Main | Stephanie Shirley

Stephanie Shirley Photography

Welcome to the blog. This is the best place to come and see my recent sessions as well as keep up to date on what is new and happening here at Stephanie Shirley Photography. I also use the blog as a place to post special promotions and contests, so check back often. You can follow me on Twitter and Facebook by clicking the buttons to the right.

Stephanie Shirley Photography specializes in maternity, newborn, child, family, and birth (labor and delivery) photography in the Greater Houston and surrounding areas. My goal is to capture the true being in everyone, young and old, using natural light. I look forward to capturing you!

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A birth on the blog!!! My blog is no longer neglected. http://t.co/FF7rhDz3 # 2012/01/31

Archive for the ‘Main’ Category

Holiday Sessions, Calendar and Other Updates | Houston and Cypress Photographer

August 10, 2011

Wow, what a summer it has been. I cannot believe how many beautiful bellies and babies I have gotten to photograph this summer. The summer of babies is not quite over, though, with a 4 newborns and a birth all left to do within the next 4 weeks. I cannot wait to meet all of these babies!

I hope everyone has enjoyed their summer. My boys and I stayed busy in the beginning of the summer with lots of camps (golf, tennis, VBS, etc) as well as mini vacations to the beach, San Antonio and back to the beach. Things have finally settled down for us in that aspect just to turn around and get crazy again. Football season for my older boys has picked up and the PTO is gearing up. It is reminding me that I have yet to send out my end of summer newsletter, come up with my holiday packages and update my calendar.

Don’t worry, though, I have started brainstorming what this year’s packages will be and what they will include. Last year I tried really hard to close shop for the holidays by the end of the first week in December, but ended up holding around 20-25 sessions over the course of the month. This year I am going to try to make a bigger incentive for you to get your Holiday sessions done earlier in the year. HINT: the earlier your session is held, the bigger discount you get. Holiday sessions will begin in September and will run through December 11th. Once December 11th hits, I will close for the holidays (aside from my newborn, birth and Baby’s First Year clients) and will not open back up until March 2nd. This gives me a much needed break and gives me the opportunity to spend the holidays with my family. Plus, if you didn’t know already, all 5 of our birthdays are in January and February. It makes for a very busy 3 months in December, January and February.

I can’t wait to finalize this year’s holiday specials and to get my calendar up and running. I hope everyone survives going back to work (if you are in the school district) and back to school in the coming weeks.

Tags: Cypress Photographer, cypress photography, houston photographer, Katy Photographer
Posted in Main, {Children}, {Families}, {Labor and Delivery/Birth}, {Maternity}, {Newborns} | No Comments »

Home Again – Part II | Houston Photographer

July 11, 2011

Last week I posted a sneak of a homecoming of a soldier. A hero to this country, to his wife and to his children. As we were waiting on his arrival, Megan and I got a chance to talk and hang out. At one point we talked about the people in our lives and those who are there for us on a consistent basis. This stuck with me a great deal because, Megan, that is exactly what you are for Row. It is women and family like you that make it easier on these Heroes to go and do a job for our country like they do. Like Row has done. A year apart. Such a sacrifice to miss so many moments of his children’s lives. We are so proud of men and women like you, Row. Thank you for all that you do. Thank you, Megan, for being the rock he needs you to be while he is gone. You are beautiful, your children are amazing. Thank you for letting me into such an emotional moment in your lives. Welcome home.

Song: Nobody Loves Me True Like You Do

Album: How Do You Love, Aquamarine?

Oh, and here is a pic of Megan and I during the wait. Sometimes I get out from behind the camera.

Tags: Cypress Family Photographer, Cypress Photographer, Fort Hood Photographer, Houston family photography, houston photographer, Katy Family Photographer, Katy Photographer, Killeen Photographer, Tomball Family Photographer
Posted in Main, {Families} | 5 Comments »

A Success Story, A Love Story | Houston and Cypress Photographer

June 13, 2011

I never do weddings. I just have never had the drive to try and do them. BUT… when I got the email requesting to do this one, I absolutely could not turn it down. I have followed this family, the mother a woman I used to teach with, over the past 14 months. A lot of you know their story and some of you don’t. Griffin has quite the army and his story has such a happy ending. I will share more about his story and the Love Story that unfolded a little later, but for now a small peek at the beauty and joy this family embarked on this past weekend. Holly, you were {are} beautiful!

