was cold.

It was calm and peaceful.

It was beautiful.

Oh how we love the snow.

They really do love each other this much.

Thanks for looking,

xo Steph

Utah Sessions & Mentoring

2010-02-15T14:23:00.002-06:00

Hey Utah! I'm coming!

I'll see you THIS week!

I have 1 session left, it will book fast, email me if your interested

I will also be offering 2 1 on 1 mentoring sessions.

We can cover what ever your heart desires. Here are some ideas:
- Getting your business off the ground & Marketing
- Camera basics (aperture, shutter, iso, white balance)
- Photo Shop/ Light Room
- Getting your colors to POP
- Get your pictures crisp and sharp
- Take better pictures of your kids, get them to join in the fun
- I'll be sharing ALL of my little secrets!

Young Love

2010-02-15T13:33:00.003-06:00

We were at the store and Locke asked if he could buy Keeton a flower. He picked it out and was so beyond excited to give it to her.
We stopped by her house, knocked on the door and...

After we left he said " I know Avin (the competition) likes Keeton, but I saw her smile when I gave her the flower and I think she really likes it".

Later that day he told me all about how he was going to marry her when he gets big.

He's only 4!

Photo Booth Love

2010-02-15T12:50:00.004-06:00

We hosted a rockin' "Crush" Party over the weekend.

Happy Valentines Day

2010-02-14T22:36:00.003-06:00

Love, Auburn Soul

Snowiest Day in HISTORY!!!

2010-02-12T09:29:00.004-06:00

Well it wasn't the snowiest day in MY history. But they say it was the snowiest day in the history of TEXAS!

Now I wish I just had a coat and boots to play in it (cowgirl boots just don't cut it). I left the real stuff back in Utah knowing that I would never have a use for them here.

The neighbors are shoveling there drives with garden shovels. Dan was sweeping ours with a broom. (very effective btw)

I can't help but smile looking out the window. It so beautiful! So exciting. The kids are in Heaven. Now I'm off to play again. Have a beautiful day!

my workout for the day
Really. It was a work out. We had to take a brief intermission.
Relax. Dry off. & Warm up.

special delivery from Utah. Nothing like Stephens.

love that little dimple.

"Round 2"

finally finished Frosty.
love this shot with the snow in focus. love it.
we had the tallest snowman on the block.
I have to brag.
It's awesome to drive down the street and see a snowman in nearly ever yard. That never happened in Utah. Snow wasn't such a novelty as it is here.

Day "2"

Staying warm inside, but still enjoying a little ball of snow.12.5 inches.
Our sweet little bunnies were out before the snow started to melt. I miss them.
After repairing Frosty (apparently he was a little top heavy, and maybe a little crooked. he only lived 4 hrs)
It was time for a snowball fight.
I just wish I had a better aim.
It was bad. REAL bad.

Corbin - Class of 2010

2010-02-10T20:52:00.004-06:00

What I wouldn't give to have some fun artistic senior pictures of myself from 1999. It's true. class of 99'. I'm gettin' up there.
Maybe one day I will figure out my scanner and share some with you. They are so boring they make me want to cry. Blah!

I guess I can live vicariously through my awesome 2010 seniors that have ROCKIN' senior photos.

Meet Corbin. He's awesome. He's talented. He has an infectious smile. But sorry girls... he's taken.

Love the vintage tie. It just so happens to be his Dads from back in the day.

9 days New

2010-02-09T21:09:00.000-06:00

My awesome new friend Amy just moved here to Texas with 4 kids in tow and 4 weeks to spare before little Lauren arrived.

Amy, your superwomen in my book. Here is a preview of your sweet little Lauren.

New.Soft.Clean.Sleepy.Love.

Thanks for looking,
xoxo Steph

UTAH February Sessions

2010-02-09T11:06:00.003-06:00

I'm thinking about a trip to Utah this month.

I'll have 5 openings for sessions.

Please email me AuburnSoul@gmail.com

if your interested

P.S. We have 3 spots left in our Mamarazzi Boot Camp.
We would love for you to join us.

V-day GIVEAWAY

2010-02-07T23:43:00.002-06:00

Returning home from a photoshoot Saturday night. I was freezing, tired, and hungry.
I was SO excited when I got home to find that Dan had been playing Mr. Fix-it while I was away. He repaired several items (including our broken chair) and... wait for it.... he CLEANED!

Then to top it off guess what was waiting for me in the kitchen!

This bright beautiful box!

Full of delicious crepes... hmmm... thats would be an understatement.
There are no words to describe.
They were AMAZING!!!!
I've never had a gift that tasted so good.

I thought I would be a nice mom and share my treat with my little ones. They were in Heaven! They got to create & decorate their crepe to the hearts delight.

Whip cream and all!

Now for a
GIVEAWAY

If you live in the Dallas area and would like to find a beautiful box
full of crepes on your door step this Friday night...
Please leave a comment below to be entered into our giveaway.

Post on FaceBook with a link back here for an extra entry.
Leave a separate comment if you Facebook about us so we can give you an extra entry.

and don't forget to stop by www.crepeityourway.com to check out all the goodies.

Life

2010-02-07T14:52:00.004-06:00

It's the little things in life that i always want to remember. The fun simple everyday things we did together.
The way Locke was never without his "baby jaguar". (Yes, he's actually a tiger, thats just his name)
Breckyns sweet smiles and miniature little voice.

The kids choosing boots with shorts and Tinkerbell shoes. I love it.

Breckyn lovin' her daddy. Oh how she loves him. She even told me she loves him the most. I know she loves me to, but I know there is nothing like the connection between a little girl and her Dad. (I feel the same way about my Dad).

Dan with his "back ground music". He wouldn't be complete with out his music.
(this shot melts my heart)

Creative family portraits.

Mom always taking pictures.

Lots of kisses. Lots and Lots of them.

A cute little boy with a dirty face.
I tell him to stay my little boy forever.
He said "I'll stay little for a few more months. Then I'm turning 5".

Texas wind. Gotta hate it. It's the one thing I feel justified to complain about in life. Hate the wind!

... and laughter. I never want to forget laughing together. I love the gut workout laugh as much as the little sneaky giggles and everything in between.

