Celebrating Milestones

Time seems to be flying by at an increasingly uncomfortable speed. Holidays, birthdays, EVERY DAY seems to be passing by, almost un-lived. This frenzied pace has made those moments, hours, and days, that we reclaim our lives, and do something intentionally-incredibly liberating.

As the Director of Sales at Innovative Images, I get the opportunity to assist clients in preserving moments in the most beautiful way. We have the privilege of freezing time, giving people the opportunity to revisit a time period, a milestone, a moment… forever. I have passionately pursued being a part of companies who produce products, and experiences that I truly value, and hold dear. Photography, is no exception to this rule.

This summer, my family celebrated a Milestone Birthday. My lovely mom turned 60!.

My mom flew here, to Texas, from Utah, my sister came from Virginia, and we let the busy-ness of what life has become, continue on without our participation. It was such a fulfilling experience, to carve out time, and intentionally make space in our lives to honor the woman she is in this moment.

 

We went on new adventures, enjoyed slow mornings- with long talks over coffee, and were intensely present with each other.  I chose to celebrate this occasion with a photo shoot, as I want to be able to revisit this time in my life, forever. I am so incredibly happy that I did. Every time I look at these portraits, I am whisked back to this summer, laughing with my precious mom and sister, and time stands still.

This portrait session will forever be one of the best ways we have celebrated, and the portraits produced will be the gift that keeps on giving.

 









 

 

 

Client Spotlight – Ashley Cooley

Say Hello to Miss Ashley Cooley- Senior Model 2019

As a varsity cheerleader at Wakeland, Ashley’s favorite memories of high school have been cheering under the Friday night lights of Texas Football. She loves the themed student sections at football games!

Ashley also participates in Frisco ISD’s Health Science Program, where she gets to shadow nurses and doctors at local hospitals. She has been able to earn her CNA (Certified Nurses Assistant) license as a part of her training in the Health Science Program.

Ashley enjoys volunteering at local philanthropies, including Ronald McDonald House, Sunrise Senior Center, and Frisco Family Services as a member of the Frisco Chapter of the National Charity League ) a mother /daughter service and leadership organization).

As a former member of Wakeland Legacy Line Drill Team, and a member of the competitive dance team at Power House Dance- it goes without saying that this girl loves to dance! Her spare time is spent hanging out with friends, playing with her little dog Sophie, babysitting, or watching her favorite movie, “The Notebook.”

 

 

Ashley draws inspiration from her mom and sister, and finds encouragement and strength in Isaiah 41:10- Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Ashley is doing wonderful things in this world. She plans to attend Baylor or Clemson in the fall, and pursue a degree in nursing.

Congratulations Ashley!

 

Client Spotlight- Kacey Fought

Say Hello to Kacey Fought – Senior Model 2019

This kindhearted girl is a senior at Wakeland High School. She is a Cheerleader, and member of NHS, NCL, NTHS, DECA, and Student Council! And when she’s not participating in one of these many extracurricular activities, she’s working at the D-bat, batting cage.

 

Kacey’s favorite high school tradition is Carnival, and cheering at football games. She keeps her style classy and on trend, loves hanging out with old friends, and making new friends.

 

Kacey draws inspiration from her parents, and loves the verse, Proverbs 3:5-6 :

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.a]

After high school, Kacey plans to go to college, and get a degree in business.

 

Congratulations Kacey!!!

 

Photograph vs. Portrait

Photograph vs. Portrait

Both photographs, and portraits, are wonderful ways to preserve our memories, however, they do not serve the same purpose.

 

 

A photograph is a quick capture of a special moment;

A portrait is timeless, it is planned, and prepared for.

 

Photographs are deleted from you phone after your storage is full;

Portraits are handed down from generation to generation.

Photographs float in invisible clouds;

Portraits proudly hang on the walls of our homes.

We’d love to create your portrait.

Your Life, Your Love, Your Legacy. Innovative Images.

Client Spotlight- Brooke Faulkner, 2019 Senior Model

Say Hello to Miss Brooke Faulkner – 2019 Senior Model

Brooke is an ambitious young lady, and self described, “go getter!” She is a highly involved Senior at Marcus High School. She is in almost every honor society, and involved in many of the clubs that the school has to offer.

