Image-inations

A Tribute to a Hero: Jonathan "JD" Emard

2008-06-20T18:11:00.024-05:00

There are times when you've been given a responsibility you know you must fulfill, no matter how difficult, no matter the cost. Army Spc. Jonathan Emard understood that. At the age of just 20, on June 4, 2008, near Hawijah, Iraq, he courageously ran a mission that would make most of us shrink in fear. But JD understood the cost and had a mind, body and spirit ready to serve. Tragically, it was his last mission. Two fellow soldiers, Sgt. Cody Legg and Sgt. Shane Duffy, also lost their lives in those early morning hours.

I have the privilege of knowing JD's family personally through church, even having had the blessed opportunity to photograph the birth of JD's niece last year. They are the kind of people who make everyone feel like family from the start. When JD's father called asking me to photograph as much as I could of the proceedings when his son arrived home - not in the celebratory reunion we so longed for, but in a casket borne in honor - I knew I had a job to do. It was, at once, the most difficult assignment and one of the greatest privileges I've ever had. It was the very least that I could do. I was so very moved to see the outpouring of love and support to, and even from, the Emard family. Spending the better part of two days with them, I heard many stories, saw heartwarming pictures, celebrated JD's life, and observed the dignity and honor with which his earthly body was laid to rest. We celebrate that his soul is with the Lord. So this is for you, our brave hero, and for your family who loves you so. We look forward to seeing you in glory.

This is a small sampling of pictures from the moving events of those days. Please check back soon for a slideshow in JD's honor which will contain many more images. And for my regular clients, thank you for your understanding and patience as I undertook this special assignment.

And sometimes your clients become your friends!

2008-06-11T11:00:00.015-05:00

I''m so happy to have met this sweet family two years ago. Our paths originally crossed through our mutual membership in an international adoption group. Their precious daughter was two at the time, and we had a great session! You may remember this image - one of my all-time favorites:

And now, Miss S has a little brother, another precious gift from God. How I have grown to love this family! They're the kind of people you feel you've known forever, those who just scoop you up and make you "family" from the start. Thank you for that!

There was just something about Mr. P that lent these images to vintage treatment. Here's another - doesn't it look like it came out of your grandmother's drawer? :-) I'm enjoying trying a wide variety of treatments for my images, custom-designing each one to bring out the mood and vision I had in mind while taking it.

And this year's version of Miss S's intense gaze: just a little older, but the same enchanting face.

Her coy look:

And a hopscotch game shared with little brother. Got a story to tell? This is a storyboard collage option that I offer to clients - it's one of my bestsellers!

Finally, a sample from the new "Definitions" line I carry. These large matted images with defintions have high impact, and are available with words like "family," "joy," "boy," "girl," and many more. They can contain multiple images or a single one. Doesn't this image just make you want to....

GIGGLE!!!

Sometimes your friends become your clients...

2008-06-11T09:58:00.008-05:00

I am privileged to have been friends with this amazing family for many years - can it be almost 20?!? And from the beginning, it's been easy to see that they're simply wonderful people! Recently they gathered to celebrate their mother's 80th birthday (am I allowed to say that, Shirley?) and Mother's Day. Doesn't she look beautiful? We got to do an extended family session right in the back yard, and I was privileged to meet the brothers and sisters and in-laws that I've heard about for years. What a pleasure! I'm so glad to be your friend, and now also your photographer!

Waiting on Pins and Needles...

2008-05-12T17:30:00.009-05:00

I know you're eager, but Oh, it's hard to pick just a few! There are so many, and I'm sure to come back and add a few more. But here are some of my favorites of Holly. Enjoy!

Isn't she just a Cinderella? She's such a beautiful girl - inside and out! Loved your great sense of humor, the precious relationship you have with your sisters and mom, and your sweet sensitivity, Holly. May your journey be blessed.

A Springtime Vision

2008-05-07T12:45:00.012-05:00

Meet Abby, a lovely girl with such a beautiful spirit! She's adventurous, too - One has to be (at least a little) on one of my shoots. Who knows what we'll find? And we found some great locations on this shoot. It was almost as though that little white church dropped out of heaven for us, wasn't it? I know you've been waiting to pick those wallets, Abby, so here's your rather extensive sneak peak! Enjoy!

Just came back to add your video. And since I know you love classical music, enjoy your pictures to Vivaldi's Spring:

I'm SO excited!

