I've Moved!!!

I've moved! So what are you still doing here?!

Come join the fun over at
www.2APhotography.com.


See you there!
Blessings,
Andi

Edited to add: I'm getting questions about why there are so few posts here now--
Well, I intended to delete all of them. And then there are some of the personal posts that I just couldn't bring myself to delete! So...they stay. (That message that says, "Are you sure you want to delete these posts? This can't be undone", really got me!)

So I also left all the posts from 2011. I'll eventually take those off, too, but for now I have clients who are still able to use/show off these recent sessions!

All images copyright 2A Photography

Growing Baby | Magnolia TX Photographer

My sweet little Hank Love.

I took this picture the day I first felt his first tooth. Really? He already has a tooth? He's so big.

And in his little baby mind he's even bigger.

He's on the move and always trying to get to Lane's toys. Laughing like crazy at his big brother. I can't even begin to describe how much I love to watch them play together. Lane is truly remarkable with him. Yes, Hank loves his Bro-Bro. (And yes, he says Bro-Bro!)

Hank is 8 months old. Hard to believe. Yet easy to understand how much we love him.

Blessings,
Andi
All images copyright 2A Photography.

Big news! | Houston Family Photographer | Texas Children's Hospital

An article about my work being selected for the permanent display at Texas Children's Hospital is now in our local newspaper.

You can read the story here!

I loved the angels that I got to photograph through this project, and I look forward to a long-term relationship with Hope-Help-Heal. What a great cause.

www.hope-help-heal.org

Thank you for asking me to be a part of this project. Thank you for touching my soul.

Blessings,
Andi
All images copyright 2A Photography.

Unbelievable!!

Are you kidding me? I just found out that I'm listed as "one of today's renowned baby photographers" on the Design Aglow blog! You can check it out here!



Essentially, one of my images (The George Twins as newborns!) was chosen from over 1,000 entries to be included in an exclusive Newborn Posing Guide available through the Design Aglow website.

Design Aglow has been a long-time favorite of mine for inspiration and desgin templates. Photographers--go check them out!

In other news, I have sessions to blog, birthday updates, other exciting news (hint: Remember the Angel Sessions for the Texas Children's Hospital Fundraiser?), and A BRAND NEW BLOG on the horizon.

I have to admit that working on a new blog has been a very de-motivating for my current blog. But I'm here and busy and I couldn't resist sharing the contest news!

That's all for now. Thank you for letting me share my good news.

More sooner!
Blessings,
Andi


(And the images in the image above are owned by other individual photographers who are also featured in the Newborn Posing Guide. Image taken directly from the Design Aglow blog.)

Merry Christmas

I hope that your days are sparkling.



Ours are beginning to . . .I mangaged to completely mis-manage my holiday schedule this year. Lesson learned.

But it feels like Christmas to me now. So I thought I'd share. Which I haven't been doing nearly as often as I like. Or wanted to. But I'm here. And feeling sane again. And grateful. And excited about this time of celebration.





And so blessed to hear the sweet sound of Silent Night being sung to Hank.







I think it's obvious that he adores his big brother.


Much love and many blessings,
Andi
All images copyright 2A Photography.

The most beautiful thing . . .

Have you ever thought about what is the most beautiful thing you experience?



What is it that brings you joy? That makes you laugh?




What tells your story?






I knew from the second that I got my first email from Jenny that this would be a magical session. Here's what she titled it: October in the Hayfield & An Evening on the Porch.

Are you kidding me?! I was beyond excited! I love it that she wanted to freeze their life right now, and I so hope that I have images that they will cherish forever. I know I have so many that I love--that I have never had such a hard time deciding what to preview--that this is pretty close to record time to see a preview!

There will be many more to make your heart melt soon, but until later . . . think about what it is that makes you so full that you think YOUR heart might burst.




Blessings,
Andi
All images copyright 2A Photography.

Life at Our House

So life at our house . . .



