Sometimes I get a session that goes too well (if that's possible), and I end up struggling with culling down the number of images to edit and present to the clients.   In this case, Maverick's mom and dad are getting ALOT of images from which to choose.  You'll understand when you see his album down below.  I mean he's cute enough on his own, but when you combine a happy handsome boy with a barn, a wagon, green grass, a monkey beanie, a monkey outfit, and a custom children's cake made by Chunky Dunky Cakes & More, what can you expect right?  

Interested in a 1-year-old session for your little one?  Email me today at normanphotography@ymail.com and we can plan a custom session for you.  The cake is included in the cost and Kasey decorates it to your specifications.  We recommend a 1 hour session if you do decide to include the cake smash and don't forget about military discounts of 25%!

I first met Valeriya during the summer.  She had seen our name in the local newspaper and contacted us about possibly doing some sessions for her custom children's clothing line.  Since that day we've met many, many times for both commercial and personal sessions and have become friends.  I adore her girls and her husband is so sweet.  You can see in their pictures that they are just a fun, relaxed family that love spending time together.  For their family session, we met at the UMHB campus to run and play.  It's a beautiful campus and never disappoints for scenery no matter the season.  The girls loved walking around the pond, playing in the gazebo, and climbing through the huge oak trees.  We had a great time and got some really nice images for them!

Interested in a session with Norman Photography?  We offer 30 and 60 minute sessions to meet the need for your budget.  Email normanphotography@ymail.com to check on availability today!

I love getting to know our families , especially when we get to see them for multiple sessions.  Meet Lura.  Isn't she precious?  We were fortunate enough to get to meet her in belly for her mommy and daddy's maternity session first and can't wait to see her grow up on her baby plan throughout the year!  She was an absolute doll for her newborn pictures.  Her little cheeks are perfect.  Her little lips are perfect.  Her little nose if perfect.  The lifestyle images (pictures of natural, everyday occurrences) are some of my favorite I've ever done.   After her session, I met with her mom to do her in home print consultation and just loved being able to see her getting so big!   And her 3 month session is just right around the corner.  

Interested in a newborn session for your little one?  While we will accommodate for any age infant, the best time for the sleepy baby images is 0-10 days.  If you'd like to do lifestyle newborn portraits, we adore these as well.  The type is totally up to you.  We highly recommend booking your newborn session before baby arrives due to life getting a little crazy afterwards.  Contact us for a combination package for maternity and newborn or for a baby plan.  normanphotography@ymail.com

Originally, this post was intended to show how to arrange different print sizes.  I knew I wanted to incorporate a few old prints into the collage so my mom, my girls, and I went up to my Mammaw's house to look for a few to use.  I hadn't been to the house but once since she passed away a few years ago and we haven't been through any of her or my grandfathers things.  We spent a while looking through boxes and albums and I was surprised by a few things.  One being how many photographers had taken both studio and on location pictures of my family over the years.  I opened quite a faded few print holders of sorts and was grateful that my grandparents spent the money to capture memories even though they had 5 children for which to provide.  Next, I was surprised by the cool antique camera we found.  There are many non professional images that I'm assuming my Mammaw took and I was proud of her for developing all of it.  The little amount of film negatives I found were so fragile I don't think I could have had them developed even if I could find someone who knew how to develop them.  

The idea to combine old and new prints quickly faded and we decided to do a tribute collage.  My mom and I collected a few small things and I grabbed 2 of my Pape Joe's shirts to use as embellishments.  We took our time arranging the prints and items on a clip collage I bought her for Christmas and it really came together nicely.  I love including the items that enhance the memories of the images.  I think it brings the prints to life with a physical sense of nostalgia.  My mom loves it and my girls love to look and ask questions about everything they are seeing from their past.  And I know once my cousins see it they'll all want one too (which I'll be happy to help with).   


Recently, I've really become a huge proponent of prints.  I have thousands of digital images of my children that are sitting inside flash drives waiting to be printed.  I hope that throughout the year of product highlights and tutorials I can bring many of them to life.  Now, I am not suggesting to our clients to not purchase digital images.  You need both.  Just don't spend hard earned money on images that you never display.  I know how the to do list gets away from you and the plans you have to print your images gets put behind daily tasks.  

