click chic

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 19:47:00 +0000

StAnD OuT in 2009

If you are as pAssioNate (obsessive) about having your holiday card stand out as I am, please check out our NeW DeSign options, Card Sizes & FiNishEs for 2009!! We have several flat, folded & photographic options along with finishes in linen, watercolor, pearl, etc. We have also dropped the prices to compete with online distributors, so you have No ExcUsE not to have your very-own-one-of-a-kind-no-one-else-will-have-it card this SeAson!

Holiday sessions are filling quickly for 2009. Please call or email for your appointment today!

StAyinG FoCuseD,
Jamie

The Perfect Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 14:39:00 +0000

The Perfect Recipe

If I could have the recipe for the perfect photography session, it would include the following ingredients: one part loving couple awaiting a very special baby, one part amazing setting in which to photograph, two parts beautiful subjects inside and out, a cup of seamless session with no interruptions, only a handful of outfit changes, mix in a lot of laughter, and bake until you've captured every sweet & precious memory surrounding this miraculous experience. (Be quiet all of my close friends who know I had the hardest time coming up with recipe lingo - your comments won't change anything).

That is precisely how I would describe the maternity session I had with two amazing restaurant owners recently. This husband and wife team were wonderful to work with and were very willing to go with the flow throughout the entire session. They opened up their restaurant, (which, by the way, has the very best caesar salad in the world - just the right amount of dressing ALWAYS and the perfect lettuce crisp...wait, what were we talking about?) for the session and it created such an unexplainable intimacy.

This couple is so excited about their baby girl that it radiated in their faces, bodies, etc. Their love for one another was also very evident, which was truly a gift for me.

I didn't have to try at all to evoke emotion or love or caring or happiness, etc. Everything was so genuine and I felt blessed to be in the presence of something so beautiful.

Just look at them! Precious.

I thought this one was especially perfect. The baby had just kicked and I love how it's always such a surprise to a pregnant mother (even after the 1000th time!).

Gorgeous

I love her smile, as I know it's authentic. This was shot outside the restaurant.

http://www.pmaddens.com/

I cannot thank you enough, P & T, for such an incredible experience. I know your baby will be so blessed and will be loved like no other. I can't wait to meet her in May (will she be too little to enjoy a caesar with me?).

Staying Focused,

Jamie

Facebook Guidelines for Kraus Photography Clients

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 02:09:00 +0000

This could be your profile picture

For all of my savvy facebook clients who have inquired... You are welcome to choose ONE photo from our session to use as your profile picture on facebook provided that you (1) are a 'fan' of the Kraus Photography page on FB, (2) reference both our website and our facebook page somewhere on your wall at least once, and (3) do not upload more than ONE photo onto your page. In return, I am more than happy to upload several photos from your session on the Kraus Photography facebook page for you to share with your friends if you would like - all you need to do is ask. (This goes for old and new sessions). Thank you for respecting these guidelines and I look forward to seeing your beautiful profile pics circulating soon! :)

Staying Focused,

Jamie

Senior Moments

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 21:28:00 +0000

Senior Moments

I've said it before and I'll say it again, but I absolutely adore seniors. It is so fun for me to walk down memory lane (and at this point in my life, I have to really REACH for the memory part). Just thinking about all of the excitement and anticipation these seniors are feeling brings a huge smile to my face.

When I showed up for this senior session the other day, my client was perched in front of the mirror with 2 helpers in tow (apparently because mascara looks better when applied by a close friend). She had all of her potential outfits laid out on the bed and was completing the finishing touches on her make-up. One of my favorite parts of photographing seniors is that there is this incredible opportunity to fully express one's individuality through clothing, location, accessories, etc. No two sessions are ever alike, which keeps it exciting.

This particular senior was very confident, but at the same time was able to ask for opinions from her friends. I loved the mix of self-assurance and vulnerability when it came to her choices and expressions. She was extremely easy to photograph and had amazing features to work with(piercing blue eyes and incredibly white teeth). Crest strips eat your heart out.

Most importantly, she had an amazing smile and I had so much fun listening to she and her friends talk about spring break, facebook, texting, and all things young. (Somehow the youth is strangely absent when I discuss the exact same topics with my friends).

Towards the end of our session, she changed into jeans and a t-shirt and put her hair 'as she always wears it'. She plopped right down in this comfortable chair and you can almost feel how genuine this smile is.

