Juxtapose This! by Kate Mefford

Like Mother, Like Daughter...

...we are both complete GOOBERS! 

My mom (my second shooter) took the photos in which I am holding Millie and also the one in  which I'm making an oh-so-lovely face (hey---it is the REAL ME---love it or leave it!) , and I took the one of Mills alone. 

These were taken last Friday afternoon in our backyard.  What a fun afternoon it was!  We played "Captain of the Ship" on the outdoor playcenter, "Let's Go Grocery Shopping", "Baby Momma Drama", "Ticklefest 2006", and a great game Millie's cousin Jack invented called "I'm Gonna Get Mud on You".  Ah, the imagination of a 3 year old is priceless.

We had a whole slew of relatives...William and Kate and Liz and Allen were in from North Carolina.  John and Jack brought Grandma Nan (who Millie calls Gaga), and also in attendance were Gabrielle, Bobby, me, Mills, and of course, my fabulous mom, Susie---aka Nanny Mac (although Millie prefers to call her Nana).  Oh, and we can't forget our favorite "Hoover", Noopsy (our 5 lb. Maltese who ate as much as we did on Turkey Day thanks to Millie's uh-ohs from her booster seat). 

Lots o' family=lots o' fun.

Princess or Queen?

I met these two sweet Southern sisters yesterday afternoon...equally stunning, they both shone like sparkly tiaras under the spotlight of my camera.  A funny instance from our afternoon:

The eldest girl was having a "moment".  I told her that if she waited for 2 seconds while I photographed her sister, she could be queen for the rest of our session, and I would take photos of her in her favorite costume.  She got upset, and remarked that she did NOT want to be queen...she wanted to be the PRINCESS!  She didn't even care when I told her that the queen was in charge of the princess...she had her mind made up a long time ago that Princess=Best Thing You Could Ever Be.

I got a little glimpse into the mind of a 3 year old and decided that maybe being princess was better after all...I mean, you don't have to have all of the responsibilities of queen.  No policy making or dealing with wars or anything like that.  You just wear tulle and sequins and eat bon bons and watch soap operas and go dance the night away in fabulous ballrooms.  I think the 3 year old's outlook on that situation was SPOT ON!  So...tell me again why I can't be a princess?

I Mean, Seriously...

...it does not get cuter than this:

I Heart This Couple...

...because they are ABNORMALLY cute (that's an inside joke for Mr. P.M., himself)!

But seriously, they are sooooo ridiculously cute and adorably in love.  After 4 years of marriage, they still act like they are newlyweds...just being around them made ME giddy!  So, here they are...

Dandelion Don't Tell No Lies

Yes, that is a Rolling Stones reference, for those of you who are younger than me...Geriatric Kate, yours truly.

Here are some fave photos taken yesterday morning.  The boy was a sweet, nature-loving free spirit...independent, yet still a snuggler...what a wonderful combination.  He was a delight to work with, as were his very gorgeous parents.

Snips and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails

Just sharing a few from a session I had on Saturday.  The 2nd and 3rd boys are the sons of one of my sorority sisters, and the first little dude is her sister's 10 month old son. 

This little guy is a model and doesn't know it...

This little guy is a model and does...

and this little guy is, well, too little to know what modeling is.

Sorry, Charlie

I know none of you dads are named Charlie, but I just wanted you to know that I feel your pain as you deal with all of the lousy upsets (West Virginia lost to South Florida---what is that all about?  And where were UT, Arkansas, Clemson, & GT?  I guess their main course wasn't turkey for Thanksgiving dinner because their opponents made them eat crow!) this week in college football.  Here is my tribute to you (imagine a marching band playing "Taps")...

I'm Thankful

I am thankful that this world is filled with children.  Their bright sunshininess juxtaposes any negativity that we encounter in this world...and then we just focus on their adorable little grins, wrinkled noses, and chubby knees, and the world is a better place.

Here are some photos of children I am so thankful to have met over the last two days:

Just a Few Mo'...

...from yesterday's shoots.

From the morning shoot, here it is, ladies---the way you want your man to look at your baby:

And here is that life-size doll from yesterday afternoon, who was so good at being playful in one second and statuesque in the next:

OMG!

This is ONLY one of my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE photographs I have EVER taken, and it just so happens that the subject is my friend Kim's  little darling.  We had a wonderful afternoon shoot today, and I just loved getting to hang with my homie and her precious family.  More to come. 

And yes, I am insanely jealous that those are HER boots and not mine.

Just a Spoonful of Sugar...

This morning I had a session with the sweetest little family of three.  Both of the parents have jobs in helping professions, and I could tell straightaway...they were so incredibly kind and gentle toward their baby boy. 

I couldn't get over how the dad really personified the word "gentleman", as he tended to his wife and held his son close to his heart.  He wasn't even shy about showering his baby with kisses or talking babytalk...it was absolutely refreshing.  The mom was so giving and such a rock throughout the whole session...very calm and collected as she handled her hungry boy (the baby, not the dad!), making sure that her boys were smiling for the camera all at the same time!

