Candace J. Banks Photography

Hadley & Hudson

2010-06-07T17:46:00.007-05:00

Oh my goodness...these kiddos are so beautiful and sooooo sweet! They did everything they were asked to do without complaining one little bit! I was sooo impressed! There were some in here that i couldn't decide on b&w or color so there's one of each...enjoy!
Blessings,
Candace

2010-05-21T01:58:00.003-05:00

Rarely do my boys pose for me...don't get me wrong...my camera is ALWAYS in their faces, but rarely do they let me play by posing them and even more rare is it that they will give me sweet smiles...but last night they were so precious...and I just had to share my sweet little boys (who aren't so little anymore--Corbin has now lost his 1st 2 teeth (the 1st one was the night these were taken, the second came out the next day!--and Brendan has lost 4 teeth and is working on a 5th!)
Blessings,
Candace

Meet Mark, Mindy, & Kaelyn!!!

2010-05-14T14:58:00.008-05:00

Meet my friends, the Mark, Mindy and Kaelyn...they are my friends and they go to church with me (which I happen to think is a bonus!)

This was a really fun photo shoot and a beautiful location to boot (it was at Mark's mom's house)! Mark and Mindy have by far been the most laid-back parents and little Kaelyn was such a joy---she let us do almost anything with her...

Thank you, my friends, for letting me be a part of your lives!

Blessings,
Candace
P.S...these are the family's favorites...I converted some to b&w so don't be confused if you think you're seeing double....

05-04-10 Sweet Little Lauren... xoxox!

2010-05-06T23:26:00.006-05:00

I got to take pictures of the sweetest little 3 month old baby girl this week...she was sooo good for me! She just did whatever I asked of her (which included going to sleep so we could get some of those bare-bottom-unbelievably-cute-shots...btw, at 3 months of age, this almost never happens!!...so that was big fun for me!). Thank you, Lauren, for being such a good little girl---and thank you to her Mommy for letting me take her pictures!!

I pray that these pictures will bless you for years to come, Candace.
P.S....I'm doing something new right now...I am letting the moms pick their faves for me to edit...pretty cool, huh?....so these are Lauren's Mommy's faves :)

Without further ado...meet Lauren....

McKenzee..along with her parents and 2 sweet doggies!

2010-04-22T10:16:00.006-05:00

A few photogs got together recently and had a shoot out...and this sweet family was so kind to let us take pictures of them...so please meet precious little McKenzee as well as her parents and two doggies...isn't she a cutie!?!

Tamera--Senior 2010 @ Merkel HS!

2010-04-15T23:02:00.010-05:00

Meet Tamera...this sweet girl let a slew of us photographers swarm around her and take pictures of her...all in the name of practice....but what else can I say about Tamera besides she's sweet??...she's an EXCELLENT model, has a great attitude, and is willing to let us shape her and mold her...thanks, Tamera!!!!...you did a GREAT job & we really appreciate it!!!

Springtacular Special!!!!!!

2010-04-15T10:10:00.000-05:00

Springtacular Special…$75

Here’s the 4-1-1:

Details on the session:

One hour session (additional time is $25/hour)
unlimited clothing/prop changes (hey, it’s your time, we can do what you want with it!)
one location ($10 for each additional location)

Product you’ll receive from me:

15 of your favorite pictures will be edited (some call it the beautification process, some call it perly-ing ‘em up…call it what you want, but in short, I’ll make your eyes brighten or change to black & white or brighten/subdue the colors, or add text, etc)
these same 15 pictures will be given to you as digital negatives on a high-resolution CD/DVD that you may take to wherever you desire to have as many prints made at whatever size and cost you desire—you MAY NOT alter the pictures, though—that’s my job, just ask me to do it J

If you chose to have more than 15 pictures edited, it is $3 per picture to edit
If you would like to buy more than 15 digital negatives, this is possible, the price is based on the number of digital negatives you would like to purchase…or, if you’d rather, you can purchase pictures from me (that I will order from a professional photo lab)

you’ll receive an 8x10 of one of the pictures you chose to edit (this will be a high-quality photo from a professional photo lab)

The scoop about the moo-lah:

$50 deposit is due at the time of booking—you may pay in cash or via paypal (I will give you instructions on how to pay via paypal without either of us getting fees)…I must have this deposit to hold your time slot (and find myself a babysitter)…the deposit is non-refundable or transferable (with the exception of extreme weather which would not allow for a proper session)
the remaining $25 is due when you tell me your favorite 15 picks and order the 8x10

How do I get the ball rolling??

