O'Carroll Images Blog

Blessings

2011-04-14T08:29:00.003-05:00

Three years ago, I received an email from a good friend stating that she was starting a blog. OK, I thought, it's what everyone is doing. So I clicked over to read her blog. Low and behold it was to let everyone know that she was pregnant.

Big deal? Well you could say that, since her other children were 10 and 13 at the time. WOW, talk about life changing. From iPods, phones, sleepovers to diapers and sleepless nights.

This sweet family was just as excited as they were when they were blessed with their first child. I know because I was there 16 years ago when she announced that she was pregnant with her first child. And their second child was just as exciting too.

Growing older can sometimes mean aches, pains, bills, worries, etc. But watching my friends children grow up is such a sweet blessing. I love telling this children stories of when they were younger and the funny things they did.

Children are such a blessing. We need to remember this even through the hardest moments of parenting.

I {heart} Faces -Shadows

2011-04-11T17:33:00.004-05:00

Shadows. That is this week's theme for I {heart} faces. I think this picture speaks volumes by not showing the faces. I love how baby girl is casting a perfect shadow. This is one of my favorites in my portfolio. I wish I could say that I planned the shadow...

Sun Flare~I{heart}faces Challenge

2011-03-15T11:08:00.008-05:00

"Hurry, get dressed. No not that. This. Get in the car. Stop fighting with your sister. What? You want water? {sigh} Yes. Get it quick. Hurry. C'mon let's get going. NOW!"

This is a brief example how I captured this perfect sunlight with my own children. Those of you who try to photograph your own children know exactly what I'm talking about. On this particular day, one had just come from a playdate and another from piano lessons. We scrambled and scurried and made it just in time for the golden hour...uh minutes.

The golden rods help to off set the beautiful fall sunset. (Oh did you know that bees love golden rods. Ha! I do now.)

Timing is everything when it comes to photography. To me it is mostly about taking the time to capture your favorite moments. When I talk to moms about photography, I encourage them to capture those everyday moments. When your children dresses himself, when they make an experiment in the backyard, when they put on a play or when they are simply being themselves.

You don't need a fancy camera or lens to do capture these moments. You just need to STOP and take the time. Use your phone, use your point and shoot, but capture the moment. Who knows you might even capture a bit of the sun as well.

Peace.

Five hundred twenty-five thousand, six hundred minutes

2011-03-09T21:16:00.004-06:00

How do you measure a year? In love, I hope. I have had the privilege of measuring a year of pictures with this sweet one, from womb, to newborn to well now. You might say well it's only a year there is so much more to go. But think back to that first breath she took, first smile, first laugh, first roll, first crawl and on and on. This is baby number 3 (and final) so this is the last of the first.

Take a moment to remember those firsts with your little ones. The thoughts make my eyes water and my heart flutter. I know there are more firsts to come but these are some of the best ones.

Hugs your baby no matter how big or small just a little tighter!

And happy FIRST birthday, sweet baby A!

I {heart} face - Anything but a face

2011-03-01T16:22:00.007-06:00

OK, I'm back. This time I hope I got it right. I love this blog I Heart Faces. I have learned a lot about photography, style and inspiration from these ladies and their contributors.

This pictures was shot last spring during a visit to the Dallas Arboretum. I was just recovery from surgery and to be outdoors with my camera felt so good. My youngest daughter came to me with this flower. What I saw was not the flower, but her sweet little 5 year old hands. One day I will want to remember those small hands and the innocence of showing me a flower.

~Happy New Year~

2011-01-17T14:55:00.003-06:00

It's a new year and time for a renewed commitment to this MY one & only blog. I am trying to focus on my creativity of my photography. I will also try to keep this blog updated. Once per week sounds good to me. This will be my holding tank for my Project 52...as well as Facebook.

Project 52 is taking a weekly picture. I am following the idea suggestion from Digital Photography School (http://www.digital-photography-school.com/). The theme for the first week is Cold.

This picture makes me cold. My oldest precious struck a pose while enjoying the Texas snowfall. Snow or cold is NOT for me. Although it does make for some pretty pictures.

It's Christmas Card Time

2010-10-31T12:14:00.004-05:00

Happy Halloween! That said, I'm previewing my Christmas card templates. They are ready to be ordered. I have 2 slots left for shoots. Let me know if you want to book. I have more designs, contact me. Let me help you get these done.

Why I love Texas?

2010-04-22T18:08:00.006-05:00

Spring is here!

