kate mefford :: photography blog

kate mefford :: photography blog http://katemeffordblog.com/ -McKinney and Austin, TX Photographer- Whimsically Stylish & Heartfelt...All in the Same Instance. Photography that will simultaneously put a spring in your step and send your heart a-flutter! en Copyright 2012 Fri, 04 May 2012 13:10:19 -0600 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification Definin' Others for a Livin' As a photographer, I do my best to reflect who people are within the boundaries of my images. It's a lot of responsibility and while I AM a total goober, I have always taken that part of my job very seriously. I suppose it has to do with me taking my own sweet time growing up to figure out what my identity involved. Let's be real. I might even STILL be figuring it out. We are all evolving...constantly.

In my time in grad school, I often designed my projects and papers around Erik Erikson, one of the foremost psychologists in the studies of personality development and identity. I find it incredibly fascinating how culture, parenting, childhood and adolescent experiences, and temperament all play a part in the conclusion (or near conclusion) of each of our identities. Identifying things, places, thoughts, dreams, and people gives us comfort...it is human nature to want to identify the unknown. Once we've defined it, that thing will feel safer. This really plays a bigger part as we get older and begin to make super huge life choices. If we are able to identify what makes us tick, we can move forward with our decisions with a big bag of confidence and ease.

While I am working on my branding clients' "identities", I am always cognizant of the need to keep each piece of their business puzzle within certain bounds. There are times when I have to dig deep and really help my clients define who they are in a way that can be translated to text and digital means because, frankly, they have no idea what they represent. Hey. That's what I'm here for, party people. Defining the unknown is the name of my game. And if I ever, for a second, felt like reflecting people's personalities through my photography was a responsibility, then slap me twice and call me a pancake. This branding identity stuff gets real personal. It hits people at their core. But hopefully, it gives them a sense of peace and understanding within themselves. That is what I wish for the most. Aside from having successful businesses, I want all of my clients to know how beautifully unique and incredible they are!

As I'm about to jump into another STYLE ANALYSIS for a client, I'd like to show you how Gawker is defining the adorkable Zooey Deschanel these days. These lists are the bizarro versions of my STYLE ANALYSIS. Can't say I've ever described anyone as a Cork-topped Terrarium Necklace or a Satchel of Fairy Dust. Yet.

]]> http://katemeffordblog.com/2012/05/definin-others-for-a-livin.html http://katemeffordblog.com/2012/05/definin-others-for-a-livin.html branding Fri, 04 May 2012 13:10:19 -0600 The Vickers :: Spring 2012 It's been almost a year. Cameron is 2. Kinley MIGHT be 47. I feel old. But...not too old to love this energetic set of images from our fast-paced session! It was great to catch up with my little buddies and their fabulous parents!

]]> http://katemeffordblog.com/2012/05/the-vickers-spring-2012.html http://katemeffordblog.com/2012/05/the-vickers-spring-2012.html babies families Wed, 02 May 2012 13:03:01 -0600 My Favorite Bedhead

]]> http://katemeffordblog.com/2012/04/my-favorite-bedhead.html http://katemeffordblog.com/2012/04/my-favorite-bedhead.html life and such Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:31:12 -0600 Hommemaker :: Orlando Soria Blogs! These days, in a sea of millions of bloggers, there aren't many who rise to the top. So many of them have the same voice, the same ideas, the same posts! In my Google Reader queue, I have around one hundred blogs. I've got branding blogs, fashion blogs, photography blogs, and even celebrity gossip blogs...hey...don't judge. Perez is my drug of choice. So, you can imagine at this point that a blog better have a helluva a lot of je nai se quoi for me to click "SUBSCRIBE".

While perusing the fabulous stylist Emily Henderson's blog, I stumbled across a guest post by her sidekick, Orlando Soria. His style of writing had me laughing out loud! He's like the fashionable and hilarious gay best friend I've never had and always wanted! Hop on over to Orlando's blog, Hommemaker, and see for yourself. His accounts of house lust, flea market finds, men's fashion, travel, and even everyday life will dazzle you in no time!

]]> http://katemeffordblog.com/2012/04/hommemaker-orlando-soria-blogs.html http://katemeffordblog.com/2012/04/hommemaker-orlando-soria-blogs.html your other favorite new blog Tue, 24 Apr 2012 08:52:15 -0600 The MINNERICKS You may or may not know that shortly after quitting the wedding photography business, I created another career opportunity as a branding consultant. After I spoke at Foundation Conference last November, it became completely apparent that so many photographers needed help creating a vision for their business that would reflect their personalities and the experience they offer their clients. Combining my background highlights of fashion design, counseling psychology, and photography PLUS my personal experience in the wedding photography industry, I've come up with a process to guide those in need via my new business: Carpet, Meet Drapes. Perceptions GET REAL in this House of Branding. It's my mission to blend the public's perception of my client with their perceptions of themselves and wrap it all up in a blanket of authenticity.

