Dorean Pope Photography

San Marcos Mini-Sessions - San Marcos Child & Family Photographer

2009-11-30T14:25:00.012-06:00

This is a little sneak peek for all of the families who participated in my mini-session day in San Marcos this past Saturday. The weather cooperated a lot better than I thought it was going to and we got some really great shots. Thank you all so much for participating. I really enjoyed capturing your families!!

Christmas Marathon - Austin Child & Family Portrait Photographer

2009-11-29T15:11:00.010-06:00

Wow, it has been a busy week!! This is definitely busy season for family photographers as everyone gets ready for Christmas and tries to get their family Christmas card ready. I have really enjoyed all of the families I've gotten to capture over the past couple of weeks. I am working like crazy trying to finish up all of these sessions. LOTS of coffee for me and Blues Clues and Sesame Street for Adalyn. There are two things adding extra motivation for me to finish all of my work (besides all of the wonderful families waiting for their proofs): decorating our house for Christmas and a new book to read. Neither of these things can be started until I am done, otherwise I wont ever finish! =) I am really excited about Christmas this year. Having a two year old adds child like wonder to the season. She is already SO excited about Christmas lights. She says, "More lights, Daddy. More lights!!" as we drive home. LOVE it!

Okay... back to the business at hand. These kiddos were having a tough morning and it didn't help that it was cold an windy outside when we met for our session. They were troopers though and I managed to bribe, tickle, and surprise some smiles out of them before the end of the session.

I hope you guys enjoy your sneak peek and I look forward to next year! It is fun to watch your kiddos grow.

Dorean

Fall is here! - Marble Falls Family & Child Photographer

2009-11-24T22:34:00.009-06:00

So this past weekend was full of driving for me. I also made a trip out to Marble Falls to do a family portrait session. The drive was breathtaking. It helped to get me into the holiday spirit. The fall colors are in full bloom in the Hill Country and that is something we only see occasional glimpses of in the city. It was a nice, quiet drive (read: no kiddos in the car) and I just soaked in the view. I'm ready for Thanksgiving now! I actually feel like it is fall this year!

You guys enjoy your sneak peek and look forward to Christmas with your little one. I am discovering that Christmas time with kids just renews the excitement and joy in the season. We drove by a house tonight that was DECKED out in Christmas lights. I looked into the back seat and Adalyn with just sitting there with her hand over her mouth in amazement. She kept saying "more lights, more lights" wanting me to find another house with lights. So fun! LOTS to look forward to.

A family reunion & a birthday party! - Wimberley Event Photographer

2009-11-24T21:38:00.007-06:00

On Saturday afternoon, I got to drive to Wimberley to take some family portraits at a family reunion. It has been a long time since I've been out to Wimberley. It is beautiful. I LOVE living in Texas. It is also a little scary. Not Wimberley, but the drive TO Wimberley. I am so not used to two lane, windy roads. I'm a city girl - I'll admit it! Anyway, if you find yourself with some extra time or a Sunday afternoon, enjoy the drive out to Wimberley. It is a pretty little town. The family reunion was at the Creekhaven Inn. Check it out if you are going for a visit. I would totally stay there if I had the opportunity. It looked really peaceful and relaxing.

This family was getting together in honor of their mother who was celebrating a very special birthday. They were a lively and fun bunch. Getting everyone to smile was not an issue. Coming from a bigger family myself, it was fun to see a glimpse into the future. I can't wait until there are too many of us to fit into one house... that just means there's more love to go around!

Grandchildren & Great Grandchildren!

New Baby Brother - Austin Child & Newborn Photographer

2009-11-19T21:56:00.012-06:00

This family just welcomed kiddo number three into the mix. His brother and sister were very excited about him. Their little eyes gleamed when they got to sit down and hold him. So precious. Their sweet mama has her hands full - the kids have her WAY out numbered now, but she is relaxed and content to just go with the flow and handle things one at a time as they come. To her I say - You are doing great and more sleep will come soon! I was SO just in your shoes and as you know it gets easier soon. =) Your children are beautiful! Enjoy this little sneak peek....

Family... Cedar Park Child & Family Photographer

2009-11-19T15:10:00.010-06:00

This family is... family. We love them and are excited to celebrate their latest addition. Welcome to the world Caleb! We can't wait to see you grow up. Congratulations you guys!

Happy Days - Austin Family & Child Photographer

2009-11-16T21:23:00.011-06:00

A sneak peek for the delightful P family.

It is always fun to see you guys!

I LOVE this one. I can't really explain why, it just cracks me up.

Small Town Fun - Bertram Child & Family Photographer

2009-11-15T21:00:00.009-06:00

Well, it has been a little while since I posted. We had a little excitement in the Pope house. Our girls had the H1N1 flu. Luckily, my husband and I seem to have escaped without getting sick but I of course rescheduled all of the sessions I had planned while they were sick. First, so I could take care of them and second so that I didn't share their germs. Thankfully, they seemed to have a very light case and they recovered pretty quickly. We are definitely glad to have that over with!

