Art, décor, family and photography- it's all part of me!
I was so excited to meet baby Anslee. She is such a tiny, sweet little girl who loves her Mommy and Daddy. I enjoyed getting to see the adorable room Jenni has set up for her, too! Here are a few of my favorites from her first "official" pictures:
Couldn't decide which I liked better.
Yay! Crystal @ The Bokeh Pot has featured my little business on her blog devoted to the beautiful background blurriness we call bokeh. How's that for a tongue twister?
Anyway, if you've got a sec, stop on over there and read the interview!
It's hard to think about the summer sun while it's a torrential downpour here in Lubbock today, but it sure did brighten my day to get to pick a winner for the contest!
There were WAY more entries than I had anticipated, and so it made it pretty difficult to choose- so many different subjects and themes. But when it came down to it, I chose the images that I felt best used dramatic light to their advantage.
I decided to pick a first prize and two runners-up- so FIRST PRIZE goes to Gayla Kelley, for her image of her daughter in the window:
I loved the simplicity of this image. Great job Gayla!
The runners-up are Wendy Armes, who captured this great shot of her son. Check out that golden light!
And Miranda Cole, who entered this gorgeous architectural image:
I'll be sending Gayla a $25 Target Gift Card and The Runners-up a $10 Gift Card. Thanks to all who entered- this won't be the last contest!
It's time for me to upgrade some equipment and so I'm doing a little house cleaning!
I'll be putting these items up on eBay June 20 (Sunday), but I thought I'd give my blog readers a chance to scoop them up before then, since I'm constantly being asked what type of equipment I recommend, AND I always recommend buying used.
Up for sale is a used Nikon D200. It's been my backup camera, so it hasn't seen near as much action as my main cameras. The shutter actuations read 79,700.
There are some small scratches above the shutter wheel and the cover for the lcd screen has a portion missing. Both of these are purely cosmetic and have nothing to do with the quality of image you will get from the camera.
It comes with the original box, camera strap, and User's Manual, Software discs, and Quick Start Guide. I am not including the EN-EL3e battery or charger or memory cards since I can still use these for my other cameras.
I'm asking 600.00. Here are some pictures-
Below you can see the portion of the lcd screen cover that is broken. The lcd is in perfect condition.
Here you can see the scratches above the shutter wheel.
Also up for sale is my Nikon Nikkor 17-35 wide angle lens. You can read the great reviews on it here. If you're looking to buy a wide angle lens, this is a great choice. It has a low aperture of 2.8, and the focal length is very versatile.
It comes with a custom fit case and front and back caps, plus the lens hood.
Price is 1400.00.
ALSO! Just a reminder- the deadline for my Summer Photo Contest is tomorrow! You have till midnight to send in your entries. I've received quite a few entries so far, and have totally enjoyed getting to see what people come up with. Email your image to lissa.anglin@gmail.com.
*UPDATE*
After much deliberation, I've decided to go for it and sell many of my much-loved lenses so that I can completely refresh my gear. Look out- there is some good stuff here!
Tamron 17-50mm 2.8. This was my first lens I purchased for my D200 and it was worth every penny. Great for portraits. It has a tiny scratch on the glass, but that hasn't stopped me from using it since it doesn't appear on the images. 275.00
You can see the scratch in the lower right hand side of the glass (looks like a white dot).
Tokina 12-24 wide angle. I WISH I could duplicate this lens for my full-frame camera- that's how much I like it. Perfect working condition. 450.00
Sigma 30mm. This baby has a low, low 1.4 aperture. I typically like to whip it out at a concert or reception- anywhere I'm getting low or dramatic light. Comes with a canvas carrying case. 275.00
It pains me to offer up this one- my Nikkor 14mm 2.8. When I'm shooting with this one, many people ask me if it is a fisheye lens. It isn't, but it is an ultra-wide angle, and typically gives me that spacial feeling I'm looking for. Beautiful lens. No box with this one. 1100.00.