Brooke’s accomplishments  include being a Student Council Officer, a member of the English, and Science, honor society, Mu Alpha Theta, and National honor Society. She is a member of Circle of Friends, MEDS Club (a club for those pursuing a career in the medical field), and Young & Purposed (an all female Bible study club). Her little brother, Landon, has Down Syndrome, so she likes to volunteer for Special Olympics basketball, and soccer, as often as possible.

Brooke also volunteers her time tutoring middle school students in math, helping at local animal shelters, and anywhere else that there may be a need, she has learned how fulfilling service is at a young age.

Sports is a huge part of Brooks life, she played soccer for 12 years, and is now on the Marcus Varsity Track Team, where she runs relays, as well as triple, and long jump. When she isn’t at practice, it’s safe to say, you will find her at the gym, and on Friday night, you will find her indulging in her favorite high school tradition… FOOTBALL!!!

You are probably thinking this lovely lady can’t have a minute to spare, but when she does, she loves spending it hanging out with her friends and family, playing with her dogs Charlie and Sammy, watching, “The Notebook,” or listening to her favorite artists, Thomas Rhett & the Josh Abbott Band.

Brooke is inspired by her dad, who is hardworking, Christlike, and generous, his living example has has been instrumental in who she has become, and is becoming. The words, “Win or learn, never lose,” encourage Brooke to always choose growth in her life experiences.

Congratulations Brooke! We look forward to seeing all of the beautiful things you do in this world!

 

CLIENT SPOTLIGHT – Jamie Sims, Senior Model

Meet Miss Jamie Sims – 2019 Senior Model

Jamie is weeks away from starting her Senior Year at Centennial High School. This easy going, loving girl, is deeply spiritual and incredibly outgoing.

Jamie plays the flute in the Centennial High Marching band, to date, her favorite high school memory is going to the State Marching Competition, and placing 9th. Like most Texans, she loves High School Football games, and hanging out with friends.

She considers her style, “cute, casual, and comfy,” but as you can see, she makes everything she wears look elegant and glamorous!

 

Jamie has already earned her Nurses Aid Certificate, and has big plans for her bright future to become a nurse practitioner. She feels blessed to spend 6-10 per week in a hospital, or nursing home, working with patients.

 

Jamie’s inspiration and role model is her mom, she fuels her spirit and finds comfort in Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

On a Friday night you might find Jamie watching her favorite move, “Me Before You,” or listening to the smooth sounds of John Mayer. 

Welcome to your Senior Year Jamie!

 

Client Spotlight- Alex Adams, Senior Model

Meet Miss Alex Adams – 2019 Senior Model

Alex is entering her Sr. Year at Allen High School. It might surprise you to find out this glam girl, who loves the entire fashion industry, from make-up to clothes, best describes her style as athletic. She is a loyal and protective friend, and adores her dogs, Misty, Max and Dax, whom she spends as much time with as possible. 

Alex is the proud recipient of the, “Theodor Roosevelt + Naval Medal,” and she draws inspiration from one her favorite role models DeShauna Barber, who was Miss USA 2016, a motivational speaker, and captain in the United States Army Reserve. Alex represented Allen, Texas- in the Texas Teen USA Pageant in Houston.

 

Alex’s favorite high school tradition is prom, and her favorite musical artist is Florence Welch. She is fascinated with language, and spends her spare time studying Russian, Spanish, and German. She intends to pursue her education in foreign language.

The famous words of William Ernest Henley, “I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul,”  fuel Alex’s drive to live intentionally, and fully.

Welcome to your Senior year Alex!

 

 

 

 

You have family doctors, dentists, and stylists, but who do you have documenting your family’s journey? Who is capturing your milestones? Your biggest moments? The cherished times that you want to be able to press pause on, and savor? If you don’t have a family photographer, now is the time to change that.

Imagine, having one person, who knows your family, memorializing your legacy. We cherish our lifetime clients. Getting the opportunity to celebrate the moments that make life so beautiful, year after year, is what makes our work incredibly meaningful.

 

We took this sweet young lady’s senior portraits.

 

Fast forward several years, and we were capturing her engagement.

And now we have the absolute pleasure of taking both of her daughters one year old portraits. And we are looking forward to being there for many more precious moments to come. 

 

We’d love the opportunity to be your family photographer. We are experts in preserving Your life, your love, your legacy. 

