Portrait Session at the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens: Meet Diana

Meet Diana. This girl is the complete package. Not only is she a UTA Nursing Student, she is on the dean’s list and still finds time to participate in her sorority, work a side hustle job and donate her time to various charities here in Dallas-Fort Worth. She’s my coworker and more importantly, my friend and I am so thankful that she came out for a day of Portraits at the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens.

This little latina has been in front of the camera for me before but this would be a little different. She was 18 and graduating when I first took her Senior Portraits. Now, she is 21 and on the brink of a new and exciting career in the healthcare industry.

We met on one of the first hot days of spring here in North Texas for an afternoon of wandering around the gardens. We really couldn’t have picked a better day. All of the spring flora were in full bloom and this magical place would serve as the perfect backdrop for our shoot.

After a few outfit changes, we made our way to the fountains beneath the rose garden and a short walk through a shaded area for a few posed shots of this lovely lady in her adorable polka dotted skirt and cream lace crop top.

Though it was super bright out and the sun was beating down on the garden, we managed to find some shade and relax beneath a gazebo for a little bit. Thank goodness we both had brought water bottles. It was getting steamy out that afternoon.

Once Diana had changed into her red crop top, I knew it was time to head to the cactus garden. Really though, her gorgeous latina skin tone, that fiesta red top and the massive cacti were all screaming for a little camera time and I knew the images would pop ever so perfectly. I love the way these images came out. They look so very southwestern and the shadows from the sun make for an exquisite composition against her perfectly coiffed dark hair.

We were nearing the end of the garden paths when we stumbled upon this gorgeous little tree with blooming white flowers. I am so glad we stopped. I loved the dramatic flare of the sun shining, the white petals against her dark hair and the serious look on her face. These ended up being some of my favorite images from the day.

Next stop, Doc’s Record Store in Fort Worth. If you haven’t been, it’s past time you check it out. My buddy, Jenkins Boyd, just opened his new shop and it is chalk full of records, vintage goodies and antiques from all over.  To boot, the outside has some pretty amazing graffiti murals. We headed there for a few quick shots against the colorful background.

I had so much fun hanging out with my girl Diana and I cannot wait to see where her journey will take her next. This girls’ future is so bright and I just know that whatever she chooses to tackle, she is going to kill it.

To book your unique Portrait Session, shoot Angelina (that’s me) an email at therustienailhead@gmail.com to discuss your vision and our collection investments! I cannot wait to hear what you have in mind!

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Dallas Blooms: Hannah’s Portrait Session at the Arboretum

Hey guys! I am so pumped to share this session with you because this sweet girl is literally one of my favorite people on Earth! Her little hippie heart had a vision of capturing portraits while being completely surrounded by flowers and you could say, she chose the right person for the job, Ya’ll, Meet Hannah!

Hannah is a young girl attending the University of Texas at Arlington for her Engineering degree and I could not be more proud of her. I met Hannah a few years back when she started working at Piccolo Mondo (my other side gig) and we became fast friends. It has been such a joy to see her tackle school and work and play in such a graceful manner.

For awhile now, I have been bugging her to allow me the chance to photograph her portraits. I knew she would be the perfect model and man, was I right or what?

We met for brunch that morning and began a leisurely start to our day. After chowing down on some delicious Breadwinners, we jumped in the car and began the long haul from Keller to the Dallas Arboretum. She wanted flowers and I knew that there is no place better than Dallas Blooms in April.

Hannah had brought a few outfits with her and I was so glad because each complimented different aspects of the surroundings. Her purple top worked wonders in the lilac and wisteria patches. Even the sunglasses she brought were a perfect touch.

As we walked around the park, we took time to enjoy the scenery and had time to choose which setting would provide the best lighting. Hannah was patient and relaxed throughout the shoot and I was thankful for her trust. She listened to direction and when things got a little tough, posing-wise, she would flip her hair or go totally serious on me for a completely different kind of look. The result was simply stunning.

Though playful and wild, this girl gets things done. For real, ya’ll should see her planner. It is insane how much she packs into a week and I admire her for all her hard work. She is giving 150% to her schooling, busting her butt at not 1 but 2 jobs and in her spare time, she hustles for charitable functions in her sorority. Did someone say Rockstar?

This shoot was the perfect opportunity to unwind and have a little fun playing with my camera’s settings. I owe a huge thanks to Hannah for trusting my creative vision and speaking up for what she wanted out of the shoot. She must have said ten times that her Mom was going to cry when she saw this and I won’t lie, I kinda did. But, I am 5 months pregnant and love this girl to pieces so I have a semi-excuse for the tears.

We ended the shoot by circling back around to a tree that Hannah just loved and I am so glad we did. I love this image so much. The tree was dramatic and provided the perfect backdrop for her curls and that pretty red sundress.

Our last stop was the petunia house. I’ve been to the Arboretum for Dallas Blooms before and seen some pretty amazing displays but these houses were seriously so awe-inspiring. I captured a bunch of Hannah in the house and then I let her have the camera so my sweet friend could capture my little baby bump and those images will be some that I will cherish forever. It was a joy and a pleasure hanging with my girl for the day and I hope I get to share more from her in the future. Thanks Hannah! Lots of love to you my friend!

 

Dallas-Fort Worth Holiday Minis: Brit + Mia

Dallas Fort Worth Holiday Mini Sessions are in full swing and I could not have asked for a better dup than this Mama and her sweet honey child, Mia, to be my first sessions of the season! We met in Keller, Texas for a fun day with the Thompson gals! (you can see all the flowerchild greatness here.

This isn’t these gals first rodeo with The Rustie Nail. I actually consider Mia to be one of our Milestone Sessions because I have been photographing this little lady for quite awhile now. I’ve had the pleasure of shooting her Christmas Photos and every now and then a fun floral themed shoot in the Spring, including the Sunflower field disaster shoot. It has been such a joy to see her grow up over the years!

Mama, Brit, arrived with 2 of the most adorable little outfits for her baby girl. One was the gorgeous lace dress and the other was a simple black tutu and a jean jacket and both looked absolutely perfect on Miss Mia! This Mama always hits the nail on the head in the fashion department which is why I always look forward to these sessions so much!

I told Brit that I wanted to do something a little more bohemian for this particular shoot and she was happy to oblige. She even brought along a few dreamcatchers for the girls to twirl around with. And get this guys, she DIYed the dreamcatchers!! Is there anything this Mama can’t do??

I had such a good time catching up with these lovely ladies but I bet this won’t be the last time this gorgeous duo graces the blog! Stay tuned for the many adventures of Brit + Mia!! We still have a few Dallas Fort Worth Mini Session dates available for anyone who might be interested. Email therustienailhead@gmail.com for booking inquiries, packages and pricing!