My Wish for You in 2009

(Thanks Terry!)

My peace break into your house and may thieves come to steal your debts.

May the pockets of your jeans become a magnet of $1000 bills.

May love stick to your face like Vaseline and may laughter assault your lips!

May your clothes smell of success like smoking tires and may happiness slap you across the face and may your tears be that of joy.

May the problems you had forget your home address!

In simple words ............ May 2009 be the best year of your life!!!

What a way to bring in the New Years :(

For those of you that I have been in contact with, you know that my son had a nasty case of the flu leading up to Christmas. Well, he was able to shake off the fever just in time to celebrate Christmas with our families.

This week, my loving son gave my daughter his flu, so as of today she is on day three of 101.9 fever that wont stop. (Around here I teach the kids to share everything ... I guess they took it literally this time!)

On top of that, yesterday I had a tickle in the back of my throat ... today those tickly spots have turned into blisters ... yuck.

What a way to bring in the New Years :(

To all my friends and family, stay healthy, stay safe and have fun for us on this New Years Eve!

As for me, I'm gonna try and do what a sweet client of mine said ... "Leave the flu in 2008!"

I'm having a session archival sale!

Why am I doing this? To be honest, because I can and because I have had so many requests for this that I know you want it! So here's the scoop on the deal ...

You will have the chance to by all the images that you were shown from your session burned as full sized jpegs (AKA Digital Negatives) onto a printable DVD Rom from your first session with me. If you had multiple sessions, you can purchase any additional session DVDs.

To take part in this special offer simply email me letting me know which session you would like to purchase a disk from and I'll send you info on the details and pricing.

Remember, I am doing this to clean up my studio filling space, so all of my files are getting archived and sent to an off-location storage facility by the middle of January. What does that mean to you? Basically it means that you have only until Friday Jan 9th to place your request and finish your payment before my office is cleaned out ... so don't delay!

Will I do this again next year? Who knows .. let's see what happens this year first ;)

Merry Christmas!

Here's to wishing you a great Holiday spent with family and friends ... from my family to yours, Have a great season!

So you think you are busy these days?

Try being this couple! Christmas is on Thursday, the baby will be induced on Saturday and they should be bringing baby home by New Years Eve. Whew! Now that's busy!

A touching phone call.

This morning I was pleasantly surprised and treated to a most unexpected phone call. It all started last year when I met sweet Mandy B. at a networking event. When she found out that I was a photographer, Mandy jumped at the chance for me to photograph her oldest daughter who was soon to graduate from High School. While we were at the photo session (which was awesome, I might add) Mandy told me about her other daughter who was a few years younger than the senior I was shooting. According Mandy, her other daughter Shelby has always shown an interest in photography. Mandy went on to tell me that it would be so great if I would consider letting Shelby come along with me for some photo sessions just so she could get an idea of what it was all like.

Well, as many of you know, if I’m shooting on location for either a portrait session or an event, I will always try to have an assistant with me. So, fast forward a bit to my next session, I gave Mandy a call and asked if her younger daughter Shelby was truly interested in tagging along with me. And much to my delight, little Shelby jumped at the opportunity! Not only was she willing to help me out during my shoot, she was quite the little sponge and was taking in everything that I had to share with her. Now mind you, I could talk all day about photography to my friends and family, and most of the time there eyes just start to glaze over with boredom (yes, I can talk about photography that much ) .. But not Shelby! She took in everything that I had to say even if it did not truly apply to her preferred style of photography. And since that first successful and fun event together, I have gladly called her back to help with many more sessions and events. Some were paid jobs and some were not, but that never stopped her from being a great student.

And you know what is the coolest thing, she has always listened to every tip and trick that I can possibly share with her. From there she applies it to her own budding photography style, but she skillfully makes it her own. It’s one thing to learn from someone and simply re-create that same look and effect, but it’s completely different to apply that knowledge in a different way. Shelby takes all the knowledge that I share with her and makes it her own. That’s the true mark of an artist in my opinion!

So, now back to the phone call. It’s been almost a year since I have had the pleasure to meet and begin mentoring Shelby, and this morning her mom Mandy, called me. Not to book a session, not to ask if I had any more sessions for Shelby to assist me with, but just to say “Thank you” for sharing all that I know and for inspiring Shelby to learn all that she can. Wasn’t that the sweetest thing?!?!?! My eyes are still welling up with pride and Mandy sure made my morning with that unexpected phone call… and I don’t think anything will take this silly smile of my face all day!