One of the coolest designers you'll ever meet, Jason Cypret, is fast at work on my Carpet, Meet Drapes website. In the meantime, I currently have a full plate of branding clients who make me squeal and skip after every phone call, Skype, and in person meeting. It's really clear that I'm doing work that is a perfect match for my skill set and my soul. Hooza!

When the Minnericks contacted me to guide them through a re-brand, I was ecstatic. Throughout all of our meetings, I have really gotten to know them and have come to be quite inspired by their thoughtfulness and the way they view the world around us. Above all, I am most impressed with their devotion to each other. During one of our brainstorming sessions, I snapped these images of them with their furbabies, Sancho and Rosebud. We are getting really close to their launch, and I can't wait for everyone to get to know them! Thanks to Jeremy and Amber for trusting me to capture your connections. I adore you guys!

]]> http://katemeffordblog.com/2012/04/the-minnericks.html http://katemeffordblog.com/2012/04/the-minnericks.html branding Thu, 19 Apr 2012 16:51:45 -0600 Carter is a One Year Old! It's been a while! Did ya miss me? Things have been super nutty around here, and I apologize for not blogging more. It's not that I have nothing to say or show. TRUST ME. I've got stuff for days. I could list all of the things we've had going on that have delayed my blog posts, but that's a little obnoxious. Instead, I'm going to focus on this BEAUTIFUL baby boy and just move forward.

Do y'all remember him? A little over a year ago, I was photographing his arrival into this crazy world! I can't think of many experiences during which I have felt so honored to be included. Watching Carter grow over this past year has been incredible. All along the way, he has been such a happy little creature. It's so evident that he gets plenty of snuggles from Kelli + Steven, because he is very secure and easy going. I can't wait to continue to see Carter develop into a toddler and figure out what he's into. What an exciting journey!

Leave the Morse family some love below!

]]> http://katemeffordblog.com/2012/04/carter-is-a-one-year-old.html http://katemeffordblog.com/2012/04/carter-is-a-one-year-old.html babies Mon, 16 Apr 2012 08:28:43 -0600 And Now, The Set is Complete

]]> http://katemeffordblog.com/2012/03/and-now-the-set-is-complete.html http://katemeffordblog.com/2012/03/and-now-the-set-is-complete.html life and such Mon, 26 Mar 2012 10:32:18 -0600 Millie's Face Will Never Look the Same... ...and I love it.

P.S. She pulled her own tooth out like the baller I know she is.

]]> http://katemeffordblog.com/2012/03/millies-face-will-never-look-the-same.html http://katemeffordblog.com/2012/03/millies-face-will-never-look-the-same.html life and such Thu, 08 Mar 2012 14:32:57 -0600 Millie :: Nutcracker 2011

]]> http://katemeffordblog.com/2012/03/millie-nutcracker-2011.html http://katemeffordblog.com/2012/03/millie-nutcracker-2011.html life and such Thu, 01 Mar 2012 08:21:43 -0600 Here's What {one} Do have thoughts that keep circling your drain of a brain that you just can't commit to posting on Facebook, Twitter or the likes? I do. I got lots of 'em, y'all. And I hafta say, it makes me a little squirrely if I don't let 'em out. So, voila. Here's what's been on my mind this past week.

There are a few things that I once loved and now hate, but not like "I want to kick them in the teeth hate". It's more like an, "Awww. I feel sorry for you...but I JUST CAN'T COMPLETELY QUIT YOU and you sort of make me nauseous" kind of hate. For some reason, I feel the need to announce this. Holler if you're with me, or if you have others to add to this list!

Chevron. Dear, sweet Chevron Patterns. I once pined for you. I could have stared at you all day long until you blurred together. But then one day, you had to go and become ubiquitous...and mama don't do ubiquitous. While you were flaunting your zigzags all about town, on dresses and stationery and photographer website templates, I grew bored. I've turned my back to you, and want nothing to do with you...but I reluctantly admit I still stalk you on Pinterest in times of desperation.

And your little friend, "Yes, Please"...she can just STOP. I made her a part of my group of favorite catch phrases. I did. I'll admit it. She was in and she belonged until she just couldn't get along with "For Realsies" and "BOOM". She was so chirpy and sunny and bubbly without fail and I just COULDN'T TAKE IT anymore. Something had to give. She got the boot...but when I see her in other people's Facebook comments, I smile, knowing that she'll do well on her own.

Here it is. The double whammy of here's what imagery. What a way to start out this blog category!

]]> http://katemeffordblog.com/2012/02/heres-what-1.html http://katemeffordblog.com/2012/02/heres-what-1.html life and such Tue, 28 Feb 2012 12:12:34 -0600 Don't Rain On Our Parade! Last Thanksgiving, we visited New York City...one of our favorite spots on the globe. We were lucky enough to hang out with my cousin Mike, his wife Ellen, and their son Christopher and even got to go to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and have Thanksgiving dinner with them!

Here are a few frames from our adventures. Among our favorites were:

Doughnut Plant (side note: I don't like donuts; I don't like cake; I LOVE cake donuts...my friend Kathryn says that is SUCH a "Kate Mefford thing" whatever that means!) was at the top of Bobby's list!

