I finally found my photo editing solution. And she's cheap. Only problem is she doesn't work on people photos. This image was completely un set up... almost. I was doing a little work, and Mia was laying on my lap and at one point crawled up on the desk and just cuddled up on the number rty98ryb 666666666666666666666666666666665.... sorry for the interuption. That was Mia stepping on the keyboard doing her own typing. No joke. Where was I? Oh, right... so she laid in a ball on part of the keypad and I couldn't pass up that shot. Problem. I just sent in the D3 today for a little repair work, so I didn't have a camera sitting out on my desk like I usually do. By the time I not-so-stealthily got up and opened the closet door to get my old D200 out, she had woken up from her slumber. I did cheat a little and pull up the blog with a couple photos of her in the background for effect, but she's apparently easily embarrassed, and on her own she promptly stepped on the keyboard right on the page down button, so I ended up with an image of Jerry and Tina's precious boxer, Ally, in the background instead. Too funny.

I'm excited to announce a new collection of beautiful, rich textures from Florence is in the works and should be ready in the next couple weeks. I've pulled together roughly 50 of my favorite textures from Italy, and I've been using them as overlays and blends to add a unique, artistic, timeless feel to some images I've been working on. Stay tuned for more details and pricing information!

I was pleasantly surprised to find out today my little blog is featured on blogs of photogs. I've been to this site many a time to see some fantastic, fresh blogs and to be inspired by some crazy talented photographers, so it was fun to hear from Mary Hanson that I had been selected for the latest feature. Thanks so much, Mary, for the sweet write up... I'm honored and humbled to be chosen for your site! Head on over to blogsofphotogs.com to see and be inspired by all the great photographers Mary has featured.

About once a year I get together with the Boyers to photograph the whole family or just the kids. This year's rotation was a kids only session, so we went out to the Gaylord Texan for a little indoor atrium playtime. I'll post more pictures of big sister Emily, sister Shelby, and little man Luke in an upcoming post, but here's a few of these ridiculously cute siblings. Seriously, don't these three look like they belong in a magazine? BTW, to see our last session together, you can watch a quick slideshow and take a trip down memory lane to the old blog by clicking here.

I've finally found my Italian calling... I think at least part of the reason I've been put on this earth is to promote bruschetta to the masses. Kylie, myself, and the 'schetta (as I like to call it) are becoming quite the threesome lately. We've invited 'schetta to many a dinner since we got back from Italy. It's hard not to like this little treat... I challenge you to find another food with as much tastiness that feels light and heathy... even after your 5th piece.

Got a pen and paper? Write this down... this is our super simple 'schetta recipe, straight from chef Paulo in Lucca. Give it a try, and I dare you to tell me you don't like it. Bruschetta Aglio ed Olio, al Pomodpro [ Italian Garlic Bread with Tomoato ] Ingredients Crusty Italian or French bread Extra virgin olive oil ~ 4 Tablespoons Fresh garlic ~ 4 cloves Salt to taste 2 ripe or under ripe tomatoes to taste 1/2 bunch fresh basil Fresh grated parmesan cheese (Optional, we added this and love it) Directions Toast the Italian bread (or French bread split lengthwise) preferably over charcoal until golden. (we just use a small toaster oven) Rub all over with garlic clove. Season with plenty of extra virgin olive oil. Salt to taste. Cut tomatoes into cubes about 1cm (1/2") and place in a bowl. Add chopped basil, salt and extra virgin olive oil and mix gently. Place the bowl in the center of a serving dish with garlic bread around it, and each person will add tomato to their bread to taste. Bon Apetit!