Auburn Soul Photography »

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Excuse me

Excuse me while I dust this place off.  I know, it’s been awhile, but I have a good excuse. I’m lazy! Ha, told you it was good.

We’ve pretty much been sick for a month now, passing germs around like a game of hot potato.

As much as I hate being sick, I’ve really enjoyed the “time off”. No blogging, no emailing, lots of snuggles, books, and a few seasons of Hoarders (my guilty pleasure).

It’s been kind of like a mini vacay, if you don’t count the Kleenex and chicken soup consumption.

Wishing you a late, but very happy valentines day.

Hope you all had a fabulous day!

Love my little valentines Locke, Breck & Riz

Sunny (part 2) {North Dallas Lifestyle Photographer}

Here is Sunny and her adorable little family {part 2}

I love, love, love this session.

They just hung out and did their thing and I followed along.

Ok, so they don’t usually hang out in the bathtub, that was my idea.

It was just sitting there, all alone in the middle of the room calling out to me.

I couldn’t resist



I love this last series. Nothing better then a mess of feet on the bed.

Thanks for looking!

xo, Auburn Soul

P.S. if your interested in a lifestyle session, please know that this is my ALL TIME FAVORITE type of session to shoot in the whole wide world!

There is something so honest and authentic about having your everyday life documented.

I believe that these are the things we will want to remember when our children are grown.

Tickles, spinning, jumping on the bed, and non stop laughter.

I’ve never looked at a traditional family portrait of my childhood and thought, it was cool. EVER. They don’t pull at my heart and trigger memories of the wonderful times we shared together, all i see is my fantastic 80′s afro (which I rocked by the way) and a puffy dress. Thats it.

I don’t see the way my dad let me stand on his feet while we danced around the room, our the way my mom tucked my hair behind my ear.

It’s the little moments that make up our life, that are the most important.

Beckie - January 30, 2012 - 4:14 PM

Would love to get pictures of the boys playing baseball and me watching and Jay coaching!

brooke - January 30, 2012 - 7:03 PM

such a fun session stephanie! you are so right about lifestyle being the way to go..allowing you to really capture your true family. love the crayon shot, the close-up of the little cutie on the bed looking at a little card/toy. love the older daughter running through the house – and of course the 1st shot. love.

Keri - February 2, 2012 - 1:16 AM

Beautiful photos! And a beautiful house! That bathroom is amazing, I would have taken photos in there as well!!

smokin’ hot

Working on some new packaging today.

I’ve been transitioning from my old stuff to new for a few months and it’s finally all come together.

(only talking about the packaging at this moment. The blog,,, ya, thats coming soon i promise)

I’m not really into stamps and stickers.

I wanted something more natural that fits my artistic style. Something I haven’t seen before.

It’s organic.

It’s imperfect.

And it’s Smokin’ HOT! (literally)


Disclaimer: This is just the envelopes, the rest is darn right a’mazing, and cute, and perfection, and for my clients eyes only.

Unfortunately,  last time I blogged my packaging, my “exact” ideas were ripped off.

Look, we all (including me) get inspiration and ideas on line.  But to full on copy someone else’s work is not cool.

 

 

brooke - January 11, 2012 - 7:13 PM

LOVE! i use those same envelopes w/ a sticker. the stamp rocks.

Beckie - January 15, 2012 - 2:03 AM

Wow, I can’t believe that someone would blatantly copy someone’s idea.
The envelopes are super cool though!! Love it so far!u

Lindsay - January 17, 2012 - 8:19 PM

Hey girlfriend, Miss you!! Love the look of your new “packaging”. You have such great taste!!

Stephanie Martinez - January 18, 2012 - 6:42 AM

CUTE!

NEW YEAR. NEW STUFF.

photobooth NYE 2011

2011 was amazing!

I’m sad to see it go, but I’m SO excited for what 2012 has to offer.

I do have some goals, like actually blogging sessions this year. I know, I know, it’s out of control. I’m surprised this place doesn’t have cobwebs by now.

It happens every time. I finish a session that I LOVE and have full intentions of blogging it, but… well… life just kinda gets in the way.

But, having said that.

There are some changes coming. I’m super excited, and EXTREMELY nervous about them.