2008-05-06T18:43:00.002-05:00

I LOVE a new company called Animoto! I plan to use it to create custom videos for all my new seniors. So Anna, here's your fabulous "Anna-moto!"

Town and Country

2008-04-26T21:57:00.011-05:00

I loved the diversity of this session! We started in a gritty, urban area and ended in a serene, pastoral location. Anna is so fun and energetic - quite the artist herself! I enjoyed how we played off each other's creativity, bouncing quickly from one location to the next. There are so many images I love from this session. Here is a sneak peek!

Can't wait to show you the rest!

Have you ever...

2008-04-01T13:02:00.010-05:00

...had a serious case writer's block? I must admit, I've suffered from it when it came to posting these. My problem is not that there is nothing to say. Rather, there's so much to say about the lovely Miss Stephanie that I don't even know where to begin!

She's talented - a serious dancer who's dedicated to her art. She's intelligent and level-headed. (I have no doubt that you wowed those interviewers from that Ivy League school!) And behind those brains, talent and dedication is a girl with a great sense of humor and a lot of spunk! (Not to mention a wildly fun shoe collection!) Thank you, Stephanie, for letting me share in this fabulous time in your life. Enjoy!

Several clients have inquired recently about my gallery wraps. They're simply wonderful! If you haven't had a chance yet to see and touch one, here's the next best thing. This sample approximates what a collage might look like in a gallery wrap. (Admittedly, it's not centered quite right. But after spending much too long playing with it, I decided you were smart enough to envision it perfectly centered!) It's a museum-quality stretched canvas image, coated for protection, that will last for many years. Ready to hang, it's truly a clean and contemporary piece of art! The crème de la crème!

A Real, Live Guitar Hero

2008-03-18T12:12:00.013-05:00

Meet Jesse, master guitarist and skateboarder extraordinaire. He's a guy who is easy going and fun to hang out with. But I bet you can tell that from the pictures!

Jesse's mom has a photograph of his dad as a shirtless young man, playing guitar. So in the spirit of carrying on tradition...

And with his very cool skateboard:

Next session we're going to get some action shots with that skateboard, Jesse!

Another incredible senior!

2008-03-11T12:42:00.007-05:00

Have I mentioned that I love photographing seniors? Oh, yes - I think I have! ;-)

Here's another senior I so enjoyed getting to know. Meet Gus - not your average Joe. He's planning on studying forensic chemistry - not for the faint of heart nor the weak of mind. And for his own enjoyment, he does comparative analysis of French medieval literature. This guy is smart! Not boring-smart, but fun-smart. He's got a cool dachshund and a cool car. And though his Scion is one boxy little automobile, I found Gus a guy who refuses to be put into a box. Best wishes to you, Gus, as you pursue the path ahead. Thanks for giving me this honor!

Who, ME?

2008-03-08T14:41:00.004-06:00

One cannot say our little dog, Lucy, is mistreated. In fact, she forgets she has four legs and a stubby little tail sometimes. Yes, she thinks she's a person. Yesterday, I walked into my daughter's room to this unimaginable sight. She was comfortably tucked in, contentedly watching the "aquarium" my dd had lovingly places there for her entertainment:

As I disturbed her fish-watching, this is the look I got. I think she's saying, "Spoiled? Who, ME?"

Oh, the things you miss...

2008-03-08T00:48:00.004-06:00

...when you have BIG kids! Granted, there are so many wonderful things about having older children, like having real conversations about the deep mysteries of life (e.g, who gets the car? and how can we be in three places at once?) Like watching them discover what they're good at and pursue it. Like observing and guiding as they spread their wings and gain their independence. It's a very rewarding time in life. But sometimes I miss little things about those early, seemingly much simpler, days. Like sticky kisses, high-pitched giggles, finger paints, play-doh, hide-and-seek, and Dr. Seuss. (Shhhhh....don't tell anyone, but I'm going to see that Who movie even if I can't drag my big kids to it!) LOL

I guess that's why I love what I do so much. If a photograph can, in an instant, bring all those memories and good feelings flooding back, if it can artistically capture that expression that so characterizes this moment and this person, (big or small) that you love, then I've done my job.

Because my kids are big, I somehow missed the movie Curious George when it was in the theatres. (Yes, I know this was made in 2006!) On the radio today, I heard Jack Johnson's Upside Down from the movie. It's such a happy, feel-good song, with a tremendously fun video. So I invite you to grab your kids today, to kick up your feet together, watch the video, and celebrate this moment...and all the special moments and memories you treasure. Enjoy!

