Preikestolen, Norway

I spent my 31st birthday in Stavanger, Norway while accompannying my husband on a work trip. It was mid June and cold - at least for my Texas blood. When we first decided that Colin (our 15 month old son) and I would come to Norway, I started googling and researching Norway from every angle. The biggest attraction, aside from its oil industry, seafood and adorable port side culture, is Preikestolen, also dubbed Preacher's Pulpit, or Pulpit Rock. The cliff, aptly named for its technical climb and epic views, creates somewhat of a religious experience once you reach the top. I've never had a fear of heights, but even I was a bit shakey on top of the cliff. It was an amazing feeling and so very terrifying at the same time. It was beautiful and perfect and I felt all of the feelings. It was easy to feel a range of emotions while hiking up - we got to experience several different climates on the way up, including dry spots with vast views, areas so thick with fog that we could barely see our hands in front of us, cold points where I had to put on a sweater, and parts so hot and exposed that I sweated completely through my shirt. This is definitely the hike of my lifetime, and I've done several. I hope to do more, but I think this one will always take the cake...

A few things.

Well hello! It's been a while since I updated my photo journal. It's not for lack of photos - quite the contrary, actually. Since moving to Paris, we have seen so many beautiful, photo worthy places that my photo collection is growing exponentially and I don't even know where to start. Since November, we have been to Belgium, England, Scotland, and I am currently enjoying a short stay in Norway. Not to mention a really fun trip to Normandy and Chinon in the Loire Valley of France. Since I have some catching up to do, I will post a few photos from the last 6 months...and, I will make sure to stay on top of this journal in the future!

Luxembourg Gardens in the fall

The Vavin extrance to Lux Gardens

Canola fields in Cormolain, France

Canola fields in Cormolain, France

Wisteria tree near Chinon, France.

Near Chinon, France.

View from Fortress de Chinon.

View from Fortress de Chinon.

Vinyards in the Loire Valley.

View from the base of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France.

Bridge at Grand Palais in Paris, France.

Ornate bridge in Paris, France.

View of Notre Dame from the Seine River in Paris, France.

Flowers in Monet's Gardens in Giverny, France.

Lily pads in Monet's aqua gardens in Giverny, France.

Another view from Monet's Aqua Gardens.

The Argyle League

The Argyle League opened in the summer of 2014 in Houston, Texas. To the naked eye, it's a barber shop that offers traditional grooming services for men. Beneath the surface, The Argyle League is "clubhouse open to all" - a place for men to become better versions of themselves, to learn the art of style, and to have a little fun in the process. Carlos Carrillo and his wife Lauren know a thing or two about style - I should know - they are two of my best friends. Carlos has always had impeccable taste and Lauren is like a modern day Audrey Hepburn. Our son Colin had his very first haircut in one of the barber chairs at The Argyle League, which, in my book, is the ultimate seal of approval. I had the pleasure of photographing this space this past fall. Friendship aside, this place is perfect. The white, textured walls offer the most flattering light. The dark stained woods and few hand picked antiques are both masculine and glamorous at the same time. The simplicity of the product and tool displays are curated perfectly to showcase their craft but still look uncluttered. The textiles are traditional stripes and cotton - my favorite. I love everything about The Argyle League! And I know you will, too. Click through the photos to see the space. And if you are ever in Houston, stop in and grab a shave, a haircut or a shoeshine. There is also a really awesome coffee shop next door. 

The Argyle League
703 West Alabama 
Houston, Texas 
77006

713.702.1026

To book an appointment: http://www.secure-booker.com/argyle/BookOnlineStart.aspx

www.theargyleleague.com

Senior Portraits with Olivia

I had the pleasure of working with Olivia recently on a gorgeous spring day in Tulsa. Olivia is weeks away from graduating from high school, and she was eager to get some images to send out to family and friends. I love doing senior portraits- the energy and the excitement that an 18 year old has for life is contagious!

Olivia was a good sport - our shoot ran late and the sun was right over us, which is never ideal. There wasn't a cloud in sight that day either, so she was dealing with full on sun glare. I don't normally shoot in direct sunlight, but I really love the way the images turned out! I might have to  play around with direct sunlight a little more in the future...

Maternity Photos/ 31 weeks.

I took some maternity photos of myself today. I am 31 weeks, and with 2 months out I figured now was a good time since I can still (kind of ) move around a little. We have a platform bed that is low to the ground, so getting in and out of it has been more and more of a challenge lately! I got quite the workout taking these photos. Still, I am happy to have gotten a few to look back on and to show our son one day. It will be so cool to point to my belly in those photos and tell him "you were in there!!". I completely stole the idea to use a book in one of the photos from Pinterest. And I love the way it turned out. Maternity photos are so fun to take - I think women are beautiful when they are pregnant. It's such a special time. Scroll through to see all 4 photos.

Corporate Headshots with Charissa Simmons.

I had the pleasure of working with Charissa, an Area Sales Manager for Premier Locations. She is based out of Oak Ridge, TN, and was in Tulsa on business this past week. When she contacted me about doing her photos, I was thrilled because, having met her twice before, I was familiar with her striking blue eyes and sweet smile. She isn't all beauty though - she is one of the leading managers in her company. Beauty and brains. I am hoping to add more corporate photography to my resume in the future. Click the picture above to scroll through both images.

Anthony & Tori

This is one of my favorite shoots to date. I did an engagement photo session for Anthony & Tori back in September, and we were lucky enough to gain access to Post Oak Lodge's beautiful scenery. From the northwest spot, you can see the city of Tulsa and the beautiful downtown skyline. 

Click the image to scroll through!

Flowers.

This is one of those photos that, for whatever reason, makes me so happy each time I look at it. I hope it has the same affect on you. I like to keep fresh flowers around the house when I can, and I usually buy the "cheap ones" because they last longer. 

Happy Monday!

Bison & Bear.

This is a photo from one of my favorite shops here in Tulsa called Bison and Bear. I did a post on this store over on my blog, The Clever Bunny. You can read all about this store by clicking here.  Among other things, they have a great selection of handmade pottery, wooden bowls and woven baskets. I love the richness of the colors in this photo, offset by the pale green leaves of this pretty little succulent.