Jayme Austin Photography

find me on facebook

2010-02-02T11:52:00.000-08:00

Hi all! I've been totally neglecting my blogs because I have been working hard on posting my portfolio on my new Facebook site! So, if you miss me, check it out & become a fan!

Jayme Austin Photography & Design on Facebook

Nikki and her tiny dancer, Mary Clare

2009-12-28T13:14:00.000-08:00

Nikki, David, and Mary Clare were so exceptionally patient when it came to getting their very first family portraits done. As many of you know I've been sick with one thing or another since just before Thanksgiving. We were originally scheduled for their session just after Thanksgiving when Mary Clare would have been 2 weeks old (so perfect for newborn pics), but I was not willing to get that sweet baby sick (as all of you parents out there know if a baby under 2 months gets a fever they are sent to the hospital as a rule of thumb because of lack of certain vaccinations...Elvis landed in the hospital for what turned out to be a cold Ruby had brought home when he was around 4 weeks old, thankfully his fever subsided and they decided not to do a SPINAL TAP!!!) I would have never forgiven myself if I had given Mary Clare something that sent her to the hospital just for the sake of pictures...so that brings us to her being 5 weeks getting her first pics taken. Not exactly ideal as she has already decided that there are more important things than sleeping and better places to do so (i.e. her Mommy and Daddy's arms). I got as many shots as I could that did not include her "telling us how it is" and most of the beautiful one include Nikki and David (which I think is just as wonderful as a solo shot...FAMILY IS AWESOME especially when it is so fresh and new). I think this is my favorite of the two girls. Nikki is a dancer, she told me she taught dance to help pay for medical school (that's right, that beautiful mommy is a doctor). After I understood Mary Clare's telling us that she wouldn't be happy unless someone was holding her, I changed tactics and gave into her request. Bingo, beautiful photo! Thank you, little one, for making me take a step out of my own box. xoxo

Me Ra Koh SOAR Scholarship Video

2009-12-22T08:00:00.000-08:00

Hi all! I haven't blogged in a while because I haven't had a session in a while. I do have a newborn session scheduled for this weekend, so check back for beautiful new baby pics later next week. For now I have a video to share with you. It is my application for the 2009 Me Ra Koh SOAR Scholarship. I did it on a friend's computer so I'll have to just put the link HERE. Please leave a comment and let me know what you think! Also visit Me Ra's SOAR website to see what it is I'm applying for.

xoxo

Christmas Card Special

2009-09-27T18:49:00.001-07:00

Amazing! I noticed last night that the big haunted house downtown is open for business. Thus begins the HOLIDAY SEASON! Yes, that's right, Christmas will be here before we know it! From now until the middle of November I will be booking Christmas Card mini-sessions for a discounted rate.

For $50 you will have a 30 minute location mini-session

and receive 20 photo Christmas Cards*,

2 5x7s of your chosen card photo,

PLUS 15% off any other prints/cards purchased from your session!

Book your Christmas Card Mini-session TODAY! jaymeaustinphotography@gmail.com

*Additional cards will be available for purchase.

Devin & Sawyer, very photogenic little boys

2009-09-27T15:56:00.000-07:00

Sometimes little ones just "know what they are doing" when it comes to having a camera pointed at them. These two little guys had so many awesomely sincerely beautiful frames from their photo sessions!

Happy Birthday, Baby!

2009-08-14T09:10:00.001-07:00

My little boy is turning ONE next month! I thought I could celebrate by taking pictures of YOUR kids! HA!

Elvis's Birthday Special

For Sessions taking place between now (8/14/09) and Elvis's Birthday (9/20/09...sorry no

sessions ON that day) the sitting fee and print minimum will be waived!

That's right NO SITTING FEE & NO PRINT MINIMUM!

Better Late Than Never!!!

2009-05-22T13:01:00.000-07:00

So, this is as late as my car payment this month!

Drumroll please!

Rock the Cradle Winner from Jayme Austin Photography is LIZ with "not being ready for the responsibility of a dog" just the day before they found out they were preggers! LOVE IT!

Rock the Cradle Winner from Trucks & Tutus Boutique is AMY with the "anatomy lesson".

We'll be in contact with the winners to help them collect their prizes!

xoxo

A Family Affair with the Bagwells

2009-05-04T10:33:00.000-07:00

Though I have been a photographer for the better part of, well, my life, it was only just over a year ago I started taking newborn portraits. It was the experience with my own children that gave me the confidence that I wouldn't break these babies or somehow traumatize them. I hit the ground running and haven't looked back...until now. The first babies that I photographed days after their arrival just turned 1!! I'm so happy that I got the opportunity to photograph this milestone too! These are just a couple of my favorite shots from Avery's session. In all honesty, as picky as I am, I can't pick just a few favs and I know it has been hard for her parents to decide which prints to get! All I can say is "Thanks, beautiful Avery, for making my job so easy!"