If you’d like to see some of Shelby’s photography works, please take a moment to check out her MySpace profile and be sure to leave her some love. She is quite the budding artist and I am oh so very proud to call her my friend :)

Fa La La La La!

Well, today's post is on a personal note ... get ready for it ... I'm gonna do it ... I'm gonna brag on my kids! :)

My son and daughter (1st & 2nd graders) are both in their school choir and today they got to go on a field trip at two places! How fun! The first stop for the singers was at a retirement home where they were paid in candy bags for all their hard work (and they were paid quite nicely I might add!)

The second stop on their musical adventure was the newest HEB plus at the old Mc Crelis mall where they carolled the busy shoppers ... that kinda puts a new twist on the phrase "Dinner and a show" don't ya think!

Here's a few shots of my babies singing their hearts out!

And now for a fun shot of some of the classmates. Great job to everyone!

Today's newborn session!

Yep, Kim & John got a chance to bing thier new baby to my studio ... what a great session! Meet the families newest little pilot ;)

A pair of cousins!

Yep, it's not often that this brother & sister pair (aka my cousins) make in front of my camera! Their mom is wanting to order herself a Gina Alexander My Everything Tote featuring her kids in their team uniforms ... these are gonna be awesome!

Aren't these guys great looking!!!???!!

From my family to yours ...

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Baby Max made it to my studio!

This little guy was perfect for his big modeling debut ... he didn't pee, poop, fuss, cry ... nothing! I have gotten so lucky with these last few babies in my studio ... of course, now I've probably just jinxed myself!

Anywho, here are a few images from our studio session!

I've gone FRUITY!!!

Made ya look didn't I! Seriously though, this Friday I had the great fun to participate in a conceptual photo shoot. The talented vidoeographer, Brandon Santiago of Monkey Toes Productions wanted to produce a promo real for marketing and he had this idea to put together quite a team. After reserving the top lofts of Pat O'Brien he filled it with a make up team, a hair team, a group if clothing design students and me the photographer. The overall theme was fruit! The videographer wanted wild, funky, edge anything goes for this look! And the best part was that I could shoot them any way I wanted ... What fun! The wardrobe team sewed the clothes right on the spot, the makeup group had a case full of goodies and the hair team was working with all of the fruits. The models were so easy going and totally willing to let the teams do whatever they wanted to do :)

It was a long and exhausting day, but oh so worth it! Tell me what ya think!

Strawberry girl, aka Allison Martinez

Kiwi girl, Erin Peterson

Orange model, Lisa Puchot Pineapple girl, Courtney, Justcie

Blueberry model, Wida Suttisamnt

Berrys, Melissa Pagan

Told ya it was a fun shoot! :)

Anyone have a blond wig I can borrow ASAP?!?!?!

I need to borrow a blond wig for a photo shoot this Sunday ... I've been busy with sick family & friends and I just have not had time to get one ... if you live in San Antonio and have a wig, I'd be very grateful if I could borrow it ... just contact me asap if you have one! Thanks :)

No more hospitals please :(

OK, so within the last two weeks I have been going back and forth to the hospitals like crazy. One of my trips was to see a newborn ... clearly that was a great trip! Then there was my good friend that was hospitalized for several days ... thankfully she is home now and on the mend.

But now there is my parents .... BOTH of them that are requiring trips back and forth :(

They each have their own long-drawn-out reasons for the frequent visits, and unfortunately those visits promise be constant and regular through the New Year ... joy ... frankly, I'd be happy to not see the inside of another hospital again for a long time. Not to mention that for every day I'm the family driver, I get just that much further behind on my work ....

.... is it vacation time yet? :)

Two handsom boys in one day!

Yep! I got the joy of photographing two good looking boys on the same day. The first little angel was less than 24 hours old! He took his sweet time making his grand entrance, but it was oh so worth the wait! Meet baby Max :)

After that great hospital visit I had to rush over to the Botanical gardens to shoot another handsome little boy! This guy has been infront of my camera several times over the last few years, and as always, he's a dream child to work with! ... plus he's sooo easy on the eyes! We had a great Mother/Son session! Enjoy :)

In the words of Snoopy ...

TEE HEE!!!!

I was shown THIS site with great free blogging back grounds, I just HAD to change mine :)

For the longest time I have been wanting to modify my current oval logo to incorporate a bee especialy since I use the letter 'B' for my company name ... hopefully this will get me motivated!

Let me know if you love it ... or not ;)

Can you believe it?

Do you realize that we are exactly two Thursdays away from Thanksgiving Day? Sheesh, where the heck does the time go? Weren't we just celebrating Easter last month? LOL! ;)

I haven't even finished putting away the Halloween stuff yet and they are already playing Christmas music on the radio!

