Happy Thanksgiving from Norah

Thanksgiving is a time of year to reflect on family, friends and other elements of life for which we are grateful. While I believe strongly that striving for gratitude should be a daily practice, I will certainly not pass on the opportunity to express my thanks today.

It is difficult for me to make a separation from my personal and professional life because they are so closely linked to one another. This is actually a good thing for me.  And so, my list of thanks reflects both.
A few items of thanks:
  • My family–both furry and non-furry members.
  • Having a passion for my work; I can't imagine not pressing the shutter when I see something beautiful through the viewfinder.
  • The opportunity to work and experience community in two incredible cities–Santa Fe and Austin.
  • My clients who invite me into their lives to creatively capture what is most important to them.
  • A husband who encourages me to grow both personally and professionally and does the same for himself.
  • Mature and new relationships and the experience of connection and joy they both bring.
  • Inspiring projects that expose me to new perspectives and opportunities.
  • Oh, and let me not forget: trailer eateries, cheese, laughter, color, red wine and sunshine. (Not necessarily in that order).
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones. May you squeeze everyone extra tightly, just because.
Warmly,
Norah

Sibling Portrait Session {Children Photographer, Austin, TX and Santa Fe, NM}

On a recent family portrait session in Santa Fe I photographed Leah and her two very special daughters, Anna and Greta. It was a gorgeous fall afternoon; a perfect day to spend photographing two giggly sisters and their mom. I had photographed Anna and Greta twice before and I was really looking forward to spending the time with them. I have enjoyed watching them grow (through my viewfinder) into two little ladies with two absolutely distinct personalities. Artfully capturing these sisters as they interact brings me joy–and definitely gives me a case of the giggles. Anna and Greta's connection reminds me of the close bond between my sister and I. (Except for yesterday when she lovingly told me she was going to "mute me" while we were having a video conference call if I didn't stop talking). Having the ability to capture these images for not only mom and dad, but also for the children to enjoy as they grow into adulthood really makes me feel good about what I do as a professional photographer. Photographing Anna and Greta always involves playing. When I arrived to their home Anna was boinging away on her pogo stick and Greta tried to be shy for about a minute and a half before booting a soccer ball across the yard. Even Jack, their sweet dog has been warming up to me. After spending some time at their home both outdoors and also indoors, we headed to an area I had spotted on my ride to their house; a space nearby where the trees just oozed with fall color and the afternoon light was exquisite. I love the warm feeling of the late afternoon light and the way the girls seemed to fit perfectly into the scene with their contrasting purple dresses. I could spend days photographing Anna and Greta. I am incredibly thankful to be invited me back to their home again and again.

 

 

 

Norah Levine is an Austin based children portrait photographer and pet photographer. She photographs in homes and on location. She also travels to Santa Fe, New Mexico frequently for sessions. Please view her website for more details www.norahlevinephotography.com

This Cat's Meow {Pet photographer, Austin, TX}

I was recently asked to photograph Molly— a stunningly beautiful white cat, for the 2012 Austin Humane Society Alumni Calendar. Molly was adopted from the Austin Humane Society by her owners who absolutely adore her. This cat is not only exquisite to gaze upon and photograph with her gorgeous white coat and her multi-colored eyes, but also has a very sweet demeanor. I photographed Molly at her home in Austin and upon entering the door I immediately noticed the gorgeous dining room table and luscious green painted walls. The light was soft and subtle and I loved the way the green of the background accentuated her greenish-yellow eye. I've been a professional pet photographer for several years now. The opportunities for commissioned photographs of cats have been fewer than dogs for some reason. I love the different challenges that arise when working with cats, as well as having the chance to bond with these unique animals. I adore cats (I have three!) and appreciated being asked to photograph Molly.

I extend much gratitude to the Austin Humane Society for their tremendous support for the animals and the community here in Austin and beyond. Please support THEM by purchasing 2012 calendars!