In the shot above, she was laughing at one of her friend's comments...one of my favorite times to capture the real deal.

This was shot indoors - she wanted to wear one of her favorite black dresses for a photograph to give to her grandmother. Again, I had her sit down and loved the effect it had as she looked out the window.

Are you kidding me? Do I have to even say anything here? Gorgeous!

All in all, this was a fun session full of life, laughter and lots of clothes! Thank you to my amazing senior for making it so easy. I wish you the very best on the remainder of your journey and feel blessed I was able to capture this important time in your life.

Staying Focused,

Jamie

PS: Where do I sign up to have 2 of my closest friends assist me all day?

Find us on Facebook

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 21:11:00 +0000

Let's just say I always get there, but it just might take me a bit longer to arrive. Kraus Photography can officially be found on facebook, so please take a minute and become a fan! (And while you are there, please waste HOURS searching for your 4th grade boyfriend or college crush....so worth it).

Staying Focused,

Jamie

Freedom at Last!

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 19:35:00 +0000

Holiday Photo Sessions are COMPLETE!!!!

Please enjoy some of my favs from 2008 (more to follow):

Freedom at Last

It finally happened. I went to my computer yesterday and realized that my Christmas orders had all been placed and that I had no more cards to design. I have to admit I felt a little lost and without direction. After that millisecond passed, however, a feeling of overwhelming joy took over and I could taste freedom in all its glory. Freedom from photoshop, freedom from decisions about stripes vs. dots, freedom from uploading & downloading (I still don't know the difference, by the way), and freedom to enjoy the holiday with my family.

Please don't get me wrong, my dear clients. I thrive on deadlines and pressure, and actually invite this chaos into my world every Christmas season. I actually do love taking holiday pictures. Every September/October I gear up for the holiday kick off knowing that I won't stop for 3 solid months. I liken it to the feeling you have right before summer - except without the pool, the kids, the sunscreen, the heat, etc. I digress. It is so worth it when I get to see how much your kids have grown in a year, or I get to meet a new baby, or most of all when I get to hear your kids laugh at my silly jokes. You are the reason I come back year after year.

HOWEVER, freedom is nice and is very welcome at my party. So what will I do with my new found freedom? Address and send out MY Christmas cards, shop for my kids' presents, look at Christmas lights with my family (have you checked out the house on Congressional?), listen to holiday music and soak in all that is CHRISTMAS. I love this time of year, as I'm sure you do too, and I hope you receive so much of the joy you have brought me. The merriest of Christmases to you!!

Staying Focused,

Jamie

Old Friends, New Kids

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie) — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 15:39:00 +0000

A Trip Down Memory Lane

I just returned from San Antonio where I got to visit with some old friends and take pictures along the way. Let me just say that if you haven't spent some quality time with friends lately, please schedule some immediately! It is good for the soul. So much so, that I came home and made a playlist of songs that will remind me of this time. There is something very special about the friends you made in college and before you had kids. I guess that is the last time you are just you. No little people following you. No interrupted phone calls. Unlimited time for lunches. Shopping for hours just for the right accessory (ones that do not involve disney characters). Time to analyze life with a clear brain. Time period. You get the picture.

But then someday your life changes and you have these mini folks to care for. And as if one is not enough, you keep having more and more.

And once they smile and laugh and carry on conversations with you, you realize it is all worth it.

Anyway, I was fortunate enough to not only spend time with my friends, but also with their little ones. I love observing - obviously since I've made a career of it - and watching my closest friends parent their offspring this past week/weekend evoked a large amount of pride. My friends are amazing people and I love seeing who they have created and how much love they have for their kids. It was inspiring.

Here's to good friends, great kids & ongoing memories with the ones you love

(animated characters included).

Staying Focused,

Jamie

Updated Holiday Schedule

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 15:03:00 +0000

Hurry!

Slots are filling fast for the holiday schedule so please email if you are interested. I'm looking forward to another great season!

Staying Focused,
Jamie

Holiday Schedule 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie) — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 03:12:00 +0000

The holiday schedule is now posted under DEVELOPMENTS. Please go check it out and make an appointment before all the slots are taken!! I look forward to spending another wonderful holiday season with you and your family.

Staying Focused,

Jamie

Diving into Fall!

