Miniature Dachshund Puppy Portrait Session {Photography, Austin, TX}

norah May 1, 2012

Dog Photographer Norah Levine Captures Dog Portraits of a miniature Dachshund in Austin, Texas.

Austin Monthly Magazine Portrait {Austin Portrait Photographer}

norah April 17, 2012

Norah Levine is an Austin Portrait Photographer and photographed for Austin Monthly Magazine's April 2012 issue.

There's just something about photographing children... {child and pet photographer Austin, TX and Santa Fe, NM}

norah March 13, 2012

When I tell people I am a portrait photographer who specializes in imagery of children and pets I usually get a crossed-eyed response from the inquirer who says, "Wow, you picked the two most difficult subjects!" As I've stated before, I don't feel like I've chosen any of this; it just seemed to fall into place. Don't get me wrong–there are many challenges that come along with this subject matter, but the rewards are indisputable. I have been photographing these two children, Derya and Arda, since they were born and I have an especially close bond with both of them. They are both such characters. I love how children's expressions are so incredibly varied and authentic; their reactions unfiltered. These children are no exception.

While it may sound cliché, I sometimes forget to breathe when I'm photographing children. This is true in part because I know these little tikes have a limited attention span and I need to act fast. It is also because I get deeply absorbed in their unique beauty–just one of the characteristics that I can only hope emanates in the photographs I am creating.

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 Images rights must be obtained in writing for any use.

"Sniffing it out at the dog park" Grand opening for Dog Boy's new dog park!

norah February 28, 2012

Pure joy. That's all I witnessed at Dog Boy's Dog Ranch during the grand opening of their stunning new dog park. I saw nothing but smiling dogs (really!) as they galloped through the green pastures, leaped with reckless abandon into the refreshing pond and latched onto the nearest stick calling out their name. You'd better be sure that they slept soundly that night. I doubt I could ever get tired of witnessing animals at play and photographing them is truly exciting. These dogs were in heaven–Dog Boy's style. I've included a few of my favorite images from the short time I visited the dog park. I thoroughly enjoyed the documentary-style perspective I chose to take during this afternoon of play and exploration. I found it best to hunker down and capture the fun as it whirled and splashed by me.

Dog Portrait Fun in Austin {Austin Texas Pet and Children Portrait Photographer}

norah January 26, 2012

Meet my new "boyfriend" Eddie–he's a rockstar dog (terrier mix) here in Austin and I was lucky enough to meet and photograph him with his owners Rebecca and Daniel. The newlywed couple had just moved to a new house and were still getting settled so we decided to photograph in their neighborhood park area. Let me just say that Eddie and I had an instant bond. There was a great deal of jumping, panting, and other displays of excitement which indicated that he was more than excited to meet me. These types on introductions never get old. Eddie, being the free spirit he is, needed to stay mostly on leash when we were in the park areas, which actually worked out perfectly for the session. The cold temperatures of the day were no match for the efforts of our team as all three of them were complete troopers. This Texas weather seems to change at the drop of a...cowboy hat? I'm learning not to make any final decisions about postponing sessions until I'm actually on location.

We all had a grand time during this session and I loved played around with different posing and locations within the outdoor areas. While I feel that any and all times are excellent for having professional portraits created I honestly feel this was an important time for this young couple to have their portraits created here in Austin with their beloved dog.

Until we meet again, Eddie.

Maternity Portraits with your dog in Austin, Texas {Austin, TX and Santa Fe, NM children and pet photographer}

norah January 17, 2012

I recently had the fortune of creating maternity portraits for a couple and their dog here in Austin, Texas. We had a fun outdoor location in mind in Austin, but the weather wasn't cooperating. As a result, I ended up photographing Ashley and her husband Brad and their genuinely perfect and chocolate lab, Muddy, in their home. Ashley and Brad are expecting their first baby in March and they couldn't have been more excited to capture this special time in their lives; a time of hope and boundless anticipation. (After all, it won't be just the three of them for much longer!) The home location, Ashley later expressed to me, was vastly more meaningful and personal to them and shared with me that she was glad we had held the session in that environment. Brad had purchased his little girl some cowgirl boots and tiny slippers that he wished to incorporate into the session and I gladly collaborated with him on it. I know for a fact that this couple will look at the images taken from this session and remember just how they felt on that day, during that specific time in their lives. That's powerful to me. I love that they wanted images of their dog with them in their home as they consider her to be part of their family. They know that their home will change throughout the years as will their family and they value having these professional images created for them. I even got to photograph their dog on the red chair that had been in Brad's family for generations. I know that meant a great deal to him. They invested in several large wall pieces that are now hanging in their home.

So–here's to Brad, Ashley, and Muddy. Wishing them all the best as they invite their new daughter into their lives, very shortly!

"We really enjoyed having Norah come into our home and take pictures of our growing family. She is incredibly talented in capturing the personal qualities in our home with the focus still remaining on our family and dog, Muddy. When reviewing our proofs and after purchasing several canvases and prints, we were so glad we decided to host the session at home. We created memories and photos that are very personal to us and that we will treasure for many, many years to come. Norah is an incredibly skilled photographer and we are thrilled with the outcome of this session! "–Ashley and Brad: Austin, Texas

"The Value of Home" Choosing a location for your family portraits {Austin, TX and Santa Fe, NM children and pet photographer}

norah January 2, 2012

Choosing a location for your family, children, or pet portraits, is imperative to obtaining the most meaningful and genuine photographs. I specialize in on-location children and pet portrait sessions in Austin, Texas and Santa Fe, New Mexico. By "on location" I mean that I do not currently have a studio wherein clients come to me to have their portrait created on a background using props. Sometimes clients specifically request the look of a seamless background and I am more than happy to accommodate and bring necessary equipment on location. When a client and I discuss options for location, I always suggest photographing at their home. In-home sessions are more personal than studio sessions and offers a more comfortable environment for everyone–the children, pets and adults. As an on-location photographer I have to transport my equipment to the client, which is a lot of work, but it's worth it for me to ensure that I am obtaining genuine imagery and capturing honest portraits.