I wish I could just freeze my life at this moment and keep my sweet little ones with me forever. I know that life will go on, and time will continue to move faster and faster.

...but these are the moments that I never want to forget.

Oh, you know, just a random week at the Read home

2010-02-05T17:00:00.000-06:00

This little one was the cause of much cleaning, repairing... and laughing in our home this week.

My chair (before)

My chair (after)
I told her not to lean back
She was ok. The chair. Was not.
No, I don't believe we will EVER make it to church on time. She is so proud of herself. She put "lips" on because shes "a mommy".

Love these little teeth marks. I can't help but smile every time I see them.

Ok, now she feels bad. Could anyone get mad at a face like that?

Isn't she cute.

... and then come the spills. Between me and Breckyn I think we topped the charts this week.

5:08 Start dinner.
5:10 Pour Breckyn milk, she takes a sip and spills on her shirt, then proceeds to pour the entire cup on the floor because she was upset that she spilled on herself.
5:15 Pull a bag of frozen broccoli from the freezer. It was open. Broccoli florets cover my floor. Kids run wild around the broccoli as I clean frantically. Broccoli is now EVERYWHERE. Vacuuming doesn't work. Swiffering. huh. Nope. Not working. Wiping up each little ball of broccoli on hands and knees. Time consuming. But works.
5:20 Still cleaning the broccoli
5:22 Open cupboard. Crackers fall out. Once again. Bag was open, they fall to the counter. Shattering into pieces. Nice. Another mess to clean.
5:25 Broccoli cheese soup is boiling on stove. I'm searching cupboard for chicken bullion. Soup boils over. Kitchen fills with smoke. Fried soup covering stove top. Awesome.
5:27 Mass text to all neighbors for chicken bullion. It's freezing outside. It's raining. I'm starving. No way am I packing up the kids and running to the store for some stinkin' chicken bullion!
5:35 Neighbor comes to rescue. Finish soup. Eat. Clean. Clean. Clean. Rest.

What a night.

ipad giveaway

2010-02-05T12:47:00.003-06:00

My super talented computer genius brother is giving away a FREE apple ipad!
Join his facebook page to find out how you can win.

Oh, and if you want a mac at a fabulous price... he can help you with that too.

2 in 1 day!

2010-02-02T14:22:00.002-06:00

Featured over at Color Inc. blog Print Life.

How exciting!

Color Inc is an incredible lab. I'm honored to be featured on their blog.

Speaking of amazing lab.

Look how cute.

I just got these sweet little albums in the mail today.

Love.

Featured

2010-02-02T11:07:00.003-06:00

Featured over at My Favorite Things today! Super cool. Thanks Molly!

Stop by and say hi.

I'm excited to Announce!!!

2010-01-30T09:34:00.003-06:00

Mamarazzi Boot Camp

I'm so excited to unveil this project that I have been working on. After many request to teach and mentor, My friend and fellow photographer Emily Murdock and I are combining our knowledge and favorite photog tips and sharing it all with YOU!

This will be a one day event PACKED full of info. It will truly be boot camp for your brain.
It will be a very small group so we can give each person the attention they need.
We are taking a hands on approach to teaching in this workshop.

I had my DSLR for 3 long years before I ever moved the dial off of Auto!
I took the long road, learned by trial and error, doing lots of research (daily, for the last 15 months), learning Everything I could to get me where I am today.
Now, I'm sharing all my blood sweat and tears with you.
Ok, so there were no tears... or blood for that matter, but there was sweat, it's stinkin' hot here in Texas!

Check out the site for details.

Utah Boot Camp coming soon...

my little loves

2010-01-26T21:12:00.004-06:00

something you may not know about me is that i love animals. especially dogs.

my 1st book report was on St.Bernards vs Chihuahas. I never had either of these breads, but was able to live vicariously though my little sister when she got a chihuaha for having a kidney transplant. how lucky is she!

Love that little peach. i raised her like she was my own while Kels was healing in the hospital.

Wow, that was a tangent. i like dogs ok. but haven't had the best of luck mixing them into the family with kids and busy schedules. my heart hurts for one. but i know its not yet time to bring one into our family.

so in the mean time, i frequent the SPCA, oh about 2-3 times a month. just to get my puppy fix and love on all these adorable pups.

i wish i could rescue them all. one day... in a few years. we'll be bringing one of them home with us. cant wait!

ok, so this post just made me a little sad looking at all of the pups. they look so sad and lonely. i hope they all get homes. but if not, then i'll be back to love them all next week.

thanks for looking
xo, Steph

she loves

2010-01-25T11:18:00.001-06:00

puzzles. especially the USA puzzle. Ohio & Oklahomy are her favorite.

class of 2010

2010-01-22T12:13:00.003-06:00

i l.o.v.e. my job! Seriously. i wish i knew what i wanted to be when i grew up back in High School. but no. it took me almost an entire decade before i finally found out.
i still don't feel "grown up" but at least i know what i want to be now.

Meet Corinne. Not only is she drop dead gorgeous, but she is as sweet as can be and so easy to work with.

it was so fun to work with another artist. my art is created by what i see behind my lens. Corinne's becomes art when she dances. it was a privileged to work with her to create something beautiful together.

Did i mention she can dance?

Thanks for looking
xoxo Steph

for Haiti

2010-01-20T18:47:00.005-06:00

guess who i met... Amelia Lyons sis in-law! She's pictured below with her darling little girl. Amelia is one of my favorite photographers. She produces truly inspiring work.
do child labor laws apply to service projects? all the kids were joining it to help.i believe the final tally was 70 quilts. thats in just 1 day!

it was a humbling experience to work side by side with so many generous families giving of their time and talents for the greater good.

oh, and mom, thank you for signing me up for sewing lessons at the tender age of 7. they have really paid off.

thanks for looking
xoxo Steph

1 shot

2010-01-17T09:13:00.002-06:00

in my house i usually only have one shot to capture those perfect little moments before i get discovered.

i thought i was being so sneaky hiding behind a tree.she thought it was a game and she won. "mommy, i found you"!