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Posted in Griffin's Army, Main, {Families} | 2 Comments »

Father’s Day Gift | Houston and Cypress Photographer

May 11, 2011

I mentioned something on my Facebook page last week about getting something in that will be perfect for Father’s Day. Take a look at this cute Storyboard Frame from The Vintage Crush. There are many design options as well as edge options and colors you can choose from. Plus, you can hang it on the wall, put it on the fridge or set it on a plate rack like I did here. The openings are for 2×3 wallet sized pictures.

Plus, I am doing a special on these frames for a short time. If you order by noon on Friday the 20th, you can get the 7-opening mini story board frame will for $75.00 and the 4-opening for $55.00.

There are 5 very simple steps to ordering your frame.

Go to the Vintage Crush’s website (click links) and decide if you would like a 4-opening or 7-opening frame.
Then decide which frame style you would like. For the 4-opening, choose from Alli, Bella, Carlynn, Chrystine, Dawn, Gracie, Jolena, Leighton, Lesa, Liam or Trina. For the 7-opening, choose from Bailen, Bella, Carlynn, Leighton or Liam.
Choose a color.
Choose and edge option (beveled, beveled and distressed OR round)
Tell me whether you would like magnets placed on the back (free option) to stick the frame on your fridge or in a locker.

That’s it! Once you have decided all of your options, just tell me ALL 5 options and email your order to me at info@stephanieshirley.com. The frame will be $75 for the 7-opening or $55.00 for the 4-opening. (Plus tax)

Posted in Main | No Comments »

Bluebonnets | Houston and Cypress Family and Child Photographer

March 17, 2011

Have you spotted any yet? How many of you have pictures done of your kids in the Bluebonnets every year? It probably makes us Texans look like a bunch of nuts, hopping fences, randomly stopping off on the shoulder of the freeway. All for some pictures in the Bluebonnets. Lol!

I don’t see a lot of profile pictures changed, yet, so they must not be in full force yet. Two of the things I look forward to the most during Bluebonnet season is 1.) Spring clothes and 2.) the Bluebonnet Festival in Chappell Hill. Love it!!!

As we are getting further and further into Spring and rounding our way into summer, I thought I would take the time to talk wardrobe. When preparing for a great photography session, whether it be a child session, family session, or engagement session, one of the most important things to get into place is your wardrobe. Sure, the location is a nice one, too, but honestly, a really good photographer can make even the craziest of locations work.

Let’s start with a Bluebonnet session. What comes to your mind right away when you think of your kids sitting in the sea of blue flowers? Let me guess, white dresses for the girls and something white coordinating for the boys. No. Yes, I said it, no. When wearing white, the eye will naturally be drawn to the bright white instead of the faces. Let me challenge you to get a little more creative with your wardrobe this spring.

Think coordinating, not matching. It doesn’t all have to be the same colors/shades, as long as the colors blend and flow. The purpose of having your portrait session is to focus on the subjects, not the clothes. Make sure at the very least that the children are comfortable in what they wear. For Mom and Dad (especially Mom) wear something a little more dressy than you normally wear. A dress or skirt paired with sandals/heels. How often does Mom get to be in the picture when doing family candid shots at home. Mostly never. Take advantage of the session and take time to pamper yourself. Paint your toenails, wear jewelry. Spend time on yourself.

I have put together a few outfit choices. This is a small example of how you can coordinate the family. You can search for more ideas on Google, there are plenty of resources out there.

We’ll start with the Fab 5.

Then, with Mother’s Day coming up, here’s a sweet Mother/Daughter example.

Here’s another with, yes, you guessed it, 3 boy outfits. How could I refuse?!

Also, with summer around the corner and beach sessions among us… here is a shot of my boys last summer. Rolled jeans, barefoot and neutral coordinating polos. Ace’s shirt is an off-white. Had it been any whiter, it would have been too bright. This is a good example where I feel the eye is naturally drawn to the white. Shame on me.

So get shopping!!! A few stores that I absolutely love if you are willing to splurge a little is J.Crew, Anthropologie, Boden and Vineyard Vines.