Don't believe me? If you live in San Antonio, turn your radio to 101.9 .....

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I'll wait .....



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TOLD YA SO!!!! :)

Remember your Vets!

I know I will today!

My husband and I both come from a family with a long history of serving in the military and I can never go through Veterans Day without thinking of them! From my grandfather who was a prisoner of war for over 3 years to my husbands grandfather that served two tours in the war and thankfully they both make it home safe. Plus, to all of our family members that served in between, we love and remember you all!

Order a Holiday Gift Certificate!

Not sure what to give this Holiday season? Afraid it will be the wrong size or wrong color? Well, you can’t go wrong with a Gift Certificate for Erika B Photography.

Give your friends and family the gift of memories this year by purchasing them a private portrait session! Or, have they already had a recent session with Erika? No problem! You can purchase Print Credits so that they can pick and choose those final prints that they have been saving for!

Contact Erika for details and rates today and as always, spread the word!

Many thanks, E.

Look who's One!!!

I can't believe it's already been a year since this little guy was having his first ever photo shoot in my studio!!! Where the heck does the time go? ... and I'm sure that his mom, aka my niece, asks that question a lot too!

We took this little guy out to a local hot spot location, and as if in perfect que he was all over the place! It's been a while since I tried to photography a running toddler, and now I remember why I always get so tired .. and dirty! This little guy could mooooove! But with a little planning, some dirty spills and with the assistance of a great baby wrangler (ie, the grandmother!) I was able to snag a few great moments. Enjoy!

Isn't this face just the cutest!!!

And the winner is ....

The Lewis family! They generously donated a whopping 42 ... that's right 42 CANS! As promised, the family that donated the single most cans to my Food Bank canned drive will get a complimentary 10x13 wrapped canvas from me ... just for being so awesome!

I would also like to thank all of my other loyal customers that jumped at the chance to be a part of this great drive. Together we all raised 75 cans! Thanks a great number, but there's more to come! Some of my families could not take their family shoot in the month of October, but they did wonderfully commit to bring additional cans to their November sessions! You know who you are, and you know that I love that you are still wanting to contribute even if you can't qualify for the canvas! :) Once I get these last few donations I will be inviting the Lewis family to join me in delivering our cans to the food bank ... be sure to keep your eyes posted for photos from that!

Again, congrats to the Lewis family and thanks to all that participated. I promise to do this successful drive every year for as long as I have your continuing support!

Happy Halloween!

From our family to yours, we hope that everything goes great for you today!

Some sweet wedding images.

Two weekends back I got the chance to second shoot for my fellow photographer friend Chasity Furse of Studio 423 photography. The wedding might have been small and put together quicker than most, but the bride and groom sure didn't skimp out on big style!

Just check out some of these shots that I was able to get ...

I just love the reflection and her crossed leggs here!

YEs, I soooooo wanted her shoes! How cool are these!?!!!?

Something different :)

Ok, for those of you that keep up with my blog regularly, you know that I don't normally do the following ... I'm gonna share with you an awesome video on YouTube!

Be fore you think "No thanks, not for me", just think of how often I do this .. or rather, how often I don't!

Trust me when I say that this is AWESOME and it's sure to put a smile on your face and a warmth in your heart ... just keep watching!

Click HERE to see the video!

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BTW ... thanks Shelby, we could use more things like this to share in the world! :)

Less than two weeks left!!!!!

That's right, come Thursday of next week my killer Holiday Portrait Special will be officially over. So spread the word or book your session but what ever you do, don't let this great opportunity to take a photo and help a cause!

(Click on the big black&blue counter to see what I'm talking about!)

Motherhood ain't for sissies!

Tee Hee! .... Made ya look didn't I!

Before you think I've gone off my rocker, that phrase was written on the sign that my pregnant pal brought to her photo session today! She's always so fun to be with and that sign just drives home the notion of how fun she is to be around with and today I got to meet her hubby for the first time ... what a fun pair they make!

Today's' maternity session was supposed to be in my studio but when mommy-to-be showed me this cute little sign, I knew that I just had to take them outdoors ... even if it was only for a few quick minutes ;)

Isn't this sign just the cutest!?!?!? Thanks Jos!

And here she was down town!

As soon as D showed me her dress and boots that she brought along for the down town photo shoot, I knew exactly where i wanted to take her! We practically had to run just to get there on time before I lost all of my beautiful light, but it was oh-so worth it!!!!