And last but not least, a D200 grip. This will hold two extra batteries, and it also gives you a vertical shutter button. 100.00. If sold along with the D200 camera, I'll knock it down to 50.00.
Like I said, these will all be listed on eBay on Sunday, so if you are interested, please email me! I'll be happy to answer any questions. lissa.anglin@gmail.com
Ok, so technically they've been married for a few months, but in photography-world a "day after" session is when you have a bride and groom in their wedding attire after their big day- so this counts!
Holly contacted me a while back about photographing them in their wedding clothes, and I was so excited to create some really cool images for her and her new husband.
A session like this is a real treat for me, because the concern over keeping the wedding gown clean is eliminated and I can purely focus on creating a great image.
I had a great time with them, and just love so many of their portraits. Enjoy!
I am dying to print this HUGE on canvas.
This is what happens when I hold the camera over my head and just shoot. Don't think I'm crazy- it's worth it if I get shots like this!
Hello gorgeous!
Clay and Bandi were married on June 6th at Trinity Baptist Church in Amarillo. It was such a pleasure to be a part of their wedding day. These two were so excited to finally be married!
I'm fortunate to have such awesome clients, who I also count as friends. Here are a few from their day!
Yummy 1.4.
Bandi would be helping others on her wedding day...
Clay's wedding gift to Bandi. Gorgeous!
Loved this- the flower girls thought this was the ultimate tent!
Daddy giving his daughter away at the first glance-
Clay was THE MOST appreciative groom I have ever seen. When he received his gift from Bandi, he just kept saying, "Wow, I just- thank you!" If you can't tell from the images below, Bandi is jumping up and down!
There were some complications with the unity sand, but it made the ceremony all the more theirs...
They also sang some worship songs, which was special.
The cake topper was used for Bandi's mother's and grandmother's weddings.
I had been craving cupcakes all week, so you can imagine my delight when I saw this!
Bandi wrote me the sweetest thank you note- I just had to share it with you! It meant so much to me- this is when my job is truly rewarding.
Lissa- It is an amazing feeling to be in the hands of an artist. God has blessed you with a beautiful talent- and He blessed us when we found you! Every image we have from you is AMAZING; you are so kind and helpful...always. Thank you!
Another site change?!?
That was my husband's reaction when I decided to make MORE changes to the design of this site. Haha.
You see, it just wasn't comfortable- something wasn't right about it. I realize I'm speaking of a website here, but when you spend as much time working with it as you do your actual "home", it has to feel right. I had a long chat with my friend Chris with OCD Design yesterday and it looks like a final website is in the near future.
The past couple of days I've been doing my very best to take the MANY computer problems I've encountered in stride...and my patience is slowly fading as I wait for Lightroom to finish processing AGAIN...
But when it's done I'll have lots of pictures to show you!
I can't believe it's already June and weddings are in full swing around here. I really am so excited about the weddings that I will be (and have been) a part of in the next few months. It always seems like I leave with friends- and it makes the hard work totally worth it.
I've also realized lately that I am a PEOPLE photographer. Many of you may have already been aware of this. A couple of weeks ago, Shanna and I were walking around the Dallas Arboretum and instead of enjoying the gorgeous flowers, I'd see one and immediately start thinking about how I would position a bride near it!
I've been shooting a long time, but consistently feel the need to define myself as a professional. I'm including my blog readers in that journey with me- I know that an outside perspective can be more accurate than my own insight sometimes.
And now for something a little more exciting...
I haven't had a good contest in a long time, so here we go!
Since the #1 thing I crave about summer is that beautiful, warm sun, I want to make a contest devoted to it! Here's what you have to do-
Go outside. Look at that sun. Look at the shadows and the highlights it creates, and take a picture. You can have a model, or shoot objects, or scenery- it doesn't matter- as long as you use THE LIGHT! Go ahead, point your camera straight at the sun and see what happens! Or shoot something that's mostly in shadow- it doesn't matter if you're using an iPhone or a Digital SLR.
Send me your favorite image. (You can send up to three.) Attach it in an email to lissa.anglin@gmail.com.
