southlake newborn photographer Archives - Ft Worth Newborn Baby Photographer

Ft Worth Newborn Photographer |Project 365 Week 4

January 26, 2016

I’m closing out week 4 of my Project 365 and I think things are finally getting a little easier. I am remembering to bring my camera on outings, and I am stressing less about getting a picture a day and just keeping my camera on-hand for when the right moment occurs. This project is such a departure from the way I normally shoot as a Ft. Worth newborn photographer and Ft. Worth baby photographer, so it is really stretching me creatively.

Ft Worth Newborn Photographer | H. Parker Photography | www.HParkerPhotography.com

19/366: My boy playing with trucks in the living room. Love the backlighting in this image. He was kind of just rolling around on the floor acting silly, but he caught me with the camera and of course gave me the photographer-child stink eye.

20/366: Weekly trip to Wal-Mart where my boy gets to indulge in a cookie from the bakery. I love that this photo shows toilet paper and soda in abundance. Haha. I promise we are actually A LITTLE more sophisticated and healthy than what this cart would suggest. I am a price-matching guru and it just so happened that toilet paper and soda were on big sale this week so that’s why you see the stockpile.

21/366: I hadn’t been feeling well on this day and so I totally neglected getting my photo until 7:30pm. As soon as I realized what had happened, it was almost bedtime. My son gets to play 5 minutes of ipad before taking his bedtime routine, so I captured this in those precious few minutes before bathtime. Although this was mostly an afterthought, I love this picture and the creative use of lighting.

22/366: Vitamin C. My friend this past week.

23/366: We’ve attended 3 birthday parties in the past 7 days. Yikes! My boy is in heaven spending so much time with his friends and chowing down on cake every couple of days. This particular party was at an indoor church playground which also featured some arcade style games. He was fascinated by the arcade driving game and spend the majority of the party doing that. He is still too short for his feet to reach the gas pedal and his arms to reach the steering wheel, so this is his adaption for driving the car.

24/366: Another birthday party this afternoon! Here Holden is enjoying some fruity snacks from his goody-bag on the way home. He is pretty pleased about life here.

25/366: A piece of Holden’s marble maze. He is obsessed with this game and we spend several hours each week playing. I love that he can take this marble maze, deconstruct it and turn it into anything he wants. Sometimes it is a spaceship, other times it is a Paw Patrol lookout, and sometimes it functions as a plain old marble run.

Are you looking for a Ft. Worth Newborn Photographer? Please check out my website or contact me for additional information.

Heather of H. Parker Photography is a Ft. Worth Newborn Photographer also specializing in baby in Forth Worth, Texas and surrounding areas including but not limited to Dallas, and Roanoke.

Ft. Worth Newborn Photographer l Project 365 Week 3

January 19, 2016

I am having a major Snuffleupagus moment over here at the Parker casa. Tissues everywhere. Feeling blah. I feel like this same cold has been making its way around our house since Thanksgiving. I was the first person to come down with it, then Holden who ended up with an ear infection on Christmas Eve, then Charlie, then Holden again (who is on his third ear infection since Turkey Day!!) and now back to me again. I know this is scintillating stuff, but the Dayquil cocktail isn’t doing me any favors. So, pat on the back to myself for completing week 3 of my 365 Project. I’m still not where I want to be with these photos, but I am also probably feeling a little lackluster about this project because I am in a crummy mood in general at the moment. I am proud for sticking to it despite the lack of inspiration. I am following a bunch of other photographers in their 365’s as well, and that is really making me want to step up my game. I would love to get more photos with me in them, but that requires a bit of forethought as I will need to use my remote timer and possibly a tripod. I also need to learn to step out of my comfort zone and take photos out and about in the world. This week I took photos at the Home Depot, but we are regular visitors to the Wal-Mart, library, gym and church and I always feel like if I bring my big girl camera out in those situations folks are going to give me weird eyes. I don’t know why I really care, I mean…most of these people I will never see again in my life. And, who really cares what they think? It’s about documenting my life and my surroundings, and if I only photograph a small subset of that which occurs in my house and neighborhood then I am not really doing justice to this project. Ok kiddos, so here is my 365 for Week 3!

12/366: An evening trip to Home Depot. My husband is doing some board and batten work underneath our kitchen bar overhang. I’ll definitely post pictures of the final product.

13/366: The new Burger Street opened in Roanoke. I grew up not far from one of the only Burger Streets in the Metroplex, and as far as a fast food hamburger goes it’s pretty tasty. My husband and I turned it into a little daytime date because we both happened to be at home while the munchkin was at school. It was exciting because we went right at 11am and got both our meals comped because we were part of the first 25 customers to the restaurant EVER. It has been fascinating watching our little town grow exponentially in the past 7 years. We were there when they opened the new Marshall Creek Bridge in 2013 and now the Burger Street. Living history I tell you.

