Black & White Archives - Tamytha Cameron Photography

THE 150 BEST PHOTOS OF 2017

January 5, 2018 • Tamytha Cameron •

Happy New Year friends! I just realized as I was going over all my photos from the past year to choose these very special 150 that this is my 6th year to do this! That makes me so happy! I do want to say that this is a totally subjective grouping in that these are my favorites… and have not been chosen by voting, or an impartial panel or anything even remotely like that. Some of the photos were taken by my daughter Celeste, which I must note because darn it I didn’t get to go to New Zealand where a couple of these were taken. I love every one of my clients and every wedding, event and portrait session is so important to me. But there is something about certain photos that just jump out at you, either aesthetically, or emotionally, or compositionally… and sometimes because of what they represent or say. And every year I do this it gets harder… I mean to tell you it’s difficult to choose just 150 out of over 100,000 photos. This is just something I do to reflect over my past year of work and to celebrate my clients and to celebrate creativity! A lot of lot of love went into each and every one of these photos and it was such a joy and honor to work with each of you and to be a part of your lives in this way. Here’s to more photo adventures in 2018!

THE BEST OF 2014

January 24, 2015 • Tamytha Cameron •

The intention was to have this post up and running the first week of January… but alas… crazy life got in the way and now January is almost over. Nevertheless I said I was going to do a “Best of 2014” blog post so here it is… and the old words ring true… better late than never! It is always a challenge and a joy to choose my favorite photos from a year of my work. I put my heart into every photo so there is a little something of me in every one… These 125 photos were chosen from a pared down pool of about 20,000 photos. I can’t always explain why I love a photo… suffice it to say that sometimes it’s simply aesthetics, sometimes meaning, and sometimes it is something personal… no matter the why I hope you enjoy these photos as much as I do.

THE GORGEOUS GOODMAN FAMILY

November 19, 2013 • Tamytha Cameron •

Recently I had the privilege of photographing Christy and Michael Goodman and their lovely little girls Mira and Anna in their home. Photographing clients in their homes is something I’ve recently started doing and I’m really loving it. It is so much fun and such an honor to meet clients where they live every day, as you really get a sense of who they are and their unique personality is revealed in their surroundings. The things we love and display and the places we share with the people we love are sacred… and it is in these places that we are the most ourselves. The Goodmans have a beautiful home, and they are such a loving connected family. I had so much fun with them and I think it translated into their images. Not only are they gorgeous and photogenic, they are pretty accomplished as well… Christy is a Star Director with Stella and Dot, one of the fastest growing companies in the US right now, and Michael is an attorney. They are a very busy couple with two energetic growing girls and a dog… and I’m just glad they were able to make time to take some family Christmas photos because I am pretty crazy about these images.

The morning started when I met Michael in front of the courthouse for a photo intended for his professional website. In addition to being an attorney, he is a restorer of classic cars and a real enthusiast, which I think is great… I think we should all have things in life we really love… it’s these things that make life richer. He thought it would be cool to do a photo with one of his favorite cars, which once belonged to his grandmother… how cool is that? It is very cool, and midnight blue.

We made our way from the courthouse to their home where I got to see another car that Michael is working on… a very cool black one with a very loud engine… a man and his cars… so classically American. So I couldn’t resist snapping a few photos in the garage before we started with the family.

We transitioned seamlessly from classic cars to scooters… and I got some great shots of Mira and Anna on theirs. It brought back so many memories of my girls and their scooters. These little girls are full of personality and so adorable…

Who doesn’t remember that feeling of being a kid and wanting to show company your room? Well I certainly do. Mira and Anna were more than keen to share theirs and who could blame them? What bright, colorful, cheerful spaces! Mira chose aqua for her room… and she is partial to mermaids… and Anna chose sunny yellow. Perfect for these two! I have to admit I suggested the jumping on Mira’s bed… but their mom Christy supervised…

I have to confess that I just love these family photos… these people are so connected… and so lovely together. They are happy and it shows. As usual I asked Christy and Michael how they met… and they met when Michael was gigging with a band. That is a great story… both were out of college and starting their lives. I am guessing there was instant chemistry between them because quite obviously something between them was and is very right…. and now this couple is a family of four. You will notice a beautiful musical instrument in the background in some of these family photos… which I thought was a cello but is actually a bass guitar. When I asked about it I was told that Michael has many guitars… so in addition to being an attorney and car enthusiast, he is also a musician. The beautiful piece of art over the fireplace, that I noticed right away, was created by a friend of Christy’s. In the shot with the table, the wonderful light fixture was chosen by their decorator because Christy had been inspired by something she had previously seen, and the figures on top of the hutch were chosen by Michael from their travels… it’s these details that make these rooms uniquely a Goodman family rooms.