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie) — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 20:17:00 +0000

Diving into Fall

Now that school has begun and our routines are being set, I am ready to DIVE into Fall! This is absolutely my favorite time of year and I look forward to sharing it with you and your families. My waiting list for Holiday photographs has begun, so please email me at jamie@krausphotography.com if you are interested in being added. Sessions will begin mid-late September and will run through November 1, 2008. It is crucial to let me know if you will be doing holiday cards through Kraus Photography so that an early session is booked.

Traveling was a big theme of our summer. We hit the beach, the mountains, the city and the country. I don't think I will ever tire of traveling as each new place inspires me with fresh ideas. If only I could spend my life jet setting with a camera in hand...ah, the life! We just returned from a family weekend in the Hill Country, which was amazing. The boys had so much fun exploring the land, swimming in the Guadalupe River, and "relaxing" in a beautiful setting (I'm pretty sure that jumping off bunk beds, killing scorpions & beating cactus with sticks counts as relaxing, right?). The gorgeous views in Hunt, the white beaches of Gulf Shores, and the valleys of the Sangre de Cristo mountains have visually inspired me so much that I cannot wait to get back to work. My aim this Fall is to push the boundaries and make your family photographs unique and different from all the rest. I encourage you to think outside the box and be open to new ideas this season. We're going to have some fun!

Be on the lookout for new landscape portraits on my website. This is something new I'm offering for 2009, but there will be a preview collection for my customers available Christmas 2008! A special collection dedicated to Bryan/College Station and aTm will make great gifts.

I'm looking forward to DIVING in to Fall with you!

Staying Focused,

Jamie

Manners, Generosity & Beauty

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie) — Sat, 31 May 2008 19:15:00 +0000

Manners, Generosity & Beauty...can you really have it all?

I took pictures of these sweet kids the other day and was so impressed by their manners. Now I'm sure even an ape could impress this mother of three boys, but truly these kids had it all! There are those times in life when, as a mom, you don't know if you are really making a difference or if you're just re-living ground hog day, but I am hear to give a nod to L for all of her hard work! I saw the difference.

I work with a lot of children and have seen it all (and then, there are my clients). Few make me stop and take notice in a positive way, but these definitely did.

This shoot was also very special because these girls got their hair all cut off the day after this shoot for 'Locks of Love' - a program that uses real hair to make wigs for cancer patients. Their mom wanted me to capture all their crowning glory before they pulled a Katie Holmes and I think we achieved our goal.

Their little brother obviously did not participate in the hair portion, but he was the one saying, 'yes, ma'am' over and over to me....now who's heart wouldn't melt after hearing that?

Lastly, I wanted to point out the obvious - these kids are gorgeous! I know it seems odd to tout their physical beauty in light of their charitable cause, but I can't help myself. As a photographer, I pride myself on being able to make anyone except Steven Cojocaru look great. But it's nice to not have to work that hard.

Enjoy the photographs and thanks to these parents for equipping your children with SO MUCH! People like you not only make the world a better place to live but are insuring that our future is that way too!

May your day be filled with 'yes, ma'am's', a great cause & something beautiful!

Staying Focused,

Jamie

Hope for the Future and Great Vacations

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 19:37:00 +0000

Hope for the Future and Great Vacations

I had the opportunity to take pictures of a very personable senior recently. When I arrived, I was welcomed by her entourage (i.e. supportive friends and family). She lead me down a long hallway into her room while she finished styling her hair, primping, planning outfits, etc. As I was lounging in a chair next to several bags of new clothes chatting with she and her friend (soon more would join us), I couldn't help but think I was 18 again and we were getting ready for a party.

Growing up, I shared a bathroom with my 2 sisters and my mom. Why, you ask? I still don't know to this day. We had 3 more bathrooms in our house, but somehow we all ended up crammed into a small space getting tangled in all of the cords of hair dryers and curling irons, with make-up covering every cubic centimeter of the counter. Something about having constant feedback on whether to wear my hair curly or strait, or if I should try earth tones or jewel tones made the lack of space worth the sacrifice. I guess that's why I felt so comfortable waiting for this spunky senior to finish getting ready for her portrait session. To hear about where she and her friends had applied to college and what vacations they were planning screamed of innocence, childhood and a future that held so much hope. It also brought back great memories and a familiarity to all things female.