Things are going to be pretty busy around here in the coming weeks. Lots and lots of sessions scheduled, so check back often because there will be many fun things to share. Starting with this sweet family. This mama and I go way back... back to about 9 years old, I believe. (Was it earlier than that, Becca??) It is so fun and surreal to photograph her family - all THREE of her kids. I can't believe we are all grown up, married with kids. It is wonderful. Adalyn loves playing with her kids and was calling out their names as I edited their pictures.

I hope you enjoy your sneak peek and I look forward to taking your family pictures for years to come. Love you guys!!

Lovely! - Cedar Park & Leander Child Photographer

2009-11-05T14:39:00.012-06:00

Yesterday was a special playdate. I got to do portraits for MY mom's group.

Ladies, it was so fun taking pictures of all of your kids. I hope you enjoy these!

I look forward to getting to know you all better and many more playdates to come.

I LOVE Fall - Cedar Park Family Photographer

2009-11-03T15:31:00.008-06:00

Here is a sneak peek of my session from this past weekend. It is so fun to see the difference in personality between siblings, between oldest and youngest, boys and girls. This big sister was happy to pose for my camera and do whatever I put her up to and little brother would pretty much have none of it! He didn't fall for anything I pulled out of my bag of tricks. Maybe that's what I get for taking him to a duck pond and then expecting him to sit still. The ducks were WAY more interesting than anything I could do. :) We still managed to get some great shots - with or without his help and I can't say I really blame him.

Happy Tuesday!

PS - Did I mention that I LOVE the weather this time of year??

Baby Boy - Newborn Photograher Cedar Park, Austin, Leander

2009-10-31T10:09:00.002-05:00

Sweet Baby Boy.... I love newborn sessions!!

If you know anyone who is expecting, send them my way. I am currently working on expanding my newborn portfolio.

Halloween Playdate - Austin Child Photographer

2009-10-30T18:11:00.020-05:00

Happy Halloween! Here's a treat for all of the moms from the Halloween playdate I attended this week. Lots of cute kiddos and creative mommies!

Circle C Park Playdate - Austin Child Photographer

2009-10-23T10:56:00.015-05:00

Playdates are a whirlwind, but they are also a lot of fun. Portraits of 12 kids in about an hour and a half. Whew! I enjoy playdates because the kids are in their element - it is usually an environment where they are really comfortable and it is easy for me to get the kids to play with me. Genuine smiles and joy - that is always my goal! I have been known to crack some pretty tough cookies. A couple of these kiddos are prime examples. =)

Happy Friday everyone!
Dorean

Portrait Giveaway Winner - Austin Family & Maternity Photographer

2009-10-22T11:55:00.009-05:00

This sweet family won the portrait session giveaway that I did earlier this month. It was so wonderful to meet them!! We had to act fast to make sure our session was a maternity session and not a newborn session. :) I can't wait to hear about this baby's birth. What a blessing to have 5 kiddos and what an amazing mom! I hope you guys enjoy these.

Sweet Baby Boy - Austin Newborn Photographer

2009-10-22T10:55:00.006-05:00

A very dear friend of mine gave birth to her first born, not too long ago. This past weekend I got a chance to go visit them. Ahhh. He's so perfect. Newborn babies are just one of the best things EVER. SO MUCH work, but SO worth it!! Our Creator is truly amazing.

See the dimple??

Itty Bitty Baby Hands...

Zilker Park Playdate - Austin Child & Infant Photographer

2009-10-19T15:53:00.016-05:00

Enjoy a sneak peek from my portrait playdate session last Friday. It was a little cold and drizzly, but the kids were great and we managed to pull it off! If you are interested in scheduling a portrait playdate for your friends let me know - I'm not scheduling any more until the 1st of the year, but it is good to plan ahead!

Giveaway Winner - Cedar Park Child & Family Photographer

2009-10-09T20:02:00.003-05:00

Congratulations to the winner of our portrait session giveaway! Here is the nomination that won - stay tuned for a sneak peek of my maternity session with this family in the near future.

"I have an amazing friend that is pregnant with her 5th child. For the past several years her husband has worked in Alaska for months at a time while she is here in Texas. She has such great kids and she has had to do this by herself most of the time. Her husband just moved back here permanently to be with the family. He is looking for a job. I had found a photographer on Craigslist that was looking to do Maternity shots for her portfolio. My friend signed up and was scheduled to get her pictures done. The photographer is pregnant as well and is unable to take them at this time. This will be my friends last baby and I know that she would love a photo shoot, whether it be a maternity session or one of their complete family (7 people!!) The reason this family impresses me so much, as if having 4 amazing kids, and 1 on the way and being a "single" parent isn't enough, her and her husband are such an example to other couples. They have been together since they were teenagers, they started their family young, but have such a strong relationship. You can tell they are madly in love with each other. They are remodeling a fixer upper house and work as a team to fix things. They are always helping others and serving in the church. I wish I could put into words everything, but I have some small people requiring my attention."

Thanks for the wonderful nomination, Tabitha!!

