the stomach bug.

i got it.  the meanest one of the lot.  it bit me hard and didnt want to let go.  but i think i am finally rid of it and recovering.  not to turn the blog into a public service announcement, but wash your hands several times a day... don't get coughed on... dont drink after others... or share a meatball with them either.  400 students were absent from Rockwall HS with this damn bug on monday. So BE CAREFUL.

so this is DAY 4 for me.  I have been bedridden since Sunday morning.. but today i am trying to work from home... we'll see how that goes.  i still haven't eaten more than a piece or two of toast.. so i hope to get my appetite back today and get some much needed energy.

that said... i am FAR behind in the editing dept.  unfortunately, there is one photographer and one editor.. me and me.  so dates are going to have to be pushed back by the amount of days i've been out... let's say 3.
so if you were expecting something today... expect it friday.. and so on.

now if you are expecting something..wait the 3 extra days and if you havent heard from from me... ask me about it.  because my busy brain mixed with sick brain could easily overlook something.  :)

TAKE CARE.  leslie

office duties.

just wanted to pass along that no one will be in the office from now until Sat. morning... so if you need to reach me or shannon, email us!  leslie@urbanphotosite.com or shannon@urbanphotosite.com

after a somewhat slow summer, things have been picking up around the studio.  we had our holiday sessions on Sat. with EIGHT families!  there was a little blood, sweat and tears but we made it through the day!  :)  (side note..the blood came from a daddy getting unintentionally punched in the lip by his 4 year old... not by me. ) haha!  but we got awesome shots as always...

my job as PTSA historian and MOM has picked back up as well.. with lots of events to shoot at Arts Magnet...  not to mention getting the kid ready to start looking at colleges.  oy.  

i'm sure many of you are busy bees too, but don't forget to schedule a holiday session if you have not yet done so.  in order to have your photos back by Christmas you need to book a session by Nov.20 !

TAKE CARE... more pics to come!  :)          

State Fair Fun!

Call for entries!  Participate in my Texas State Fair photo scavenger hunt!  It's just for fun and the goal, as with any photographic endeavor, is to capture amazing photographs... and the winner gets $100 print credit!

these are the two rules to submit

1. all photos must be from the 2010 texas state fair.
2. you can only submit one photo per category. (and no, you can't submit the same photo in multiple categories.)

here are three guidelines to keep in mind

1. it is never a good idea to break the law in order to capture a photograph, i.e. trespassing.
2. in what is considered a public space, such as an event like the state fair, everyone is fair game for being photographed. this does not mean you can't ask permission of a person, or even ask people to pose. no matter what, you need to respect the privacy of any adult who doesn't want you to photograph her/his children.
3. please shoot all photographs at the highest quality setting that your camera will allow and keep the original files. it would be a shame to have fantastic photos that can't actually be printed larger than a postage stamp because you had your camera settings on the lowest possible quality. 

how to enter submissions

1. upload your photos to facebook.
2. use the photo's caption to list the category in which you are entering that photo. you can also title your photo, but the category needs to be clear.
3. tag me in the photo. if we are not facebook friends,  friend request me (Leslie Katz)
4. need your submissions no later than Oct. 9th

32 categories

1. weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee (rides)
2. gee your hair smells terrific (hairstyles)
3. try again (fair games)
4. a week's worth of calories (high calorie food)
5. longhorns (TX fans)
6. too fancy for the fair (people wearing fancy clothes)
7. boomer sooner (OU fans)
8. is there a problem occifer? (drunk people)
9. as seen from above
10. as seen from below
11. i need this like i need another hole in my head (people buy these?)
12. some pig (animals being judged)
13. does this smell bad to you?
14. i'm pretty sure that's an electrical hazard 
15. teeth optional
16. clothing optional
17. manners optional
18. patriotism at it's most unsettling
19. you light up my life (public displays of affection)
20. are you sure we should be doing this (witnessing illegal activity)
21. and your little dog too (animals, pets)
22. my eyes are up here (cleavage) 
23. are you gonna pick that up? (litter)
24. flash dance (dancing)
25. it's so fluffy!!! (people with prizes)
26. ooooh, shiny (anything shiny)
27. got ink? (tattoos)
28. the hills are alive with the sound of music (musical performance)
29. mmm. pie. (any food competing for prizes)
30. it's oh so quiet... shhh...(large spaces with no people)
31. good to know (friends you run into at the fair that you didnt know would be there)
32. wild card (anything that doesn't fit into one of these categories)

within each category, one photo will be selected as the best of. 

good luck. i can't wait to see your photos!

what'sup. | Urban Photography Dallas

what'sup is...

