Suzie Bell Photography

Royse City Senior Kristen: Suzie Bell, Senior Photogrpaher

2010-11-07T15:09:00.000-06:00

Meet Kristen. Senior at Royse City High School, involved in RCTV. Not only is she beautiful, she likes dirtbikes, jewelry bling, loves Texas A&M and drives a truck! We had so much fun during Kristen's photo session. Her mom videod for me while I was able to get some awesome shots. We started in downtown hiistoric Royse City and ended up on a old dirt road. Those are the best photo sessions!

Thanks Kristen, hope you love your images and good luck in Aggieland!

A Boy, A Girl, A Wedding-Suzie Bell Photography-Dallas Wedding Photographer

2010-11-02T00:02:00.000-05:00

The wedding of the year finally happened, well in my family anyway. David & Ashley are finally married and I have a new sister-in-law. Perfect Weather, everything went on without a hitch.

It takes alot to look absolutely stunning for most, but she was glowing before the makeup.

The ceremony and the reception were held at The Swingin D Ranch in Parker, Texas. I could not have picked out a better venue for these two. The guys behaved somewhat for at least a couple shots

And then it was back to the girls and the details!

Ashley's big brother showed up at her door before she put on the dress to give her some encouraging

and loving words.

And....it's showtime!

Congratulations Ashley & David!

Dallas Engagement Photographer Suzie Bell: Nicola & Rick

2010-10-22T00:05:00.000-05:00

I was working as a waitress in a cocktail bar....ok half true. I had the privaledge of shooting an awesome couple Nicola and Rick are total sports freaks who met where else? In a sports bar! She was working as a waitress in a sports bar that much is true and they both LOVE the Dallas Mavericks so much that they are season ticket holders. Since they are such fans, the Mavs let them loose inside the American Airlines Center and on the court! Such an amazing and fun engagement session. Check it!

And they are a SAUCY passionate couple too! Don't let the jersey fool you! We stepped outside at Victory Park and got some amazing shots. This is what a couple in love looks like people!

Told you, SAUCY right? To see all of them check out Suzie Bell

All Dressed In White: Dallas Wedding Photographer Suzie Bell

2010-10-18T19:34:00.000-05:00

For Ashley's second set we chose to shoot at Beautiful Adriatica in McKinney, Texas. I've shot here a couple times and am always impressed with the final product.

It was Homecoming so it was a bit tricky to shoot but we managed to get some awesome shots.

See, Stunning right? Love the back light. She just glows!

Looking toward her future.

The country girl is always in there somewhere

Love this angle!

This is her fierce, Tyra would be proud!

Ready for anything and not a care in the world. Now this is a stress free bride!

Here Comes The Bride: Dallas Wedding Photographer Suzie Bell

2010-10-17T17:29:00.000-05:00

Ashley's long awaited bridals. She looked absolutely stunning. We opted for two bridal shoots with two different feels, each one unique. So that means two blog posts instead of one.

The first was set in beautiful Melissa, Texas on her neighbors ranch. There were cows, horses and chikens Oh MY!

The sky was amazing and the horses behaved.

What a fun session this was. I think Ashley was a little nervous about her dress and the animals, but she handled it like a pro!

Reminds me of Miranda Lambert "The House That Built Me"

Cowgirl all the way!

Wanna Bite?

Sunset was amazing and the lighting was spectacular

Make a wish!

Wedding Time!

2010-10-15T13:00:00.000-05:00

Short post, but I will be posting the much anticipated bridals of Ms. Ashley Campbell tomorrow night after she says I Do. I really want to say "It's Wedding Season!" a quote from Vince Vaughn in Wedding Crashers but I'm just excited.

Nervous jitters are setting in for all of us and I'm praying their is nothing but awesomeness that comes out of this. So...rehearsal tonight then tomorrow is the big day. It's rush rush around here so I thought this is the only apporpriate image to post to sum it all up. I call it "Rush Hour."

I have so much to blog about but it all must wait. To come is my experience with JVS Workshops, my new clients, the super saucy engagement shoot at American Airlines Center, Ashley's Bridals and the Wedding oh and I'll tell you how I discovered my age but that's another post.

Hello Fall!

2010-10-05T08:39:00.000-05:00

State Fair, cool weather, Texas/OU, cool weather, leaves changing color, hoodies, cute clothes, worskhops, photoshoots and WEDDINGS..these are a few of my favorite things happening righ now.

This one is long but it kinda catches you up to where I've been and where I'm going lately.

I was going to post October 1st, but let's be honest..My life is chaotic and not Britney Spears type chaotic. Crazy kids chaotic. My weekend was hella busy with the husband working Saturdays lately I now know what it feels like to be a single working mom. Mad props to you ladies!

