BUSY, BUSY, BUSY BEE!!!

How is it possible that the year is almost over? Again? I feel like this year never happened! I had so many goals and so many things that I wanted to accomplish this year... where did time go? I did manage to accomplish a few things but, most of the important stuff that I wanted to get done this year...I didn't even get close to get it started! So upset about that!
I was watching Oprah the other night, wanted to try out her new "network" and learned something new. I was really inspired by her "step outside your box" message that it made me think about me.
I turned 30 years old on November 25th. I was kicking and screaming the whole entire time, believe me... I have dreaded that day forever and it came and went. I do my new year's resolution on my bday each year and this time around, I have a different way of thinking then before. This year my new year's resolution will be to think outside the box. To try new things and to step out of my comfort zone. I've always been the adventurous type and have been a little on lock down for a few years. Now, I'm ready for that person to come back out. I'm the opposite of cookie cutter. I like different and changing the rules to everything! You only live once, so... make the best of it. I have been a little comfortable and stuck in a little rut. It happens to everyone... it's called being a parent. Lol! My children are my priority, always have and always will be. Do I have time for myself... NEGATIVE!
As of right now, I'm changing all that. Its time to think outside the box in my personal life and in my business life. I'm ready to take Beautifly Photography in a different direction. Of course, it's not a HUGE difference but it will be refreshing and new.
I cannot wait for next year's spring time to come! I have so many things planned for sessions and can't hardly wait. It all started because I myself was looking for a photographer. I wanted something unique and different... I wanted artsy. I searched and searched for weeks!! Finally I found the "perfect" photographer in Houston for the type of session that I want. I was so happy but at the same time not really happy because it's the cold season. I have to wait for the weather to warm up for me to do the session that I want. Hopefully soon you will get to see what I have planned for my family and I. LOL... it's not your everyday type of photographs and that's exactly what I love about it. DIFFERENT is BEAUTIFUL to me.
Because I had such a hard time finding someone with this particular vision... very similar to mine but not quite there yet... I decided that I will be THAT photographer. I will create my visions to come to reality. A little hint: THEMES!!!
I have to come up with the setting, props and the costumes. I have to learn how to sew and how to use a sewing machine. Since I'm a big chicken when it comes to the cold weather, I will be doing a lot of research and staying indoors with a sewing machine lol!
I don't want to give too much away because I've been dealing with people taking my ideas and making them their own. It's sad to see but, its photography... all of a sudden, everyone is doing it hehehehehe... (including me) I say that everyone that works hard and is dedicated will succeed. Of course, if you're dedicated to be like someone else... you will only succeed at always being someone's 2nd best.

A few things that I have been obsessed with lately:
#1   *   STEPPING OUT OF MY BOX
Thanks Oprah for this: http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Step-Out-of-Your-Box
#2   *   WEDDINGS    My Brother in law is getting married soon and our conversations lately have been 80% about the wedding. On top of that, the whole Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries 72 day wedding. The wedding was beautiful, so much money spent... for NOTHING! How can people do that? In my opinion, the whole thing was for ratings and for the dresses! LOL!! The whole thing left a bad taste in my mouth.
Since my Husband and I didn't have the "fairytale" wedding that most girls dream about... we're planning on doing it big for our 10th year anniversary. Also, since I'm a scenery type persons... we want to do a destination wedding in Lake Tahoe or Colorado. I want the view... lush green, nice water and mountains. We have 3 years to plan!! This is where my 3rd obsession comes in the picture.
#3   *   PINTEREST http://pinterest.com/
I find myself pinning away planning for my "future wedding" ahahahahhaha!!!! I'm also getting lots of pointers and motivation for my other obsession
#4   *   WORKING OUT
Hey... it's about that time for me to get in shape. No excuses!! I have 3 AMAZING boys and won't have anymore. I want to be around for them as long as possible so I want to be healthy. I want to show them that taking care of yourself is alway good for your health. Hey, if you don't want to have high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes... do something about it, right? Exactly!! The hardest part for me is the eating part. I don't know how to eat healthy at all! I love salads but with all the dressings LOL! That's the most challenging part of this whole journey, my eating habits. I don't do fast food. It grosses me out, I would rather eat cereal. I really don't want my kids to ever be dependent on a soda to start their day off right... so, I don't allow my boys to drink sodas. Still somehow, sodas end up in my house all the time. Hmmmmmmm....
A place I go to for inspiration  http://pictureperfectbodywerkit.tumblr.com/
#5   *   SAVING  SAVING!
I really need to come up with $2500 for a photography class that I want to take. It's a 5 day class with an AMAZING photographer. Registration is January but the classes don't start till April. Still, if I can come up with the money by January the 20th, I have a better chance on getting the class I want. Since going to college is not an option right now, I try to do as many little courses as possible here and there. This one is a HUGE  deal and I would love to be a part of it. How am I going to come up with $2500 by January the 20th?? I have no clue but, God is good and if it's meant to be... a miracle will happen. Of course, I'm not going to sit and wait for a miracle to come knocking on my door. For now on, I will be penny pinching everything! This is one of the reasons why I won't hire someone to make the costumes for me.
So, please help and start booking those sessions for next month!!
There is so much to be done, in so little time... but somehow, it will be done! I have faith and I tell my husband all the time. If things don't happen the way I plan them to: Only God knows why and I trust his judgement.