Broderick Family

2010-01-15T21:36:00.003-06:00

Sometimes in takes awhile to "warm up" in front of the camera. For example, when I have my picture taken I put up a wall. I try hard not to but I do. And that wall doesn't come down until the last 5 minutes of the shoot. Never fails. Happens every time.

That wasn't the case with the Brodericks. No camera shyness. No walls. They were true and authentic and let me right in to their world. And you would never guess that is was fa-reezing!

Check out the delicious warm buttery sun flare... sigh...

Thanks for looking
xoxo, Steph

New Year New Stuff

2010-01-14T15:54:00.002-06:00

I have a good feeling about 2010. I'm turning a new leaf in my life and in my business. Lots of change to come. Fun change. Good change. Exciting news. Lots of exciting news.
I'll share it all as it unfolds. I'm going to be busy. Busy is good.
But 1st I really need to get caught up on my blogging.

Oh and before I forget. There are still opening for V-day sessions. They must be purchased "before" February. Don't delay!

Thanks for looking!
xoxo Steph

Photo Booth

2010-01-13T19:40:00.002-06:00

Girls Night Out with Melis & Molly. Ice Cream. Photo Booth. What more could a girl ask for?... ok, so maybe an on-line shopping spree would have been nice. I'm just sayin'...

I don't know about the winter wear. It was actually quite hot with a fire blazing in the room. But it made for some cute pics.

As you can tell, we couldn't get enough. And there are a few that I may share at a later date if I get permission to show them. Things got a bit crazy.

Thanks for looking,
xoxo Steph

Workman Family

2010-01-11T14:05:00.003-06:00

Oh how I L.O.V.E.D. this session... considering the fact that my phalanges were on the verge of frost bite (my fault, I need some cute boots like Becky, or just her whole outfit. CUTE).
Theses guys were so easy going and down to earth and the boys were absolute angels. This is the kind of family you meet and feel like you've know them your whole life.
This was my last session of the year (I am so behind on blogging, you have no idea). I love the simplicity of it. You can just FEEL the love.

Oh, and the best part. I made a new friend. And she is SO cool. Lucky me.

standing alone

2010-01-09T11:24:00.001-06:00

give me some LOVE

2010-01-07T20:14:00.005-06:00

V-day is just around the corner. Believe me. It will be here before you know it. I thought it would be fun to dedicate the entire month of February to LOVE sessions.
For February only I'm offering 2 smokin' hot deals for you and your sweetheart.

Introducing...

LOVE in Motion

-30 minute mini & video session
-1 outfit
-1 location
-2 people
-on-line gallery to view images (aprox 10)
-5 images of your choice presented on CD with print release
-1 smokin' hot video
-$160 due at booking
*I have tons of super fun and funky love songs to choose from

LOVE Mini's

-15 minute mini session
-1 outfit
-1 location
-2 people
-on-line gallery to view images (aprox 10)
-5 images of your choice presented on CD with print release
-$100 due at booking

Smokin' hot indeed. But there is a catch.

All sessions must be paid for BEFORE Feb. 1st. to lock in this special price. (you can schedule your date after you review the weather report)

And there is more! I am SO excited to do these sessions that the 1st 2 people to book will receive a framed print of your favorite image ($40 value) for FREE.

Please email me at AuburnSoul@gmail.com to reserve your spot.

So Rock & Roll from Dan Read on Vimeo.

Filmed by Dan & Stephanie Read

Video Edit by Dan. You ROCK babe!

Just a side note. I think I look like a dork. I always get nervous in front of the camera. I don't know what to do with myself. I purse my lips and blink a lot.

Oh, on another side note. Check out my cute Miss Ruby Sue head band. And I'm very proud of my new favorite jeans. I made them myself. Look at me and my bad self.

Baby its cold. Where's a Starbucks when you need one.

2010-01-05T22:46:00.001-06:00

Seriously. I should have used my handy dandy iphone maps but I thought I could find one close.
Or not.
Adding 30 minutes to our trip to see the lights, all for a vanilla steamer. It was worth it.

More of our adventures with Aunt Kelsie last month. Lights at Frisco Square.
Aunt Klawssy

That would be me. Fa-reezing! I need a real coat.

The kids have been obessed with Hot Chocolate since watching Polar Express.

welcome home

2010-01-05T10:10:00.002-06:00

This was my welcome comity when I returned home from a photo shoot the other night. Usually the members of the comity jump and scream and cover me with hugs and kisses when I return.
Tonight was a patriotic/pants optional welcome home. I loved it just the same.

... a few more

2010-01-02T20:04:00.005-06:00

Our youngest Miss Ruby Sue model Miss Q. She looks just like her beautiful Momma.

What do you think of my makeshift studio? It was bitter cold out and I just couldn't make this sweet girl sit outside.

I still remember witnessing the miracle of this little girl coming into this world just one year ago. I'll never forget it. Happy Birthday Quinci!

I can't get over this face. I just love this girl. You would never guess she was sick and not feeling good during our session. What a little trooper.

Thanks for looking
xoxo, Steph

Miss Ruby Sue

2010-01-02T16:44:00.002-06:00

WOW!!! I'm thrilled to see my work featured in the Miss Ruby Sue shop! This is an exciting way to start out the new year.

Thank you to all of the Beautiful models for being so fun to work with and for being so beautiful!
And a giant thank you to Lori the master mind behind Miss Ruby Sue. She is a dream to work with, so nice and so incredibly talented!

Please stop by and see all of the trendy couture accessories that will make you feel like a cop in a doughnut shop. They're dreamy!

Oh yes, and a special announcement. The winner of our Giveaway is...

#17 Stephanie said...

I love all but the feather one. But you know me. Cute pictures.

Congrats Stephanie! Please contact me at AuburnSoul@gmail.com.

Grimaldi's in B&W

2009-12-30T21:57:00.004-06:00

My sweet little sis came to visit a few weeks ago. It was the best Christmas present ever. I really needed a bit of home and she was just the ticket.

She spoiled us with a night on the town. I choose Grimaldi's. I know I should have chosen something new but I couldn't help myself. It was calling to me.

Oh how I LOVE my men. I'm one lucky girl to have these 2 guys in my life.