Norah Levine is an Austin based children portrait photographer and pet photographer. She photographs in homes and on location. She also travels to Santa Fe, New Mexico frequently for sessions. Please view her website for more details www.norahlevinephotography.com

Lifelines: A Unique Perspective on the Bond Between the Homeless and Their Pets

Introduction to a photographic project by Norah Levine wherein she photographs the homeless and their pets. Norah is focusing on the joy that the animals bring to the lives of those she photographs and hopes to raise awareness about this social issue.

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Austin Dog Family Portraits

Can you think of anything more fun than photographing a fantastic couple and four dogs with a couch outdoors on a lovely day in Austin? Jill and Mike asked me if I could photograph them and their four dogs (they refer to them as the Quatros Perros). Jill had a maroon colored couch she planned on giving away and asked if we could take it somewhere near her house and use it during our session together. I think it ended up working out really well and I certainly enjoyed the collaboration aspect of this session.

This portrait session gave me the opportunity to capture the essence of four incredible pups–a sweet and elderly greyhound, "Dolly"; a jack russell mix, "Daisy"; a terrier-chihuahua mix, "Lulu" and an Italian greyhound named Tex. Needless to say each dog had his or her distinct characteristics and photographing each of them took a unique approach. I utilized the available light and diffused it with a large diffusion panel (special thanks to my assistant!) to help with the "dappled" light effect.  All in all, it was an adventurous morning in Austin with lots of play!
Norah Levine is an Austin based children portrait photographer and pet photographer. She photographs in homes and on location. She also travels to Santa Fe, New Mexico frequently for sessions. Please view her website for more details www.norahlevinephotography.com

Outdoor Dog Portrait Session... fall in love with these pups!

Happy Fall, everyone! I hope it has started out perfectly. Since it's going to be 100 degrees AGAIN here in Austin, Texas it doesn't quite feel like fall yet 'round these parts! So for this post I'm channeling a perfect fall day in the crisp mountain air I spent photographing and frolicking with two dogs I completely adore. As a photographer who LOVES color imagery I can't get enough of the fall colors: golds, reds, oranges. I loved the contrasting colors of the leaves and the clear blue sky in these photographs. I also enjoy the way the dogs' coloring and texture really adds to the warmth of the scene. I usually photograph pets in their home environment, but if my clients have a special request for me to create art of their pets or children in another location I am more than happy to oblige. One of the challenges of photographing dogs in an open space is that there can be many distractions– like fun noises, other pets and people walking by just asking to be chased and oh-so-many smells that have not yet been sampled! During my pre-consultation and planning meeting with my clients I discuss the benefits of each location in order to ensure that I can create images and artwork that is perfect for them. These particular dogs are exceptionally well trained and can go off-leash, which certainly helped for me to create more pleasing imagery of them in a safe way. I did a lot of following, playing and observing in order to capture their exciting outing in the breathtaking fall scenery of the Santa Fe mountains.

So get out and enjoy this time of year with your pets! Soak in all the colors and welcome the change of the season with your loved ones.

Norah Levine is an Austin children portrait photographer and pet photographer. She photographs in homes and on location. She also travels to Santa Fe, New Mexico frequently for sessions. Please view her website for more details www.norahlevinephotography.com

 

A sisterly bond: children portraits by Norah Levine

There is something tremendously endearing for me about photographing two sisters together. I just love it. I have photographed these two girls together for two years and enjoy every minute of my sessions with them. They remind me of my sister and I many years ago–especially the freckles; my sister is speckled with them. I love the special bond these two share– the giggles exchanged; the silliness and play between them. The connection of sisterhood is like no other and I value the chance to capture this loving bond in my photography. These two are unique in character like you can't imagine but certainly shine together brightly. I hope that many years from now they look at these photographs and reminisce about their childhood together and perhaps giggle a bit over a glass of wine.

Norah Levine is an Austin children portrait photographer and pet photographer. She photographs in homes and on location. She also travels to Santa Fe, New Mexico frequently for sessions. Please view her website for more details www.norahlevinephotography.com