Web (re)Launch: Trogdon Show Pigs

A number of years ago, my friends at Trogdon Show Pigs entrusted me to craft a logo and website for their business. It was good for the time, a complete custom build utilizing Adobe Dreamweaver and graphics designed in Illustrator. 

I'll be the first to admit that updating it wasn't easy, nor was it timely. In short, it was time to revamp the old site in favor of responsive design, parallax scrolling, easier updating ... and photos of some of the best mean-mugging, showmanship-winning, hog showmen in the U.S. 

The new site is officially up, and I'm a fan. I'm also biased. ;-)

As with any project, we will still be making improvements to the site in the weeks and months to come, and adding in more champion photos from years-past. Check it out at the link below. 

Engagement: Mattie + Travis

It doesn't get any more American than my friends Mattie, an artist and UX designer, and Travis, an Oklahoma Highway Patrolman. The two share a love for the Western lifestyle, and pursue equal passions for barrel racing and team roping. 

Partners inside the roping arena, the pair pushes and encourages one another to be better -- I saw it firsthand during the Chafin roping reception.

Mattie requested a lifestyle shoot to capture their everyday life at their little ranch in Skiatook. This meant we had other players involved, as well. From the horses to the dogs, and a slightly jealous cat, all of the "family" played a roll in our engagement shoot. 

The stereotype of the Western horseman is very real, and in this case, authentically true. Horsemen exhibit a strong work ethic in everything they do – a practice Mattie and Travis maintain in their relationship, inside their beautiful home, the arena, and beyond. 

It's #goals, y'all. 

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The Rammings

Connors State College has been my day job home for the past five years, and Dr. Ramming has been a great mentor and source of support during that time. 

Recently named the college president, Dr. Ramming, along with daughter Madison and son Bobby, met me on the beautiful Warner campus during my favorite time of day, and year.

Madison – a ridiculously pretty high school senior – competitively cheers, and recently went to New York to model. Bobby - named Mr. Connors and a current Oklahoma State University junior - is pursuing a degree in agricultural education ... and can play a mean Johnny Cash tune. 

And Dr. Ramming? He couldn't be prouder of their accomplishments. 

Bridal Portraits | Holly

Holly. Just. Wow. 

I feel very much like a proud older sister when sharing these photos with you. I've known Holly since she was a tiny human – always sweet, quick to laugh, and, man, a dream to photograph. 

We ventured to the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge, a favorite spot for the Garza family to walk, hike, run and gather. Also, the same spot where I took maternity photos last spring of my forever friend and Holly's older sister, Ashley.

Same genetics. Same refuge. Same breathtaking portraits. 

Fall in the rugged refuge, juxtaposed against Holly's elegant, lace detailed dress and long veil, coupled with the wind literally sweeping down the plains ... made for a stunning view. 

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I want to be your "guy" ... let's chat about your upcoming wedding. 

The Blockers

Since moving to the same town, during the same week, more than five years ago, the Blocker and Pearce family stages in life have mirrored each other. From living in terrible rentals, to purchasing fixer-uppers and agonizing over renovations, and from church "shopping" and new business ventures, to pregnancy and babies, and relocating (again), we've seen a lot of life with our dear friends – and we cherish them. So very much. 

Like our friendship, my camera has seen all the stages of their life and my style has matured as they have: maternity photos, Britt's arrival in a hospital birth session, newborn photos, tiny human portraits and family sessions. {Whew, thank goodness for dear friends who are willing to be portfolio builders!}

I have truly loved watching the Blocker family grow over the years, and feel blessed to not only have captured their portraits, but also to count them as forever-friends. 

The Pedigos

Oklahoma State University brought my beautiful, native Arizonan friend, Mary Kate, to Oklahoma. We were introduced through the agricultural communications program, and the rest, as they say, is history. 

Upon graduation, a job with an electric cooperative took her to Texas, where she's been slaying the communications game, and racking up awards, ever since. 

America's Greatest Homecoming Celebration brought her back to our beloved alma mater this fall, and I happily obliged when she said she needed a professional headshot. 

I met this hot momma' of two at her hotel, and, to be perfectly honest with you, friends – our session took place just north of its parking lot in a grassy area with a couple beautiful trees, and an abandoned trailer 'hood in the very near background. 

Because her husband was close and the golden hour was killing it, we ended her corporate session with a super quick couples session.

I have all the heart eyes, all of 'em, for these very dear Texans. 

So beautiful, friends. 

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A resident of Livingston in east Texas, Mary Kate is available for freelancing in photography, graphic design, home design and social media. Check out her latest work at www.katecodesign.com. 

She recently became a beauty guide for LimeLight by Alcone, y'all. My personal order is currently on its way. Get the goods here. ;-)