Well, I finally did it... I opened an Etsy shop to offer some of my Photoshop actions.  I've been using PS and creating my own actions for years.  The ones I make for myself aren't user friendly and aren't labeled in any way that would make sense to anyone else, but I hadn't really planned on anyone else using them. It was actually my husband who planted the idea in my head.  But it takes time to recreate the actions in ways that would be meaningful to others.  And I wouldn't feel right about offering something without an accompanying how-to video.  But... here I go!  Wish me luck!

I've decided to keep the prices low, too.  Most people starting out have already spent too much money on everything photography.  And people who have been doing it as long as I have don't really have the need to buy actions - we make what we need.  

That said, if you need an action that will do something that you don't know how to do, feel free to email me!  

Oh my gosh, this family was so much fun! 

The Van Slykes booked a beach portrait session and, as the weather is often tricky by the beach, were hopeful there wouldn't be rain.  We were fortunate that the rain held off, even though the temperature dropped right before their session date.  What we DID have to battle was the wind - 26mph sustained!  

They were SUCH good sports about the whole thing, though.  Mom brought hair pins and bands, just in case it was too much, and they were all super cooperative.  

It is often windy in Corpus Christi, especially by the beach.  As a photographer, I find that the biggest challenge is keeping the wind blowing the hair out of their faces.  But the Van Slykes took it all in stride and had a fun session!

What we DID have was an amazing set of colors in the sky.  It was evening and clouds kept shadowing the sun and causing the most beautiful colors to bounce around the heavens.  The sand was mostly compact from recent rains, and we still had soft, dry sand in places because of all the wind drying the surface. Sometimes the most difficult elements of an outdoor session are also what cause it to be beautiful. 

The family did such a fantastic job coordinating outfits, too!  Some solids, a pattern, and a consistent color pallet... it makes my job so easy when my clients also put some effort into the planning. This family was prepared and in a wonderful, upbeat mood for the session. There was a lot of interaction and input, something I love!  It makes me happy when the kids have input and the parents welcome it.  It makes me smile inside when I see a family work together so beautifully.

A beautiful beach sunrise!  This gorgeous couple made it easy, but in order to make it flawless... it takes precision editing.

​Enjoy and feel free to ask questions and/or comment!  XOXOX

Newborn photography is one of my favorite genres, but each image takes quite a bit of time and effort to perfect.  This is a small example of editing the skin.  Even when the video ends, the editing is not complete (though it's close).  Enjoy!