I went to SAn Antonio the friday before last because my pregnant BFF (nikki) was having her baby.  or so we thought.  she insists i am there to photograph the birth.. so i go.  she also has several photo sessions she is unable to do because of her size (she's a photog too) so i agree to shoot those for her while waiting for baby to come.  the next friday rolls around.  no baby.  so i drive home through the thunderstorms and work over the weekend then teach my Super Monday workshop on (of course) monday.  yesterday i get a call from nikki's husband.. and she's going into labor.  as tempted as i was to jump in my car to head there and try to make the birth.. i knew i had way too many things here i needed to finish.  the rest of yesterday was a blur of calls and emails then after picking my daughter up from school we had to spend the rest of the evening finding\buying her a prom dress since i haven't been home and her prom is friday.  

needless to say i have had an insane two weeks.  i know i'm running behind schedule and i APOLOGIZE profusely to those who are waiting.  I am doing nothing but editing today and into the night!!!  Thank you all for your patience.. this is our busy season with high school seniors so we're doing our best to keep up!  

Hope everyone is enjoying the wonderful weather we have had and I'll post more pics soon!

PS.  Nikki had her baby around 4pm yesterday and it was a 9 pound 4 oz. BOY!!!  Congrats to her family on the birth of Rowan Jens!

Leslie's Vlog • 4 | Urban Photography

Urban Photography iPhone App!

Urban Photography has an new iPhone App! 

Download the free Urban Photography app from iTunes for your iPod Touch or iPhone and you will have instant contact with us + so much more!!!  

"What's the point?" you may ask.  I had wondered the same thing when someone suggested i create one for UP.  So here it is... The point(s):  

1. pic of the day-   every day click on the app to see a new photo featured.. perhaps yours! 

2. news-  any time we have anything exciting or new happening (sales, promos, mini-sessions)... we'll post it here first.  

3. photo tips-  read about how to create photo groupings for you home, portrait care, etc.  

4. BOOK a SESSION! - yep, just enter your name, email and date you want to shoot and we'll respond to you with our availability for that day.. or alternate day if we are booked!  

5. be social- with one touch of the screen go directly to our facebook page or twitter profile.  

6. find us-  find a link to our website, blog, email, phone number, and even view a map to the studio. you'll never have to search for our contact info again! 

7. for you-  current clients can sign up on the "for you" page and we will create your own personal photo gallery of 10 pics from your most recent session. (we pick!) :)  So you'll have your pics on your phone wherever you go!  

So download it now..its free! 

(before you forget.  i know you...)

UP iTunes App link

Photo•Topia Workshop scoop!

OK, so I'm going to back up a little here...

Last month Nikki and I had our second Photo•Topia Senior Workshop for professional photogs.  This one took place in Dallas at my studio.  We managed to get a few more "behind the scene" shots than the first time and I figured it was time to share (better late than never, right??).  

Although a couple of people couldn't make it  :(  The workshop went REALLY well and we had nothing but positive feedback.  Yea!  Here is what some of the attendees said:

"Love how the two of you are so different!  Two great approaches.. so happy to see what is possible!  Thank you SO much, L&N!"

"You both covered everything I needed!  Lighting, posing, lightroom/photoshop and marketing.  Loved the personal approach, learning new tricks of the trade & also new products, must haves!  Hope to attend more of these with both Leslie and Nikki!

"I really enjoyed the outdoor session with the senior models...I really enjoyed every part.  Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us!  :)"

"Loved that the workshop was so personal and small, plus lots of shoot time with the models.  I really enjoyed meeting and talking to both of you- great ideas."

