love 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 PATRICK FAMILY

December 12, 2014 • Tamytha Cameron •

This is the season for wonderful family portraiture… and I am more than thrilled to share my session with the Patrick Family. I went to high school with Rob, and we reconnected as so many friends do, through Facebook. I have wanted to photograph his family ever since I saw photos of his romantic marriage proposal to Alisha in a hot air balloon. The way he speaks of her on Facebook and in person is so lovely… and one of the things I most admire in a man is his ability to love a woman well. Alisha and Rob and I had a long conversation over coffee about life and family before our session and I can assure you they are as beautiful on the outside as they are on the inside. Rob is also an excellent father to his son Carson, which is very evident in these photos… their father and son camaraderie is a really wonderful thing to watch. Rob, Alisha and Carson are a joy to spend time with and I think it shows in these images. I think family photos are so precious and so important for creating our legacy for those we love.

Speaking of love… these two are pretty romantic together… and you all know how I love photos of love.

Is there anything more heartwarming than a father and son who have that special bond and who just love being together?

This family has so much fun together… and their spirit of fun was contagious!

Rob, Alisha and Carson you three were a joy to work with! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone!

RACHEL AND BEN’S ROMANTIC JUNE WEDDING

July 18, 2014 • Tamytha Cameron •

Rachel and Ben tied the knot in a lovely June ceremony at Marie Gabrielle in downtown Dallas under a beautiful canopy of trees. Every detail was the epitome of style and down-to-earth prettiness… words aren’t really sufficient. Rachel was certainly one of the most beautiful brides I’ve ever seen and Ben made such a handsome groom. Surrounded by family and friends it was more than evident that as the adorable card on each chair said, “true love is a big deal.” This couple met at Texas Tech and it wasn’t long before Ben knew that Rachel was the one for him. They are so sweet and easy together and it’s a joy to watch, and if anyone near them might have lost hope in true love… odds are they will make you believe again. The group dressed for the big day at the Stoneleigh Hotel, a gorgeous 1923 Art Deco building which was the perfect backdrop for the photos of one of my favorite parts of the day. I have to say that I have shot quite a few wedding dresses, but this dress shot is my favorite one to date.

The girls definitely weren’t the only ones putting on their finest. Over in the guys’s space the proper way to tie a bow tie was proving to be a bit of a challenge. Notice the monogrammed bow ties that each groomsman is wearing… these are the kind of details that make a wedding so special. There is something very ceremonial about the putting on of the wedding dress… and something so nurturing about the way women come together to care for one another at these times…

The gray bridesmaid dresses that Rachel chose from BHLDN are so ethereal, and perfectly complement her Vera Wang dress that she had altered to her specifications.

I am always jazzed about shooting outdoor ceremonies, being an outdoor enthusiast myself, and this one did not disappoint. Details like the eucalyptus, fern and jasmine chandelier that hung above Rachel and Ben when they said their vows, the sprigs of lavender tied to the aisle chairs, and the soft guitar music playing in the background were so lovely and created the perfect serene environment for a wedding. There are few things prettier than crisp white chairs in a green space. All the stationary for the wedding set the tone for the day and the cards and fans on the chairs added just the right personal touch.

The stage was well and truly set for two people to join their lives together before witnesses…

After the exchange of vows and an amazing kiss, Mr. and Mrs. Taylor stole away to cool off before the group shots…

And then the time had come for food and conviviality held in Marie Gabrielle’s beautiful space… everyone just basked in the love that was overflowing, and I think it’s safe to say that a wonderful time was had by all.

And of course there was dancing… and more dancing. If you want to know the truth of someone’s heart, watch them when they are dancing.

As exits go, this one was spectacular… sparklers and smiles all around as Rachel and Ben headed off to Italy. Really… it couldn’t have been more perfect. Bella… absolutely bella. We wish you every joy!

