The Gayhart Family {austin family photographer}
I had so much fun with this sweet, sweet family! They are from Dallas, but were stopping through Austin for a little mini-vacation… I am SO glad that they did! How adorable are they?
Dodson Family {austin family photographer}
This family is so sweet, and the photos are just that. Simple, sweet, straight to the point… Family. Their son Pascal is only 6 days older than our little man, and he did such a great job! This family absolutely ADORES him if you couldn’t tell. :)
The Paquette Family {austin family photographer}
There is nothing sweeter than shooting young families… the kids are always precious and easily entertained. The Paquette Family was no exception. These three kiddos were so much fun! They kept begging to jump in the water, and I promised we would finish with a bang. The best, is when they completely forget I am there taking pictures. That is when you get the genuine giggles and sweet moments. LOVE this family!
Miss Veda {austin infant photographer}
Oh. My. Goodness. There are no words to describe how much I love this little girl! Little Miss Veda is the daughter of some of our very best friends, Jimmie and Laura. Laura had been asking me if I could get some sweet photos of Veda before she grew out of her infant stage, and we finally picked a day! We kept it simple and just went downstairs to their apartment pool. I absolutely love how the photos turned out. She is just so precious!! :)
Style Me Pretty Feature {austin wedding photographer}
Today is a GREAT day! Not only was yesterday the most wonderful 1st Mother’s Day, but I woke up this morning to some fabulous news. Meagan and Dustin’s engagement shoot is featured on Style Me Pretty today! There are no words to tell you how excited I am about this… not only because it’s an honor, but because Meagan and Dustin are the most adorable couple alive. I am so looking forward to their wedding in June!
Family Sale {austin family photographer}
Families… you are in luck! Ever since bringing Little Dude into our home, I can’t help but feel all mushy when it comes to family. There is just something so great (yet so terrifying) about becoming a mommy for the first time. So, because I am in such a lovely mood, I would love to offer families a REALLY great deal for the entire month of May. YES!!! This can include anything from newborn, senior portraits, or just your good ‘ol fashion family photos (with a modern twist). Sessions will include an online proofing gallery of ALL of your photos, along with a DVD of 30-50 HIGH-RES retouched images.
Are you ready for the AMAZING deal?? Only $200. Yes, that is correct… you are getting a whole $100 off of your session. I may be crazy, but you should probably take advantage of me during this oh-so-sweet new-mommy-moment. :)
How to take advantage…
Send me a quick e-mail here: info{at}coati photography{dot}com
Nikki + Chris {austin engagement photographer}
These two are just so adorable… I can’t even begin to tell you. Their wedding is in August, and I can not wait. You can be sure that there will be loads of sweet family and friends there to celebrate this couple. They are the kind of people who just radiate love, and you just can’t help but want to be around them.
What to Wear {for the bride + groom to-be}
One of the most common questions I am asked by my bride and grooms to-be is… “What should we wear for our engagement photos?”
The answer is really very simple. Be YOU! Yes, there are a few things that I would steer away from, such as; your everyday tennis shoes (converse are the exception), super matchy-matchy, large writing and logos on your clothing, etc. However, there are some exceptions to the rules, but for the most part try to avoid those things.
This is not the same for every photographer, but I prefer everything very sweet and simple. Do you really want to look back at your photos 20 years from now and think, “Wow, that is not at all who we were.” Does anyone remember those Glamour Shots from the 90′s? You know, the place in the mall where they gave you big hair, hot pink lipstick, and sparkly clothes. I remember my Mom doing this (Sorry Mom!), and now when I see those photos of her I think, “That was not my Mom.” You want your photos to reflect who you are now as a couple, rather than the craziest/latest trends. Keep it simple and YOU. Don’t over-do it. Trust me, you won’t regret that decision.
Everyone knows of Pinterest, right? It’s one of my most favorite things. On my personal Pinterest, I have created a “What to Wear” board. Take a look around for some inspiration, and notice how simple everything is. When I look at these couples, I feel like I really have an idea of who they are.
Spring Sale
If you didn’t know, right now is THE best time for photos in Austin. It is beautiful outside! So, in honor of the gorgeous weather, I would love to offer you the chance to finally get those family photos taken… at a discounted rate!! WHAT??? Yes.
