featured in Austin Design Guide

Thank you SO much to my sweet friend, Jen, for getting me a little slice of Austin Design Guide. Such a cool magazine filled with decorating inspiration. Man, it looks so cool to see Pinkle Toes in there all shiny and purdy.

Well, it's finally happened. All of my life, I've wanted to collect something. I don't know...I always wanted to be known for something cool that I collected (I'm a wierdo sometimes). And lookie now...who would have thought that a prop that I started using in my work would turn into A COLLECTION????!!! Thank you so much to all of my pals that have sent various cupcake paraphenalia my way!!!!!!!!! It thrills me to no end and I can't wait to set up a really cool display with all of my cupcakes.

These candles are from a sweetheart mommy who has just been the most wonderful client and friend. Her daughter is featured in my sample coffee table book. Thanks for thinking of me, M!!!!

And a totally random pic for ya. My hubba hubba hubby. Thought it would be nice to put a face to the:

austin.texas.bride

All I can say is wow. Just wow. Isn't she stunning? You may or may not recognize her, but I've been fortunate enough to be part of some very important events in this family's life. They married out of state, though, so I finally got my chance to do some bridals after-the-fact. Soooooo thrilled to have had this opportunity.

(I was there the day this little cutie was born!)

Um. loved this.

[Edited to add another shot of little J 'cuz he's sooooooo adorable.]

"Ahhhhhhh...Geek OUT!!!!!"

Me and the kiddos got our geek on at a spur-of-the-moment trip to the iMax 3-D. There's nothing like watching your children squeel with delight as a dolphin jumps over their head or see them reach out to "pet" a giant whale. Of course, they lasted all of 30 min. into the movie. (Snuck in some pics with my camera phone -- too cute to pass up.)

Dressing the part & PT Reviews

A digital clothing guide is now available to all clients who book a session with me! I'm so very excited to finally have a visual guide to help you and your kiddos look AMAZING in your portraits. Current clients, please check your personal client website to view the delicious details.

I've also added a new feature to the blog. A little place where you can share your thoughts on your Pinkle Toes experience. Just post a comment here or if you're considering a Pinkle Toes session, check out what others have to say.

Last call...

...for the Cupcake Academy. Deadline to sign up is THIS Friday, so don't miss out if you wanted to join us!

I've been tied up with other stuffs lately and so not much quality time with the ol' Canon. But, since it would be morally wrong for me to post in my photoblog without a photo, thought I'd strip down. NOT literally, but I wanted to show you some of my old, old, old snapshots from back in the day. This is *very* embarassing, but these are going to be a GREAT tool in the Cupcake Academy to demonstrate how to improve your own images. Here's a sneak peek of some of my dirty laundry you'll see at the Academy:

YIKES!!!!! Don't be shocked if these are deleted soon! Now, I'm not saying you're going to go from *this* to pro photog, but you will learn from my mistakes and become a better family historian.

Hope to see you there!

~Michele

by.the.books.

At last! My new coffee table book sample has arrived! I was in such a hurry to show you, I took these pictures tonight...and let me add this disclaimer: the pictures do not do this justice. I am beyond thrilled with how this book feels in my hands...the glossy jacket, the rich feel of the satin-finish pages, the ultra cool case it comes in. Wow! Wait until you see this in person. And the 5x5 mini softcover copies are just as adorable!

And guess what else Mr. UPS brought me today?

My 7x7 Belly2Baby flip-book sample. Oh, this is just the coolest thing. I so wish I had maternity/newborn images of my own so I could make one for myself! The book starts out with the Belly pics and halfway through, you flip it over to reveal the Baby side. So novel and fun!

in.print.

I don't think I'll ever get over the shock or nervousness or excitement of seeing my work in print. (I even do a double-take when I see my prints hanging up in my client's homes. ) Thanks so much, Cheyenne!

"cuptake"

That's what my littlest bug calls them. ;-)

feeling romantical

Just some things around the house that look romantic(al) to me (quoted from Monsters, Inc.). Got a new toy today, so thought I'd try it out. Hmmmmm...need more practice, though. Hope you all have a WONDERFUL Valentine's Day and give an extra hug to your loved ones for me.

A few more of Romeo...

Just can't get enough of this cuteness!

Just 'cuz.

Just for grins, I thought I'd share with you my 10 most popular photos on Flickr (you might recognize one from your own session ;-)):

People go crazy for the newborns, don't they? And, since we're here, thought I'd share with you some of my recent fav's on Flickr. The talent and inspiration over there is overwhelming.
1. walking away, 2. backlit horse ride~, 3. gentle touch, 4. Untitled, 5. cappuccino, 6. cupcake, 7. Sugary Chocolate Sundae, 8. peas&carrots - hats, 9. .39.365., 10. BIL's Family, 11. toes on denim, 12. Untitled, 13. Untitled, 14. Abaca Boutique Hotel, Cebu, 15. Sunlight, 16. Illumination

Sorry about the funky white border on some of these...leftovers from my old blog background. Oh, speaaking of inspiration...this post was inspired by Indie Art Photography.

meet me.

I think pretty much every photographer out there (or anyone who's ever tried this for that matter) can relate to how flippin' difficult it is to do a self portrait. I've never been happy with the results...I just can't think clearly if I'm not behind the camera. For some silly reason, I felt like I needed to challenge myself today. So, here I am:

Marta, Cindy, Mariah, Wynona...hats off to you ladies. You rock the SP's.

lashes and trains

My little bug fell asleep in his easy chair this afternoon. Perfect opportunity to snap some pics of his incredible lashes. I don't know where he got them from, but I have a feeling they will come in handy for getting his way whenever he wants.

out.

Daddy's been hard at work building an HO scale train table for the boys. Well, he says it's for the boys, but I think he's included in that group. It's cool to watch the progress.

Daddy designing while I'm working at the 'puter. Check out that nifty headlamp (thanks to Jen and Mark for the inspiration!).

romeo.

Ladies: look out. This little charmer is going to be a Heartbreaker with a capital H. I cannot believe how much he put up with today...he couldn't have performed any better. My goodness. Mom...you are in trouble, I'm afraid. ;-)

(Gettin' down in the Christening gown ;-)

Side note: still have a couple of spaces open for this...get in while you can.

Introducing...

WHAT: A fun, relaxed little workshop for moms (and dads, grandparents, etc.) to help you learn the tricks to taking better pictures of your kiddos. We'll talk about finding the best light (and shadows), getting nifty perspectives, how to capture the real moments (and when to quit), tips on sharing and organizing those bazillion pictures I'm sure you have, and lots more.

WHEN: Saturday, March 8th, 2008 from 10-11:30 a.m.

WHERE: The comfort of my own home. Yup, that's right. Come hang out at my place. Let's have coffee and cupcakes and chat.

TUITION: $125 per person (non-refundable) due by Feb. 29th

DETAILS: Your tuition to the Cupcake Academy includes the workshop, a copy of my FAVORITE book on how to photograph kiddos, a $25 Pinkle Toes gift card, and...first dibs on scheduling a holiday session with me (to be held in August or September). Dress comfy and bring your camera to practice (nuthin' fancy - any old camera will do). But please, this little event is for grown-ups only.

This graduating class will be small and spaces are limited, so if you wanna join us, sign up quickly. And, I'm serious. There will be cupcakes. Real ones. Scroll down to sign up!

(Note: this is NOT a workshop for professional photographers or even those that are trying to break into the field--just folks who would like to get better pictures of their kids when I can't be around ;-)