Lighting: Astounding Sounds / Music: The Revolvers / Flowers & Centerpieces: Kate Foley Designs / “Guest book” painting: Custom, Simone (New Orleans) / Hair & Makeup: Fairy Godmother Bridal & Kate Rodriguez of The Rodriguez Salon / Bridesmaid Dresses: BHLDN / Bridesmaid Earrings: Stella & Dot / Calligraphy (invitations & seating chart): Nicole Black of The Left Handed Calligrapher / Ceremony & Reception Venue: Marie Gabrielle / Wedding Dress: Vera Wang w/ custom alterations / Bride’s Earrings: Gurhan from Ylang23 / Bride’s Shoes: Givenchy / Cakes: Frosted Art / Programs, Sparkler Sleeves & Matchbooks: Sue Corral from Design Corral (online) / Small Business Cards w/ App info: DIY using Makr app / Groom & Groomsmen Tuxes: Culwell and Sons / Groom & Groomsmen Custom Bow Ties: Great Knots (online @greatknots.com) / Bride & Bridesmaids Robes: Gap Body / Hotel: The Stoneleigh / Wedding Planner: Amanda Connolly from After Yes / Photography: Tamytha Cameron Photography

BECCA AND GREG’S LOVELY FEBRUARY WEDDING

May 16, 2014 • Tamytha Cameron •

Becca and Greg are one of those couples who have eyes only for each other. They are so sweet and romantic together that it almost feels like you are intruding when you are photographing them at close range. I had never met Greg before I shot their engagements, but when I observed how this quiet young man treated Becca and the way he looked at her, I formed a great respect for him very quickly. They had their February wedding at the chapel at Prestonwood Baptist Church, which was very appropriate as they both went to Prestonwood Christian Academy and met and dated there for many years. Their lovely and love filled reception was held at Gleneagles Country club.

We always love photographing the girls getting ready for the day… there is something about the way women tend one another that is just so beautiful… the way Becca’s bridesmaids, her sister, future sister-in-laws, and friends help her dress is the perfect picture of female friendship. Women are so nurturing… and I love capturing it with my camera. Also… we must pay homage to Becca’s beautiful shoes!

Not every couple chooses to do a first look, but Becca and Greg did. Becca told us that she wouldn’t be easy about her day until she had seen Greg, and that once she did, her day would be made. This was such a beautiful and private moment that it almost seemed a sacrilege to be there…

The Ceremony was beautiful and meaningful and one charming detail is that right as Becca moved up the stairs to join Greg she lost her shoe… and it pretty much stayed off until the end of the ceremony when Greg helped her back into it and down the stairs and back down the aisle. 🙂

After the I Do’s and the kiss everyone is pretty aflutter with excitement… and after hearty congratulations all around, it’s time for some group photos.

And now on to the reception… the softly candlelit room, the grand entrance by the couple, the first dance of the couple and the bride dancing with her father… and the long held tradition of the cake cutting. Notice that in addition to the beautiful bride’s cake, the groom’s cake honors Becca and Greg’s Alma Mater, Baylor University and the Baylor Bears.

Those of you familiar with our work know we love photographing the dancing at the reception… I mean who doesn’t love a good party?! It has to be said also that Greg’s mom is a pretty great dancer as the first two photos in this set attest… and the garter removal and toss had everyone laughing! Best of all the night ended with a rousing rendition of Don’t Stop Believin’ with everyone singing along!

Becca and Greg exited the reception in a cloud of bubbles and well wishes. It was an honor and a joy to capture your special day you two! Anniversary Shoot next February we hope!

IT’S ALL ABOUT BABY WILLIAM

December 15, 2013 • Tamytha Cameron •

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I had the privilege of photographing Karen and Shea for their couple’s maternity session… you guys may remember them as I blogged about it not too long ago. They are such a sweet and easy going couple who laugh so much together and they are truly a joy to be around. We did the session pretty close to Karen’s due date and she was really the epitome of the glowing mom-to-be.

The session is one that will always be a favorite because of the laughter and because the images are so full of love. Their sweet baby boy, William Braxton, was born on November 23 weighing 9 1/2 pounds. He is so beautiful… as are the three of them together… and I was super lucky as we split this session into two parts so we could photograph Baby William with both mom and dad. I honestly could have done three more sessions and been happy as a clam… and looking at these images you will see why! That little face just makes you want to swoon…

The thing that is so apparent when you are with Karen and Shea is their happiness… and humor is just a part of their home and the laughter just bubbles over so easily. We had so much fun and I learned a thing or two from them… William is going to grow up in a happy household. Shea is very good at imitating the facial expressions and gestures of his son, as you will see… and I am told that Baby William is the spitting image of Shea at that age so that makes sense… and to add to that William can look forward to inheriting his dad’s amazing hair. Oh… and please notice the Charlie Brown Christmas tree in the background of some of these photos… so cute… it’s in the details you know. The main thing you can’t help but soak up when you look through these images is the love and the joy that these three feel together… and it is such a privilege to catch something like that on film. It’s why I do what I do.

Let’s return again to the subject of that adorable little face…

I think one of the few things sweeter in life than a precious little baby is a precious little baby in the masculine hands of their father…

I could talk about Baby William all day… but I must also mention Nellie, their dog, who is most certainly a part of this family and she is adjusting very well. You may have noticed in the maternity session photos that William had a little turkey hat perched on his mom’s tummy… because he was to be born so close to Thanksgiving… well he also has a little football hat and he wasn’t very amenable to wearing it for his photo session…

Karen, Shea and Baby William I can’t wait to photograph your growing family through the years… you’re not going to be able to get rid of me you know. Happy joyful 2014… as if you could have any other kind. 🙂

OUR ANNUAL PHOTOS… HIGH HEELS, BOOTS AND A LOT OF CONFETTI

December 2, 2013 • Tamytha Cameron •

Every year for the last 17 years my two daughters and I have had an annual Christmas photo session. We started this when we moved to Dallas from Athens, a small town in East Texas, and it has become one of our most important traditions. In many ways these photos tell the story of our lives through the years here in Dallas and mark and celebrate our connection to one another. Though I am am photographer, and so now is my oldest daughter Celeste… obviously we cannot take the photos ourselves… so that’s where our dear friend Linda Stringer comes in. She takes the photos and control freak that I am… I edit them. She is such a trooper and she has the patience of Job… as I can faithfully attest. She has put up with the three of us, two of whom were very little girls when we started this journey of photography… and let me tell you there have been some pouting sessions and stony glares from those very same sweet girls who weren’t so fond of the idea at times. Some things never change… but merely evolve… and let’s be real… we were all a little irritable yesterday trying to pull it together for this session. You must know something about women trying to pick out the right outfits… get the hair and makeup right. It’s a process… that is all I can say. But in the end, we love each other like crazy… and we are so glad we have these photos… these markers in time… to celebrate one another.

Of course one of the key steps in this process is deciding what we want to wear… no matching… we have done this in years past of course, but now we aim for stylish coordination in the same color family. We wait until the day of or the day before at the earliest and then we either pull everything out of our closets or cave and go and buy something… either way it is frustrating but at the same time fun… and the day of the session our home and car look like a cyclone of clothing struck. To add to our color scheme, I thought to myself, “What could be better than confetti?!” Well nothing of course.

We were so lucky this past weekend that the weather was nice… and cloudy days really make colors pop which I love… I’m not sure if folks wondered why were throwing confetti by the side of the road… but we had a great time. When I look at these photos I really can’t believe how tall that Celeste is… my first born who was once so tiny… or that Medora, who cut half of her hair off in the front when she was four, has such gorgeous locks… see sweetie everything works out in the end. I am so proud of both of my girls… their inner and outer beauty… the way they love and the way we are each other’s fiercest defenders and allies. We may get annoyed with one another at times, but if anyone else says a bad word about one of us or hurts one of us… the other two rise up and hell hath no fury… etc. etc. Suffice it to say that these two are my best friends and I wouldn’t choose to be anyone or anything over being their mom.

We were running out of light and had to do a quick change in the Jeep… which is no cakewalk for three girls… but I wanted a certain photo in a certain spot where I have taken clients many times… and I had it visualized in my head… so it had to happen come hell or high water. I’m a boots and jeans outdoor girl at heart even though fashion is still one of my loves so I wanted to incorporate both. I’m pretty pleased with the results.