Frogs, Snails, & Puppy Dog Tails - Austin & Cedar Park Child Photographer

2009-10-08T17:11:00.013-05:00

What a great little family. Since I have two baby girls, it is really fun for me to get a taste of what it is like to have little boys around. They head STRAIGHT for the mud, birds, squirrels, etc... While my girl is fascinated with birds, she admires them from a distance. She does NOT charge after them trying to catch them. :)

Enjoy your sneak peek!!

Giveaway Deadline - Cedar Park & Round Rock Family Photographer

2009-10-04T20:28:00.003-05:00

**Don't forget** Tomorrow is the deadline to nominate someone to receive a free Family Portrait session!! You can enter in the comments of this post or e-mail me your nomination.

The winner will be announced later this week.

Thanks!!

Dorean

Busy Bees - Austin & Cedar Park Child Photographer

2009-10-02T16:02:00.017-05:00

Cute and super fun kids!! They were busy, busy bees. I love my job.

I'm going to let the pictures say the rest for me tonight because I'm sleepy. =)

Family Fun - Austin Child and Family Photographer

2009-09-30T11:32:00.014-05:00

So I started this session off on a funny note. I pulled up to the capitol and sat in my car finishing my coffee. Through the trees I saw a couple of people running around the capitol building. "Hmm" I thought, "I didn't know people ran at the capitol much." I mean with Lady Bird Lake so close and all, I thought people mostly ran there. Then I saw several more people run by and thought maybe it was a group running at the capitol together. Yeah. That's it. Good uphill/downhill training. By the time I got out of the car and up close to the building there was a throng of people running past me. Haha. Silly me. I was right in the middle of the Silicon Labs Austin Marathon Relay. Lucky for us, the capitol grounds are BIG and we were able to avoid the marathon madness, but I did have a good little laugh at myself. Yes. For the most part, people don't run at the capitol.

Here is a sneak peek for this lovely family -

Portrait Session Giveaway - Austin Family Photographer

2009-09-23T16:00:00.008-05:00

*** Special Announcement ***

I am giving away a family portrait session.

This is going to be an opportunity for YOU, my faithful blog readers to get involved and to gift someone you know and love with a family portrait session. All you have to do is leave me a comment on my blog or facebook fan page and tell me WHY the person or family you have chosen is most deserving (you can write more than one if you can't choose). I will be selecting (with a panel of judges) the winner based on your nomination, so please put a little love and thought into it. There are no criteria other than the fact that you think they are worthy - maybe they have had a tough year, maybe they've given a lot to you and you want to bless them in return, maybe they are just AWESOME and you love them a whole lot.

Please submit your nomination in the comments section of this post.

The deadline to submit your nomination is October 5th.

For the sake of privacy please refrain from using names.

I will contact you to get the nominees information if they are chosen.

Happy Monday!

Dorean

yummy baby toes - Cedar Park, Leander Child Photographer

2009-09-18T14:11:00.004-05:00

**Warning - if you are trying to avoid the desire to have a baby, don't look at these pictures. ** =)

Yummy baby toes! I love how she crosses her ankles when she sleeps. So cute!

And yes... her little pants are highwaters. I missed them when I was switching out her clothes to the next size. We will just call them capris.

Happy Friday! Have a great weekend!!

Baby Girl's Birth Announcement - Cedar Park Photographer

2009-09-15T10:27:00.008-05:00

Yes, that's right. I FINALLY got Aubrey's birth announcements done and in the mail (well, most of them at least). What? What is that you ask? How old is my daughter? Ehh... that's not important. What's important is that I will have a birth announcement to put in her baby book. ;)

Please don't laugh when I tell you that this is not Aubrey's original birth announcement. I had designed one a while back, but never got it printed. After MONTHS had gone by, I decided that I needed to update my picture. Here is the original....

It is hard to believe she has grown SO MUCH in such a short time. Sweet baby girl.

Happy Tuesday!

Dorean

Learning Fun - Austin, Cedar Park, Leander Photographer

2009-09-09T14:24:00.012-05:00

As Adalyn gets older, I find myself having to become more and more creative trying to entertain her. She is pretty much a mama's girl and likes to play with me - NOT by herself. We have started doing craft time every day and I am always looking for ways to make craft time a learning experience. One of my super awesome clients (and my #1 Facebook Fan) shared a wonderful website with me recently. I have gotten lots of great ideas from this site, so I thought I would pass it on to all the moms who I know are in my shoes - trying to find something entertaining to do with their kiddos.

The site is: http://www.notimeforflashcards.com/

One of the things I have started doing with Adalyn is picking a "letter of the day" (she loves Sesame Street so this is right up her alley) and we do a craft around a word that starts with that letter. It has really helped with her letter recognition and her ability to say names of lots of letters.

Here are a couple of pictures (taken with my point and shoot - mama doesn't have time to get out the big camera) of our recent crafts.

What are YOUR favorite learning and craft idea websites??? Please leave a comment and share as I am always looking for new ideas. Stay tuned for more learning websites to come.

Happy Wednesday!

Dorean