I’ve been worried about what it would mean to “give up” the brand. I worked so hard to create “Shelby Lane” that, even though I’m now Shelby Newman, I’ve kept the business name. But it doesn’t fit right anymore. I’ve been on a portrait hiatus for awhile now, and as time has passed, I’ve found that it’s really not such a scary idea after all. And that it’s time to rethink the direction I want the photography part of my life to go.

I’ve always loved helping new photographers reach their goals, so that’s where I feel my focus needs to be for now. And in light of some of the recent trends I’ve seen in portraiture lately (including the dangerous newborn stunts at some portrait sessions) there seems to be a need for education at that very, very basic level. So I’m reaching out to moms with information on how to cherish their own photographs, why they need a professional and what to look for in a photographer, and to newbie photographers about how to get their businesses started the right way.

I’d love for you to join me over at the new Capturing Life blog. Make sure to update your bookmarks! And to all my photographer readers out there: I will be looking for guest posts, so drop me a line on the new blog if you have a great idea for an article. Thanks for all the years of support over here at ShelbyLane.net!

For my Victoria readers… have you heard about the “Warriors Helping Warrior’s” project?  Our Senior Warriors from Victoria West High School are working with the Warrior’s Weekend folks to help sell commemorative flags for the Field of Honor this year, which will once again be displayed at Faith Family Church.

This year you can celebrate a hero and help a student at the same time.  If you’re interested in purchasing a flag to honor a Veteran, contact the school or one of the Seniors and they’ll get you the paperwork.  All proceeds from flags sold by the Seniors benefit both Warrior’s Weekend and West High’s Project Graduation.  For more information, you can also check out the Warrior’s Weekend site at http://warriorsweekend.org.

I’m currently taking limited appointments in the Victoria area, and won’t be doing any big spring promos this year — I have seen some bluebonnets (even a couple of patches in fairly kid-safe areas!) but I don’t expect them to be around for much longer, so if you are interested in trying for Easter/Spring/wildflower portraits, please email me asap through the Portfolio Site.  I’m also working on updating the site (you will notice there are only two senior portraits from the hundreds in my archives) as time permits, so keep an eye out for some newer work soon.

Until I have some “free” time for the Internet again, here’s a shot of Baby Caleb.  He’s 4 months old now and is changing so much every day.  We looked through some old pictures of the bigger kids the other day, and it was a sweet reminder of how portraits can help preserve memories. 

This summer, though, all four of the kids were able to go to Newks Tennis Ranch for camp.  The Big Kids went to Adventure Camp, where they camped out at Enchanted Rock, did both the high and low ropes courses, went tubing and rafting down the Guadalupe and Comal rivers, and generally had all sorts of adventure fun.  The great thing about Adventure Camp is that the kids are challenged to do things that they never imagined they could do — and then they’re encouraged to think about how these accomplishments can apply to their “regular” lives.

The Little Kids (Mac and Cheese) went to Day Camp.  My mom is usually the head counselor for at least a week or two a year, so they have been before.  But this year I had the chance to go out there and see them doing some of the cool stuff — the high ropes course.  Charley said “I’ve done this before, so I’ll just sit and watch with you in the shade.”  But Mac got harnessed up and climbed one of the elements, and then they both tried the practice (low) Committment Bridge.  We’re really lucky that our kids had the opportunity to experience all these adventures this year.  I think that all four discovered that they could do more than they thought they could.

Getting into the harness to climb the high elements.

Climbing the ladder with help from the other campers and counselors.

Coming down from the high Buddy Bridge.

My mom up in the crow’s nest, taking pictures of campers (before they go down the Screamer or zip line) for parents.

Charley chilling out down on the ground.  It was SO hot out there.

The low Buddy Bridge.

  Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2010 Shelby Newman

He has been making his way through the Little House books this summer, but claims Farmer Boy as his favorite.  “It’s really cool to read about a kid who lived a long time ago, and who’s life was so different than mine is today, but I also think that we would be friends if we lived during the same time.”  He says the Little House books are “no way, not just for girls” and are all about adventure.

His other favorite reads this summer can be found in the Magic Tree House books.  He started reading these mainly because he had to earn AR points, but says that they’re worth reading “even if you don’t have to,” which is high praise coming from this about-to-be-third-grader.  Mac says his current favorite is Twister on Tuesday because it, too, is about the pioneer era in the Midwest, and he likes all the tornado-related action.  As a big fan of Storm Chasers, I guess this shouldn’t be too much of a surprise.

I’ll try to get all the kids together for more recommendations next week.  Right now, we’re off to the library to restock.

  Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2010 Shelby Newman

… boy!  We had our 18 week ultrasound late last week and got to see a very healthy baby boy.  Caleb is due to arrive in early December.  We’re all really excited, and we’re having fun looking at all the “new” baby stuff — I gave all my baby gear away a few years ago, so we are starting from scratch.  As the kids and I wandered around the local baby stores, we had a hard time finding nursery bedding that matched the vision in my head.  Does anyone have suggestions for cute nursery gear that is simple but not “blah”?

On a business note… I’m still not taking sessions for the time being, but hopefully will be back up and running this fall in time for the holiday portrait season (September and October).

  Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2010 Shelby Newman

If you need me, you can contact me from the studio site (link above in the toolbar) or through email at info at shelbylane dot net.

I know some of you have been wondering “Will she ever blog again?”  Things have been busy busy busy for us over the past few months.  Yes, I will blog your sessions, those of you who have been waiting.  I promise.  But I have been much more interested in getting things mailed out to people than I have been with updating the blog. 

So here’s the latest news.  At the end of 2009/beginning of 2010 I…

1) Married an amazing man, who I thank God for every day.

2) Gained two more children, bringing our combined total to 4, and a tiny dog.

3) Started graduate school again, working on a master’s in American History.  Why?  So someday I can teach at the college level, if I want to.  And because I love school and I’ve missed learning about things other than photography.

4) Had the flu.  Twice.

5) Began renovating a home to sell, and packing to move out of the one I have lived in for the past year,  and started looking for a new one with Dave that’s big enough for our family.

Whew.

So, needless to say, we have a lot going on here.  After reading all that, I’m sure that no one will be surprised that I’m taking a break from portrait sessions for the next few months so that we can get settled, because I just can’t keep up with everything.  Those of you who are already scheduled know that you’re on my calendar, no matter what, but I’m not taking any more bookings for the next few months.  For those of you who haven’t ordered yet or who haven’t paid for their orders in full, I’ll be taking orders and finalizing payments until February 23rd.  After that, the studio computer is coming down for the move, and I won’t be digging into the archives and processing orders until we’re permanently settled again.

I’ll try and get some past sessions up between now and then, and I’ll do some personal blogs, too, so you can keep up with what’s going on in our lives.  Until next time, here are some pictures from our honeymoon in New Orleans. 

And my sweet little husband on Facebook: