Genevieve & Sophie {sisters!}

Okay, I dare you to tell me these two aren't beautiful. Go on... I dare you. Meet big sister Genevieve and little Sophie. Aren't those the coolest names, too? Man, I feel sorry for mom and dad when these two get a little older... they're gonna have to beet the pursuing princes away from the front door with a stick.

I met mom Sharon through a photographer's forum, and her and fellow photographer Karen asked me to come to Houston to photograph their families. I was especially honored - and a bit nervous - just because they're both photographers, so I couldn't bluff my way through their sessions. It's kinda like driving with a cop behind you... you just naturally get a little tense because they know when you're doing something wrong. I don't wanna give the impression Sharon and Karen were looking over my shoulder at all because they didn't in the least. They were great, and just let me do whatever I wanted to. It was just me creating the extra pressure in my mind I guess.

Anyway, both sessions went great, and I had a lot of fun during my weekend in Houston.

Here's some of the images from Sharon's family session. Stay tuned for a few from Karen's family in the next day or two.

Cara & Reed

A couple days ago I had the pleasure of meeting Cara and her younger brother, Reed. Cara & Reed's mom, Rhonda, was the winning bidder in a recent auction benefiting the Legacy Christian Academy in Frisco, Texas. She was so sweet; she said she saw my friend Robyn's family images from last fall and she knew what she wanted to bid on. Thanks, Rhonda!

Cara is such a sweetheart - a little shy at first but she warmed up in no time and was so well-mannered... a blessing to photograph. Reed was your typical eight and a half year old boy - he was off exploring and checking out the park as soon as he got there throwing sticks into the pond and pulling lily pads out of the water and just doing what boys do... he was a trip down memory lane for me. Fun times!

Here's a few images from our time together.



















I love this image because for me it probably most appropriately captures their personality and relationship. Cara was soft-spoken, patient and sweet while Reed isn't the type to sit still for very long, always looking to move on to the next adventure.

Party for a Princess

Princess Trinity turns 3 on tax day this week, so to celebrate the royal parents Jerry & Tina hosted a party and a feast for your highness. Cinderella even stopped by and entertained the court with some dancing, story-telling, a treasure hunt and a little face-painting.

Mom and dad really went all out for this one, which is nothing new for the Tackett's. They are truly the host(esses) with the most(esses).

Here's a few photos I managed to capture amidst the festivities.



Here's the invite. Tina designed and printed these on parchment paper and mailed them to the guests rolled up in a tube like a scroll.


What would a Cinderella party be without a glass slipper?


...or two.


...or 20.


Tina's super-talented friend Leanne made a whole castle full of cupcakes disguised as mice. Too cool.




As usual, Tina never misses a detail for these parties.


Ahem... a little subliminal [read: shameless] self-promotion for yours truly.


The best part about this image is the little knight sitting across from Cinderella watching her intently with his helmet on. Rocks.


No comment required.




Each knight and princess had a royal costume to change into when they arrived at the Tackett castle. This little guy was off looking for his damsel to rescue.


Knights un-armored and princesses back in their street clothes, it was time for some mice cake and other royal treats.


Cinderella and the birthday girl.


BTW, the castle was custom built by King Jerry and the Queen mom, Tina, using 2 refrigerator packaging boxes, an oven packaging box, some rope for the (working) draw bridges, and a whole lotta purple paint and brick stencilling. Nothing like doing a nice, small, low-key birthday party for your 3 year-old.

Emily & Reese {sisters!}

Okay, seriously... who has kids that are this cute? I mean, c'mon... are you kiddin' me? Both big sister Emily and baby Reese have gorgeous big, blue eyes, and check out Emily's curly blond hair. Beautiful.

Mom Sarah and I have been trying for a few months to find a good time to have a session to capture her breath-taking little girls, and along with proud dad, Dan, we all met up in the Deep Ellum Arts District last weekend and made it happen. I couldn't be happier with the results. Then again, with looks like these two have, you'd have to try really hard to get a bad image.

I can't wait for mom and dad to see the rest of the images, but here's a few sneak peeks until then.