I had to get my youngest up for Soccer pics and be there by 7:30, then she had a soccer game at 8:45 so of course in my downtime, I ran home and got my camera. It was also Texas/OU weekend and the big game was that very same day so after her game we rushed home cleaned the house and got my oldest daughter ready and to her football game and afterwards we were finally home...to cook and make sure we had enough food, run to the store because we ran out of ice and then finally watched the game a very sad game at that. Did I mention I'm a Longhorn fan? I am, my whole family is. We are brokenhearted but expected it. I mean come on, poor quarterback is following behind Vince Young and Colt McCoy. Those are big shoes to fill. My husband taught me to play washers after the game and I did pretty good for a first timer if I do say so myself. We did win afterall.

Today I get to shoot an engagement photoshoot at the American Airlines Center on the floor of the Dallas Mavs court with a super sport loving couple. You can most def expect a post on that in a couple days.

An opportunity came along that allows me to attend JVS Pictures for their off camera flash workshop this Thursday and the workshop ends with the State Fair and fried foods! I am so excited and cannot wait to learn from someone other than trial and error. I am also attending an online workshop from Dane Sanders Escalate Live Be Boutique. While it is not my style, you always learn something from others.

I have been eyeing Targets fall line and I have to say they have some cuuute stuff! I have got to update my fall wardrobe and too many cardigans make me feel like a school teacher, lol.

Although I do have this one and I love it over a red cami

Most important, David and Ashley's wedding is in 11 days! I leave for Austin Saturday morning for a girls weekend then it begins...rehearsal Friday night and the big day is Saturday, October 16th. I am also using off camera flash for the reception so I really can't wait to learn at the workshop. Sad, I will miss my kiddos games this weekend and next weekend we all will even themselves since they are Junior Bridesmaids and the husband is a groomsman. Such love and a sense of family. Nothing better.

Tyler: Suzie Bell Mesquite Senior Photographer

2010-09-29T22:43:00.000-05:00

I received a call from Tyler's Grandmother Sandra, asking me to photograph her grandson. Sandra runs a home daycare and I photographed one of her babies families this past spring. Their family photo is in my blog header or here.

Tyler was so easy to work with. I have been blessed with some great teens lately. I'm not sure what I did to deserve that, but I'll take it! Tyler is graduating 2011 from Mesquite High School and said he wants to be a police officer after college. What a great career he is selecting by choosing to protect and serve the community.

Tyler is a huge Dallas Cowboy fan, kinda like a certain husband I know who I swear bleeds blue and silver. This is a great stance and he was used to it from his former football days.

I met Tyler, his mom and his little sister at his high school stadium parking lot and across the road was a train track that we had to use. The light was a little harsh, but we made it work. This is one of my favorites. I think it's the never ending tracks or his far off gaze.

Tyler and his mom knew of a great park we went to that had amazing light. I had fun with the sun flare and the ducks (they are being stealth in this shot.) The park was fabulous for the end of the day and I even got him to smile.

To see the rest of Tyler's Photo shoot click here Suzie Bell Photo

Hey Soul Sister Happy Birthday: Suzie Bell Photographer

2010-09-23T08:04:00.002-05:00

Today is the birthday of my sister and best friend. This post, I will try to remain light and happy but I can't make any promises.

Sharrie,

I am so lucky to have had you in my life for the short time I did. I know we weren't raised together, but I thank god for each second I was granted with you. You are such an amazing person who touched everyone you met and gave so selflessly of yourself. You never hesistated to help anyone in need and would give them the shoe soff your feet (even if they smelled) lol, that's an inside joke. I'm thankful for having Gwen and Jimmie and in my life and love our days we spent together garage saling, antiquing, shopping and just hanging out. I have never felt such honest and whole love than I did from you. You loved wholely and unconditionally. I love that my girls know they had an Aunt that cherished them and worshipped the ground they walked on. I will always keep happy memories of painting and decorating the girls rooms. school clothes shopping, going to the movies, to dinners, singing uninhibited in the car to the top of our lungs with the windows down (I still do that and think of you each time), the marshmallow gun fights, the photoshoots, the birthday parties we planned and made happen together. I will always remember on your birhday eleven years ago you went to the dr. with me and we found out Ashley was a girl. You squealed and jumped around you were so excited as you held the black and white photo to your heart and said best birthday ever! You were there with me through the whole pregnancy and in the delivery room when she came into this world. You loved her before she was here. Brittney was just as loved and you were so excited when we found out I was pregnant a second time. I cried out of fear and you cried out of happiness. Brittney loves her Aunt Sharrie so much even if she wouldn't let you hold her for the first two years of her life, lol. I miss you, I miss our talks, our day after Thanksgiving shopping, our Thanksgiving strategy planning, Christmas, Easter and now it's coming upon us Halloween and fall. When I think of fall, I think of you. I think of all the crafts we did and the planning we did because you said the kids would have good memories and they do. They have so many great memories. I was very angry at God for taking you from us at only 38, but I have since asked for forgiveness and found peace in my heart and know you would not be back here for a second now that you are truly home, but not a second goes by that I don't have you with me in my heart and around my neck. I never take my heart off even if I wear another necklace. It's you and me always. I will still wear my heart when I'm old and in the nursing home and I think of our plan to be old crotchy sisters together and how I was going to throw lemonade in your bed to make them think you wet yourself. Now that I thtink about it, it's probably better they don't give me a roommate.