I'll check them all out and select my favorite. Now, for the prize- a $25 Target Gift Card!
Who doesn't like a little cash at Target? Ok- you've got until June 18 (one week) to send me your images.
And, since a blog post isn't complete without a picture, I'll show you one Shawn took of me on a recent photoshoot.
One thing I really love about my job is the opportunity to connect with people I don't normally get to. I grew up across the street from Lindsey, and now that we live in different towns we really wouldn't get to see each other at all were it not for a shared love for photography.
Lindsey came to Lubbock to "spend a day" with me. We had lunch, talked a lot of shop, and did a mini photoshoot. It was so much fun! Lindsey is 7 months pregnant, and it was amazing to watch her work a camera with a belly- didn't phase her at all. I can't wait to meet her little man!
Ryan and Tiffanie were so kind to model for us. They are awesome people and made it so much fun. Here are a few of my favorites from the shoot:
I'm really loving some of the black and whites.
Yeah, it helps to know pretty people. :)
I have been shooting like crazy lately, but I'd like to take you back to a little over a week ago. Chase and Charlotte had me down to Dallas to photograph their Engagement and Charlotte's Bridal sessions. It was a pretty intese two days of shooting, but these guys handled it like pros. The weather was beautiful and I enjoyed getting to explore some parts of the Metroplex I hadn't seen before. Shanna came along and was SO helpful when it came to making it all happen! Thanks, Shanna- you are wonderful!
Now for some images. We shot enough to equate to an entire wedding, which is why it's taken me a bit longer than normal. Ten points to whoever can guess where we started. (Note that "ten points" have no real value, as it's pretty much written out for you. :))
I know, we are SO rebellious.
Chase wanted to take us to the Farmer's Market which is located in downtown Dallas. Right after he proposed to Charlotte (from inside an aquarium at the Dallas Aquarium- cool huh?), they walked down to indulge in some delicious roasted corn here. I love little details like that!
He bought Shanna and I both some corn (covered in butter- yum!). It was so delicious! If you're looking for something fun and different to do in Dallas, take a stroll thru the Farmer's Market. We got to sample tons of fresh fruit.
I have a feeling Chase + Charlotte will forever hold the record for my longest Engagement Session ever. We wanted to head out to the Fort Worth Stockyards (also definitely worth visiting) for a different feel. Little did we know it would take us TWO HOURS in traffic to get there. Once we finally arrived, we decided it was totally worth it. And, thank goodness, Charlotte and Chase were still ready to go.
This is one of Shanna's shots.
Hello beautifuls.
I just love this one. Orange cones and all.
Thank you, Chase and Charlotte, for being so wonderful! Can't wait for your big day!
So, you may have noticed a few changes in the design of my site. I'm not too sure how I feel about it yet. It's kind of like a new pair of shoes. A little uncomfortable, but you have to wear them around before you really start to like them. Let me know your thoughts!
Married!
This was my first wedding of the "wedding season". After a refreshing break, I was more than excited to hang out with Cassie and Adam on their special day. The wedding was held at Hillside Christian Church in Amarillo, and it was a wonderful event. True to their personalities, Adam and Cassie hosted a perfectly laid-back and happy day. I think I shot off of adrenaline the entire time. You could really feel the excitement in the air- everyone was so happy for these two- as was I!
Here are a few of my favorites. Enjoy!
The clouds were incredible that day.
I always love this scene. Maybe it's because I grew up with sisters, but I still love the disaster girls can create while getting ready- it's so much fun!
Perfectly content Cassie.
She walked down the aisle barefoot- so we had to get a picture of her "shoes".
Meanwhile, Adam was taking it easy in his dressing room.
I told them to act like something amazing was happening to my left. Haha, they nailed it!
A prayer before the ceremony.
Who says prayer can't be funny?
I'm pretty sure Cassie was skipping at this point.
I loved this groom's cake! Adam picked out his favorite cake toppers for it.
This guy likes wedding cake as much as I do! They had an awesome group of friends.
Thanks so much for having me, you guys! Congratulations!