Jack Johnson - Upside Down lyrics

A beautiful bride...

2008-03-04T15:24:00.019-06:00

Two posts from me in one day - I think I'm going for a record here! But you can see why I was motivated to share. Elise, her mom, sister and I spent some lovely time photographing at water's edge. I'm sharing a lot of closeups for you, mom, as I know you may need one of those for the reception. But I just couldn't help but include more!

As a special surprise, I've created a painting from one of the images. I hope you like it - it was a pleasure to paint! And Elise, I wish you all the best in your new married life!

Only in Texas....

2008-03-04T15:08:00.011-06:00

...would one wear shorts while building a snowman. Granted, that "one" is a little zany and adventurous, and her pants were already soaked from the heavy, wet snow. The sun had come out and was nicely warming the day. So the obvious solution? Wear shorts, of course! LOL

A few snaps from our fleeting fun:

M and Lucy - her ever-faithful friend:

WHAT would make a dog run like this? A partially-deflated basketball that is her favorite toy! (You should see her carry it in her mouth!)

And a moment's peaceful reflection for me:

It's all about gone now. I'm so glad we were able to enjoy snowfall this year!

A Natural Girl

2008-02-12T00:04:00.000-06:00

Miss C is a delight! I loved her easy-going, natural personality. She's the genuine thing - no pretense, no airs. Just a delightful case of WYSIWYG. (What You See Is What You Get.) She is smart, pretty and just plain fun to hang out with. Game for anything, she loved the idea of wearing a formal dress to a not-so-formal location. Here's your sneak peek, as promised! Thanks so much for allowing me the privilege of photographing you!

This is Me

2008-01-24T14:14:00.001-06:00

Just for fun, I took this three-question personality test today. Amazing how much you can tell about a person by three little answers! LOL

Your Personality Is

Idealist (NF)

You are a passionate, caring, and unique person.
You are good at expressing yourself and sharing your ideals.

You are the most compassionate of all types and connect with others easily.
Your heart tends to rule you. You can't make decisions without considering feelings.

You seek out other empathetic people to befriend.
Truth and authenticity matters in your friendships.

In love, you give everything you have to relationships. You fall in love easily.

At work, you crave personal expression and meaning in your career.

With others, you communicate well. You can spend all night talking with someone.

As far as your looks go, you've likely taken the time to develop your own personal style.

On weekends, you like to be with others. Charity work is also a favorite pastime of yours.

The Three Question Personality Test

Rosescapes

2008-01-09T17:20:00.000-06:00

Another foray into macro fine art - with my birthday roses!

And back to the lovely Miss K!

2008-01-09T16:54:00.001-06:00

More than one person thought this looked like an ad for Baylor, which happens to be the university this talented, intelligent and lovely young lady hopes to attend. I tend to agree that she'd be a great representative! (So to the admissions staff, just know she has my hearty recommendation.) See for yourself:

And several more, because we just had so much fun:

I won't soon forget this field. Let's just say that 35 ant bites later, I was able to say that it was worth it!

Catch-Up Day!

2008-01-09T16:34:00.001-06:00

I hereby declare this Catch-Up Day! There are so many images I want to share. Let's start with the absolutely scrumptious Miss Scarlett. She couldn't be more adorable! This session was a blast - even though we did get a little toasty trying to make sure our beautiful little subject stayed cozy in her birthday suit! So here's your little sneak preview:

Well, you know what they say....

2008-01-02T13:04:00.000-06:00

....New Year's resolutions are made to be broken! But I'm really going to try to be better about blogging. The end of last year was "insane," (my boy's favorite word) and I found myself stretched to just get the basics done. But I've resolved to do several things better in 2008, including drink more water, get out of my computer chair and walk every now and then (!) and then come home and blog. In the interest of shooting a wide variety of things that inspire me and tell stories, I've joined Flickr's 365+1 group. A picture a day for a whole year. Think I can do it? I'm going to try. You'll see quite a few of these images here, as well.

Rolling up my sleeves...click!

Here's the first entry and the little story behind it:

Each member of my family seems to relish the idea of hanging this delicate handblown teardrop. It will soon be put away until next December, when once more eager hands will be longing to give it its place of honor just under the star.