It's still crazy. There's just this general haze that seems to persist. Not that we don't have some amazing highlights. (And here's my real secret for all of you that seem to wonder or think that we have it all together here. It's all in the pictures. Read this post and you'll see what I mean . . .)

So, I was saying that there are some really high highs . . .There's just still a lot of ups and downs. Unexpected stuff--like surprise infections late in the game for me and allergies that have kept Lane from being at his first full week of (pre)school.

Or some ups that are sorta downs at the same time. Like the fact that we made it to the home opener of Friday night football--but we got there late and had to leave early. Or the fact that we celebrate that Hank is now on a 3 hour schedule. Yeah!! But yes, that means that we are still up every 3 hours all night long (but on the bright side he's sleeping between those feedings!!) See what I mean? See why it helps to see this when I look around the house in the morning?



I like that these are just snapshots--but full of meaning for me. I like that it makes me laugh to be able to feel how tightly little Hank is being squeezed.

Just generally life right now is full of the kind of things that make it especially important for me to focus on the positive. To remember that He gives strength to the weary. That even when I think my body is letting me down that He'll give me what I need for the day. Reliance. To remember all the blessings and to find joy.

And maybe that's what photography is really all about for me. Finding the joy. It happens in 2 ways--it's fun for me. I love the actual moment, the way my camera feels in my hands, seeing things as I frame them, the excitement (I know, geeky!) of seeing how they all turn out.



But it's also capturing a moment and making it beautiful. Having an image to look at that spins life at it's best. See--he really does sleep!!



And that's what I'm clinging to fairly often right now. There's a certain clarity of grace when I can clearly see the love and innocence in their eyes. I look at these images and it makes it a whole different ballgame next time I feel like saying--"Not so close--you can't get in your brother's face!", or "No, it's really not time for you to eat again, Littlest Man!"



So. My advice for today. . . Yes, find the things to be grateful for. But take it a step further. Take pictures of those things. It helps my gratitude to last longer!!

Like this one: The Toy Story game. Have you ever had to be in character almost all day long just to talk to your child? Have you ever become frustrated that you are no fun at all as Mama, but only if you are pretending to be Woody non-stop? And that when you do pretend to be Woody that you are just met with a constant barrage of commentary from Buzz Lightyear that Buzz is the coolest toy in the world, not you?

Well . . .this picture of the joy and excitement that the Toy Story game brings to my oldest really helps me smile and say, "Yes, I'd love to play the Toy Story game" instead of meeting the hundredth request of my morning with a big sigh.



And what about this one on the changing table. Soon to be framed and hung right over the changing table. I'll see this sweet little look of contentment that I snapped right after we got Hank all changed and fixed up last week. So . . .instead of focusing on how Hank cries and screams during the diaper change process, I'll think of how happy and sweet he looks when it's all done. And yes, I do need a reminder of that!!



For all of you who take the time to send me messages and call and find thoughtful ways to check on us, you are definitely "ups"--thank you. The down is that I don't always find the time (especially immediately) to follow-up, call you back, say thank you quick enough. But know that you make a difference.

Love and blessings to all,
Andi


All images copyright 2A Photography.

Birth Announcments

Just wanted to share . . .almost all of the announcements have been (or are ready to be) sent now!


The cover:


The inside is a 5x5 accordian tri-fold. Here are the images as you open the card:








And a collage of shots that include the back of the card:


Blessings,
Andi
All images copyright 2A Photography.

Guardian Angel | Newborn Photographer Magnolia

Having a new baby for me is everything perfect wrapped in a bundle. His little velvet head. Sweet smelling neck. Tiny little fingers that wrap around just one of mine. The way his huge eyes look up at me with such trust.





He's my new constant photo obsession!




I've created a video of his first 2 weeks that you can click on below. Just go to hear the song if you have time. Many are pictures that are already posted on here from the hospital, and others are here in the post. But there are a few new shots and more than anything, you have GOT to hear this song. Have. Got. To. It's so beautiful. I cried and cried--and it's not just the hormones, I promise!!



