I’m not sure why, but I just don’t blog personal stuff like I used to.  It’s most likely because of a lack of time and energy, and also because I just didn’t figure anyone really cared about the day in, day out stuff.  It’s funny though, I’ve had quite a few people tell me they’d read a certain book because I’d blogged about it, or that they felt like they knew my boys before they even met them, and even that they’d peed their pants laughing over story I’d shared about my crazy life.  Makes me want to start sharing more again. 

At last week’s Austin PPA meeting, I finally had the chance to meet someone whom I’d admired for quite some time.  Matt Nicolosi and I “met” online about three years ago on a photography forum.  Not only was his work technically great, but he really had a way with documenting and capturing daily life and objects from a completely different perspective and then turning them into amazing art.  When I heard he was speaking at the meeting, I registered right away.  Matt talked  of shooting for yourself…not just your clients.  I have been feeling like hauling my camera equipment with me meant I had to work.  I had quit shooting just for me.  Anyway, when our family decided to rent a boat and take the boys tubing, I didn’t hesitate to bring the camera.  Nothing fancy, and definitely not ART, but just a good documentation of an amazing day with my men. 

Just a little background info here…

Cody didn’t want to go.  I think he was mostly tired from a sleepover the night before.   He’d tried tubing the year before and it didn’t go over so well so he was pretty determined that he wasn’t going to have a good time.  We rented a boat from BLORA (and for you Ft. Hood friends, I’d highly recommend it.  It wasn’t fancy at all, but fairly cheap) and headed out on Belton Lake.

Jake went first and was loving it.

And the first time he wrecked, this was Cody’s reaction.  He was so scared his brother was going to get hurt.  Poor, sweet baby.

But then I went (thank goodness no one had the camera for that!) and showed him how the boat could go slow and then he was game.

And after his first turn, this was him describing to me how he was holding on for dear life.  Note the complete attitude change. 

And this is what I love about Texas.  As we’re cruising the lake, what do we see but COWS hanging out in the water.  I love it.

Just a quick update to tell you that I’m running a sweet deal on my Facebook Fan Page until Saturday, July 31st.  Head on over to check it out and become a fan of Kelly Holder Photography. 

Driving to Leavenworth, Kansas, the morning of the wedding, my windshield wipers were on full blast.  It was a torrential downpour ALL morning.  During my 3 hour drive I was brainstorming and making new plans for how we’d approach the outdoor shots.  I have to admit that I was stressing a bit, too.  I mean, who wants rain on their wedding day?  I was worried that Jamie would be upset and stressing as well.  Just before I arrived at the salon where the girls were getting ready, Jamie called on my cell and there was nothing but a happy calm coming through the phone.  She was as cool as a cucumber and ready to get the show on the road!  I was so glad to be working with and documenting this amazing day for Jamie and Cameron.  The day went smooth, everyone was laid back (except the wedding coordinator) and the sun miraculously decided to emerge as Jamie and Cameron left the church to be greeted by the sabor guard.  It was a beautiful day in every way and I’m so excited for this new married couple, and new family, to begin their big adventures together.

Settle back and get comfortable, because this is a big blog post.  Before I let the pictures tell the story of the day, one image that I adore.

Yes, I’m sure you’re wondering what in the world I was doing in the bathroom with Jamie while she was doing her business…and I DON’T KNOW!  I honestly, can’t remember why I was in there, but I do believe she dared me to blog this shot, so here you go girl!  On another note, I am such a sucker for fathers who tear up when they dance with their newly married daughters.  I was shedding a few of my own just watching this.  So sweet.

 Jamie and Cameron…best wishes to you for a long and happy marriage!

I adore shooting family photos while soldiers are on mid-tour leave from a deployment.  So much happiness in just getting to spend two precious weeks together.  So much appreciation for the short time they have.  So much love and so much joy…just makes my heart happy.  Meet the gorgeous Doherty family, enjoying their precious time with Daddy before he heads back for another 6 months. 

Griffin and his family were friends of ours when we lived in Kansas.  It’s so weird to think that just a few years ago he was a gangley 15 year old babysitting the boys, because now he such a handsome young man heading off to college soon.  Best of luck to you, Griffin, in your big adventures!