Thanks for stopping by and reading a little about my crazy life!
Hope you enjoyed!!

xoxo

FALL SEASON ON THE WAY!!!!

     The fall season is less than a week away! I am so excited for this summer to be gone for good! This was by far the WORST summer yet with temps in the 3ple digits that wouldn't go away! Wildfires sparking up everywhere in Texas and people loosing their homes and everything. HORRIBLE! Still, this Texas weather is so unpredictable that you never know what will happen this year. I hope we get more rain and cooler temps in the upper 80's the high (fingers crossed). I was lucky to have found a few spots around with green grass and plants blooming and not hay and dead flowers. My poor yard used to be thick with green grass, now it's just hay! My babies are so dark from being outside playing even though I bought the best sunblock. I wanted to keep them in the house ALL DAY but, they have so much energy, they would have wrecked my house! lol..
    We did put one of our boys in football. Always made sure he and his teammates were hydrated.. it could get dangerous. On a different note, I had no idea how time consuming football was going to be! I had to stop all the early saturday morning sessions. I can't do sessions during the week because of practice. It's crazy! Come January I will start doing my mini sessions again. :)
    I am always so busy that I feel bad for my boys and my husband. I used to think that my son Jonavan was my wild child but BOY WAS I WRONG! I have the energizer bunny as a 19 month old son! This boy is all over the place. I find myself running around in my house most of the time and recovering from mini heart attacks from the things he does or the predicaments he gets himself into! Not only is he the energizer bunny in the flesh but he's also a human vacuum. He puts everything in his mouth... when I say everything... I MEAN EVERYTHING! (I'll spare you some gross details)
   My son Jesse is so lay back, so loving and sweet. Poor thing.. He has to deal with his brothers all day long. Maybe this is the reason why he LOVES SCHOOL! lol.. Jonavan, the middle child. My girl crazy 6 year old... I know I will have gray hairs with his name on it in the future. He's also so brutally honest. He's known for saying things like.." eeeeewwww MOM! Why is that lady's crack showing!!!" :\  Or if someone is talking to him too close he'll tell them, "Yuck, your breath stinks!" YUP.. I've wanted to disappear into thin air PLENTY of times. I don't know where he gets this from! Also don't know why every time I say this to my husband, he gives me side eyes.
   Still with these crazy kids that I live my life for.. I have my photography to fill in the little of time I have left to spare. I LOVE IT THOUGH! While working for Sears, I learned so many things. I learned to be patient with people, listen and to communicate. I learned to think on the spot! We would schedule people every 30 minutes and on holiday seasons even every 15 minutes.. It was brutal. I learned to come up with poses out of thin air. It never mattered if it was a newborn or a family of 22, you had to deliver and it didn't matter if you were running around like a chicken without a head! It was too much, this is why I take my time and try to think outside the box when I do my sessions. It's challenging but, I wouldn't want to do anything else in the world. I used to HAVE to enhance photographs in less than 5 minutes, now.. I can get creative and do all kinds of things!
   It does get a little crazy around here sometimes. If it wasn't for my husband, I wouldn't be able to do it. He helps me when he can and even helps me do some chores around here. THANK GOD! He also has to be the one that hears all my complains about this situation or that situation. He's my little peace of sanity, my rock.. I LOVE HIM!
   There's still so much that I want to accomplish and do around here. The main thing is my studio... I love doing outdoor photography though, so I want a space where my customers can come to see all the beautiful products that I offer and to come and view their photos. I've had some offers on locations but, I'm taking my time.. being picky because I don't want to rush into anything. I'll leave it in God's hands.. He'll lead me to the right location. He's seen me through 1 year and 5 months of business that I trust him 100%. They say that God won't bring you situations that you couldn't handle. Since I'm the only one who does all the marketing, contacts customers through emails, calls or messages, makes appointments, gives out information, takes the photos, edits all the photos, shows the photos, places orders, delivers and comes up with new ideas 24/7 and I'm still going.. I BELIEVE THAT SAYING 100%. I need a space desperately, but I don't want to rush into anything.
  I am truly blessed and on this sunday I would love to thank God for putting some A-mazing clients in my path. I believe that every customer that books a session with me is God sent and I can't wait to meet more! Book your sessions in advance please. Follow me on facebook, I'm usually there ALL THE TIME! lol... send me a message or email me if you would like to book a session. For more info about prices please visit my website www.beautiflyphotography.com
Hope to meet you soon!

