Yesterday we celebrated World Down Syndrome Day with Lana.  We’re so thankful for our daughter and the many MANY blessings we’ve experienced because of her.  Since Lana came into our lives we have learned so much about Down syndrome.  The most important being that people who happen to have Down syndrome are just that, people first!   We hope that Lana’s life and ours with her will bring positive awareness and understanding to the world about life with Down syndrome.

In honor of Down Syndrome Awareness month we will be hosting our first Down syndrome appreciation photo day.  If you are interested in having your child photographed in the DFW area by us on 27 March 2010, comment below and email me at info@ficklezeal.com.  There are 10 sessions available, so act fast & please spread the word!

Schedule and Location will be released Thursday.

Last week I had the pleasure of hanging out at Pebbles Preschool again.  It was so much fun to go back and spend time with so many of the same children that I photographed when I started my business.  I remember the first time being so nervous and giddy at the same time.  When photographing children I don’t just want the “cheese” smile, but I want the soulful smile that speaks to anyone viewing their images.  To get this I allow each child time to warm up to me and my camera.  I say silly jokes, put stickers on my forehead, play pick-a-boo from behind my camera… whatever it takes I want my shutter to capture the real “them”.  My first year I received so much great feedback that it solidified my desire to photograph children.  Their sincere innocence and  wonder melts my heart each time.

It was great that so many of them even remembered me, which made me turn to a puddle of sap, since it’s been over a year since I photographed them last.  For me this isn’t ordinary school pictures, this is a mini portrait session with each of the over 100 students that I have easily grown to love.  Check out just some of the many adorable faces that I photographed.

I’ve watched terrible zombie movies that had me crying from laughter, as I saw zombies stumble around and mutter unrecognizable words and sounds.  I thought where did they come up with this stuff?

Waking stiffly each morning after only a few hours of interrupted sleep I stumble around getting the kids ready for their day with dark circles under my eyes and my body at an awful kilter.  Attempting to get it together, I often hand Nate a cute my little pony bowl with a little purple spoon and Lana a large Star Wars bowl with Nate’s favorite silver spoon.  I confuse dates, read numbers backwards, and call Nate-Kenny, Lana-Nate, and Dez-Lana, Nate, or even Andre.  Usually one of the kids call me out with cute comments and even cuter giggles.

Thinking back I remember witnessing these characteristics and much of this behavior with my mom… and Andres’ mom.  That’s when it dawned on me that those silly movies must have been inspired by moms like me.  Real life walking zombies.  Not gross gory people with the instinct to kill, but moms in a catatonic state willing to sacrifice ego and self pride for the greater good of our family.

So, with this thought I embrace the zombie within in me and this temporary stage as I dance the days away with Michael Jackson’s Thriller blaring in my head.

Now to the photos.  Here’s my little, 3 month old, man that with his 4 nightly feedings and 3 to 5 startles is causing me to be in this catatonic state.  Oh… but don’t worry he so worth it!!!

I was working on a clients images and Dez was being absolutely adorable and I couldn’t resist seizing the moment.  I used the beautiful natural light coming from my office window and his soft white blanket which created a perfect natural reflector.  Shot with my Canon 5D Mark II and 24-70 2.8L