Archive for January, 2008
A Healthy Serving of Cool
One of the compliments I hear a lot is, “I love the music on your website!”
I mean, maaaaaaaaaybe the focus should be more on the actual photos. I try to rock them out as best I can…believe me! However, given the fact that I’m not headed to Hollywood to be a soundtrack consultant, I will take this opportunity to make my own soundtrack to life and MILK IT!
Here is what I am currently listening to on my “Holla!” mix (a mix I refresh every 2 months or so)…
Paolo Nutini (my new fave, he’s like the new Jamie Cullum + Mat Kearney)
Tristan Prettyman (who is actually pretty)
Emerson Hart (cutie former lead singer of Tonic)
Bloc Party (who remind me of an all time fave, Young Love)
Will Hoge (all-American rocker from the Nashville scene)
Shiny Toy Guns (electronic, like a new sorta kinda version of Postal Service-ish-ness)
Matt Costa (so easy to listen to but not easy listening…more indie rock than that)
The Fratellis (similar to a new brand of The Strokes)
Kate Nash (if I was a musician…hey, a girl can dream)
Matt White (I’ve loved him for a while, and not just cuz he’s cute…he’s got soul)
Vanessa Carlton (a brilliant pianist and a helluva lyricist…she’s just now come into her own)
Bat for Lashes (a little weird, but we all need a dash of strangeness in our lives)
Here’s the deal: I’m not claiming that I “discovered” these peeps. In fact, I may not even beat out the most music-savvy friend in your clique. BUT—I have been complimented so much and have actually been asked to help other profesh types with their site’s music selection, so I just thought I would share what I was jamming out to.
Hope you likey!
crap! i shouldn’t have come to your blog today
i just recovered from my last week’s spending spree on itunes.
the only thing i have on this list is Paolo. Autumn is my fave song on that album
genius
way to go.
now i’ll be broke again
i want to see your studio!
Oh I love me some Emerson Hart! I was a big Tonic fan back in the day, and saw them in concert when I was like 12 and then I met them several years later and told them that’s how old I was when I fist saw them and they said that made them feel really old. lol
You do have great taste in music. You should make cd mixes and sell them. If only that were legal….
Love, Love, Love Tristan Prettyman - She was on Jason Mraz’s tour a couple of years back. It was awesome! They performed “Shy That Way” live together. *Musical Swoon*
Hey! Thanks for the new tunes!!! Are you listening to Spoon? Gotta hear Don’t You Evah. Love them!
oh yeah and Spoon’s I Turn My Camera On, would be perfect for your site! Fun!
[…] bookmarks tagged shiny toy guns A Healthy Serving of Cool saved by 14 others thetimewarp3000 bookmarked on 02/04/08 | […]
Great taste in music! may i also suggest Johnathan Rice.
His voice is so rugged and seasoned. and don’t get me started about his knack for writing beautiful songs! give him a try. think you might enjoy him.
Lauren :: On The Bus!
Not only is she model-gorgeous, but she has an infectious laugh, is a wise old soul in a 17 year old body, and is as sweet as the chocolate shakes she loves so much. Lauren is pretty much an “It Girl” who doesn’t even know she is IT…which makes her even THAT much cooler.
A cheerleader, a musician, a fashionista, and a witty witty little thing, Lauren personifies juxtaposition. I beg you to try to put her in a box…Please try just so I can laugh at you! You can’t. She obeys all the rules while breaking them at the same time. I am so glad I got to photograph her at this pivotal point in her life…what an honor.
For her slammin’ slideshow, CLICK HERE.
Just one of my many faves from this session.
I have to thank Miss Sam at Rick’s Chophouse for her hospitality. She was so kind to let Lauren play their piano while I snapped some pics.
We have the same earrings…girlfriend’s got good taste!
Such an All American Girl!
If you are a slideshow kind of kid, CLICK HERE to see Miss Lauren do her thang.
Thanks, Lauren, for a fun Saturday afternoon adventure, and I wish you all the best in your very bright future…keep me updated!
Beautiful! My fav is the 3rd from the last with her dancing in the sunlight. Just stunning! Great photos Kate!