2010-04-09T16:08:00.005-05:00

I am loving all the sunshine of the past few days. Without the harsh sun of summer, I am able to capture pictures throughout the day. Here are a few of a little sweetie that caught my eye on Easter Sunday. She's my dad's Goddaughter. Does that make her my Godsister??? Hmm. I'm ready for some spring time shoots. It's not looking good for bluebonnets this year though. Guess we have to remember the fun we had in the snow.

Happy Spring!

Welcome Home!

2010-03-08T17:59:00.012-06:00

Baby AJM has a new home outside of the womb. She is so precious! And the neighbors moved away so now I get to see them through my lens. Good times!

As soon as the sun decides to stay out, it will be time for Dallas Blooms and bluebonnets. Can't wait!

Babies & Bellies

2010-02-17T19:56:00.006-06:00

This sweet little guy just came in for his 6 month pictures. I have taken his picture all his life. Here's the first picture of him in belly. I love this picture of him sucking his fingers. Nap time for sure!

Good-Bye 2009, Hellooo 2010!

2009-12-31T19:31:00.006-06:00

What a great year it's been! I have grown as an artist and in my business! Thanks to all of you who have helped me to do this.

I ended the year with a wedding. The bride is from China so there were some great Chinese traditions they followed, such as wearing black & red. I loved her red shoes! She was fun to work with as was the entire wedding party and family. Too bad I can't shoot their wedding in China.

I hope you all have a wonderful 2010!

Out of the box

2009-10-22T06:13:00.005-05:00

Recently I photographed these precious boys for a client. This client really let me take her out of her studio/posed/sear-sucker pictures for her. We had a blast and the pictures were fun. In this one little brother is starting to bite because he did not want his hand held. Basically capturing where they are in the life right now. The boys are 9, 7, and 2.

I have watched these boys grow up! And I have been blessed to capture a lot of their moments with my camera.

2009-10-20T21:24:00.002-05:00

Commerial Photography

2009-10-20T14:17:00.006-05:00

I finally got to dabble in a little commercial photography this weekend. Thanks to the great people over at The Costume Closet (http://www.thecostumecloset.com/) for the opportunity. Sorry these are not Halloween costumes, but dance costumes for dance teams.

The models were great fun to work with. It was a long day, but I loved the experience! So there's a little more to add to my expanding portifolio. Ciao for now.

Studio Lighting

2009-10-17T16:27:00.007-05:00

With the help of Dallas Camera, local photographer Casey Kidwell, and a few little models, I was able to practice with lighting. I am doing a big shoot tomorrow and needed to work the equipment a little before my big day. Here are some samples of what I did today!

Happy Holidays

2009-10-08T08:55:00.009-05:00

OK, I know it's not even Halloween and I'm talking about holiday cards. It's true I've joined the marketing masses. Think of it as getting ready for swimsuit season. You want to do it early, right?

I do have more samples cards ready. Very fun cards with lots of pictures! The cards shown are flat 5x7 cards. They can be made into folded cards as well. Cards are sold in sets of 25.

If you order your cards before November 20, I will give a 10% discount on your order.

Senior Pictures

2009-08-21T09:28:00.004-05:00

I have been expanding my portfolio lately with some high school senior shoots. This one in particular was fun because it was my first time using an animal as a prop. Golden Boy was quite cooperative during his first photo shoot as well.

My HS senior was very fun to work with as well. I didn't even have to bribe her with candy. Amazing!

To book your senior portraits, contact me at 972-897-1239.

Food, Fotos & Fun!

2009-08-02T18:28:00.004-05:00

I finally took the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and photograph life as it happens. A new friend of mine who is also a photographer and I took a road trip from our bubble all the way down to Dallas. OK it wasn't that far, but it sure was fun.

There were some great people there as well as yummy fruits & veggies. We also managed time for a wonderful breakfast before the rain brought our shoot to an end.

The highlight for me was people wondering if we were from California with our cameras. Fun!

Looks for more photos out of the box, as we hope to make this a regular adventure.

I DID IT!

2009-07-20T10:24:00.009-05:00

This weekend I was given an amazing opportunity, to photograph a wedding. I was flattered that good friends would trust me to be their photographer! It was such fun, not to mention so beautiful.

The hardest part for me was trying to capture Ashley, the bride, coming down the stairs and not cry at the same time. I have know this sweet girl since she was 3 and I was 8.

Everyone was so nice, relaxed, and had a great time! I did manage to put my camera down for a bit and dance with everyone. And I wasn't too nervous when my mom picked up my camera to give it go.

I think I was meant to shoot this fun outdoor wedding where the bride couldn't wait for the party to start! That's my girl!