Here are a couple of my personal faves from our session...

Christmas Came Early, Baby!

Fa-La-La Already!

Well, I did my first Christmas card session yesterday (November 13th and already wearing Christmas plaid), and it went well, I must say.  The lovable family of four soldiered on as I made them walk about a 1/2 mile, slide, swing (all TOGETHER on the SAME swing), play with ducks, do cheerleading stunts and everything short of setting themselves on fire.  Just kidding, but not really.

They were such troopers!  The little boy even was diagnosed with an ear infection today!  Poor little guy.  The daughter of the bunch and I completely bonded over fairies and Ariel and dancing and the list goes on.  She was a true girly girl...and loved to WORK...COVER GIRL...WORK IT, GIRL!

The parents were totally my type of peeps...laid back and game for whatever...ok, "Family o' Four"...next time, I'm bringin' torches, tutus, and hula hoops!

FALL-ing in Love with Their Sweet Girl

Yesterday afternoon, I did a photo shoot with my friend Kendall and her family.  Oh, you could just feel the love!  The way that she and her hubby looked at their little angel...it was so easy to see how very much they adore her...it was palpable!

From throwing leaves into the air to tossing and rolling horse apples, they sure made my job easy.  They took to the fall scenery like it was an old cozy sweater...they snuggled and gave kisses and had a grand old time..despite that they are originally from Florida and it was in the upper 50s.

Here are some highlights:

Tiny Dancer

At yesterday afternoon's photo shoot, I met an 18 month old girl who rivals Millie for the little lady most likely to end up with her name on a Hollywood (or Broadway) marquee.

At each  spot that we decided to stop and take some photos, she put on a little show for the passers-by.  I even suggested to her mom (who was model-beautiful, herself) that we needed to find a bowl or cup for people to throw change into...we could have made a fortune! 

She danced, and sang, and clapped those precious little hands...but oh, the eyelashes were the icing on the cake.  The tiny dancer had Christmas shoppers so jealous that they immediately ran home to put new mascara, faux eyelashes, and a course in eye-batting on their wish lists.  Here she is:

   

Floralicious

Did a shoot at Storybook Ranch yesterday afternoon for one of their other preferred vendors...A Twist of Lime.  They have a floral shop on the square in Downtown McKinney, and have a really unique and whimsical style.  I really liked their work...it was a great fit for my photography style.  Here are some of my faves from the shoot...

Click here  to see the entire gallery.

 

Bay-bay!

"Baby" is Millie's newest word.  She grabs hold of her baby doll and hugs her and  says it over and over. 

I just love hearing her say it!  It reminds me of  The Cosby Show episode when Rudy Huxtable sings her solo in Ray Charles' "The Right Time"..."BAY-BAY!", she would yell, and my Mills does a perfect imitation of it without ever actually having seen The Cosby Show. 

Oh, Millie and Rudy Huckleberry could have been best friends if we would have lived in Brooklyn in the late eighties/early nineties...oh, and if Rudy would have been real.  I guess that would be important.

Did some test shots for a session scheduled for Saturday afternoon...Mills was the perfect model, as usual!

Preparing to Leave My Heart...

...in San Francisco!  So excited!  Eeeee!  We just booked a birthday trip for my 30th.  Haven't been there since my 27th...or was it my 28th?  I don't know...once you have a kid it all blends together. 

Either way, I am so pumped and am feeling more inspired just thinking about all of the amazing scenery in San Fran.  Being there gives me such a jolt of creative energy...the architecture, the history, the colors, the diverse communities, the landscape, the music, the food, oh, I could go on and on and on.

Here are some that I took on our last trip.  Hoping to get more photos of people this time, but we shall see.
The 1st photo was on the side of the building across from our hotel.  What a way to wake up...Can I have someone paint this on my across the street neighbor's house?  Hmmm...I guess you're right.  The HOA would probably flip their lid on that one.
The 2nd one is dedicated to Mom!  Sending a shout-out to Nanny Mac!

Recommended Reading

Just wanted to post an update on my services...

I am now offering bound photo storybooks in two different sizes.  Can't pick just a few photos to frame?  These books (Large JP Storybook---8.5x11", Small JP Storybook---5x7") are the perfect solution. 

In 20 pages (or more, for an additional fee), see the story that was our photo session unfold before your eyes.  Show it off on your coffee table.  Give it to Grandma for Christmas and watch her swoon!  Either way, you win.

For more information, please visit the Services & Pricing page, or contact me directly at juxta.posed@yahoo.com.

Sing It Loud!

