B4 Photography

Fanpage?!?!

2011-10-06T01:22:00.000-05:00

So....apparently, my fanpage disappeared from Facebook yesterday...no idea as to why..have been trying to get help to get it back up...in the meantime...

If you are scheduled for Angel minis on Oct 6th and 7th-here is your location

3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76107
Park in the Japanese gardens and call me at 469-955-4922
**REMEMBER to bring a shirt if borrowing pettiskirts and not wanting your daughter to be topless!***

FALL MINIS 2011 --- UPDATE

2011-08-22T15:31:00.000-05:00

**Everyone who PURCHASED a spot***--Please be patient-the mini package ppl have until Wed night to give me their picks and then I will begin calling those who purchased a spot in the order of purchase on Thursday...This might be a week long process-but if you bought a spot, you WILL hear from me soon! everyone-just please get back to me ASAP!!

FYI-There are only 2 spots left for Summer Angels and 6 left for the Sept 18th White Hot--EVERYTHING ELSE IS SOLD OUT!!!! I *might* add a handful of spots here and there to certain minis and will announce that if it happens! Thanks to all who are participating in the 2011 Fall Minis!!

Don't know if it will help SELL OUT those last 6 spots for the Sept 18th White Hot minis, but here's a small sample of what we captured in there this past month!(click to view larger!)

MOST of the FALL Minis 2011

2011-08-11T22:39:00.001-05:00

Sorry-But still waiting to hear on a place for the Christmas mini--
will announce that SOON!!!

**Please see how to purchase below--1/2 deposit due on ALL minis-balance due day of mini**

Sept 18th-White Hot Mini-Dallas-$225-anything you want/need-
no theme-15-20 pics on CD-30 min session *sessions all day (10 spots avail !!)

Sept 19, 20, 21-Apple Orchard Mini- Grapevine-kids only-$100-5-7 pics-15 min session OR ADD FAMILY--$150-20 min session-7-10 pics on cd *sessions start at 5pm (limited spots available!)

Sept 23/24-Pumpkins!! Dallas Arboretum-$80-15 min-5-7-pics *sessions all day (17 spots avail !!)

Sept 25th-Urban Mini-Deep Ellum-$150-kids only 15-20 min session-7-10 pics OR ADD FAMILY-$200--15-20 pics-30 min sessions *sessions all day (limited spots available!)

Oct 6/7-Summer Angels mini-Ft Worth-$125 for 5 angel pics-20 min session *sessions all day til 6:30pm(limited spots available!)

Oct 16th-Cotton Mill Minis-McKinney-$150-kids only 15-20 min session-7-10 pics OR ADD FAMILY-$200--15-20 pics-30 min sessions *sessions all day (limited spots available!)

**more minis will be announced soon-the location owners just haven't told me anything for sure yet, so I can't post it yet**

**Please see how to purchase below--1/2 deposit due on ALL minis-balance due day of mini**

Sept 18th White Hot Mini-$112.50 (deposit)-

Sept 19, 20, 21-Apple Orchard Mini-KIDS ONLY-$50 (deposit)

Sept 19, 20, 21-Apple Orchard Mini-FAMILY-$75 (deposit)-

Sept 23/24-Pumpkins-$40-(deposit)

Sept 25th-Urban Mini-$75-(deposit)KIDS ONLY-

Sept 25th-Urban Mini-FAMILY-$100(deposit)-

Oct 6/7-Summer Angels mini-$62.50 (deposit)-

Oct 16th-Cotton Mill Minis Kids Only-$75 (deposit)-

Oct 16th-Cotton Mill Minis-Family-$100 (deposit)-

WET, WILD, & FUN MINI!

2011-08-03T19:17:00.001-05:00

I know we are ALL dying from this heat! I have joked several times but now I'm serious--we are having the next mini at a WATER PARK! The shots will be of your kids having FUN while staying COOL-think more action, less posing. It is the ONLY thing I can think of that is safe for you all and myself! I'm not into cooking babies ;-)

**ANY ONE WHO PURCHASED A MINI SESSION PACKAGE FOR 2012-JUST LET ME KNOW IF YOU WANT IN ON THESE-THE REGULAR SCHEDULED MINIS WILL BE ANNOUNCED NEXT WEEK AND I WILL BE IN TOUCH WITH EACH OF YOU TO SEE WHICH ONES YOU WANT IN ON!**

SO-on to the DETAILS-

Location> Colleyville

Time> Starting at 8am-9am & 6PM-8PM (evening sessions are softer light and are *usually* cooler)

Wardrobe> Swimwear/water wear

Cost> $100 for 15 min session and 5-7 pics on CD with print release form, $50 Deposit required! Remainder is due day of the session.

Days> Aug 16th/22nd/27th

How to purchase-please use Paypal button below to make your $50 deposit (credit/debit cards AND checking accts can be used). Please leave your number in the message to seller part OR please call me with your number @ 469-955-4922 OR please email me at info@b4photography.com with your number. I'll be calling you to pick your day and time!

Sunflower Minis!

2011-07-18T21:35:00.000-05:00

**It's not too late to get your Summer Sunflower Mini pics done!
These are done by appt ONLY-no set days-
call 469-955-4922 to book-
$125 for 15 min 7-10 pics
on a CD with a print release!**

WHITE HOT MINI!!! Summer Special!

2011-05-19T09:50:00.000-05:00

Next Mini Session!! This is a FABULOUS mini! IN AIR CONDITIONING!! YAY!! I know it is hard to believe with these mild May temps we are having, but it gets HOT in Texas in the Summer--you WILL appreciate this location!

July 9th & 10th, 9:30-7:00 AND August 13th & 14th, in Dallas, at the studio in the photo, anything you want--no theme for this one (great for early Christmas pics)! For ONLY $225!!

This is a prepay mini-you must purchase using the Buy Now Button below the photo. ***IF you would prefer to pay with check, I will accept those but they must be sent IMMEDIATELY and you need to call me at 469-955-4922 to let me know you have mailed one-after I have received your check, I will contact you to pick your time**
Paypal is a safe and easy way to pay for online purchases and is my preference.

Introducing a NEW session!

2011-05-05T20:58:00.003-05:00

Some more info--these are kinda like mini sessions--only better! You get more of my time and a more customized photo shoot. Think about capturing photos of your child doing what they love to do, being themselves or dressing up, having fun...The possibilities are endless...we can shoot at a fire station...a school...a sports park...***AND KEEP IN MIND Y'ALL--WE CAN SHOOT ALL THE WAY UP TIL AND A LITTLE AFTER 8PM...***

And THIS is how you sell it to your toddler/child...tell him/her that you are going to take them to do something super fun...just for them...full of good times and maybe some goodies to eat! Then...CASUALLY mention that Miss Brandi is coming to take pictures while they PLAY...we will get our shots...they will get their play on... all is happy and serene ;-) Y'all ALWAYS ask me how I get my shots of Avery Grace--this is the formula!!

To get in on these limited-time sessions, please pre-pay for your session by hitting the "Buy Now" button (you may use credit, debit or checking acct with Paypal and it is a secure site). Please be sure to include your contact info in the message to seller portion. I will call you within 1-3 business days of purchase and we will begin the process of coming up with a fun, different and UNIQUE photo session for your child-**not for use for newborn sessions and no family shots-but that WILL be offered later**

See below for a few more examples of the cool things we can do!

BOYS ONLY MINI SESSION!!!!

2011-05-04T09:26:00.001-05:00

The No Girls Allowed Mini DETAILS:
Place--Fort Worth
When--June 12th 9:00am-7:00pm
How Long--15 min sessions
What you get--7-10 full size, high resolution, edited images on a CD with a print release form
Cost-- $125
To Purchase--Please purchase below and be sure to include your phone number in the "message to seller" part-OR-you can email your number to info@b4photography.com

This mini is for babies who can sit unassisted and older. The boys will LOVE my location-fences to climb, old farm equipment, some cactus and a cool old blue truck!

Please purchase your spot below and I will call you to pick your time! Calls are made in order of purchase!

BOYS ONLY MINI SESSION!!!!

2011-05-03T16:37:00.000-05:00

TEA PARTY MINI SESSIONS!!

2011-04-11T20:00:00.000-05:00

Get ready for one of my FAVORITE mini sessions! As a Mom to 3 girls, I love all things pink, frilly, fun and lacy! These minis will satisfy BOTH!

The one on May 1st is The Wild Child Tea Party in Deep Ellum--This one is for the sassy girls...or the ones who don't like to follow the rules...The girls will not be doing "proper" tea party activities...they get to do fun things like stand on top of the table and rock out to a bejeweled guitar! I will have tons of accessories and petti skirts for your little one to use!

The one on May 28th is my Vintage Tea Party-shot in the Dallas area...This one is sweet and traditional with lots of lace and pearls. The girls will get to use a silver tea set, with real sugar cubes and real tea...think shabby chic! Again, I will have lots of accessories for use at the mini!

Both minis are 20 min each, with 10-15 digital images, edited on a CD with a print release form for $200. This mini is a PREPAY-please hit the "Buy Now" button and MAKE SURE to put your PHONE NUMBER in the message box so I can CALL YOU to book your session. Calls are made to book in the order that they are purchased in.

***Children NEED to be able to sit UNASSISTED to participate in this mini***

WILD CHILD

VINTAGE

**Sorry y'all--Didn't get the promo shots for the vintage tea party done yet--working on them on Wed.**

IMPORTANT INFO:

2011-04-08T16:34:00.003-05:00

PLEASE READ: I DESPERATELY need the remaining ppl waiting to get their bluebonnet times to make sure you get me your phone #---if we have had a session, I have your number. Also-PLEASE CALL ME BACK ASAP-I have to go in order, therefore, your response is needed before I move to the next person...

Also-The Bunny mini ppl-your location is up on the discussions tab of the fanpage found here. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU ARRIVE ON TIME!!!
I AM watching the weather-can't call it til the day of the sessions-will call everyone if we have to cancel!!

FYI-I DO NOT HAVE TEXT MESSAGING...If you need to reach me for anything, please call me. An alternative to that would be messaging me on FB or via email @ info@b4photography.com

MINI SESSIONS!!!

2011-04-05T13:32:00.000-05:00

Bluebonnet minis are SOLD OUT...The Tea Party mini will be announced next week-two choices and two locations this year-something VERY fun and COOL and I haven't seen any other photog do it! No Girls Allowed (Boys only mini) announcement coming soon as well!

BLUEBONNETS MINIS!!!

2011-04-05T10:19:00.002-05:00

Dates are April 16th and 17th
Location in DFW area-TBD
Shooting from 4-7:15pm
$100/10-15 min/5-7 pics on CD

Please prepay for your session by hitting the "BUY NOW" button below...I will call in order of purchase to book your time -Please include your phone number with your payment!

Just FYI

2011-04-03T19:44:00.002-05:00

Just FYI-I do NOT have texting, y'all. If you need to reach me to book a session, change a session, cancel a session or ask me a time sensitive question -you gotta call me-sorry! I refuse to conduct business any other way! I prefer for my business to be a personal experience. Besides, we have to talk anyway or else I wouldn't be able to suggest the right location or get to know y'all before we meet!! Trust me-that pre-session phone consultation makes a difference!! So, call me at 469-955-4922 to reach me! Thanks!

Spots left for Babies and Bunnies mini

2011-03-23T08:55:00.001-05:00

I have a handful of spots left for Saturday, Mar 26th and a handful left for April 10th...please call 469-955-4922 if you are interested in the Live Babies and Bunnies Mini sessions.. 10-15 min, 7-10 pics edited on a CD for $125!!

Babies And Bunnies mini sessions

2011-03-19T07:00:00.000-05:00

‎{Bunnies and Babies mini session} dates are March 26 & 27, April 1 & 10--
I will open for booking these on Tues March 22 @ 9am--Cost will be $125 for 15 min with 7-10 pics on a cd with a print release form
Come play with my LIVE bunnies!!

**Message for Mini pkg holders has gone out--please let me know ASAP if you did not get it**

Calendar is now open!!

2011-03-14T07:54:00.003-05:00

To book a session with B4 Photography, please CALL 469-955-4922-sessions are not booked via email or fb message and I don't have texting! Books are open to everyone now and yes, I am taking new clients! ;-)

I will away from phone tues-thurs-out of town for Spring Break! Calls will be returned in the order received! Hope everyone has a great spring break!

MINI SESSIONS!!!

2011-03-09T20:41:00.000-06:00

**IF YOU BOUGHT A 2011 MINI SESSION PKG -OR- HAVE 1 LEFT FROM YOUR 2010 MINI PKG, THEN I JUST SENT YOU A MESSAGE VIA FB...IF YOU DIDN'T GET IT, THEN PLEASE PM ON FB OR CALL ME @ 469-955-4922!!** (that means minis are coming very soon!!! Bunnies and babies will be first!)

BOOKING FOR 2011

2011-03-04T23:07:00.003-06:00

Hi all!

In case you aren't on Facebook, I have lost/misplaced my phone (or it was jacked by my 4 yr old). I will be getting a new phone on Mon 3/7 & will be opening the books to baby planners & those with gift certificates.

Opening the books to everyone else on Mon 3/14--booking through May!!!

Please remember to call me to book-that is the only way I will book a session-I like to talk to y'all so we can discuss details and really custom your session to meet your needs/wants! I can be reached at 469-955-4922.

I am sooo looking forward to a great 2011 & am ready to start shooting!

Gift Certificates for 2011

2011-02-22T20:31:00.000-06:00

gone.

2011-02-15T13:13:00.002-06:00

**photo by Melissa Zihlman Photography**
PALEY MAE HAYES WATSON
{JUNE 29, 1945 - FEBRUARY 13, 2011}

I love her more than I can put into words...I am shattered by her loss...thank you to all who have prayed and left words of love...I see them...I just can't respond to them all...I'm trying to get together as fast as possible...I'm just struggling so far...have to go to the funeral home today--seems like a dream...a bad, bad dream.........I just wanna wake up soon.

2011-02-13T11:07:00.000-06:00

Good morning, at 4:54 am by the request of God, Brandi's mom has been sent to heaven. We appreciate all the love and support that our friends, family and clients have shown throughout this process. Dont know what else to say at this point as we are all heartbroken. Thanks and lots of love, C4 (Chris Fornof)

The End.