I have traditionally been an outdoor photo girl… and as much as I love these images of the Goodmans in their home, I have to say that these images we took behind their home in the great outdoors are my favorite. Oh my but they are so beautiful… if I do say so myself…

CRYSTAL AND DREW: SO HAPPY TOGETHER

November 4, 2013 • Tamytha Cameron •

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Crystal and Drew McDonald are such a beautiful couple… and the way they are together is just so lovely… kind, sweet and romantic. I tend to ask clients a lot of questions… mainly because I love hearing their stories… and I feel like it helps us connect and helps me do a better job capturing their particular essence… their own light. Drew and Crystal have a very distinct light about them… as you can plainly see in these images. They met in Lubbock, where he spied her working in a bank… and made sure the next time he saw her he struck up a conversation. I mean really, who could blame him? He is undoubtedly a smart man. This assumption on my part was confirmed when I admired Crystal’s Kate Spade watch and she told me that Drew had looked at her Pinterest Board and found that she had pinned it and knew it would make the perfect gift… what did I tell you? Smart, smart man… I had also been admiring Crystal’s beautiful ring, which Drew also picked out.There’s nothing like a man with great taste who treats the woman in his life well. They have been married almost three years and this is their first photo session since their wedding. The way the camera loves these two… they are going to have to make this happen more than once every three years!

I just love this shot… these two are just striking together… a beautiful woman and a handsome guy… and a killer red nail color doesn’t hurt.

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Drew was more than willing to get into the spirit of the shoot… also a very endearing quality… and the way they looked at each other just made these shots!

I have been wanting to so a shot like this for a while… but haven’t gotten around to it… and in a way I am glad because it’s just perfect for these two.

Crystal and Drew wanted to use one of these images for Christmas cards and I was inspired to tap into my non-existent crafty side and make them a MERRY CHRISTMAS banner for their shoot… and let me tell you folks, this may not happen again!

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We were blessed for this shoot with a lovely cloudy day which tends to make colors pop… I’m pretty crazy about all this vibrant green. It is the perfect backdrop for these two.

I have a thing for green things… the outdoors… meandering pathways…and bridges. Obviously these two have a thing for each other.

I know it can be seen as somewhat cliche’… but I don’t care… I love trees. They are beautiful and solid and their roots run deep, and that is a perfect metaphor for Crystal and Drew who are so obviously happy together. I have only known these two for a short time, but I can tell that we are going to be friends. They are entrepreneurial as well as fun and work with a wonderful company called Carpet Tech. If you need cleaning or repair to any of your home’s carpet’s they are the ones to call. It is always wonderful to work with local businesses and with good people that come with the recommendation of a friend! They are the best kind of people… real.

I just loved getting to know you two! I had so much fun on this session and I hope you love these images as much as I do! I’m going to close this post wishing everyone a beautiful upcoming Christmas season… especially you two Drew and Crystal! xo

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THE STUNNING WHITEMAN FAMILY

October 31, 2013 • Tamytha Cameron •

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David, Exa and Bailey Whiteman are really beautiful people… and I know this can sound trite, but they really are equally beautiful within. They are one of my favorite families to photograph because we always have fun and also probably because the images always turn out to be stunning. They are just photogenic, that’s all there is to it. Also… David’s sister Cathy is one of my very best friends… and their whole wonderful extended family is in many ways like my family so when we are together it is always a joy. David is a very talented musician and singer and has his own band, The David Whiteman Band. I’ve photographed the band on a couple of occasions and let me tell you they are fabulous! You really have to experience them for yourself… they can really engage a crowd and raise the roof in the best possible way! He is also a Firefighter at Dallas Fire Rescue… and firefighters have always been among my heroes. Exa is a Director at AT&T and is a busy, stylish career woman and mom, who loves to run and play golf… and Bailey is definitely the star of their show. She has obviously inherited her mother’s beauty and her Dad’s talent. They are such a loving family and I think it really shows in these images. The way David looks at Exa is pretty amazing for a married couple, isn’t it ladies? I mean… wow.

I did two separate sessions with this family and boy was it worth it. The first was on a rather warm, ok uncomfortably hot… summer day… and the second was on an absolutely gorgeous fall afternoon with golden light. We shot during that magic afternoon hour, right before the sun goes down that makes everyone look lovely… although these three don’t really need any help in that department.

It was a special second shoot for another reason as well, because Exa’s sister Tiffany and her adorable baby Dallas came along for some shots as well. He is so cute that you just want to immediately pick him up and kiss him and squeeze him… I defy you to look at these images and tell me you don’t agree.

Everyone had so much fun playing with Dallas… and when Uncle David played airplane with him, Bailey had to get in on the action too… and the images are priceless. I like almost nothing better than photographing happy couples, families, extended families and friends experiencing joy and laughter… and when you catch it on film it’s like gold.