 

Top 20 Graduation Songs

Celebration is in the air, and an essential element to every party is the PERFECT music. Graduation is a mix of a million emotions, and we’ve got a playlist of the 20 best graduation songs to carry you through each one of them. I’ve hand selected the perfect mix, including some old, some new, a little bit of pop, a sprinkle of country, a dash of rock, & of course some hip hop. Make a playlist out of these, and your Grad Party soundtrack is ready to go!

  1. Vitamin C, “Graduation” (Friends Forever)  : Doesn’t matter if you’re graduating this year, or if you graduated 20 years ago, this one tugs at the heart strings. 
  2.  Queen, “We Are The Champions”  : Come on, you knew this one was going to be close to the top of the list. 
  3. “My Wish” Rascal Flats : I’ve listened to this one about 1,000 times, and it still gets me!
  4. “Firework” “Katy Perry : Gotta scream it from the top of your lungs!!
  5. “The Adventure of a Lifetime” Coldplay: Good vibes all around with this one.
  6. Miley Cyrus, “The Climb”  :Sing it Miley! Oh, how we love Ms. Cyrus from her, “Hannah Montana” days.
  7. Bill Withers, “Lean on Me” :If you are blessed, some of the people you walk across that graduation stage with, will still be walking next to you through your next milestones moments.
  8. Boyz to Men, “End of the Road” : This one takes me straight back to being 18.
  9. American Authors, “Best Day of My Life” : Try not to smile while this plays, IMPOSSIBLE!

10. Beyonce’, “I Was Here” : It wouldn’t be a party playlist without something from Queen B.! Gives me the chills every time.

  1. The Rembrandts, “I’ll Be There For You” : It’s more than the, “Friends” theme song. It’s a super sweet graduation track!
  2. Pharrell Williams, “Happy” : Why wouldn’t this be on every party playlist?
  3. Lee Ann Womack, “I Hope You Dance” : If the mama’s of graduates don’t cry on this one, you may need to check their pulse.
  4. Baz Luhrmann – “Everybody’s Free To Wear Sunscreen” : This one may be new to you, but it is a long time favorite of mine, and I think you’ll like it.
  5. Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth – “See You Again”  Bittersweet melody, let it inspire you to be present with those you hold dear.

  1. Andy Grammar, “Back Home” : Always remember your roots!
  2. The Beatles – “With A Little Help From My Friends” LIVE : Gotta have some classics.
  3. Nicki Minaj – “Moment 4 Life”: Dance break! Jam out to this one!
  4. Kenny Chesney – “Don’t Blink” : Absorb the message here, and you will be a step ahead of the game.
  5. Katy Perry- “Roar” Yeah, she has two songs on the list, it had to be that way.

Dear ones, enjoy this time in your life. I hope these songs resonate with you, and stir emotions that cause you to fully be present, and soak up every moment of this monumental time in your life. Congratulations!

Case Client Spotlight

The Magic of the Perfect Gift

We all know gift giving can be difficult. It feels more often than not, we resort to “safe” gifts, such as flowers, candles, chocolate, or gift cards. None of which light up our souls the way finding the PERFECT gift, for that precious loved one does. As I get older, the more important giving, and receiving, thoughtful gifts has become. A gift that says, “I pay attention to what you like, I know what you love, because I love you!”

This past holiday, I had the privilege of working with a brother and sister, who had gone above and beyond to present their mother with the PERFECT gift. You see, this family has been clients of our studio since they were children, now they are grown, and both recently graduated college. Both of them are now out in the world, starting their careers, and exciting new chapters of their lives.

Chandler knew his mother cherished their portraits from here, he also knew his mother would absolutely LOVE to have portraits of him and his sister, together, in their college graduation caps and gowns, and in their professional wear. But due to the complexity of life, geography, and schedules not lining up- it was likely his mom was not ever going to get that portrait.

Despite busy work, and holiday scheduling, he and his sister made the time to meet at our studio, and have portraits made for their lovely mother. To her surprise, she was presented with a beautiful collage of images for Christmas, she was in absolute awe of how her children had put such time, energy, and thoughtfulness into the perfect gift for her. This act is something she will never forget!

We at the studio, had the honor of getting to be a part of the perfect gift. Each, and every one of us, was moved by the careful attention that had been paid to every detail of the process. Thank you to the Case family, who re-inspired me to do better when giving, to really step back, pay attention, and give from the heart. Giving the perfect gift spreads magic to everyone who gets to be a part of it. No more holding back, when you give, give fully- make it memorable!