YOU: Call me/email me to look at possible dates…until I receive your deposit, I will tentatively put you on my schedule, but I can not hold the date until deposit is received
YOU: Pay me the deposit
YOU: Show up for and have your pictures taken
ME: I will notify you when pictures are ready to be previewed
YOU: look at the pictures and then email me your top 15 along with whichever picture you’d like made into an 8x10
ME: I will edit the pictures, order the 8x10 and call you when they have arrived (usually about a week)
WE: will will jump for joy that we have captured your memories and bonded through artwork
YOU (this one’s optional, but appreciated): will pass the word along about me and my special and…
ME: I will be grateful for the referral J

I look forward to hearing from you!!!

Blessings,

Candace J. Banks

banks4him@gmail.com; 325-518-9918

“From the fullness of HIS grace, we have all received one blessing after another” John 1:16

Sweet little Lawson

2010-04-15T09:16:00.011-05:00

Meet sweet little Lawson...he looks just like his daddy...we took pictures in his nursery this past week...here are a few of our favorites...

Meet sweet little Lawson...he looks just like his daddy...we took pictures in his nursery this past week...here are a few of our favorites...

Art Walk--April in Abilene

2010-04-13T09:38:00.007-05:00

Abilene is one of the coolest places to live...I know some people think that west Texas isn't so great, but i love it...one of the things that Abilene does is Art Walk every month...and every type of art that you can imagine gets displayed here...from music, to belly dancing to henna art...it's a wonderful time to walk...

My son, Corbin, is in the hospital...

2009-02-12T11:42:00.002-06:00

Wondering where I've been???

Well, there's been a lot going on in my family...including

Brendan (my 5 year old) had surgery December 30, 2008...
then I had surgery January 6th and
then Corbin (my 4 year old) has surgery on February 6th...
the very next day, Corbin got put in the hospital and we're still up here!...and not sure when we'll get to go home!!

I have been updating my family's blog--here's the address: http://thebanksbunch.blogspot.com...on it, you can find a link to send Corbin a well wish (if you'd like).

Please keep The Banks Bunch in your prayers.

Blessings,
Candace

Bailey, Courtney, Brookelynn...and Grandma Terri & Aunt Jennifer

2009-01-01T11:30:00.011-06:00

Meet my sweet friends: Bailey, Courtney, and Brookelynn...plus Grandma Terri and Aunt Jennifer got to be in a few pictures, too!!

It was a fun time and everyone did an amazing job--especially little Brookelynn--she was so tolerant of my flash constantly going off...I was amazed!

Hope you enjoy this post of this beautiful family!!

Blessings,
Candace
P.S...this is another pic-heavy post that has pics on both b&w and color---for the family's viewing...don't be confused if you see double... ;)

If you're wondering what the difference is btwn the pic above and the pic below is Brookelynn's eyes were left blue in the pic above...

l

h

Ken, Sarah, Tristyn & Anna

2008-12-10T21:31:00.008-06:00

Meet my friend, Sarah, and her husband, Ken & their two kiddos, Tristyn & Anna... I know Sarah through BSF & she asked me to do their family Christmas photos for them. It was a fun time & the kiddos did great!

The hardest part about taking pictures is always picking out the clothes...so when Sarah told me about some matching t-shirts that say "Merry Christmas" on the front and "It's All About Christ" on the back, I begged her to bring them and let me get some pics of the family in them...We were lucky and got some good ones of them sitting with the Cross at Jacob's Dream in the background...

Thanks, Sarah, for sharing your beautiful family with me!!

Blessings,
Candace
P.S...this is another pic heavy post in order to give Sarah & Ken the most choices for their Christmas cards... :)

Kelly, Megan, Wilson & Anna

2008-12-10T19:52:00.006-06:00

Meet my friends Kelly, Megan, Wilson, & Anna... We've known each other for several years, but this was the 1st time I got to photograph them...