I took the Whiteman’s to one of my favorite little spots with wispy grass and great light… lovely spot for a lovely family…

Bailey is so sweet with her cousin Dallas… and these images are some of my favorites… the colors, the light and the tenderness between them make these photos special.

I’m already looking forward to the next chance I get to photograph these friends again. Thanks David, Exa, Bailey, Tiffany and Baby Dallas for a really wonderful afternoon… one of my favorite sessions ever!

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MASCULINE PORTRAITS: DAVE GUNBY

October 4, 2013 • Tamytha Cameron •

Dave is a good friend and a really great guy. I met him in yoga class where our friendship started around a mutual love of yoga. Dave is a professional guy, he owns a company called Mindimensions, he has two amazing kids, and a lovely girlfriend. He enjoys golf and hiking, watching football, and he really likes Ted.com. He also has a dry and witty sense of humor, and in my opinion is a really wise person who gives great advice. Despite all these sterling qualities, the man was, like many of you out there, in need of some new photos for LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. This is something so many people need to do periodically… update your online presence with fresh, flattering images. Well I may be a bit biased, but I truly think this tall, kind man is pretty darn photogenic.

I really love introducing color into my portraits, and find I have an affinity for crisp, bright, vibrant images. This blue wall was perfect for Dave’s eyes… although I know guys would never admit to caring for such things.

It’s sometimes hard to get guys comfortable in front of the camera, but Dave was very much at ease, and I think this is evident in his photos. He is a thinking man, a cerebral man… although he is a man of action as well as contemplation. I think his depth shows in these images.

I love the fact that we were able to get good indoor and outdoor shots… and that Dave has such an expressive face. Steely seriousness and a wide smile that is joy personified almost interchangeable at a moments notice.

This last image is one of Dave’s favorites, and I think it’s the perfect photo of a man making his way in the world.

PRECIOUS BABY ELOISE

September 14, 2013 • Tamytha Cameron •

Celeste recently shot this sweet family, Brooks and Kristina Norman, and their very new little bundle of joy… Eloise Slade. I came along on the shoot because two brainstorming creative heads are always better than one, and I got to spend time with my girl as well. Brooks answered the door of their home with Baby Eloise in hand… and I mean that almost literally as her perfect little head fits perfectly in his big man hand. We spent some time visiting with Brooks and Eloise before Kristina came down and it was obvious that Dad is totally smitten with his little girl. There is really nothing sweeter than a masculine guy with a baby… wouldn’t you agree?

Brooks, Kristina and Eloise are such a beautiful family. Eloise is their first born and the connection between the three of them is a wonderful thing to behold.

Kristina had collected some cute vintage suitcases and we just had to incorporate them into Baby Eloise’s first photo shoot.

Every girly little sweetie needs a tutu… I mean that goes without saying. Eloise wears hers well.

It’s those connections between people who love each other that makes what we do so worthwhile. These are the kinds of photos that will be in families for years to come. It is always an honor to be a part of people’s milestone moments like these… and it is always a reminder of what really matters. So glad my daughter and I get to work on these kinds of projects together. In this case she shoots and I edit and we create something meaningful.

It is so apparent that Brooks is completely enamored with his lovely wife and adorable little girl. I think you three have a beautiful adventure ahead with Eloise Slade! Enjoy every moment! Celeste and I wish you every happiness and we just loved working with you.

THE WONDERFUL WENZEL FAMILY

September 12, 2013 • Tamytha Cameron •

The Wenzels are such a vibrant, fun, loving family. When I think of them I think of vivid colors, creativity and happiness. I have known Kelly for some time as we connected through Stella and Dot and I truly don’t think there is anything the woman can’t do or accomplish. She is a bundle of creative energy… determination… and love for her family. I have photographed both of her children’s birthday parties this past year and I will be blog posting about those in the future because they were so adorable, but today I want to focus on her family session that we shot at the Shops at Legacy near Mother’s Day. Kelly wanted to do a session that involved both her mom and her husband Brent’s mom and of course the kids, Cooper and Hadley. I thought this was such a lovely idea because let’s face it… where would we be without our moms? The legacy of love is passed down through generations and what better way to commemorate this than with some lovely photos?

Just to prove that great creative minds think alike Kelly and I showed up that day in the same fun print from the Gap… what are the odds? They do say birds of a feather flock together.

This may sound a bit crazy, but there is a blue wall at the Shops at Legacy that I just love and it was perfect for this family who is the farthest thing from blue!

It’s always so much fun for me to capture connections between people who love each other… whether it is a family like this, a couple, or a wedding party. The best thing is when you have repeat clients like Kelly and you form a friendship and you see their family grow.