WOW!!! She is STUNNING!! Miss Kate, you are back and better than ever, girl…these pics really ROCK!!! I have three faves…..the one of Lauren in the red booth, the one with her CC earrings….love the light, and the one of her playing the piano is AWESOME!!!
do you ever get tired of being a genius behind the lens?
didn’t think so!
these are so great kate! that rhymes. cool!
i am sure she is going to LOVE these!
These are awesome!!
love IT!
As always awesome job. I love the first one and really like the juke box one too and the one above the earring image. You rocked it girl! One day I have to have you take pictures for me
Those are soo cute!
what a precious girl! and your images…great!
Be My Friend
Wanna be my friend on Facebook? It has become my way of keeping track of all of my photog buddies and a great social outlet for this extravert who happens to work by herself. No Monday morning staff meetings here, since I don’t really have any full-time staff members, and I often crave a little socialization!
Click HERE to be my friend.
[…] Juxtapose This! by Kate Mefford wrote an interesting post today on Be My FriendHere’s a quick excerptWanna be my friend on Facebook? It has become my way of keeping track of all of my photog buddies and a great social outlet for this extravert who happens to work by herself…. […]
How Kate Got Her Groove Back…
Lately, I’ve been feeling kinda winter bluesy. If you know me, or even if you follow the blog, you would note that as an absolute abberation of my usual disposition. In fact, my photog buddy, Miguel Clarke has even referred to me as a never-ending bundle of energy. So, see, that is quite the opposite of winter bluesy.
Sometimes, in life, we have to get back to the basics to feel like “ourselves” again. We need to refocus on what originally inspired us to become our best. For me, that is Millie. Yesterday morning, I once again saw Mills not only as my daughter, but as my muse. She was so swept away in imaginative play with her dress-up collection, and it was a beautiful scene. Usually, I play with her, but for the first time in a while, I felt compelled to bolt from my seat on the floor of our gameroom to grab my camera and start snapping. There she was, the antedote to my winter blues…the very reason I started this business, and one of the biggest reasons I work so hard to be the best I can be at everything I do: mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend, and artist.
Here she is saying her favorite word (this week), “actually”. She has been known to say things like, “Actually, it’s fabulous.” No lie. Actually, I think she is the most incredible thing I have ever known. Actually, I love her more than life itself. And, ACTUALLY, we call them the “Terrific Twos” in OUR house, so thanks for asking. =)
Oh, this brought tears to my eyes. I love the shot of her lashes! You and Bobby are in BIG TROUBLE when she’s of dating age!!!
Glad to have you back!!! I couldn’t agree more with you about the twos….it is one of my favorite ages…..three is looking pretty good too!!!
This is such a good post Kate! Your daughter is stunning and I know all too well how those cute kids can turn your winter blues into something AMAZING! Love your blog. Keep it up!
Sooo precious!
These are wonderful photographs. I love that they have a cool feeling to them, because it captures the essence of winter moods. Which by the way, we are burried under (except up here we are also burried under snow). Sometimes it’s helpful to put down the camera, and then only pick it up when you WANT to, not when you HAVE to. It’s February by the end of the week which means only a little bit until Spring!!
What a happy child!! Our children do remind us everyday why we do what we do!! Thanks for sharing.
Gorgeous!! I love her blue eyes. We have the same dress up clothes (I think) here! Glad to hear you’ve found your inspiration. I have to constantly remind myself to live in the moment or else I get lost in thought. Thoughts about all the other things I have going on instead of enjoying my children here today.
I love the one with the purple briefcase/purse/whatever…I just picture her doing her “thang” at the end of the runway, “take that peeps”..as she slings her bag over her shoulder and struts her stuff! Too cute!
Oh, Kate….these pics are soooooo Millie….and I’m the most fortunate to have You as my daughter and Mills as my granddaughter….what grandmother could ask for more!!!! I love you both….You are my girls!!!! Mom / Nanny
Absolutely fabulous! Mills can wear anything and make it look good!
She is getting so tall! And still as adorable as ever! If these cloudy days don’t clear up soon, we’ll all have winter blues!!! I’m with ya!
Utterly wonderful! Thank you, Kate. You lifted my spirits, too.
Sweet little Mills looks a lot like the Baby Cakes I remember as a child. What a doll!!! Having little ones brings so much joy to our lives. Love you all!