Some changes mean I’m going to have to learn to say a two letter word.

NO.

There! I said it. Now I just need to get used to saying it.

I’ll let you know what i’ll be saying NO to very soon.

Again, I’m kinda scared, so it might take me awhile…. wish me luck.

 

Until then, I hope you all have a fabulous 2012!

 

Molly - January 10, 2012 - 3:29 PM

who is that lovely girl in pink? bwahahaha!

Lindsay - January 17, 2012 - 8:27 PM

Looks like fun! Steph my resolution last year was to start saying the word no more often. I can’t tell you how nice it made my life. The easiest thing for me was to always have the word no in my mind so that when people came up to me or called me and asked for favors/help/etc I was always prepared to say no or had a reason why I couldn’t. I never said no to things that were important, but I was finding myself saying yes to everything people asked of me. I was stretching myself in too many directions and wanted to start saying no so I could use my time to be with my family and do the things I wanted to be doing. It has been so nice! I’ve decided as a young mom I wanted my kids to experience everything and didn’t want to miss an opportunities for fun or didn’t want to miss out on any school related activities and so I was saying yes to everything and way planning too much. Life is much more chilled now…just the way I like it! Saying No is a great thing! :) Ok, so I could’ve written my own blog post there…anyway, hope your off to a good start. Happy New Year!! Hopefully I’ll see you in person in 2012 :)

Travel Dates 2012

Here is a preview of my 2012 calendar.

If you’re interested in a session but don’t see your city, shoot me an email. I’d love to visit your neck of the woods.

If you do see your city, please contact me early to secure your date. Travel sessions fill up fast.

 

Sessions

  • Dallas/Fort worth Jan-Dec
  • Seattle Feb
  • Denver June
  • Salt Lake City July
  • Idaho July
  • Denver Aug

 

Mentoring/Education

Mamarazzi  March

Mamarazzi Sept

Mentoring Jan-Dec

 

Lindsay - January 17, 2012 - 8:30 PM

So I decided to leave a comment on every post ;)
I hope that Salt Lake travel date in July includes a little drive up north to visit me!! Let’s get the kiddo’s together and swim. I won’t let you say “no” to that!

Thankful

We had our first experience with croup last month. It came on fast. We took him to the Dr. who sent us straight to the ER. Breathing treatments, x-rays, steroids, IV. Nothing was working. The Dr was concerned and wanted to send us to the children’s hospital. I had left the house with 1 diaper, 1 bottle, uncharged phone, and my bag. Little did I know that a 30min trip to the Dr would turn into 2 days away from home.

It was 2:30 when the ER Dr told us abou the transfer. School was out soon, Dan was at work, and my phone was now dead.

I only know 3 numbers. My parents home, Dans, and mine. (not ideal in an emergency)

Everything was happening so fast and I felt so lost, so unconnected without my phone. I couldn’t call anyone for help.

They had me leave the room to start the IV, which I’m grateful for.

Finally, the hospital found a charger. I called Dan. I opened my mouth, but no words would come out.

My baby started to scream from behind the door. Then the tears came.

I looked up to see Dan rush around the corner.

As he held me in his arms I lost it. It all came crashing down on me.

I felt like a failure as a mother.

How did I not know that he was struggling to breathe? That it was this bad?

They finally opened the door. My baby was covered in holes, tubes and bandages.

Tears streamed down his face and he reached out his arms for his Dad.

We had a few moments together as a family before the ambulance arrived.

Dan gave him a priesthood blessing.

He calmed instantly.

Moments later, the room was full again. Papers were signed. My baby was strapped to a stretcher. Dr was giving orders.

I was trying franticly to make arrangements. Locke needed to be picked up from school, photoshoots canceled…

I felt like I was calling all the wrong people. It was such a run around.

I boarded the ambulance with my baby and headed  to Childrens Medical Center in Dallas.

Dan took Breck home to get Locke and try to figure out arrangement with the kids.

After he arrived home, a dear friend showed up at our home with dinner and insisted that she take the kids overnight. (what a blessing)

After that, everything just fell into place.

Dan came to the hospital. Family and friends were updated via facebook. My children were safe (and having the time of their life i’m sure).

And my baby was being cared for by some of the best Dr’s in the country.