Anyway, once our session got underway everything flowed perfectly. A few change of clothes, different spots in her gorgeous older home, her mom arriving from an out of town flight, and another friend were the ingredients for a successful shoot. Towards the end, the girls were discussing how fun it would be if you could hire a photographer to travel with you and take pictures in exotic locations. "Would you go to Spain with us this summer and be our photographer?" I loved the luxurious innocence of this idea. Decadence at its best.

Everyone needs to hang around a senior every once in a while to be transported back to this exciting time in one's life. When the world is at your feet and your future is a blank canvas ready to be painted. This is the fun I experienced during this shoot and one I look forward to repeating with my next senior. Thanks for a wonderful time, K! I wish you all the best in your future....

Oh, and let me know when I should book my tickets to Madrid!

Staying Focused,

Jamie

Unforgettable Moments

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie) — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 20:05:00 +0000

New York City Christmas

Happy New Year! It's so hard to believe that 2008 is here and we are ready for a new year. I am already feeling paralyzed by all of the lofty things I have planned but haven't yet started. Tomorrow, right? :)

Anyway, I do hope you enjoyed your holidays and spent quality time with family and friends. I'm learning more and more that life is simply a little collection of the unforgettable moments that happen to us on our journey. Boy did we have some of those this holiday season!

We had one of the most amazing Christmases I can remember due to the fact that we spent it in New York. Truly, there is not a more magical place than Manhattan at Christmas. My sister-in-law was gracious enough to open her home to our wild crew and so many wonderful memories were made. A stand-out in my mind was ice skating in Central Park with my 3 boys and my husband on Christmas Eve. Beautiful Christmas music was playing (dare I say, BLARING) out of these enormous speakers. There was a chill in the air, we were surrounded by huge skyscrapers & blissful tourists. It honestly couldn't have been more perfect. I will remember that forever and I pray that my children do too.

Of course there were trips to FAO Schwartz (or FAO 'shorts' as my son calls it), the statue of liberty, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Rockefeller Center, but Christmas Eve in Central Park will be my unforgettable moment of 2007!

I am still closed for the holidays, but I wanted to wish you all a marvelous new year filled with unforgettable moments...

Staying Focused,

Jamie

Yes, it is REAL

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie) — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 02:47:00 +0000

CHRISTMAS CARDS

Ok - I must admit that the ritual of sending/receiving Christmas cards is one of my most favorite events of the year. Every September I unlock the creative vessel within and begin to plan for the Kraus Christmas card that will launch into the postal world sometime after December 1st. Because of my profession, I feel an extreme pressure to not only perform year after year, but to exceed the previous year with an even grander, more exciting presentation for my friends and clients.

This year was no exception. I had shopped early for coordinating clothing and prepared to photograph my boys after our Thanksgiving trip to Dallas. After all, Thanksgiving weekend would include my last two sessions before Christmas and I would FINALLY have time to do my own family. Usually I don't wait this long, but this year was different. I was blessed beyond belief with so much business that it was physically impossible to photograph the boys in the midst of the holiday blitz. No, this year the moment would have to happen after I had finished taking pictures of what seemed like everyone I had ever met in my entire life.

And their dogs. Seriously.

My husband was gracious enough to take the boys to the Dallas zoo during one of my Thanksgiving sessions, for which I was - appropriately enough - very thankful. When they returned, however, I was greeted with a big surprise. Somewhere between the monkeys and the Ibex's, my middle son had apparently lost a fight with a large bench and received an enormous black eye. When I say it looked alien-like with the swelling and all, I am being kind. This would have even made Rocky's knees weak.

Well, after the hugging and the 'I'm so sorry it happened' my mind immediately went to, 'WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO ABOUT OUR CHRISTMAS CARD?'. After all, this is what I'd been planning for months and thinking about since January (I know I said September above, but who am I kidding?) of last year! I couldn't NOT send a card and I hated to use an old picture, so I chose to embrace the unfortunate accident and use it as our focal point for 2007. So....for the many of you who have called, emailed & texted, YES the black eye is real. I'm not THAT good at photoshop! :) I do hope it brought you a smile and most of all a MERRY Christmas.