14/366: Holden was at school so I stayed busy working on my photography stuff. My dog, Bailey, likes to keep me company by sunning in the office occasional chair.

15/366: My boy is all boy, and if there isn’t a monsoon outside then we are going to find a way to go outdoors at least once per day. He has been really into riding his new bicycle lately, but since he is getting over a cold I have made him take it easy and play in the backyard instead. Of course, the first thing he wants to do is put his hands in the pool water, which is freezing. This kid!! Checking the pool temp to see when we can go swimming again.

16/366: My little guy’s cold got a lot worse overnight and into the day, so we had a sick day at home together. He was so lethargic, and his throat hurt so bad that wouldn’t eat much of anything. I tried soft foods like apple sauce and juice, but nothing was really working. Then the first Girl Scout of the season stopped by and we bought TOO MANY cookies (I’d like to tell you it was because I want to offer charitable support, but we really know I just have a sweet tooth). Holden decided he is Team Thin Mint. I offered him one of Daddy’s Samoas and he spit it out. First cookie I’ve ever seen that kid reject.

17/366: I thought Holden was getting over his sickness, so he and I went to church. I picked him up from Sunday school and he was complaining about his throat and ear some more, so we left early and went back home for sick day part dos. Back in the PJs and watching a movie in mommy’s bed. zzzzz

18/366: This was Holden’s 4 year old well check-up. He was due for four shots, but the kid lucked out because he still has a cold (and an ear infection to boot) so the doctor is going to make me come back in for his vaccines in a month. All systems were go for Holden, but with the ear infection it makes three ear infections since December 1st and tomorrow we will be back at the pediatric ENT to discuss getting another round of ear tubes. I am so thankful my munchkin has a pretty good bill of health in life, but I am bummed over getting ear tubes again. I don’t think any parent enjoys when their child has surgery, although I do think I would rather him go back to the ear tubes than keep getting antibiotics or keep being in misery from his ears. The poor boy woke up this morning and said, “Mommy….my ears always hurt!!! I hate my ears hurting!!!”

Are you looking for a Ft. Worth Newborn Photographer? Please check out my website or contact me for additional information.

Heather of H. Parker Photography is a Ft. Worth Newborn Photographer also specializing in baby in Forth Worth, Texas and surrounding areas including but not limited to Dallas, and Roanoke.

Ft. Worth Newborn Photographer l 2016 Referral Program

January 18, 2016

Introducing my newest H. Parker Photography client referral program! I really don’t put much of any money into advertising because I feel like word of mouth is the best marketing out there, and it’s not something you can buy. As a Ft. Worth newborn photographer, I am in a ring with lots and lots and lots of other photographers. I love standing out from the crowd by having timeless, pure images of your baby that are uncluttered with excessive props and trinkets. That’s who I am, and I hope that is reflected in my work. [Read more…]

Ft. Worth Newborn Photographer l Sitter Model Call

January 12, 2016

ATTENTION DALLAS/FORT WORTH PARENTS: BABY MODEL SEARCH

H. Parker Photography is searching for babies aged 6-9 months who are sitting unassisted but aren’t yet crawling for a studio mini session to take place in the next few weeks. Sessions will take place at H. Parker Photography’s residential studio on Roanoke, Texas.

For consideration and to learn details, please email heather@hparkerphotography.com. Please include babies age and gender when emailing. Feel free to share with friends who might be interested. Thank you!

Heather of H. Parker Photography is a Ft. Worth Newborn Photographer also specializing baby and child photography in Forth Worth, Texas and surrounding areas including but not limited to Dallas, and Roanoke.