They give kids dough to play with. Genius.

She wanted to eat it. But not swallow it. Not so genius after all.

Lovin' her aunt Kels. That pouty little face is so her.

Ok, so that was mostly Breckyn in B&W and a bit of Grimaldi's, I guess my title was deceiving. Sorry.

As always, thanks for looking
xoxo, Steph

The definition

2009-12-29T09:24:00.004-06:00

My sister asked what Bokeh was. Here you go sis.

In photography, bokeh is the blur,^[1]^[2] or the aesthetic quality of the blur,^[3]^[4]^[5] in out-of-focus areas of an image, or "the way the lens renders out-of-focus points of light."^[6] Differences in lens aberrations and aperture shape cause some le ns designs to blur the image in a way that is pleasing to the eye, while others produce blurring that is unpleasant or distracting— "good" or "bad" bokeh, respectively.^[1] Bokeh occurs for parts of the scene that lie outside the depth of field. Photographers sometimes deliberately use a shallow focus technique to create images with prominent out-of-focus regions.

And if words just go in one ear and out the other as they do with me, or that was just to much photo mumbo jumbo for you, Here are some visual aids for you.

Here is our Christmas in Bokeh... and some of just normal stuff too... if you consider carving a turkey in its raw form "normal".

What? It' wouldn't fit in the crock-pot. This was my 1st turkey EVER. I panicked.

Dan saved the day

Making my mom's famous and now "my" famous crescent rolls. Yes. They really are that good.

I let the kids make their own roll from scratch. She refused to have her hair pulled back. What can a mother do.

After the feast and a last minute trip to the store on Christmas eve. Really Dan? We read the Christmas story under the tree.

And now some serious holiday bokeh for my sweet sister.

Ice on the window or "bubbles" as Breckyn would say

some bokeh snow

and some snow in slow-mo

Warming up by the bokeh fire

Dad kissing his princess.

Locke playing with the manger

adding extra animals and asking me to photograph each one. "they need a close up picture".

Hope you all enjoyed your bokeh lesson as much as I did.

Thanks for looking

xoxo, Steph

We'll have a white Christmas please.

2009-12-28T22:47:00.003-06:00

We had a white Christmas here in Texas! It started snowing on Christmas Eve. It was beautiful.

The kids were freakin' out!

I couldn't wait for the holidays to come this year... and not for the reason that most people can't wait... I couldn't wait for some holiday BOKEH! It's my favorite of all time and I new the holidays would offer me limitless bokeh opportunities. Hello bokeh snow.

And my kids may or may not have stayed in their p.j.'s the entire eve of Christmas. hmmm and maybe all of Christmas day also...
This one is my favorite of the bunch.
Catching snow flakes.
First snow (and likely the last) of the season.
Boots & hats & a pair of "nittens".
Bokeh.

Does it get better then that?

Thanks for looking,
xoxo, Steph

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T12:56:00.005-06:00

My Amazing Clients, Blogging buddies, Blog Stalkers (you know who you are), Friends, and Family.

This is for you. I'm off to make our Christmas Feast. Love y'all!

Happy Holidays from The Read Family

Friends and Family,

Wishing you every happiness this Holiday Season and prosperity in the New Year. Thank you for being apart of our life.

All the best to you and your family,

Dan, Steph, Locke, and Breckyn
The Read Family

Video by Nathan Pickett Films

My girl

2009-12-22T22:31:00.003-06:00

My Sweet 2 1/2 yr old baby... ahem... I mean little girl. Yikes... the clock is ticking, maybe it's time for another...

She is a girly girl
She has her Dad wrapped around her little finger
She talks and talks and talks... and talks
She loves all things Princess & Pink
She Must read Purplishious each and every night

... and I love her.

Love these socks. Found them at Target. They are ladies knee highs. I cut off the "foot" part and sewed it together. Made them into mini knee highs for a mini sized girl.

P.S. I have also done this with her leg warmers (HERE). By doing the same thing. Cutting the "foot" part off the sock. But instead of sewing it back together, I leave it open.

I originally got the idea HERE

Thanks for looking
xoxo, Steph

Mckendrick Family

2009-12-21T10:25:00.003-06:00

I just love this family. I've photographed Juli a couple times (here & here) and was so excited to add her beautiful family to the mix.
She choose my favorite location (I can't get enough of this rustic urban stuff) and we tried out a new spot that I've been dying to use... just might be my new favorite.

Enjoy!

This is my favorite of the day

Thanks for looking
xo, Steph

Miss Ruby Sue GIVEAWAY

2009-12-19T21:44:00.003-06:00

Miss Ruby Sue

I think we need to have a giveaway. These hair pieces are just TOO dang cute. Who wants one for Christmas?

... did I mention that these aren't even for sale yet! Thats right. You will be the very 1st to be sporting one!

All of our models ROCKED it! (oh, and yes, I did recruit my hubby Dan for a few shots. Didn't know he had it in him. mmm he looks good).
.... sorry, got sidetracked.

... and this is just a taste of the new line. Available Jan 2010.

To enter giveaway

-Check out Miss Ruby Sue
-Leave me a comment letting me know which one is your Fave!
-For an extra entry post about this giveaway on your blog and let me know in a separate comment.

P.S. Our Free PhotoShoot giveaway is still going until Dec 24th! Details HERE.

my little man

2009-12-16T09:59:00.004-06:00

Do I really need a reason to have a mini photo shoot with my kids... No. But I did want to show off my new desk! Found it at a flee market and Melis refinished it for my b-day present. Isn't it beautiful!
I'll be re-gifting it to Locke on Christmas. He goes to work everyday - just like Dad. He has a makeshift office in his room where he goes to work to make money. I know he will just love to have a real desk to sit at while count his pennies.