I'm off to sift through my ever growing pile of Christmas cards for the 200th time! :)

Staying Focused,

Jamie

Please do not disturb the peacocks

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie) — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 20:08:00 +0000

Austin Holiday Mini Session Recap

Ok - so I had to leave my house at 5am this particular Saturday to arrive in the gorgeous city of Austin for a portrait party with four families. Two that I knew and two that I didn't. When I arrived at my destination I noticed a sign that read 'Please do not disturb the peacocks'. Either I was reading it wrong since it was still pitch black outside or I had definitely arrived in the city with the slogan, 'Keep Austin Weird'. Right then I knew this was going to be an interesting experience.

Turns out the location was so beautiful and so perfect for what we were doing that I completely forgot about my unheard of awake time. That, and the fact that I was surrounded by peacocks. This mini session was so much fun for me as I got to see old clients and meet new ones. For those unfamiliar with mini sessions, they are the equivalent of what you call speed dating - only with a camera. I have to get to know my clients, understand their needs and make their kids smile all within what seems like 2 minutes. The families for this party were so much fun and so flexible that I will most definitely consider a second date. :)

I want to thank these families for their undying patience this month since it's taken me so long to produce these proofs. I hope you'll feel that it's worth the wait

Austin....there is nothing weird about it to me!

Staying Focused,

Jamie

PS: No peacocks were disturbed in the photographing of these families.

More Holiday Shots

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie) — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 10:54:00 +0000

HOLIDAY CONT.

Ok, so I've averaged a client per day this month which is extremely high for me. If you could see my office, I have over one hundred faces staring back at me waiting to be proofed. You see, I print off my favorite photograph of each session and put it atop a proof packet. Then I line them up in order of their session date. That not only reminds me of which clients I need to proof (and in which order), but it also makes me smile since I'm surrounded by people smiling, laughing, & having a great time. I will try to share as I go, but it's getting tougher and tougher to do so!!

I must say this was one of the smoothest family sessions I've had. These kids were very well behaved and willing to do what I asked of them WHEN I asked (I wish my kids would take note!). The colors, lighting, their beautiful blue eyes all stood out to me and as a result we ended up with so many great shots!

LOVE THIS ONE!

The next ones are from a high energy session I had with 3 wild and crazy girls. As mentioned before, I am the youngest of 3 girls, so I love this scenario. These gals were a hoot and had more personality than I could imagine. It was so fun to see them in action!

ABSOLUTELY DARLING.

Thanks for taking a peek - I'll try to share more as I go!

Staying Focused,

Jamie

Holiday Mini-Sessions

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie) — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 16:48:00 +0000

Holiday Mini-Sessions - Salado

I can't believe it's already time for holiday sessions, but October is full of them. These are some proofs from my sessions in Salado last weekend. We had a blast and I'm convinced I have the most adorable clients on the planet!

How could you not LOVE this expression?
We captured the ONE moment this precious boy was still (and we had to put him on a table to accomplish our task!)

This little munchkin melted my heart. She was a ball full of energy and would give this beautiful smile one minute and then immediately pout the next. Hysterical!

I was unable to dictate where we went for our session due to her impressive will to go wherever she wanted, but I'm so thankful she walked into this light. AMAZING.

Anyone that has been on my website probably knows these two sisters! They are famous and VERY well documented. I've said it before but will say it again - I love working with this family and can't wait for our next session!

BEAUTIFUL!!!!!

Ok - I have to admit that I love photographing 3 girls. One because I only have boys. Two because I WAS one of three girls. And Three because they are just so obedient and SWEET. These sisters were no different and a true joy to work with!

I love how all three have very distinct looks, but even more how each of their personalities were just as different! I hope I get the chance to photograph them individually next time as I would love to highlight their PRECIOUS personalities!

That's all for now but I will post more from my next mini's soon.....

Staying Focused,

Jamie

Announcements

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie) — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 18:53:00 +0000

Change

Change is good, or so I'm told. I've always resisted anything that disrupts my comfort zone, but I'm taking a leap of faith on this one. Thanks to all of my amazing clients and their referrals, Kraus Photography is experiencing major growth and has hired an assistant. I'm hoping this will decrease wait time on proof portfolios and orders in general.

To help streamline the business, please send ALL orders to the following email address: orders@krausphotography.com. For appointments, please send all requests to: appts@krausphotography.com. These will be checked by my assistant and will be followed up on frequently. Please still expect 3-4 weeks on orders and about 3-4 weeks out on appts as well.