Now thru Friday, I will be offering portrait sessions at $250. Don’t stress… the photos won’t be taken this week, just booked. When you contact me, just mention this sale and then we will figure out the best time that works for you. To partake in this “Oh, so wonderful” Sale, just send me a quick e-mail and I will get back with you in a jiffy. info{at}coati photography{dot}com
*Portrait sessions are great for families, couples, and seniors. Sessions include an online proofing gallery, along with a DVD of 30-50 high-res retouched images.
Meagan + Dustin {austin engagement photographer}
There is simply one word to describe this engagement session… GORGEOUS! Meagan and Dustin came to this shoot fully prepared. WAY prepared. It was beautiful, and it was all Dustin’s idea. That is what I call a cooperative groom! Meagan’s brother brought his ’49 Ford truck, and Dustin brought vintage bicycles, coke bottles, hats, etc. If you want to win me over, this is the way to do so. Not only was the set up and location beautiful, but do these two not look like they came straight out of a J.Crew magazine? Seriously precious.
I can not wait for their wedding day!
Brad & Megan {austin engagement photographer}
Oh my goodness… how sweet are Brad & Megan? The answer… SO sweet! This was my first official photo session since our little baby boy came into our home, and let me tell you… it felt so good to be back at work. I have missed getting out of the house and interacting with clients. Brad and Megan made it so very easy to get back into the groove of things. They were complete naturals, and so much fun to work with. Check out the last couple of pictures. Just as I started to pack everything up and call it a wrap, Brad pulled Megan aside and asked her to dance. Precious!
I am so bummed that I was already booked for their wedding day. You can bet that it will be one beautiful day!
30 Photos/30 Days {day 13}
Day 13:
Fine Art Wedding Photography… By Jose Villa & Jeff Kent
If you are getting into wedding photography, or have been in the game for a while, this book is incredible. It is so straight forward, and so inspiring. Not to mention, the photos are beautiful. This book covers everything in wedding photography… the technical camera stuff, step-by-step of the day, and all of the business/marketing that goes with it.
I read this book poolside over the summer, when I was really trying to figure out where I wanted my business to go. Did I really want to get into wedding photography full-time? Yes, I did. But I was also was scared out of my mind. Weddings can be a scary thing. I mean, they only happen ONCE. What if something terrible happens? Well, this book gave me confidence and ultimately was one of the many factors that helped me make the leap. Read it. :)
30 Photos/30 Days {day 12}
Day 12:
Now that we have Little Dude in our family, we are having to find a new “normal”. I think that we are getting close to finding that. Today was day number 2 with our new work schedule. I take the EARLY morning shift with the little guy and then start my work day around 8 or 9AM… depending on how exhausted I am. I work until about noon or one o’clock, and then let Philip start his work day. We are both so blessed to be able to have our own businesses and work from home. Today, I spent the last part of my “work day” organizing my office space. I started a new filing system for my clients, and organized all of my receipts and legal paperwork. This may sound boring, but I LOVE the feeling of being organized and trying my best to make it look pretty. Yes… I try to make filing look pretty. I like the challenge. :)
I am also in love with these inspiring quotes that I found on Pinterest.
30 Photos/30 Days {day 11}
Day 11:
Wow. When planning 30 Photos/30 Days, I would have never guessed that something could distract me SO much. I guess little ones have a way of doing that. In case you missed out on my Day 10 post… we have a baby!!! A little 6 week old baby boy to be exact. He is awesome. Although we are his “foster” parents, we love him as if he was our very own. Gosh, there is SO much I could say, but for his sake we are keeping things fairly private for the time being. So for now, you can enjoy a picture of his sweet little toes. :)
Branches & Light Stylized Shoot {austin wedding photographer}
It’s been two weeks since I attended the Branches & Light workshop, and let me tell you… it blew my mind! I am beyond excited about the changes that our coming to Coati Photography this year. If you are one of my brides this year, prepare to be spoiled. We are raising our standards here at Coati Photography, and I can’t wait to share the changes with you in the near future!