Ft. Worth Newborn Photographer l Project 365 Kick Off

January 5, 2016

I posted a few weeks ago about big changes with H. Parker Photography, and how I am now specializing in newborns and babies through their first year of life. Even though I am excited with the new direction for my business, I definitely don’t want to give up on practicing my photography skills in more real world situations (natural lighting, moving subjects, grouchy subjects—hehe). To continue practicing my skills and provide a creative outlet, I’ve decided to begin a 365 Project this year. A Project 365 is where you take a photo every day of the year (technically this year has 366 days due to it being a Leap Year, but I digress). Some people choose to follow a theme, but the main purpose is to get out your camera and shoot real life stuff. This isn’t for clients or for money. It’s just a personal pet project unconstrained by my professional life. I hope that this project helps me grow creatively. I also hope that it forces me to capture more of the everyday, simple details that make up the bulk of life. I want to look back at the photos from this project and recall moments in time—for the photos to freeze a second and bring me back to the sights, smells, sounds and emotions of what was happening. This project should tell a story. I’m trying to be realistic about this. I know that I won’t have time to post photos every day, so my goal is to take a picture every day and then post them altogether once a week on my blog. I’ve been looking at other photographer’s 365 Projects online for inspiration and I’ve even pinned a few theme lists. I’m trying to keep my camera and my most versatile lens (Sigma 50mm f/ 1.4) at the ready. Now I feel like a kid on the first day of school with my blank slate notebooks, sharpened No. 2 pencils and perfect pink erasers at the ready. I actually began this journey on January 1, 2016, so I am less than one week into it, but I want to go ahead and make my first post now because I know that the weekdays when my son it at school are my best times for getting anything accomplished. Things I’ve learned already:

This is hard.
I feel woefully inadequate at lifestyle photography with my own family. I am hoping that enough practice and inspiration from other photogs will help me beef up in this area.
My house does not get a lot of good lighting in the winter.
I failed at sticking to a weekly theme. I think what I may do is use the themes as a backup. If I’m facing a day where I can’t think of anything to photograph and need that extra nudge then I have a theme in my back pocket.

I’d love to be in community with others who are on a similar 365 journey, so whether you are professional photographer or want to use your cell phone to snap a daily picture, I’d be honored to follow your blog (just email me). You can always find me here, or on Instagram (@hparkerphotography) and I’ll be using #365hparkerphotography if anyone feels like sharing their journey with me. Now without further delay, here is the first installment of my H. Parker Photography 365 for 2016:

1/366: Welcoming the new year with a glass of sparking wine. Technically this was taken at 10pm on 12/31 because there ain’t no way I was staying up until midnight.

2/366: Since Christmas it seems like every night is game night at the Parker casa. Holden is obsessed with playing Cootie Bug, Break the Ice and Mousetrap.

3/366: Holden is a new member of the bike riding club. Straight from balance bike to big kid bike for this guy–no training wheels. Major proud mama moment, as he is only 4 years and 2 weeks old. Hard to believe that just three years ago to the day he took his first steps and now he’s on wheels.

4/366: Wrestle-mania. What is it about boys and wrestling? I only have sisters, and I so don’t get the whole rough and tumble thing, but these two guys warm my heart with their antics. Photo bomb courtesy of our dog, Bailey, who legit can not handle not being pet by someone all.the.time.

Ft. Worth Newborn Photographer l 2015 Newborns

December 30, 2015

As the year comes to a close, I always enjoy reminiscing, and I have loved putting together this collage of my 2015 H. Parker Photography newborns. I am so privileged to photograph newborns in Ft. Worth and surrounding areas, and I thank all of my wonderful clients for bringing their little babies to me for their first portrait session. It’s hard to believe that some of these babies will be visiting me next month for their 1st birthday/cake smash sessions! I am now booking for 2016 newborns, so if you are expecting (or know someone who is) and looking for a newborn photographer in DFW, then please email me (heather@hparkerphotography.com). Most experienced newborn photographers, myself included, book babies several months in advance. I am blessed to have a full schedule, but it breaks my heart when a parent calls up the week their baby is due (or a week or two after baby has arrived) frantically searching for a newborn photographer and I am not able to fit them in. The only experience I can think of that is as fleeting and important as the newborn stage is your wedding day, so I can’t stress enough the importance of documenting this milestone. You will never regret having beautiful newborn portraits taken, as they can be passed down from generation to generation. I look forward to all that 2016 will bring and wish a Happy New Year to my wonderful H. Parker Photography family!