Best Aunt Ever

For Sharrie :)

Travis- Coppell Senior Photographer

2010-09-22T07:41:00.000-05:00

Sunday I traveled to Coppell to photograph a good friend of mines son who is a senior this year. Travis is a Cross Country Track runner, plays the guitar and is a upcoming nature photographer.

We started at Grapevine Springs Park. What a beautiful and serene area. Coppell is very lucky to have a jewel like this. We ended at Travis' high school for the great brick wall. I had a lot of fun with Travis. While he was quiet and reserved, he was great and even posed with one of my old vintage camera and sometimes it's nice to have someone that makes everyone else calm by just being around them. Thanks Travis and good luck with picking your college!

Visit my website to see the rest of Travis's photoshoot Suzie Bell Photography

Bridals by Dallas Wedding Photographer

2010-09-21T00:20:00.001-05:00

I have had the best time shooting Ashley's bridals. We did two sets. The first just didn't feel right. While it did involve horses, chickens and cows there were so many distractions that neither her or I were expecting. So, the second set we went to Adriatica in McKinney. What a beautiful venue! One of my favorite for engagement shoots. Adriatica used to be a best kept secret, but the secret is out! There were at least 3 other photo shoots happening, homecoming pics and even a wedding was taking place.

This was the bride to be having a little fun before the ceremony started, what an awesome idea!

And this was a glimpse of her walking down the "aisle"

So beautiful and her wedding dress was gorgeous from the view I had anyway, lol. As for Ashley, we got so many great shots and had amazing light! I am allowed to post a sneak peek. So, here it is!

Haha, that's all I can show right now, but come October 17th, they will all be on the website!

Pity Party For One Please

2010-09-16T22:04:00.000-05:00

Really blog? Is it really doable to be everything to everybody? I'm not even in my busy season and it is already crazy! One daughter in soccer, the other in cheer and the husband with a different schedule. That doesn't even include my full time job. My photographer life is picking up and I'm getting a lot of calls for seniors and I love it. I know I'm so a pity me person today and I usually can't stand those types but life has been hella crazy lately and maybe its because there's no smooth rhythm set yet and there may not ever be.

This is what I feel like this week

Can I Just Hide Here and Make Everything Go Away?

The family wedding is coming up soon and there is so much going on poor Ashley, I can't even imagine what she's going through. Just remember to breathe and someone once said: In the end, who was supposed to be there was, what was supposed to happen did. I need to take my own advice.

Love Is Planning A Wedding Together :)

My best advice given today was to my coworker and very good friend who just adopted beautiful Ms. Ella and is struggling with being a working mom with no sleep. At the end of the conversation I told her "Life throws you curveballs, you have to knock them out of the park." It was greatness.

It's All Worth It Lele!

I Did It My Way

2010-09-13T23:58:00.002-05:00

This is going to be a different post today boys and girls. I might lose some of you but most of you especially if your a girl will feel me.

I attended a funeral today and as I sat through the service I noticed several things that I want to make sure no one picks but me. First and most important if you know me, is the music. While I love the old Hymns, I want this to be a remembrance on life and a reminder of who I was. My list is all over the place and sometimes a little unconventional but then again, so am I.

1. If I Ever Leave This World Alive-Flogging Molly

I lost my dear sweet sister last year and this song comforted me during darkest hour. The lyrics are "wherever I am, you'll always be more than just a memory." That says everything and its Irish and a little punk. Look it up, I guarantee you'll love it and it's from one of the best chick flicks eva P.S. I Love You.

2. Time Of Your Life-Greenday

Greenday, come one the best ending song. "For what it's worth, it was worth all the while.
It's something unpredictable but in the end it's right. I hope you had the time of your life."

3. I Can Only Imagine-Mercy Me

This is my favorite contemporary hymn I play this every morning on my way to work and sing to the top of my lungs. The lyrics are so true "Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all?" I can only imagine. This songs makes me believe as soon as I go I will have my answer and I will feel his love.

Now, I'm serious don't play sad sappy music that makes people cry at my funeral. I'm a planner, I have to have a plan. I want a slide show of my best photographs that I took over the years. Not the portraits or the weddings, I mean my stuff. The ones that feed the soul. The ones that tell you who I was and what inspired me. I also realized I need to take more pics of me. I need to be in front of the camera some and not just behind it. That being said, here's one ~S

Inspiration Is Where You Seek It

2010-09-08T22:19:00.000-05:00

No words, just in awe. I captured my nephew with my brother in law after my friend's Baptism Sunday and even though her images did not come out, I was lucky this one did. I could not help but taking this and I'm so glad I did. I gave it the B&W treatment and felt that the image spoke volumes and really stood on its own. I added the verse although the photo tells the story.

Showing My Style

2010-09-06T09:49:00.000-05:00

Finally, with the clients approval I can show the images to my Vanity Fair Inpsired shoot, Meet Lauren & David. Their family just moved into their first home and wanted to remember it well so they chose to capture it as if they were modeling for a high fashion magazine! I LOVE LOVE love love these images. This is me, this is what I want to shoot, this is how I want to be inspired.