Want to book a session? Weekend sessions through April are getting scarce. Go to my Calendar to select a date and email me at info@stephanieshirley.com so we can get you on the schedule.

Presenting KJ | Houston Birth Photographer

March 8, 2011

I can go on for hours about the mom you are about to meet. I will refrain, though. This baby boy was welcomed into the world with a lot of love. Mom, Dad, Big Sister, Big Brother, two grandmothers and a grandfather were all there anxiously awaiting his arrival. It is so neat to see what reactions you get out of the family members. Personally, I tear up every time (no joke, every time) I hear the baby cry for the first time. For others, the tears come when they get their first up close and personal moment with the newbie. For this mom, the tears began to come when her other two children got to meet their new brother for the first time.

Thank you for letting me be a part of your day! You are truly blessed!

Before I share the slideshow, I wanted to share my favorite picture from the day. I love capturing moms (whether during birth sessions or regular sessions) showing true contentment with their life. This picture bursts with it.

One last note before sharing this video… As a surprise to Mom and Dad, their doctor asked at the start of the laboring process if Dad was going to suit up and help deliver the baby. Had he been the only one in charge of photographing this birth, he would have had to make a tough decision… Take advantage of helping to deliver the baby OR photograph it. Which would you choose?

Okay, without any further ado. Welcome Kyle Joseph!

Date: March 3, 2011

Time: 12:35 pm

Hospital: Memorial City Memorial Hermann Hospital

OB: Dr. Fogiel

Weight: 8 lbs 12 oz

Length: 20.5 inches

What does birth photography do for you? Why would anyone let a perfect stranger into one of the most personal and messiest moments of you life? Please email me at info@stephanieshirley.com to get answers as well as find out what specials I am offering for women with due dates no later than August 2011.

Hear what other moms have to say about their birth sessions:

“Stephanie,

This is too long in coming, but I wanted to thank you so very much for taking time out of your schedule to participate in one of the most special events our family has shared together, the birth of our second son Luke Garrett Schubring. To have a record of events and photographs recording the progress of that day is truly a gift! Your sincerity, support, professionalism, and attention to detail is unmatched and I couldn’t have chosen a better person to share and capture that amazing day with (except my husband of course – who was too busy holding my hand to focus on anything else J). Thank you again, and we look forward to having you photograph our family again as we grow.

With Love,

The Schubring Family (Scott, Lynda, Jake, and Luke)”

“I can’t tell you enough how wonderful it was to have someone there in the delivery room to capture all the special moments you are not able to concentrate on. It was so nice not to have to tell my husband over and over to grab the camera and take a pic as I am stuck in bed. He was able to just relax and enjoy the process along with getting to hold our precious little girl and enjoy her without having to take pictures. I know some people are a little apprehensive about labor and delivery photos, but Stephanie is a very tasteful and talented photographer. She definitely knows what she is doing. Thank-you so much, we will treasure these forever!”

Tags: Cypress Birth Photographer, Cypress Birth Photography, Cypress Labor and Delivery Photographer, Cypress Labor and Delivery Photography, Houston Birth Photography, Houston Birth Phtotographer, Houston Labor and Delivery P, Houston Labor and Delivery Photography, Katy Birth Photographer, Katy Birth Photography, Katy Labor and Deliv, Katy Labor and Delivery Photography
Posted in Main, {Labor and Delivery/Birth} | No Comments »

Happy New Year!!!! | Houston Photographer

December 31, 2010

I cannot believe that I have managed to neglect this blog! I am horrible about updating my family blog, but never this one. I didn’t realize how much of a whirlwind December would turn out to be and now, it is just about over. At one point I had a session every single day for 8 days. Then I got a week to catch up and upload all of my client galleries and now I am pushing through to update the last 5 I pulled out a few days ago. Where is the wipes forehead smiley when you need one?

In the past month I have been blessed to have 4 different newborn sessions (one of which were twin girls). PLUS, I was able to do a labor a delivery session. I am most excited about doing those!

I have so many exciting things to be offering in the 2011 year, I just cannot stand it. One of the main things that I will be offering are wall gallery consultations with every session booked. What is that? Well, way too often I hear from my clients that they still have not put up their prints that they ordered from a previous session ((gasp)). I started to realize that most of my clients love their prints, but have no idea how or where to display them. So, starting in 2011, if you book a session with me, when your gallery is finished, I will arrange a time to meet with you in your home. We will view all of your pictures from our session and I will be there to help you decide what you want to do with them. I will come with many different framing options and samples, or if you want to do your own frames, then I will help you design your wall gallery. I will still offer the options to view your galleries online in a password protected gallery on my website.

