2010 Christmas Cards

Let me just say that I am a bit of a procrastinator so the fact that I am already thinking about Christmas is almost unbelievable for me.  I never start holiday shopping before December even though I wish I was the type of person who shopped all year long for Christmas gifts.  Last year was the first time I made Christmas cards for myself with our engagement photos, and I think I handed out maybe 10.  The rest are in a drawer someplace.  I am always late on birthday gifts.  I've now been married two and half months and haven't even started Thank You cards yet, so I might just take a second and be proud of myself for having Christmas 2010 somewhat on my brain.  I suppose the difference might just be that at this point in my life my career is extremely important to me.  Not that my personal life isn't, but if my sister's birthday gift is late, she will of course understand.  I never want to put myself into a position of being tardy for anything in regards to my clients and business.  Sometimes I wonder if this is backwards, but I have spent years working on my relationships with my family, Kevin, and friends.  The relationships I have with my clients are new and therefore require more effort in a sense.  I really want to impress every single client with my photography and work ethic.  I want my clients to trust me, and think of me as a friend.  I do not at all want to sound as though I take my personal relationships for granted because I honestly don't.  I just feel very inspired at this point in my life to be an excellent photographer and to make Whitney Lin Photography a growing, successful business. 

 Ok SO since I just got a little side tracked below are some example Christmas cards.  Leave a comment and let me know which is your favorite.  I think my favorite is the first one, but I really do think all of these would make great Christmas cards.  

 I haven't had the time to use our wedding photos for much yet, so it was fun to play around with them a little.

Seriously start thinking about ordering your cards now, or booking a shoot for September or October to ensure you have your holiday cards before Thanksgiving! 

Trevor and Alex-Too Cute for Words

Aren't these two just the cutest couple ever!  I had only met Alex briefly before this shoot, and I hadn't met Trevor until the shoot, but they were such an easy couple to be around.  They are both so warm and friendly, and they both have killer smiles.  Plus, they are crazy about each other and so so excited to be husband and wife.  I loved the way they were constantly touching hands, cuddling, and hugging during their photos, and Trevor calls Alex "Al" which just made me melt a little bit.  It might sound a little crazy, but I adore when my husband calls me "Whit", and hearing "Al" brought a smile to my face.  

When Alex and Trevor look at each other they instantly break into a smile, and it so fun to be around a couple that genuinely seems like best friends.  Enjoy your engagement and the wedding planning process!    August 6th will be here before you know it, and I am looking forward to photographing you two in all your wedded bliss.

Good Things Come in Threes

I was lucky enough to take all three of these young ladies' senior portraits, and I was thrilled when they wanted to do some group photos as well.  I actually love to do group photos at the end of a senior session.  I never charge for it, so please feel free to ask a friend or two to meet up with you at the end of your session for a quick group session.  Cassie and Tara met up with Haylee and I at the end of her session out at her family's farm.  We didn't have a ton of time, but we still managed to have some fun, and take some great shots.

These three have been friends for years, and what a great keepsake these photos will make.  Plus, could these girls be any cuter?  I bet there are a lot of boys out there very jealous of my job right about now. ;)  Cassie, Tara, and Haylee, enjoy your senior year, and treasure your friendship.  You are very lucky to have each other.

 I adore hail bail photos if you couldn't tell.

 I recently downloaded an app called poladroid.   It is the cutest thing.  All you do is drag one of your photos onto the poladroid icon and voila- out pops your poladroid image.  It even makes the old school noise and takes a few minutes to develop.  I thought this was the perfect image to transform into a poladroid.  I am smitten with the app.

Haylee-The Farmer's Daughter

Holy cow I can't believe Haylee is a senior.  I grew up with her older sister, so I have known Haylee since she was a baby.  I can not believe what a gorgeous girl Haylee has grown into.  She was always a cutie, but WOWZA she is seriously such a beauty.  

Haylee is one of the most fun-loving girls I have ever met.  She always has such a natural smile across her face because she is honestly always enjoying herself.  Her giggle is contagious, her smile is genuine, and her eyes are bright and sometimes a little mischievous.  This goes back as long as I have known her, and it made for an awesome evening of photos.  Haylee really knows how to work it in front of the camera, and she is never stiff or posed looking.  She just naturally looks this good :)  I adore you miss Haylee as well as the whole Folkvord family.   You really are something very special, and I was honored to photograph you.

I love the wind blown hair and the beautiful half smile in this photo.

 Of course wheat field photos were a must

 Not everyone fits so perfectly inside a tractor tire-I love this photo

Thanks Haylee for a wonderful evening filled with laughter and fun!

Pretty Penny

So I have to admit that I am a little obsessed over my new puppy Penny.  I have never had a puppy before and getting a dog was something I had been waiting to do for some time.  I am so glad I waited because Penny is perfect, and since I am finally concentrating solely on photography, I spend lots of time at home editing photos.  It is so nice to have the company, and I really never thought I would enjoy having a dog this much.  Penny is an awesome pet.  She is very content to lay by my feet, and when I need a break from work, she is always up for playing.  

Penny is so dang cute that I couldn't resist taking some photos of her.  She is growing so fast so I really wanted to get some of her in all her small glory.  I am not a pet photographer, but after shooting Penny, that is something I'd love to do more of.  It does however come with its own challenges.  Penny is so playful that it was hard to get her to sit still for the camera, then she gets comfy and falls asleep.  So cute!  I am sure there will be more photos to come, but here are some from a quick shoot we did earlier this week.

 My husband Kevin hates when I put bows in her hair, but it is just too cute not to.

Penny loves to sleep by the front door by our shoes.  Here she is passed out on my hubby's cowboy boots

Penny Lane, 10 weeks old, 3 pounds

Cutie Pie Cassie

Last week Cassie and I ventured to Pony, MT for her senior photo shoot. I adore small Montana towns, and they are always the perfect setting for photos. Pony has always been one of my favorite little towns; it has true character. Cassie shares my admiration for Pony so it was the perfect fit for her shoot. It was a blast to drive with a destination in mind, but not knowing exactly where the trip would lead us. I really love the way these turned out, and it helps to have such a stunner in front of the camera! She was so at ease in front of the camera, and I am in love with that blue striped dress of hers. So perfect! Thanks Cassie for such a great evening, and for walking through water and marshes for me :) Hope your senior year is full of FUN, FUN , and more FUN.