I Guess its true what they say about Texas....

Everything is bigger and better! We are still enjoying the afterglow of our Christmas here in Texas. Jake's having a hard time trying to decide what toy to play with first---between his Mr. Potato Head and his Cars bathtime toys, he's in heaven! I'm going to be putting my "big" gift from my in-laws to use tomorrow. I am getting treated with a much needed mani/pedi/mini facial and best of all---eye brow wax!!! Greg and his dad got to see the last Texan's game of the season today and the fact that they won made it that much sweeter! We have been enjoying good times with family and friends, and I wouldn't trade these memories for anything. It's been good to see everyone again. Thankfully we still have a few more days here unlike Greg's dad who flies back to Russia tomorrow. Hopefully things will settle down for him at work and he can come back stateside again soon and stay longer than a week! Anyhow, we are doing very well in Texas but miss Virginia's chilly weather---something about 75 degree weather just doesn't scream December to me anymore hahah! Anyhow, we'll keep you updated and hope that everyone had a Merry Christmas!

CANS for comments!

I saw this idea on another photographer's blog and thought it was a wonderful idea. In order to do my part this year I am going to donate one canned good item to my local food bank for every comment that is left on my blog between December 20th and January 1st. There are so many hungry people throughout the nation, this is one way that I can give back something to help them. Please help me in raising awareness and provide some help by leaving a comment and bringing food to those that are in need this year!

Please take the time to send this out to family and friends as well. This work of heart is open to anyone world wide. Thanks again everyone and have a wonderful holiday!

The following is a list of items provided by the Food Bank of the Virginia Peninsula:

Most Wanted
·
Peanut Butter

· Chunky Soups

· Canned Meats

· Canned Tuna

· Canned Vegetables

· Juice

· Cereal

· Macaroni and Cheese

· Pasta

· Pasta Sauces


Emergency Needs
·
Water

· Canned Juice

· Snack Foods

· Boxed Powdered Milk

· Canned Vegetables

· Canned Fruits

· Canned Meats

· Canned Soups

· peanut butter, jelly

· Cereal

Senior Citizens
·
Pudding cups

Fruit Cups or Jell-O cups
·
Crackers

· Sugar free snacks

· Small packets of dried milk

· Small cans of vegetables

· Peanut butter and jelly

· Canned soups

· High fiber cereal

· Canned tuna and chicken

· Dried fruit

Playing with my new baby!

No, I didn't have another child, although on camera this thing feels as heavy as one! I finally treated myself and upgraded to the 70-200 f/4 L lens that my heart has been yearning for for quite some time. I have to tell you, this lens is a dream! It is fast and tack sharp. I had the opportunity to put it to good use recently while checking out a few new locations for spring portraits. The Williamsons were so much fun to work with. Anna's three children have very different looks from skater/grunge, to classic and preppy. I wish I could pull them out every weekend and dress them up to shoot. As it was, I got to play two different days and two different locations! As I said though, this lens has bokeh like butter and is sharp sharp sharp! LOVE IT!

Have yourself a merry little Christmas

Before we head to Houston to celebrate a warm Christmas with family, I wanted to take the time to wish you all a happy holiday season. The transition to Newport News has been a long tedious journey, however, it has been met with wonderful experiences along the way.

Along with getting Erin Colleen Photography settled and going again, I have renewed my love of teaching. I am working at a wonderful school with amazing colleagues. My husband is working for a wonderful command, that is working to help him excel and progress with his career. My son is growing faster than I can capture with a camera and learning so much everyday.

I couldn't have asked for a better place to be in my life right now unless it included me about 50 lbs lighter and having just won the lottery hahaha! Either way, enjoy your family and friends. Be thankful for the things you have in your life, and have yourself a merry little Christmas!

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star....

Well, not quite a star, but a GORGEOUS and bright moon! From what I understand this was supposed to be the brightest moon we've seen in about 40 years.... Im so glad I had the opportunity to go out and capture it. I have to say though, it took a lot of patience on my part dealing with the tripod!

My son calls it his moon. Every time we go outside at night he searches for it. He asks me, "Mommy, where's my moon?" When he sees it, he yells out "There! There, mommy! There's my moon!" Its amazing to see the excitement in his eyes each and every time he sees it. Almost as if he's being given a gift every evening. He never tires of reaching for it, trying to grab it from space. When I opened this shot up on my comptuer his eyes got so big and round. He pointed just as excitedly because "his moon" was on my computer. I think this will be one I print large for his room.... that way he doesn't have to wait until night time to see his moon. He can go into his room and see it whenever he wants.

It's a long way to Richmond....rollin' up on -95!

Okay so it's not really that far--about an hours drive or so, but it was SO totally worth it! I had the opportunity to get together with several photographers around the state and work with some gorgeous little models in training!

