Barbara Shallue Photography

Surprise! {Austin Family Photography}

 

When these kids told me they wanted to surprise their parents with a canvas portrait of themselves for Christmas and asked me to take the photos, how could I refuse?

Not only was it an amazingly thoughtful gift, but their mother is one of my closest friends.

Plus, they are just so dang photogenic, aren't they? I knew it would be an easy job.

 

 

 

The youngest is a senior in high school. I knew their mom wanted me to take some senior photos of her, so I snapped a few of her by herself. 

Isn't she gorgeous?

 

 

Many thanks to Lynn at Villa Antonia for allowing us to use her beautiful property as a backdrop!

Lago Vista Women's Club Gala {Austin Event Photography}

 

"The Lago Vista Women's Club strives to improve the quality of life for women in our community through education, informational programs, and special events, while providing financial assistance in the form of scholarship awards as well as recognized educational support and community health assistance for the betterment of the Lago Vista area."

 

Years ago these awesome women awarded my daughter a scholarship, just one of many they've awarded to dozens of young ladies in our town as they headed off to college.

So this year I was happy to volunteer my services as photographer at the annual fundraising gala. Here are a few of my favorite shots...

 

 

Silent auction, live auction, Big Band sounds and dancing...

It was a night to remember, for sure, and I'm grateful for the chance to help them do just that, through my photographs.

More Real Estate Agents! {Austin Professional Portraits}

 

Real estate agents need to be professional,
yet approachable,
and their business card and website portraits need to depict both.

That's why I prefer natural light over flash. 

Not only is it more flattering,
but who can relax and look like themselves
when sitting on a stool with bright lights pointed at them?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Autumn Leaves and Raindrops {Austin Nature Photography}

 

I'm blessed to live in the Texas Hill Country, where every morning I can grab my camera, call the dogs, and take a walk down a dirt road...or through the woods on a deer trail...or along a dry creek bed. 

It's a great way to watch the seasons change. Here are a few of my photos from autumn...

 

 

These (and others) are now available for purchase as greeting cards, iPhone cases, canvas prints and more in my gallery at Fine Art America...just in time for Christmas!

Austin Real Estate Professional Portraits

 

 

Guess what! I'm a licensed Realtor now!

I haven't retired my camera, though. I've just discovered new subjects!

I had lots of fun capturing photos of fellow agents Patrick and Mary Ann to use on their business cards....

 

I think if real estate doesn't work out, Patrick could make it as a model, couldn't he? 

I didn't have as much time with Mary Ann, but I still had fun and managed to make her smile...

 

Contact me if you need to update your professional photo.

(Or if you, or someone you know, has a real estate need, give me a call! Check out my real estate website www.barbarashallue-austin.com.)

 

Frankie, the Guinea Fowl

 

For me, photography is best when it captures life. A frozen moment in time.

The moments we shared with our guinea fowl, Frankie, during the two years we were blessed to call him family, are treasured in my memory. 

That's why I chose the photo above as my submission to the Pedernales Electric Cooperative's photography contest, held in honor of their 75th anniversary. The theme is "My Life in Central Texas".

Voting continues for another week. Since there are cash prizes, I would truly appreciate your vote!

For more photos of Frankie, go to my blog Confessions of a Photography Addict. 

P.S. I just became an official card-carrying Realtor after weeks of class. I'm very excited about it, but I'll continue my photography business, so don't hesitate to contact me to capture a few frozen moments in the time of your family's life! 

Another Reason I Love Horses (Austin Horse Photography)

 

 

 

Several months ago I was hired by a friend to take photos of a colt she planned to sell. I took those, plus quite a few more, including the one above.

Last November the Morris Animal Foundation contacted me about using it in several publications. And now because of that beautiful horse, I was chosen as one of Huffington Post's Featured Fifty Fine Artists. 

Just another reason to love horses.

Here are a few more shots from that afternoon...

Generations {Austin Family Photography}

 

Monday afternoon I had the privilege of capturing the fun-loving spirit of a special family via photography.

We met in a beautiful park on the north shore of Lake Travis.

It started out pretty traditional and conservative, but you'll see by the time we reached the water, it was a party!

 

Whew! Wasn't that fun? 

I'm so glad they invited me to tag along!

Contact me for the special moments you want to capture via photography!

The Difference a Year Makes {Austin Family Photography}

 

Did you see the beautiful family in my last post?

(No? Okay, go take a look HERE, then come right back.)

That was from last spring.

We were scheduled for another shoot this past Saturday, but I woke to the sound of rain. Lots and lots of rain.

Thank goodness we were able to reschedule the shoot for Monday afternoon, and even though the park was crowded with families celebrating Memorial Day, we had a lot of fun.

I think the photos prove it!

Three generations...

parents/grandparents, daughter/mother, son/uncle, and children/grandchildren/niece and nephew

 

 

Contact me for your family shoot!

 

Family Dynamics {Austin Family Photography}

 

I love family photo shoots, capturing the fun and love that connects generations. 

Last spring I was lucky enough to tag along after this three generation family - mother, father, son and daughter, grandson and granddaughter - and this weekend I get to do it again!

Photographing families can be challenging, especially when young children are involved. Getting everyone to look at the camera and smile at the same time is a lot like juggling, and I'm not a juggler!

So I didn't worry about it. I focused on capturing the connections instead.

Here are a few of my favorites from last year...