We met out at Abilene State School on a very very cold morning...but you'd never believe it by how well the kiddos did!

Thanks so much, friends, for the fun times!

Blessings,
Candace
P.S...This post will be a little different than most... Don't be confused if you think you're seeing duplicate...as requested by the family, I have posted the pictures in both color & in b&w...

Opal & Kayla...my sister & neice!!!

2008-12-03T13:29:00.005-06:00

Over the Thanksgiving holiday, I got to take pictures of my sweet sister, Opal, & her precious daughter, Kayla!!! What a joy for me!!! Here's just a few that I've processed...I'm sure there'll be more later!!!
Blessings,
Candace

Announcing...Reese Paige

2008-11-21T13:42:00.004-06:00

I'd like to introduce you to Reese Paige...she's the daughter of my sweet friends, Hayley and David (I did Hayley's maternity pictures a while back).

Reese was welcomed into this world by two big brothers, Caden & Luke...

I will post more pictures of Reese once I get them processed...

Blessings,
Candace

Sample Christmas Cards...

2008-11-18T13:21:00.008-06:00

Here's a sample of my Christmas cards...there are a few templates that I have created and some that I have not--all have been used with permission (thank you to my fellow photog friends who given me permission to use them!).

The cards are all customizable...please contact me via email: candacejbanks@gmail.com to place your order...

Also, I can design your family's Christmas card from scratch if you don't see a design in here you like...

Blessings to you and yours,
Candace
P.S...if you send me an email and don't hear back from me within a couple days, please leave me a comment on how to contact you on my blog...it seems that some of my emails aren't getting to me...sorry about that... :)

e

Kris, Tina, Lane & Kate...

2008-11-13T15:23:00.010-06:00

I'd like you to meet my friends from church...Kris, Tina, Lane & announcing baby Kate!!! This is one beautiful family and I really enjoyed taking their pictures... Kris is a fellow photog here in Abilene...I sure hope he approves my work! Another little special thing I want to share with you is that the scriptures I used on the pictures are ones that are special to the family...I just love adding scriptures to photos, but especially when it's a scripture that's special to a family...

Thanks so much Kris, Tina, Lane & Kate for letting me love on yall!!! It was truly a joy!!!

Blessings,
Candace
P.S...this post has a ton of pics...I just couldn't pic out my very very favorites and since this was a gift for them, I just had to post them all...congrats Kris, Tina & Lane!!!

Priscilla & Carter

2008-11-13T13:19:00.004-06:00

Priscilla is one of my best friends...so you can only imagine what a pleasure it was for me to take these pictures of her and Carter... PLUS, it was even more special because these were to be the last pictures of just her and her two year old...little Finley arrived not too long after we took the pictures!

Hope you enjoy!

Blessings,
Candace

Losing a small Asian Woman...

2008-11-11T11:27:00.006-06:00

I have added a post on my family blog which tells about my current weight loss after gastric bypass surgery...if you'd like to see how much I've lost and see a current picture of me...you can check it out here:

http://thebanksbunch.blogspot.com/2008/11/losing-small-asian-woman.html

Blessings,
Candace

Brian, Amanda & Brynlee...

2008-11-04T18:30:00.013-06:00

I'd like to introduce you to my sweet friends...Brian, Amanda, and Brynlee...

We go to church together at PDBC and Amanda approached me a few months ago about taking their Christmas pictures...we got together this last weekend and WHOA was it an adventure!!

I hope you enjoy looking at these as much as I enjoyed taking them!

Blessings to you,
Candace

P-p-p-PREVIEW!! Meet Brynlee...

2008-11-04T14:03:00.009-06:00

I am working on a sweet family session I did this past weekend and I'm just not quite ready to get the all the pics on the blog, but I can't help but share this little storyboard I made for Brynlee (and more importantly, her parents, Amanda & Brian!!---hope yall love this!!)...
Blessings,
Candace

P.S...here's a little insight on the cute outfit Brynlee has on...her mother made it!!!! And the color was designed off of Brynlee's new room decor!!!...I was so impressed that Amanda put this outfit together with this photo session in mind so that she could use the pictures to decorate her daughter's room...isn't that too sweet!?! she even let me know ahead of time that she'd want these pics in b&w with only the pink & blue accents in color (b/c the room is being decorated in blue & pink)...I think this is waayyyy cool!