Because I just can't resist!

2007-11-04T23:56:00.000-06:00

I've known this beautiful young lady since she was a speck! What a privilege to watch her grow into the person she is today: graceful, poised, talented and sincere. Miss K., you have a wonderful road of blessings before you. And I strongly suspect that you will be a blessing in everyone's life you touch!

And to mom, you know me well enough to know I couldn't resist publishing at least ONE...! So here's your preview (read: teaser.) Will get back to more after Brianna Graham's workshop! And to those photographer friends who plan on attending with me: I can't wait!

Introducing "All Through The Year!"

2007-10-22T22:54:00.000-05:00

There are some years that are just so special, you want to remember every moment. Perhaps it's the celebration of a new life, or your first year together with that very special someone. It may be your senior year of high school, bursting with activity and events like homecoming, prom, sports, and graduation.

Debra Klawetter Photography now offers a convenient and value-packed way to remember those moments: an innovative series of portrait sessions called All Through the Year.

Here's what you get:

Three sessions, including an optional extended session (can be used for a senior, newborn, or immediate family session for up to 5 people)
A $150 print credit to be used at each session ($450 total)
One 8x10 print from each session

Your choice of the following, one to be used from each session:

A mini accordion-style brag book
24 wallets
25 fine art greeting cards or announcements (perfect for baby or graduation announcements, or Christmas cards)

At the end of your year, you will receive:

The Timeline Album, a beautiful handmade leather book containing a minimum of 30 5x7 images from the three sessions (upgrade to a coffee-style album is available)
A DVD slideshow of the best images from your sessions, set to music

Your choice of:

a framed 20x10 storyboard containing 3-5 images from the year OR
a 16x20 fine art gallery-wrapped canvas

Two to three weeks after each session, 20-30 images will be placed in an online gallery for 5 days. Additional orders can be placed by you, your family, or friends during that time. As a member of All Through the Year, your print prices are locked for the entire year, beginning from the date of your first session. Total value of this collection is $2,195. Available for a limited time for $1500. Have questions or need more details? Just email me using the link in the right-hand column! Not for you? Ask about my traditional sessions.

All Through the Year can be customized for your moments, for your milestones, for your year.

Because I know mom has been waiting....

2007-10-10T22:56:00.000-05:00

And rightfully so! What a great session! I've been having fun with studio lights recently, especially since summer in Texas seems to be holding on...and on...and on...! These two sisters were wonderful to work with. And Murphy, their little dachshund, behaved herself so nicely and generously shared kisses with anyone who wanted one. So without any further ado....

And an outtake....

.............................................or is it?

Thank you, J and W (and Murphy, too!) for a very special session! And mom, there are "smiley" ones, too. I just know you love serious looks! Can't wait to show you the rest!

To catch you up a little....

2007-09-19T11:26:00.000-05:00

This summer and early fall have been a blur, and I have been MIA for much of it. Unfortunately, I discovered first-hand what pneumonia is like. I don't wish it on anyone! It knocked me off my feet and wiped a few weeks off my calendar. Thanks to all my clients - and everyone else - for your patience. It's been a challenging road, but I can now say I'm 99% back! I'm grateful for all your support and prayers.

Here are some of my favorite shots of recent; please check back for more soon. I'll be here -I promise! :-)

Congratulations to the beautiful Miss E! Your quinceanera was so much fun and such a privilege to photograph!

They don't come any cuter than the adorable and HAPPY Miss A:And her wonderful big brother, E:

And a couple of personal shots...
Just a snapshot of my own daughter with her sweet cousin during a quick but wonderful visit to my beloved Buckeye State:

My eldest son. How can he be so grown up? It was just yesterday we were preparing for kindergarten. Now we're getting college information in the mail almost daily.
I'm so proud of you!

Bad, Bad Blogger

2007-08-03T17:09:00.000-05:00

Okay, I need to live up to it...I've been a terrible, negligent blogger lately! In my defense, I've been busy with many wonderful sessions and events over the recent weeks and have focused on creating my website (I know - finally!) I am in the process of adding custom framing to my offerings, have taken a wonderful vacation, and most recently have dealt with a nasty long-lasting illness that's been passed around to the majority of my family members one-by-one. I'm still in the midst of it, but at least I have the energy to type today! :-)

I've missed keeping up with you, and promise there will soon be a LOT of new pictures to view! Thanks for checking back in with me!