Fierce!

Making them laugh

Looking Back

To see the rest of their photoshoot go here Suzie Bell Photography

Inspiration is Found Everywhere, You just have to see it

2010-09-04T10:39:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I'm liking this inspiration thing and I'm going to keep going with it and see where it goes. I worked the NTCAR Commercial Real Estate Expo this week and while you do see row after row of booths and tables, you can't help to remember that you are in the gorgeous Downtown Dallas Sheraton Hotel. Like my title says, beauty and inspiration are everywhere, you just have to see it and sometimes all it takes is relaxing back in your chair and leaning your head back.

After the show, I sat in my car and started to back out of the parking garage when I remembered , Duh, I'm on the 3rd floor and it's right before dark. So, as the cars were whizzing by to get out of there, I stood in the corner of the garage with my camera in manual mode and shot the scenes before me.

Inspired or Expired?

2010-09-01T22:55:00.000-05:00

Lately, I think I've been in a rut. I've been looking for inspiration to strike me. Life has become a number of routines of work, school, housework, practices, games, fast food and repeat. “The reality is that it’s easier to be inspired than it is to create an original idea." That quote is from Chase Jarvis who is amazing. His theory is the best camera is the camera you have with you. So here it is, my iPhone photo. I like the rain on the glass and the fact that there is so much contrast and depth to the image. I love the light coming through the speaker and the headlight that is peaking out underneath the sign. So, I guess I was inspired afterall by my phone.

Saturdays are Gamedays on Manual

2010-08-29T20:24:00.000-05:00

Saturdays around my house are CRAZY! Both girls are in sports, Brit is in soccer and Ash is a cheerleader so we spend out time chasing games. Mornings are soccer mostly and afternoons are football. I love watching my kids play, and since its so hot out I haven't had any photoshoots but that's changing. I have several senior shoots coming up and oh yeah the wedding stuff still to go.

Here is Brit at her last game of indoor soccer for the season and her team, Dallas Juventus. I am not a sports photographer (at least not indoors, lol) What a season. She loved it and told me she would play soccer 365 days a year! Whoa, mom needs some kind of break! Seriously, thanks Coach Billy for making her love it so much!

And Oh yeah, I shot mostly the entire day on "MANUAL" people! Be proud and don't hate too bad on the pics ;)

Speaking of Manual, I am trying and I do say tryng to tech my brain to shoot manual and my dogs are often my subjects. Here is Willy, my babydog! I thought you may like to meet him, Williard as I call him. He's so flippin cute and such a cuddler!

Okay, here is Ashley's game later that day also shot on manual and all pics are straight out of the camera GASP! I know, social photo suicide right? Well, I feel this is the best way to see how I need to improve. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

Three Words

2010-08-27T15:52:00.000-05:00

After attending Creative Live's online course study with Jasmine Star, I have been inspired. I am trying to come up with a way to brand and market my style. In the course, she asked several students to define their style in three words. Hers is fun, fresh and fierce. My style has evolved quite a bit since beginning. I don't know what three words describe what look I'm trying to acheive. I do know, I want my shoots to resemble movies so maybe "cinematic?"

I also know I want my look to have style and a flair for fashion, so maybe "stylish?"

Lastly, I never want to be boring and stale. I want to be more free style, so maybe "free?"

None of those come together or flow but that is what I envision. I want to be different and not offer the same type of portrait that you can get from any standard in-studio. How would you define my style?

Long time, no post!

2010-08-26T10:19:00.000-05:00

Okay, I know I said I was going to be better with posting but this time of the year is super busy with the kids going back to school and senior pics starting up and I'm shooting a wedding in October, bridals is September and did I mention the wedding is my brother in law and soon to be sister in law? SO... that means extra long post!

Yeah, that also means my family is in the wedding. The girls are junior bridesmaids and the husband is a groomsman. Ashley and David are getting married on October 16, 2010. I can't wait. She is already family though so this is just a technicality. seriously, I love this girl to the moon! I will mention I am very nervous shooting this wedding, I want this day to be so special for them and I'm afraid I will trip up somewhere. Probably shouldn't have blogged that, but oh well I'm keeping it real. It's also that I want this day to be so special that I will do everything I can to make sure it is.

Here is the happy couple's engagement pic we shot last year.

Won't she be a beautiful bride? I seriously can not wait!

Now, other than the wedding stuff, school started August 23rd I am so determined to stay organized with school work and school papers this year that I made a kitchen command center. Forgive the picture, it is from my iphone and it was a little dark, lol. What do you think?

Not too bad for $20 huh? most everything was from Michael's or The Dollar Tree. What you don't see is opposite of this wall is my refrigerator. I also have a chalk board with a dry erase board and a monthly calendar that is dry erase so I can

Now, along with school starts come new hairdos for the kiddos since they are getting so big. They literally spent the entire summer in a pool and their poor hair suffered the consequences, so Pam Cox at Rockwall Salon worked her magic and Voila! Cute and functional!

