“I Almost Skipped Maternity Photos… And I’m So Glad I Didn’t”

If you’re pregnant right now and thinking,

“I’ll just do newborn photos…”

You’re not alone.

Most moms I talk to say the same thing:

  • “I don’t feel like myself.”
  • “I’m swollen.”
  • “I’ll wait until after baby.”
  • “I don’t love how I look right now.”
  • “I’m miserable..”

And honestly? Heck yea you are! You are physically growing another human being!! It’s a lot of work!

Pregnancy is beautiful though — but it’s also uncomfortable, emotional, and sometimes just… a lot. It’s all the feels… all the feels…. and heart burn lol.

Here’s What Moms Don’t Realize Until Later

The bump doesn’t last very long.

It feels endless while you’re living it, but once baby arrives, that season closes fast. Suddenly your body changes again, your focus shifts, and the photos you almost took become the ones you wish you had.

I hear it ALL the time during newborn ordering appointments:

“I wish I had done maternity too… now I can’t…. I know you would have made me look beautiful…” (heck yea I would have!!)

Not because they wanted glamorous photos — but because they wanted proof of how strong they were, how loved that baby already was, and what life looked like right before everything changed.

You Don’t Have to Feel “Confident” to Be Photographed

This part matters.

You don’t need to:

❌ lose weight

❌ know how to pose

❌ feel glowing every day

❌ shop for anything fancy

My job is to guide you, pose you gently, and photograph you in a way that feels natural and flattering — not stiff, not awkward, and definitely not “Pinterest pressure.” You will not look like a swollen, fat blob! You will look amazing! It’s just what you are projecting from how you are feeling. I don’t change you, I bring out the best in you! Show you that glow you sometimes don’t see!

Maternity sessions are calm, unrushed, and designed around you — whether that’s soft and cozy, elegant and timeless, or simple and minimal. Studio lighting is just magic! It makes your skin look like perfection. Most women are worried about how swollen their face is, I got you! This is why you come to a seasoned photographer, such as myself, to pose you correctly in flattering angles and know their lighting. Everyone knows someone who has some type of camera and takes pics. Not everyone is a photographer. This is a sensitive session that you don’t trust cousin susie or uncle Joe with.

Why Moms Are Thankful They Did It (Even If They Hesitated)

Because one day:

  • your kids will ask what you looked like when you carried them
  • you’ll forget how strong your body really was
  • and that season will feel far away
  • believe it or not, one day you will look back and think “why in the world did I hate the way I looked! I was gorgeous!”

Those photos become part of your family’s story — not just a “pregnancy photo.”

Maternity + Newborn: A Seamless Experience

Many of my clients from Big Spring, Midland, Odessa, Lubbock, and San Angelo choose to book maternity and newborn together so everything flows naturally — the style, the artwork, and the final pieces displayed in their home.

It also means less planning, less stress, and a smoother experience once baby arrives.

If You’re On the Fence… This Is Your Sign

You don’t have to love every part of pregnancy to honor it.

And you don’t have to wait until you feel “ready” — because most moms never feel that way, and still end up so grateful they said yes.

Maternity sessions are best scheduled between 28–34 weeks, and I only take a limited number each month to ensure a relaxed, personalized experience. Ok! So how many times do we hear this! Every mama is diff and 28 weeks may not work for you like another mama! Some don’t show until 7 months… some look full blown pregnant at 4 months. So, the magical time is when belly is high still and not too big that you can’t sit, bend over or walk comfortably. Don’t wait until bump drops and your miserable. I’ve had so many moms book late in pregnancy and legit deliver the night before their session! Plan and book ahead if you can!

If you’re expecting soon and considering maternity photos in Big Spring or surrounding West Texas areas, now is the time to reach out — before baby shifts your world in the best possible way. Think it’s too late, probably not! Just ask! Think it’s too early? Def not, reach out! I’ve had moms reach out before baby transfer in an IVF cycle. That’s great! You are educating yourself, getting ready, and manifesting that positivity in your world! Let’s do it! I can’t wait to meet you!

“Why Studio Newborn Sessions Save Moms From… Literally Everything (Including Laundry)”

If you’re a new mom, here’s a universal truth nobody warns you about: newborns do not care about your aesthetic vision, your schedule, or the pile of clean-but-unfolded laundry you keep “meaning” to put away. (Isn’t that the best though?! Your kids love you no matter what you look or smell like!)

