Monday, January 31, 2011

Valentine's Day Mini Shoot - It's not too late!

It's not too late to book your Valentine's Day mini shoot! Just $50 to get some super cute love inspired images to send to family! Email me today to get your session in!



I can make custom collage designs and even custom cards!

Saturday, January 15, 2011

New Year's Resolution - Get my stuff together

I am assuming that a New Year's Resolution is still valid 2 weeks into the New Year...

My husband and I related turning 30 to staring down the barrel of a gun (my friends who are already there, please do not be offended and don't laugh). Landon is turning 29 this year and I am turning 28. While those numbers feel so young to many, they are a bit frightening to us. I think its because when I thought of "30" it meant you had your "stuff" together so to speak. I don't feel like I have anything together. Maybe some of my 30-something friends can soothe my fears here.

I mean, its somewhat acceptable to be slightly broke, live without a plan, a schedule or goals in your 20's. Most of society is forgiving of the 20-something goofball who has nothing together but once you hit 30, its not cute, its sad and ridiculous. When I filled out those sheets of paper at 18 that said "Where do you think you'll be in 10 years?" I thought I would either have kids or a powerful career. I thought of a house, maybe a dog, a savings account, maybe even a minivan. I thought I would be assured of myself and confident. I thought I would be secure in my gifts, callings and passions. I thought I might have a hobby or two that I was good at. I thought I would have lots of young women wanting to be discipled by me- I thought maybe I'd lead Bible Studies and write books.

I don't really do all those things and I certainly don't do them all well. I don't feel confident of myself or my gifts. I am selfish a lot of days. I stink at saving money (but working on it) and we do need to buy a new car but I am totally happy with a civic that isn't breaking down. So maybe as we go our live expectations just adjust...

Well...its time to get my stuff together. Here are the general areas I am focusing on:

1. That whole relationship with God thing - I've had lots of excuses as to why I am not spending more intentional and consistent time with God in the last 5 years. It ends today. Stop being a whiner.

2. That whole money thing - we are keeping a budget. We are saving. We are giving more than last year. I am saying no to splurge items and looking at a bigger picture like children, cars and hard times.

3. That whole home business thing - Photography, makeup, design or whatever you call it L. Schott Artistry will do business this year. Its time to get educated, get organized and get myself out there and offer something from my creative brain to the world.

4. That whole fitness thing - I've progressively gained weight since I got married and it happens to all of us. I currently sit at the top threshold of over-weightedness (couldn't find the right word) for my height. I don't want to flirt with that line for a whole lot longer. With heart problems, diabetes and other health issues that are in my bloodline its time to say no to Wendy's and hello to veggies.

5. That whole kids thing - this is a tough one. Essentially I want to trust God, I want to hand over that psychotic control grip thing I have but it's really hard. So, the goal is not "We will have kids in 2011" the goal is: "We will intentionally pray for direction about children in our life this year. We will be filled with gratitude and hope. I will not be known as 'Mara' like Naomi but I will be glad and joyful again. I will not sulk when the 73rd person in my life says 'I'm pregnant' but I will rejoice at their miracle. And I will fight to believe and trust no matter what God's response to me is."

So this is where it starts. Stay tuned for updates in each of these areas. Today, I already started on my business plan. I organized most of my craft supplies and bought some desk organizers and I believe later today I am getting some shelves.

Happy New Year - Bring it.

Friday, January 14, 2011

Valentine's Day Specials!!

I was walking through Target the other day and Valentine's Day had arrived!

In honor of the lovely holiday I am offering a "mini-shoot" package at a "mini-price"



Book today while there's still openings! I can't wait!

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Just a few reasons why Landon will be a fantastic Dad someday...

As Landon and I continue on this "family building" journey, there are moments when I think to myself "He is going to be an amazing Dad." Here are some of those reasons with super-duper cute photos:

1. He is very sweet and patient and intentional with our nephews Jacob (3 years) and Noah (18 months)







2. Landon loves Lily- he loves her craziness, her face-licks, her high maintenance...its very cute!





Yep, that's Landon filing Lily's nails. She doesn't sit still very well for the trimmers so Landon worked with a file and she was cool as a cucumber.

3. Landon takes the time to tell me that he loves me.

Just last week he got me these amazing flowers:




And came through the door and asked "Will you marry me?" It will go down as one of my favorite moments!

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

The Haisten's Christmas Shoot

Ok, so yes, I am a little behind just now posting a Christmas card shoot but well...I was in vacation mode.

This is Marty, Kelly and little Carly Haisten. I knew Kelly and Marty in high school when we all went to youth group together. I was also roommates with Kelly 2 years at A&M. Kelly and Marty are both the kind of people who you know you could count on. I would call them faithful, trustworthy and without guile (from Jesus talking to Nathan). They had little Carly this summer and she's really cute as you can see.

Thanks guys for letting me do the photos and I loved the sky this day!















Maternity shoot with The Needhams!

Again, one of the friends with a baby on the way! This is Jimmy and Kelly Needham. I became friends with Kelly about a year ago after she started working for Grace Fellowship in Katy. We did our friendship 2nd grade style: "Hey, will you be my friend?", "Sure, let's be friends, want to hang out every week?", "Yes"...and we've been meeting ever since.

Kelly is full of wisdom and grace. I keep telling her she needs to start writing curriculum for bible studies but maybe I should let her have her baby first. She has been a very good friend to me in a year that was very hard. Her life being affected by miscarriage, she always offered sympathy, support, flowers and outings that had nothing to do with babies.

So, here's their redemption baby, Lively, (I LOVE THAT NAME!) and she's due January 11th but basically any day now!

I shot this with Kendra Martin Hazelwood again and borrowed that great 50mm, f1.4 lens and had a wonderful time. That's also why they're never looking at the camera- they're looking at Kendra.

Beautiful shoot, beautiful people and can't wait to meet that beautiful baby!


















I've been playing with different filters and affects and trying to really nail down a style that's my own. On this shoot I did some blurs, some old-photo styles that were neat and some dark shadows. Still working on what my style is...if you have any input I'd love to hear it!