And at last, the 1st day of school picture!

The girls had a great 1st day and 1st part of the week. They both love their teachers and the oldest who is in 6th grade facebooked this "first day of school wuz grawsome that's great and awesome". 4th grader loved it too and likes that they change teachers this year and that she knew alot about Mrs. Lancaster and won a crazy band, lol!

Whew! Okay enough for one blog post. I have more but I'm home sick and about to watch Jasmine Star on Creative Live as she gets ready to shoot a wedding LIVE! Oh and I have a dr. appt too ;)

Adam & Jess Are Engaged!: Garland Engagement Photographer

2010-07-14T18:35:00.001-05:00

These were one of the funnest engagement sessions I've had. While Jess is gorgeous and Adam is not too shabby either! Both close friends of mine and it was a pleasure to shoot their engagement .
Can't wait for the wedding!

My New Stylish Totally Girly Camera Bag

2010-06-21T21:17:00.000-05:00

Ok, so my birthday just passed and the husband asked what I wanted. Well, I needed a new camera bag since mine has been "loved" a little too much and it has a giant hole in one of the pockets from a tree that "loved" it too much to let it go.

So, I was on the hunt for a new bag then I decided after viewing the same bag after bag that I wanted a "girly" bag. I did find one that I coveted so much and was about to order (over my $100 limit btw) from ephiphanie bags here http://www.epiphaniebags.com/ I wanted the red Lola so bad but of course they were on backorder. I am a very impulsive person and have to have it and no I don't want to wait for a scheduled ship date of July whatever. Then I thought I'd look on Ebay and see about a removable case, did find them but they shipped from Korea and I'm a little leary about that soooooo...I decided to make my own. I went to Hobby Lobby and bought the industrial velcro and came home and tore the insides out of several small camera bags I had already. I just purchased a couple bags after getting a screaming deal and being summer, the white one was begging to be my new camera bag. I adhered the velcro inside and placed the diveders in and it now can hold 2 bodies, 3 lenses, my flash, my charger, my Flipcam, memory cards and many business cards! Now, the kicker, this bag costs me $3.29 to make since I had the supplies on hand and and the Lola bag, that would have cost me over $200!

I'm feeling a little smart here.

Here it is, don't you love it!!!!

Natalie & Mitch's Wedding Album!!

2010-06-21T20:18:00.000-05:00

This is my very first wedding album design and I am so happy with it.

This is a past wedding, but it was just so cool and Natalie and Mitch could were the most awesome people. I loved every minute of designing this and what better wedding to showcase my sample album than theirs?

So, without further hesitation, I present to you my sample album. Also note, this album is a 10 page, 20 slide flushmount on linen paper with custom photo cover from WHCC.

Georgia's Senior Photoshoot: Rockwall Heath Senior Photographer

2010-06-03T07:44:00.001-05:00

You may have remembered the sneak pic I gave you of Rockwall Heath senior Georgia and her horse Princess, well here is the finished product and video or moer like a slideshow. There were technical difficulties while filming. Georgia is a great kid who was raised with manners and country roots. She competes in shows, her mother and her ride together, and Georgia is currently working with breaking the new baby horse by herself. She's bound for Texas A&M. The cool thiing is she gets to take Princess with her!

I have a feeling if she didn't she would just stay right where she's at.

I met Georgia at the bank parking lot and she pulled up in HER truck pulling HER trailer with HER horse by HERSELF. I was in awe that this teen could do all this alone. Georgia can play the piano, the guitar and is teaching herself the mandolin. Amazing and so ambitous!

Enjoy, as you can see she she is not only talented but beautiful as well, both inside and out.

Memorial Day

2010-06-01T21:50:00.000-05:00

Memorial Day is a time of rememberence, looking back and spending time with family. Our tradition is to spend time at the lake. Most of you know I am not a camping person (see previous post.)

However, I do enjoy the time spent with my friends and family though and I like to just sit back and photograph things around me without worrying about light, aperature or shutterspeed. I took my Panasonic Lumix FZ18 with me on this trip and my Nikon, I still love the Lumix. Here are some shots from the Lumix, not great resolution, but you'll see why even though I don't like camping I go along. Happy Short week people!

Last Team Sports Photo I Will Ever Take......maybe

2010-05-31T11:00:00.000-05:00

Ok guys, I did warn you I would blog about this.

Here is the last team sports poster. I really love how this came out. I went with a more "Sandlot kid" feel. It's more retro 60s with a modern flare.

So..here goes.........

Rockwall Raiders Baseball

So, tell me what you think and be honest if you think its crap I can take it

Ok, something you may not know about me: I am not a camping person. I don't like bugs, being dirty, not having running water, not having a comfortable bed, being hot, not having the comforts of home. But hey, never said I was and he knew that when he married me yet my girls love it and he loves it and I so I am forced to go with a fake smile on my face as I dodge the million tiny spiders that drop from the trees.