Ft. Worth Newborn Photographer l Holden is Four

December 22, 2015

I’m sorry….(not sorry) in advance for the over-sharing from my son’s 4th birthday session! This little guy is my world, and he is by far my favorite photographic subject. My man’s birthday was actually on Sunday, so this post is a few days late, but we spent the weekend celebrating with family and all day yesterday was spent playing with new toys and recuperating from the whirlwind weekend. These images were taken toward the beginning of November as a combo 4th birthday/family session in Argyle, just north of Ft. Worth. Taking your own child’s photo and your family photos as a photographer is no easy feat–I have to use my tripod to capture the family stuff and then I have to coach my husband on how to frame a few decent shots of my little and I. Not going to lie–it’s exhausting and not something I really look forward to enduring. However, I have always found that the end product makes it worth it. Plus, I like the take the family out for dinner on H. Parker Photography’s dime as a “Christmas party” so to speak, and there are margaritas involved for the adults and chocolate milk for the little, so that helps ease the pain. People often ask me how I capture pictures of my own son given that he is a photographer’s child and has long ago been deadened to lure of smiling for the camera. The truth is that I have a very difficult time, and I always bring along bribery (marshmallows or Smarties) to get instant smiles without any sticky mess. Many parents will hold a bigger bribe over their kids heads (like ice cream), but I’ve found that for a four year old the treat is too far removed from what you are expecting them to do, so I prefer to dole out the treats liberally during the session and worry less about perfect behavior and more about moving quick and capturing what I can in a very small time frame (30 minutes or less). I have also been extremely careful NOT to teach Holden the word “cheese” for photo-taking. It only produces fake smiles and is really one of the worst things you can do as far as capturing candid, organic moments with your kids. Of course, he has learned “cheese” from other sources–family, school, TV, life–and that’s okay. I just try to avoid pushing that during our session. The last tip I have for photographing your own child is to make it fun. During Holden’s 3rd year photo session, I rented a beautiful vintage pedal car from Rent My Dust. He had a ball playing around in that car and the smiles were so organic. This year I didn’t have such a big prop, but I did bring along a little yellow airplane (it’s actually just some Hobby Lobby knick knack that lives on his bookshelf normally). He only played with that airplane for maybe 5 minutes, but it was something new to his world and allowed me to capture 5-10 minutes of genuine happiness. Hope you enjoy the glimpse into my life and my heart. Merry Christmas to all!

Ft. Worth Newborn Photographer l Baby Catherine

December 17, 2015

This little girl is my last Ft. Worth studio newborn for 2015. She arrived a bit early, but just in time as the perfect holiday gift for her parents. Miss Catherine was a breech baby, and I could tell right away because she really loved having her legs tucked up. Breech babies are some of the easiest to pose because they are already used to being curled up in very specific ways in the womb. Although her little legs were quite easy to get into position, Miss C really gave me a run for the money because she had very precise ideas about how she did not want to be moved…at all! This little one would give a good holler anytime I moved her even the teeny, tiniest millimeter. She is definitely aware of her surroundings and wants to be swaddled and cuddled close which I am sure is a blessing for her mommy and daddy as they soak up all those little baby snuggles. With a little patience and time Miss Catherine and I were able to get things sorted out and came away with some beautiful images. I loved capturing some of the tiny details while I was waiting for her to go into a deeper sleep, like her super long lashes and those itty bitty toes. Plus, baby C gets to debut my newest prop (the little bear hat) and I think she pulls it off well. 🙂

Ft. Worth Newborn Photographer l Baby Chase

December 9, 2015

Baby Chase visited my studio in Roanoke this morning for his newborn photos. This little turkey was born a day before Thanksgiving, and he is my first newborn to photograph since the holiday. I was excited all week looking forward to some baby snuggles. This little guy was adorable and loved being swaddled, held and having his feet tucked close to his body. I just wanted to keep this lil’ squish, but I think his parents wanted to take him home. From his beautiful hair to his sweet smile, everything about Chase’s Ft. Worth newborn photography session was precious. The only hiccup we had was trying to get sibling photos with big brother (who is 2 1/2). It took a little marshmallow bribery and a LOT of outtakes, but I think the shot was finally captured and I look forward to showing it off to mom and dad in a couple weeks.

Ft. Worth Newborn Photographer l Special Announcement

December 8, 2015

First off, let me start by saying just how blessed and thankful I am for all the babies, children and families that have come into my life through H. Parker Photography. To say I love my job would be an understatement. The closing of another year means it is time to evaluate my business and what my priorities are both personally and professionally. It is with that in mind that I have decided to focus on newborns and following babies through their first year of life. This is a big change for me, and a tough choice—but in the end it is what is best for my own family and also for H. Parker Photography. My books are full for family sessions through 2015, and I will not be accepting additional family sessions for the near year. I still have some newborn openings left in 2015 and will be exclusively focusing on newborns and young babies in the coming year. This means I will be specializing in serving the Ft. Worth area through studio and lifestyle newborn photography; sitter photography and 1^st birthday/cake smashes. It is definitely not without some sadness that I make this announcement, because I really love my job and it gives me a thrill each time I am behind the lens. I won’t rule out the possibility of returning to family photography in the future, because no one ever REALLY knows what is around the next corner and I have a feeling I am going to miss it A LOT. I am looking forward to specializing in newborns and continuing to grow in that area of my photography. Many thanks to those who have been with me since the beginning of this journey! None of this would be possible without you. XO Heather