And yet, somehow, that’s exactly when you decide you should probably have newborn photos done.

Cue panic.

But hear me out — this is exactly why studio newborn sessions are basically a gift from the universe.

No cleaning required. Zero. None. Not even the fake tidy where you stuff things in closets.

You just show up! Let me do it all! I’ve got backdrops, lighting, props, heaters, wraps, cute little outfits made just for their tiny size…and coffee… because you haven’t slept and that’s important. Oh! and snacks! …because on the morning of pictures, you probably didn’t have time to eat either!

And speaking of lighting — can we just acknowledge that not all houses are created equal?

Studio lighting doesn’t care if you have one tiny window or a beautifully dark room that vibes like a vampire novel. It’s perfect every time, no matter what your house is doing. It’s flattering and makes you glow and look absolutely beautiful! No more dark circles under your eyes!

Then there’s the baby “stuff.” Babies come with so many accessories it feels like you’re packing for a miniature celebrity. Studio means you don’t have to load the car with every questionable swaddle, blanket, stuffed animal, and sound machine you own. It’s already here — coordinated, clean, sanitized and ready to go.

Also, your newborn will pee and/or poop during the session. It’s not optional. It’s not personal. The studio is built for this level of chaos. I’ve seen things. I’m prepared. We carry on.

And for moms with older kids — studio sessions earn bonus points: siblings can snack, chill, and hop in for photos without you worrying about them running through your freshly staged living room like it’s NASCAR. They can play with toys and blocks and pop back in on pics, or after family and sibling, dad can take the others for a bit and come back while I focus on baby!

At the end of it, you leave with beautiful heirloom artwork, albums, and wall prints that look intentional — not like you held your breath for two hours hoping nobody zooms in on a laundry basket.

If you’re in Big Spring, Midland, Odessa, San Angelo, Abilene, or Lubbock, that little drive to the studio is the difference between stress and “wow, that was actually easy.” Totally worth it!

So if you’re expecting a baby soon (or you’re in the thick of “third trimester brain” right now), studio might just be your new favorite parenting hack. Or if you just delivered and spaced on newborn photos because you couldn’t find a studio, here I am! Come see me!

Because newborns don’t stay tiny for long (and the sleepy phase disappears faster than your postpartum snacks), I take a limited number of due dates each month so sessions stay calm, intentional, and high-touch. Babies tend to come at their own pace, so I make sure I can work them in!

If you’re expecting in 2026, especially spring/summer due dates, now is the time to get on my calendar — once they’re gone, they’re gone, and I hate turning families away when baby has already arrived. When I say I love a good baby snuggle… I sure do!

My studio located in Big Spring, Texas and loved by families from Midland, Odessa, San Angelo, Abilene, and Lubbock — totally worth the drive, totally worth the experience, and totally stress-free.

Ready to reserve your spot?

Let’s get you booked before baby makes their debut. “Don’t wait until baby is here — those sleepy days fly and you’ll be so glad you planned ahead.”

The “Last Baby” Syndrome: Why Second (and Third… and Fourth) Babies Deserve Photos Too

There’s a funny thing that happens when you have more than one kid.

Your first baby gets ALL the things:

the matching outfits,

the monthly photo chalkboards,

the Pinterest-perfect scrapbook full of milestones…

and then your second (or third… or fourth…) baby rolls around like:

“Hi. I exist. I have no documentation.”

It’s not that you don’t love them just as much.

If anything, you love them more efficiently.

You’re just busy, you’re tired, and honestly?

You’re wiser now.

But Here’s the Twist No One Warns You About

Somewhere between Baby #2 and Baby #4, moms start catching a new kind of feeling:

“I missed things with my first… I’m not missing it this time.”

Or…

“We finally can afford to do the special things now.”

Or the most emotional gut-punch of all:

“This is my last baby.”

And suddenly newborn photos don’t feel optional anymore.

They feel like history books.

Why Multi-Kid Moms Book Faster (and Spend Smarter)

This is something I’ve noticed in my Big Spring studio over and over — especially with moms driving in from Midland, Odessa, Lubbock, and San Angelo:

First-time moms research.

Multi-kid moms decide.

They already know:

✔ how fast the newborn stage disappears

✔ how hard it is to remember those tiny details

✔ how much they regret not printing photos

✔ and how babies grow overnight

They don’t need convincing — they just need a date.