Central Park

Watching the renovations at the Chelsea Hotel

Spending a day shopping (and learning how to use chopsticks) with "Miss Gulnara"

Taking the subway to the wrong place at least twice (it's was so fun just to see the different people and to watch Millie's expressions as she reacted to it all)

Eating the BEST moules frites EVER at Anthony Bourdain's restaurant, Les Halles, and watching Mills draw a super cool tiger while we waited for them

Seeing the view from my nephew William's dorm room at NYU...I don't know why anyone would ever want to leave college with that scene!

Visiting the parade balloons as they were being inflated was surreal.
Kermit and Snoopy were having a plank-off while we investigated all that goes into making the parade happen.

Waiting for hours to get a good spot to see the 85th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade outside of Columbus Circle...Mills had a primo bird's eye view once the floats started rollin' since a nice man let her stand on top of a pillar he had been sitting on while waiting. We earned our badges of honor that day!

Getting tea service at The Plaza---SCHMANCY! Of course, Mills acted like she owned the joint.

Can't wait to get back there already. Double sigh.

]]> http://katemeffordblog.com/2012/02/dont-rain-on-our-parade.html http://katemeffordblog.com/2012/02/dont-rain-on-our-parade.html life and such Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:09:59 -0600 Alexa is a 6 Month Old! Got your head in the set of clouds cupid is taking a coffee break on this Valentine's Day morning? Need a strong shot of cute to wake you up? Baby Alexa is now 6 months old, and with her big sis Sadie teaching her the ropes, she's ready to take on anything that comes her way...including ponies, trikes, leaves, and Mama's jewelry. Sigh. My kinda girl!

Leave Alexa and Sadie a comment below!

]]> http://katemeffordblog.com/2012/02/alexa-is-a-6-month-old.html http://katemeffordblog.com/2012/02/alexa-is-a-6-month-old.html babies Tue, 14 Feb 2012 08:25:21 -0600 Millie Hoops it Up! Recently, Millie's taken up the sport of basketball. Bobby and I both were ballers in high school, and we all love the Mavs, so it was a natural fit. Plus, she's a long, tall Sally. She sleeps in the kitchen with her feet in the alley. Okay, not really, but she may as well. Millie is well on her way to being as tall as me, and her feet! I digress.

Anywho, she's on a team called the Rhinos, and is loving every minute of it. Her team is comprised of all kindergarteners and one 1st grader. Watching their games might be some of the funniest hours I've ever experienced. For the most part, the girls have no idea what is happening. The other teams they play are majority 1st grader teams full of girls who've already played a full season, so we always lose like 24-2. But in the end, our girls don't even notice the scoreboard. They are too busy trying to get aggressive on the court (instead of the way they almost GAVE the ball away in the first game) and showing each other their wiggly teeth and/or muscles on the bench. Good times, y'all. Good times. Go Rhinos!

]]> http://katemeffordblog.com/2012/02/millie-hoops-it-up.html http://katemeffordblog.com/2012/02/millie-hoops-it-up.html life and such Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:42:03 -0600 Cozette is a Newborn! My next door neighbors, Bethany + Manny, moved into our 'hood last May, and we've been tracking the development of the "baby bump" for what seems like forever. FINALLY, at the beginning of the new year, sweet little Cozette arrived and officially made our neighborhood a whole lot cuter.

Bethany + Manny are complete NATURALS at parenting. They know all of the tricks to calm Cozette, like rocking her, snuggling her on the longest couch known to man, and of course playing Adele on the ol' iPod. I can't wait to watch Cozette get more active over the next few months (though she might be the most alert newborn I've ever known). It's gonna be so much fun!

Please give Bethany, Manny, and Baby Cozette some love in the comment box!

]]> http://katemeffordblog.com/2012/02/cozette-is-a-newborn.html http://katemeffordblog.com/2012/02/cozette-is-a-newborn.html babies Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:16:59 -0600 Karis, Briley, & Cord :: The Brown Triplets Are Here! Now THIS is a baby blog post! Can you imagine three little sacks of sugar as cute as these? Friends of Taryn, Adam, and baby Walker, the Brown family came on board as clients in December. When I got the inquiry, my neighbors likely dialed 911. I mean, THREE BABIES? Two girls and a boy! That's a TRUCKLOAD of cute. I screamed with excitement at the possibility!

Katie and Adam (yep, another Adam!) are jugglers by now, and are really doing a stellar job of keeping Karis, Briley, & Cord fed, changed, snuggled, and more! Their patience impresses me to no end. I hope so much to watch these babies grow and change and begin interacting with each other. With all of that cute, they're gonna be forces to be reckoned with!

Leave the Browns a comment below in the comment box!

]]> http://katemeffordblog.com/2012/01/karis-briley-cord-the-brown-triplets-are-here.html http://katemeffordblog.com/2012/01/karis-briley-cord-the-brown-triplets-are-here.html babies Mon, 23 Jan 2012 09:35:54 -0600