Rock the Cradle

2009-04-21T20:37:00.001-07:00

Jayme Austin Photography along with Trucks & Tutus Boutique is running a Mother's Day contest. Just leave a comment on this post with your best mommy tidbit (the crazy conceptions, why you named your child that awesome name, the insane place you gave birth, a horrifying mishap of mommyhood, a tender memory...you know what we're looking for) by Sunday, May 3. Two winners will be chosen and announced via blog on Mother's Day (Sunday May 10). One lucky momma (from the Baton Rouge area) will win a photo sitting and print package from Jayme Austin Photography, while the other lucky momma (no location restrictions on this one) will win a gift certificate to Trucks & Tutus Boutique! (all comments will be considered for both prizes, so leave yours on either blog...or both!)

Ruby & Elvis, sibling portrait

2009-01-20T15:57:00.000-08:00

Oh, my sweet babies! This is still about the only way I can get Ruby to take a picture with 'baby brudda'! I've been thinking about taking a photo series to hang in their bedroom and this is my first attmept. Poor Ruby woke up sick, so I thought maybe with her being super sleepy it would be easier to get her to stay asleep while I posed her. She actually WANTED to take pictures while awake today (she saw me bring the camera into their room before nap time), but that only lasted for about 5 minutes. If I had had an assistant with me I probably could have eeked out a few more minutes! Elvis was super cooperative, as usual, but how could a 4 month old not be? (Today is exactly 4 months for him!) I can't wait to get back to taking pictures of other people's children. . .I'm just more focused on the photography when the little ones aren't mine! I am now accepting appointments for newborn/maternity/sibling sittings! Email me with your inquiries!

Portraits, Baby Elvis and the Terrible Twos

2008-11-02T10:45:00.000-08:00

A few days after her birthday we took Ruby and her "baby brudda", Elvis, to the lakes for their very first photos together. What went down we had no preparation for! Ruby went ballistic! Granted, I do usually take a more 'creative' approach when I shoot pics of Ruby (or any other toddler for that matter), but I just wasn't prepared for the torrent of emotion that she let loose. You would have thought that the baby was a carrier of the black plague and Ruby was the only one who knew it. We tried bribing her with candy, we tried reasoning with her, we even tried bribing her with "you can hold baby brother all by yourself" (we were so desperate), but all we got back from her is "baby brudda is YUCKY" (something we had not heard before or since). I was completely gobsmacked by all of this. I have NEVER had a problem with other children, but shooting photos of your own is a whole other beast all together! Alex had to keep reminding me of that because my confidence as a photographer was really waning. Poor little Elvis slept through the entire ordeal, so I got a few good ones of him all by his lonesome! Here's hoping that I didn't buy their little coordinating outfits in vain (b/c I have about a years worth of them)!

Ruby's 2nd Birthday!

2008-11-01T09:24:00.001-07:00

Ruby's 2nd birthday was last weekend. Let me tell you, the realization that your baby is growing up is a hard pill to swallow. I find myself just staring at her in complete disbelief at how BIG she is. Now, she's no bigger than her friends that are her age, but my goodness she seems like a giant compared to her little brother! I also can't help but let my mind wander to what she'll be like when she's 5, 10 . . . 50! Are we doing right by her? Are we raising a wonderful future adult? Argh, parenting is confusing and totally stressful! Though, outweighing the stresses and confusion are the most wonderful things anyone could imagine!

Ruby's party was awesome! All of her best buds were there. . .Owen, the boyfriend; Grady & Brookston, buds forever; Nana Becca, the best aunt ever; Camryn, lil' sis from another mother; not to mention grandparents galore and Mommy & Daddy's friends! It was an art party with painting, sidewalk chalk, lots of messiness, and cake & CHOCOLATE ice cream to top it all off!

We are so fortunate to have our amazing 2 year old Ruby! We love every day with her, but wish it would slow down a bit!

