Monday Inspiration: Sharon Montrose

When I find something I love, I usually become obsessed with it. Currently, I'm in the middle of a minimalist phase. I've been slowly planning out my 1 year-old's room, and I've started a new children's blog (still a work in progress).

All of these aspects of my life led me to discover the animal photography of Sharon Montrose.

I first discovered Sharon's work, little darlings, accidentally on Pinterest. I didn't know she was a photographer. I thought this was the work of an illustrator. After I found this photography profile, I became inspired and obsessed.

While out shooting Texas weddings, I come across images and landscapes that give me ideas for personal projects that I want to try. I call them "things I want to photograph before I die". Montrose's journey from weddings to animals gives me some direction on getting my ideas into print.

Photo by Laure Joliet for Cup of Jo

Baby Zebra, Little Darling

Here are some of my favorite prints. Most people think wedding photographers only get their inspiration from other weddings. This is a good example of pure portrait inspiration. Montrose photographs her subjects at face level with a white background. I that she frames from the chest up like a headshot composition. I also like that they are not in a natural environment but the studio. They look like a friend looking back at you. Genius!

American Buffalo

Baby Giraffe No.3 Horizontal

Cougar Close-Up

Donkey Ears

Cow No.2

Flamingo No. 1

Longhorn Steer Close-Up

South Congress Engagement Session: Heather + Justin

The other day, I had a great bridal session at Le San Michele with Heather in Buda. Since it's bad luck to show the bridals before she's married, I'll show her engagement session instead. I never get tired of shooting on South Congress. It's so recognizable in photographs and a luxury Austin photogs should never take for granted.

Heather's fiancé, Justin, hates standing still for pictures, and Heather just wanted a session to have a good pic of them together. We strolled past the I love you wall, some soco shops and ended at the Continental Club. Here's how it went...

Eastside Showroom Bridal Session: Katie Beaman

Katie is a bride that we are proud to call family. We first met Katie when she was a maid of honor at her sister's wedding a few years ago. Always a lady, Katie carries herself with such poise and grace, so this tulle dress was a perfect fit.
To honor her grandmother, Katie wore her grandmother's diamond earrings during the first half of the shoot, and the turquoise set during the second half.  The shoes are her favorite, Kate Spade, and the purse is a gift from her sister and maid of honor, Shannon. We couldn't be happier to share her bride moment at Eastside Showroom.