New at This

I haven't been using Blogspot for very long, so I'm still getting used to all of the ins-and-outs of it. I just figured out how to enable comments for those of you who are not Blogspot users. Oops. Sorry about alienating those of you who may have wanted to leave a comment but couldn't!

Ben + Bethany | Dallas Engagement Photographer

As I say, I am a self-taught photographer, just starting out. Until about two weeks ago, I had only really taken photos of my children and for my own enjoyment. When I decided to get up the nerve to get into this "thing" officially, I decided to stay within my comfort zone and offer my services as a children's photographer. Well, lucky me. Just within a couple of days of going "public," I was contacted by this sweetheart named Bethany, asking if I would take engagement photos of her and her fiance, Ben. I have to say that I hesitated big time. After my initial "What do I do, what do I do?" panic attack, I decided that it would be a good opportunity for learning.

It was a very hot evening, but it almost didn't matter because Ben and Bethany were such a joy to photograph. They were fun and giggly and obviously completely smitten and in-love with one another. My job couldn't have been made easier. And I got to try out some new ideas and techniques that I knew wouldn't work the same way with children. It was awesome and I am so grateful to them for taking a chance on a brand-spanking-new "photographer" who is still learning the ropes and trying to get the hang of how things work. Thanks, guys -- you rock! Oh, and something tells me that you will have a blessed and happy marriage, too...

Note: These photos were taken at Cross Timbers Winery and Main Street in Grapevine, TX.

The Tarter Kids | Dallas Child Photographer

On the Thursday before last, I had the pleasure of photographing the three "squirrelly" but adorable children of a good friend-of-a-friend. Though now I must admit, I consider her my friend as well. It was a lively session and so much fun! These kids have such personality and a natural vivaciousness, apparently handed down to them through generations of "Tarter-ness," as I have been told. I am grateful for the opportunity to have had this experience with them, especially as they were my first official non-Asian subjects (or part-Asian or married-to-Asian)!

The Francis Family | Dallas Family Photographer

Back in November of last year, my good friend asked me to take some family photos for her for their Christmas cards. I had never "officially" taken photos for anyone else before and it didn't matter that she is one of my best friends -- the idea that I could screw the whole thing up and let someone else down turned me into a ball of nerves. Anyway, this shoot took place before I decided to take on this new adventure called "YLK photography," but I wanted to post a few of my faves on here to pay tribute to one of my favorite families and especially one of my greatest "cheerleaders." I love the Francis Family!

Note: These photos were taken at Pecan Park and O.C. Taylor Elementary in Grapevine, TX.

The Young Family | Dallas Family Photographer

A few months ago, I had the pleasure of photographing my college roommate and her picture-perfect family. The youngest Young had just turned three and as most boys, he was more interested in playing than looking at my camera. I think his mommy ran out of Sweet Tarts by the end of it! Anyway, it was a fun session and here are a few of the pics from that day at Watters Creek in Allen, TX.

Martin Family Summer 2009 | Dallas Child Photographer

For my inaugural post on this blog, I introduce the Martin Family. (For the sake of privacy and protection of little ones, I will not be using first names in this blog.)

I had not seen the mommy of these two cuties in about fifteen years, so it was not only a treat for me to get to photograph such a lovely family, but also just to see an old friend, and to finally meet her wonderful hubby, too!

The beautiful baby girl in these photos just turned one and her handsome big brother just turned three. This equates to a very interesting photo session indeed! With the use of Goldfish, M&Ms and jelly beans a-plenty (bribery, anyone?), I was able to get some priceless photos and it was just so much fun.

So anyway, we met at Flippen Park in Highland Park, TX and it was a lovely, lovely morning...

Welcome and Dedication

Welcome to the YLK photography photoblog! I hope that you'll like what you see here.

I'd like to dedicate this blog to my family, with love -- My parents, who are two of the most immensely talented and creative people I know. My dad, in particular, who influenced me with his own love of photography (and bought me my very first camera in junior high). My mom, who is a consummate artist in everything she does. My husband, who was the first person to acknowledge and encourage that there might just be "something" there in all of my photography dabbling. My beautiful children, before whose birth "capturing memories" was never so much fun or meaningful. And to my Father in heaven.

Friends, you know who you are, thank you for your support and encouragement. You, too, are family.