Oh yes, I definitely anticipated his arrival and prayed for him. I believe that these boys are gifts. But I'm not sure if I am their guardian angel or if they are mine. Either way, I pray that I can be exactly what they need here on earth to guide them to be the men that I know they can become. I do pray that "on my wings they may soar higher than they thought was possible."

I'm finalizing the birth announcements this week. Let me know if there are any of the shots that stand out to be included--and on a completely personal level--family, send me any addresses that you want included on the announcement list! I'm planning to use one of the boys together (probably this next one) in the card, and at least 3 of just Hank. Yes, it's going to be a tri-fold and it's going to be magical! At least to me!!



Thank you can't express my gratitude for how much love is being sent our way. But thank you, nonetheless!

Updated to add: The amazing song is Guardian Angel, Leah West!

Much love and many blessings,
Andi
All images copyright 2A Photography.

What to Take to the Hospital | How to Celebrate a Birthday | More baby pictures!

Yes, more baby pictures! You can tell that I've had my camera out a few times since we've been home, but for the most part, these are just snapshots from the hospital that I wanted to share.



And I thought I would make it a little more interesting by offering my hospital tips along the way! I've realized that we are pretty good at celebrating in the hospital. We get a lot of comments from nurses, doctors, friends and family that we seem to know how to do this. . .so . . .

1. Have a true birthday party. I like this idea for a few reasons. Turning anything into a bigger celebration is always fun, but I've found that having a designated time for friends and family to show up for a party is ideal. You know when they are coming, you get "ready" for the company once, everyone entertains each other, you serve birthday cake and champagne and have great photo ops! (Our hospital, Memorial Hermann delivers the cakes shown in this picture through their room service. And I love and highly recommend Memorial Hermann--rooms are big and the nursing staff is superb!)

2. Take outfits for your new baby. Even just little hats that aren't the standard hospital issue make it feel more special. For this one, I even had a matching outfit for me and Hank for his party. A little silly, but it was fun. I love the matching sets from Olian. They are super soft, have great cuts and actually made me feel a little cute while I was in the hospital. Truly, a miracle! You can go do web searches for Olian or try Nine Maternity.

3. Take your camera into the Operating Room! Some of my most treasured pictures from both of my boys births are in the OR. I've now had 2 c-Sections...one emergency and one scheduled. They'll let you bring it either way, and it's even easier in the regular delivery rooms. I love having the shots of the first time I saw each of them. The nurses are happy to help with the camera.



4. Same with the recovery room. Be clear about your ideal recovery room experience and communicate it to your doctor. For me, it's about having my babies with me for as long as possible--which has been a little over an hour in both cases. Once Craig and I have had time together with our sons, then he's been able to go get Lane, grandparents, family to catch a quick peek before they are off to the nursery for the first big evaluation. For me, I've asked that they not get a bottle or even a pacifier and that they be delivered right back to my room asap! (As tired as I was, I didn't sleep at all that first night because I couldn't take my eyes off him!)

5. Take pictures of the details. Flowers, little tiny piggies sticking out of a blanket, special cards, etc.

6. Bring an air matress for Dad to sleep on. This is key.



7. Take your ipod and have music in your room. For me, aesthetic beauty is so calming. So the more I can make a room feel like home with music, flowers, flameless candles, my special books and journals, the happier I am. I love relaxing classical music--try George Winston or Jim Brickman for beautiful classic piano.

8. Pack thank you notes. I love writing the notes quickly after receiving gifts and it gave me something productive to do while I was there. (Again, keep in mind that you are there quite a bit longer with c-sections . . .)

9. Make it special for older siblings. Lane had a special day to go to Build-A-Bear to make a gift for Hank. And then Hank arrived and specifically told us that Lane would love to have the new Woody and Buzz Lightyear as a gift from his new brother. It was especially thoughtful of the new little guy since Lane had been asking Santa to bring these for Christmas. (And Grammie made the boys matching "Big Bro" and "Lil Bro" (and "Big Cuz") shirts.)