Also… Multi-Kid Moms Are Surprisingly Funny

At least once a month I hear:

“Listen, we love her to pieces, but if we don’t document this child, she’s going to show up in therapy one day with QUESTIONS.”

Or:

“Our first child has a fancy full leather-bound baby book. Our second child has… a folder in my phone somewhere.”

Relatable?

Absolutely.

Judgment-free zone?

Always.

The “Last Baby” Is the Most Emotional Baby

Here’s where things get real for a second.

The last baby carries a different kind of weight:

  • the last newborn smell
  • the last fuzzy hair
  • the last tiny toes
  • the last swaddle
  • the last time you’ll rock someone at 3am

And that realization hits moms HARD — especially if they skipped photos the first time around. There’s also a special kind of emotion that you just can’t understand unless it happens to you when you didn’t know this had to be your last baby and the choice was made for you… it’s a heart break that I just can’t describe to you and unfortunately, I relate all too well with some of my mommies on that subject. When you are building your family, sometimes, you just never know when its your last baby… or in some cases your only baby. It hits differently and you wear yourself out trying to do all the things for that one baby. You just don’t want to miss a thing.

And Here’s Where Photos Matter Even More

Because when they’re 18, leaving for college, and you’re ugly crying in the stairwell?

You won’t grab the phone photos.

You’ll grab the printed ones:

✔ the album (this is so often discussed during the consultation… because if you don’t buy the parent album, you are left without one! That child will want their baby album)

✔ the box of matted portraits

✔ the framed art on the wall

That’s the stuff that sticks.

(Ask any mom who’s done it both ways.)

Worth the Drive (and Worth the Doo-Doo Diaries)

A funny sidenote:

multi-kid moms never worry about siblings acting wild, poop breaks, feeding breaks, or chaos.

They walk into the studio calm like:

“We brought snacks and an extra outfit. We’re professionals now.”

Which makes newborn sessions in Big Spring — whether you’re from Midland, Odessa, Lubbock, or right down the road — actually easier with Baby #2+ than with Baby #1.

Who knew?

If You’re Pregnant With Your Second (or Third… or Fourth… or Final) Baby…

Here’s the gentle nudge:

Don’t skip the last one.

You will want these.

And if you skipped the first one, guess what?

You’ll feel even sweeter about doing it this time.

You don’t need a perfect house.

You don’t need matching outfits.

You don’t need to have it all together.

You just need to book before they grow too fast. I provide so much anyways! Never buy anything before you talk to me! I probably have it! So many times moms have surprised me at the session and have pulled out a prop or outfit and were like, I wanted this so bad, so I splurged and bought this! I’ll never use it again but I wanted it! ….ummm, I have 2 of those, you should have asked me!!

Ready to Chat or Book?

If you’re due in Big Spring, Midland, Odessa, Lubbock, San Angelo, Abilene, or anywhere in West Texas, reach out and I’ll walk you through how newborn sessions work — chaos and all. Call me 432-270-2255, or fill out your info and I’ll get back to you ASAP! Just don’t forget to send! http://www.abstractphotographystudio.com

The Daily Doo-Doo Diaries: Confessions From a Newborn Photography Studio

If there’s one universal truth about newborn photography, it’s this:

babies poop…. and pee….

They poop on blankets.

They poop on props.

They poop on their moms, their dads, my beanbags, and occasionally… directly on me.

(Zero shame. Zero hesitation. Maximum confidence.)

In fact, if your baby doesn’t pee or poop during the session, I will genuinely wonder if everything is okay in their tiny digestive universe.

Because here’s the part you don’t see on Instagram:

those dreamy, peaceful, Pinterest-worthy newborn photos?

They’re often produced during the aftermath of a Code Brown.

Why Does Every Baby Choose My Studio for Their Biggest Poops?

Honestly?

It’s kind of my fault.

The studio is warm, cozy, and intentionally womb-like. We keep the environment perfect for sleepy, relaxed babies — and relaxed babies do what relaxed babies do.

Add in full tummies and soft blankets?

Welcome to Poop City, population: your adorable tiny human.

Parents Always Apologize (But They Truly Don’t Have To)

This might be my favorite part.

Mom: “Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry! Babe!! help her!!!”

Dad: standing there… grossed out… not intending to help… at all…

Baby: 🧘‍♂️✨

Meanwhile, I’m over here like:

“I literally signed up for this.”