Newborn Portraits, Elvis

2008-10-15T12:17:00.000-07:00

I have finally gotten around to doing baby Elvis's newborn portraits! The past 3 weeks have thrown us some super curve balls! First with E coming so early, then our second stay in the hospital to get light treatment for super high levels of bilirubin, my Mom having an emergency apendectomy, and Ruby's mystery illness which has turned out to most likely be just an attempt to put herself back in the spotlight (fingers crossed). I would have liked to have done these photos at 2 weeks rather than 3, but what I did get turned out pretty good. I am only about 2/3 of the way through all of shots I want to get so I guess I'll end up with 4 week pics too! I usually have parents at a shoot to tend to the little ones while I am changing props and backdrops. I was on my own for this one (Alex was with Ruby at the Dr.s office) and it took FOREVER! When it was time to nurse I actually had to nurse the baby instead of setting up for the next shot. . .when a diaper needed changing, there I was changing it. . .you get the picture! Considering all that I put him through, baby Elvis did wonderfully during the shoot! I'm super proud of my little model! I love him! Look back for more family photos and pics with Ruby & Elvis!

He's here! 4 WEEKS EARLY!

2008-10-09T12:34:00.000-07:00

Elvis James Austin made his appearance in a rather dramatic fashion 4 weeks before his due date! We are completely overjoyed and exhausted as a family of 4! More later when I have another spare minute!

Too big and too slow!

2008-08-20T13:24:00.000-07:00

I thought this was a fitting photo to use for my announcement of maternity leave. It is one of my favorites of Ruby from over a year ago (she was about 7 months old here). As of right now I am only about 32 weeks pregnant, but don't have nearly enough energy to conduct a photo shoot like I like to! For those of you who have watched me take pictures or have had them taken by me, you know what I mean. I am a roll around on the ground, run after my subject, climb on furniture, nonstop movement kind of photographer! That just isn't possible right now, so I am not taking any new clients probably until the new year. But please check back here on my blog to see any new pictures I might have the energy to take and pictures of our new addition, Elvis James (when he decides to make his grand entrance)!

2008-07-22T08:04:00.000-07:00

My baby girl, who is getting bigger and less baby every day, LOVES painting and coloring. This day she was painting a picture for the living room with Daddy. I couldn't resist getting out my camera to document her painting, from completely clean to paint from head to toe! I took hundreds of frames. . .I just couldn't help myself! Day to day, I find so many reasons to break out my camera. . .I actually need to buy a new hard drive for my computer just for the photos I take. I may need one of those 1TB drives for the thousands of pictures I have!

Portrait, Baby Reece

2008-07-03T18:37:00.000-07:00

Babies, babies, babies! That is all that is on my mind lately. Maybe it has something to do with being 6 months pregnant, or maybe they are just such beautiful subjects. Either way I so enjoy taking photos of these little newbies! I haven't been working much because of my burgeoning belly, but when I am it is great! I never get tired of meeting parents (especially the new ones) and their babies. Reece was such a good model, even at 6 am (beautiful light then). . .and her parents were quite chipper for that time in the morning too! I did learn, however, that not every little one is comfortable being completely naked. . .so we adapted to what she wanted. That is what it is all about: capturing these little personalities (that are apparent the moment they arrive) so they and their parents will always have those memories! It is NOT about making sure you get every shot on a list of shots you normally do or forcing the little one into your agenda! They know what they are willing to do and you can't force it! Love to all the babies out there. . especially brand new Baby Reece!

Portrait, Angel Avery

2008-04-20T07:14:00.001-07:00

Avery and her parents were so great to spend the day with and photograph! Avery didn't want to stay asleep, but we got some beautiful shots even though she was awake most of the time! We also had some very exciting diaperless incidents. . I'm sure her daddy didn't think it was all that cute seeing as he was on the receiving end every time! The Bagwell family were real troopers and we got some beautiful memories documented that they will have forever!

Portrait, Weighing Camryn

2008-04-04T11:52:00.000-07:00

I was so inspired to take this shot that I searched for months for the "perfectly imperfect" vintage scale to use. I looked on Ebay, at antique stores and yard sales and FINALLY about two weeks before we had scheduled this shoot I found it! The perfect one! It looks a little worse for wear but I think it speaks volumes. With the juxtaposition of Camryn being perfect, tiny and new against the obviously used, rusted yet functional scale. . .I don't think I could have gotten a more beautiful shot!

Portrait, Camryn & Mommy & Daddy

2008-04-04T11:47:00.000-07:00

I had such an amazing time taking these portraits of Camryn! She is every bit as photogenic as her big brother, Owen, and her parents!

Lifestyle Portrait, Jenny & Camden

2008-03-19T15:44:00.000-07:00

Lifestyle Portrait, Toddler Tootsies

2008-03-07T08:54:00.000-08:00

A few days ago Ruby and I had a wonderful afternoon in the backyard! We ran, we slid, we took pictures! I was sitting on the slide and Ruby was standing in front of me smiling and it was the super cuteness of her little feet that prompted me to go inside and get my camera. I think that the TUTU/surfer shoe combo is SO Ruby that I had to capture it for the rest of the world to enjoy! There are a few other photos I got that day that I'll share soon. . .