For now, please enjoy this oh-so-lovely stylized shoot. Caroline & Nancy did such an amazing job preparing everything. You can also check out a behind-the-scenes video from the workshop here: VIDEO
feel the love.
Good Morning & Happy Love Day!!
Today marks 2 weeks of being a mom, and after a couple of weeks away from working… I am definitely feeling the love. So, for today only I would love to offer everyone the opportunity to book a full session for just $200 PLUS a free gift. Oh, yes! Remember those really fun View-Master toys that everyone had when they were younger? Well, with your session you will receive a custom View-Master along with a reel full of your favorite images from our shoot together. Fun, right?
This special will only last until 11:59 PM tonight. February 14, 2012. If you are interested or need more info, please send us an e-mail: info@coatiphotography.com
30 Photos/30 Days {day 5}
Day 5:
Today, I want to introduce you to my friend Whitney. Whitney is also a photographer, and even though she isn’t participating in 30/30 (shame, shame)… she is amazing. She just officially announced the launch of her new nonprofit, The Archibald Project. She is going to be traveling all around the world to document all kinds of adoption stories. I’m so excited about this, and hope that maybe I can tag along someday on one of her trips.
For more info:
The Archibald Project Website
The Archibald Project Facebook Page
30 Photos/30 Days {day4}
Day 4:
Today I was putting together wedding preparation packets for 2 new brides, and so I thought I would share. I think that I may have an obsession with packaging and personalizing things for others. I have always loved presentation. Birthdays, Christmas, baby showers… you name it. I’m pretty sure that I enjoy preparing the presentation of a gift more than the actual gift itself. It’s just too much fun. This definitely comes in handy when meeting with new brides. LOVE it!
30 Photos/30 Days {day 3}
Day 3:
Wedding shoes, wedding shoes… wedding shoes! LOVE them. LOVE taking photos of them. I think that a bride’s shoes are one of my most favorite things to shoot the day of a wedding. Shoes can say everything about a girl’s personality. LOVE them. :)
30 Photos/30 Days {day 2}
Day2:
I am posting this with 30 minutes to spare!! :) Tonight we had friends over to enjoy our new fire pit. What better way to enjoy a fire than with s’mores? YUM!
PS… This is my friend Jessica, who is also participating in 30/30. You can see her amazing work here: Jessica Christine Photography
30 Photos/30 Days {day 1}
And so it begins…
Day1:
People have been asking to see our nursery, and even though it isn’t complete, I decided that day 1 would be the perfect time to share. Almost everything in this room was given to us/made by friends and family. We could not be more blessed. I think it all came together rather nicely. If you haven’t been to our house, you must know that it is TINY. 700 square feet tiny. So, I am fairly surprised at how open and uncluttered it feels. I’m sure that once there is a baby living in there it won’t seem that way, but for now it does… and we LOVE it! How cute is that owl backpack/diaper bag that I just bought the other day? Can not wait to use it!
Lesley & Carlton {austin wedding photographer}
If I had to choose 3 words to describe Lesley and Carlton, they would be: selfless, caring, and compassionate. They have been a dream to work with. I have been looking forward to their wedding day for months now, and it far exceeded my expectations. Lesley was the most gorgeous bride, and their friends and family were beyond thrilled to share the day with them. They know how to celebrate! Here is just a glimpse of their lovely day…
2012 Goals + January Goals {personal post}
I have been reading a really fantastic book lately. EntreLeadership by Dave Ramsey. I highly recommend it! The book has really motivated me to figure out my vision for Coati Photography, and to set meaningful, long-term goals. Goals not only for my business, but personal goals as well. I have decided to share my goals with all of you, so that there is a level of accountability there. Not only am I setting long-term goals, but also monthly goals. By setting monthly goals, I feel like my long-term goals are that much easier to reach. I have really enjoyed reading other people’s goals and dreams for the year. Have you set down and thought of who you want to be by the end of 2012, and how to get there?
Be Merry! {personal post}
We are currently in Dallas visiting my side of the family, and enjoying some delicious food. My parents were wanting a new family photo, so we cleaned up all of the wrapping paper yesterday morning, braved the cold, and put the tripod to some good use.
MERRY CHRISTMAS from the Ellis/Craddock family! :)