Album: My Grandparents' 50th Anniversary

2008-10-30T13:06:00.004-06:00

My grandparents celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this summer and they were sooo sweet and let me take some pics of them...and this is the big fun part for me...I'm surprising them with an album!!! This is the 1st album I've created so I wanted to share my work...let me know what you think, ok? Thanks!
Blessings,
Candace

Page 1:

Pages 2-3:

Pages 4-5:
Pages 6-7:
Pages 8-9:
Pages 10-11:
Page 12:

Sweet little Cash (& big brother McCall)

2008-10-21T11:51:00.008-05:00

Oh, what a treat!!! I got to take pictures of Cash, a sweet little 4 month old, this past Saturday! And his 3.5 year old big brother (who I have to add is soooo sweet & protective & loving & good with him) got to come along for a few shots. It was a special time for me to get to know this family & I can't wait to watch these little ones grow up.

Hope you enjoy the pics as much as I enjoyed taking them!

Blessings,
Candace

Luke...

2008-10-16T11:27:00.004-05:00

As I'm trying to catch up, I'm finding some pictures I failed to post a while back...these go with the previous post on Luke...

Ryan & Amanda's Wedding...

2008-10-05T08:14:00.012-05:00

Ryan and Amanda got married a few weeks ago...and I have been sooo anxious to get these pictures processed and on the blog!

The wedding was beautiful, the weather was awesome, the bride was phenomenal...it really was such a pleasure to photograph Ryan & Amanda's rehearsal dinner and wedding and I feel blessed to have been a part of their special day.

Thank you so much, Ryan & Amanda, for being so awesome & laid back...thank you for letting my 1st wedding experience be such a fun, enjoyable experience....I pray that at least once I was able to be the hands and feet of Jesus to you and your families.

Blessings to you both,
Candace

I absolutely LOVE the expression on Ryan's face--he looks so happy and like he's having a great time...these are the types of pictures I LOVE to capture....

The dress....oh my--it was sooooo pretty....with beautiful lacy details...LOVED it!

Ryan & Amanda decided not to see each other before the wedding...so they exchanged some love and kisses through the door...

This was one of the neatest details that Amanda added into the wedding...instead of having a flower girl, she had the groomsmen toss rose petals ...it really turned out awesome!

Ryan sees his bride for the 1st time...

It is absolutely sweetness the expression on Amanda's face...like "I love you, Dad, but there's a new sheriff in town.."

Amanda set up candles all around the sanctuary--it was a gorgeous touch--can you see them flickering in the background??

Centerpieces at the reception...I thought they were very classy, but easy decorations (my kinda girl!)

Amanda's SIL made this cake---isn't it gorgeous!!!!

Another priceless detail...Amanda & Ryan are very creative...and one of the ways that they wanted to create a memory of their wedding is by making this painting...and then have guests sign it/put their mark on it...VERY cool & classy!

The rings....they were so pretty...and I just couldn't resist putting them in with the cranberries!

This is Ryan & his lifelong best friend...if I am remembering correctly, his wife was either in labor during the wedding or went into labor literally as soon as Ryan & Amanda drove away...either way, something big happened as soon as they left...

This was before the wedding...one last crazy thing before getting hitched..

Father and son playing around...

Another detail...Amanda is a barefoot type of gal (I'm starting to wonder if we were separated at birth)...anywho, she and all the bridesmaids went and got pedicures so their toes would look pretty when they went barefoot....I just LOVE LOVE LOVE the fact that they were all barefoot during the wedding!!! I wish I would've done that!!! You rock, Amanda!!

Investment/Pricing Information

2008-10-01T10:10:00.009-05:00

Portrait session fee is $75 and includes the following:

· Up to 2 hrs at one location (additional locations are $10 each)

· 1-5 people (additional people $10 each)

· Unlimited Dress Changes

· 5 images will be edited (b&w, retro, names/scriptures, etc) for you to purchase

**A $25 non-refundable deposit is required to book your date and time. The remainder will be due when the pictures are taken.

