Meet Olivia

There are few experiences one gets to have in their life that could possibly compare to witnessing a child being born. I have had the privilege to witness two children being born into this world (other then my own) and each time I have never felt more close to God.

During a delivery you get to awe at how amazing our creator is and his divine power. It was an absolute honor to be present at the birth of my dearest friends first child together and will cherish it forever. I look forward to being a witness to this sweet little girls life.

So, I am very proud to introduce you all to Miss Olivia Ruth Whatley. May you shine like the brightest star in the sky, my sweet angel.
 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born, I consecrated you…” – Jeremiah 1:5

 

Liberating Park Adventure

After a while of not shooting due to life happening I finally decided this morning to take advantage of having a child in school and go for a nature walk/shoot in a park I've never been to in my home town. This park is deceptively larger than it seems and surprised me with its beauty. The nature trails were enchanting and thankfully I did not find a meadow with any sparkling vampires and the fieriest wild animal I came across was a squirrel.

It felt AWESOME to hold and utilize my camera yet again. Frankly, it was nice to know I still knew how to use it. I hope you enjoy these images of this little slice of heaven I never knew existed in my home town. ; )

Love to all,
Michelle
*You can click on the images to see them in their full grandeur

Vintage Belly Shoot

Had so much fun today shooting Oscar and Shannon's baby belly session. Soon they will be able to meet their sweet new little bundle and joy.

This couple is so unique and awesome, with their vintage car, The Chicken, and their killer sense of style this was one kickin' baby belly shoot. Had so much fun and loved taking these shots. Enjoy and show'em some LOVE.

THE CHICKEN

Baby Whatley  gonna be ridin' in style

This photo was so endearing to me. I made it to where it looks like a painting instead of a print. Click on it and see.

Home Sweet Home

Recently I graduated from college with my bachelors degree, in Comm and Journalism, which was a great milestone for me. I went to the university I always wanted to go to, Texas A&M University, and am proud to say I completed my degree with a husband and child. Whoop, go me!

I graduated in December of last year and have yet to find a job. The search for employment is depressing and frustrating. Oh the thoughts of defeat that go through your head are just mind numbing and enough to drive a person crazy. So, here I am with this expensive degree, bills and no job. No bueno! I realize that I am one of many that is going through this exact scenario, but to each their own, right?

Well, in light of graduating college and not being able to find a job my family and I have been "required", due to financial restrictions, to move back in with my parents. EEK! I have not lived with my parents (and sister) for the past ten years. YIKES! It will be a month, March 5, that we have lived here. Things are going well, don't get me wrong! I love my family and there has been no major issues arise from our invasion into their home.

As I was sitting outside on the back porch enjoying my morning cup of coffee and taking that brief moment in my day to have a little "me" time I realized something, "My mother has a lot of effing bird houses!" Golly gees Bertha, how many dang birdhouses does one friggin' woman need? Then I realized, "holy S&%! balls in cow town, everything from the cups to the bowls has a cow on it." I found myself laughing because for some reason I found it comical that my mother's decor is so country bumpkin. (It always has been, but I think the reality that I'm living in it now tickled me). We definitely have a difference in taste.

I couldn't help but share this realization with y'all because well, what else should an unemployed person do? (don't say, "um, look for a job"-- TRUST- I look for jobs...EVERYDAY!)

Here are a few pictures of SOME of the bird houses she has and my cow coffee cup, which the plates and bowls look identical to... she has the entire set!

I'm extremely grateful to my folks for letting me and my crew crash their pad till something comes our way. I think this is a testament to how stir crazy am I getting, obviously!

Have a blessed day, my friends.

Michelle

Shelby

My niece is such a beautiful young woman and is so full of life. I asked her towards the end of last year if I could photograph her and of course she was game for it.

 It was such a pleasure to capture such a milestone in her life. Oh to be sixteen again!

Simpton Family

Good friends, the friends that last forever, are few and far between. I had the privilege to photograph my friend Sophia and her family last year. Sophia and I have been friends for the past sixteen years and it has been an honor to be a witness to her life and the growth of her family.

Here are some of the images from the day of our shoot.

My girl

My daughter is by far the love of my life. I am so grateful to her for making me be the best version of myself and continue to strive in being the best version of myself.

She brightens my day when no one else can and in her innocence embodies everything that love is. An unbelievable blessing that I had never prepared myself for!

As well as being all of those amazing things to me she is also the world's greatest little model. I find great pleasure in documenting her life in portraits. One day, it will be wonderful to look back on the thousands of images I have of her.

Here are a few of my favorites!