Weekend Wrap Up

2010-05-24T22:51:00.001-05:00

Wow, what a a weekend, I was busy!!! Ok, let's start with Friday after work. I had a superfun senior photoshoot with an awesome girl at the most gorgeous place that I swear I'm buying a place just like it..when I win the lottery, lol! Really, this is a girl after my own heart. Meet Georgia & Princess.

Then, Saturday on to oldest daughters cheer fittings. Can you say YAY Cheerleading? Did you detect a hint of sarcasm there? Ok, not pic for that one so on to the McKinney Art Walk!

This was probably the coolest thing I saw. This store used to be a bank and there dressing rooms were the old bank vaults! Here is one of the inside doors.

This is my running buddy and apparently she didn't want her picture taken, Oh Ashley thought you knew by now ;)

And apparently McKinney is overrun by creative frogs!

Saw some really cool art (sorry Bobby, I realized after I was already to the other side I shold have got a shot of your stuff too!

And some cool artists at work!

And still probably my favorite building on the square, just feels like home

Then some of us relaxed and enjoyed the sun or goofed off.

That's about half, Sunday was a lazy napping movie watching day.

Random fact about me you may not know:

I love to wear vintage band tees and my hoodie and would live in them if I could and yes I realize I'm not a 15 year old boy.

Stop and Look for the Light

2010-05-20T20:56:00.000-05:00

Taking advice from great photographer Jerry Ghionis, I stopped and looked for the light. This is my friend Kindle. Now, while I did not press the shutter to capture the image (my good friend Leslyn did) I saw the light. These were taken at the luncheon as we were making our escape stealthly. The lighting was amazing since it was coming through huge plate glass windows at the hotel, I could not pass this up!

We took a few pics before I saw the sheer curtains. I instructed Kindle to hide behind them. Kindle, used to being directed being a former Tennessee Titan Cheerleader and Dallas Mavs Dancer was amazing. I set the ISO, instructed Leslyn where to stand and she took these images. I think she did fabulous, don't you?

This one is a bit too blown out, but still cool effect. Kindle and I will be making a visit back soon.

Leslyn did so well, I even let her take my picture

Oh, something about me you might now know, I'm left handed.

What I'm listening to right now on my iPhone (iPod), Kings of Leon, Van Morrison, Pink Floyd, Etta James. I'm very eclectic when it comes to music and I change depending on my mood. The song that can always make me happy is Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" but Journey with Steve Perry, not new Journey.

Inspire and Motivate

2010-05-20T00:57:00.001-05:00

Wow, I can say this week has truly been about inspiration, leadership and motivation. I think someone is trying to tell me sometihng. Something? Not sure what that something is...yet.

Ok, wrap up my week for you and its only Wednesday. You heard me talk about Escalate Live 2010 right? I'm not kidding, it was amazing and so inspiring. It was a must for every photograher and inspiring ones. The messasge was "be for one another." Dane Sanders http://danesanders.com/ is an amazing speaker as is Becker http://www/thebecker.com , Jasmine Star http://www.jasminestarblog.com/, Jeremy Cowart http://www.jeremycowart.com/ and Jessica Claire http://www.jessicaclaire.net/ . I learned a little about Photoshop CS5 with Julianne Kost, all though working on a presentation and trying to pay attention to geek speak isn't exactly easy. Jerry Ghionis http://www.jerryghionisphotography.com/ is my newest hero and I have a serious crush on his sexy Austrailian accent. David Jay http://davidjay.com/ , who I did not know about before was just awesome. I love his peace and love vibe. Each speaker gave a little piece of themselves and each had a message whether it was to slow down, be more positive, be more passionate, be yourself or be there for each other it was a=Ahmazing. I truly hope I can attend Escalate Live 2011 in person next year. I am in no way close to their league and that's ok, I just want to be better than I am now.

Today I had to honor of attending Leadership Rockwall's graduation luncheon that was held at the gorgeous Hilton Bella Harbor. The keynote speaker was Emmy award winning CBS news coorespondent Don Teague. Don has covered stories as varied as the war in Iraq, hurricane Katrina, and the seizure of children from a polygamist ranch in Texas. Don didn't talk about those stories though, well he did talk about the war in Iraq but a different story than you'd expect.

Don was there when we deliverd "Shock and Awe." He told a story of a girl he met there who was raised to hate the U.S. since birth. After Sadam was brought out of hiding, everything fell. The economy fell and let her family with no money. A well educated Iraqi makes $5 a month. The girl he met named Rafraf lived in a house with I think he said 14 people and together they survived on $65 a month. She learned English as a child and because of this she was able to work for CBS as a translator. Translators make $1000 a month so her family agreed even though they were Shiites. After Rafraf noticed the Americans were helping her, she started to become conflicted on what to believe. They learned that the insurgents had a death warrant for Rafraf because she was a translator, or in their eyes a traitor. Don told about the bomb going off 100 feet from him and how they narrowly escaped death. I was hanging on his every word I swear. He painted a picture so vivid I felt like I was watching a movie. He felt he was put there for a reason and whether it be the hand of God or luck, he knew he could not just forget about Rafraf and go home. He made a call to his wife and together, they agreed they had to help her. Seven months, a kidnapping, multiple more near deaths, Raf Raf was brought to the US on a scholarship and lived with Don and his family. She became a Christian and now attends Southern Florida University working on her Masters. Rafraf was taught to hate America but now embraces it.