Newborn photographers could win Olympic medals in poop dodgeball and blanket laundering, and no one would question it. I’ve had babies straight up shoot poop out of diaper inside of an outfit, inside of like 2 wraps! How you might ask? It is unknown still to this day… I have sooo many stories!! I never shame and I never reveal names! It’s funny and always makes for a great anonymous story!

It’s part of the gig, part of the charm, and frankly, part of what makes newborn sessions so fun and unpredictable.

A Quick Note for First-Time Parents (Who Think This Is Weird)

If you’re a first-time parent, you might be wondering:

“Is it supposed to be this… messy?”

Short answer: Sometimes.

Long answer: absolutely can be.

The “mess” usually means baby is:

✔ comfortable

✔ warm

✔ fed

✔ deeply relaxed

✔ feeling safe

Those are exactly the conditions that make for beautiful sleepy portraits.

For Second-Time Parents (You Already Know the Drill)

Second-time moms walk in the studio like:

“Here’s an extra onesie, two burp cloths, and a gallon-sized Ziploc. She has an extra shirt for herself as well and apologizes in advance!!

These are my people.

They’re the veterans.

They’ve been in the trenches.

They understand that motherhood is equal parts sweet and hilarious… and occasionally covered in mustard-yellow surprises.

But Here’s the Best Part…

Behind the humor and bodily chaos, something really lovely is happening:

You’re watching your baby’s first week of life being documented in the sweetest, tiniest, most fleeting stage while already building these hilarious memories that you will tell forever! “yes, Frankie! you pooped on all your newborn photographers white blankets and outfits!!”

And whether there’s pee, poop, spit-up, or none of the above — the result is always worth it.

Because what hangs on your walls later isn’t the mess or the chaos, it’s the quiet, snuggly magic of your newborn exactly as they were.

Worth the Drive (Poop and All)

Families travel to my Big Spring studio from all over West Texas — Midland, Odessa, Lamesa, Lubbock, San Angelo, and more — and I promise:

If your baby poops here, you will not be the first.

You will not be the last.

And you will not be judged.

You’re just part of the Doo-Doo Diaries now.

Welcome to the club.

If You’re Expecting…

If you’re expecting and wondering whether a boutique newborn session is right for you, you’re welcome to reach out and ask anything at all. There’s no embarrassing questions here!! I’m always happy to guide first-time parents through how it all works. It’s not always a “shit show” lol!!

Why High-End Newborn Photography Costs More (And Why It’s Worth It)

When you’re expecting a baby, you quickly realize there are things worth investing in — a safe car seat, a comfortable stroller, and the tiny details that make life easier. Newborn photography is one of those investments that parents never regret, because babies change faster than anything else in life.

But what makes high-end newborn photography cost more than the standard “digital-file” photographer? And why do families travel for it, plan ahead for it, and choose printed artwork instead of just a handful of jpegs?

Here’s what actually goes into boutique newborn photography — and why so many parents say it’s worth every penny.

1. Specialty Training + Newborn Safety

A newborn photography session isn’t just a photo shoot — it’s a session with a tiny, delicate human who can’t support their head, can’t regulate their temperature, and requires careful handling.

High-end photographers spend years learning:

  • safe posing
  • newborn anatomy
  • spotting + composites
  • sanitization
  • transitional posing flow
  • soothing + wrapping techniques
  • producing polished galleries even with a fussy baby

Safety is invisible in the final image, but it’s everything during the session. It’s also the difference between a stressful experience and a peaceful one.

2. A Carefully Designed Studio Experience

Luxury newborn photography happens in a space built for babies and parents — with comfortable seating, warm temperatures, white noise, blankets, props, cute little outfits made just for their little size, and lighting all ready to go.

The studio handles details like:

  • wrap selections
  • headbands + bonnets
  • props + posing tools
  • ambient temperature
  • soft lighting
  • snack and drink stations
  • nursing/bottle breaks
  • diaper changes
  • client wardrobes

Parents arrive and exhale — the hard part is done.

3. The Lighting, Gear, and Editing You Don’t See

Professional newborn photography uses:

  • controlled studio lighting
  • full-frame camera systems
  • macro lenses
  • calibrated monitors
  • archival color profiles
  • expensive programs and memberships for high-level retouching
  • continued education

Editing alone (skin tones, flakes, redness, jaundice, scratches, acne, color cast, blanket lint) takes hours and requires precision. Babies have the most unpredictable skin — high-end work makes it look effortless.