The house never has to be immaculately clean or perfect in order to have a portrait session there. I can always work around toys, etc.! Your home is where you and your loved ones are most comfortable; where many memories are created and where you share in experiences with your loved ones. As time moves forward and surroundings inevitably change, you can view the photographs and immediately access that exact moment in your family's life. This is powerful.

So when you choose the location for your next portrait session, consider these aspects and ponder the value of having art created in and around your home or at a location that holds strong meaning– wherever that may be at this moment for you.

Here's to a new year filled with hope, growth, laughter, and holding those we love tightly.

This portrait session was so much fun. I have photographed this family before and the boys certainly remembered me! We had a great time playing around both inside their home and outside in their favorite climbing tree. The energy was fantastic and I adore this family.

Happy Holidays from Norah Levine and her family {Pet photographer, Children Photographer, Austin, Texas and Santa Fe, New Mexico}

norah December 19, 2011

My husband and I live in Austin, Texas, along with our little family comprised of 2 dogs and 3 cats. These animals are our family and we love them unconditionally. Our pets give wholeheartedly and ask very little in return. Let me introduce Ruckus (upper left), our boxer-mix who sports a snazzy underbite and runs the IT department; Fuego (upper right) our fiery little guy who definitely has a special swag and also acts as my PR director; Mika (middle right), our precious princess lab/pit mix who diligently serves as office assistant and accountant; RC (bottom left), our squishy calico in charge of catering (and eating); and Pepe aka Pino, our Abyssinian and Bengal mix in charge of marketing and social media.

Along with lots of hair, these cats and dogs bring me joy. I hope that whomever you have chosen to include in your family that you appreciate them as much as I appreciate my family and loved ones. I am extremely appreciative for all my clients who have chosen to invite me into their lives to photograph their most beloved.

Happy Holidays and Warm Wishes.

Norah

Austin Pet Portrait Session with Elvis! {Pet and Children Photographer, Austin, TX and Santa Fe, NM}

norah December 12, 2011

On a recent portrait session in Austin I photographed Iliana, Bill and Elvis- an spritely border terrier with a faux hawk like no other dog in town. What a fun session! Iliana and Bill are a delightful, newly married couple and their dog Elvis has more character that you could imagine. I love his scruffy hair and eyebrows and the way Iliana and Bill stare admiringly into his chocolate brown eyes. We started our session outdoors at the dog park adjacent to their neighborhood. It was a fenced in area and proved to be a delightful spot for images. Iliana and Bill take their dog to this park often and he was obviously in his element there. When I spoke with Iliana about her goals for her session she said that she really wanted the images to portray her life with Bill and Elvis as it is right at this moment... she knows life will change (perhaps a few members will be added) and that Elvis is like a child to them. We moved the session indoors and photographed the three of them on their living room couch inside their apartment. Since the space was fairly dark and the day was cloudy, I set up my lighting equipment. I love to photograph with natural light, but I also fancy the clean look and versatility of a soft, studio generated light source. After I had my lighting set, I focused my attention on the connection and love being shared.

Thank you for choosing me to photograph your amazing family here in Austin, Iliana and Bill!

Why am I a photographer? {Children and Pet Photographer, Austin, TX and Santa Fe, NM}

norah November 30, 2011

Being a photographer isn't much of a choice for me. Photography picked ME. (Kind of like all of my adopted dogs and cats did). I fell in love with photography for the magic of it–for the many possibilities to create and connect through my view finder. While the format of photography has changed dramatically from my days of rolling film onto reels, the magic hasn't changed a bit. Sure, owning a business has its challenges, but I can't really imagine not creating photographs. As a result of my profession I get to play and interact with incredible children and animals and meet amazing people–even make some new friends. Through that process I have the opportunity to create images that allow my clients to linger in the present moment just a little bit longer–as their new baby coos and drools, as they hold on extra tightly to one another and while their pets gaze longingly into their eyes... this is the magic. Time certainly doesn't stand still, but artful photographs can certainly help it pause just a little; help us to spend a moment or two reminiscing and feel warm and fuzzy. (For the record, I'm not ashamed of being a warm and fuzzy photographer.) As I work hard to photograph and produce the final artwork for all of my unique clients this holiday season I am most definitley thankful to be part of this magical art form. The photographs I am sharing today are from a recent portrait session with a dear family in Santa Fe. I loved spending time with them at a park nearby their home as well as capturing images of their beloved pets at their home.

Norah Levine is co-founder of the philanthropic Lifelines Project (honoring the bond between the homeless and their pets), fine artist and professional child and pet photographer based in Austin, Texas.

Levine’s work has been featured in a number of prestigious publications, including Austin Monthly and Professional Photographer magazine, highlighting her creative work with animals. As an instructor at the world renowned Santa Fe Photographic Workshops in New Mexico, Levine focuses her instruction on the intricacies, challenges and rewards of photographing pets. In 2010, Norah moved from Santa Fe, NM to Austin with her husband and their five rescued pets.

Fine Artist, Pet and Family Photographer, Author, Educator

Capturing the colors of your life