Engagement/Bridal session fee is $150 and includes the following:

· Up to 2 hrs at one location (additional locations are $10 each)

· 1-2 people (additional people $10 each)

· Unlimited Dress Changes for Engagement Session Only

· 20 images will be edited (b&w, retro, names/scriptures, etc) for you to purchase

**A $25 non-refundable deposit is required to book your date and time. The remainder will be due when the pictures are taken.

Wedding fee is $100/hour and includes the following:

· 50+ images will be edited (b&w, retro, names/scriptures, etc) for you to purchase

**A $200 non-refundable deposit is required to book your date and time. The remainder will be due two weeks before the wedding.

Prints* (although this list is limited, many more shapes & sizes are available--these prices do not reflect matting or protection coating)

Wallets (8)…....................$6.00

4x6…...............................$2.00

5x7…...............................$3.00

8x10….............................$6.00

11x14…...........................$12.00

16x20…...........................$30.00

20x24…...........................$45.00

24x30…...........................$55.00

30x40…...........................$90.00

Digital Negatives on CD/DVD *

1 negative…..............$20.00

All negatives…..........$100.00

--Please note that if you purchase all digital negatives CD at the time of placing original order, this will include the edited pictures plus all presentable unprocessed digital negatives in jpg form. All photos are owned by the photographer and photographer has the right to delete and/or withhold unprintable pictures (due to extreme blur or damage), unappealing photos (including but not limited to photos where clients' eyes are closed, photos that are revealing or inappropriate in nature, etc)

Storyboards *

11x14…..............................$50.00

16x20…..............................$60.00

20x24…..............................$75.00

24x30…..............................$90.00

30x40…..............................$120.00

Prints on Canvas *

8x10…................................$95.00

11x14…..............................$120.00

16x20…..............................$150.00

20x24…..............................$190.00

24x30…..............................$240.00

30x40…..............................$320.00

Prints on Gallery Wraps *

8x10…...............................$200.00

11x14….............................$250.00

16x20….............................$300.00

20x24….............................$375.00

24x30….............................$525.00

30x40….............................$700.00

*******Prices subject to change without notice*******

* All prints and storyboards must be paid for at time of ordering. Prices listed do not include Texas state tax (8.25%). If minimum order amount has not been added, an additional $5 fee may apply

** A $25 non-refundable deposit (portrait) or $200 deposit (wedding) is required to book your date and time. The remainder will be due when the pictures are taken.

Sweet Little Riley

2008-09-26T09:12:00.004-05:00

Oh my..it's been such a sweet sweet time in my Bible Class (the Jacob Dept)...we have had several families who have been patiently waiting to adopt and the Lord has provided several of these families within the last couple months with a precious blessing through adoption...

The latest addition to our Jacob Dept Family is little Riley...he has been adopted by my sweet friends, Krista & Darrell...and I got the sweet priveledge of taking a few pictures of him the other day...and I can't even express all the joy that my heart felt--every time I get to experience another family's adoption, it brings back the memories of adopting our precious 1st son, Brendan...

Congrats Darrell & Krista---may you be blessed by little Riley--I know he will be blessed by you!!

Love yall!

Candace

Just a Little Teaser... i HEART the McKee's!!!

2008-09-19T13:33:00.004-05:00

I had the privilege of photographing a friend of mine's sister-in-law's wedding this past weekend...and while it'll be a while before I get a decent set of pictures posted, I just couldn't help myself and made a storyboard....

Congratulations Ryan & Amanda!!! More pictures to come, soon!

Blessings,
Candace
P.S....the "heart" picture in the bottom left is a painting that Ryan & Amanda made together....then at the wedding, the guests "signed" the painting & the end result is at the top right...

Sweet little boy...Carter...

2008-09-11T12:33:00.003-05:00

My friend, Priscilla, let me take pictures of her boy, Carter, the other day when we were at the zoo...most of these are the same minus a change of expression (which since I'm a mom, I know how I love ALL the expressions of my children..so I couldn't pick just one...)

Love you, Cilla & Carter!!

Blessings,
Candace

Hayley Maternity

2008-09-11T12:01:00.005-05:00

My good friend, Hayley, will be adding a sweet little baby girl to the family...she's delivering little Reese tomorrow morning and so I wanted to get these posted...Hayley's little boys, Caden & Luke, and my boys have the best time together (when I have time I'll have to post some pics of her & my boys)...