10. If possible, let your older child stay a night with you in the hospital. This turned out to be one of our favorite things from the entire hospital experience this time. I know for sure that one of my happiest moments was when Lane came back into the room and was able to crawl into bed with us and I got to hold both of my boys together for the first time.

10b. Once again, emotion is more key than perfection when it comes to pictures. Especially here (see especially picture in upper right corner and larger pic at bottom). I promise you that I wish both eyes were open completely and that I didn't look like I was still carrying a baby in my chubby cheeks alone--but this moment was magical. I'm happy. I will always remember this feeling.



11. Take your own pillows. Or at least pillow cases. In regular delivery or even during the emergency c-section you get to have them. And otherwise they are just more comfortable (and yes, look better in snapshots) than the flat ones from the hospital.

12. If you feel like it at all, put your make-up on. Again, to me, this helps with the mind over body aspect of recovery. (And go to the makeup counter before you go to the hospital and have them do your makeup and make you feel pretty. Ask them for products with staying power--primers make a huge difference. I have tried so so many of the makeup lines. And trust me, I have LOTS of favorite products. But I'm back to MAC on the make-up front. I love the MAC counter at Nordstrom's, especially!)


13. COOZIES! How did I not get this one earlier in the list? We had coozies made for Craig to give instead of cigars, and we all love them! Grandparents get some to give, I get some to give, the boys will grow up seeing us drink from coozies with their name on them (!)--what could be more perfect?! I'll post a picture of them sometime soon.

14. Journal. I love the idea of journaling. I buy countless beautiful journals with good intentions. But I don't actually journal WITH THE EXCEPTION of our time in the hospital. We take turns writing, we write down prayers, messages to each other, things that make us laugh, and list our favorite moments. Lane gets to draw, we tape in fun stuff. LOVE our hospital journaling. This one is especially great--it was a baby shower gift (what a great gift!) and it just feels so perfect and right. Again, I love beautiful things. This is tactile and handmade and gorgeous.



15. Take something special with you to stamp your little baby's feet onto. We used the first page of the journal and intended to stamp Craig's shirt, too, but forgot. One of my senior reps just had her senior pictures made with her dad's hat that he was wearing at the time--that were stamped with her and her sister's baby feet. How special is that?!



16. Camera angle. When you are taking pictures of your baby (anyone, really, but it's especially easy to fall into this trap with newborns), don't shoot "up the nostrils". That means that camera angle is really key. Generally my advice is to get down on a kids level to shoot them--but with babies I shoot a little above them so that the plane is more flattering. Play with the camera angles. I'll show you some taken from directly above, at an angle looking down over their face, etc. coming up. But it's easy to remember as a basic move to get somewhere that you can't see up the little bebeh nose!

Anyone else have great tips or recommendations? Think I got something wrong or want to add to my commentary?

Take care, friends, and blessings to you all,
Andi
All images copyright 2A Photography.

Heaven on Earth | Meet Hank Campbell Artze

I think he's gorgeous! Meet Hank Campbell Artze.

This was a shot in the hospital--yes, we knew we'd be there for several days and so I took little outfits for him and dressed him up every day.

Like I said in the post before this one, I already knew I loved him. I just had no idea that I wouldn't be able to put him down or to stop staring at him. I'm smitten.

Thank you for all the well wishes and prayers that have been sent and said on our behalf. We are settling in at home now and (like it or not!) there will be several upcoming posts showing more personal images, including the ones of our celebration in the hospital on Hank's birthday.

For now, one more shot of my two boys together. I thank God for this brotherly bond between them and pray that they will always love each other and be the best of friends. For more of my active prayers check out a book that I highly recommend called, "The Power of a Praying Parent" by Stormie O'Martin.

Precious, right?!


Blessing to everyone, and thanksgiving and praise for ours,
Andi
All images copyright 2A Photography.