When you order prints from us, they'll not only be done for you but we'll show you how to arrange them and where to put them!  It's worth the time and money you'll spend doing it yourself.   Prints that I have been given or ordered in the  past I have up but don't ask my where the CDs are that the rest of the digitals are on are at.  It may not seem very important now, but decades from today you're grandchildrena re going to want to know what your life was like.  What will you have to show them?  Will you have gorgeous prints they can share and display in their homes or will they wonder where you put the flashdrive/CDs and pray they work when they try to use them in computers developed 100 years from now.  Just something to think about :)

Welcome to our first tutorial!  We'll be focusing our tutorial on how to use your images both from us and ones you take at home.  If you've even taught with me or are related to me, you've seen many of these projects.  I make these for coworkers and presents for any occasion all the time.  I even make them for my girls to color and doodle in for art time.  I really enjoy short craft projects with immediate gratification so this 20 minute project is perfect for me!   The great thing about these journals is you can personalize them by making them as fancy or simple as you'd like.  You can choose your own paper, stickers, and all kinds of fun embellishments.  If you tend to get carried away, be on the look out for the 40% off crafting supplies at Hobby Lobby weeks!  

Materials Needed: 
Hardback notebook
Minimum of 4 sheets of decorative paper (more if you add layers)
Craft glue (I adore the blue stick)
Ribbon if you want a bookmark
PhotosTotal budget ~ $3-7 depending on what you include and have already

You'll be able to tell as you scan through the images that the Dallas children were a ton of fun!  Mom contacted me about a session to send to dad as a Christmas present as he was deployed at the time.  I don't often get the opportunity to work with older children.  We typically work with toddlers or seniors.  I wish we'd get more inquiries to do sessions for ages 8-16!  You may not want to remember how they acted during the tween-preteen year but you will want to remember what they looked like.   These two were just the sweetest, funniest kids!  I really enjoyed them and they were happy to show me how much the loved to keep one another in line!  

Interested in a session?  We are currently booking for bluebonnet sessions and regular spring sessions.  You can hit the contact button to the left of your screen or email normanphotography@ymail.com and we'll get you set up today!

Previous post:  Product Highlight 1: Matboard Print Versatility

Welcome to our first product highlight post!  It was a little scary getting behind my video camera and editing myself.  Hopefully you see me shrink about 15 pounds by in the next 3 months!  Anyway, this post is highlighting my favorite product to present to clients and order for myself.  Matboard prints come in sizes range from a 3.5x5 to 40x60.  They are sturdy, ensuring you won't get any warping over time and because they can be hung without a frame offer various hanging options.  Take a look at the video below to see how I transferred a large matboard print I no longer wanted in a frame to a display on a shelf.

If you'd like to order any of your images as matboard prints, email us!  We will do some mock up arrangements for you showing you how they will look on shelves or walls using your images.  You can also order one just to display in an easel anywhere in your home or office.  We'll have future tutorials about ways to display matboard prints of different sizes.  They really are wonderful!  Next week, we'll be showing you how to use your traditional size prints (4x6, 5x7, and 8x10) in an arrangement that's fun, meaningful, and requires NO framing!

Previous post:  Choosing Custom Photography & Being Able to Afford It
Next Post: Dallas Family | Killeen Family Photographer

Alittle over three years ago, my oldest daughter was born.  I have a ton of newborn photos of her that I took with my $50 Canon camera I had at the time. Sarah and I weren't into photography yet and I didn't even know custom photography existed!  I wish I had beautiful newborn pictures and looking back I would have paid anything for them.  I took Avery for her first session at 3 months to a local commercial studio.  She was all dolled up and I had a coupon!  We had to go 3 times before we got 1 good shot of her not screaming bloody murder. She hated it. I was miserable.  The brave photographer was obviously frustrated with me that I kept bringing a screaming child back to her that refused to lay on her tummy.  I kept promising she was fine before we left the house. The picture I bought was awful but I felt obligated.  The same happened at 6 months and 9 months at different studios. Each time I left with 1 decent image and only spent maybe $50 each time. Sounds good right?  $50?!?  Well...I only have 1 from each session and that makes me sad. I look at sessions I do for clients and am jealous at how many images they have from a single milestone.  Avery's baby pictures didn't reflect her as a baby at all.  However, I dutifully handed out wallets to friends and family but I didn't do anything other than frame my sad little 8x10s.  