4. Artwork That Outlives the Digital Era

Luxury newborn studios aren’t selling files — they’re creating heirloom artwork intended to last decades.

This includes:

  • albums
  • framed prints
  • matted prints
  • woods
  • canvases

5. Time, Planning, and Professional Guidance

From the first inquiry to the final delivery, boutique studios, such as Abstract Photography, guide clients through every decision, or in a lot of cases we get, “Ashley, I trust you! I don’t know, I love neutrals, just go with it and do your thing!” Yes!!!!

While digital images live on phones and hard drives, artwork lives on walls, ottomans, and coffee tables — where it becomes part of the family story.

  • when to book
  • what to wear
  • how to prepare
  • what products fit their home
  • how artwork is displayed
  • how to preserve files and prints

This removes stress and ensures the final result isn’t just “photos,” but something intentional.

6. The Result: Emotional Value

Years from now, the price won’t matter — but the photos will. No one ever says… “we shouldn’t have done that family session and put it on our wall”

Isn’t if funny how we will spend $100 a week on Starbucks and 7brew, $300+ a trip to target, Costco, or Sams weekly, and $100+ to go eat out for just one meal… or how about the weekly Crumbl stops… but, sometimes we second guess spending money on preserving our family memories and making our house a warm cozy home displaying our kids and memories? Where we spend a lot of time…. raise our children in, host dinners, holidays and movie nights, and just hunker down with family when weather is bad or cold… kind of like this weekend!! We are snowed in and I’m looking around thinking, omg, it’s time to update this year’s family photos and move some things around!

The newborn stage lasts days, not months. You don’t get a do-over. High-end studios, like Abstract Photography do exist so you don’t miss it, and so the memories live somewhere more meaningful than just a phone. Abstract Photography has become a seasoned luxury photography studio with all of the above! We even have the whole first year worked out for you!

Is Boutique Newborn Photography Worth It?

Most families say yes — especially when they look back and realize how tiny their baby was, how fast things changed, and how good it feels to have it all printed and preserved. It matters who you go to and if they are trained with newborns and small children, otherwise you get pictures where you can’t even see your sweet baby’s face. If you are going to go through all of the trouble to plan, get ready, and show up… maybe just do your research on what you will get, because like mentioned before, you don’t get a do-over and you don’t want to think…”man, I wish you could see all of our faces and the emotions we had in the moment… if that lighting would have just been a little better, or my baby’s face wasn’t so gray or red… It really comes down to, just like anything else, “You get what you pay for”. We always want the best for our babies.

In the end, luxury newborn photography like costs more for the same reason other heirlooms do:

because they’re made to last.

Interested in a Boutique Newborn Experience?

If you’re expecting, the best time to book is during the second or early third trimester to secure a studio spot for a newborn session! Sessions are scheduled flexibly around the due date so that you have a spot whether your baby is early or late. Schedule your consultation earlier if you are interested in maternity as well! So, whether you are in Midland, Odessa, Lubbock, Abilene, San Angelo, Abstract Photography is worth the drive for your precious newborn session! Call for a consultation! 432-270-2255

Worth the Drive: Why Midland & Odessa Moms Choose a Boutique Newborn Studio in Big Spring

If you’re an expecting mom in the Permian Basin, you already know—moms around here will drive for the good stuff. Whether it’s Costco runs, Target hauls, Starbucks… dance recitals, or that one pediatric specialist who only books two months out… we’re used to covering miles when it matters, especially for our babies.

So when it comes to newborn photography—something you literally get one tiny window to capture—it makes total sense that more families from Midland, Odessa, Lubbock, and San Angelo are heading to Big Spring for sessions at Abstract Photography Studio.

Boutique Vibes??

Newborn photography isn’t meant to be rushed or chaotic. Babies don’t run on a schedule, and moms shouldn’t feel like they’re squeezing in a once-in-a-lifetime moment between six other bookings.

At Abstract Photography Studio, sessions are:

  • slow
  • calm
  • baby-led
  • safe
  • warm
  • styled
  • designed for parents to relax

It’s boutique—not assembly line.

Safety + Training Matter More Than Ever

Newborn photography is its own lane. Posing a four-day-old isn’t the same as posing a toddler or a family.