2011-02-10T20:46:00.002-06:00

**PHOTO BY MELISSA ZIHLMAN PHOTOGRAPHY**
Hospice has been in and confirmed...1-2 days left....leaning more towards 1----I will be off of here for a few days....

PLEASE READ

2011-02-09T19:51:00.002-06:00

When I come back to shooting in March, the new 2011 pricing will come with me--I didn't raise prices at all last year, so this is a little overdue...

From today until March 1st, I am offering gift certificates at 2010 prices. These are good for one year. **BONUS** Those who purchase a gift certificate will get to book before it is open to the public-when I open up Spring calendar and Fall calendar, those with gift certificates and baby plans are invited to book first--and those spots go FAST!

Short and Sweet session -$225 +tax = $243.56
Full session -$375 + tax = $405.94 (for details on the diff b/w the sessions, please visit the Discussions tab above and look under "Current Pricing")

I am also offering the First Year and Maternity/Newborn/Family packages at 2010 pricing until March 1...a GREAT way to document your child's first year!

If anyone is interested in a gift certificate and the opportunity to GUARANTEE you get in with me in 2011, please message me (search Brandi Searcy Fornof)....

*************************************************************************************

ON A SIDE NOTE, I KNOW I HAVE BEEN ON THE FACEBOOK FANPAGE QUITE A BIT LATELY BUT MY MOM IS GOING DOWNHILL FAST...I REALLY THINK WE ARE IN THE LAST WEEK...I MAY POST A LITTLE HERE AND THERE ON MY PAGE TO COMMUNICATE WITH FRIENDS WHO NEED TO HEAR FROM ME-I CAN'T EXACTLY TALK CANDIDLY IN HER ROOM IN FRONT OF HER...BUT I MOST LIKELY WILL NOT BE ATTEMPTING TO DEAL WITH B4 PHOTOGRAPHY STUFF RIGHT AT THIS MINUTE...YOU MAY CONTINUE TO MESSAGE ME ON FACEBOOK (BRANDI SEARCY FORNOF) AND REQUESTING GIFT CERTIFICATES--OR--YOU CAN REACH ME VIA EMAIL AT info@b4photography.com-I WILL INVOICE YOU OR GET AN ASSISTANT TO DO SO... THANKS Y'ALL FOR HELPING TO MAKE THE LAST FEW DAYS LIGHT AND FUN--I'VE ENJOYED INTERACTING WITH EVERYONE SO MUCH! BEEN SITTING IN A RM WITH SOMEONE WHO SAYS 5 WORDS TO ME A DAY BECAUSE SHE DOESN'T HAVE THE STRENGTH TO DO MORE. HEART BREAKING.

ANYWAY--THANKS TO ALL...MIGHT BE GONE A FEW DAYS-IN MY ABSENCE-NOELLE OF glamRbaby FAME WILL BE RESPONDING ON FB WHEN SHE CAN...IT WILL SHOW UP AS "B4 PHOTOGRAPHY"-BUT IT IS JUST HER AS AN ADMIN ON MY PAGE...

GOD BLESS...B4

LAST UPDATE FOR A FEW DAYS...

2011-01-25T19:09:00.002-06:00

*PHOTO BY-MELISSA ZIHLMAN PHOTOGRAPHY*
Mom is home-we are done with chemo-not gonna do this round-hospice has been called in so that we can hopefully make the ending of this journey exactly what we want it to be...

Everyday, I find myself saying, "THIS is the hardest day so far"....but then the next day comes and I discover THAT day is the hardest....it will get worse before it gets better...
Taking her in for 3 bags of fluids (she is SO dehydrated) yesterday...telling the dr that we give up-she can't handle anymore...seeing the nurses say their goodbyes to her...the other ppl who have been in our "chemo club" (those who we saw on a regular basis) cried...that was hard.
Checking her into hospice today...talking with her about what we can expect her last days to be like...seeing her finally accept the inevitable... that was hard.

Only God knows how long we have now...no checklist hospice gives me will slow that down...it is between her and God now. In the meantime, I sleep right beside her, hold her hand a lot, tell her I love her at least 10 times a day, and let her know that I will miss her every single day. And I will.

I thank God for the time He gave us. With as tumultuous a relationship she and I had, it was quite possible that we could go a lifetime not talking or working out our differences. We had 9 months of time that we weren't supposed to have. We laughed and cried. We did it on our own-no one would help me and my husband. We talked and talked. We made new memories. We resolved old issues. We found a peace that had never been there before. My relationship with my husband, aunt and brother grew exponentially. I have grown as a spouse, a daughter, a mother and a person for having done this deed with her--it has proven to be the most draining and rewarding thing I have ever done in my life and I will be forever changed by this last year's events. For all of this, I am grateful.

For my clients:
As of tomorrow-every CD that I owe (according to my records-WITH THE EXCEPTION OF D.UTLEY AND K.REED-y'all's are coming closer to the end of the weekend) will be sent out-so if you haven't gotten it yet, it IS coming. If I have already told you that I would send your Cd and it has been at least 7 business days, and you still don't have it, then it is most likely lost--in that case, please message me on here asap...I will get it out to you again. I'm not going to be conducting any business after tomorrow...my mom only has days left and I cannot spend valuable time on anything but her-I hope that ppl understand and I am very sorry if you don't.

My gameplan is to come back to shooting the first or second week of March...the first mini of the year will be Bunnies and Babies. When I first come back, I will open first only to ppl with gift certificates, baby planners, newborns, and those who were rescheduled from January. After those ppl are scheduled, I will open to everyone. I am terribly sorry if I let down anyone during this last year--it was never my intent. It was extremely hard to run this business with my mom fighting cancer. I have done my best--that is all I can ever do.

During the time that I am gone, I know that I always say call me call me call me if anyone needs me....this is the ONE time I will say-Please do NOT call me until you see me post up that I am prepared to work again. Please give me my space and time to pull myself together. Any and all requests for changes on pics or issues with CDs should be directed here to FB or to the email info@b4photography.com. I will be checking both off an on during my away time and will try to answer or respond as I can. Please be patient with me.

Thank you to everyone who has followed this...and those who prayed for us, had patience with me on the business side, brought us food, stopped by to check on me, or listened to me complain and cry. You all helped make things a little bit better or easier and this family will be forever in debt to you.

Hopefully, it will be several days before I post another update. The next one will come when she has passed...God Bless, B4

UPDATES-

2011-01-19T10:53:00.005-06:00

First of all-***PLEASE READ THIS POST FIRST IF YOU ARE NOT AWARE OF THE FAMILY EMERGENCY THAT WE ARE DEALING WITH***I have fallen behind-I know that I have been good so far throughout this whole thing about getting CDs out in the normal time frame but with the happenings of the last month, I did fall behind-we are almost 100% caught up and will be completely caught up within the next week. Between my assistant getting sick, me getting the flu, my mom slipping into a scary confused state and the wreck I had this year, I am shocked that we aren't further behind than we are. The wait time fell to around 8 weeks and I know that is horrible, but that is where it is. Since I haven't shot anything in a long time, as soon as this next batch of cds are done, the wait time will def go back to normal and should even be less of a wait until Spring busy season starts in March.

I cannot stress this enough--if you need to reach me, please call me...It does take me a few days to get through the vms and call ppl back but I need everyone contacting me in one way-not via phone, emails, messages on FB--I just cannot keep up with them all at this time so PLEASE call me if you need to reach me! Please take note-my phone hit the dashboard in the wreck and it is a little funky acting--I will try to get to Apple to have them look at it asap-just make certain that you do leave a VM and feel free to message me on Facebook if you did call and haven't heard from me within 4-5 days. I assure you all that I am not avoiding anyone and I will be returning phone calls from this past couple weeks when I posted that I was not going to be answering the phone.

My last update about mom was that she didn't remember me--She had a poor reaction to the last chemo and she slipped into a confused state for about 10 days that is somewhat funny to talk about now but at the time was the most heartbreaking part of this cancer journey. Having my mom tell me that I was not her real daughter killed me. She is back to herself now, thank God, and is home since last Thursday. She is currently enjoying a loooong overdue visit from a sister from Indiana-so we are trying to just enjoy the visit right now.

Within the first couple weeks of the new year, I got into a wreck (yes, second one in 3 weeks) and totaled my swagger wagon (mom van) and broke 2 fingers and sprained my wrist on my left hand-this makes editing and just functioning a bit difficult. I am feeling better now and have been able to start doing my normal stuff.

As far as booking-My mom's very last (according to her dr) round of chemo is this upcoming Monday, the 24th. Personally, I think it is too much for her and do not want her to do chemo anymore but she insists that she wants to beat this cancer and is determined to carry on with treatment. I truly cannot book anything until I see how she does with this round. We know that she is getting close to the end and the dr says it could be anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months for her to pass. I hope for my mom's sake that it is sooner rather than later-simply because I do not want her to suffer any longer. She will most likely more or less starve to death due to the inability to eat.
So-I don't know exactly when I am booking again. I know that she should be gone by spring time. I do not plan on taking much time off when she does pass-I think throwing myself into my work will be better for me. The sessions that I AM booking right now are for baby planners-those who chose the First Year package or the Maternity/Newborn package.

I do apologize to the clients who have tried to reach me but especially to my friends who have called and have not heard from me in the last couple of weeks. I know that ppl are just trying to be there for me and offer support and it is not that I don't want it, it's just that I have been so profoundly SAD that I couldn't talk to anyone. I needed time to process the latest information and then get strong so I could deal with it.

It is a struggle to run a business during something like this. I just hope everyone understands and knows that I do not intentionally do anything to make anyone mad at me. I am just trying to deal with what has been put in front of me the best I can. I appreciate the patience everyone has given me (especially those who are waiting right now). The place that I need to be the most right now is with my family-soaking up every minute I can and I hope that everyone understands that.

As always, prayers are deeply appreciated!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

2010-12-24T18:37:00.001-06:00

Merry Christmas to my friends, photog girlies, family far away in Ga, all my clients, fb stalkers...despite the flu and cancer in the house, we are determined to make it a holiday to cherish-I hope you all do the same-many blessings! ♥, Miss B4

IMPORTANT INFO--MUST READ!!!

2010-08-05T18:15:00.003-05:00

I just needed to hop on and post about personal matters and what that means for B4 Photography.

For those who don't know, my Mom was diagnosed with advanced uterine cancer in late May of this year. A surgery followed on June 18th and revealed that she was facing a much bigger mountain than just cancer of the uterus. It had spread significantly. We have been hoping for good news but we just may not get that.
She is living with me in my home and I am her caretaker-doing everything from dressing her, bathing her, to basically being her home nurse, administering shots and meds and caring for an ostomy bag.

This is a new territory for me and my family and it is a very sad journey that we are on. Prognosis is not great, but my mom is a fighter and she starts chemo on Monday. We are praying for a miracle and hoping for good news.

So-what does this mean for B4 Photography?

1- I will not be accepting any new clients whatsoever. I appreciate that my clients love their photos and spread the word about me but, given the circumstances, I cannot accept any new referrals.

2- I fully intend to keep every appt that is on my books at this time, and I will be contacting everyone that is scheduled, because I need to make sure that everyone knows what is going on and that, should a life or death situation arise, I will be canceling or leaving a session to get to my family.

3- Aside from what is already booked, I will be unable to schedule anything East of Irving...so, nothing in Dallas, Frisco, Plano, Richardson, etc.
My home is in the Ft Worth area, and my mom's hospital is in Grapevine. My worry is that I will be in Dallas, she will need me, and I'll get stuck in traffic and can't get to her in time.

4- It is taking me longer to answer emails, Facebook messages, etc. I have repeatedly requested that people not email or message me important info or time sensitive requests--so, as of now, I am shutting my email down totally. so-if you want a response, please don't email me. Calling me has ALWAYS been the best way to reach me and is even more so now. 469-955-4922

5- As far as future mini sessions, I will try to do a pumpkin patch mini this year.
This situation with my mom's health is a day to day thing. I cannot predict what will happen in a month, a week, a day at this point. So, I will TRY to do a pumpkin patch, but it might be short notice or it may not happen at all.

6- Holiday photo rush normally starts in August for me. I will only book sessions on Saturdays from here on out. No Sundays will be scheduled at this time. I will also only be working with existing clients. If you are a previous client and are having a new baby, please know that I want to be there for you to document your new arrival. I simply cannot guarantee anything at this point.
As large as my client base is, I know it is going to be physically impossible to do a session for everyone. I am going to do the best that I can and that is all that I can do.

I will be booking only 2-3 weeks at a time-no further in my calendar than that. I am not a fan of scheduling sessions only to have to cancel them. At this point, only 5 sessions have been affected by this-2 the day of her surgery, 2 at various points in the last 6 weeks because I had to take her to a last minute appt and one last weekend because she had to be rushed to the hospital. So, just know that I will not cancel anything unless I absolutely HAVE TO...you will not be canceled because I don't feel like doing a session or because I am tired...it will only be canceled for a serious reason that is beyond my control...

So, at this time, I am only booking the last 2 weeks of August.

7- The wait time for cds has not increased due to this family emergency...cds are still at a 6 week wait time. The wait time will not increase, as my assistant editor has REALLY stepped up to the plate and is working hard to keep me on time. Once she edits your photos, they are sent back to me for final touches, adjustments, enhancing and mailing. She is doing a killer job for me and I love her to death normally but I love her a little bit more right now.

Please understand that this family emergency has changed EVERYTHING in my life. I want to be there for each and every one of my clients, but, right now, my attention and focus really needs to be with my family. I need to help my mom through her battle, be there for my girls to try to attempt to help them understand what is happening, and to try to enjoy what time is left-making memories that will have to last a lifetime. If I had my way, it would be business as usual and I would be on here posting that I am booked for the year...God just has another plan for me and my family right now.

Lots of people ask what they can do to help...all that I request is understanding, patience and prayers. Thank you already to my many clients who have reached out to me in an effort to lift me up, offer words of encouragement, offers of dinner or babysitting. Even if you don't each hear from me (there are a LOT of nice people contacting me), please know that I appreciate each and every one of you. Your outpouring of love and thoughtfulness is overwhelming and just makes me feel so blessed and so happy to have you all in my life. Thank you--from the bottom of my heart.

