Norah Levine Photography Blog Austin and Santa Fe

Dog Portrait Fun in Austin {Austin Texas Pet and Children Portrait Photographer}

norah — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:17:34 +0000

Meet my new “boyfriend” Eddie–he’s a rockstar dog (terrier mix) here in Austin and I was lucky enough to meet and photograph him with his owners Rebecca and Daniel. The newlywed couple had just moved to a new house and were still getting settled so we decided to photograph in their neighborhood park area. Let me just say that Eddie and I had an instant bond. There was a great deal of jumping, panting, and other displays of excitement which indicated that he was more than excited to meet me. These types on introductions never get old.

Eddie, being the free spirit he is, needed to stay mostly on leash when we were in the park areas, which actually worked out perfectly for the session. The cold temperatures of the day were no match for the efforts of our team as all three of them were complete troopers. This Texas weather seems to change at the drop of a…cowboy hat? I’m learning not to make any final decisions about postponing sessions until I’m actually on location.

We all had a grand time during this session and I loved played around with different posing and locations within the outdoor areas. While I feel that any and all times are excellent for having professional portraits created I honestly feel this was an important time for this young couple to have their portraits created here in Austin with their beloved dog.

Until we meet again, Eddie.

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Norah Levine is an Austin based children portrait photographer and pet photographer. She photographs in homes and on location. She also travels to Santa Fe, New Mexico frequently for sessions. Please view her website for more details www.norahlevinephotography.com

Maternity Portraits with your dog in Austin, Texas {Austin, TX and Santa Fe, NM children and pet photographer}

norah — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 23:32:06 +0000

I recently had the fortune of creating maternity portraits for a couple and their dog here in Austin, Texas. We had a fun outdoor location in mind in Austin, but the weather wasn’t cooperating. As a result, I ended up photographing Ashley and her husband Brad and their genuinely perfect and chocolate lab, Muddy, in their home. Ashley and Brad are expecting their first baby in March and they couldn’t have been more excited to capture this special time in their lives; a time of hope and boundless anticipation. (After all, it won’t be just the three of them for much longer!) The home location, Ashley later expressed to me, was vastly more meaningful and personal to them and shared with me that she was glad we had held the session in that environment.

Brad had purchased his little girl some cowgirl boots and tiny slippers that he wished to incorporate into the session and I gladly collaborated with him on it. I know for a fact that this couple will look at the images taken from this session and remember just how they felt on that day, during that specific time in their lives. That’s powerful to me. I love that they wanted images of their dog with them in their home as they consider her to be part of their family. They know that their home will change throughout the years as will their family and they value having these professional images created for them. I even got to photograph their dog on the red chair that had been in Brad’s family for generations. I know that meant a great deal to him. They invested in several large wall pieces that are now hanging in their home.

So–here’s to Brad, Ashley, and Muddy. Wishing them all the best as they invite their new daughter into their lives, very shortly!

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“We really enjoyed having Norah come into our home and take pictures of our growing family. She is incredibly talented in capturing the personal qualities in our home with the focus still remaining on our family and dog, Muddy. When reviewing our proofs and after purchasing several canvases and prints, we were so glad we decided to host the session at home. We created memories and photos that are very personal to us and that we will treasure for many, many years to come. Norah is an incredibly skilled photographer and we are thrilled with the outcome of this session! “–Ashley and Brad: Austin, Texas

“The Value of Home” Choosing a location for your family portraits {Austin, TX and Santa Fe, NM children and pet photographer}

norah — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 17:30:00 +0000

Choosing a location for your family, children, or pet portraits, is imperative to obtaining the most meaningful and genuine photographs. I specialize in on-location children and pet portrait sessions in Austin, Texas and Santa Fe, New Mexico. By “on location” I mean that I do not currently have a studio wherein clients come to me to have their portrait created on a background using props. Sometimes clients specifically request the look of a seamless background and I am more than happy to accommodate and bring necessary equipment on location.

When a client and I discuss options for location, I always suggest photographing at their home. In-home sessions are more personal than studio sessions and offers a more comfortable environment for everyone–the children, pets and adults. As an on-location photographer I have to transport my equipment to the client, which is a lot of work, but it’s worth it for me to ensure that I am obtaining genuine imagery and capturing honest portraits.

The house never has to be immaculately clean or perfect in order to have a portrait session there. I can always work around toys, etc.! Your home is where you and your loved ones are most comfortable; where many memories are created and where you share in experiences with your loved ones. As time moves forward and surroundings inevitably change, you can view the photographs and immediately access that exact moment in your family’s life. This is powerful.