Good luck tomorrow morning, Hayley!! I love you!!

Karissa & Justin

2008-09-06T16:59:00.008-05:00

I had such a wonderful time this morning with Karissa & Justin! It was such a pleasure spending a couple hours with them shooting their engagement pictures!

Karissa & Justin have been dating for 4.5 years now and it was such a blast to see how much they love each other and how great of friends they are---I firmly believe that it is sooo important to marry your best friend...

I hope you enjoy these as much as I enjoyed taking them!

Blessings,
Candace
P.S...the 1st picture is a storyboard that I created for them...they were just toooo sweet with each other!!

Do you like the color one (above) or the b&w one (below) better?

The next 3 are the same picture...but I just couldn't make up my mind which one of them I liked the best...can you help me out?? Leave me a comment & let me know, ok?

I added some texture to this one...just funk-i-fying it a little bit...it may or may not work for you--but I thought it was a fun play...

We Are The Banks Bunch...

2008-09-04T13:57:00.010-05:00

I'd like to introduce you to The Banks Bunch...and yes, this is MY family...these are my most favorite 3 guys in the WHOLE WORLD!!!

My husband, Kelly, has been soooo supportive through this crazy journey I started to take a year ago when I decided I wanted to pursue photography professionally...he has been my biggest supporter, my biggest fan...he's listened to me when I needed to vent and given me his shoulder to cry on when I felt like a failure...he has also given me the biggest hugs when I feel like celebrating and encouraged me when I really haven't done such a hot job...he's been my best friend for 7 years now and I'm so thankful I have him...and did I mention how handsome he is??...he's also an absolutely amazingly incredible father to our two boys Brendan & Corbin...

Brendan started Kindergarten this year and I can't even begin to tell you how proud I am of him! He's got such a sweetness about him---which sometimes goes head to head with his orneryness...but seriously, he is an amazing hugger, he's a happy, playful kiddo who loves his brother despite how much he picks on him...and the sweetest thing about my little B is that he always remembers to tell me that he loves me and that I look pretty.

Corbin is about to turn 4 and bless his little heart, he has my personality through and through...he is a happy little kiddo who loves to be with friends--he plays so well with others...but I tell you what, when he gets his feelings hurt, they get seriously hurt--he does not like to be picked on or teased--he's so serious it's rediculous...this little boy of ours has more rhythm in one little hiney cheek than some people possess in their entire body...he LOVES music, LOVES to sing, and LOVES to get down and boogie! It's been so much fun having time with little Corbs while Brendan has been away at school.

Don't worry, I'm included in some of the pictures...this will ease some of yall's minds who have been so curious to see what I look like now...but let me tell you that these pics are already a month old and I've already lost another 10 pounds...My current weight loss to date is 60 pounds!! Yahoo!!

Hope you enjoy this peak into my life...

Blessings,
Candace

This is me...can you tell??

A few more of Jess, my AHS girl senior rep

2008-08-27T16:28:00.004-05:00

Allie & Friend

2008-08-26T21:20:00.007-05:00

I am horribly embarrassed to admit this, but I can't for the life of me remember Allie's friend's name! To give myself a little credit, it was the 1st time I'd met her and she only hung out with me & my family during lunch and was nice enough to model for me while I played with my new camera...

Honest mistake, right? At least you know I'm human...

Blessings,
Candace

Meredith's Headshots

2008-08-26T20:50:00.004-05:00

Meredith is one of my friends who models for me...and so when asked me to do some headshots for her, how could I resist???...so we did an impromptu session right after church...check them out...here they are...

BTW, my FAVORITE thing about Meredith is her freckles!!!! And wouldn't you know it, she doesn't like them! I'd take 'em in a heartbeat! :) She's such a beautiful girl inside and out!

Love you, Meredith!

Opal & Kayla

2008-08-26T19:12:00.005-05:00

This is my younger sister, Opal, and her daughter, Kayla... Aren't they beautimous?!? These were taken at my grandparents' 50th wedding celebration...

Blessings,
Candace

50 years of marriage...