"Everything was great!  I enjoyed learning a lot about working with seniors.  All the info you presented was helpful."

"Hi Leslie!  Thanks again for all the info at phototopia! I really had a great time and have began implementing everything I learned with you and Nikki...  Thanks again for everything."

I want to thank those of you who came and tell you we had a great time!  

If you missed it and want to catch the next one... its looking like the end of June.  Nikki is Gi-normous with baby #3 and is due in just 4 weeks... so she'll need a little recovery time.  So most likely the next WS will be in San Antonio or Port Aransas.. beach anyone?

Here are some shots from P•T WS deux.

www.phototopiaworkshop.com

Leslie's Vlog • 3 | Urban Photography

PHOTO•TOPIA WORKSHOP [San Antonio] | Urban Photography Dallas

What a fun weekend we had at our San Antonio senior workshop!  I had hoped to share a lot more behind the scenes shots...but with all that was going on we didn't think about it!  But I will share a few pics we do have...

ok, well this was not part of the workshop, but the night before, Nikki was testing her studio lights on me and her two adorable kiddos and I just thought this was funny.  



LOVE little Devin and Grace 
(and #3 is on the way...go Nikki go!)   our friends can always use encouragement... :)

 ANYWAY, onto the workshop!
 here are a few of the model shots we captured with studio light..

off-camera flash...

natural window light...

and open shade natural light..

and we did get a couple of "accidental" behind the scene shots.. below is prego Nikki double checking Isobele's hair  :)

and here I am styling the flower prop while laughing about something really funny, I'm sure.. 

ok, i was going to post a few more, but i am tired and need to go to bed!  Photogs, if you missed our San Antonio Senior Workshop there are still a few spots left in our DALLAS one!  Click here for deets!  Nitey nite.  (yawn)

Leslie's Vlog • 2 | Urban Photography

Leslie's Vlog? | Urban Photography

Celebrity Snapshot {Robert Duvall} | Urban Photography

Last week I had the wonderful opportunity to photograph a movie legend... Robert Duvall.  The Nasher Sculpture Center periodically has celebrity salons known as the Nasher Salon Series.  Nasher has arranged to occasionally share the salon with my daughter's HS... 
Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts.  He was interviewed by a student along with the head of the theatre cluster, Karon Cogdill.

Being the school historian, I happily fulfilled my duties by photographing the event.  Ok, more than happily.  I was glued to the side of stage and didn't move the entire time.  I kept thinking silly things like.. "my camera is sitting on the stage... Robert Duvall's feet are on this stage a 5 mere feet from me... my camera is in my hands and his feet are on his legs... we are ONE!!!!!"  Well, not really.. but there was an intimacy about it.  :)  Anyway, onto the pics!

   with his wife.. Luciana Pedraza.  What a great couple.

This was such an awesome opportunity!

Ok, soooo...

i've been a terrible blogger.  i have tons of sessions i'd like to blog about... if only i magically could 

a.) create more time in the day or b.) clone three more me's. 

besides being my absolute busiest time of the year with all the holiday sessions, editing, printing and getting client cards out in a timely manner, i'm getting everything ready for my daughter's 16th bday next weekend (and her orchestra concert at the meyerson center on the same day), volunteering weekly on the the ptsa board and theatre guild at her school, making family plans for thanksgiving, and trying to get all my lines memorized for a play i'm in (yes, a play)... opening 2 weeks from now (not to mention dress rehearsals every night the week before).  a couple of months ago this all seemed doable.  


yeah, so ... what was i thinking!?

since i am now back down to 5 hours sleep a night i figure i am going to have to temporarily cut out some time consuming things.  the losers are ptsa duties and blogging.. at least for the next couple of weeks.  did you know that to blog one session takes about 2 hours?  having a custom made blog is pretty, but there are lots of extra steps to make a simple post. 

anyway, in case anyone was wondering why i haven't been posting... that's why.  but i'll try to sneak one in here and there.. even if its just pics.  that's what you really want to see anyway, right?  :)

URBAN SENIORS! Workshop Update..

Hey fellow photogs!  I've been getting loads of emails about the 'URBAN SENIORS!'  Super Monday workshop...  Thank you so much for your interest!  