PS...I know that some of you guys are going to have to use another photographer if I can't do a session for you. Please know that I understand that--I want your memories to be preserved whether it is by me or another wonderful photographer. Given the situation I find myself in right now, making moments last forever is all the more dear to me. I may go away for a bit when it comes to the end of my mom's journey here on earth, but I WILL be back. I am a photographer...it is what I do and, really, only other photographers truly understand what I mean by that. I can never stop taking photos...it is who I am now and it is engraved in my soul. I know you may have to use another photographer for a bit, but I REALLY hope and pray that, when I come back, a good portion of you guys will be there for me to photograph. I didn't want to build just a business--I wanted to build a family, a relationship...and I want to be there to capture every moment I can for you all...so, don't forget about me, OK? ;-)

URBAN ROCK MINI SESSION

2010-07-14T17:50:00.003-05:00

To get booked for this mini, I am requiring prepayment at the time of purchase... click on the paypal button below to purchase this mini session, pay your fee, and include your email addy and phone number in the comments portion of your payment. Once I receive your payment, I will call in the order of purchase and we will secure your spot and time on that phone call.

SUMMER ANGELS MINI

2010-07-13T22:52:00.002-05:00

NO GIRLS ALLOWED MINI

2010-07-09T16:20:00.002-05:00

To get booked for this mini, I am requiring prepayment at the time of purchase...click on the paypal button below to purchase this mini session, pay your fee, and include your email addy and phone number in the comments portion of your payment. Once I receive your payment, I will call in the order of purchase and we will secure your spot and time on that phone call.

WHITE HOT SUMMER SPECIAL!!

2010-07-09T14:40:00.002-05:00

Next Mini Session!! This is a FABULOUS mini! IN AIR CONDITIONING!! YAY!! July 24 & 25, 10:30-6:30, in Dallas, at the studio in the photo, anything you want--no theme for this one (great for early Christmas pics!), everyone is entered into a drawing for a FREE 16X20 canvas!! For ONLY $200!! call 469-955-4922 to book Do NOT delay--this one WILL sell out!

BLUEBONNETS!

2010-04-06T10:36:00.003-05:00

Bluebonnets mini is for April 18th 8:30-11:30/2-7pm, April 16th 5-7pm, April 20th 5-7pm, April 21st 5-7pm 10-15 min session, 7-10 pics edited on CD with print release form...call 469-955-4922

Gift Certificates...

2010-04-02T14:16:00.001-05:00

Mother's Day is coming up soon!! Photos by B4 Photography makes a FANTASTIC gift!! Get your gift certificate TODAY!

Call 469-955-4922

Available in Short and Sweet ($243.56 tax inclu.)
OR

Full Sessions ($405.94 tax inclu.)
Don't hesitate to call--there are ONLY 10 GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE!! Can be used anytime in the next year...LOCK IN 2009 pricing now for your next session!! >>>>This price will never be offered again!!!

New CONTEST!!! FREE session!!!

2010-02-01T12:03:00.003-06:00

The next contest is for those who have never had a session with me--this is for a free Short and Sweet session (45 minutes with 15-20 photos edited on a CD with a print release form) AND a 11X14 gallery wrapped canvas of your favorite shot from that session! This is a value of almost $500!!! This will be awarded to someone next Sunday (Feb 2, 2010)!

All you have to do is comment on the discussion board on the B4 Photography Facebook Fanpage! I wanna know how long it has been since your family/child has had photos done, why you want ME to be your next photographer, and what your favorite part about being a Mommy/Daddy is. There will be no voting on this one--I will choose one family to receive the BIG prize and since I am such a softy, there's a pretty good chance that there will be runner up prizes as well!

Click here to go straight to the Discussions Board!

NEWS (and a contest announcement-so...READ THIS!!)

2010-01-20T20:12:00.010-06:00

I'm back from my "break"--didn't take a real break this year...a break from shooting, maybe, but I've been trying to get my mom settled in, get adjusted to the new family dynamic and I've been editing the last sessions from Dec 09 all this Jan. ALMOST on the last one--happy, happy, joy, joy...SO--that means it is time to kick off 2010!

SOME IMPORTANT INFO--
**I am only booking January and February at this time.

**Weekends go first and fast, but I am shooting Tues, Wed, and Fri. as well.

**If you are a baby planner (First year or Maternity/newborn/family) and you have a session that needs to be shot between now and June, PLEASE call me ASAP so I can give you a great selection!!

**I am only booking about 15 sessions per month--PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CALL ME TO BOOK!!! I ALWAYS TRY TO MAKE ROOM FOR NEW BABIES--IF YOU ARE EXPECTING, AND YOU WANT ME TO BE YOUR NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER, PLEASE CALL ME IN ADVANCE (IF POSSIBLE) OR AS SOON AS YOU GET HOME FROM THE HOSPITAL!

**No boudoir mini sessions this year, but I WILL offer a special rate soon--because it does NOT have to be Valentine's Day for you to give your man sexy pics...surprise him "just because"--like, on a MONDAY--random Monday--hot pics of his girl will lift his spirits! PROMISE!!

**No Valentine Mini this year, either...BUT, the first mini of the year IS coming!!!
Which brings me to...

**March will be March Mini Madness this year! I will be shooting SEVERAL days of my "Bunnies and Babies" mini this year as well as a new mini--"Tiptoe Through the Tulips"! This mini will be a longer one, families are welcome, to be held at the Dallas Arboretum during Dallas Blooms--thousands of tulips everywhere! Gorgeous!
Details on these 2 minis in March will be announced very soon!!

**WHO WANTS A FREE 16X20 CANVAS?????? IF YOU ARE A FAN OF MY FACEBOOK FANPAGE, YOU PROBABLY ALREADY KNOW ABOUT THIS. IF YOU ARE NOT A FAN, THEN YOU NEED TO BE ONE!!!! I AM ANNOUNCING ALL MINIS, CONTESTS AND SPECIALS ON THERE FIRST IN 2010!!! BE THE FIRST TO KNOW WHAT COOL MINI OR CONTEST I AM RUNNING AND BE A PART OF SOME FACEBOOK EXCLUSIVE CONTESTS AS WELL!!! FIND THE FAN PAGE HERE

Don't wanna leave without posting a pic (I PINKY SWEAR PROMISE that I will be better about blogging this year but it may be awhile before I really get it going because I am building a NEW, IMPROVED BLOG!!) Here are a few of the cuties that I have seen in 2010 so far!

Could she BE ANY CUTER???!!!

Did his newborns pics last year and now he's turned into a little man!!

This Session...

...Quickly led me to this birth session....and will result in a newborn session next week!

Speaking of new babies....she was sooo good to me!

And this one was shot a couple months ago, but is a casting call session, so I have only edited a couple but I love this kid and I had to share my personal faves!!! Avery's future boyfriend! He is too cool!

So cute in color....

But check it out in B&W!!

More previews will be coming!

Winter Break...

2009-12-24T14:31:00.004-06:00

I am now officially on winter break until January 16th. I will be editing only during this time (last shoot of 2009 is this Sat.) and will be sending out CDs, so if you have one that is due, it WILL be coming ASAP! Thanks for everyone allowing me to just send files digitally this past month--Fed Ex was a nightmare every time I went and it made more sense to just finish one, send it digitally, and then start on another one rather than wasting precious time in line to mail them out! All hard copies of your sessions will be sent on Monday.

I will be moving my mother in during the first week of January and trying to get settled--so wish me luck with that!! This past 3 months has been a bit of a nightmare--email AND phone issues (have a new email -info@b4photography.com-, and Santa BETTER be bringing me a new phone), sick kids, sick myself, REALLY sick mom, being forced to accept the fact that my mom can no longer take care of herself and that responsibility now falls on my shoulders...a lot to take in. I have been praying for the ability to handle all that has been put on my plate.

A lot of changes in store for B4 Photography as well...I am currently only booking Jan and Feb...please email me at info@b4photography.com to schedule a session--all emails and calls regarding booking a session will be returned right after the new year...REMEMBER--you can still purchase a gift certificate to be used in 2010 for 2009 pricing!! This is ONLY available until Jan 1, 2010...this is a big savings and will guarantee you a spot on my calendar next year! Please email me at info@b4photography.com to get a gift certificate!

I hope that everyone has a holiday filled with joy and a happy and SAFE new year! Thank you all for allowing me to be a part of your lives and capturing all of those priceless memories! I will leave 2009 with a photo of my kiddos and one of Avery Grace...haven't had time to edit any others yet but I'll get to them eventually!! :-)

Please

2009-12-06T00:18:00.003-06:00

...Be patient with me, guys! I have minimal help this year - not like the 2 assistants I had last year - and I am falling a tad behind. Part of it was the holiday, my entire family being sick over and over, and part of it is that I have been sending out previews to people -- so many people that it has actually stopped me from working regular sessions for an entire week! That means that I am running a few days behind right now but I have a ton of time coming up this week and plan on doing nothing but editing all the time that I can!!

I am sending images out digitally as well as a hard copy. These images will come in the form of a download to your email (so make sure I have yours!)--just save it to your desktop--they are full sized, hi-res images, and are the exact same ones that will be on your CD. You can go ahead and order your Christmas cards and gifts!

Thank you for your patience in this most busiest of holiday seasons!!!

'Tis the Season...

2009-11-22T21:59:00.003-06:00

To be crazy busy! And that I am!!! Working hard to stay on track....

Tons of calls about this, so thought I would just post- Wait time is 6 wks on the website & is currently 6 wks to get cd done-it is then mailed & takes 1-5 bus. days to get to you-if you would like express shipping-call me and I will invoice you. CDs will NOT be hand delivered by me!

Also: The pumpkin sessions are complete & were all sent mid last week b/c I was too sick the first 3 days of the week to get out.

Thanks to all for your patience---If I promised you a couple for Christmas cards, I will make good on that promise...please be patient on those as well b/c I have about 75 people asking for "just one"--those add up and take time, too.

ALSO--The Christmas mini sold completely out in LESS THAN ONE HOUR!!! That is Awesome!! If you didn't see the post below, I announced the mini early on Fri exclusively to my Facebook fans only---Well, the 30 min that I took calls from 8-8:30 am was apparently enough time to book all 56 spots! I will be opening another Saturday mini on a future date. As a reminder - mini sessions do NOT equal shorter wait time--if you aren't cool with the wait time, then I suggest you find another photographer. I really do spend an INSANE number of hours on each and every session to make it look the best I feel it can. I hope that my regular clients already know and trust that A LOT of love and time is poured into every single photo and I promise to do my best to make them completely worth the wait!! Those who are interested, should try me out sometime...hopefully, you'll come to understand why I have earned a good reputation in the metroplex and in other states in the North and the South AND why I have a 94% return rate! Hope to hear from you soon! I will be putting a blog up soon announcing the opening of early 2010--I will only be taking 15 sessions per month no matter what! So, if ya wanna hire me...don't hesitate to book!!

Who's READY....

2009-11-19T21:40:00.003-06:00

......for the LAST mini session of the year???!!!!!?????!!!!!

Want to know before everyone else??? Join my Facebook Fan Page for ADVANCED notice of the details for this mini and all future minis!!!!

B4 PHOTOGRAPHY FAN PAGE

Email Issues....UPDATED***

2009-11-03T20:03:00.003-06:00

***OK--GOT THE EMAIL ISSUES SOLVED (I hope) AND I JUST RECEIVED 1354 EMAILS---MIGHT TAKE ME A WHILE TO GO THROUGH THEM....I HAVE A TON OF EMAILS SENT FROM THE WEBSITE THAT WERE FORWARDED TO MY OTHER ACCT ... THIS SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN PART OF THE PROBLEM...WORKING HARD TO GET BACK TO EVERYONE--I APOLOGIZE TO ALL WHO HAVE HAD A DELAY IN A RESPONSE!! ALSO--AS FAR AS I CAN TELL, I HAVE ALSO RETURNED ALL PHONE CALLS ****

I have figured out that I am having some serious issues with my email acct...I recently had the b4photography emails forwarded to the one that goes to my iPhone and I don't know if that is the problem or if it is a virus like Hotmail suggested, but I am not getting emails as I normally do...today I got 3 emails...yesterday, only 2...I normally get 50-100 per day...so, a bit of a difference there. Having my friend send me a test email confirmed today that I am not getting them....

SO....if you have sent me an email lately (in maybe the last 2-3 weeks), and you did not get a response, PLEASE contact me again...I don't ignore anyone-ever...I will always at least respond to you if I get it. Calling me is the best bet-- 469-955-4922 --BUT...b/c of all the rain, I am shooting every single day and have been for 2-3 weeks(whenever it is not raining, that is), so I am a little slow to return phone calls ... it seems that as soon as I can call people back, I'm real sick, the kids are real sick (we have had 3 weeks of sick people in our house) or it is dinner time and not appropriate to call. So, please be patient while I try to get back to everyone!

thanks!

What a Big Boy....

2009-10-02T21:32:00.003-05:00

Andrew is one of my Faves...I know, I'm not supposed to have those, but I can't help myself!! Look at those eyes! And that expressive little face!! I have loved photographing him since the very first time I met him in my studio...little stubborn butt wouldn't fall asleep! I normally would not put an alert baby on a chair for fear of him suddenly learning how to roll and taking a spill off my prop (still have an excellent track record-haven't lost one yet-jk). He was very chill, though, and this picture has graced my business card ever since!

A couple from his "sitting and smiling" session...

And here are a few (ok, a lot more than a few)from our most recent session together--his "standing" session...Also--this is a new location that I am LOVING...climate controlled, different, works with ANY outfit, and I am crazy about all that gorgeous light!!!
Please let me know if you are interested in this location and I can fill you in on the details!

Yep--he fell ASLEEP!...

And woke up to smile at me...

And then went right back to SLEEP!

Can't wait to chase him down at the next session---I've heard he's a mover and a shaker!! Better wear my sneakers for that one!

Thank You, BUT....

2009-09-29T19:46:00.002-05:00

So, the point of this blog entry is to direct you guys to a contest to vote for the 2009 "Best of the Metroplex" family photographer. NOT TO VOTE FOR ME--although I just saw that I WAS nominated (thanks so much to those of you who nominated me!!)--but to vote for MY favorite family photographer--Jonnye Bower. Tomorrow is the last day to nominate someone and after that, ya gotta vote for your favorite photog!

Jonnye is patient and professional. She has been a great person to me by taking the time to talk shop with me on more than one occasion--it is soooooo helpful to have someone already in the business to give you advice and offer their opinions to help you. So rare and so nice! On top of being an amazing person, she is an INCREDIBLE photographer who inspires so many! Here are some pics that she took of my girls last year---they are some of my faves ever of my kids!