I ACTUALLY miss that little one…..hmmm…her mom too! She is such a doll!
‘Sup Kate? Been thinking about you and I’m sorry that you have not been feeling your usual self. You should have called me, I would have certainly done my best to cheer you up! And you truly are a “never ending bundle of joy”. Tabitha has been asking about you and we should get up there to see you…sooner rather than later. Much love from the Clarkes!
Kate. Inspiring photos ! And all of a sudden they’re 11 and 12 and they have attitude and you wish they were little again. Then they ask you to lay with them for a while at night and you realize that they really haven’t grown at all. Actually, they’re wonderful even during the terrific tweens.
Kate! These are fantastic photos! I love seeing mommies soakin up their babies! Thank you so much for sharing - love them all.
ABSOLUTELY gorgeous. 
I know what you mean by the winter blueseys and I think it’s normal. Does it help to know somebody in Austin thinks you’re the bomb? Cause I do.
Nice work, guys!!!
Who is YOUR Presidential Hopeful?
So, shoot it to me straight…which presidential candidate really does it for ya?
If you had to pick ONE, who would it be?
Any guesses on who I am rooting for?
Please note that because I had to create the poll a couple of times, once I finally got it up, I forgot Obama. OOPS!
I had to recreate everything, but lost 1 vote for Edwards, 2 for Huckabee, 1 for McCain, 1 for Romney, and 1 for Obama. MY BAD!
What about Colbert???
You know who I am rooting for. Great poll!
crap with that! i’m going through the thriving threes in this house!
wait a minute. it has its moments
but it’s so worth it
and i’m with you on starting your biz for your kid! amen sista! and oh yeah… i’ll be in dallas in march. you going to WPPI?
Jenn :: Unbridaled
Meet one of my dearest friends (and sorority sistahs), Jenn. No, she is not a newly engaged whippersnapper of a bride. Actually, she and Byron have been married for something like seven years. However, just because she has already done the kiss-and-go down the aisle doesn’t mean she has ever really been “Unbridaled”. That’s where I come in.
Here is Jenn dolled up and ready to rock and roll. Deciding to immortalize her dress rather than continue to let it take up 1/2 of her closet, homegirl brought her A-game. Naturally gorgeous, funny, pensive, childlike, sensitive, poised…she is all of the above and I am so honored to be the one to put those amazing qualities in frames.
Thanks to Fort Worth’s famous Kincaid’s Hamburgers for letting us do our thang.
Want to see Jenn’s Unbridaled Slideshow? CLICK HERE.
Can I just say: I LOVE her shoes! Very beautiful shoot, Kate. Awesome!
Love it! It looks like you two had a ton of fun! My husband and I just recently celebrated our 10th anniversary by dressing up in our wedding attire and taking fun pics at the wedding chapel where we got married. There’s something about running around in your wedding dress that makes you feel so special and happy. Thanks for sharing!
There are so many good pics here, Kate, I can’t begin to pick my favorite!! These are truly incredible. They make me happy just to look at them. Now I want to do an unbridaled session!!!
I have to comment again….I just watched the Slideshow…AWESOME!!! How cool is that song? Kate, you are truly one of a kind.
she’s freaking gorgeous! and you did an awesome job.
Jenn is gorgeous….but does she ever come alive with that slide show!!! Way to go Kate and Jenn, absolutely awesome!
I think that some how you have looked in my brain?!?! I LOVE Fort Worth and I have looked at that pink and turquoise wall about a million times and that groovy mural…that is where I got my tatoo- anyway, I have been waiting for the right person to do a shoot there-you beat me to it! Really these are amazing, I think they are my FAVORITE that I have seen!
Wow!! Those are some AWESOME pics! What a cool thing to do! I can’t even begin to pick a favorite!!
Now that’s what we were talking about!
Great use of color, girl! Lots a funk - looks like you two had a blast!
On another note - ever been to “Unbridaled” in Austin - it’s a darling little dress shop with some great pickin’s:)
***HUGS***
might be my favorite of all your shoots, ever!! Amazing! i love the one by the window in the diner especially you rock sister.
Jena + Dustin :: Engaged!