xoxo
Tania

A VERY SUCCESSFUL CONTEST!! 

It's been a while since I've written anything on here!
I really just wanted to talk about the 2nd annual CUTEST CHILD CONTEST! All I have to say is "WOW!"
I was really caught off guard with the HUGE response I received! Before I started the contest I had 1592 LIKES or Fans on my page. By the end of the contest I had over 4500!! ALL the children were ADORABLE and wish I could photograph each and every single one of them. Because of all the time and effort each parent put into the contest I am also giving all the contestants a special offer. They will receive the 1 hour session that is usually $100 for only $60!!! They save ($40!) I think it's pretty fair that they get something as well.
Here are the winners of the contest:

1ST PLACE:

[Image]Landon Manning
3 months old!

We've already set up his photo shoot for some time in August when he is able to sit up without any support.

2ND PLACE:

[Image]Arian Garcia
6 Months!!
His session will be in a few weeks! I've had the pleasure of meeting Little Arian when I took his family portraits not too long ago. This shoot will be all about him! ;)

THIRD PLACE:

[Image]Little Miss Barbara "BARBIE" Ruiz
11 months!!
We'll be doing her session in the next few days as well! She will be celebrating her 1st birthday soon so, these pics came at the right time for her!

I have been on the hunt for some cool, interesting and nice pieces lately!
My head is overflowing with some ideas...specially for maternity, newborn babies and toddlers!
I'm waiting on the right maternity model to do a session at the beach.. I've had some ideas for a while now and just want to put them to the test! SOOOOO...IF you're interested and won't mind showing your belly in public (at the beach) CONTACT ME! (thanks!)
As for the newborn babies.. I have in my mind lots of ruffles, baskets and vintage! Not giving away too much! LOL!!
The month of July is completely booked! I couldn't be more excited because the month of June wasn't or hasn't been too nice to me. Yes, I've done a few sessions but, my baby was sick for about 2 weeks and I had to be at home with him 24/7. Thank God that little virus is GONE and now, I can concentrate on these coming sessions!
My hubby bought me a new lens for my camera and I am anxious to put it to work!
HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON!! xoxo~

1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY!!

WoW!!! 1 year ago I took a risk and started my little business. Beautifly Photography has been such an amazing journey for me.  I have learned so much and best of all, I have met some wonderful people! This is crazy to even say, but I have even inspired others to start their own photography business. (what...me??) I'm still learning everything as I go. I have discovered new places in Houston and all of it's surrounding areas that I didn't know existed. My whole city has become my playground. I LOVE IT...too bad gas is so high right now, though. :(  
My house has become so cluttered with props, boxes and packages, deliveries, receipts, magazines, cd cases, sample pieces, notes, cameras, lenses and lighting! My computer is overloaded with all kinds of programs and folders full of ideas!! I desperately need a little location somewhere, but.. I don't want to just jump into anything. It took me more than 6 months to get my web page the way I wanted and my business cards as well. When I find the place, It really has to be perfect and up to my standards...meanwhile, my poor husband just has to put up with me and all my stuff. (sorry Babe!)
There is still a lot of learning that I have to do. It's hard because I have these ideas in my head and I can't run to anyone and ask for help or go to any web page and get information because all of my ideas are unique and in my head. I have to figure them out on my own. Sometimes, these images that I have are AMAZING and sometimes its like, "WHAT WAS I THINKING??" LOL, but that's how I've learned.
I still have a long way to go, but..practice makes perfect. I live by that little saying. I tell it to my boys all the time.
My time has become so tight lately. I wake up and start my day by answering emails, facebook messages, phone messages and even texts. While doing that, I'm editing photos. I schedule appt. for viewings and place orders all day long. That's not counting all the attention my 1 year old son demands from me. When my other boys get off of school, I have to give them some of my time to help with homework, ask about their day, feed them and everything else that comes with having children. OH and on top of all of this, I have to clean the house, wash, dry and fold clothes. My poor Husband gets the short end of the stick, this is why we take date nights really serious and try to enjoy every minute of it.  I run 3-4 miles a night...at midnight when all the kids are sleeping. By the time I'm going to bed...I am dead tired!! I try to get up early in the morning each day before my son wakes up so that I can get somethings done around here. It is HARD!! but, I LOVE IT!!
My next year business resolutions are: 1.   Get Organized  2.  Only take on less than 5 session a week (there's only one of me and I don't have any help)  3.   Research, Research and more Research  4.   Save money   5.     Do more Special events (weddings and quinceaneras)
My rule that I work by is to always be myself and be unique. Don't try to do what everyone else is doing, what fun would that be? Plus, I couldn't live with myself knowing that I copied someone else!

