I is for "Ike" - Hurricane Ike - Galveston, Texas

Hurricane Ike hit the Galveston, Texas area a little over 2 years ago, on 9/13/08.  Mr. H and I had decided to stay in our home in Dickinson, which is about 15 miles from Galveston, since we were not under any mandatory evacuation orders. This area has so many hurricane scares each year - our "Hurricane Season" actually runs from June thru November, so unfortunately it's just something you get used to. This is what we woke up to on the morning of 9/13:

We were very lucky that our home did not get damaged, although we had about 2 days of hard clean-up work on our little 1-acre property.  

Can you tell what this is?

This was the kids trampoline, we were concerned that the wind might lift it and do more damage, so Mr. H strapped it to the big trees on our property line....thank goodness he did or it might have become a flying saucer!

Here is the famous Texas City Dike, it looks like part of the Gulf.  It used to be about 5 miles long and full of restaurants, bait camps, great fishing piers and even a nice beach area.

Other people weren't so lucky and their homes and property were badly damaged...

These are some of the most interesting shots, I took these from our boat a couple weeks after the storm.

The most distinct memory I have of the storm though, and I wish I could have gotten a picture of it (or at least a video), was on the night the storm hit... We were sleeping in the living room because Mr. H had already set up the window unit connected to a generator because we knew the power would go out.  The living room is surrounded by windows and the sound of the tree branches scraping the windows was freaking me out because I just knew at any moment one would come flying through the windows, so I got up and went to get in my bed (without AC - but no windows other than french doors leading out to the pool).  As I walked down the hall and looked out towards the pool, it looked like a WAVE POOL!  The wind was causing the water to go from side to side and it really looked cool so of course I had to wake up everyone so they could see too!

I'm linking to Miss Jenny's Alphabet Thursday for the letter "I"!  Be sure to check out all the other cool "I" posts this week!



Well that's it for now, I have more interesting photos but I think I may save those for another post :)

Contact me if you want me to capture your unique personality and have a fun, stress-free photo shoot in the Galveston-Houston area!

Cheers!

Gina Hickman

409-256-9116

Gina Hickman Photography

www.ginahickmanphotography.com

Galveston Photographer, Senior Photography, High School Senior Portraits, Santa Fe, Dickinson, League City, Friendswood, Pearland, Alvin, Texas City, La Marque, Hitchcock, Seabrook, Kemah, Webster, Clear Lake, Houston, GISD, SFISD, CCISD, SFISD, DISD, FISD, TCISD, LMISD, HISD

Adorable Toddler | Urban Galveston Photography

This adorable little guy is Jayce - I've been photographing him since he was in his Mama's tummy!  This shoot was for his 1-year old session - we did some in studio then took him outside and let him run off some of that toddler energy that is never-ending!  He was so curious and wanted to look at everything.  He also carried around his little stuffed doggie and the adorable shot on the bottom left is one of my favorites when he gave it a kiss....How sweet!  Look at those precious big brown eyes!

Contact me if you want me to capture your unique personality and have a fun, stress-free photo shoot in the Galveston-Houston area!

Cheers!

Gina Hickman

409-256-9116

Gina Hickman Photography

www.ginahickmanphotography.com

Galveston Child Photographer, Senior Photography, High School Senior Portraits, Santa Fe, Dickinson, League City, Friendswood, Pearland, Alvin, Texas City, La Marque, Hitchcock, Seabrook, Kemah, Webster, Clear Lake, Houston, GISD, SFISD, CCISD, SFISD, DISD, FISD, TCISD, LMISD, HISD

Introducing Miss Kristen | Dickinson High Senior Photographer

I'm so behind on blogging these Senior sessions! So I will just start with the most recent... 

I had the pleasure of getting to know Miss Kristen during her recent shoot with me in Galveston.  She had decided on the location/street walk shoot and I must say, we found some pretty amazing spots and she just looked simply beautiful in every one!!!! I had such a hard time narrowing down the images for her and Mom to review, I swear she looked great in almost every single image!!!  Gorgeous eyes, a beautiful smile and a super sweet personality....look out Mom and Dad, I'm sure you will be chasing away lots of boys (if you aren't already)!!!

Here are my favorites from her session:

Comments are certainly welcome and appreciated :-)

Cheers!

Gina Hickman

409-256-9116

Gina Hickman Photography

www.ginahickmanphotography.com

www.oohlala-boudoir.com

Galveston Photographer, Galveston High School Senior Photography

Galveston Boudoir Photographer, Santa Fe, Dickinson, Texas City, 

League City, Clear Lake, Alvin, Friendswood, Pearland, Houston, Kemah, Seabrook

Mother's Day Contest - Gina Hickman Photography, Galveston Texas

We all need to appreciate our Mothers and everything they have done for us!  I don't get to see my Mother nearly enough because we live in different states!  Well I certainly do appreciate her and in honor of Mothers everywhere, I decided to have a Mother's Day Contest and give away a fantastic prize package....

The PRIZE

•  Family Outdoor Session or a Mommy & Me Session (Winner's choice)
• 16 x20 Wall Portrait
• Accordion Book (little pocket brag book)
• $300 Value!!!!!

Here's how to enter:

1. (1 point) Follow Gina Hickman Photography on Twitter (www.twitter.com/ghickmanphoto)
2. (1 point) Follow this Blog (click "Follow" top left of this page)
3. (1 point) Join my Email List (enter Name and Email address in the box with the heart on the left of this page)
4. (1 point) Become a Facebook Fan of Gina Hickman Photography (if you are already a Fan, just leave a comment here "Already a Facebook Fan") (if you are not yet a Fan, just click "Become a Fan" on the Facebook Fan Box on the left of this page)
5. (1 point each) Suggest Gina Hickman Photography to your Facebook friends and make sure they post your name on my wall when they become a Fan
6. (1 point each) Post on my Facebook wall and Post a comment on this Blog what is your favorite quality about your Mother!