(follow the link to see the blog post and pics)
My Girls

So...Go check out this link...and throw a nomination in for Jonnye Bower Photography, then please VOTE FOR HER! She deserves to win!!!

FOR BEST FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER

Some Very Important Info...

2009-09-16T22:09:00.008-05:00

Here is some FYI for ya!

** I am COMPLETELY booked for the year...the books were officially closed on Labor Day weekend! If you would like to get on a wait list (and trust me, these get utilized for one reason or another), then please call me @ 469-955-4922 or email me @ b4photography@hotmail.com **

** Jennifer is no longer my scheduler/right hand woman/superhero on the phone. Circumstances led to her needing to be with her 3 kiddos daily and B4 Photography has been SOOOOO busy this year that she is unable to devote enough time to both! So....if you call the number on the website or send an email, you will get me! Jennifer was an invaluable addition to my team and ABSOLUTELY will be missed, but I totally understand being there for your kids when they need you! PLEASE go easy on me for the first week or two--it is going to be difficult to get back to everyone immediately but I will do my best! Please call me at 469-955-4922 (This phone has been giving me issues the last few weeks--voicemails come in hours to days later or not at all--text messages are no longer on--this is much more of an issue than I thought it was--recently more people have been telling me they are calling me and I show no call coming in for them (this is my husband, my mom, my friends and my clients--the iPhone shows no favoritism) This will be fixed in a day or two**

** The pumpkin patch minis are completely booked as of this morning (sept 16th)! Yay! This one is always so much fun! I never know if I am going to get a witch, a goblin, or a sweet angel! Thanks to all who got in...I see many familiar names and a few new ones! If you got in for this mini, PLEASE make sure that you PAY ON TIME-payment is due by Sept 26th!! Please note that we already have a wait list started for this one and there is a possibility that I will open another day ... but NO GUARANTEE of that...just gotta see how quickly editing goes between now and then! Can't wait to see what everyone will be this year during spook time! **

** I WILL be doing the Santa Minis this year and will give you a heads up to watch the blog for the official announcement as this draws closer...I am scouting locations and thinking outside the box on this one to make it 10X more successful than last year's minis! I can tell you that there will be a toy drive in conjunction with this mini--I will be collecting toys for the needy and if you bring me one to your session, I will give you a special something, something as a thank you! More on this as it gets closer!**

** I am looking for a couple of models for some portfolio building...there is a list in my office that is full of ideas that I must bring to life! I need a young, good looking (sorry to be shallow) couple for a couples shoot, I need 2 babies (newborn BOYS-under 7 days old), and I need a hot(again, shallow) mama (for a maternity shoot)! If you are interested in being considered for a free session, completely at the mercy of ME, then please email me @ b4photography@hotmail.com Please attach a photo (obviously does not apply to the newborns) so I can get a look at you and see if it fits with my ideas! **

** Lastly, I have decided/been forced to take an extended break after the holiday rush is over. I normally take a month off to unwind and hang with the fam, but past and current health issues have and continue to inhibit my ability to function at my full capability (both professionally and personally). So, hopefully, most of you will still be wanting me to be your photographer when I come back. At this point, I am unsure of how long the break will be. I have not been able to see my doctors as I should have--been a bit (CRAZY) busy with the business...as usual--sooooo, I need to give them the time that they need to figure out exactly what is wrong with me! I will be posting a list of photographers that I love and think are equal to or better than me in quality and price. You are free to use whoever you like but I promise that the ones I choose to refer you to are good, honest people who are gifted and knowledgeable in photography... I can tell you that when I DO come back, it will be with a different approach to this business--you will see a new, better, fresh, fun, positive, creative, and most importantly, LESS STRESSED B4 Photography!! How do I know that I can accomplish this?!? Because I will take ONLY 10-15 sessions a month, shooting only 3 days a month--once that month is full, it is CLOSED and we move on to the next month! This will mean B4 Photography the way that I initially dreamed of--Customized attention to the clients, personalized products, and, yes, a shorter wait period with a twist--YOU choose the photos I edit! I will create an online gallery for you to view your photos, choose your favorites, and tell me what you want me to keep and individually edit. I hope to bring this change sooner rather than later next year! **

And because I hate leaving my blog with only words and not images, here is a SMALL SMALL SMALL sampling of the adorable children that I have seen lately--And since I have done roughly 70+ newborns just since May 1st, you will notice a lot of little, bitty babies!! I hope you enjoy and see my heart poured into every image...because I know how much I truly love each of these photos!

3rd Annual Pumpkin Patch Mini Sessions!

2009-09-14T14:23:00.004-05:00

October Mini Session Announcement

Where: Dallas Arboretum at the PUMPKIN PATCH!!
When: October 4th
Time: 9:30am-5pm
What's involved: Bring your princess or pirate in their Halloween best for a FUN session in the best pumpkin patch around!!
You get 10 minutes with me, a CD of 7-10 edited images and a print release form.

Cost to you: $75 (this is a cheaper mini session than normal b/c you must pay for parking <$5> and admission to the Arboretum <$8>) Session Fee due on Sept 25th

To book one of these sessions, please call Jennifer, my scheduler, at 817-694-8664
These sessions are prepay ONLY and the session fees are due by the date listed!!
****Jennifer does not answer the phone on mini session announcement days. She calls every person back in the order in which they called so please do not worry if she does not answer****

just a couple from last year!

I Already Miss Her, And She Isn't Even Gone Yet...

2009-08-27T01:38:00.002-05:00

I have met some really amazing people since I started this business, but one of my most valued contacts came in the form of Noelle, AKA glamRbaby. We met at a boutique party thrown by Kellie Rasberry and Amy Lowe and I instantly fell in love with her designs. Not long thereafter, I fell in love with Noelle. She is a person who keeps it real and tells it like it is. She is sweet, a great friend, and passionate about what she does. Those are qualities that I completely respect. The gorgeous bows that add a little something something to your photos are a nice perk, too! ;-)

She and her husband are about to embark on undoubtedly one of the biggest adventures of their lives. They are moving to Las Vegas tomorrow to allow her hubby to pursue his dreams---not as a lion tamer or a magician, but as a pro poker player. Before you scoff, "That is CRAZY", trust me when I say that I fully anticipate seeing this guy on TV, at the big table, winning some dough!

We spent about 20 minutes together a week ago, trying to get a cute shot symbolizing her move to Sin City....I hope you like 'em, Noelle! You know I love ya to death and I know that we will only be a phone call away from one another, but I sure am gonna miss ya! Just make sure that Brian gets you the Louboutins that you want when he gets his first big win! See ya in October!!

My Avery in her glamRbaby outfit...

And the ORIGINAL Miss glamRbaby, Maddie (Noelle's niece--whom my daughter, Kelsey, totally adores)

And my other assistant for this shoot--Shayne

If you have not seen glamRbaby's awesome clothing and accessories, you are truly missing out....so, go check out her stuff here. But, if you order something, be patient with her getting it made--the girl is making a BIG move!

Mini Session for August...

2009-08-13T05:58:00.004-05:00

I promise to start blogging again after I get more caught up! Had to get this announcement up in the meantime!

The "NO GIRLS ALLOWED" Mini Session

This one is ONLY for the boys! I do a tea party mini every year for the girls and if this mini does well, then I will do this annually for the boys!

What: This mini is BOYS ONLY--specifically for kids age sitting up+ (no babies who cannot sit completely on their own please!)

This mini is geared towards getting photos of the boys having a great time and doing a little dress up. Not in a tutu or pettiskirt (not THAT kind of dress up), but in hats, Daddy's tie, or other cute outfit. That is half of your session. The other half is pretty messy but very fun! So, Mom will have shots of her "sweet boy" and then some of them just "being a boy"! More details are provided to those who book.

When: August 30th 12-6pm (time subject to change) ONE DAY ONLY (there will be NO other days opened for those on a wait list)

Where: This mini is held in the Dallas area (exact location is given only to those who book)

What you get: 15-20 minute session with me, 10-15 fully edited photos on a CD with a print release form. I have several hats and items for the boys to borrow but I always say that using something personal to you or your family adds so much meaning to the picture. I will have a phone consultation for this one with each person who books. There will be an opportunity to go over what will work best to make your photos the envy of all your friends!

How Much: $150 (to be paid by August 24th)

If you are interested in this new mini special, please call my assistant, Jennifer, at 817-694-8664 ASAP!!

****Jennifer does not answer the phone on mini session announcement days. She calls every person back in the order in which they called so please do not worry if she does not answer**** Do not just assume it is sold out and not call--we DO utilize our wait list with almost every mini!

THE PICTURES BELOW WERE TAKEN AT THE CHOSEN LOCATION--NOT ALL OF BOYS (obviously some of the pics shows a little girl) There are SEVERAL options for different looks at this location! The grease monkey coverall that is pictured is mine and available to use.

Update...

2009-07-12T17:59:00.005-05:00

I just wanted to let everyone know that I will be out of the office until July 21st.
I am getting some badly needed rest and relaxation and recovery from last weeks
trip to the ER.

Thank you to all who sent well wishes my way and especially those who have been
patient with getting their CDs. A REALLY big thank you to Jennifer and Brandi-my scheduler
and assistant editor-for constant love and support--without them, this week would have been a
total disaster.

I did want to say that my issue has nothing to do with the diet pill I have taken--just didn't want anyone to
think that. It is also absolutely NOT contagious. Many of you have said that you felt bad that you
didn't even know I wasn't feeling well--do not feel bad, I have become very good at hiding how I feel from all
around me--my own husband had no clue of just how bad things had gotten.

Without giving TMI, I have been plagued by a persistent issue internally
for almost 8 years and I have ignored the signals my body has been sending
me for the last year--I knew that things were getting much more serious but
I have just been so busy and didn't make my health a priority. Well,
I don't think that my body will allow me to ignore it anymore. I am in constant pain
but I do have a non drowsy pain killer that takes a lot of the edge off and that helps me get
through the sessions. When I return from my vacation, I will begin the
testing and procedures to hopefully resolve a lot of my issues--I would really like to avoid
surgery and I have asked that it be a last resort option after every other avenue has been
exhausted. So, please keep sending prayers my way--my family and I greatly
appreciate it.

Jennifer will still be answering the phone and emails and although Brandi is no longer
full time as an editor, she will be editing for me while I am gone so that we don't get
very far behind. I also have my laptop with me and will be editing here and there but, and I hope
that you all understand, relaxing is priority number one. I'm not saying that I have been given a grave
prognosis, but the thought of my children having to grow up without me has definitely crossed my mind
in the last few months and that is a BAD place to let your mind wander to.

I am repriortizing my life and one of the changes that is necessary is to severely limit the number of sessions I
shoot each month. Effective August 1st, I will be shooting Saturdays and Sundays only. Newborn sessions
will be scheduled during the week mostly. I will post another blog soon with the details of how this new structure
will work.

Thanks again for all the support and concern. I promise that I am going to stop putting off taking care of myself as
I want to be around to capture all of your families' memories as well as being here for my own family!

Please read...

2009-07-07T14:21:00.004-05:00

Hello. This is Jennifer blogging on Brandi's behalf. I just wanted to reach out to all of Brandi's clients to ask that you keep her in your thoughts and prayers. Brandi is VERY ill right now and is currently on her way to the hospital. She has been dealing with this for several weeks and is just getting worse and worse.

To all of our clients who are eagerly waiting for your CDs, we ask for your patience. Because of Brandi's illness, we will need some extra time to edit your pictures and get them to you. Your pictures are still a priority, but at this time, she is too sick to work on them. We hope that she is feeling better and able to work later this week.

In the meantime, please pray for Brandi's health. I'll keep you informed of any updates that may affect B4 Photography business.

Thank you!

July Mini Session

2009-07-02T23:46:00.004-05:00

WATERMELON PATCH MINI SESSION

This is a crazy deal---I NEVER do sessions for this cheap!!

Date: July 26th

Time: 1pm-5pm (Please do not be too concerned with the heat factor--we will be entirely in the shade for this session and it is super short and sweet!)

Details:

These are super mini sessions--meaning 10-15 minutes long (PLENTY of time--trust me!!!)
You get 7-10 pictures edited on a CD with a release form for printing.

****This session is best for babies sitting up and older--not so good for those not yet sitting!****

Price: $75 (to be paid by July 15th to hold your spot)

Place: Dallas Arboretum

Call Jennifer @ 817-694-8664 to book! ***Please Note--Jennifer does not answer her phone on mini session announcement days--she calls everyone back in the order they called to be completely fair***

Real Quick....

2009-06-24T00:52:00.003-05:00

Ok--so I didn't get a blog up today like I thought I would...I have a good reason! One of my clients is in labor right now and I am waiting for the call to go to the hospital--so exciting!

Here are some of her maternity shots (using my new couch-LOVE IT!)

Obviously, I really LIKED my couch!

With a Mama THIS gorgeous, can you imagine how beautiful her daughter is gonna be??!! ;-) And I get to meet her VERY soon! Hopefully *fingers crossed*, Mom will be OK with me sharing some of the birth shots!!

New Session Option ...

2009-06-15T16:49:00.006-05:00

OK, peeps...I hear ya...We are in a recession and going into what promises to be a REALLY hot summer...SO...

I am offering up a new option when scheduling your session with me that will take care of those of you who are feeling the pinch of the economy and those who do not desire to melt away. This is also a great session for those who need "just a few"--you know, those occasions like a cake smash to mark a first birthday, the mandatory photos that are done each year of the kiddos who are too old to warrant a photo session every few months but who need to be documented from the previous year (4 year old photos, 5 year old photos, etc.), or people who only want a session for Christmas cards. This session is NOT available for Newborn, Bridal, or Boudoir sessions simply because those sessions require more time at the session and in post processing to be successful.

"The Short and Sweet Session"
$200 Mon-Fri $225 Sat & Sun
Available Monday-Friday starting July 1st
Saturday and Sunday only starting August 1st

The session does not cover any permit fee or location fee-that will still be your responsibility. It covers up to 5 people-each person after that is $10/person. There is still the additional travel fee of $25 for any location outside of Tarrant and Dallas Counties. You are allowed up to 3 wardrobe changes in this session. It includes all that a full session offers--full editing/retouching, CD of photos, and print release form--it just costs less, is a shorter session, and includes fewer photos (15-20). This session fee is due in full within one week of booking.