Newborn Portrait, Camryn

2008-02-29T18:19:00.000-08:00

OK! So I'm a little excited about these photos! I just couldn't help myself. . I HAD to put up just one more of tiny Camryn! BTW . . . Ruby had been trying so hard to say Camryn, she's gotten as far as saying CaCa! Love it!

Lifestyle Portrait, Teeny Tiny Tootsies

2008-02-29T16:15:00.000-08:00

I am so elated to make this post! I am now entering the world of newborn photography and there aren't any better people to join on this journey than my wonderful friends, the Wittry's! (As many of you know, Kim & Jared's Owen is totally Ruby's boyfriend!) They were all beyond happy to welcome little Camryn into their lives on Thurday! I forgot how small newborns really are. This afternoon my trusty photo assistant, Becca, and I visited the happy family at the hospital to do some "day old" shots. I have to admit, the lighting in the hospital is tricky (I'm actually going to venture back tomorrow to try for some better photos), but a few of my first attempts came out beautifully! Like this one of her tiny little tootsies! Look back for more teensy baby photos. . .I think I'll be on a roll!

Portaits, Ruby

2008-01-19T08:02:00.000-08:00

OK! I've had requests for more photos of Ruby. As everyone knows I obsessively take pictures of her! She is the BEST little guinea pig! She's usually super happy to let me follow her around all day with my camera (sometimes I'm not so lucky). These two photos were taken on the same day. I shot her brushing her teeth for my dad (he's a dentist) and I just HAD to commemorate her using the potty! I particularly LOVE the "POTTY PORTRAIT"! I think I may have it framed and hang it in the bathroom. . .I wonder how long it will take her to ask me to take it down?

Headshot, Bob

2008-01-19T07:30:00.000-08:00

What a change of pace, photographing an adult! I've found myself focusing on shooting children for the past few months (maybe its the Mommy in me?) so it was nice to have a client that I could level with and get a few more subtleties out of. This was Bob's first set of headshots, but he was a real trooper with everything I threw at him. Getting to talk with him before and throughout the shoot, I'm sure we succeeded in capturing his essence for the shots! This is my choice shot of him. He seems kind with a bit of an edge! Congrats, Bob, on your first headshots, I know they will be an excellent start in the industry!

Portrait, Jack

2008-01-14T16:14:00.000-08:00

This is another photo from my shoot with Jack. He had so many to choose from! My favorite are when he let down his guard and STOPPED posing. Really, I think the proofs surrounding this shot are of him playing with the grass. I just had to keep snapping hoping I would luck out and get such a true photo. To me it holds feelings of relaxed bliss. I wish I could feel the way this photo looks every day! :)

Portrait, Jack

2008-01-14T16:08:00.000-08:00

I don't know what it is with these wonderful children. Jack is another one that is a complete ham in front of the camera! You would have thought he had been an Abercrombie model or something with the "I know I'm cool" poses he gave me! It was an absolute joy to shoot Jack! He is such a sweet little blend of his parents! Those gorgeous piercing eyes from his mom and quite a little man's personality thanks to dad! I hope to be able to work with Jack again . . . maybe even for some family shots. . . hint, hint!

Portrait, Gabrielle

2008-01-05T17:35:00.000-08:00

I am really appreciating the subtle differences in lighting needs between b&w and color! This photo is beautiful in color, but so much more so in b&w!

Portrait, Jeb

2008-01-05T16:14:00.000-08:00

Jeb is such a sweetie! The camera loves him almost as much as his little sis!

Portrait, Mackenzie

2007-12-19T17:32:00.000-08:00

I can't express how much I enjoyed shooting these photos of Mackenzie! She is so comfortable in front of the camera and it LOVES her!

Seasonal Portrait, Dorothy & Harry Potter

2007-10-31T11:35:00.000-07:00

Jeb and Mackenzie are such fab little models! You'll see more of them here!

Seasonal Portrait, Elvis

2007-10-31T10:50:00.000-07:00

This Halloween I did a "Photo Phundraiser" for my little sister's softball team. We had lots of fun taking Halloween Costume Portraits!

Food, Gourmet Girl's pumpkin soup

2007-10-16T07:34:00.000-07:00

Let me tell you, people!!!! This soup is the best I've had in a long time! I've been back to Silver Spoon twice just to eat it! You can find the recipe and musings on how awesome it is at gourmetgirl1.blogspot.com .

