Loving my 2013 Friends and Family.

Here are some of my favorites from 2013 and a little explanation as to why I love them!!!  Thanks for such a fun, exciting and supportive year.  I'm so looking forward to 2014.  

This is Cody and Branaie and they are getting married THIS weekend.  I love this shot because of her stunning eyes!!

Zander is my neighbor and one of the cutest guys I know.  I love this yellow shirt and his handsome hat!

McKenzie is a beautiful senior I did this fall in LR.  I absolutely loved this pink polka dot dress and her hair in the wind.

One of my best friends, Angel has the cutest kids ever.  This shot brings a smile to my face because we worked so hard to get it.  We did the happy dance afterwards.

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Emily is another fantastic senior I shot in LR and I have to say, this photo is to die for! 

Krystal won an auction for a session with me not too long ago.  We were afraid we would have to reschedule because her daughter wasn't happy being woke up from her nap.  We were pleasantly surprised when after a little bit she was having a blast.

My friend Crystal is getting married in Florida in 2014 and all I can say is that these two are IN LOVE.  Love the candidness and happiness of this photo.

Tiffany couldn't have asked for a better afternoon for pictures of her awesome kiddos.  These two were so sweet and easy to love!!

My wonderful friend Michelle and I don't see much of each other anymore, so I was so happy when she called me up to do family photos.  My camera loved them!!!

Want to talk about precious?  These two made me smile for days as I edited their session.  Bella was such a good helper and birthday girl!

My sweet friend, Amy has an amazing family and I was excited to meet them for photos.  I love this shot of them on the trail even if Elijah didn't want to smile...hahaha!

Another friend that I don't get to see often is Ashley.  I am looking forward to meeting up with her soon for more family pictures, but this was one of my favorites at the Clinton Library!

This is Miss Addison and she was turning 1 earlier this year.  She was so sweet eating her cupcake...I was jealous.

Ashley and Casey are getting married this year and I was so excited to do their engagements.  My wonderful friend, Dana let us do the session in her yard.  I know these two are so super happy!!

Again, thanks for such a great year!  Happy 2014 to EVERYONE!!

~Audra

When a 4 year old helps you experiment with your camera...

So it won't be long and the Christmas trees will be down and I will look back and say, "Where's all the pretty tree pictures I didn't get...?"  I had Mason pick out a few things for me to photograph in front of the tree lights and these are what he picked:  His cookie plate he made for Santa, candy and lastly his TMNT arch enemy, the Kraing.   If you want to take some big, bright bokeh lights get your camera out and start shooting.  Put some space between your subject and the tree.  Set your aperture as open as you can and try not to use flash...you may need a tripod! 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 Creepy, little pink Kraing....ewwwwww. 



here's some more "and such" projects: Fabulous Frames!

Sorry for the not so straight pictures...these are just some quick shots of my latest project!  You know, besides the "sweet snaps" I also have "and such" which includes all these fun projects. 

 

It's a 5x7 frame on a 12x16 canvas decorated with canvas and fabric flowers.  What's really cool is that there's a hole in the back so you can change pictures out!! I think putting two saw tooth hangers to hang either vertical or landscape will finish it off.  Current picture is a photo of two of my cousins and me. 

I chose the colors because it made me think Razorbacks and Cabot Panthers...just that classic look!  I'll be experimenting with other color schemes.  I think next may be Toy Story and Scooby Doo color schemes minus the flowers.  $48 to buy.

 



 

Here's a lime green one I made for my mom...I call it The Peacock with the blue and purple jewel tone flowers. It's a 5x7 and the picture inside is a one of Mason playing with his Big Boots. 

 

I think this color would look great with some pinks and oranges, but since it is for my mom and I was going to throw a pic of Mason in it, I kept it boyish.  $32 to buy.



Sometimes a smile isn't needed...

Sunday, I watched Xander for the day while his parents went to work.  Mason came with me and we had a pretty good day.  I brought my camera to take a few shots, play with my flash, give me something to do while I watched these guys play. 
Now Mason was not quite keen on sharing his toys that he brought with him, especially when he realized Xander's way of playing with them was putting them in his mouth.  Mason also didn't quite grasp why Xander kept "attacking" him.  "Mason, he's a baby...he's using you to pull up so his can get around...he's not attacking you."   Can you tell he's an only child?

My favorite part of photography is capturing those expressions that are genuine, the ones that aren't quite planned for the photograph.  In Xander's case, this was his dubious visage of whether he was going to like Mason and me.  And whether this camera in his face was going to be tolerated or not.

 

 

 

 

Now it didn't take long for this little guy to start giving away his smiles.  He did make me work for a few at first. 

But these are just proof that a smile isn't always needed to get a great photo. But smiles are always good when you do get them!

 

 



Have a Holly Jolly Christmas!

 

 

Wow, what a great year.  I feel like I've grown so much as a photographer.  I appreciate everyone's support and admiration for my skill.  Over the summer I was able to buy a new (used) lens, a 70-200mm f/2.8.  It's a great lens that allows me to get some great low light shots. 

 

I was also able to get a new camera body, a D7100.  It too allows me to take some better quality photos in lower lights.  I love them both.  I didn't have to sell my old camera which was great because I now have a back up!!!

 

What's next one my list?  Probably another lens, a 17-50mm f/2.8 maybe. 

 

I'm so excited to start the next year...I will probably change a few things up and will keep everyone updated through the blog, FB and email. 

 

Thank you again and have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. 

 

~Audra

 

 

 



Herreras 2013

Michelle is one of my co-workers at ACH and a great friend.  Not only is she tall and gorgeous and so super nice, but she has such a beautiful family.  These four make great photos!!!  Kaya and Bobby are so very cooperative and I absolutely can't wait to do more photos for them! 

 

 

And even in fun, these two make great photos!! 

 

 



Baby Dawson and Bella!

I can not begin to explain how entertaining it was to work with Miss Bella and take pictures of her for her 5th birthday.  Not only is she beautiful, but she is smart and very helpful. 

 





 

 

 

And Lil Dawson was so inquisitive of the area that he didn't have time to give me smiles.  I caught a few though!!! 

 

 

And who can resist a little kiss on the forehead.