NEW STUFF!

Go to the new site!!!!

www.jhicks-photography.com

MUCH LOVE TO ALL!!

DA DA DADAAAA

Not time yet, but almost. It’s coming. Lot’s of things are coming.

So I love my new camera. It’s awesome awesome awesome. Although I’ve only used it once since I got it. I know I should be waaaaaaay more excited, but I’m kinda sad too. But won’t go into that. Only positive thoughts! My website and bad a** blog are officially in the making.

So leave me a comment

IT’S HERE!

I think today is CHRISTMAS!!! I almost attacked the poor UPS man when he pulled in my driveway today. I expected my camera today, but little did I know he would deliver EVERYTHING I had ordered!
And here he is…MEGATRON

And my BEAUTIFUL Shootsac that I’ve wanted since I picked up my camera for the first time!

What’s that MOM!!???

oh a NEW toy!!!

Much love ya’ll!

Just a couple things.

First of all, WHAT THE HECK!!! Another friggin hurricane. Like I said, I’m not leaving. I’m prepared for bad weather. I know things will get scary. I’m already scared and the sun is shining outside. I don’t know what will happen, but I’m hoping for the best. I sure hope it stays on the track it’s on now. I don’t wish this kinda storm on ANYONE, but you can’t help but pray it goes away from you.

Second, 12 days till website/blog will be revealed! Well probably add a couple days to that before they will be live and available for viewing. But in any case, it’s SOON! Bought my SHOOTSAC! yesterday. If you’re a photographer, you KNOW how cool that is. My 5D and new lens will be here Monday. I’m can’t begin to explain how exciting this is. But my excitement is quickly followed by sadness. I want to share all this with my Dad SO BAD. I want to laugh with him, show him my new camera, watch his face as he browses my website. I remember when I showed him an album I made. He looked through it, closed it and said I can’t even say anything. These are wonderful pictures. My dad is critical, if something was wrong or weird, he would’ve told me. Cause he loves me and wants me to do the BEST I can. I love him for that. But for him to say NOTHING, man my heart melted into mush. I never told him how much that moment meant to me. But out of all the people in the entire world, his opinion was MOST important to me. So I hope he knows I’m doing this ALL for him. For his legacy.

Update on live TV right now. They totally just said Vinton will experience Hurricane force winds. YEP GUYS, that’s where I’ll be Me, mom, Nic, Maw Maw, Paw Paw, Chad, Matt, Bub, Patch, Cooper, Buddy, Cheyenne, Lucy, Ginger and horses. The horses will stay outside (yea, they stink ), but all the others will be inside. Man, we’re gonna have a tight house. They are comparing this to Rita. I’m scared out of my mind. BUT

This picture makes me smile….

And also, one other thing, then I’ll go pack my things….Check out this album I ordered!

That’s my famous couple, Jessica and Cody. Their wedding is coming up, YAY! That is their sign in book for their guests. If you’re interested in an album (even if your session has already passed) let me know and I’ll make one up for ya!

Much love, and hope to see ya’ll in a couple days!

Gracie

So my computer just beeped at me that I have exactly ONE HOUR of battery left Greaaaaaaaat. It’s nearing 2 a.m. so I think that’s a good thing. I just CANNOT sleep. I’m wide awake, I feel as though I just woke up from the nap of the century! I suppose my buddy, nyquil will help me get some rest in ONE HOUR! I’m starting to get all caught up. Just got little Emma and Mel’s family pictures left. Then I can finish up Gracie’s from tonight. Oh man, was she something else. Me and that kid just clicked. Like we were life long friends. And surprise, my MOM was totally my assistant today! She didn’t really do much assisting, but as least she was there to talk my ear off on the way out to Starks. Just kidding mom, glad you rode along! I am seriously so excited about these pictures. I’m in love with them. For real! Again, wish I could post a slideshow, but STILL havn’t discovered how, soooooooo….

Gracie and White Socks, her horse.

I mean, for real, could she BE more beautiful!

And…doesn’t Rocky look like he’s having one hella time!!!

And I’m still using my killer logo (taraswainphotography.com)…just wanted to try out something a little simpler for Gracie….cause she’s special!

Ok, so the website and blog will launch in about 20 days. This is all I’m showing…use your imagination.

Things are about to change around here big time. I have some secrets. I’ve only told 1 person. And when me and this one person get home from this secret adventure you will not even know what has hit you!!!

You’ll be like WHOOOOOOOOOOOA.

Seriously, it’s 2 a.m. and I’m a little delirious. Leave me comments peeps…..I stayed up so late just to post this blog!!!

Muah!

P.S. Just read what I just posted and realized how many times I said “for real”.  Guys, I’m sorry.  Again, I NEVER stay up this late!  FOR REAL!!!

In honor of Football…

NFL Season opener tonight! Cowboys on Sunday. Can’t wait!

Anyways, yep we’re home. Terrible trip. Glad to be back, and pray I don’t have to leave again. Hurricanes SUCK!

This little business of mine is going on hold temporarily. Money is tight, and of course you know, it takes money to MAKE money. I go back to my real job September 29th. Just so ya’ll know. I know I’ve been promising big things, and they are certainly coming, just on the back burner for now! I’ll still be posting gorgeous pictures of gorgeous people, don’t worry

I’d love some comments. Love to know who reads this, love to have your website (if you’re a photographer), love to take your picture (if you’re a potential customer ). I’d just love to know what you’re up to. Thanks everyone for keeping my family in your prayers. I think it’s working. We haven’t forgotten you Dad, and never will. But that pressure I’ve had on my heart is slowing lifting.

Just for fun..

And PLUS I totally need to pass the time.  Most stuff is packed up, so don’t really feel like taking my camera out.  If we have to evacuate tomorrow, then no blog posts for a couple days.  Who knows…I’m sure I’ll find SOMETHING to take pictures of!!!  Found this little thing on www.jasminestarblog.com and thought it would be fun to fill out!