"We had a blast at our photo shoot at the Dallas Arboretum.  Kate captured the energy and personality of my son...not an easy feat.  I had a hard time narrowing down pictures I wanted to order and frame, so I ordered just about ALL of them!  Kate took absolutely fantastic pictures of Jack.  Great memories from a beautiful day."
~Gabrielle Farina, Allen, TX

"Kate, we want to thank you for the wonderful pictures you took of Joshua.  We couldn't have asked for better photographs.  As I recall, Joshua was less than cooperative that day and your patience made all the difference.  We have beautiful photographs of our son that show so much of his personality.  Everyone has "ooed" and "ahhed" over them!  I will recommend you to all of our friends and relatives without hesitation.  Thank you again."
~Jeff and Danell Manchee, Frisco, TX

What to Expect

• Well, expect to have an enjoyable time, first and foremost. 
• Prepare yourself for an "adventure" (which is how I describe it to children) that will last anywhere from 1-3 hours (provided we take no detours), but I usually shoot as long as the models are comfortable.
• The environment, no matter the location, will be relaxed and pressure-free.
• No "Say Cheese" kind of demands will be in the script, as I prefer to capture them in their natural state.
• We will sing, we will dance, and I can assure you that I will look silly at some point!
• As long as fun is in the mix, we will create outstanding resulting images.

Wheelin' & Dealin'

Just wanted to let you all know that I have established an exclusive partnership (as of yesterday) with Storybook Ranch in McKinney, TX. 

I will be the only photographer to have access to their property, so check it out and let me know if you want to book a shoot there!  It is so cool!

(This, of course, doesn't mean that I won't be shooting at other locations...just means that I am able to use this property, which has been unavailable in the past.)

What to Bring to the Shoot

• Snacks and hydrating liquids are necessities. Bring more than you usually would, and a variety!
• That said, hold off on foods that are messy (yogurt, chocolate anything, Cheetos, spinach, etc.).
• Bring only light-colored drinks. “Kool-Aid Mouth” isn’t the look we’re going for (unless we planned it that way!)
• Are there any toys your kiddo is attached to? How ‘bout their latest obsession? Bring both/all if possible.
• Please don’t forget diapers, wipes, and an extra set of clean clothes…you never know what can happen!
• Consider the location, and pack a stroller if necessary…it usually is.
• Have a sentimental blanket or one that is just gorgeous? Pack it…we can work it in somehow.

PLEASE DO NOT BRING:

• An audience, unless they will also be in most of the pictures.  Without an audience, I can best capture the individual that is your child.
• Cameras for your personal use...let me capture the moments for you!

Location

• Think about your child’s personality and what they may need in a given location.
• Consider your child’s interests or hobbies and let that be a source of inspiration for finding a fitting scene.
• Notice the distance a certain location is from your home and how that might have an impact on your child.
• Temperature can play a part in temperament.  (Brrrrr=Grrrrr.)  Make sure that the location we choose will be conducive to your child's disposition.
  

Wardrobe

• Determine how your child will respond to numerous costume changes, and then proceed accordingly.
• Note that patterns and logos don’t usually fair well in black and whites or sepia photos.
• Let the outfits you select be representative of your child.
• Make sure your child is wearing the clothing instead of the clothing wearing your child.
• Bare feet are cuter than cute!
  
• Have fun with it!

General Well-Being

• Naps are essential…sleepy kids will not want their picture taken…it is that simple!
• Yum, yum, glug-glug, glug-glug. Feed the kids before you come to the shoot---but not too much sugar!
• Is your kiddo not feeling well?  Teething?  Going through anything in his/her personal life?  I understand.  Let's reschedule...
  

Put Your Hands Together!

"I just want to say that Kate has a true gift.  Not only does she have a great eye for what will get the best shot, but she is so good with kids.  I was so impressed and so happy with the photos she took of my children.  I love that they are not "posed" and that they are just as life is...spontaneous."
~Jeannine Sanchez, McKinney, TX

"Kate did a fantastic job capturing the personalities of our babies.  My heart melts every time I look at our pictures.  Thank you Kate!  We love you!"
~Elisabeth Hammons, Arlington, TX 

Hally Happoleen!

We had a great time yesterday on Millie's 2nd Halloween.  We attended our annual Halloween playgroup...pretty funny trying to pose a group of 13-22 month olds in costume...they weren't having it unless we were singing!

In the afternoon, we headed down to Scare on the Square in Downtown McKinney for a little carnival and safe trick or treating action...more or less just an opportunity to show off the fantastic little ladybug number Millie was workin'.  My 3 year old nephew (dressed in an authentic fireman's costume) was greeting everyone he saw, saying, "Hally Happoleen!"  It was the absolute cutest!

Since it was too cold (in the upper 50s) for this Texan, we headed over to the sister-in-law's for some pizza and cupcakes.  Mills was obsessed with the candy basket.  Wouldn't ya know that it was ALL CHOCOLATE??!!  She is just like her momma...startin' early.  But don't worry...the only candy she got this year was a little sugar from all of her family members!  Smooch!