Let's show our Mother's how much they are appreciated and how special they are!

The Fan with with most points (by April 30) wins the fabulous prize package!  Winner will be announced on May 1 on this Blog, Twitter and Facebook!  Session will be held in May or June (Winner's Choice).  What are you waiting for, start entering!!!!! 

Cheers!
Gina Hickman
409-256-9116
www.ginahickmanphotography.com
www.oohlala-boudoir.com
Galveston Boudoir Photographer, Galveston Photographer
High School Senior Photographer, Galveston, Santa Fe, Dickinson,
Texas City, Clear Lake, Friendswood, Alvin, Pearland, Seabrook,
Kemah, Houston

Beach Beauty - Miss Hannah; Santa Fe High School Senior

Wow - what a fun session! These Santa Fe girls really know how to rock a photo session! Miss Hannah wanted to do her location session on the beach so we could use her cute little yellow Mini Cooper, so I found just the perfect spot for her! The weather cooperated and it was a gorgeous afternoon, you can't even tell from these shots that it was a little chilly, huh? Here are a few images from her session, more to come!!!

Cheers!
Gina Hickman
409-256-9116
www.ginahickmanphotography.com
www.oohlala-boudoir.com
Galveston Boudoir PhotographerGalveston Photographer
High School Senior PhotographerGalveston, Santa Fe, Dickinson, Texas City, Clear Lake, Friendswood, Alvin, Pearland, Seabrook, Kemah, Houston

Amazing Eyes - Galveston High School Senior Photographer

I had the pleasure of photographing Miss Caitlin on Friday for her Senior Portraits.  She is a senior at Santa Fe High School and is simply a beautiful girl, inside and out!  The weather in Galveston finally cooperated (we already had to reschedule twice!) and we were able to enjoy a gorgeous 70 degree day as we walked around the Strand district capturing Caitlin's sparkling personality!!!  Her Mom, Mary Jo acted as my assistant, and I believe she thoroughly enjoyed herself as well - especially once she saw the completely awesome images we were getting!

Cheers!
Gina Hickman
409-256-9116
www.ginahickmanphotography.com
www.oohlala-boudoir.com
Galveston Photographer
Galveston High School Senior Photographer
Galveston Boudoir Photographer

Grand Opening and other exciting news!

Wow! Has it really been over 2 months since I blogged? So much to tell!

Studio Move - I've moved to a wonderful new space in Galveston at 2324 Market which is 2 blocks from the Strand! The new space is bigger and better and has lots of cool features - come see at the Grand Opening!  There are so many cool spots to shoot outside on the streets and alleys, with interesting architecture and colors, ever-changing backdrops!

Grand Opening - Celebration at the new studio scheduled for Thursday, December 10 from 4-7pm. This will be a come and go event with wine and light snacks, stop by and see me! There will be Gift Certificates and other photo-related gift items available for purchase in time for Christmas!!! Door prizes and goodie bags too.....

Boudoir/Pinup Photography - I've been super busy developing "Ooh La La Boudoir", and have had some wonderful models help me with this fun and rewarding branch of my business. Thank you Marcella, Sabrina, Sara, Carey, Toni, Erin and Precious!!! Be sure to check out the website which will go live very very soon (http://www.oohlala-boudoir.com/)!  Every woman deserves to feel beautiful and I can show you that you are "Ooh La La Beautiful"!

Family Portraits - There is still time to have your family portraits done before Christmas...call now (409-256-9116) to reserve your spot! I have several beautiful outdoor locations that are family favorites!  P.S.  All family portraits taken from November 1 - March 31 are eligible to enter the competition for "America's Cutest Family" in the International Charity Model Search which raises funds for Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep (NILMDTS).  The grand prize winner receives a new car!  You know your family is good looking, now you can prove it!

June 26, 2009

Ahh, summertime!

Fun, Sun and Families......

I hope you're enjoying the season and are having fun making wonderful family memories. We're geared up for a busy summer creating beautiful portraits for our clients. Some of the special themes we're concentrating on are:

Cowboy/Cowgirl Spirit Portraits: Is your child a fan of horses and westerns? Would you love a classic portrait of your little one in a barn setting? Our Cowboy Spirit Limited Edition session is just the thing for you, held at a local barn with lots of cowboy charm. Join me on July 31 and August 1 and create a timeless portrait of your little wrangler. Special limited edition pricing will be in effect and availability is limited. Call 409-256-9116 now to schedule your appointment. Recommended ages 2 to 10 years.

Outdoor Portraits: Take advantage of the scenic area we live in, and create a family portrait in one of our beautiful locations this Summer. We've scouted out several breathtaking locations to suit every family's style. Want a portrait in a formal garden? A casual portrait on the beach? A lovely tree-lined area next to a sparkling lake? We've got the perfect location for you! Call 409-256-9116 now to secure your spot on our schedule.

School Portraits: These beautiful, traditional school headshots are offered at fantastic pricing - packages start at only $29.00. On September 12th, 18th and 19th, we'll be conducting our popular School Portrait sessions. During our quick, caring session, we will capture their true expressions, while paying attention to details. No more upturned collars, blinked eyes, and other careless imperfections! Call today to reserve your session for children preschool thru age 14.