STP Images Photography

Several weeks ago, I had a very toasty early morning Houston photoshoot with the delightful Todd Parker of STP Photography. I've been meaning to post these photos for weeks, and I am so excited to finally share them! For about the last year, Todd and I have been chatting about working together, and snapping some shots of me in one of my favorite shirts. My "It's okay to Love Houston" T-shirt from the Hello-Lucky boutique in the Heights. We had so much fun jumping from location to location, and dodging traffic on Westhimer:) We truly had a blast, and check out his amazing results....

Amanda K Photography & Upcoming Giveaway

The amount of photography talent that can be found in Houston is fantastic. The adorable Amanda Kirkwood is no exception. The more of her photos I see, the more convinced I am that we would instantly become best friends upon meeting. She has a sharp eye, a wild sense of humor, and a cat named Piper who is the reluctant subject of many a picture. In addition to fab photos, Amanda also has a crafty side (how we discovered her on etsy at Vintage Poppy), which she will soon be sharing with us! Later on this week she will be giving away one of her treasures, so be sure to check back!

Amanda was kind enough to join us for an interview, which went a little something like this...

How did you choose the name Vintage Poppy?

I'm really not sure how I chose that name. It just popped into my head! I thought it sounded cute and I figured it would cause people to be curious of my shop and what I might offer.

When did you start Vintage Poppy?

I opened my shop in April of 2007.

How did you get into photography?

I've always loved photography. I love the arts in general. When I went to college, I started out in the arts. Photography was one of my big interests but unfortunately couldn't afford the equipment. A few years later after I had graduated {in something not even arts related}, someone saw that I had a talent for it, bought my first camera and other basics on the promise that I would "take it and run with it." I am forever thankful for that person and their generosity!

You have quite an eclectic shop! Tell us about the style of your work, your favorite pieces to create, etc.
Yes, my shop is very eclectic. Mostly because I have an idea, try it, then come up with a totally different idea! I have a hard time picking one medium... Although, felt is definitely my favorite medium to work with because of the versatility. I love the look of hand-stitching as well. As for style, I love vintage inspired pieces as well as funky, brightly colored pieces. It just depends on what mood I'm in at the time!

Fill in the blanks:
When I'm not busy crafting, I like to... read photography blogs, browse Etsy {of course!} watch movies, shop and... spend time with my husband and Piper, our sweet cat.
(Piper pictured left)

8x12 Giveaway from Maureen Light Photography!

When I first stumbled upon Houston photographer Maureen Light's website, I was awestruck. I found a mix of stunning portraits, still life, and quirky "fall down the rabbit hole" art photography like nothing I had ever seen. Not to mention event photos so unique, I wanted to get married all over again just so Maureen could be the photographer. Though her photos speak for themselves, I wanted to get to know more about the Dallas native through a little Q&A. Why else do we love her? Maureen is giving away an 8x12 print of your choice from here to 1 lucky reader!! Hoorah! Comment by August 29th for your chance to win!

How long have you been a photographer?

Exactly two years ago! I have taken almost every art class they offer in college, but never photography. I played around a little bit with a point and shoot, but was never satisfied with the quality. A friend of mine had bought a digital SLR a while back and let me play around with it...I was hooked from the first photo I took. Soon after my husband gave me a Nikon for my birthday and I have been obsessed ever since.

If you could photograph anyone dead or alive, who would it be?

I enjoy people that have a different look. I went to London at the beginning of the summer and the first time I stepped on the Tube, which was the first time I had ever been on any subway, I sat down and looked up at my fellow passengers and thought I had been transplanted into a Jean-Pierre Jeunet movie. Everyone in my carriage was larger than life, looked like real life cartoon characters. I loved it! I wish I could have photographed the carriage just how it was,...the people, what they were wearing (one guy had almost an iridescent blue suit on), how they were interacting with one another...the whole scene. Not to mention the man dressed as a Ninja Turtle that was exiting while I was entering.

What about any thing?

Would certainly have to be an old country farm in Europe. Thatched roofed house, wooden fences, pigs and sheep, vegetable garden,....

How would you describe your style?

Oh gezz, I'm not sure. It's a bit dreamlike, funky, childish, quirky....I'd say Alice In Wonderlandish, I suppose. I'm certainly a portrait artist, because it almost pains me to take a photo without a person in it.

I love how many of your photos are quirky and creative. Where does your inspiration come from?

I read in a magazine when I was around the age of ten about how when people become adults, they only use a very small amount of their imagination. I vowed then to never loose mine. I lay in bed at night and think of different images, sometimes having to get up and recreate them in photos before I can fall asleep. I've ended up doing a lot of self-portraits because there was no one else around when I was in absolute need of creating something at that moment. I find inspiration in many things...my children, movies, stories from friends, props....etc.

***Comment below for your chance to win a beautiful 8x12 print!!

• Blog about this giveaway and get an extra entry
• Mention it on twitter, and receive another entry
• Become a follower of Houston's Weekly Chic and get 3 entries!

(Just a reminder that you must leave your email address to be considered)

Autumn's Weddings

Just came across these unique-ie chic custom wedding invites from Autumn Beckman...and just in time for wedding season. I love them all. Makes me want to get married all over again!

Maritere Casillas Rice

Check out this fabulous Houston photographer that I just discovered. Her name is Maritere Casillas Rice, and her work is stunning. See for yourself!

You can see more of her work on etsy, flickr, or her blog where she posts regular updates.