Amarillo Texas Photographer Bethany Fields

I've MOVED!!! | Amarillo Texas Photographer

Please visit my NEW BLOG for all further postings!!!  So excited for a new chapter!

 

New blog located at www.bethanyfieldsblog.com - 

 

 

XXXOOO | Amarillo Texas Photographer

From the rooftop.

High above looking down.

Seeing new things.

New reasons to smile.

Wondering about these game players.

And thinking of the time they had.

So glad there is room in this messy world for play.

And for hidden secrets meant for lofty places.

Stapp Family | Amarillo Texas Photographer

There were little shoes on the front stoop - freshly thrown off and tossed aside.  I rang the door and grinned as little children peeked through the windows, giggled and then quickly hid.  Dad answered the door looking dapper.  I stepped into this beautiful home and was greeted as warmly as if I was an old friend.  This beautiful mother came hurrying down the stairs and hugged me.  They were so excited and getting ready.  "How are our outfits?" she asked and then invited me into their closets to look through his and her shirts.  We talked it over, her cheeks flushed.  They looked over at each other and laughed.

I told them while they finished I'd go ahead and start by getting to know the boys...they were outside by now, playing with wagons and trucks.  I got my gear and went searching for boys.  I found one of them.  He was so so lovable.  I mean, really.  

Older brother was playing in the front. He was just as lovable in a more grown up and mature way, of course.  And talk about handsome....!! With this age, they are beginning to be inhibited....feeling out new situations a bit more carefully.  They also love to talk about anything gross (well, boys do anyway) or to do with spiderman, batman or ironman.  Having two boys of my own, I am a legit source of knowledge regarding all things gross and superhero.  

And then the light became magical and we had to get this:

And THEN when mom and dad were ready, we all came together.  This is a very classic "pose" for me - placing individuals in a certain location and then letting something happen.  Even if it's silly and fun:

Of course you also need to get a classic family shot:

And then, when you live in a fabulous neighborhood with huge trees and parks within walking distance, you must go there.

And then (duh) you must walk down the street and get some action shots.  

And then when kids start getting tired and it's time to wind down, you can get some sweet and dare I say lovable shots of sweet little boys.  

And I couldn't resist their gorgeous, gorgeous, beautiful home as a backdrop.  I love their American flag. And before you start asking yourself "where'd they get that carazy cool swirly thing above their door?" just know that that is a photoshopped smudged out address for privacy reasons... ;)

I have been anxious to blog this session ever since this day.  I loved meeting them and becoming friends - their sweet little boys who acted just like boys should and ending the evening with hugs and "see you soons."  My very favorite type of session is just like this.  Meeting warm and endearing people and falling in love with their love for each other.  Today I feel blessed.  

 

P.S.  Want some photos like this?  Don't forget to enter my photo giveaway!  Details here.  

Goals | Amarillo Texas Photographer

Tricky little things they are.  Last night I sat down while the Mr. was watching the big game on TV.  I had my pad of paper, my calendar, my computer and a pen.  I tallied up last year in neat little bullet points and verbage.   Analyzing the year in my head,  I tried to dissect the months into two columns:  What Worked and What Didn't.  It's harder than you think.  Luckily, the "What Didn't" list was shorter than the other and for that I am grateful.  BUT.  I think the "What Didn't" list actually taught me more.  

I read once that the most successful MBA's will state that the key to success is written goals.   I'm no MBA (woop! to all the BFA's out there!) but I think it's a good idea.  Written goals force focus and give you a mindset of what you would like to accomplish.  They become a tuning fork for the mind and heart.  They force you to stretch in new directions, grow in others.  Maybe even stop going in one direction and start in another.  

So for 2011 we have a new list.  A new set of bullet points.  Only time will tell if I accomplish even half of them.  Some of them are business goals, some personal, some for our family, some for just me, some for my spiritual growth, some for my health and well-being, some for fun and some for necessity.    I do know that it feels great to dream up and set my eyes and heart towards something.  And yes, I'll save the cheesey "Let's GO TEAM FIELDS!!!" til the end.  

Yesterday

My purse is littered with dark sunglasses, clear lipgloss and crumpled kleenexes.  My feet are sore from wearing my cute black heels all day.  My mind wanders to the last time we talked.  I know I told you I loved you, I hope I said it more than once.

When they talked of your military history and service, how when you were captured and imprisoned, the words washed over me like familiar water.  Stories that I'd heard all my life, sitting at your feet.  I would look at you and try to imagine youth upon your face.  I can hear you saying the words so matter-of-factly....not dramatically or heroically.  Your words were always humble and even though the things you described were too much for my child's mind to imagine, I still knew you were a hero.  

When we pulled up to the graveside and I saw the men and women standing at attention waiting to carry you, the tears rolled.  I told Russell I hoped those servicemen knew why they were there.  I hoped they knew your story.  I wanted them to know who they were honoring with their guns and bugles.  

It was cold outside but clear and not windy.  We gathered with aunts and uncles and sisters.  Cousins and friends.  The laughter came easier then as different stories were told.   I thought, "this is the first time I've been with these people without you here" and that came bitter.  Then when photo albums were pulled out with pictures of people  I loved, my eyes searched the faces.  I wanted to see an expression I remembered, a look I adored.   Your smile and laughter were present and your eyes sparkled with intelligence and wit.  When the sun set and it was time to go, we gathered up our children.  They cried as we left, wanting to play with their cousins who had become friends.  

It was dark when we drove home.  Russell reached over and held my hand and patted my arm and it felt safe to cry then.  Tears of loss and remorse and joy and hope and longing and remembering and heartache and sorrow and beauty and truth and most of all Love.  You were an American hero, a WWII veteran, a B-17 pilot, a former Prisoner of War, a man who returned.  But you were also just Grandpa...the one who made me feel special and loved and pretty.  You were good with your hands, could grow and fix anything.  Your grumpy demeanor was like soft pudding.  Your calloused  hands were gentle and warm.  Your eyes twinkled when you teased and you made really good popcorn.  You were the hardest working man I've ever known who gave all not only to your country, but to your family.  And just like a good story worth telling, yours is full of goodness, kindness, mercy and love.  And will be told and retold again and again.