The two crazy kids are some serious globetrotters. Originally from Iowa and Texas, they have managed to call Alaska their home during most of the wedding planning process! Their March 8th wedding will be in Texas, but after that, who knows where the wind (aka the armed services) will take them.
I am glad I got to have some fun last Tuesday, here in McKinney, while they were on a small break from Anchorage. The way these two look at each other is so sweet…I can’t wait to photograph their wedding just to see the sparks fly!
Favorite, times ten. Jena looks so at peace next to Dustin…it is as if he could protect her from anything.
Thanks, Jena & Dustin for a fun morning adventure, and I can’t wait till March 8th!
These are amazing! You’re favorite (and mine too) is AWESOME!
[…] Read the rest of this great post here […]
Wow! I can’t pick a favorite… Thanks Kate!
Great scenes there! They look great together…I’m diggin her specs, too. I think I want to go to McKinney
[…] Miss Jena will be getting hitched on March 8th, so we hightailed it over to Chestnut Square for her Unbridaled session. As the first bride to be photographed in the new office, Jena rocked it out. Doesn’t she look very “Old Hollywood siren” in this first set? Yowzers! […]
[…] Saturday, I photographed Jena + Dustin’s wedding, so expect a blog post in the next couple of days on that. Also, yesterday was Blanca + […]
Allison + Kinnon :: Hitched!
Last weekend, Mom & I headed down to Austin to photograph Al & Kinnon on their big day. It was our first time shooting a wedding in Austin, and I have to say that we just felt right at home.
We worked with some FANTASTIC vendors that we really hope to work with again in the future. Sarah Miller of Caplan Miller Events did the designing and planning for the event. The floral design was taken care of by the uber cool chicks from Vella…love their style! Also, the head honchos over at the University Lutheran Center were just a delight to work with regarding ceremony coverage.
Both of the families and the entire wedding party were just tons of fun to be around. Al & Kinnon are such magnetic individuals and they were reeling in love from all directions, making for the perfect “big day”.
My favorite shoe shot EVER. Gotta love Sunday school for making this happen!
Al’s adorable TCU Horned Frog sister, Jennifer, helped with the makeup and apparently facial expressions.
Allison’s mom and maternal grandmother were there to help her get ready.
Notice Allison’s paternal grandmother snapping a shot!
Mom and I think that Al’s dad, Ben, looks like Sam Waterston…doesn’t he??? Ben is the kindest, warmest dad and he is not afraid to show his affection to his baby girl!
What a vibrant beauty!
Mom & I found this super cool couch by the dumpsters behind the church…Thanks to the UT students who chunked this little gem!
STUNNING…not one bit of touching up done here, folks. These bridesmaids were lovin’ the red couch…my kind of b-maids!
Kinnon and his boys cleaned up real nice! =)
Let the games begin!
Kiss and go, yo!
Favorite!
This is what happens when you stand at the altar for too long…my kind of portrait!
Everyone headed to Thistle Cafe for the reception…Sarah and the girls from Vella had it pimped out!
I love these sisters. Their men are pretty cool, too…I guess. 
Mom got this last winning shot!
Thanks, Allison and Kinnon for putting your faith in me. I hope you guys have a fabulous time in Costa Rica!!! Stay in touch and I hope to see you guys sometime in the near future when I visit San Fran!
Loving these Kate! Your detail shots are stunning. Great advertising shots for Sarah and the chicks from Vella. The couple looks gorgeous. My fave is the one you noted as your fave too - that could easily be an easel shot for you. Thanks for sharing your amazing gift!
These are beautiful! The cake shots are two of the best I’ve seen. I bet it was great to be back in Austin!
These are absolutely magnificent and awe inspiring!
I think you are like some magical mystical animal…like the liger of the photography world!
Know for your skills in magic and photography.
Love em and love you!
Gorgeous stuff and great sofa, you clever women! I would not have guessed i was old fashioned but i love the altar kiss and the stroll back up the aisle. And, yes! Al’s dad does look like Sam Waterson.
These are some of your best ever, Kate. I love the altar kiss and your favorite. Both could be easel shots….I also think you have an amazing husband. I love to read Bobby’s comments just to see how proud of you he is. I think that’s pretty cool….
