I have exciting news! And by exciting, I mean exciting for me :-). Effective immediately, I will no longer be offering newborn sessions. I’m just not very good at it, and I’m forty now, so I can say that. Just so you know, I love newborns and that is why I am tired of ticking them off. Here is what this newborn thinks of me:

I would recommend Stubbs Photography by Kim or Mandy Davis Photography in OKC. They are great photographers and have a wonderful studio with endless choices for backgrounds and props. They are pricier than me, but they are really good with newborns. Also, Neely Jacobson Photography is great for a more natural shoot. And never fear, I am more than happy to take your child’s picture once he or she is able to sit up. One year old cake smashes….bring it. Have a wonderful weekend.

Autumn is a good time to get your pictures taken! This year fall sessions will be $100. You will get all edited photos on a flash drive and a photo release to print the photos wherever you want.

Book your fall session now by emailing me at suzannekhale@yahoo.com

Thank you! I hope to see you this Autumn!

As I was babysitting my nephews and niece last week, I was reminded of how sweet it was to have a summer break from school. Time to play outside, swim, eat ice cream, throw water balloons, sit out on the driveway and talk to the neighbors….

Then after it got dark, we came inside, and they wanted to watch “Little House on the Prairie.” Hahahahahahahahaha….No lie. The boys wanted to watch that over Star Wars. It was crazy. I’d forgotten how awesome Mr. Edwards, Harriet Oleson, and Reverend Alden were. Like when Mr. Edwards went to a bar and ordered whiskey and a scantily-clad “waitress” delivered his drink… A lot of stuff went down on LHOTP, but there was always a moral to the story. Our parents didn’t mind if we watched it because those things were shown realistically and not glorified or glamourized. Like when Albert was having withdrawals from his morphine addiction… that did not make me want to use drugs. In fact, I will have nightmares about that forever. He was awful to those around him and was weird and in A LOT of pain. He was MESSED UP. Anyway, pretty realistic stuff on LHOTP. Not like the party shows on MTV. I sound like I’m eighty now, but, seriously… word.

This post has nothing to do with photography, but it is my website, so I guess I can say whatever I want. FINALLY… just kidding.

Now that it is Summer Break, why not get some fresh pics of the kids while they are out of school? Kids grow up so fast…last year’s blonde hair has begun to darken… your sweet baby is now a little boy…. This is a good time to capture the essence of their ages.

Summer pics are the time to try something fun! How about the family roasting marshmallows around a fire pit? Or maybe a family outing to get sno-cones? Shorts, sandals, summer tans… all so cute. Sprinklers and bubbles, sparklers and hula hoops, the whole fam on bicycles, lemonade stands… the possibilities are endless. This is the time to get pics of the fun things you do as a family. Give me a call and we’ll share the fun of capturing these special moments on film.

A few years ago my mother gave me (and my siblings) some money, just because she wanted to. I told her I didn’t need it, but she really wanted to, so I accepted. I thought I would just leave it in the bank. Then, I decided that I wanted to do something with it. I thought about giving it away, but then I decided that I would start a real photography business with it. That way, every time I take pictures of someone or something, I feel like a part of her is with me and glad that I am doing something I enjoy. Of course, that would still be true even if I didn’t start the business. I just like to think of her as the reason I get to do it.

She is a part of everything I do and am.

My dad is always very generous with us, as well. I come from a long line of people that help others. They would all be very uncomfortable with me saying that, I’m sure, but it is true. Whether it is giving someone a job, giving them money, giving them a place to live, praying for someone, or being someone’s biggest fan, my parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles, great aunts and uncles, nephews and niece, cousins and now in-laws all have made a difference in peoples’ lives and never make a big deal about it. Sometimes this includes “tough” love, but always love. I’m just so blessed to be born into and be a part of these families.

I’m very thankful that I have jobs where I get to do what I love to do.

The Bradford Pears and Redbuds have begun to blossom. Spring is in the air.

For me, this means Benadryl and sinus rinses, or peppermint oil, if you will… However, my romantic notions prevent me from living in the bubble of my allergist’s prescription. I must see this beauty…preferably from the comfort of my air-conditioned car (I am not crazy. Sleeping in a tent, using the bathroom in the woods–no thank you.). I must see and capture this beauty on film for the reminder of its loveliness when the trees are barren and the winds are frozen.

The changing of seasons… the good days, the bad, the ordinary and the amazing… Life is as the seasons. This is a pretty one. Book your pictures now and enjoy the feeling of spring all year round.

Taking pictures allows me to be creative. Whether it is the angle I use, how I edit the picture, or just capturing a candid moment, I enjoy getting to call the shots. Some of the shots I call are crap, but making mistakes is just part of life, right?

I like the idea of capturing moments as they are… people as they are. I like to see personalities and not just fake smiles. Sometimes we all have to fake smile, though, just to get the job done. Sometimes that is the picture we need. I get it. I also get it that no one wants to have yellow teeth in a picture just for the sake of “capturing someone as they really are.” I’m gonna Photoshop that. But, in general, my favorite pictures are the ones where I catch people smiling at each other, laughing, or just giving a loving look.

That said, it isn’t all about me… I’ll pretty much do whatever you want…except maternity pictures where the woman appears naked, except for a strategically placed drape of flowy fabric… Please do not ask me to do that. I cannot let you do that to yourself and your baby.

I joke, but I’m very go with the flow. To sum it all up, I like to party.

Tips for a great photo session!

Make-up

Less is not more! Photography lighting and flashes tend to wash you out. Apply about 30% more eyeshadow, blush, and liner.

Lipstick needs to be a shade or two darker. Go for a pink or red shade.  I know nude lips are in… But nude lips=small to no lips in photos

Stay away from glitter or shimmer, matte is your friend!

If you look in the mirror and say to yourself, “whoa this is a little much,” then the make up is perfect! 🙂

Clothes

Clothes in the same color palette look best. Coordinate colors, don’t match!

Avoid too many patterns that can clash. Only one polka dotted shirt per frame please.

Black may be slimming in person, this is not always the case in photos…

Think classic!  These pictures are going to be around for a while, so though fashion trends like chevron might be in today, it’ll be out by next month!

Nails

Have fun with your nails. They can express your personality too!

Engagement picture = up close shot of your hand and nails!

French nails are out!!!! Ok I’m done with that rant…

Kids

Schedule the photo session after nap time, feeding time or whatever is best for the kids!

Bring props, toys, blankets and snacks! If they’re relaxed and comfortable, you will be too!

Poses

When in doubt, use Pinterest!!! This website can be a great tool for ideas and tips. Whether you have a large family or are a couple looking for an intimate feel, Pinterest can benefit you!

Have fun and don’t be afraid to be silly!

(Seasonal Specials Only):

15 Minute Session

7 edited photos

Copyright Release

$40

Regular Sessions:

30 Minute Session

15 edited photos

Copyright Release

$75

45 Minute Session

20 edited photos

Copyright Release

$100

1 Hour Session

30 edited photos

Copyright Release

$125

Newborn Session

$100

Locations:

Newborn Session Location–At your house (if lighting allows) or thecameragirl’s house.

30 Minute, 45 Minute, and 1 Hour Session Locations–Your choice within a 20 Mile Radius of Edmond or Lone Wolf, OK.

Seasonal Special Location–Chosen by thecameragirl.

Please consider your expectations when choosing the length of your session.

Final photos are chosen by thecameragirl.

Prices are subject to change. Restrictions may apply.

I ask that my photos not be retouched, edited, or cropped. Thank you.