***If you already have a full session booked currently, you are not allowed to cancel your full session in order to book the Short and Sweet Session***

June Mini Session

2009-06-14T22:32:00.000-05:00

Round 2 on this month's mini session--with a location change...

I have a great mini session planned for the end of June!

I will be at Las Colinas Canal on Sunday, June 28th from 1 pm til 6:30 pm.

It is a great place for photos---especially family pics---so that is my offer--a "you call it" special. You can do family pics, newborns, babies, kids, maternity, etc. Session fee covers up to 5 people--There is a $10/person fee for extra people. You will get 30 minutes of time with me --trust me, that is PLENTY of time to get some awesome shots. You will receive a CD of 15-20 fully edited photos with a print release form.

The cost for the session is $175.00---interested parties must pay for their session by June 19th.

This is a great opportunity to get the entire family together for early Christmas card photos.

For those who are concerned with doing outdoor photos in the middle of summer--I assure you that this location is not bad on the heat factor!! There is an almost constant breeze blowing and we will be completely in shade the entire time. I might be sweating like crazy--but that's only because I will be out there all day running around! Check out the following blog links to view examples of photos taken at this gorgeous location...

http://b4photography.blogspot.com/2008/09/let-voting-begin.html
http://b4photography.blogspot.com/2008/11/i-love-repeat-clients.html
http://b4photography.blogspot.com/2008/12/avery.html
http://b4photography.blogspot.com/2009/05/peek-for-jennifer.html
http://b4photography.blogspot.com/2009/01/so-many-to-share.html (the large family with the redhead from New York)
http://b4photography.blogspot.com/2008/11/good-news-and-cute-kids_05.html (the one that starts with "Could these three BE any cuter??")

If you are interested in getting in on this mini session special, then please call my scheduler, Jennifer, @ 817-694-8664

****Jennifer does not answer the phone on mini session announcement days. She calls every person back in the order in which they called so please do not worry if she does not answer****

Thanks, Brandi

Just One More...

2009-05-31T22:39:00.002-05:00

I just wanted to add these three photos---In honor of Father's Day (which is fast coming up). This is for one of my favorite fathers, Dan-Jennifer's husband. I don't know much, but what I DO know about him is that he is a man of God, he is a fantastic father, and a great husband. Above that, he is a REAL person--no fakeness here.

These are some of my all-time favorite father/daughter photos ever!

Oh yeah--he is WRAPPED around that little pinkie for sure!!!

And let's just hope that in her future with boys, Kate keeps this same attitude--Looking at him, with a very coy face, thinking to herself, "You are one stupid little boy if you think that I am kissing you!!"

Peek for Jennifer...

2009-05-31T21:45:00.002-05:00

I know that all of you know the mommy of these cuties! You have to go through her to get to me---these babies belong to Jennifer, my scheduler.

She gets mad love from my clients--nearly every one of them tells me how much they love her--"She is SO sweet", "She is just the best", and obviously "I just LOVE Jennifer"--yep, guys, I LOVE her, too!

Really, though, Jennifer, I could not run this business without you! You took a HUGE weight off of my shoulders when you signed on with me last August. Since then, you have become a true friend as well as an invaluable employee. I don't think that I tell you enough--THANK YOU for ALL you DO!!

I know that your birthday is in a couple of days, so maybe this preview can be an early birthday gift?

Here are Jen's munchkins--the ones that SHE is running after all day while I am running after my clients kiddos...

Carson-Numero Uno

Kate-The Boss Lady

Colt-The Shy Loverboy

And before you ask me, Nope-I did not have to swap heads around to make this happen! They did SSSOOOOO GOOOOOOD!!

Brooke's Peek

2009-05-30T23:40:00.002-05:00

I meant to put this up earlier, but my body had other thoughts. My last couple of weeks of suddenly not being able to sleep more than a few brief hours at night finally caught up with me. I kinda passed out in my car when I got home--not passed out as in unconscious--just fell asleep...I was pooped! The heat was not kind today and I was in it for the last 3 sessions of the day. So the hubby gets me inside and I slept up til a few minutes ago...Best 4 1/2 hours of sleep I have had in 2 weeks!

This year was supposed to be about slowing down and taking 3 days off a week--yeah--that is totally NOT happening. I am shooting every single day and have been for more months than I care to admit. I feel some big scheduling changes coming on...some that are a lot more permanent! More on that at a later date!

I will say no more and get straight to the preview---this one is WAY overdue!

11 Years Ago Today...

2009-05-29T08:18:00.004-05:00

My entire life changed upon hearing a cry. At 2:35 pm, my oldest and first daughter entered this world. I had NO idea of how much she would change me.

I remember that the hospital had to kick me out of my room--I stayed WAY longer than I should have...but I was just PETRIFIED of taking this tiny 6lb, 15 oz little thing away from the people who knew how to take care of her. I was the baby of 7 kids...born so spaced out from the others that I may as well have been an only child. I had no friends who had baby brothers or sisters, I never babysat (didn't have the patience--funny, huh? considering what I do now for a living...), and I had never really even held a baby, much less feed it, change it, keep it alive!

I was only 22 years old, married for a little over a year, and suddenly, I was a Mommy. It took a little bit, but as I got to know Kelsey, and she got to know me, we found our groove. She was a Mommy's girl completely. Now, she is fast becoming a little lady.

Kelsey is amazing to say the least. She is one of the most intelligent people that I have ever met (of ALL the TAKS tests-reading, math and science-she only missed 2 questions!), she is one of the most creative, and the most empathetic children that I have ever met. She is a giver by nature, very sensitive, very emotional, and sacrifices herself often to please or help others. She is the child that all the moms tell me they want their daughters to be best friends with, the girl that all the girls either love or envy, and (unfortunately) she is loved by many an elementary school boy. NOW--that all being said--she is also entering her preteen years and we have definitely had to redefine our roles with one another many times in the last couple of years. I do see the angst starting to come through---the "woe is me" teenage years are upon us. God help me!

This Fall, she starts middle school (YIKES) and it won't be too long before she is in high school, and then....I can't even think about it...she has been instructed that she is not allowed to move out until she is married and not allowed to marry until she finishes college...I know, wishful thinking.

But TODAY, she is only 11 years old and while I am totally dreading the future ahead of us filled with mother/daughter disagreements, dates, proms, boyfriends, heartache and tears, I am so looking forward to seeing what kind of young woman blossoms in front of me. She is amazing now, but she will be even more so when she is older.

Kelsey at one year old---one of the very first pics I ever took--with my trusty Minolta 35mm SLR camera! She is the reason that I am a photographer--having her awakened a creative side that I did not even know existed before.

And just a few weeks ago...(her 11 year old photos will have to wait until I have more time--hopefully, that will be before she turns 12)

Happy Birthday, Kelsey!! I cannot wait to spend the entire day with just you...having fun and celebrating one of the best things that ever happened to me--having you!!

Urban Mini Sessions

2009-05-28T07:38:00.002-05:00

There are a few spots that have come open for this mini session June Special.

If you are interested, please call Jennifer at 817-694-8664

My New Favorite Picture....

2009-05-23T21:59:00.002-05:00

....of Avery Grace...

And a little moody...

Newborns....

2009-05-21T21:55:00.003-05:00

I have DEFINITELY gotten my fair share of newborns lately!! I did 7 (!!!) newborns just last week and many more on my schedule for the next couple of months (including one tomorrow!)...
This little guy was soooo very good to me...not only did he have to deal with a long car ride, 2 hours in a very overgrown part of a park in Grapevine, mosquitoes in said overgrown park, AND me moving his naked little bottom from one prop to the next. ALSO very good was big sister who waited as patiently as a child of only 4 years could until it was her turn to be in the shots.
Check out these two! oh...and make sure you check out what has to be my all-time favorite outtake! heehee! Sorry for the lengthy post--hard to narrow down the pics!

love it in color too--maybe more!!

Just another big sister/little brother pic, right? Wait...what is that?

hmmm....need a closer look??

nice...funniest part was that she didn't even flinch...kept right on smiling...only after he finished peeing and we took him away did she realize that she had a warm, but not-so-clean feeling! Classic!

*****FOR THOSE MAMAS ANXIOUSLY AWAITING YOUR NEWBORN PREVIEWS FOR ANNOUNCEMENTS, PLEASE BEAR WITH ME--I DID NOT EVEN REALIZE HOW MANY NEWBORNS I HAD ON MY BOOKS OR HOW MANY REGULAR SESSIONS WE HAD TO CRAM INTO LAST WEEK IN ORDER TO TAKE CARE OF SOME OF THOSE FOLKS WHO KEPT GETTING BUMPED DUE TO THE WEATHER---THEY ARE COMING, I PROMISE!!*****

GO, ADAM, GO!!

2009-05-20T17:13:00.002-05:00

So I have been feverishly editing in the hopes that I could get to a stopping point and I can actually watch American Idol tonight!! I must profess my love for Adam Lambert!! Homeboy can SING!!!!
So, there! That is MY pick for the next American Idol...America seems to have a love/hate/love relationship with him...not me...I have swooned since the auditions!!

Now, before any of you start criticizing my choice (cough, cough--Kirsten), there are some things that I need you all to know...

1-Yes, I know that he screams throughout his songs...but just b/c the other people on this show couldn't hit the same notes as him, does not make his high notes "screams"...it makes him blessed to have such a range...

2-No, I do not care if he is really homosexual---doesn't bother me in the least! He is still hot! Which leads me to ....

3-Nope, don't care if he dresses in drag and wears more make-up than me---maybe he can offer makeup tips...

4-No, I do not really think that he will win tonight and I'm not really sure that I want him to...regardless of what happens tonight, he is going to be a major star and winning American Idol might stifle him a bit!!

Poor Kris Allen...I would much rather be remembered as the guy who deserved to win but didn't b/c America had reservations about him, his singing style, and personal lifestyle choices (ADAM), than to be remembered as the guy who won but didn't deserve it (KRIS).

Ok--that is all--back to editing for the next hour and half and then hopefully NOT trying to edit AND listen to Idol at the same time....

I Think I'm in Love...

2009-05-17T23:14:00.003-05:00

aaaahhhhhhhhhhh.... ;-)

I cannot tell you all how very much I love this mini session!!! I think that I had more fun today than I have in a long time--kinda renewed me...

******First though--BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE POST BELOW THIS ONE FOR THE DETAILS ON THE JUNE MINI SESSION !!!********

I must put up this picture first to show off a new item from glamRbaby---Check out THIS bow, Ladies!! You won't see this bow on every kid on the playground or at the mall--be one of the first to show off this FABULOUS new bow from glamRbaby!!!!

Here's my baby, Avery--she seems to be saying, "HEY!!! Check out my new glamRbaby bow!! Jealous??" Everyone at this shoot said that it was the cutest bow!! Please visit her website at www.glamrbaby.com

And I TOTALLY dig this one!!

And...oh my goodness...my favorite EVER of Avery Grace...

Some of my other faves from today...

My bigger babies...

And of course--one of all three!

PS--Thank you Thank you Thank you to my friend, Stacy, for helping me with this shoot...she has become one of my closest girlfriends, and I value your friendship more than you know...and thank you to my hubby, Chris, who brought the girls out today at the end just so that I could get a few photos to satisfy my mommy needs for a bit---Love you guys!

June's Mini Session...

2009-05-17T20:58:00.005-05:00

I just got home from the Princess Tea Party minis and I am sooo excited to get started on these pictures!! The sessions went so well--I couldn't have asked for a better day or cuter subjects! I think I will officially do the "Fun and Funky" Tea Party every year--not one single person chose to do the traditional set up!

June's mini session has me super excited as well. I love, love, love using bright colors and crazy patterns and textures whenever I can and I cannot think of a better place to have June's Urban minis than in Downtown Dallas. It is one of my favorite spots--so many options! So--here are the details:

When: Sunday, June 7th 8:30am-6:30 pm

Where: Downtown Dallas--exact details provided to those who book

What: An urban "You Call It"--families, (session fee covers up to 5 people-$10 for each person after that), maternity, newborn, engagement, just the kids--whatever you need! Think outside the box for your attire as well!

What you get: A 30 minute session with me (A LOT can be done in 30 minutes), a CD with 15-20 fully edited and retouched photos, and a print release form so that you may print as you please!

How much: $175 (to be paid by May 26th)

If you are interested in this always sells out mini special, please call my assistant, Jennifer, at 817-694-8664 ASAP!!

****Jennifer does not answer the phone on mini session announcement days. She calls every person back in the order in which they called so please do not worry if she does not answer****

I am adding a couple of shots from sessions I have done there recently but this may not be the exact spot we use--just want to give y'all an ideal!

Check back soon--gonna post one from today!!

UPDATES...

2009-05-14T22:23:00.001-05:00

Hey all!
I have been MIA for a while but it is only because I have been very busy!!

My Stay-Cation went well...we lounged around...did a little wine tasting...a little book reading...a little fighting...and a whole lotta making up ;-) It was just what we needed!

My baby, Kelsey, will be 11 years old this month...that is just impossible to me...just. WOW! Lord help me!

We are all gearing up for our family annual trip to Florida in July!! We are also so excited that our good friends, the Nerios', are coming along with us! Fun times ahead!!

On my weight loss issue...I have officially (as of April 24th) been weighed in at 140--that is down 41 pounds from my old weight of 181 on December 24th!!! That is so amazing to me that I am only 15 pounds away from my pre-Avery weight of 125!! HOLY COW! I *might* actually fit into my old size 2 jeans! Woo-Hoo! Shopping mall, here I come!!

On the business front...we just got one of our 2 busted down computers up and running...WHEW! It was REALLY slowing things down to have only one computer between my assistant editor and myself! The pace has picked up session wise and, thus, the editing must pick up the pace, too!

All of the bluebonnet sessions will be sent out by this weekend's close...Those who purchased a CD of their child's model spotlight in the May 1st shoot for Cotton Candy Shop can expect to receive your CDs at the end of next weekend.

Pretty much everyone whose session was on or before April 30th can expect them to either be already in your hands or en route to you as I type. I had some great sessions in April...I will blog some pics shortly, but right now I am shooting 4 sessions a day to try to get in everyone who was rescheduled repeatedly b/c of our lovely Texas weather or due to illness....so, I'm pretty pooped by 9 pm...

