I Heart Faces "Happiness" Challenge for April

I always enjoy the challenges over at I Heart Faces... and when they announced this month's theme as "Happiness", I immediately knew which picture I would submit.

This one was taken on Sunday at the Zion Cemetery in Frisco, Texas.  There is a HUGE (and I mean HUMUNGOUS) bluebonnet field there that we decided to do a session at.  My friend Karly brought her three boys and her friend Kristin, who has four boys of her own.  That's right folks... we had SEVEN little boys all under the AGE of 7 running around in bluebonnets.  (I suppose if the theme was "Chaos" this month, the theme still would have fit, haha).

Anyways... towards the end the little ones were getting cranky, but the older boys were still full of smiles and mischief, so when these three friends jumped up on the fence and said "TAKE OUR PICTURE!"... how could I resist?  I snapped and they cheesed it up as they laughed and tried not to FALL OFF the fence.

Oh boys.  They are a unique and entertaining bunch.  So for me today, this picture was the epitome of happiness... that joy you feel when you are with your closest friends, at ease, feeling silly and all is right with the world.  What could be better?

Happiness

Black and White Photo Challenge for I Heart Faces (Denton County Photographer)

Sibling Love

It's been a while since I did one of these, as life has been pretty busy the past few months.  However, when I Heart Faces announced that their next challenge would be a black and white one, I couldn't resist.  Black and White Photography was my first love that started back in High School. 

Of course, that was in the film days and I'd shoot rolls and rolls of film before I got my lighting, subject and exposure just how I wanted it.  (One of these days I'll share some of my early work... as embarrassing as it is... just to show how a photographer continues to grow and learn along their path).

This particular photo was taken during a session with a brother and sister pair.  They wanted to surprise their mom with a nice portrait of the two of them.  It was such a fun shoot, as they were obviously close and goofy with one another.  As I was interacting with them and capturing candid moments from my lens, I couldn't help but think about my own son and daughter and fast forward 10 years.  I hope they have this same joy and closeness with one another.  (And in case they are reading this, I hope they surprise me with a photo shoot of just the two of them someday... especially since neither of them will hold still long enough for me to take their pictures now).

Enjoy this snapshot of Sibling Love... I hope you love it as much as I do.  Thank you Nicole for letting me spend a lovely couple of hours with you and your brother.

Sibling Love - I Heart Faces B&W Challenge March 2012
taken by Miranda Krebbs in Rockwall, Texas

"Wind" - photo challenge entry by Denton Area Child Photographer

I have been taking a break from photo challenges lately to focus on other projects, but had to submit this one of my best friend's little girl from a session a couple weeks ago.  It was windy and sunny but we had such a fun day at the Las Colinas Canals.  I just love her gapped tooth smile and sweet embrace on her teddy. 

Check out the rest of the submissions at I Heart Faces and be sure to leave a comment here and let me know what you think of this photo. 

Thanks for looking!

I Heart Faces Photo Challenge: "Innocent Wonder" - Denton Area Photographer

This week's theme over at I Heart Faces is "Innocent Wonder".

I had a really hard time picking this one, as I have photographed so many beautiful children over the years (mine included).  Being such a broad theme, so many of my photos could qualify.

I picked this one because it reminds me so much of what it felt like when you are little and trying to imagine what you will be when you "grow up."  I had a crazy series of potential careers as a child, most of them creative in nature, so it's no wonder Photography called to me once I was in college.  I wanted to be a fashion designer, a "Solid Gold" dancer, a writer, a poet, an actress, an artist, a journalist, and so many others... the list goes on an on.

This little boy was fascinated with firemen and firetrucks, so when we were allowed to jump into one at the end of a session one day, I wasn't prepared technically (no flash or strobes), but I was prepared to capture the joy of pretending, just for a moment, that he was a fireman.  And the wonder and awe that overtook him as he had that hat on and sat in the seat was touching to witness.

So the portrait isn't my technical best, but it's still one of my favorites.  Innocent Wonder.  Yep, perfectly describes what I see here.

Be sure to head over to I Heart Faces and see all the other awesome entries.  Thanks for looking.

Winter Wonderland - I Heart Faces Challenge Submission

Winter Wonderland

I Heart Faces Challenge Submission

I've been taking a hiatus from photo blogging during the holidays, as I prepared for upcoming mini-sessions and a Photoshop class at the end of the month.  January is the time most photographers either struggle to find work, or sit back and enjoy the quiet time and review what they have done in the past year.

2010 was a success for me.  I watched my business grow and take off in a way that surprised me.  I went through 3 different camera bodies and improved my technical skills and stretched my creative outlets.  I am proud of the work I did last year.  And I can't wait to see what 2011 has in store for me.

While trying to go through pictures from last year, I came across this one from a snow day in February.  I love it so much, as it encompasses the pure abandon that a child can have.  As I look at this picture of my son, I can actually remember what it feels like to tilt your head back as far as it goes, squeezing your eyes tight and sticking your tongue out tentatively, hoping that you can feel the tiny snowflake as it drops into your mouth... and melts.  The joy that catching one snowflake on your tongue is greater than a whole bowl of ice cream. 

So as half the country sees yet another snow storm rip through, go re-live that abandon for one moment.  Step outside and catch a snow flake on your tongue.  Less calories than ice cream and more fulfilling than you can imagine.





Then go check out the rest of the challenge submissions over at I Heart Faces to see the rest of the Winter Wonderland photos.