Congratulations, Ashley & Terry! I wish you a lifetime of happiness!

Bloomin' Good Times

2009-06-29T19:14:00.006-05:00

OK, so I'm way behind on blogging. Wow! The past few months have just flown by. This spring I was fortunate enough to make it to the Dallas Arboretum and to the bluebonnets to capture some great moments with some precious children. I also had a session with a bride, but I can't post until after her wedding.

Speaking of weddings, I have will shoot my first wedding this summer. Be sure to check back at the end of July for some from that. It will be a very hot shoot.

Lollipop girls! They were so much fun. Unfortunately, big sis broke little sis's lolly right after this shot.

Irish Eyes

2009-03-14T12:07:00.006-05:00

Irish eyes are usually smiling around here. Papa & Mimi sent the wigs for St. Patrick's day gifts. Girls get a little goofy when the wigs go on. And even though the studio is under construction, we managed to jump in for a quick picture.

Storyboard is courtesy of Rita at http://coffeeteaphotography.blogspot.com/. I have been having fun this weekend creating storyboards.

Off to get a new background color!

Erin go braugh!

Studio part deux

2009-03-13T15:44:00.003-05:00

This week I was back in my studio with another little fella. Let me tell you this guy can move. He came at me so quick it shocked me. I took his picture as a newborn and he is still so cute. He has such a sweet disposition. I gave a hat of mine and put it on him. He was so crazy about it. But I like the way the picture turned out.

Husband is working on improving the looks of my studio. I will post progress pictures.

Next week is a busy week for O'Carroll Images! Yeah! Thanks for getting the word out.

Happy Spring Break!

New Studio

2009-03-05T16:11:00.003-06:00

How about this cutie pie!!! This sweet girl was my first studio client. She was great fun to photograph. Although I wanted to play and nibble her toes more than I wanted to take her picture.

My new indoor studio is right inside my house. I am very excited about it and the about the little clients that will come visit me there. Yummy more toes to nibble! Happy Thursday!

2009-02-24T13:00:00.002-06:00

I found myself in Ada, OK this weekend and thought I'd take some time for some fun shots. I grabbed a willing assistant and off we went. I have been admiring this wall for quite some time as well as photos from others who shoot there. The sun was a tad too bright, but that was all the time we had.

I am booking now for spring sessions. They are filling up quite fast. If you book by February 28, 2009, you will receive a from 8 x 10. Hurry time is running out!

Christmas bells are ringing

2008-12-21T19:36:00.006-06:00

Christmas cards are out, tree is decorated, presents are bought and waiting to be wrapped, girls are out of school and anxiously awaiting the arrival of the Big Guy. Whew, that said, I'm now in my "slow season." Although I hope the nearly 1000 Christmas cards that went out with my website (not all mine) might generate some more business. (Seniors, babies, spring family portraits and such.)

In the mean time I'm back to taking every day "whatever" shots. Today I had six little girls decorating cookies at my house. Believe it or not it was not utter chaos. It was actually quite fun. Here are some fun pictures of them. I love pictures of little hands. As our children get older, I think it's a sweet reminder of just how little they were.

Merry Christmas!

Peace.

To thee I laugh

2008-12-15T13:52:00.004-06:00

What a fun couple! I had the opportunity to photograph this newly engaged couple recently. We spent some time in Frisco laughing and getting great shots.

Best wishes to D & R! Hopefully I'll get to do some fun bridal portraits with her. But I won't post them until after August. I promise!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-25T13:54:00.004-06:00

I want to wish everyone who reads this very happy Thanksgiving. This year has been full of its ups and downs for us, but I still have lots to be thankful.

Healthy, happy daughters who remind me how to have fun. I'm thankful for their giggles, smiles, and paper trails after a day's worth of crafts. I'm thankful for their socks and shoes as reminder they just ran through the house to play. I'm thankful for their fingerprints on doors, tables and of course the computer screen that remind me they're close by.

I'm thankful for my dear, sweet husband who believes in me. I'm thankful for his friendship and love. I'm thankful everyday for him.

I'm thankful for all of my family and many friends!

Have a thankful weekend!

Christmas Season

2008-11-24T13:14:00.003-06:00

I have been so blessed to be very busy with lots of Christmas shoots. It's getting down to "crunch" time and have only a couple of clients left.

This weekend I had yet another fun shoot. I think they should start a family band and let me shoot their album cover.

Here is my favorite shot. It took several tries, but after jumping ump-teen times they sure warmed up. Did I mention it was quite chilly out?
Now I must finish editing my other pictures. Happy Thanksgiving! As always I'm thankful for my family, friends, and a happy life.