The thing I most want to say to all you friends, clients and future clients is to have photos taken of you and your loved ones… I am pretty sure you will never regret it and it will become part of your legacy. I promise. Just do it. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you from Tamytha Cameron Photography and from Celeste, Medora and me! xoxo

SO BEAUTIFUL TOGETHER… NICOLE, EVA AND JAMES

November 22, 2013 • Tamytha Cameron •

I am officially calling this gorgeous mom day on the blog. One look at these images of the stunning Nicole Atzbach and her twins Eva and James and you will see why. Nicole is not only beautiful, but she is the epitome of the cool mom. She is beautiful, wicked smart, funny, and an a great dancer too! She is the curator at the Meadows Museum, she speaks several languages, has fabulous taste in shoes, does an amazing tango and probably any other ballroom dance you want to throw her way, she knows a lot about music, and she is liable to break out in song when you least expect it. She and I have been friends for some time. I met her when I was on staff at the Meadows Museum and we have been close ever since. I count her unequivocally as one of my treasures so I’d like for you to get to know her a little better. I wanted to do this post today in honor of Eva and James’ birthday… I mean can you believe this lady had twins? 10 years ago today they were born, and actually I took these shots a few years ago, but I thought it was the perfect time to revisit them… time for some new photos my friend!

The day I photographed these three I noticed the gentle, loving way Nik was with her children… and today on their birthday I am stealing a quote from her birthday Facebook post about the kids… but I don’t think she will mind. She wrote: “They are two of the most empathetic, funny, and smart souls I’ve ever known; and I appreciate all the slack they allow me. I am so proud of them and very lucky to be a part of their journey; Eva hopes to be an artist/art teacher someday, while James goes back and forth on being a comedian or perhaps a ‘lawyer who also plays in a rock band and sells kittens on the side.’ They are my two very favorite people in the world, big or little.” There is no way I could have said it better. I just think Nicole looks so beautiful in these photos… like someone in a spread in Vogue or Town and Country. Wow lady, could you be any prettier?

These two kids are filled with so much personality and we laughed a lot on this fall day… I can’t wait to do it again.

There’s nothing I like better than photographing people who love each other… and it’s even better when it’s a dear friend. Love you Nik… and Happy Birthday James and Eva!

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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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.

MERCEDES AND JASON SO HAPPILY ENGAGED

August 15, 2013 • Tamytha Cameron •

If you googled amazingly attractive and photogenic couple, I am quite sure that an image of these two would pop up. Each and every image of them I took is beautiful. I suppose there is more to it than just attractiveness because Mercedes and Jason are undoubtedly happy… in fact they absolutely radiate with it. I had so much fun spending the afternoon with these two. We started at the Shops at Legacy and moved to a nearby field golden with wheat blowing in the wind… which I absolutely love, and ended in another favorite spot near a lovely little body of water. It is true that we were blessed with an absolutely luminous afternoon light, but regardless of this these two really make their own light. Sometimes you have to coax romance out of a couple in front of the camera… which is totally understandable, but with Mercedes and Jason there was no need to coax. For them it is as natural as breathing… and they don’t mind the world looking on.

I always ask the couples I photograph how they met, and I love hearing their stories. Mercedes was working at a hotel in Florida, where Jason happened to be visiting… and I can only assume that the man took one look at her and knew that he wanted to get to know her much better. That is where it all started, and here we are today, a little over a month before their wedding. I can’t wait to photograph their wedding, which it to be held at the La Cima Club… the photos are bound to be as love filled and joyful as these. What could be better?

I want to take the time to give kudos to Jason… I mean talk about a guy with a great attitude about photos! He is a smart man and knows that a happy fiance’ makes for a happy existence… or maybe he just enjoyed gazing at his future bride. I wish every fiance’ and groom were as obliging. He’s really making it hard for all the men who follow.

Mercedes I will see you soon to make some beautiful bridal portraits together… next step, the wedding at La Cima! Can’t wait you two!