I want to thank every single one of the people above for giving me a chance this past year. I did have a lot of family members that let me practice on them and I am so thankful! Some people that are not on the collage above, you know who you are...THANK YOU!! I respect your wishes. Ssshhhhhh....
Hope you will book your next appt. with me and thank you ALL for a WONDERFUL year!! Email me for info or visit my webpage:  www.beautiflyphotography.com

SNEAK PEEK INTO WHAT I'VE BEEN UP TO LATELY and WHAT I HAVE PLANNED FOR THE FUTURE!

   Another month just disappeared before my eyes! January is birthday month for us. 4 birthdays within 1 week!! 1st my son Joseph on the 24th, niece Giselle on the 25th, my son Jessie on the 29th and my husband's on the 31st and this year...we added another little angel's bday to the list. The unexpected birth of my niece, Maren! She was born on the 31st, just like her Uncle!! What are the odds of that happening? Why can't we win the lotto? LOL!!!..
I planned on doing a HUGE carnival themed party for Joseph's 1st bday but, the weather has been crazy here lately..so maybe next month? We'll see. I did do his 1 year CAKE MASH photos which I will be posting on here!
Well, as you can tell I've been pretty busy!
My son Jesse turned 10 years old in January! I remember when he turned 5 I cried my eyes out because he filled up a whole hand of years, now he's 2 hands and "yes" I cried my eyes out! My husband makes fun of me and tells me to stop being such a cry baby..but, I can't help it! LOL!!
Little Jessie is not so little any more. Even though he doesn't like to admit it, he is so much like me. Only when it comes to photography. He gets my camera and starts to take pictures of random things and actually does a really good job! Yesterday we were out driving and there was a field...he saw me looking at it and tells me, "Mom, that field would be nice for your sessions...maybe for fairies and stuff" LOL!!.. That was a proud moment for me. 1st:  he pays attention and 2: he sees what I see! As of right now though, he wants to be a basketball player so, we focus on that. We'll see what happens in the future ;-)
 
 I decided in January to make another facebook page. The idea was to get all the Boudoir photos on their own space. With that, I decided to start doing Pin Up shoots! I've already done 1 Pin Up shoot...my style! I must say...NOT TOO SHABBY! I was so so so happy with the entire outcome, I can't wait to show everyone! The model's name is Reyna Balderaz and she was PER-FECT! I had a vision and I wasn't going to sleep, eat or be at peace until I did it just the way I wanted! I know I got on my Sister's nerves because I would call them almost every day with ideas and making sure they understood what I wanted to accomplish. The entire shoot was a success. I couldn't have done it without my sister Jasmine, Patricia or my Mommy! That's right...My Mommy! Her and my sister are both in Beauty school so it was only obvious that I would ask them to help me plus, all 3 of them have had so much experience in those areas!!!  :-) LOVE YOU GUYS!
WE MAKE A GREAT TEAM TOGETHER!
Our mission is to one day have a place where I can have a studio and they can have a Beauty Salon. It will happen (hopefully soon) I hate being such a perfectionist because I could just go anywhere and do this but, I have a vision of what I want and how I want it and won't settle for anything less. I want to give my customers a comfortable location and the WoW factor..THE FUTURE IS ENDLESS!

  On February the 5th (this saturday) will be our BOUDOIR PARTY! So excited about this one because it will take place in a loft..with beautiful, modern and chic furniture and an AMAZING view! I know... oooh la la!
I chose to do it on this day so that the photos, calendars, slideshows and etc..will be here on time for Valentine's Day! What a special gift to give someone. There is still 2 spaces available for that day so, if you're interested you can always email me at:  beautiflyphotography@yahoo.com  or find me on facebook ;-)

  Now, a little update for future plans. Right now I'm doing a Fuzzy Friends Contest on facebook. Time for your pet to shine! The top 3 pets with the most "LIKES" under their photo will get a spot on next year's calendar! YES YES YES...A CALENDAR!!
Each pet will get a month of their own. Half of the profit made from the calendars I will donate to Houston's SPCA! I can't wait...this is going to be a whole year of planning and preparation but, it will be well worth it at the end! YAY!