Don told his story on every airplane ride and each time he was told you should write a book, so he did. I highly recommend you buy it and read the entire story. I have heard there is a movie in the works as well.
http://www.don-teague.com/index.html Don is an amazing person and God is working through him.

Now if that is not inspiring, I don't know what is. I'm only excited to see what the rest of the week holds.

~Suzie

Who I Am

2010-05-18T20:36:00.001-05:00

Hey guys, after attending an amazing two day online photo conference at http://escalatelive.com/ ,
I'm truly inspired and excited. I've decided to be true to myself and to my clients. By true I mean I am embracing my passion of photography. I know your like duh, you already take pictures right? Well, that is not what makes me an original or satisfies the artist in me and that is not what I mean by passion.

I love people, I love the relationships of people and getting to know my client. This part of me is what I love, I love creating art and making you feel like the rockstar you already are.

I want you to get to know a little more about me and who I am as person and a photographer. I will give more of me in my blog, than about what latest session I had or what cool video I made which I know are not great, but hey I'm learning are you? You'll either love me or hate me but I'll still be me.

I've also decided that I wont offer sports or team photos anymore. I am currently working on my last one as we speak and yes I will probably blog about it as the last hurrah, I know short lived right!

Ok, a little about me.....My favorite color is green, my eyes change color depending on what I'm wearing,

I have 2 dogs Lucy and Willie (or as I call then LuLu & Williard and yes you will see them soon.), I have a tattoo I recently got on my back and I already want more, I am ADDICTED to my iPhone and Twitter and Facebook, No seriously! I think I may have a problem but then again I'm sure 20% of the world is right there with me. Okay, your turn....OH! Follow me here http://twitter.com/bubblesnapshots and yes I do have a personal facebook page http://www.facebook.com/suzierbell and a Bubblegum Snapshots one http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Fate-TX/Bubblegum-Snapshots/109888247970 .
I love new friend requests and LOVE comments here so don't be shy!

Thanks for listening

~Suzie

Here's my tattoo, my dad wouldn't talk to me for 2 weeks and I'm 36!

Hook Em Horns!

2010-05-16T11:35:00.000-05:00

Such an exciting time in life. Prom, senior trips, graduation and on to college to start the next chapter in life. This was definitely a fun session. You may remember Amanda from her senior pics earlier this year and at that time, her college choice wasn't sure. So...now that it is we decided to a do a "college inspired" mini photo shoot.

I am so proud of all my seniors and I have truly enjoyed getting to know each and every one of you. I have been honored to documnet this special time in your life. Good luck in school oh and Amanda....

Hook 'Em Horns!

College Bound- UT Here She Comes-Hookem Horns!

2010-05-06T07:35:00.000-05:00

Beautiful Rowlett Senior Amanda Grindele is attended University of Texas at Austin this fall. Watch her sneaky peak video, courtesy of her sister Bailey.

McKinney North Senior is Down On The Farm

2010-05-03T13:12:00.000-05:00

McKinney North Senior, Bryson Long is Tarleton bound and hopes to become an Agricultural Teacher.

Ag teachers have been reaching out to kids for years. They become not only their teacher, but also mentor and a friend that they can look up to. My Ag teacher I fondly remember was Mr. Marvin Page at McKinney High School. I remember the very first day of Ag-101 I received extra credit from Mr. Page because I knew who Jerry Clower was. He told Jerry Clower coon hunting stories and recited them perfectly. I sure do miss Mr. Page.

Kelly's Senior Session Sneak Peek!

2010-04-20T12:58:00.002-05:00

Bubblegum Snapshots is 5 fans/likes away from 300!!
On the 300th fan/like I'm giving away a photoshoot to a starving artist/band or an engagment shoot to a rockstar couple. Tattoos are a must! Facebook

The Eyes of Texas Are Upon Us and They Are Blue, Bluebonnets That Is!

2010-04-15T13:32:00.000-05:00

Baby, Baby, Baby OH!

2010-04-12T18:40:00.001-05:00

Spring Has Sprung ~Senior Fever Book Before April 4, 2010 and Save!

2010-03-29T23:45:00.001-05:00

Why You Make Sure To Get To Know Your Wedding Photographer

2010-03-17T23:05:00.000-05:00

This is quite funny for my photo friends, love that the judge knows the lingo!

Senior Fever!

2010-03-16T15:20:00.000-05:00

Here is a few from my senior session with Rockwall Senior Blake, Class of 2010

Royse City Senior Session!

2010-03-15T00:07:00.000-05:00

In keeping with my rededication, I am posting again!

Here are a few pics from a super fun session with Royse City Senior, Kendra class of 2010. Kendra is in FFA and shows hogs so that's how we came up with this!