Every day when Dan gets home he says "Dad, did you go to work". Yes. "Did you make money"? Yes.
I asked him what Dad did at work. He said "Make money". I asked how he made money. He said "with gold".
How sweet and innocent is that. He literally thinks Dan makes money for a living. I love this kid.

her room

2009-12-12T14:52:00.003-06:00

We were going for a more grown up look for our little 2 1/2 year old. Celebrating her graduation into a "big" bed a few months ago.
We decided to refinish and recycle our guest bed (since it was collecting dust). Good bye dark cherry, Hello satin black. Sure, it's a queen. But she sure looks cute in it. Tiny as can be.
Actually her entire room has been recycled.
Side table was in the family room, now fits perfect in its new spot.
Chandelier was in the front room. Rustic color. Added 2 cans of glossy back paint. Beautiful.
All of the frames were sitting in my closet. They never found a place to hang in this home. Again, a little spray paint - some glossy, some matte and a few B&W prints of my favorite images. Perfection. I LOVE this wall.
..Oh and the shelf. I did that myself. Just bought a slice of wood from Lowes. Measured it. Dan cut it for me. I hate saws. A little wood glue, some nails... that was a fun experience, and a splash of paint to match the walls (yes, I did those on my own too. Pounded each strip of wood to the wall). So proud of myself.
Still need fabric for pillows and curtains. Why is this so hard?

The chair... I loved this chair the moment I lay eyes on it, at a garage sale almost 2 years ago. It was green, puke green, and had a checkered green cushion. Barf. It was bad. But I loved the shape and saw the potential.
I painted it blue... too blue. Changed it to white.... too white. Then found the "perfect" shade of blue from my girl Juli. A lot of distressing and stain. I wanted to make a statement. And I'm in love.
Oh and did I mention is was $4!
Thanks for looking
xo, Steph

Casting Call

2009-12-10T15:12:00.003-06:00

Calling all girls, young women, babies, and hot moma's.

I'm looking for several beautiful girlies to model hair pieces... and some other fun stuff.

1st Shoot will be Monday afternoon in Frisco. You will need to stop by my house in Mckinney before Monday to pick out your pieces.

Interested?

Send me an email including:
Name
Number
Photo

It's crazy busy around here and unfortunately I won't be able to contact each of you. If you don't hear back from me by Sunday we have filled all of the spots for this particular date. I will be announcing more dates soon.
You will have to enter separately for each date.
Thank you all for your entries and help.

29 Beautiful years

2009-12-08T14:40:00.003-06:00

Let the party begin.

Dinner with my favorite people at my favorite spot Grimaldi's. I can't even put into words how good the pizza is.

What are the chances, my besties just happen to be married to Dan's best friends. So cool. And yet, I think this was our 1st triple date in the 4 years we've all been friends.

Dear Grimaldi's, thanks for the extremely large free pizza. You Rock!
Dear Friends, thanks for the lovely gifts, balloons, surprises, dessert, and for being by my side while viewing Jacobs abs in New Moon. Hello!

On my real b-day Dan surprised me with lunch at the Tower Club 48 stories up - my ears popped 3 times in the elevator- over looking the beautiful city that we now call home. The big D.
Thank you all for your lovely well wishes. My phone didn't stop beeping at me all day between the phone calls, the text, the emails.
They all made my day. Really. Truly. Thank You.

Dickens of a Christmas

2009-12-07T23:18:00.003-06:00

Down Town Mckinney. Thanksgiving weekend. Music. Food. Santa. Reindeer. Hot Chocolate. Cupcakes. People watching. Kettle Corn. Lots and lots of Kettle Corn.
Oh, and the weather was Amazzzzing.

Teaching Bryn to lick her lips vs wipe her face on her shirt.

Bryn looks so little here. I just love that little girl to pieces.

Only spilled 1 cup of hot chocolate. Miracle.

And the excitement builds. Look at that face. So excited to see Santas Reindeer.

Breckyn wanted to be held the entire night. I secretly wanted to hold her the entire night so we both won. Seriously, are those cheeks just screaming to be squeezed!

And what Texas holiday event would be complete with out a long horn. We were waiting for the running of the bulls to bust out. This guys was not to happy and he was letting us know it. I might have been a little scared, but I know that Dan would have taken one for the team had the cow escaped and charged us.
You have to admit, that would be pretty darn cool to see. I would have just sat back and popped my kettle corn, more like inhaled it, while watching the cow run wild down the street.

Winners

2009-12-07T19:57:00.001-06:00

Day 1
$125 Gift Card

Heather Harden

to me

Nov 30

You were born in 1980, which makes you 29! Happy Birthday!!!

Day 2

Free Mentoring Session

Mara said...: I THINK that I would be beyond excited to win a mentoring session.

Day 3

Free Video Session & Disk with all images
Winner announced by Molly over at My favorite things

Day 4
Free 8x10

Wehrle said...

Pick me pick me!! I really want our pictures done... but only by you!!!

Day 5
Free session ($125 value)
Winner will be announced Christmas Eve

If you are a winner, please contact me to redeem your prize!
Congrats. Thank you everyone for helping me celebrate! Until next year...

Barnhurst Family

2009-12-05T20:22:00.004-06:00

It might have been freezing. It might have been super windy. But it was nothing a little hot chocolate couldn't fix.

LOVE this family. They were so cute together. We had a lot of fun and they were up for anything. I'm Stephanies new V.T. and just got to know her for the 1st time yesterday. She just happened to need pictures, I just happend to have an opening. It was fate.

Enjoy!

Thanks for Looking.
xo, Steph

Giving Back & Giveaway

2009-12-04T06:58:00.001-06:00

Today is our last day of giveaways. Thank you all for Entering. All contests end Sat 5th at midnight. Winners will be announced next week.

So here is what I had in mind for our last giveaway. Lets give back. I would like to give a photo session and all images on CD to one deserving family.

If you know of a family that has had a tough year emotionally or financially email me. Tell me their story and why they deserve this gift.

If I choose your nominee, you will receive 1 Free Session.

This Giveaway will be open until Dec 23rd. The winner will be announced on Christmas Eve. We will present the deserving family with their gift on Christmas Day.

Thank you all for participating is this fun week of giveaways and exciting news.

xo, Steph

More new stuff

2009-12-03T10:41:00.001-06:00

Yesterday we introduced a new service to Auburn Soul (video sessions). Today I would like to introduce a new product. We are now offering Prints!