I AM … restless
I WANT… to spend 5 minutes with my dad.
I HAVE … an upset stomach
I KEEP … EVERYTHING
I WISH I COULD … sleep at night
I HATE … HURRICANES
I FEAR … loosing loved ones suddenly
I HEAR … guy on the weather channel basically saying THEY HAVE NO IDEA ABOUT GUSTAV!
I DON’T THINK … I will be able to sleep AGAIN tonight
I REGRET … not telling dad I love him last time I talked to him
I LOVE … my Canon.
I AM NOT … eating brownies for dinner….even though  I WANT TO.
I DANCE … all the time
I SING … terrible, but I do it anyways!
I NEVER … forget to tell my hubby I love you before I go to sleep
I RARELY … work out.
I CRY WHEN I WATCH …just about anything lately
I AM NOT ALWAYS … loud…but most of the time.
I HATE THAT …brownies are fattening
I’M CONFUSED ABOUT … GUSTAV
I NEED … pack
I SHOULD … be working on pictures instead of filling this out!!

BYE YA’LL!

Hurricane party anyone????!!!

So my entire town is running around like chickens with their heads cut off. Wal-marts almost out of water, totally out of flashlights, and even KOOLAIDE!! Come on guys. I know I know, better to be overprepared. But still. In my opinion, we should all calm down and have a hurricane party No really. Nah, I’m kidding. But you know, no matter how bad my day is, or how much is going on in my life, my camera ALWAYS makes me feel better!

Yea, this is how I feel better. This is how I roll. Those of you that know me, know this. Life’s always throwing curveballs. That’s what makes it worthwhile. Ups and downs. Everyone has that one thing they do that makes the world stop for a minute. And enjoy life. Well for me, that’s it. That’s me. So while I should be getting clothes together, putting photo albums in boxes, and cleaning out my ice box, instead I’m making goofy faces in the mirror. EAT THAT GUSTAV!!! You don’t scare me! Ok ok, well maybe a little

Here’s some things I’ve been up to…Headshots for my gorgeous friend, Dawn. She’s a local photographer and totally rocks the camera. www.photography-by-dawn.com

And then there’s Emma. Ok, so this is pretty much the most fun I’ve had on a photoshoot. The faces this kid makes are priceless. This is the only one I’m posting for now, cause I totally need to go prepare for the craziness that’s coming (ok ok, so I’m really gonna go make brownies, sue me!)

If Gustav comes here, I tell you what, he BETTER take my house away. Cause if we have to go through what we went through for Rita, I tell ya, we are NOT living in Louisiana much longer!!!

MINI sessions

So I’m on this “everyone should have a family portrait” right now. I just think even if you go out in your back yard and have a neighbor or friend snap a picture, EVERYONE should have one. I was chatting with my bestie, Heather, and decided Mel, Josh and Bailey were very deserving. Never had one. And they are BEAUTIFUL, so they needed one Who better then YOURS TRULY to handle that problem for them. If you know someone deserving, email me. I’ll see what I can do.

I really enjoyed ya’ll.

I know all the famous photographer’s tell you about what settings they use and what photoshop actions.  In all complete honestly, I don’t think I’m to the point yet where everyone even CARES!  But if you do.  These were all shot Jpeg at 100 ISO, f/2 and speed varied.  That sun just couldn’t decide what it wanted to do.  I don’t use flash, all natural.  Tried a little different edited technique on these first few.  Did away with so much color pop.  I want my photos crisp and clear.  And I want the color to affect the FEELING of the picture.  This action is called Grandma’s Tap Shoes from Totally Rad Actions.  I used it on each one of the family pics.  Just toned it down a bit.  Seems to soften everything and add a nice vintage color over the photo.  Well bla bla bla,….here ya go!

Bailey wasn’t really interested…

Dad had to step in…

And bribe her with “swinging”

Kisses for mom

and now SWWWWWWWWINGING!!!

I have to finish these up in a couple…I’m what you could say WAAAAAAY BEHIND!! So this should hold ya over till then Heather

Here’s a couple more from Laura’s session the other day. Laura if you’re reading this, your proofs are up at www.jhicksphoto.photoreflect.com. Just got your voicemail and will get you your CD tomorrow!

And between then and now, also met Olivia. Addddddddorable BABY!!

And this shot was by window light.  ISO 240 f/1.4 and honestly I don’t remember the speed!  I’ll have to look it up!

OK WHEW ALL CAUGHT UP!!!

I’ve always wanted people to ask me what’s in my camera bag.  I’m a huge loser ok.  I just think it’s cool, cause as a photographer, if I go to another’s page, I’m alwasy like “I wonder what lens they used”.  Mine is weak right now

Canon 40D (5D coming soon)

50mm 1.4

28-135mm IS

Fisheye

Some cheap Macro lens that is TOTALLY awesome for ring shots.

Coming soon – 17-40mm L , 70-200mm L, 50mm 1.2L and a SHOOOOOOOOTSAC

Muah!  Thanks for stopping by

Real Quick

Yesterday we drove all the way out to Cameron, to the Creole Nature trail. The sun was really bright so we ended up only taking a couple pics there then heading back home. Cameron has been through so much, but THIS SKY. It just takes your breath away down there. There’s no plants in the background, no ugly buildings, no houses. Just marsh. Beautiful marsh.

And Vanessa just HAPPENED to have this totally unbelievably ridiculously GORGEOUS chair. And a beautiful daughter to sit in it!!

And Ciara’s older brother isn’t too shabby to look at either

Really enjoyed the adventure ya’ll. We saw FIVE gators. And almost got ATTACKED!!! Oh well, it was fun anyways