This time tomorrow . . .

This time tomorrow, I'll be holding you in my arms. I'll be the Mama to 2 wonderful sons. I'll have cried happy tears and checked all of your toes. And I'm sure I'll be exhausted.

But I know that I'll be thanking God for trusting me with another precious gift. It seems so unreal to me that He believes in me enough to give yall to me. But I know that He's with me, helping me to be the best Mama I can be for yall.

So, goodnight, my newest love. In some ways it's the last night that I'll hold you this close. But I know that with each passing day I'll hold you closer and closer in my heart.

You are my hope wrapped in a blanket. You are my I love you. You are my precious child, my sweet little one, my gift from my Father. And I cannot wait to meet you.





Say good night to God for me and get ready to say good morning to me.
Blessings to you your whole life through--I already know I love you.
Your Mama
All images copyright 2A Photography.

Back from the Beach | My Boys | Beach Photographer | Galveston

We are officially back home from the beach house. What a great week. Here's a quick share of 2 of my favorite images. At least so far!

I've got great images from several sessions that will be coming soon. I think it'll make you want to join us next time. Because, yes, there are beautiful shots, but what I think of today is:

--sunset walks on the beach
--a little boy jumping waves and telling everyone that his strong Daddy can make him fly
--a small and cozy house that Lane insisted was sooo big
--lots of friends to stop by to play
--the way you look at me
--the smell of stargazer lilies (thank you, baby) mixed with candles, salt air and coconut shampoo
--a pretty incredible seashell collection
--strong coffee (does decaf count?) wrapped in an old quilt watching the sunrise
--sand between our piggies
--happiness and joy
--one son about to be a big brother, talking about all he will teach his little brother (a special shot of one of those moments is coming soon)
--sweet and special prayers, and a poignant recognition from a little one that our God is even bigger than the ocean. And that's really, really big.



I think I'm going to keep my beachy attitude for a while.
Blessings,
Andi
All images copyright 2A Photography.

Speaking of Excitement and News . . .

Guess who wanted to have his picture made with his brother this morning?







I'm guessing you recognize my son . . .and hopefully you don't recognize the belly!!!

But yes, he's getting a little brother in July!

I take advantage of any time that he decides that he's ready for a "photo shoot", so these are the quick snapshots from this morning.

SCHEDULE UPDATE: I will be out of town this coming week, and will return emails when I'm back. I'll then be in town for a week and then out of town for the next 10 days (until the end of May). So plan to talk to me the 10th through the 17th if you need anything!!

Blessings to yall--I feel them richly--
Andi

All images copyright 2A Photography.

What I've Been Up To--And a Few Things I'm Excited About

Oh wow how time flies. I've been crazy busy around here, and I've managed to neglect my poor little blog. My apologies to yall who haven't even seen your previews!! And my apologies to my blog fans and readers...to those of you who have sent messages checking on me, thank you soooo much. Everything is great here--just busy. And it makes my updates and work so much more fun when I know that yall are keeping up with me. Thank you.

Ok...so apparently I'm making up for the lack of recent posts by just blabbing away. Sorry.

Here's a true sneak peek from one of my recent sessions. I LOVE my cowboys, you know, but these little ones?! Oh my! How cute is he?





And it's the perfect lead-in to what I'll be up to next week. I'm heading home to the ranch for Spring Branding. Here are the invitations we sent out:






So you can tell that it's work, but a party. I mean, a party where there is work. Just a lot of fun. So you can expect western shots coming up soon.

Along with the beach shots. And more session previews. And Sr. Rep updates!!!

And speaking of invitations, here are a couple of senior invitations that I've been working on--what do you think? Make you think of Christmas cards???





I'm currently booking sessions in October--I know, crazy! So if you want your family session and Christmas cards, then now is the time to book! Same goes for Class of 2011 Seniors. It's time . . .!

More updates soon. At least sooner than last time!

Blessings,
Andi



All images copyright 2A Photography.