(Breckyns room)

I get so excited to see my work hanging on someones wall and I am head over heels In LOVE with the prints I have adorning the walls of my home. The 1st professional pictures (below) we have ever had taken (meaning, not at sears or kiddie kiddie kandids) was almost 2 years ago by the talented Toni Elmer. They have been hang on my walls ever since. There is not a day that goes by that I don't take a moment to stop and soak them in.

(front room)

I know of a few people, I won't name names, that haven't printed images from their sessions (I am guilty of this too, I take lots of pics that I want to print but I don't). I know you want to print them, but life gets in the way some times.

(family room)

So I've devised a plan to insure that your walls will be plastered with prints from your session. Just what you wanted right? Isn't that why you were getting pictures in the first place?
I have lowered my session fee and changed my pricing structure to insure that each of my clients walk away with at least $100 worth of prints to display in their home.
Is that awesome or is that awesome!

Enter to win 1 FREE 8x10 from your next session

Leave a comment below to enter
One random winner will be chosen
Contest ends Sat 5th at midnight
for extra entries, share this post on your blog, then leave another comment to let me know.

Video Sessions & Giveaway!

2009-12-02T07:26:00.001-06:00

Auburn Soul is proud to announce VIDEO SESSIONS! We are super excited to offer this special addition to our clients.
I am teaming up with my sweet husband Dan to film and produce family videos.

What can you expect? During your session we will be filming & photographing you and your family. We have lots of fun and creative ideas. Before we start we will have a one on one to discuss all the fun details including location, wardrobe, and Music.

The final video will be a combination of video and pictures from your session. Here is a sample video of what the final product will be like.

TX State Fair 2009 from Dan Read on Vimeo.

Head on over to My Favorite Things blog to enter and WIN a video session! They are helping us celebrate this week by giving away our biggest giveaway EVER!

1 video session
1 DVD
All images from session
for extra entries, share this post on your blog, then leave a comment to let me know.
*Local winner, session must take place before December 20th
*non local winner will have 1 year to redeem

Lets get creative and make a super fun and super cute video of you and yours.

It's my BLOGiversary !! Day 2

2009-11-30T09:32:00.001-06:00

One year ago, I started this journey as a photographer. It has been quite the experience. I feel overcome with gratitude that I have been able to pursue my dream and have the privledge of sharing this journey with all of you.
I still remember my first photoshoot. I was shaking in my boots. I remember my first paying customer. I couldn't believe that anyone thought I was actually good enough to pay me! I remember all of my awesome clients that took a chance on me as a newbe. If it were not for all of you, I wouldn't be where I am today.
Thanks you all from the bottom of my heart.

These are my 2 very favorites at my home here in Texas. I love tree's. I love fall leaves. I love fall colors. Oh, and I love the fall.
Usually the cold weather moves in and my beautiful tree's die before they have a chance to change color. But not this year. I've never seen them so beautiful. Every morning I smile as I open my window and see them. Everyday as I drive up to our home I stop and soak it all in. Are these really my trees? In my yard? How did I ever get so lucky. I just wish that they could stay so beautiful all year.

As the seasons have passed this year I have been so excited to see my tree's change. Each new season brings something new, whether it is good or bad. Things change. And after a long winter the spring always comes and sweet little buds start to form on their branches. Life.

I have had quite the year. And like these tree's. I know that there are seasons in my life. Things change, for good or for not so good. But no matter what, the sun always comes out.
And no matter the season that our life is in. There is always beauty and blessings to be seen.
I hope these trees will always remind me of the good and beauty that I have everyday, no matter the season that my life is in.

And.... If you have actually read this entirely tooo long of a post. You will be excited to hear about our next giveaway. This one I'm really excited for.

Giveaway
Day 2

A mentoring session with yours truly. You can pick my brain about anything and everything photography related. Equipment, Settings, Style, Composition, Post processing and editing. You have a question, I'll answer it. We can even run around and shoot people for practice. How fun would that be?

Interested? Leave a comment. 1 random winner will be chosen.
Giveaway ends Sat 5th at the stroke of midnight

It's my BIRTHDAY!

2009-11-30T09:17:00.003-06:00

And I'm kicking off my BLOGiversary all week. What a celebration it will be! Stop by every day and enter to win some AWESOME stuff.

1st giveaway of the week

How old am I today?

1st person to email me with the RIGHT answer gets a $125 G.C. to Auburn Soul

Mail me @ AuburnSoul@gmail.com

-giveaway closes Sat 5th at midnight

Grateful

2009-11-29T13:39:00.002-06:00

I sit here tonight, eating an extremely large bag of kettle corn, thinking about how incredibly good the kettle is, I realize I didn't get any pics of Thanksgiving dinner. Gasp. I know. Crazy.
So I thought I would share some of the feast prep.

It's not Thanksgiving without Mom's crescent rolls.

Finished. Now it's time to call in the clean up team.

Gotta love the bed head.

This year I hosted. We shared the meal with good friends and ended the meal by going around the table and sharing what we were most grateful for.
Of all the many things that I am grateful for in my life. My family truly stands at the top.
I had some powerful insight today at church. I know that each person in our family is there for a reason, we are all here to help each other through this life.
I have always known that about Dan. I knew that we would have trials, and I knew that I would be able to make it through them all with him by my side.
But I never thought about my kids the same way until today. They are here to help me through this life as much as I am here to help them. They were each sent to our family for that exact purpose.
I feel so blessed to be able to share this life with them and have the knowledge that we will be together forever. That is what this life is all about.
I am also grateful to know that there are other children waiting to join our family one day and I can't wait for the day that I feel like we are all here and our family will be complete.

Heading South

2009-11-28T22:40:00.000-06:00

Black Friday Sale @ Auburn Soul

2009-11-27T06:11:00.002-06:00

2 FOR 1
SESSIONS

I love sales! I'm still debating going to the Black Friday Sales. It's kinda cold outside. But I'm all about the awesome online sales. So I thought I would offer one of my own today!

This weekend only. All sessions are buy one get one free! Yes Free. Don't you love free stuff. These sessions are good for one year. Keep one, give one as a gift. Or keep them both. Get your pictures taken this year, and next.