I am also really excited about the frames I have to offer. So many different styles, colors, etc. They are to die for. If you need help with framing or wall gallery ideas, please don’t hesitate to call me or email me. I can still come out and help you figure out what to do with those naked walls even if you have not had a session with me.

I will not start updating my calendar for the new year until sometime in February. Available session dates will begin sometime in March. I am taking it slow and easy for the next couple of months to focus on the family and all 5 of our birthdays (whew). I will still be keeping up with my clients who are in the middle of their Baby’s First Year Packages as well as any maternity newborn pictures that just can’t wait. If you need to book a session and just cannot wait until March, please email me and I will see what I can do to fit you in.

Thank you to all of my wonderful clients. 2010 proved to be a Bang! I hope to see you all in front of my camera in 2011!

Thirsty Thursday | Houston and Cypress Family and Child Photographer

October 21, 2010

Wow what a crazy few weeks it has been. The life of 4 and 5 year old sports has consumed us. Loving it though! Have I mentioned how much I love Fall? It is absolutely my favorite time of the year, and thanks to my allergist, I can now enjoy it with a clear head. Fesitivals, food, weather, you name it, I love it.

Something else I get excited about are needing to wear thing to warm my toes. There is just something comforting in walking around in slippers, just makes me feel warm and cozy. Being in Houston, we get occasional nights between now and winter that get cool (not cold) enough to want to snuggle up. Sweater weather I should say.

Today I am thrilled to announce Jenster76 Designs! She sent me a couple of items from her shop and I love them! I told her to surprise me with the colors on the slippers (as I always do) and she sent me these yummy Pumpkin Latte slippers. Orange on the bottom and a latte (no other way to describe it) on top. I was super surprised on how soft they are and how comfortable they are walking around the house. She has a slew of colors in her etsy shop, but the sky is the limit when you go to make your request.

She also threw in a drink sleeve. I had to throw it on my large non-sweating cup since I personally don’t drink coffee, but know someone who frequents Starbucks, so it will make the best stocking stuffer.

She has lots of fun stuff in her shop. I personally love the apple cardigans. Used them as teacher gifts. You can find her by going to her Etsy shop or her facebook fan (like) page.

You will not be disappointed!

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Posted in Main | 1 Comment »

Thirsty Thursday | Houston and Cypress Photographer

September 9, 2010

Last week we introduced Kimberly and Send-Sations. This week it is another crafty Momma out there. Stefanie and I used to teach together when I was a special education teacher. Like me, life and children changed that teaching path and she is now home with her little one. As many moms out there who stay home with their little ones, she decided to build something of her own. That’s where Preppy Papers came about.

She is so creative and whips these notepads up lickity split. I added some to the boy’s teacher’s end of year gifts last year and they turned out to be a big hit.

Head on out to Preppy Papers and check her out. Considering that most of her work is custom, she doesn’t have a ton of examples on her site, but the sky is the limit when you use her to create a pad.

Here are a few examples of what she has done.

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Posted in Main | No Comments »

Terrific Tuesday | Houston Family and Child Photographer

September 7, 2010

Although it didn’t really look terrific outside, it sure is nice to have calm, rainy, relaxing days every now and then. Especially after a weekend away from our own beds. We headed down to the Texas coast this weekend for a mini fishing trip. Luckily for us, Jason’s parents have a small house. It was extremely windy this go around, but Austin (our middle child) racked up quite a bit of fish including his first bonnethead shark.

My favorite part was getting the boys out to the beach for a little beach portrait session along with a surprisingly cooperative husband who helped quite bit. Despite the wind, I got some cute shots to fill in my frames that I have coming for the living room. I will post pictures of the display once I get it fully set-up and will announce one of my new products when I do.

Hope everyone had a great Labor Day weekend. Don’t forget to book your holiday portrait session. You can view by my Holiday Packages by going here. Also, I have Fall Mini Sessions still available. They are only being offered over two days, and then they are gone!

Be sure to check out my calendar.