Please be patient with us as we fine-tune our system. We are excited about our growth and are committed to continually make improvements to serve you better.

Staying Focused,

Jamie

School has begun!

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie) — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 15:52:00 +0000

School Days

It is official today that all 3 of my boys are in school! Granted, two of them are still in pre-school, but hey who's keeping track? Last week my oldest started kindergarten. I thought I would cry my eyes out, but oddly didn't end up shedding one tear. Watching him march into the school without a care in the world surprisingly evoked only pride, not sadness.

Seeing the other two off this morning proved to be a different story, however. Turning the corner to walk down the hall with them I felt my eyes getting misty. Then after hugs (my middle one loves to linger on the hugs) and kisses, it was goodbye. Just for a few hours, mind you, but to me it feels like a lifetime. I know every mom can relate, but I found myself counting the hours until this moment then dreading that it had happened as soon as it was upon me.

All of that to say that this entry is just for the ones that mean so much to me.....

HUDSON

Hudson, I was so very proud of you last week when you went to kindergarten. The way you waltzed right into the building like you'd been doing it for years made me laugh. You are embarking on a new journey and I hope it is one that brings you wisdom & happiness. For this year, here are my wishes: I hope your teacher can see the unique way you look at the world and how everything you do has a purpose. I pray that she appreciates your sense of discovery and fosters your need to learn about every single tiny thing in this world and how it works. I hope she takes the time to understand how you think, and allows you to be creative in your work. God made you so special and I love everything about you. My prayer for you this year is not only to learn reading and writing, but to learn a little bit more about life and how YOU make this world a better place.

HUNTER

Hunter, this morning when you hugged me my heart filled with joy. We always tell you this, but you have the BEST hugs in the entire world. It was harder for me to see you go to school because it was harder for you to let go. You have such a sweet nature and a kind heart and I pray that you are able to show those to your classmates and teachers this year. Even though you are the most shy of my boys (which is not saying much!), you can be such an amazing friend. I hope your teachers are able to see how you empathize with others. I hope they realize your love for animals. I hope they are just as amazed as I am that you are reading. I hope they show you all the love you deserve. And for you....I hope you meet new friends, learn about things that make you smile, and gain confidence in who you are (apart from your brothers) with every passing day. I love you more than you know.HAYES

Hayes, I was so proud of you this morning for walking right into your classroom and not looking back. You have so much confidence for a 3 year old and you adapt well to new situations. I know this year will be very special for you and for your teachers. I pray that they are able to appreciate your spirited nature and guide you in a positive way. I pray that they have patience when you release your energy and understand that you sometimes have difficulty controlling your actions. I pray that they see your brilliance and challenge you in the classroom. I pray they realize your love for numbers and teach you all about math. I pray that even if they get frustrated with your behavior they will shower you with all the love you need. You have the most wonderful smile and personality and you truly love to connect with others. I love that about you. I hope you are able to show the world how fun it is to have you in it!

FOR ALL OF MY BOYS....
I pray you find many reasons to laugh today!

Here's to an incredible school year!

Staying Focused (on YOU),

mom

Busy Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie) — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 15:55:00 +0000

BUSY SUMMER!

This summer has been extremely busy and I haven't had time to update the blog. So many clients, so few hours in the day! Quick updates...please check the development page for my tentative holiday schedule - I can't believe it's that time already. Also, I'm looking for seniors in the Bryan/College Station area to be my representatives in your high school. I would also love to photograph groups of friends as well as individuals! If you are interested, please email me.

Here are a few pics from my most recent sessions...

And this isn't even half of them! Anyway, I will post more later...gotta go work!

Staying Focused,

Jamie

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie) — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 18:44:00 +0000

Vacation Time!

(This is how happy I am to be heading to the mountains for 2 weeks!)

Kraus Photography will be closed from July 23 - August 8, 2007. Emails and phone calls will be returned after this time. All orders will be put on hold until the return date as production will not be possible. Thank you!

Staying Focused,
Jamie

PS: This is my very precious nephew...I will post more of him very soon!

Ordinary Day, Extraordinary Experience

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie) — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 02:49:00 +0000

I just realized that it has been over one month since I've updated my blog. Work has been crazy and I'm finally trying to bring you up to speed on the latest sessions.

