Kathy's Photographic 411

Hello k. Norwood Portraiture blog followers!  It’s Ashley again and I’m back to talk about my first Magic Hour Foundation session!  ::there will be no tears, there will be no tears, there will be no tears::

A couple of weeks ago Alysa with The Magic Hour Foundation sent out a request to another photographer and I to do a shoot in Sugar Land.  It was a “whoever responds first gets it” deal so, as you probably guessed, I wrote back the MOMENT I got the email and that was that.  I was put in contact with Braedon’s mom and we set up our shoot for April the 7th in Sugar Land.  I was very nervous because the foundation’s standards are high and the work I’ve seen from the photographers is phenomenal!  I know I have a lot to live up to do this foundation justice and to bring what I can to the table.  After speaking with Braedon’s mom I did a little research on the Sugar Land area and decided on two spots to have the session.  She requested more of a city feel and a little less nature so we set on Town Square and then a bridge over a pond across the road.  Kristin, Braedon’s mom, was a delight to talk to and was just so thrilled to be getting Braedon’s pictures done.  They’d had a long hard journey and not a lot of time for photo shoots.  So – Internet People, meet the adorable Braedon and his beautiful mother Kristin!  And here is a bit of their journey that they shared with me.

Not too long after Braedon turned three he was having flu-like symptoms and his condition was deteriorating quickly.  He was sent to a bone and joint clinic to have a cast put on a fractured ankle.  In the three weeks that the cast was on three year-old Braedon was losing weight, bruising easily and lost a healthy color.  Kristin relayed that there were days that she would simply pick him up and he scream because he was in pain from head to toe.  He should’ve been able to walk with the cast but he would not and soon he stopped talking, too.  Kristin knew, as most mothers do, that something was just not right.  When they went to have the cast removed they were sent to Texas Children’s hospital.  There Kristin and Braedon were quickly seen and they explained that Braedon had Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL).  While most toddlers are walking, talking, playing, and learning Braedon was going through Chemotherapy, spinal taps, countless needle sticks and numerous procedures for three years.  On March 9th, 2010 Braedon went into remission and is now considered a long time survivor of cancer!  The love between Kristin and Braedon is so visible and you can tell that they are each other’s heroes.

For just the short time I spent with them Braedon was quiet at first and then quickly warmed up to us and was doing the mummy walk and making faces.  Some of his best smiles were when I told him I’d make his mom tickle him if he didn’t smile.  And when it came to the serious “model stare” he was a pro!  He was non stop energy, so respectful, polite, and tried to take ducklings home in his pocket (kidding, though I’m sure he would have if his mom would’ve let him)!

I am so thankful to have been invited into their lives for a brief moment and get to know these two courageous and beautiful people.  Thank you Kristin and Braedon!

Hello Blog Readers, it’s Ashley again.  I just LOVE hijacking the blog, muahahaha!

Just recently we were approached by one of my gal pals from high school to do some commercial work to get the ball rolling on her brand spanking new business!  SO, k. Norwood Portraiture blog readers, I’d like to introduce you to Jenna’s Paint and Body, College Station’s fabulous new airbrush tanning services.

We’d planned for slightly warmer and overcast so sure enough we got chilly and NO clouds (#photogprobs) but we made the best of it.  Jenna and the girls looked stunning with their hair and makeup done by the talented Doug Kindt of Allure Salon.  Despite the wind and chill we got some great shots and there were lots of laughs!

We don’t do many commercial shoots but this is a product that I can stand by!  I am a Jenna’s Paint and Body customer, I’ve ditched my tanning membership and anytime I need that glow of summer I’ll be calling her!  I had a flawless tan and I was NOT ORANGE.  I’d been afraid of trying airbrush tanning because of all the reports you hear about streaks and orangey looks – NOT with Jenna’s Paint and Body!  Jenna uses Fake Bake products and takes the time to educate the client on how to maximize your tan.  I received SO many compliments and I’m already itching to go back.  It’s a tan that I don’t feel guilty about, no more skin damaging tanning beds for this girl!

Check out a couple of our favorite images and be sure to give Jenna a call to set up your appointment (pssst, it’s a portable system and SHE can come to YOU, it just doesn’t get any better!)