Personal « Austin Texas Wedding Photojournalist and Lifestyle Photographer

Archive for the ‘Personal’ Category

Happy birthday to me! {Austin Photographer}

January 10, 2010

Yep, today is me birthday, lassies (I say with my really bad Irish accent) and I’m spending it being tremendously grateful to the loved ones in my life, particularly my wonderful husband, Val. He is my clown when I’m feeling down, the one to tell me to just breathe when I’m freakin’ out, and the one person who reminds me what I’m capable of doing when I’m filled with self-doubt. He brings me hot tea when I’m cold and for my birthday bought me a fluffy new robe and slippers to survive this insanely cold Texas winter. I love him. Seriously love him.

I’m also reflecting on how I’ve been so worried about “getting old” – I mean I’m almost 40 (okay in a few years, but still). But in my heart, I’m the awkward girl who doesn’t really know how to dance or dress right. The girl who still believes we can all heal the world with the love in our hearts. And still loves to spin in circles on the marry-go-round. The girl who giggles too much at Adam Sandler movies and cries too easily at the stories where love conquers all.

And I reflect on the impact I’m making in life. Once feeling like the thousand+ people I’m connected with on facebook was just an inflated number of “friends” until today, my birthday, when I’m overwhelmed with the outpour of love sent out by you all. New names, old names, all taking a moment to brighten my day and let me know I’m not forgotten. Each note, each text message, each IM is dear to my heart and I love you all!

This year is the year of Rita. This is the year I’m going to actually use the mini-trampoline that has been sitting downstairs getting dust. This is the year I’m going to make my vision board and go after my dreams. This is the year I’m going to turn fear into goals accomplished. This is the year I’m going to love even more and not forget to tell the special people in my life just how much they mean to me. One day at a time… stay tuned!

XOXO!
Rita Q

Me and my husband, Val

Share on Facebook

share your comments

Posted in Personal | 1 Comment »

Allison and Ben {Austin Wedding Photographer}

December 31, 2009

With my new photo album in hand and iPhone to my ear, I walked into the Barnes and Noble bookstore in Round Rock, Tx to meet my wedding photography clients, Allison and Ben. I’ll admit it: I was nervous. It’s not like I’ve had a “mentor” or anyone show me the ropes about what you’re supposed to say or ask at a client meeting. So… I just decided to treat the meeting like I was going to see a long lost friend and let my heart, instead of my very noisy head, guide my footsteps.

“Are you Rita?” I hear from a short distance away. It’s Allison, who looked just as relieved as I did, when I nodded “yes” and then greeted me with a warm hug and a smile. My fears were set at ease. Then I noticed she was wearing a UT orange sweatshirt and he had an A&M cap and thought to myself: This really is true love!

For the next 45 mins or so, we chatted about life, the engagement proposal, living in Los Angeles (which is where they call home now), and how the wedding guest list has grown. I love their laid back attitude about the whole thing and I can tell immediately that they aren’t about keeping up with the Hilton’s, and are more about surrounding themselves with the people they love and, as Ben said: “We just want to make sure everyone is fed.”

As we ended our little meeting I thought to myself “I’m sure I’m forgetting something important I’m supposed to say or do.” But as we all walked toward our cars, my mind was already picturing Allison in her dress and Ben smiling at her as she walked down the aisle. My heart pounded a little, feeling so honored they would chose me to be there on their wedding day and what I could do to help make it even more special for them. It was then that I realized I wasn’t forgetting anything. I just needed to see with my heart and remember to pack my camera. I’ll figure out the rest…

Share on Facebook

share your comments

Tags: Austin Photographer, Austin Wedding Photographer, Rita Quinn, Rita Quinn Photography, Round Rock Photographer
Posted in Personal, Weddings | No Comments »

Texans for Accountable Government Party {Austin Event Photographer}

December 28, 2009

The battle cry was heard throughout Bagpipes pub here in Austin: “To Freedom!” This Monday I was asked to be the event photographer at the holiday party for Austin political activists group Texans for Accountable Government (TAG). With a crowd of raised drinks toasting their accomplishments from 2009 and goals for 2010, I was struck with appreciation for their vigilance and human compassion. Among the guests where a number of local activists and candidates for city, state, and even national offices, all with the hopes of reversing the downward spiral of a government who no longer listens to the will of the people and abuse their given powers to encroach on our civil liberties.

Personally, I believe we get what we put out into the world. And the one thing I grew to love about this group of folks is their positive energy approach and general good vibes. No pretenses, no popularity contests, and above all, no “right vs left” dogmatic ideals – just people doing what they can to make a positive difference in our communities. And I love that!!

I have to give an extra big thanks to Angela who helped out that night with the photobooth, which was the big hit of the evening. And as always, thanks to my amazing husband, Val, who knows just how to make me feel loved in a sea of faces. I was thrilled to be invited to photograph this event and look forward to seeing their future activities. Check them out if you want at www.tagtexas.org.

“We’ve got to give a little love, have a little hope. Maybe we can make it better.”

XOXO
Rita Q

ps: I’ve read about a lot of pro photographers raving about blogstomp, this AMAZING (and dirt cheap) photoshop action that helps you make quick work of getting images prepped for your blog. So, I bought it and used it for the first time on the images below. I love it!

Rita Quinn Photography | Austin, Tx