~~Brandi

Glam R Baby wants YOU to have a heart...

2009-05-12T20:33:00.003-05:00

This is a blog post put up by my great friend, Noelle, of glamRbaby fame.
Please take a moment and check it out--this is for a very good cause--what better reason to spend a little hard earned $$$ than to get a fabulous bow AND help out a beautiful little girl at the same time??!!

FROM glamRbaby's BLOG:

I am SO excited to be doing this for a dear blogger friend, Crystal with You and Me Plus Three. Her sweet baby girl, Bentley is having Open Heart Surgery on May 20th. I have been following Crystal's blog for quite some time now and I wanted to do something for them. I first met Crystal about 2 years ago. She was doing website/myspace design and I had her make my myspace. We lost touch for a while but have reconnected and I'm SO grateful. She is SO sweet and has such a beautiful family.

I wanted to do something nice for their family and for Miss Bentley. She was born with this heart condition and this MAY be one of several open heart surgeries but hopefully by the grace of God she will only have to go through this once. Their insurance apparently doesn't cover all of the surgery nor does it cover her VERY expensive formula or some Dr. visits/appointments. Apparently the FORMULA alone is CRAZY expensive and her Pediatrician has fought for the insurance to cover but they refuse.

SO...I have created 3 BENTLEY bows! HALF of ALL the proceeds for all 3 Bentley Bows will go back to Miss Bentley and her family to cover the costs of all their medical expenses. I know its NOT a lot but I felt like glam R baby needed to do their part in helping!! To PURCHASE the BOWS...please contact me at glamrbaby@yahoo.com, www.myspace.com/glamrbaby or http://www.glamrbaby.com/ (give me until Monday evening to get them on the website!)

Today..we are REVEALING the 3 BENTLEY Bows...Crystal worked very closely with me to pick out colors and patterns and we also wanted them to match their FAMILY blog!! I think we have accomplished that and I'm so excited to announce them! PLEASE buy one FOR you, your friends, your family and TELL ALL YOUR FRIENDS about it!! Please feel free to REPOST on your OWN blog and lets get the WORD out....Buy a BENTLEY BOW!!!

All of the photography is done by my AMAZING friend and photographer B4 Photography. Please check out her work...she does a fabulous job. She is the DFW area but travels all around Texas for an extra charge. She also participates in several charity organizations around the DFW area. She is a phenomenal person and has a great eye!! Can't say enough nice things about my girl!! Check out her BLOG and WEBSITE!!

ALL 3 BOWS are available on a headband, a french clip or an alligator clip. They are also available for purchase as piggie bows. If you purchase them as piggie bows there is a price break. Thanks again...hope you LOVE the BOWS!!

The 1st Bentley Bow is the SMALLEST of all 3. This adorable Chocolate Zebra Bow has 2 layers with a swavorski crystal in the middle. Simple and sweet and perfect for piggies or on a headband for a newborn.

- Sm. Bentley on Headband: $16
-Sm. Bentley on french/alligator: $10
-Sm. Bentley Piggies: $18

The 2nd Bentley Bow is the Medium size. I LOVE this BOW! It is SO me! It is a large brown bow with the chocolate zebra layered on top with light pink marabou fluff in the middle. SO CHIC and ADORABLE!!

-Med. Bentley Bow on headband: $22
-Med. Bentley Bow on french/alligator: $15
-Med. Bentley Bow Piggies: $25

OK...LAST but NOT least!! This BIG Bentley Bow is NOT for the meek. This BOW speaks volumes and I GUARANTEE if your baby or little girl wears this she will get TONS of attention! This bow WILL stop traffic. It is a BIG bow and one of glam R baby's speciality's! Over the TOP and SO sassy! This bow has LAYERS and LAYERS of coordinating ribbon! It contains the chocolate zebra, leopard print, brown/pink dots and it has a light pink shabby chic rose in the middle! FABULOUS!!!

BIG Bentley Bow on Headband: $34
Big Bentley Bow on French/Alligator: $25

Again.....please feel free to post this on your blog and LETS get the orders in for Miss Bentley!! Also please pray for The Welsh Family...they will be enduring alot in about a week. Pray for a successful surgery for Miss Bentley and a quick recovery. I KNOW she will do great!! :o)

Thanks so much guys....have a great week and lets get the word out on the Bentley Bows!!

And because I think it is wrong for me to just post this and NOT do something to help as well, I have decided that I will be donating 10% of all session fees in the month of June to help this family. Judging by what my calendar looks like, (and hopefully avoiding more weeks of rain filled days) that should be a helpful amount! So, if you haven't already booked your summer session with B4 Photography, June would be a great month to do so!

Important Info for Cotton Candy Tutu/Shop Customers...

2009-05-09T00:21:00.003-05:00

I would like to inform everyone that I am no longer working with Cotton Candy Shop to photograph her product line.

Please disregard any bulletins or blog posts stating that I am the photographer for any upcoming shoots. I did offer to remain the photographer for the shoots that had already been announced with me as the photographer, but it was in both parties best interest to not continue working together...

Those of you who were involved in the May 1st shoot: Please contact me directly concerning your CDs or for info on how to purchase a CD of your child's pictures. I WILL need each of you who purchased a CD at the shoot or in the last 6 days to contact me ASAP--since I was not provided a list of the children I photographed and what outfit goes to which child, I will need assistance from the parents in identifying who is who.

I can be reached at brandifornof@hotmail.com or 469-955-4922.

Thanks so much!!

I am...

2009-05-08T10:42:00.002-05:00

ON VACATION....
I will not be answering my phone or responding to emails/Facebook/Myspace until next Tuesday.
Have a great weekend and a Happy Mother's Day!

Dear Carnival Cruise Lines...

2009-05-03T00:46:00.002-05:00

***THIS IS MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH THIS CRUISE LINE--I AM POSTING HERE SO THAT ALL OF YOU WHO READ THIS WILL KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO ME--I DO RECOMMEND LOOKING ON GOOGLE FOR "COMPLAINTS ABOUT CARNIVAL" BEFORE YOU BOOK WITH THEM--I WISH THAT I HAD DONE THAT***

This is an exact copy of what I posted on every Carnival Cruise forum that they have on their website, and what I am sending to the executives at Carnival's corporate office.

To Whom it May Concern:

My husband and I booked a cruise--the first trip without our children in 5 years.

I got sick over 2 weeks ago with a nasty, lingering upper respiratory infection/virus that I STILL am not completely over. Knowing that our cruise was fast approaching (May 7th), and having been told by my doctor that he did not advise traveling to Mexico b/c of swine flu, we contemplated canceling the vacation we had been looking forward to for so long.

Daily, we watched the pandemic level for swine flu and travel to Mexico raise from one risk level to the next. I called on April 28th to speak to a manager about canceling my cruise, explaining to him that I have been quite sick and was concerned about catching swine flu. I was told by the manager that I would lose 1/2 of my $$ due to penalties. At this point, several airlines were not charging fees to change tickets. I was confused as to how Carnival was not concerned about swine flu. The manager told me that he would still go if he were me--that if I ended up sick, the cruise line would quarantine me to my stateroom with a guard outside. I told him that I would speak to my husband and call back if we decided to cancel. I was instructed by him to "be certain that I called back by April 29th to retain any of my $$$, after that date, I would lose 100%".

On April 29th, a toddler died in TX (where I live) from swine flu. Also, the US government stated that all unnecessary travel to Mexico should be avoided. That was enough for me. In addition to that, my husband had caught the virus I had and was showing the beginning stages of my nasty cold. I am a children's photographer in D/FW. I thought that I did the right thing by canceling on April 29th. I did not want to get sick myself, but certainly did not want to bring anything home to my 3 small girls or potentially infect one of the many newborns that I have scheduled for May. I canceled and was told that I lost 1/2 of my $$ and would have to file with the travel insurance company to attempt to get back the rest. Fine.

TODAY I was tipped off to log onto the website that I booked this cruise through (vacationstogo.com) b/c there was a notice about swine flu. I discovered that my cruise (May 7th from Galveston) was completely canceled due to there were no options for itinerary changes and that there would be a FULL refund and a $50 cruise credit to all affected. WHY AM I UPSET? The letter is dated April 29th (the same day I canceled) from Lynn Torrent, Senior Vice President of Sales and Guest Relations Refunds would be processed in 3 weeks (I am currently waiting 60 days for my partial refund). Why I am being penalized for canceling a trip that was completely canceled by Carnival? If I had canceled a week before, even days before the release, I could find some understanding. That was not the case.

Upon contacting Carnival, I was at first told by the rep that they completely agreed that I should be given the same treatment as everyone else whose trip was canceled that day. However, after they spoke with a manager whom I was never allowed to speak with, I was informed that my cruise was one of 4 (different ports) that was canceled and that #1&2 were canceled on April 29th, but MY trip was canceled on April 30th and since I canceled on my own on the 29th, they are not giving me a full refund. If you look at the letter from Lynn Torrent, it states this--

"April 29, 2009
Dear Carnival Guest:
We need to make itinerary adjustments for our 4 and 5 day cruises from Galveston on departures through May 11, 2009. We will now operate two 7-day cruises on May 2 and May 9.

The new 7-day cruises will visit Montego Bay and Grand Cayman.

Unfortunately, your 4-day cruise on May 7 will be cancelled. We sincerely apologize for canceling this cruise. Unfortunately, there were no viable 4 day itinerary options available to us given the current situation in Mexico.

We will provide you with a full refund of the cruise fare. In addition, we will also provide you with a $50 per person onboard credit when rebooking on any Carnival cruise departing prior to December 31, 2010. Refunds will be processed within three weeks."

This appears to directly address those parties leaving from Galveston, concerning the May 7th cruise. Again--DATED APRIL 29th. I was told by the Carnival rep that they did not know that they were canceling the Galveston cruise until April 30th--thus, no full refund for me. Why, then, is this document concerning Galveston cruises on May 7th dated April 29th??

My thoughts? They want to hold onto every single penny that they can. they absolutely did the right thing by changing ports and canceling cruises that they did not feel would convey a true Carnival experience. I am upset, however, that they are making poor excuses as to why I am not included in the refund. I suppose that if I had just been more of a procrastinator and literally hadn't called the cruise line to cancel when I did, then I would have my money--all of it and much faster. I was informed by vacationstogo that I apparently canceled a whopping TWO HOURS before they released their cancellation of my cruise.

3rd Annual Princess Tea Party Mini Session

2009-05-01T11:41:00.002-05:00

I am pleased to announce the next mini session and it is a FUN one!!

What: Princess Tea Party Minis--Bring your child and their BFF--a sibling, a friend, or their favorite stuffed animal or babydoll

Where: TBD, but definitely in the Fort Worth area

When: ONE DAY ONLY (there will be NO other days opened for those on a wait list) Sunday, May 17th 9:30-6:00

What you get: All pettiskirts and bows/hats will available for your princess to use, I provide everything for the tea party, you get a 20 minute session with me and 10-15 fully edited pictures on a CD with a print release form.

How much: $150

This year's Tea Party Minis will be a little different....

You will have 2 choices: "Sweet and Dainty" OR "Fun and Funky"
The "Sweet and Dainty" is your traditional tea party....soft colors, lace tablecloth, white table and chairs, think a classic look. SEE PHOTO BELOW

The "Fun and Funky" is definitely not your Grandmother's tea party...think bright, loud colors, mismatched tea cups, a chair in different colors, and brightly colored pettis to match! I also just got in the brand new Kaiya Eve pettiskirts that everyone has been dying for--they are cool, crazy and fun! PHOTO COMING SOON--(sorry--been sick for 3 weeks and haven't had a chance to shoot my promo shot for this one--plus, the weather hasn't exactly been cooperative!)

THE RULES: You may do one setup or the other, but not both. I will be taking a few photos of the kids separate from the tea party, but there are no outfit changes allowed. This is for children who are sitting free and clear of assistance--so no little bitty babies, please. This is for the KIDS only--no Adults--Please do not use the mini session as your opportunity to squeeze in a family portrait--I will be having mini specials coming up very shortly made specifically for getting family portraits.

If you are interested in this always sells out mini special, please call my assistant, Jennifer, at 817-694-8664 ASAP!!

****Jennifer does not answer the phone on mini session announcement days. She calls every person back in the order in which they called so please do not worry if she does not answer****

New Kid on the Block...

2009-04-15T20:52:00.002-05:00

I know that my friend, Noelle, will see this blog title and think that I have finally converted to a NKOTB fan...ummm, no...still not loving those guys...this post is all about one of the newest babies I photographed...Miss Audrey

She was just as cute as could be but I detect a hint of rebel in her--she was not giving up sleep very easily! Once she did, though, WOW--great baby! Moved her 3 times without waking her up! Mom has these shots for her announcements, but I wanted to share with all of you!

I am loving my new hat!

Maybe I should compile a collection of photos in a book called "Where's Baby?"--instead of where's Waldo?

Ooops...

2009-04-15T20:37:00.003-05:00

I blogged this post before, or so I thought...I guess that I didn't check to make sure it went up and blogger saved it but had an error when it tried to post it...Sorry, Lauren...here is the post I promised you!

I started working with a new boutique called Cotton Candy Tutus and have found that the owner, Lauren, is full of ideas! She has commissioned me for the rest of the year to photograph her clothing line. This is the boys' line. The models were cute and easy--my kind of product photo shoot! Let's pray that all of the others go as smoothly!

I also met up with Lauren to photograph her daughter for her upcoming birthday...she had a 50's themed party and we had a blast with our quickie shoot at Purple Cow--BTW--I LOVE doing different shoots like this!! So fun!

ummmmm....can you say "Miss Personality"??

I look forward to getting to know you better, Miss Cotton Candy...

Sneak-a-Peek

2009-04-11T07:05:00.003-05:00

Ok...Here is a SERIOUS teaser for a few parents who are checking everyday to see their babies' cute photos...Sorry guys, I have been sick all week long and have been trying to get over that--I have a couple of newborns next week--gotta get better, gotta get better!!
Hope you love your sneak peek, ladies

This one is inspired by the great Carrie Sandoval...