After many more breathing treatments, steroids, and countless prayers offered by friends, family, and even strangers, we were able to take Rizden home the following evening.

We truly are so blessed to be surrounded by so much love.

 

 



Photos taken with iphone & Nikon D7000

xo, auburnSoul

 

april maw - December 20, 2011 - 7:11 PM

Oh Steph Croup is sooo scary! Ruby gets it every year but has never had to be hospitalized, what a scary thing. I’m so glad he’s ok and you have amazing friends down there. He is sooo cute! And what would we do without phones?

brooke - December 20, 2011 - 11:39 PM

oh man. croup is the scariest! this post made me cry – and so very glad that all is well now. xo

~~Rhonda - January 5, 2012 - 4:58 PM

I am sure that was a frightening experience for you. I have five children (four grown) and I still fret over them all. It never ends for a mom. I’m thankful your little guy came through so well. I wanted to comment on that last picture of him. SO cute! You did a great job documenting a difficult time. I take my camera *every*where and never regret taking pictures. ~~Rhonda

Stopped me in my tracks

So there I was, going about my business, editing a session, when I was stopped in my tracks.

Stop. Edit. Post.

Gorgeous.

Just Gorgeous.

ps, I got to photograph with little guy coming into the world a couple weeks ago. A-mazing I tell you. Simply amazing.

one day (after I trim the tree, hang the stockings, and finish the holiday session rush) I will post the birth and more of this amazing session.

 

xo, auburn Soul

Molly - December 7, 2011 - 7:38 PM

one of my favorites. reminds me of the style i love most :)

Pumpkin Patch 2011

 

I know i’m a little late, but at least i’m posting it before Christmas right!

I love holidays, and I love them even more as I see the excitement it brings my little ones.

The pumpkin patch is a fall favorite for sure.

What I want to remember about this day

-it was hot!

-the red tent caused me much grief correcting color casts in photoshop. I finally gave up.

-Locke’s new “short” hair

-Rizdens first pair of shoes (though he is still not walking)

-Breck rockin’ the feathers

-Locke trying to limbo, his darn head kept getting in the way (see video here)

Jen Mcdowell - January 9, 2012 - 11:06 PM

Rizden is such a doll!

Thankful

I have much to be grateful for this Thanksgiving.

 


I am in love with the human soul.

I love people, I love watching them interact, connect, and love each other in their own way.

I love that I get to play a part in capturing that connection, that love, those little moments that might otherwise be forgotten, or not even realized.

I’m grateful that I have the opportunity to do what I love.

If you’ve ever seen Hope Floats, I think Bernice said it best when she said “My cup runneth over”.

 

xo, auburn Soul

 

 

Sunny

This turned out to be one of my favorite session this fall.

Just had to share
2

Some of my favorite photographs are mistakes.

I love shooting into the sun with all of the mistakes you get with it.

Over exposure, out of focus, and flare.

These may be “technical” mistakes in photography but to me, its’ the best part.

 

 

 

xo, auburn Soul

Emily - November 15, 2011 - 5:22 PM

I%20remember%20finding%20your%20photography%20site%20years%20ago%20and%20just%20falling%20in%20love%20with%20your%20style%20of%20photography%2C%20now%20fast%20forward%20a%20few%20years%20and%20I’m%20going%20to%20school%20in%20the%20VCT%20field%20and%20dabbling%20in%20photography.%20%3A)%20I%20still%20love%20your%20photos%2C%20they%20beautiful!%20If%20only%20you%20lived%20in%20my%20area%20I%20would%20definitely%20have%20you%20shoot%20photos%20for%20my%20next%20big%20event.

Much%20love%20x

Locke


Ok, this tells you just how behind I am on blogging. Scratch that, this doesn’t even begin to describe how behind I am.

These are Lockes back to school/1st grade/6 year old pictures.

I’m sure you were wondering who the kid in our pumpkin patch video is.

It took me a few weeks to get used to his new cut, then tonight as I was looking over these I couldn’t believe this was Locke (for the last 3 years, and over half his life).

I miss the blonde surfer curls, but I’m lovin’ the new clean Bieber vibe.

What do you think?

 

Thanks for looking

xo, auburn Soul

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