The class filled up very early so we bumped up the limit to take a few more, but soon after, reached maximum capacity.  I'm receiving disappointed emails because of this and totally understand the frustration... so I will be holding another workshop on my own!  Yay!   

So if you weren't able to get into this one, please stay tuned for info on the next one.  I'm not sure when it will be... Fall is a very busy time for all of us, but I am looking at a possible November date.  January may be option #2.  Since it will not be through PPA, you will contact me directly to register...  I will post the info (as soon as I get it) on the blog, so click the little link at the top, "get the loft by email" so you don't miss out!

Again, I thank ALL of you for your very nice emails and hope we get together soon!!  :)

DART green line is open in Dallas!

Yay!  so what does that mean for me?  Direct transportation to our studio!  that's right.. hop on the green line and get off at the Fair Park Station... walk two blocks and you're at our studio door.  Apparently there was a big celebration Sat. at the new stations.. which would explain why I saw two arbitrary green balloons bouncing down the wet sidewalk today.

Dallas DART | Fair Park Station

Easy and green. 
(green pun wasn't intended, but now that i wrote it.. yes, yes it is.  maybe that could be their tagline for promotional purposes: "go green on the green line"  or  "being green is easier with the green line".. ok I'll just shut up now..) 

:-)

Models needed!

Hey gorgeous!  I need you.  

 

I am teaching a workshop on High School Senior Photography and I need models!  You don't HAVE to be a senior, but you need to look like one.  If you're 17-19 years old, you qualify! It is a school day (monday), but although you're missing school, you won't be missing out on a great opportunity... FREE PICTURES!  WHoo hoo!

 

So here's the deal...

the PPA workshop is from 9-5, Monday Oct. 26th 

I will be walking through a typical senior session from choosing your wardrobe to shooting.  There will be about 15 other photogs shooting along with me so you can't be super shy!

In return I will give you any pics I take of you along with 5 images from any other photog that shoots you (maybe more).

I will also provide lunch, snacks and drinks.

 

It will be tons of fun and you'll get some awesome pictures!

So ask mom if you can play hooky that day.. I know you want to...

Just email me for additional details!

leslie@urbanphotosite.com

Holiday Quick Pics Info!

Our spots are already getting filled up, so book your session as soon as possible to make sure you get one!  :)

*All sessions will take place at our studio, either inside or outside.  We will determine what will be best for each session upon your arrival.  The total cost with tax is $162.38 which includes a 30 minute session and 24 custom holiday cards. Additional cards and prints are available a la carte.  There is a $300 minimum print order. 

calling all photographers..

to Super Monday!  On Oct. 26th, I will be teaching a workshop through Professional Photographers of America on the high-energy world of senior photography.  Whether you want to break into the senior market or get some fresh ideas... this is a workshop you don't want to miss!

 

Register through PPA by phone at the number above or register online here: www.ppa.com/education-events/sm.php  

Contact us for any questions you have!  :)

quick update..

the shortest version..  

went out-of-town for a few days for a break with the kiddo..

planned on working some but ... 

laptop decided to die.. 

grandma was sent to hospital in ambulance..

and was out of state.

returned today..

grandma's ok..

laptop fixed..

back to work tomorrow!

 :)

HaPpy MOther's DAy!

I hope you all have a great moms day!  I'm getting brunch and a movie... and some quality time with the kid.  And I couldn't be happier about it.  :)  

As a special offer to all the wonderful mothers out there... we are offering a maternity, baby, child or family photo session for half price if you schedule it this week.  *It must be booked for the month of June.

In other news... 

I'm back and recovering from my week at Texas School and I seriously think that is the most tired I have been that many days in row.  Soooo, I've been editing and taking naps in between..  :)  Anyway, I had a great week and learned tons from my awesome instructors.. Lori Nordstrom, Gene Higa, and Catherine Hall.  It was a terrific class... instructors and classmates alike.  Now it's time to "get off my Big B!" 

Thought I'd share our goofy class picture.. it's supposed to be a peace sign.  Oh well..

Starting Monday I will be posting more photo sessions on the blog so be sure to check in!