A Sweet Surprise

2009-04-06T22:10:00.002-05:00

I came home on Saturday to this very sweet gesture of thanks from one of my favorite clients (they are all becoming favorites--this little boy is special to me)!!
She had no idea when she sent it, but Saturday was the perfect day for me to receive this gift...here's how Saturday went...
I had 3 sessions at the Arboretum...
First one went smoothly...
Second one took a tad longer than I thought it would, but still good...
Third one was a dream session with brand new clients...
Nothing exciting, right?
Well, although I did eat breakfast and lunch, and I drank 4 bottles of water while out there, I apparently got dehydrated...had a little fainting spell at the Arboretum (some little old man was my nurse) and then had another one when I got home...a few hours later, I come to in Carenow with an IV in my arm and a pretty freaked out hubby...seems I got REALLY dehydrated! The temp raising so fast, along with the lack of sleep on Thurs and Fri, running all over the Arboretum, and obviously NOT drinking enough fluids got the best of me. So, in the future, you will all see me running around with Gatorade!!

I recovered enough to survive day 3 of the bunny sessions! YAY!! Speaking of bunny sessions--Day 2 is complete and all were sent out today (if they weren't already sent), except for the 3 who requested pick-up. A slideshow will go up on the website for you all to see tomorrow--sorry, I am turning in early tonight--still not feeling 100%. It was great to see a lot of new faces--I was glad that I opened the 3rd day and got to meet all of you new people! Thanks so much to those who referred them to me!!

I will be posting some previews this week too--for those who say you are stalking my blog, waiting to see your little one's photos ;-)

Lastly, I just wanted to say "thank you" to Jaime one more time--your gift is helping to nurse me back to health!! You are so sweet to go out of your way for me in that way!! You say that you appreciate me, and I definitely appreciate you!

YUMMY!!!!

Today's Babies and Bunnies Mini-Session

2009-04-05T10:26:00.003-05:00

If you have a Babies and Bunnies mini-session scheduled today and would like to reschedule due to the cold and windy weather, please call Brandi directly at 469-955-4922. For those of you who would like to keep your scheduled sessions today, she will be there.

Babies and Bunnies...

2009-04-03T16:47:00.002-05:00

All day one bunnies have been mailed out and a preview is available to all who would like to see on my website--sorry it took so long to get it up--I did something a little different than I normally do. You can actually email your photo out directly to your friends and family! Go to the website www.b4photography.com and hit the menu>click on "Babies and Bunnies" and follow instructions from there! Please give me some feedback on if you guys like this way better!!

Day Two, I know you guys are chomping at the bits for your photos--they are coming and will be mailed out absolutely no later than Wed morn. Anyone interested in picking up their CD from me needs to call me at 469-955-4922 to work out a pick up time! I am mailing them out as they are done and, really, only the last 4-5 will have to go out that late in the week....so call me if you'd like to see if your CD is ready before that!

Bluebonnets Mini Sessions

2009-03-31T22:36:00.003-05:00

I'm sure that you were all expecting this one--the next mini will be for bluebonnet pics!

Here are the details:

When: April 16th 9:30-5:00
April 19th 2:00-7:00

Where: You will be given this info after booking your spot

Who: One child, two children, three, a football team, the whole family--whatever you like!

What you get: 10-15 minutes with me, a CD of 10 beautifully edited images, and a print release form

How much: $100 **DUE BY WED, APRIL 8TH PAYMENTS NEED TO BE MADE VIA PAYPAL**

Here's the catch! This mini does come with a disclaimer: If you are booking this session with me, that means that you fully understand and have read the following:

**THESE WILL TAKE THE FULL WAITING PERIOD OF 3-4 WEEKS TO BE DONE AND SENT OUT**

I would just rather say this now than have to announce something about a delay later. I am going on a cruise (a very, very, VERY much needed vacation) with my husband on May 7th. I am going to try to have everything done before I leave, but, we all know that things happen, and I would rather surprise you all by having them in your hands early then disappoint anyone by letting them think they will be done in a week or two! That's the only bad thing about these mini sessions! Great price--LOTS AND LOTS of pics to edit!

If you are OK with this wait period and would still like to book, please call my assistant, Jennifer, at 81-694-8664 **SHE LETS ALL CALLS GO TO VOICEMAIL AND THEN RETURNS CALLS IN THE ORDER THEY WERE RECEIVED** so, please don't think you are being ignored--she WILL call you back!

Also--you will notice that one of the days is a weekday--I ask that all people who CAN do a weekday, please DO a weekday! Thanks so much! I cannot wait to capture your families/kids enjoying the tradition of Texas bluebonnets!

Next Mini Session...

2009-03-29T20:53:00.002-05:00

Hmmmm...wonder what it could be?? Stay Tuned--Will be announced this week!

Thomas is Three!

2009-03-29T19:48:00.001-05:00

I have definitely found that there are some people that I meet with this business that quickly become more than a client--they become a friend...
I have been photographing Thomas since he was one and I think it is safe to say that we adore each other. He ran to me and gave me a HUGE hug when we saw each other! His mama and I have definitely crossed over that client to friend line and I think she is an absolutely wonderful Mommy and she truly cherishes each and every day with her son--something that just about everyone(including me)are guilty of taking for granted.
These were Thomas's 3 year old photos and we really just wanted to get photos of him being Thomas. We brought out his tools and his bike, he loves Daddy to death, so we borrowed some of Daddy's clothes and played boy dress-up.
Big hug to you Thomas! Miss Brandi loves ya!

Ummm, did I mention that we had zero problem trying to get Thomas to smile? Except, of course, while he was working with his tools--very intense little worker there!

Cutie Pie

2009-03-27T23:03:00.002-05:00

I love to meet new people, but I REALLY love to meet brand new babies!
I did this session in February, but I was in my non-blogging phase and I never posted it...he was such a good little sleeper!

He was pretty darn cute when he wasn't sleeping, too!

A Totally Rockin' Family

2009-03-27T22:09:00.003-05:00

To say that I had a blast at this photo shoot is a major understatement! These girls were awesome--funny, sweet, up for anything! Mom and Dad were a hoot as well! Mom says that she LOVED her photos--I just wanted to throw some up here to share with y'all! I must add: These kids did 95% of their own posing--I was just lucky enough to capture it!

Mom and Dad were cute with each other!

Hot Mama!

Can't wait to see you girls again!

My New Motto

2009-03-27T21:55:00.003-05:00

I do not want to get into any war with another photographer who feels the need to defend herself via blogging so here is the absolute last and final thing that I will post concerning someone else's photography:

This is my official new motto--

"Let the pictures do the talking"

(Not So) Tiny Dancer...

2009-03-27T08:15:00.002-05:00

This was a photo session MONTHS in the making! Jennifer had told me about her daughter who did ballet and my mind started working---I came up with a few ideas but schedules and weather prevented us from being able to get it done. I really do think that all things happen for a reason and the day that we finally were able to meet up was PERFECT!

We wanted to capture this aspect of her daughter's life and I wanted to do something different than what I normally do. I knew that some of these photos would go up in her daughter's bedroom, so I wanted them to be a little more artsy than normal. I am beyond pleased with what the end product looked like--exactly what I had pictured in my mind.

She threw on her pointe shoes and went into her poses and immediately was transformed into a young woman. I have always been impressed with Jennifer's oldest daughter--she reminds me of Kelsey so much--they are both the type of girl that all the mothers want their daughter to be best friends with, the girl all the boys secretly admire (but they know is out of their league), and the girl that all the girls either love or envy. She was so graceful, patient, and lovely--she did an amazing job for me!

I know that you love the ones on the website, Jennifer, but I added a few to this post and I hope that you love these as well! Thank you so much for letting me do what I wanted to do!!

I was kinda going for "Urban Ballerina"---Surroundings and lighting very harsh and my beautiful, soft ballerina

The next 3, I could not decide which version I liked best...

New...

2009-03-25T09:55:00.003-05:00

I wanted to share some pics from my most recent birth and newborn sessions!

This family has been coming to me almost since I first opened shop. I did Mom's maternity pics for her second pregnancy, the birth of that baby, and the newborn photos of that baby. I was super excited to hear that they were expecting baby #3! I got to do maternity, birth and newborn photos for this baby as well!! Here are a few from each...

Baby #3's sex was a surprise!

Big sisters got to meet baby first...then biggest sister was to walk to the waiting room and tell all who were waiting to find out boy or girl by holding up the corresponding newborn hat! Check out the photo where she holds the hat up--maternal grammy was so excited that she jumped into the air!

Welcome baby Cooper!

Almost 3 weeks old! (the newborn session got delayed due to cruddy weather and dark clouds--boo!)

Whew--that was a ton of pictures!
I am spending the rest of this day working on the bunny sessions, so I should be able to put up a slideshow on the website fairly soon...Also am working on a new blog completely--I'm kinda over Blogger--I want something a little fancier! So keep checking back...more pictures and previews coming soon!

Preview

2009-03-19T08:12:00.002-05:00

Before I head out to College Station for the day, I wanted to throw up a preview for a sweet family. I know that I said I wasn't posting anything and that the blog was going to go private, but I have changed my mind. This is my way of connecting with my clients and I shouldn't have to stop doing that because of someone else's inability to be original!

I know she isn't expecting to see a preview, but Court was too cute not to share!

CD is on the way, Mom!

Thinkin' Outloud...

2009-03-17T19:05:00.004-05:00

I find it funny/sad that I didn't need to name a person in the post about my copycat---so many of you commented or emailed me your guess and the same name kept being mentioned over and over again! Again, as I said to everyone, I can neither confirm nor deny who it is.

I do realize that most of us photographers draw inspiration off of each other...it is one thing to see a photo, think it is the coolest thing you've seen in a while, and you re-do it by adding your own twist or take on it--that is what I would consider the respectable thing to do. OR... you can go the disrespectful route and copy a photo down to the location, props used, angle photo is shot, EVEN the same outfit...go a little further, and you are contacting another photographer's clients directly--trying to get them to become your clients. That is not the way to win friends in this industry. We are all trying to be artists here--just trying to share what we find beautiful with the world and some people just cannot stand to see someone they know succeed while they are unhappy with what life has handed them.

But my question is this:

If you spend your time trying to be someone else or copy someone else's business plan, website, and their work, then how do you find the time to develop your own style? How do you find time to keep up on the latest editing techniques or even learning how to edit? With all the energy that goes into attempting to be like someone else, I would think that one would want to learn how to use their camera better, or look for new locations, or take a class so that they can do their job better--lots of great photography classes out there...

I digress...

I have a lot of respect for the people who got established before me--Sandy Puc, Amy Wenzel, Images of Grace, Simple Treasures, Jonnye Bower, Beth Jansen...I admire these girls. They took a passion that they had and made it into a business that allows them to share their amazing gift with others....Do I agree with everything that they do? The way that they have structured their business? No...but I dig that they have the gumption to get out there and do it--THEIR WAY. Some photographers don't like bright colors, some would tell you that putting mismatched prints together is a sin, that taking photos of a baby's eyelashes is silly, putting a couch in a field or dirty alleyway is a waste of energy....but all of those ladies do/have done it. And, yes, I am a "lurker" to their blogs and websites...but not so I can mimic their every move--I look for inspiration--"so and so did this pic and it is cool...but I want to do it different and better". Am I in the same league as those ladies? No way...I know my place...and it is not at a table with those creative geniuses...but maybe, one day, I will be there.

When I first decided to charge for photos, I did a lot of soul searching--I did not just jump into it. I developed a portfolio first, rather than using my paying clients as learning experiments and giving them something that I wouldn't even put on my walls. Most of you would be shocked if you knew the amount of FREE sessions that I do...I get ideas CONSTANTLY and I do a ton of free sessions so that I can try them out...I wouldn't want someone to pay me so that I can indulge myself...those are opportunities to learn something new about my camera, myself as a photographer, or about a new location.

Where is all of this going? Why am I still ranting? Am I about to call out my copycat? I'll take those one at a time:

The point of all of this is to let you--the public-- know that you need to be really selective with who you trust to capture your memories. In a world where digital cameras are way too cheap, websites are "build it yourself", and anyone can present themselves as anything they want to be, there sure are a ton of "photographers" that shouldn't be taking money from anyone. There are also some who need to charge more because they underestimate themselves. Take the time to ask if anyone you know has used them before--don't just take what you read on a review site to be the truth. Ask questions--I don't get offended if someone asks me how long I have been doing this, have I taken any classes, am I a member of any nationally recognized associations... Educate yourself a little about whose hands you are putting your families memories into. I will say this: you will get what you pay for. When you see these photographers charging a lot of money for their work--trust me, that person has paid their dues and has come a long way from where they started--they have studied the industry, they have logged hours in seminars and workshops and they have invested an insane amount of money into their business. Same is true for those who are bargain basement prices--you spend $25 for a special moment to be captured, chances are that you are going to get $25 worth of effort and knowledge--at that price, you SHOULD go to Kiddie Kandids or JC Penneys--at least you know that there, the camera is pre-set and your resulting photos won't be blurry or badly lit.

And I am still ranting because I care--I honestly do care about my clients. I care about my work, my reputation, and my peers. I truly feel horrible when someone tells me that their photographer took pictures that could be compared to what a 6 year old can take with a point and shoot camera in the dark--that is BAD and I pray to God that no one has ever or could ever say something close to that about photos that they have received from me. That is when you need to accept that maybe you are not ready to make a profession out of photography--maybe you should spend some time learning instead of collecting money.

and, NO, I am not outing my copycat...I am a believer in karma and this girl has got some really bad mojo swirling over her head. It may not be now or even the immediate future, but what goes around always come back around tenfold. I think that her lies and deception will eventually catch up to her. Any attempt that I have made to contact her and explain that "Hey--I really don't care that you consider yourself to be a photographer, a burp cloth boutique owner, or whatever else you wake up and decide to be--just leave me, my family, and my clients alone. There are plenty of people and business to go around, just stay on your side of the road and I will stay on mine"--has been met with yet another round of lying and rudeness.

To my clients who have added this person because you thought she was associated with me because of the way she presented herself...I do not endorse ANY photographer unless they are listed on my blog as an inspiration or I have posted a blog about referring people out to someone else. If you miss getting in on a special that I am running and are thinking about going to a bargain basement photographer because "it is only $25 dollars", PLEASE contact me first...I know plenty of affordable photographers who do good work and who I trust to handle my clients the way that I would and lot of them run a special similar to mine. I have no problem helping you find someone else who will take care of you. I would much rather you have nice photos than to hear from you later that you made a mistake and you hate your photos.