Website is a go!

2008-11-05T11:42:00.003-06:00

How could I have forgotten to mention that my website is official? Please take a moment away from my exciting blog to check it out...ocarrollimages.com.

Deep Thoughts by Jack Handy

2008-11-04T10:51:00.002-06:00

Well I have no deep thoughts, just what popped into my head. Here's a new picture from a recent photo session. I was playing around with the coloring and this is what I came up with. Interesting.

I tell ya, I've been working with some funny little boys lately. This fella was no exception. He cracked up the whole time. I did catch him starring at moss on the rocks. He wouldn't put his feet in the water, probably a good thing.

Did you vote today? Just thought I'd ask. Seems to be the thing to say today. : )

Camera turned

2008-11-03T17:44:00.003-06:00

I got the camera turned on me today. My friend and fellow photographer, Melissa Vaughan of Melissa Vaughan Photography, took some pictures of me today. That was weird. Little One was with me so I am actually in a picture with a family member. Once again...weird.

I have a been receiving such positive feedback from my new website. I love it! So thank you to all of you who have sent such sweet messages. I appreciate all of your encouragement!

Peace.

3 Shoots, 1 Day

2008-10-28T13:11:00.008-05:00

Saturday was crazy, but so fun. I had 3 shoots. It was fun to see the different dynamics from all the children. I tried a new location for fun with some boys. Blue eyes was the theme of the day. All of these kids were so cute!

By the way, I'm working on my new and improved website...cross your fingers! I will let you know when it's ready.

Family Pictures

2008-10-21T18:16:00.002-05:00

Here is my most recent family photo shoot. They were so much fun to work with and so cute. This little fella cracked me up...well he always cracks me up.

This weekend I will continue to build my portfolio with some sessions at the Dallas Arboretum.

Soccer Mom

2008-10-09T22:36:00.003-05:00

It's official, I'm a soccer mom. No, mini van...but she is playing this season. Tonight she had a soccer clinic with FC Dallas players. Here she is learning to bounce off her head. I love the expression on her face!

"Mommy, take my picture."

2008-10-09T22:30:00.009-05:00

When you're a photographer and you have children, they tend to get a little tired of having their picture taken. So when my little darling said, "Mommy, get your camera and take my picture." I dropped every thing and followed her. Who could resist this little show off? Why I can't!

Would you like to book a photo session?

2008-10-06T08:06:00.012-05:00

If so, please contact me at jennifer.ocarroll@att.net.

Here's the financial scoop:

Portrait session fee (up to 5 people) $50
$15 each additional person

Pictures can be taken indoors or outside. I have locations, but am open to suggestions too.

I do allow plenty of time for clothing changes, feeding, etc. Children who are fed and well rested are great to photograph!

Prints
Wallets (8) - $7.50
5 x 7 - $15
8 x 10 - $25
11 x 14 - $45

Textured prints are available.

Gallery wraps are available. Please ask for more information and pricing.

CDs with 10 images are available for $100.

Session fee is due upon booking in order to reserve a date. Fee is non-refundable, but may be applied towards a rescheduled session with 24 hour cancellation notice.

Images will be available for purchase for 30 days. Thereafter, only ordered images will be available for one year.

All images are the property of O’Carroll Images and may not be reproduced without photographer's consent.

Fall Photo Shoot

2008-10-01T14:47:00.002-05:00

A friend recently trusted me to take pictures of her children. It happened to the be the weekend of Hurricane Ike. We didn't think that the shoot was going to happen because of rain. But I must have been doing something right because the rain stopped long enough to get some great shots.

Nashville

2008-09-08T16:43:00.008-05:00

I just returned from a weekend getaway in Nashville, TN. Here are a few shots of our favorite honky tonk and Broadway at night. We stayed in the Union Station Hotel, which used to be a railroad station. The trains still come by (and blow their whistles early in the morning).

PIctures

2008-08-26T15:44:00.003-05:00

Here are a few examples of my work. I like to capture my subject and their personality. To me a pose doesn't do that. Not to say I won't let you pose, because some people like that. I just like the natural poses.

First Attempt

2008-08-26T15:29:00.003-05:00

Here is my first attempt at blogging. I feel compelled to blog with some pictures so you can view my latest creative works. So I'll start off with less creative.

Yesterday was M1's first day of school. Here she is with a friend. Yes, I cried because I'm a total sap. Gone are all the memories of yelling and hiding from them all summer. Now it's just one I have to hide from.

Well look for more pictures.