There is nothing like a little ice cream to round out a perfect photo session! How absolutely perfect is this family? I joked with Kelly that the J Crew catalogue had nothing on them… and that is a high compliment coming from me as I love J Crew. This lady has style and it spills over and translates to her adorable family and everything she touches… but even more importantly Kelly has a huge heart.

I had so much fun with you guys! I can’t wait for the Christmas photos!

BERNICE AND KEVIN’S ROMANTIC EVENING WEDDING

August 14, 2013 • Tamytha Cameron •

Celeste and I first met Bernice and Kevin last November at a Starbuck’s on the referral of a photographer friend who had taken their engagement photos, but was going to be unable to do the wedding. I could tell right away that Kevin adored Bernice… and any man who knows how to treat a woman well is a good man indeed and deserving of respect. We talked about who they were as a couple, as I usually do with my couples, and it came into the conversation that something they shared was a love of extreme sports… skydiving being one. I thought that was fabulous! And although you couldn’t pry me from the door of a plane with the jaws of life… I do consider myself an adventurer at heart so I knew that I was going to get along great with this couple!

I blogged some time ago about Bernice’s beautiful bridals which we took in downtown Dallas, and if you would like to see those you can find them here on the blog. Bernice is a tall dark haired beauty and an absolute joy to photograph… and I love the way she calls Kevin “Amor.” Speaking of lovely ladies, I want to get started with the images Celeste and I took of the girls getting ready before the ceremony. They are aways some of my favorites because they are so intimate and joyful.

Their ceremony was held at Ashton Gardens on a cold December evening, with all of their family members by their side. There is a lot of love between these people… and by that I mean their entire families… and Bernice’s parents were evidently still very much in love… anyone would have thought that they were the bridal couple the way her dad looked at her mom. In fact one of my favorite photos from the day depicts one of those moments. The following photos were taken right before the ceremony, of Bernice and her brothers, of the bride taking in the moments before she takes that amazing walk down the aisle, of the bride’s dad practicing the lifting of the veil, of Kevin and his daughters, and the couple praying together around a corner so that the Kevin didn’t see Bernice before the ceremony.

It was a rare opportunity for us at this wedding to shoot from the altar, which we are rarely able to do. The bride’s father was the officiant at the ceremony making it even more meaningful… and there was truly a glow around everyone involved that night.

The reception was beautiful, and filled with laughter. The room was lit with chandeliers and candles, the food was delicious, and the photo booth was a hit… especially with Kevin’s adorable daughter!

Kevin and Bernice… I have feeling for you two the romance is going to go on and on.

JACQUELYN AND STEPHEN’S ELEGANT AND CLASSIC DALLAS WEDDING

August 11, 2013 • Tamytha Cameron •

I first met Jacquelyn and Stephen at their beautiful home… newly designed and built by the amazing Moore Design + Build team. In fact it was one of these gentlemen who referred me to Jacquelyn and I am so glad that he did. To say that they are a stunning couple would be an understatement, and they are charming and easy to talk to as well. We started talking and a couple hours later I knew that what this couple wanted were simple, elegant wedding photographs that would capture the day that was so important to them and their families.

They had planned an elegant ceremony and celebration of the joining of two lives for Saturday, May 18th, and there was so much love and respect between this couple and their entire families that my job was going to be a joy. From the evening of their rehearsal dinner at the Zodiac Room downtown I saw the love between Jacquelyn and Stephen and it was an honor as it always is to hear friends and family talk about the couple and how much they mean to them. The ceremony was held the next day at a beautiful Catholic Church with a gorgeous sanctuary.

Before we get to the actual ceremony however, I have to share some images that are among Celeste and I’s favorites… taken before the ceremony at the Maid of Honor’s apartment, Jacquelyn’s sister, Leah. By the way, talk about a truly beautiful family, Jacquelyn, her mom Tina Marie, and her sister Leah quite evidently share the same gorgeous genes… and these ladies are not just beautiful, but stylish as well… and as you will see they certainly know how to choose their dancing shoes.

Now on to their lovely ceremony…

The reception was actually the first to be held on the roof of the Wyly Theater in downtown Dallas. The Dallas skyline made a beautiful backdrop for what turned out to be a fabulous party. The Walton Stout Band had everyone on their feet and the energy and fun in the room were palpable! Dayme Mullins Walther, their amazing planner, had everything running as smoothly as silk and the catering by Wolfgang Puck Caterers was delicious. I’m going to let the images speak for themselves, but I will say that Celeste and I both agreed that their reception was one of the most fun we had ever attended. One of the absolute highlights of the evening was the dabke, a dance of Lebanese origin, that the bride was excellent at leading. Everyone joined in and had such a great time and it brought so much joy and energy to the reception! We watched the couple exit the theater at 1 AM to a shower of rose petals and I think I can safely say that a wonderful time was had by all!

My wish for you Jacquelyn and Stephen is that you will always be as happy as you were on this day!