2008-08-26T18:18:00.004-05:00

Ever wonder what 50 years of marriage looks like? Take a look at my grandparents---we just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary and they were sweet enough to let me photograph them... Marriage is one of God's most beautiful creations...and the blessing of spending 50 years with someone is something that is so amazing...it's something that I admire and that I look forward to sharing with my sweet husband, Kelly...

Congratulations, Mimi & Papa!

Blessings,
Candace

This is their original cake centerpiece from 50 years ago...

Don't they look like they're having fun?
I told them to think back to the days when they couldn't keep their hands off each other...
sooooo sweet!

This picture cracks me up...it doesn't matter how many years you've been married, your best friend will still say something that'll make you roll your eyes! Love it!

Congrats ZACH RULE....My WHS Senior Rep!!!!

2008-08-21T13:41:00.007-05:00

CONGRATULATIONS TO MY WHS SENIOR REP,
ZACH RULE!!!!!

Congrats JESSICA MARTIN....My AHS Senior Rep!!!!

2008-08-21T12:00:00.000-05:00

CONGRATULATIONS TO MY AHS SENIOR REP,
JESSICA MARTIN!!!!!

Here's a little preview of our session the other day...more pics to come... Jessica did a great job strutting her stuff...I can't wait to fill yall in on more pics of her!!!

Please leave me comments letting me know what you think!

And shoot me an email at candacejbanks@gmail.com to set up your senior session!

Blessings!
Candace

Personal Update-- My Gastric Bypass Surgery

2008-08-20T23:49:00.001-05:00

I have been asked more times than I know how to answer:

"why haven't you posted anything recent on your blog about your surgery???---I want to see pictures!!!---I want details!!"

So, ok, I'll share some details...but no pictures...not yet at least...it's not that I haven't been taking them, I'm just absolutely horrified at how BAD i looked before the surgery and although I look better, I'm just not quite ready to show off my stuff...

So here's the digits:
*** 8 = the number of weeks since my gastric bypass
*** 2 = the number of weeks since my emergency gallbladder surgery
*** 30.25 = the number of inches i have lost over various places on my body
*** 52 = the number of pounds i have lost
*** 193 = my current weight...i never thought this would be a proud day, but it is GREAT to be under 200!!!)
*** 50 = the number of pounds that i'd still like to lose...however, i'd be thrilled to death if i only lost 25 more pounds--my goal is to be about 150-160

I promise that I will post pictures...and I'm getting much more comfortable in my own skin so they should be here before the end of the year..

Blessings,
Candace

Zoo Lillies...

2008-08-19T00:36:00.001-05:00

One day we were at the zoo and there were the most gorgeous flowers..and lucky for me, I had my camera with me...so I can now share them with you!!!

Blessings,
Candace

Happy 1st Birthday, Addison!!!

2008-08-18T11:51:00.011-05:00

Be ready to buckle your seatbelts b/c this is going to be a long post with lots of pics!!!

My niece (by faith) turned 1 recently...and I got to be the photographer for the event...it was such a blast...I love little Addie!! Happy 1st birthday, sweet girl!!

Karter...a lab affair...

2008-08-18T10:02:00.003-05:00

I finally got my dog to sit still long enough to get some pics of him...I think it'd be great big fun to have sessions where people brought their animals...

So introducing.... Karter.......

My best pool friend, Ginger (& family)

2008-07-31T19:43:00.010-05:00

Ginger & I are very good friends...in fact, she, like me, is a military wife--but unlike me, she moves A LOT...and everywhere she goes, she finds a new best friend (she's one of those people that it's easy to get attached to)...anywho, when she tells stories, she's always like "my best friend from____ this" or "my best friend from _____ that"... and as it turns out, she already has a best friend here in Abilene...so since I hook her up at the pool my family has a membership at, I told her that I'm her "best pool friend in Abilene"...ha, ha!

It was such a pleasure to take pictures of Jeff, Ginger, Erin & Jackson!! We had a blast at Buffalo Gap...and what I hope you see in these pictures is how much this family loves each other... They are a sweet, loving family who serve the Lord and it's my pleasure to share them with you!
Blessings, Candace

More of pretty Allie...