Fast forward to 12 months old!  Sarah had been taking Colt to a friend of hers getting into photography and I was so jealous of her images!  He was smiling, they were outdoors, and she got way more images than I ever had from my sessions.  My husband told me I could splurge on Avery’s 1 year pics since the others had been so horrible.  I was stoked!  I called Sarah’s photographer and we did her session at CTC and they are still some of my favorite pictures ever.  I attended an ordering consultation with her and shelled out $450.  I splurged remember!  However, I got a 16x16 black and white matboard print, an 11x14 matboard print, 3 mini accordions, and a CD of about 18 images. This was fabulous!  

My experience with custom photography really did change my future.  It made me see photography as an art and here we are today.  Now, I’m sure everyone hasn’t had my experiences with commercial studios.  I know many people who are very committed to certain commercial studios and have beautiful images.  I know and follow some fabulous ladies who do custom studio work and admire it greatly.  I’m not going to say which commercial studios I took Avery to because I don’t want to spread any bad karma about anyone trying to make a living.  The purpose of me telling you my experience is to show you the profound differences between a custom photographer and a commercial, chain studio. 

I hear all.the.time when I ask someone about photography that they just go to a certain commercial studio because they can’t afford a custom photographer.  Wrong.  Studios aren’t dumb.  They send you a coupon for a free wall print with no session fee to get you in the door in hopes that once you see 30+ images of your darling you’ll buy all of them and a load of prints.  And guess what, you probably will because you will fall in love with them (hopefully).  They make their money or they wouldn’t still be open.  I beg you.  Please, please before you choose where or with whom you’re going to have your next photos taken, consider the following:
Custom photographers are here for YOU!  You are not just another dollar walking through the door.  We are going to spend time and money developing the perfect session for you.  Our prices are upfront so you know what you’re getting into and not blindsided at ordering time.  Getting to know your family is what we love about our job!  You’re going to get to choose a location to showcase your family’s personality and wardrobe changes.  After your session, we EDIT your pictures for 4-5 hours!  Blemish?  Gone.  Boogers?  Gone.  We’re going to edit to make your images as clean and beautiful as possible.  If you can get editing in a commercial studio, you’re going to pay for it.  We can assist with styling, hair, makeup, and afterwards we offer in home consultations to help you decide on arrangements for your images.  We become friends with many of our clients and really, truly enjoy seeing your family in future sessions.   

Ok, all that sounds great, but you’re still wondering how you can afford it?  At Norman Photography, if you truly want to book with us and don’t have the funds we will work with you.  While we do require the $75 session fee up front, we have created pre and post payment plans in the past for clients.  Take the following for example of breaking down a 30-minute session:

$200 total price (tax not included)
-$75 session fee
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$125 balance
-3 payments of $41.70
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$0 Balance

We understand that your money is tight and you budget precisely.  Sarah & I both are huge proponents of budgeting and are committed to working with you to get the quality work you deserve. 

All in all, if you really want quality products, talk to a custom photographer that you love.  You’d be surprised to see how many of us are willing to work with you because we understand where you’re coming from!  If you don’t come to Norman Photography for a session, talk to another photographer before you go to a chain studio to get the best for your money!  

Alisha's Dislaimer:  Please Read!
Please know that in no way am I coming down on the employees of commercial studios.  I had wonderful ladies at the last two places and I’m sure if they were able to take the camera off the tripod and not go along with their set guidelines, they would!  I am only highlighting the benefits you will receive buy hiring a local, small business custom photographer.  I also want to reinforce that privately owned studios are fabulous.  I continually refer to commercial chains studios because none that I am aware of do any on location, custom work like you'll get with us!  There are many custom studios that will do on site work and it's gorgeous!  If indoor, studio work is what you’re looking for I know very talented ladies I can refer you to!  I'm just looking out for the little man/woman is all :).