Oh--and before any of you haters can point out that I should have been using the time that it took to write this to learn something or do something constructive with my photography or "don't you have photos to edit and CDs to mail out"---I am lucky enough to be at a point in my business that I have someone to help me edit and schedule appointments, I am at a 2 1/2 week wait time, my kids are fed, my husband is taken care of, and I spent over an hour of my time just last night answering emails and myspace messages about everything I have written here, so I figure that this post actually saves me time in the long run.

Farewell, For Now...

2009-03-14T21:16:00.003-05:00

No--I am not talking about farewell to this blog--not ready for that yet...

This post is for my baby, Kelsey and her BFF, Haley. Kelsey was sooooo upset when she had to leave Grapevine schools and all of her friends when we moved to Saginaw. Luckily, another little girl was having equal anxiety about 4th grade at a new school too. Haley and Kelsey bonded almost immediately. They are both silly, quirky, and fun. Kelsey is like me--she has an odd sense of humor that not everyone understands--naturally sarcastic (gets that from me too) and a stinging wit. I was so relieved when she met Haley. Those two girls "got" each other.

Last night, I had to take her to Haley's house to say goodbye. Her father got a great job offer in Austin and within a week, they decided to take it and move. It was hard to look at Kelsey's face when she had to say goodbye--she is tough (again, like me) but I know she was hurting. She cried a lot on Thursday as the realization sunk in that she was not going to be seeing her friend in the halls at school on Monday. That she was going to face Middle School alone this fall. To quote her "This Sucks".

We took Haley with us this past summer to Destin--funny enough, these are actually the ONLY pics that I have edited from that trip...they had a GREAT time. The good thing is we are going to float the river in June and are going to pick up Miss Haley on the way there--so, farewell for now, kiddo! XOXO, your adopted Mom

Babies and Bunnies March 15th Update

2009-03-13T18:04:00.000-05:00

Hi all! We have had some really crazy weather this week and I have had to move literally every single session to other days because of it!

I know that some of you are worried about this Sunday, but I wanted to let everyone know that we are still a go! Unless it is raining, sessions are as planned on Sunday. Even if it is cold (which it was last year), we are still on!

I can't wait to see everyone in their Easter best and let your kiddos meet our baby bunnies--Oreo, Houdini, and Casper.

Everyone should have received your email with details and directions for Sunday's shoot. If you do not see it in your inbox, we ask that you please check your Bulk or Spam folder before contacting us.

Thanks!!
B4

Thinking About going Private....

2009-03-13T09:11:00.002-05:00

I have had a lot of issues lately with a local photographer and I am seriously considering making my blog available to invited parties only.

I have not posted on here in lately because of this individual--mainly because she attempts to copy a lot of my work--apparently, even my text only posts aren't safe anymore either!

I know I have had a TON of emails, messages, and calls about WHEN am I going to put up new photos--they are coming and believe me when I say I have captured some really cute stuff this year--just be patient a little longer while I figure out a way to service my clients without handing ideals over to my "competition".

Thanks for the continued support and love I receive daily from my clients.

Have you reviewed me yet at Mamasource?

2009-03-10T10:39:00.003-05:00

Please take a moment to review my business on Mamasource.com I am so proud that my business has grown with word of mouth from happy customers!! PLEASE help me keep my business name out there by giving a review of your experience with me and B4 Photography! Word of mouth is FREE advertising and FREE advertising helps me keep my prices LOWER than the competition!!

Just follow the link below and leave your thoughts! It truly only takes a moment to sign up.
Also--poke around this free website--it is stocked full of helpful and useful information that all mommies can benefit from! Need a referral for a great pediatrician? Want to know who everyone loves for those special occasion cakes? Ask the mamas on Mamasource!!

Thanks sooooo much in advance!

www.mamasource.com

PS--if, for ANY reason, someone is NOT happy with their experience with me, I politely ask that you let me know what the issue is and allow me a chance to rectify it! I really do not want anyone to be unhappy with B4 Photography!

Weight Loss Update...

2009-02-19T11:55:00.002-06:00

Some of you guys have asked me to keep you posted...

I went to the doctor this morning and finally got weighed. I am at 162--so I have officially lost 18 pounds in 6 weeks!! YIPPEE!!! I went from a really tight 14/16 to a really loose 10. I did try on a pair of size 8 jeans last week and while I had no problem buttoning then up, it wasn't exactly the most flattering look (ahem...muffin-top) so, for now, I am still not a single digit BUT I think that I will be there soon!!!

This particular doctor hasn't seen me in a long time and we looked at my weight the last time I was in and it was 138--I was 6 months pregnant!! uuuggghhhh--I can't wait to report that I am in the 130 range again and NOT pregnant!

Thanks so much to those regular clients that I have seen lately who have complimented me so much! It really helps keep me motivated! Like "WOW--they can tell a difference? This is REALLY working!! I can do this!!"

I'll keep you guys posted! 32 more pounds to goal!

Some Important Information--PLEASE Read--Revised

2009-02-18T10:55:00.006-06:00

I just wanted to touch on a couple of things that have been brought to my attention:

1) I have received many emails and messages on Myspace from people trying to get booked for sessions. I do not schedule sessions any longer and haven't since last August. If you would like to schedule a session, or more importantly, want to participate in a mini session, you MUST call my assistant, Jennifer @ 817-694-8664 to get booked. So many people have been messaging me on Myspace for the Babies and Bunnies special and it is unfortunate that they did not call Jennifer for a spot. Those mini sessions almost ALWAYS sell out in a matter of hours, so calling the right person is necessary to get a spot. I don't want you guys to miss out on something that you really want to be a part of just because I don't do the schedule any longer.

2) I have discovered recently that my monitor was not color calibrated to the best of its capabilities and this may have resulted in some not so fabulous photos. I would like anyone who may have ANY problem with how their finished product looks to contact me personally at brandifornof@hotmail.com or @ 469-955-4922. I don't want anybody unhappy with their photos and especially don't want you to show off a photo that is not a true indication of what you get from a session with me. The problem is being fixed this week. That being said...I STRONGLY encourage you guys to use the print labs that I recommend! Without naming names, those drugstore print labs and bargain retail stores DO NOT calibrate their machines nor do they spend the money required to have quality printing paper for your pictures to look like they should. That is not what they are in business for--printing photos--and therefore, it is not their priority when figuring out where to disperse their finances. PLEASE get your photos printed where I tell you to!! It makes a major difference in the look of your portraits and how the people that you show them off to view my capabilities as a photographer.

3) As I am about to start my busy season which runs from March through December, we will be booking up very fast (especially on Saturdays). I encourage you to book NOW if you want an appointment between now and September. I already have sessions scheduled every Saturday from now until June--some of those Saturdays are completely booked. Please do not hesitate to call Jennifer to book! At this time, we are only taking appointments for March-August. September - December will open up mid summer for holiday bookings.

4) This one kinda goes along with number 3--If you are booking with me, PLEASE make certain that you pay your deposit or session fee ON TIME!!! I have been lax in the last couple of months, but we will start bumping your session for someone else if you have not paid your fee to secure your spot! This is especially true for those with Saturday appointments--we often have a wait list for those and we will start using it. If there is any reason why you cannot pay it on time, please contact either Jennifer or myself and we will try to work with you!

OK--whew--I'm done!

I wanted to share a little bit of what some of you who booked March and April with me at Dallas Arboretum have to look forward to:

This is Dallas Arboretum in Spring---simply gorgeous!!

After this post, I would recommend that you call soon if you want a session at Dallas Arboretum during March and April!!

Another One Bites the Dust....

2009-02-15T10:08:00.002-06:00

One of my good friends got married last night! She met an amazing man 3 years ago and she wowed him with her fabulousity and the rest is history!

I did their engagement photos a few weeks ago and wanted to share some of the favorites...

Congrats to Sean and Rebecca! Love you both!

Sold Out

2009-02-14T13:20:00.002-06:00

The Babies and Bunnies mini session is officially sold out. Thanks to all who signed up! We had an amazing response to the session. We have started a waiting list, so if you are interested in being placed on the waiting list, please email Jennifer at b4photography@hotmail.com. Please include your name and contact information in the email.

EASTER MINI SESSION SPECIAL

2009-02-13T07:53:00.001-06:00

**** FYI-- To be fair, my scheduler, Jennifer, does not answer the phone on mini session announcement days. Please leave a voicemail if you want a spot--she returns calls in the order they were received****

Valentine Minis

2009-02-09T19:57:00.002-06:00

I love it when I make a deadline--such a feeling of accomplishment and a weight off of my shoulders!

All of the Valentine Minis were sent out today, as promised.
If you are DYING for a sneak peek or you just want to see some cute kiddos, please check out my website at www.b4photography.com . A slideshow of some of the photos is available for viewing!

I hope to see you all at my next mini special--Babies and Bunnies!! An announcement will be made shortly on this blog and on Myspace for this upcoming (and always booked up) mini!

NEWBORNS!!

2009-01-16T20:47:00.002-06:00

I LOVE LOVE LOVE newborns....I think that I have said that about 50 times before...but it is soooo true!! If I could only photograph one thing for the rest of my life, I would pick newborns.
A couple of my maternity clients had Christmas babies and I came back early from break to get to them while they were little bitty!

Tons of favorites in both sessions!

Baby London...

Happy girl!

Baby Shelby...

Pink is cute too...

Mom used these pearls in her maternity session, so we wrapped baby Shelby in them once she was here...

From Mom's session...

That was WAY too many pictures!!!

This family needs their own post....

2009-01-16T20:20:00.002-06:00

I LOVED this session sooo much that I must give them their own spotlight. I photographed this family in downtown Mckinney earlier in 08 and when it was time for the little one's first bday pics, they called me again to capture the moment.

The whole family is GORGEOUS!

I can't wait to see how big she is at 18 months!!

So many to share!

2009-01-16T14:46:00.005-06:00

I slacked horribly at the end of 2008 -- I didn't share any of the Santa pics and none of the very last sessions of the year. I had some REALLY cute subjects and I wanted to show them off! I will try to do better in '09 with keeping up with my blog. I feel like I get busy and then I have to post 10 sessions at a time!

Here are some of my faves from the last few sessions I had in Dec 08...

I loved these two!

This family was refered to me by another photographer (THANK YOU!) and planned this photo shoot all the way from New York! They were in town for Christmas and found their way to me for a photo shoot on the (WINDY) day after Christmas. I wasn't planning on taking any more sessions after I was officially "on break", but I am so glad that I did! This was a great family to work with!

The ones who planned it all!

I already showed off some of the baby, but here are a few with Mom and Dad

I had the pleasure of photographing this one's birth in late Nov. We met up again for her newborn shots...such a cutie!!

I have ooodles of cuties to share that I have seen this year so far...I will post more later.

Reminder....

2009-01-14T14:39:00.002-06:00

Please remember that all of the payments for the Feb. mini session special are due tomorrow. If you are interested in this special, but did not get in on the first day, we have a wait list and will possibly open a second day up. If you would like to be included on the second day, please call Jennifer to get on the wait list. 817-694=8664

Thanks!
Brandi

The Long Awaited Pics from the Santa Minis!

2009-01-13T20:50:00.007-06:00

I know that Christmas has come and gone, but I did want to share some of the photos from my first Santa Mini sessions. Everyone had their photos in time for the holiday, but I am just now getting around to posting them.

I have established a relationship with the owners of the Christmas tree farm and we have been invited back for this year!
No fear, Dallas clients (who drove an ungodly distance to come to the boonies for Santa pics), I will try to set up something on that side of town too! We are doing 2 days of sessions this year! Now that I have done it once, I will be better prepared this Christmas!

I had some kiddos who adored Santa, and some who were petrified of him! All in all, I'd say it was a success and everyone loved their photos...

And my favorite "torture the baby who is scared of Santa" picture--Avery's BFF, Bella

A VERY special thanks to last year's Santa! Anybody wanna volunteer your husband for this year??

B4 Photography

Fanpage?!?!

FALL MINIS 2011 --- UPDATE

*MOST* of the FALL Minis 2011

WET, WILD, & FUN MINI!

Sunflower Minis!

WHITE HOT MINI!!! Summer Special!

Introducing a NEW session!

BOYS ONLY MINI SESSION!!!!

BOYS ONLY MINI SESSION!!!!

TEA PARTY MINI SESSIONS!!

IMPORTANT INFO:

MINI SESSIONS!!!

BLUEBONNETS MINIS!!!

Just FYI

Spots left for Babies and Bunnies mini

Babies And Bunnies mini sessions

Calendar is now open!!

MINI SESSIONS!!!

BOOKING FOR 2011

Gift Certificates for 2011

gone.

The End.

**PLEASE READ**

LAST UPDATE FOR A FEW DAYS...

UPDATES-

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

IMPORTANT INFO--MUST READ!!!

URBAN ROCK MINI SESSION

SUMMER ANGELS MINI

NO GIRLS ALLOWED MINI

WHITE HOT SUMMER SPECIAL!!

BLUEBONNETS!

Gift Certificates...

New CONTEST!!! FREE session!!!

***NEWS*** (and a contest announcement-so...READ THIS!!)

Winter Break...

Please

'Tis the Season...

Who's READY....

Email Issues....UPDATED***

What a Big Boy....

Thank You, BUT....

Some Very Important Info...

3rd Annual Pumpkin Patch Mini Sessions!

I Already Miss Her, And She Isn't Even Gone Yet...

Mini Session for August...

Update...

Please read...

July Mini Session

Real Quick....

New Session Option ...

June Mini Session

Just One More...

Peek for Jennifer...

Brooke's Peek

11 Years Ago Today...

Urban Mini Sessions

My New Favorite Picture....

Newborns....

GO, ADAM, GO!!

I Think I'm in Love...

June's Mini Session...

UPDATES...

Glam R Baby wants YOU to have a heart...

Important Info for Cotton Candy Tutu/Shop Customers...

I am...

Dear Carnival Cruise Lines...

3rd Annual Princess Tea Party Mini Session

New Kid on the Block...

Ooops...

Sneak-a-Peek

A Sweet Surprise

Today's Babies and Bunnies Mini-Session

Babies and Bunnies...

Bluebonnets Mini Sessions

Next Mini Session...

Thomas is Three!

Cutie Pie

A Totally Rockin' Family

MOST of the FALL Minis 2011

PLEASE READ

NEWS (and a contest announcement-so...READ THIS!!)