Club 100

2010-03-11T20:26:00.000-06:00

I have decided that I want to give something back so I thought about charities, organizations I could approach and realized there is always so much awareness there. Then I thought about the forgotten, the looked over, the elderly. I approached a nursing care center to see if I could photograph their residents. I did not know that a company comes to them like they do in schools and they have picture day. They also charge the family alot of money for one photo. The director and I talked some more and she really liked my work after reviewing my webiste. I casually asked the median age of their resident and she said she has some in their 30's and one turning 102 next week! That's when the idea clicked and I began Club 100.

I met Ms. Lala Bell Tawry and was honored to photograph her as she told me about her life. She was born in 1908 in Arkansas.

We can learn so much from these folks if we just take the time. She had seen the prohibition, depression, seen 5 wars, the attack of Pearl Harbor and the Atomic Bombing of Hiroshima. She started work at the age of 12, making $1 a week that supported her mama and 8 brothers and sisters after her dad was arrested for making whiskey during the prohibition. Marriage took her to

West Texas where she worked as a cook, a gardener and a housekeeper on a large ranch while married to her second husband. Her rules for the cowboys: leave the boots outside the door or clean them before entering, no hats at the table, face and hands washed before sitting at the table and good manners are a
must.

She still enjoys a good cup of coffee and lights up when a child is near. What was amazing, was although she had a hard life, I asked her what the happiest time was and she looked up and said "I was always happy"

Weddings!

2010-03-11T15:07:00.000-06:00

Its time to plan for engagement photos or think about selecting that wedding photographer. Here are my a couple of fun ones I did. One at a winery and one on a sailboat!

New Pics

2009-06-01T11:05:00.005-05:00

Ok, sorry I've neglected my blog. I have been so busy lately getting Bubblegum Snapshots up and going. Here are a few of my most recent pics. It's a long one. Enjoy!

Wonka Birthday!

2009-05-05T11:33:00.003-05:00

My daughter turned 8 and wanted a candy party. We became obsessed with Willy Wonka and tried to make it as close as we could. Here are a few pics from the party!

New website!

2009-05-03T23:53:00.003-05:00

Come visit and let me know what you think!

3 Generations

2009-05-03T18:47:00.009-05:00

Tiptoeing Through The..Bluebonnets!

2009-04-26T17:24:00.005-05:00

Happy Earth Day

2009-04-23T07:27:00.003-05:00

Cap & Gown Photos

2009-04-16T20:35:00.002-05:00

Graduation Cap & Gown photos.

Mother's Day Special

2009-04-16T20:19:00.002-05:00

What better way to show mom how much you care than a portrait that she will cherish forever!
Contact me for your session, dates are limited.

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T14:08:00.000-05:00

Miss O

2009-04-12T14:00:00.000-05:00

Looking for Senior Rep

2009-04-08T19:11:00.000-05:00

Leave me a comment if you live in the Rockwall area and would like to be a Senior Rep for Bubblegum Snapshots.

The Girls

2009-04-05T23:52:00.000-05:00

We went looking for camping areas this weekend and found a beautiful state park that we will definitely come back too and it didn't hurt that Mother Nature provided the best background for photos.

Kyler Edited

2009-04-01T19:57:00.000-05:00

Kyler, here is your enhancement preview.

I knew you would want to see them immediately!

Sisterly Love

2009-03-31T10:32:00.000-05:00

We drove down to the lake this weekend and there must be something in the East Texas air, because this is rare-Yes I know I just ryhmed, just call me Dr. Suess, lol!

They actually got along and even posed together for a picture or 2!

I'm Twittering!

2009-03-25T20:20:00.000-05:00

I finally joined Twitter and my first person to follow is Britney! Not quite sure I understand this yet, but if your on twitter come follow me http://twitter.com/photogluvr

New Business Cards

2009-03-23T12:46:00.000-05:00

Keeping with the Blog theme,

I designed my business cards to compliment them, what do you think?

Kyler's Session

2009-03-21T22:19:00.000-05:00

KYLER

Kyler is an aspiring model. He was a natural for the camera.

Brooke's Senior Session

2009-03-20T10:51:00.000-05:00

Ah Yeah, Senior Baby!

Look at those eyes!

One of my very favorite subjects to photograph.

K-Man

2009-03-19T13:24:00.001-05:00

This guy is so cute, I just want to squeeze him. It was really windy that day, but he was a trooper. He's all boy through and through!

Through The Fog

2009-03-19T08:28:00.000-05:00

This is what I get if I'm lucky. I take my camera (s) yes I said cameras with me everywhere I go. After the kids are dropped off I venture down a country road where I see cows, rabbits, birds, you get the idea. Well, when the fog is just right, I happen to capture some great shots. This is one of my favorites.

Miss A

2009-03-19T07:39:00.000-05:00

MISS A

This is Miss A. 10 years old, full of attitutde and life. She wants to do everything and believes she can.

Miss B

2009-03-18T22:24:00.000-05:00

MISS B

Miss B is almost 8. She is 7 and 1/2 according to her. She will officially turn 8 in April.

Miss B was sitting next to me on the couch and I had to take this picture. I admit I did a processing technique in Photoshop. What do you think?