2008-07-31T16:36:00.007-05:00

I've finally finished editing the rest of Allie's pictures... She's become such a sweet part of our family...our kiddos like to call her Aunt Allie... She comes over all the time just to help me out and play with the kiddos...

So these were done as a gift for her to give to her boyfriend (soon to be fiance'!!) who is serving in Kuwait...

Blessings,
Candace

I just LLLOOOOVVVEEEE this picture...Allie's got Angelina Jolie lips...beautiful!!

Do you like the b&w or color one better?? I couldn't decide...

Senior Rep Search!!!

2008-07-28T12:03:00.003-05:00

YAHOO!!!! You made it!!!

It's your SENIOR YEAR!!!

Ok, seniors, you're not your Mother
and these are not your Mother's High School Senior pictures...

So show who YOU are in your senior pictures
instead of blah blah blah monotonous studio shots
just like every other senior's pictures...

Expect the unexpected where fashion
meets grundge, meets a little retro,
meets funky, meets old school, meets edgy,
meets YOU!!

Become one of the 1st senior representatives for your school
and you can earn you some loot!

But you need to act fast!!!
I will only be accepting 1-2 seniors from each high school...

Q: What's in it for me, you ask?
A: The best advertising money can buy!

Question: What's in it for you??
A: You will receive a free senior session,
your portraits will be used for advertising (you never know
when you might turn around and see your face in town!!),
5 low-resolution images for your MySpace or Facebook,
and a chance to earn free prints and other goodies!

Q: Count me in! What do I need to do to get started?
A: Shoot me an email ASAP with a couple of
recent, fun photos of yourself...
I will look through them all and pick the winners!

Q: Do I need to be ultra-thin, perfect-bodied, etc?
A: Ab-so-lutely NOT!! I believe that we are created in
our Maker's image--and this is often MUCH different than
how the world sees us! :) My only rules are that I will not
shoot you in revealing clothing...this doesn't mean you can't
look cute, but I don't believe that less is more....believe me,
you will look good if I'm photographing you... :)

Q: Who can apply?
A: I'd like to have males and females...maybe one of each from each school...
So act quick and shoot me an email with your picture @ candacejbanks@gmail.com

Q: What's the deadline?
A: I would like to have these done before school starts...
so the contest starts NOW and ends at the end of August.

Good luck to you!! Hope to hear from you soon!
Blessings,
Candace
candacejbanks@gmail.com

Web & Kristi...and soon-to-be Carson...

2008-07-25T16:18:00.009-05:00

Today I had the great pleasure of taking pictures of Kristi, her husband, Web, and soon-to-be Carson (he's growing in his mommy's tummy)...

It was my 1st time to be able to take pictures inside of the awaiting nursery & I had such a great time!

Thanks so much to Kristi & Web for sharing this special time with me! I hope I get to take some pictures of little Carson in the future!

Blessings,
Candace

Sweet Baby Kaelyn...

2008-07-24T16:39:00.003-05:00

I will be doing an "official" shoot for little Kaelyn pretty soon, but I couldn't help myself on Sunday and had to get a few shots of her...isn't she a cutie? She has an absolutely precious story that goes with her...but with her parents' permission, I'll share that with yall later...

Blessings,
Candace

Nikki's Maternity Shots...

2008-07-24T13:45:00.006-05:00

Before I had my surgery, my friend, Nikki, & I got together and did her maternity shots... It was a lot of fun...especially b/c she brought her sweet daughter with her!

Blessings,
Candace

Beautiful Rachel...

2008-07-22T16:31:00.004-05:00

Rachel modeled for me earlier in the summer...we had such a blast checkin' out all sorts of places in Abilene...she's such a pretty girl with a lot of Christian character... Hope you enjoy the pictures as much as I enjoyed taking them!

Blessings,
Candace

P-p-p Preview!!!...Meet Allie...

2008-07-17T12:27:00.000-05:00

The Banks Bunch has adopted a sweet sweet sweet girl named Allie...and she let me take some pics of her the other day...and I just couldn't help myself...I had to share a preview with you...there's more to come, though b/c her boyfriend, Rodney, is over in Kuwait and these were done with him in mind....
Blessings,
Candace
P.S...isn't she gorgeous!!!