This weekend I photographed a family that I have been working with for quite sometime. Funny thing about being a photographer is that you honestly feel like you are stepping out of your own world and into someone else's for awhile. You watch how the family interacts, the dynamics between mom and dad, siblings, etc. - not for voyeristic pleasure but for a true desire to capture the ordinary that is their life.

With this family, I've witnessed pregnancy, a new baby through her first year, a 5 year old that was only about 3 when we started, a promotion, etc. My heart literally fills with joy learning about this family's life and watching their events unfold before my eyes. I know the lines have been blurred when my clients get out of the car and we greet one another with hugs before the session even begins. I like being in their world and am so thankful to witness the (extra) ordinary.

This is the sassy (almost) 5 yr old who has no clue how gorgeous she is!

We had a hard time getting the two together for a shot, so we threw them into the back of this pickup nearby. Loved the end result!

This shot was taken as we were walking down the street - proves that concrete actually CAN be a great backdrop!

The tiara is especially fitting for this fiesty one who always asks me if I have gum in my purse when we greet one another (and she's not afraid to go find out for herself). :)

This was one of my favorites but I can't exactly pinpoint why. I don't know if it's the canopy of trees, the wooden fence, the girls holding hands, or the hint of the red barn in the distance. It makes me curious about where they are going, but more importantly it makes me want to go on the journey as well.

Hope you enjoy YOUR journey today and that you find the extraordinary in your ordinary!

Staying Focused,

Jamie

Inside their world

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie) — Wed, 23 May 2007 19:24:00 +0000

Elegant Baby Session

One of the great perks of my job is that I am invited into people's homes (and therefore their lives) to capture the 'everyday' for them. Surrounded by their personal treasures and the things they hold dear, I am able to freeze a small piece of time they will enjoy for years to come. What an honor to have access to something so precious - I feel extremely blessed.

I recently visited a gorgeous home in Austin and had an amazing experience. Somehow the beautiful chandeliers, fine fabrics & unbelievable view were quickly overshadowed by the warmth of the homeowners and the comfortable way in which they lived their lives. I felt like the session was incredibly personal and cannot thank my clients enough for allowing me to peek inside of their world.

This is the sweet baby in her nursery.
The love of sisters.

Showing mom some love!

Precious.

Laying on the dining room table.

Originally I was just going to put the baby on this coffee table, but big sister would not allow the solo shot! :)

Capturing the moment.

Stepping out onto the front porch. Big sis was really into rocking the chair, so we had to put a small piece of bark underneath to stop the motion for a millisecond!

This picture conjures up such emotion in me - I LOVE IT.

I could not have asked for a better pose. Such a natural!

Again, thank you to my clients for a truly memorable experience. I love working with your family!

Staying Focused,

Jamie

WOW!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie) — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 20:06:00 +0000

WOW! I had a wonderful opportunity to photograph an extremely energetic and fun senior last week. Since the majority of my clients are under 3 feet tall, it was so refreshing to photograph someone that stayed in one place for longer than 2 seconds. :) This senior was so exuberant that when I asked her to NOT smile, it was so difficult for her! I guess if you looked like this when you smile, why would you ever stop?!!

Here is a shot of her trying not to smile.

And another... They had an amazing tropical backyard complete with pool and waterfalls. I felt like I had been transported to a fabulous island for a modeling shoot!

Hard to believe this was taken in Texas in APRIL, right?

Seniors are quickly becoming one of my favorite populations to photograph. They are so full of life and have this carefree sense about them. The magical combination of very little responsibility coupled with a future full with possibilities is definitely something worth capturing. Thanks M for letting me experience your youthful joy and spirit! Good luck next year in college.

Staying Focused,

Jamie

I love Texas!

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie) — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 01:13:00 +0000

Does it get ANY better than this?

Every year at this time I feel such a sense of pride about living in Texas. Not only is the weather amazing, but the wildflowers make their grand appearance. The bluebonnets perfectly frame the highways and country roads, which is a constant reminder of how beautiful this state truly is.

Bluebonnet season for a Texas photographer is almost as busy as Christmas. I'm so thankful I have had the opportunity to enjoy God's creation to the fullest this spring. Featured here are some shots from a recent portrait party in a tiny historic Texas town that literally take my breath away!

I have a few more sessions so I will share more in a day or two. Did I tell you I was proud to be a Texan?

Staying Focused,

Jamie