A long time coming {Austin Family Photographer}

It was a long time coming for this next family's photo shoot!  These guys hadn't had a family portrait taken since Erika, who is now 17, was 11 months old - I'd say it was about time for a new one!  We went to Brushy Creek Park and I forgot how beautiful that location is.  These guys were troopers as I moved them all around to get my favorite shots, there were just too many awesome locations to choose from.

Anyway, I had a blast at this photo shoot - Cindy, Rocky, Andy, JayLee, Erika, and Mike - I'm in love with the photos we got!! Here is your sneak preview of your photo session.  Enjoy!

Afters {Austin Photographer}

Meet Afters, based out of Houston Texas - this gal makes a mean cake.  Well.. cake, cake balls, cookies, cupcakes, basically everything magical.  

If you're in or around the Houston area you should definitely check out her blog here or her Facebook page here.  The baker is Mrs. Hannah Kline, (my sister :D) and I know first hand how tasty her baked goods are.  While visiting Austin she made an AMAZING brown sugar layer cake and I'd thought I would snap a few pictures of the magic in action! The end result was amazing - you can find the recipe here.

The model in the last 2 pictures is Mr. Milton Kline, Han and Dave's (my brother-in-law) pup.  He's pretty cute but don't let his sweet face fool you.. he's a trouble maker.

Anyway, enjoy these few shots of 'Afters' in action!

-J

From JWP to May Bright Photography {Austin Photographer}

Well, after the re-launch of Jess Watson Photography 2 weeks ago, I have decided to completely re-brand and would like to introduce you to.. May Bright Photography.

I'm absolutely in love with the name.  May is actually my middle name, something that I hated for many years of my life, which makes me laugh because now I love it.  Bright just really seemed to fit for the style of photography that I am drawn to.  I love how May and Bright sound together and thus came May Bright Photography.

Hope you guys like it - I know I sure do! 

Fall newsletter will be released soon - so stay tuned!

-J 

Why should you take family portraits? {Austin Photographer}

When people ask me why I love being a photographer, the answer is simple.  I get to capture life memories and stories that people will hold onto forever.  In a moment they can look at a picture and be transported to the exact moment the picture was taken.  Remember every emotion.  We often measure time by how our family grows. So here are just a few reasons capturing those special times with a family portrait may be more important than you'd realized.

1. From a parents point of view 

"I treasure these pictures. With all of my heart. In spite of the grumbling, whining, rolling of eyes, muttering under the breath that I endured each year to get my family to cooperate. It is worth it. Really, it is."

2. Document your family history for your children

I know that the shelf in my house of family photo albums gets pulled out and we can spend hours looking through them.  It's a reliving of memories, laughing at how times change, and realizing how valuable life is and the relationships and friendships we have.  Exhibit A.. how times of changed since this family picture of us was taken in England in the early 90's. 

3. Life is unpredictable

Have you ever gone through the album pages of your parent’s wedding album? I'm sure you've heard of family members who have past away and crazy stories about them and their character.  Life is fleeting – we never seem to know how long we will have; photographs document the people we love.  

4.  To capture the growth of your children at different stages

If you laid out a storyboard of birth to early 20s, it would be truly amazing to see the progression and the growth. In the beginning years of childhood the face changes, their size, even the eye color from birth to one year. I get such joy out of taking pictures of youngsters because years later, it's a joy to look back and remember them so joyous and innocent.

5. Pictures are a forever treasure

When you take a picture, at that very moment, you just took a snapshot of your life. It's a picture that will be forever remembered when you look back. You can share a picture with someone, and several years down the road, you can say, "wow, I remember that." A picture is a memory of our past.

6. Pictures tell a life story

A picture is more than just a picture. It's life, its past and it's present. It's speaks of not only who you were, but where you have been, and what you have made of your life. There is something about a picture that explains it all. 

New things for May Bright Photography! {Austin Photographer}

Lots of changes are happening for Jess Watson Photography and I'm so excited to share just a few of them with you!
To start, a new name, May Bright Photography - be sure to check out our newly updated FaceBook Page and like us to get the latest updates.

Click the picture below to check us out!

Our website has some changes to it too,
click on the image below to go see for yourself

Stay tuned for upcoming specials on family portraits, perfect for the holiday season! 

If you are interested in receiving May Bright Photography newsletters - head to the "contact" section of the website and we'll add you to the list.  This will make you the first to hear of the latest deals and updates with May Bright Photography.

Until the next time, I'll leave you with this adorable portrait of Oscar. 

{Hint: Furry friends to be making more of an appearance on May Bright Photography!}

JayLee's Bridal Shower {Austin Party Photographer}

I got the pleasure of celebrating my good friend JayLee's upcoming wedding by helping throw a bridal shower. The shower was so beautifully decorated with the wonderful theme of a Paris bridal shower, and yes Ms. Hepburn made an appearance. :) Personally, the paper wedding dress game pictures are my favorite, these ladies created 3 quite stylish dresses! Anyway, here are just a few pictures from JayLee's bridal shower.

The Train, Arcade Games, and a Comedy Show {Austin Photographer}

I think the title about sums up this post!  Took the "train" for the first time with Alex and Michael, reminded me of traveling around England on the train!  Not too much longer and I'll be back over the pond on the train I'm sure :)
Anyway, we stopped to play some arcade games.. because.. well, who doesn't love arcade games?
And then onto an improv comedy show.  People, I cannot stress this enough.
You MUST check out Maestro "Austin's longest-running improv show"
It's $13 for a ticket - but SO much fun and absolutely hilarious - you can check out more information here.

Anyway, here are a few snaps from the night: