I’ve got packaging on the brain right now because I’m actually in the midst of ordering new products for MY new packaging! I wanted to change things up a bit in celebration of the big changes with the new studio. I’ll try to post pictures when I get it all rounded up and finished. :)

This was the first year that I offered Valentine Mini sessions and it’s safe to say that even after 9.5 straight hours and 22 kids, it was worth it. I had so much fun working on the set up and seeing all the kiddos’ faces. We had the mini’s at Girls and Cake in downtown Paris.. so we had LOTS of sweet treats handy. (Cupcakes and cookies to decorate the table AND serve as a treat after the kid’s quick little mini session for being so good.) I had SO much fun with all these sweet kiddos and loved the outfits their parents brought them in. A had some familiar faces as well as some NEW faces.. and I’m completely honored to have had people from 2 and over 3 hours away drive in for these. I apologize for the enormous post.. I absolutely could NOT narrow it down anymore than this… I had A LOT of favorites. :D

I’ll be shooting this awesome couple’s wedding in Houston this Spring. They are so much fun.. an fabulous.. and did I mention fun? They flew in from Virginia for their engagement session so this was the first chance I had actually gotten to meet them. Needless to say, they rock.. and I had a lot of favorites from this session. :) Shoot styled by Birds of a Feather!

This morning I announced the Fall Family Mini sessions were opened to bookings! I’m offering studio AND outdoor shoots on a limited basis. Outdoor spots are almost completely booked up. I have 4 spots available and will not be opening ANY more outdoor session spots. I will have studio spots still available though. Contact me if you want to reserve a spot! The deposit is due immediately to hold the time slot.

It’s hard to believe that the first workshop is ALMOST here. I am SO excited and just counting down the days. It’s definitely been a lot of work getting everything prepared but I can’t express to you how excited I am to see everything come together. All that is left now is to round up the last few things we need for our shoots.. (which are going to be phenomenal by the way.) ;) VERY few people know the details of these shoots, including most of the models.. so just you wait. :)

I have been receiving quite a few emails about another group workshop for later this year.. so looks like the big group workshop #2 will be September 11th and September 12th of this year!! Before announcing it on Facebook I’ve already got 3 attendee’s!! My schedule has seemed to be crazier than usual here lately so I’m behind on blogging and emails but am finally getting it on the blog now!!

The details:

2 day workshop with Tara Swain Photography, covering branding, marketing your name, your business and your art, workflow, styling shoots, how I work with my clients, the in’s and out’s of business, finding the best natural light in different scenarios, shooting, post processing and everything in between. Attendees will receive handouts, “goodies” from some of my favorite vendors, companies and Etsy designers. Attendees will also have some portfolio building opportunities during our amazing, styled concept shoots.

There will only be a limited number of attendees accepted and spots will be on a first come, first serve basis. Tuition covers the 2 day workshop and lunch for each attendee both days. Travel fees and housing will be responsibility of attendee. A non-refundable retainer of $300 is due immediately to secure your spot. Remaining balance will be due 30 days prior to the workshop. Unfortunately the workshop is open only to photographers who live and/or work outside of the Paris or Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex area.

The best part about this Fall workshop.. the brand new studio will be finished in PLENTY of time so we’ll be working on natural studio lighting as well as everything else. If you have any questions or if you would like to reserve one of the limited spots, please let me know!!

I’ve been getting lots of beautiful little newborns here lately and Reese is one of them! I shot Reese’s mommy and daddy’s wedding almost 2 years ago and now I feel blessed to be able to photograph her first year!

Mobile and tutu by Little Dreamers Inc. Look for her brand new line of flower girl tulle dresses that several of my brides have chosen for their weddings this year! :)