Previous Post:  Creating a Unique Client Experience | Killeen Family Photographer
Next Post:  Choosing Custom Photography & Being Able to Afford It

     About two weeks ago, I stumbled upon a blog, Psychology for Photographers, that opened my eyes to the direction in which we need to take Norman Photography.  Jenika writes about asking yourself what type of business you’re in as a photographer.  This question was puzzling, as I’d never quite thought about the answer.  After reading her entire blog (in one day), I realized that what she is trying to communicate is that we aren’t simply in the photography business.  Not only are we wanting to have clients book a session with us, but through their experience we are also selling finished products.  Beautiful prints to be displayed, albums for you to love for years, and more products that show you value your photos. This shouldn’t have been such an eye opener.  It seems so simple.  Create a one-of-a-kind experience for your clients and they’ll not only return to you but send their friends and family to you as well.  So, what will change at Norman Photography? 

After a brainstorm session, Sarah and I looked at the specifics in our business that we might be able to enhance to provide a better experience for our clients.  Here are some areas we’re improving upon:

Presession questionnaires to get your vision of your session!  These will help us tailor locations, poses, props, and styling to what you want from your experience.
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FREE style consultations to assist you on what to wear, what items to bring, and what will work best with your vision
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    Hair and makeup appointments set up the day of your session for those like me whom would rather someone else do it before you step in front of a camera
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    Presession summaries walking you through your session so you know what to expect to ease your nerves and anxieties about photography
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    Online galleries of all of your edited images to view and share with friends
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    FREE in home consultations to assist you with ordering the perfect prints to enhance your home.  We’ll bring samples of products, mock-ups of how your images will look in your home for difference arrangements, and make ordering easy whether you order prints through us or not!
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    Custom packaging for your CD and prints
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    Client referral credits that can earn you a discount on future sessions and products as a thank you!
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    Product highlights and tutorials regularly posted on our blog to show you what is available to you and what you can do with your CD of images and prints.  (You'll be seeing ALOT if this one!)
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There are a few more small things we’ll be doing for our clients but we want to keep a few surprises for you!  Most of all, we want you to feel special and valued as a client.  We appreciate your time and trust.  We understand you’re putting time and money into this session just as we are and want a beautiful outcome.  You should glow when talking about your experience with us because you have gorgeous memories of your family.  And we want you to already anticipate your next session with us.   I’ll warn you, custom photography is addictive. 

In our next post, we’ll be addressing those fears that you might not be able to afford custom photography.  You can, we promise!  Alisha will be discussing her experience with commercial studios and why you can and should save for a custom experience.  

Interested in a session with Norman Photography?  We are currently booking for bluebonnet minis and spring sessions.  Email normanphotography@ymail.com for availability today!

Bluebonnet pictures are a tradition in Texas and they only bloom a few weeks a year.  They are gorgeous and attract tourist to drive through the Hill Country for the pleasure of seeing the blue fields each year.  Having pictures of your child, family, and pets in the bluebonnets is almost a requirement here.  Instead of pulling off the highway (please don't, it's so unsafe), let us do them for you!  We booked very quickly for them last year and everyone was so pleased with their images.  

When you book through Norman Photography, you'll be receiving:
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beautiful bluebonnet location
styling guide & tips
spring props provided by us
an online album of 10+ images to choose from
custom CD with 5 or 10 edited images (print release provided)
30% off additional orders
an optional in home consultation for print display
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Here are some frequently asked questions from last year:

Q: Can I bring a wardrobe change?
A: Yes, although we recommend the 30 minute session for more than 1 outfit.

Q: Can my friend & I combine our kids into 1 session and split the cost?
A: Yes!  We do recommend a 30 minute session for 2+ children although it's not required.

Q: If I don't want digital images, can I substitute prints?
A: Yes, we can work that out for sure.

Q: Can I bring our dog?  Can I book a session for just my dogs?
A:  Yes, dogs are children too :).  Please bring leashes and poop bags.  

Q: When do I pay the session fee?
A:  Because this is a special price and spots go quickly, we do require the payment at booking.

Q:  I really want a family session in the bluebonnets but we're busy the day of the mini sessions.  
Can I book a session just for my family?  
A:  Yes, although the special price only applies to the day of the specials.  Regular session prices can be seen here.