September's Senior Shoot!

My first shoot with Mary got rained out which is very uncommon here in Austin, Texas but we really needed the rain so in that sense it was good. We reworked our schedules and met up this past week to get her senior shoot knocked out. Mary told me she liked the city and bold colors but wanted to work some water into her shoot as well. So, I went off on one of my scouting trips around Austin to see what new and exciting spots I could find that I hadn't ever used before and what I thought would fit what Mary wanted. We started at a cool coffee cafe in South Austin that has the most awesome color blocks on the front of the building. Once there and as we looked closer we realized they are aluminum cans that have been flattened, painted and collaged...it made such a cool background to work with! Mary's green eyes and green shirt popped beautifully off of the colorful blocked wall. She brought along her cute poodle named Lily who the best little model I've ever had. Then, we hopped across the street to Sweet Mama's Bakery for some shots with a touch of Austin or as the window says "Keep Austin Sweet" which was perfect for Mary. Then we finished with the water shots which were a bit more elegant and natural. I really love how everything came together...take a little look and check out some great shots of our senior shoot with MMMMMAAAARRRRYYYY!!!

Baby "C"!

It's only appropriate that my next post on here be the baby that was born from my last blog post! Oh my goodness, what a little cutie pie! He is absolutely adorable and we got some really cute shots of him as well as the family. This family is one of my absolute favs because they just roll with the punches. I have not gotten to photograph any one week old newborns before. I have photographed many a baby but it seems the baby is usually around 2 months old before I get to photograph them so needless to say I was a bit nervous about handling a newborn so I discussed this with the family. They were good with helping mold the baby and handling him for me. In preparation, I went to Pinterest for inspiration with newborn photography and I found some really amazing photo ideas. One of the ideas, was mom laying on the bed and the baby curled up next to her and their faces were almost cheek to cheek...very beautiful. Our version was a bit different. The baby wasn't swaddled so his arms and hands kind of went into a position as if you were going to act like a hopping bunny and then we got to laughing so hard because we busted out into, "What does the fox say? Dink, dink, dink da dink to dink!" So, Rachael went ahead and did her hands into a "bunny hop" position as well and I was nearly crying from laughing so hard. Our beautiful mother/son PInterest inspired shot turned into our very own original "baby/animal photography by Brandi Nellis". And, that is why I love this family! They rolled with it and just let what happens happen! The other super fun shot that I have to comment on is dad watching football with his son. This was Chris' idea and I love the originality and realness of this shot. The photos of dad cradling the baby in black and white are beautiful but this is Chris...funny, football lovin', sports watchin' dad. Hereeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee's BAby C!

Another Growing Family

I am so happy for the Sandahls that their family is growing by one! I've been photographing this couple before they ever had children so it's always so fun to see how families grow and change (especially when it's for the good!). In this case, very much so. This family has such a fun, joyful spirit that seeing their family grow will be such a pleasure. Congratulations, Sandahls on your new addition!

Heeeeee's Back!

Hey ladies, Corey is back! We did another photo shoot with a more urban look for his updated portfolio. Stay tuned because we may see him on the big screen one day!

Lizzy Senior 2014

I had another great senior shoot a few weeks back and I'm highlighting Lizzy. She was so fun and cute and we got some really cool shots at this industrial place downtown. We don't even know what this place is but leave it up to me to find these off the beaten path locations. She loved the grunge look of it and thought it was cool so we just walked the property and found all sorts of cool spots. Without further adoo...here's Lizzy!

Moira's Midwestern Model Senior 2014 Video!

Welcome to Austin!

What an adventure! This family has moved to Austin from Oregon for one year. Can you imagine? With their family! When I hear stories like this, I think those people are really taking life by the horns and going for it! They are living in the moment and seeing what new adventures come their way. I kind of did that a few times when I was young...one year I moved to Key Largo in the Florida Keys and lifeguarded at a private resort, another summer I moved to Annapolis, Maryland and waitressed at a crab house and one year I took off from school and worked on a small cruise ship BUT I was always thinking about just myself to move around. Would you have the guts to up and move your FAMILY for one year to a new city? I would like to think that I would but the truth is I don't know if I could. I'm sure now that my son is a teenager that would be even harder. I'd have to listen to him belly ache all the time about missing his friends back at home. I find this very interesting to think about and give the Kizziars kudos for taking life by the horns and doing it! Here's to the adventurists who are living life. This very first photo sums up living in Austin. This guy comes walking out of who knows where into the alley and where is he going? To the pool? You gotta love it! Haha!