  After the Fuzzy Friends Contest, I will do a few other contest: One for a free pin up shoot and the other for babies!! I want to to donate to the MARCH OF DIMES in honor of my little Joseph who was 29 weeks when he was born. I thank God everyday for my little angel. The doctors only gave us bad news after bad news but, my baby fought every step of the way and is now a healthy, handsome outgoing little boy. I want to give to those families that are going through what we went through or worse! My heart really goes out to every single tiny baby!
 
 Well, keep your eyes open because I'm just getting started and my mind is going 100 mph 24/7! You never know what can happen next!

 Hope to see you soon!

 XOXO

THE HOLIDAYS!

It has been such a fast and crazy year! First the unexpected birth of my son Joseph. Then, the beginning of Beautifly. Just those 2 adventures were and still are full of surprises!. My son doesn't stop surprising me with his determination and with his new discoveries every day. This December we decided to cut down our own Christmas tree from a Tree farm 1 hour away from home. It was exciting for the kids because they wanted to pick the "PERFECT" tree. They loved the hay ride to the location. It was even more special that the grandparents and uncle came along. My son Jonavan was so happy...he had a permanent smile on his face. He even said "This is the best family fun day!" and even though it wasn't something I would like to do again...what my son said made everything all worth it. I think I'm more of a fake tree kida person. I don't have to water it and it holds all my ornaments..hehehehe..
My Boys went on a trip with their Grandpa to Santa's Town in College Station this year. They came home with all kinds of stories and goodies. Maybe next year..we'll do that instead. They took pictures with Santa, went on a hay ride at night and saw a bunch of little villages full of decorations and lights, they fed some deer, rode some ponies and roasted their own food. I love the Christmas Holidays because everything is just so magical for the children!
As for me..I've been busy doing Christmas photos. This was new to me and I was really caught off guard a little. I must say though..not too shabby for my 1st year! Everyone loved their photos and after all..that's all that matters. Next year, I will take our family portrait waaaayyy before the rush because we didn't get to take any this year. As always..I'm behind the camera and really don't have many people who would take our photo. Boooo...
One thing that I've learned this Holiday season is to think ahead 3 months in advance. So, I'm already getting ready for Valentine's day. BOUDOIR BOUDOIR BOUDOIR...what better gift to give that special someone in your life? It's unique, beautiful and intimate. Only for his eyes..LOVE IT!
NOW...I AM SO READY FOR THE NEW YEAR!! wooohooo!!

Contest Winner!

IN THE PHOTO: 1ST PRICE WINNERS OF THE CUTEST COUPLE CONTEST BRITTNEY, DANIEL AND THEIR FAMILY!! CONGRATULATIONS GUYS...YOU WERE AMAZING!
October happened way too fast! This whole year seems to never have started...but it's about to end!
So many things going on...from the kids getting sick, them me, doing shoots of a total different type, meeting different people and trying to please everyone. I'm actually at a point where I had to turn down some people...and it broke my heart! Me..TAnia...turning down people?? What's going on around here? I just honestly didn't think that I was going to get so busy all of a sudden! I had to actually sit back and think about my time...I have NONE!! and I'm one person. I do what I can and that's all I'm going to do for now on. I'm still trying to fill up for December...so if you're interested please contact me via email at beautiflyphotography@yahoo.com or message me on facebook.
I have so many things that I have planed for the future! Photography is the best thing in the world to me but, I've discovered a new way of incorporating another part of art to my portraits. I love to put texture in my photos. I'm learning to add a different kind of dimension into them which..depending on the photo..it gives the photo a fine art feel. This is something new...and I'm still learning but I LOVE IT!
One of the things that has really been so AWESOME and one of my clients discovered for me was...A STUDIO!! OMGosh...I'm super excited about that! I really didn't want to have a studio before but, now that the Holidays are around the corner..and it will be cold out (sometimes) I figured that a studio would be a great asset! I really want to keep with the whole urban feel...outside poses..just people being themselves...I love that! We'll see how it goes in the future...but just keep in mind that if you want studio poses..just ask! I can't wait to put up all the photos that I took of my 1st wedding. I must say, it was pretty fun!! This weekend I have another wedding and I'm super excited about it...I'm ready...let's do this!