What a fun time I had with you and Sarah, Kate….the photos of Allison and Kinnon and all the festivities are unbelievably gorgeous, and the finding of that fabulous couch…well, you”re the best, and I love you! Mom
Hi Kate! Bridesmaid Laura (the brunette one) here! It was so great to meet you and your mom last weekend. I think your work is AMAZING!!! You captured Allison’s spirit so well.
I love your whole website too. I’m totally gonna get fired because I’ve spent the last hour at work looking at your incredible photos! They’re fantastic!
-Laura
PS- where’s the picture of that cooky guy? I don’t remember his name, but your mom took a picture of yall when we were waiting for Al and Kinnon to leave. I thought you were going to post it on your blog!
BTW, Kate, i did notice you eyeing the cupcakes!
These are FANTABULOUS!!!! I love the couch outside, yes her daddy looks just like Sam, the shoe photo is precious, and that one of them just after the ceremony-kissing-such a great moment!!!
By the way….your husband is so darling-and I agree with him, you are a total liger (which is only like my favorite animal)
lovely wedding… lots of details and you got some fun ones too.
You constantly raise the bar for your craft and your photography inspires me to be a better person! Seriously…and mad props to Sarah that wedding looked fierce, YO!
[…] I found out I placed in the 2nd quarterly WPJA contest. Here’s my entry winner below, from Allison + Kinnon’s wedding. Some of you might recognize it from my […]
EASE UP WINNER (Winter 2008)!
After countless emails and comments (thank you thank you thank you!), we finally have a winning image and winning participants in the EASE UP AWARD for Winter 2008.
Congratulations are in order for Nancy of the fabulous Mom, Ma’am, Me blog, and our fabulous family friend Jennifer Dalman, for both suggesting this image. You will EACH get a $20 iTunes gift card shortly!
Here she is…the winning image for this season (from Emily + Travis :: Hitched!)
Thanks to everyone who participated, and stay tuned for the EASE UP AWARD for Spring 2008!
Great Choice!!! That is a really fun picture that shows all that you capture so beautifully!!
Me likey!!! Such a credit to your work that it was so difficult to choose!
YAY! That’s been my pic all along! Kudos ladies!
This is super. But, why not? You have so many extraordinary pictures that it would have been very difficult to pick one that would not be a winner.
WOO HOO! Thank you!
I really do love that whole photo shoot (though of course I’m a huge fan of all your work). There was just something about the vibe of that wedding — the colors, the scene — and I think it’s a great representation of your style.
Yippee!
I am totally blown away by your work and this photo just has “the look” (as your Mom a.k.a. Auntie M would say). Thanks for the itunes the boys and I will have fun picking out traveling tunes.
yep! that’s the one! so adorable!
This Week…
Stay tuned for Allison + Kinnon’s wedding, brought to you by JP (mom & me) and Sarah of Caplan Miller Events. Just got back from Austin last night, and we had a ton of fun shooting the wedding and just being back in A-town, period.
Here’s the dream team, looking just as tough as we worked, at the end of the night. Well, not really. Notice that Sarah and Mom still have their cheeks and lips on and I am the one looking like a middle schooler who just woke up. Very nice!
you all look great! can’t wait to see the pics!
Kate, working with you and Susie this weekend was a dream come true. Can’t wait to do it again very soon. Please edit fast, I can’t wait see see the photos!!!!!
Susie, you look fabulous!!!!! Drop me an email…..Kate’s photography is fantastic. I’m very impressed!!!! Happy New Year, dear old friend (as in “known ya a long time”!!!!) Cheers! Molly
So, that’s you without makeup? Let me suggest that you empty your cosmetics drawer and start saving the gazillions you would otherwise spend by the time you are 60. You look lovely.
Mary Ann
Kate, LOVE the shirt!
Mary Ann—you are a saint! Thanks for making me feel not so hideous!
Kate - I don’t think you could look hideous if you tried! And Susie always makes me feel frumpy by the end of the night. I have no idea how she always manages to look good and have high energy the entire night! Even after stomping out a fire.
Good to hear some of your faves — I’m a huge music lover and always looking for new stuff! (iTunes is likely to break me one of these days!)