Details
-Sessions must be purchased by Sunday at midnight.
-Send paypal payment to AuburnSoul@gmail.com
-Price $125 total
-Awesome gift cards available upon request (seriously, they are awesome! Perfect to hang on the tree)
-Expires Nov. 2010

Happy Shopping!
xo, Steph

Thankful for

2009-11-26T18:49:00.001-06:00

My family. They are my greatest joy. My greatest love. My greatest accomplishment. I love them.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Creepy

2009-11-24T15:22:00.001-06:00

Change is in the air

2009-11-23T21:15:00.003-06:00

I am so excited to kick off my 1 year blogiversary in a few days. I'll be rolling out some fun new photography services, new products, and lots and lots of giveaways!

Can you smell the excitement?

And one new thing... I'll share tonight. My family blog is lonely, very lonely, and gets neglected far to often. So I decided I would let my family join us over here at Auburn Soul.
Really, in the season of giving it's the least I could do.

So you'll be seeing me and my family, but mostly my kids, nearly every day. I decided that they are as much a part of my photography journey as all the other photos I take, so we are going to scoot-ch over and make some more room for them over here.

Besides, this will give everyone a chance to get to know me better. And you know you want to... don't you!

Thanks y'all!

We made it!

2009-11-23T20:03:00.003-06:00

It was hard but I think we finally did it.
There was an awkward grow out stage that lasted about 4 months.
I was tempted many times to cut it all off.
I'm sure people thought I just didn't do his hair.
Truth is. I didn't do it. I couldn't. There was nothing I could do.
It was to long to spike, to short to swoop over or lay flat.
But now.
Things are under control.
We like it.

Before

After
He looks so much older. Of coarse the " before" shot was taken around his 4th birthday and he is now 6 months older.

Truth is. I miss the faux hawk. But I'm excited to have me a little Zac Efron look alike running around the house.

Thanks for looking
xo, Steph

Ragdoll Clothing Shoot #2

2009-11-23T19:39:00.005-06:00

Meet these sweet and darling little models from our second shoot.

I had the privledge of shooting 2 kids with multi colored eyes for the Ragdoll shoot. Bingham in Utah and Ainsley here in Dallas.
I'm head over heels in love with them! And then to top things off Tristans little brother too! He wasn't modeling but I still have to snap one of him.
Cute or what!

Tristan and little brother. Can you say b.e.a.u.t.i.f.u.l. eyes!

Solomon

Landon

Kesiah

Austin

Max

Ainsley

Sunflare

2009-11-23T09:12:00.002-06:00

Week 46 - “Sun Flare” Photo Challenge!

Ragdoll Clothing Photo Shoot

2009-11-22T20:53:00.005-06:00

We had a casting call a few months back for a childrens clothing line. I had a couple shoots in Utah and am in the process of finishing up a few more here in Dallas.

I'll be sharing my favorites all week.

Meet our adorable Dallas models

Amelia

Andrew

Keeton

Jada

Locke

Thanks for looking
xo, Steph

Published

2009-11-21T13:45:00.002-06:00

It's so fun to see my work in print. Whether it's a birth announcement in the mail, pictures hanging on a wall, or being featured on another blog or website.
It's like "I really did that?, I took that picture?" It's crazy, fun, and I LOVE it.

I just got the latest Athlos News Letter. 2 of my shots right on the front page! So exciting. Brings back some good memories of that night. I was scared out of my freakin' mind! Hands shaking, hyperventilating.
American Idol is one of my favorite shows of all time. So to meet Jordan Sparks was the highlight of my year.

Guess What!

2009-11-21T09:24:00.004-06:00

I started getting emails of congratulations and had to read them all before I made my way over to I heart faces to see for myself.

YEAH! I won 3rd place!
Check it out!!!

Out of over 500 entries! TOTALLY made my day! Melis, thanks for rockin' the camera with your beauty.

Watts Family

2009-11-20T17:07:00.002-06:00

They drove all the way from Fort Worth! Stepped out of the car and were camera ready just like that. Amazing. Cute clothes. Happy kids. Oh, and extremely well behaved I might add.
Glory, I don't know how you do it.
I met Glory earlier this year when I had the privileged of photographing her and a friend. We had a great time and I was thrilled to work with her again and have the opportunity to meet her family and capture them together. So so cute.

Thanks for looking
xo, Steph

self portrait

2009-11-17T20:39:00.003-06:00

Me & my little saplings. Out for a walk. Enjoying the cool fall weather. Only a few fall colors left hanging from the trees. Makes me sad. I wish they would last longer. But since they are all but gone, we may or may not have started decorating for Christmas...
What?
It was their idea.
Not mine.

my love

2009-11-17T20:28:00.003-06:00

Breckyn is so much like her momma. Every day I see it more and more. She has my lips. She has my big teeth. She has my sometime shy sometimes goofy personality. And I'm sure, like me, she would rather be on the other side of the camera. One day.
Love you sweet girl!

thanks for looking
xo, Steph

Photo Challenge

2009-11-16T07:56:00.003-06:00

This week’s photo challenge theme is: "Autumn Beauty"

click HERE to see more from this session.

Texas state fair - VIDEO

2009-11-15T13:14:00.003-06:00

... and it's finally finished. Here is a glimpse of our evening at the largest fair in the country. Just so happened to be the most humid day of the year. I HATE extreme weather and humidity is the worst. I was litterally melting,my hair was frazzled and I was soaking wet. But with all that aside. I had a wonderful time with my family.

TX State Fair 2009 from Dan Read on Vimeo.

Photography by Emily Murdock
Filming by Stephanie & Dan Read (me and hubby)
Video Edit by Dan Read

Murdock Family - Video - Frisco TX

2009-11-11T20:48:00.003-06:00

Em, Here is your sneak peek. I bet you didn't know I was filming you during our session did you. Surprise! I hope it was worth the wait.

Murdock Family from Dan Read on Vimeo.

Photography & Filming by Stephanie
Video by my Awesome hubby Dan

Emily did our family pictures last month at the Texas State Fair (pics coming soon). You can check out a preview HERE.

