"Beaubaby U" has 6 graduates!

FROM JENN:

Last Sunday June 22nd we had a photography workshop just for moms that was incredibly personally inspiring for me! Thank you to all participating moms: Allison, Michelle, Robyn, Allison, Anna and Margaret! They each brought their point and shoot or digital SLR cameras, and we covered a TON of ground in one afternoon.

We dug in and discussed how photographing your kids and daily family life can create a visual legacy for your children to look back on, giving them the chance to see not just what they looked like but what they WERE like, what was dear to them, and what their defining quirks were. When we stop and settle for a snapshot, so so much of the story is left untold! Beaubaby photographers Nick and Courtney also attended and helped with the one-on-one time we spent learning, adjusting and tweaking camera settings.

We had a model come in for the second half, to practice the new setting and techniques we learned, including the "3 secrets for improving your photography now!" Thanks, Scout, for making us cups of tea with your Cinderella tea set. Your purple lollipop was fun to photograph!

A repeat of the workshop is in the works for late September, as well as a follow up workshop that focuses on shooting in different situations, with models, group critiques, and working with images on your computer.

Thanks you all for attending! It personally meant a great deal to me to be able to share what I've learned with you. I can't wait to see the new images you make! Keep me posted....

Jenn!

Courtney's Thoughts: Hip South Austin Baby

It was a typical day in the Central Texas heat, but that didn’t seem to phase this sweet smiling girl. She giggled with delight as her parents let her slip her fingers in the pond at the Hotel San Jose. It was such a pleasure to capture Esther Fay at home and in her neighborhood because her precocious attitude and playfulness toward the camera made everyone smile.


~Courtney

Jenn's Thoughts: Big Blue Eyed Boy

This little man was an absolute dream. His big blue eyes just lit up the room and those around him!

I absolutely adored his monkey hat, and all of his fun (and serious) expressions. I feel very fortunate to have captured this time in his young life, and hope to return for his first birthday and beyond. Thank you!

~Jenn

Courtney's Thoughts: A Growing Family

Jenn and I had an absolutely wonderful time photographing these four kiddos!
We opted for the divide and conquer method for this family portrait session in order to fully capture each little one's unique personality. The identical twin baby girls were so cute and tiny! Their big brother and sister were very sweet and helpful trying to lend a hand and keep their little sisters' pacifiers in their mouths. Jenn and I truly appreciate the chance to capture these amazing moments of a new and growing family. Thank you!

~Courtney

"Beaubaby U!" Photo Workshop for moms...

We're having a photo workshop for moms this June 22nd!

We often meet moms who have amazing cameras, but who would like some help and guidance in making great images of their kids! Beaubaby is offering our fist ever workshop just for moms, called "Beaubaby University." Up to 8 women can attend our 4 hour Sunday course, currently scheduled for June 22nd, from 1-5pm. (We have 5 spots left!) The first 1 and a half hours are tailored for moms with digital point and shoot and/or SLR cameras, and then we'll break for nibbles and refreshments. The second half of the workshop is only for moms with digital SLRs (cameras with removable lenses.) We'll focus on what makes photographs meaningful, and what techniques you can use to make them, in a fun, supportive and interactive environment. The first half of the workshop is $75, and the entire workshop is $125, payable on-line in advance. If you would like to learn more, please e-mail us at photo@beaubaby.com or call Jenn at 512.632.2323 to reserve your spot today!

Courtney's Thoughts: Vivian & Oliver

I had an absolutely wonderful time exploring and sharing in Vivian's and Oliver's world last week! Their willingness to share with me their daily lives was amazing. Almost instantly Vivian began showing me her garden and listing off all the plants she was trying to grow. I was extremely impressed by her little green thumb. From there on in it was a whirlwind experience from Vivian sharing her favorite sports, like swimming, to showing off her artistic skills on her etch-a-sketch. We also headed out to the swing set and backyard club house.

Little 6-month-old Oliver wowed me with his ease and comfort in front of the camera. Not once did he fuss, and instead he attempted to show off his newly learned ability to push himself up off the floor. I was so excited to be able to document his gummy grin!

Both Oliver and Vivian were enchanting to interact with and I highly appreciated the chance to experience and document their world with them. Thanks to Paige and her husband for having me over! Courtney McCullough

Meet our Beaubaby Photographers! Courtney

Hi Everyone! I'm excited to introduce the Beaubaby team, one by one, by telling you a little about them.

Courtney received her Photocommunications degree locally, in Austin, from St. Edward's University. (along with a business degree--yes she's both artistic and mathematically inclined, and graduated summa cum laude!)

Courtney was adopted and grew up an only child all over the US, from Chicago to Plano, before settling in Austin. At age 18, she located and met her older birth sister, who was pregnant at the time. Fast forward some years as Courtney took on an incredible documentary project, photographing the daily lives of her birth sister and her birth sister's 2 daughters in San Antonio, Texas.

I'm posting some of her images for you to see. Those of you who know me, know that my first published project was about birth mothers giving their babies up for adoption at an Abilene maternity home--the story and photos ran in Marie Claire--so Courtney's project was close to my heart.

Courtney has been photographing professionally for over 4 years, and brings her gentle demeanor and eye to our Beaubaby team. I tease her about being the "Pied Piper" of kids because they flock to her. Keep an eye out for her post about her recent session with 6 month old Oliver and 6 year old, Vivian!