Ashley, the studio owner and photographer, is APNPI trained, qualified, and specializes in newborns—and professionally trained newborn photographers are still surprisingly rare in the Permian Basin.

That alone is worth the drive for a lot of parents, especially first-timers who want peace of mind and beautiful results. Or even moms who are overwhelmed with a toddler or two and a fresh newborn! All the thoughts that cross our minds… will my toddler sit still? omg… they are so busy, will they even get smiles! yes!! Don’t stress, it’ll happen! With years of experience and tons of families in and out of the studio, we get smiles!

A Studio Designed for Moms to Breathe (Not Work)

The studio is warm, cozy, and intentionally set up so parents can literally sit back, snack, sip something, and watch their baby’s first portraits come to life… or snooze (yes! my couch has been slept on so many times!!).

We handle:

✔ posing

✔ props

✔ styling

✔ safety

✔ timeline

✔ all the tiny details

We make it easy! Just bring your baby and your bottles or boob!

Fine Art Keepsakes — Not Just Files on a Phone

One of the reasons families travel for a boutique newborn experience is the finished product. Take home polished statement pieces you love that go with your home and style! At Abstract, parents choose from:

  • matted portrait collections
  • heirloom albums
  • wall art bundles
  • framed statement pieces
  • keepsake boxes
  • and complementary matching digital files for every image purchased! (yes!)

Newborn photos shouldn’t disappear into the camera roll between memes and grocery lists. They’re meant to be printed, displayed, and passed down — and quality wall art simply hits different.

And Yes, It Really Is Worth the Drive

A Big Spring location has perks Midland & Odessa can’t always compete with:

  • easy parking
  • quieter scheduling
  • no chaotic mall traffic
  • more personalized service
  • less hurry, more attention

That 45-minute drive becomes part of the experience. And!! If your little one is fussy and it’s been a rough morning, that car drive will calm them down! (bonus!)

What About Big Spring Families?

Local parents get the best of both worlds — luxury photography without leaving town. We are here! Don’t forget us!

The Newborn Timeline (A Quick PSA for First-Timers)

If you’re new to the newborn world, here’s the cheat sheet:

📌 Booking: during 2nd or 3rd trimester

📌 Best session window: 5–14 days after birth

📌 Why: babies are sleepy, curly, and tiny — which makes posing safe and beautiful

If you’re delivering at Midland Memorial, ORMC, Scenic Mountain, Covenant Hobbs, Lubbock, or San Angelo, just book during pregnancy and we’ll pencil in your due date.

Bonus for Midland & Odessa Moms: The Milestone Path

When families book newborn sessions at the studio, they also gain access to milestone perks:

  • sitter session mini
  • discounted + complimentary one-year session fee
  • cohesive styling and album design
  • savings when booking maternity + newborn together

Boom! 1st year taken care of! (check!)

Final Word: Permian Basin Moms Deserve Options

Whether you’re in Big Spring, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, Lamesa, Lubbock, or San Angelo, boutique newborn photography isn’t just about pictures—it’s about experience, safety, and heirlooms.

And if that means a little drive, well… it’s totally worth it! Only the best for you and your little one!

If you’re expecting and curious about newborn photography in the Permian Basin, I’d love to show you the studio and answer any questions.

You can inquire through the website and I’ll reach out personally or give me a call, I’d love to talk to you! 432-270-2255

YOU and your baby ARE WORTH IT!

What’s This Year’s Christmas Theme Y’all?! Let’s Talk Holiday Decor Magic?!

Alright friends, I have to ask — is anyone else already in their head about the Christmas glitter, garland, and Christmas chaos? Because I swear, the minute the Halloween candy disappears, the Christmas trees start popping up everywhere! 😂

So tell me… what’s your Christmas theme this year?

I’ve been seeing so many cute ideas floating around — from cozy farmhouse feels to full-on Grinch-tastic green. And y’all… I think gingerbread everything might just be the trend of the year! Those little cookie houses and brown-and-white ornaments are showing up everywhere, and honestly, I’m not mad about it. Like have you been to Hobby Lobby yet?! …or are you avoiding it to save your bank account lol… I personally have to try and stay out of Hobby Lobby… it’s a straight up problem.

Here are a few fun themes I’ve noticed popping up all over Big Spring, Midland, and Odessa:

✨ Gingerbread dreams – warm, sweet, and oh-so-cute!