Hide & Seek

2009-11-09T13:28:00.001-06:00

It's our new favorite pastime. Breckyns spots to hide are the best. Sometimes she just stands against the wall and closes her eyes. Because you know.... if she can't see me... then I can't see her.

Well..

2009-11-07T10:55:00.003-06:00

... I didn't make the top ten, but out of 236 photos they still liked mine! And posted it on the site. So I think it's safe to say that I made the top 17! Yee-ha!
Made my day. Check it out.

Thats what Besties are for

2009-11-04T21:28:00.004-06:00

I called up Melis a couple hours before this shoot. Asked her if she would help me with a little project. How lucky am I to have such a photogenic friend, willing to drop everything, including her kids (off at my house for Dan to watch), get all beautified, and stand in the middle of a busy road with people staring, honking, and i'm sure laughing at you... I mean... us. Now thats what friends are for!

.... and the hairpiece if from Miss Ruby Sue. Isn't it to die for!

4 lanes of traffic staring at us and she can pull off THIS shot! DANG GIRL!

Photo Challenge

2009-11-02T15:22:00.000-06:00

Week 43 - "Balloons" Photo Challenge

I took this photo of Molly back in February. It was my first sun flare EVER! And it's still one of my all time favorites.

... and the Winner is...

2009-10-31T10:39:00.002-05:00

#2

Thank you all for you help in choosing!

The random winner of a FREE SESSION goes to....

Nick and Natalie said...

Number 4 looks like the front of Aerosmiths next album!!! THESE TOTALLY MADE MY DAY! they rock my socks off. Can you share what this is for?!? I would love to know!- BLOG STALKER :0)

Happy Halloween

2009-10-31T10:29:00.003-05:00

Happy Halloween Y'all!

Vote & GIVEAWAY

2009-10-27T20:09:00.003-05:00

I'm workin' on a little project.
Need some help.
Which Rock Star Photo is your fave?
Leave a comment.
Let me know.
Random winner will be chosen on Halloween!
What do you WIN?
How about a FREE SESSION ($175 value)
Boo-Yah!

Meet my little Rock Stars Reed and Locke. A little about the boys.
Best buds since they were 5 months old. Now 4 1/2. Both named after each others Dads.
Both moved to Texas when they were babies.
Reed loves to rock out to Guitar Hero, enjoys a mean game of lego star wars, and enjoys long walks on the beach.
Locke wants to be a zoo keeper and a diver when he grows up, he loves all things under the sea, enjoys chasing girls, and loves to read a good book in the evenings.

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Holy Smokes! - Mckinney, TX

2009-10-24T14:26:00.002-05:00

How can one girl be so beautiful? .... and have such beautiful kids?
Lovin' this session. More to come.

self portrait

2009-10-21T10:22:00.002-05:00

These NEVER happen! I mean NEVER! But I'm changing that. Starting today. You can start seeing my mug on my blog more often.
I just looked back over the past year of pictures and only counted a handful of picture that I was actually in. And only a couple with just me. None of which were self portraits.
The time has come to start capturing ME. This is hard. YIKES. But I know in 20 years I'll be glad that I did it.

Welcome

2009-10-21T09:40:00.001-05:00

Birds are heading South for the winter. Welcome to Texas y'all!

Just because they are cute.

2009-10-20T13:01:00.000-05:00

McDowell Family

2009-10-17T11:03:00.001-05:00

I've officially come full circle.

I have to give a HUGE shout out to JENNY! LOVE YOU GIRL!!! I'm her visiting teacher and almost a year ago she asked if I would take her family pictures. Keep in mind I had NEVER taken pictures of anyone but my family.
I thought heck, why not. It would be a fun experience. It's ok if I completely screwed up because they were free and it was something that I had always wanted to do but never had the guts to try it. I was terrified! Shaking the whole time.

HERE is my 1st ever photo shoot! And here they are a year later. I love looking back and seeing how these boys have grown. Love it.

Jenny, thanks for your motivation and support. Your faith in me and seeing the potential I never new I had.

And gracias to Fernando for allowing us to shoot on your property.

Elmers @ the Patch - Flower Mound, TX

2009-10-12T12:03:00.003-05:00

I had visions of sun flares over orange pumpkin fields running through my mind. We hit the patch extra early and I'm glad we did. Although the sun never came to visit and it was overcast and cold we missed the crowd and had a blast!
It was fun to accompany one of my favorite families and photograph them for this fun family activity.
Here is just a taste of our morning at the patch.

This one is my fave! I like to change the pictures in my home to match the season. My holiday decor always includes prints of the season from the previous year (or years).
How AWESOME would this photo be on a beautiful canvas, sitting on a shelf overflowing with pumpkins, leaves, and a little white owl (Molly's fave).
Stinkin' cute I tell you! Molly let me know when you print these. I'm dying to see them on your wall.

Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-11T22:22:00.001-05:00

Pumpkin Patch 2009 from Dan Read on Vimeo.

It's FALL! My favorite time of year. The air is cool and crisp and it smells like rain and firewood.
I had a session request at the Pumpkin Patch yesterday so I dragged the family along. We ended up having a blast! So glad we all went.
A HUGE thanks to Molly for snapping some shots of "ME"! Which are few and far between. I'm working on getting in front of the camera more.
And thanks to my incredibly good looking hubby for putting together this little video of our fun day.

Molly, your preview is coming tomorrow! How oh how shall I narrow it down? Thats always the hardest part.

FREE SESSIONS!!!

2009-10-07T20:28:00.002-05:00

To CELEBRATE my 1 year blogiversary just around the corner. I'm giving back! I couldn't have done it without all of the AMAZINGLY incredible and good looking clients that have taken a chance on a me, trusted in my vision and crazy ideas, followed my blog, left me comments, send emails and gave the sweetest and most motivating compliments.

I am also rolling out a referral program.

Refer a friend - get a $50 G.C. to Auburn Soul
Refer 3 friends - get a free session $175 value
Refer 4 friends - get free session plus ALL images $674 value

Rules-
-You can refer people even if your not a client yourself
-Each person you refer gets $25 off their session
-There is no limit of people you can refer
-If you are a past client and referred a friend, email me, let me know!

What post would be complete without Pictures? These are from our train ride last weekend.