So when you choose the location for your next portrait session, consider these aspects and ponder the value of having art created in and around your home or at a location that holds strong meaning– wherever that may be at this moment for you.

Here’s to a new year filled with hope, growth, laughter, and holding those we love tightly.

This portrait session was so much fun. I have photographed this family before and the boys certainly remembered me! We had a great time playing around both inside their home and outside in their favorite climbing tree. The energy was fantastic and I adore this family.

Happy Holidays from Norah Levine and her family {Pet photographer, Children Photographer, Austin, Texas and Santa Fe, New Mexico}

norah — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 17:59:35 +0000

My husband and I live in Austin, Texas, along with our little family comprised of 2 dogs and 3 cats. These animals are our family and we love them unconditionally. Our pets give wholeheartedly and ask very little in return.

Let me introduce Ruckus (upper left), our boxer-mix who sports a snazzy underbite and runs the IT department; Fuego (upper right) our fiery little guy who definitely has a special swag and also acts as my PR director; Mika (middle right), our precious princess lab/pit mix who diligently serves as office assistant and accountant; RC (bottom left), our squishy calico in charge of catering (and eating); and Pepe aka Pino, our Abyssinian and Bengal mix in charge of marketing and social media.

Along with lots of hair, these cats and dogs bring me joy. I hope that whomever you have chosen to include in your family that you appreciate them as much as I appreciate my family and loved ones. I am extremely appreciative for all my clients who have chosen to invite me into their lives to photograph their most beloved.

Happy Holidays and Warm Wishes.

Norah

Austin Pet Portrait Session with Elvis! {Pet and Children Photographer, Austin, TX and Santa Fe, NM}

norah — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 17:06:56 +0000

On a recent portrait session in Austin I photographed Iliana, Bill and Elvis- an spritely border terrier with a faux hawk like no other dog in town. What a fun session! Iliana and Bill are a delightful, newly married couple and their dog Elvis has more character that you could imagine. I love his scruffy hair and eyebrows and the way Iliana and Bill stare admiringly into his chocolate brown eyes. We started our session outdoors at the dog park adjacent to their neighborhood. It was a fenced in area and proved to be a delightful spot for images. Iliana and Bill take their dog to this park often and he was obviously in his element there. When I spoke with Iliana about her goals for her session she said that she really wanted the images to portray her life with Bill and Elvis as it is right at this moment… she knows life will change (perhaps a few members will be added) and that Elvis is like a child to them.

We moved the session indoors and photographed the three of them on their living room couch inside their apartment. Since the space was fairly dark and the day was cloudy, I set up my lighting equipment. I love to photograph with natural light, but I also fancy the clean look and versatility of a soft, studio generated light source. After I had my lighting set, I focused my attention on the connection and love being shared.

Thank you for choosing me to photograph your amazing family here in Austin, Iliana and Bill!

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Why am I a photographer? {Children and Pet Photographer, Austin, TX and Santa Fe, NM}

norah — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 16:23:10 +0000

Being a photographer isn’t much of a choice for me. Photography picked ME. (Kind of like all of my adopted dogs and cats did). I fell in love with photography for the magic of it–for the many possibilities to create and connect through my view finder. While the format of photography has changed dramatically from my days of rolling film onto reels, the magic hasn’t changed a bit. Sure, owning a business has its challenges, but I can’t really imagine not creating photographs. As a result of my profession I get to play and interact with incredible children and animals and meet amazing people–even make some new friends. Through that process I have the opportunity to create images that allow my clients to linger in the present moment just a little bit longer–as their new baby coos and drools, as they hold on extra tightly to one another and while their pets gaze longingly into their eyes… this is the magic. Time certainly doesn’t stand still, but artful photographs can certainly help it pause just a little; help us to spend a moment or two reminiscing and feel warm and fuzzy. (For the record, I’m not ashamed of being a warm and fuzzy photographer.) As I work hard to photograph and produce the final artwork for all of my unique clients this holiday season I am most definitley thankful to be part of this magical art form.

The photographs I am sharing today are from a recent portrait session with a dear family in Santa Fe. I loved spending time with them at a park nearby their home as well as capturing images of their beloved pets at their home.

Happy Thanksgiving from Norah

norah — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 18:45:58 +0000

Thanksgiving is a time of year to reflect on family, friends and other elements of life for which we are grateful. While I believe strongly that striving for gratitude should be a daily practice, I will certainly not pass on the opportunity to express my thanks today.

It is difficult for me to make a separation from my personal and professional life because they are so closely linked to one another. This is actually a good thing for me. And so, my list of thanks reflects both.