💚 Grinch vibes – bright green fun that’ll make your heart grow three sizes!

🖤 Black & white Christmas – classy, clean, and totally Pinterest-worthy.

🏠 Farmhouse cozy – think plaid, wood tones, and all the “hot cocoa bar” signs!

Some folks even mix it up — gingerbread meets glam, anyone?

Now I’m dying to know what everyone’s doing this year! Are you team traditional red and green? Or are you trying something new? Do your kiddos “help” decorate (aka move all your ornaments to the bottom branches and contribute to your anxiety and OCD), or are you a stay-up-late-and-perfect-it kind of decorator? I personally have a tree I like to do all on my own… It’s my elegant black and white tree (I know it’s so rude… but! don’t judge yet! I have a system… I play my fav Christmas movies and drink coffee and just enjoy myself while I decorate and I have another couple of trees that I let my daughter decorate, so I don’t feel like that’s too bad, and then I’ll go in later when she’s over it and finish it up and rearrange a bit lol… One tree is Grinch…. so this year I’m hard core battling the urge to swap out my giant tree for Grinch instead… I just need a bigger house I think so that I can have 2 giant trees!

👇 Drop your theme in the comments below! I want to know! I need inspo! Like, is anyone brave enough to switch it up and kind of start over?? ugh, that gives me anxiety a little bit… we go all out and decorate, so that would be a lot. Also, who decorates on the outside?! What do you do?

Let’s see what kind of Christmas magic our West Texas homes are cooking up this season!

And if you love chatting all things holiday, make sure to subscribe to the blog — I would love to chat all things holiday this season… baking, decorating… ect!

 The Great Halloween Costume Chaos: Moms, We Deserve a Medal for This

Every year, I swear Halloween sneaks up on us like the insane candy prices we pretend doesn’t exist. One minute it’s August, and you’re telling yourself you’ll be prepared this year. The next minute, it’s October 20th and you’re panic-ordering a costume that costs more than your high school prom dress — and praying it arrives before the 31st.

Just kidding….actually… funny story…. my mom waited until the last minute to buy my prom dress junior year and paid over $400 for it (yikes!) It was gorgeous, but she did say I had be married and buried in it lol… I would not spend that on my daughter’s halloween costume lol…

Anyway, back to Halloween.

Last year my daughter decided she had to be Harley Quinn. Simple, right? Nope. We went through several versions of “Harley” — “cute Harley,” “classic Harley,” “but-make-it-sparkly Harley” — until I finally just picked one and called it done. She was super cute! Tattooed and all! The bat was a big hit as well!

This year? She’s Rumi from K-Pop Demon Hunters. Yup, and apparently the costume is harder to find than a parking spot at Target the night before Halloween. At least that will arrive on time and even now it is ordered and always an anxiety game on of it will get here on time! It says it will… but we shall see!

Between the shipping fees, accessories, and “but I have to have the purple hair and the body demon tattoos, Mom,” I could’ve practically booked a mini session — which, by the way, would have lasted longer than the costume.

The Mom Struggle Is Real

Why are costumes so expensive now? When we were kids, a plastic mask and a garbage-bag-style poncho from Walmart were enough to make you feel like royalty. Now it’s all LED wings, specific boots or shoes to polish the costume, and imported fabrics that apparently double as college savings accounts, jk… I like to be dramatic sometimes.

But let’s be honest — we’ll still do it. Because the moment they put it on, strike that little superhero (or K-pop star) pose, and light up with excitement… it’s worth every Amazon refresh and credit card sigh… and I only have one kido I have to worry about right now! Some of you super hero moms have 4 or more!

Trick-or-Treating the Memories

Even though Halloween can feel like chaos in costume form and the night turns late and ends in a sugar high bouncing off the walls… then the sugar crash… and trying to rub off the paint stains on our kids faces for church that following Sunday… these are the moments that become our favorite memories. The laughter, the sugar rushes, the family photos where someone’s vampire cape is always falling off — another one’s had enough and is having a meltdown… those are the treasures that stick.

While after all of that your bank account says no to halloween pictures, don’t forget to pull out your cell phone and take some pictures to freeze that moment! I personally love the memories that pop up on my phone every year… then I have my “awww” moment….