I want to first and foremost say a BIG HUGE GIGANTIC THANK YOU to everyone that came out! Erin, Dorie, Keri, Tana, Mimi, and the little ones Nicholas, Ryann, Matthew, and Sydney. Also Zach and James (I think) were some of the most patient men in the world for helping out. You all helped make my day perfect for coming out and sharing your expertise and advice.

It felt great to get out and shoot again despite the chilly weather. We were so lucky that the rain held off and I'm thankful the wind finally died down as we were getting started. I can't tell you again how quickly my heart sank when I realized we would be walking the stretch of road from our vehicles ----and how chilly my tootsies were in my flip flops!

Up and down only a couple of blocks of Cary Street and I had more than enough opportunities for shots. Gorgeous textured walls of buildings, unique and eclectic shops and storefronts to serve as great backdrops for the models. It was an amazing location, and I hope to find one similar a bit closer to home--we'll see.

I know some of you have been waiting to see some of these shots so here they are! Enjoy!!

~erin

Fall colors and an adorable Josie girl!!!

I am so excited for it to actually be a different season! Now that I am back on the mainland, I am happy to say I get to experience FALL! Finally, I get to see yummy vibrant colors on the trees as their leaves change colors before finally falling to the Earth.

All of these gorgeous changes make for the perfect background! To help me learn about some of the different niches around here, Emily let me shoot her daughter Josie last weekend. We had a great time and let me tell you, Josie is just about the cutest thing---especially when she starts shakin her booty! Here's a sneak peak from her session! Enjoy :) (p.s. you'll have to wait for those vibrant colors for just a bit longer!!!)

A Day at the Virginia Living Museum

We finally took a break from unpacking! Instead of spending our Sunday knee deep in boxes we decided to take a break and head to the Living Museum. Our new neighbors Clyde and Janet BOTH work there and had been telling us about how great it is. Knowing how much Jake loves animals, and how much we needed some time off, we couldn't think of a better place to visit---and we weren't disappointed.

Upon entering the museum parking lot, its a bit deceiving. It looks rather small from the outside but once you get indoors you realize its 2 floors AND the entire conservatory out back. They have their own animal habitats AND swamp area full of turtles, alligator gar and other great animals. We were able to see wild turkeys, deer, a bobcat, several egrets, and beavers. We were a bit nervous thinking the animals might not be visible due to the heat, but they were out and easily found.

It was a great way to spend a few hours exploring and learning about native animals and plant life to this area! Im sure we'll be heading back again soon!

Hey Houstonites.....looking for FREE Wedding Photography?

Well my buddy Nick Haskins is moving to your area and looking to give away his photography services to one lucky couple!!! Make sure to visit his blog to find out more information!

http://www.haskinsphotography.com/index.php?link=86&cat=3

Nick creates beautiful portraits and will take care of all the details concerning photographing your wedding day.

Its super easy to enter the Wedding Photography giveaway he's offering. Simply click to add a comment and tell him why you feel you should win.... Easy Peasy!!!

GOOD LUCK and enjoy having another great professional in Houston!!

So I have been trying to get out of the house more and more thats not "work" related. I have been remembering to bring my camera most of the time and have been focusing on the elements of photography that arent necessarily people related. There are so many fantastic things to see all around us that are oftentimes overlooked. It makes me want to say "Humiada" from the Discovery channel about how awesome the world is! Some of these are old, and some are new, but all of them make me realize just how much I take for granted day in and day out......

Getting Started.....

As you can see this blog has been a bit slow going to get started. I need to stay focused and keep everyone updated as to all of the new changes happening with ECP. You all are the blood that keeps my business alive, and this blog is one way for me to reach you. Things are slowly starting to come together--new business cards are on their way, ECP is working to become more "green" with paperless welcome packets, and prices are undergoing construction.



Along the way there have been some very special people to keep me motivated and in check--most of whom are other photographers and friends. I have to make sure to give great thanks to all of the ladies on the EB Forums (Renee, Emily, Tiffany, Adrianne, Tiarra, Tory, Nicole, and Jenna)--you ladies have been such a wealth of knowledge and support for me--THANK YOU!



Also, I have found some fabulous resources to help clients understand the idea of custom photography a bit better. So many times I hear questions concerning why custom photography is better than going to chain type stores, or why prices are significantly more than chain locations. I think I have finally found a site that can explain all of the most common concerns and questions in one fell swoop. Please visit the following blog: The Professional Child Photographer

I honestly feel this is one of the best sites I have seen in a long time!



I can't wait to keep updating information here and share some sneak peeks of upcoming sessions with everyone! Make sure to subscribe and bookmark this page for future use----so lets get started!

~E