Candid, Annika Laughs at Me

2007-10-14T13:55:00.000-07:00

I love this photo of little Annika! There is so much life and excitement here!!!!

Food, Gourmet Girl's crabcake

2007-10-14T13:44:00.000-07:00

I've started doing food photography. It's actually really great. There is ultimate control over your subject and limitless options when manipulating the light. It would be nothing without the beautiful gourmet food by my dear friend Katia, also known as Gourmet Girl. The beautiful images I've been capturing are for her new blog gourmetgirl1.blogspot.com . . . check it out!

Graphic, Gourmet Girl

2007-10-09T10:26:00.000-07:00

I did this as a test for a friend. I think it turned out pretty good! Check out her blog at gourmetgirl1.blogspot.com!

Portrait Collage, Annika's 1st Bday

2007-09-25T07:38:00.000-07:00

Annika's first birthday photos turned out so wonderfully! We had alot of fun shooting them! I totally underestimated the speed of a 1 year old walker, so I got alot of exercise that day.

2007-09-21T12:41:00.000-07:00

my new website graphics . . . blogger won't let me upload it!

Headshot, Kathy

2007-09-04T17:41:00.000-07:00

What a star!

Headshot, Monica

2007-09-04T17:35:00.000-07:00

I think Monica has such a beautiful glow in the this shot! The lighting that day was so perfect with absolutely no need for a diffuser or reflector! We thought we would have a 'rain delay', but by the time we were ready to shoot it was pleasingly cloudy (so great for photos).

Headshot, Tricia

2007-09-04T17:31:00.000-07:00

New Orleans is such a beautiful backdrop for promotional shots! There is such a great variety of tones and textures that add interest to your background, not to mention the amazing energy in the city... I loved shooting there!

Skyscape, August 8, 07

2007-08-18T10:25:00.000-07:00

“Photography” doesn’t mean “shopping for cameras.” It’s derived from Greek words meaning “Drawing with Light.” The best light for your subject can make all the difference. - New York Photography Institute

I read that and thought of this photograph. I think that the world God created is so amazing & the light that is spread over it allows it to be everchanging. Ever notice how light effects everything. Turning the light on in the bathroom in the middle of the night can really effect you, YIKES! Lighting some candles makes an evening romantic. Like this photo, the setting sun can turn the sky into the most beautiful painting you've ever seen.

What can I say? I've been inspired!

Lighting Test, Ruby's fish

2007-08-09T23:36:00.000-07:00

OK, I know. This isn't the usual. I was testing out the lighting in Ruby's room when I took this. Every time I see it I can't help but stop and stare! There is just something so striking about this simple little toy and the composition of this off the cuff shot. It looks so happy and, might I add, so well lit!

Candids, Ruby & Alex

2007-08-09T23:32:00.000-07:00

I went location scouting last weekend with my trusty assistants. I'm always sure to get a few lovely photos when I have these two in tow!

Urban Landscape, Jackson Square NOLA

2007-07-24T08:51:00.000-07:00

The sky was so beautiful that night! Prints available, email for information.

Candid, Savannah Sleeps

2007-07-18T00:33:00.000-07:00

Sports Action, BK

2007-07-18T00:25:00.000-07:00

BK is one of the hardest working softball players I have ever watched! She hustles full on for the entire game. Talk about team spirit, check out that smile just moments after an injury on the feild!

Candid, Taylor

2007-07-18T00:23:00.000-07:00

Sports Action, Dane & the Ump

2007-07-18T00:19:00.000-07:00

Softball Dugout Portrait, Becca "Buka"

2007-06-22T10:13:00.000-07:00

Softball Feild Portrait, Becca "Buka"

2007-06-22T10:07:00.000-07:00

Portrait Collage, Becca and Ruby

2007-06-22T09:56:00.000-07:00

I think that Becca might just be Ruby's favorite person in the world. They have such a beautiful connection that I really feel is captured in this portrait.

Portrait Collage, Alex and Ozzy

2007-06-22T09:39:00.000-07:00

These were taken with my Canon Film SLR (they aren't quite as crisp as my digital) at our home in Midcity New Orleans just before Hurricane Katrina. We were totally living in the "salad days".

Portrait, Becca

2007-06-01T15:45:00.000-07:00

Pet Portrait, Tinkerbell

2007-06-01T15:43:00.000-07:00

Sports Photos 1

2007-06-01T15:29:00.000-07:00

Hurricane Katrina 3

2007-06-01T15:26:00.001-07:00

Hurricane Katrina 2

2007-06-01T15:22:00.000-07:00

Hurricane Katrina 1

2007-06-01T15:08:00.000-07:00