BUT!! After that, make sure to put your phone up!! Yes, I’m a photographer telling you to put your phone up and enjoy the moment with your kidos… next year they will be a whole year older and you don’t want to look back and think dang it, I was on my phone all night and I missed everything! The stories, memories, laughs and giggles, the scared looks on your kidos faces when you take them tick-or-treating… You want your kidos to remember that you held their hand and ran with them… laughing or screaming!

So moms, take a breath. You’re doing amazing. Whether the costume shows up on time or you end up crafting one out of duct tape and determination the night before, your kids are going to remember the laughter — not the tracking number.

Happy Halloween, from one tired (and slightly broke) mom to another. 🎃💀👻

Fall Daycare Pictures at The Howard Cottage Were an Absolute Hit!

This year’s Fall Daycare Pictures at The Howard Cottage were nothing short of amazing! The setup was cozy, boutique, and full of fall charm — right inside the daycare. Each little one got their moment to shine, surrounded by warm autumn colors, soft textures, and props that brought out the sweetest smiles. The teachers are always amazing and work together to make sure every child feels comfortable and smiles! They truly are the best and love your babies like their own!

There’s something so special about photographing children in a comfortable environment where they already feel at home. My indoor boutique setup is designed specifically for daycare photography — elegant, seasonal, and completely self-contained, so directors don’t have to lift a finger. I handle everything from setup to posing, with safety and comfort as the top priority for every baby and child.

The families at The Howard Cottage absolutely loved their portraits, and it was such a joy to see so many happy reactions and proud parents!

At Abstract Photography, I specialize in high-end daycare photography across Big Spring, Midland, Odessa, San Angelo, Abilene, and surrounding Texas areas. I bring complete setups, professional lighting, and years of experience handling and posing babies safely. Each session is a unique experience that creates timeless, heartwarming portraits parents adore.

If you’re a daycare director or preschool owner looking to book your spring daycare pictures, now’s the perfect time to reach out. And if your center hasn’t scheduled fall daycare photos yet — there might still be time to grab a last-minute spot before the holidays!

📸 Let’s make your daycare’s photo day effortless, fun, and absolutely stunning.

Contact Abstract Photography today to book your custom daycare photo experience — where every child’s smile is captured beautifully.

www.abstractphotographystudio@gmail.com

432-270-2255 1907 Birdwell Ln, Ste C Big Spring, TX 79720

Pumpkins, Leaves & Memories: Why Fall is Every Parent’s Favorite Season for Family Photos 

 

FALL FAMILY PHOTOS

There’s just something about fall that feels magical. The air turns crisp, the leaves start to crunch under little feet, and suddenly everything tastes like pumpkin spice. For parents, it’s a season filled with cozy moments and traditions that kids will remember for a lifetime—pumpkin patch adventures, hayrides, caramel apples, and those quiet evenings cuddled under a blanket after a busy day.

But here’s the thing… kids grow fast. One minute they’re toddling through a pile of leaves, and the next they’re rolling their eyes at family outings. That’s why so many families in Big Spring, Midland, Odessa, San Angelo, Abilene, and Lubbock love booking fall photo sessions—it’s the perfect way to freeze this fleeting season in time.

✨ Imagine this: your little one in their favorite sweater, giggling while tossing leaves into the air. Your older kids, arm-in-arm, showing the bond that only siblings have. Or maybe your whole family snuggled together against the backdrop of a glowing West Texas sunset. These aren’t just photos—they’re keepsakes that bring back the feeling of this season every time you look at them.

And parents love the bonus of fall portraits: not only do they capture all the cozy, colorful vibes of the season, but they’re also perfectly timed for holiday cards and heartfelt gifts for grandparents. (Let’s be honest—nothing lights up a grandparent’s face faster than new photos of the kids!)

So this fall, don’t just check off the pumpkin patch, football games, and hot cocoa on your list—make time to capture the beauty of your family’s story while the season is at its most magical. Because while fall always comes back, these little moments with your kids never will. 🍁📸

✨ Now booking fall family sessions in Big Spring, Midland, Odessa, San Angelo, Abilene, and Lubbock! My schedule fills quickly this time of year, so if you’ve been dreaming of cozy sweaters, golden sunsets, and portraits that make your heart skip a beat—this is your sign to book your spot today.

Call or text 432-270-2255 to book a consultation! Or, fill out a form here and I’ll get with you as soon as possible! Fill out here!