A few items of thanks:

My family–both furry and non-furry members.
Having a passion for my work; I can’t imagine not pressing the shutter when I see something beautiful through the viewfinder.
The opportunity to work and experience community in two incredible cities–Santa Fe and Austin.
My clients who invite me into their lives to creatively capture what is most important to them.
A husband who encourages me to grow both personally and professionally and does the same for himself.
Mature and new relationships and the experience of connection and joy they both bring.
Inspiring projects that expose me to new perspectives and opportunities.
Oh, and let me not forget: trailer eateries, cheese, laughter, color, red wine and sunshine. (Not necessarily in that order).

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones. May you squeeze everyone extra tightly, just because.

Warmly,

Norah

Sibling Portrait Session {Children Photographer, Austin, TX and Santa Fe, NM}

norah — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 20:19:24 +0000

On a recent family portrait session in Santa Fe I photographed Leah and her two very special daughters, Anna and Greta. It was a gorgeous fall afternoon; a perfect day to spend photographing two giggly sisters and their mom. I had photographed Anna and Greta twice before and I was really looking forward to spending the time with them. I have enjoyed watching them grow (through my viewfinder) into two little ladies with two absolutely distinct personalities. Artfully capturing these sisters as they interact brings me joy–and definitely gives me a case of the giggles. Anna and Greta’s connection reminds me of the close bond between my sister and I. (Except for yesterday when she lovingly told me she was going to “mute me” while we were having a video conference call if I didn’t stop talking). Having the ability to capture these images for not only mom and dad, but also for the children to enjoy as they grow into adulthood really makes me feel good about what I do as a professional photographer.

Photographing Anna and Greta always involves playing. When I arrived to their home Anna was boinging away on her pogo stick and Greta tried to be shy for about a minute and a half before booting a soccer ball across the yard. Even Jack, their sweet dog has been warming up to me. After spending some time at their home both outdoors and also indoors, we headed to an area I had spotted on my ride to their house; a space nearby where the trees just oozed with fall color and the afternoon light was exquisite. I love the warm feeling of the late afternoon light and the way the girls seemed to fit perfectly into the scene with their contrasting purple dresses.
I could spend days photographing Anna and Greta. I am incredibly thankful to be invited me back to their home again and again.

Portraits of actress Ali MacGraw and shelter puppies for New Mexico Magazine {Austin and New Mexico Portrait Photographer}

norah — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:56:39 +0000

When the art director for New Mexico Magazine contacted me to ask if I were interested in photographing actress and local Santa Fean Ali MacGraw for a feature in their December issue I was extremely thrilled and of course, had to jump at the opportunity. As a strong supporter of the animal welfare community in New Mexico I was fully aware of Ali MacGraw’s supportive efforts of the animal organizations there. I met her for the first time during our shoot I have to say that she was delightful and completely accomodating.

She wanted her portrait to remain focused on the animals and I hope the final images chosen for the article clearly depict her pure love and admiration for them. Since it is one of her favorite “Secret” places in Santa Fe, I photographed Ali at the Santa Fe Shelter with a collection of shelter puppies. When Ali arrived, she was clearly ready to dive into the fun and immediately got comfortable on the floor to await the puppy love. Needless to say, there were some chaotic moments with the pile of pups–but based on my experience I completely expected it!

Special thanks to Ben Swan and the Santa Fe Animal Shelter staff for being so helpful and accommodating. (And of course for all of the work they do!)

This Cat’s Meow {Pet photographer, Austin, TX}

norah — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 14:13:49 +0000

I was recently asked to photograph Molly— a stunningly beautiful white cat, for the 2012 Austin Humane Society Alumni Calendar. Molly was adopted from the Austin Humane Society by her owners who absolutely adore her. This cat is not only exquisite to gaze upon and photograph with her gorgeous white coat and her multi-colored eyes, but also has a very sweet demeanor. I photographed Molly at her home in Austin and upon entering the door I immediately noticed the gorgeous dining room table and luscious green painted walls. The light was soft and subtle and I loved the way the green of the background accentuated her greenish-yellow eye.

I’ve been a professional pet photographer for several years now. The opportunities for commissioned photographs of cats have been fewer than dogs for some reason. I love the different challenges that arise when working with cats, as well as having the chance to bond with these unique animals. I adore cats (I have three!) and appreciated being asked to photograph Molly.

I extend much gratitude to the Austin Humane Society for their tremendous support for the animals and the community here in Austin and beyond. Please support THEM by purchasing 2012 calendars!