Head shots at the Domain in Austin, TX by Mindy Ravines Photography

February 21st, 2012

I love how today’s world is changing…head shots don’t have to be uptight & overly produced. Knowing this client’s needs I knew outdoor would be the best representation of her evolving professional life. She’s a take charge kind-a-gal. So–we took charge and did some fabulous shots at the Domain in Austin, TX. I loved that she naturally gave me her own ‘looks.’ She’s not a ‘one look’ kind-a-gal. She likes serious faces and smiles=heavenly results! The more ‘tude’ she threw my way, the more I clicked….which in turn gave her more options to select from (which is my style-the more the options, the merrier the client!). I’m sure my faves differ from hers, but here are mine:

Family Portraits are my faves!

January 28th, 2012

This family came from all over the United States…the accents were all over the map! It was entertaining to see everyone adding their last  minute touches (head bands, matching jackets etc). It was a chilly morning but everyone was prepared with blankeys to warm up with while waiting their turn. We did some shots at their house & then ventured out to an old building in the backyard & ended up at a wonderful tree swing for all to enjoy. Every neighborhood needs an old, towering oak tree + swing. My absolute favorites were of ‘mom & dad’ acting like such kids on the swing…it was hard to keep my composure while shooting, snarfing & shooting again.

 

Pet Portraits in Austin, TX

January 20th, 2012

All to often I hear about pets who are very well loved & soon to be missed. It’s a hard road to travel down, but one we all sign up for (those of us with pets). Most pet owners would say having them in our lives is enriching enough to endure the pain of good-bye. I agree. There’s a huge trend in photography…pet portraits.  Photographing pets at their various ‘stages’ of life. I’ve done a ton of puppy shoots & unfortunately quite a few ‘saying good-bye’ shoots. Here’s a sweet girl named Molly:

Family Portraits: Domain Style

January 18th, 2012

I met Dawn a few years ago through a mutual friend, Stephanie. We attended a women’s retreat with Hill Country Bible Church. Dawn and I shared a room. You really get to know someone when you ‘bunk up together.’ We instantly connected. She has a very warm, kind soul. The 3 of us had a great time learning so much about each other while enjoying all the retreat had to offer (including a little rope swing off the cliff into the lake action–how wonderful is it to act like a kid again?!). We have also shared some other interesting things like…book club, reading the Twilight series together (not book club reading) & then rushing to see every movie as soon as our busy lives as moms/business owners would permit. It’s so great to have friends like her. Secretly….between you and me….I’ve always wanted to photograph her girls. She has used another photographer in the past, but for some wonderful reason asked me to do her family portraits this year. I was beyond excited. We selected a location that I wasn’t thrilled about….as it turns out she wasn’t totally sold either so we selected another option. Yay-I love clients who feel comfortable enough to tell me exactly what they want! Our 2nd option was perfect. The girls had a stage to dance upon, run, play & then sneak in a family shot here & there. I had a great time & didn’t want to leave, but my baby boy had his 1st  basketball game so I had to say good-bye to the girls…until next time. Did I mention Dawn has 4 beautiful girls? They each have a special something that makes them unique & shine from the inside out…absolutely glorious girls! I enjoyed seeing each personality peak out & take the spot light. Here are a few of my faves:

Family Portraits: Ruth & her crazy crew!

January 12th, 2012

Ruth resides in Seattle…she USED to live in Austin, TX….her family still lives here which is why we gathered for family photos & tons of laughs. She cracks me up & her brothers are worse…I had so much fun listening to their witty banter & capturing the endless laughs and smiles.  Seeing families like this one makes me want more sweet babies…I’d love for Max & Lola to grow up with a full house, but quite frankly….we’re done.  I am so blessed to have a wonderful family-who could ask for more?! I will kindly live vicariously through my clients & soak it all up! We met at Zilker Park-one of Austin’s largest parks-definitely the most ‘well-known’ park in Austin. We had a wonderful view of the city, gorgeous weather, and a few photo bombers to watch out for…which only added to our fun! Here’s a few of my faves….makes me wish I had brother’s growing up!

 

Newborn portraits: Ian welcomes baby Caleb to the family!

January 10th, 2012

Ahhhh newborns…so sweet, warm, and cuddly.  Photographing new babies is so great. Photographing new big brothers is kinda-great-too. Ian is now a ‘big brother.’ He is going to make a great companion. He will teach Caleb everything from how to climb a tree to blaming the family dog, Otis, for strange smells in the house.  Don’t worry about Otis because he will get payment-a-plenty via goldfish & cheerios.  Becky and Adam are a cute couple that will be ready for anything Ian, Caleb or even Otis can dish out! Here are a few of my faves taken at their house here in gorgeous Austin, TX.

 

Meet the Rheinlanders! Family Portraits in Austin, TX

January 5th, 2012

Alexandra is her name, but they call her ‘Alex’…..& I love it…it’s so stinkin’ cute (so it she!!)! I was amazed that we got any shots at all considering Austin’s cold front arrived early & surprised us all! She was her typical flirty self & I ate it up! As a mom…I totally miss this age! They love to explore & give so many honest expressions…priceless!

 

Family Portraits, Miles is 2 years old!

January 4th, 2012

Seems like yesterday…seriously yesterday I photographed newborn Miles. Now he’s 2 years old & on the move & curious about everything around him. Where does time go? I’m currently reading Stephen King’s 11/22/63 which totally brings a mind to wonder, where does time go?! If you haven’t read the book I highly recommend it! Anywho, Miles….here you go little man:

 

Holly & Michael’s Wedding Day Portraits

January 1st, 2012

This couple is amazing. Holly has a natural sparkle that illuminates the space around her. We met at the Austin Bridal Extravaganza in Austin, TX. Our personalities clicked immediately. I hoped to be photographing her wedding in November of 2011. She called me to book her big day & set up an engagement portrait session. Their engagement portrait session was perfectly timed with the ‘Play Me I’m Yours’ tour in Austin. Those photos still make me smile. Holly & Michael have a musical background, but yet I was surprised to hear them sing Nat King Cole’s: ‘L-is for the way you look at me….’ It was amazing. The crowd was in awe. What an amazing wedding day moment. I will forever be touched by their words, voices….everything about it spelled magic! Here’s a sampling of their amazing wedding!

Giddy up!

December 15th, 2011

Lacey is a cowgirl at heart! She looks perfect too-a ton of cute belts, boots…she’s got some style folks & gorgeous ‘baby blues!’ She brought a few outfits-which is my absolute fave! I love to play with different looks, textures, colors/contrasts..so fun. She wanted to have a relaxed, outdoor, country backdrop & her momma knew of the perfect place! We were in Fort Worth (which is where I grew up)-perfect place for everything country! She was such a good sport to venture into tall grass, sit on top of an itchy hay bale, and brave other scary locations where a snake was sure to hide. We had so much fun. Here are a few of my faves: